Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 15th & 16th September 2024

Correct Answer:  (a) USD 689.235 billion

Explanation:  India’s forex reserves jumped USD 5.248 billion to a new all-time high of USD 689.235 billion for the week ended September 6, According to the Reserve Bank of India. The overall kitty had jumped by USD 2.299 billion to a record USD 683.987 billion for the previous reporting week. For the week ended September 6, foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, increased by USD 5.107 billion to USD 604.144 billion, the data showed.

Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound, and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. Gold reserves increased by USD 129 million to USD 61.988 billion during the week, the RBI said. The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were up by USD 4 million to USD 18.472 billion, the apex bank said. India’s reserve position with the IMF was up by USD 9 million to USD 4.631 billion in the reporting week.

Correct Answer:  (d) 46

Explanation:  India has ranked among Tier 1 countries in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI). It is issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). ‘GCI 2024’ has used a five-tier analysis this time. In this, the progress made in cyber security by various countries is tracked. This report places 46 countries in Tier 1, the highest category. These countries have been named “Role Modeling”, which have shown a strong commitment to all important aspects of cyber security. The Global Cyber Security Index 2024 reported that India has performed well in measures such as legal, technical, capacity expansion, and corporations. The institutional measure has the potential for further development.

Cosmas Lakison Jawazawa, Director of ITU’s Telecom Development Bureau, said that the countries included in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 have done a very good job in the essential areas of cyber security such as legal, technical, capacity expansion, and corporation framework. The report further said that legal remedies are the most important pillar in cyber security. In 177 countries of the world, some rules or other have been made regarding the protection of personal data, data theft, etc., or the process of making it has started.

Correct Answer:  (b) Ladakh

Explanation:  The 9th Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2024 began with remarkable grandeur in the picturesque village of Sani, signifying a landmark event for the region. The festival was inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra. This year’s Zanskar Festival is especially significant as it marks the first celebration since Zanskar was officially declared a district. The two-day festival showcases a wide array of cultural performances, reflecting the diverse traditions of the region. Highlights include performances by the Purgi tribes from Kargil, the Shina community of Drass, the Dard-Aryans from Aryan Valley, and the Changpa nomads from Changthang. Cultural teams from Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul & Spiti, Kinnaur, and Uttarakhand are participating, enriching the festival with their unique traditions. Stalls from various government departments, NGOs, and local women’s groups (Ama Skospas) added a vibrant touch to the event. These stalls showcased an array of handicrafts, local products, cuisines, and services.

Correct Answer:  (a) Iran

Explanation: Iran launched its Chamran-1 research satellite into orbit, its second successful satellite launch this year, state media reported. The satellite, designed and built by Iranian Electronics Industries (SAIran), was put into a 550-kilometer (340-mile) orbit, the media said. In January, Iranian media reported that the Sorayya satellite was launched into a 750 km orbit, the highest by the country so far. Iran, which has one of the biggest missile programmes in the Middle East, has suffered several failed satellite launches in recent years due to technical issues.

Correct Answer:  (c) 15th September

Explanation:  India observes National Engineers’ Day on September 15th each year to honor the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, a pioneering figure in engineering. Declared in 1968, this day celebrates his monumental contributions to the field. National Engineers Day 2024, celebrated on September 15th, will focus on the theme “Innovating for a Sustainable Future”. This theme highlights the crucial role engineers play in developing solutions that address current challenges while paving the way for a sustainable future.

Who is Visvesvaraya?

• Born on September 15, 1861, in Karnataka, Visvesvaraya was a distinguished civil engineer known for his transformative work on major irrigation projects, including the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam and the Khadakwasla Dam.
• His influence also extended to education with the establishment of the Bangalore Engineering College, later renamed Visvesvaraya Technological University in his honor.
• Sri Visvesvaraya’s visionary engineering and dedication to development have left an enduring legacy in India.
• His pioneering work earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1955.

Correct Answer:  (d) Indian Immunologicals (IIL) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

Explanation:  A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed by vaccine manufacturer Indian Immunologicals (IIL) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for the clinical development of the country’s first codon de-optimised live-attenuated Zika vaccine. Under the agreement, ICMR will fund the costs of Phase-I clinical trials, including costs related to the conduct, investigation, and monitoring of the clinical trials. The trial will be conducted at ICMR network sites in India. ICMR’s Phase I trial network, to be launched in 2023, facilitates first-in-human safety studies for innovative and affordable frontier medical technologies, including small molecules, biologics, and vaccines.

Correct Answer:  (d) DPIIT

Explanation:  The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is set to launch a groundbreaking digital platform to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem. The Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) initiative, under the Startup India program is a platform designed to centralize, streamline, and enhance collaboration among key stakeholders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government bodies.

• This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision to transform India into a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the country’s commitment to the startup movement. India, home to over 1,46,000 DPIIT-recognized startups, has rapidly become one of the world’s most dynamic startup hubs. BHASKAR seeks to leverage this potential by providing an all-encompassing, one-stop digital platform that addresses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and investors alike. The primary goal of BHASKAR is to build the world’s largest digital registry for stakeholders within the startup ecosystem.
• To achieve this, the platform will offer several key features: Networking and Collaboration Providing Centralized Access to Resources Creating Personalized Identification Enhancing Discoverability Supporting India’s Global Brand. The Government of India invites all stakeholders to become part of this transformative initiative. BHASKAR is poised to redefine India’s startup landscape and create a more connected, efficient, and collaborative environment for entrepreneurship. BHASKAR will play a critical role in enhancing the country’s global standing in entrepreneurship.

