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UK PM Keir Starmer’s new cabinet

Keir Starmer’s Labour Party achieved victory in the 2024 parliamentary election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.

Key Figures in the New UK Government

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister : Led Labour to a landslide victory in 2024, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. Former human rights lawyer and top prosecutor.

Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister: Former care worker and trade unionist, elected in 2015.

Rachel Reeves, Finance Minister :She becomes the country’s first female finance chief. Former Bank of England economist, elected in 2010.

David Lammy, Foreign Minister : Social and racial justice advocate, elected in 2000.

Yvette Cooper, Interior Minister : Elected in 1997, experienced in senior ministerial roles.

John Healey, Defence Minister : Elected in 1997, held various junior roles.

Wes Streeting, Health Minister : Elected in 2015, experienced in health and education policy.

Ed Miliband, Energy Security and Net Zero Minister : Former Labour leader, focused on environmental issues.

Jonathan Reynolds, Business Minister : Elected in 2010, experienced in financial sector liaison.

Q: Who became the first female Finance Minister of the United Kingdom in 2024?

a) Angela Rayner
b) Yvette Cooper
c) Rachel Reeves
d) Theresa May

Ans : c) Rachel Reeves
Keir Starmer’s Labour Party achieved victory in the 2024 parliamentary election. Rachel Reeves, Finance Minister, becomes the country’s first female finance Minister.

NITI Aayog launches ‘Sampoornata Abhiyaan’; a drive to achieve 100% saturation

NITI Aayog launched the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ on 4 July 2024 witnessing significant participation from citizens across the country. The launch events were organised across all the 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks. This comprehensive three-month campaign, running from 4th July to 30th September 2024, aims to achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators across all Aspirational Districts and Blocks.

Focus Areas of ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ in:

Aspirational Blocks Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

  • 1.      Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care (ANC) within the first trimester;
  • 2.      Percentage of persons screened for Diabetes against the targeted population in the Block;
  • 3.      Percentage of persons screened for Hypertension against the targeted population in the Block;
  • 4.      Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition under the ICDS Programme regularly;
  • 5.      Percentage of Soil Health Cards generated against the soil sample collection target; and
  • 6.      Percentage of SHGs that have received a Revolving Fund against the total SHGs in the block

Aspirational Districts KPIs:

  • 1.      Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care (ANC) within the first trimester;
  • 2.      Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition under the ICDS Programme regularly;
  • 3.      Percentage of children fully immunized (9-11 months) (BCG+DPT3+OPV3+Measles 1);
  • 4.      Number of Soil Health Cards distributed;
  • 5.      Percentage of schools with functional electricity at the secondary level; and
  • 6.      Percentage of schools providing textbooks to children within 1 month of the start of the academic session

Q: What is the primary goal of NITI Aayog’s ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ launched in July 2024?

A) To achieve 100% literacy in all Aspirational Districts
B) To achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators
C) To promote digital literacy among rural communities
D) To improve agricultural productivity

Ans : B) To achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators
NITI Aayog launched the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ on 4 July 2024. This comprehensive three-month campaign, running from 4th July to 30th September 2024, aims to achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators across all Aspirational Districts and Blocks.

Sensex closes above 80,000 for first time, Nifty at 24,302

On July 4, 2024, India’s benchmark Sensex achieved a historic milestone by closing above the 80,000 mark for the first time. The Sensex closed at a new record high of 80,049.67 points, marking a 0.08 percent increase. Similarly, the Nifty 50 index ended at 24,302 points, up 0.06 percent.

The Sensex, also known as the S&P BSE Sensex, is India’s premier stock market index. It represents the performance of the 30 largest and most actively traded companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

The NIFTY, officially known as the Nifty 50, is India’s broader stock market index. It comprises 50 of the most actively traded and liquid stocks listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). 

Q: What does the Sensex represent?

A) The performance of the top 50 companies listed on the NSE.
B) The performance of the top 30 companies listed on the BSE.
C) The performance of the top 100 companies listed on the BSE.
D) The performance of all companies listed on the NSE.

Ans : B) The performance of the top 30 companies listed on the BSE.
The Sensex, also known as the S&P BSE Sensex, is India’s premier stock market index. It represents the performance of the 30 largest and most actively traded companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

Q: Which index achieved a historic milestone by closing above 80,000 for the first time in July 2024?

