Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 14th September 2024

Correct Answer:  (a) Exercise Kakadu

Explanation:  The Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft, led by Commanding Officer Captain Ajay Kanwar, has reached Australia’s Darwin to participate in the 16th edition of Exercise Kakadu 2024. The Indian Navy will participate in the exercise alongside more than 30 nations with the theme of ‘Regional Cooperation through Trusted and Proven Partnerships.’ Australia’s biggest warfare exercise- Kakadu, incorporates warships, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft from attending countries. Kakadu is an important exercise hosted by RAN as it deepens relationships and interoperability between participating armed forces. Australia is a maritime nation that like its neighbours, derives prosperity from access to the sea-backed.

Correct Answer:  (c) Bharti Airtel

Explanation:  Bharti Airtel’s Business division has inked a partnership with Sparkle to enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe. This partnership uses the Blue-Raman Submarine Cable System to connect India to Italy, enhancing Airtel’s global network capabilities. The collaboration will diversify Airtel’s international network and support growing demand for data services in India and neighboring countries. The partnership also focuses on leveraging Airtel and Sparkle’s infrastructure for new business opportunities in the Indian subcontinent.

Correct Answer:  (c) Keoladeo National Park

Explanation:  India has conducted its inaugural study on ‘teal carbon’ at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district. Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including carbon in vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter. These wetlands serve as natural carbon sinks, crucial for regulating greenhouse gases, but are vulnerable to degradation from pollution, land-use changes, and water extraction.

• The study aims to quantify the carbon storage potential of these wetlands, which include carbon in vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter.
• Wetlands are essential for water purification, flood control, and wildlife habitat, and they play a crucial role in regulating greenhouse gases.
• The research will assess the current state of wetlands, identify threats such as pollution and land-use changes, and propose strategies for their preservation and restoration.
• Key objectives include estimating carbon storage capacity, identifying threats, recommending conservation measures, and raising public awareness about wetlands’ climate benefits.
• Wetlands face threats from urbanization and agricultural expansion, making their conservation vital for maintaining ecological balance and enhancing climate resilience.

Correct Answer:  (b) NaBFID

Explanation:  NaBFID has been notified by the Centre as a ‘Public Financial Institution’. National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) has been notified by Corporate Affairs Ministry as a ‘Public Financial Institution’ under Company law. With PFI status, NaBFID would gat various benefits under the Company Law, Income Tax law, SARFAESI law etc. Under the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Act 2023, NaBFID was established as a Development Finance Institution (DFI). With effect from December 29, 2022, NaBFID had started its commercial operations.

Correct Answer:  (c) 3.65 per cent

Explanation:  India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation rises to 3.65 per cent in August from 3.6 per cent in July. RBI’s retail inflation target is 4 per cent for the medium term. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) also rises slightly to 4.83 per cent in July from 4.72 per cent in June. National Statistical Office (NSO) also revealed a rise in food inflation, which increased to 5.66 per cent in August from 5.42 per cent in July.

Correct Answer:  (b) Paris

Explanation:  The Reserve Bank of India said it has imposed a penalty of Rs 31.8 lakh on BNP Paribas (the bank) for certain deficiencies in statutory and regulatory compliance. The central bank has also imposed penalties on Hewlett Packard Financial Services (India), SMFG India Credit Company, and Muthoot Vehicle & Asset Finance for non-compliance with certain norms. In a statement, the RBI said the penalty has been imposed on the bank for non-compliance with certain directions issued by it on ‘Interest Rate on Advances’. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to BNP Paribas.

BNP Paribas India started its operations in 1860 to support local and global corporate and financial institutions in their growth and expansion strategies. BNP Paribas has six branches in India, located in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, and the recently inaugurated GIFT City branch – our International Banking Unit (IBU). BNP Paribas is the leading bank in the European Union and a leading international banking player. Present in 63 countries and locations, headquartered in Paris.

