Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 27th September 2024

Correct Answer:  (a) Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL)

Explanation:  The Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to enhance research on the use of Rubber Process Oils marketed by IOCL in various tyre and non-tyre rubber products. The MoU was signed by Jessy MD, Director in charge of RRII, and Anil Vasu, DGM (Lubes) at IOCL. This collaboration aims to improve product performance and rubber processing across these applications. According to a press release, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to drive innovations in rubber processing while addressing the growing global demand for environmentally sustainable industrial products.

Correct Answer:  (d) “Environmental Health: Creating Resilient Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation”

Explanation:  Every year on September 26, the world comes together to observe World Environmental Health Day. This annual event serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the health of our planet and, by extension, our own well-being. As we face increasingly complex environmental challenges, this day takes on even greater significance, encouraging us to reflect on the intricate relationship between environmental health and human health. The theme of World Environmental Health Day 2024 is “Environmental Health: Creating Resilient Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.” International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) founded World Environmental Health Day in 2011.

World Environmental Health Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a global initiative that prompts us to pause and consider the state of our environment. This observance emphasizes the critical need for:

• Clean air that we can breathe without fear of pollutants
• Safe water sources that are free from contamination
• Proper sanitation systems that prevent the spread of disease
• Effective waste management practices that minimize environmental impact

Correct Answer:  (c) SP Dharkar

Explanation:  Air Marshal SP Dharkar, a distinguished fighter pilot, has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff. He will succeed Air Marshal AP Singh, who is set to become the Chief of Air Staff. Dharkar will assume his new role once the Chief takes over. With more than 3,600 flying hours, Air Marshal Dharkar brings extensive experience to the position. He is an alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College in Dehradun, the National Defence Academy in Pune, the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, and the Air War College in the United States. Commissioned in June 1985, he has earned credentials as a Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Strike Leader, Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner, and Air Force Examiner.

Correct Answer:  (b) Kamal Chawla

Explanation:  IBSF (International Billiards and Snooker Foundation) World Men’s 6, 2024 Red Snooker Championship A veteran Kamal Chawla wins Gold after beating a player from Pakistan in the final. Also, India begged three bronze medals also in the event final. The tournament was held in Mongolia.

Kamal Chawla Gold Winner

• This triumph marks a significant turnaround for Chawla, who was the runner-up in the 2017 edition of the tournament.
• The 45-year-old faced an early setback, dropping the first two frames to Iqbal (23-47, 18-47).
• However, demonstrating remarkable resilience, Chawla staged a stellar comeback, winning six consecutive frames (71-0, 41-7, 64-0, 43-0, 33-20, 36-29) to seal his victory.
• His path to the final included a stunning semifinal win over Germany’s Richard Wienold, where he triumphed in the decider on a black ball, leaving the outcome uncertain until the final shot was pocketed.

Correct Answer:  (c) Giriraj Singh

Explanation:  Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, alongside Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, launched the India-specific fashion trend book “Paridhi 24×25,” a bilingual web portal of VisioNxt, and an AI Taxonomy e-book. This significant event attracted over 150 industry leaders from the fashion, textiles, and retail sectors, as well as prominent craftsmen and weavers from various craft clusters. VisioNxt has already produced over 60 micro trend reports, more than 10 close-to-season trend reports, 3 research papers, and the inaugural AI Taxonomy book on Indian wear categories.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NIFT and the National Skill Development Council (NSDC) in the presence of Shri Giriraj Singh. In his address, the Minister highlighted the center’s role in fostering inclusive growth for marginalized communities and emphasized NIFT’s importance in cultivating a skilled workforce crucial to the fashion industry. He also shared his vision for developing the textile sector as a vital contributor to India’s economic superpower ambitions.

Correct Answer:  (c) Mankidia

Explanation:  Recently, the Mankidia community became the 6th particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) PVTG to get habitat rights over forests in Odisha.The Mankidia are a semi-nomadic community known for their traditional skill of rope making, trapping and eating monkeys. The Mankidia community is an Austro-Asiatic community that ekes out a living mainly from the forests. They constitute a semi-nomadic section of the Birhor tribe. They have been identified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Odisha. They speak a form of Munda language and some of them are also conversant in Odia. They are mainly found in Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

What is Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)?

• PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal groups.
• In1975, the Government of India declared 52 tribal groups as PVTGs on the recommendation of the Dhebar Commission.
• Currently, there are 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes.
• The PVTGs are spread over 18 states and one Union Territory (UT), in the country (2011 census).
• Odisha has the highest number (more than 2.5 lakh) of PVTGs.

Correct Answer:  (c) 7.1%

Explanation:  Moody’s has revised its calendar year (CY) 2024 growth forecast for India to 7.1%, from its earlier estimates of 6.8% in June, as it expects growth in the Asia-Pacific region to outpace the global economy. It, however, kept its India growth forecast for CY 2025 unchanged at 6.5%. The revision in India’s growth forecast by Moody’s comes a month after Moody’s Ratings similarly upgraded the GDP growth forecast to 7.2% in 2024 and 6.6% in 2025. The World Bank earlier in September revised its fiscal year 2025 or FY25 growth forecast for India to 7%, from its previous estimate of 6.6%.

Correct Answer:  (d) Girish Chandra Murmu

Explanation:   The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, Girish Chandra Murmu, officially took over the chairmanship of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) for the term 2024-2027. This significant transition was highlighted during the 16th Assembly of ASOSAI, which has expanded its membership to include 48 Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) across Asia. CAG Murmu announced that the institution is in the process of developing its own Artificial Intelligence (AI) protocol to expedite the writing of audit reports. He emphasized that the current data collection involves field auditors, who will subsequently clean and classify the data according to specific requirements. The aim is to minimize algorithm biases during data analysis, ensuring more accurate and efficient auditing processes.

The 16th ASOSAI Assembly approved various strategic and financial reports, including a mid-term review of ASOSAI’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 and the outcomes of the Bangkok Declaration from 2021. Discussions also focused on enhancing collaborations among member SAIs, particularly through capacity-building initiatives and the development of IT audit frameworks. Bilateral dialogues between SAI India and SAI Malaysia, as well as cooperation with the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (IDI), were also conducted.

Correct Answer:  (b) 27th September

Explanation:  Tourism is a vital industry that plays a crucial role in the global economy. It contributes significantly to the economic growth of nations, creates numerous employment opportunities, and fosters cultural connections among people from diverse backgrounds. To celebrate and recognize the importance of this sector, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) established World Tourism Day as a global observance. World Tourism Day is observed annually on September 27. In 2024, it will fall on a Friday, providing an excellent opportunity for extended weekend celebrations and activities related to tourism. The theme for World Tourism Day 2024 is “Tourism and Peace.” This powerful theme highlights the intrinsic connection between tourism and global harmony. It emphasizes how travel and cultural exchange can contribute to:

1. Mutual understanding between different cultures and nations
2. Conflict resolution through increased empathy and cross-cultural experiences
3. Economic cooperation that can lead to more stable international relations

Correct Answer:  (b) IIT Delhi

Explanation: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), along with researchers of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has developed Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets named ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat). The jackets have been developed at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT, Delhi. These jackets have been created from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material. The design configuration is based on characterisation of various materials at high strain rates followed by appropriate modelling and simulation in collaboration with DRDO. The armour plates for the jackets have passed all necessary R&D trials as per the protocols. The jackets meet the highest threat levels, and are lighter than the maximum weight limits stipulated in respective General Staff Qualitative Requirement of the Indian Army. With minimum possible weight of 8.2 kgs and 9.5 kgs for different BIS Levels, these modular-design jackets having front & rear armours provide 360o protection.

Correct Answer:  (d) Stanford School of Business

Explanation:  Stanford School of Business continues to hold the top spot globally for the fifth consecutive year.  Three Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)—Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Calcutta—along with ISB Hyderabad, have been ranked in the top 100 globally for their MBA courses in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025. IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Calcutta have been ranked among the top 50 globally for employability. Fourteen Indian full-time MBA programs are featured in the QS rankings for 2025, with three new Indian entries. The QS Global MBA and Business Master’s Rankings 2025 covers 58 countries and assesses 340 MBA programs, providing a detailed analysis to help students make informed decisions. The rankings emphasize India’s growing influence in nurturing global business leaders, but also highlight challenges like internationalization and gender diversity. IIM Kozhikode made its debut in the 151-200 band, while IMT Ghaziabad and Somaiya Vidyavihar University featured in the 251 band.

