This is the current affairs of 13 to 15 September 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
PDF Download: Click here
1. An asteroid has entered the Earth’s orbit for two and a half months and is being called a mini-moon. Name it.
a. 2022NX1
b. 2024 PK2
c. 2024 PR3
d. 2024 PT5
Answer: d. 2024 PT5
– Earth has received a small moon for about two and a half months.
– This mini moon is actually an asteroid named 2024 PT5.
– It was discovered on August 7 by the NASA-funded ‘Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).’
– Its diameter is approximately 10 meters (around 33 feet).
– It will become a mini-moon from September 29 to November 25, 2024, following a horseshoe-shaped path. This means it will fully remain in Earth’s orbit during this period.
Asteroid to return to the Sun’s orbit after Earth’s gravity:
– After November 25, the 2024 PT5 asteroid will break free from Earth’s gravity and return to the Sun’s orbit.
– In fact, while orbiting the Sun, this asteroid came close to Earth.
– Due to this, it got pulled by Earth’s gravitational force and started orbiting Earth.
– After November 25, it will move away from Earth, and the gravitational effect on it will end, allowing it to return to its orbit around the Sun.
– Earth regularly captures asteroids from the near-Earth object (NEO) population and pulls them into orbit, turning them into mini moons. – Sometimes, these temporary captures do not even complete one orbit before escaping and returning to their regular Sun-centered trajectory.
Why is it called a Mini Moon?
– Actually, this asteroid is orbiting the Earth like the Moon, which is why it has been named a mini moon.
– Due to its very slow speed, this asteroid will not even be able to complete one orbit around the Earth in the next two months.
– Previously, in 1981 and 2022, Earth also had a mini moon named 2022 NX1.
Will it look like the Moon?
– Many asteroids have orbited the Earth before, but 2024 PT5 will be so faint that it cannot be seen with the naked eye or through telescopes.
– It can only be observed using advanced observatories with a magnitude of 22.
Will help scientists and provide information about space:
– Scientists say that 2024 PT5 will provide information about those space asteroids, including the ones that sometimes collide with Earth.
– It will help scientists better understand its gravitational force.
What are asteroids?
– Asteroids are small rocky bodies that always orbit around the Sun.
– They can be rocky, metallic, or icy objects, and are too small to be considered planets.
– There is an asteroid belt in our solar system that protects us from objects coming from outside the solar system.
– Asteroids generally orbit between the planets Mars and Jupiter.
– There are thousands of asteroids present in our solar system.
– When an asteroid remains in space, it is called an asteroid, but as soon as it enters Earth’s atmosphere, it is called a meteorite.
How dangerous are asteroids?
– In the future, the greatest threat to our planet could come from asteroids.
– After that, there is the risk of climate change or global warming.
– In 2013, an asteroid entered Earth’s atmosphere and exploded over Russia, injuring hundreds of people and causing widespread damage.
– Earlier, in 1908, a meteorite struck Siberia in Russia, causing significant damage.
– The end of the dinosaur era was caused by an asteroid colliding with Earth, which significantly increased the planet’s temperature.
There is also a lake in India formed by an asteroid (meteorite):
– This lake is in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, about 500 kilometers from Mumbai.
– An asteroid fell here 50,000 years ago, traveling at a speed of 90,000 kilometers per hour.
– It created a deep crater, which led to the formation of the lake.
– It is believed that the meteorite weighed one million tons, which created a large crater.
– The lake spans 1.85 kilometers in diameter.
It is up to 500 feet deep.
– The water is saline, and just one meter below the surface, oxygen levels are extremely low (almost negligible).
– Lonar Lake has been a subject of curiosity and study for scientists worldwide.
– This lake is a designated National Geological Heritage Monument.
—————-
2. What is the new name of Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which was announced by the Central Government?
a. Shri Rajendrapuram
b. Shri Port Puram
c. Shri Vijayapuram
d. Shri Subhashpuram
Answer: c. Shri Vijayapuram
– The central government has renamed the capital of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair, to ‘Shri Vijaypuram.’
– This decision was made on September 13, 2024.
Why was the name changed?
– Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to rename Port Blair as ‘Shri Vijaypuram’ to rid the country of all symbols of colonialism.
– This island has a unique place in our country’s independence and history.
– During the Chola Empire, this island served as a naval base.
– Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was the first to hoist the Indian flag on this island.
– Freedom fighters like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and others were imprisoned in the Cellular Jail here.
