05th 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.

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

01. What is the number of Rajya Sabha members, including notable figures like Manmohan Singh and Jaya Bachchan, set to retire in 2024?

a. 57

b. 68

c. 78

d. 88

Correct Answer: b. 68

Explanation:

The passage mentions that 68 Rajya Sabha members, including figures like Manmohan Singh and Jaya Bachchan, are set to retire in 2024.

02. Which state has become the first in India to map all accident-prone sites using the Mappls App?

a. Maharashtra

b. Punjab

c. Uttar Pradesh

d. Tamil Nadu

Correct Answer: b. Punjab

Explanation:

As per the information provided, Punjab has become the first state in India to map all 784 accident black spots using the Mappls App.

03. What is the total value of the two pivotal contracts finalized by the Ministry of Defence to boost indigenous defence production?

a. Rs 602 crore

b. Rs 702 crore

c. Rs 802 crore

d. Rs 902 crore

Correct Answer: c. Rs 802 crore

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the Ministry of Defence has finalized two pivotal contracts, collectively valued at Rs 802 crore, for indigenous defence production.

04. Which companies are involved in the procurement of 697 Bogie Open Military (BOM) Wagons and 56 Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment (MMME) Mark II?

a. M/s Jupiter Wagons Limited and M/s BEML Ltd

b. M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and M/s Bharat Electronics Limited

c. M/s Tata Advanced Systems Limited and M/s L&T Defence

d. M/s DRDO and M/s HAL

Correct Answer: a. M/s Jupiter Wagons Limited and M/s BEML Ltd

Explanation:

The contracts for the procurement of 697 Bogie Open Military Wagons and 56 Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment were signed with M/s Jupiter Wagons Limited and M/s BEML Ltd.

05. What drove Indian equities to all-time highs in December, according to National Securities Depository data?

a. Decreased foreign investments

b. Record FPI sales

c. Historic monthly acquisitions by FPI

d. Government intervention

Correct Answer: c. Historic monthly acquisitions by FPI

Explanation:

The passage mentions that foreign portfolio investors (FPI) made historic monthly acquisitions of Indian equities, reaching 661.35 billion rupees ($8 billion) in December, according to National Securities Depository data.

06. In which month did the surge in foreign portfolio investments (FPI) lead to fresh record highs for India's Nifty 50 and Sensex benchmarks?

a. November

b. December

c. October

d. September

Correct Answer: b. December

Explanation:

The passage specifies that the surge in foreign portfolio investments (FPI) led to fresh record highs for India's Nifty 50 and Sensex benchmarks in December.

07. Where is Adidas planning to set up its first and only Global Capacity Centre (GCC) in Asia outside of China?

a. Bengaluru

b. Chennai

c. Mumbai

d. Delhi

Correct Answer: b. Chennai

Explanation:

As per the information provided, Adidas is planning to establish its first and only Global Capacity Centre (GCC) in Asia outside of China in Chennai.

08. What does the establishment of Adidas's Global Business Services (GBS) hub in Chennai signify?

a. It's the first GCC outside of China in Asia.

b. It's the second GBS hub in Asia.

c. It's the third GCC in India.

d. It's the fourth GBS hub globally.

Correct Answer: a. It's the first GCC outside of China in Asia.

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the Chennai facility becomes the first GCC outside of China in Asia for Adidas.

09. Which ministry launched the PRERANA program, an experiential learning initiative for students of classes IX to XII?

a. Ministry of Finance

b. Ministry of Education

c. Ministry of Health

d. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Correct Answer: b. Ministry of Education

Explanation:

The passage states that the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, launched the PRERANA program.

10. What is the budget allocated for the PRITHVI (PRITHvi VIgyan) scheme launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi?

a. Rs. 3,797 crore

b. Rs. 4,797 crore

c. Rs. 5,797 crore

d. Rs. 6,797 crore

Correct Answer: b. Rs. 4,797 crore

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the PRITHVI scheme, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has a significant budget of Rs. 4,797 crore spanning from 2021-26.

11. Who has been appointed as the new President of the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA)?

a. Ramesh Kejriwal

b. Shashi Singh

c. Zafar Ahmed

d. Indra Parekh

Correct Answer: b. Shashi Singh

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Shashi Singh has been elected as the new President of AIRIA, succeeding Ramesh Kejriwal.

12. Who is the newly appointed Managing Director of the National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL)?

a. Natarajan Sundar

b. Karnam Sekar

c. P Santhosh

d. Dinesh K Tripathi

Correct Answer: c. P Santhosh

Explanation:

The passage states that P Santhosh, Chief General Manager at Canara Bank, has been appointed as the Managing Director of NARCL.

13. Which Bengali writer received the 2023 Kuvempu Rashtriya Puraskar?

a. Imayam

b. Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay

c. Adrian Cruise

d. Shashi Singh

Correct Answer: b. Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay

Explanation:

The passage mentions that renowned Bengali writer Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay received the 2023 Kuvempu Rashtriya Puraskar.

