Current Affairs Quiz 28th June 2024 Quiz

Exp. Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders get Navratna status as 18th PSU

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders has been granted “Navratna” status by the Department of Public Enterprises. It is now the 18th PSU in the country to receive this status.

A Navratna company can undertake investments worth up to Rs. 1,000 crore, without needing approval from the central government.

It is also allowed to form Joint Ventures, and alliances and establish subsidiaries abroad. Some notable Navratnas are Engineers India, CONCOR, Bharat Electronics, Hindustan Aeronautics, RCF, NALCO, NMDC, RVNL, IRCON and IREDA.

In order to become a Navratna company, the PSU should first be a Miniratna company.

It must also report a net profit of ₹5,000 crore for three years in a row and must maintain an average annual turnover of over ₹25,000 crore for three years, or have an average annual net worth of over ₹15,000 crore for three years.  

Exp. Union Territory of Ladakh achieves full functional Literacy ULLAS

Ladakh has become the first administrative unit to achieve full functional literacy under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Program).

Lieutenant Governor Dr. BD Mishra made this announcement during a celebration at Sindhu Sanskritik Kendra in Leh.

The Union Territory has surpassed 97% literacy, marking a major success for the centrally sponsored scheme aimed at empowering adults aged 15 and above with foundational literacy, numeracy, and critical life skills.

About ULLAS

• ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme (NILP), is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027.
• The scheme aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to empower those adults aged 15 years and above from all backgrounds who could not get due schooling and mainstream them with society to be able to contribute more to the growth story of the country.
• It covers five key components: foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills, basic education, vocational skills, and continuing education.
• The vision of the ULLAS Scheme is to make Bharat Jan Jan Saakshar, which is based on the spirit of Kartvya Bodh and is being implemented through volunteerism.

Exp. Tata Sons to Build ₹650 Crore ‘Museum of Temples’ in Ayodhya

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved Tata Sons’ proposal to build a ‘museum of temples’ in Ayodhya, a project worth Rs 650 crore to be funded through Tata’s corporate social responsibility fund.

The plan then was to showcase the history and architecture of famous temples in the country. Also discussed was setting up a light-and-sound show at the proposed museum.

Additionally, the state cabinet has also sanctioned Rs 100 crore for further development works in Ayodhya and endorsed the initiation of helicopter services in Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Kapilvastu.

About Uttar Pradesh

• Capital – Lucknow
• Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
• Governor – Anandiben Patel

Exp. India received $120 billion in remittances in 2023: World Bank

According to the World Bank report, India has received USD 120 billion in remittances in 2023.

China (USD 50 billion), the Philippines (USD 39 billion), and Pakistan (USD 27 billion) figure in top five countries list of remittances recipients.

Remittance flows to India from the United Arab Emirates, which account for 18 per cent and are the second largest source of India’s remittances after the United States.

In addition to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar account for 11 per cent of India’s total remittances.

About World Bank

• Founded – 1944
• Headquarters – Washington Dc
• President – Ajay Banga
• MD & CFO – Anshula Kant
• Chief Economist – Indermit Gill
• Executive Director – Rajesh Khullar
• Member Countries -189  

Exp. SBI raises ₹10,000 crore through infra bonds

State Bank of India (SBI) has raised ₹10,000 crore at a coupon rate of 7.36 per cent through its fifth infrastructure bond issuance.

The issue attracted an overwhelming response from investors, with bids in excess of ₹19,884 crore, and was oversubscribed by around four times against the base issue size of ₹5,000 crore.

Based on the response, the bank has decided to accept ₹10,000 crore at a coupon rate of 7.36 per cent payable annually.

This represents a spread of 21 bps over the corresponding FBIL G-Sec par curve. The instrument is rated AAA with stable outlook.

About State Bank of India (SBI)  

• Founded – 1 July 1955
• Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman – Dinesh Kumar Khara
• Tagline – (1) Pure Banking Nothing Else

(2) With you all the way

(3) A bank of the common man

(4) The banker to every Indian

(5) The Nation banks on us  

Exp. India likely to grow at 7.5% in FY25: NCAER

The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) forecasts India’s FY25 GDP growth at about 7.5%, driven by strong economic activity.

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised its projections for India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to 7.2% from 7% in FY25.

Growth projections have been upgraded by various other agencies as well with the median projection at 6.9%.

Director General of NCAER – Poonam Gupta

Updated GDP List

• S&P – 6.8% (FY25), 6.9% (FY26), 7% (FY27)
• Fitch Rating –7.2% (FY25)
• CII – 8% (FY25)
• World Bank – 6.6% (FY25), 6.7% (FY26), 6.8% (FY27)
• RBI –7.2% (FY25)
• Goldman Sachs – 6.8% (FY25), 6.9% (CY24)
• DBS Bank – 7% (FY25)
• NSO – 8.2% (FY24)

Exp. Aksha Mohit Kamboj appointed VP of India Bullion Jewellers Association

The India Bullion Jewellers Association (IBJA) has appointed Aksha Mohit Kamboj as its Vice President.

Kamboj brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of bullion and jewellery, and her appointment is poised to further strengthen IBJA’s leadership in the industry.

Aksha Mohit Kamboj is the Executive Chairman of Aspect Global Ventures Pvt Ltd and is also the co-owner of Cricket ISPL team Tiigers of Kolkata. She is the first and the only woman appointed on such a prestigious post in Gold & Jewellery Sector.

Exp. First International Dairy Federation Asia-Pacific summit concluded in Kochi

The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and the International Dairy Federation (IDF) are jointly organised the first IDF Regional Dairy Conference Asia Pacific-2024 in Kochi.

