Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 10th September 2024

Correct Answer:  (a) Algeria

Explanation: Algeria has been authorised to become the 9th member of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), a Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) established by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) countries. It was announced by Dilma Rousseff, President of the NDB, during the 9th Annual Meeting of the NDB, held in Cape Town, South Africa, from August 29 to 31, 2024. With this membership, Algeria became the 3rd Arab country to be integrated with the NDB, after Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Algeria formally presented a request to join NDB,after the Algerian president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s visit to China in 2023. The NDB was established in 2015 collectively by the BRICS countries.

Correct Answer:  (d) Anil Kapoor

Explanation:  TIME, the New York (the United States of America-USA) based Magazine, released “TIME 100 Most Influential People in AI 2024”. Sundar Pichai, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Google and Alphabet, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Anil Kapoor, Renowned Actor are among leaders from India or of Indian descent featured on the list. Renowned Indian Actor, Anil Kapoor (67-years-old) has been included in TIME’s AI list under the ‘Shapers’ category following a landmark victory in September 2023 over unauthorized AI use of his likeness. This is the 2nd edition of TIME 100 Most Influential People in AI, recognizing the 100 most influential people shaping the rapidly evolving field of  Artificial Intelligence (AI). The list has categorized the influential people into 4 different categories namely, Leaders, Innovators, Shapers and Thinkers.

Other Indians or Indian-origin leaders on the list are: Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity (Innovators category), Dwarkesh Patel, host of Dwarkesh Podcast (Thinker category), Shiv Rao, Co-founder and CEO of Abridge (Innovators), Amandeep Singh Gill, United Nations (UN) Secretary General’s Envoy on Technology (Shapers category) and Anant Vijay Singh, Product lead at Proton (Innovators category).

Correct Answer:  (b) 2028

Explanation:  The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch the 1st base module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s 1st space station, by 2028. The BAS will have 5 modules. The entire station with a mass of about 52 tonnes is expected to be fully assembled in space by 2035. The first module with a mass of 9186 kilograms (kg) robotic module will lack human re-entry capabilities. This will be the smallest of all the 5 modules, which can fit into Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM Mk-3 or LVM-3). LVM-3, is a 3-stage launch vehicle and the new heavy-lift launch vehicle of the ISRO. The station will host 3-4 astronauts for varying periods to conduct several experiments in space.

Correct Answer:  (b) 12%

Explanation: GST council has decided to reduce rate of Goods and Service Tax (GST) on cancer drugs from 12% to 5%. The decision was taken in the 54th GST Council meeting held in New Delhi on 09 September 2024. The meeting was chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary and Finance Ministers of States. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said GST on selected snacks has also been cut from 18% to 12%.

Correct Answer:  (b) Rajasthan

Explanation:  The 20th edition of the India-USA Joint Military Exercise, YUDH ABHYAS-2024, commenced on September 9, 2024, at the Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan. This annual exercise, alternating between India and the USA since 2004, is set to run until September 22, 2024, showcasing a remarkable increase in scale and sophistication compared to previous iterations. YUDH ABHYAS has been a cornerstone of India-USA military cooperation for two decades. Its consistent annual occurrence since 2004 underscores the enduring commitment of both nations to strengthen their defense partnership. The alternating locations between India and the USA have allowed for diverse training environments and cultural exchanges, enhancing the mutual understanding between the armed forces of both countries.

Correct Answer:  (d) Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara

Explanation:   To enhance the skills and capability building of their personnel, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi. The MoU will enable the two Services to acquire higher expertise in logistics.

 It will ensure the development of in-house expertise on various facets of logistics operations and contribute effectively towards the national development plans – PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and National Logistics Policy 2022. Raksha Mantri described the collaboration as a monumental partnership towards further strengthening the logistics backbone of the Armed Forces in sync with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence. He emphasized that logistics is no longer just a support function of the Armed Forces, but is emerging as an important factor in military operations and national security.

Correct Answer:  (c) 9th September

Explanation:  The 5th Observance of the UN International Day to Protect Education from Attack is set to take place on September 9, 2024, in Doha, Qatar. This crucial event will be held at the QNCC Auditorium 3, featuring a High-Level Panel led by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All Foundation and UN SDG Advocate. The International Day to Protect Education from Attack was established through a landmark resolution at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This initiative was spearheaded by the State of Qatar and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, garnering support from 62 countries. The resolution declared September 9th as an annual observance dedicated to acknowledging and addressing the pressing need to safeguard education in conflict zones and against various barriers.

