SF Prep

KVS / NVS Current Affairs Quiz — All time

Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.

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6405 news · 16857 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 78 questions
Mines Ministry holds roadshow in Porbandar, Gujarat, for India's first-ever auction of offshore mineral blocks
Q1

Where did the Ministry of Mines hold a roadshow on 21 December 2024 for the auction of India's first-ever offshore areas mineral blocks?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Porbandar

PIB (Ministry of Mines): the Ministry organised an exclusive roadshow at Porbandar, Gujarat, on 21 December 2024 to unveil the auction process for India's first-ever Offshore Areas Mineral Blocks.

Q2 Advanced

At the Porbandar roadshow, the Mines Secretary described offshore lime-mud as a vital raw material for which industry?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Cement

PIB (Ministry of Mines): Secretary V. L. Kantha Rao underscored the critical role of lime-mud, a vital raw material for cement manufacturing, in diversifying the industry's resource base.

First World Meditation Day observed on 21 December 2024 after UN General Assembly proclamation led by core group including India
Q3

Which body proclaimed 21 December as World Meditation Day, first observed in 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — UN General Assembly

United Nations: the General Assembly proclaimed 21 December as World Meditation Day; PIB records the Prime Minister's message on the day on 21 December 2024.

Q4 Advanced

What was India's role in the UN resolution that proclaimed World Meditation Day?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Member of the core group of countries that led its adoption

United Nations and The Hindu: India was a member of the core group of Member States that led the adoption of the resolution on World Meditation Day.

Bhupender Yadav opens Advanced Pashmina Certification and Next Generation DNA Sequencing facilities at WII Dehradun
Q5

Which two facilities did Union Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurate at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, on 21 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — An Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and a Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility

PIB (MoEFCC): Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and the Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility at WII, Dehradun.

Q6 Advanced

What did the Pashmina Certification Centre (PCC) at WII issue when it was inaugurated a year before the December 2024 facilities?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Its first unique ID barcode and certificate

PIB (MoEFCC): the new facilities build on the foundation laid the previous year, when the Minister inaugurated the Pashmina Certification Centre (PCC) and issued its first unique ID barcode and certificate.

Association of NPS Intermediaries launched in Mumbai; PFRDA Chairperson unveils logo
Q7

Where was the Association of NPS Intermediaries (ANI) launched on 21 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Insurance Institute of India, Mumbai

PIB (Finance Ministry): ANI was officially launched at a conference titled 'Securing Tomorrow, With Pension' held at the Insurance Institute of India, Mumbai.

Q8 Advanced

According to the PFRDA Chairperson at the ANI launch (December 2024), the combined assets under management of NPS and APY exceed:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹13.8 lakh crore

PIB (Finance Ministry): Deepak Mohanty stated that with AUM exceeding ₹13.8 lakh crore, NPS and APY have a total subscriber base of 8 crore.

Q9 Advanced

Who unveiled the logo of the Association of NPS Intermediaries at its launch?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — PFRDA Chairperson Deepak Mohanty

PIB (Finance Ministry): on the occasion, the association's logo was unveiled by the Chairperson of PFRDA, Dr. Deepak Mohanty.

Gadkari inaugurates India's first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 at Mansar, Nagpur
Q10

India's first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch, inaugurated in December 2024, is on NH-44 at:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Mansar, Nagpur (Maharashtra)

Mathrubhumi (ANI) and CNBC-TV18: Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India's first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 at Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra (the Nagpur–Mansar bypass).

Q11 Advanced

The bio-bitumen used on the Nagpur–Mansar stretch of NH-44 is based on which natural polymer?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Lignin

Mathrubhumi (ANI) and CNBC-TV18: the stretch was developed using lignin-based bio-bitumen technology by Praj Industries with CSIR-CRRI, NHAI and Oriental.

Q12 Advanced

Reports on the bio-bitumen highway stretch said imports account for roughly what share of India's bitumen supply?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 50%

Mathrubhumi (ANI) and CNBC-TV18: lignin bio-bitumen aims to reduce India's dependence on imports, which constitute about 50% of the total bitumen supply.

