This is the current affairs of 4 to 6 September 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Which two countries did Prime Minister Narendra Modi make bilateral visits to in September 2024?
a. Ukraine and Poland
b. Brunei and Singapore
c. Russia and China
d. Japan and Brunei
Answer: b. Brunei and Singapore
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2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Brunei on a bilateral visit on 3 and 4 September 2024, which is his th visit?
a. Fourth
b. Third
c. Second
d. First
Answer: d. First
– This was the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei.
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3. In which city did PM Modi visit the ‘Ali Saifuddin Mosque’ in September 2024?
a. New Delhi
b. Paris
c. Singapore
d. Bandar Seri Begawan
Answer: d. Bandar Seri Begawan
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Brunei on September 3 and 4, 2024.
– This is the first visit to Brunei by an Indian Prime Minister.
– There, he visited the Ali Saifuddien Mosque on September 3.
– Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated the new campus of the Indian High Commission there.
– The Sultan of Brunei is Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. He is also the Prime Minister of Brunei.
Ali Saifuddien Mosque
– The mosque is named after Brunei’s 28th Sultan, Omar Ali Saifuddien III.
– It is located in the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan.
– The construction of this mosque was completed in 1958.
Topics of Discussion
– The two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation on several issues including defense, connectivity, trade and investment, renewable energy, space, ICT, health and pharmaceuticals, education and capacity building, culture, tourism, youth and people-to-people exchanges, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Arrival of Indians in Brunei
– According to PIB, Indians first arrived in Brunei in the 1920s during the oil exploration period.
– Today, approximately 14,000 Indians live in Brunei.
– Indian doctors and teachers have been recognized for their significant contributions to the development of health care and education sectors in Brunei.
India and Brunei Relations
– In 2024, India and Brunei will mark 40 years of diplomatic relations.
– India and Brunei have a strong relationship.
– Diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1984.
– Leaders of both countries continue to meet, which strengthens their relationship.
– There are also trade and economic ties between India and Brunei.
– India imports oil and gas from Brunei, while Brunei buys rice, medicines, and machinery from India.
– Cultural ties also exist between the two countries.
– India and Brunei cooperate in each other’s security, particularly in the field of maritime security.
The Luxurious Life of the Sultan of Brunei
– The Sultan of Brunei is Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
– He is also the Prime Minister of Brunei.
– Until 1980, he was the world’s richest person.
– After becoming Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah commissioned the construction of a palace costing 50 billion rupees.
– The palace is named ‘Istana Nurul Iman.’
The Sultan owns 7,000 cars.
– He spends 1.6 million rupees per month on haircuts.
About Brunei
– Brunei is an Asian country.
– It is bordered by Malaysia on three sides and the South China Sea on one side.
– The country is located on the island of Borneo.
– The population of Brunei is approximately 461,000.
– Two-thirds of the population is Muslim.
– About 14,000 Indians live there.
– Malay is the spoken language.
– The capital of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan.
– Brunei is ruled by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
– British rule began in Brunei in 1888.
– Brunei gained independence in 1984.
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4. Which MoUs were signed between the two countries (India-Singapore) during PM Modi’s visit to Singapore (September 2024)?
Choose the answer using the statements given below:
1. Agreement in the field of digital technology and semiconductors
2. Agreement in the field of health cooperation and skill development
3. Agreement to manufacture missile and aircraft engines
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Only 3
Answer: c. Both 1 and 2 (semiconductors, digital technology, health cooperation, and skill development)
– According to The Hindu newspaper, four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed between India and Singapore.
– After completing his visit to Brunei on September 4, 2024, he visited Singapore, where he stayed until September 5.
– PM Modi met with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and major business leaders in Singapore.
– This was PM Modi’s first meeting with Lawrence Wong since he became Prime Minister.
– During this visit, Prime Minister Modi remarked, “Singapore is an inspiration for every developing country; we also want to create many Singapores in India.”
– Prior to this, he visited Singapore in November 2018.
Key Decisions between Both Countries
– India and Singapore have made significant agreements in the areas of semiconductors, digital technology, health cooperation, and skill development.
– According to these agreements, both countries will focus on semiconductors, cluster development, and semiconductor designing and manufacturing.