Correct Answer:  (d) Tuhin Kanta Pandey

Explanation:  The Indian government has appointed Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre, as the new Finance Secretary. This decision was made on September 7, 2024, following the appointment of T.V. Somanathan as the Cabinet Secretary, which created a vacancy for the finance role. Pandey, who previously served as the Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), will now oversee India’s financial policies and decisions.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been instrumental in managing large-scale disinvestment projects, including the sale of Air India. His expertise in public asset management and disinvestment strategies will be a significant asset in his new role as Finance Secretary. Pandey replaces T.V. Somanathan, who was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary last month. According to convention, the senior-most secretary within the Union Finance Ministry is typically designated as the Finance Secretary, making Pandey’s appointment a natural progression.

Correct Answer:  (d) Uttar Pradesh

Explanation: Uttar Pradesh will host Semicon India 2024 at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from September 11 to 13. This event, organized with SEMI, Messe Muenchen India, and ELCINA, aims to advance India’s semiconductor industry.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event on September 11. The exhibition will highlight advancements in semiconductor technology, featuring global manufacturers. Key activities include workshops on smart manufacturing, presentations on the semiconductor ecosystem, and sessions on industry trends.

• Investment and Policy: Uttar Pradesh has introduced its first UP Semiconductor Policy offering incentives such as a 50% additional capital subsidy and a 75% land rebate for semiconductor-related industries.
• State Initiatives: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged investors to explore opportunities in Uttar Pradesh, aiming for the state to become a $1 trillion economy. The state has over 200 electronics manufacturing companies and is a leader in mobile production, contributing 65% to India’s total mobile output.

Correct Answer:  (a)  Nepal

Explanation: Nepal has become the 101st member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), joining the global effort to promote solar energy adoption. The Instrument of Ratification was handed over in New Delhi by Nepal’s Charge d’affaires Dr. Surendra Thapa to Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs. This marks a significant step in strengthening regional cooperation in renewable energy and addressing climate change through solar power initiatives.

Correct Answer:  (d) United Arab Emirates

Explanation:  The UAE has completed the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the Arab world’s first nuclear power plant, located in Barakah, Abu Dhabi. The plant’s fourth and final reactor began commercial operations in September 2024. The plant will produce 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, meeting 25% of the UAE’s electricity demand and supplying power to major industries like the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Emirates Steel, and Emirates Global Aluminium.

• President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyancalled the completion a “significant step” towards the UAE’s net-zero goals, emphasizing energy security and sustainability for the nation’s future.
• The UAE’s nuclear program, launched in 2009, represents a $20 billion investmentand is part of the country’s strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase renewable energy by 2050.
• The UAE emphasizes that its nuclear ambitions are for peaceful purposes, distinguishing itself from Iran’s nuclear program, which is viewed with suspicion by Israel, Gulf states, and Western allies.
• Saudi Arabia is also developing a nuclear industry with plans to add 17 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2032, though progress is slow compared to the UAE.

Correct Answer:  (c) Arun Goel

Explanation:  Arun Goel has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Croatia, succeeding Raj Kumar Srivastava. The Ministry of External Affairs announced his new role on September 7, 2024. Goel, a retired 1985-batch IAS officer from the Punjab cadre, previously served as the Election Commissioner of India from November 21, 2022, to March 9, 2024. Arun Goel’s career is marked by significant contributions across various government sectors. He took voluntary retirement before his appointment as Election Commissioner. His academic credentials include a Postgraduate degree in Development Economics from Churchill College, University of Cambridge, and an M.Sc. in Mathematics.

Correct Answer:  (c) Rajesh Verma

Explanation:  Rajesh Verma has been appointed as a chairperson of the commission for air quality management in National capital region and adjoining areas (CAQM). Rajesh Verma, a 1987 batch IAS officer from Odisha cadre, took the charge as a Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas (CAQM). Dr. M M Kutty successfully completed a 3 year tenure at the office and now Mr. Rajesh Verma succeeds him. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was established as a statutory body by the government in August 2021 as an overarching body to carry out air quality management in Delhi NCR.

Correct Answer:  (b) UAE

Explanation:  India and the UAE have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for civil nuclear cooperation during Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to New Delhi. The deal, involving the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), marks a historic step in bilateral relations and reflects a commitment to peaceful nuclear energy utilization.

• This is the first MoU of its kind between NPCIL and ENEC, aimed at enhancing cooperation in nuclear power plant operations, maintenance, and investment opportunities. It also covers knowledge sharing and expertise in nuclear energy development.
• The agreement builds on a 2015 understanding between India and the UAE to cooperate on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including safety and technological advancements.

Correct Answer:  (b) England

Explanation:  Moeen Ali, who last played for England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, has retired from the international game. Moeen believed that the time was right for him after understanding that he was no longer in consideration for the side’s future assignments. Moeen made his international debut in 2014 against West Indies. He scored 6678 international runs and picked 366 wickets. He won the 2019 Cricket World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup with the senior men’s side. he developed his bowling well enough to become their leading bowler in the Tests. He finished with 204 Test scalps, making him the third-best England spinner in the format, sitting behind Derek Underwood (297) and Graeme Swann (255).