Ashwini Vaishnaw confers 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar on 101 railway officials and 22 shields to zones
Q13

Which edition of the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar was conferred at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 21 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 69th

PIB (Railways): Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conferred the 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar on 101 railway officials at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Q14 Advanced

How many railway officials received the 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 101

PIB (Railways): the 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar was conferred on 101 railway officials, and 22 shields were given to the best-performing zones.

Q15 Advanced

In the Railway Minister's December 2024 announcement on rewarding zones, what does 'SMQT' stand for?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Safest, Maintenance, Quality and Training

PIB (Railways): Vaishnaw said financial rewards along with shields would be given from next year for excellent SMQT (Safest, Maintenance, Quality and Training) practices.

CCEA fixes copra MSP for 2025 season: ₹11,582 per quintal for milling copra, ₹12,100 for ball copra
Q16

What MSP has been fixed for Fair Average Quality milling copra for the 2025 season?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹11,582 per quintal

PIB (Cabinet): the MSP for Fair Average Quality milling copra has been fixed at ₹11,582 per quintal and for ball copra at ₹12,100 per quintal for the 2025 season.

Q17 Advanced

What MSP has been fixed for ball copra for the 2025 season?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹12,100 per quintal

PIB (Cabinet): the MSP for ball copra has been fixed at ₹12,100 per quintal for the 2025 season, up 120% from ₹5,500 in 2014.

Q18 Advanced

Which agencies act as Central Nodal Agencies for procurement of copra and de-husked coconut under the Price Support Scheme?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — NAFED and NCCF

PIB (Cabinet): NAFED and the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation (NCCF) will continue to act as Central Nodal Agencies for procurement of copra and de-husked coconut under the Price Support Scheme.

Winter Session 2024 of Parliament adjourned sine die; Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak passed, Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill sent to JPC
Q19 Advanced

What was the approximate productivity of the Lok Sabha in the Winter Session 2024, according to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 54.5%

PIB (Parliamentary Affairs): the productivity of the Lok Sabha was approximately 54.5% and that of the Rajya Sabha approximately 40%.

Q20 Advanced

Which Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Winter Session 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024

PIB (Parliamentary Affairs): one Bill, 'The Bhartiya Vayuyaan Vidheyak, 2024', which re-enacts the Aircraft Act, 1934, was passed by both Houses during the session.

Q21 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Winter Session 2024 of Parliament: 1. It began on 25 November 2024 and was adjourned sine die on 20 December 2024. 2. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee on 20 December 2024. 3. The Rajya Sabha held more sittings than the Lok Sabha during the session. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only

PIB (Parliamentary Affairs): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong because the session had 20 sittings of the Lok Sabha and 19 of the Rajya Sabha.

Destroyer Surat, last of Project 15B, and frigate Nilgiri, first of Project 17A, delivered to Indian Navy
Q22

The destroyer Surat, delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 December 2024, is the fourth and final ship of which project?

Show answer

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.

Q23 Advanced

Which propulsion arrangement powers the destroyer Surat?

Show answer

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.

Q24 Advanced

The Project 17A frigate Nilgiri is a follow-on of which class of frigates already in service?

Show answer

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.

Q25 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

President Droupadi Murmu awards President's Colours to College of Defence Management, Secunderabad
Q26

Which defence institution received the President's Colours from President Droupadi Murmu on 20 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — College of Defence Management, Secunderabad

PIB (Defence): President Droupadi Murmu awarded the President's Colours to the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, on 20 December 2024.

Q27 Advanced

In which year was the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad, established?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1970

PIB (Defence): the President highlighted the contributions made by the College of Defence Management since its establishment in 1970.