14. In which category did Hero MotoCorp's Gurugram facility win the CII National Award for Excellence?

a. Employee Satisfaction

b. Water Management

c. Innovation

d. Sustainability

Correct Answer: b. Water Management

Explanation:

The passage specifies that Hero MotoCorp's Gurugram facility won the CII National Award for Excellence in Water Management.

15. In which state was a 10th-century Kadamba inscription, written in Kannada and Sanskrit, found in the Mahadeva temple at Cacoda?

a. Maharashtra

b. Goa

c. Karnataka

d. Kerala

Correct Answer: b. Goa

Explanation:

As per the information provided, the 10th-century Kadamba inscription was found in the Mahadeva temple at Cacoda in Goa.

16. Which initiative aims to empower students of classes IX to XII with leadership qualities and provide them with a meaningful, unique, and inspiring experience?

a. PRITHVI

b. PRERANA

c. Sadak Suraksha Force

d. Prithvi Vigyan

Correct Answer: b. PRERANA

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the Ministry of Education launched the PRERANA program, an experiential learning initiative for students of classes IX to XII.

17. What is the budget of the PRITHVI (PRITHvi VIgyan) scheme launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences?

a. Rs. 2,797 crore

b. Rs. 3,797 crore

c. Rs. 4,797 crore

d. Rs. 5,797 crore

Correct Answer: c. Rs. 4,797 crore

Explanation:

The passage states that the PRITHVI scheme, launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has a significant budget of Rs. 4,797 crore spanning from 2021-26.

18. What is the main objective of the PRITHVI scheme launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences?

a. Strengthening the continuous monitoring of Earth's atmosphere

b. Promoting space exploration

c. Enhancing cybersecurity

d. Developing advanced communication technologies

Correct Answer: a. Strengthening the continuous monitoring of Earth's atmosphere

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the PRITHVI scheme aims to revolutionize our understanding and interaction with various Earth systems, including strengthening the continuous monitoring of Earth's atmosphere.

19. What does the tur dal procurement portal, inaugurated by Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, guarantee for farmers?

a. Minimum Support Price (MSP)

b. Maximum Retail Price (MRP)

c. Variable Pricing

d. Auction-based pricing

Correct Answer: a. Minimum Support Price (MSP)

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the tur dal procurement portal guarantees a minimum support price (MSP) or market price for the farmers.

20. How much amount did Minister Amit Shah transfer through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) during the inauguration of the tur dal procurement portal?

a. Rs 48 lakh

b. Rs 58 lakh

c. Rs 68 lakh

d. Rs 78 lakh

Correct Answer: c. Rs 68 lakh

Explanation:

The passage states that Minister Amit Shah conducted Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), transferring approximately Rs 68 lakh to 25 farmers as payment for their tur dal sales through the portal.

21. Where did Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur address a youth dialogue program on the theme 'My Bharat Mera Yuva Bharat'?

a. New Delhi

b. Diu

c. Mumbai

d. Bengaluru

Correct Answer: b. Diu

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Anurag Thakur addressed a youth dialogue program organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra on the theme 'My Bharat Mera Yuva Bharat' at Malala Auditorium in Diu.

22. What did Anurag Thakur emphasize during the youth dialogue program in Diu?

a. Importance of agriculture

b. Significance of financial investments

c. Channeling the energy of youth towards nation-building

d. Promoting international relations

Correct Answer: c. Channeling the energy of youth towards nation-building

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Anurag Thakur emphasized the importance of channeling the energy of the nation’s youth towards nation-building during the youth dialogue program in Diu.

23. Which country has committed to exporting 10,000 MW of power to India over the next 10 years, according to the agreement mentioned in the content?

a. Bangladesh

b. Bhutan

c. Sri Lanka

d. Nepal

Correct Answer: d. Nepal

Explanation:

The passage states that India and Nepal solidified their commitment to a long-term energy partnership with the signing of an agreement for the export of 10,000 MW of power to India over the next 10 years.

24. What type of agreement was signed between the Nepal Electricity Authority and India’s National Thermal Power Corporation Limited, in addition to the power export agreement?

a. Trade Agreement

b. Defence Agreement

c. Renewable Energy Cooperation Agreement

d. Education Cooperation Agreement

Correct Answer: c. Renewable Energy Cooperation Agreement

Explanation:

The passage mentions that, in addition to the power export agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in renewable energy was signed between the Nepal Electricity Authority and India’s National Thermal Power Corporation Limited.

