Daily Current Affairs October 09

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs October 09. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly  current affairs pdf.

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October 09 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs October 09

1. What is the theme for World Mental Health Day 2024?
A) Mental Health for All
B) Mental Health in the Digital Age
C) It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace
D) Mental Health and Youth
E) Stigma-Free Mental Health
Answer: C) It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace

Event and Significance:

• Event: World Mental Health Day 2024 observed annually on October 10.
• Theme: The theme for 2024 is “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” emphasizing the need for businesses to create psychosocial working environments that address the growing challenges of stress, anxiety, and depression in the workplace.

Key Messages for 2024:

• Importance of Mental Health: Mental health is a critical component of general well-being and must be prioritized across professional domains.
• Universal Human Right: Everyone has the right to access mental health assistance, regardless of their geographical or cultural context.
• Well-being of the Youth: Mental health disorders significantly impact young people, and addressing their needs requires intensive efforts.
• Community Services: It is essential to have easily accessible mental health services for the overall well-being of communities.
• Fighting Stigma: Addressing the stigma around mental health is crucial for creating a harmonious and inclusive society.

Facts and Context:

• Mental Health Statistics:
  • 1 in 5 people worldwide experiences a mental health issue.
  • WHO predicts that almost 1 in 4 people will face some form of mental health condition in their lifetime.
  • In India, about 60 to 70 million people suffer from common mental disorders, often worsened by stigma and lack of care.
• Economic Impact:
  • The global economy loses around $1 trillion annually due to depression and anxiety in the workplace, stemming from lost productivity.
• Mental Health in the Workplace:
  • This year’s theme focuses on creating supportive environments in the workplace that encourage mental well-being, reduce stigma, and promote open conversations. By prioritizing mental health, businesses can enhance employee satisfaction and organizational success.

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs October 09

2. What are the unchanged real GDP and CPI inflation projections for FY25 according to RBI?
A) 7.3% and 4.6%
B) 7.4% and 4.8%
C) 7.2% and 4.5%
D) 7.0% and 4.4%
E) 6.9% and 4.2%
Answer: C) 7.2% and 4.5%

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI retains FY25 real GDP and CPI inflation projections.
• Location: Mumbai, India (RBI Headquarters).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Maintain steady economic projections while revising quarterly estimates for FY26.
• FY25 Projections:
  • Real GDP: 7.2%
  • CPI Inflation: 4.5%
• Quarterly Revisions:
  • GDP Projections for Q2 to Q4 FY25:
    • Q2 (July-September): 7% (earlier 7.2%)
    • Q3 (October-December): 7.4% (earlier 7.3%)
    • Q4 (January-March): 7.4% (earlier 7.2%)
  • CPI Inflation Projections for Q2 to Q4 FY25:
    • Q2: 4.1% (earlier 4.4%)
    • Q3: 4.8% (earlier 4.7%)
    • Q4: 4.2% (earlier 4.3%)
  • Projections for Q1 FY26:
    • GDP Growth: 7.3% (earlier 7.2%)
    • CPI Inflation: 4.3% (earlier 4.4%)

Important Terms Explained:

• Real GDP (Gross Domestic Product):
  • A measure of the value of all goods and services produced in a country, adjusted for inflation. It reflects the country’s overall economic health.
• CPI (Consumer Price Index) Inflation:
  • A measure of changes in the price level of a market basket of consumer goods and services. It is used to assess inflation.
• Capex (Capital Expenditure):
  • Funds used by a business or government to acquire, upgrade, and maintain physical assets, like infrastructure, which boosts long-term growth.

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3. What is the new UPI transaction limit for feature phone users through UPI123Pay as per the recent RBI announcement?
A) ₹5,000
B) ₹7,500
C) ₹10,000
D) ₹2,000
E) ₹8,000
Answer: C) ₹10,000

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI doubles UPI transaction limit for feature phone users via UPI123Pay and increases the UPI Lite limits.
• Location: Mumbai, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Increase financial inclusion and adoption of UPI among feature phone users and small-value transactions.
• New Transaction Limits:
  • UPI123Pay (for feature phone users):
    • Per transaction limit raised to ₹10,000 from ₹5,000.
  • UPI Lite (for small-value transactions):
    • Per transaction cap increased to ₹1,000 from ₹500.
    • UPI Lite wallet limit raised to ₹5,000 from ₹2,000.
• Significance:
  • UPI123Pay allows users with feature phones (no internet) to perform transactions in 12 languages, broadening UPI’s accessibility.
  • UPI Lite facilitates quick payments without a UPI PIN for transactions up to ₹1,000, enabling seamless and offline transactions for smaller amounts.