A) Nifty 50
B) Sensex
C) Nifty Pharma
D) Nifty IT

Ans : B) Sensex
On July 4, 2024, India’s benchmark Sensex achieved a historic milestone by closing above the 80,000 mark for the first time.

Keir Starmer of Labour Party is set to become Britain’s next Prime Minister

Keir Starmer is set to become Britain’s next Prime Minister. Labour Party won a massive majority in the parliamentary election held on July 4, 2024.

Labour party won around 400 seats in the 650-seat parliament. This election result would end 14 years of Conservative-led government.

Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party is suffered historic losses.

Voters are punishing the Conservatives for a cost-of-living crisis and years of instability and in-fighting, with five different prime ministers since 2016.

Q: Who is set to become Britain’s next Prime Minister following the parliamentary election on July 4, 2024?

a) Rishi Sunak
b) Boris Johnson
c) Keir Starmer
d) Jeremy Corbyn

c) Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer is set to become Britain’s next Prime Minister. Labour Party is projected to win a massive majority in the parliamentary election on July 4, 2024.

Hemant Soren, took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand

Hemant Soren, Executive President of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand on July 4, 2024.

This is Hemant Soren’s third term as Chief Minister. Soren was recently released on bail by the high court in an alleged money laundering case.

Champai Soren resigned as Jharkhand’s 12th Chief Minister, who had taken office on January 31, after Hemant Soren’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.

Q: Who took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand on July 4, 2024?

a) Champai Soren
b) CP Radhakrishnan
c) Hemant Soren
d) Raghubar Das

Ans : c) Hemant Soren
Hemant Soren, Executive President of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand on July 4, 2024.

Aditya-L1 spacecraft, has completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point

India’s first solar mission, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, has completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point. ISRO conducted a station-keeping maneuver on July 3, 2024, to ensure a smooth transition into the second halo orbit.

The Aditya-L1 mission is an Indian solar observatory positioned at Lagrangian point L1. It was launched on September 2, 2023, and successfully inserted into its targeted halo orbit on January 6, 2024.

The spacecraft takes 178 days to complete one revolution around the L1 point. During its orbit, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft faces various perturbing forces that affect its trajectory, as explained by ISRO.

Q: How long does it take for the Aditya-L1 spacecraft to complete one revolution around the L1 point?

a) 92 days
b) 178 days
c) 365 days
d) 730 days

Ans : b) 178 days
The Aditya-L1 mission is an Indian solar observatory positioned at Lagrangian point L1. It was launched on September 2, 2023. The spacecraft takes 178 days to complete one revolution around the L1 point.

16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant began in Meghalaya

The 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant began on July 3, 2024, at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. The exercise is scheduled from July 3 to July 16, 2024.

It involves 45 Indian personnel from the Sikkim Scouts and other arms, and personnel from the 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mongolian Army. This annual training event alternates between India and Mongolia; the previous edition was held in Mongolia in July 2023.

The exercise aims to enhance joint military capabilities for counter-insurgency operations under the UN mandate, focusing on semi-urban and mountainous terrain. The exercise fosters interoperability, camaraderie, and defense cooperation between India and Mongolia.

Q: What is the name of the joint military exercise between India and Mongolia, the 16th edition of which was conducted in July 2024??

a) Operation Desert Storm
b) Exercise Nomadic Elephant
c) Exercise Yudh Abhyas
d) Operation Blue Star

Answer: b) Exercise Nomadic Elephant
The 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant began on July 3, 2024, at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. The exercise is scheduled from July 3 to July 16, 2024.

Japan launches new banknotes with three-dimensional hologram technology

On July 3, 2024, Japan began issuing new 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 1,000 yen banknotes. This redesign is the first since 2004.

The new banknotes feature three-dimensional hologram technology to combat counterfeiting, the first such use on any country’s currency.

Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki stated that the new banknotes incorporate a universal design for the visually impaired and foreigners. The Bank of Japan announced that current banknotes will remain legal tender after the new bills are circulated.

Q: Which country first incorporated three-dimensional hologram technology on its currency to combat counterfeiting?

a) United States
b) Japan
c) Germany
d) Canada

Ans : b) Japan
On July 3, 2024, Japan began issuing new 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 1,000 yen banknotes. The new banknotes feature three-dimensional hologram technology to combat counterfeiting, the first such use on any country’s currency.

