This is the current affairs of 14 to 16 October 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Who became the first Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir after it became a Union Territory?
a. Surender Chaudhary
b. Omar Abdullah
c. Ravindra Raina
d. Javed Rana
Answer: b. Omar Abdullah
– National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah took the oath of office as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on October 16, 2024.
– With this, he became the first Chief Minister of this Union Territory.
– Surender Chaudhary took the oath as Deputy Chief Minister.
– The oath was administered to the Chief Minister and ministers by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
About Omar Abdullah:
– Age: 54 years
– Father: Farooq Abdullah and grandfather: Sheikh Abdullah have both served as Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir.
– Became the youngest Member of Parliament at the age of 28 in 1998.
– Served as Minister of State in the Vajpayee government in 1999 and 2001.
– Became the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir at the age of 38 in 2009.
Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated in 2019:
– On August 5, 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act (2019) was passed in Parliament.
– This divided Jammu and Kashmir into two parts, making them Union Territories.
– The first part is Jammu and Kashmir, and the second is Ladakh.
– This Act also abrogated Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Lieutenant Governor to nominate 5 legislators:
– After the abrogation of Article 370, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 allows the Lieutenant Governor to nominate 5 legislators to the Assembly.
– This rule was introduced to ensure representation for women, Kashmiri Pandits, and residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It was amended in July 2023.
– These nominated legislators will have voting rights in the Assembly along with all legislative powers and privileges.
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2. The central government increased the minimum support price (MSP) of Rabi crops, so what is the MSP of wheat for the 2025-26 season?
a. ₹2,425
b. ₹1,980
c. ₹5,650
d. ₹6,700
Answer: a. ₹2,425
– Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs increased the MSP (Minimum Support Price) for six rabi crops on October 16, 2024.
– The new MSP is for the Rabi Marketing Year 2025-26.
Crops, New MSP (₹/quintal), Old MSP (₹/quintal), Difference
– Wheat: ₹2,425, ₹2,275, ₹150
– Barley: ₹1,980, ₹1,850, ₹130
– Chickpea: ₹5,650, ₹5,440, ₹210
– Lentil: ₹6,700, ₹6,425, ₹275
– Mustard-seed: ₹5,950, ₹5,650, ₹300
– Kusum: ₹5,940, ₹5,800, ₹140
Note: The highest increase was ₹300 for mustard-seed.
What are Rabi Crops?
– Rabi crops are sown primarily in October and November.
– They are harvested between March and April.
– Rabi crops require cooler temperatures and a dry, warm environment during maturation.
– Examples include: wheat, barley, chickpea, lentils, mustard, kusum, and others.
What are Kharif Crops?
– Kharif crops are those sown in June-July and harvested around October.
– They require high temperatures and humidity during sowing and a dry environment during maturation.
– Examples include: rice, sorghum, millet, ragi, maize, mung bean, urad, soybean, and others.
Minimum Support Price (MSP)
– MSP for a crop is the price at which the government purchases that crop from farmers.
– MSP serves as an alternative to market prices and ensures that farmers receive their dues.
– This helps them recover their cultivation costs (and some profit).
– The government promotes the production of certain crops by setting MSP.
– However, a report by the NITI Aayog states that only 6% of farmers in the country benefit from MSP because most states do not purchase grains at MSP.
Does the government buy all agricultural products at MSP?
– The government does not buy all agricultural products at MSP.
– It announces MSP for a total of 23 crops (including both kharif and rabi).
– The central government purchases these grains considering the country’s food security to ensure there is no shortage of grains throughout the year.
How many crops are included in MSP?
– Seven types of cereals (rice, wheat, maize, millet, sorghum, ragi, and barley)
– Five types of pulses (chickpea, pigeon pea, urad, mung, and lentil)
– Seven types of oilseeds (rapeseed-mustard, groundnut, soybean, sunflower, sesame, kusum, and ramtil)
– Four commercial crops (cotton, sugarcane, jute, and raw jute)
How is MSP determined?
– The central government announces MSP.
– For this, the government bases its decisions on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
– This commission was established in 1965.
CACP considers the following factors for MSP:
– Demand and supply of a commodity
– Its production cost
– Changing trends in market prices (both domestic and international)
– Inter-crop price parity
– Terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture (i.e., the ratio of prices of agricultural inputs to agricultural products)
– A minimum margin of 50% over production costs
– The potential impact of MSP on consumers of that product
‘Defective Production Estimates’
– The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, a platform of around 500 agricultural organizations, has questioned the government’s claims, stating that the new MSPs are not linked to the actual costs of farming.
