02nd January 2024 Daily Current Affairs and GK Question Answers with Explanation

In the dynamic landscape of competitive exams, staying updated with current affairs is pivotal for success. Aspirants preparing for various exams, be it civil services, banking, or other government jobs, need to have a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments across different domains. Let's delve into key areas that candidates should focus on.

02 January 2024 Daily Current Affairs and GK Question Answers with Explanation

1. Who secured victory in the highly contested December 20 election in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

a) Moise Katumbi

b) Etienne Tshisekedi

c) Felix Tshisekedi

d) Joseph Kabila

Answer: c) Felix Tshisekedi

Explanation: President Felix Tshisekedi emerged victorious with approximately 73% of the vote.

2. Which countries are set to join the BRICS group, doubling its membership?

a) Argentina and Brazil

b) Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia

c) South Africa and Nigeria

d) Mexico and China

Answer: b) Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia

Explanation: These countries have accepted invitations to join BRICS.

3. What is the primary objective of the 'Divya Kala Mela' organized in Surat, Gujarat?

a) Political Campaign

b) Economic Empowerment of PwD/Divyangjan

c) Cultural Festival

d) Environmental Awareness

Answer: b) Economic Empowerment of PwD/Divyangjan

Explanation: The event aims to showcase the products and craftsmanship of Divyang entrepreneurs.

4. In which state did Gujarat set a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous Surya Namaskar performance?

a) Rajasthan

b) Gujarat

c) Maharashtra

d) Karnataka

Answer: b) Gujarat

Explanation: The state achieved this feat on New Year's morning with over 4,000 participants.

5. Which collaborative military exercise is scheduled between India and the UAE in Rajasthan from January 2 to January 15, 2024?

a) Desert Storm

b) Desert Mirage

c) Desert Cyclone 2024

d) Sandstorm Unity

Answer: c) Desert Cyclone 2024

Explanation: The joint manoeuvre aims to enhance interoperability, particularly in urban operations.

6. What significant achievement did India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrate on January 1, 2024?

a) 50th Foundation Day

b) 75th Foundation Day

c) 66th Foundation Day

d) 100th Foundation Day

Answer: c) 66th Foundation Day

Explanation: DRDO marked its 66th Foundation Day with a renewed commitment to bolstering India’s defence capabilities.

7. In December 2023, what percentage did Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections witness a surge compared to the previous year?

a) 5%

b) 10.28%

c) 15.5%

d) 20%

Answer: b) 10.28%

Explanation: GST collections reached ₹1,64,882 crore, marking a notable 10.28% surge.

8. What significant growth did UPI transactions experience in December 2023?

a) 30%

b) 42%

c) 50%

d) 25%

Answer: b) 42%

Explanation: UPI transactions saw an impressive 42% year-on-year growth, reaching ₹18 lakh crore.

9. What is the purpose of the electoral bonds mentioned in the content?

a) Currency for international trade

b) Enhancing transparency in political funding

c) Cryptocurrency for online transactions

d) Bonds issued by the Central Bank

Answer: b) Enhancing transparency in political funding

Explanation: Electoral bonds serve as an alternative to cash donations, aiming to enhance transparency in political funding.

10. Who is appointed as the Director General of Fire Service, Civil Defence & Home Guards under the Ministry of Home Affairs?

a) Vivek Srivastava

b) Rashmi Govil

c) Arvind Panagariya

d) Dong Jun

Answer: a) Vivek Srivastava

Explanation: Vivek Srivastava, a seasoned IPS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is appointed as the Director General.

11. Which country recently named Dong Jun as its new defense minister?

a) India

b) China

c) United States

d) Russia

Answer: b) China

Explanation: Dong Jun, a former navy commander, has been appointed as China’s new defense minister.

12. On Global Family Day 2024, what is the theme emphasizing unity and diversity?

a) World Peace through Education

b) Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families

c) Global Harmony for Future Generations

d) Building Bridges Across Cultures

Answer: b) Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families

Explanation: The theme for 2024 is a call to celebrate differences while acknowledging the fundamental bonds that connect us.

