HPSC HCS Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme supports India's goal of achieving 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by which year?
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Correct answer: A — 2030
PIB (Coal): the Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme is integral to India's goal of achieving 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030.
Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (a CIL-BHEL joint venture), awarded ₹1,350 crore under the coal gasification scheme in December 2024, is setting up its ammonium nitrate project in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Odisha
PIB (Coal): BCGCL, a CIL-BHEL joint venture, was awarded ₹1,350 crore for its coal gasification project at Lakhanpur, Odisha, to produce 0.66 MMTPA of ammonium nitrate. The West Bengal and Maharashtra awards were coal-to-SNG and coal-to-ethanol projects.
General Ashok Raj Sigdel, conferred the Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army on 12 December 2024, is the army chief of which country?
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Correct answer: B — Nepal
PIB (President's Secretariat): President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army on General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff, Nepali Army.
During his December 2024 visit to India, Nepali Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel was the Reviewing Officer of the Passing Out Parade at:
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Correct answer: C — Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
PIB (Defence): the COAS of the Nepali Army served as the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, where two Nepali cadets were commissioned.
In December 2024, WADA approved the National Dope Testing Laboratory, New Delhi, as a/an:
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Correct answer: A — Athlete Passport Management Unit
PIB (Youth Affairs & Sports): WADA granted approval for NDTL, New Delhi, as an Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) to manage the Athlete Biological Passport.
With NDTL's approval in December 2024, India became part of a group of how many WADA-approved Athlete Passport Management Units worldwide?
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Correct answer: D — 17
PIB (Youth Affairs & Sports): India is now part of a group of the 17 APMUs approved by WADA worldwide.
What was India's IIP growth rate for October 2024, as per quick estimates released on 12 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 3.5%
PIB (MoSPI): IIP growth for October 2024 was 3.5%, against 3.1% in September 2024; manufacturing grew 4.1% and electricity 2.0%.
On which date of every month are the Quick Estimates of India's Index of Industrial Production released?
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Correct answer: A — 12th
PIB (MoSPI): the Quick Estimates of IIP are released on the 12th of every month (or the previous working day if the 12th is a holiday) with a six-week lag.
What was India's all-India CPI (combined) inflation rate for November 2024, as released on 12 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 5.48%
PIB (MoSPI): year-on-year CPI inflation for November 2024 was 5.48% (provisional); rural was 5.95%, urban 4.83%, and October 2024 was 6.21%.
Which item recorded the highest year-on-year inflation at the all-India level in November 2024 CPI data?
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Correct answer: D — Garlic
PIB (MoSPI): the top five items by year-on-year inflation in November 2024 were garlic (85.14), potato (66.65), cauliflower (47.70), cabbage (43.58) and coconut oil (42.13).
The Regional Centre for Biotechnology, two of whose scientists were named EMBO Global Investigators in December 2024, is located in:
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Correct answer: A — Faridabad
PIB (Science & Technology): two of the five India-based new EMBO Global Investigators are from the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad.
The EMBO Global Investigator Network supports young group leaders in which countries?
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Correct answer: B — Chile, India, Singapore and Taiwan
PIB (Science & Technology): the EMBO Global Investigator Network supports young group leaders in Chile, India, Singapore and Taiwan.
Which edition of the Smart India Hackathon had its Grand Finale begin on 11 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 7th
PIB (11 Dec 2024): the 7th edition of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) began concurrently at 51 centres nationwide on 11 December 2024.
In which year was the Smart India Hackathon launched?
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Correct answer: A — 2017
PIB (11 Dec 2024): launched in 2017, the Smart India Hackathon has gained massive popularity among young innovators.
For how long does the Software Edition of the Smart India Hackathon 2024 Grand Finale run non-stop?
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Correct answer: D — 36 hours
PIB (11 Dec 2024): the Software Edition will run non-stop for 36 hours, and the Hardware Edition will continue from 11 to 15 December 2024.
