Current Affairs Questions and Answers 19th March 2024

19th March Current Affairs 2024 Quiz

Q1. According to the DHL Global Connectedness Report 2024, which country ranks first in global connectedness?

(a) Singapore

(b) Netherlands

(d) United States of America

(e) China

Q2. How many terms has Vladimir Putin secured as President of Russia?

(a) Four

(b) Five

(d) Seven

(e) Eight

Q3. What is the estimated number of startups expected to attend Startup Mahakumbh 2024?

(a) 500

(b) 1,000

(d) 2,000

(e) 2,500

Q4. Statement I: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan’ (PM-SURAJ) national portal.

Statement II: The PM-SURAJ portal aims to provide credit support and empower one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities.

(a) Both statements are true, and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I

(b) Both statements are true, but statement II is not the correct explanation of statement I.

(d) Statement I is false, but statement II is true.

(e) Both statements are false.

Q5. Statement I: Under the NAMASTE program, the Ministry distributed Ayushman health cards to sewer and septic tank workers (Safai Mitras).

Statement II: Ayushman health cards provide beneficiaries access to cashless healthcare services at empanelled hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

(a) Both statements are true, and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I.

(b) Both statements are true, but statement II is not the correct explanation of statement I.

(d) Statement I is false, but statement II is true.

(e) Both statements are false.

Q6. What term does Kotak Mahindra Bank use to describe its internal framework for inter-Group synergies and cross-selling opportunities?

(a) Kotak Connect

(b) Kotak Unified

(d) One Kotak

(e) Kotak Alliance

Q7. What was the total value of India’s foreign exchange reserves as of March 8, 2024?

(a) $500.5 billion

(b) $585.8 billion

(d) $698.9 billion

(e) $720.3 billion

Q8. What unique item will be carried by the Europa Clipper spacecraft as part of its message to Europa?

(a) A triangular metal plate with a poem

(b) A silicon microchip with public names

(d) A sample of Martian soil

(e) A recording of human laughter

Q9. What scheme is introduced by J&K Bank to cater to the financial needs of prospective SANY equipment buyers as mentioned in the collaboration?

(a) Agriculture Loan Scheme

(b) Education Loan Scheme

(d) Construction Equipment Finance scheme

(e) Renewable Energy Loan Scheme

Q10. In what year was the Diana Award charity established?

(a) 1994

(b) 1997

(d) 2002

(e) 2005

Solutions

S1. Ans.(a)

Sol. Singapore tops the global connectedness rankings in the DHL Global Connectedness Report 2024. This is attributed to its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and extensive participation in international trade and commerce, making it a global hub for connectivity and economic activity.

S2. Ans.(c)

Sol. Vladimir Putin has won six presidential terms, with the recent election marking his sixth consecutive victory since first assuming office in 1999. This victory extends his total time in power to 24 years, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Russian history.

S3. Ans.(b)

Sol. Startup Mahakumbh 2024 anticipates hosting over 1,000 startups, making option (d) the most accurate choice.

S4. Ans.(a)

Sol. Statement I accurately describes the inauguration of the PM-SURAJ national portal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Statement II provides additional information about the portal’s objective, which is to extend credit support and empower one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities, thereby explaining the purpose behind the portal’s launch.

S5. Ans.(a)

Sol. Statement I accurately describes the distribution of Ayushman health cards to sewer and septic tank workers under the NAMASTE program. Statement II provides additional information about the benefits of Ayushman health cards, which grant beneficiaries access to cashless healthcare services, thus explaining the significance of distributing these cards to Safai Mitras.

S6. Ans.(d)

Sol. The bank uses the term “One Kotak” to describe its internal framework for inter-Group synergies and cross-selling opportunities, reflecting its commitment to a unified approach in serving customers.

S7. Ans.(c)

Sol. India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a two-year high of $636.1 billion as of March 8, 2024, following a significant increase of $10.47 billion during that week. This surge marked the highest weekly increase since July 14, 2023.

S8. Ans.(a)

Sol. The Europa Clipper spacecraft will carry a triangular metal plate engraved with a poem, “In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa,” by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón, as part of its message to Europa.

S9. Ans.(d)

Sol. The collaboration mentions the introduction of the Construction Equipment Finance scheme by J&K Bank to cater to the financial needs of prospective SANY equipment buyers.

S10. Ans.(a)

Sol. The Diana Award charity, established in memory of Princess Diana, is celebrating its 25th anniversary, indicating it was founded in 1994.