June 11, 2024 Current Affairs

1. Who became the youngest tribal woman to win a Lok Sabha seat from an unreserved constituency in Karnataka?

A.    Subhashini Ali

B.    Suba Jarkiholi

C.   Priyanka Jarkiholi

D.   Anita Arya

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Priyanka Jarkiholi has created history as the youngest tribal woman to secure a Lok Sabha seat from an unreserved constituency in Karnataka. Her victory in the Chikkodi constituency, where she defeated the incumbent MP Annasaheb Jolle, marks a significant milestone, showcasing her political strength in the state's electoral arena.

2. Who has been appointed as the Secretary of the Competition Commission of India (CCI)?

A.    Inder Pal Singh Bindra

B.    Anupama Anand

C.   Dhanendra Kumar

D.   Ravneet Kaur

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

Inder Pal Singh Bindra, a member of the Indian Revenue Service, has assumed the position of Secretary at the Competition Commission of India (CCI). He takes over from Anupama Anand and is set to hold this position for a three-year tenure. The CCI, which was formed to implement the Competition Act of 2002, plays a vital role in promoting fair competition and curbing activities that hinder market competition in India.

3. Which financial institution has acquired a 6.125% stake in Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (IFSC)?

A.    State Bank of India

B.    Punjab National Bank

C.   ICICI Bank

D.   Bank of India

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

Bank of India has purchased a 6.125% share in Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (IFSC) for ₹6.125 crore, aiming to bolster its position in GIFT City IFSC. This strategic step aligns with the bank's objective of improving operations and supporting the financial ecosystem. The acquisition demonstrates Bank of India's dedication to expanding its reach and impact in the international financial center at GIFT City.

4. Who recently took oath as the Chief Minister of Sikkim for the second consecutive term?

A.    Prem Singh Tamang

B.    Pawan Chamling

C.   Bhaichung Bhutia

D.   Laxmi Prasad Yadhav

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

For the second time in a row, Prem Singh Tamang, the head of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), took the oath as the Chief Minister of Sikkim on June 10. The oath was administered by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, with 11 other Ministers from the SKM party also taking part in the ceremony. Tamang's reappointment comes after SKM's overwhelming victory in the recent state elections, where they secured 31 out of 32 seats in the assembly. His leadership remains crucial as the state moves forward under SKM's administration for another term.

6. Which port is India targeting to manage in Bangladesh as part of its overseas port operations?

A.    Chabahar Port

B.    Sittwe Port

C.   Gwadar Port

D.   Mongla Port

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

India is targeting the management of the Mongla Port in Bangladesh as a way to grow its international port activities and improve regional connectivity. This effort is intended to offset China's presence in the area and bolster India's economic and security concerns, mirroring its efforts in Chabahar, Iran, and Sittwe, Myanmar. This endeavor highlights India's proactive stance in safeguarding crucial sea lanes and cultivating key alliances with neighboring nations such as Bangladesh.

7. Which bank is opening a representative office in Dubai to enhance its global presence?

A.    South Indian Bank

B.    IDFC First Bank

C.   Axis Bank

D.   Punjab National Bank

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

With the goal of bolstering its global presence, Punjab National Bank (PNB) is setting up a representative office in Dubai. This strategic decision is intended to enhance PNB's international reach and is in line with its overarching strategy to boost profitability by expanding its portfolio and diversifying revenue streams. The office is anticipated to commence operations in the ongoing financial year once regulatory clearances are obtained, showcasing PNB's dedication to improving customer service and promoting business expansion in significant global markets.

8. Where does GAIL plan to set up India’s largest Ethane Cracker project?

A.    Gujarat

B.    Madhya Pradesh

C.   Maharashtra

D.   Rajasthan

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

GAIL, the leading natural gas company in India, is planning to build the largest Ethane Cracker Project in the country in Madhya Pradesh (MP), particularly in Ashta, Sehore district. This significant project, which is anticipated to cost about Rs 60,000 crore and have a capacity of 1,500 KTA (kilotons per annum), demonstrates GAIL's strategic move to strengthen India's petrochemical capabilities. The state government of Madhya Pradesh has provided approximately 800 hectares of land for the project, supporting its progress and contributing to the industrial advancement and job opportunities in the region.

9. Which port ascended to the 19th position in the Container Port Performance Index 2023?

A.    Chennai Port

B.    Visakhapatnam Port

C.   Mundra Port

D.   Kolkata Port

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

Visakhapatnam Port has secured the 19th spot in the Container Port Performance Index 2023, outperforming Mundra Port. Operated by J M Baxi Ports & Logistics, the port's impressive performance in vessel time and operational metrics has led to its strong position. This acknowledgment emphasizes the significant role of Visakhapatnam Port in India's maritime industry, showcasing its operational proficiency and commitment to international container handling standards.

10. With which institution is NASA collaborating to study multidrug-resistant pathogens on the International Space Station?

A.    IIT Delhi

B.    IISc Bangalore

C.   IIT Madras

D.   AIIMS Delhi

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

A partnership between IIT Madras and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been established to investigate multidrug-resistant pathogens on the International Space Station (ISS). The primary goal of this joint effort is to study how these pathogens behave, adapt, and evolve in the distinctive space environment located around 400 km above the Earth. The results of this research are expected to have important implications for comprehending microbial behavior in extreme circumstances, providing valuable insights that may impact healthcare protocols and antimicrobial strategies on our planet.

11. Which country's Parliament recently ratified the framework agreement for International Solar Alliance (ISA) membership?

