Daily Current Affairs October 16

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 16. 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 16 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Sports – Daily Current Affairs October 16

1. Who won the 2024 Shanghai Masters Men’s Singles Final by defeating Novak Djokovic?
A) Rafael Nadal
B) Carlos Alcaraz
C) Daniil Medvedev
D) Jannik Sinner
E) Stefanos Tsitsipas
Answer: D) Jannik Sinner

Event and Location:

• Event: 2024 Shanghai Masters Men’s Singles Final
• Location: Qi Zhong Tennis Centre, Shanghai, China

Mandates and Objectives:

• Jannik Sinner, ranked World No. 1, defeated Novak Djokovic to win the 2024 Shanghai Masters title.
• Sinner’s win came after a close 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 match, marking his seventh ATP title of the season.
• This victory also leveled Sinner’s career head-to-head record against Djokovic to 4-4.

Important Terms Explained:

• Shanghai Masters:
  • An annual men’s tennis tournament in Shanghai, part of the ATP Tour.
• ATP Title:
  • Titles won in tournaments organized by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), ranking among the most prestigious in tennis.

Key Moments:

• First Set: After a tough battle, Sinner took control in the tiebreak, winning it 7/4 after Djokovic netted a volley.
• Second Set: Sinner gained momentum by breaking Djokovic’s serve in the fourth game, securing his lead with a superb forehand down the line.
• Sinner ended the match with an ace, sealing the victory after 1 hour 37 minutes.

Static GK Information:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs October 16

2. Which city has been declared the richest in the world by Global SWF in terms of sovereign wealth funds?
A) Oslo
B) Beijing
C) Abu Dhabi
D) Riyadh
E) Singapore
Answer: C) Abu Dhabi

Event and Location:

• Event: Abu Dhabi has been declared the richest city in the world based on its sovereign wealth funds.
• Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Mandates and Objectives:

• As of October 2024, Global SWF crowned Abu Dhabi as the richest city in terms of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), with an estimated $1.7 trillion in capital.
• The city manages a combined $2.3 trillion in public capital, which includes SWFs, Central Banks (CBs), Public Pension Funds (PPFs), and Royal Private Offices (RPOs).
• Abu Dhabi’s wealth primarily stems from its vast oil and gas reserves, which have driven its economic growth since the 1950s.

Important Terms Explained:

• Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF):
  • A government-owned investment fund created from surplus reserves, often accumulated through oil revenues or foreign currency holdings.
• Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA):
  • One of the largest SWFs globally, established to manage Abu Dhabi’s excess oil revenues.

Key Highlights:

• Abu Dhabi leads globally in sovereign wealth management, followed by cities like Oslo, Beijing, and Singapore.
• The emirate holds 95% of the UAE’s oil and 92% of its natural gas reserves.
• Abu Dhabi is home to major SWFs such as ADIA, Mubadala, and ADIC, employing over 3,107 staff.

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs October 16

3. Who has been appointed as the new Maldives envoy to India?
A) Ibrahim Shaheeb
B) Aishath Azeema
C) Mohamed Muizzu
D) Ahmed Saleem
E) Nasheed Mohamed
Answer: B) Aishath Azeema

Event and Location:

• Event: Appointment of Aishath Azeema as the new Maldives envoy to India.
• Location: Maldives and India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Aishath Azeema is set to become the new Maldivian ambassador to India, replacing Ibrahim Shaheeb, who had been in the position since October 2022.
• The appointment comes as part of President Mohamed Muizzu’s efforts to strengthen ties with India after his recent bilateral visit.
• Azeema’s appointment was approved by the Maldivian Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee.

Important Terms Explained:

• Ambassador:
  • A high-ranking official appointed to represent their country in a foreign state.
• Maldives-India Relations:
  • The relationship between Maldives and India is strategic, with India being a key partner in terms of economic and security cooperation.

