This is the current affairs of 1 to 4 November 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 Government of India has approached President Prabowo Subianto of which country to be the chief guest of the Republic Day celebrations 2025?
a. Israel
b. Indonesia
c. Philippines
d. France
Answer: b. Indonesia
– Indonesia’s new president, Prabowo Subianto, may be invited as the chief guest for the 2025 Republic Day celebrations.
– The Government of India has reached out to the new Indonesian government for this purpose.
Former Indonesian Presidents as Chief Guests
– In 1950, Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, was the first chief guest at India’s Republic Day parade.
– In 2011, then-president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was invited.
– In 2018, then-president Widodo attended the Republic Day parade as a guest along with leaders from all ASEAN countries.
Note: In 2023, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was the chief guest.
Indonesian Army May Participate in the Parade
– In recent years, inviting the military contingent of the chief guest’s country to march on Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) has become a tradition.
– Last year, France became the first foreign country to participate in the fly-past with Rafale fighter jets.
– For the 2025 Republic Day parade, the Ministry of Defence and the Indonesian army are in contact regarding the participation of a marching contingent of about 250 soldiers.
– Indonesian helicopters or aircraft may also be included.
Defense Deals Between Indonesia and India
– The new president is being approached at a time when India is eager to finalize several defense deals with Indonesia.
– Indonesia is interested in purchasing India-made indigenous light combat aircraft and possibly the Akash surface-to-air missile system and helicopters.
– India is aiming to expand its defense exports, and Southeast Asia has emerged as a focus area, with several countries in the region—especially Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand—expressing interest in acquiring military hardware and enhancing their domestic defense industries.
– Another major deal on the agenda is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, which has been under discussion for several years.
– The Philippines became the first export customer for BrahMos in 2024.
– India is also keen to showcase its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, especially for Rafale fighter jets, which Indonesia has also purchased.
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2. Padma Bhushan awardee Sharda Sinha passed away on 5 November 2024, for what reasons was she famous?
a. Folk dance
b. Folk singing
c. Sitar playing
d. Poetry writing
Answer: b. Folk singing
– Sharda Sinha passed away at the age of 71.
– Sharda Sinha was born in 1953 in Supaul, Bihar, and her marital home was in Begusarai.
Battling Multiple Myeloma
– According to a report by the Hindustan Times, Sharda Sinha had been battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, since 2018. In this disease, plasma cells in the bone marrow grow uncontrollably, leading to tumors in the bones.
– Just a month and a half ago, on September 22, Sharda Sinha’s husband, Brijkishore Sinha, passed away due to a brain hemorrhage. It is said that she had been in shock since her husband’s passing.
From Folk Songs to Cinema Songs
– Although there was no musical background in Sharda Sinha’s family, her father recognized her talent and nurtured her passion for music.
– After marriage, she faced opposition to her singing from her in-laws, but she received support from her husband and later from her mother-in-law, allowing her to pursue traditional folk songs.
– Sharda Sinha’s singing career began in the 1970s. She sang folk songs in Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi, with many of her songs focusing on themes of migration from Bihar and the struggles of women.
– Though primarily known for folk music, her voice resonated in popular Hindi cinema as well. She is considered a cultural ambassador of North India, and during the Chhath festival, her songs can be heard in almost every home in Bihar and Purvanchal.
Sharda Sinha’s Songs in Films
– Sharda Sinha captivated audiences with her voice in Hindi cinema.
– She won hearts with the song “Kahe Tose Sajna” from the 1989 film Maine Pyar Kiya.
– Her soulful voice in songs like “Taar Bijli” from Gangs of Wasseypur and “Babul Jo Tumne Sikhaya” from Hum Aapke Hain Koun added to her popularity and established her as a cherished singer.
Awards and Honors for Sharda Sinha
– 2018: Padma Bhushan
– 1991: Padma Shri
Note: In addition, she received many accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
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3. India and which country’s navy conducted maritime exercise SIMBEX-2024?
a. France
b. Germany
c. Indonesia
d. Singapore
Answer: d. Singapore
– Event Dates: October 23–25 and October 28–29, 2024
– Location: Conducted in two phases—harbor phase in Visakhapatnam and sea phase in the Bay of Bengal
Participants and Equipment
– The Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet participated in the exercise with the INS Shivalik and the P8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft.
