Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
What is the theme for tableaux at the Republic Day Celebrations 2025, as announced by the Ministry of Defence?
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Correct answer: B — Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas
PIB (Ministry of Defence): the theme for tableaux at RDC-2025 has been decided as 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'.
How many States/UTs were selected to showcase their tableaux on Kartavya Path for the Republic Day Celebrations 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 15
PIB (Ministry of Defence): 15 States/UTs were selected for Kartavya Path for RDC-2025, along with 11 central ministries/departments.
Consider the following statements about the Republic Day Celebrations 2025 tableaux announced on 23 December 2024: 1. Karnataka, Tripura and West Bengal were among the States selected for Kartavya Path. 2. Only the States selected for Kartavya Path were invited to Bharat Parv at the Red Fort. 3. The tableaux theme was decided on the basis of suggestions from States/UTs. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Ministry of Defence): statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong because all States/UTs, irrespective of their selection for Kartavya Path, were invited to Bharat Parv at the Red Fort (26–31 January 2025).
What was the size of the loan signed by India and the Asian Development Bank in December 2024 for green and sustainable infrastructure through IIFCL?
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Correct answer: C — $500 million
PIB (Ministry of Finance): India and ADB signed a $500 million loan to support green and sustainable infrastructure projects, to be extended to IIFCL.
The ADB loan signed on 20 December 2024 under the Financing Environmentally Sustainable Growth in Infrastructure Project will be extended to which entity?
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Correct answer: B — India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited
PIB (Ministry of Finance): the ADB loan, with a sovereign guarantee, will be extended to India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL).
Consider the following statements about the India–ADB loan to IIFCL announced on 23 December 2024: 1. The loan carries a sovereign guarantee. 2. A sustainability unit and a sustainability scoring method for projects will be set up at IIFCL. 3. The loan was signed for India by the Secretary, Department of Financial Services. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Ministry of Finance): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong because Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, signed for India.
How many appointment letters did Prime Minister Narendra Modi distribute at the Rozgar Mela on 23 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — More than 71,000
PIB (PMO): the Prime Minister distributed more than 71,000 appointment letters to newly appointed recruits via video conferencing on 23 December 2024.
At how many locations across the country was the Rozgar Mela of 23 December 2024 held?
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Correct answer: A — 45
PIB (PMO): the Rozgar Mela was held at 45 locations across the country.
At the Rozgar Mela of 23 December 2024, the Prime Minister said that around how many permanent government jobs had been offered in the previous one and a half years?
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Correct answer: B — 10 lakh
PIB (PMO): the Prime Minister said that in the last one and a half years, around 10 lakh permanent government jobs had been offered.
What renewable energy capacity target has Odisha set for 2030, as cited by IREDA at the Odisha Solar Investor Conclave in December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 10 GW
PIB (MNRE): IREDA reaffirmed its commitment to Odisha's target of achieving 10 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Which organisation hosted the Odisha Solar Investor Conclave in Bhubaneswar on 23 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — GRIDCO
PIB (MNRE): the Odisha Solar Investor Conclave was organised by GRIDCO in Bhubaneswar, where IREDA CMD Pradip Kumar Das delivered a special address.
Karnataka's first semiconductor project, announced at the State High-Level Clearance Committee meeting of 23 December 2024, will be set up near which city?
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Correct answer: B — Mysuru
The New Indian Express and NewsDrum (PTI): Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the first semiconductor project in the state would be established at the Kochanahalli Electronics Manufacturing Cluster near Mysuru.
What was the total investment of the nine projects approved by Karnataka's 64th SHLCC on 23 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — ₹9,823.31 crore
The New Indian Express and NewsDrum (PTI): the 64th SHLCC approved nine projects with a total investment of ₹9,823.31 crore, expected to create about 5,605 jobs.