Key Highlights of Aishath Azeema’s Career:

• Foreign Service: Joined in 1988.
• Previous Role: Served as Maldivian Ambassador to China from June 2019 to September 2023.
• Held other important roles, including Deputy Ambassador to the UK and senior positions within the Maldives Foreign Ministry.

Static GK Information:

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4. Who has been selected as the new Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of AI Assets Holding Limited (AIAHL)?
A) Amit Kumar
B) Rajesh Verma
C) Anil Kumar Gupta
D) Suresh Kumar
E) Vijay Sharma
Answer: A) Amit Kumar

Event and Location:

• Event: Selection of Amit Kumar as the new CMD of AI Assets Holding Ltd (AIAHL).
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Amit Kumar was selected by the Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) for the role of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of AI Assets Holding Limited (AIAHL), a Schedule ‘B’ PSU.
• Kumar’s appointment is subject to approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
• He was chosen from a pool of seven candidates, currently serving as Executive Director Asset Manager at ONGC.

Other Vacancies:

• PESB also advertised several key vacancies in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs):
  • Director (Technical) at NHPC Ltd (application deadline: November 11, 2024).
  • Director (Production & Marketing) at Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd (MDNL).
  • Director (Way & Works) at Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL).
  • CMD at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL).

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5. Who has been appointed as the national brand ambassador to promote cyber safety in India?
A) Deepika Padukone
B) Rashmika Mandanna
C) Priyanka Chopra
D) Alia Bhatt
E) Taapsee Pannu
Answer: B) Rashmika Mandanna

Event and Location:

• Event: Appointment of Rashmika Mandanna as the national brand ambassador to promote cyber safety.
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Rashmika Mandanna has been selected as the national ambassador for the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), an initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
• I4C aims to tackle cyber crimes and promote cyber safety across the nation.
• The actor’s own experience as a victim of a deepfake video last year highlights the need for digital safety awareness, making her an apt representative for this cause.

Important Terms Explained:

• Cyber Crime:
  • Illegal activities carried out over the internet, such as hacking, identity theft, and financial fraud.
• Deepfake Video:
  • A synthetic media where someone’s likeness is manipulated using artificial intelligence, often used maliciously to mislead or harass.
• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C):
  • An initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs to combat cybercrimes and enhance cyber safety.

Static GK Information:

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6. Omar Abdullah was recently sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir for the second time. Who administered the oath of office and secrecy to him?
A) Farooq Abdullah
B) Manoj Sinha
C) Ram Nath Kovind
D) N. N. Vohra
E) Satya Pal Malik
Answer: B) Manoj Sinha

Event and Location:

• Event: Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir for the second time.
• Location: Jammu & Kashmir, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Omar Abdullah, a prominent political figure and part of the Abdullah political dynasty, has returned as Chief Minister following victories in Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies.
• Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath of office to Omar Abdullah.

Key Background:

• Omar Abdullah previously served as Chief Minister from 2009 to 2015 and has been a three-time Lok Sabha member.
• This marks the first elected government in Jammu & Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which led to the bifurcation of the state into the union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Important Terms Explained:

• Article 370:
  • A provision in the Indian Constitution that granted special autonomy to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, abrogated in 2019.

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 16

7. How much new funding did the World Health Organization (WHO) secure for the 2025-28 budget?
A) $500 million
B) $600 million
C) $700 million
D) $800 million
E) $1 billion
Answer: C) $700 million

Event and Location:

• Event: WHO secured $1 billion in funding for its 2025-28 budget, announced during the WHO Investment Round Signature Event at the World Health Summit.
• Location: Berlin, Germany

Mandates and Objectives:

• $700 million of the pledged funds consists of new funding commitments from various European countries, foundations, and organizations.
• $300 million of the total comes from reaffirmed funding commitments.
• The funding supports the WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work 2025-2028, aimed at advancing global health equity and sustainable financing.

Key Contributors:

• Germany is the largest contributor, pledging nearly $400 million over four years, including $260 million in new voluntary funding.
• Contributions also came from the Wellcome Foundation, the WHO Foundation, and organizations like the Institute for Philanthropy, Resolve to Save Lives, and the World Diabetes Foundation, each pledging $10 million.

