Test your knowledge with the latest quiz on current affairs from 15th & 16th December 2024! Stay updated and challenge yourself with key events and happenings around the world.
1.Which three rivers are covered under the 'Jalvahak' Cargo Promotion Scheme launched by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal?
A) Ganga, Yamuna, and Narmada
B) Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak
C) Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery
D) Indus, Sutlej, and Ravi
E) Mahanadi, Tapti, and Sabarmati
Answer key : B) Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak
Explanation:
The ‘Jalvahak’ Cargo Promotion Scheme launched by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal focuses on boosting cargo movement on National Waterways 1, 2, and 16, which cover the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak rivers. These rivers are critical in facilitating the transportation of goods via inland waterways, promoting more sustainable and cost-effective logistics.
2.What initiative has the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced to enhance road safety and ensure effective highway patrolling?
A) Highway Safety Patrols
B) Rajmarg Saathi Route Patrolling Vehicles
C) National Highway Surveillance Program
D) Smart Highway Monitoring System
E) Road Safety Monitoring Units
Answer Key: B) Rajmarg Saathi Route Patrolling Vehicles
Explanation: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced the ‘Rajmarg Saathi‘ Route Patrolling Vehicles to improve road safety and highway patrolling. These vehicles are equipped with advanced communication tools and AI-powered video analytics, which help in monitoring and enhancing the safety of national highways effectively.
3. Which company secured a Rs 136 crore contract to supply High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) under the Battlefield Surveillance System (BFSS)?
a) Tata Motors
b) BEML Limited
c) Mahindra & Mahindra
d) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
e) Bharat Forge
Answer Key: b) BEML Limited
Explanation: BEML Limited secured a Rs 136 crore contract for supplying indigenously designed High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) for the Battlefield Surveillance System (BFSS) project. These vehicles will enhance India’s defense capabilities.
4.Where will India's first Integrated Waste Management City and Learning Centre be established?
a) Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
b) Bengaluru, Karnataka
c) Raipur, Chhattisgarh
d) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
e) Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Answer Key: a) Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: India’s first Integrated Waste Management City and Learning Centre will be established in Suthni village, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The project aims to employ a circular economy model for waste management.
5.Which country has decided to suspend the application of the 'Most Favoured Nation' (MFN) clause in its tax treaty with India, raising taxes on Indian companies operating there?
A) Germany
B) Switzerland
C) France
D) United Kingdom
E) United States
Answer Key: B) Switzerland
Explanation:
Switzerland has decided to suspend the application of the ‘Most Favoured Nation’ (MFN) clause in its tax treaty with India. This move follows a 2023 Indian Supreme Court ruling that changed the interpretation of the MFN clause, leading Switzerland to impose a 10% withholding tax on dividends paid to Indian companies starting January 1, 2025, compared to the previous 5%.
6.How many days will the Nikshay Niramay Chhattisgarh Abhiyan health campaign run?
A) 50 days
B) 75 days
C) 100 days
D) 120 days
E) 150 days
Answer Key: C) 100 days
Explanation:
The Nikshay Niramay Chhattisgarh Abhiyan, launched by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, is a 100-day health campaign aimed at eradicating diseases like leprosy, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria in the state. The campaign will run from December 2024 until March 24, 2025, covering a duration of 100 days.
7.Which Indian bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) in December 2024 to enhance trade and business collaboration between Australia and India?
A) HDFC Bank
B) State Bank of India (SBI)
C) Punjab National Bank (PNB)
D) ICICI Bank
E) Axis Bank
Answer Key: D) ICICI Bank
Explanation:
ICICI Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private sector banks headquartered in Mumbai, signed an MoU with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) in December 2024. This partnership focuses on boosting trade and business collaboration, specifically in the Australia-India corridor, fostering economic ties between the two nations.
8.For what purpose did the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and India's National Bank for Financing Infrastructure Development (NaBFID) sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) in December 2024?
A) Promoting renewable energy projects
B) Increasing financing for India’s infrastructure sector
C) Enhancing trade relations between India and neighboring countries
D) Supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
E) Advancing digital banking technologies
Answer Key: B) Increasing financing for India’s infrastructure sector
Explanation:
In December 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and India’s National Bank for Financing Infrastructure Development (NaBFID) signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to boost financing for India’s infrastructure sector. This collaboration aims to promote sustainable development by addressing India’s critical infrastructure needs, which include transportation, energy, and urban development projects.
10.Up to how much has the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the limit for collateral-free agricultural loans, effective from 1st January next year?
A) ₹1 lakh
B) ₹1.6 lakh
C) ₹2 lakh
D) ₹2.5 lakh
E) ₹3 lakh
Answer Key: C) ₹2 lakh
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the limit for collateral-free agricultural loans from ₹1.6 lakh to ₹2 lakh. This decision, effective from 1st January next year, aims to provide greater financial access to farmers, particularly small and marginal ones, addressing the impact of inflation and high input costs. The increase will also enhance the uptake of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, empowering farmers to invest more in agricultural operations.