Correct Answer:  (a) Deepak C Mehta

Explanation:  Visionary industrialist and leader Shri Deepak C Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director of Deepak Nitrite Limited, has been conferred the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) at the 59th ICC Annual Awards Function in Mumbai. Deepak C. Mehta has been a transformative force in the chemical industry.  As a former President of the Indian Chemical Council and a key player in the Government of India’s ‘Task Force on Chemicals Industry,’ he has championed India’s rise as a global chemical manufacturing powerhouse. Currently leading as Chairman of the National Chemicals Committee and the Sector Skills Council at FICCI, his commitment to advancing the sector is unwavering. The ICC award serves as a testament to Mehta’s visionary leadership in growing the Deepak Group into a leader in the chemical sector and his continued advocacy for the industry’s future. Under his guidance, Deepak Nitrite has flourished, adhering to the principles of sustainable growth and innovation.

Correct Answer:  (c) CM-SATH Scheme

Explanation:  Fulfilling the pre-poll promise, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha launched a new scheme — CM-SATH — to support the meritorious students for higher education. Launching the scheme, the Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the growth of genuine talent and access to quality education.

• The CM-SATH project has been designed to provide financial support of Rs 60,000 (Rs 5,000 monthly) to 200 students — 100 at Madhyamik level and 100 at Higher Secondary level, based on merit for two and three years respectively, for higher learning. Under this project, out of 200 students, 152 students at the block level, 12 students at the Nagar Panchayat level, and 10 students at the Agartala Municipal Corporation level would be selected. The 200 beneficiaries will be selected by the District Education Officer of each district.
• The CM-SATH scheme has been launched to ensure that no student’s education is interrupted due to a lack of funds. Rs 1.20 crore would be spent on this project in the first year Rs 2.40 crore in the second year, and Rs 3 crore from the third year onward. During the event, two students from each of the eight districts were presented a symbolic check of the scholarship by the Chief Minister.

Correct Answer:  (a) 26th September

Explanation:  World Contraception Day, observed annually on September 26, stands as a beacon of awareness in the realm of reproductive health. This global campaign is dedicated to raising consciousness about contraception and promoting informed decision-making in sexual and reproductive health matters. By equipping individuals with knowledge and access to various contraceptive options, the day aims to reduce unintended pregnancies and enhance accessibility to vital reproductive health services worldwide. Contraception encompasses the range of methods or devices employed to prevent pregnancy by interfering with the natural processes of ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. These methods play a pivotal role in family planning and overall reproductive health. Theme of World Contraception Day 2024 is “A choice for all. Freedom to plan, power to choose.”

Correct Answer: (a) Uzbekistan

Explanation:  To boost the bilateral economic relationship between India and Uzbekistan, a Bilateral Investment Treaty was signed between the two countries in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 27 September 2024. The treaty provides a framework to protect and safeguard the interests of investments made by Indian investors in Uzbekistan and Uzbek investors in India. The Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and Uzbekistan was signed by the Indian Minister for Finance and  Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman and  Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Khodjayev Jamshid Abdukhakimovich, in Tashkent on 27 September 2024.  Nirmala Sitharaman was on an official visit to Uzbekistan to attend the 9th Board of Governors meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). 

Features of the Bilateral Investment Treaty 

• Based on the best international precedents and practices, the Bilateral Investment Treaty provides legal protection to investments made by nationals of one country in another country.
• It protects the investor if the government nationalises the industry in which the investor from another country has invested.
• It provides a level playing field for companies operating in another country by ensuring a minimum standard of treatment and non-discrimination.
• The treaty also provides for an independent arbitration mechanism if there is any dispute related to investment.
• The treaty also provides transparency, transfers, and compensation for losses subject to a country’s right to regulation, providing adequate policy space.
• The treaty is expected to boost the business confidence of investors in both countries and facilitate cross-border investment.