Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Where was the 61st Raising Day function of the Sashastra Seema Bal held on 20 December 2024?
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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.
The Sashastra Seema Bal guards India's borders with which countries?
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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.
What was the size of the policy-based loan signed by India and the ADB on 20 December 2024 under the SMILE programme?
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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.
In the ADB-supported SMILE programme, what does 'SMILE' stand for?
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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.
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?
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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.
Under which procurement category was the K9 VAJRA-T contract of December 2024 signed?
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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.
How many times did Om Prakash Chautala, who died on 20 December 2024, serve as Chief Minister of Haryana?
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Correct answer: C — Five
The Hindu and India Today: Om Prakash Chautala was a five-time Chief Minister of Haryana.
Om Prakash Chautala was the son of which former Deputy Prime Minister?
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Correct answer: B — Chaudhary Devi Lal
The Hindu and India Today: Chautala was the son of former Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal.
Farmers in how many districts of Chhattisgarh are using Foldscope microscopy for crop disease detection, as reported in December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 20
PIB (Science and Technology): farmers spanning 20 districts of Chhattisgarh are using the Foldscope for pest and disease detection, soil quality assessment and water analysis.
Which institute implements the Foldscope initiative for farmers in Chhattisgarh?
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Correct answer: C — ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management
PIB (Science and Technology): the initiative is implemented by ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management and supported under DST's SYST programme of the SEED Division.
In December 2024, TRAI recommended assigning Indian Railways an additional 5 MHz (paired) spectrum in which band?
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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.
According to TRAI's December 2024 recommendations, how should spectrum charges for Indian Railways, NCRTC, other RRTS and Metro rail networks be levied?
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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.
The Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum is being developed in which buildings of New Delhi?
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Correct answer: C — North and South Blocks
PIB (Culture): the museum, part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, will span about 1,55,000 square metres across the North and South Blocks in New Delhi.
With which organisation did the Ministry of Culture partner in December 2024 to develop the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum?
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Correct answer: A — France Museums Développement
PIB (Culture): the Ministry of Culture announced a partnership with France Museums Développement (FMD) on 19 December 2024 to develop the museum.
Consider the following statements about the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum: 1. It is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. 2. It was first announced by the Prime Minister at the International Museum Expo in May 2023. 3. It will span about 1,55,000 square metres. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Culture): the museum is an integral part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, was first announced by the PM at the International Museum Expo in May 2023, and will span about 1,55,000 square metres. All three statements are correct.
India and the ADB signed a $42 million loan on 19 December 2024 for a coastal protection project in which state?
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Correct answer: B — Maharashtra
PIB (Finance): the $42 million loan is for the Maharashtra Sustainable Climate-Resilient Coastal Protection and Management Project.
What was the amount of the ADB loan signed for the Maharashtra Sustainable Climate-Resilient Coastal Protection and Management Project in December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — $42 million
PIB (Finance): the Government of India and ADB signed a $42 million loan for the project on 19 December 2024.
Which of the following is described by ADB as a flexible nature-based solution against coastal erosion under the Maharashtra coastal protection project?
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Correct answer: A — Beach and dune nourishment
PIB (Finance): ADB's Mio Oka said the project uses hybrid approaches such as offshore reefs and rock protection works, along with flexible nature-based solutions like beach and dune nourishment.
From which German state-owned bank did the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet allow APCRDA to raise a ₹5,000 crore loan for Amaravati in December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — KfW
The Hindu and New Indian Express: the AP Cabinet on 19 December 2024 permitted APCRDA to raise a loan of ₹5,000 crore from Germany's KfW.
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet decided on 19 December 2024 to restore the mid-day meal scheme for which students?
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Correct answer: D — Intermediate students in government junior colleges
The Hindu and New Indian Express: the Cabinet decided to restore the mid-day meal scheme for Intermediate students in government junior colleges, benefiting about 1.41 lakh students.
How many engineering works in the Amaravati capital region did the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approve on 19 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 45
The Hindu and New Indian Express: the Cabinet approved 45 engineering works in the capital region of Amaravati.
Scientists from which institute found that PET bottle-derived nanoplastics can spread antibiotic resistance, as reported by DST in December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali
PIB (Science & Technology): scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institution of DST, carried out the study.
