SF Prep

India 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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8079 news · 18898 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 80 questions
India and ADB sign $42 million loan for Maharashtra coastal protection project
Q1

India and the ADB signed a $42 million loan on 19 December 2024 for a coastal protection project in which state?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Maharashtra

PIB (Finance): the $42 million loan is for the Maharashtra Sustainable Climate-Resilient Coastal Protection and Management Project.

Q2 Advanced

What was the amount of the ADB loan signed for the Maharashtra Sustainable Climate-Resilient Coastal Protection and Management Project in December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q3 Advanced

Which of the following is described by ADB as a flexible nature-based solution against coastal erosion under the Maharashtra coastal protection project?

Show answer

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.

Andhra Pradesh Cabinet clears 45 Amaravati works, KfW loan for CRDA and mid-day meal for Intermediate students
Q4 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q5

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet decided on 19 December 2024 to restore the mid-day meal scheme for which students?

Show answer

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.

Q6 Advanced

How many engineering works in the Amaravati capital region did the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approve on 19 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 45

The Hindu and New Indian Express: the Cabinet approved 45 engineering works in the capital region of Amaravati.

INST Mohali study finds nanoplastics from plastic bottles can spread antibiotic resistance
Q7 Advanced

Scientists from which institute found that PET bottle-derived nanoplastics can spread antibiotic resistance, as reported by DST in December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q8 Advanced

In the INST Mohali study, PET bottle-derived nanoplastics facilitated gene transfer from E. coli to which gut bacterium?

Show answer

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.

TRAI completes commercial SMS traceability; messages on unregistered paths rejected from 11 December 2024
Q9 Advanced

From which date did access providers start rejecting commercial SMS traffic sent through unregistered paths, as announced by TRAI in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 11 December 2024

PIB (TRAI): effective 11 December 2024, SMS traffic sent through unregistered paths is being rejected.

Q10 Advanced

TRAI's commercial SMS traceability framework is built on which technology platform?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Blockchain-based Distributed Ledger Technology

PIB (TRAI): the traceability of commercial messages is implemented on the blockchain-based Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform.

NITI Aayog releases report 'S.A.F.E. Accommodation: Worker Housing for Manufacturing Growth'
Q11

NITI Aayog's December 2024 report 'S.A.F.E. Accommodation' deals with housing for which group?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Industrial workers

PIB (NITI Aayog): the report 'S.A.F.E. Accommodation - Worker Housing for Manufacturing Growth' explores secure, affordable, flexible and efficient accommodation for industrial workers.

Q12 Advanced

In NITI Aayog's report on worker housing, what does 'S.A.F.E.' stand for?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Secure, Affordable, Flexible, Efficient

PIB (NITI Aayog): S.A.F.E. stands for secure, affordable, flexible and efficient accommodation for industrial workers.

Q13 Advanced

According to NITI Aayog's S.A.F.E. report, the Union Budget 2024-25 initiative on dormitory-style rental housing for industrial workers is to be executed through which model?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — PPP with Viability Gap Funding and anchor-industry commitments

PIB (NITI Aayog): the Budget 2024-25 initiative is to be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support and commitments from anchor industries.

East Coast Railway declares 170 road over bridge projects as Special Railway Projects, 110 in Odisha
Q14

How many Road Over Bridge projects did the East Coast Railway declare as Special Railway Projects in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 170

OdishaBytes and Ommcom News: the ECoR General Manager approved the declaration of 170 ROB construction projects as Special Railway Projects.

Q15 Advanced

Under which law did the East Coast Railway declare 170 ROB projects as Special Railway Projects?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008

OdishaBytes and Ommcom News: the declaration was made under the provisions of the Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008.

Q16 Advanced

Of the 170 ROB projects declared Special Railway Projects by ECoR in December 2024, how many are in Odisha?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 110

OdishaBytes and Ommcom News: out of the 170 projects, 110 are in Odisha and 60 in Andhra Pradesh.