– Additionally, there will be enhanced cooperation between India and Singapore in areas such as data security, cyber security, 5G, supercomputing, quantum computing, and AI.
– The progress of relations between India and Singapore was discussed.
– They decided to further strengthen these relations and transform them into a larger strategic partnership.
– This will also provide strong support for India’s Act East policy.
Why the Visit to Singapore and Brunei Was Important
– Currently, India’s relations with its neighboring countries are not in the best shape.
– Meanwhile, China is steadily increasing its dominance among ASEAN countries.
– In the Indian Ocean, the Maldives’ Muizz government also appears to lean towards China.
– Given India’s current position in the geopolitics of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, this visit under the ‘Act East Policy’ is significant.
Why Singapore Is Important for India
– According to BBC Hindi, India seeks a partner in the fields of digitization, artificial intelligence, or semiconductors who can bring both technology and investment.
– For this, trade relations with Singapore are very important. Singapore is the largest economy in ASEAN, and intra-ASEAN trade largely occurs through this country.
– Singapore is India’s largest trading partner among ASEAN countries. ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is a group of 10 Southeast Asian countries.
– Globally, Singapore is also India’s sixth-largest trading partner.
– Singapore knows that in the Asia-Pacific region, when it comes to ASEAN countries, India is the only one that can balance China.
– Singapore wants India to increase its engagement in the region to reduce their dependence on China.
– Moreover, due to these efforts, India has become a member of the ASEAN Special Summit.
– Given the significant influence of China in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore’s partnership is crucial for India.
– In terms of trade, maritime security, and connectivity, Singapore is a major trade and strategic gateway for India in ASEAN.
– Singapore is located right in the middle of East-West trade routes, which is very important for India’s maritime security policy.
– At least 55% of India’s total trade passes through the South China Sea.
– Meanwhile, under the ‘String of Pearls’ policy in the Indian Ocean, China is continuously increasing its naval presence.
Act East Policy
– This policy was launched in November 2014 during the India-ASEAN Summit. Prior to this, India had the Look East Policy.
– The aim of the Act East Policy is to strengthen India’s economic, strategic, and cultural relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
– The policy seeks to make India influential in East Asian countries so that India can challenge larger countries like China and improve its trade and strategic position.
India-Singapore Relations
– Diplomatic relations between India and Singapore were established in 1965.
– The relationship between India and Singapore is very good and friendly, and it is strong in several key areas:
– Economic Relations: Growth in trade and exports & Singapore’s investment in India.
– Diplomatic and Political Relations: Regular meetings of high-level leaders & agreements and partnerships.
– Cultural and Social Relations: A large Indian community in Singapore & cultural exchanges.
– Defense and Security: Security and defense cooperation & military exercises and training.
– Education and Skill Development: Educational cooperation & skill development programs.
Singapore
– Singapore is an island country located in Southeast Asia.
– Singapore can be referred to both as a country and a city.
– Capital: Singapore
– Population: Approximately 5.7 million people
– Languages: Official languages are English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil
– Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
– President: Tharman Shanmugaratnam
– Prime Minister: Lawrence Wong
– Singapore is a significant international trade hub and is known for its modern infrastructure and progressive policies.
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5. The President approved how many gallantry awards for the personnel of the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) on the 78th Independence Day?
a. 78
b. 89
c. 100
d. 103
Answer: d. 103
Medals and Decorations
– Kirti Chakra: 4 (3 posthumously)
– Shaurya Chakra: 18 (4 posthumously)
– Army Medal (Gallantry): 1
– Army Medal (Bravery): 63 (2 posthumously)
– Navy Medal (Gallantry): 11
– Air Force Medal (Gallantry): 6
Country’s Highest Gallantry Awards: Wartime and Peacetime
– Wartime Highest Gallantry Awards: Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra
– Peacetime Highest Gallantry Awards: Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra
– Other Gallantry Awards: Army Medal, Navy Medal, Air Force Medal
Recipients of Kirti Chakra Award
– The Kirti Chakra, after the Ashoka Chakra, is the second highest peacetime gallantry award in India, and the Shaurya Chakra is the third highest.