Correct Answer:  (d) 16th September

Explanation:  The International Day for Interventional Cardiology, observed annually on September 16th, stands as a testament to the remarkable progress in cardiac care. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical field of interventional cardiology and its pivotal role in treating heart diseases through minimally invasive procedures. As cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death globally, the importance of this specialized field cannot be overstated.

Correct Answer:  (b) 7th

Explanation:  India and Argentina hold the 7th round of Foreign Office Consultations in Buenos Aires. The seventh round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs) between India and Argentina was held in Buenos Aires. The Indian delegation was led by Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, while Argentina was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Leopoldo Francisco Sahores. Both sides reviewed their relationship and focused on political, trade, and economic ties. Both sides’ delegations also reviewed other key areas of cooperation, including Healthcare and Pharma, Energy, Mining, defense, Railways, etc.

Correct Answer:  (b) Shogun

Explanation:  The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 16, 2024, marked a significant event in the television industry. This prestigious award show, honouring excellence in primetime television programming, rolled out the red carpet for the second time in just one year, creating a buzz of excitement among TV enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The night’s biggest winner was FX’s sensational Japan-set historical drama series Shōgun, which claimed the coveted title of Outstanding Drama Series. This triumph was just the beginning of Shōgun’s impressive run, as the show went on to secure a total of four major awards:

1. Outstanding Drama Series
2. Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Hiroyuki Sanada
3. Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Anna Sawai
4. Best Directing for a Drama Series: Frederick E. O. Toye

The sweeping success of Shōgun underscores the growing appreciation for international storytelling and period dramas in mainstream American television.

Correct Answer:  (c) Lt Cdr Roopa and Lt Cdr Dilna

Explanation:  Lt. Commanders A. Roopa and K. Dilna of the Indian Navy will embark on a circumnavigation of the globe aboard INSV Tarini, starting September 15, 2024.  Both officers have undergone three years of rigorous preparation for this challenging expedition, known as Sagar Parikrama, which requires exceptional skills, physical fitness, and mental fortitude. Lt. Cdr. Dilna, from Kozhikode, Kerala, and Lt. Cdr. Roopa, from Pondicherry, have been extensively trained under the guidance of retired Commander Abhilash Tomy, a celebrated circumnavigator.

• The officers previously participated in notable voyages, including a trans-oceanic expedition from Goa to Rio de Janeiro, and various double-handed sailing expeditions to Port Blair and Mauritius.
• INSV Tarini, the vessel for this expedition, is renowned for its historic 2017 voyage, where it circumnavigated the globe with an all-women crew, marking a significant milestone in maritime history.
• The Indian Navy has been enhancing its sailing tradition, with efforts such as training ships INS Tarangini and INS Sudarshini, and previous circumnavigations onboard INSV Mhadei and INSV Tarini.
• This voyage represents a milestone in India’s maritime achievements, showcasing the country’s growing role in global maritime activities and its commitment to gender equality.

Correct Answer:  (c) Anderson Peters

Explanation:  Neeraj Chopra missed out on the Diamond League title by just 0.01m as he finished second for the second consecutive year with a best throw of 87.86m. Neeraj achieved his best throw of the day in his third attempt. Granada’s Anderson Peters claimed the crown with an 87.87m effort. Julian Weber of Germany was third with 85.97m. Earlier, Neeraj Chopra missed out on the gold medal as he had to settle for sliver at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Correct Answer:  (a) Operation CHAKRA III

Explanation:  The CBI, in collaboration with the FBI, arrested a key accused, Vishnu Rathi, in a cybercrime case involving transnational financial fraud. The cybercrime network had been operating since 2022, targeting foreign victims, particularly a U.S. citizen, by gaining unauthorized access to her computer and bank account. The criminals posed as tech-support agents, deceiving the victim into believing her bank account was compromised, manipulating her to transfer $453,953 to cryptocurrency wallets they controlled.

The funds were diverted into virtual assets and bullion, with the network using cryptocurrencies and gold to launder the proceeds. Following the registration of the case under Operation Chakra-III on September 9, 2024, CBI searches at multiple locations in Mumbai and Kolkata uncovered substantial evidence. During searches on Mr. Rathi’s property, the CBI seized 57 gold bars (100 gm each), ₹16 lakh in cash, a mobile phone, a laptop for managing cryptocurrencies, locker details, and incriminating documents.

Correct Answer:  (d) 16th September

Explanation:  World Ozone Day 2024 is a global reminder of the importance of preserving the ozone layer, an essential shield that protects life on Earth from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Celebrated every year on September 16, World Ozone Day serves as a platform for raising awareness about ozone-depleting substances. This year, World Ozone Day 2024 marks its 30th year, focusing on how the Montreal Protocol has contributed to protecting the ozone layer and addressing climate change.  World Ozone Day 2024 focuses on the need for sustained international collaboration and individual responsibility in protecting the ozone layer. In 2024, the theme for World Ozone Day, ‘Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Actions,’ highlights how the Montreal Protocol is not only helping to heal the ozone layer but also contributing to the fight against climate change.

Correct Answer:  (d) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Explanation:  At the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2024, Aishwarya Rai Bachhan stood out as she received the Best Actress (critics) Award  for her role in Maniratnam’s epic “Ponniyin Selvan 2” .  Ponniyin Selvan directed by Maniratnam, based on a novel and filmed on the daily life of the Chola Empire.