SF Prep

Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time

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

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8241 news · 19312 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 72 questions
CBIC launches four citizen-centric initiatives including revised Citizen's Charter and CBIC Archives
Q1 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.

Q2 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
Q3 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.

Q4 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.

IIT Ropar opens Dr Ranbir Singh Tinkerers' Lab for round-the-clock student innovation
Q5

The Dr Ranbir Singh Tinkerers' Lab, opened in December 2024, is located at which institute?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — IIT Ropar

PIB (Science & Technology): IIT Ropar opened its new Dr Ranbir Singh Tinkerers' Lab, a maker space accessible to all students round the clock.

Q6 Advanced

Which foundation funded IIT Ropar's Dr Ranbir Singh Tinkerers' Lab?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Maker Bhavan Foundation

PIB (Science & Technology): the lab was made possible by funding from the Maker Bhavan Foundation through a donation from philanthropist Dr Ranbir Singh.

Central Zoo Authority begins consultations on a National Wildlife Health Policy
Q7 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.

Q8 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
Q9

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.

Q10 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).

Q11 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
Q12

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.

Q13 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.

Q14 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
Q15

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.

Q16 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
Q17

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.

Q18 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.

Q19 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
Q20

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.

Q21 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
Q22 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.

Q23 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Electronic goods

PIB (Commerce & Industry): electronic goods exports increased by 54.72% from USD 2.24 billion to USD 3.47 billion. Rice grew 95.18%, engineering goods 13.75% and marine products 17.82%.

APCRDA approves ₹24,276 crore of works in Amaravati
Q24 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹24,276 crore

The Hindu, The New Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle: the 43rd APCRDA meeting chaired by CM N. Chandrababu Naidu approved works worth ₹24,276 crore. ₹4,688 crore is the iconic towers, ₹9,699 crore the roads, and about ₹45,249 crore the total over the last four meetings.

Q25 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the APCRDA approvals of 16 December 2024: 1. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. 2. Five iconic towers will be built at a cost of ₹4,688 crore. 3. Roads totalling about 250 km will be laid at a cost of ₹9,699 crore. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

The Hindu and The New Indian Express: the meeting was chaired by CM Naidu, and five iconic towers will cost ₹4,688 crore. Statement 3 is incorrect: the ₹9,699 crore covers roads totalling about 579.5 km.

Chhattisgarh signs agreements with NCOL and NDDB to boost forest produce and dairy cooperatives
Q26 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bharat Organics

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

Q27 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 3,850

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

Q28 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only

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

CAQM invokes GRAP Stage-IV across NCR as Delhi's AQI crosses 400
Q29 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 401

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

Q30 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 350

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

Steel cut for Indian Navy's first Next Generation Missile Vessel at Cochin Shipyard
Q31 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 6

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

Q32 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2027

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

Padma Shri environmentalist Tulsi Gowda passes away at 86
Q33

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Halakki

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

Q34 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

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

SLINEX-24: India–Sri Lanka naval exercise at Visakhapatnam
Q35

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Visakhapatnam

PIB (Defence): SLINEX 2024 was to be conducted from 17 to 20 December 2024 at Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command.

Q36 Advanced

Which Indian Navy ship represented India in SLINEX-24?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — INS Sumitra

PIB (Defence): India was represented by INS Sumitra, a Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Eastern Fleet, along with a Special Forces team; Sri Lanka by SLNS Sayura.

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and Indian Navy sign MoU on logistics education and research
Q37 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.

Q38 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
Q39 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.

Q40 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).

Q41 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.

Q42 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.

Q43 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Pandu (Guwahati)

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

39 ministers sworn in at Raj Bhavan, Nagpur, in first expansion of Fadnavis-led Maharashtra ministry
Q44

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 39

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

Q45 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1991

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

Chhattisgarh Police receives President's Colour
Q46 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Chhattisgarh Police

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

Q47 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 25

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

India defend Women's Junior Asia Cup hockey title, beat China in final
Q48

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.

Q49 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.

Q50 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
Q51 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'.

Q52 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.

Amit Shah attends Bastar Olympics 2024 closing ceremony in Jagdalpur, reaffirms March 2026 deadline to end Naxalism
Q53

In which city did Union Home Minister Amit Shah attend the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics 2024 on 15 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Jagdalpur

Amit Shah attended the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics 2024 as chief guest in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh.

Q54 Advanced

The 'Niyad Nellanar' scheme for villages, highlighted by Amit Shah at the Bastar Olympics closing ceremony in December 2024, is a scheme of which State Government?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Chhattisgarh

At the Jagdalpur ceremony, Amit Shah highlighted the Chhattisgarh Government's 'Niyad Nellanar' scheme as an initiative to transform villages.

Vice-President inaugurates GSI Geoscience Museum in Gwalior
Q55

Who inaugurated the Geological Survey of India's Geoscience Museum in Gwalior on 15 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar

PIB (Mines): Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the state-of-the-art GSI Geoscience Museum in Gwalior on 15 December 2024.

Q56 Advanced

The GSI Geoscience Museum in Gwalior is housed in which building?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Victoria Market Building

PIB (Mines): the GSI Geoscience Museum was inaugurated at the Victoria Market Building in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

NCL launches 'CHARAK' health scheme for Singrauli region
Q57 Advanced

Which Coal India subsidiary launched the 'CHARAK' health-centric CSR initiative on 15 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Northern Coalfields Limited

PIB (Coal): Singrauli-based Coal India arm Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) rolled out 'CHARAK' – Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal.

Q58 Advanced

Under NCL's 'CHARAK' scheme, residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra are eligible if their annual family income is below:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹8 lakh

PIB (Coal): residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts having annual family income below ₹8 lakh from all sources are eligible under the scheme.

RBI raises collateral-free agricultural loan limit to ₹2 lakh
Q59

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.

Q60 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.

Q61 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
Q62

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.

Q63 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.

Q64 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.

First Weapon Systems branch officers commissioned at Air Force Academy parade
Q65

Who was the Reviewing Officer of the Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, on 14 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Air Chief Marshal AP Singh

PIB (Defence): Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, was the Reviewing Officer of the parade and conferred the President's Commission on the graduating flight cadets.

Q66 Advanced

The first batch of officers of which IAF branch was commissioned at the Air Force Academy parade on 14 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Weapon Systems

PIB (Defence): the day was marked by the first batch of Weapon Systems branch officers being commissioned into the IAF.

Q67 Advanced

How many cadets graduated at the Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy on 14 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 204

PIB (Defence): a total of 204 cadets graduated, including 178 men and 26 women.

PM Modi presents 11 resolutions in Lok Sabha's special discussion on 75 years of the Constitution
Q68

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.

Q69 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?

Show answer

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.

Nation marks Raj Kapoor's 100th birth anniversary; PM calls him the 'eternal showman'
Q70

Raj Kapoor, whose 100th birth anniversary was marked on 14 December 2024, made his directorial debut with which film?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Aag

Raj Kapoor's directorial debut Aag (1948) marked the beginning of RK Films.

Q71 Advanced

In which year did Raj Kapoor, whose birth centenary was celebrated in December 2024, receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1988

Raj Kapoor received the Padma Bhushan in 1971 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1988.

Q72 Advanced

Raj Kapoor, whose 100th birth anniversary fell on 14 December 2024, was born in 1924 in which city?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Peshawar

Raj Kapoor was born on 14 December 1924 in Peshawar, now in Pakistan, the son of Prithviraj Kapoor.