25. Which two organizations have recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide financial support for various infrastructure projects over the next 5 years?

a. Indian Oil Corporation and Steel Authority of India

b. NITI Aayog and Indian Railways

c. REC Limited and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited

d. National Highway Authority of India and Power Grid Corporation of India

Correct Answer: c. REC Limited and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited

Explanation:

The passage mentions that REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to provide financial support of up to Rs. 35,000 Crores for various infrastructure projects over the next 5 years.

26. Who has been appointed as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding in a distinguished naval career?

a. Admiral Karambir Singh

b. Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi

c. Admiral Sunil Lanba

d. Admiral R. Hari Kumar

Correct Answer: b. Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, AVSM, NM, officially took over as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding in a distinguished naval career.

27. For what achievement did Professor Adrian Michael Cruise receive the 'Order Of The British Empire' as mentioned in the content?

a. Literature

b. Space Science Leadership

c. Humanitarian Work

d. Sports

Correct Answer: b. Space Science Leadership

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Professor Adrian Michael Cruise received the 'Order Of The British Empire' for his outstanding contributions to space science leadership.

28. Which university is Professor Adrian Michael Cruise associated with as mentioned in the content?

a. University of Oxford

b. University of Cambridge

c. University of Birmingham

d. Imperial College London

Correct Answer: c. University of Birmingham

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Professor Adrian Cruise, as Professor Emeritus at the University of Birmingham, led the Gravitational Wave Research Group.

29. In which category did Hero MotoCorp's Gurugram facility win the CII National Award for Excellence?

a. Employee Satisfaction

b. Water Management

c. Innovation

d. Sustainability

Correct Answer: b. Water Management

Explanation:

The passage specifies that Hero MotoCorp's Gurugram facility won the CII National Award for Excellence in Water Management.

30. Which historical period does the 10th-century Kadamba inscription found in Goa provide insights into?

a. Gupta Empire

b. Mughal Empire

c. Chola Dynasty

d. Kadamba period

Correct Answer: d. Kadamba period

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the 10th-century Kadamba inscription found in Goa provides insights into a historical episode during the Kadamba period.

31. What is the name of the cutting-edge navigation system used by Punjab Police to map accident-prone sites?

a. AcciMap

b. MapMyIndia

c. RoadSafeNav

d. AccidentMaster

Correct Answer: b. MapMyIndia

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Punjab Police used the MapMyIndia app, a cutting-edge navigation system, to meticulously map all 784 accident black spots.

32. Which Indian state has the highest number of vacancies in the upcoming retirement of Rajya Sabha members?

a. Maharashtra

b. Uttar Pradesh

c. Punjab

d. Karnataka

Correct Answer: b. Uttar Pradesh

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Uttar Pradesh will witness the highest number of vacancies, with 10 seats up for grabs, in the upcoming retirement of Rajya Sabha members.

33. Which international sporting brand is establishing its first Global Capacity Centre (GCC) in Chennai?

a. Puma

b. Nike

c. Adidas

d. Under Armour

Correct Answer: c. Adidas

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Adidas, the international sporting brand, is establishing its first and only Global Capacity Centre (GCC) in Asia outside of China in Chennai.

34. What is the objective of the 'Sadak Suraksha Force,' the flagship project of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in Punjab?

a. Traffic Enforcement

b. Road Safety

c. Infrastructure Development

d. Emergency Medical Response

Correct Answer: b. Road Safety

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the comprehensive mapping of accident black spots in Punjab is a crucial component of the 'Sadak Suraksha Force,' aiming to create a robust system for ensuring road safety across the state.

35. Which two domestic firms are involved in the procurement of 697 Bogie Open Military (BOM) Wagons and 56 Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment (MMME) Mark II?

a. M/s Jupiter Wagons Limited and M/s BEML Ltd

b. M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and M/s Bharat Electronics Limited

c. M/s Tata Advanced Systems Limited and M/s L&T Defence

d. M/s DRDO and M/s HAL

Correct Answer: a. M/s Jupiter Wagons Limited and M/s BEML Ltd

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the contracts for the procurement of 697 Bogie Open Military Wagons and 56 Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment were signed with M/s Jupiter Wagons Limited and M/s BEML Ltd.

36. What is the total number of Rajya Sabha members, including Union ministers, set to retire in 2024?

a. 58

b. 68

c. 78

d. 88

Correct Answer: b. 68

Explanation:

The passage mentions that 68 Rajya Sabha members, including nine Union ministers, are set to retire in 2024.

37. Which state has become the first in India to map all 784 accident-prone sites using the MapMyIndia app?

a. Punjab

b. Maharashtra

c. Uttar Pradesh

d. Tamil Nadu

Correct Answer: a. Punjab

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Punjab has become the first state in India to meticulously map all 784 accident black spots using the MapMyIndia app.

