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Current Affairs Quiz:26 December 2024

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  1. Which of the following statements is/are ‘correct’ with respect to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s (AKD) visit to India from December 15 to 17, 2024, marking his first bilateral trip after Sri Lanka’s presidential and parliamentary elections?
    A) India and Sri Lanka signed agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion related to income taxes in New Delhi (Delhi)
    B) A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), Government of India (GoI), and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), Sri Lanka
    C) A grant of USD 24.9 million was provided for the signaling project on the Maho-Anuradhapura section of the railway line in Sri Lanka

    1) Only A & B
    2) Only B & C
    3) Only C
    4) Only A & C
    5) All A, B, and C
    Answer-1) Only A & B
    Explanation:
    President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake(AKD), visited India from December 15 to 17,2024, marking his first bilateral trip to India after Sri Lanka’s  presidential and parliamentary elections.
     India and Sri Lanka signed two agreements on Double taxation, capacity building and training in the presence of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake  and PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi(Delhi).
     Protocol Amending the Agreement on Double Taxation:An agreement was signed to avoid double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion related to income taxes.
     MoU on Training and Capacity Building for Civil Servants:A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), Government of India(GoI) and Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), Sri Lanka, focuses on training and capacity building for Sri Lankan civil servants.
     Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake along with PM Narendra Modi issued a joint statement titled “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future” which outlinined a wide range of collaborative initiatives, from energy partnerships to regional security cooperation.
     Grant Assistance for Signaling Project:A grant of USD 14.9 million was funded for the signaling project on the Maho-Anuradhapura section of the railway line in Sri Lanka. Click here to read more

  2. Which company recently (in December ‘2024) signed a contract worth Rs 7,628.70 crore with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply 100 additional K9 VAJRA-T self-propelled tracked artillery guns for the Indian Army?
    1) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
    2) Larsen & Toubro Limited
    3) Tata Advanced Systems Limited
    4) Ashok Leyland Defence System
    5) Mahindra Defence Systems Limited
    Answer-2) Larsen & Toubro Limited
    Explanation:
    On December 20 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth Rs 7,628.70 crore with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) to supply 100 additional K9 VAJRA-T self-propelled tracked artillery guns, each with a 155 millimetre (mm)/52 calibre for the Indian Army (IA). The contract was signed by senior officials of the MoD and the Representatives of L&T Limited in the presence of Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi (Delhi).
     The K9 VAJRA-T artillery guns are being built by L&T’s Hazira plant in partnership with Hanwha Aerospace Company Limited.
     The range of these artillery guns is over 40 kilometer(km) and they can launch projectiles at a speed of around 65 kilometres per hour(km/h).
     These upgraded 155 millimeter(mm) artillery systems are designed for high-altitude operations in regions like Ladakh.
     This procurement comes under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ initiative, aiming to bolster the Army’s firepower and operational capability.

  3. The Vice President (VP) of India Jagdeep Dhankhar recently (in December ‘24) inaugurated the state-of-the-art Geological Survey of India (GSI) Geoscience Museum in ________.
    1) Jaipur, Rajasthan
    2) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
    3) Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
    4) Ahmedabad, Gujarat
    5) Bengaluru, Karnataka
    Answer-3) Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
    Explanation:
    In December 2024, the Vice President (VP) of India Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the state-of-the-art Geological Survey of India (GSI) Geoscience Museum at the Victoria Market Building in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (MP).
     The museum was developed in coordination with the Gwalior Municipal Corporation(GMC) and the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM).
     The Gwalior Geoscience Museum features two remarkable galleries, providing an insight into the secrets of our planet and the history of life’s evolution over time.
     Gallery I, titled Planet Earth: Its Uniqueness in Diversity, showcases Earth’s wonders through displays on volcanoes, meteorites, and magnetic fields, with interactive models and rare specimens like rocks, gemstones, fossils, and dinosaur eggs, providing an exciting experience for all.
     Gallery II, titled Evolution of Life on Earth, shows the history of life from its start to the rise of humans, with seven sections featuring fossils and exhibits about ancient ecosystems, evolution, and mass extinctions, helping visitors learn more about our past and future.

  4. Which of the following is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the 208th meeting of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently (in December ‘24) held in Mumbai?
    A) An issuer can only make an Initial Public Offer (IPO) if it has an operating profit of at least Rs. 2 crore in any 2 out of the 3 previous financial years when filing its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP)
    B) The SEBI has launched a new initiative called the “Past Risk and Return Verification Agency” (PaRRVA) to prevent misleading claims about investment returns.
    C) The SEBI board has increased the threshold for identifying High Value Debt Listed Entities (HVDLEs) from Rs. 500 crores to Rs. 1000 crores, aligning it with the threshold for large corporations.

