This is the current affairs of 7 to 10 July 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. The 22nd India-Russia annual summit was held in which city of Russia, where PM Modi arrived?
a. Kazan
b. Sochi
c. St. Petersburg
d. Moscow
Answer: d. Moscow
– PM Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on July 8, 2024, to attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.
– At Vnukovo-2 International Airport in Moscow, he received a grand welcome.
– President Putin hosted a private dinner for him.
Visit to Russia after five years
– PM Modi has visited Russia for the first time since the war between Russia and Ukraine. Prior to this, he visited Russia in 2019. At that time, he went to Vladivostok to attend the 20th India-Russia Annual Summit.
– However, he did not visit Moscow then. Modi has arrived in Moscow after nine years.
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2. Putin honoured PM Modi with Russia’s highest honour, tell the name of this honour?
a. National Order of the Legion of Honour
b. Order of the Druk Gyalpo
c. Order of St. Andrew the Apostle
d. Order of Zayed
Answer: c. Order of St. Andrew the Apostle
– Russia awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the country’s highest honor, the ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’.
– President Vladimir Putin personally honored him.
– This award was announced in 2019.
– PM Modi is the first Indian to receive Russia’s highest honor.
– This award has been given since 1898 in honor of St. Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus and the patron saint of Russia.
– This honor is awarded for the best civil or military merit.
– PM Modi is the fourth non-Russian person to receive this honor.
– Besides him, this honor has been awarded to Azerbaijan’s leader Heydar Aliyev, Kazakhstan’s first president Nursultan, and China’s president Xi Jinping.
– On the second day of his two-day visit to Russia, PM Modi also participated in a summit meeting with Putin.
– Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, he said that the path to peace does not come from the battlefield.
– Peace is not possible amidst bombs, guns, and bullets. Dialogue is necessary for a solution.
– In response, Putin said that they are grateful for PM Modi’s efforts to find a solution to the Ukraine crisis.
Zelensky upset with Modi’s visit to Russia:
– Ukraine’s President Zelensky expressed displeasure over the Modi-Putin meeting.
– He wrote on social media platform ‘X’, ‘It is disappointing for the leader of the world’s largest democratic country to embrace the world’s bloodiest leader.’
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3. Name India’s lightest indigenous tank, jointly developed by DRDO and L&T?
a. Yodha
b. T90
c. Arjun
d. Zorawar
Answer: d. Zorawar
– This tank was unveiled in July 2024 by DRDO Chief Dr. Sameer V. Kamat.
– The unveiling trial of this tank took place in Hazira, Gujarat.
– It has been developed to counter the Chinese deployment across the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Ladakh region.
– Weighing only 25 tons, it was prepared in two years.
– It is developed for the high-altitude regions of Ladakh.
– It can move at high speed in mountainous areas.
– Initially, 59 tanks of this range will be provided to the army.
Features of Zorawar
– It is an amphibious tank, meaning it can operate on land and in shallow water, enabling deployment in river areas including Pangong Tso Lake in Eastern Ladakh.
– Weight: 25 tons (other tanks T-72 {45 tons} and T-90 {46 tons})
– Seating capacity: 3 people
– Power: 1000 horsepower
– Speed: 70 kilometers per hour
– Off-road: 35 to 40 kilometers per hour
– Field artillery: FV433, 105 mm
– Coaxial machine gun: 7.62 mm
Why the name Zorawar?
– ‘Project Zorawar’ is named after the famous warrior Zorawar Singh.
– He was a military general who served under King Gulab Singh of Jammu.
– The light tanks provided under this project will have similar firepower to existing tanks.
– These light tanks will have features like missile-firing capability, counter-drone apparatus, warning systems, and power-to-weight ratio.
Why does the Indian Army need light tanks?
– During the standoff in Eastern Ladakh (2020), the army had to deploy a significant number of T-72 (45 tons) and T-90 (46 tons) tanks in the mountains.