Important Terms Explained:

• WHO (World Health Organization):
  • A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
• Sustainable Financing:
  • Funding that allows an organization like WHO to plan ahead while maintaining the flexibility to respond to emerging health challenges.

Key Events:

• The funding announcement aligns with WHO’s General Programme of Work, which focuses on global health equity and ensuring sustainable financial support for the organization.
• The G20 Summit, chaired by Brazilian President Lula da Silva, will provide an additional platform to raise resources for WHO’s mission.

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8. Which Indian Union Minister led the delegation at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 in Manila, Philippines?
A) Amit Shah
B) Nityanand Rai
C) Rajnath Singh
D) Hardeep Singh Puri
E) S. Jaishankar
Answer: B) Nityanand Rai

Event and Location:

• Event: Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024
• Location: Manila, Philippines

Mandates and Objectives:

• A high-level Indian delegation, led by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, participated in the APMCDRR 2024.
• The conference, under the theme “Surge to 2030: Enhancing ambition in Asia Pacific to accelerate disaster risk reduction,” brought together ministers and policymakers to discuss disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Key Highlights:

• Nityanand Rai emphasized India’s commitment to inclusive and proactive actions to mitigate disasters, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s 10-point agenda for DRR.
• He highlighted India’s progress in Early Warning Systems (EWS), such as the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), which provides tsunami advisories to 25 Indian Ocean countries.
• India’s leadership in promoting disaster-resilient infrastructure was showcased through its initiative, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which now has 47 member countries.
• India’s financial provisions for DRR were highlighted, with USD 30 billion allocated by the 15th Finance Commission for National and State Disaster Risk Management Funds (NDRMF and SDRMF).

Important Terms Explained:

• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR):
  • Strategies and practices aimed at reducing the risks of disasters and mitigating their impacts on lives, property, and economies.
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI):
  • An Indian initiative promoting the development of resilient infrastructure to withstand climate-related disasters and other natural hazards.

Static GK Information:

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9. Which Indian drone technology start-up signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s Stratus LLC to integrate drone control software and simulation tools?
A) Skylark Drones
B) PDRL
C) Asteria Aerospace
D) IdeaForge
E) Garuda Aerospace
Answer: B) PDRL

Event and Location:

• Event: Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PDRL, an Indian drone technology start-up, and Stratus LLC, a Russian unmanned aviation technology company.
• Location: India-Russia collaboration

Mandates and Objectives:

• PDRL is a leading player in drone technology, particularly known for its AeroGCS software, which holds a 70% market share in India’s agricultural drone sector.
• Stratus LLC specializes in UAVProf, a drone simulation platform widely used for UAV training and control algorithm development.
• The strategic partnership aims to integrate PDRL’s AeroGCS software with Stratus LLC’s UAVProf Drone Simulator, offering enhanced solutions for drone operations and simulation.

Key Focus Areas:

• Joint Research and Development (R&D):
  • Both companies will collaborate on R&D initiatives to improve product integration, aligning with local regulatory requirements in India and Russia.
• Global Impact:
  • The partnership will not only benefit the India-Russia market but also aims to set the stage for global innovations in drone technology.

Important Terms Explained:

• AeroGCS Software:
  • A ground control solution used in drones for precision operations, with a major presence in India’s agriculture sector.
• UAVProf Drone Simulator:
  • A platform used for training and simulating drone operations, helping to develop control algorithms.

Static GK Information:

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10. Which Indian company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwan’s Ahamani Advanced Inc for dual certification of Indian drone pilots?
A) PDRL
B) Garuda Aerospace
C) AVPL International
D) IdeaForge
E) Skylark Drones
Answer: C) AVPL International

Event and Location:

• Event: AVPL International, an agri-tech and drone technology player, signed an MoU with Taiwan’s Ahamani Advanced Inc.
• Location: Mangaluru, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• The MoU facilitates the dual certification of Indian drone pilots, allowing them to earn credentials from both India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA).
• This dual certification will broaden career opportunities for Indian drone pilots in sectors like agriculture, logistics, and urban management.