DRDO, IIT Delhi and industry sign 10 tripartite agreements at DIA-GARIMA; ABHED jacket technology transferred
Q17

ABHED, whose technology was transferred by DRDO in December 2024, is a:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Light weight bullet resistant jacket

PIB (Defence): Transfer of Technology of the light weight bullet resistant jacket ABHED (Advanced Ballistic High Energy Defeat) was done with three industry partners.

Q18 Advanced

How many tripartite agreements were signed among DRDO, IIT Delhi and industry at the DIA-GARIMA event on 19 December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 10

PIB (Defence): during the DIA-GARIMA event at IIT Delhi, 10 tripartite agreements were signed among DRDO, IIT Delhi and industry partners.

Q19 Advanced

Which of the following was NOT among the industry partners that received the ABHED jacket technology in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Bharat Electronics Ltd

PIB (Defence): ABHED technology was transferred to MIDHANI (Rohtak), SMPP Pvt Ltd (Delhi) and AR Polymers (MKU), Kanpur. Bharat Electronics Ltd was not among them.

Plate cutting held in Mumbai for first of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels and first of 6 NGOPVs for Coast Guard
Q20

For which force are Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders building 14 Fast Patrol Vessels and six Next-Gen Offshore Patrol Vessels?

Show answer

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.

Q21 Advanced

What is the value of the contract awarded to MDL for building the Fast Patrol Vessels and NGOPVs for the Coast Guard?

Show answer

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.

Q22 Advanced

Under which procurement category was MDL's contract for the Coast Guard's FPVs and NGOPVs awarded?

Show answer

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.

Tamil Nadu releases additional ₹400 crore for Kalaignar Kanavu Illam housing scheme
Q23

How much additional allocation did Tamil Nadu announce for the Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam scheme on 18 December 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q24 Advanced

What is the unit cost sanctioned per house under Tamil Nadu's Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam scheme for 2024-25?

Show answer

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.

Q25 Advanced

By which year does Tamil Nadu aim to build eight lakh houses under the Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam scheme for a hut-free state?

Show answer

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, second Survey Vessel (Large), commissioned into Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam
Q26

INS Nirdeshak, commissioned on 18 December 2024, belongs to which class of naval ships?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Survey Vessel (Large)

PIB (Defence): INS Nirdeshak is the second ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) project.

Q27 Advanced

Which shipyard is building the four ships of the Survey Vessel (Large) project, including INS Nirdeshak?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata

PIB (Defence): INS Nirdeshak is the second of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships under construction at GRSE, Kolkata.

Q28 Advanced

Where was INS Nirdeshak commissioned into the Indian Navy?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam

PIB (Defence): INS Nirdeshak was commissioned on 18 December 2024 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, in a ceremony presided over by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth.

India tags a Ganges River Dolphin for the first time, in Assam
Q29

In which state was the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin tagged in December 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Assam

PIB (MoEFCC): the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin was tagged in Assam on 18 December 2024.

Q30 Advanced

Which institution implemented the first Ganges River Dolphin tagging along with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak?

Show answer

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.

Q31 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

EPFO gives employers final chance till 31 January 2025 on 3.1 lakh pending higher-wage pension applications
Q32

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 31 January 2025

PIB (Labour): EPFO gave a final opportunity till 31 January 2025 to employers to upload wage details for over 3.1 lakh pending applications.

Q33 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 4 November 2022

PIB (Labour): the online facility for Validation of Options/Joint Options was made available in compliance with the Supreme Court order dated 4 November 2022.

Q34 Advanced

How many applications for Validation of Option/Joint Options for pension on higher wages did EPFO receive by the extended deadline of 11 July 2023?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 17.49 lakh

PIB (Labour): a total of 17.49 lakh applications for Validation of Option/Joint Options were received by 11 July 2023.

National Commission for Minorities observes Minorities Rights Day on 18 December 2024
Q35

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1992

PIB (Minority Affairs): the United Nations adopted the declaration on the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities on 18 December 1992.