In the INST Mohali study, PET bottle-derived nanoplastics facilitated gene transfer from E. coli to which gut bacterium?
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Correct answer: C — Lactobacillus acidophilus
PIB (Science & Technology): the scientists demonstrated that PBNPs can facilitate cross-species gene transfer from E. coli to Lactobacillus acidophilus, a significant bacterium in the human gut microbiota.
From which date did access providers start rejecting commercial SMS traffic sent through unregistered paths, as announced by TRAI in December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 11 December 2024
PIB (TRAI): effective 11 December 2024, SMS traffic sent through unregistered paths is being rejected.
TRAI's commercial SMS traceability framework is built on which technology platform?
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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's December 2024 report 'S.A.F.E. Accommodation' deals with housing for which group?
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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.
In NITI Aayog's report on worker housing, what does 'S.A.F.E.' stand for?
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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.
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?
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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.
How many Road Over Bridge projects did the East Coast Railway declare as Special Railway Projects in December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 170
OdishaBytes and Ommcom News: the ECoR General Manager approved the declaration of 170 ROB construction projects as Special Railway Projects.
Under which law did the East Coast Railway declare 170 ROB projects as Special Railway Projects?
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Correct answer: B — Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008
OdishaBytes and Ommcom News: the declaration was made under the provisions of the Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008.
Of the 170 ROB projects declared Special Railway Projects by ECoR in December 2024, how many are in Odisha?
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Correct answer: D — 110
OdishaBytes and Ommcom News: out of the 170 projects, 110 are in Odisha and 60 in Andhra Pradesh.
ABHED, whose technology was transferred by DRDO in December 2024, is a:
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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.
How many tripartite agreements were signed among DRDO, IIT Delhi and industry at the DIA-GARIMA event on 19 December 2024?
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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.
Which of the following was NOT among the industry partners that received the ABHED jacket technology in December 2024?
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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.
For which force are Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders building 14 Fast Patrol Vessels and six Next-Gen Offshore Patrol Vessels?
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Correct answer: B — Indian Coast Guard
PIB (Defence): the plate cutting on 19 December 2024 was for the first of 14 FPVs and the first of six NGOPVs being constructed by MDL for the Indian Coast Guard.
What is the value of the contract awarded to MDL for building the Fast Patrol Vessels and NGOPVs for the Coast Guard?
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Correct answer: C — ₹2,684 crore
PIB (Defence): MDL was awarded a ₹2,684 crore contract under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category to build these vessels.
Under which procurement category was MDL's contract for the Coast Guard's FPVs and NGOPVs awarded?
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Correct answer: A — Buy (Indian-IDDM)
PIB (Defence): the ₹2,684 crore contract was awarded under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category, i.e. indigenously designed, developed and manufactured.
How much additional allocation did Tamil Nadu announce for the Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam scheme on 18 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — ₹400 crore
New Indian Express, Economic Times and The Hindu: CM M K Stalin announced an additional ₹400 crore for the scheme on 18 December 2024.
What is the unit cost sanctioned per house under Tamil Nadu's Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam scheme for 2024-25?
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Correct answer: C — ₹3.50 lakh
New Indian Express, Economic Times and The Hindu: ₹3,500 crore was sanctioned for one lakh houses in 2024-25 at ₹3.50 lakh per house.
By which year does Tamil Nadu aim to build eight lakh houses under the Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam scheme for a hut-free state?
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Correct answer: A — 2030
New Indian Express and Economic Times: a survey found eight lakh huts in rural areas, and the state announced construction of eight lakh houses by 2030 to make Tamil Nadu hut-free.
INS Nirdeshak, commissioned on 18 December 2024, belongs to which class of naval ships?
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Correct answer: D — Survey Vessel (Large)
PIB (Defence): INS Nirdeshak is the second ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) project.
Which shipyard is building the four ships of the Survey Vessel (Large) project, including INS Nirdeshak?
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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.
Where was INS Nirdeshak commissioned into the Indian Navy?
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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.
In which state was the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin tagged in December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Assam
PIB (MoEFCC): the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin was tagged in Assam on 18 December 2024.
Which institution implemented the first Ganges River Dolphin tagging along with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak?
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Correct answer: A — Wildlife Institute of India
PIB (MoEFCC): the tagging was implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak, with National CAMPA funding.