Dr. B.N. Gangadhar appointed as the Chairperson of the National Medical Commission

Dr. B.N. Gangadhar has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Medical Commission for a period of 4 years. He was previously the President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board.

Dr. Sanjay Behari, the Director of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, is appointed as the new President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board.

Q: Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Medical Commission in July 2024?

a) Dr. Sanjay Behari
b) Dr. B.N. Gangadhar
c) Dr. Ramesh Kumar
d) Dr. Anil Mehta

Ans : b) Dr. B.N. Gangadhar
Dr. B.N. Gangadhar has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Medical Commission for a period of 4 years. He was previously the President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board.

Stampede at Bhole Baba’s “Satsang” in Hathras district of UP, 121 dead

The stampede accident during the satsang of Bhole Baba on June2, 2024, in Ratibhanpur Mughalgarhi village, Sikandrarau tehsil, Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in 121 deaths. Seriously injured people are undergoing treatment in Aligarh.

  • Aligarh Division Commissioner Chaitra B. provided the information and confirmed that permission was given for the program.
  • Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with senior officials in Lucknow.
  • Ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand each to the injured will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Q: The tragic accident during the satsang of Bhole Baba that killed 121 people in July 2024 occurred in which district of Uttar Pradesh?

A) Aligarh
B) Agra
C) Hathras
D) Lucknow

Answer: C) Hathras
The stampede accident during the satsang of Bhole Baba on June2, 2024, in Ratibhanpur Mughalgarhi village, Sikandrarau tehsil, Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in 121 deaths.

Dick Schoof, sworn in as the Netherlands’ new Prime Minister

Dick Schoof, former head of the Dutch Secret Service, was sworn in as the Netherlands’ new Prime Minister on June 2, 2024, ending a seven-month political impasse.

  1. Coalition Government: Schoof leads a broad right-wing coalition cabinet, including Geert Wilders’ far-right Freedom Party (PVV), the Farmers Party (BBB), the liberal-conservative VVD, and the new anti-corruption party NSC. Wilders’ party won 37 out of 150 seats in the House of Representatives in the November elections.
  2. King Willem-Alexander: The ceremony was officiated by King Willem-Alexander at the royal Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague.
  3. Succeeding Mark Rutte: Schoof succeeds Mark Rutte, who will become NATO’s next secretary-general on October 1, 2024.

Q: Who was sworn in as the Netherlands’ new Prime Minister on June 2, 2024?

A) Mark Rutte
B) Jens Stoltenberg
C) Dick Schoof
D) Geert Wilders

Answer: C) Dick Schoof
Dick Schoof, former head of the Dutch Secret Service, was sworn in as the Netherlands’ new Prime Minister on June 2, 2024

13th edition of India-Thailand joint military Exercise MAITREE ; From 1st to 15th July in Thailand

Exercise Details: The 13th edition of India-Thailand joint military Exercise MAITREE is taking place from 1st to 15th July at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand.

Participants:

  • Indian Army contingent: 76 personnel, mainly from the Ladakh Scouts and other arms and services.
  • Royal Thailand Army contingent: 76 personnel, mainly from 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of 4 Division.

Objective:

  • Foster military cooperation between India and Thailand.
  • Enhance combined capabilities in executing joint counter-insurgency and terrorist operations in jungle and urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
  • Focus on high physical fitness, joint planning, and joint tactical drills.

Activities and Drills:

  • Sharing best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations.
  • Development of interoperability, bonhomie, and camaraderie.
  • Tactical drills include creating a Joint Operation Centre, establishing an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre, using drones and counter-drone systems, securing a landing site, small team insertion and extraction, special heliborne operations, cordon and search operations, room intervention drills, and demolition of illegal structures.

Previous Edition: The last edition was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2019.

Q: Where is the 13th edition of India-Thailand joint military Exercise MAITREE being conducted?

A) Fort Vachiraprakan, Tak Province, Thailand
B) Umroi, Meghalaya, India
C) Bangkok, Thailand
D) New Delhi, India

Answer: A) Fort Vachiraprakan, Tak Province, Thailand
The 13th edition of India-Thailand joint military Exercise MAITREE is taking place from 1st to 15th July at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand.

Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani takes over as Vice Chief of Army Staff

Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani assumed the appointment of Vice Chief of Army Staff on July 1, 2024. Prior to this, he was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command based at Lucknow.

