April 20, 2024 Current Affairs

1. Which country's Engineering Academy honoured Kaushik Rajashekara with an International Fellowship?

A.    India

B.    United States

C.   Japan

D.   China

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Kaushik Rajashekara's International Fellowship by the Engineering Academy of Japan is a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional contributions to power conversion and transportation electrification. His groundbreaking research, patents, and publications have not only advanced the field but have also paved the way for a more sustainable future. Rajashekara's accomplishments serve as an inspiration to aspiring engineers, reminding us of the transformative power of innovation and dedication to making a positive impact on society.

2. What powers Meta's advanced AI assistant, Meta AI?

A.    Cheetah 2

B.    Llama 3

C.   Dolphin 4

D.   Eagle 5

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

Meta AI's advanced AI assistant is powered by the cutting-edge language model, Llama 3. With its ability to enhance user experiences, global expansion plans, and strategic partnerships with tech giants, Meta AI continues to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve. The future looks promising as Meta AI continues to evolve and innovate, setting new standards in the world of AI-powered virtual assistants.

3. Which company opened a CKD engine assembly line at Manesar, Haryana?

A.    Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India

B.    Yamaha Motors

C.   Suzuki Motor Corporation

D.   Hero MotoCorp

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

The CKD engine assembly line at Manesar, Haryana, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India takes a significant step towards global expansion. This expansion not only boosts CKD exports but also reinforces HMSI's commitment to meeting the demands of the global market. With their unwavering dedication to delivering excellence, HMSI is poised to make a lasting impact on the international two-wheeler industry.

4. Which payment method is promoted by RuPay's 'Link it, Forget it' campaign at IPL 2024?

A.    Maestro Card

B.    Visa

C.   Master Card

D.   RuPay

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

RuPay's 'Link it, Forget it' campaign at IPL 2024 has successfully highlighted the importance and benefits of digital payments. While various payment methods have contributed to the growth of the digital payment ecosystem, RuPay credit cards integrated with UPI emerge as the preferred choice in this campaign. By encouraging consumers to embrace digital transactions, RuPay aims to create a future where physical wallets become obsolete, making way for a more seamless and secure digital payment landscape.

5. Which fintech start-up has obtained in-principle approval for a payment aggregator license?

A.    Paytm

B.    CRED

C.   PhonePe

D.   Google Pay

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

CRED's in-principle approval for a payment aggregator license marks a significant milestone in the company's journey. By expanding its services beyond credit card payments, CRED is poised to revolutionize the digital payments space for both consumers and merchants. As the fintech industry continues to flourish, CRED's pioneering efforts exemplify the potential for innovation and growth in the digital economy.

6. Who has been appointed as the Director-General of the National Security Guard (NSG)?

A.    Nalin Prabhat

B.    Sapna Tewari

C.   Anand Singh

D.   Rajesh Kumar

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

The appointment of Nalin Prabhat as the Director-General of the National Security Guard is a definitive step towards strengthening India's counter-terrorism efforts. Nalin Prabhat's vast experience, leadership acumen, and vision for the NSG make him the ideal candidate for this crucial role. With his appointment, the NSG is poised to scale new heights in safeguarding the nation against security challenges.

7. Who has been appointed as the Vice President and Managing Director for the India region at Intel?

A.    Hans Chuang

B.    Christoph Schell

C.   Sachin Katti

D.   Santosh Viswanathan

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

The appointment of Santosh Viswanathan as the Vice President and Managing Director for the India region at Intel marks a significant milestone in the company's journey in India. With his extensive experience and deep understanding of the Indian market, Viswanathan is well-positioned to drive value and customer-centricity, while fostering collaborations and partnerships that will fuel Intel's growth. This strategic move reaffirms Intel's commitment to India and its vision of shaping the future of technology in the region.

8. Which moon is NASA's Dragonfly rotorcraft mission set to explore?

A.    Tethys

B.    Epimetheus

C.   Titan

D.   Mimas

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

NASA's Dragonfly rotorcraft mission is poised to revolutionize our understanding of Titan, Saturn's largest moon. With its ambitious objectives and cutting-edge technology, Dragonfly will soar through Titan's atmosphere, unlocking the secrets of this fascinating world. As we eagerly await the mission's launch in July 2028, we can anticipate groundbreaking discoveries that will shape the future of planetary exploration.

