SF Prep

WBPSC WBCS 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
4483 news · 10759 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 76 questions
CCI approves UltraTech Cement's acquisition of The India Cements
Q1 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.

Q2 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.

Sashastra Seema Bal marks 61st Raising Day at Siliguri; Amit Shah e-inaugurates ICP Agartala
Q3

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.

Q4 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
Q5

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.

Q6 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
Q7

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.

Q8 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.

TRAI recommends additional 5 MHz paired spectrum in 700 MHz band for Indian Railways' safety and security applications
Q9 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.

Q10 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.

TRAI completes commercial SMS traceability; messages on unregistered paths rejected from 11 December 2024
Q11 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.

Q12 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'
Q13

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.

Q14 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.

Q15 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.

DRDO, IIT Delhi and industry sign 10 tripartite agreements at DIA-GARIMA; ABHED jacket technology transferred
Q16

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.

Q17 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.

Q18 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.

INS Nirdeshak, second Survey Vessel (Large), commissioned into Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam
Q19

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.

Q20 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.

Q21 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.

EPFO gives employers final chance till 31 January 2025 on 3.1 lakh pending higher-wage pension applications
Q22

Till what date did EPFO give employers a final opportunity to upload wage details for pending applications for pension on higher wages?

Show answer

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.

Q23 Advanced

EPFO's facility for pension on higher wages was provided in compliance with a Supreme Court order of which date?

Show answer

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.

Q24 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

National Commission for Minorities observes Minorities Rights Day on 18 December 2024
Q25

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.

Q26 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.

ESIC adds 17.80 lakh new workers and 21,588 establishments in October 2024
Q27

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.

Q28 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.

Q29 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.

Bills for 'One Nation, One Election' introduced in Lok Sabha
Q30

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.

Q31 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.

Q32 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
Q33

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.

Q34 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.

Q35 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.

CBIC launches four citizen-centric initiatives including revised Citizen's Charter and CBIC Archives
Q36 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.

Q37 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
Q38 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.

Q39 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.

Central Zoo Authority begins consultations on a National Wildlife Health Policy
Q40 Advanced

Which body took up the development of a National Wildlife Health Policy through a stakeholder consultation in December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q41 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF) launched
Q42

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.

Q43 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).

Q44 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
Q45

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.

Q46 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.

Q47 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
Q48

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.

Q49 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
Q50

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.

Q51 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.

Q52 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
Q53

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.

Q54 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
Q55 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.

Q56 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%.

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and Indian Navy sign MoU on logistics education and research
Q57 Advanced

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, which signed a logistics education and research MoU with the Indian Navy on 16 December 2024, is located in:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Vadodara

PIB (Railways): Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara signed an MoU with the Indian Navy in New Delhi on 16 December 2024.

Q58 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

'Jalvahak' scheme unveiled to boost cargo on National Waterways 1, 2 and 16
Q59 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.

Q60 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).

Q61 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.

Q62 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.

Q63 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.

India defend Women's Junior Asia Cup hockey title, beat China in final
Q64

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.

Q65 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.

Q66 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
Q67 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'.

Q68 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.

RBI raises collateral-free agricultural loan limit to ₹2 lakh
Q69

In December 2024, the RBI raised the limit for collateral-free agricultural loans per borrower to:

Show answer

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.

Q70 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q71 Advanced

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?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 86%

The Agriculture Ministry said the move would benefit small and marginal farmers, who make up over 86% of the sector.

National Energy Conservation Day 2024 observed; NEC Awards presented
Q72

National Energy Conservation Day is observed in India every year on:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 14 December

PIB (Power): National Energy Conservation Day is commemorated in India on December 14 every year.

Q73 Advanced

Which body confers the National Energy Conservation Awards presented on National Energy Conservation Day?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bureau of Energy Efficiency

PIB (Power): the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) are an initiative of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power.

Q74 Advanced

In which year was National Energy Conservation Day introduced in India?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1991

PIB (Power): introduced in 1991, the day is championed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency; the NECA were instituted the same year.

PM Modi presents 11 resolutions in Lok Sabha's special discussion on 75 years of the Constitution
Q75

How many resolutions did PM Narendra Modi present in the Lok Sabha on 14 December 2024 during the special discussion on 75 years of the Constitution?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 11

Inspired by the spirit of the Constitution, the Prime Minister presented 11 resolutions for India's future.

Q76 Advanced

What was the first of the resolutions presented by PM Modi in the Lok Sabha on 14 December 2024 on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution?

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Correct answer: D — Citizens and government must fulfil their duties

The first resolution was that whether citizens or the government, all must fulfil their duties.