Themed ‘Farmer-centric innovations in dairying’, the event featured insightful deliberations bringing together leaders and experts from the global dairy sector.

More than 1,000 delegates and participants from over 20 countries took part in the event.

Exp. Arundhati Roy honored with Prestigious Pen Pinter Prize 2024

Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy has been honoured with the prestigious Pen Pinter Prize 2024 for her “unflinching and unswerving” writings.

The prize, established in 2009 by the charity English PEN, defends freedom of expression and celebrates literature in memory of Nobel-Laureate playwright Harold Pinter.

Recent Award

• PSU Leadership & Excellence Award 2024 – THDC India Limited (category of ‘Leadership in Digital Transformation).
• National award for APY implementation – Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank
• Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award – Vinod Ganatra
• V Shantaram, Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 – Subbiah Nallamuth
• Risk Manager of the Year Award by Central Banking, UK – RBI

Exp. Anush Agarwalla selected by EFI to represent India in Dressage at Paris Olympics

The Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) has selected Anush Agarwalla to represent the country in the dressage event at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

EFI selected him over Shruti Vora based on a thorough assessment of their recent performances, where Anush demonstrated a superior average.

It will be India’s first ever entry at the dressage event at the Olympics as largely riders in past editions competed in eventing categories only.

Exp. Doon School Srinagar honored with Prestigious Award at Indo-Norway International Education Summit

Doon School Srinagar was honored with the “Award for Transformative Education Excellence” at Mind Mingle’s Indo-Norway International Education Summit and Awards 2024, held in Stortinget, Norway.

This recognition celebrates the school’s outstanding contributions to education, particularly under the leadership of its Chairman, Showkat Hussain Khan.

The Indo-Norway Education Summit was organized by Mind Mingle, an organization dedicated to the professional development of educators and schools since 2014.

Exp. Kapil Dev becomes new Chief of India Golf

World Cup-winning former India cricket captain Kapil Dev has taken over as the new President of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).

The 65-year-old, who was already a member of the PGTI Board as its Vice President, was chosen unanimously and would be taking over from incumbent H R Srinivasan, whose tenure has come to an end.

Kapil played cricket for India from 1978 to 1994. One of the greatest all-rounders of all time, he played 131 Test matches and 225 one-dayers and led India to the 1983 World Cup win. His 175 not out in 1983 World Cup is considered one of the finest innings in the annals of the game.

In Tests, He scored 5248 runs, including eight centuries, and took 434 wickets, which was then a world record. He also scored 3783 runs in ODIs and took 253 wickets in the format.

Recent Appointment

• VP of India Bullion Jewellers Association – Aksha Mohit Kamboj
• Director in the Department of Consumer Affairs – Mrinal Kumar Das
• Secretary of TRAI – Atul Kumar Chaudhary (replace V Raghunandan)
• Director (Enterprise) in BSNL -Sudhakararao Papa
• Chairman of Global Wind Energy Council India (GWEC India) – Girish Tanti

Exp. DRDO hands over Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket to Indian Navy

The Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) developed by the Jodhpur Laboratory of the Research and Development Organization (DRDO) was formally handed over to the Indian Navy in New Delhi.

The Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) developed by the DRDO will enhance the Indian Navy’s defensive capability.

The MR-MOCR is a niche technology that integrates a particular type of fibres having unique microwave obscuration properties.

This helps mask radar signals and creates a microwave shield around platforms and assets. This will reduce the chance of detection of the Indian Navy’s platforms and assets by the enemy forces.

About DRDO Jodhpur Laboratory

• The Jodhpur Laboratory of the DRDO was established in May 1959.
• It was initially established to conduct research and trials of weapons developed for desert warfare.
• Later, the laboratory’s mandate was extended to include research in camouflage, electronics and communications, water and quality management, transportation and navigation systems, weapons, ammunition, and storage areas of activity.
• Director of the Jodhpur Laboratory of the DRDO – RV Hara Prasad

Exp. Sanjana Thakur wins UK Commonwealth Short Story Prize

Sanjana Thakur, a 26-year-old writer from Mumbai, won the 2024 Commonwealth Short Story Prize for her story “Aishwarya Rai”.

She will receive a cash prize of £5,000.

Sanjana Thakur, who is currently pursuing an MFA in Fiction at UT Austin’s New Writers Project, described her story as a “Mumbai story”.

Thakur is the third Indian to win the prize after Kritika Pandey won it in 2020 for her story “The Great Indian Tee and Snakes” and Parashar Kulkarni in 2016 for “Cow and Company”.

Recent Award

• 2024 Oscar Academy Gold Rising Program – Nethra Gururaj
• Best Conduct of Business Regulator award – SEBI
• Hindi Sahitya Bharati Award – Krishna Prakash
• EY World Entrepreneur of The Year 2024 – Vellayan Subbiah
• Dilip Bose Lifetime Achievement Award – Nar Singh & Rohini Lokhande

Exp. Mrinal Kumar Das appointed as Director in Department of Consumer Affairs

Mrinal Kumar Das (IRS) has been selected for appointment as Director in the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution for a period of five years.

Das is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of 2007 batch. He was recommended for the Central deputation by the Department of Revenue.

Recent Appointment

• President of the Asian Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons – Dr Kapil Dua
• Principal Secretary to PM – Dr PK Mishra (reappointment)
• National Security Advisor – Ajit Doval (reappointment)
• Advisors to the Prime Minister – Amit Khare and Tarun Kapoor (reappointment)
• MD and CEO of SBICAP Ventures Limited – Prem Prabhakar
• DG of FICCI – Jyoti Vij