03rd January 2024 Daily Current Affairs and GK Question Answers with Explanation

In the dynamic landscape of competitive exams, staying updated with current affairs is pivotal for success. Aspirants preparing for various exams, be it civil services, banking, or other government jobs, need to have a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments across different domains. Let's delve into key areas that candidates should focus on.

03 January 2024 Daily Current Affairs and GK Question Answers with Explanation

1. What is the main component of the newly developed 'electronic soil' for enhancing crop growth?

a) Silicon

b) Cellulose

c) PEDOT

d) Nitrogen

Answer: b) Cellulose

Explanation: The 'electronic soil' is made of cellulose, a biopolymer, mixed with a conductive polymer called PEDOT.

2. Which state has recently set a Guinness World Record for mass Surya Namaskar on January 1, 2024?

a) Maharashtra

b) Gujarat

c) Rajasthan

d) Karnataka

Answer: b) Gujarat

Explanation: Gujarat achieved a Guinness World Record by organizing a mass Surya Namaskar event at 108 locations on January 1, 2024.

3. Who recently received the M S Swaminathan Award for Excellence in Agriculture?

a) Dr. Norman E. Borlaug

b) Prof Ved Prakash Nanda

c) Prof B R Kamboj

d) Anahat Singh

Answer: c) Prof B R Kamboj

Explanation: Prof B R Kamboj, the Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, received the M S Swaminathan Award for his contributions to agronomy.

4. Which technology is India contributing to in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) project?

a) Quantum Computing

b) Radio Telescope

c) Artificial Intelligence

d) Nuclear Fusion

Answer: b) Radio Telescope

Explanation: India is contributing to the development and operation of the software for the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), which is a radio telescope project.

5. What is the main advantage of the 'electronic soil' (eSoil) for crop cultivation?

a) High Voltage Stimulation

b) Increased Water Retention

c) Low Energy Consumption

d) Soil Nutrient Enrichment

Answer: c) Low Energy Consumption

Explanation: The main advantage of eSoil is its very low energy consumption and the absence of high-voltage danger.

6. On which day is International Mind-Body Wellness Day celebrated every year?

a) January 1

b) February 14

c) March 8

d) January 3

Answer: d) January 3

Explanation: International Mind-Body Wellness Day is celebrated every year on January 3, promoting the harmonious coexistence of physical and mental health.

7. Who recently assumed the role of Chairman and Managing Director at Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID)?

a) Ravindra Kumar Tyagi

b) Ved Prakash Nanda

c) Bhupendra Patel

d) Anahat Singh

Answer: a) Ravindra Kumar Tyagi

Explanation: Ravindra Kumar Tyagi has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director at POWERGRID.

8. In which sector is the SKAO project expected to contribute significantly?

a) Agriculture

b) Information Technology

c) Astrophysics

d) Renewable Energy

Answer: c) Astrophysics

Explanation: The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) is a radio telescope project that will significantly contribute to the field of astrophysics.

9. Which state recently led in the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) for the third consecutive year?

a) Maharashtra

b) Uttar Pradesh

c) Tamil Nadu

d) Karnataka

Answer: b) Uttar Pradesh

Explanation: Uttar Pradesh secured the top position for the third consecutive year in the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) platform.

10. What is the purpose of the National Single Window System (NSWS) recently launched in India?

a) Streamlining Medical Device Imports

b) Managing Agricultural Reforms

c) Enhancing Cybersecurity

d) Facilitating International Trade

Answer: a) Streamlining Medical Device Imports

Explanation: The NSWS has been launched to streamline the imports of medical devices in India, acting as a one-stop-shop portal.

11. What is the primary function of the 'Hit-and-Run Law' recently discussed with truckers in India?

a) Imposing Taxes on Truckers

b) Regulating Speed Limits

c) Addressing Road Safety

d) Enhancing Traffic Signals

Answer: c) Addressing Road Safety

Explanation: The 'Hit-and-Run Law' aims to address road safety concerns by penalizing drivers causing serious accidents who flee the scene without informing authorities.