– Today, this island is ready to boost the country’s security and development.
Islands have been renamed before:
– Earlier, on January 23, 2023, Prime Minister Modi decided to rename 21 islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after Param Vir Chakra awardees on the occasion of Netaji’s 126th birth anniversary.
– On December 28, 2018, the names of Havelock Island, Neil Island, and Ross Island in Andaman-Nicobar were changed. Havelock Island was renamed Swaraj Island, Neil Island became Shaheed Island, and Ross Island was renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Island.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
– Capital: ‘Shri Vijaypuram’ (Formerly known as Port Blair)
– Lieutenant Governor: Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi
————-
3. The Union Cabinet approved ‘Mission Mausam’ in September 2024, how much will it cost in two years?
a. ₹ 1000 crore
b. ₹ 2000 crore
c. ₹ 3000 crore
d. ₹ 4000 crore
Answer: b. ₹ 2000 crore
– Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘Mission Mausam’ on September 11, 2024.
– An expenditure of ₹2,000 crores will be made over two years.
– This is to control climate change-related disasters such as cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
– In India, approximately 10,000 people die every year due to various types of disasters.
– The objective of Mission Mausam is to enhance India’s ability to predict and manage extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change.
Benefits of ‘Mission Mausam’:
– ‘Mission Mausam’ will directly benefit various sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, defense, environment, aviation, water resources, power, tourism, shipping, transport, energy, and health.
– It will also improve data-driven decision-making in urban planning, road and rail transport, marine activities, and environmental monitoring.
– Cloud seeding will be used to prevent drought, and efforts will be made to prevent excessive rainfall.
Which Ministry oversees ‘Mission Mausam’?
– Three major institutions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences have been entrusted with the responsibility for this:
(i) India Meteorological Department (IMD)
(ii) Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
(iii) National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)
– These institutions will be supported by other bodies under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, such as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, and the National Institute of Ocean Technology.
Key components of ‘Mission Mausam’ include:
(i) Deployment of next-generation radar and satellite systems with advanced sensors
(ii) Development of high-performance supercomputers and advanced Earth system models
(iii) GSI-based automated decision support system for real-time data sharing
Increase in weather-related equipment:
– By the year 2026, the number of equipment such as Doppler radars, wind profilers, radiometers, and radiosondes will be increased manyfold.
– All these instruments are essential for recording weather-related information, such as data from the surface, air, and oceans.
Weather GPT to be developed:
– Weather GPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) based language model designed to provide weather information.
– Its purpose is to assist in understanding and providing weather forecasts, current weather conditions, and other weather-related information.
The full name of GPT is Generative Pre-trained Transformer.
– It is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that uses neural networks to generate human-like text and content and to answer questions.
– GPT is used in various applications, including chatbots, content creation, and search. The most prominent example is ChatGPT.
Cloud Seeding – Use Abroad:
– Techniques for suppressing and enhancing rainfall, such as cloud seeding using aircraft, have already been implemented in a limited manner in countries like the USA, Canada, China, Russia, and Australia.
– In some of these countries, cloud seeding projects have been initiated to reduce hailstorms and prevent damage to fruit orchards and grain fields, a process known as “overseeding.”
– Now, there will be more research on this in India, and efforts will be made to improve its accuracy.
————-
4. How much did the retail inflation increase in the country in August 2024?
a. 3.81%
b. 3.91%
c. 4.92%
d. 3.65%
Answer: d. 3.65%
– According to government data released on September 12, 2024, retail inflation rose to 3.65% in August 2024 due to an increase in food prices.
– Food inflation increased to 5.66% in August, with notable rises in prices of vegetables, fruits, beverages, and eggs.
Retail Inflation Rate for the Past Three Months:
– August 2024: 3.65%
– July 2024: 3.60%
– June 2024: 5.08%
Who issues the Retail Inflation Report?
– NSO (National Statistical Office)
– It is under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
How is Retail Inflation Rate Determined?
– It is determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
– CPI calculates inflation for items such as food, fruits, clothing, shoes, housing, fuel, electricity, and others.
– As consumers, when we buy goods from the retail market, the CPI reflects changes in the prices of those goods. CPI measures the average price we pay for goods and services.
How does the RBI control inflation?
– To control inflation, the liquidity (flow of money) in the market is reduced.
– The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) adjusts the repo rate to achieve this.
– When inflation rises, the RBI increases the repo rate, and when inflation is very low, the RBI decreases the repo rate.
