UDAN Scheme Extended
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced the extension of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for an additional 10 years. This decision aims to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel more accessible in India. The scheme, launched in 2016, has significantly improved air travel infrastructure in underserved regions.
New Airports Inaugurated
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new airports under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN. The newly developed airports are located in Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh).
Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar Appointed as NCW Chairperson
Smt. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW). This appointment emphasizes the government’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and addressing issues faced by women in India.
Indonesia’s Largest Cabinet Unveiled
Newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia unveiled the country’s largest-ever Cabinet, named the “Red and White Cabinet.” This Cabinet comprises 109 members and aims to unify Indonesia’s diverse political landscape.
Madhya Pradesh Introduces ‘Pink Alarms’
In a pioneering initiative to enhance women’s safety, Madhya Pradesh has installed ‘pink alarms’ at the government-run district hospital in Datia. This move addresses growing concerns about the safety of female staff in public hospitals.
Joint Naval Drill Conducted
India and Oman conducted a joint naval drill named ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ off the coast of Goa from October 13 to 18, 2024. The exercise involved the Indian Navy’s INS Trikand and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft alongside Oman’s Royal Navy vessel Al Seeb.
IIT Madras Announces International Research Centre
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras plans to launch its first international research center in Dubai by early 2025. This center will focus on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, fostering collaboration between India and the UAE.
Adar Poonawalla Acquires Stake in Dharma Productions
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, has acquired a 50% stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions for ₹1,000 crore. This deal marks a significant partnership between the pharmaceutical and entertainment industries.
Karmayogi Saptah Launched
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Karmayogi Saptah (National Learning Week) on October 19, 2024. This initiative is part of Mission Karmayogi, aimed at enhancing continuous skill development among civil servants.
India-Germany Labour Mobility Pact
India and Germany are set to sign a pact on labour mobility and skill recognition to facilitate the movement of skilled professionals between the two countries. This agreement will introduce a digital visa system by the end of 2024.These updates highlight significant developments across various sectors including aviation, governance, international relations, and women’s safety initiatives.
Here are 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on current affairs from October 21, 2024, along with their answers:
MCQs on Current Affairs
- Who has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW)?
- A) Mohanji
- B) Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar
- C) L Satya Srinivas
- D) P K Singh
Answer: B) Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar
- What significant announcement was made regarding the UDAN scheme on October 21, 2024?
- A) It will be discontinued.
- B) It will be extended for an additional 10 years.
- C) It will be merged with another scheme.
- D) It will focus only on international flights.
Answer: B) It will be extended for an additional 10 years.
- Which new airports were inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi under the Regional Connectivity Scheme?
- A) Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur
- B) Rewa, Ambikapur, and Saharanpur
- C) Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur
- D) Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata
Answer: B) Rewa, Ambikapur, and Saharanpur
- What is the name of Indonesia’s newly unveiled Cabinet?
- A) Unity Cabinet
- B) Red and White Cabinet
- C) Harmony Cabinet
- D) National Cabinet
Answer: B) Red and White Cabinet
- Which initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance civil service skills?
- A) Skill India Mission
- B) Karmayogi Saptah (National Learning Week)
- C) Digital India Programme
- D) Atmanirbhar Bharat
Answer: B) Karmayogi Saptah (National Learning Week)
- What type of agreement will India and Germany sign regarding skilled professionals?
- A) Trade agreement
- B) Labour mobility and skill recognition pact
- C) Environmental cooperation agreement
- D) Defense cooperation agreement
Answer: B) Labour mobility and skill recognition pact
- Who is the newly elected President of Indonesia?
- A) Joko Widodo
- B) Prabowo Subianto
- C) Megawati Sukarnoputri
- D) Basuki Tjahaja Purnama
Answer: B) Prabowo Subianto
- What is the primary focus of the Karmayogi Saptah initiative?
- A) Economic development
- B) Continuous skill enhancement among civil servants
- C) Environmental sustainability
- D) Health care improvements
Answer: B) Continuous skill enhancement among civil servants
- What significant action did the RBI take against Navi Finserv and other NBFCs?
- A) Increased their loan limits
- B) Barred them from sanctioning loans due to high interest rates
- C) Approved their merger with other banks
- D) Awarded them for excellent service
Answer: B) Barred them from sanctioning loans due to high interest rates
- What is the expected outcome of the labour mobility pact between India and Germany?
- A) Increase in tourism
- B) Streamlined processes for skilled migration
- C) Joint ventures in technology
- D) Cultural exchange programs
Answer: B) Streamlined processes for skilled migration
- How many members are there in Indonesia’s largest-ever Cabinet?
- A) 50 members
- B) 75 members
- C) 100 members
- D) 109 members
Answer: D) 109 members
- Which Indian institution plans to launch its first international research center in Dubai?
- A) IIT Bombay
- B) IIT Delhi
- C) IIT Madras
- D) IIT Kanpur
Answer: C) IIT Madras
- What was the theme of the Karmayogi Saptah initiative launched on October 19, 2024?
- A) Digital transformation
- B) Skill enhancement
- C) Environmental awareness
- D) Health and wellness
Answer: B) Skill enhancement
- Which company did Adar Poonawalla acquire a stake in recently?
- A) Yash Raj Films
- B) Dharma Productions
- C) Red Chillies Entertainment
- D) Phantom Films
Answer: B) Dharma Productions
- What is the main purpose of the UDAN scheme in India?
- A) To promote international travel
- B) To enhance regional air connectivity
- C) To develop railway infrastructure
- D) To improve road transport
Answer: B) To enhance regional air connectivity
- Which country is set to introduce a digital visa system as part of its labour mobility agreement with India?
- A) Canada
- B ) Australia
- C ) Germany
- D ) France
Answer: C ) Germany
- What did Prime Minister Modi emphasize during the inauguration of new airports?
– A ) Economic growth through tourism
– B ) Improved air travel for all citizens
– C ) Enhanced military transport capabilities
– D ) Development of urban infrastructure
Answer: B ) Improved air travel for all citizens - What does the term “Karmayogi” refer to in the context of recent initiatives?
– A ) An environmental program
– B ) A skill development initiative for civil servants
– C ) A healthcare program
– D ) An educational reform initiative
Answer: B ) A skill development initiative for civil servants - Which organization recognized Mohanji with a humanitarian award recently?
– A ) United Nations
– B ) Conscious Companies Awards
– C ) World Health Organization
– D ) International Red Cross
Answer: B ) Conscious Companies Awards - What significant change was made regarding women’s safety in Madhya Pradesh?
– A ) Introduction of ‘pink alarms’ in hospitals
– B ) Establishment of women’s police stations
– C ) Launch of a women’s empowerment program
– D ) Creation of a women’s helpline
Answer: A ) Introduction of ‘pink alarms’ in hospitals