Central Agriculture Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
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3. Maharashtra government changed the name of ‘Maharashtra State Skill University’, tell the new name?
a. Narendra Modi Maharashtra State Skill University
b. Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skill University
c. Namo Maharashtra State Skill University
d. Atal Maharashtra State Skill University
Answer: b. Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skill University
– The Maharashtra Cabinet decided to change the name on October 14, 2024.
– The Maharashtra State Skill University offers skill development courses to students for employment.
– It is located in Panvel, Raigad district of Maharashtra.
– The Maharashtra government has changed the name of the university in honor of Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata.
– It was established in 2017 under the Maharashtra State Skill Society Act, 2015.
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4. In which city was the 19th East Asia Summit held in October 2024, in which PM Modi participated?
a. Naypyidaw
b. Bangkok
c. Hanoi
d. Vientiane
Answer: d. Vientiane (capital of Laos)
– The 19th East Asia Summit was organized by the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) on October 11.
– This event took place in Laos, the then-chair country of ASEAN.
– During the summit, Malaysia received the chairmanship of the organization.
– The Prime Minister stated that India’s participation in the East Asia Summit is a significant pillar of its Act East policy.
Theme of the ASEAN Summit: “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”
Act East Policy:
– This policy was initiated in November 2014 during the India-ASEAN Summit. It replaced India’s previous Look East policy.
– Its aim is to strengthen India’s economic, strategic, and cultural ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
– The policy seeks to establish India as an influential player among East Asian countries, enabling it to challenge major nations like China and improve its trade and strategic standing.
ASEAN Establishment Year: August 8, 1967
– Headquarters: Jakarta (Indonesia)
– Objective: To promote economic development and trade among member states.
ASEAN’s Ten Southeast Asian Countries: Countries and Capitals:
1. Myanmar – Naypyidaw
2. Thailand – Bangkok
3. Laos – Vientiane
4. Vietnam – Hanoi
5. Cambodia – Phnom Penh
6. Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur
7. Singapore – Singapore (city)
8. Indonesia – Jakarta
9. Brunei – Bandar Seri Begawan
10. Philippines – Manila
Laos:
– It is a landlocked country.
– President: Thongloun Sisoulith
– Prime Minister: Sonexay Siphandone
– Language: Lao or Laotian Tai-Kadai
– Currency: Lao Kip
– Population: 7.53 million (2022)
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5. 21वां ASEAN-भारत शिखर सम्मेलन किस शहर में अक्टूबर 2024 में आयोजित हुआ?
In which city was the 21st ASEAN-India Summit held in October 2024?
a. Naypyidaw
b. Bangkok
c. Hanoi
d. Vientiane
Answer: d. Vientiane (capital of Laos)
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6. How many point plans were announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit?
a. 5
b. 7
c. 8
d. 10
Answer: d. 10
India’s 10-Point Plan for ASEAN Cooperation
1. ASEAN-India Tourism Year 2025: India will contribute $5 million for joint tourism activities.
2. Celebrating a Decade of Act East Policy: Events such as youth summits, startup festivals, hackathons, music festivals, and think tank initiatives will be organized.
3. Women Scientists Conference: A conference for women scientists to enhance ASEAN-India scientific collaboration.
4. Educational Scholarships: Doubling scholarships for Nalanda University and providing new scholarships for ASEAN students in Indian agricultural universities.
5. Review of Trade Agreements: The ASEAN-India Goods Trade Agreement will be reviewed by 2025.
6. Disaster Resilience: India will provide $5 million to strengthen ASEAN’s disaster resilience.
7. Health Ministers’ Meeting: Regular dialogues between ASEAN and Indian health ministers to build health resilience.
8. Cyber Policy Talks: Establishing ASEAN-India dialogues for digital and cyber resilience.
9. Green Hydrogen Workshop: Supporting ASEAN’s energy transition through a green hydrogen workshop.
10. Climate Resilience Initiative: ASEAN leaders are invited to participate in India’s “Plant a Tree for Mother” campaign.
India-ASEAN Relations
– Association of Southeast Asian Nations: India is not a member of ASEAN but became a regional partner in 1992. It became a dialogue partner in 1996 and a summit-level partner in 2002, achieving strategic partnership status.
– ASEAN is a key focus of India’s Act East policy.
Political, economic, and security cooperation are top priorities for India.
– The history of India-ASEAN relations can be traced through cultural connections, with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam spreading from India to this region. This shared cultural heritage is also reflected in art forms and architecture.