Singapore
– Capital: Singapore City
– President: Tharman Shanmugaratnam
– Prime Minister: Lawrence Wong
– Population: 6 million
– Currency: Singapore Dollar
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4. Scientists are amazed to see “Black Hole Triple” for the first time in space, what is it?
a. A black hole which is in the process of swallowing a star and is revolving around another star
b. ‘The black hole located at the center of the Milky Way
c. Three black holes which are pulling each other
d. None of these
Answer: a. A black hole which is in the process of swallowing a star and is revolving around another star
– Discovery of a “Black Hole Triple”: Scientists at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA) have discovered a “Black Hole Triple” system in space for the first time. This system features a black hole at its center, which is in the process of consuming a nearby small star, while a second star orbits the black hole from a much greater distance.
– Orbit Details: The closer star completes its orbit around the black hole in 6.5 days and is gradually being consumed by it. The second, more distant star takes around 70,000 years to complete an orbit around the black hole.
Distance from Earth
– This “Black Hole Triple” is located approximately 8,000 light-years from Earth.
– Note: A light-year is the distance that light travels in one year, approximately 9.5 trillion kilometers.
What is a Black Hole?
– A black hole is a region in space where gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it. This intense gravity occurs because matter has collapsed into a very small space, usually at the end of a star’s life.
Why are Scientists Fascinated by the Black Hole Triple?
– Astronomers believe that most black holes form when massive stars explode at the end of their lives in events called supernovae. However, the Black Hole Triple system suggests a gentler formation process.
– If this black hole had formed from a typical supernova, the explosive energy would likely have pushed away any loosely bound objects, such as the distant outer star, preventing it from remaining in the gravitational field.
Formed Without a Supernova
– Scientists suspect that this black hole was created through a “direct collapse,” a gentler process where a star simply collapses into itself, forming a black hole without a final explosive burst. This mild origin would not disturb loosely bound distant objects, which explains why the outer star remains in orbit.
– Researchers believe that the Black Hole Triple system may be the first evidence of a black hole formed through this gentler direct collapse process.
Conclusion
– This discovery challenges our current understanding of black hole formation, as it has been assumed that black holes form through supernova explosions.
– This research could deepen our understanding of cosmic events and lead to new insights into black holes, stellar evolution, and galaxy structure.
Types of Black Holes
– Stellar Black Holes: These black holes form from the gravitational collapse of a star or the merger of two neutron stars, with a mass up to 20 times that of the Sun.
– Supermassive Black Holes: With masses millions to billions of times that of the Sun, these are believed to reside at the centers of most large galaxies, including the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* at the center of the Milky Way.
– Primordial Black Holes: Astronomers believe these black holes may have formed in the early universe, long before stars and galaxies.
– Black Hole Triple: A newly discovered type, believed to have formed without a supernova, challenging traditional views on black hole formation.
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5. Where was the first Asian Buddhist Summit held, which was inaugurated by President Draupadi Murmu?
a. Jakarta
b. Mumbai
c. New Delhi
d. Tokyo
Answer: c. New Delhi
– Event Organization: This summit was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), and held in New Delhi on November 5-6, 2024.
– Summit Theme: The theme of the summit was “The Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia.”
Discussion Topics
– Buddhist Art, Architecture, and Heritage: Exploring the cultural and historical impact of Buddhist art and architecture.
– Spread of Buddha’s Teachings: Discussing the dissemination of Buddha’s teachings (Buddha Karika) and the Buddha Dhamma.
– Role and Relevance of Sacred Buddhist Relics: Examining the importance of sacred Buddhist relics and their societal relevance.
– Significance of Buddha Dhamma in Scientific Research and Well-being: Analyzing the contributions of Buddhist principles to science and wellness.
– Role of Buddhist Literature and Philosophy in the 21st Century: Exploring how Buddhist literature and philosophy contribute to modern society in the 21st century.
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6. Name the new President of Botswana?
a. Ian Khama
b. Duma Boko
c. Festus Mogae
d. Quett Masire
Answer: b. Duma Gideon Boko
– Position: Duma Gideon Boko is the 6th President of Botswana.
– Profession: He is a politician and lawyer.
Botswana’s Elephant Population
– Botswana is home to the world’s largest elephant population, with approximately 130,000 elephants.
– Unlike its neighboring countries, Botswana has remained a safe haven for elephants due to its stable government and small human population.
– Trophy hunting is permitted in Botswana, where hunters kill wild animals for sport and display parts such as tusks, horns, skins, or heads as trophies.
