National Current Affairs
- Tato-I Hydro Electric Project Sanctioned 🌊: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned Rs. 1,750 crore for the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh. This project aims to enhance power supply in the region and support sustainable development1.
- Packaged Drinking Water Reclassified 💧: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reclassified packaged drinking and mineral water as the “Highest Risk Food Category”. This change follows the removal of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification requirement1.
- Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 💼: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. The bill targets key banking laws, including amendments to the Reserve Bank of India Act and the Banking Regulation Act1.
- Coastal Trade Enhancement Bill 🚢: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduced a new Bill aimed at enhancing coastal trade. The bill promotes the use of Indian-flagged vessels owned by Indian citizens and aims to boost the maritime sector1.
- Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Passed ✈️: The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, which replaces the outdated Aircraft Act of 1934, was passed by the Lok Sabha. The bill aims to streamline aviation regulations and align with international standards1.
- Boilers Bill 2024 Passed 🔥: The Rajya Sabha passed the Boilers Bill 2024, replacing the Boilers Act of 1923. The new bill aims to enhance safety for workers operating boilers and facilitate easier business operations, especially for MSMEs1.
- SHe-Box Portal Launched 🌐: The SHe-Box portal, aimed at addressing workplace sexual harassment, was launched on October 19, 2024. Developed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the portal streamlines the complaint process across various sectors1.
- 25th Hornbill Festival of Nagaland 🎉: The 25th Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is currently underway, sparking discussions about the state’s liquor ban. The tourism minister announced that Indian-made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) will be allowed during the festival1.
International Current Affairs
- King and Queen of Bhutan Visit India 👑: Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema visited India to discuss bilateral cooperation, including hydropower and connectivity projects. Key discussions included the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project and advancing economic and investment cooperation2.
- Axiom-4 Mission to the International Space Station 🚀: The Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station includes two Indian astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair. This mission is part of a private initiative by Axiom Space, using the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, and focuses on commercial activities, international collaboration, and scientific research.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers 📝
1. How much funding has been sanctioned for the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh?
- a) Rs. 1,500 crore
- b) Rs. 1,650 crore
- c) Rs. 1,750 crore
- d) Rs. 1,850 crore
- Answer: c) Rs. 1,750 crore
2. What has the FSSAI reclassified packaged drinking and mineral water as?
- a) Moderate Risk Food Category
- b) Low Risk Food Category
- c) Highest Risk Food Category
- d) Safe for All Category
- Answer: c) Highest Risk Food Category
3. Which bill was introduced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha?
- a) Education Reform Bill, 2024
- b) Healthcare Reform Bill, 2024
- c) Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- d) Industrial Development Bill, 2024
- Answer: c) Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
4. What is the aim of the new Coastal Trade Enhancement Bill introduced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal?
- a) Promote the use of foreign-flagged vessels
- b) Enhance coastal trade using Indian-flagged vessels
- c) Increase taxes on coastal trade
- d) Reduce maritime security
- Answer: b) Enhance coastal trade using Indian-flagged vessels
5. What does the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, aim to replace?
- a) The Aircraft Act of 1934
- b) The Railways Act of 1950
- c) The Maritime Act of 1960
- d) The Space Act of 1984
- Answer: a) The Aircraft Act of 1934
6. What is the objective of the Boilers Bill 2024 passed by the Rajya Sabha?
- a) Promote space exploration
- b) Enhance safety for workers operating boilers
- c) Increase agricultural production
- d) Improve healthcare infrastructure
- Answer: b) Enhance safety for workers operating boilers
7. What is the purpose of the SHe-Box portal launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development?
- a) Address workplace sexual harassment
- b) Promote digital literacy
- c) Enhance environmental protection
- d) Support space research
- Answer: a) Address workplace sexual harassment
8. Which festival is currently underway in Nagaland, marking its 25th anniversary?
- a) Durga Puja
- b) Hornbill Festival
- c) Diwali
- d) Pongal
- Answer: b) Hornbill Festival
9. Who recently visited India to discuss bilateral cooperation, including hydropower and connectivity projects?
- a) King and Queen of Bhutan
- b) President of the United States
- c) Prime Minister of Japan
- d) Chancellor of Germany
- Answer: a) King and Queen of Bhutan
10. Which mission to the International Space Station includes two Indian astronauts?
- a) Apollo-11 Mission
- b) Mars Orbiter Mission
- c) Axiom-4 Mission
- d) Gaganyaan Mission
- Answer: c) Axiom-4 Mission