SF Prep

State Staff Selection Current Affairs Quiz — All time

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

7 days 1 month 3 months 6 months 12 months All
6038 news · 16314 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 76 questions
National Commission for Minorities observes Minorities Rights Day on 18 December 2024
Q1

Minorities Rights Day, observed in India on 18 December, marks the adoption of a UN declaration on minority rights in which year?

Show answer

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.

Q2 Advanced

Who presided over the Minorities Rights Day event organised by the National Commission for Minorities on 18 December 2024?

Show answer

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.

National Institute of Siddha sets Guinness World Record for mass Varmam therapy to 567 people
Q3

The National Institute of Siddha set a Guinness World Record in December 2024 for mass delivery of which therapy?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Varmam

PIB (Ayush): the National Institute of Siddha set a Guinness World Record for providing Varmam therapy to 567 individuals simultaneously.

Q4 Advanced

How many individuals received Varmam therapy simultaneously in the National Institute of Siddha's Guinness World Record event?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 567

PIB (Ayush): 567 trained Varmanis simultaneously provided therapy to 567 individuals.

Q5 Advanced

The National Institute of Siddha, which set a Guinness World Record on 18 December 2024, is located at:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Tambaram, Chennai

PIB (Ayush): the record event was held at the NIS campus in Tambaram, Chennai.

ESIC adds 17.80 lakh new workers and 21,588 establishments in October 2024
Q6

As per provisional ESIC payroll data, how many new employees were added under the ESI Scheme in October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 17.80 lakh

PIB (Labour): the provisional payroll data of ESIC shows 17.80 lakh new employees added in October 2024.

Q7 Advanced

How many new establishments were brought under the ESI Scheme in October 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q8 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

CeNS Bengaluru develops boron nitride nanosheet strategy to regulate infrared radiation
Q9 Advanced

Nanosheets of which material were used by CeNS Bengaluru scientists to regulate infrared radiation, as reported in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Hexagonal boron nitride

PIB (Science & Technology): the strategy uses solution-processed 2D nanoflakes of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) assembled in a polymer network liquid crystal.

Q10 Advanced

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential application of the CeNS Bengaluru infrared regulation strategy?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Solar cell power generation

PIB (Science & Technology): the h-BN based strategy has potential for deployment as a radiative heat barrier, in thermal camouflage and in thermal management applications. Solar cell power generation is not mentioned.

National Museum marks 64th Foundation Day with 'Heritage Unlocked' exhibition
Q11

What was the title of the special exhibition opened on the National Museum's 64th Foundation Day in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Heritage Unlocked

PIB (Culture): the special exhibition, organised with ITIHAAS, was titled 'Heritage Unlocked: An Interactive and Educational Experience'.

Q12 Advanced

The origins of the National Museum, New Delhi trace back to 1946, when which committee was formed?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Maurice Gwyer Committee

PIB (Culture): the museum's origins trace back to 1946, when the Maurice Gwyer Committee was formed and the first exhibition of Indian art was showcased in London.

Q13 Advanced

In which year was the National Museum, New Delhi officially inaugurated?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1960

PIB (Culture): the National Museum was officially inaugurated in 1960; it marked its 64th Foundation Day on 18 December 2024.

PM inaugurates and lays foundation for 24 projects worth over ₹46,300 crore in Rajasthan
Q14

What was the total value of the 24 projects inaugurated and launched by the Prime Minister in Jaipur on 17 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Over ₹46,300 crore

PIB (PMO): the PM inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 24 projects worth over ₹46,300 crore in Rajasthan.

Q15 Advanced

Which barrage in Rajasthan was among the projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 17 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Navnera Barrage

PIB (PMO): the projects inaugurated included the Navnera Barrage; the PM also laid the foundation for transferring water from Navnera Barrage to Bisalpur and Isarda dams.

Q16 Advanced

At which place in Bikaner district did the PM lay the foundation for a 2,000 MW solar park and two phases of 1,000 MW solar parks on 17 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Poogal

PIB (PMO): the PM laid the foundation stone for one 2,000 MW solar park and two phases of 1,000 MW solar parks in Poogal (Bikaner).

Bills for 'One Nation, One Election' introduced in Lok Sabha
Q17

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?

Show answer

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.