As per MNRE data released on 11 December 2024, what was India's total RE installed capacity as of November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 213.70 GW
PIB (11 Dec 2024): total RE installed capacity reached 213.70 GW as of November 2024, up from 187.05 GW a year earlier.
By what percentage did India's RE installed capacity grow year-on-year as of November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 14.2%
PIB (11 Dec 2024): India's RE capacity registered 14.2% year-on-year growth. 28.5% is the growth including pipeline projects, and 30.2% is the growth in solar.
What was India's installed solar capacity as of November 2024, according to MNRE?
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Correct answer: C — 94.17 GW
PIB (11 Dec 2024): installed solar capacity rose from 72.31 GW in 2023 to 94.17 GW in 2024, a growth of 30.2%; 261.15 GW includes pipeline projects.
What was the theme of the International Mountain Day 2024 event organised by the Environment Ministry on 11 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future - Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth
PIB (11 Dec 2024): the event centred on the theme 'Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future - Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth'.
To what level did the Centre lower the wheat stock limit for traders and wholesalers on 11 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 1,000 MT
PIB (11 Dec 2024): the stock limit for Trader/Wholesaler was revised from 2000 MT to 1000 MT, applicable until 31 March 2025.
Which session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation was held in Moscow on 10 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 21st
PIB (10 Dec 2024): the 21st session of the IRIGC-M&MTC was co-chaired by Rajnath Singh and Andrey Belousov in Moscow on December 10, 2024.
Who co-chaired the 21st IRIGC-M&MTC with Rajnath Singh on 10 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Andrey Belousov
PIB (10 Dec 2024): the session was co-chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov.
The India-Russia Military Technical Cooperation agreement mentioned at the 21st IRIGC-M&MTC covers which period?
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Correct answer: D — 2021-31
PIB (10 Dec 2024): Belousov said the operationalisation of the Military Technical Cooperation agreement for 2021-31 will give necessary impetus to 'Make in India'.
Whom did Rajnath Singh call on in Moscow on 10 December 2024, on the margins of the IRIGC-M&MTC?
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Correct answer: B — Vladimir Putin
PIB (10 Dec 2024): Rajnath Singh called on the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in Moscow on the margins of the 21st IRIGC-M&MTC.
Consider the following about Rajnath Singh's visit to Moscow on 10 December 2024: 1. He laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 2. The Russian Defence Minister congratulated him on the commissioning of INS Tushil. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (10 Dec 2024): before the meeting Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at 'The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' in Moscow, and Belousov congratulated him on the commissioning of INS Tushil.
From which date must solar PV modules used in projects source their cells from ALMM List-II, as per MNRE's amendment announced on 10 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 1 June 2026
PIB (10 Dec 2024): all solar PV modules used in projects must source their solar cells from ALMM List-II starting from 1st June 2026.
The new List-II introduced under the amended ALMM Order, 2019 covers:
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Correct answer: A — Solar PV cells
PIB (10 Dec 2024): the amendment introduces the long-awaited List-II for solar PV cells under the ALMM Order.
Under the ALMM amendment of December 2024, which solar modules will be considered compliant with the List-II cell requirement?
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Correct answer: B — Thin-film modules manufactured in integrated solar PV module manufacturing units
PIB (10 Dec 2024): thin-film solar modules manufactured in integrated solar PV module manufacturing units will be considered in compliance with the requirement to use solar PV cells from List-II.
On which day was the 'Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman' campaign launched, before concluding on Human Rights Day 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 19 November (World Toilet Day)
PIB (10 Dec 2024): the HSHS campaign, launched on World Toilet Day (November 19), concluded on 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Which department organised the 'Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman' campaign?
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Correct answer: D — Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
PIB (10 Dec 2024): the campaign was organised by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
How many Community Sanitary Complexes were assessed and improved during the 'Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman' campaign?
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Correct answer: A — Over 1.54 lakh
PIB (10 Dec 2024): over 1.54 lakh CSCs were assessed and improved, covering more than 70% of existing CSCs. 3.35 lakh is the number of new household latrines sanctioned.