Consider the following pairs of companies and project locations approved by Karnataka's SHLCC on 23 December 2024: 1. Silectric Semiconductor Manufacturing – Kochanahalli, Mysuru 2. Sansera Engineering – Harohalli 3. DN Solutions India – ITIR, Devanahalli Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
The New Indian Express and NewsDrum (PTI): all three pairs are correct. Silectric's ₹3,425.60 crore unit is at Kochanahalli, Mysuru; Sansera's ₹2,150 crore project is at Harohalli; and DN Solutions India's ₹998 crore investment is at ITIR, Devanahalli.
What was the year-on-year inflation rate based on CPI-AL (Agricultural Labourers) for November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 5.35%
PIB (Ministry of Labour and Employment): CPI-AL-based inflation was 5.35% in November 2024, compared with 5.96% in October 2024 and 7.37% in November 2023.
What level did the All-India CPI for Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) reach in November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 1331
PIB (Ministry of Labour and Employment): CPI-RL rose by 5 points to 1331 in November 2024, while CPI-AL rose by 5 points to 1320.
To what level did India and Kuwait elevate their bilateral relations during PM Narendra Modi's visit in December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Strategic Partnership
PIB (PMO) joint statement: the two leaders agreed to elevate the relations between India and Kuwait to a 'Strategic Partnership'.
Which international organisation did Kuwait join as one of the outcomes of PM Modi's visit in December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — International Solar Alliance
PIB (PMO) list of outcomes: Kuwait's membership of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was one of the outcomes of the visit.
PM Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of which sporting event in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as Guest of Honour of the Amir?
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Correct answer: A — 26th Arabian Gulf Cup
PIB (PMO) joint statement: Prime Minister Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as Guest of Honour of the Amir.
Consider the following outcomes of PM Modi's visit to Kuwait in December 2024: 1. An MoU on cooperation in the field of defence. 2. A Cultural Exchange Programme for 2025–2029. 3. A Joint Commission on Cooperation headed by the National Security Advisers of both countries. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB (PMO): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong because the Joint Commission on Cooperation will be headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries.
Which award did the Amir of Kuwait confer on PM Narendra Modi on 22 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer
PIB (PMO): the Amir of Kuwait conferred The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, the highest national award of Kuwait, on PM Modi.
In which year was Kuwait's Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer instituted?
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Correct answer: A — 1974
PIB (PMO): The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer was instituted in 1974 and has since been conferred on select global leaders.
PM Modi's visit to Kuwait in December 2024 was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to that country in how many years?
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Correct answer: D — 43 years
PIB (PMO): the award was conferred during the historic visit of a Prime Minister of India to Kuwait after 43 years.
The new Kalaburagi building of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, inaugurated on 22 December 2024, has how many beds?
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Correct answer: B — 371
The Hindu, Deccan Chronicle and The New Indian Express: the new building of the Kalaburagi branch has 371 beds.
The bed count of the new Jayadeva hospital building in Kalaburagi was chosen to mark ten years of special provisions for the Kalyana Karnataka region under which Article of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: A — Article 371(J)
The New Indian Express and The Hindu: the 371-bed capacity commemorates the tenth anniversary of the region's special status under Article 371(J), under which the KKRDB that funded the building was formed.
What was the cost of the new 371-bed Kalaburagi building of the Jayadeva heart institute inaugurated in December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — ₹327.17 crore
The Hindu and Deccan Chronicle: the building was constructed at a cost of ₹327.17 crore.
Which team did India beat in the final to win the inaugural Women's T20 U19 Asia Cup on 22 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Bangladesh
The Hindu and Sportstar: India beat Bangladesh by 41 runs in the final to win the inaugural Women's U19 T20 Asia Cup.
Who top-scored for India with 52 off 47 balls in the final of the inaugural Women's U19 T20 Asia Cup in December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — G. Trisha
The Hindu and Sportstar: opener G. Trisha scored 52 off 47 balls (five fours, two sixes) as India made 117 for 7.