Correct Answer:  (a) Cuiaba

Explanation:  Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ram Nath Thakur along with Ambassador of India to Brazil Shri Suresh Reddy and Joint Secretary (NRM), Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare participated in the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting held in Cuiabá, Brazil on 12th -14th September 2024. In addition to the Ministerial sessions, Shri Ram Nath Thakur held bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening India’s agricultural relations with other countries. He reiterated India’s readiness to collaborate, learn and contribute to the collective global efforts required to address the pressing challenges facing global food systems.

Correct Answer:  (b) 1953

Explanation: Hindi Diwas, observed annually on September 14th, stands as a testament to India’s rich linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. This day marks the adoption of Hindi as an official language of the Indian federal government, a decision made by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. As we approach Hindi Diwas 2024, it’s crucial to reflect on the significance of this celebration, its historical roots, and its contemporary relevance in promoting linguistic unity across the nation. The roots of Hindi Diwas can be traced back to a pivotal moment in India’s post-independence era. On September 14, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India made a landmark decision to adopt Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, as one of the official languages of the newly independent nation. This decision was not merely administrative but carried profound cultural and political implications.

• The Indian Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, formalized the status of Hindi. Article 343 (1)of the Constitution explicitly states that “the official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script.” However, recognizing India’s linguistic diversity, the Constitution also allowed for the continued use of English in official matters.
• The first official celebration of Hindi Diwas took place on September 14, 1953. Since then, it has evolved into a nationwide observance, with various institutions and organizations participating in events and activities promoting the Hindi language.

Correct Answer:  (d) 2,000 metric tons

Explanation: Government of India keeps a close watch on the prices of wheat and takes suitable appropriate interventions to ensure price stability for the consumers in the country. A total production of 1129 LMT of wheat was recorded during Rabi 2024 and there is ample availability of wheat in the country. The Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2024 was issued on 24 June 2024 and was applicable until 31st March 2025 for all States and Union Territories. All wheat stocking entities are required to register on the wheat stock limit portal (https://evegoils.nic.in/wsp/login) and update the stock position on every Friday.

Any entity which is found to have not registered on the portal or violates the stock limits will be subject to suitable punitive action under Section 6 & 7 of Essential Commodities Act, 1955. In case the stocks held by above entities are higher than the above prescribed limit, they shall have to bring the same to the prescribed stock limits within 15 days of issue of the notification. Traders/Wholesalers are now restricted to holding a maximum of 2,000 metric tons of wheat, down from the previous limit of 3,000 metric tons. Additionally, stock-holding limits for wheat processors have also been tightened.

Correct Answer:  (d) Bavarian Nordic

Explanation:  The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved its first vaccine for mpox in adults, marking a significant step in combating the disease in Africa and other regions. The vaccine, produced by Bavarian Nordic A/S, has been pre-qualified, allowing organizations like GAVI and UNICEF to purchase it.

• WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for urgent scaling up of vaccine procurement, donations, and distribution to address current outbreaks and future cases.
• The approved vaccine is for adults aged 18 and above, administered in a two-dose regimen.
• It may be used in infants, children, and adolescents in outbreak settings if the benefits outweigh the risks.
• The Africa CDC reported 107 new deaths and 3,160 new cases of mpox in the past week, with a significant number of cases in children under 15.
• The disease, related to smallpox, causes symptoms like fever and body aches, and severe cases can lead to skin lesions.

Correct Answer:  (c) Swati Vijay Kulkarni

Explanation:  Swati Vijay Kulkarni has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Algeria, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on September 13, 2024. Kulkarni is a 1995 batch Indian Foreign Service officer and is currently serving as Additional Secretary in the MEA. Diplomatic relations between India and Algeria were established in July 1962 and have remained cordial since then. Both countries have supported each other on various bilateral and multilateral issues.