– These tanks successfully compelled the adversary to retreat.
– However, these tanks are primarily designed for operations in plains and desert areas.
– China is deploying light tanks in Eastern Ladakh, which poses a threat to India.
– This situation necessitates the Indian Army’s need for light tanks.
– It is challenging and time-consuming to transport tanks weighing more than 25 tons up the mountains.
Tanks present in the Indian Army:
– Arjun MK 1A (68.5 tons)
– T-90 (46 tons)
– T-72 (45 tons)
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4. Who became the tenth member country of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?
a. Latvia
b. France
c. Belarus
d. Iraq
Answer: c. Belarus
– The SCO Summit was held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on July 3-4, 2024.
– At this summit, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed Belarus as a member country.
– Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was congratulated by everyone.
Good Relations with India
– India has had good relations with Belarus. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, India was one of the first countries to recognize Belarus as an independent nation.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
– Establishment: June 15, 2001
– Headquarters: Beijing, China
– It is a Eurasian political, economic, international security, and defense organization established by China and Russia.
– It is the successor of the Shanghai Five, which was formed in 1996 among the People’s Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
– Currently, it has 10 member countries.
– It has emerged as an influential economic and security bloc and one of the largest inter-regional international organizations.
Member Countries
– India
– Iran
– Kazakhstan
– People’s Republic of China
– Kyrgyzstan
– Pakistan
– Russia
– Tajikistan
– Uzbekistan
– Belarus
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5. Who became the new chairperson of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)?
a. T Raja Kumar
b. Marcus Player
c. Elisa de Anda Madrazo
d. Milani Jolie
Answer: c. Elisa de Anda Madrazo
– She is from Mexico. Her tenure will last until June 2026.
– She succeeded T. Raja Kumar of Singapore.
– De Anda Madrazo previously served as the Vice President of FATF.
FATF (Financial Action Task Force)
– Its objective is to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities.
– It is an international organization created in 1989 by the G7 member countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States).
– Currently, it has 40 member countries. (In addition, Russia was suspended in 2023.)
India became a member in 2010.
– Its headquarters are in Paris, France.
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6. Where was the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit 2024 held?
a. USA
b. Canada
c. Germany
d. Spain
Answer: a. USA
– The NATO Summit was held in Washington D.C., USA, from July 9 to 11, 2024.
– This year marks the 75th anniversary of NATO.
– The summit is expected to show strong support from the USA and its allies for Ukraine.
– Significant new announcements may be made to increase military, political, and financial support for the war-torn European country.
– This summit will be the first to include Sweden as a member of the alliance.
– Sweden officially joined the alliance in March 2024.
NATO
– Establishment: April 4, 1949
– Member Countries: 32
– Headquarters: Belgium
– Secretary General: Jens Stoltenberg
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7. When is National Fish Farmers’ Day celebrated?
a. 7 July
b. 8 July
c. 9 July
d. 10 July
Answer: d. 10 July
– With the support of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), the Departments of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy celebrate this day every year.
– This day is observed in memory of scientists Dr. H. L. Chaudhury and Dr. K. H. Alikunhi, who discovered induced breeding technology for major Indian carps on July 10, 1957.
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8. Who became the new President of Iran?
a. Masoud Pezeshkian
b. Saeedi Jalili
c. Hassan Rouhani
d. Rahman Suleisi
Answer: a. Masoud Pezeshkian
– Masoud Pezeshkian became the 9th President of the country.
– Following the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Iran’s President Ibrahim Raisi on May 19, 2024, presidential elections were announced in the country.
– Masoud Pezeshkian, besides being a doctor, also teaches the Quran.
Iran’s Voting Process:
– The first round of voting in Iran took place on May 28. No candidate secured 50% of the votes, which is necessary to win the election.
– However, Masoud Pezeshkian led with 42.5% of the votes in the first round, followed by Saeed Jalili with 38.8%.