Consider the following statements about the Ganges River Dolphin tagging of December 2024: 1. It was funded by the National CAMPA Authority. 2. A female dolphin was tagged. 3. It was described as the first tagging for the species. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
PIB (MoEFCC): the project was funded by the National CAMPA Authority and was the first tagging not only in India but also for the species. A healthy male, not female, dolphin was tagged, so statement 2 is wrong.
Till what date did EPFO give employers a final opportunity to upload wage details for pending applications for pension on higher wages?
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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.
EPFO's facility for pension on higher wages was provided in compliance with a Supreme Court order of which date?
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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.
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?
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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.
Minorities Rights Day, observed in India on 18 December, marks the adoption of a UN declaration on minority rights in which year?
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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.
Who presided over the Minorities Rights Day event organised by the National Commission for Minorities on 18 December 2024?
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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.
The National Institute of Siddha set a Guinness World Record in December 2024 for mass delivery of which therapy?
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Correct answer: A — Varmam
PIB (Ayush): the National Institute of Siddha set a Guinness World Record for providing Varmam therapy to 567 individuals simultaneously.
How many individuals received Varmam therapy simultaneously in the National Institute of Siddha's Guinness World Record event?
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Correct answer: B — 567
PIB (Ayush): 567 trained Varmanis simultaneously provided therapy to 567 individuals.
The National Institute of Siddha, which set a Guinness World Record on 18 December 2024, is located at:
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Correct answer: D — Tambaram, Chennai
PIB (Ayush): the record event was held at the NIS campus in Tambaram, Chennai.
As per provisional ESIC payroll data, how many new employees were added under the ESI Scheme in October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 17.80 lakh
PIB (Labour): the provisional payroll data of ESIC shows 17.80 lakh new employees added in October 2024.
How many new establishments were brought under the ESI Scheme in October 2024?
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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.
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?
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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.
Nanosheets of which material were used by CeNS Bengaluru scientists to regulate infrared radiation, as reported in December 2024?
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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.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential application of the CeNS Bengaluru infrared regulation strategy?
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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.
What was the title of the special exhibition opened on the National Museum's 64th Foundation Day in December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Heritage Unlocked
PIB (Culture): the special exhibition, organised with ITIHAAS, was titled 'Heritage Unlocked: An Interactive and Educational Experience'.
The origins of the National Museum, New Delhi trace back to 1946, when which committee was formed?
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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.
In which year was the National Museum, New Delhi officially inaugurated?
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Correct answer: C — 1960
PIB (Culture): the National Museum was officially inaugurated in 1960; it marked its 64th Foundation Day on 18 December 2024.
What was the total value of the 24 projects inaugurated and launched by the Prime Minister in Jaipur on 17 December 2024?
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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.
Which barrage in Rajasthan was among the projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 17 December 2024?
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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.
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?
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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).
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?
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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.
Who headed the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections whose recommendations were accepted by the Union Cabinet on 18 September 2024?
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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.
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?
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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.
What is Kisan Kavach, launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology in December 2024?
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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.
Kisan Kavach was developed by BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru in collaboration with which company?
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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.
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?
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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.
AIIMS New Delhi signed an umbrella MoU for collaborative healthcare research with which organisation on 17 December 2024?
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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.
Under the CSIR-AIIMS umbrella MoU of December 2024, which CSIR laboratory signed a separate MoU with AIIMS New Delhi?
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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.
Which launch vehicle of Agnikul Cosmos is being supported by the Technology Development Board, as announced in December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Agnibaan
PIB (Science & Technology): TDB is supporting Agnikul Cosmos to develop and commercialise 'Agnibaan', a customisable two-stage launch vehicle.
Agnibaan, supported by TDB, can deliver payloads of up to how much to orbits at 700 km altitude?
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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.
Agnikul's Agnibaan SOrTeD mission is described by the Ministry of Science & Technology as the world's first flight using:
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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.
The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft being built at Cochin Shipyard, including Magdala, are known as which class?
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Correct answer: C — Mahe class
PIB (Defence): the eight ASW SWC ships being built by Cochin Shipyard are known as the 'Mahe' class.
On what date did the Ministry of Defence award Cochin Shipyard the contract for eight ASW Shallow Water Craft?
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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.
Besides coastal anti-submarine operations, the Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Craft are envisaged for which of the following?
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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.