13. In the collaboration between ITC, Microsoft, and Skymet, what is the goal concerning tobacco farmers in India?

a) Increase tobacco production

b) Reduce tobacco cultivation

c) Enhance climate resilience of tobacco crops

d) Promote alternative crops

Answer: c) Enhance climate resilience of tobacco crops

Explanation: The goal is to empower farmers and reduce the impact of extreme weather events on tobacco cultivation.

14. Who is set to be the next Director (Human Resources) at Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)?

a) Ranjan Kumar Mohapatra

b) Rashmi Govil

c) Shresht Iyer

d) Arvind Panagariya

Answer: b) Rashmi Govil

Explanation: Rashmi Govil, currently serving as Executive Director (HRD & ER) at IOC, is set to become the Director (Human Resources).

15. Which former Niti Aayog vice chairman has been appointed as the chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission?

a) Arvind Subramanian

b) Montek Singh Ahluwalia

c) Arvind Panagariya

d) Raghuram Rajan

Answer: c) Arvind Panagariya

Explanation: Arvind Panagariya, former Niti Aayog vice chairman, is appointed as the chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission.

16. What did Australian cricket stalwart David Warner announce on New Year's Day?

a) Retirement from Test Cricket

b) Retirement from T20 Cricket

c) Retirement from One-Day Cricket

d) Retirement from International Cricket

Answer: c) Retirement from One-Day Cricket

Explanation: David Warner announced his retirement from ODI cricket just before his final Test match against Pakistan.

17. In the 2023 World Rapid Chess Championships, who won the women’s individual silver medal?

a) Hou Yifan

b) Anastasia Bodnaruk

c) Judit Polgár

d) Koneru Humpy

Answer: d) Koneru Humpy

Explanation: Koneru Humpy won the women’s individual silver medal, showcasing her prowess in chess.

18. Which satellite, launched by ISRO, is India’s first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite designed for detecting X-rays from exotic objects?

a) AstroSat

b) Mars Orbiter Mission

c) XPoSat

d) Chandrayaan

Answer: c) XPoSat

Explanation: XPoSat is designed to investigate the polarization of intense X-ray sources in space.

19. What is the primary objective of the Divya Kala Mela organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in Surat?

a) Promoting Sports

b) Economic Empowerment of Women

c) Showcasing Products of Divyang Entrepreneurs

d) Cultural Integration

Answer: c) Showcasing Products of Divyang Entrepreneurs

Explanation: The event aims to provide a platform for marketing and exhibiting diverse products and skills of Divyang entrepreneurs.

20. What record-breaking event did Gujarat achieve on New Year's morning?

a) Largest Diya Lighting

b) Largest Yoga Session

c) Largest Surya Namaskar Performance

d) Longest Cultural Parade

Answer: c) Largest Surya Namaskar Performance

Explanation: Gujarat achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous Surya Namaskar performance.

21. On which date did ISRO launch the XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) along with 10 other satellites?

a) December 31

b) January 1

c) January 2

d) January 15

Answer: b) January 1

Explanation: ISRO successfully launched XPoSat on January 1, 2024, along with 10 other satellites from the Sriharikota spaceport.

22. What is the overarching goal of the collaboration between ITC, Microsoft, and Skymet concerning tobacco farmers in India?

a) Increase tobacco production

b) Reduce tobacco cultivation

c) Enhance the climate resilience of all crops

d) Promote alternative crops

Answer: c) Enhance the climate resilience of all crops

Explanation: The program aims to enhance the climate resilience of tobacco crops and, by extension, improve overall agricultural resilience.

23. Who is the new Director General of Fire Service, Civil Defence & Home Guards under the Ministry of Home Affairs?

a) Vivek Srivastava

b) Rashmi Govil

c) Arvind Panagariya

d) Dong Jun

Answer: a) Vivek Srivastava

Explanation: Vivek Srivastava, a seasoned IPS officer of the Gujarat cadre, has been appointed as the Director General.

24. What record-breaking feat did Gujarat achieve on New Year's morning involving over 4,000 participants?

a) Largest Rangoli

b) Largest Surya Namaskar Performance

c) Longest Marathon

d) Highest Kite Flying

Answer: b) Largest Surya Namaskar Performance

Explanation: Gujarat achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous Surya Namaskar performance.