– Despite this, India did not maintain good relations with ASEAN post-independence, as ASEAN was influenced by the US during the Cold War (due to ideological differences). After the Cold War, India-ASEAN relations evolved from economic ties to strategic heights, driven by common threats and aspirations.
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7. When is World Standards Day celebrated?
a. 13 October
b. 14 October
c. 15 October
d. 16 October
Answer: b. 14 October
Theme for 2024
– Better World through Shared Vision: Standards for the Changing Climate
– The objective of World Standards Day is to highlight the importance of standardization in the global economy.
– It aims to raise awareness among consumers, regulators, and industry about the significance and necessity of standardization in the global economy.
– The Bureau of Indian Standards has also emphasized the principle of “One Nation, One Standard.”
– The celebration of World Standards Day began in 1970.
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8. Which organization was banned by the Central Government in October 2024?
Answer: Hizb ut-Tahrir
– The Government of India declared the Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir (HUT) a banned organization on October 10.
– This group has been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
– The government states that the organization’s aim is to establish Islamic states and a caliphate globally through jihad and terrorist activities.
– The global Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir was founded in 1953 in Jerusalem.
– The Ministry of Home Affairs noted in a notification that HUT radicalizes youth and encourages them to join terrorist organizations like ISIS.
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9. When is World Migratory Bird Day celebrated?
a. 13 May
b. 14 October
c. 17 October
d. both a and B
Answer: d. Both a and b (13 May and 14 October)
Theme of 2024
– Protect Insects, Protect Birds
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10. Multilateral maritime exercise ‘Malabar 2024’ was held in Visakhapatnam between India and which countries?
a. Australia, Japan
b. USA
c. USA, Germany
d. Both a and b
Answer: d. Both a and b (Australia, Japan and USA)
– The multilateral maritime exercise “Malabar” was held from October 8 to 12, 2024.
– Malabar began in 1992 as a small exercise between India and the United States.
– In 2015, Japan joined the Malabar exercise, making it a trilateral naval exercise.
– In 2020, the Australian Navy also participated in the Malabar exercise, transforming it into a quadrilateral naval exercise.
– The Malabar exercise takes place in the waters of the Indian Ocean.
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11. When is World White Cane Day celebrated?
a. 13 October
b. 14 October
c. 15 October
d. 16 October
Answer: c. 15 October
Theme for 2024
Courtesy: Rule of Blindness
– This day is dedicated to the visually impaired.
– The main objective of this day is to instill enthusiasm and energy in visually impaired children.
– The white cane is a tool that helps blind people navigate the streets.
– It symbolizes the user’s skills and talents, mobility, and independence.
– Nowadays, there are many types of white canes available, ranging from simple white canes to electronic canes. Electronic canes are equipped with sensors that detect obstacles and alert the user through sound or vibrations.
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12. Which state government appointed Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj as DSP?
a. Telangana
b. Madhya Pradesh
c. Uttar Pradesh
d. Bihar
Answer: a. Telangana
– Following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup, the Telangana government announced a government job for Mohammad Siraj.
– On October 11, 2024, the state government appointed him.
Telangana
– Capital: Hyderabad
– Chief Minister: K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR)
– Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan
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13. When is World Food Day celebrated?
a. 13 October
b. 14 October
c. 15 October
d. 16 October
Answer: d. 16 October
Theme for 2024:
Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future
– World Food Day is celebrated annually on October 16 to commemorate the founding day of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945.
– FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to end hunger.
– This day is observed by the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
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14. Defence Minister inaugurates projects worth Rs 2,236 crore
– On October 12, 2024, Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh visited Sikkim.
– During his visit, he inaugurated the Kupup-Sherathang road.
– He also virtually inaugurated 75 infrastructure projects across 11 states, including West Bengal and Nagaland.
– These construction works were carried out by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
– The total cost of these projects, located near the China border and in other remote areas, is approximately ₹2,236 crore.
– This will facilitate the movement of security forces deployed along the international borders in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, making it easier to transport supplies like rations and artillery.
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15. In which state did PM Modi inaugurate the Banjara Heritage Museum?
a. Telangana
b. Madhya Pradesh
c. Uttar Pradesh
d. Maharashtra
Answer: d. Maharashtra
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Banjara Heritage Museum on October 5, 2024.
– This five-story building reflects the rich heritage of the Banjara community.
– It has been established to promote and celebrate the traditions, customs, and handicrafts of the Banjaras.
– The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, textiles, jewelry, and other displays that provide a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Banjaras.
– The Banjara Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the Banjara community.
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