Q28 Advanced

What was the title of the compilation of strategic guidance from ancient Indian texts released by the President at CDM in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Pearls of Ancient Indian Wisdom

PIB (Defence): the President released a revised peer-reviewed compilation of strategic guidance from the ancient Indian Knowledge System (1st century BCE to 7th century CE) titled 'Pearls of Ancient Indian Wisdom'.

CCI approves UltraTech Cement's acquisition of The India Cements
Q29 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q30 Advanced

UltraTech Cement Limited, whose acquisition of The India Cements was approved by the CCI, is a subsidiary of:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Grasim Industries

PIB (CCI): UltraTech is a public listed company and a subsidiary of Grasim Industries Limited.

Bikaner workshop on strengthening camel milk value chain held as part of International Year of Camelids 2024
Q31

The United Nations declared 2024 as the International Year of:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Camelids

PIB (Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying): the United Nations has declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids; the Bikaner workshop was organised as part of it.

Q32 Advanced

Where was the stakeholder workshop on 'Strengthening Camel Milk Value Chain in India' held on 20 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Bikaner

PIB (Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying): DAHD, FAO and ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel organised the day-long workshop on 20 December 2024 in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Sashastra Seema Bal marks 61st Raising Day at Siliguri; Amit Shah e-inaugurates ICP Agartala
Q33

Where was the 61st Raising Day function of the Sashastra Seema Bal held on 20 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Siliguri

PIB (MHA): Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the 61st Raising Day function of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at Siliguri in West Bengal as Chief Guest.

Q34 Advanced

The Sashastra Seema Bal guards India's borders with which countries?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Nepal and Bhutan

PIB (MHA): under the 'one border, one force' policy, SSB was given responsibility for vigilance and security of the borders with Nepal and Bhutan.

India and ADB sign $350 million policy-based loan under second subprogramme of SMILE logistics programme
Q35

What was the size of the policy-based loan signed by India and the ADB on 20 December 2024 under the SMILE programme?

Show answer

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.

Q36 Advanced

In the ADB-supported SMILE programme, what does 'SMILE' stand for?

Show answer

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.

Defence Ministry signs ₹7,629 crore contract with L&T for K9 VAJRA-T self-propelled tracked guns
Q37

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?

Show answer

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.

Q38 Advanced

Under which procurement category was the K9 VAJRA-T contract of December 2024 signed?

Show answer

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.

Om Prakash Chautala, five-time Chief Minister of Haryana, dies at 89
Q39

How many times did Om Prakash Chautala, who died on 20 December 2024, serve as Chief Minister of Haryana?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Five

The Hindu and India Today: Om Prakash Chautala was a five-time Chief Minister of Haryana.

Q40 Advanced

Om Prakash Chautala was the son of which former Deputy Prime Minister?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Chaudhary Devi Lal

The Hindu and India Today: Chautala was the son of former Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal.

Foldscope microscopes help farmers in 20 Chhattisgarh districts detect plant diseases
Q41 Advanced

Farmers in how many districts of Chhattisgarh are using Foldscope microscopy for crop disease detection, as reported in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 20

PIB (Science and Technology): farmers spanning 20 districts of Chhattisgarh are using the Foldscope for pest and disease detection, soil quality assessment and water analysis.

Q42 Advanced

Which institute implements the Foldscope initiative for farmers in Chhattisgarh?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management

PIB (Science and Technology): the initiative is implemented by ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management and supported under DST's SYST programme of the SEED Division.

TRAI recommends additional 5 MHz paired spectrum in 700 MHz band for Indian Railways' safety and security applications
Q43 Advanced

In December 2024, TRAI recommended assigning Indian Railways an additional 5 MHz (paired) spectrum in which band?

Show answer

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.

Q44 Advanced

According to TRAI's December 2024 recommendations, how should spectrum charges for Indian Railways, NCRTC, other RRTS and Metro rail networks be levied?

Show answer

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.

Ministry of Culture partners France Museums Développement for Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum
Q45

The Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum is being developed in which buildings of New Delhi?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — North and South Blocks

PIB (Culture): the museum, part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, will span about 1,55,000 square metres across the North and South Blocks in New Delhi.

