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Current Affairs Quiz:31 December 2024

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  1. As per the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey: 2023-24 (HCES: 2023-24) recently (in December ‘24) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the average Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) in rural and urban India has been estimated to be ____________ and ________________ respectively.
    1) Rs 3,585 and Rs 6,551
    2) Rs 4,122 and Rs 6,996
    3) Rs 3,800 and Rs 6,200
    4) Rs 4,708 and Rs 7,188
    5) Rs 5,911 and Rs 7,824
    Answer- 2) Rs 4,122 and Rs 6,996
    Explanation:
    In December 2024, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the results of Household Consumption Expenditure Survey: 2023-24 (HCES: 2023-24). As per the latest survey, the average Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) in rural and urban India has been estimated to be Rs 4,122 and Rs 6,996, respectively in 2023-24, without considering the values of items received free of cost by the households through various social welfare programmes.
     While, the average MPCE (without imputation) in nominal terms has increased by about 8% and 9%  in urban and rural areas of the country, respectively in 2023-24 from the level of 2022-23.
     The survey showed that the urban-rural gap in MPCE has decreased from 84% (in 2011-12) to 71% (in 2022-23), which has further decreased to 70% (in 2023-24) which reflects sustained momentum of consumption growth in rural areas.
     As per the survey, Non-food items continue to be the major contributor to average monthly expenditure of households in 2023-24 with about 53% and 60% share in MPCE in rural and urban areas respectively.
     States with highest average MPCE for urban areas in 2023-24: Telangana (Rs 8,978); Tamil Nadu (TN) (Rs 8,165); Karnataka (Rs 8,076); Maharashtra (Rs 7,363) and Andhra Pradesh (AP) (Rs 7,182).
     States with highest average MPCE for rural areas in 2023-24: Kerala (Rs 6,611); Punjab (Rs 5,817);TN (Rs 5,701) and Telangana (Rs 5,435).
     Sikkim reported the highest MPCE among all the Indian states, with Rs 9,377 in rural areas and Rs 13,927 in urban areas for 2023-24.
     Chandigarh reported the highest MPCE among all the UTs, with Rs 8,857 in rural areas and Rs 13,425 in urban areas for 2023-24.  Click here to read more.

  2. In December 2024, India’s first sustainable road using lignin-based _______________ was inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) at the Nagpur-Mansar Bypass on NH (National Highway)-44.
    1) Bio-asphalt
    2) Eco-resin
    3) Bio-bitumen
    4) Green cement
    5) Green polymer
    Answer- 3) Bio-bitumen
    Explanation:
    India’s first sustainable road using lignin-based bio bitumen was inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari,Ministry of Road Transport and Highways(MoRTH) at the Nagpur-Mansar Bypass on NH (National Highway)-44.The project has been launched by the Pune (Maharashtra) based Praj Industries, a leading company in industrial biotechnology.
      Praj Industries developed this project in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) , the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and Oriental Structural Engineers(OSE).
     Bio-bitumen saves India Rs.4,000–Rs.4,500 crore annually in foreign exchange on imported bitumen and promotes sustainable road development.
     India consumed 88 lakh tons of fossil-based bitumen in 2023-24, with consumption expected to rise to 100 lakh tons in 2024-25. About 50% is imported, costing Rs.25,000-30,000 crore annually.
     Bio-Bitumen is an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based bitumen, made from renewable sources like agricultural waste. It’s used in roads, roofing, and waterproofing, offering durability while reducing environmental impact.

  3. Which country has recently (in December ‘24) signed a bipartisan bill that officially designates the “Bald Eagle” as their National bird?
    1) Canada
    2) China
    3) Singapore
    4) United Kingdom
    5) United States of America
    Answer-5) United States of America
    Explanation:
    In December 2024, President of the United States of America (USA), Joseph Robinette Biden signed a bipartisan bill that officially designates the “Bald Eagle” as the National bird of the USA. The significant recognition formalizes the bald eagle’s role as a symbol of American strength and power, a position it has held informally for over 240 years.
     The bald eagle has been a symbol of the USA since 1782, when it was featured on the Great Seal of the USA. The seal includes the eagle, an olive branch, arrows, a shield, the motto “E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One)” and a constellation of stars.
     The bald eagle is native to North America, Canada, the USA and appears on various national emblems, including the presidential flag, USA currency and military insignia.
     Haliaeetus leucocephalus is the scientific name of the bald eagle, known for its striking white head and yellow beak atop its brown body.