25. What is the theme for Global Family Day 2024?

a) Unity in Diversity

b) Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families

c) Global Harmony for Peace

d) Family Bonds Across Borders

Answer: b) Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families

Explanation: The theme for Global Family Day 2024 is "Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families."

26. Which Indian state hosted the 12th Divya Kala Mela in December 2023 to January 2024?

a) Maharashtra

b) Gujarat

c) Rajasthan

d) Karnataka

Answer: b) Gujarat

Explanation: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities organized the event in Surat, Gujarat.

27. What is the primary objective of the 'Desert Cyclone 2024' military exercise between India and the UAE?

a) Air-to-Air Combat

b) Enhancing Interoperability in Urban Operations

c) Naval Warfare

d) Mountain Warfare Techniques

Answer: b) Enhancing Interoperability in Urban Operations

Explanation: The joint military exercise aims to enhance interoperability through the exchange of knowledge, particularly in urban operations.

28. What is the significance of the chosen number '108' in the largest simultaneous Surya Namaskar performance in Gujarat?

a) Symbol of good luck

b) Represents the number of participants

c) Special significance in Indian culture

d) Randomly selected number

Answer: c) Special significance in Indian culture

Explanation: In Vedic culture, 108 is considered a symbol of complete existence, linking it to the Sun, Moon, and Earth.

29. What did DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat launch on DRDO's 66th Foundation Day?

a) New Defense Policy

b) Quantity-Distance Software

c) Space Satellite

d) Advanced Missile System

Answer: b) Quantity-Distance Software

Explanation: DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat launched the Quantity-Distance Software developed by HEMRL Pune.

30. What was the theme for Global Family Day in 2024, emphasizing unity and diversity?

a) "Global Harmony through Education"

b) "Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families"

c) "Peace through Cultural Exchange"

d) "Building Bridges Across Generations"

Answer: b) "Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families"

Explanation: The theme emphasizes celebrating differences while acknowledging the fundamental bonds that connect us.

31. In the 2023 World Rapid Chess Championships, where was the event held?

a) Moscow, Russia

b) Batumi, Georgia

c) Samarkand, Uzbekistan

d) Edinburgh, Scotland

Answer: c) Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Explanation: The 2023 World Rapid Chess Championships took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

32. What achievement did Indian squash player Anahat Singh accomplish at the 2023 Scottish Junior Open?

a) Silver Medal

b) Gold Medal

c) Bronze Medal

d) Participation Certificate

Answer: a) Silver Medal

Explanation: Anahat Singh secured victory in the girls’ under-19 category, winning the silver medal.

33. What is the name of India’s first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite launched by ISRO?

a) AstroSat

b) Mars Orbiter Mission

c) XPoSat

d) Chandrayaan

Answer: c) XPoSat

Explanation: XPoSat is India’s first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite designed for detecting X-rays from exotic objects.

34. Which month recorded strong growth in GST collections, reaching ₹1.65-lakh crore in December 2023?

a) November 2023

b) October 2023

c) December 2022

d) January 2024

Answer: a) November 2023

Explanation: GST collections for December 2023 reached ₹1,64,882 crore, marking a notable 10.28% surge compared to the same month the previous year.

35. What was the growth percentage of Mudra Loans in Q3 FY24, reaching ₹3-lakh crore in December 2023?

a) 10%

b) 12%

c) 14%

d) 16%

Answer: d) 16%

Explanation: Loans disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) showed a remarkable 16% year-on-year growth.

36. Which economic development marked the seventh consecutive month in the fiscal year where average GST collections exceeded ₹1.6-lakh crore?

a) Demonetization

b) Tax Reforms

c) Digital Payment Initiatives

d) GST Collections

Answer: d) GST Collections

Explanation: GST collections have exceeded ₹1.6-lakh crore for seven consecutive months in the fiscal year.

37. What is the new bulk deposit limit set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for large urban co-operative banks (UCBs)?

a) ₹10 lakh and above

b) ₹50 lakh and above

c) ₹1 crore and above

d) ₹5 crore and above

Answer: c) ₹1 crore and above

Explanation: RBI has substantially increased the bulk deposit limit for large UCBs to ₹1 crore and above.