Q46 Advanced

With which organisation did the Ministry of Culture partner in December 2024 to develop the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — France Museums Développement

PIB (Culture): the Ministry of Culture announced a partnership with France Museums Développement (FMD) on 19 December 2024 to develop the museum.

Q47 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum: 1. It is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. 2. It was first announced by the Prime Minister at the International Museum Expo in May 2023. 3. It will span about 1,55,000 square metres. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (Culture): the museum is an integral part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, was first announced by the PM at the International Museum Expo in May 2023, and will span about 1,55,000 square metres. All three statements are correct.

India and ADB sign $42 million loan for Maharashtra coastal protection project
Q48

India and the ADB signed a $42 million loan on 19 December 2024 for a coastal protection project in which state?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Maharashtra

PIB (Finance): the $42 million loan is for the Maharashtra Sustainable Climate-Resilient Coastal Protection and Management Project.

Q49 Advanced

What was the amount of the ADB loan signed for the Maharashtra Sustainable Climate-Resilient Coastal Protection and Management Project in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — $42 million

PIB (Finance): the Government of India and ADB signed a $42 million loan for the project on 19 December 2024.

Q50 Advanced

Which of the following is described by ADB as a flexible nature-based solution against coastal erosion under the Maharashtra coastal protection project?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Beach and dune nourishment

PIB (Finance): ADB's Mio Oka said the project uses hybrid approaches such as offshore reefs and rock protection works, along with flexible nature-based solutions like beach and dune nourishment.

Andhra Pradesh Cabinet clears 45 Amaravati works, KfW loan for CRDA and mid-day meal for Intermediate students
Q51 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q52

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet decided on 19 December 2024 to restore the mid-day meal scheme for which students?

Show answer

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.

Q53 Advanced

How many engineering works in the Amaravati capital region did the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approve on 19 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 45

The Hindu and New Indian Express: the Cabinet approved 45 engineering works in the capital region of Amaravati.

INST Mohali study finds nanoplastics from plastic bottles can spread antibiotic resistance
Q54 Advanced

Scientists from which institute found that PET bottle-derived nanoplastics can spread antibiotic resistance, as reported by DST in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali

PIB (Science & Technology): scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institution of DST, carried out the study.

Q55 Advanced

In the INST Mohali study, PET bottle-derived nanoplastics facilitated gene transfer from E. coli to which gut bacterium?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Lactobacillus acidophilus

PIB (Science & Technology): the scientists demonstrated that PBNPs can facilitate cross-species gene transfer from E. coli to Lactobacillus acidophilus, a significant bacterium in the human gut microbiota.

TRAI completes commercial SMS traceability; messages on unregistered paths rejected from 11 December 2024
Q56 Advanced

From which date did access providers start rejecting commercial SMS traffic sent through unregistered paths, as announced by TRAI in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 11 December 2024

PIB (TRAI): effective 11 December 2024, SMS traffic sent through unregistered paths is being rejected.

Q57 Advanced

TRAI's commercial SMS traceability framework is built on which technology platform?

Show answer

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 releases report 'S.A.F.E. Accommodation: Worker Housing for Manufacturing Growth'
Q58

NITI Aayog's December 2024 report 'S.A.F.E. Accommodation' deals with housing for which group?

Show answer

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.

Q59 Advanced

In NITI Aayog's report on worker housing, what does 'S.A.F.E.' stand for?

Show answer

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.

Q60 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

East Coast Railway declares 170 road over bridge projects as Special Railway Projects, 110 in Odisha
Q61

How many Road Over Bridge projects did the East Coast Railway declare as Special Railway Projects in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 170

OdishaBytes and Ommcom News: the ECoR General Manager approved the declaration of 170 ROB construction projects as Special Railway Projects.

Q62 Advanced

Under which law did the East Coast Railway declare 170 ROB projects as Special Railway Projects?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008

OdishaBytes and Ommcom News: the declaration was made under the provisions of the Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008.