Q36 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Iqbal Singh Lalpura

PIB (Minority Affairs): the event was presided over by NCM Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura, while MoS George Kurian was the chief guest.

National Institute of Siddha sets Guinness World Record for mass Varmam therapy to 567 people
Q37

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Varmam

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

Q38 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 567

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

Q39 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Tambaram, Chennai

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

ESIC adds 17.80 lakh new workers and 21,588 establishments in October 2024
Q40

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 17.80 lakh

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

Q41 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 21,588

PIB (Labour): 21,588 new establishments were brought under the social security ambit of the ESI Scheme in October 2024.

Q42 Advanced

Consider the following statements about ESIC payroll data for October 2024: 1. About 47.75% of the new employees were aged up to 25 years. 2. 3.52 lakh female employees were enrolled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2

PIB (Labour): 8.50 lakh of the 17.80 lakh new employees (about 47.75%) were aged up to 25 years, and 3.52 lakh female employees were enrolled. Both statements are correct.

CeNS Bengaluru develops boron nitride nanosheet strategy to regulate infrared radiation
Q43 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Hexagonal boron nitride

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

Q44 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Solar cell power generation

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

National Museum marks 64th Foundation Day with 'Heritage Unlocked' exhibition
Q45

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Heritage Unlocked

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

Q46 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Maurice Gwyer Committee

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

Q47 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1960

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

PM inaugurates and lays foundation for 24 projects worth over ₹46,300 crore in Rajasthan
Q48

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Over ₹46,300 crore

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

Q49 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Navnera Barrage

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

Q50 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Poogal

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

Bills for 'One Nation, One Election' introduced in Lok Sabha
Q51

Along with the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which other Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 17 December 2024 for simultaneous elections?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024

PIB (Parliamentary Affairs): the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 were introduced in the Lok Sabha on 17 December 2024.

Q52 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Ram Nath Kovind

PIB (Law and Justice): the High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections was headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind; its recommendations were accepted by the Union Cabinet on 18 September 2024.

Q53 Advanced

Under the High-Level Committee's phased approach to simultaneous elections, elections to municipalities and panchayats are to be synchronised with Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections within how many days?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 100 days

PIB (Law and Justice): Phase 1 synchronises Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections; Phase 2 synchronises elections for municipalities and panchayats with them within 100 days.

Kisan Kavach, India's first anti-pesticide bodysuit for farmers, launched
Q54

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — An anti-pesticide bodysuit for farmers

PIB (Science & Technology): Kisan Kavach is Bharat's first-of-its-kind anti-pesticide bodysuit, designed to protect farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure.

Q55 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Sepio Health Pvt Ltd

PIB (Science & Technology): Kisan Kavach was developed by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt Ltd.

Q56 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Kisan Kavach: 1. It is priced at ₹4,000. 2. It is washable and reusable and can last up to a year. 3. Its fabric deactivates pesticides on contact. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (Science & Technology): the washable and reusable suit is priced at ₹4,000, can last up to a year, and uses fabric technology that deactivates harmful pesticides upon contact. All three statements are correct.

CSIR and AIIMS New Delhi sign MoU for collaborative healthcare research
Q57

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — CSIR

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

Q58 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad

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

Technology Development Board supports Agnikul Cosmos to develop and commercialise Agnibaan
Q59

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Agnibaan

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

Q60 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 300 kg

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

Q61 Advanced

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

Show answer

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

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

Keel laid for Magdala (BY 528), sixth Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at Cochin Shipyard
Q62 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Mahe class

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

Q63 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 30 April 2019

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

Q64 Advanced

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

Show answer

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

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

CBIC launches four citizen-centric initiatives including revised Citizen's Charter and CBIC Archives
Q65 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.

Q66 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
Q67 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.

Q68 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
Q69

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.

Q70 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
Q71 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.

Q72 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
Q73

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.

Q74 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).

Q75 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
Q76

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.

Q77 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.

Q78 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
Q79

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.

Q80 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.