– According to Iran’s constitution, if no candidate secures a majority in the first round, a runoff election is held between the top two candidates.
Masoud Pezeshkian
– Masoud Pezeshkian became the 9th President of the country.
– Following the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Iran’s President Ibrahim Raisi on May 19, 2024, presidential elections were announced in the country.
– Masoud Pezeshkian is a doctor and also teaches the Quran.
– During the Iran-Iraq war in 1980, he treated wounded soldiers and later became an expert in cardiac surgery.
– He served as the Health Minister during the tenure of Iran’s former President Mohammad Khatami in 1997.
– He is a close associate of former President Hassan Rouhani.
Opposition to Hijab:
– In debates, he has opposed the compulsory hijab multiple times, stating that no one has the right to engage in moral policing.
– The law mandating the hijab in Iran was enforced after the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
– In 2022, there was opposition to the hijab in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini.
– At that time, Pezeshkian said, “It is our fault. We want to impose our religious beliefs through force. This is scientifically impossible.”
– He used the song “Women, Life, Freedom” in his rally, inspired by Iranian women’s freedom.
– Pezeshkian named his campaign ‘Baraye Iran’ or ‘For the Love of Iran’.
– Masoud Pezeshkian first became a Member of Parliament from Tabriz in 2006.
– He considers America as an enemy.
– In 2011, he registered to run for the presidency.
– In 2012, a ban was imposed on Pezeshkian and other candidates from running for the presidency, including Raisi.
India-Iran Relations:
– India and Iran have strong economic relations.
– Strategically, both countries focus on the crucial Chabahar Port.
– On May 13, 2024, India and Iran signed a 10-year agreement to develop this port.
– India has invested in this project, and the port will provide connectivity to Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
– India has pledged $12 billion for the development of the Chabahar Port Terminal.
– Additionally, India has offered a $25 billion credit line for foundational infrastructure projects in Iran.
– Capital: Tehran
– Language: Persian
– Currency: Iranian Rial
– Population: 88.6 million (2022)
– Neighboring Countries: Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.
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9. President Draupadi Murmu awarded Kirti Chakra to how many heroes of the army and paramilitary forces in the year 2024?
a. 9 Kirti Chakra
b. 10 Kirti Chakra
c. 11 Kirti Chakra
d. 07 Kirti Chakra
Answer: b. 10 Kirti Chakra
– President Draupadi Murmu awarded bravery awards to armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and police personnel from states/Union Territories at a ceremony held in New Delhi.
– A total of 10 Kirti Chakras were awarded, out of which seven were posthumous.
– Every year, soldiers, CRPF, ITBP, and police personnel who display valor are honored with bravery awards.
– The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, and several other ministers.
Kirti Chakra Awardees:
– Major Digvijay Singh Rawat, 21st Battalion Parachute Regiment (Army)
– Major Dipendra Vikram Basnet, 4th Battalion Sikh Regiment (Army)
– Subedar Pawan Kumar Yadav, 21st Battalion Mahar Regiment (Army)
Kirti Chakra (posthumous)
– Inspector/GD Dilip Kumar Das (CRPF)
– Head Constable/GD Raj Kumar Yadav (CRPF)
– Constable/GD Babloo Raba (CRPF)
– Constable/GD Shambhu Roy, 210 Cobra Battalion (CRPF)
– Sepoy Pawan Kumar, Grenadiers, 55th Battalion National Rifles (Army)
– Captain Anshuman Singh, Army Medical Corps, 26th Battalion Punjab Regiment (Army)
– Havildar Abdul Majid, 9th Battalion Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) (Army)
Country’s highest gallantry awards: wartime and peacetime
– Highest gallantry awards during wartime: Paramveer Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Vir Chakra
– Highest gallantry awards during peacetime: Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra
– Other gallantry awards: Army Medal, Navy Medal, Air Force Medal
There are many awards in Chakra series, some of them are-
– Param Vir Chakra: Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest military award given for exceptional valor and sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
– Mahavir Chakra: This award is given for exceptional bravery or gallantry.