Q63 Advanced

Of the 170 ROB projects declared Special Railway Projects by ECoR in December 2024, how many are in Odisha?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 110

OdishaBytes and Ommcom News: out of the 170 projects, 110 are in Odisha and 60 in Andhra Pradesh.

DRDO, IIT Delhi and industry sign 10 tripartite agreements at DIA-GARIMA; ABHED jacket technology transferred
Q64

ABHED, whose technology was transferred by DRDO in December 2024, is a:

Show answer

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.

Q65 Advanced

How many tripartite agreements were signed among DRDO, IIT Delhi and industry at the DIA-GARIMA event on 19 December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q66 Advanced

Which of the following was NOT among the industry partners that received the ABHED jacket technology in December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Plate cutting held in Mumbai for first of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels and first of 6 NGOPVs for Coast Guard
Q67

For which force are Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders building 14 Fast Patrol Vessels and six Next-Gen Offshore Patrol Vessels?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Indian Coast Guard

PIB (Defence): the plate cutting on 19 December 2024 was for the first of 14 FPVs and the first of six NGOPVs being constructed by MDL for the Indian Coast Guard.

Q68 Advanced

What is the value of the contract awarded to MDL for building the Fast Patrol Vessels and NGOPVs for the Coast Guard?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹2,684 crore

PIB (Defence): MDL was awarded a ₹2,684 crore contract under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category to build these vessels.

Q69 Advanced

Under which procurement category was MDL's contract for the Coast Guard's FPVs and NGOPVs awarded?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Buy (Indian-IDDM)

PIB (Defence): the ₹2,684 crore contract was awarded under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category, i.e. indigenously designed, developed and manufactured.

Tamil Nadu releases additional ₹400 crore for Kalaignar Kanavu Illam housing scheme
Q70

How much additional allocation did Tamil Nadu announce for the Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam scheme on 18 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹400 crore

New Indian Express, Economic Times and The Hindu: CM M K Stalin announced an additional ₹400 crore for the scheme on 18 December 2024.

Q71 Advanced

What is the unit cost sanctioned per house under Tamil Nadu's Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam scheme for 2024-25?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹3.50 lakh

New Indian Express, Economic Times and The Hindu: ₹3,500 crore was sanctioned for one lakh houses in 2024-25 at ₹3.50 lakh per house.

Q72 Advanced

By which year does Tamil Nadu aim to build eight lakh houses under the Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam scheme for a hut-free state?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 2030

New Indian Express and Economic Times: a survey found eight lakh huts in rural areas, and the state announced construction of eight lakh houses by 2030 to make Tamil Nadu hut-free.

INS Nirdeshak, second Survey Vessel (Large), commissioned into Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam
Q73

INS Nirdeshak, commissioned on 18 December 2024, belongs to which class of naval ships?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Survey Vessel (Large)

PIB (Defence): INS Nirdeshak is the second ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) project.

Q74 Advanced

Which shipyard is building the four ships of the Survey Vessel (Large) project, including INS Nirdeshak?

Show answer

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.

Q75 Advanced

Where was INS Nirdeshak commissioned into the Indian Navy?

Show answer

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.

India tags a Ganges River Dolphin for the first time, in Assam
Q76

In which state was the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin tagged in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Assam

PIB (MoEFCC): the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin was tagged in Assam on 18 December 2024.

Q77 Advanced

Which institution implemented the first Ganges River Dolphin tagging along with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Wildlife Institute of India

PIB (MoEFCC): the tagging was implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak, with National CAMPA funding.

Q78 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Ganges River Dolphin tagging of December 2024: 1. It was funded by the National CAMPA Authority. 2. A female dolphin was tagged. 3. It was described as the first tagging for the species. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only

PIB (MoEFCC): the project was funded by the National CAMPA Authority and was the first tagging not only in India but also for the species. A healthy male, not female, dolphin was tagged, so statement 2 is wrong.