9. Which country's engineers and scientists created the world's first satellite enabling smartphones to make calls without mobile towers?

A.    India

B.    Russia

C.   USA

D.   China

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

IT is clear that the answer to the question of which country's engineers and scientists created the world's first satellite enabling smartphones to make calls without mobile towers is Option D: China. The Tiantong satellite initiative stands as a testament to China's dedication to technological innovation and enhancing communication resilience. With this pioneering project, China has opened up a new realm of possibilities, ensuring that even in the most challenging situations, connectivity remains within reach.

10. When is National Civil Service Day celebrated annually in India?

A.    April 1

B.    April 21

C.   May 15

D.   June 30

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

National Civil Service Day, celebrated annually on April 21st, is a significant occasion in India. It honors the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and recognizes the crucial role of civil services in the country's governance. This day serves as a reminder of the dedication and commitment of civil servants towards public welfare and nation-building. Let us take a moment to appreciate the efforts of these unsung heroes who work tirelessly for the betterment of our society.

11. What is the name of the largest stellar black hole discovered in our Milky Way galaxy by European astronomers?

A.    BH-3

B.    BH-5

C.   BH-10

D.   BH-15

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

The unveiling of BH-15, the largest stellar black hole discovered in our Milky Way galaxy by European astronomers, marks a significant milestone in our quest to comprehend the mysteries of the cosmos. Its mind-boggling size and the implications it holds for astrophysics ignite a renewed sense of curiosity and wonder among scientists and enthusiasts alike. As we continue to unravel the secrets of the universe, BH-15 stands as a testament to the boundless marvels that await our exploration.

12. Who has been appointed as the new chairman of the HDFC Life Insurance board?

A.    Deepak S Parekh

B.    Keki Mistry

C.   Vibha Padalkar

D.   Narayanan

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

The appointment of Keki Mistry as the chairman of HDFC Life Insurance board marks a significant milestone in the company's journey. With his leadership and the continued guidance of Vibha Padalkar, HDFC Life Insurance is poised to navigate the evolving insurance landscape with confidence. As industry observers eagerly await the approval from the IRDA, all eyes are on the future of HDFC Life Insurance under its new leadership.

13. Which state topped in electronics exports with a record of $9.6 billion in FY23-24?

A.    Karnataka

B.    Maharashtra

C.   Tamil Nadu

D.   Gujarat

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Tamil Nadu's achievement of topping electronics exports with a record of $9.6 billion in FY23-24 signifies the state's growing importance in the industry. Its focus on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and innovation has created an ecosystem that attracts investments and promotes growth. As Tamil Nadu continues to foster a favorable environment for electronics manufacturing, it is poised to maintain its leadership position and contribute significantly to India's overall exports in the sector.

14. Which entity has launched NCMC-enabled debit and prepaid cards in collaboration with NPCI?

A.    Airtel Payments Bank

B.    State Bank of India

C.   HDFC Bank

D.   ICICI Bank

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

Airtel Payments Bank's launch of NCMC-enabled debit and prepaid cards in collaboration with NPCI marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a unified payment ecosystem in India. These cards not only provide versatile payment options but also prioritize enhanced security features, ensuring a seamless and secure transaction experience for customers. With this initiative, Airtel Payments Bank is contributing to the nation's digital transformation and empowering customers with convenient and secure payment solutions.

15. Who has been approved as Dhanlaxmi Bank’s new Managing Director & CEO by the RBI?

A.    J.K. Shivan

B.    Mira Gupta

C.   Ajith Kumar KK

D.   Nithesh Sharma

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

The appointment of Ajith Kumar KK as the new Managing Director & CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank marks a significant milestone in the bank's journey. With his expertise, strategic vision, and focus on strengthening the bank's capital position, Ajith Kumar KK is poised to lead Dhanlaxmi Bank towards a new era of growth and stability. As the bank embraces change and resolves internal conflicts, it can look forward to a promising future under the dynamic leadership of Ajith Kumar KK.