38. What is the aim of the 'Sadak Suraksha Force,' the flagship project of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in Punjab?

a. Mapping accident black spots

b. Ensuring road safety

c. Infrastructure development

d. Traffic enforcement

Correct Answer: b. Ensuring road safety

Explanation:

39. Which two crucial contracts, collectively valued at Rs 802 crore, were finalized by the Ministry of Defence to boost indigenous defense production?

a. Procurement of 697 Bogie Open Military Wagons and 56 Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment

b. Purchase of advanced fighter jets and naval vessels

c. Acquisition of missile defense systems and surveillance drones

d. Development of communication satellites and electronic warfare systems

Correct Answer: a. Procurement of 697 Bogie Open Military Wagons and 56 Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the Ministry of Defence finalized two pivotal contracts, including the procurement of 697 Bogie Open Military Wagons and 56 Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment, collectively valued at Rs 802 crore.

40. What prompted the historic monthly acquisitions of Indian equities by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) in December?

a. High-interest rates

b. Lower U.S. bond yields and expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts

c. Economic recession

d. Political instability

Correct Answer: b. Lower U.S. bond yields and expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts

Explanation:

The passage mentions that historic monthly acquisitions of Indian equities by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) in December were attributed to lower U.S. bond yields and expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

41. What prompted the Reserve Bank of India to revise upwards its fiscal 2024 growth forecast?

a. Decrease in foreign direct investments

b. Faster-than-expected quarterly GDP growth

c. Decline in stock market indices

d. Unfavorable state election results

Correct Answer: b. Faster-than-expected quarterly GDP growth

Explanation:

The passage mentions that faster-than-expected quarterly GDP growth prompted the Reserve Bank of India to revise upwards its fiscal 2024 growth forecast.

42. Where does Adidas plan to set up its first and only Global Capacity Centre (GCC) in Asia outside of China?

a. Bengaluru

b. Chennai

c. Mumbai

d. Hyderabad

Correct Answer: b. Chennai

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Adidas is set to establish its Global Business Services (GBS) hub in Chennai, marking its first GCC outside of China in Asia.

43. What is the name of the unique experiential learning program launched by the Ministry of Education for students of classes IX to XII?

a. PRITHVI

b. PRERANA

c. VIGYAN

d. UDAAN

Correct Answer: b. PRERANA

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, launched the PRERANA program, an experiential learning initiative for students of classes IX to XII.

44. How much is the budget allocated for the PRITHVI (PRITHvi VIgyan) scheme launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences?

a. Rs. 2,797 crore

b. Rs. 3,797 crore

c. Rs. 4,797 crore

d. Rs. 5,797 crore

Correct Answer: c. Rs. 4,797 crore

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the PRITHVI scheme, launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has a significant budget of Rs. 4,797 crore spanning from 2021-26.

45. What is the primary objective of the PRITHVI (PRITHvi VIgyan) scheme launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences?

a. Promoting space exploration

b. Enhancing cybersecurity

c. Strengthening the continuous monitoring of Earth's atmosphere

d. Developing advanced communication technologies

Correct Answer: c. Strengthening the continuous monitoring of Earth's atmosphere

Explanation:

46. What guarantee does the tur dal procurement portal provide for farmers, as highlighted by Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah?

a. Fixed market price

b. Auction-based pricing

c. Minimum Support Price (MSP)

d. Maximum Retail Price (MRP)

Correct Answer: c. Minimum Support Price (MSP)

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the tur dal procurement portal guarantees a minimum support price (MSP) or market price for the farmers, as highlighted by Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.

47. What amount did Minister Amit Shah transfer through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) during the inauguration of the tur dal procurement portal?

a. Rs 48 lakh

b. Rs 58 lakh

c. Rs 68 lakh

d. Rs 78 lakh

Correct Answer: c. Rs 68 lakh

Explanation:

The passage states that Minister Amit Shah conducted Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), transferring approximately Rs 68 lakh to 25 farmers as payment for their tur dal sales through the portal.

48. Where did Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur address a youth dialogue program on the theme 'My Bharat Mera Yuva Bharat'?

a. New Delhi

b. Diu

c. Mumbai

d. Bengaluru

Correct Answer: b. Diu

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Anurag Thakur addressed a youth dialogue program organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra on the theme 'My Bharat Mera Yuva Bharat' at Malala Auditorium in Diu.

49. What did Anurag Thakur emphasize during the youth dialogue program in Diu?

a. Importance of agriculture

b. Significance of financial investments

c. Channeling the energy of youth towards nation-building

d. Promoting international relations

Correct Answer: c. Channeling the energy of youth towards nation-building

Explanation:

The passage mentions that Anurag Thakur emphasized the importance of channeling the energy of the nation’s youth towards nation-building during the youth dialogue program in Diu.

50. Which country has committed to exporting 10,000 MW of power to India over the next 10 years, according to the agreement mentioned in the content?

a. Bangladesh

b. Bhutan

c. Sri Lanka

d. Nepal

Correct Answer: d. Nepal

Explanation: