Test your knowledge with the latest quiz on current affairs from 20th December 2024! Stay updated and challenge yourself with key events and happenings around the world.
1.Which village in Gujarat's Banaskantha district has become India's first fully solar-powered border village?
A)Masali
B)Kutch
C)Gandhinagar
D)Bhuj
E)Surat
Answer key : Masali
Detailed Explanation:
Masali is the first fully solar-powered border village in India, located in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district. This village, situated just 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border, has transformed into a 100% solar-powered community.
Key Features:
Population and Location: Masali has a population of 800 people, and it is located in the Vav taluka of Banaskantha, near the Indo-Pak border.
Solar Energy Implementation: Under the PM Suryaghar Yojana, solar rooftops have been installed on 119 houses in the village. These installations generate a total of 225 kilowatts (KW) of electricity, making the village self-sufficient in energy.
2.Which state in India will be the first to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) starting January 2025?
A)Uttarakhand
B)Uttar Pradesh
C)Goa
D)Madhya Pradesh
E)Gujarat
Answer Key: Uttarakhand
Detailed Explanation:
Uttarakhand will be the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) starting January 2025. This significant step follows through on a promise made by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami during the 2022 assembly elections.
What is the UCC?
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is designed to establish uniform personal laws across all citizens of India in matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, regardless of religion or caste. However, tribal communities are excluded from this law.
3. What is the main purpose of the 10th International Forest Fair held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh?
A)To promote wildlife conservation
B)To empower local communities through sustainable forest practices
C)To highlight the importance of forest tourism
D)To showcase forest products for international trade
E)To promote forest-related research and development
Answer Key:
To empower local communities through sustainable forest practices
Detailed Explanation:
The 10th International Forest Fair in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, held from December 17 to December 23, 2024, aims to promote sustainable forest practices and empower local communities. The fair is focused on improving livelihoods through better management of Minor Forest Produce (MFP), which is especially relevant for women empowerment in forested areas.
Key Purpose:
The fair’s theme is “Women Empowerment through Minor Forest Produce.” This highlights the significant role that women play in the collection, processing, and sale of MFPs, which are a vital source of income and sustenance in rural and forest-dependent communities. The fair aims to empower women and enhance their role in the economic and social development of their communities.
4.What is the primary purpose of the $42 million loan agreement signed between the Central Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in December 2024?
A)To enhance the capacity of India’s maritime defense
B)To improve infrastructure in Maharashtra’s urban centers
C)To support coastal protection and strengthen community resilience in Maharashtra
D)To boost agricultural production in coastal areas
E)To promote tourism along the Maharashtra coastline
Answer Key:
C)To support coastal protection and strengthen community resilience in Maharashtra
Detailed Explanation:
The $42 million loan agreement between the Central Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), signed in December 2024, focuses on coastal protection and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities in Maharashtra. This initiative is a direct response to the increasing vulnerability of the coastline to erosion and the impacts of climate change.
Objectives of the Loan:
The main aim of this project is to strengthen coastal protection in Maharashtra, which will enhance the resilience of local communities and safeguard their livelihoods.
The project will focus on restoring and stabilizing the coastline, which has been facing threats from erosion and climate change. This will be achieved through various coastal management techniques.
Stakeholder Involvement:
The Maharashtra Maritime Board will be a key stakeholder, receiving support for shore management planning.
A new Coastal Infrastructure Management Unit will be set up under the project to improve the management and implementation of coastal protection activities.
5.Who has been appointed as the new Managing Director (MD) of State Bank of India (SBI) for a tenure of three years in December 2024?
A)CS Setty
B)Rama Mohan Rao Amara
C)Rajnish Kumar
D)Arundhati Bhattacharya
E)Sashidhar Jagdishan
Answer Key:
Rama Mohan Rao Amara
Detailed Explanation:
Rama Mohan Rao Amara has been appointed as the new Managing Director (MD) of State Bank of India (SBI). His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) following a recommendation from the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB). He will serve a tenure of three years.
Amara takes over from CS Setty, who was promoted to the position of Chairman of SBI in August 2024.
6.Which author won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the English language category for the novel Spirit Nights?
A)Amitav Ghosh
B)Kire
C)Arundhati Roy
D)Ruskin Bond
E)Vikram Seth
Answer Key:
Kire
Detailed Explanation:
Kire won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the English language category for her novel Spirit Nights.
Spirit Nights is inspired by the folklore of the Chang Naga tribe from Nagaland and presents a tale filled with darkness and mystery from the narratives of the tribe. The novel captures the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Chang Naga people, bringing their stories to a wider audience.
The Sahitya Akademi Award is one of India’s most prestigious literary awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to literature in multiple languages. This year, Kire’s work was honored in the English category for its unique blend of folklore and storytelling.
7.Who was honored with the prestigious Red Scarf and the title ‘Dasho’ by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel for significant contributions to education?
A)Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
B)Arun Kapur
C)Ramesh Pokhriyal
D)Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
E)N.V. Raghuraman
Answer Key: Arun Kapur
Detailed Explanation:
Arun Kapur, an esteemed Indian educationist, was conferred the prestigious Red Scarf and the title ‘Dasho’ by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel for his substantial contributions to education in India, Bhutan, and Oman.
The recognition took place during the 117th Bhutanese National Day celebrations at the Changlimithang stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, showcasing his impact on educational development across the region.