A.    Nepal

B.    Bhutan

C.   Bangladesh

D.   Sri Lanka

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

The House of Representatives in Nepal has recently endorsed the proposal for ratifying the framework agreement for membership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA). This move demonstrates Nepal's dedication to utilizing solar energy as a sustainable power source to aid in achieving its national development objectives and addressing climate change. As a component of its renewable energy plan, Nepal is targeting a substantial enhancement in its solar power capacity, with a goal to generate as much as 30,000 MW of electricity from solar resources by 2035, highlighting its proactive approach to sustainable energy alternatives.

12. Where was the 112th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) held?

A.    New York

B.    Geneva

C.   Paris

D.   Vienna

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

The International Labour Organization (ILO) organized the 112th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland. This annual conference gathers delegations from 187 member states, such as India led by Secretary Sumita Dawra, to deliberate on and establish international labour standards with the goal of advancing social justice and economic well-being worldwide.

13. Who won the Canadian Grand Prix 2024 for the third consecutive year?

A.    Lewis Hamilton

B.    Sebastian Vettel

C.   Max Verstappen

D.   Charles Leclerc

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Max Verstappen, representing Red Bull, secured his third straight win at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix. The race took place at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. This triumph was Verstappen's 60th victory in Formula 1 and showcased his supremacy in the 2024 F1 season, where he has won six out of nine races to date. His exceptional performance highlights his talent and resolve in the highly competitive realm of Formula 1 racing.

14. Which Indian state government has announced a significant investment in the Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit?

A.    Rajasthan

B.    Gujarat

C.   Madhya Pradesh

D.   Uttar Pradesh

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is leading Rajasthan in allocating Rs 100 crore for the Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit development. This project seeks to boost tourism through infrastructure improvements and conservation of cultural heritage sites linked to Maharana Pratap, including Udaipur, Chawand, Haldighati, and more. This funding highlights Rajasthan's commitment to showcasing its abundant historical heritage and drawing increased tourism to these important destinations.

15. Who won the Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 ATP Challenger Tennis tournament?

A.    Alexander Ritschard

B.    Roger Federer

C.   Sumit Nagpal

D.   Novak Djokovic

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

By winning the Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 ATP Challenger Tennis tournament in Germany, Sumit Nagpal secured his sixth ATP Challenger title. His triumph against Alexander Ritschard of Switzerland in a closely contested final confirmed Nagpal's position as the leading men's singles player in India. This accomplishment not only boosts Nagpal's professional reputation but also secures his spot in the upcoming 2024 Summer Paris Olympics, underscoring his growing prominence in the world of tennis.

16. What is the primary purpose of the ‘Duty Drawback Scheme’, recently seen in news?

A. To increase import duties

B. To rebate the incidence of Customs and Central Excise duties on materials used in exported goods

C. To provide loans to exporters

D. To penalize non-compliant exporters

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

Exporters now receive duty drawback payments directly into their bank accounts through an automated process by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). This scheme, in line with WTO regulations and the Customs Act of 1962, refunds Customs and Central Excise duties on materials used in exports, whether imported or excisable. By zero-rating exports, it alleviates specific tax obligations for exporters, thereby fostering export activities. Eligible items encompass goods made from imported or domestic materials, whether imported, utilized, or produced.

17. Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?

A. Uttar Pradesh

B. Madhya Pradesh

C. Rajasthan

D. Gujarat

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

Due to the presence of tigers in Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) in Uttar Pradesh, a new tiger reserve will be set up. SWS, situated along the Indo-Nepal border in Shravasti, Balrampur, and Gonda districts, covers an area of 452 sq km. Established in 1988, this sanctuary comprises a combination of deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, providing habitat to a wide range of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, and various bird species. SWS is an integral part of the Bhabar-Tarai ecosystem.

18. Which type of ecosystem is associated with the recent discovery of fascinating animals like transparent sea cucumbers and pink sea pigs?

A. Deserts

B. Abyssal Plains

C. Kelp forests

D. Montane forests

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

Transparent sea cucumbers, pink sea pigs, and bowl-shaped sponges were found during a recent deep-sea exploration of the Abyssal Plains in the Pacific Ocean. These plains, which are flat regions of the ocean floor typically located at the foot of continental rises, are predominantly situated in the Atlantic Ocean. They account for 40% of the Earth's ocean floor, are situated at depths exceeding 6,500 feet, and consist of basalt overlaid with different sediments. The Sohm plain is the most extensive among them.

19. Recently, where was the East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) held?

A. Beijing, China

B. New Delhi, India

C. Bangkok, Thailand

D. Vientiane, Lao

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

Jaideep Mazumdar, the Secretary (East), attended the East Asia Summit (EAS SOM) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF SOM) in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on June 7-8, 2024, representing India. Important topics covered during the meetings were peace in the Indo-Pacific region, maritime security, and regional disputes. Mazumdar underscored the significance of EAS in fostering stability and underscored India's efforts in maritime security. Additionally, he engaged in one-on-one discussions with counterparts from various nations to explore opportunities for regional collaboration and exchange of viewpoints.

20. What is “sticky inflation”, recently seen in news?

A. A temporary drop in prices

B. A phenomenon where prices adjust quickly to changes in supply and demand

C. A phenomenon where prices do not adjust quickly to changes in supply and demand

D. A significant decline in consumer goods prices

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

The RBI recently decided to keep the repo rate unchanged for the eighth consecutive time due to concerns about sticky inflation. Sticky inflation refers to prices that do not adjust quickly to changes in supply and demand, leading to ongoing inflation. Rising wages and consumer prices are contributing factors to this issue, which is prompting monetary authorities to contemplate tightening policy and raising interest rates to tackle it.