Daily Current Affairs MCQs : 30 January 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

Ahead of the interim Budget 2024, exporters are urging the government to allocate $3.88 billion for the Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme. MAI is an export promotion initiative aimed at catalyzing sustained growth in India’s exports. The scheme focuses on specific products and countries, supporting activities like marketing projects abroad, capacity building, statutory compliances, and more. Eligible entities include government departments, trade promotion organizations, exporters, research institutions, and others. Funding is on a cost-sharing basis, administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Champion trap shooter Preeti Rajak made history as the first woman subedar in the Army, promoted from havildar. This marks a significant milestone as the Army recently opened soldier ranks to women in the Corps of Military Police (CMP). Subedar Rajak, a meritorious sportswoman in shooting, joined the Army in 2022 based on her trap shooting prowess. Currently, the CMP is the only Army branch with enlisted women, offering opportunities for aspiring female Agniveers.

The new Mahindra Armado, India’s first Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV), debuted at the Republic Day Parade. Designed and built by Mahindra Defence Systems, it’s intended for the Indian armed forces in counter-terrorism, Special Forces, reconnaissance, and border patrolling. With a seating capacity of six (expandable to eight), it boasts a 1,000 kg load capacity, B7-level ballistic protection, and a 3.2-liter diesel engine generating 216 hp. Armado accelerates from 0 to 60 kmph in 12 seconds, reaching speeds exceeding 120 kmph, equipped with self-cleaning exhaust and air filtration for extreme climates.

All India Presiding officers’ conference concludes in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 84th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, emphasizing the ‘One Nation, One Legislative Platform’ through e-Vidhan and Digital Sansad. He commended the government’s removal of 2,000 outdated laws over the past decade. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, inaugurating the conference, expressed concerns about indiscipline in legislatures. The All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, celebrating its centenary in 2021, plays a crucial role in shaping legislative governance in India.

Four new emperor penguin colonies were recently discovered in Antarctica through satellite imagery. The Emperor Penguin, Aptenodytes forsteri, is the largest penguin species, inhabiting the Antarctic continent and sub-Antarctic islands. During breeding months (April to November), colonies are found between 66° and 78° south latitude along the Antarctic coastline. These ice-adapted birds have distinct black and white coloring with orange and yellow accents, measure around 120 cm, and weigh approximately 40 kg. They exhibit unique behaviors like huddling for warmth and are capable of diving to depths of 550 meters. Conservation status: Near Threatened.

Italy's star tennis player Jannik Sinner has won the 2024 Men's Singles title of Australian Open. In the final match he defeated Daniil Medvedev of Russia. Sinner had defeated Novak Djokovic in the semi-final match. Sinner won prize money of ₹17.25 crore. He has become the third Italian player since 1976 to win the men's singles Slam tournament. Arina Sabalenka won the women's singles title.  

French aerospace company Airbus will establish India's first private helicopter assembly line (FAL) in collaboration with Tata. Airbus Helicopters has announced partnership with Tata Group for civil helicopters. Airbus and Tata are already setting up a FAL in Vadodara for the C-295 military transport aircraft under a contract to supply 56 aircraft to the Indian Air Force.

Indian star female cricketer Deepti Sharma has been appointed as DSP in UP Police. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also presented a check of Rs 3 crore to Deepti Sharma along with the joining letter. Deepti, a resident of Agra, played an important role in India winning the gold medal in the Asian Games. In December 2023, Deepti Sharma won the ICC 'Player of the Month' award for the first time.

Hyderabad cricketer Tanmay Agarwal has created history by becoming the fastest batsman to score a triple century in first class cricket. Tanmay achieved the feat during the Ranji Trophy 2023/24 Plate Group game of Hyderabad vs Arunachal Pradesh in Hyderabad. Tanmay played an innings of 323 runs in just 160 balls. During his innings he hit 33 fours and 21 sixes.

The state government of Punjab has started 'Road Safety Force' to prevent road accidents. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann started this force in Jalandhar. Under its force, 144 hi-tech vehicles and 5000 employees will provide security to the people on the roads. Chief Minister Mann said that this will be the first force in the country which will be dedicated to road safety and traffic management.