APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The destroyer Surat, delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 December 2024, is the fourth and final ship of which project?
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Correct answer: B — Project 15B
PIB (Defence): Yard 12707 Surat is the fourth and final Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, following Visakhapatnam, Mormugao and Imphal.
Which propulsion arrangement powers the destroyer Surat?
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Correct answer: D — COGAG (Combined Gas and Gas) with four gas turbines
PIB (Defence): Surat is powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion set comprising four gas turbines, and exceeded 30 knots during sea trials.
The Project 17A frigate Nilgiri is a follow-on of which class of frigates already in service?
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Correct answer: A — Shivalik class (Project 17)
PIB (Defence): Yard 12651 Nilgiri, the first Project 17A stealth frigate, is a follow-on of the Shivalik class (Project 17) frigates active in service.
Consider the following statements about the warships delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 December 2024: 1. Surat has a displacement of 7,400 tonnes. 2. Surat is poised to be the Indian Navy's first AI-enabled warship. 3. The seven Project 17A frigates are being built at MDL, Mumbai and Cochin Shipyard, Kochi. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Defence): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong because the seven P17A frigates are under construction at MDL, Mumbai and GRSE, Kolkata.
What share of The India Cements' paid-up equity did UltraTech propose to acquire from the promoters and Sri Saradha Logistics, as approved by the CCI in December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 32.72%
PIB (CCI): the combination envisages UltraTech's acquisition of 32.72% of India Cements' paid-up equity share capital from the promoters and promoter group and Sri Saradha Logistics, and up to 26% through an open offer.
UltraTech Cement Limited, whose acquisition of The India Cements was approved by the CCI, is a subsidiary of:
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Correct answer: C — Grasim Industries
PIB (CCI): UltraTech is a public listed company and a subsidiary of Grasim Industries Limited.
What was the size of the policy-based loan signed by India and the ADB on 20 December 2024 under the SMILE programme?
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Correct answer: C — $350 million
PIB (Commerce Ministry): the Government of India and ADB signed a $350 million policy-based loan under the second subprogramme of the SMILE programme.
In the ADB-supported SMILE programme, what does 'SMILE' stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem
PIB (Commerce Ministry): the loan was signed under the second subprogramme of the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) programme.
With which company did the Defence Ministry sign a ₹7,628.70 crore contract for K9 VAJRA-T self-propelled guns on 20 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Larsen & Toubro
PIB (Defence): the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited for K9 VAJRA-T guns for the Indian Army at a total cost of ₹7,628.70 crore.
Under which procurement category was the K9 VAJRA-T contract of December 2024 signed?
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Correct answer: D — Buy (Indian)
PIB (Defence): the 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T guns are being procured for the Indian Army under the Buy (Indian) category.
In December 2024, TRAI recommended assigning Indian Railways an additional 5 MHz (paired) spectrum in which band?
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Correct answer: D — 700 MHz band
PIB (TRAI): in addition to the 5 MHz (paired) already assigned in the 700 MHz band, an additional 5 MHz (paired) in the 700 MHz band should be assigned to Indian Railways for safety and security applications.
According to TRAI's December 2024 recommendations, how should spectrum charges for Indian Railways, NCRTC, other RRTS and Metro rail networks be levied?
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Correct answer: B — Based on DoT's formula for Royalty Charges and Licence Fees for captive use
PIB (TRAI): spectrum charges for Indian Railways/NCRTC/other RRTS/Metro rail networks should be levied based on the formula for Royalty Charges and License Fees for captive use, as prescribed by DoT.
From which German state-owned bank did the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet allow APCRDA to raise a ₹5,000 crore loan for Amaravati in December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — KfW
The Hindu and New Indian Express: the AP Cabinet on 19 December 2024 permitted APCRDA to raise a loan of ₹5,000 crore from Germany's KfW.
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet decided on 19 December 2024 to restore the mid-day meal scheme for which students?
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Correct answer: D — Intermediate students in government junior colleges
The Hindu and New Indian Express: the Cabinet decided to restore the mid-day meal scheme for Intermediate students in government junior colleges, benefiting about 1.41 lakh students.
How many engineering works in the Amaravati capital region did the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approve on 19 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 45
The Hindu and New Indian Express: the Cabinet approved 45 engineering works in the capital region of Amaravati.