Where were the 10th Asia Pacific Deaf Games 2024 held, at which India recorded its best-ever performance?
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Correct answer: A — Kuala Lumpur
PIB (10 Dec 2024): the PM congratulated the Indian contingent for a historic performance at the 10th Asia Pacific Deaf Games 2024 held in Kuala Lumpur.
How many medals did India win at the 10th Asia Pacific Deaf Games 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 55
PIB (10 Dec 2024): the athletes won an extraordinary 55 medals, India's best ever performance at the Games.
Which edition of the Asia Pacific Deaf Games was held in 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 10th
PIB (10 Dec 2024): the PM congratulated the contingent on its performance at the 10th Asia Pacific Deaf Games 2024.
The Competition Commission of India announced on 10 December 2024 its approval of the acquisition of Covestro AG by which company?
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Correct answer: A — Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
PIB (10 Dec 2024): CCI approves acquisition of Covestro AG by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
During which dates was the nationwide 'Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore' campaign 2024 scheduled to be held?
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Correct answer: D — 19-24 December 2024
PIB (11 Dec 2024): Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore, the nationwide campaign for redressal of public grievances, will be held in all districts, states and UTs from 19th to 24th December 2024; its first preparatory meeting was on 10.12.2024.
Where did PM Narendra Modi launch the Bima Sakhi Yojana on 9 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Panipat, Haryana
PIB (9 Dec 2024): the PM launched LIC's 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' in Panipat, Haryana; he laid the foundation stone of the horticultural university campus at Karnal.
The Bima Sakhi Yojana launched on 9 December 2024 is a scheme of which organisation?
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Correct answer: A — Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
PIB (9 Dec 2024): the PM launched the 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' of Life Insurance Corporation.
Who is eligible to become a Bima Sakhi under LIC's Bima Sakhi Yojana?
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Correct answer: D — Women aged 18-70 years who are Class X pass
PIB (9 Dec 2024): the scheme is for women aged 18-70 years who are Class X pass; they will receive specialised training and a stipend for the first three years.
What target did PM Modi state for employment under the Bima Sakhi Yojana?
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Correct answer: C — 2 lakh women
PIB (9 Dec 2024): the PM stressed that the target was to provide employment opportunities to 2 lakh women under the Bima Sakhi Yojana.
Consider the following about PM Modi's programme on 9 December 2024: 1. Bima Sakhis will receive a stipend for the first three years. 2. The PM laid the foundation stone of the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (9 Dec 2024): Bima Sakhis receive specialised training and a stipend for the first three years, and the PM laid the foundation stone of the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal.
Where was INS Tushil commissioned into the Indian Navy on 9 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad
PIB (9 Dec 2024): INS Tushil (F 70) was commissioned in the presence of Rajnath Singh at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia on December 09, 2024.
What is the pennant number of INS Tushil?
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Correct answer: B — F 70
PIB (9 Dec 2024): INS Tushil (F 70), the latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy.
INS Tushil is an upgraded frigate of which class and project?
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Correct answer: D — Krivak III class, Project 1135.6
PIB (9 Dec 2024): INS Tushil is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate of Project 1135.6.
What is INS Tushil's position in the Project 1135.6 series of frigates?
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Correct answer: A — Seventh
PIB (9 Dec 2024): six Project 1135.6 ships are already in service (three Talwar class and three Teg class); INS Tushil is the seventh in the series and the first of two upgraded additional follow-on ships.
Consider the following about INS Tushil: 1. Its keel was laid on 12 July 2013. 2. It is the first of the three Teg class ships built at Yantar Shipyard. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the keel was laid on July 12, 2013. Statement 2 is incorrect: the three Teg class ships are already in service; INS Tushil is the first of two upgraded additional follow-on ships.