Q18 Advanced

Who headed the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections whose recommendations were accepted by the Union Cabinet on 18 September 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q19 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Kisan Kavach, India's first anti-pesticide bodysuit for farmers, launched
Q20

What is Kisan Kavach, launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology in December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q21 Advanced

Kisan Kavach was developed by BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru in collaboration with which company?

Show answer

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.

Q22 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

CSIR and AIIMS New Delhi sign MoU for collaborative healthcare research
Q23

AIIMS New Delhi signed an umbrella MoU for collaborative healthcare research with which organisation on 17 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — CSIR

PIB (Science & Technology): CSIR and AIIMS New Delhi signed an MoU on 17 December 2024 for collaborative research in the healthcare domain.

Q24 Advanced

Under the CSIR-AIIMS umbrella MoU of December 2024, which CSIR laboratory signed a separate MoU with AIIMS New Delhi?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad

PIB (Science & Technology): under the umbrella MoU, another MoU was signed between CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad and AIIMS New Delhi for focused research projects and use of CSIR-CCMB facilities.

Technology Development Board supports Agnikul Cosmos to develop and commercialise Agnibaan
Q25

Which launch vehicle of Agnikul Cosmos is being supported by the Technology Development Board, as announced in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Agnibaan

PIB (Science & Technology): TDB is supporting Agnikul Cosmos to develop and commercialise 'Agnibaan', a customisable two-stage launch vehicle.

Q26 Advanced

Agnibaan, supported by TDB, can deliver payloads of up to how much to orbits at 700 km altitude?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 300 kg

PIB (Science & Technology): Agnibaan is a two-stage launch vehicle capable of delivering payloads of up to 300 kg to orbits at 700 km altitude.

Q27 Advanced

Agnikul's Agnibaan SOrTeD mission is described by the Ministry of Science & Technology as the world's first flight using:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — A single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine

PIB (Science & Technology): the maiden launch of Agnibaan SOrTeD was the world's first flight using a single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine.

Keel laid for Magdala (BY 528), sixth Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at Cochin Shipyard
Q28 Advanced

The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft being built at Cochin Shipyard, including Magdala, are known as which class?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Mahe class

PIB (Defence): the eight ASW SWC ships being built by Cochin Shipyard are known as the 'Mahe' class.

Q29 Advanced

On what date did the Ministry of Defence award Cochin Shipyard the contract for eight ASW Shallow Water Craft?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 30 April 2019

PIB (Defence): the contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was awarded to Cochin Shipyard Limited by the Ministry of Defence on 30 April 2019.

Q30 Advanced

Besides coastal anti-submarine operations, the Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Craft are envisaged for which of the following?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Low Intensity Maritime Operations and mine laying

PIB (Defence): the ships are envisaged to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and mine laying operations.

CBIC launches four citizen-centric initiatives including revised Citizen's Charter and CBIC Archives
Q31 Advanced

Who was the CBIC Chairperson who launched four citizen-centric initiatives on 17 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Sanjay Kumar Agarwal

PIB (Finance): Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairperson, CBIC, launched the initiatives in the presence of all Board members.

Q32 Advanced

Which of the following was NOT among the four initiatives launched by CBIC on 17 December 2024?

Show answer

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.

C-DOT signs TTDF agreement with Silizium Circuits for LEO satellite components and GNSS RF front-end chip
Q33 Advanced

Under which scheme of the Department of Telecommunications did C-DOT sign the agreement with Silizium Circuits for LEO satellite components in December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q34 Advanced

Silizium Circuits, which signed an agreement with C-DOT in December 2024, is a startup under the fabless chip design incubator of which institute?

Show answer

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.

Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF) launched
Q35

What is the corpus of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF) launched on 16 December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q36 Advanced

CGS-NPF provides guarantee cover for loans against electronic negotiable warehouse receipts for produce stored in warehouses registered with which body?

Show answer

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).

Q37 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

India–Sri Lanka Joint Statement during President Disanayaka's State Visit
Q38

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?

Show answer

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.

Q39 Advanced

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:

Show answer

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.

Q40 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passes away at 73
Q41

Ustad Zakir Hussain, whose death the Prime Minister condoled on 16 December 2024, was a maestro of which instrument?

Show answer

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.