    1) Only B & C
    2) Only A & B
    3) All A, B, and C
    4) Only A
    5) Only A & C
    Answer-1) Only B & C
    Explanation:
    The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Board conducted its 208th meeting on 18th December 2024, in Mumbai to develop significant measures to improve the business environment in the capital markets. The meeting’s agenda was to formulate reforms for primary markets, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and mutual funds, among others.
     Merchant Bankers (MBs), other than Banks, Public Financial Institution and their subsidiaries, shall undertake only permitted activities.
     They should maintain a liquid net worth of at least 25% of the minimum net worth requirement, at all times.
     An issuer shall make an Initial Public Offer (IPO), only with an operating profit (earnings before interest, depreciation and tax) of Rs.  1 crore from operations for any 2 out of 3 previous financial years at the time of filing of its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP).
     Offer for sale (OFS) by selling shareholders in SME IPO shall not exceed 20% of the total issue size and they cannot sell more than 50% of their holding.
     The SEBI has launched a new initiative, the “Past Risk and Return Verification Agency” (PaRRVA), to prevent misleading claims about investment returns.  This verification system will act like an ISI mark for financial claims.
     The SEBI board has increased the threshold for identification of High Value Debt Listed entities (HVDLEs) from Rs.500 crores to Rs. 1000 crores which is at par with the large Corporates.
     The SEBI Board mandated Custodians to maintain a net worth of  Rs. 75 crores and shall be achieved within 3 years. Click here to read more

  5. Which organization recently (in December ‘24) approved a USD 800 million loan for the Amaravati Integrated Urban Development Project (AIUDP) to develop Amaravati as a greenfield capital city of Andhra Pradesh (AP)?
    1) Asian Development Bank
    2) International Monetary Fund
    3) World Bank
    4) United Nations Development Programme
    5) New Development Bank
    Answer-3) World Bank
    Explanation:
    On December 20, 2024, the World Bank’s (WB) Board of Executive Directors approved a USD 800 million loan for the Amaravati Integrated Urban Development Project (AIUDP), which aims to build Amaravati as a greenfield capital city of Andhra Pradesh(AP).
     The loan amount has a final maturity of 29 years including a grace period of 6 years. India has chosen to take the loan in Japanese Yen(JPY).
     The Bank’s financing will also attract over USD 600 million in private investment, helping the city become financially sustainable and creating economic opportunities for its residents.

  6. Which organization has recently (in December ‘24) honored the Ram Temple project in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (UP), with the ‘Sword of Honour’ award?
    1) World Safety Organization
    2) National Safety Council
    3) British Safety Council
    4) International Labour Organization
    5) Occupational Safety and Health Administration
    Answer-3) British Safety Council
    Explanation:
    The Ram Temple project in Ayodhya(Uttar Pradesh, UP), has recently been honoured with the ‘Sword of Honour‘ award by the British Safety Council (BSC). This project is being designed and constructed by Larsen and Toubro Limited(L&T).
     The Sword of Honour is awarded only to projects with a five-star safety rating, setting a standard for excellence in safety management within the construction industry.
     It demonstrates the project team’s commitment to upholding exceptional safety standards throughout the construction process.
     The temple, built in the traditional Nagar style, spans 380 feet (east-west) by 250 feet and rises to a height of 161 feet. The structure includes 392 pillars and 44 doors, with an imposing east-facing entrance that features 32 steps.
     The temple is being constructed with approximately 15 lakh cubic feet of Bansi Paharpur stone from Rajasthan, and its marble cladding enhances its visual appeal, making it a remarkable architectural achievement.
     The temple showcases intricate architectural designs by artist Vasudev Kamath and architects Sompura and Jay Kaktikar, with contributions from institutions like Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) and Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) enhancing the temple’s structural integrity.
     The construction of the Ram temple project scheduled to be finished by June 2025.
     Note: L&T was previously awarded the ‘Golden Trophy’ by the National Safety Council (NSC) in recognition of their effective safety measures during construction.

  7. REC Limited (Rural Electrification Corporation Limited) has recently (in December ‘24) awarded the Golden Peacock Award 2024 for Excellence in  _________ for maintaining transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices.
    1) Environmental Sustainability
    2) Financial Management
    3) Customer Service
    4) Corporate Governance
    5) Innovation
    Answer- 4) Corporate Governance
    Explanation:
    REC Limited (Rural Electrification Corporation Limited), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of Power and a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), has been awarded with the prestigious Golden Peacock Award 2024 for Excellence in Corporate Governance for maintaining transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices.
     The award was presented by the Golden Peacock Awards Secretariat and Institute of Directors in a ceremony held in London, United Kingdom (UK).
     REC has won the award in Power (Financial Services) category.