By what percentage was the 'material cost' under the PM POSHAN scheme enhanced with effect from 1 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 13.70%
PIB (9 Dec 2024): on the basis of the Labour Bureau's inflation index, the Ministry of Education enhanced the 'Material Cost' by 13.70% with effect from 01.12.2024.
What is the revised per-meal material cost under PM POSHAN for primary and Bal Vatika classes from 1 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Rs 6.19
PIB (9 Dec 2024): material cost is enhanced from Rs 5.45 to Rs 6.19 for primary and Bal Vatika classes, and from Rs 8.17 to Rs 9.29 for upper primary classes.
Enrolment for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card reached what figure within two months of its launch, as reported on 9 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 25 lakh
PIB (9 Dec 2024): enrolment for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card reached 25 lakh in less than 2 months of its launch on 29 October 2024.
How much free health cover does the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card provide to senior citizens aged 70 and above?
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Correct answer: A — Rs 5 lakh
PIB (9 Dec 2024): the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card provides Rs 5 lakh free health cover to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of socio-economic status.
What is the size of the Flipkart Leap Ventures fund on which DPIIT's December 2024 MoU with Flipkart builds?
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Correct answer: D — USD 100 million
PIB (9 Dec 2024): the partnership builds on existing efforts under the Flipkart Leap and Ventures initiative with its USD 100 mn fund.
The 'Amrit Gyaan Kosh' portal launched by Dr Jitendra Singh on 9 December 2024 aims to strengthen:
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Correct answer: D — Governance training
PIB (9 Dec 2024): Dr Jitendra Singh launched the 'Amrit Gyaan Kosh' Portal to strengthen governance training.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where did Union Health Minister J P Nadda launch the 100-day intensified nationwide TB campaign on 7 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Panchkula, Haryana
PIB (7 Dec 2024): J P Nadda launched the 100-day intensified nationwide campaign to reduce TB incidence and mortality in Panchkula, Haryana.
The 100-day intensified TB campaign launched on 7 December 2024 focuses on how many of the most affected districts?
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Correct answer: A — 347
PIB (7 Dec 2024): the focused 100-day campaign aims to quickly detect and treat TB patients in the 347 most affected districts across the country.
According to J P Nadda on 7 December 2024, the rate of TB decline in India has risen from 8.3% in 2015 to:
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Correct answer: D — 17.7%
PIB (7 Dec 2024): the rate of TB decline in India has doubled from 8.3% in 2015 to 17.7% today; TB deaths have reduced by 21.4% in the last 10 years.
How much Ni-kshay support has been provided through DBT to TB patients, as stated on 7 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Rs 3,338 crore
PIB (7 Dec 2024): Ni-kshay support worth Rs 3,338 crore has been provided through direct benefit transfer to over 1.17 crore TB patients.
Consider the following statements made by J P Nadda on 7 December 2024: 1. Deaths due to TB in India have reduced by 21.4% in the last 10 years. 2. TB is now detected early thanks to a network of over 1.7 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (7 Dec 2024): deaths due to TB have reduced by 21.4% in the last 10 years, and TB is detected early thanks to the network of over 1.7 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
George Jacob Koovakad, created a Cardinal by Pope Francis on 7 December 2024, was serving as the coordinator of:
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Correct answer: C — The Pope's Apostolic Journeys
Holy See Press Office (7 Dec 2024): among the 21 new Cardinals was George Jacob Koovakad, titular archbishop of Nisibis of the Chaldeans, coordinator of Apostolic Journeys.
How many new Cardinals did Pope Francis create at the Ordinary Public Consistory on 7 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 21
Holy See Press Office (7 Dec 2024): the Holy Father held an Ordinary Public Consistory in the Vatican Basilica for the creation of 21 new Cardinals.
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, created on 7 December 2024, is incardinated in which Indian archdiocese, according to his official Holy See biography?
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Correct answer: A — Changanacherry
Holy See Press Office biography: Koovakad was born in Chethipuzha, India, on 11 August 1973, ordained in 2004 and incardinated in Changanacherry.