Current Affairs Quiz — 08 December 2024
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Which capital city did Syrian rebel forces seize on 8 December 2024, ending Bashar al-Assad's rule?
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Correct answer: D — Damascus
Reuters (8 Dec 2024): Syrian rebels seized the capital Damascus unopposed on Sunday, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia; The Hindu also reports rebels claimed control of Damascus.
To which country did Bashar al-Assad flee after rebels took Damascus on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Russia
Reuters (8 Dec 2024) and The Hindu (9 Dec 2024): President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia; Reuters reports Moscow gave asylum to Assad and his family.
In its statement of 9 December 2024 on Syria, India's Ministry of External Affairs advocated:
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Correct answer: B — A peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process
The Hindu and Indian Express (9 Dec 2024): the MEA said 'We advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process respecting the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society.'
The fall of Bashar al-Assad on 8 December 2024 ended his family's rule over Syria that had lasted roughly:
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Correct answer: C — Five decades
Reuters (8 Dec 2024): the capture of Damascus ended more than five decades of the Assad family's rule; The Hindu (9 Dec 2024) calls it the end of the 50-year-long Assad family rule.
Consider the following about the developments in Syria in December 2024: 1. President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia after rebels took Damascus. 2. India's MEA underlined the need for all parties to work towards preserving Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Reuters (8 Dec 2024): Assad fled to Russia as rebels seized Damascus. The Hindu and Indian Express (9 Dec 2024): the MEA underlined the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.
Where was the 60th Raising Day Parade of the Border Security Force held on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Jodhpur, Rajasthan
PIB (8 Dec 2024): Amit Shah attended the 60th Raising Day Parade of the BSF as the Chief Guest in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Who was the Director General of the BSF present at its 60th Raising Day Parade on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Daljit Singh Chaudhary
PIB (8 Dec 2024): Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary and other dignitaries were present.
According to Amit Shah on 8 December 2024, the BSF has grown from 25 battalions at inception to how many battalions today?
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Correct answer: D — 193
PIB (8 Dec 2024): Shah said the BSF has grown from 25 battalions at the time of its inception to 193 battalions today.
Where has the BSF established the country's first National Coastal Police Academy, as mentioned by Amit Shah on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Okha
PIB (8 Dec 2024): Shah said the BSF has established the country's first National Coastal Police Academy in Okha, which trains state police and border guarding forces.
Consider the following statements made by Amit Shah at the BSF Raising Day Parade on 8 December 2024: 1. Anti-drone units will soon be established at the borders. 2. A laser-equipped anti-drone gun mount system has been developed through a 'Whole of Government Approach'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (8 Dec 2024): Shah said the government will soon establish anti-drone units at the borders, and that a laser-equipped anti-drone gun mount system has been developed through a 'Whole of Government Approach'.
By what margin did Australia beat India in the second Test at Adelaide on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 10 wickets
ESPNcricinfo and BBC (8 Dec 2024): Australia won by 10 wickets, chasing 19 without loss to level the five-match series 1-1.
Who was named Player of the Match in the Adelaide Test between Australia and India that ended on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Travis Head
ESPNcricinfo and BBC (8 Dec 2024): Travis Head, who scored 140, was Player of the Match; Cummins took 5-57 and Starc 6-48 in the match.
In which city was the India-Norway Business Forum held on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Mumbai
PIB (8 Dec 2024): the India-Norway Business Forum was held in Mumbai, organised by CII in collaboration with DPIIT.
As stated at the India-Norway Business Forum on 8 December 2024, Norway is India's investor of which rank?
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Correct answer: D — 33rd
PIB (8 Dec 2024): DPIIT Joint Secretary Gurneet Tej highlighted bilateral trade of USD 1.1 billion and Norway emerging as India's 33rd largest investor.
Consider the following about the India-Norway Business Forum held on 8 December 2024: 1. Piyush Goyal proposed launching a startup bridge between India and Norway at the next ministerial meeting. 2. Norway's Ambassador said Norway had already ratified TEPA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. PIB (8 Dec 2024): Goyal proposed a startup bridge at the next ministerial meet; Norway's Ambassador noted Norway's plans to ratify TEPA by 2025, so it had not yet ratified it.
Where did Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar address the International Gita Mahotsav 2024 on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Kurukshetra, Haryana
PIB (8 Dec 2024): addressing the gathering at the International Gita Mahotsav 2024 in Kurukshetra, Haryana, the Vice-President spoke on the Gita's message.
Which of the following did Vice-President Dhankhar describe as the 'Panchamrit' of governance on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Constructive dialogue, personal integrity, selfless dedication, compassion and mutual respect
PIB (8 Dec 2024): constructive dialogue, personal integrity, selfless dedication, compassion, and mutual respect are the 'Panchamrit' of governance, says Vice-President.
Who won Ghana's presidential election of December 2024 after his rival conceded on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — John Dramani Mahama
Reuters and BBC (8 Dec 2024): Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat and congratulated former President John Dramani Mahama on his victory.
Mahamudu Bawumia, who conceded Ghana's presidential election on 8 December 2024, held which office at the time?
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Correct answer: A — Vice-President of Ghana
Reuters and BBC (8 Dec 2024): Ghana's Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat in Saturday's election.
Where did Amit Shah unveil an 11-ft tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Jodhpur, Rajasthan
PIB (8 Dec 2024): Amit Shah unveiled an 11-ft tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Jodhpur, Rajasthan; Kevadia is the site of the Statue of Unity.
Who won the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of Formula One on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Lando Norris
Formula1.com and Reuters (8 Dec 2024): Lando Norris won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ahead of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.
McLaren's 2024 Formula One constructors' championship, sealed on 8 December 2024, was its first since:
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Correct answer: C — 1998
Formula1.com and Reuters (8 Dec 2024): Norris's win earned McLaren its first constructors' title since 1998, finishing 14 points clear of Ferrari.
'Kalahari', which Dr Jitendra Singh called for promoting at the DISHA meeting in Udhampur on 8 December 2024, is a local:
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Correct answer: B — Milk food product
PIB (8 Dec 2024): Dr Jitendra Singh called for promoting the Udhampur 'Kalahari', a local milk food product, through value addition and fusion options.
SAARC Charter Day is observed on 8 December because the SAARC Charter was adopted on that date in 1985 at the first SAARC Summit held in:
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Correct answer: D — Dhaka
Spotlight Nepal and The Rising Nepal (8 Dec 2024): SAARC was launched by South Asian Heads of State/Government at their first summit in Dhaka by adopting the Charter on 8 December 1985.
Who was the Secretary General of SAARC who issued a message on the 40th SAARC Charter Day on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Md. Golam Sarwar
Spotlight Nepal and The Rising Nepal (8 Dec 2024): SAARC Secretary General Md. Golam Sarwar issued a message to mark the 40th Charter Day.