Botswana Overview
– Capital: Gaborone
– President: Duma Gideon Boko
– Currency: Pula
– Population: 2.4 million
– Neighboring Countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe, South – Africa, Namibia
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7. When will the winter session of Parliament be held?
a. 25 November 20 December
b. 30 November 20 December
c. 2 to 25 December
d. 5 November 29 December
Answer: a. 25 November 20 December
– 18th Lok Sabha Winter Session: The first Winter Session of the 18th Lok Sabha will take place from November 25 to December 20. Key bills expected to be introduced include the “One Nation-One Election” bill and the Waqf Amendment Bill. Additionally, there is a possibility that a proposal to grant full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir may be passed.
Types of Parliamentary Sessions
– Budget Session: Held from the end of January to the end of April or early May.
– Monsoon Session: Takes place from July to August or September.
– Winter Session: Runs from November to December.
Note: Besides these regular sessions, special sessions of Parliament can also be convened as needed. Additionally, under Article 352(8) of the 44th Amendment Act, a special session of the Lok Sabha can be convened.
18th Lok Sabha First Monsoon Session
– The first Monsoon Session of the 18th Lok Sabha ran from July 22 to August 9.
– It included 15 sittings, lasting a total of about 115 hours, with a productivity rate of 136%.
Parliamentary Leaders
– Lok Sabha Speaker: Om Birla
– Rajya Sabha Chairman: Jagdeep Dhankhar (Vice President)
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8. When was World Tsunami Awareness Day celebrated?
a. 3 November
b. 5 November
c. 7 November
d. 9 November
Answer: b. 5 November
– This day is celebrated to raise awareness about tsunamis, share new ideas, and reduce risks associated with them.
Theme for 2024:
#GetToHighGround
– World Tsunami Awareness Day is celebrated following an initiative by Japan.
– The first World Tsunami Awareness Day was observed globally on November 5, 2016.
– The United Nations General Assembly announced this on December 22, 2015.
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9. Census will be done in 2025, there will be a change in the future cycle
When was the last census of India conducted?
a. 2011
b. 2021
c. 2016
d. 2001
Answer: d. 2011
– According to the newspaper The Hindu, India’s census is likely to begin in 2025.
– However, the decision on caste census remains uncertain.
What is Census and its Importance?
– Census is an important process through which the population of a country or region is counted.
– It collects demographic, social, cultural, and economic data about all individuals.
– Information such as age, gender, occupation, and income is included, which is why it is also referred to as “complete enumeration.”
– Accurate data is essential for social justice and political representation.
– Without correct data, it becomes difficult to recognize the true condition of different sections of society and understand their needs.
When was the first Census in India?
– The first organized census in modern India was conducted by the British in 1872, focusing on population count, caste, religion, and occupation.
– A decade later, the next census took place in 1881, and since then, it has been conducted every 10 years.
Post-Independence Census:
– The first census after independence was held in 1951.
– The Census Act of 1948 provides the legal framework for conducting the census in India.
– Last Census: The previous census was conducted in 2011.
– Delayed Census: The 2021 census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changes in the Census Cycle:
– The upcoming census and National Population Register (NPR) update work are expected to begin in early 2025, with data being released by 2026.
– This will lead to changes in the future census cycles, with new timelines for 2025-2035 and 2035-2045 censuses.
Uncertainty on Caste Census:
– It is still unclear whether a caste census will be conducted alongside the regular census, which would help in accurate assessment of the OBC population.
– Various political parties are demanding a caste census, as it is important for social justice and representation.
– The last caste-based census was conducted in 1931.
– However, since independence, the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) have been consistently counted.
Impact of Census on Lok Sabha Seats:
– Based on the new data, the process of delimitation of Lok Sabha seats is scheduled for 2026.
– Political leaders in southern states are concerned that their successful population control efforts may lead to a reduction in their number of Lok Sabha seats.
– Delimitation refers to the process of redefining electoral constituency boundaries based on population data.
– A Delimitation Commission is established to oversee this process, ensuring fair political representation.
– Since independence, delimitation has occurred only four times (1952, 1953, 1973, and 2002), while the census is conducted every decade.
– According to Article 82 of the Constitution, the allocation of Lok Sabha seats can only be revised after 2026.
– If the census is held in 2025 and the data is published in 2026, there will be a delay in the delimitation process.