Important Terms Explained:

• UPI123Pay:
  • A payment solution for feature phone users, enabling them to access UPI services without needing an internet connection. This service is particularly vital for rural and underserved regions.
• UPI Lite:
  • A small-value transaction feature within UPI that doesn’t require entering a UPI PIN for payments up to ₹1,000, enhancing the convenience of day-to-day transactions.
• Real-Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) & Immediate Payment Service (IMPS):
  • High-value payment systems where verification of the beneficiary’s name before completing a transaction is now being extended, reducing fraud and errors.

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs October 09

4. Who has been re-elected as the President of the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) for 2024-25?
A) Anay Gupta
B) K. Ganesh
C) Sashi Singh
D) Rajeev Sharma
E) Sanjay Mehta
Answer: C) Sashi Singh

Event and Location:

• Event: Shashi Singh re-elected as President of the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) for the year 2024-25.
• Location: Mumbai, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective:
  • Lead the rubber industry in India by focusing on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.
  • Strengthen the AIRIA as an apex body representing the rubber industry, with a membership base of around 1300.
• Key Roles:
  • Shashi Singh: Re-elected as President.
  • Anay Gupta: Elected as Senior Vice President.
  • K. Ganesh: Elected as Vice President.
• Leadership Background:
  • Shashi Singh: Extensive experience in the rubber, cement, and construction sectors. He is also Director of several companies and has previously led Osaka Rubber Pvt. Ltd., making it a prominent manufacturer of extruded rubber profiles.
  • Anay Gupta: Managing Director of Vinko Auto Industries Ltd., with expertise in export marketing and strategic vision.
  • K. Ganesh: Vice President of MRP Autorub Group of Companies, which has become a leading exporter of rubber components.

Important Terms Explained:

• AIRIA (All India Rubber Industries Association):
  • An apex body founded in 1945, representing India’s rubber industry, fostering collaboration and development.
• Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK):
  • Although mentioned earlier in the content, it is not directly related to this context, so no elaboration here.
• Rubber Industry:
  • An essential industry that manufactures products from natural and synthetic rubber, contributing to automotive, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors in India.

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5. Who has been appointed to lead the 9-member Constitution Reform Commission?
A) Barrister Imran Siddiqui
B) Dr. Sharif Bhuiyan
C) Professor Ali Riaz
D) Professor Sumaiya Khair
E) Mo Mustain Billah
Answer: C) Professor Ali Riaz

Event and Leadership:

• Event: Formation of a 9-member Constitution Reform Commission to review and evaluate the country’s constitution.
• Leadership: The commission will be led by Professor Ali Riaz, a renowned political scientist and writer.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective:
  • The commission is tasked with reviewing the existing constitution and providing recommendations aimed at establishing a representative and effective democracy and empowering the people.
  • The commission will gather inputs from various sectors and submit its report to the Chief Advisor of the interim government within 90 days.
• Members of the Commission:
  • Professor Ali Riaz (Chairperson)
  • Professor Sumaiya Khair (Law Department, Dhaka University)
  • Barrister Imran Siddiqui
  • Professor Muhammad Ikramul Haq (Law Department, Dhaka University)
  • Dr. Sharif Bhuiyan (Supreme Court lawyer)
  • Barrister Moin Alam Firozi
  • Firoz Ahmed (Writer)
  • Mo Mustain Billah (Writer and human rights activist)
  • Mo Mahfuz Alam (Student representative)

Additional Information:

• Secretarial Support:
  • The Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs will provide secretarial support to the commission.
• Relevant Agencies:
  • All ministries, departments, offices, and agencies of the government are required to provide the necessary data and cooperation to the commission during the review process.

