24 April, is observed as:National Panchayati Raj Day
This day commemorates the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which came into effect in 1993, giving constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj system and enabling democratic decentralization.
It was first celebrated in 2010, and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj organizes events to mark the occasion.
Current Affairs Based on The Assam Tribune and Indian Express:
1. Who has been appointed the brand ambassador for Anchor Oral Care in Northeast India?
A) Mirabai Chanu
B) Aimee Baruah
C) Rima Das
D) Zubeen Garg
Answer: B) Aimee Baruah
Aimee Baruah, a prominent Assamese actor, has been appointed to boost Anchor’s visibility and trust in the Northeast market. This move aims to expand the brand’s local connection and reach.
Related Info: Anchor is known for its herbal toothpaste line. The Northeast is a key emerging market for FMCG brands.
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2. What proposal did the Assam government recently withdraw concerning Kaziranga?
A) Rhino relocation plan
B) Night safari proposal
C) Integrated eco-sensitive zone proposal
D) Tiger breeding program
Answer: C) Integrated eco-sensitive zone proposal
The Assam government pulled back its plan to create a large eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) covering Kaziranga and nearby forests. Environmentalists fear this may reduce protection for critical habitats.
Related Info: Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eco-sensitive zones buffer protected areas from harmful activities.
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3. What was a key focus of India-Saudi Arabia discussions during PM Modi's recent visit?
A) Space cooperation
B) Oil market stability
C) Joint military exercises
D) Solar panel exports
Answer: B) Oil market stability
India and Saudi Arabia agreed to work together to maintain global oil market stability, especially in light of geopolitical tensions. The meeting also covered AI and climate cooperation.
Related Info: Saudi Arabia is India's fourth-largest trading partner. India imports over 17% of its oil from the kingdom.
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4. What prompted India to downgrade diplomatic ties with Pakistan recently?
A) Border infiltration
B) Cyber attack
C) Terror attack in Pahalgam
D) Trade dispute
Answer: C) Terror attack in Pahalgam
India downgraded diplomatic ties after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that killed 26 people, mostly civilians and tourists. Officials held Pakistan-based terror groups responsible, leading to suspension of bilateral dialogues and a re-evaluation of treaties. One such key move included invoking a review of the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement brokered by the World Bank that governs water sharing between the two countries.
Related Info: The Indus Waters Treaty gives Pakistan control over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab), while India gets the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej). India has often threatened to leverage this treaty as a diplomatic tool during heightened tensions.
some related info about the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):
- Signed in 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank.
- It allocates eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India, and western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan, while allowing limited Indian use on the western side for irrigation, power, and transport.
- The treaty has survived wars and hostilities, making it one of the most resilient bilateral agreements.
- India has periodically reviewed or delayed project approvals under the treaty as a strategic tool during periods of escalated tension, especially after terror attacks.
- Recent Indian statements post-terror events often include calls to reconsider the treaty's provisions or expedite hydropower projects on western rivers.
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5. What rare cultural tradition is still practiced in Bajali, Assam?
A) Bamboo flute festival
B) Puppet weddings
C) Traditional boat races
D) River deity rituals
Answer: B) Puppet weddings
Bajali district hosts rare puppet weddings, a centuries-old tradition believed to bring peace and prosperity. It’s a ritual still followed by some communities near the Kaldiya River.
Related Info: These rituals stem from ancient priestly migrations. Bajali is rich in oral traditions and folk customs.
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6. Who will be honored at the 25th New York Indian Film Festival in 2025?
A. Satyajit Ray
B. Mira Nair
C. Shyam Benegal
D. Rituparno Ghosh
Answer: C. Shyam Benegal
Explanation: The NYIFF will pay tribute to Shyam Benegal by screening a restored 4K version of his film *Manthan*. His contribution to Indian parallel cinema was immense.
Related Info: Benegal was known for films like *Ankur* and *Bhumika*. NYIFF is the oldest Indian film festival in the U.S.
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7. Which method did Mati Carbon use to win the $50M XPRIZE?
A. Carbon capture towers
B. Forest replantation
C. Enhanced Rock Weathering
D. Ocean alkalinity enhancement
Answer: C. Enhanced Rock Weathering
Explanation: Mati Carbon uses ground basalt on farms to absorb CO2 from the air while improving soil health. This method is cost-effective and scalable.
Related Info: The team operates in India, Tanzania, and Zambia. They aim to impact 100 million people by 2045.
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8. What is the name of the spacecraft launching China’s next astronaut crew?
A. Tianzhou-6
B. Shenzhou-20
C. Chang’e-7
D. Long March-10
Answer: B. Shenzhou-20
Explanation: Shenzhou-20 will carry three astronauts to China’s space station on April 25, aligning with China's 10th Space Day.
Related Info: The current crew has been on the station for six months. China’s space station is called Tiangong.
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9. Where was Pope Francis’s body placed for public viewing?
A. Sistine Chapel
B. Vatican Gardens
C. St. Peter’s Basilica
D. Apostolic Palace
Answer: C. St. Peter’s Basilica
Explanation: Pope Francis was laid in state in St. Peter’s Basilica, where people paid respects before his funeral.
Related Info: He passed away at age 88. His tenure emphasized inclusivity and social justice.
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10. Who won the men’s long jump at the Federation Cup?
A. Murali Sreeshankar
B. Jeswin Aldrin
C. David P
D. Neeraj Kumar
Answer: C. David P
Explanation: David P jumped 7.94m to defeat favorite Jeswin Aldrin, under the guidance of sports psychologist Keerti Tiwari.
Related Info: Vithya Ramraj qualified for the Asian Championships. Sports psychology is gaining traction in Indian athletics.
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11. Who is the current RBI Governor as mentioned in the April 9 MPC meeting article?
A) Shaktikanta Das
B) Raghuram Rajan
C) Sanjay Malhotra
D) Urjit Patel
Answer: C) Sanjay Malhotra
Explanation: Sanjay Malhotra is cited as the RBI Governor who emphasized accommodative policy to support growth.
Related Info: The RBI Governor heads the central bank and chairs the MPC meetings that decide repo rates.
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12. In which event did Vithya Ramraj win a gold medal during the 28th National Federation Senior Athletics Championship?
A) Women’s 400m
B) Women’s 100m hurdles
C) Women’s 400m hurdles
D) Women’s triple jump
Answer: C) Women’s 400m hurdles
Explanation: Vithya Ramraj won gold in the 400m hurdles with a timing of 56.04 seconds, setting a new meet record.
Related Info: The meet was held at Maharaja’s College Stadium in Kochi, Kerala.
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13. Who won the gold medal in women’s triple jump with a narrow 0.01m margin?
A) Saritaben Gayakwad
B) Niharika Vashisht
C) Sandra S
D) Aswini R
Answer: B) Niharika Vashisht
Explanation: Niharika Vashisht jumped 13.49m, beating Bansa Babu by a mere 0.01m to win the triple jump event.
Related Info: Triple jump is a track and field event consisting of a hop, a step, and a jump sequence.
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14. Keith Stackpole, who recently passed away, was a cricketer from which country?
A) England
B) India
C) South Africa
D) Australia
Answer: D) Australia
Explanation: Keith Stackpole was a former Australian Tes
t opener and vice-captain known for his contributions in the Ashes.
Related Info: He played the first-ever ODI in cricket history on January 5, 1971, at Melbourne.
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Daily Current Affairs 24 April 2025 | Based on The Assam Tribune & Indian Express | Download PDF