AffairsCloud brings you the complete and important daily Current Affairs Quiz 22 & 23 December 2024 to achieve more marks in Banking, Insurance, UPSC, SSC, CLAT, Railways and all other competitive Exams. We have prepared the current affairs quiz question from our daily current affairs 2024 updates.
Our Current Affairs December 2024 events will help you to get more marks in Banking, Insurance, SSC, Railways, UPSC, CLAT and all State Government Exams. Also, try our Current Affairs Quiz.
Click here for Current Affairs 22 & 23 December 2024
- Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the launch of Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) for electronic-Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (e-NWR) based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF) by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD) and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MoN&RE) in December 2024?
A) The scheme aims to provide Rs 1,000 crore corpus to support post-harvest financing for farmers.
B) Under this scheme, loans up to Rs 50 lakh and Rs 200 lakhs (Rs 2 crore) will be provided for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes, respectively.
C) As per the scheme, farmers can access credit by depositing their produce stored in Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) accredited warehouses, backed by e-NWRs.
1) Only A & B
2) Only A & C
3) Only B & C
4) Only C
5) All A, B & CAnswer-2) Only A & C
Explanation:
On December 16 2024, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD) and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MoN&RE), launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme(CGS) for electronic-Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (e-NWR) based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF) in New Delhi, Delhi.
The scheme aims to provide Rs 1,000 crore corpus to support post-harvest financing for farmers.
As per the scheme, farmers can access credit by depositing their produce stored in Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) accredited warehouses, backed by e-NWRs.
Under this scheme, loans up to Rs 75 lakh and Rs 200 lakhs (Rs 2 crore) will be provided for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes, respectively.
It offers a guarantee fee of 0.4% per annum (p.a.) for farmers and 1% for non-farmers.
The scheme provides guarantee coverage for: 85% of loans up to 3 lakh and 80% for loans between Rs 3 lakh to Rs 75 lakh for small and marginal farmers/women/ SC/ST/PwD and 75% for other borrowers.
The scheme will boost the post-harvest lending to Rs 5.5 lakh crore in the next 10 years. Click here to read more. - Which of the following is ‘not’ a new initiative recently (in December ‘24) launched by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs to improve taxpayer experience and enhance transparency?
1) CBIC Archives
2) Revised Citizen’s Charter
3) New Tax Filing Process
4) Revamped Citizen’s Corner
5) Ease of Doing Business’ Tab for SuggestionsAnswer-3) New Tax Filing Process
Explanation:
In December 2024, Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairperson of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance(MoF), in presence of all Board Members launched a series of initiatives that aim to improve taxpayer experience and enhance transparency.
These initiatives reflect the CBIC’s commitment to digital transformation and taxpayer-centric governance. CBIC aims to create a more efficient and transparent tax administration system.
Revised Citizen’s Charter: A Commitment to Better Service Standards: It provides updated timelines and service standards for taxpayer services like Drawback, Import and Export of Air Cargo.
‘Ease of Doing Business(EoDB)’ tab for giving suggestions: A new platform has been introduced to enable taxpayers to contribute directly to improving the EoDB.
Revamped Citizen’s Corner: Knowledge at Your Fingertips: This portal serves as a centralized hub for tax-related information, simplifying access and encouraging voluntary compliance with tax regulations.
CBIC Archives: A Digital Window to India’s Tax History: This digital archive showcasing the evolution of indirect taxes in India. This platform includes six interactive tiles and about 82 submenus with videos, webinars, and updates on tax topics. - As per the data released by the Ministry of Mines (MoM) in December 2024, India’s key mineral production such as Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR) Mineral and Non-Ferrous Metal Production recorded strong growth in the first seven months of FY 2024-25 (April-October).
Which mineral contributed 69% of the total MCDR mineral production by value, with 274 million metric tonnes (MMT) produced in FY 2023-24?
1) Iron ore
2) Bauxite
3) Manganese ore
4) Aluminium
5) CopperAnswer-1) Iron ore
Explanation:
As per the data released by Ministry of Mines(MoM) at the end of 2024,India’s key mineral production such as Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR) Mineral and Non-Ferrous Metal Production recorded strong growth in the first seven months of FY 2024-25 (April-October), following record levels in FY 2023-24.
Iron ore contributed 69% of the total MCDR mineral production by value, with 274 million metric tonnes (MMT) produced in FY 2023-24.
Manganese ore production grew by 11.1% to 2.0 MMT during April-October FY 2024-25 from 1.8 MMT during the corresponding period of FY 2023-24.
Bauxite production rose by 11.3% to 13.8 MMT in April-October FY 2024-25 from 12.4 MMT in FY 2023-24 (April- October).