Q42 Advanced

According to his family, Ustad Zakir Hussain died in San Francisco from complications of which condition?

Show answer

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 2024: Nation pays homage to heroes of the 1971 war
Q43

Vijay Diwas, observed every year on 16 December, commemorates India's victory in the war of which year?

Show answer

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.

Q44 Advanced

Where did Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh lay a wreath on Vijay Diwas, 16 December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q45 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

WPI inflation eases to 1.89% in November 2024
Q46

What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for November 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q47 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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 for April–November 2024 estimated at USD 536.25 billion
Q48 Advanced

India's total exports (merchandise and services combined) for April–November 2024 were estimated at:

Show answer

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.

Q49 Advanced

Which merchandise export category grew by 54.72% in November 2024 compared with November 2023?

Show answer

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%.

APCRDA approves ₹24,276 crore of works in Amaravati
Q50 Advanced

What was the total value of works in Amaravati approved at the 43rd APCRDA meeting on 16 December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q51 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Chhattisgarh signs agreements with NCOL and NDDB to boost forest produce and dairy cooperatives
Q52 Advanced

Under the CGMFPFED–NCOL MoU signed on 16 December 2024, organic-certified forest produce from Chhattisgarh will be promoted under which brand?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bharat Organics

PIB (Cooperation): organic-certified products from Chhattisgarh, including wild forest honey, tamarind, cashew, chironji, mahua and coarse grains, will be promoted under the brand 'Bharat Organics' in national and international markets.

Q53 Advanced

Under the Chhattisgarh–NDDB dairy agreement of December 2024, the number of dairy cooperative societies in the state will grow from 650 to:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 3,850

PIB (Cooperation): under the partnership, the number of dairy cooperative societies will grow from the current 650 to 3,850, with an additional 3,200 multipurpose primary dairy cooperative societies.

Q54 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Chhattisgarh–NDDB dairy agreement: 1. Milk collection capacity will rise from 79,000 kg to 5 lakh kg per day. 2. NDDB will charge technical service fees for dairy plants and cattle feed plants. 3. The project will be funded through Central schemes, NABARD loans and State Government contributions. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only

PIB (Cooperation): milk collection will rise from 79,000 kg to 5 lakh kg per day, and funding will come from Central schemes, NABARD loans and the State Government. Statement 2 is incorrect: NDDB will provide managerial support without charging any technical service fees.

CAQM invokes GRAP Stage-IV across NCR as Delhi's AQI crosses 400
Q55 Advanced

What was Delhi's average AQI at 10 PM on 16 December 2024, when the CAQM invoked GRAP Stage-IV across the NCR?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 401

PIB (Environment): the Sub-Committee noted that the AQI was 399 at 9 PM and was recorded as 401 at 10 PM, breaching the 400 mark, and invoked Stage-IV.

Q56 Advanced

As per the Supreme Court's directions of 5 December 2024 in M.C. Mehta vs Union of India, GRAP Stage-III measures must be implemented immediately if Delhi's AQI goes above:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 350

PIB (Environment): the Supreme Court directed that if the AQI goes above 350, Stage-III measures will have to be immediately implemented, and if it crosses 400, Stage-IV measures will have to be reintroduced.

Steel cut for Indian Navy's first Next Generation Missile Vessel at Cochin Shipyard
Q57 Advanced

How many Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) are covered by the contract concluded with Cochin Shipyard Limited in March 2023?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 6

PIB (Defence): the contract for construction of six NGMVs was concluded with CSL in March 2023.

Q58 Advanced

From which year is the induction of the Next Generation Missile Vessels into the Indian Navy planned?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2027

PIB (Defence): induction of the NGMVs into the Indian Navy is planned from 2027 onwards.

Padma Shri environmentalist Tulsi Gowda passes away at 86
Q59

Padma Shri awardee environmentalist Tulsi Gowda, who died on 16 December 2024, belonged to which community of Uttara Kannada district?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Halakki

The New Indian Express, India Today and The Indian Express all report that Tulsi Gowda belonged to the Halakki (tribal) community of Uttara Kannada district.

Q60 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Tulsi Gowda: 1. She was a recipient of the Padma Shri. 2. She received the Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra award. 3. She died at her residence in Honnali village of Ankola taluk. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

The New Indian Express and India Today report that she received the Padma Shri and the Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra award, and that she died at her residence in Honnali village, Ankola taluk, Uttara Kannada. All three statements are correct.