Digital Collection of Data:
– For the first time, census data in India will be collected digitally, which will speed up the data collection process and improve accuracy.
– A special portal has been developed to allow citizens to securely and easily submit their data.
– Digitally conducting the census will save time, leading to quicker data publication.
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Question: Consider the following statements:
1. Census in India is conducted every ten years.
2. The process of Census 2025 is likely to begin in early 2025.
3. During census only population is counted, no data of economic activities is taken.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a. Only 1
b. Only 1 and 2
c. Only 2 and 3
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer – b. Only 1 and 2
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10. When is World Vegetarian Day celebrated?
a. November 1
b. November 2
c. November 3
d. November 4
Answer: a. November 1
– World Vegetarian Day was established in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society.
– After that, this day began to be celebrated worldwide.
– Approximately 22% of the global population is vegetarian, and this number may increase.
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11. In which country the volcano ‘Mount Levotobi Laki-Laki’ erupted and thousands of people were evacuated from the area?
a. America
b. Indonesia
c. India
d. Australia
Answer: b. Indonesia (This volcano is located in the southeastern part of Flores Island of Indonesia.)
– In 2024, the volcano erupted for the second time.
– The first eruption occurred in January 2024, followed by explosions on November 4, 2024.
– Due to the eruption, more than 10 people died, and several others were injured.
– The eruption caused explosive clouds of lava, volcanic ash, and fiery rocks.
Twin Volcano
– Levotobi Laki-Laki is a twin volcano.
– These volcanoes are located in the southeastern part of Flores Island in Indonesia, which is quite popular with tourists.
– The volcano stands at 1,703 meters (5,587 feet) high.
Number of people evacuated
– Due to increasing volcanic activity, over 15,000 people have been relocated to temporary shelters.
Most active volcanoes in Indonesia
– There are 1,500 active volcanoes worldwide.
– Of these, the highest number (130) is in Indonesia.
– Seven volcanoes have been erupting continuously for the past two years: Krakatoa, Merapi, Levotolok, Karangetang, Semeru, Ibu, and Dukono.
– In December 2023, Mount Marapi (Fire Mountain) erupted on Sumatra Island, killing 23 people.
– Additionally, the Anak Krakatoa volcano, located in the waters of the Sunda Strait in Indonesia, erupted in November 2023.
– In 2024, Mount Levotobi Laki-Laki erupted twice.
Ring of Fire
– Indonesia is located above the Pacific Ring of Fire.
This area experiences the most geographical and geological activity.
– In Indonesia’s location, the Eurasian Tectonic Plate is sliding southward, and the Indian-Australian Tectonic Plate is shifting northward. The Philippine Plate is moving westward.
– Volcanic eruptions occur due to the collision or sliding of these three plates.
What is a volcano and how does it erupt?
– Before discussing volcanic eruptions, it’s important to understand what a volcano is.
– A volcano is an opening or crack in the Earth’s surface through which magma—hot, liquid, and semi-liquid rock—along with volcanic ash and gases, escapes.
– In other words, a volcano is a vent through which molten rock, ash, and gases are expelled from the Earth’s interior.
– The Earth’s mantle (one of its three layers) contains a weak region known as the asthenosphere, where magma exists.
– Volcanic hotspots are found where tectonic plates meet.
– There are an estimated one million volcanoes beneath the ocean, most of which are near tectonic plate boundaries.
– When tectonic plates collide, the temperature and pressure increase, leading to the formation of magma, which is molten material inside the Earth’s surface.
– When this magma rises to the surface, it is referred to as lava.
Effects of a volcanic eruption:
1. Seismic activity (Earthquakes):
– Lava movement beneath the volcano can trigger earthquakes, causing cracks in the ground and destruction, especially in populated areas.
2. Climate impact:
– Gases released from volcanic eruptions can disrupt weather patterns, potentially leading to unexpected climate changes.
3. Pyroclastic flows:
– Hot, fast-moving clouds of gas and debris (pyroclastic flows) can destroy anything in their path due to their high speed and temperature.
4. Volcanic ash:
– Ash particles, when inhaled, can cause serious respiratory issues, and in high concentrations, they can be fatal.
5. Health hazards:
– Volcanic gases and ash can lead to long-term health issues such as lung damage and respiratory diseases.