Aluminium production in FY 2024-25 (April-October) grew by 1.2% to 24.46 lakh tonnes (LT), up from 24.17 LT in FY 2023-24 (April-October).
Meanwhile, refined copper production increased by 6.0%, rising from 2.83 LT to 3.00 LT.
India is the second-largest producer of aluminium globally, following China.
India is ranked 4th among the top producers of refined copper, with Chile and Peru being the leading producers.
India stands as the 4th largest producer of iron ore, behind Australia, Brazil, and China. - In December 2024, the World Bank (WB) approved a ___________________ loan for the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening (UP-AGREES) Project to enhance crop productivity and farmers’ incomes in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
1) USD 175.30 million
2) USD 258.39 million
3) USD 283.45 million
4) USD 325.10 million
5) USD 396.56 millionAnswer-4) USD 325.10 million
Explanation:
In December 2024, the World Bank (WB) approved a USD 325.10 million loan for the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening (UP-AGREES) Project, which aims to enhance crop productivity and farmers’ incomes in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) provided the USD 325.10 million loan with a 33.5-year maturity and a 6-year grace period.
The project also seeks to attract USD 15 million in private finance to support this initiative.
In the past 10 years, Uttar Pradesh has become a key player in Indian agriculture, leading in wheat production, second in rice, and third in agricultural exports. However, small farmers still face low productivity and poor post-harvest infrastructure.
The project focuses on strengthening agricultural value chains and improving access to credit through the eKisan Credit Card (eKCC) to enhance value-added opportunities.
The project will help establish an Integrated Agri-Export Hub near Jewar Airport in Greater Noida to boost connections with international markets. - Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024 announced by Sahitya Akademi, under the Ministry of Culture in December 2024?
A) Sahitya Akademi announced the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024 in 24 Indian languages (including English).
B) The award consists of a casket with an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
C) Aron Raja’s book Swrni Thakhai written in Bodo language won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the novel category.
1) Only A & B
2) Only A & C
3) Only B & C
4) Only C
5) All A, B & CAnswer-3) Only B & C
Explanation:
On December 18 2024, the Sahitya Akademi, under the Ministry of Culture announced the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024 in 21 Indian languages (including English). The award winners were selected based on recommendations made by a Jury of three members in the concerned languages.
The awards for Bengali, Dogri and Urdu language will be announced at a later date.
The award ceremony will be held on International Women’s Day, March 8 2025 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi (Delhi).
The winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024 include 8 books of Poetry, 3 Novels, 2 short stories, 3 Essays, 3 Literary Criticism, 1 Play and 1 Research.
Aron Raja’s book Swrni Thakhai written in Bodo language won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the novel category.
The award consists of a casket with an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
The Sahitya Akademi Award is the 2nd-highest literary honor in India, following the Jnanpith Award.
The award was established by the Government of India (GoI) in 1954, the Sahitya Akademi is India’s National Academy of Letters.
The Akademi works to preserve and promote literature in 24 Indian languages (including the 22 languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, along with English and Rajasthani) through awards, fellowships, grants, publications, and other initiatives. Click here to read more. - Who has been recently (in December ‘24) appointed as the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) with an additional charge?
1) Suman Berry
2) Bibek Debroy
3) Sanjeev Sanyal
4) Shamika Ravi
5) B.V.R. SubramanyamAnswer-1) Suman Berry
Explanation:
The Vice Chairman (VC) of the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), Suman Berry was appointed as the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) with an additional charge.
He succeeded Bibek Debroy, who passed away on 1st November 2024.
Before being appointed as Vice-chairman of NITI Aayog, held roles as a Global Fellow at the Asia Programme of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (WWICS) in Washington D.C., the United States of America (USA).
He had previously worked as the Director General (DG) of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in New Delhi, Delhi.
EAC-PM is an independent body set up to provide advice on economic and related matters to the Government of India, especially to the Prime Minister. - In December 2024, the Indian Navy (IN) commissioned the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nirdeshak (YARD 3026), the second of four Survey Vessel (large) SVL project in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP).
Which company has built the INS Nirdeshak and ships under SVL project?
1) Cochin Shipyard Limited
2) Goa Shipyard Limited
3) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
4) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
5) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & EngineersAnswer-5) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
Explanation:
On 18th December 2024, the Indian Navy (IN) commissioned the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nirdeshak (YARD 3026), the second of four Survey Vessel (large) SVL project at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), in a ceremony led by the Union Minister of State Sanjay Seth, Ministry of Defence (MoD)
The SVL Project includes four ships, Sandhayak, Nirdeshak, Ikshak, and Sanshodhak. It aims to upgrade the IN’s hydrographic survey fleet by replacing the older Sandhayak-class ships, which were inducted into IN on 5th December 2021.
Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (FOC-in-C ENC), hosted the ceremony to officially induct the second of the four SVL ships being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).
Built with over 80% indigenous material, it has been inducted to enhance hydrographic surveys, navigation, and maritime safety using advanced technologies like Multi-Beam Echo Sounders (MBES), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV). - Which company has recently (in December ‘24) supplied the second batch of 360 loitering munitions, known as ‘Nagastra-1’ to Indian Army (IA)?
1) Premier Explosives Limited
2) Lokesh Machines Limited
3) Economic Explosives Limited
4) Bharat Electronics Limited
5) Hindustan Aeronautics LimitedAnswer-3) Economic Explosives Limited
Explanation:
In December 2024, the Indian Army (IA) received the second batch of 360 loitering munitions, known as ‘Nagastra-1’, from Nagpur(Maharashtra)-based Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited (SLIN), under a contract valued at Rs 2.12 billion (about USD 25 million) which was signed in April 2023.
Developed with over 75% indigenous content, were delivered after rigorous testing and inspection.
The IA placed an order for 480 loiter munitions under Emergency Procurement Powers (EEP) with EEL. The first batch of 120 munitions was delivered in June 2024, and the remaining 360 were delivered in December 2024.
Nagastra-1 is a lightweight, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based, man-portable weapon designed for precision strikes, especially in counter-insurgency and urban warfare. It features a Global Positioning System (GPS)-guided system with a strike accuracy of just 2 meters(m) and can be used for surgical strikes.
The munition has a range of 15 kilometer(km) during remote control operations and 30 km during autonomous flight, with an endurance of 60 minutes. A day/night camera aids in reconnaissance, and a parachute recovery system ensures safety if the flight needs to be aborted. - Name the recently (in December ‘24) discovered large antlion species found in Tamil Nadu (TN).
1) Scaptia muscula
2) Myrmeleon formicarius
3) Lasiochalcidia igiliensis
4) Palpares Contrarius
5) Myrmeleon pictifronsAnswer-4) Palpares Contrarius
Explanation:
In November 2024, researchers discovered a large antlion species, “Palpares Contrarius” from Myrmeleontidae (Antlion family) which resembles a dragonfly, for the first time at the Madras Christian College (MCC) in Tamil Nadu (TN). The discovery in TN contributes to the state’s rich biodiversity.
The study was published in the Journal of the Threatened Taxa and the discovery was documented by Anita Pearline Esther, an entomologist at MCC, TN.
The specimen was deposited in the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Chennai.
Antlions are identifiable by its distinctive antennae and unique vertical wing-flapping flight, with adults being elusive and nocturnal. It belongs to the order Neuroptera.
Antlion larvae make sand pits to catch prey, mainly feeding on ants. The larval stage can last more than a year, depending on the environment and food supply.
Antlions are found in many countries, including Africa, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. In India, they live in states such as Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh(MP). - Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from International cricket in December 2024?
A) He is India’s 2nd-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 537 wickets in 106 matches. After representing India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is and picking up 765 wickets across formats.
B) He received ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year in 2016 for his consistency and brilliance on the field.
C) He received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest sports honours for his exceptional contribution to cricket in 2015.
1) Only A & B
2) Only A & C
3) Only B & C
4) Only C
5) All A, B & CAnswer-1) Only A & B
Explanation:
On December 18 2024, Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier off-spinner announced his retirement from International cricket ending a remarkable 14 year career at the top level across formats. He is India’s 2nd-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 537 wickets in 106 matches.
The announcement was made in the post match press conference following the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
After representing India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is and picking up 765 wickets across formats.
He retires as the 2nd highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, with 537 wickets.
He was the 1st bowler to take 100 wickets in the World Test Championship, achieving this milestone in March 2022.
He became the 2nd-fastest bowler to reach 500 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in 98 games in February 2024.
He has won 11 ‘Player of the Series’ awards in Test cricket, the most by any Indian player.
ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year (2016): Received the award, a testament to his consistency and brilliance on the field. Also ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year (2016)
Arjuna Award (2015): One of India’s highest sports honours, for his exceptional contribution to cricket.
CEAT International Cricketer of the Year (2016-17): Received the first International Cricket Rating System award in recognition of his outstanding performances across formats. Click here to read more.
AffairsCloud Recommends Oliveboard Mock Test
AffairsCloud Ebook - Support Us to Grow
Govt Jobs by Category
Bank Jobs Notification