From which date did access providers start rejecting commercial SMS traffic sent through unregistered paths, as announced by TRAI in December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 11 December 2024
PIB (TRAI): effective 11 December 2024, SMS traffic sent through unregistered paths is being rejected.
TRAI's commercial SMS traceability framework is built on which technology platform?
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Correct answer: D — Blockchain-based Distributed Ledger Technology
PIB (TRAI): the traceability of commercial messages is implemented on the blockchain-based Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform.
NITI Aayog's December 2024 report 'S.A.F.E. Accommodation' deals with housing for which group?
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Correct answer: C — Industrial workers
PIB (NITI Aayog): the report 'S.A.F.E. Accommodation - Worker Housing for Manufacturing Growth' explores secure, affordable, flexible and efficient accommodation for industrial workers.
In NITI Aayog's report on worker housing, what does 'S.A.F.E.' stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Secure, Affordable, Flexible, Efficient
PIB (NITI Aayog): S.A.F.E. stands for secure, affordable, flexible and efficient accommodation for industrial workers.
According to NITI Aayog's S.A.F.E. report, the Union Budget 2024-25 initiative on dormitory-style rental housing for industrial workers is to be executed through which model?
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Correct answer: D — PPP with Viability Gap Funding and anchor-industry commitments
PIB (NITI Aayog): the Budget 2024-25 initiative is to be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support and commitments from anchor industries.
ABHED, whose technology was transferred by DRDO in December 2024, is a:
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Correct answer: D — Light weight bullet resistant jacket
PIB (Defence): Transfer of Technology of the light weight bullet resistant jacket ABHED (Advanced Ballistic High Energy Defeat) was done with three industry partners.
How many tripartite agreements were signed among DRDO, IIT Delhi and industry at the DIA-GARIMA event on 19 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 10
PIB (Defence): during the DIA-GARIMA event at IIT Delhi, 10 tripartite agreements were signed among DRDO, IIT Delhi and industry partners.
Which of the following was NOT among the industry partners that received the ABHED jacket technology in December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Bharat Electronics Ltd
PIB (Defence): ABHED technology was transferred to MIDHANI (Rohtak), SMPP Pvt Ltd (Delhi) and AR Polymers (MKU), Kanpur. Bharat Electronics Ltd was not among them.
INS Nirdeshak, commissioned on 18 December 2024, belongs to which class of naval ships?
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Correct answer: D — Survey Vessel (Large)
PIB (Defence): INS Nirdeshak is the second ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) project.
Which shipyard is building the four ships of the Survey Vessel (Large) project, including INS Nirdeshak?
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Correct answer: D — Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata
PIB (Defence): INS Nirdeshak is the second of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships under construction at GRSE, Kolkata.
Where was INS Nirdeshak commissioned into the Indian Navy?
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Correct answer: A — Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam
PIB (Defence): INS Nirdeshak was commissioned on 18 December 2024 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, in a ceremony presided over by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth.
Till what date did EPFO give employers a final opportunity to upload wage details for pending applications for pension on higher wages?
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Correct answer: C — 31 January 2025
PIB (Labour): EPFO gave a final opportunity till 31 January 2025 to employers to upload wage details for over 3.1 lakh pending applications.
EPFO's facility for pension on higher wages was provided in compliance with a Supreme Court order of which date?
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Correct answer: B — 4 November 2022
PIB (Labour): the online facility for Validation of Options/Joint Options was made available in compliance with the Supreme Court order dated 4 November 2022.
How many applications for Validation of Option/Joint Options for pension on higher wages did EPFO receive by the extended deadline of 11 July 2023?
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Correct answer: A — 17.49 lakh
PIB (Labour): a total of 17.49 lakh applications for Validation of Option/Joint Options were received by 11 July 2023.
Minorities Rights Day, observed in India on 18 December, marks the adoption of a UN declaration on minority rights in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1992
PIB (Minority Affairs): the United Nations adopted the declaration on the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities on 18 December 1992.
Who presided over the Minorities Rights Day event organised by the National Commission for Minorities on 18 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Iqbal Singh Lalpura
PIB (Minority Affairs): the event was presided over by NCM Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura, while MoS George Kurian was the chief guest.
As per provisional ESIC payroll data, how many new employees were added under the ESI Scheme in October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 17.80 lakh
PIB (Labour): the provisional payroll data of ESIC shows 17.80 lakh new employees added in October 2024.
