October - 2024 Current Affairs

Correct Answer :   Switzerland

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Indian Railways has entered a partnership with Switzerland's Department of the Environment, Transport, and Communications (DETEC) to improve infrastructure modernization through technical cooperation.

This MoU focuses on sharing technology, enhancing track maintenance, and upgrading overall infrastructure.

The collaboration is set to increase operational efficiency, safety, and service quality within Indian Railways, reflecting a commitment to modernize and bring global standards to India’s railway network, benefiting both passengers and freight services.

Correct Answer :   TOI-6651b

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Indian researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) have made a significant discovery with the exoplanet TOI-6651b, which is Saturn-sized and has a mass 60 times that of Earth, with a radius five times larger.

This exoplanet orbits a Sun-like star in a cycle of 5.06 days and is located at the edge of the "Neptunian desert," an area known for having few planets of similar mass.

This discovery provides valuable insights into planetary formation processes and expands our understanding of the diversity of exoplanets in the universe.

Correct Answer :   Spain

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India and Spain have recently reinforced their bilateral relations by signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on collaboration in infrastructure, railways, and customs.

This partnership includes designating 2026 as the "India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI" and initiating a cultural exchange program for 2024-28.

To further strengthen diplomatic ties, Spain announced plans to open a new consulate in Bengaluru.

These initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to deepen India-Spain relations across multiple sectors, showcasing mutual interests in cultural and technological exchanges.

Correct Answer :   Bilaspur

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Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday (29th Oct 2024) inaugurated Himachal Pradesh’s first digital library in Bilaspur.

He also inaugurated a new building for the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, constructed at a cost of Rs 1.67 crore, in the district.

“The library offers free access to reading materials via touch screen devices. The facility is equipped with the latest technology, enabling a smart management system that benefits users by streamlining library functions,” Sukhu said in a statement.

To enhance the user experience, each reader will be issued an identity card, which must be scanned to enter the library, which houses approximately 2,500 books, including offline access to NCERT and CBSE textbooks from classes 1 to 12, according to the statement.

In addition, resources for college courses, competitive exams and various educational books will be available to readers, CM Sukhu added..

Source : The Print

Correct Answer :   Ashok Chandra

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The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) on Monday (28th Oct 2024) recommended Ashok Chandra for the position of managing director (MD) & chief executive officer (CEO) of Punjab National Bank (PNB).
 
Chandra is currently executive director (ED) at Canara Bank since November 21, 2022. The current MD & CEO of PNB, Atul Kumar Goel, is set to complete his tenure on December 31, 2024.
 
The FSIB issued a notification on August 1, 2024, inviting applications for the position. The deadline for submitting online applications was August 29, 2024.
 
Chandra started his banking career with the erstwhile Corporation Bank in September 1991 as a probationary officer. He holds a Masters degree in economics and is also a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   'Adamya' and 'Akshar'

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Monday (28th OCt 2024) simultaneously launched two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) 'Adamya' and 'Akshar', with over 60% indigenous content, built by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL).

The ICG in a statement said, "These advanced FPVs will help ICG protect offshore assets and island territories, with their primary role of protection, monitoring, control and surveillance."

The vessels are part of the contract signed with GSL for eight such FPVs to be built at a cost of Rs 473 crore.

"Each FPV has a length of 52m, breadth of 8m, max speed of 27 knots, Controllable Pitch Propeller-based propulsion system and displacement of 320 tons. The ships have been designed and constructed to meet the specific requirements of the ICG under stringent dual class certification of American Bureau of Shipping and Indian Register of Shipping," the ICG added. At present, it comprises more than 180 surface ships.

For the first time the two vessels were launched simultaneously utilising the state-of-art Ship Lift System. The FPVs were inaugurated and named in a ceremonious way by Priya Paramesh in the presence of Director General ICG Paramesh Sivamani, and veterans to chants from the 'Atharva Veda'.