12. Which technology company designed the National Single Window System (NSWS) for streamlining medical device imports in India?

a) Microsoft

b) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

c) IBM

d) Google

Answer: b) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Explanation: The NSWS portal for streamlining medical device imports in India was designed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

13. Which state recently achieved the highest entry rate on the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) platform?

a) Karnataka

b) Madhya Pradesh

c) Bihar

d) Uttar Pradesh

Answer: d) Uttar Pradesh

Explanation: Uttar Pradesh secured the highest entry rate on the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) platform for the third consecutive year.

14. What theme is associated with International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024?

a) Global Harmony Day

b) Sustainable Living

c) Holistic Wellness: Mind, Body, and Soul

d) Mental Health Awareness

Answer: c) Holistic Wellness: Mind, Body, and Soul

Explanation: The theme of International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024 is "Holistic Wellness: Mind, Body, and Soul."

15. Which Indian city is home to the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)?

a) Bangalore

b) Pune

c) Delhi

d) Kolkata

Answer: b) Pune

Explanation: The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is located near Pune and is operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA).

16. What is the primary focus of K-SMART, recently launched by the Kerala Government?

a) Agricultural Reforms

b) Digital Transformation in Local Governance

c) Cybersecurity Initiatives

d) Environmental Conservation

Answer: b) Digital Transformation in Local Governance

Explanation: K-SMART (Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Reformation and Transformation) aims to bring digital transformation to local governance institutions in Kerala.

17. How much financial sanction was approved for India's participation in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) project, according to the Department of Atomic Energy's 2023 year-end note?

a) Rs 500 crore

b) Rs 750 crore

c) Rs 1,000 crore

d) Rs 1,250 crore

Answer: d) Rs 1,250 crore

Explanation: The Department of Atomic Energy announced a financial sanction of Rs 1,250 crore for India's participation in the SKAO project.

18. Who was the President of the World Jurist Association, as mentioned in the content?

a) Prof Ved Prakash Nanda

b) Ravindra Kumar Tyagi

c) Prof B R Kamboj

d) Anahat Singh

Answer: a) Prof Ved Prakash Nanda

Explanation: Prof Ved Prakash Nanda, recently deceased, served as the President of the World Jurist Association.

19. In the context of the 'electronic soil,' what is the conductive polymer mixed with cellulose?

a) Silicon

b) Nitrogen

c) PEDOT

d) Hydrogen

Answer: c) PEDOT

Explanation: The 'electronic soil' is made of cellulose mixed with a conductive polymer called PEDOT.

20. What is the significance of India's participation in the SKAO project, according to the content?

a) Developing Quantum Computing

b) Enhancing Cybersecurity

c) Exploring Gravitational Waves and Astrophysics

d) Advancing Renewable Energy

Answer: c) Exploring Gravitational Waves and Astrophysics

Explanation: India's participation in the SKAO project is significant for exploring gravitational waves and advancing observational capabilities in astrophysics.

21. What is the main advantage of hydroponics cultivation using the 'electronic soil' (eSoil), as mentioned in the content?

a) Faster Seed Germination

b) Reduced Water Usage

c) Higher Growth Rate due to Electrical Stimulation

d) Increased Nutrient Absorption

Answer: c) Higher Growth Rate due to Electrical Stimulation

Explanation: The content suggests that hydroponics cultivation with eSoil has a better growth rate due to electrical stimulation.

22. Which state will host the third node of the US-based Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)?

a) Maharashtra

b) Gujarat

c) Kerala

d) Arunachal Pradesh

Answer: a) Maharashtra

Explanation: India was permitted to construct the third node of the US-based LIGO in the Hingoli district of Maharashtra.

23. What is the primary focus of the International Mind-Body Wellness Day, as mentioned in the content?

a) Physical Fitness

b) Mental Health and Well-being

c) Global Harmony

d) Yoga Practices

Answer: b) Mental Health and Well-being

Explanation: International Mind-Body Wellness Day is dedicated to promoting the harmonious coexistence of physical and mental health.

24. Which ministry oversees the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID)?

a) Ministry of Finance

b) Ministry of Power

c) Ministry of Agriculture

d) Ministry of External Affairs

Answer: b) Ministry of Power

Explanation: POWERGRID is one of India's leading Maharatna CPSUs under the Ministry of Power.

25. What is the primary contribution of India to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) project, as mentioned in the content?

a) Financial Support

b) Construction of Antennas

c) Development and Operation of Software

d) Scientific Research

Answer: c) Development and Operation of Software

Explanation: India's main contribution to SKAO is in the development and operation of the software that makes the telescope work.