At which venue was the final of the inaugural Women's U19 T20 Asia Cup played on 22 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur
Sportstar and The Hindu: India won the final at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur.
National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) signed an MoU with which Tripura body on 22 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency
PIB (Ministry of Cooperation): the eight initiatives included an MoU between NCOL and the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency.
According to the Union Cooperation Minister in December 2024, Tripura had made significant progress on how many of the Ministry of Cooperation's 57 initiatives?
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Correct answer: B — 41
PIB (Ministry of Cooperation): out of the 57 initiatives taken by the Ministry of Cooperation, Tripura has made significant progress in implementing 41.
Projects worth over how much were inaugurated or had foundation stones laid in Dhalai, Tripura, on 22 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — ₹668 crore
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹668 crore in Dhalai. The ₹900 crore figure relates to the Bru-Reang resettlement villages.
Consider the following statements about the Bru-Reang resettlement in Tripura, as described on 22 December 2024: 1. 38,000 Bru-Reang people have been resettled. 2. The resettlement covered 11 villages at a cost of ₹900 crore. 3. Haduklau Para Bru settlement colony is in Dhalai district. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MHA): all three statements are correct. 38,000 Bru-Reang people were resettled in 11 villages at a cost of ₹900 crore, and Amit Shah visited the Haduklau Para Bru Settlement Colony in Dhalai.
Where was the 22nd Divya Kala Mela, which concluded on 22 December 2024 with record sales, held?
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Correct answer: D — India Gate, New Delhi
PIB (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment): the 22nd Divya Kala Mela was held at India Gate, New Delhi, from 12 to 22 December 2024.
Which organisation launched a new mobile app for loans to Divyang entrepreneurs at the close of the 22nd Divya Kala Mela?
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Correct answer: B — National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation
PIB (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment): the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) launched its new mobile app for seamless access to loans for Divyang entrepreneurs.
Where was the cultural programme 'Divya Kala Shakti', marking the close of the 22nd Divya Kala Mela on 22 December 2024, held?
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Correct answer: B — Kartavya Path, New Delhi
PIB (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment): DEPwD hosted the cultural programme 'Divya Kala Shakti' at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, which also marked the conclusion of the Divya Kala Mela.
What penalty did the CCPA impose on Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study in December 2024 for misleading UPSC CSE 2023 advertisements?
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Correct answer: C — ₹2 lakh
PIB (Department of Consumer Affairs): the CCPA imposed a penalty of ₹2 lakh on Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study for misleading advertisements about UPSC CSE 2023 results.
Under which law did the Central Consumer Protection Authority act against Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study in December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Consumer Protection Act, 2019
PIB (Department of Consumer Affairs): the order was issued in view of violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, by the CCPA headed by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare.
Consider the following statements about the CCPA order against Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study in December 2024: 1. The institute's advertisement claimed '13 students in Top 100' in UPSC CSE 2023. 2. The CCPA found that terms such as 'Shubhra Ranjan IAS' gave a deceptive impression that Shubhra Ranjan is or was an IAS officer. 3. The penalty was imposed under the Information Technology Act, 2000. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Department of Consumer Affairs): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong because the order was issued for violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
At which venue did Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya flag off the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' initiative on 22 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi
PIB (MYAS): the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' initiative was flagged off at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
According to the Sports Minister, at more than how many locations was the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' event held simultaneously on 22 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 1,100
PIB (MYAS): Mansukh Mandaviya said the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative was being held simultaneously at over 1,100 locations in India.
To what rate did the 55th GST Council (December 2024) recommend reducing GST on Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK)?
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Correct answer: A — 5%
PIB (Finance Ministry): the 55th GST Council recommended reducing the GST rate on Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK), classifiable under 1904, to 5%.
The 55th GST Council recommended raising the GST rate on the sale of all old and used vehicles, including EVs (other than those already at 18%), from 12% to:
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Correct answer: C — 18%
PIB (Finance Ministry): the Council recommended increasing the GST rate from 12% to 18% on the sale of all old and used vehicles, including EVs, other than those already specified at 18%.