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs October 09

6. Who won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for work on protein structure prediction and creation?
A) Jennifer Doudna, Emmanuelle Charpentier, and Frances Arnold
B) David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper
C) Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel, and Andrea Ghez
D) Albert Fert, Peter Grünberg, and Yoshinori Ohsumi
E) Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Thomas Steitz, and Ada Yonath
Answer: B) David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper

Event and Location:

• Event: The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper for their pioneering work in protein structure prediction and the creation of new proteins.
• Location: Stockholm, Sweden.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective:
  • Recognize groundbreaking contributions in the field of protein science, specifically the development of computational tools and artificial intelligence (AI) for predicting and designing proteins.
  • David Baker was awarded for his computational protein design, creating new proteins with novel shapes and functions.
  • Demis Hassabis and John Jumper were awarded for their work on AlphaFold2, an AI model that accurately predicts the structure of nearly all known proteins, revolutionizing fields like drug development and biotechnology.

Significance:

• Protein Design:
  • Baker’s work enabled the design of new proteins using amino acids, opening up possibilities for applications in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and nanomaterials.
• AlphaFold2:
  • Hassabis and Jumper’s AI model predicted the structure of over 200 million proteins, enabling scientists to better understand complex biological processes and address challenges like antibiotic resistance and plastic decomposition.

Important Terms Explained:

• AlphaFold2:
  • A revolutionary AI-based model developed by Google DeepMind, capable of predicting the 3D structures of proteins, which are critical for understanding biological functions and diseases.
• Protein Design:
  • A process that uses computational tools to create new proteins with specific functions, addressing challenges in medicine, materials science, and environmental sustainability.

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs October 09

7. Which nations are participating in Exercise MALABAR 2024?
A) India, US, Russia, Japan
B) India, Australia, UK, Japan
C) India, US, Australia, Japan
D) India, China, US, Australia
E) India, France, US, Japan
Answer: C) India, US, Australia, Japan

Event and Location:

• Event: Exercise MALABAR 2024 – Opening Ceremony.
• Location: Held onboard Indian Naval Ship Satpura in Visakhapatnam, under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Enhance maritime cooperation among the Quad nations (India, US, Japan, Australia) through complex naval warfare drills, including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations.
• Phases of Exercise:
  • Conducted in two phases: one at Harbour and one at Sea.
  • Involves live weapon firings, joint manoeuvres, and operational drills using destroyers, frigates, corvettes, submarines, and aircraft.
• Key Leaders Attending:
  • General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Japan.
  • Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander US Pacific Fleet.
  • Vice Admiral Katsushi Omachi, Commander-in-Chief, Japan Self Defence Fleet.
  • Rear Admiral Chris Smith, Commander Australian Fleet.
• Significance:
  • MALABAR was initiated in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the US and later expanded with the inclusion of Japan and Australia.
  • Reflects India’s vision for Security & Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and strengthens India’s maritime engagement with like-minded nations.

Important Terms Explained:

• Exercise MALABAR:
  • A multinational maritime exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability between the navies of India, the US, Japan, and Australia in addressing maritime security challenges.
• SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region):
  • An Indian Government vision aimed at ensuring economic and maritime security across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through cooperative partnerships.

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8. Which countries are participating in the IBSAMAR VIII maritime exercise?
A) India, South Africa, Australia
B) India, Brazil, South Africa
C) India, Brazil, Russia
D) India, South Africa, USA
E) India, South Africa, Japan
Answer: B) India, Brazil, South Africa

Event and Location:

• Event: INS Talwar arrives in South Africa to participate in IBSAMAR VIII, a joint maritime exercise among the Indian, Brazilian, and South African Navies.
• Location: Simon’s Town, South Africa.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective:
  • IBSAMAR VIII aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen the cohesion between the Indian, Brazilian, and South African navies.
  • The exercise focuses on Blue Water Naval Warfare, covering areas like Surface Warfare and Anti-Air Warfare.
• Phases of IBSAMAR VIII:
  • Harbour Phase:
    • Includes Damage Control & Firefighting drills, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) drills, aviation safety lectures, joint diving operations, and cross-deck visits.
  • Sea Phase:
    • Encompasses complex naval operations, including live firing exercises and anti-air warfare manoeuvres.
• Strategic Importance:
  • Strengthening defence cooperation between India and South Africa, which has seen growth through initiatives like Operational Sea Training and Submarine Rescue Support.