How many new establishments were brought under the ESI Scheme in October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 21,588
PIB (Labour): 21,588 new establishments were brought under the social security ambit of the ESI Scheme in October 2024.
Consider the following statements about ESIC payroll data for October 2024: 1. About 47.75% of the new employees were aged up to 25 years. 2. 3.52 lakh female employees were enrolled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Labour): 8.50 lakh of the 17.80 lakh new employees (about 47.75%) were aged up to 25 years, and 3.52 lakh female employees were enrolled. Both statements are correct.
Along with the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which other Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 17 December 2024 for simultaneous elections?
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Correct answer: B — Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
PIB (Parliamentary Affairs): the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 were introduced in the Lok Sabha on 17 December 2024.
Who headed the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections whose recommendations were accepted by the Union Cabinet on 18 September 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Ram Nath Kovind
PIB (Law and Justice): the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections was headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind; its recommendations were accepted by the Union Cabinet on 18 September 2024.
Under the High-Level Committee's phased approach to simultaneous elections, elections to municipalities and panchayats are to be synchronised with Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections within how many days?
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Correct answer: A — 100 days
PIB (Law and Justice): Phase 1 synchronises Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections; Phase 2 synchronises elections for municipalities and panchayats with them within 100 days.
What is Kisan Kavach, launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology in December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — An anti-pesticide bodysuit for farmers
PIB (Science & Technology): Kisan Kavach is Bharat's first-of-its-kind anti-pesticide bodysuit, designed to protect farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure.
Kisan Kavach was developed by BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru in collaboration with which company?
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Correct answer: C — Sepio Health Pvt Ltd
PIB (Science & Technology): Kisan Kavach was developed by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt Ltd.
Consider the following statements about Kisan Kavach: 1. It is priced at ₹4,000. 2. It is washable and reusable and can last up to a year. 3. Its fabric deactivates pesticides on contact. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Science & Technology): the washable and reusable suit is priced at ₹4,000, can last up to a year, and uses fabric technology that deactivates harmful pesticides upon contact. All three statements are correct.
Who was the CBIC Chairperson who launched four citizen-centric initiatives on 17 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Sanjay Kumar Agarwal
PIB (Finance): Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairperson, CBIC, launched the initiatives in the presence of all Board members.
Which of the following was NOT among the four initiatives launched by CBIC on 17 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Faceless customs assessment
PIB (Finance): the four initiatives were the revised Citizen's Charter, the revamped Citizen's Corner, the 'Ease of Doing Business' tab and CBIC Archives. Faceless customs assessment was not among them.
Under which scheme of the Department of Telecommunications did C-DOT sign the agreement with Silizium Circuits for LEO satellite components in December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Telecom Technology Development Fund
PIB (Communications): the agreement was signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications.
Silizium Circuits, which signed an agreement with C-DOT in December 2024, is a startup under the fabless chip design incubator of which institute?
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Correct answer: D — IIT Hyderabad
PIB (Communications): Silizium Circuits Pvt Ltd is a fabless semiconductor IP and SoC startup under FABCI (Fabless Chip Design Incubator), IIT Hyderabad.
Which body took up the development of a National Wildlife Health Policy through a stakeholder consultation in December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Central Zoo Authority
PIB (MoEFCC): the Central Zoo Authority, under the aegis of MoEFCC, took up the development of the National Wildlife Health Policy at a consultative workshop on 17 December 2024.
Consider the following statements about the proposed National Wildlife Health Policy: 1. It covers the health of both captive and free-ranging wildlife. 2. It aims to integrate wildlife health with public health and domestic animal health management. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MoEFCC): the proposed policy aims at a comprehensive framework for safeguarding wildlife integrated with public health and domestic animal health management, and recognises the health of captive and free-ranging wildlife. Both statements are correct.
What is the corpus of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF) launched on 16 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — ₹1,000 crore
PIB (Consumer Affairs, Food & PD): the scheme provides a corpus of ₹1,000 crore for post-harvest finance availed by farmers against e-NWRs.
CGS-NPF provides guarantee cover for loans against electronic negotiable warehouse receipts for produce stored in warehouses registered with which body?
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Correct answer: D — Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority
PIB (Consumer Affairs, Food & PD): the scheme covers pledge finance against e-NWRs for farmers/traders who store produce in warehouses registered with the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA).