The ships, as a tradition, are launched by a lady after the hull is completed and the machinery and major systems get fitted into it while it is at dry dock. Now the remaining activities and equipment trials will be carried out followed by sea trials before they are commissioned.

Addressing the gathering, DG, ICG appreciated the efforts of GSL and various industries in ensuring that all ship-building requirements of ICG are fulfilled indigenously. Congratulating employees of GSL on achieving this critical milestone, he exhorted them to ensure that the march towards 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence is pursued in the right earnest.

The ceremony was attended by Chairman & Managing Director, GSL, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay and senior officials from the Indian Navy, ICG, GSL and the classification societies..

Source : New Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Amit Shah

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah today (29th OCt 2024) flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The event was organized to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was born on the 31st of October 1875.

Speaking on this occasion, the Home Minister said, today, India stands strong before the world on the path to becoming a leader in every field, and its foundation was laid by Sardar Patel. He stressed that Sardar Patel’s vision, ideas, and message in every field have been given concrete shape by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Home Minister said that the Unity Run is not just a resolution for the unity of the country; it has also become a resolution for a Viksit Bharat. Remembering the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mr. Shah said that Sardar Patel played a pivotal role in unifying the diverse princely states to form a united country.

The Union Home Minister raised question over delaying the conferment of Bharat Ratna to Sardar Patel saying that unfortunate attempts were made to forget Sardar Patel for years.

He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to keep the memory of Sardar Patel alive by installing the world’s tallest statue in Gujarat. The government has decided to organize the event today instead of 31st October because of Diwali.

On Thursday, the Prime Minister will offer floral tribute to Sardar Patel at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia in Gujarat which will be followed by Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations. He will administer the Ekta Diwas pledge and witness Ekta Diwas Parade which will comprise of 16 marching contingents from 9 States and one UT Police, four Central Armed Police Forces, NCC and a marching band.

Special attractions this year include Hell March contingent of NSG, daredevil show by BSF and CRPF women and men bikers, a show on combination of Indian Martial Arts by BSF, piped band show by school children and Surya Kiran flypast by Indian Air Force..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Vipin Kumar

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Vipin Kumar has taken over charge as Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI) with effect from 28 October 2024.

Prior to this appointment, Kumar was serving as Additional Secretary, the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India.

He is a 1996 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Bihar cadre.

During his tenure at Ministry of Education, Government of India, he was looking after Samagra Shiksha Scheme, National Education Policy-2020, PM-SHRI Scheme and other important assignments.

During his posting in Bihar, he worked as District Magistrate in many districts of the state. He was also the Chairman of Bihar Bridge Construction Corporation; Managing Director of Bihar Milk Cooperative Federation (SUDHA) and Director, Mid-Day Meal Scheme-Bihar.

Kumar holds a degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering. In his new assignment as the Chairman of AAI, Kumar will lead efforts to achieve AAI’s organizational goals of developing world-class airport infrastructure, leading air navigation services and providing top-of-the-line passenger facilities across the country. His role will be instrumental in charting the roadmap of Indian aviation sector towards realising the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat-2047.

Correct Answer :   African countries

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The State Bank of India (SBI) and India Exim Bank are addressing the trade finance gap to support businesses in African countries.

This initiative aims to enhance capacity, particularly for smaller businesses, and facilitate trade by funding local banks in Africa through syndications.

The Trade Assistance Programme (TAP) also supports commercial banks in financing cross-border trade.

By bridging the trade finance gap, SBI and India Exim Bank promote economic cooperation and growth between India and African nations.

This strategic move strengthens bilateral trade relationships and fosters business development in the region.

Correct Answer :   October 29

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The International Day of Care and Support is observed annually on October 29 to recognize the vital contributions of caregivers and promote supportive laws and programs.

This day acknowledges the significance of both paid and unpaid care work, emphasizing the importance of valuing care workers as essential contributors to society and the economy.

The observance also aims to reduce and redistribute unpaid care work, promoting gender balance and economic opportunities for women. By celebrating care and compassion, this day fosters stronger, more inclusive communities worldwide.