According to the 55th GST Council's clarification, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (ACC) blocks containing more than 50% fly ash attract GST at:
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Correct answer: B — 12%
PIB (Finance Ministry): the Council clarified that ACC blocks containing more than 50% fly ash content fall under HS 6815 and attract 12% GST.
Consider the following recommendations of the 55th GST Council held in Jaisalmer in December 2024: 1. Gene therapy to be fully exempted from GST. 2. Contributions by general insurance companies from third-party motor premiums to the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund to be exempted. 3. The new rule linking the GST rate on restaurant services in hotels to the actual value of supply of rooms to take effect from 1 January 2025. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Finance Ministry): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong because the changes to restaurant services in hotels are to be effective from 1 April 2025 (01.04.2025).
According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, what share of India's geographical area is under forest and tree cover?
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Correct answer: B — 25.17%
PIB (MoEFCC): ISFR 2023 puts India's total forest and tree cover at 8,27,357 sq km, which is 25.17% of the geographical area (forest cover 21.76%, tree cover 3.41%).
As per ISFR 2023, which State/UT has the highest forest cover as a percentage of its geographical area?
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Correct answer: A — Lakshadweep
PIB (MoEFCC): Lakshadweep (91.33%) has the highest forest cover in percentage terms, followed by Mizoram (85.34%) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (81.62%).
Which State showed the maximum increase in forest cover (242 sq km) in ISFR 2023?
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Correct answer: D — Mizoram
PIB (MoEFCC): the top three States showing maximum increase in forest cover are Mizoram (242 sq km), Gujarat (180 sq km) and Odisha (152 sq km). Chhattisgarh led the increase in combined forest and tree cover (684 sq km).
Consider the following statements about the India State of Forest Report 2023: 1. It is brought out by the Forest Survey of India on a biennial basis since 1987. 2. It is the 18th report in the series. 3. It was released at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MoEFCC): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong because ISFR 2023 was released at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun.
Where was the 72nd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council held on 21 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Agartala
PIB (MHA): Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the 72nd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Agartala, Tripura, on 21 December 2024.
At the 72nd NEC Plenary, the Union Home Minister said how many insurgents had surrendered in the North East in the last 10 years?
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Correct answer: A — 10,574
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah said that in the last 10 years 10,574 insurgents had surrendered, alongside a 71% reduction in violent incidents and an 86% decrease in civilian deaths in the North East.
At the 12th NESAC Society meeting in Agartala (December 2024), how many waterways were said to have been built with the help of NESAC?
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Correct answer: B — 20
PIB (MHA): at the 12th meeting of the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) Society, it was stated that 20 waterways have been built with the help of NESAC.
In which district of Gujarat was the Climate Smart Agro-Textile Demonstration Center launched on 21 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Navsari
PIB (Ministry of Textiles): the Ministry of Textiles, with SASMIRA, launched the Climate Smart Agro-Textile Demonstration Center in Navsari, Gujarat, in the presence of Union Minister C. R. Patil.
Which research association will maintain the Navsari agro-textile demonstration centre?
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Correct answer: D — SASMIRA
PIB (Ministry of Textiles): the centre was launched with the Synthetic & Art Silk Mills' Research Association (SASMIRA), which will maintain it for three years.
For how long will the Navsari agro-textile demonstration centre be maintained, as stated by the Ministry of Textiles?
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Correct answer: A — Three years, covering eight crop cycles
PIB (Ministry of Textiles): spread across 15,000 sq m, the centre will be maintained by SASMIRA for three years, covering eight crop cycles.
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?
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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.
At the Porbandar roadshow, the Mines Secretary described offshore lime-mud as a vital raw material for which industry?
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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.
Which body proclaimed 21 December as World Meditation Day, first observed in 2024?
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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.