Indonesia
– Capital: Jakarta
– President: Joko Widodo
– Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
– Population: Approximately 280 million
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12. Exercise ‘VINBAX’ between India and which country was held in Ambala?
a. Sri Lanka
b. Vietnam
c. Myanmar
d. Laos
Answer: b. Vietnam
– Duration of the exercise: From November 4 to November 23, 2024
– Location of the event: Ambala, Haryana
– VINBAX 2024 was conducted as a field training exercise.
– This exercise follows the bilateral exercise held in Vietnam in 2023, which further strengthens India-Vietnam defense relations.
– VINBAX 2024 is the first exercise to involve the joint participation of both armies (Army and Air Force), with soldiers from both countries’ Army and Air Force taking part.
Vietnam
– Capital: Hanoi
– President: Lương Quang
– Prime Minister: Phạm Minh Chính
– Currency: Vietnamese Dong
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13. Who has been re-elected as the President and Co-Chair of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
a. India and Australia
b. India and Japan
c. India and Germany
d. India and France
Answer: d. India and France
– It was announced during the seventh meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) held in New Delhi.
– India will continue to be the President of ISA until 2026.
What is the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
– The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty-based international intergovernmental organization aimed at driving change in the solar energy sector.
– ISA was founded on November 30, 2015, by India and France in Paris.
– Initially, only countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn were eligible to become members of the ISA.
– Later, amendments to the ISA framework agreement were made, allowing all United Nations member states to join.
– Headquarters: National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram, India.
Objectives of ISA
– Work towards the efficient consumption of solar energy
– Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
– Facilitate access to energy
– Ensure energy security
– Promote energy transition
– Promote solar energy for an environmentally sustainable future
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14. Who has been appointed as the new Secretary General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
a. Ashish Khanna
b. Ajay Mathur
c. Vinod Khanna
d. Vijay Bahadur
Answer: a. Ashish Khanna
– Ashish Khanna will assume office in March 2025.
– He will succeed Ajay Mathur, who has been leading ISA since 2021.
– Ashish Khanna is a former energy expert at the World Bank.
– He has been appointed as the new Secretary General of ISA.
– Khanna has 26 years of experience and has worked in the energy sector development in South Asia, West Asia, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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15. India won 17 medals including 3 gold in the Under-19 World Boxing Championship 2024, name the gold medal winners among them?
a. Parthavi Grewal, Vanshika Goswami, Hemant Sangwan
b. Parthavi Grewal, Vanshika Goswami, Narayan Swamy
c. Rakesh Verma, Ajay Nanda, Ummed Jadoun
d. Vishwaeshwar Prasad, Parthavi Goswami, Radha Kumari
Answer: a. Parthavi Grewal, Vanshika Goswami, Hemant Sangwan
Under-19 World Boxing Championship 2024
– Venue: Colorado, USA
– Dates: 25 October – 5 November 2024
– India’s Medal Tally: 3 Gold, 8 Silver, and 5 Bronze
Gold Medalists
– Parthvi Grewal: Won in the Women’s 65kg category, defeating Alia Hopema from the Netherlands 5-0.
– Vanshika Goswami: Won in the Women’s +80kg category, defeating Viktoria Gatt from Germany.
– Hemant Sangwan: Won in the Men’s 90kg category, defeating Rishon Sims from the USA 4-1.
Silver Medalists (8 winners)
– Nisha (51kg)
– Supriya Devi Thokchom (54kg)
– Kritika Vasan (80kg)
– Chanchal Chaudhary (48kg)
– Anjali Singh (57kg)
– Vini (60kg)
– Akanksha Falaswal (70kg)
– Rahul Kundu (75kg)
Bronze Medalists (5 winners)
– Rishi Singh (50kg)
– Krishan Pal (55kg)
– Sumit (70kg)
– Aryan (85kg)
– Lakshay Rathi (90+kg)
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16. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the new Consulate in which city of Australia in November 2024?
a. Sydney
b. Hobart
c. Brisbane
d. Melbourne
Answer: c. Brisbane
– Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Brisbane, Australia, on 4 November 2024.
– He described it as India’s first consulate in the state of Queensland, Australia.
– Brisbane is the capital of Queensland.
– Approximately 100,000 people of Indian origin reside in Queensland, making them a significant part of the Indian diaspora community in Australia.
– India is Australia’s sixth-largest trading partner, and trade grew by 41%, from $22.2 billion in 2021 to $31.4 billion in 2022.
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