  4. Which company has recently (in December ‘24) launched two new motor insurance add-on covers ‘Eco Assure – Repair Protection’ and ‘Named Driver Cover’, offering personalised coverage, enhanced convenience and promoting sustainability?
    1) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited
    2) Max Life Insurance Company Limited
    3) Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited
    4) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Limited
    5) SBI Life Insurance Company Limited
    Answer-4) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Limited
    Explanation:
    Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Limited, a leading private general insurer in India launched two new motor insurance add-on covers ‘Eco Assure – Repair Protection’ and ‘Named Driver Cover’, offering personalised coverage, enhanced convenience and promoting sustainability.
     The unique offerings are the first of their kind in the insurance industry, launched as motor insurance continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in India’s general insurance market.
     Eco Assure-Repair Protection focuses on eco-friendly vehicle repairs and replacements, ensuring both sustainability and high-quality service while prioritising customer benefits.
     It is available for private cars up to 12 years old, offering an eco-friendly and affordable repair option, with policyholders getting a Green Certificate of Acknowledgement(GCA) for contributing to environmental conservation.
     Other features include coverage for legal costs, personal baggage, and lost keys, all insured up to Rs. 50,000.
     Named Driver Cover introduces greater flexibility and protection by providing its own damage coverage based on a named driver.
     It protects the owner-driver when driving another car with a valid Third-Party policy but no own damage cover, offering coverage up to the sum insured for added security.

  5. In December 2024, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance (MoF) released its Monthly Economic Review for November 2024. As per the report, the Indian economy is likely to grow at ________ in Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25).
    1) 6.2%
    2) 6.3%
    3) 6.4%
    4) 6.5%
    5) 6.6%
    Answer-4) 6.5%
    Explanation:
    In December 2024, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance (MoF) released its Monthly Economic Review for November 2024. As per the report, the Indian economy is likely to grow at 6.5% in Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) compared to its previous projection of 6.5% to 7%, due to challenges posed by global uncertainties and triggers.
     This projection came following India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell to 5.4% in the 2nd Quarter (Q2: July to September) of FY25.
     The report has cited the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s tight monetary policy among the reasons for the slowdown in the 1st Half (H1: April to September) of FY25.
     As per the report, India’s GDP growth outlook for 3rd Quarter (Q3: October to December) of FY25 appears bright, with urban demand picking up in the 1st two months of the quarter.
     The report mentioned that factors like: an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for rabi crops, a high reservoir level, and adequate fertilizer availability supported the sowing of  rabi crops.
     The report showed that the rural demand remains resilient as sales of two and three-wheeler and domestic tractor have increased by 23.2% and 9.8%, respectively.

  6. Which company has recently (in December ‘24) become the first Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) company to offer all three core financial services on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform?
    1) Edelweiss Financial Services Limited
    2) Aditya Birla Capital Limited
    3) Jio Financial Services Limited
    4) Bajaj Finserv Limited
    5) Axis Capital Limited
    Answer-2) Aditya Birla Capital Limited
    Explanation:
    Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Aditya Birla Capital Limited(ABCL) has become the first Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance(BFSI) company to offer all three core financial services lending, insurance, and Mutual Fund(MF) investments on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform.
     This action aims to promote financial inclusion nationwide and offer more access to financial products, especially in underserved markets.
     The ONDC network will now enable a number of live buyer applications(apps) to provide their customers with MF, health insurance, and personal loans from ABCL.
     Aditya Birla Finance Limited (ABFL) was an early adopter of credit integration during ONDC’s pilot phase, while Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited (ABHICL) and Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company(ABSLAMC) were among the first to offer health insurance and MFs on the platform.