SLINEX-24: India–Sri Lanka naval exercise at Visakhapatnam
Q61

Where was the India–Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-24 held from 17 to 20 December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q62 Advanced

Which Indian Navy ship represented India in SLINEX-24?

Show answer

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.

'Jalvahak' scheme unveiled to boost cargo on National Waterways 1, 2 and 16
Q63 Advanced

Under the 'Jalvahak' scheme unveiled on 15 December 2024, cargo owners can get reimbursement of up to what share of total operating expenditure?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 35%

PIB (Ports, Shipping & Waterways): the Jalvahak scheme offers reimbursement up to 35% of the total operating expenditure incurred while transporting cargo via waterways on NW 1, NW 2 and NW 16.

Q64 Advanced

National Waterway 16, one of the three waterways covered by the 'Jalvahak' scheme, is on which river?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Barak

PIB (Ports, Shipping & Waterways): Jalvahak covers NW 1 (river Ganga), NW 2 (river Brahmaputra) and NW 16 (river Barak).

Q65 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the 'Jalvahak' scheme: 1. It provides incentives for transporting cargo via inland waterways over distances of more than 300 km. 2. It is initially valid for three years. 3. It is a joint effort of IWAI and Inland & Coastal Shipping Limited, a subsidiary of the Shipping Corporation of India. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (Ports, Shipping & Waterways): the scheme incentivises cargo moved over more than 300 km, is initially valid for 3 years, and is a joint effort of IWAI and ICSL, a fully owned subsidiary of SCI. All three statements are correct.

Q66 Advanced

The cargo promotion schemes unveiled with 'Jalvahak' on 15 December 2024 aim at a modal shift of how much cargo to inland waterways by 2027?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 800 million tonne-km

The schemes aim at a modal shift of 800 million tonne-km with an investment of ₹95.4 crore by 2027.

Q67 Advanced

The Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Service flagged off on National Waterway 2 on 15 December 2024 connects Kolkata with:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Pandu (Guwahati)

Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off a scheduled service between Kolkata and Pandu (Guwahati) on NW 2 via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route, alongside the Kolkata–Patna–Varanasi service on NW 1.

39 ministers sworn in at Raj Bhavan, Nagpur, in first expansion of Fadnavis-led Maharashtra ministry
Q68

How many ministers took oath at Raj Bhavan, Nagpur, on 15 December 2024 in the first expansion of the Fadnavis-led Maharashtra ministry?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 39

Governor C P Radhakrishnan administered the oath to 39 ministers, 33 of Cabinet rank and six ministers of state, taking the ministry's strength to 42.

Q69 Advanced

The Maharashtra cabinet swearing-in at Raj Bhavan, Nagpur, on 15 December 2024 was the first there in 33 years. The previous one was held in which year?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1991

The last swearing-in at Raj Bhavan in Nagpur, the State's second capital, was during the Sudhakarrao Naik government in 1991.

Chhattisgarh Police receives President's Colour
Q70 Advanced

Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the President's Colour to which State Police force in Raipur on 15 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Chhattisgarh Police

PIB (Home Affairs): Amit Shah presented the prestigious 'President's Colour' to the Chhattisgarh Police in Raipur on 15 December 2024.

Q71 Advanced

The Chhattisgarh Police earned the President's Colour within how many years of its establishment?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 25

PIB (Home Affairs): Amit Shah commended the Chhattisgarh Police for earning this honour within just 25 years of its establishment, in its silver jubilee year.

India defend Women's Junior Asia Cup hockey title, beat China in final
Q72

India defeated which team in the final of the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2024 hockey on 15 December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q73 Advanced

Where was the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2024 hockey tournament held?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Muscat

FIH: the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2024 was held at Muscat (Oman) from 7 to 15 December 2024.

Q74 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

PM addresses fourth National Conference of Chief Secretaries
Q75 Advanced

What was the overarching theme of the fourth National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in Delhi from 13 to 15 December 2024?

Show answer

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'.

Q76 Advanced

At the National Conference of Chief Secretaries in December 2024, the Prime Minister directed States to explore Viability Gap Funding for which purpose?

Show answer

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.