What was India's role in the UN resolution that proclaimed World Meditation Day?
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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.
Which two facilities did Union Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurate at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, on 21 December 2024?
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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.
What did the Pashmina Certification Centre (PCC) at WII issue when it was inaugurated a year before the December 2024 facilities?
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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.
Where was the Association of NPS Intermediaries (ANI) launched on 21 December 2024?
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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.
According to the PFRDA Chairperson at the ANI launch (December 2024), the combined assets under management of NPS and APY exceed:
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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.
Who unveiled the logo of the Association of NPS Intermediaries at its launch?
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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.
India's first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch, inaugurated in December 2024, is on NH-44 at:
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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).
The bio-bitumen used on the Nagpur–Mansar stretch of NH-44 is based on which natural polymer?
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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.
Reports on the bio-bitumen highway stretch said imports account for roughly what share of India's bitumen supply?
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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.
Which edition of the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar was conferred at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 21 December 2024?
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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.
How many railway officials received the 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar in December 2024?
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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.
In the Railway Minister's December 2024 announcement on rewarding zones, what does 'SMQT' stand for?
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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.
What MSP has been fixed for Fair Average Quality milling copra for the 2025 season?
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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.
What MSP has been fixed for ball copra for the 2025 season?
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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.
Which agencies act as Central Nodal Agencies for procurement of copra and de-husked coconut under the Price Support Scheme?
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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.
What was the approximate productivity of the Lok Sabha in the Winter Session 2024, according to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs?
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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%.
Which Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Winter Session 2024?
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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.
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?
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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.
The destroyer Surat, delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 December 2024, is the fourth and final ship of which project?
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Correct answer: B — Project 15B
PIB (Defence): Yard 12707 Surat is the fourth and final Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, following Visakhapatnam, Mormugao and Imphal.
Which propulsion arrangement powers the destroyer Surat?
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Correct answer: D — COGAG (Combined Gas and Gas) with four gas turbines
PIB (Defence): Surat is powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion set comprising four gas turbines, and exceeded 30 knots during sea trials.
The Project 17A frigate Nilgiri is a follow-on of which class of frigates already in service?
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Correct answer: A — Shivalik class (Project 17)
PIB (Defence): Yard 12651 Nilgiri, the first Project 17A stealth frigate, is a follow-on of the Shivalik class (Project 17) frigates active in service.
Consider the following statements about the warships delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 December 2024: 1. Surat has a displacement of 7,400 tonnes. 2. Surat is poised to be the Indian Navy's first AI-enabled warship. 3. The seven Project 17A frigates are being built at MDL, Mumbai and Cochin Shipyard, Kochi. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Defence): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong because the seven P17A frigates are under construction at MDL, Mumbai and GRSE, Kolkata.
Which defence institution received the President's Colours from President Droupadi Murmu on 20 December 2024?
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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.
In which year was the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad, established?
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Correct answer: A — 1970
PIB (Defence): the President highlighted the contributions made by the College of Defence Management since its establishment in 1970.
What was the title of the compilation of strategic guidance from ancient Indian texts released by the President at CDM in December 2024?
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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'.
What share of The India Cements' paid-up equity did UltraTech propose to acquire from the promoters and Sri Saradha Logistics, as approved by the CCI in December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 32.72%
PIB (CCI): the combination envisages UltraTech's acquisition of 32.72% of India Cements' paid-up equity share capital from the promoters and promoter group and Sri Saradha Logistics, and up to 26% through an open offer.
UltraTech Cement Limited, whose acquisition of The India Cements was approved by the CCI, is a subsidiary of:
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Correct answer: C — Grasim Industries
PIB (CCI): UltraTech is a public listed company and a subsidiary of Grasim Industries Limited.
The United Nations declared 2024 as the International Year of:
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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.
Where was the stakeholder workshop on 'Strengthening Camel Milk Value Chain in India' held on 20 December 2024?
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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.