1. Colonel Manpreet Singh, Army Medal, Sikh Light Infantry/19 Battalion, National Rifles (posthumously)
2. Major Malla Ram Gopal Naidu, Maratha Light Infantry/56 Battalion, National Rifles
3. Rifleman Ravi Kumar, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry/63 Battalion, National Rifles (posthumously)
4. Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Muzamil Bhat, Jammu and Kashmir Police/19 Battalion, National Rifles (posthumously)
Recipients of Shaurya Chakra Award
1. Colonel Pawan Singh, 666 Army Aviation Squadron (R & O)
2. Major CVS Nikhil, 21 Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)
3. Major Ashish Dhonchak, SM, Sikh Light Infantry/19 Battalion National Rifles (posthumously)
4. Major Tripatpreet Singh, Army Service Corps/34 Battalion National Rifles
5. Major Sahil Randhawa, Artillery Regiment/34 Battalion National Rifles
6. Subedar Sanjeev Singh Jasrotia, 5 Battalion Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
7. Naib Subedar P. Pabin Singh, Artillery Regiment/56 Battalion National Rifles
8. Sepoy Pradeep Singh, Sikh Light Infantry/19 Battalion National Rifles (posthumously)
9. SPO Abdul Latif, Jammu and Kashmir Police C/O 33 Battalion National Rifles
10. Captain Sharad Sisunwal (04823-K), Commanding Officer INS Kolkata
11. Lieutenant Commander Kapil Yadav (44003-F), AEO INS Visakhapatnam
12. Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keen (31215), Flying (Pilot)
13. Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar (32754), Flying (Pilot)
14. Pawan Kumar, CT/GD, CRPF (posthumously)
15. Devwan C, CT/GD, CRPF (posthumously)
16. Lakshveer, Deputy Commandant, CRPF
17. Rajesh Panchal, AC, CRPF
18. Malkit Singh, CT/GD, CRPF
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6. The Central Government approved the proposal to procure 240 aero-engines (AL-31FP) from HAL to upgrade which fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF)?
a. MiG-21
b. Su-30 MKI
c. LCA Tejas
d. Mirage 2000
Answer: b. Su-30 MKI (Sukhoi Su-30MKI)
– The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the proposal for the purchase of 240 Aero Engines (AL-31FP) on September 2, 2024.
– The total cost of the purchase, including all taxes and fees, exceeds ₹26,000 crore.
– The supply of these aero engines will begin a year later (in 2025) and is expected to be completed within eight years.
Material in the Engines
– The engines will contain more than 54% indigenous material, as some essential parts will be manufactured domestically.
– They will be produced at HAL’s Koraput Division.
– HAL’s supply of these engines will help in the smooth operation of the Air Force’s aircraft and strengthen the country’s defense.
– The Su-30 MKI is one of the most powerful and important fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
Upgrading Su-30 MKI Aircraft with New Engines
– The Indian Air Force will upgrade its fighter jets with new engines.
– This upgrade will ensure that the Sukhoi 30 MKI aircraft remain effective for the next 30 years.
– The entire upgrade process will cost ₹63,000 crore.
– In the first phase, 84 Sukhoi aircraft will be upgraded.
– AI and data science will also be utilized to enhance the strike capability of these aircraft.
Which Aircraft Engines Will Be Manufactured Domestically
– In November 2023, DRDO announced that the engines for the ‘LCA Mark 2 and the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will now be manufactured in India.
– Their production will be done jointly by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the American company General Electric (GE).
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
– The CCS is a cabinet committee of the Government of India that discusses, debates, and makes final decisions on senior appointments in the national security system, defense policy, expenditure, and all matters related to India’s national security.
– The CCS is headed by the Prime Minister of India and includes other members such as the Defence Minister, Home Minister, Finance Minister, and Foreign Minister.
– Additionally, the National Security Advisor, Cabinet Secretary, and Defence Secretary also attend CCS meetings.
Sukhoi Su-30
– The Sukhoi Su-30 is a Russian fighter aircraft.
– The Sukhoi Su-30 is manufactured in India with the cooperation of Russia, by HAL.
– It is capable of performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks.
– Its users include India, China, Russia, Venezuela, and Malaysia.
– The fighter jet can fly at a speed of 2120 km/h.
– It can operate at an altitude of approximately 57,000 feet.