Consider the following statements about CGS-NPF: 1. It was launched by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. 2. It addresses default arising from both credit risk and warehouseman risk. 3. It is expected to boost post-harvest lending to ₹55,000 crore in the next 10 years. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Consumer Affairs, Food & PD): Pralhad Joshi launched the scheme, and it addresses default arising from both credit risk and warehouseman risk. Statement 3 is incorrect: the Food Secretary said it is expected to boost post-harvest lending to ₹5.5 lakh crore in the next 10 years.
Under the India–Sri Lanka Joint Statement of 16 December 2024, how many Sri Lankan civil servants are to be trained over five years through India's National Centre for Good Governance?
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Correct answer: B — 1,500
PIB (PMO): the leaders agreed to organise focused training of 1500 Sri Lankan civil servants across ministries and departments over a period of five years through the National Centre for Good Governance in India.
In the India–Sri Lanka Joint Statement of December 2024, the leaders agreed that officials should work towards the early recommencement of the passenger ferry service between:
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Correct answer: B — Rameshwaram and Talaimannar
PIB (PMO): while expressing satisfaction at the resumption of the Nagapattinam–Kankesanthurai ferry, the leaders agreed that officials should work towards the early recommencement of the passenger ferry service between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar.
Consider the following statements about the India–Sri Lanka Joint Statement of 16 December 2024: 1. The leaders agreed to take steps towards implementing the solar power project in Sampur. 2. India extended USD 20.66 million to settle payments due for projects completed under existing Lines of Credit. 3. The leaders decided to support the development of Hambantota as a regional energy and industrial hub. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (PMO): statements 1 and 2 are in the joint statement. Statement 3 is incorrect: the leaders decided to support the development of Trincomalee, not Hambantota, as a regional energy and industrial hub.
Ustad Zakir Hussain, whose death the Prime Minister condoled on 16 December 2024, was a maestro of which instrument?
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Correct answer: B — Tabla
PIB (PMO): the Prime Minister condoled the passing of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, saying he brought the tabla to the global stage.
According to his family, Ustad Zakir Hussain died in San Francisco from complications of which condition?
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Correct answer: D — Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
The Hindu and Hindustan Times: his family said Zakir Hussain died at a hospital in San Francisco from complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, at the age of 73.
Vijay Diwas, observed every year on 16 December, commemorates India's victory in the war of which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1971
PIB (Defence): Vijay Diwas is celebrated on 16 December every year to commemorate India's historic victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.
Where did Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh lay a wreath on Vijay Diwas, 16 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — National War Memorial, New Delhi
PIB (Defence): to mark the day, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and paid homage to the bravehearts.
Consider the following statements about Vijay Diwas 2024: 1. President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in paying homage to the soldiers of the 1971 war. 2. Vijay Diwas commemorates India's victory over Pakistan. 3. Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Defence): the President led the nation in paying homage; the day commemorates India's historic victory over Pakistan; and COAS General Upendra Dwivedi was among those who laid wreaths. All three statements are correct.
What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 1.89%
PIB (Commerce & Industry): the annual rate of inflation based on the all-India WPI was 1.89% (provisional) for November 2024 over November 2023.
Consider the following statements about WPI data for November 2024: 1. WPI Food Index inflation was 11.59%. 2. The Fuel & Power group recorded negative annual inflation. 3. The WPI series uses 2011-12 as its base year. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 and 3 only
PIB (Commerce & Industry): Food Index inflation in November 2024 was 8.92% (11.59% was the October 2024 figure), so statement 1 is incorrect. Fuel & Power recorded −5.83%, and the base year is 2011-12, so statements 2 and 3 are correct.
India's total exports (merchandise and services combined) for April–November 2024 were estimated at:
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Correct answer: C — USD 536.25 billion
PIB (Commerce & Industry): India's total exports during April–November 2024 are estimated at USD 536.25 billion, a growth of 7.61%. USD 284.31 billion is merchandise exports alone, USD 498.33 billion the April–November 2023 total, and USD 619.20 billion the total imports.
Which merchandise export category grew by 54.72% in November 2024 compared with November 2023?
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Correct answer: A — Electronic goods
PIB (Commerce & Industry): electronic goods exports increased by 54.72% from USD 2.24 billion to USD 3.47 billion. Rice grew 95.18%, engineering goods 13.75% and marine products 17.82%.