26. What is the primary objective of the 'Free Movement Regime' along the international border of Myanmar, according to the content?

a) Facilitating Trade

b) Promoting Tourism

c) Ensuring National Security

d) Enhancing Diplomatic Relations

Answer: c) Ensuring National Security

Explanation: The government plans to end the Free Movement Regime along the India-Myanmar border to address national security concerns.

27. How long is a citizen allowed to stay in the territory of the neighboring country under the Free Movement Regime (FMR)?

a) Up to 7 days

b) Up to 14 days

c) Up to 21 days

d) Up to 30 days

Answer: b) Up to 14 days

Explanation: Under the FMR, a citizen can cross the border with a one-year validity pass and stay up to two weeks.

28. Which organization conceptualized and implemented the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) platform in India?

a) Ministry of Home Affairs

b) e-Committee of the Supreme Court

c) National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

d) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Answer: b) e-Committee of the Supreme Court

Explanation: The ICJS platform was conceptualized by the e-Committee of the Supreme Court and implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

29. What record did Gujarat set on January 1, 2024, according to the content?

a) Longest Marathon

b) Largest Yoga Session

c) Mass Surya Namaskar

d) Tallest Human Pyramid

Answer: c) Mass Surya Namaskar

Explanation: Gujarat set a Guinness World Record for organizing a mass Surya Namaskar event at 108 locations on January 1, 2024.

30. What is the annual demand for medical devices in India, as mentioned in the content?

a) $5 billion

b) $7.6 billion

c) $10 billion

d) $12 billion

Answer: d) $12 billion

Explanation: The annual demand for medical devices in India is around $12 billion, with approximately $7.6 billion worth being imported.

31. What was the primary reason for truck drivers' associations calling off their nationwide protest against the 'Hit-and-Run Law'?

a) Changes in Traffic Signals

b) Consultation with Home Ministry

c) Reduction in Fuel Prices

d) Amendments to Speed Limits

Answer: b) Consultation with Home Ministry

Explanation: The truck drivers' protest against the 'Hit-and-Run Law' was called off after consultations with the Home Ministry.

32. Which day is International Mind-Body Wellness Day celebrated annually?

a) January 1

b) February 14

c) March 8

d) January 3

Answer: d) January 3

Explanation: International Mind-Body Wellness Day is celebrated every year on January 3, promoting holistic health practices.

33. Who presented the M S Swaminathan Award to Prof B R Kamboj, according to the content?

a) Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

b) Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot

c) Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Norman E. Borlaug

d) Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia

Answer: b) Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot

Explanation: Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot presented the M S Swaminathan Award to Prof B R Kamboj.

34. Which month recorded the third-highest gross GST revenue collection since the launch of GST in July 2017, according to the content?

a) November 2023

b) December 2023

c) October 2023

d) September 2023

Answer: a) November 2023

Explanation: November 2023 marked the third-highest monthly GST receipts since the launch of GST in July 2017.

35. What is the focus of the National Single Window System (NSWS) recently launched in India?

a) Streamlining Agriculture Policies

b) Facilitating International Trade

c) Cybersecurity Measures

d) Promoting Renewable Energy

Answer: b) Facilitating International Trade

Explanation: The NSWS aims to act as a 'one-stop-shop' portal for importing medical devices, facilitating ease of doing business in international trade.

36. In which city did Anahat Singh win the girls' under-19 2023 Scottish Junior Open title?

a) Dublin

b) London

c) Edinburgh

d) Glasgow

Answer: c) Edinburgh

Explanation: Anahat Singh won the girls' under-19 2023 Scottish Junior Open squash title in Edinburgh.

37. Which state recently achieved the highest entry rate on the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) platform?

a) Maharashtra

b) Madhya Pradesh

c) Bihar

d) Uttar Pradesh

Answer: b) Madhya Pradesh

Explanation: Madhya Pradesh secured the second-highest entry rate on the ICJS platform.

38. What does K-SMART, launched by the Kerala Government, aim to bring on a unified digital platform?

a) Agricultural Reforms

b) Education Initiatives

c) Local Self-Government Services

d) Healthcare Services

Answer: c) Local Self-Government Services

Explanation: K-SMART aims to bring all services of the local self-government institutions on a unified digital platform.