  • Commissioned into The Garhwal Rifles in December 1985.
  • Graduated from the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy.
  • Alumnus of Joint Services Command Staff College, Bracknell (UK), and National Defence College, New Delhi.
  • Awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service to the nation.

Q: Who assumed the appointment of Vice Chief of Army Staff on July 1, 2024?

A) Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh
B) Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani
C) Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane
D) Lieutenant General MM Naravane

Answer: B) Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani
Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani assumed the appointment of Vice Chief of Army Staff on July 1, 2024. Prior to this, he was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command based at Lucknow.

Digital India program completed 9 years on July 1, 2024

Digital India program completed 9 years on July 1, 2024. It was officially launched by the Government of India on July 1, 2015.

The aim of the program is to transform India into a digitally empowered society. The program focuses on promoting technology adoption, improving online infrastructure, and enhancing e-governance services.

Digital India has made significant strides in:

  • Bridging the digital divide.
  • Empowering citizens through digital literacy.
  • Providing access to digital services.

Q: When was Digital India officially launched by the Government of India?

A) August 15, 2014
B) January 26, 2015
C) July 1, 2015
D) October 2, 2015

Answer: C) July 1, 2015
Digital India program completed 9 years on July 1, 2024. It was officially launched by the Government of India on July 1, 2015.

Manoj Kumar Singh takes over as Uttar Pradesh chief secretary

Manoj Kumar Singh, a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh on 30 June 2024. He replaced Durga Shankar Mishra.

Manoj Kumar Singh has discharged important administrative responsibilities, including as the district magistrate of Lalitpur, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Pilibhit, Moradabad and Aligarh and as the divisional commissioner of Moradabad. Singh is considered a prominent face in Adityanath’s team.

Q: Who has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh?

A) Rajendra Kumar Tiwari
B) Prashant Trivedi
C) Durga Shankar Mishra
D) Manoj Kumar Singh

Answer: D) Manoj Kumar Singh
Manoj Kumar Singh, a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh on 30 June 2024

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announce retirement from international T20 cricket after winning T20 World Cup 2024

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirement from international T20 cricket after India’s victory over South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados.

Virat Kohli’s T20I career record: 4,188 runs in 125 matches, an average of 48.69, with 38 half-centuries and one century.

Rohit Sharma’s T20I career record: 4,231 runs in 159 matches, the highest run-scorer in the format, with five centuries.

Rohit Sharma won two T20 World Cup titles: one as a player in 2007 and another as captain in 2024.

Which two Indian cricket players announced their retirement from international T20 cricket after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup?

A) Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni
B) Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan
C) Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
D) KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya

Ans : C) Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Both announced their retirement from international T20 cricket after India’s victory over South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados.

Which player holds the record for the most centuries in T20 internationals?

A) Virat Kohli
B) Rohit Sharma
C) Chris Gayle
D) David Warner

Ans : B) Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s T20I career record: 4,231 runs in 159 matches, the highest run-scorer in the format, with five centuries.

Three new criminal laws came into force on July 1, 2024

The three new criminal laws in India—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023— come into force with effect from 1 July 2024. These laws were passed by the Parliament during the winter session in 2023.

Key provisions

  • Report incidents online, file FIRs at any police station, and provide victims with a free copy of the FIR.
  • Individuals arrested have the right to inform a person of their choice about their situation.
  • Investigations for offenses against women and children must be completed within two months of recording information.
  • Forensic experts must visit crime scenes for serious offenses to collect evidence.
  • Summons can now be served electronically to expedite legal processes and reduce paperwork.

Training for police and investigating authorities has been conducted to ensure a smooth transition. Awareness programs, news bulletins, discussions, and informational websites have been utilized to inform the public. Course modules on the new laws have been included in schools and higher education institutes.

Q: When the three new criminal laws in India came into force?

A) June 30, 2024
B) July 1, 2024
C) August 1, 2024
D) January 1, 2024

Ans : B) July 1, 2024
The three new criminal laws in India—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023— come into force with effect from 1 July 2024.

Q: Which of the following is NOT one of the three new criminal laws in India?

A) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
B) Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
C) Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
D) Bharatiya Dand Adhiniyam, 2023

Ans : D) Bharatiya Dand Adhiniyam, 2023
The three new criminal laws in India are :
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023;
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

India won the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024

India won the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 on 29 June 2024 at Kensington Oval. India defeated South Africa by seven runs.