– Recently, inflation has been under control, which is why the RBI did not change the repo rate for the ninth consecutive time in August.
Inflation Target Set by the RBI:
– The inflation target set by the RBI is 4% based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, it can fluctuate by 2 percentage points up or down.
– Thus, inflation below 2% or above 6% is not considered favorable for the country’s economic development.
————–
5. Who inaugurated the Semicon India 2024 exhibition at India Expo Mart?
a. Prime Minister
b. President
c. Vice President
d. Home Minister
Answer: a. Prime Minister (Narendra Modi)
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Semicon India 2024 exhibition on September 11, 2024.
– The exhibition was held from September 11 to 13 (three days) at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida.
– The event was announced by SEMI, in collaboration with the India Semiconductor Mission, the Ministry of Electronics and IT, Digital India, and Messe München India.
Semicon India 2024 Exhibition:
– It is the largest electronics industry fair in Southeast Asia.
– It was held alongside Electronica India and Productronica India.
– Electronica India and Productronica India featured 836 stalls from 26 countries.
– The first day included a Smart Manufacturing Workshop.
What is a Semiconductor?
– A semiconductor is a type of material that can partially conduct electricity.
– It is neither a complete conductor (like copper) nor completely insulating (like rubber).
– Semiconductor technology is used in computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices.
– Uses: Semiconductors are used in transistors, chips, and other electronic components.
India in the Global Semiconductor Industry:
– India is an emerging player in the global semiconductor industry, with the chip market expected to exceed $55 billion (approximately ₹55,000 crore) by 2026.
– The Indian semiconductor market could surpass $100 billion by 2030.
– This market is expected to create over 600,000 jobs.
– This event will help unlock the full potential of this market and support India’s semiconductor ambitions.
SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International):
– SEMI is an organization that includes companies involved in the manufacturing and design of electronics.
– Chairman and CEO: Ajit Manocha
————–
6. Where was the India-Oman joint military exercise ‘Al Najah’ held?
a. Visakhapatnam of Andhra Pradesh
b. Mahajan of Rajasthan
c. Salalah of Oman
d. Muscat of Oman
Answer: c. Salalah of Oman
– This exercise involved 60 personnel from the Indian Army, represented by a battalion of the Mechanized Infantry Regiment.
‘Al Najah’ Military Exercise
– Dates: September 3 to 26, 2024
– Location: Salalah, Oman
– Edition: Fifth (2024)
– Previous Edition: Fourth (in Mahajan, Rajasthan)
– It has been conducted every two years between India and Oman since 2015.
————–
7. Sitaram Yechury, the then general secretary of which party, passed away on 12 September 2024?
a. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
b. Communist Party of India (Marxist)
c. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
d. Azad Samaj Party (ASP)
Answer: b. Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]
– He was 72 years old.
– He was receiving treatment for acute respiratory tract infection at AIIMS, New Delhi.
Sitaram Yechury
– Birth: August 12, 1952, Madras (now Chennai)
– He was brought up in Hyderabad and received higher education in Delhi.
– He became active in student politics at JNU during the 1970s.
– He was later appointed as the President of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI).
– He was a member of the CPI(M) Politburo since 1992.
– He served as a Rajya Sabha member from West Bengal from 2005 to 2017.
– In 2015, Sitaram Yechury was elected as the General Secretary of CPI(M). He was in his third term.
– Death: September 12, 2024
————–
8. Where was India’s second largest butterfly species (Southern Birdwing) found?
a. Dibrugarh District
b. Koraput District
c. Madurai District
d. Anantapur District
Answer: c. Madurai District (Tamil Nadu)
– This butterfly was found near Chathirapatti in Madurai district, at the American College’s satellite campus.
– According to The Hindu news, this information was received in September 2024.
– Its name is Southern Birdwing.
– It is the second largest butterfly species in India.
– The largest butterfly species in India is the Golden Birdwing.
Southern Birdwing
– The scientific name of Southern Birdwing is Troides minos.
– It is also known as the Sahyadri Birdwing.
– It is found in southern India.
– Its wingspan ranges from 140 to 190 mm.
– It is the second largest butterfly in India.
————–
9. When is World First Aid Day celebrated?
a. First Saturday of September
b. Second Saturday of September
c. Third Saturday of September
d. Fourth Saturday of September
Answer: b. Second Saturday of September (14 September in 2024)
Theme 2024
– First Aid and Sports
– The purpose of this theme is to raise awareness about the crucial role of first aid between athletes and spectators.