Important Terms Explained:

• Dual Certification:
  • Certification from two regulatory bodies, enhancing global employability of drone pilots.
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA):
  • India’s regulatory authority overseeing civil aviation, including drone operations.

Key Focus Areas:

• Educational Collaboration:
  • Plans for educational partnerships with Taiwanese universities to develop specialised courses in drone technology.
• Global Career Pathways:
  • The initiative will create new career pathways for Indian drone pilots in international markets.

MoU Duration:

• The agreement is set to last for five years, with the potential for renewal based on the initiative’s success.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 16

11. What event did PM Modi inaugurate along with the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 in New Delhi?
A) World Economic Forum
B) G20 Summit
C) ITU Telecom Standard Conference (WTSA 2024)
D) BRICS Summit
E) Digital India Conclave
Answer: C) ITU Telecom Standard Conference (WTSA 2024)

Event and Location:

• Event: Inauguration of ITU World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) 2024 and India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024.
• Location: New Delhi, India at Bharat Mandapam

Mandates and Objectives:

• PM Modi inaugurated both the ITU-WTSA 2024 and IMC 2024, marking a significant moment for India’s role in global telecommunications and digital transformation.
• WTSA 2024, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is the first-ever telecom standards conference in India and the Asia-Pacific region. It will discuss future standards for technologies like 6G, AI, Big Data, and cybersecurity.
• IMC 2024, the largest technology expo in Asia, aims to double its global participation, showcasing innovations in fields such as quantum technology, 5G, IoT, semiconductors, and cloud computing.

Important Terms Explained:

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
  • A specialized United Nations agency responsible for information and communication technology (ICT) standards, policy, and regulations.
• ITU-WTSA (World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly):
  • A global forum held every four years to set standards and policies for emerging technologies like 6G, AI, IoT, and cybersecurity.

Key Focus Areas:

• IMC 2024: Themed “Future is Now,” it covers 6G advancements, circular economy, satcom, and electronics manufacturing.
• WTSA 2024: A platform for global collaboration to establish standards for next-generation critical technologies.

Static GK Information:

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12. Which portal and mobile app were launched by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to ensure safe overseas travel for Indian migrants?
A) e-Visa Portal
B) eMigrate V2.0 Portal
C) Pravasi Bharatiya Portal
D) Bharat Abroad Portal
E) Overseas Employment Portal
Answer: B) eMigrate V2.0 Portal

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of eMigrate V2.0 portal and Mobile App by Dr. S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister (EAM).
• Location: Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• The eMigrate V2.0 portal and app were launched to promote safe and legal mobility channels for Indian migrants.
• It aligns with Goal 10 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focuses on promoting safe and responsible migration.
• The portal is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the protection of Indian workers’ rights and dignity abroad.
• Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the increasing need for a well-trained workforce across different geographies and highlighted India’s efforts to negotiate migration and mobility agreements with several countries.

Important Terms Explained:

• eMigrate Portal:
  • A web-based platform designed to facilitate the safe migration of Indian workers abroad, ensuring their welfare and legal protection.
• Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10):
  • Focuses on reducing inequality within and among countries, with one of its targets being safe and responsible migration.

Key Features:

• The portal enhances transparency, safety, and inclusivity in the mobility of Indian workers.
• It has been updated to offer social security benefits and aims to streamline the passport issuance process, which has doubled in recent years.
• The app and portal are also focused on assisting those who travel abroad to study or reside overseas.