India and Algeria have a Joint Commission Mechanism (JCM) established in 1981 to address bilateral cooperation and common interests. The 9th JCM was held in Algiers in May 2015, led by then-Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman and Algeria’s Minister of Transport Boudjema Talai. The fifth Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between the two nations occurred in Algiers in November 2018.

Correct Answer:  (b) Kazan, Russia

Explanation:  India took part in the BRICS Literature Forum 2024, which began in Kazan, Russia on 11th September 2024. The event, inaugurated by Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin, focused on the theme “World Literature in the New Reality: Dialogue of Traditions, National Values, and Cultures.” This forum brought together writers, poets, philosophers, artists, and scholars from BRICS countries. India was represented by Madhav Kaushik, President of Sahitya Akademi, and Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary of Sahitya Akademi. In the plenary session, Madhav Kaushik emphasized the significance of literature in fostering unity and cooperation globally.

In his address during the plenary session, Madhav Kaushik spoke on the importance of literature in today’s world, highlighting its role in promoting unity and cooperation among different societies worldwide.  In a session titled “Meet the Authors from India,” with the theme “Volga to Ganga: Celebration of Tradition and Multiculturalism,” Dr. K. Sreenivasarao discussed the influence of river-based cultures in promoting multiculturalism and social progress. Madhav Kaushik further elaborated on how traditional literature in both India and Russia embodies rich cultural values.

Correct Answer:  (a) Third

Explanation:   The third edition of the INDUS-X Summit, held in California, marked significant progress in advancing a joint defence innovation ecosystem between India and the USA. Co-organised by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University, the event focused on deepening defence collaboration through innovation, joint research, and investment. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the US Department of Defense’s Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) to enhance cooperation in defence innovation. The summit also featured the release of the INDUS-X Impact Report and the launch of the initiative’s official webpage on iDEX and DIU platforms.

• The event served as a platform for startups and MSMEs to showcase next-generation technologies, while two advisory forums—Senior Advisory Group and Senior Leaders Forum—enabled critical discussions on topics like future technology trends, defence supply chain resilience, and funding for defence innovation. Experts from defence industries, investment firms, academia, and think tanks from both nations participated in the discussions.
• Amit Satija, Joint Secretary (Defence Industries Promotion), led the Indian delegation, reaffirming India and the USA’s commitment to advancing defence technology through strategic collaboration. Since its inception in June 2023, during the Indian Prime Minister’s state visit to the US, INDUS-X has achieved notable milestones, cementing its role in strengthening the US-India defence innovation partnership.

Correct Answer:  (b) Basmati Rice

Explanation:  In a significant step to boost export of basmati rice, a premier GI variety rice of India, the Government of India has decided to remove the floor price on export of basmati rice. In response to ongoing trade concerns and adequate domestic availability of rice, the Government of India has now decided to completely remove the floor price on Basmati Rice exports. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) will closely monitor export contracts to prevent any non-realistic pricing of basmati rice and ensure transparency in export practices. As a background, a floor price of $1,200 per metric ton (MT) was introduced in August 2023 as a temporary measure in response to rising domestic rice prices in the wake of tight domestic supply situation of rice and to curb any possible misclassification of non-basmati rice as basmati rice during exports, in view of the export prohibition on Non-Basmati White rice.

Correct Answer:  (b) ₹7,616 crore

Explanation:  Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin concluded a successful US tour, securing investment deals worth Rs 7,616 crore with 18 companies. The state signed a notable MoU with Rapid Global Business Solutions, Inc., for a Rs 100 crore investment in Hosur. Other significant deals include partnerships with Microchip, Nokia, and PayPal totaling Rs 900 crore. Stalin’s visit, from August 27 to September 12, aimed to attract international investments and promote Tamil Nadu as a prime investment destination. The tour included interactions with the Tamil diaspora and was marked by a warm send-off in Chicago. Stalin emphasized the Dravidian model of governance and its focus on transforming Tamil Nadu into a major investment hub, creating job opportunities and enhancing the state’s economic prospects.