India posted a total of 176 for 7 in 20 overs, the highest score in a men’s T20 World Cup final. Virat Kohli scored 76 runs and Axar Patel scored 47 runs.

South Africa scored 169 runs for 8 wickets. Heinrich Klaasen scored 52 runs.

Hardik Pandya took three wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh took two wickets each.

  • Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match.
  • Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Tournament, with 15 wickets in eight games and an economy rate below six.

This victory marked India’s second T20 World Cup win, the first being in 2007.

Q: Which team did India defeat to win the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024?

A) England
B) Australia
C) South Africa
D) New Zealand

Ans : C) South Africa
India won the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 on 29 June 2024 at Kensington Oval. India defeated South Africa by seven runs.

Q: Who was named Player of the Match in the 2024 T20 World Cup final?

A) Rohit Sharma
B) Virat Kohli
C) Hardik Pandya
D) Jasprit Bumrah

Ans : B) Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli scored 76 runs in final and named Player of the Match.

Q: Who was named Player of the Tournament in the 2024 T20 World Cup?

A) Rohit Sharma
B) Virat Kohli
C) Jasprit Bumrah
D) Hardik Pandya

Ans : C) Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Tournament, with 15 wickets in eight games and an economy rate below six.

India becomes World’s Third-Largest Domestic Aviation Market

India has become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, after the U.S. and China. This ranking is based on data from aviation analytics firm Official Airline Guide (OAG).

India’s domestic airline capacity doubled in the last 10 years, from 7.9 million seats in April 2014 to 15.5 million in April 2024. India replaced Brazil as the third-largest market; Brazil is now fourth with 9.7 million seats, followed by Indonesia in fifth with 9.2 million seats. India posted the highest annual average capacity growth rate among the top five countries at 6.9%, followed by China at 6.3% and the US at 2.4%.

IndiGo and Air India, which have over 1,000 planes on order, account for 90% of domestic seats in India. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) dominate Indian domestic capacity, accounting for 78.4% in April 2024. Comparatively, LCCs account for 68.4% of domestic capacity in Indonesia, 62.4% in Brazil, 36.7% in the US, and 13.2% in China.

Q: Which country did India surpass to become the third-largest domestic aviation market?

A) Indonesia
B) Germany
C) Brazil
D) Japan

Ans : C) Brazil
India has become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, after the U.S. and China.

António Costa’s elected as the next President of the European Council

António Costa’s was elected as the next President of the European Council on June 28,2024 in Brussels, Belgium. His mandate will last for two and a half years, succeeding Charles Michel on December 1, 2024.

António Costa is a Portuguese politician and member of the Socialist Party. He served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 2015 to 2022.

Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni was the only leader who voted against his appointment.

Q: Who has been elected as the next President of the European Council?

A) Angela Merkel
B) Emmanuel Macron
C) António Costa
D) Pedro Sánchez

Answer: C) António Costa
António Costa’s was elected as the next President of the European Council on June 28,2024 in Brussels, Belgium. His will succeeding Charles Michel on December 1, 2024.

Vikram Misri appointed as the new Foreign Secretary of India

The Indian government appointed Vikram Misri as the new Foreign Secretary. Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, will succeed Vinay Mohan Kwatra on July 15, 2024.

Misri is currently the Deputy National Security Adviser and will assume his new role on July 15, 2024. He has served as private secretary to three Prime Ministers: Inder Kumar Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi.

He was born in Srinagar in 1964, educated in Gwalior, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in history from Delhi University’s Hindu College and an MBA from XLRI.

Misri’s diplomatic career includes notable postings, such as India’s ambassador to China during the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, ambassador to Spain in 2014, and ambassador to Myanmar in 2016. His early career included positions at Indian embassies in Brussels and Tunis and in various Indian diplomatic missions across Africa and North America.

Q: Who has been appointed as the new Foreign Secretary of India?

A) Vinay Mohan Kwatra
B) S. Jaishankar
C) Vikram Misri
D) Ruchira Kamboj

Ans : C) Vikram Misri
The Indian government appointed Vikram Misri as the new Foreign Secretary. Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, will succeed Vinay Mohan Kwatra on July 15, 2024.