39. What is the primary reason behind India's participation in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) project, according to the content?

a) Studying Quantum Physics

b) Exploring Extraterrestrial Life

c) Gravitational Waves and Astrophysics

d) Enhancing Satellite Communication

Answer: c) Gravitational Waves and Astrophysics

Explanation: India's main contribution to SKAO is in exploring gravitational waves and advancing observational capabilities in astrophysics.

40. Which month marked the seventh successive month of GST receipts exceeding ₹1.60 lakh crore in the financial year 2023-24?

a) November 2023

b) December 2023

c) October 2023

d) September 2023

Answer: b) December 2023

Explanation: December 2023 marked the seventh successive month with gross GST collections exceeding ₹1.60 lakh crore.

41. What is the main advantage of the 'electronic soil' (eSoil) used in hydroponics cultivation, as per the content?

a) Enhanced Nutrient Absorption

b) Low Energy Consumption and Safety

c) Faster Seed Germination

d) Reduced Water Usage

Answer: b) Low Energy Consumption and Safety

Explanation: The main advantage of eSoil is its very low energy consumption and no high-voltage danger.

42. In which Indian state did Gujarat set a Guinness World Record for mass Surya Namaskar on January 1, 2024?

a) Maharashtra

b) Gujarat

c) Rajasthan

d) Punjab

Answer: b) Gujarat

Explanation: Gujarat set a Guinness World Record for organizing a mass Surya Namaskar event at 108 locations on January 1, 2024.

43. What does the acronym 'K-SMART' stand for, as launched by the Kerala Government?

a) Kerala's Strategic Management in Agriculture and Resources Technology

b) Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Reformation and Transformation

c) Kerala's System for Modern Agricultural Research and Technology

d) Kerala's Smart Management of Agricultural Resources and Technologies

Answer: b) Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Reformation and Transformation

Explanation: K-SMART stands for Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Reformation and Transformation.

44. Which Indian state shares a border with Myanmar, where the government plans to end the Free Movement Regime?

a) Mizoram

b) Karnataka

c) Telangana

d) Odisha

Answer: a) Mizoram

Explanation: India's four states sharing a border with Myanmar are Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

45. What does the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) primarily focus on, according to the content?

a) Exploration of Extraterrestrial Life

b) Gravitational Waves and Astrophysics

c) Quantum Computing

d) Satellite Communication

Answer: b) Gravitational Waves and Astrophysics

Explanation: SKAO primarily focuses on exploring gravitational waves and advancing observational capabilities in astrophysics.

46. What is the main contribution of India to the SKAO project, as highlighted in the content?

a) Financial Support

b) Construction of Antennas

c) Development and Operation of Software

d) Scientific Research

Answer: c) Development and Operation of Software

Explanation: India's main contribution to SKAO is in the development and operation of the software that makes the telescope work.

47. What is the theme of International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024, according to the content?

a) Global Harmony Day

b) Sustainable Living

c) Holistic Wellness: Mind, Body, and Soul

d) Mental Health Awareness

Answer: c) Holistic Wellness: Mind, Body, and Soul

Explanation: The theme of International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024 is "Holistic Wellness: Mind, Body, and Soul."

48. Which ministry oversees the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID)?

a) Ministry of Finance

b) Ministry of Power

c) Ministry of Agriculture

d) Ministry of External Affairs

Answer: b) Ministry of Power

Explanation: POWERGRID is one of India's leading Maharatna CPSUs under the Ministry of Power.

49. What is the annual demand for medical devices in India, as mentioned in the content?

a) $5 billion

b) $7.6 billion

c) $10 billion

d) $12 billion

Answer: d) $12 billion

Explanation: The annual demand for medical devices in India is around $12 billion, with approximately $7.6 billion worth being imported.

50. What is the primary reason for the decline in growth in GST revenue in December 2023, as per the content?

a) Decreased Domestic Transactions

b) Lower Consumption of Goods and Services

c) Global Economic Downturn

d) Reduction in the GST Rates

Answer: b) Lower Consumption of Goods and Services

Explanation: The content mentions that the growth in GST revenue declined to a 3-month low level in December 2023 due to lower consumption of goods and services.