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7. Who has become the new Cabinet Secretary of the country?
a. Rajiv Sinha
b. TV Somanathan
c. Rajiv Gauba
d. Samant Goel
Answer: b. TV Somanathan
– After the retirement of the previous Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba,
– The new Cabinet Secretary assumed office on August 30, 2024.
– He replaced the former Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba.
TV Somanathan
– He is an IAS officer from the 1987 batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre.
– He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Calcutta.
– He is a Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, and Company Secretary.
– Before becoming Cabinet Secretary, he served as the Secretary of Finance and the Expenditure Department.
– He has also worked as Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.
– Additionally, he has held several other positions.
Cabinet Secretary
– The Cabinet Secretary is the highest-ranking official in the executive branch of the country.
– He works closely with the Prime Minister and other ministers to maintain coordination between various government departments.
Main Responsibilities of the Cabinet Secretary:
– Coordinating policies and plans.
– Advising the Prime Minister and ministers.
– Monitoring the work of government departments.
– Managing Cabinet meetings.
– Coordinating in emergencies.
Note: The tenure of the Cabinet Secretary is usually 2 years. However, the government may extend it beyond 2 years if desired.
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8. Who has been appointed by the Central Government as the new Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG)?
a. B. Srinivasan
b. Nalin Prabhat
c. Rajeev Kumar
d. Daljit Chaudhary
Answer: a. B. Srinivasan
– The Central Government appointed him on August 27, 2024.
– He will hold this position until August 31, 2027.
– He has replaced Nalin Prabhat.
B. Srinivasan
– He is an IPS officer from the 1992 batch of the Bihar cadre.
– He has served as the Director of the Bihar Police Academy in Rajgir.
– He has worked as the Special Director General in the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
– Additionally, he has held several other important positions.
NSG (National Security Guard)
– It is a special force deployed to handle counter-terrorism and emergency situations in India.
– It is also known as the “Black Cats” because its commandos wear black uniforms.
– The NSG was established in 1984.
– The NSG played a crucial role during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
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9. The West Bengal Assembly passed the “Aparajita Women and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Law and Amendment) Bill 2024” for stringent punishment in cases of sexual harassment, what is the punishment provided in it?
a. Rigorous punishment ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment
b. Rigorous punishment ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment
c. ‘Life imprisonment’ and a fine, or ‘death penalty’
d. Both a and b
Answer: c. ‘Life imprisonment’ and a fine, or ‘death penalty’
– Bill Name: “Aparajita Women and Children Bill (West Bengal Criminal Law and Amendment) Bill 2024”
– Passed On: September 3, 2024
– This bill was supported by legislators from the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
– The law was introduced approximately 25 days after an incident in which a female doctor was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
– This incident had sparked outrage not only in the state but across the entire country.
Objective of the Bill:
– The purpose of this bill is to implement new rules related to rape and sexual offenses to strengthen the protection of women and children.
What is included in the new bill?
– The bill amends several sections of the Indian Penal Code, 2023. Some key amendments are:
– Amendment to Section 64 (1): Previously, the punishment for rape could range from ten years to life imprisonment, with an additional fine. Under the new amendment, the provision now includes ‘life imprisonment’ and a fine, or ‘death penalty’ as the punishment.
– Amendment to Section 64 (2) of the BNS: Previously, this section dealt with the punishment for rape committed by police officers, government employees, armed forces members, or prison staff. The amendment now changes it to ‘life imprisonment, which will be a lifetime sentence, and a fine or death penalty.’
– Amendment to Section 66 of the Original Act: Previously, this section stated that the offender could be sentenced to imprisonment for 20 years to life, or the death penalty. The new amendment directly includes the provision for the ‘death penalty.’
– Provision in Section 66 BNS: This section provides for punishment in cases where the victim dies or is in a permanent vegetative state (severely weakened mental condition).
Which States Did This Before:
– Previously, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra had passed bills making the death penalty mandatory for cases of sexual assault.
– None of these bills have yet received the President’s approval.
What is the Case:
– On the night of August 8-9, a 31-year-old trainee female doctor was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
– The body of the female doctor was found on the morning of August 9.
– After this incident, doctors across the country started protests.
– Following an appeal from the Supreme Court, many doctors canceled their strike.
– However, protests continue in West Bengal.
– The CBI is investigating the case on the orders of the Calcutta High Court.
– Several people, including the accused Sanjay, have been arrested in this case.
