Daily Current Affairs Quiz: October 24, 2024

Answer: C

Current Context : The Z-Morh tunnel project recently faced a militant attack, near its construction site in Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir.

About Z-Morh Project:

• A 4-km tunnel on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway at an altitude of about 8,500 feet.
• Provides all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, a key tourist destination.
• Named after a Z-shaped road section near the construction site.​
• Strategic importance:
  • The tunnel is crucial for maintaining year-round access to the Sonamarg region, especially during winter when heavy snow often makes roads impassable.
  • Additionally, it serves as a key link for the broader Zojila tunnel project, which will connect Srinagar to Ladakh.
  • It connects Srinagar, Dras, Kargil and Leh

Answer: B

Current Context : Recently, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Halmahera Sea, near North Maluku, Indonesia.

About Halmahera Sea

• Situated in eastern Indonesia, bordered by Halmahera Island, the Pacific Ocean (east), and the Molucca Sea (west).
• Integral to the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF), which moves warm water from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean.
• The eastern route of the ITF through the Halmahera Sea is crucial for global ocean circulation and climate patterns.
• Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, it experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
• This seismic activity is due to the convergence of the Pacific, Eurasian, and Indo-Australian tectonic plates.

Answer: B

Current Context : Recently, 2024 Economic Freedom of the World Report is released.

About Report :

• Publisher: Released by the Fraser Institute and co-published with the Cato Institute.
• Ranking Basis: Assesses 165 countries on how policies and institutions enable economic choices and freedoms using 2022 data.​
• Indicators : Measures economic freedom across five key areas:

1. Size of Government : Evaluates the impact of government spending and tax policies.
2. Legal System and Property Rights : Considers impartiality of the courts, protection of property rights, and legal integrity.
3. Sound Money : Focuses on the stability of currency and inflation rates.
4. Freedom to Trade Internationally : Assesses tariffs, trade barriers, and ease of trade.
5. Regulation : Looks at regulations in credit, labor, and business​

• Top Rankings : Hong Kong (1^st), Singapore (2^nd), Switzerland (3^rd), followed by New Zealand and the United States
• Last Ranking : Venezuela (165^th)
• India’s Performance : Ranked 84^th, reflecting moderate levels of economic freedom.​

Answer: D

Current Context : Recently, World Economic Outlook 2024 is released.

Key highlights of Report

Publisher & Frequency: Released by the IMF twice a year, offering global economic analysis and medium-term projections​

Global Growth Forecast:

• Projected to remain stable at 2%for both 2024 and 2025
• Challenges include geopolitical conflicts, inflation pressures, and policy uncertainties.

Monetary Policy Focus:

• Addressing persistent inflation, especially in the services sector.
• Emphasizes the need for balanced policy adjustments to manage price stability​

India’s Growth:

• Expected to grow at 5%in 2025-26, making it a leading performer among major economies.

Structural Reforms:

• The report stresses the urgency of implementing structural reforms to sustain growth.
• Highlights strategies to enhance public acceptance of these reforms

Answer: C

Current Context : Recently, Indian government reduced the export duty on parboiled rice from 20% to 10% in an effort to boost exports and increase global supply.​

About Parboiled Rice

• Parboiled rice is partially boiled rice in its inedible husk before milling. It undergoes soaking, steaming, and drying, which enhances its nutritional content.
• Regional Names: Known as “miniket” in West Bengal and Odisha.
• Benefits: It has a higher yield, greater resistance to insect attacks, and retains more B-vitamins compared to raw rice. It also produces a bran with higher oil content.

Answer: A

Current Context : India launched its fourth SSBN, known as S4*, adding to its nuclear deterrence capabilities.

• This follows the launch of INS Arihant and INS Arighat, which are already in service, and Aridhman (S4), which is undergoing sea trials.​

About S4*

• The S4* features around 75% indigenous components, emphasizing India’s focus on self-reliance in defense.
• It is equipped with K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles(SLBMs) that have a range of 3,500 km, enhancing the nuclear deterrence reach.
• Global SSBN Operators: Only a few countries operate nuclear-powered SSBNs, including the US, Russia, China, UK, France, and India, reflecting their advanced technological and defense capabilities​​
• Future Plans : India is also working on developing the S5 class SSBNs, which will have a larger displacement and advanced missile capabilities, expected to be ready by the 2030s.

Answer: C

Current Context : Shimla and Kullu are the most affected districts in Himachal Pradesh in terms of drug abuse, with the highest cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.​

• Out of 1,218 cases registered in the state this year, Shimla accounts for 187 cases, and Kullu follows with 186 cases.
• Other affected areas include Mandi (149 cases), Bilaspur (125 cases), and Kangra (99 cases).

Government Initiatives to tackle Drug Abuse :

• Sankalp Initiative: Launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, this initiative focuses on curbing drug addiction, supporting rehabilitation, and taking strict action against drug traffickers.
• The state is setting up a State-Level Model De-addiction and Rehabilitation Center in Sirmaur’s Kotla Barog to help individuals struggling with substance abuse​
• Nasha Mukti Himachal Abhiyan: This campaign aims to create awareness and reduce drug addiction, focusing on both preventive measures and rehabilitation.

Answer: D

Current Context : Himachal Pradesh recently inaugurated its first 24×7 cybercrime reporting station, named ‘CY-Station,’ in Shimla.

Aim : to improve the state’s capacity to address cybercrime, particularly financial frauds.

Features of the CY-Station include : 

• Real-Time Complaint Handling : The station allows citizens to report cybercrimes, especially financial frauds, through a toll-free number (1930), ensuring swift registration and response.
• Financial Fraud Response : Equipped with the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), it can block or mark the lien on defrauded amounts immediately.
• Advanced Technology : The facility includes modern software for call recording and trained operators to enhance efficiency and follow-up on cases.​