Important Terms Explained:

• INS Talwar:
  • A stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, commissioned on June 18, 2003, and currently part of the Western Fleet, commanded by Captain Jithu George.
• IBSAMAR (India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise):
  • A trilateral naval exercise initiated in 2008 aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation between the navies of India, Brazil, and South Africa.
• Blue Water Naval Warfare:
  • Refers to naval operations conducted in the open ocean, often involving sophisticated warships like destroyers, frigates, and aircraft carriers.

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9. What is the name of the second indigenous survey vessel commissioned by the Indian Navy in 2024?
A) INS Sandhayak
B) INS Nirdeshak
C) INS Xiang
D) INS Viraat
E) INS Karanj
Answer: B) INS Nirdeshak

Event and Location:

• Event: The Indian Navy commissioned its second indigenous Survey Vessel, INS Nirdeshak, on October 8, 2024. It is designed to conduct hydrographic surveys of ports, harbors, and deep-water areas.
• Significance: The ship will play a crucial role in India’s operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), especially with the growing presence of Chinese survey vessels. INS Nirdeshak can help with seabed mapping, oceanographic data collection, and geophysical studies critical for defense and civilian applications.

Key Details:

• INS Nirdeshak:
  • Second of four survey vessels in its class.
  • Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
  • Capabilities: Coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, oceanographic and geophysical data collection, and navigation route planning.
  • State-of-the-art equipment: Data acquisition systems, digital sonar, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and long-range positioning systems.
  • Specifications:
    • Displacement: 3,400 tons
    • Length: 110 meters
    • Speed: Over 18 knots
    • Powered by two diesel engines.
• Comparison to China:
  • China has a fleet of 64 survey vessels, which are actively involved in mapping the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to enhance submarine navigation and seabed research for both civilian and military purposes.
• Strategic Importance:
  • Survey vessels, like INS Nirdeshak, are vital for littoral warfare and ensuring precise navigation in shallow and congested waters.
  • These vessels also contribute to dispute resolution under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC) by providing precise maritime boundary data.

Important Terms Explained:

• Survey Vessel:
  • A ship equipped with specialized tools for hydrographic surveying, seabed mapping, and geophysical data collection, critical for naval and civilian operations.
• Indian Ocean Region (IOR):
  • A strategically significant maritime region where India and China vie for influence through naval operations, including surveys and submarine activities.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 08

10. Which organization has partnered with the Uttarakhand Government to promote indigenous spice cultivation?
A) National Horticulture Board
B) Spices Board
C) Tea Board of India
D) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
E) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Answer: B) Spices Board

Event and Location:

• Event: Partnership between Spices Board and Uttarakhand for indigenous spice promotion.
• Location: Uttarakhand, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Promote sustainable agricultural practices in Uttarakhand, focusing on the cultivation of large cardamom and other spices.
• Partnership Goals:
  • Identifying suitable areas for expanding spice cultivation.
  • Promoting sustainable farming through collaboration between Spices Board and Uttarakhand’s Horticulture Mission.
  • Integrating the House of Himalayas brand, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for promoting local products.

Important Terms Explained:

• Spices Board:
  • A government body responsible for the development and promotion of Indian spices in both domestic and international markets.
• Large Cardamom:
  • A highly valued spice grown in hilly regions, important for culinary use and exports.
• House of Himalayas:
  • A brand initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote local, sustainable products from the Himalayan region.

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11. The Indian government has extended the fortified rice scheme until which year?
A) 2025
B) 2026
C) 2027
D) 2028
E) 2029
Answer: D) 2028

Event and Location:

• Event: Extension of the fortified rice distribution scheme by the Indian government.
• Location: New Delhi, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Extend the fortified rice scheme under the food security law and welfare schemes until December 2028 to combat malnutrition and anaemia.
• Fortification Process:
  • Micronutrients Added: Fortified rice is enriched with Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12.
  • Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK): These kernels are blended with regular rice to improve nutritional content.
• Budget and Impact:
  • The total financial implication for supplying fortified rice will be ₹17,082 crore, fully funded by the central government.
  • The scheme started in 2022 and aims to combat malnutrition and improve public health.
  • Experts believe that fortified rice offers greater nutritional benefits compared to brown or parboiled rice, especially in addressing anaemia and mortality due to bleeding during childbirth.