38. What is the primary purpose of the 30th tranche of electoral bonds set to go on sale from January 2 to January 11, 2024?

a) Funding for Educational Institutions

b) Transparent Political Funding

c) International Trade Agreements

d) Rural Development Projects

Answer: b) Transparent Political Funding

Explanation: Electoral bonds serve as an alternative to cash donations, aiming to enhance transparency in political funding.

39. What percentage did UPI transactions grow month-on-month in December 2023?

a) 5%

b) 7%

c) 10%

d) 15%

Answer: b) 7%

Explanation: UPI transactions witnessed a substantial 7% month-on-month growth in December 2023.

40. What is the value of the largest simultaneous Surya Namaskar performance's chosen number, holding special significance in Indian culture?

a) 72

b) 108

c) 144

d) 180

Answer: b) 108

Explanation: In Vedic culture, esteemed mathematicians regarded 108 as a symbol of complete existence, linking it to the Sun, Moon, and Earth.

41. In the BRICS expansion, which country reversed its membership bid under the new presidency of Javier Milei?

a) Saudi Arabia

b) Iran

c) Argentina

d) Egypt

Answer: c) Argentina

Explanation: Argentina reversed its membership bid under the new presidency of Javier Milei.

42. What milestone did India and the UAE achieve in September 2008 in their defense collaboration?

a) Inaugural Joint Naval Exercise

b) Joint Air Forces Exercise

c) Cybersecurity Agreement

d) Counter-Terrorism Operation

Answer: b) Joint Air Forces Exercise

Explanation: One notable milestone in the defense collaboration between India and the UAE was the inaugural Joint Air Forces exercise held in September 2008.

43. Who was the predecessor of Dong Jun, the newly appointed Defense Minister of China?

a) Li Shangfu

b) Xi Jinping

c) Hu Jintao

d) Sun Tzu

Answer: a) Li Shangfu

Explanation: Dong Jun succeeded Li Shangfu as the new Defense Minister of China.

44. What did India achieve on New Year’s morning regarding the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections?

a) Record Number of GST Registrations

b) 10% Growth in GST Collections

c) ₹1.65-Lakh Crore GST Collections

d) GST Rate Reduction

Answer: c) ₹1.65-Lakh Crore GST Collections

Explanation: GST collections for December 2023 reached ₹1,64,882 crore, marking a significant 10.28% surge compared to the same month the previous year.

45. Who is the son of veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi and the newly elected President of the Democratic Republic of Congo?

a) Moise Katumbi

b) Felix Tshisekedi

c) Javier Milei

d) Kamala Harris

Answer: b) Felix Tshisekedi

Explanation: Felix Tshisekedi, the son of veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, secured victory in the DRC election.

46. In which city did the 12th Divya Kala Mela take place in 2023-2024?

a) Jaipur

b) Mumbai

c) Surat

d) Delhi

Answer: c) Surat

Explanation: The 12th Divya Kala Mela organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment took place in Surat, Gujarat.

47. What was the primary objective of the ‘Divya Kala Mela’ organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment?

a) Cultural Exchange

b) Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

c) Political Awareness

d) Environmental Conservation

Answer: b) Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

Explanation: The event aimed at showcasing the products and craftsmanship of Divyang entrepreneurs to contribute to their economic empowerment.

48. On which date did DRDO celebrate its 66th Foundation Day in 2024?

a) December 29

b) January 1

c) January 15

d) January 30

Answer: b) January 1

Explanation: DRDO commemorated its 66th Foundation Day on January 1, 2024.

49. What is the goal of the collaborative military exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ between India and the UAE?

a) Naval Warfare

b) Counter-Terrorism Operations

c) Enhancing Interoperability in Urban Operations

d) Air-to-Air Combat

Answer: c) Enhancing Interoperability in Urban Operations

Explanation: The joint military exercise aims to enhance interoperability through the exchange of knowledge, particularly in urban operations.

50. What did David Warner retire from on New Year's Day, just before his final Test match against Pakistan?

a) Test Cricket

b) T20 Cricket

c) One-Day Cricket

d) International Cricket

Answer: c) One-Day Cricket

Explanation: Australian cricket stalwart David Warner announced his retirement from One-Day Cricket on New Year's Day.