What was the total value of works in Amaravati approved at the 43rd APCRDA meeting on 16 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — ₹24,276 crore
The Hindu, The New Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle: the 43rd APCRDA meeting chaired by CM N. Chandrababu Naidu approved works worth ₹24,276 crore. ₹4,688 crore is the iconic towers, ₹9,699 crore the roads, and about ₹45,249 crore the total over the last four meetings.
Consider the following statements about the APCRDA approvals of 16 December 2024: 1. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. 2. Five iconic towers will be built at a cost of ₹4,688 crore. 3. Roads totalling about 250 km will be laid at a cost of ₹9,699 crore. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
The Hindu and The New Indian Express: the meeting was chaired by CM Naidu, and five iconic towers will cost ₹4,688 crore. Statement 3 is incorrect: the ₹9,699 crore covers roads totalling about 579.5 km.
Where was the India–Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-24 held from 17 to 20 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Visakhapatnam
PIB (Defence): SLINEX 2024 was to be conducted from 17 to 20 December 2024 at Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command.
Which Indian Navy ship represented India in SLINEX-24?
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Correct answer: A — INS Sumitra
PIB (Defence): India was represented by INS Sumitra, a Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Eastern Fleet, along with a Special Forces team; Sri Lanka by SLNS Sayura.
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, which signed a logistics education and research MoU with the Indian Navy on 16 December 2024, is located in:
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Correct answer: B — Vadodara
PIB (Railways): Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara signed an MoU with the Indian Navy in New Delhi on 16 December 2024.
Consider the following statements about the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya–Indian Navy MoU: 1. It aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022. 2. Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya already had partnerships with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. 3. It was signed on behalf of the Navy by its Controller of Logistics, Vice Admiral Deepak Kapoor. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Railways): the MoU aligns with the PM Gati Shakti NMP 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022; it builds on GSV's existing partnerships with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force; and it was signed by Vice Admiral Deepak Kapoor, Controller of Logistics. All three statements are correct.
India defeated which team in the final of the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2024 hockey on 15 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — China
Hockey India and FIH: India beat China 1-1 (3-2 in the shootout) in the final to defend the Women's Junior Asia Cup title.
Where was the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2024 hockey tournament held?
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Correct answer: C — Muscat
FIH: the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2024 was held at Muscat (Oman) from 7 to 15 December 2024.
Consider the following statements about India's Women's Junior Asia Cup 2024 win: 1. The final ended 1-1 and India won the shootout 3-2. 2. Deepika finished as the tournament's top scorer with 12 goals. 3. The win sealed India's place in the FIH Junior World Cup 2025, to be held in Malaysia. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
Hockey India: the final ended 1-1 (3-2 SO) and Deepika was top scorer with 12 goals. Statement 3 is incorrect: the FIH Junior World Cup 2025 is to be held in Chile.
What was the overarching theme of the fourth National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in Delhi from 13 to 15 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment and Skilling – Leveraging the Demographic Dividend
PIB (PMO): the conference included discussions around the overarching theme of 'Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment and Skilling – Leveraging the Demographic Dividend'.
At the National Conference of Chief Secretaries in December 2024, the Prime Minister directed States to explore Viability Gap Funding for which purpose?
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Correct answer: C — Recycling of e-waste
PIB (PMO): the PM directed the States to explore concepts of Viability Gap Funding for recycling of e-waste, since digital waste will increase in a technology-driven society.
In December 2024, the RBI raised the limit for collateral-free agricultural loans per borrower to:
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Correct answer: B — ₹2 lakh
PIB (Agriculture): the existing collateral-free agricultural loan limit of ₹1.6 lakh per borrower has been raised to ₹2 lakh, effective 1 January 2025.
Consider the following statements about the RBI's revised collateral-free agricultural loan limit: 1. The limit also applies to loans for allied activities. 2. The revised limit is effective from 1 April 2025. 3. The Modified Interest Subvention Scheme offers loans up to ₹3 lakh at a 4% effective interest rate. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Agriculture): the limit covers agricultural loans including allied activities, and the MISS offers loans up to ₹3 lakh at a 4% effective rate. Statement 2 is incorrect: the change is effective from 1 January 2025.
Small and marginal farmers, expected to benefit most from the RBI's December 2024 increase in the collateral-free agricultural loan limit, make up over what share of the farm sector?
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Correct answer: D — 86%
The Agriculture Ministry said the move would benefit small and marginal farmers, who make up over 86% of the sector.