  7. Who has been recently (in December ‘24) honoured with the Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award for Public Leadership from the South Indian Education Society (SIES)?
    1) Narendra Modi
    2) Piyush Goyal
    3) Dharmendra Pradhan
    4) Nirmala Sitharaman
    5) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
    Answer- 5) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
    Explanation:
    In December 2024, Union Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), was awarded the Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award for Public Leadership from the South Indian Education Society (SIES), one of India’s oldest educational societies, headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
     The award is named after Mahaswami Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi, also known as Maha Periyavar, a revered spiritual leader and the “Sage of Kancheepuram.”
     The Award is an annual recognition presented by the SIES to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

  8. Which organisation has recently (in December ‘24) appointed Justice V. Ramasubramanian as its 9th Chairperson for a three-year term ending in December 2027?
    1) National Crime Records Bureau
    2) Central Vigilance Commission
    3) Election Commission of India
    4) National Human Rights Commission
    5) National Legal Services Authority
    Answer-4) National Human Rights Commission
    Explanation:
    In December 2024, President of India, Droupadi Murmu appointed former Supreme Court (SC) Justice V. Ramasubramanian as the 9th Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for a three-year term ending in December 2027.
     Justice Ramasubramanian succeeds Justice (Retired) Arun Kumar Mishra, whose tenure concluded on June 1, 2024. Since then, the NHRC had been functioning under Acting Chairperson Vijaya Bharati Sayani.
     The President also appointed child rights activist Priyank Kanoongo and retired Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi as NHRC members.
     Justice V. Ramasubramanian, is a noted Tamil scholar and skilled judgment writer. He joined the Bar in 1983 and practiced for about 23 years in the High Court of Madras.
     He served in various courts, including as Chief Justice (CJ) of Himachal Pradesh (HP) High Court (HC) and a Supreme Court (SC) judge (2019–2023), delivered 102 key judgments on issues like demonetization and bribery.

  9. Name the world’s largest amphibious assault ship launched by China in December 2024.
    1) Fujian
    2) Sichuan
    3) Liaoning
    4) Shandong
    5) Changcheng
    Answer-2) Sichuan
    Explanation:
    In December 2024, China launched the World’s Largest amphibious assault ship “Sichuan” at a shipyard in Shanghai, China. It is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult for fighter jets to enhance naval combat capabilities in distant seas.
     The Sichuan, the first ship of the Type 076 class with a displacement of 40,000 tons, is designed to deploy ground troops in landing crafts and offer them air support.
     China also launched its first icebreaker ship ‘Tan Suo San Hao’ for scientific and archaeological research.
     The Sichuan, the first Yulan-class landing helicopter assault (LHA), is developed by Chinese researchers and equipped with “arrestor” technology, which allows fighter jets to land on its deck.
     It is the third aircraft carrier of the PLAN. The Fujian is China’s first warship to feature an electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, began sea trials with its maiden voyage on 1st May 2024, after being launched on 17th June 2022.
     The PLAN’s first and second aircraft carriers are the Liaoning and the Shandong.
      China’s first amphibious assault ships, the Type 075, launched in 2019.
     Chinese military expert Song Zhongping referred to the Sichuan as a “light aircraft carrier.”

  10. In December 2024, the former President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), Osamu Suzuki passed away.
    When did he receive the Padma Bhushan award, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his contribution to the country’s economic development through the automobile industry ?

    1) 2005
    2) 2007
    3) 2009
    4) 2010
    5) 2012
    Answer-2) 2007
    Explanation:
    In December 2024, the former President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Japan based Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), Osamu Suzuki passed away at the age of 94 in Shizuoka, Japan. He was born in Gifu, Japan in 1930.
     He played a key role in transforming the Japanese mini-vehicle manufacturer into a globally competitive company.
     Osamu Suzuki began his career as a loan officer at a local bank. He became the 4th adopted son to head SMC after marrying Shoko Suzuki, the granddaughter of the company’s founder, Michio Suzuki.
     He joined SMC in 1958, became its president and CEO in 1978, and in 2000, he was appointed chairman of the company. He retired in June 2021 and became an adviser to SMC.
     In 2007, Osamu Suzuki was honoured with the ‘Padma Bhushan’, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his contribution to the country’s economic development through the automobile industry.
     In 1984, he was also awarded the Sitara-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, by the Government of Pakistan.’
     He was awarded the “Middle Cross with the Star Order of Merit” for his economic contribution by Hungary, one of the highest honours given to private citizens in Hungary.
     In 1982, Suzuki partnered with the Government of India (GoI) to create Maruti Udyog Limited. The partnership changed the market, which had previously been dominated by outdated cars using old technology.