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Daily Current Affairs
21 December, 2024
1. Which U.S. initiative aims to reduce the trade deficit with the European Union (EU)?
a) Increased defense exports to EU nations
b) Purchase of oil and natural gas from the U.S.
c) Tariff-free trade agreements
d) Economic sanctions on EU businesses
e) Enhanced cooperation on renewable energy
Answer: b) Purchase of oil and natural gas from the U.S.
Explanation:
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump urged the EU to buy oil and natural gas from the U.S. to reduce the trade gap, which stood at $202.5 billion in 2022. This step aligns with Washington’s strategy to balance trade relations.
2. What is the strategic significance of the Siliguri Corridor for India?
a) It connects northeastern India with Southeast Asia.
b) It acts as a defense outpost for Himalayan regions.
c) It links northeastern India to the rest of the country.
d) It facilitates maritime trade with Bangladesh.
e) It is India’s hub for international trade negotiations.
Answer: c) It links northeastern India to the rest of the country.
Explanation:
The Siliguri Corridor, known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” is a narrow strip of land that connects northeastern India to the mainland. Its geographical significance makes it critical for transit and defense purposes.
3. What is the key feature of India’s new undersea cable systems, IAX and IEX?
a) Enhanced maritime communication in the Indian Ocean.
b) Connection of India to North America and South America.
c) Connectivity of Indian cities to Southeast Asia and Europe.
d) Improved communication within the Bay of Bengal region.
e) Increased trade between India and East Asian countries.
Answer: c) Connectivity of Indian cities to Southeast Asia and Europe.
Explanation:
The IAX and IEX subsea cables connect Indian cities to Southeast Asia and Europe, respectively, bolstering India’s digital connectivity, cybersecurity, and global data communication networks.
4. Under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), how many hospital admissions have been authorized as of now?
a) Over 6 crore
b) Over 7 crore
c) Over 8 crore
d) Over 9 crore
e) Over 10 crore
Answer: c) Over 8 crore
Explanation:
Under PM-JAY, over 8.39 crore hospital admissions have been authorized, with total expenditures reaching ₹1.16 lakh crore. The program aims to provide affordable healthcare to millions of Indians.
5. What is the primary purpose of India’s purchase of additional K9 Vajra artillery guns?
a) Boosting exports of defense equipment.
b) Strengthening India’s northern borders.
c) Reducing dependence on foreign defense imports.
d) Enhancing maritime security.
e) Increasing defense capabilities in northeastern states.
Answer: c) Reducing dependence on foreign defense imports.
Explanation:
The procurement of K9 Vajra artillery guns aligns with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which focuses on achieving self-reliance in defense production and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
6. What is the projected market size of India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) by 2030?
- A) $50 billion
- B) $75 billion
- C) $100 billion
- D) $125 billion
- E) $150 billion
Answer: C) $100 billion
Explanation: According to recent reports, India’s GCCs are projected to become a $100 billion industry by 2030, employing over 2.5 million professionals. This growth is driven by India’s talent pool, cost competitiveness, and adaptability in the business environment.
7. What is the MSP set for ball copra for the year 2025?
- A) ₹11,000 per quintal
- B) ₹11,800 per quintal
- C) ₹12,000 per quintal
- D) ₹12,100 per quintal
- E) ₹13,000 per quintal
Answer: D) ₹12,100 per quintal
Explanation: The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for ball copra has been increased to ₹12,100 per quintal for the year 2025, marking a slight increase from ₹12,000 in 2024. This helps provide financial security to farmers.
8. Which of the following locations is NOT a key strategic hub for GCCs in India?
- A) Bangalore
- B) Hyderabad
- C) Gurugram
- D) Kolkata
- E) Pune
Answer: D) Kolkata
Explanation: Key strategic locations for GCCs in India include Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gurugram, Chennai, and Pune. Kolkata is not a significant hub for GCC activities as highlighted in the data.
9. What is the unique feature of shade-grown coffee in India?
- A) It is grown with artificial fertilizers.
- B) It requires intensive irrigation.
- C) It grows under a tree canopy, supporting biodiversity.
- D) It uses genetically modified seeds.
- E) It is exclusive to South American regions.
Answer: C) It grows under a tree canopy, supporting biodiversity.
Explanation: Shade-grown coffee is cultivated under a tree canopy, sustaining biodiversity and enabling the growth of indigenous plants. India is the only country that grows all its coffee under shade.
10. According to FSSAI’s new mandate, what data must be submitted quarterly by food businesses?
- A) Revenue data
- B) Employee details
- C) Rejected and expired food products data
- D) Monthly sales data
- E) Customer feedback reports
Answer: C) Rejected and expired food products data
Explanation: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated quarterly submissions of data regarding rejected and expired food items, including details of disposal methods, to ensure quality control.