– This day was established by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in the year 2000.
– The day emphasizes the importance of first aid in responding to injuries or accidents.
————–
10. When is National Hindi Day celebrated?
a. 10 January
b. 14 September
c. 18 September
d. 21 September
Answer: b. 14 September
– National Hindi Day is celebrated every year in India on September 14.
– Additionally, January 10 is celebrated as World Hindi Day.
– Regarding National Hindi Day, on this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly decided unanimously that Hindi would be the official language of India. It would be used for communication in Hindi-speaking states.
– English is the associate official language and is used for communication with states.
————–
11. When is Engineers Day celebrated in India?
a. 14 September
b. 15 September
c. 16 September
d. 17 September
Answer: b. 15 September
Theme 2024
– Engineering solutions for a sustainable world.
– The Government of India declared Dr. M. Visvesvaraya’s birth anniversary (September 15) as ‘Engineer’s Day’ in 1960.
– He was born in the Kolar district of Mysore (now Karnataka).
– For his contributions to public life, King George V honored him with the title of Knight Commander of the British Indian Empire.
– Visvesvaraya was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955.
– He is considered a key figure in the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Mandya district, Karnataka.
– He also provided a system to protect Hyderabad city from floods.
– His significant role in transforming Mysore into a developed and prosperous region is evident from several institutions like Bhadrawati Iron and Steel Works, Mysore Sandal Oil and Soap Factory, Mysore University, and Bank of Mysore, which are the results of his efforts.
– He is also referred to as the ‘Bhagirath of Karnataka.’
– At the age of 32, he devised a plan to supply water from the Indus River to the town of Sukkur, which was appreciated by all engineers.
– He served as the 19th Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918.
– He passed away on April 14, 1962.
————–
12. When is International Democracy Day celebrated?
a. 10 September
b. 14 September
c. 15 September
d. 21 September
Answer: c. 15 September
– The main objective of Democracy Day is to promote democracy worldwide.
– This day was declared by the United Nations in 2007.
—————
13. Name the President of Algeria, who has been elected for the second time in September 2024?
a. Nadir Larbaoui
b. Abdelmadjid Tebboune
c. Roben Vennoz
d. None of these
Answer: b. Abdelmadjid Tebboune
– Tebboune received 95% of the votes.
– Tebboune, supported by the military, faced only nominal opposition from liberal Islamist Hassani Cherif and liberal secularist Aouchiche.
– Algeria has reserves of petroleum and natural gas. It ranks 16th in the world in terms of petroleum reserves and 9th in natural gas reserves.
Algeria:
– Capital: Algiers
– President: Abdelmadjid Tebboune
– Prime Minister: Aymen Benabderrahmane
– Neighboring countries: Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco
– Sea: Alboran Sea, which is the westernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea.
—————
14. Which country has been made the 10th member of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB)?
a. USA
b. Japan
c. Pakistan
d. Algeria
Answer: d. Algeria
– Algeria’s membership in the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) was announced in September 2024.
BRICS New Development Bank (NDB):
– Established by the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in 2014.
– The bank was created to provide support for rapid development through infrastructure, innovation in emerging economies, and cutting-edge technology.
– In September 2021, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay joined the NDB.
Egypt was also added in March 2024.
– In September 2024, Algeria became a member.
– As a major natural gas exporter in Africa, Algeria’s membership is expected to boost its economic development prospects.
Total NDB Members:
– Founding Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
– Members: Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Egypt, and Algeria
Total NDB Members:
– Founding Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
– Members: Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Egypt, and Algeria
BRICS members:
– Brazil
– Russia
– India
– China
– South Africa
– Iran
– Egypt
– Ethiopia
– United Arab Emirates
BRICS New Development Bank (NDB):
– President: Dilma Rousseff
– Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Regional Offices:
1. Johannesburg, South Africa
2. São Paulo, Brazil
3. GIFT City, Gujarat, India
4. Moscow, Russia
– Establishment: The idea for the bank was proposed by India at the 4th BRICS Summit held in Delhi in 2012. On July 15, 2014, at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, the BRICS states signed an agreement on the New Development Bank, which provided the legal basis for the bank. The agreement for the New Development Bank’s implementation was announced at the 7th BRICS Summit in July 2015. The first President was K.V. Kamath.
PDF Download: Click here