Static GK Information:

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13. Where was the new extension centre of the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) inaugurated?
A) Hyderabad
B) Vijayawada
C) Visakhapatnam
D) Guntur
E) Tirupati
Answer: C) Visakhapatnam

Event and Location:

• Event: Inauguration of a new National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) extension centre.
• Location: Andhra Pradesh Medical Tech Zone (AMTZ) campus, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Mandates and Objectives:

• The new NSTI extension centre was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary.
• The centre will provide training in Computer Software Applications (CSA) under the Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) and short-term courses on computer applications under the Advanced Vocational Training Scheme (AVTS).
• This facility is aimed at addressing the skill development gap created after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, as previous NSTI centres remained in Telangana.

Important Terms Explained:

• National Skill Training Institute (NSTI):
  • A government institution providing advanced vocational and technical training to develop skilled instructors.
• Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS):
  • A scheme to provide specialized training to instructors in different trades, ensuring quality vocational education.
• Andhra Pradesh Medical Tech Zone (AMTZ):
  • A specialized zone focused on manufacturing medical devices and promoting health technology in Visakhapatnam.

Key Highlights:

• Facilities Provided: The extension centre is equipped with a computer lab, classrooms, and free hostel accommodation for outstation candidates.
• Government Support: The project reflects the Centre’s commitment to strengthening skill development infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.

Static GK Information:

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14. Till when has the “Samarth” scheme been extended?
A) March 2025
B) December 2025
C) March 2026
D) December 2026
E) March 2027
Answer: C) March 2026

Event and Location:

• Event: Extension of the Samarth Scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector).
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• The Samarth Scheme has been extended until March 2026 to train 3 lakh people in textile-related skills, with a budget allocation of Rs. 495 crore.
• The scheme is designed to be demand-driven and placement-oriented, ensuring that participants gain employment-linked skills in sectors like Apparel, Garmenting, Handloom, Handicraft, Silk, and Jute.

Important Terms Explained:

• Samarth Scheme:
  • A skilling initiative by the Ministry of Textiles aimed at providing employment-oriented training to individuals in the textile and related sectors.
• Implementing Partners (IPs):
  • The scheme is implemented through partners including Textile Industry/Associations, State/Central government agencies, and organizations like DC Handloom, DC Handicrafts, Central Wool Development Board, and Central Silk Board.

Key Highlights:

• As of now, 3.27 lakh candidates have been trained under the scheme, with 79.5% (2.6 lakh) finding employment.
• The scheme also focuses heavily on women’s employment, with 88.3% (2.89 lakh) women participants.

Static GK Information:

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15. Which institution signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) to benefit the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)?
A) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
B) Krea University
C) Indian School of Business (ISB)
D) Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
E) Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
Answer: B) Krea University

Event and Location:

• Event: Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and LEAD at Krea University.
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• The MoU aims to leverage the existing knowledge repository to benefit the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
• The partnership will focus on creating a knowledge pool and using datasets to generate data-driven insights for evidence-based policymaking.
• Primary and secondary research will be conducted to understand programme outcomes and improve implementation practices for empowering rural communities.

Important Terms Explained:

• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM):
  • A flagship poverty alleviation programme by the Ministry of Rural Development, aiming to promote self-employment and skilled wage employment among rural poor households.
• LEAD at Krea University:
  • A research organization at Krea University, focusing on data-driven insights and evidence-based solutions for development policies.

Key Focus Areas:

• Both organizations will work on research design, identifying knowledge gaps, and involving stakeholders to enhance the programme’s capabilities.
• A Research and Knowledge Coalition will be formed, and a knowledge dissemination strategy will be developed using NRLM’s communication channels to reach various stakeholders and policymakers.

Static GK Information:

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16. Which company has become the first finance company for power and infrastructure lending in the IFSC at GIFT City?
A) REC Ltd
B) HDFC Ltd
C) PFC Infra Finance IFSC Ltd
D) SBI Infra Finance
E) Tata Capital
Answer: C) PFC Infra Finance IFSC Ltd

Event and Location:

• Event: PFC Infra Finance IFSC Limited (PIFIL) received approval to operate as the first finance company for power and infrastructure lending in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City, Gujarat.
• Location: GIFT City, Gujarat, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• PIFIL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation (PFC), India’s largest Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in the power sector.
• The company aims to provide foreign currency lending for power and infrastructure projects both in India and abroad.
• The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has granted the Certificate of Registration (CoR) to PIFIL.

Important Terms Explained:

• PFC (Power Finance Corporation):
  • A public sector NBFC specializing in financing the power sector in India.
• International Financial Services Centre (IFSC):
  • A special financial zone offering global financial services, located in GIFT City, Gujarat.
• IFSCA (International Financial Services Centres Authority):
  • The regulatory authority overseeing financial institutions in IFSCs in India.

Key Focus Areas:

• The company’s focus will be on financing renewable energy and contributing towards India’s Net Zero goals by supporting clean energy projects.
• PFC Infra Finance IFSC Ltd will also strengthen India’s financial hub status and position PFC as a global brand in infrastructure financing.

Static GK Information:

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17. Who addressed the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) on behalf of India?
A) Dr. VK Paul
B) Smt. Anupriya Singh Patel
C) Dr. Rajiv Bahl
D) Shri Nityanand Rai
E) Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi
Answer: B) Smt. Anupriya Singh Patel

Event and Location:

• Event: 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA)
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Smt. Anupriya Singh Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, addressed the conference, emphasizing the significance of harmonizing regulatory standards and ensuring safe and effective medicines for everyone.
• The event was hosted for the first time in India and brought together regulatory authorities and health officials from over 200 countries.

Key Highlights:

• Smt. Patel highlighted India’s regulatory advancements like the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules (2019) and Medical Device Rules (2017), which promote scientific and ethical research.
• She mentioned India’s affiliate membership in the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) and recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia by the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group (PDG), marking milestones in regulatory harmonization.
• India licensed 8 vaccines during the pandemic, including mRNA, DNA, and nasal vaccines, made available at a fraction of global costs.

Important Terms Explained:

• ICDRA (International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities):
  • A global platform for discussing and sharing best practices in drug regulation to ensure public safety.
• Indian Pharmacopoeia:
  • A recognized standard for drug quality control in India, now harmonized globally with the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group (PDG).

Key Contributions:

• Dr. VK Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, and Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research, also highlighted India’s regulatory contributions and technological advancements in the healthcare sector, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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18. Who inaugurated the International 6G Symposium in 2024?
A) Narendra Modi
B) Rajnath Singh
C) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
D) Piyush Goyal
E) Nitin Gadkari
Answer: C) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia

Event and Location:

• Event: International 6G Symposium
• Location: New Delhi, India (on the sidelines of WTSA 2024 and IMC 2024)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the International 6G Symposium. The event was organized by the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA), marking a milestone in India’s leadership journey in 6G technology.
• Scindia emphasized the transformative potential of 6G in driving economic growth and technological innovation, and highlighted India’s ambition to contribute to 10% of global 6G patents.

Important Terms Explained:

• 6G Technology:
  • The next-generation telecommunications technology expected to deliver much higher speeds and capabilities than 5G, with applications in AI, automation, and more.
• Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA):
  • A collaborative initiative of Indian industry, academia, and national research institutions focused on 6G innovation, standardization, and global leadership.

Key Contributions:

• Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs):
  • B6GA signed MoUs with various international collaborators, including NGMN Alliance (Germany), 5G ACIA, and 6G Forum (South Korea), among others, to foster global collaboration.
• Minister Scindia discussed India’s commitment to inclusive technology and emphasized that India aims to lead the global 6G ecosystem.

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19. Which Rabi crop received the highest increase in Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the 2025-26 marketing season?
A) Wheat
B) Gram
C) Rapeseed & Mustard
D) Lentil (Masur)
E) Barley
Answer: C) Rapeseed & Mustard

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi crops for the 2025-26 marketing season by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• The MSP increase ensures remunerative prices for growers and incentivizes crop diversification.
• The highest increase in MSP was for Rapeseed & Mustard, with an increase of Rs. 300 per quintal, followed by Lentil (Masur) at Rs. 275 per quintal.