Film City in Greater Noida : YEIDA and Babu Project sign Agreement

The Uttar Pradesh state government signed an agreement on 27 June 2024 to develop a film city in Greater Noida. Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and Bebu Project LLP, owned by film producer Bonnie Kapoor and Ashish Bhootani.

The project has an estimated cost of 1,510 crore rupees. The film city is planned to be completed within the next eight years. The initial phase, expected to be completed in three years, will focus on establishing essential film-related facilities and a film institute.

The film city will offer world-class film production amenities, including studios, open sets, hospitality services, and office spaces. The aim is to position the film city as a premier destination for filmmakers.

Q: Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and Bebu Project LLP signed an agreement to develop a Film City at which location?

A) Faridabad
B) Yamuna Nagar
C) Greater Noida
D) Lucknow

Ans : C) Greater Noida
The Uttar Pradesh state government signed an agreement on 27 June 2024 to develop a film city in Greater Noida. Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and Bebu Project LLP, owned by film producer Bonnie Kapoor and Ashish Bhootani.

Kiran Pahal qualified for the Paris Olympics in women’s 400m

Kiran Pahal from Haryana qualified for the Paris Olympics. She clocked 50.92 seconds in the semifinals of the women’s 400m at the National Inter-state Athletics Championships in Panchkula. She secured her spot at the Paris Games by finishing within the automatic standard of 50.95 seconds for the Olympics.

Pahal, 24, became the second fastest women’s 400m runner in Indian history, behind Hima Das (50.79 seconds). Pahal finished ahead of Devy Aniba Zala of Gujarat (53.44) and Sneha K from Kerala (53.51).

Q: Who qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 in the women’s 400m event?

A) Hima Das
B) Devy Aniba Zala
C) Sneha K
D) Kiran Pahal

Ans : D) Kiran Pahal
Kiran Pahal from Haryana qualified for the Paris Olympics. She clocked 50.92 seconds in women’s 400m at the National Inter-state Athletics Championships in Panchkula.

India reached the final of T20 World Cup after defeating England

India defeated England by 68 runs in Guyana and reached into the finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Team India score 171 and bowled out the England for 103 in 16.4 overs.

Brief score:

  • India 171/7 (Rohit Sharma 57, Suryakumar Yadav 47; Chris Jordan 3-37)
  • England 103 (Harry Brook 25, Jos Buttler 23; Axar Patel 3-23, Kuldeep Yadav 3-19).

Axar Patel was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his vital three-wicket haul and a quickfire 10 runs off 6 balls.

India’s victory marks their third entry into a T20 World Cup final, following their triumph against Pakistan in 2007 and their loss to Sri Lanka in 2014.

Q: Who won the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal between India and England?

A) India
B) England
C) The match was abandoned
D) It ended in a tie

Ans : A) India
India defeated England by 68 runs in Guyana and reached into the finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

International Solar Alliance (ISA) : Paraguay become the 100th country to join

Paraguay has become the 100th country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member. Paraguay handed over its Instrument of Ratification to the ISA in New Delhi on 26 June 2024.

The ceremony involved Paraguay’s Ambassador to India, Fleming Raul Duarte, and Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary of Economic Diplomacy and States Division at India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

What is International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

The ISA was co-founded by India and France during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris. The ISA aims to promote the deployment of solar energy worldwide, increase energy access, ensure energy security, and drive the transition to sustainable energy sources. The primary goal of the ISA is to contribute to the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement through rapid and massive deployment of solar energy technologies.

The ISA Framework Agreement has 119 signatory countries, with 100 having completed the ratification process to become full members. Spain joined as the 99th full member in May 2024.

Q: Which country became the 100th full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in June 2024?

a) Spain
b) Paraguay
c) India
d) France

Ans : b) Paraguay
The ISA was co-founded by India and France during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris. Paraguay has become the 100th country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member in New Delhi on 26 June 2024.

Harmanpreet Singh to Caption of Indain Hockey Team at Olympic 2024

Hockey India announced a 16-member Indian men’s hockey team for the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled from 26th July to 11th August.

The team will be led by Harmanpreet Singh (Caption), with Hardik Singh as the vice-captain.

  • Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh is part of the squad.
  • The defence line consists of Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Sumit, and Sanjay.
  • The midfield includes Raj Kumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad.
  • The forward line features Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, and Gurjant Singh.
  • Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, and defender Jugraj Singh are named as alternate.

