June 2, 2024 Current Affairs

1. Which country has pledged to provide military support to Ukraine worth 1 billion euros?

A.    Germany

B.    France

C.   Spain

D.   Italy

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Spain has pledged to offer military assistance to Ukraine worth 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) as part of a deal. The aid package consists of twelve Patriot anti-aircraft missiles manufactured in the U.S., nineteen used Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany, and various weapons made in Spain. This action underscores Spain's commitment to backing Ukraine during geopolitical strains and showcases the collaborative efforts between the two countries.

2. What is the revised GDP growth forecast for India in 2024, according to Goldman Sachs?

A.    6.5%

B.    6.6%

C.   6.8%

D.   6.7%

Answer: Option D     

Explanation:

Goldman Sachs has increased its GDP growth forecast for India in 2024 to 6.7%, representing a 10 basis point upward adjustment. This revised forecast signifies the expected growth path of the Indian economy and demonstrates confidence in its future performance.

3. What rank have smartphones achieved among India's export items?

A.    Fourth

B.    Third

C.   Fifth

D.   Sixth

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

India's export economy has seen a notable boost with smartphones emerging as the country's fourth-largest export commodity, marking a substantial 42% growth to reach $15.6 billion in FY24. This growth underscores the strong performance of the sector and its increasing impact on India's export industry.

4. Who has been appointed as the Chairman of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC)?

A.    C.P. Jain

B.    Yogendra Paswan

C.   S. Kishore

D.   Rakesh Ranjan

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

Rakesh Ranjan, a member of the 1992 IAS batch from the Manipur Cadre, has been designated as the Chairman of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). His appointment includes the rank and salary equivalent to that of Secretary to the Government of India, signifying his higher position in the organization.

5. Where was the Cyber Security Conclave organized?

A.    Mumbai

B.    Bengaluru

C.   New Delhi

D.   Hyderabad

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

The Cyber Security Conclave was held in New Delhi with a focus on tackling the increasing cyber threats. The collaborative event by CSC and United Service Institution aimed to enhance cybersecurity resilience by discussing affordable solutions and programs such as the Cyber Rakshak initiative, which provides women with cybersecurity skills. Moreover, the conclave facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CSC and USI to bolster cybersecurity endeavors.

6. Who assumed the appointment of Commandant at the National Defence Academy?

A.    Simran Sharma

B.    Gurcharan Singh

C.   Ajay Kocchar

D.   Ranjit

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

Assuming the role of Commandant of the National Defence Academy in Pune, Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh succeeded Vice Admiral Ajay Kocchar. With a commission into the Indian Navy in 1990 and expertise in Gunnery and Missiles, Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh brings a vast amount of experience to his new position, guaranteeing the ongoing high standards of India's foremost military training establishment.

7. Which country did India discuss revitalizing "Energy Sector Cooperation" with?

A.    Libya

B.    Iran

C.   Iraq

D.   Kuwait

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

India engaged in talks with Libya to boost collaboration in the "Energy Sector." The meeting in New Delhi between Pankaj Jain, Secretary of India's Ministry of Petroleum, and Mohamed Khalil Issa, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of Libya, centered on strengthening mutual energy partnerships. This encompassed the expansion of crude oil exchanges and the restart of exploration and production initiatives in Libya, with the participation of Indian public sector companies such as Indian Oil, ONGC, and Oil India.

8. Which organization launched the Small Climate Satellite to study Earth's Poles?

A.    ESA

B.    NASA

C.   CNSA

D.   ISRO

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

The Small Climate Satellite was sent into orbit by NASA as a component of the PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission. The primary goal of this mission is to collect information on the thermal radiation emitted by the Arctic and Antarctica into space, which will help improve our comprehension of global climate processes. With its founding dating back to 1958 and its main offices located in Washington, D.C., NASA is widely recognized for its significant advancements in space exploration, scientific investigations, and technological innovations.

9. Which country's scientists developed a superfast method for producing diamonds?

A.    Japan

B.    South Korea

C.   China

D.   India

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

A new method for rapidly producing diamonds has been developed by researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Technology in South Korea. This innovative technique allows for the completion of the process in only 15 minutes at ambient pressure, eliminating the requirement for seed particles. The groundbreaking approach combines gallium, iron, nickel, and silicon in a graphite crucible, with methane introduced at 1,175°C. In comparison to conventional techniques, this advancement notably decreases production time, presenting a hopeful progression in diamond manufacturing technology.