Important Terms Explained:

• Fortified Rice:
  • Rice mixed with Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) enriched with essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12 to address malnutrition.
• PMGKAY (Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana):
  • A food subsidy program aimed at providing free or subsidized food grains to economically vulnerable groups.
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5):
  • A nationwide survey conducted between 2019 and 2021 that revealed widespread anaemia across various age and income groups in India.

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12. What is the total road length approved for construction in the border areas of Rajasthan and Punjab?
A) 1,500 km
B) 2,000 km
C) 2,280 km
D) 2,500 km
E) 3,000 km
Answer: C) 2,280 km

Event and Location:

• Event: Union Cabinet approves the construction of 2,280 km roads in the border areas of Rajasthan and Punjab.
• Location: Rajasthan and Punjab, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Improve infrastructure in border areas by constructing 2,280 km of roads, with an investment of ₹4,406 crore.
• Significance:
  • Enhances road and telecom connectivity in remote border regions.
  • Improves water supply, health, and education facilities.
  • Promotes rural livelihood and eases travel for locals.
  • Ensures better connectivity with the national highway network.
• Strategic Importance:
  • Development in border areas is essential for national security and the well-being of local communities.

Important Terms Explained:

• Union Cabinet:
  • The highest decision-making body in the Government of India, chaired by the Prime Minister, responsible for approving major policies and projects.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • Refers to the construction and enhancement of basic facilities like roads, water supply, healthcare, and education, especially in rural or underdeveloped areas.

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13. Where is the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) being developed?
A) Mumbai, Maharashtra
B) Kochi, Kerala
C) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
D) Lothal, Gujarat
E) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Answer: D) Lothal, Gujarat

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) by the Union Cabinet.
• Location: Lothal, Gujarat, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective:
  • Develop a world-class maritime heritage complex showcasing India’s 4,500-year-old maritime history.
  • The project will be completed in two phases, with Phase 1A achieving more than 60% progress and targeted for completion by 2025.
• Key Phases and Developments:
  • Phase 1A:
    • Construction of NMHC museum with 6 galleries, including the Indian Navy and Coast Guard gallery, which will feature naval artefacts like INS Nishank and Sea Harrier war aircraft.
  • Phase 1B:
    • Development of 8 more galleries, including the Light House Museum, the world’s tallest lighthouse, and a Bagicha complex with parking, food hall, and medical center.
  • Phase 2:
    • Coastal States Pavilions, eco-resorts, theme parks, and a recreation of Lothal City.
• Funding and Governance:
  • Phase 1B to be funded by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).
  • A Governing Council chaired by the Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways will oversee future phases.
• Employment Generation:
  • The project will create approximately 22,000 jobs (15,000 direct and 7,000 indirect).
    Important Terms Explained:
• Lothal:
  • A prominent port city of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, renowned for its maritime trade and urban planning. It is a significant archaeological site in Gujarat.
• EPC Mode (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction):
  • A contract model where the contractor designs, procures materials, and constructs the project.

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14. What anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) is being celebrated with the release of commemorative stamps by India Post?
A) 100th anniversary
B) 125th anniversary
C) 150th anniversary
D) 175th anniversary
E) 200th anniversary
Answer: C) 150th anniversary

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of commemorative stamps celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) by India Post.
• Location: Meghdoot Bhawan, New Delhi.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective:
  • Commemorate the 150th anniversary of the UPU, which was established in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland, as a pivotal organization for global postal cooperation.
  • Recognize the role of India Post in modernizing postal services and its engagement with UPU to standardize international postal regulations and improve postal accessibility.
• Significance:
  • The UPU has 192 member countries, including India, and plays a critical role in ensuring seamless global mail exchanges.
  • The released set of three commemorative stamps highlights India’s commitment to global postal cooperation and celebrates the UPU’s mission to foster communication and unite communities.
• India Post’s Role:
  • India Post, which is celebrating 170 years of service in 2024, continues to play a crucial role in connecting people across urban and rural areas, contributing to digital advancements and e-commerce.

Important Terms Explained:

• Universal Postal Union (UPU):
  • Established in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland, the UPU standardizes international postal services and ensures cooperation among 192 member countries, promoting accessible and seamless mail exchange globally.
• Commemorative Stamps:
  • Special postage stamps issued to honor or celebrate significant events or anniversaries, in this case, the 150th anniversary of the UPU.

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15. Which two platforms have been integrated to provide seamless access to government services?
A) UMANG and MyGov
B) UMANG and DigiLocker
C) DigiLocker and Aarogya Setu
D) MyGov and Aarogya Setu
E) DigiLocker and BHIM
Answer: B) UMANG and DigiLocker

Event and Location:

• Event: Integration of DigiLocker with the UMANG app, announced by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
• Location: Across India, accessible via Android devices (with iOS integration in the pipeline).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective:
  • Provide citizens with seamless access to a wide range of government services through the integration of UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) with DigiLocker, a cloud-based storage platform under the Digital India initiative.
  • Users can now access both UMANG services and DigiLocker functionalities through a single platform, improving convenience and the overall digital-first approach.
• How to Access Services:
  • Update the DigiLocker app to its latest version.
  • Click on the UMANG icon within the DigiLocker app.
  • Install the UMANG app when prompted, and access government services from within DigiLocker.

Important Terms Explained:

• DigiLocker:
  • A flagship initiative under the Digital India program, providing secure cloud-based storage for essential documents such as driving licenses, educational certificates, and other government-issued documents.
• UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance):
  • A government mobile application offering access to a wide range of e-governance services from various state and central government departments.

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16. By what percentage did India reduce its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) between 2000 and 2020?
A) 60%
B) 65%
C) 70%
D) 75%
E) 80%
Answer: C) 70%

Event and Location:

• Event: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) honors India’s leadership in Maternal Health and Family Planning.
• Location: New Delhi, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective:
  • Recognize India’s success in reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by 70% between 2000 and 2020, saving thousands of lives, especially among marginalized communities.
  • Acknowledge India’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing MMR to below 70 before 2030.
• Key Initiatives:
  • Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Yojana (SUMAN): Focuses on providing quality and respectful maternity care.
  • Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): Ensures assured care for expectant mothers.
  • Midwifery Services Initiative: Strengthens maternal health services by training midwives.
• Family Planning Achievements:
  • India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has been reduced below the replacement level (TFR-2), marking progress in family planning.
  • UNFPA’s role in expanding contraceptive choices, including the introduction of Subdermal Implants and Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) injectables, has been significant.

Important Terms Explained:

• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):
  • The number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. India’s impressive reduction of 70% between 2000 and 2020 positions it well to meet global SDG targets.
• Total Fertility Rate (TFR):
  • The average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime. India’s TFR is now below 2, which is considered below the replacement level needed for population stability.
• UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund):
  • A UN agency aimed at improving reproductive health and rights, reducing maternal mortality, and promoting family planning.

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17. What is the primary focus of the newly inaugurated Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Mumbai?
A) Agriculture and Rural Development
B) Industry 4.0 and Advanced Technology Skills
C) Basic Vocational Training
D) Traditional Handicrafts
E) Healthcare and Nursing
Answer: B) Industry 4.0 and Advanced Technology Skills

Event and Location:

• Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Location: Chunabhatti, Mumbai, Maharashtra, on a 4-acre campus within the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective:
  • Equip Indian youth with Industry 4.0 skills to prepare them for both national and global opportunities. The institute will train 5,000 students annually in cutting-edge technologies such as:
    • Factory Automation
    • Digital Manufacturing
    • Mechatronics
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Data Analytics
    • Additive Manufacturing
• Public-Private Partnership:
  • The institute was established through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Tata IIS, a section 8 company under Tata Trusts.
• Courses Offered:
  • The initial courses will focus on advanced skills, including:
    • Advanced Industrial Automation & Robotics
    • Additive Manufacturing
    • Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Specialist
    • 2 & 3 Wheeler EV Technician
• Industry Collaboration:
  • Over 15 global and Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have partnered to create advanced laboratories, offering practical, hands-on training to students.

Important Terms Explained:

• Industry 4.0:
  • Refers to the fourth industrial revolution, characterized by advanced automation, data exchange, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP):
  • A collaborative agreement between the government and private sector to establish, operate, or finance a project.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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