  8. Who has been recently (in December ’24) appointed as the new Country Manager and Vice President (VP) for India by Google, replacing interim head Roma Datta Chobey?
    1) Preeti Lobana
    2) Shantanu Narayen
    3) Raghav Gupta
    4) Rajan Anandan
    5) Pradeep K. Sethi
    Answer-1) Preeti Lobana
    Explanation:
    In December 2024, Google, Alphabet Inc’s largest subsidiary, appointed Preeti Lobana as the new Country Manager and Vice President (VP) for India. She replaced interim head Roma Datta Chobey and succeeded Sanjay Gupta, who has moved to the role of President of Google for the Asia-Pacific region.
     Prior to this appointment, she served as the VP of gTech (Google Technical Services) – Process, Partner, Publisher Operations, Ads (Advertisements) Content & Quality Operations.
     Preeti Lobana will lead Google’s strategy in India, focusing on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and digital transformation.
     She has been working with Google for 8 years and also held leadership positions at NatWest (National Westminster Bank Plc) Group and American Express Company.

  9. Which two advanced warships were recently (in December ‘24) delivered to the Indian Navy (IN) by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)?
    1) Nilgiri (YARD 12651) and Surat (YARD 12707)
    2) Vishal (YARD 12652) and Chennai (YARD 12708)
    3) Vikrant (YARD 12653) and Delhi (YARD 12709)
    4) Rajput (YARD 12654) and Mumbai (YARD 12710)
    5) Shivalik (YARD 12655) and Kolkata (YARD 12711)
    Answer- 1) Nilgiri (YARD 12651) and Surat (YARD 12707)
    Explanation:
    December 20 2024, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered 2 advanced warships ‘Nilgiri(YARD 12651)’ and ‘Surat(YARD 12707)’ to the Indian Navy (IN) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The two warships were designed by the IN’s Warship Design Bureau, constructed by MDL and overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team in Mumbai.
     Nilgiri is the 1st stealth frigate of the Project 17A class ship and Surat is the 4th stealth destroyer and final ship of the Project 15B class guided missile destroyer.
     The acceptance documents for ‘Nilgiri’ and ‘Surat’ were signed by MDL Chairman-Managing Director (CMD) Sanjeev Singhal and Chief Security Officer (CSO) (Tech) R. Adhisrinivasan of IN.
     These warships strengthen India’s maritime defence with advanced missile systems, stealth features and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration.
     The Indian Navy Ship (INS) Nilgiri is 126 meters (m)long, the First of Class (FoC) ship of Project 17A stealth frigate keel was laid in 2017 and the ship was launched into water in 2019.
     Weighing over 6,500 tonnes (tons), the Nilgiri can hold 226 sailors and one helicopter.
     The INS Surat is a 164 meters(m) long, large 7,400-tons destroyer with a capacity of 300 sailors. Surat’s keel was laid in 2019 and was launched in 2022. Click here to read more

  10. Recently (in December ‘24) Om Prakash Chautala, the five-time Chief Minister (CM) of _________ passed away at the age of 89.
    1) Delhi
    2) Haryana
    3) Punjab
    4) Uttar Pradesh
    5) Rajasthan
    Answer-2) Haryana
    Explanation:
    In December 2024, Om Prakash Chautala, a five-time Chief Minister (CM) of Haryana, passed away at the age of 89 in Gurugram, Haryana. He was born on January 1, 1935, in Sirsa, Haryana.
     In 1970, Om Prakash Chautala began his political career by winning his first election to the Haryana Legislative Assembly as a member of the Janata Dal (People’s Party).
     From 1987-1990, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of the Indian Parliament) and served until 1990.
     In 1989, he became the CM of Haryana for the 1st time, succeeding his father, Chaudhary Devi Lal, who had taken up the position of Deputy Prime Minister (DYCM) of India.
     He served as the CM of Haryana from 12 July 1990 to 17 July 1990, again from 22 March 1991 to 6 April 1991.
     In 1996, he became the Leader of the Opposition in Haryana after the Haryana Vikas Party formed the government. In 1999, he formed a coalition government, becoming the CM of Haryana for the 4th time.
     In the Haryana Assembly elections 2000, he secured 47 seats in a 90-member assembly, and continued as CM(5th time) until 5 March 2005.
     He had documented his experiences in Urdu diaries, which are being translated into Hindi for upcoming books. His autobiography and a travelogue titled “Meri Videsh Yatra” covering his visits to 119 countries are almost ready for publication.