The Red Scarf and ‘Dasho’ title are highly prestigious honors in Bhutan, given to individuals for their distinguished services in various fields, and Kapur’s contribution to education across multiple countries earned him this honor.
8.Which stadium is going to host the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships?
A) Eden Gardens
B) Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
C) Wankhede Stadium
D) Salt Lake Stadium
E) Narendra Modi Stadium
Answer Key:
B) Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Explanation:
The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships will be hosted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, making it the first time India will host this prestigious event. The championships are scheduled to take place from September 26 to October 5, 2025.
10.Which college is going to receive the prestigious President's Colours for its contributions to military education and training?
A) National Defence Academy (NDA)
B) College of Defence Management (CDM)
C) Indian Military Academy (IMA)
D) Defence Services Staff College (DSSC)
E) Army War College (AWC)
Answer Key:
B) College of Defence Management (CDM)
Explanation:
The College of Defence Management (CDM) in Secunderabad is set to be awarded the prestigious President’s Colours in recognition of its outstanding contributions to military education and training. Founded in 1970, CDM has evolved into one of India’s most respected institutions, specializing in strategic planning, resource management, and leadership training for military officers. The award will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremonial event at CDM.
11.Who was the recipient of the National Tansen Award 2023?
A) Pt. Ravi Shankar
B) Pt. Swapan Choudhary
C) Ustad Zakir Hussain
D) Pandit Birju Maharaj
E) Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma
Answer Key: B) Pt. Swapan Choudhary
Explanation:
Pt. Swapan Choudhary, a distinguished tabla player from Kolkata, was honoured with the National Tansen Award for 2023 at the Tansen Festival in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. This prestigious award is one of the highest recognitions in the field of Indian classical music. Pt. Choudhary received an honorarium of five lakh rupees, a citation plaque, and a shawl-shriphal as part of the award.
12.What significant achievement has India made in wildlife conservation related to the Ganges River Dolphin?
A) First-ever breeding of Ganges River Dolphin in captivity
B) First-ever satellite tagging of a Ganges River Dolphin
C) Discovery of a new species of Ganges River Dolphin
D) First-ever sanctuary for the Ganges River Dolphin
E) First-ever successful relocation of a Ganges River Dolphin
Answer Key:
B) First-ever satellite tagging of a Ganges River Dolphin
Explanation:
India has achieved a significant milestone in wildlife conservation with the first-ever satellite tagging of a Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica). This initiative is part of Project Dolphin, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and was conducted in Assam. This marks a global first for the species and is a major step in the protection of India’s National Aquatic Animal.
13.From which position did India rise to the 3rd spot in global smartphone exports?
A) 15th to 3rd
B) 10th to 3rd
C) 23rd to 3rd
D) 30th to 3rd
E) 5th to 3rd
Answer Key: C) 23rd to 3rd
Explanation:
India’s rise in global smartphone exports is remarkable, as the country moved from the 23rd position in 2019 to the 3rd spot in 2024. This achievement, with smartphone exports crossing ₹20,000 crore in November 2024, highlights the success of government initiatives and the strengthening of India’s domestic manufacturing and export ecosystem.
14.Who won both the FIDE World Under-18 Youth Rapid and Blitz titles in Slovenia?
A) Alexander Khripachenko
B) Roman Pyrih
C) Pranav Venkatesh
D) Magnus Carlsen
E) Viswanathan Anand
Answer Key: C) Pranav Venkatesh
Explanation:
Pranav Venkatesh, the top-seeded Grandmaster from Chennai, made history by winning both the FIDE World Under-18 Youth Rapid and Blitz titles in Slovenia. He clinched the gold medal in the Rapid category with an impressive score of 9.5 points. His victory in both categories highlights his exceptional skill and composure on the international chess stage.
15.What remarkable achievement did Kiran Ankush Jadhav accomplish at the 67th National Shooting Championship?
A) He won the men’s 10m air rifle title
B) He claimed the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions (3P) title
C) He broke the National Shooting Championship record
D) He secured a silver medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions
E) He won the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol title
Answer Key: B) He claimed the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions (3P) title
Explanation:
Kiran Ankush Jadhav made a remarkable performance at the 67th National Shooting Championship in Bhopal, claiming the gold medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions (3P) event. Despite being in third place until the 40th shot, Jadhav made a strong comeback in the final stages, scoring a series of high marks to finish with 465.8 points, surpassing Olympian Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Paris Olympic bronze medalist Swapnil Kusale.
16.What is the mascot of the 38th National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand?
A) Sheru
B) Mauli
C) Tiger
D) Gaur
E) Himadri
Answer Key:
B) Mauli
Explanation:
The mascot for the 38th National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand is “Mauli,” inspired by the Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand. The mascot symbolizes the region’s uniqueness and aims to motivate young athletes to aim high. The unveiling of Mauli, along with the logo, jersey, anthem, and tagline, was a significant part of the event marking the launch of the Games.
17.On which day is Minorities Rights Day observed every year?
A) December 10
B) December 18
C) December 20
D) December 25
E) November 10
Answer Key: B) December 18
Explanation:
Minorities Rights Day is observed every year on December 18 to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations’ Statement on the Rights of Individuals belonging to Religious or Linguistic National or Ethnic Minorities in 1992. The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) in India celebrated this day on December 18, 2024, to raise awareness about the rights of minorities and promote their freedom, equality, and inclusion in society.