India is placed in Pool B with Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. To advance to the Quarter-Finals, India must secure a top-four finish in their pool. Pool A includes the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, South Africa, and France.

The Indian men’s team has a rich Olympic history with 12 medals: 8 Gold, 1 Silver, and 3 Bronze. The current team aims to add another medal to this tally.

Q: Who is the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team for the Paris 2024 Olympics?

a) PR Sreejesh
b) Manpreet Singh
c) Harmanpreet Singh
d) Hardik Singh

Ans : c) Harmanpreet Singh
Hockey India announced a 16-member Indian men’s hockey team for the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled from 26th July to 11th August.

DRDO handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy on 26 June 2024 in New Delhi.

The Microwave Obscurant Chaff is a niche technology developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur. This technology obscures radar signals and creates a microwave shield around platforms and assets, reducing radar detection.

Special type of fibres have been assembled in the medium range chaff rocket. When fired, the rocket forms a microwave obscurant cloud in space, spreading over a sufficient area.

Q: What happens when the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) is fired?

a) It explodes on impact
b) It forms a microwave obscurant cloud in space
c) It releases flares
d) It emits a high-frequency sound

Ans : b) It forms a microwave obscurant cloud in space
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy on 26 June 2024 in New Delhi.

Om Birla elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha

BJP MP Om Birla was re-elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha on 26 June 2024. He was elected with a voice vote as the opposition, which fielded Congress MP K. Suresh, did not press for voting.

After his election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju escorted Mr. Birla to the Speaker’s chair.

Om Birla had previously served as the Speaker in the 17th Lok Sabha since 2019.

Q: Who was re-elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha on 26 June 2024?

a) K. Suresh
b) Rahul Gandhi
c) Om Birla
d) Kiren Rijiju

c) Om Birla
BJP MP Om Birla was elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha. He had previously served as the Speaker in the 17th Lok Sabha.

Rahul Gandhi appointed Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha

On 25 June 2024, the Congress party announced Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi is won from Raebareli constituency.

The position of LoP had been vacant since 2014, as no opposition party met the required minimum of 10% of the total Lok Sabha seats.

The LoP is recognized as the leader of the largest opposition party with not less than one-tenth of the Lok Sabha seats. The Congress party secured 100 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, an improvement from 52 seats in 2019.

The LoP is a member of crucial committees such as Public Accounts (Chairman), Public Undertakings, Estimates, and various Joint Parliamentary Committees.

The LoP is entitled to membership in selection committees for heads of statutory bodies like the Central Vigilance Commission, Central Information Commission, CBI, NHRC, and Lokpal.

The LoP in both Houses were accorded statutory recognition under the Salaries and Allowances of Leader of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, with salary and allowances equivalent to a cabinet minister. The office of the LoP is not mentioned in the Constitution.

Q: Who was appointed as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha on 25 June 2024?

A) Mallikarjun Kharge
B) Sonia Gandhi
C) Rahul Gandhi
D) KC Venugopal

Ans : C) Rahul Gandhi

Q: Why was the position of Leader of Opposition vacant for 2014 to 2024?

A) No opposition party met the required minimum of 10% of the total Lok Sabha seats
B) The position was abolished
C) The ruling party opposed the appointment
D) There was a lack of eligible candidates

Ans : A) No opposition party met the required minimum of 10% of the total Lok Sabha seats
The position of LoP had been vacant since 2014, as no opposition party met the required minimum of 10% of the total Lok Sabha seats.

Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange released from UK Prison after deal with US Authorities

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was released from a UK prison on June 24, 2024, ending a years-long legal battle. This came after he struck a plea deal with US authorities.

As per the conditions finalised in a tentative deal with the US Justice Department, Assange will plead guilty to criminal charges but will serve no time in US custody. Assange was charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information. The Wikileaks files, which revealed information about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, had been a point of contention.

Assange spent seven years in Ecuador’s London embassy before being taken into custody in the UK. Swedish authorities dropped separate charges of rape and sexual assault against him in 2019.

Julian Assange will return to Australia after his release.

Question: Who is the founder of WikiLeaks?

A) Julian Assange
B) Edward Snowden
C) Chelsea Manning
D) Glenn Greenwald

Answer: A) Julian Assange
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was released from a UK prison on June 24, 2024, ending a years-long legal battle. This came after he struck a plea deal with US authorities.

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