11.What is the name of the premium, women-focused credit card launched by BOBCARD?
A) Crown Credit Card
B) Sapphire Credit Card
C) TIARA Credit Card
D) Ruby Credit Card
E) Elite Credit Card
Answer Key: ₹2,100
Explanation:
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana, increasing the financial assistance for eligible women from ₹1,000 to ₹2,100 per month. This scheme aims to promote women’s financial empowerment and was introduced at a large gathering of AAP’s women supporters. The increase highlights the government’s commitment to improving financial support for women, particularly after the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
11.For which festival did Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu unveil a new logo in December 2024?
A) Hornbill Festival
B) Eaglenest Bird Festival
C) Mopin Festival
D) Losar Festival
E) Buddha Jayanti Festival
Answer Key: Eaglenest Bird Festival
Explanation:
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu unveiled the new logo for the 4th Edition of the Eaglenest Bird Festival in December 2024. This festival is scheduled to take place from January 17 to 19, 2025, at Khellong and Thongre village in West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh. The event highlights the region’s rich biodiversity and promotes sustainable eco-tourism. Additionally, a new cultural route, “Trail of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, will be declared, adding a spiritual and historical dimension to the festival.
12Who was honored with the prestigious honorary rank of ‘General of the Indian Army’ by President Droupadi Murmu?
A)General Bipin Rawat
B)General Ashok Raj Sigdel
C)General Manoj Mukund Naravane
D)General Purna Chandra Thapa
E)General Prabhu Ram
Answer Key: General Ashok Raj Sigdel
Explanation:
President Droupadi Murmu awarded the prestigious honorary rank of ‘General of the Indian Army’ to Nepal’s Army Chief, General Ashok Raj Sigdel. The ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, reflects the deep military ties between India and Nepal and the mutual respect shared by the two nations. This tradition of honoring Nepal’s Army Chief has been in place since 1950 and underscores the strong defense collaboration and friendly relations between the two countries.
13.Which Indian film won the Transforming Society Short Film category at the 13th tve Global Sustainability Film Awards (GSFA)?
A)The Kumbaya Story
B)Dangal
C)Lagaan
D)Piku
E)Barfi!
Answer Key: The Kumbaya Story
Explanation:
The Indian film “The Kumbaya Story” won the Transforming Society Short Film category at the 13th tve Global Sustainability Film Awards (GSFA), held at the prestigious BAFTA venue in London. The film, produced by Kumbaya Producer Co. Ltd., showcases the journey of resilient women who transform their lives through the art of weaving. It also highlights the establishment of the Kumbaya Producer Company, which aims to empower women in sustainable ways.
14.Which country has been awarded the 25th FIFA Men’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in 2034?
A)Qatar
B)Saudi Arabia
C)France
D)United States
E)Brazil
Answer Key: Saudi Arabia
Explanation:
Saudi Arabia has been awarded the 25th FIFA Men’s World Cup, which will take place in 2034. The decision was made at the Extraordinary FIFA Congress held virtually on December 12, 2024, in Zurich, Switzerland. Saudi Arabia was the sole candidate for hosting the event. This will be the first time Saudi Arabia hosts the FIFA Men’s World Cup, and the matches will be played in 15 stadiums across five cities.
15.What is the name of the portal launched by Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh on December 2024?
A)Amrit Gyaan Kosh
B)Karmayogi Bharat Portal
C)Integrated Governance Portal
D)SDG Knowledge Hub
E)Digital India Gyaan Portal
Answer Key: Amrit Gyaan Kosh
Explanation:
On December 2024, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the “Amrit Gyaan Kosh” Portal in New Delhi. The portal aims to strengthen governance and empower public administrators in India by creating a comprehensive knowledge base. The portal is part of the Integrated Government Online Training (IGOT) platform developed by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) and Karmayogi Bharat. It curates best practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), covering themes such as health, education, agriculture, and digital governance.
16.What is the name of the new ginger variety introduced by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) in December 2024?
A)IISR Surasa
B)IISR Shakti
C)IISR Gold
D)IISR Zingara
E)IISR Indra
Answer Key: IISR Surasa
Explanation:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) introduced IISR Surasa, India’s first ginger variety specifically designed for use as a vegetable, in December 2024. Developed through a farmers’ participatory breeding initiative, IISR Surasa aims to improve the yield and quality of ginger. The original rhizome for this variety was discovered by farmer John Joseph in Kodancherry, Kozhikode. It has a creamy golden center, low fiber content, and a 21% dry recovery rate, making it ideal for dry ginger production. The variety has the potential to yield up to 24.33 tons per hectare.
