Monday, November 18, 2024
Banking QuizCA Quizzes (English)

Current Affairs Quiz: May 16, 2024

  1. Which organization(s) collaborated to redefine market linkages for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Odisha, with a focus on integrating premium mangoes and fresh vegetables into international markets?
    A) The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Directorate of Horticulture
    B) The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank
    C) The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
    D) The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option A
    Explanation:

    The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Directorate of Horticulture with support from Palladium as the technical support unit (TSU) of the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) project joined forces to redefine the market linkage of farmer producer organizations (FPOs) in Odisha.
  2. Which recent initiative has the Indian government undertaken to advance healthcare accessibility for Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries?
    A) The implementation of a nationwide health insurance scheme
    B) The establishment of new hospitals across the country
    C) The introduction of mandatory health screenings for all citizens
    D) The launch of the myCGHS app
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option D
    Explanation:

    In an innovative push towards digitising health services, the Indian government has launched the myCGHS app, designed to streamline and enhance the accessibility of health services for beneficiaries of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
  3. What significant milestone has the Indian Army achieved in Eastern Ladakh?
    A) Deployment of over 500 tanks and infantry combat vehicles
    B) Establishment of the world’s highest tank repair facilities
    C) Introduction of advanced combat training facilities
    D) Construction of the longest military road in the region
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option B
    Explanation:

    With over 500 of its tanks and infantry combat vehicles deployed in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army has created a record of sorts by setting up two of world’s highest tank repair facilities in that area to support its operations there.
  4. Who inaugurated the IndiaSkills Competition 2024, which is aimed at showcasing the highest standards of skilling in India?
    A) Narendra Modi
    B) Atul Kumar Tiwari
    C) Ramesh Pokhriyal
    D) Nirmala Sitharaman
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option B
    Explanation:

    Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, inaugurated the IndiaSkills Competition 2024 – the country’s biggest skill competition designed to demonstrate the highest standards of skilling.
  5. Which two countries are collaborating to develop interceptors capable of shooting down hypersonic missiles by the 2030s?
    A) Russia and China
    B) Japan and South Korea
    C) United States and Russia
    D) Japan and the United States
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option D
    Explanation:

    Japan and the United States are planning to develop interceptors to shoot down hypersonic missiles by the 2030s under a contract signed by the two countries.
  6. Which country inaugurated The Bharat Pavilion during the 77th Cannes Film Festival?
    A) India
    B) France
    C) United States
    D) United Kingdom
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option B
    Explanation:

    In a year that spells magic for Bharat at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, with numerous official selections across sections, The Bharat Pavilion was inaugurated at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France.
  7. For how long are India’s Public Sector Banks (PSBs) planning to identify and concentrate efforts on one specialised “champion sector” as part of their business plans?
    A) Until 2030-31
    B) Until 2025-26
    C) Until 2026-27
    D) Until 2035-36
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option C
    Explanation:

    India’s Public Sector Banks (PSBs) are set to identify and concentrate efforts on one specialised “champion sector” each as part of their business plans until 2026-27.
  8. Which bank has recently launched a new digital credit card called Pixel Play Credit Card, offering customizable benefits and cashback options?
    A) State Bank of India (SBI)
    B) ICICI Bank
    C) None of these
    D) HDFC Bank
    E) Axis Bank
    View Answer
    Option D
    Explanation:

    HDFC Bank has launched a new digital credit card called Pixel Play Credit Card that allows allows you to customize benefits to fit your lifestyle and select merchants of your choice to earn cashback, choose card design, and select your preferred billing cycle date.
  9. In the financial year ended March 2024, which public sector bank recorded the highest percentage growth in net profit?
    A) Union Bank of India
    B) Central Bank of India
    C) None of these
    D) State Bank of India
    E) Punjab National Bank
    View Answer
    Option E
    Explanation:

    In percentage terms Delhi-based Punjab National Bank had the highest net profit growth with 228 per cent to ₹8,245 crore, followed by Union Bank of India with a 62 per cent rise to ₹13,649 crore and Central Bank of India with a 61 per cent increase to ₹2,549 crore.
  10. Which bank has launched the ‘ARISE ComeAsYouAre’ talent acquisition programme aimed at recruiting individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community for careers in banking?
    A) HDFC Bank
    B) State Bank of India
    C) Axis Bank
    D) ICICI Bank
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option C
    Explanation:

    Axis Bank has introduced the ‘ARISE ComeAsYouAre’ talent acquisition programme to recruit individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community across India for careers in banking. The initiative focuses on skills-based hiring, offering equal opportunities to fresh graduates and professionals up to 5 years of experience.
  11. Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India has received a three-year extension from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to achieve a 10 per cent public shareholding. By what date is LIC required to increase its public shareholding to 10 per cent?
    A) May 16, 2022
    B) May 17, 2027
    C) May 16, 2024
    D) May 17, 2025
    E) May 16, 2027
    View Answer
    Option E
    Explanation:

    Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India has been granted a three-year extension by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to achieve a 10 per cent public shareholding, the state-owned firm announced to the exchanges.
    LIC is required to increase its public shareholding to 10 per cent on or before May 16, 2027. According to Sebi norms, a company must attain a 10 per cent public shareholding within three years from the date of listing. LIC was listed on May 17, 2022.
  12. PhonePe has partnered with which online payment platform to enable UPI payment acceptance across LankaQR merchant points?
    A) Google Pay
    B) Paytm
    C) PayPal
    D) LankaPay
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option D
    Explanation:

    PhonePe has announced that it has enabled UPI payment acceptance in collaboration with online payment platform LankaPay across LankaQR merchant points. This alliance is facilitated through LankaPay’s partnership with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).
  13. What was the change in the unemployment rate (UR) in India’s urban areas for persons aged 15 years and above from January-March 2023 to January-March 2024?
    A) Decreased from 6.8% to 6.7%
    B) Decreased from 6.7% to 6.8%
    C) Increased from 6.7% to 6.8%
    D) Increased from 6.8% to 6.7%
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option A
    Explanation:

    Unemployment Rate (UR) in Indias urban areas decreased from 6.8% to 6.7% during January March 2023 to January March 2024 for persons of age 15 years and above. Female UR decreased from 9.2% in January March 2023 to 8.5% in January March 2024.
  14. During the Choose France Summit hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced the creation of a Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence in which city?
    A) London
    B) New York
    C) Paris
    D) Mumbai
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option C
    Explanation:

    Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced the creation of a Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence in Paris, during the Choose France Summit, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.
  15. How much is Microsoft investing to expand its artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure in France?
    A) €2 billion ($2.1 billion)
    B) €3 billion ($3.2 billion)
    C) €4 billion ($4.3 billion)
    D) €5 billion ($5.4 billion)
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option C
    Explanation:

    Microsoft is investing €4 billion ($4.3 billion) to expand its artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure in France, deliver AI training to one million people and support 2,500 French startups.
  16. Who recently announced their retirement from international football after the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait on June 6?
    A) Lionel Messi
    B) Cristiano Ronaldo
    C) Sunil Chhetri
    D) Neymar Jr.
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option C
    Explanation:

    India captain Sunil Chhetri(39), the country’s most prolific scorer, will retire from international football after the World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6, the 39-year-old announced.
  17. Who recently became India’s 85th Grandmaster after completing his third and final GM norm in the Dubai Police Masters chess tournament?
    A) P Shyaamnikhil
    B) Vishy Anand
    C) Harikrishna Pentala
    D) Vidit Gujrathi
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option A
    Explanation:

    P Shayaamnikhil became India’s 85th Grandmaster by completing his third and final GM norm in the just-concluded Dubai Police Masters chess tournament, ending a 12-year-wait for the player who took to the sport as an eight-year-old.
  18. Which team won its maiden Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey trophy by defeating Pakistan 4-1 in the penalty shoot-out in the final?
    A) Japan
    B) Malaysia
    C) India
    D) Germany
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option A
    Explanation:

    Japan won its maiden Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey trophy by defeating Pakistan 4-1 in the penalty shoot-out in the final at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia.
  19. Who won the first leg of the Grand Chess Tour (GCT) by defeating Grandmaster Wei Yi in the Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz tournament?
    A) Viswanathan Anand
    B) Magnus Carlsen
    C) Fabiano Caruana
    D) Hikaru Nakamura
    E) Ding Liren
    View Answer
    Option B
    Explanation:

    The first leg of the Grand Chess Tour (GCT) came to a thrilling conclusion as five-time World Champion and World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen beat tournament leader Grandmaster (GM) Wei Yi to win Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz and $40,000 for the first place finish.
  20. Who has been appointed as the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of IndiaFirst Life Insurance for a term of five years, effective from July 1, 2024?
    A) Rushabh Gandhi
    B) Anand Mahindra
    C) Nirmala Sitharaman
    D) Ratan Tata
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option A
    Explanation:

    IndiaFirst Life Insurance’s board has approved the appointment of Rushabh Gandhi as the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) for five years effective July 1, 2024, or the date of regulatory approvals, whichever is earlier.
  21. Who has been appointed as NASA’s first chief artificial intelligence (AI) officer, in addition to his current role as the chief data officer?
    A) David Salvagnini
    B) Elon Musk
    C) Sundar Pichai
    D) Satya Nadella
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option A
    Explanation:

    NASA appointed David Salvagnini as the agency’s first chief artificial intelligence (AI) officer, in an extension of his current role as the chief data officer.
  22. Who was honored with the Global Excellence Award 2024 at a grand event held at Sahara Star Hotel in Mumbai?
    A) Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
    B) Anand Kumar
    C) Raghuram Rajan
    D) Chandrakant Satija
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option D
    Explanation:

    Chandrakant Satija, a renowned educationist and the Founder and CEO of Chandra Admission Consultants was honored with the Global Excellence Award 2024 at a grand event held at Sahara Star Hotel in Mumbai.
  23. What is the name of the guided multi-launch rocket system recently launched by Pakistan, capable of engaging targets with high precision up to a range of 400 kilometres?
    A) Fatah-I
    B) Fatah-II
    C) Ghaznavi
    D) Shaheen
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option B
    Explanation:

    Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of guided multi-launch rocket system ‘Fatah-II’, which is capable of engaging targets with high precision up to a range of 400 kilometres, the army said.
  24. Which space agencies plan to continue operating an instrument on an X-ray astronomy satellite despite an issue affecting one of its instruments?
    A) NASA and ESA
    B) NASA and CNSA
    C) NASA and Roscosmos
    D) NASA and JAXA
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option D
    Explanation:

    NASA and the Japanese space agency JAXA plan to operate an instrument on an X-ray astronomy satellite as-is for at least the next year and a half despite an issue affecting one of its instruments.
  25. At the age of 97, who, a veteran Congress leader and former governor of Gujarat, passed away at a private hospital in Jaipur?
    A) Kamla Beniwal
    B) Sonia Gandhi
    C) Manmohan Singh
    D) Rahul Gandhi
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option A
    Explanation:

    Veteran Congress leader and former governor of Gujarat Kamla Beniwal died at a private hospital in Jaipur. She was 97.
  26. At the age of 92, which esteemed contemporary Canadian author passed away in her home in Ontario, becoming the first Canadian to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013?
    A) Alice Munro
    B) Margaret Atwood
    C) Michael Ondaatje
    D) Robertson Davies
    E) None of the above
    View Answer
    Option A
    Explanation:

    One of the most esteemed contemporary writers, Canadian author Alice Munro, has passed away at the age of 92 in her home in Ontario.she became the first Canadian to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013.

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