– Vir Chakra: This award is given for acts of exceptional bravery or gallantry.
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10. President Draupadi Murmu awarded Shaurya Chakra to how many heroes of the army and paramilitary forces in the year 2024?
a. 21 Shaurya Chakra
b. 11 Shaurya Chakra
c. 26 Shaurya Chakra
d. 20 Shaurya Chakra
Answer: c. 26 Shaurya Chakra
– President Draupadi Murmu gave away 26 Shaurya Chakras at the investiture ceremony, of which seven were given posthumously to their families.
– Shaurya Chakra is India’s third highest peacetime gallantry award after Ashoka Chakra and Kirti Chakra.
Shaurya Chakra (posthumous)
– Constable Safiullah Qadri (Jammu and Kashmir Police)
– Major Vikas Bhambhu (Army)
– Major Mustafa Bohra (Army)
– Rifleman Kulbhushan Manta (Army)
– Havaldar Vivek Singh Tomar (Army)
– Alok Rao (Army)
– Captain MV Pranjal (Army)
Shaurya Chakra (non-posthumous)
– Constable/GD Gamit Mukesh Kumar (CRPF)
– Sub Inspector Amit Raina (Jammu and Kashmir Police)
– Sub Inspector Farooq Ahmad Dar (Jammu and Kashmir Police)
– Assistant Commandant Bibhor Kumar Singh (CRPF)
– Constable Varun Singh (Jammu and Kashmir Police)
– Superintendent of Police Mohan Lal (Jammu and Kashmir Police)
– Major Rajendra Prasad Jat (Army)
– Major Ravinder Singh Rawat (Army)
– Naik Bhim Singh (Army)
– Major Sachin Negi (Army)
– Major Maneo Francis (Army)
– Wing Commander Shailesh Singh (Air Force)
– Lieutenant Bimal Ranjan Behera (Navy)
– Ex Havaldar Sanjay Kumar (Army)
– Flight Lieutenant Rishikesh Jayan Karuthedath (Air Force)
– Captain Akshat Upadhyaya (Army)
– Naib Subedar Baria Sanjay Kumar Bhramar Singh (Army)
– Ex Major Amandeep Jakhar (Army)
– Parshottam Kumar (Army)
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Note: Names of Param Vir Chakra heroes
1. Major Somnath Sharma
2. Subedar and Honorary Captain Karam Singh
3. Major Rama Raghoba Rane
4. Naik Jadunath Singh
5. Company Havildar Major Piru Singh Shekhawat
6. Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria
7. Lieutenant Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa Magar
8. Subedar Joginder Singh Sahnan
9. Major Shaitan Singh Bhati
10. Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hameed
11. Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burjorji Tarapore
12. Lance Naik Albert Ekka
13. Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya
14. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal
15. Flying Officer Nirmal Jeet Singh Sekhon
16. Major Ramaswami Parameswaran
17. Captain Bana Singh
18. Captain Vikram Batra
19. Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey
20. Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar
21. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav
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11. Oscar-winning Hollywood filmmaker Jon Landau passed away on 5 July 2024, which of his films won 11 Oscars?
a. Avatar
b. Titanic
c. Solaris
d. Alita
Answer: b. Titanic
– 63-year-old John Landau passed away from cancer on July 5, 2024.
– He lived in Los Angeles, USA.
– The film Titanic, released in 1997, won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture.
– It was the highest-grossing movie in the world, costing 1250 crores to make.
– This movie grossed over 1 billion dollars.
– It was directed by James Cameron.
– Additionally, his movies Avatar and its sequel Avatar: The Way of Water broke Titanic’s box office records.
– His films “Long Day’s Journey into Night,” “Hopscotch,” and “The Deadly Game” were nominated for Oscars.
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