Important Terms Explained:

• Minimum Support Price (MSP):
  • The price at which the government purchases crops from farmers, ensuring a minimum profit.
• Rabi Crops:
  • Winter crops that are sown in October-November and harvested in April-May, including Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil, Rapeseed & Mustard, and Safflower.

Key MSP Increases:

• Rapeseed & Mustard: Rs. 300 per quintal increase.
• Lentil (Masur): Rs. 275 per quintal increase.
• Gram: Rs. 210 per quintal increase.
• Wheat: Rs. 150 per quintal increase.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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20. What is the estimated cost of the Varanasi-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya multitracking project, including the new Rail-cum-Road Bridge across the Ganga River?
A) Rs 1,500 crore
B) Rs 2,642 crore
C) Rs 3,100 crore
D) Rs 4,000 crore
E) Rs 2,000 crore
Answer: B) Rs 2,642 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval of the Varanasi-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) multitracking project and the construction of a new Rail-cum-Road Bridge across the Ganga River.
• Location: Varanasi and Chandauli districts, Uttar Pradesh

Mandates and Objectives:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved this project with an estimated cost of Rs. 2,642 crore.
• The project aims to reduce congestion, improve logistical efficiency, and enhance transportation networks by connecting previously unconnected areas. It is expected to support passenger and freight traffic, especially goods like coal, cement, and foodgrains.

Key Focus Areas:

• Rail-cum-Road Bridge:
  • A major feature of this project is the construction of a new rail-cum-road bridge across the Ganga River.
• Economic and Environmental Impact:
  • The project will lower logistics costs, reduce oil imports, and help achieve climate goals by minimizing CO2 emissions.
• Employment Generation:
  • The project will generate approximately 10 lakh human-days of direct employment during its construction phase.

Important Terms Explained:

• PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan:
  • A comprehensive initiative for multi-modal connectivity aimed at integrating infrastructure planning for seamless movement of goods, people, and services.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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21. What is the percentage increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for Central Government employees and pensioners approved by the Cabinet w.e.f. July 1, 2024?
A) 2%
B) 4%
C) 3%
D) 5%
E) 6%
Answer: C) 3%

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval of an additional 3% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners.
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved an additional 3% instalment of DA and DR, increasing the rate from 50% to 53% of Basic Pay/Pension, effective from July 1, 2024.
• The increase aims to compensate against price rise, following the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.

Important Terms Explained:

• Dearness Allowance (DA):
  • A cost-of-living adjustment given to Central Government employees to offset inflation.
• Dearness Relief (DR):
  • A similar allowance provided to pensioners to help them cope with the rising cost of living.

Key Financial Impact:

• The increase will affect 49.18 lakh Central Government employees and 64.89 lakh pensioners.
• The estimated financial impact on the exchequer is Rs. 9,448.35 crore per annum.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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22. What is the investment target of Andhra Pradesh’s Industrial Development Policy 4.0 (2024-29)?
A) ₹20 lakh crore
B) ₹30 lakh crore
C) ₹15 lakh crore
D) ₹40 lakh crore
E) ₹25 lakh crore
Answer: B) ₹30 lakh crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Andhra Pradesh unveiled the AP Industrial Development Policy 4.0 for 2024-29, targeting significant economic growth through industrial investment.
• Location: Hyderabad, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, approved the policy with an investment target of ₹30 lakh crore over five years.
• The policy aims to attract $10 billion in foreign investment and emphasizes key sectors such as MSMEs, clean energy, green energy, electronics, and food processing.

Important Terms Explained:

• Industrial Development Policy 4.0:
  • A comprehensive industrial growth policy that focuses on fostering innovation, clean energy, and sustainable development.

Key Sectors Focused:

• MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)
• Clean and Green Energy
• Electronics and Food Processing

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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