Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 26th September 2024

Correct Answer:  (c) Third

Explanation:  According to the Asian Power Index Report 2024, released recently by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, India is ranked third most powerful country in Asia after the United States of America and China. Last year, India was ranked the fourth most powerful country in Asia in the 2023 report, but this year, India overtook Japan to be ranked third.

• The Lowy Institute released the first annual Asia Power Index in 2018to rank the countries in Asia based on their resources and influences.
• The 2024 Asia Power Index Report ranks 27 countries and territories. For the first time, the Southeast Asian country of Timor Leste has been included in the Report.
• The report evaluates the power of the countries on 131 indicators acrosseight thematic measures: Military Capability and Defence Networks, Economic Capability and Relationships, Diplomatic and Cultural Influence, as well as Resilience and Future Resources.

The report highlights the changing dynamics of power in the Asian region. The United States of America and China were the only two countries deemed superpowers in Asia, while India was ranked as a middle power.

• According to the report, the United States has consolidated its position as the most dominant power in the region. However, China is fast catching up with the US in terms of military capability, though the US is still militarily more powerful than China.
• China’s power is plateauing. It is neither increasing nor declining. It is second behind the US in Asia but is far ahead of other countries in the region.
• The report mentions that India’s power is rising but slowly. Its actual influence in the region is well below its potential. The report finds that India’s ability to project power east of the Malacca Strait is limited. However, the report also says that India has the potential to become a major power as it is blessed with a huge young population, landmass and economy. India is the largest economy in the world on the basis of Purchasing Power Parity.

Correct Answer:  (c) Harini Amarasuriya

Explanation:  Mrs Harini Amarasuriya, who graduated from Hindu College, Delhi University, was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was sworn in as the 9th President of Sri Lanka after he emerged victorious in the recently held Sri Lankan Presidential Poll. Mrs.Harini Amarasuriya succeeds Dinesh Gunawardena, who resigned after the previous President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, lost the Presidential election. According to the 1978 Sri Lankan constitution, the executive power of the government is vested in the President, who is directly elected by the people. The Sri Lankan President appoints the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.  The Prime Minister and the council of ministers must be the members of the Sri Lankan Parliament.

• Mrs Harini Amarasuriya is Sri Lanka’s 16th Prime Minister. She is a member of the ruling National People’s Poweralliance, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
• She is also thethird woman to be appointed as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka after  Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Kumaratunga.
• Sirimavo Bandaranaike, appointed in 1960, was thefirst female Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and the world.
• Mrs Harini Amarasuriya has also been allotted the portfolios of Justice, Industries, Science and Technology, Health, and Investment.

Correct Answer:  (d) Madhya Pradesh

Explanation:  Madhya Pradesh (MP) State Election Commission (SEC) conducted a paperless voting process for the first time in India. It was implemented as a pilot project during a Panchayat by-election in Ratua Ratanpur village, Berasia tehsil in Bhopal (MP) for the post of Sarpanch and recorded 84% turnout. The process aims to computerise the manual parts of the voting process that were previously done on paper. The new system uses thumb impressions and electronic signatures for voter identification, ensuring authenticity and eliminating proxy voting. Benefits include real-time data generation, increased accuracy, fewer human resources required, improved transparency, and smoother election processes. Voting percentage and ballot accounting were also done online and the voting percentage was received online every 2 hours on all platforms. After polling, ballot paper accounts are sent to candidates and polling agents via electronic mail(email).

Correct Answer:  (a) 22nd September

Explanation:  World Rivers Day (WRD) is annually observed across the globe on the 4th Sunday of September to raise awareness about the importance of rivers, encourage the improved protection of all rivers worldwide, and promote their conservation and sustainable management. WRD 2024 was observed on 22nd September 2024. WRD 2023 was observed on 24th September 2023 and WRD 2025 will be observed on 28th September 2025. In 2005, the United Nations (UN) launched the International Decade for Action, ‘Water for Life’ (2005-2015), to raise awareness about the need to better care for our water resources. Following this, World Rivers Day was established in response to a proposal initiated by Mark Angelo, an internationally renowned Canadian river advocate. The first WRD was observed in 2005 across multiple countries.

Correct Answer:  (d) Pratyaksha Ray

Explanation:  This year, Ray won six medals – four gold, one silver and one bronze – at the Khelo India University Games held in Guwahati in February. The Ekalavya Puraskar Committee, comprising jury members from various fields, unanimously selected Ray for the prestigious award at a meeting. Ray will be given a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh (up from Rs 5 lakh earlier), and a citation at a function to be held later. Sprinter Dondapati Mruthyam Jayaram and badminton player Tanvi Patri will also be honoured for their outstanding performances in various international and national level competitions in their respective fields. Each citation winner will be given a cash prize of ₹1.5 lakh (earlier it was ₹1 lakh) along with a citation at the awards ceremony.

Ekalavya Puraskar: In 1993, the Ekalavya Puraskar was instituted by the charitable organisation IMPaCT and is managed by IMFA, the country’s leading ferroalloy producer. It is now considered the most prestigious sports award of Odisha. This award is given every year to the young players of Odisha for their outstanding performance in the last two years.

Correct Answer:  (a) Goa

Explanation:  The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held in Goa from November 20th to 28th, 2024. A new section called the ‘Best Debut Indian Film Section’ will be introduced to support young filmmakers. This category will feature up to five debut feature films, giving new talent a platform to showcase their work. Goa, a traditional host for IFFI, continues to attract filmmakers, actors, and cinema lovers from across the globe.

Correct Answer:  (c) Hangzhou Open

Explanation:  The Indian pair of Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth won their first ATP title by winning the  2024 Hangzhou Open Tennis Championships doubles event. Former US Open champion Marin Cilic of Croatia won the men’s singles titles. The Hangzhou Open Tennis Championship was held in Hangzhou, China, from 18 to 24 September 2024. The $1,000,630 prize Hangzhou Open is an ATP 250 event played on hardcourt. Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth started playing as a pair at the start of the 2024 ATP tour season. The Hangzhou Open Double’s title was the first time they have won as a pair on the ATP tennis circuit.

• In the Hangzhou Open 2024 final, played on 24 September 2024, Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth defeated the German pair of Constantin Frantzenand Hendrik Jebens. The final match, which lasted over one hour and 49 minutes, was finally decided in the super tie-breakers, and the Indian pair won by 4-6, 7(7)-6(5), and 10-7. The Indian pair won all their matches in the Hangzhou Open in the super tie-breakers.
• The Indians’ semi-final match against Uruguay’s Ariel Behar and the USA’s Robert Galloway was also decided in the super ties. The Hangzhou Open title was the 35-year-old Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan’s second ATP title. He had won the 2017 Chennai Open doubles title with Rohan Bopana. The 2024  Hangzhou Open Title was the first ATP title for the 37-year-old Vijay Sundar Prashanth.
• Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open Champion, was given a wild card to compete in the 2024 Hangzhou Open. At the start of the tournament, he was ranked 777 in the world. By winning the Hangzhou Open singles title, he became the lowest-ranked player ever to win an ATP event.

Correct Answer:  (b) 26th September

Explanation:  World Maritime Day 2024, celebrated on 26 September 2024, embraces the theme “Navigating the Future: Safety First!” This theme underscores the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) commitment to enhancing maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment, and ensuring that regulatory developments keep pace with technological advancements.

The theme “Navigating the Future: Safety First!” reflects IMO’s dedication to:

• Enhancing maritime safety and security
• Protecting the marine environment
• Anticipating technological changes and innovations

This focus allows for a comprehensive examination of safety regulatory implications arising from new technologies and alternative fuels. It also includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships, ensuring that the safety and efficiency of shipping are maintained and potentially improved.

The theme aligns with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 7: Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by facilitating access to clean energy research and technology.
• SDG 8: Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
• SDG 9: Building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
• SDG 13: Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
• SDG 14: Conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

Correct Answer:  (a) MyBiz

Explanation:  Axis Bank, one of India’s major private sector banks, and Mastercard, a global payments technology firm, have forged a strategic partnership to introduce MyBiz, a premium business credit card intended specifically for single proprietors and small business owners. The new World Mastercard card combines a variety of business and travel perks to address the diversified demands of small and medium-sized business owners. Along with premium advantages like airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance, MyBiz cardholders will be able to access a variety of business-related services like productivity, marketing, internet preparedness, security, and compliance via Mastercard Easy Savings Specials.

Correct Answer:  (c) Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs

Explanation: World Pharmacists Day on 25 September marks the anniversary of the inception of FIP in 1912 which was adopted by the FIP Council in 2009. As such, the World Pharmacists Day campaign is led by FIP every year, with the theme chosen by the FIP Bureau. In 2020, FIP also created World Pharmacy Week, extending the celebrations of the entire profession. FIP, the leader of pharmacy at a global level, has existed for over a century, recognising the need to work across borders in order to improve health. “Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs” is the theme of World Pharmacists Day on 25 September 2024.

Correct Answer:  (a) $2.5 million

Explanation:  CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) announced a $2.5 million fund to support urban infrastructure resilience in cities across 30 low and middle-income countries, including India. The fund aims to enhance awareness, improve planning, build financial resources, and integrate resilience into infrastructure operations, coinciding with CDRI’s fifth foundation day. This initiative responds to the demand from member countries for technical assistance, ensuring investments in disaster and climate resilience for both new and existing infrastructure.

The funding is expected to prevent asset loss, reduce repair costs, and minimize disruptions in critical services, thereby supporting economic growth and social development. The request for proposal document states that these countries face significant urbanization, increased vulnerability, and a probable average annual loss of $397 billion due to climatic hazards. Single-city proposals can receive funding between $150,000 to $500,000, while multi-city proposals can range from $250,000 to $750,000. CDRI, launched in 2019, serves as a global partnership aimed at promoting the resilience of infrastructure systems against climate and disaster risks.

Correct Answer:  (b) Armenia

Explanation:  Armenia has become the largest importer of Indian weapons over the past four years, purchasing arms worth $600 million by the start of FY 2024-25. Key purchases include the Pinaka multiple-launch rocket system, Akash anti-aircraft system, howitzers, anti-tank rockets, and anti-drone equipment. Armenia ordered 15 Akash missile systems from India for $720 million in 2022 and will receive the indigenously developed Akash-1S air defense system by late 2024. Armenia’s shift to Indian weapons reflects its search for alternative suppliers due to delays and tensions with traditional supplier Russia, which supplied 94% of its arms between 2011-2020.

Russia previously provided Armenia with Iskander ballistic missiles and Sukhoi-30SM fighter jets, strengthening Armenia’s defense capabilities. To further strengthen military cooperation, Armenia appointed a defense attaché to its embassy in New Delhi in 2023, facilitating official military cooperation. Armenia’s growing defense ties with India highlight India’s efforts to make Armenia a strategic partner in the South Caucasus, countering regional influences from countries like Pakistan and Turkey.

Correct Answer:  (d) 4,000 km

Explanation:  Iran recently unveiled the Shahed-136B, an upgraded one-way attack drone, commonly referred to as a ‘kamikaze’ drone, with an operational range of more than 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles). The Shahed-136B is the latest version of the Shahed-136 drone, which has been widely used in the Russia-Ukraine war. This powerful drone was showcased during Iran’s Armed Forces military parade amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Along with the drone, Iran also revealed the “Jihad” ballistic missile with a range of 1,000 kilometers (more than 600 miles). The unveiling of these military capabilities comes amid heightened tensions between Iran, Israel, and regional actors.

Correct Answer:  (c) NPR 144.67 billion

Explanation:  Nepal continues to hold a trade deficit with India, which amounted to NPR 144.67 billion as of mid-September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to the latest Nepal Trade Statistics released by the Department of Customs. India remains Nepal’s largest trading partner, with a significant trade deficit. Nepal has a total trade deficit of NPR 237.45 billion with various countries, including over 100 nations. With China, Nepal’s trade deficit amounts to NPR 51.80 billion. Nepal exports hydroelectric power, resin, agricultural produce, pashmina shawls, and jewelry to India, while importing petroleum products, fertilizers, vehicles, and cotton from India.

Correct Answer: (b) 7.0%

Explanation:  The Asian Development Bank, in its latest report, Asian Development Outlook, released in September 2024, has projected a growth rate of 7 per cent for the Indian economy in 2024-25 and 7.2 per cent in 2025-26. The ADB’s forecast is in line with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund’s forecast of 7 per cent growth for the Indian economy in 2024-25. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected the Indian economy’s growth rate of 7.2 per cent in 2024-25. According to the ADB’s latest report, despite global challenges, the Indian economy has shown remarkable resilience. The report certain positive factors which will help the Indian economy to maintain its growth momentum

Positive factors for the Indian economy 

• The average monsoon in the country is expected to stimulate strong agricultural growth, which will boost rural purchasing power;
• The government initiative  to provide employment-linked incentives for workers and companies could boost labour demand and facilitate job creation;
• It expects private investment and urban consumption to be strong in the country;
• The industrial and service sectors will maintain its growth momentum;
• The current account deficit (export-import of merchandise goods and services) is expected to be 1 per cent of GDP in 2024-25 and 1.2 per cent in 2024-25 due to better exports, lower imports, and strong remittance inflows.

Possible Concern Areas for the Indian Economy 

• Inflation: Due to high food prices, the bank expects inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, to be 4.7 per cent in 2024-25. This will limit the RBI’s ability to reduce its policy repo rates.
• Geopolitical tension: An increase in geopolitical tension in the region, like the Israel-Hamas war, etc, can disrupt the global supply chain and increase commodity prices, negatively affecting India.
• Climate Related: Any adverse climate-related challenges can hurt India’s agricultural production. It can increase food inflation and reduce purchasing power in rural areas.