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10. Which medal did Manish Narwal win in the men’s 10m air pistol shooting SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024?
a. Gold
b. Silver
c. Bronze
d. Bronze & Silver
Answer: b. Silver
– On August 30, 2024, Manish Narwal of India won the Silver Medal in the Men’s 10 Meter Air Pistol SH1 category at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
– He scored 234.9 points in the final.
– Previously, at the Tokyo Paralympics, Manish won the Gold Medal in the 50 Meter Pistol SH1 mixed event.
Manish Narwal
– He is an Indian para shooter.
– He was born on October 17, 2001, in Faridabad, Haryana.
– Although he was born with a right-hand disability, he did not let it hinder his ambitions.
– His coach, Jai Prakash Nautiyal, recognized Manish’s potential and began guiding him in para-shooting.
– Manish won his first international gold medal at the 2017 Bangkok World Cup in the P1 – 10 Meter Air Pistol SH1 event.
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11. Who won two bronze medals in the 100 and 200 metres events in the women’s T35 category at the Paris Paralympics 2024?
a. Avani Lekhara
b. Deepti Jeevanji
c. Preeti Pal
d. Manasi Joshi
Answer: c. Preeti Pal
– First medal won on 30 August 2024.
– Second medal won on 1 September 2024.
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12. Who became the first Indian woman to win two medals in the same Paralympic Games?
a. Avani Lekhara
b. Preeti Pal
c. Deepti Jeevanji
d. Manasi Joshi
Answer: b. Preeti Pal
– She won two bronze medals in the Women’s T35 category, in the 100 and 200 meters events.
– She became the first Indian female track and field athlete to win two medals in the same Paralympic Games.
– This is a historic achievement in track and field.
– Since the 1984 Paralympic Games, all of India’s athletics medals have come from field events.
Preeti Pal
– She is from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.
She was born on September 22, 2000.
– Due to weakness in her legs and irregular posture, a plaster cast was applied to her lower body shortly after birth.
– At the age of 5, she was fitted with calipers (devices that support the legs), which she wore until she was 8 years old.
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13. Which medal did Nitesh Kumar win in the men’s singles SL3 badminton event at the Paris Paralympics 2024?
a. Gold
b. Silver
c. Bronze
d. Bronze & Silver
Answer: a. Gold
– Nitesh Kumar won the gold medal in the Men’s Singles SL3 badminton event on September 2, 2024.
– This is the second gold medal for India; the first was won by shooter Avani Lekhara.
– According to PIB, Nitesh Kumar is currently ranked number 1 in the world in the Men’s Singles SL3 category.
Nitesh Kumar
– He was born on December 30, 1994, in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana.
– He used to play football during his childhood.
– In 2009, he suffered an accident that affected his leg.
– While at IIT-Mandi, he developed a deep interest in badminton.
– He graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT-Mandi.
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14. Which the Law Commission was constituted by the Central Government in September 2024?
a. 22nd
b. 23rd
c. 24th
d. 25th
Answer: b. 23rd
– The 23rd Law Commission will function from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027.
– The Ministry of Law and Justice has announced this in a notification.
Law Commission
– Governments appoint the commission as needed to provide important recommendations on legal matters.
– The commission will review laws affecting the poor and provide its views on any law referred by the Ministry of Law and Justice.
– The commission will be headed by retired judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
– The chairman of the 22nd Law Commission was Justice Rituraj Awasthi.
– The 22nd Law Commission was established on February 21, 2020, for a three-year term, which was later extended until August 31, 2024.
– Note: The appointment of the chairman and members of the 23rd Law Commission will be made later.
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15. Who took over the additional charge as Chairman of Indian Oil on 31 August 2024?
a. Anand Agarwal
b. V. Satish Kumar
c. Sunil Kumar
d. Vinit Saxena
Answer: b. V. Satish Kumar
– In his 35-year career, Satish Kumar has held significant positions across various sectors throughout the country.
– He took on the additional charge of Chairman after the completion of Sreekant Madhav Vaidya’s term on August 31, 2024.
IOCL (Indian Oil Corporation Limited)
– It is the largest oil and gas company in India and a major public sector enterprise.
– Its headquarters are located in New Delhi.
– It was established in 1959.
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