20th August 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.

20th August 2024 Daily Current Affairs and GK Question Answers with Explanation

20th August 2024 Current Affairs-Multiple Choice Questions

01. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the 78th Independence Day celebrations organized by the Government of India? A) Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi addressed the nation and delivered his 11th consecutive Independence Day speech. B) The President of India Droupadi Murmu approved 103 Gallantry awards (including 9 posthumous) to the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. C) The Punjab Regiment Military band played the National Anthem during the flag unfurling under Subedar Major Rajinder Singh.

a) Only A & B

b) Only A & C

c) Only B & C

d) All A, B & C

Answer: 4) All A, B & C

Explanation: - The Government of India organized the 78th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 11th consecutive Independence Day speech. - The 2024 Independence Day theme was ‘Viksit Bharat@2047,’ focusing on transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. - It was Modi's first address in his third term. - The Guard of Honour for the PM consisted of officers and 24 personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Delhi Police, with the Indian Navy coordinating. - President Droupadi Murmu approved 103 Gallantry awards, including 9 posthumous, for Armed Forces and CAPF personnel. - The Punjab Regiment Military band played the National Anthem during the flag unfurling under Subedar Major Rajinder Singh.

02. Which ministry has recently (in August 2024) launched a digital geo-spatial platform named Krishi Decision Support System (DSS)?

a) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

b) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

c) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare

d) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Answer: 3) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare

Explanation: On 16th August 2024, Minister of State Bhagirath Choudhary, from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), launched the Krishi-Decision Support System (DSS), a digital geo-spatial platform, during a conference at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. - The event was part of the Department of Space’s nationwide celebrations in August 2024, commemorating the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and the establishment of National Space Day on August 23. - This pioneering geospatial platform is tailored for Indian agriculture, providing access to satellite images, weather data, reservoir storage, groundwater levels, and soil health information.

03. In August 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) launched the ___________-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS).

a) Blockchain

b) Artificial Intelligence

c) Internet of Things

d) Augmented Reality

Answer: 2) Artificial Intelligence

Explanation: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), a digital initiative to connect farmers with agricultural scientists and experts for pest management. - The NPSS aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on pesticide retailers and promote a scientific approach to pest management. - Using AI tools, the NPSS will analyze the latest data on pests, helping farmers and experts in pest control and management. - The NPSS comprises a user-friendly mobile application and a web portal, ensuring accessibility for all farmers.

04. Which organization developed the ‘FloodWatch India’ Mobile Application that was recently (in August 2024) launched by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti?

a) Central Water Commission

b) National Mission for Clean Ganga

c) National Hydrology Project

d) National Water Development Agency

Answer: 1) Central Water Commission

Explanation: Union Minister C.R. Paatil from the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) launched Version 2.0 of the ‘FloodWatch India’ Mobile Application, developed by the Central Water Commission (CWC), aiming to improve real-time flood monitoring and forecasting across India. - The upgraded version includes data from 592 monitoring stations, up from the 200 stations in the first version. - It provides real-time data on the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs, offering insights into potential flood scenarios in downstream areas. - The information is available in English and Hindi, both in readable and audio broadcast formats.

05. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor Leste in August 2024? A) President Droupadi Murmu was honored with the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest civilian honor of Fiji. B) India and Fiji signed a bilateral customs cooperation arrangement agreement to ease trade between the two countries. C) President Droupadi Murmu was honored with the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor Leste.

a) Only A & B

b) Only A & C

c) Only B & C

d) Only A

Answer: 2) Only A & C

Explanation: President Droupadi Murmu was on a 3-nation visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor Leste from 5th August to 10th August 2024. - She was honored with the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest civilian honor of Fiji. - India and New Zealand signed a bilateral customs cooperation arrangement agreement to ease trade between the two countries. - New Zealand ratified the International Solar Alliance (ISA), paving the way for enhanced opportunities for joint research and development in solar energy. - President Droupadi Murmu was honored with the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor Leste, the country’s highest civilian honor, presented by President Horta in Dili, Timor Leste.

06. Which country recently (on August 24) signed an MoU with the Indian government to introduce the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?

a) Ivory Coast

b) Azerbaijan

c) Maldives

d) Paraguay

Answer: 3) Maldives

Explanation: Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) undertook an official visit to the Maldives from August 9 to 11, 2024, following the recent visit of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the President of the Maldives, to India in June 2024. - India and the Maldives signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the Maldives. - He inaugurated the water and sanitation project, the Addu Reclamation Project, Addu Shore Protection Project, and six High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) in the Maldives. - An MoU on the capacity building of an additional 1,000 Maldivian civil servants in India and the introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the Maldives were exchanged. - He reviewed the India-assisted Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) site, which will connect Malé with the adjoining islands of Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi.

07. Which country’s chamber of accounts has recently (in August 2024) signed an MoU with India’s Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) to exchange auditing expertise?

a) Uzbekistan

b) Saudi Arabia

c) Romania

d) Bulgaria

Answer: 1) Uzbekistan

Explanation: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chamber of Accounts of Uzbekistan, the SAI of Uzbekistan, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to foster collaboration and exchange of expertise in auditing between the two nations. - This MoU establishes a platform for knowledge sharing among auditing professionals, enhancing capacity for conducting audits. - Investing in capacity building will equip SAIs with the skills to effectively audit complex government programs.

08. Which institute has been recently (in August 2024) awarded with an Accreditation Certificate with a ‘Utkrisht’ 3-star rating?

a) Indian Institute of Mass Communication

b) National Institute for MSME

c) National Institute of Information Technology

d) Institute of Public Administration

Answer: 2) National Institute for MSME

Explanation: The National Institute for MSME (NI-MSME) was awarded an Accreditation Certificate with a ‘Utkrisht’ 3 -star rating for its performance in promoting and nurturing the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across India. - The 3-star rating signifies excellence in providing effective services and resources to MSMEs, helping them thrive in today’s competitive market.

09. Who was recently (in August 2024) elected as the youngest Prime Minister of Thailand?

a) Paetongtarn Shinawatra

b) Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin

c) Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno

d) Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo

Answer: 1) Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Explanation: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was elected as the Prime Minister of Thailand at the age of 37. - Paetongtarn Shinawatra is Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister and the second female PM of Thailand after Yingluck Shinawatra, her aunt. - Her election as Prime Minister marks a significant moment in Thailand’s political history. - She has served as a member of the House of Representatives since 2023 and is known for her advocacy for democratic reforms.

10. Hockey India (in August 2024) retired the No. __________ jersey in honor of former Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh?

a) No.12

b) No.16

c) No.18

d) No.14

Answer: 2) No.16

Explanation: On 15th August 2024, Hockey India (HI) announced the retirement of the No.16 jersey in honor of PR Sreejesh, a former Indian hockey goalkeeper, to recognize his outstanding contributions to Indian hockey. - This is the first time that Hockey India has retired a jersey number. - PR Sreejesh, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, has represented India in more than 200 international matches, including three Olympic Games (2012, 2016, and 2020). - He played a crucial role in India’s bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, making significant saves in the penalty shootout.