10. Which company launched the first satellites for the new US spy constellation?

A.    SpaceX

B.    NASA

C.   Blue Origin

D.   Bellatrix Aerospace

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

SpaceX has effectively launched the first set of operational spy satellites for the new US spy constellation. The launch, which took place at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California, represents a major achievement for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), enhancing the nation's space-based surveillance capabilities.

11. Who became the first Indian male boxer to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games?

A.    Nikhat Zareen

B.    Manish Kaushik

C.   Nishant Dev

D.   Akhil Kumar

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Nishant Dev created history as the first Indian male boxer to earn a place in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. His qualification was secured through a win against Moldova's Vasile Cebotari in the men's 71 kg category quarterfinals at the World Boxing Qualifiers. This notable accomplishment further enhances India's boxing reputation globally, as Nishant joins fellow Indian boxers such as Nikhat Zareen, Preeti, and Lovlina Borgohain in proudly representing the nation at the esteemed Olympic competition.

12.Recently, which medical institution has won the 2024 Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion by WHO?

A. NIMHANS, Bengaluru

B. KGMU, Lucknow

C. AIIMS, Delhi

D. CMC, Vellore

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

In Bengaluru, the National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) was honored with the 2024 Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion by WHO. This prestigious award, founded in 2019, acknowledges remarkable contributions to health promotion. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Health Minister, and Shri Apurva Chandra, the Union Health Secretary, extended their congratulations to NIMHANS, emphasizing that it signifies India's commitment to inclusive healthcare and groundbreaking mental health initiatives.

13. According to the provisional estimate of the National Statistical Organisation (NSO), what was the growth rate of Indian economy in 2023-24?

A. 7.6%

B. 8.2%

C. 6.6%

D. 5.1%

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

India’s GDP for the fiscal year 2023-24 grew by 8.2%, as reported by the National Statistical Organisation (NSO), surpassing the Reserve Bank of India’s forecast of 7.6%. This is the ninth instance since 1960-61 where GDP growth has exceeded 8%. The robust growth was mainly fueled by a strong showing in Q4 (January-March 2024), with a 7.8% rise compared to the corresponding period in 2023.

14. Recently, the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) signed an MoU with which IIT to collaborate on research and training?

A. IIT Delhi

B. IIT Kanpur

C. IIT Bombay

D. IIT Hyderabad

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

An MoU has been signed between the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and IIT Hyderabad to work together on research and training. The goal of this collaboration is to develop new medical devices and tackle health challenges faced by soldiers in various landscapes. The agreement was formalized by Lt Gen Daljit Singh and Prof. BS Murty, with IIT Hyderabad contributing technical knowledge from its Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, and Bioinformatics departments.

15. Recently, which organizations jointly launched ‘BIMReN initiative’ for PhD students?

A. Ministry of Earth Sciences and Indian Ocean Rim Association

B. Ministry of External Affairs and Bay of Bengal Programme-Inter Governmental Organization

C. Ministry of Science and Technology and BIMSTEC Secretariat

D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and SAARC

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

The BIMReN initiative, established by the Indian government in collaboration with MEA and BOBP-IGO, aims to enhance the development of the blue economy. Through the program, BIMReN assists PhD scholars from BIMSTEC nations in carrying out research in India via Split-Site Doctoral Fellowships, providing funding of up to INR 1 million for a duration of 6-12 months at Indian laboratories. Additionally, the initiative encourages Twinning Research Projects by offering grants of up to INR 5 million for collaborative regional projects lasting 24 months.

16. Which institute recently established ‘DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence’?

A. IIT Hyderabad

B. IIT Bombay

C. IIT Delhi

D. IIT Kanpur

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

Through a partnership with DRDO, IIT Kanpur has set up a DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA CoE) to engage in interdisciplinary research focused on advanced defense technologies. This endeavor is in line with DRDO's plan to establish DIA CoEs at prominent educational institutions, aiming to promote technological advancements with the involvement of skilled faculty, talented students, and DRDO experts, thereby cultivating a strong environment for defense innovation.