Q1. How much loan has the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved to enhance the quality and affordability of tertiary health care and medical education in Maharashtra?
(a) $100 million
(b) $250 million
(c) $500 million
(d) $750 million
(e) $1 billion
Q2. Which cricketer surpassed Pat Cummins’ record for the highest buying amount in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by being bought for Rs 24.75 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the 2024 IPL season, making him the most expensive player in IPL history?
(a) David Warner
(b) Mitchell Starc
(c) Steve Smith
(d) Glenn Maxwell
(e) Aaron Finch
Q3. During which edition of the council meeting of the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) was India announced as the Chair for 2024?
(a) 63rd
(b) 62nd
(c) 61st
(d) 64th
(e) 65th
Q4. On which day did the Indian National Congress declare Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as its goal?
(a) 26th January 1930
(b) 15th August 1947
(c) 26th November 1949
(d) 2nd October 1930
(e) 15th August 1929
Q5. Which of the following structures was the first to reflect the grand Persian style in India?
(a) Qutub Minar
(b) Qubbat-Ul-Islam
(c) Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula
(d) Humayun’s Tomb
(e) None of these
Q6. In which year was the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten Southeast Asian countries, established?
(a) 1965
(b) 1967
(c) 1970
(d) 1975
(e) 1980
Q7. Who is the author of the book ‘Pranab, My Father – A Daughter Remembers,’ which discusses late President Pranab Mukherjee’s views on the leadership of the Congress party post the 2014 electoral setback?
(a) Sharmistha Mukherjee
(b) Sagarika Mukherjee
(c) Sushmita Mukherjee
(d) Ayushi Mukherjee
(e) Natasha Mukherjee
Q8. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a:
(a) Federal State
(b) Monarchy
(c) Theocratic State
(d) Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic
(e) Parliamentary Democracy
Q9. Which edition of the joint military exercise “AUSTRAHIND,” involving the Indian Armed Forces and the Australian Army, was conducted in Perth, Australia, from November 22nd to December 6th, 2023?
(a) 1st Edition
(b) 2nd Edition
(c) 3rd Edition
(d) 4th Edition
(e) 5th Edition
Q10. Which team won the Davis Cup in 2023?
(a) Spain
(b) Australia
(c) United States
(d) France
(e) Italy
Solutions
S1. Ans. (c)
Sol. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a significant loan of $500 million to support the improvement of tertiary health care and medical education in Maharashtra.
Details:
- This financial support is part of ADB’s collaboration with the state government of Maharashtra, aiming to achieve the vision of providing affordable and accessible tertiary health care to everyone by 2030 and to strengthen the quality and professionalism of medical practitioners in the region.
S2. Ans. (b)
Sol. Mitchell Starc set a new record in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by surpassing the previous record held by Pat Cummins.
Details:
- Starc was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore for the 2024 IPL season, thereby becoming the most expensive player in the history of IPL.
S3. Ans. (a)
Sol. India’s appointment as the Chair of the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) for 2024 was announced during the 63rd council meeting of ISO, held in London, United Kingdom.
Details:
- This significant development underscores India’s growing influence and leadership in the global sugar industry.
- The ISO plays a crucial role in the international sugar market, and India’s chairmanship is expected to bring valuable insights and contributions to the organisation, reflecting the country’s extensive experience and expertise in sugar production and trade.
S4. Ans. (a)
Sol. The Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as its goal on 26th January 1930.
Details:
- This declaration was a significant step in the Indian independence movement, and January 26 was chosen as the day to celebrate Independence Day until India achieved independence on 15th August 1947, after which this date became Republic Day.
S5. Ans. (d)
Sol. The first distinct example of proper Mughal architecture inspired by Persian architecture, is the tomb of Humayun, in Delhi, built by his widow, Begha Begum (also known as Haji Begum) in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son, Sayyid Muhammad.
These Persian architects were chosen by her. It was the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
S6. Ans. (b)
Sol. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in the year 1967.
Details:
- It is a regional intergovernmental organization that includes ten countries in Southeast Asia, namely Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and others.
- The establishment of ASEAN marked a significant step in regional cooperation and integration among these nations, focusing on economic, political, security, military, educational, and socio-cultural integration amongst its members and other Asian states.
S7. Ans. (a)
Sol. ‘Pranab, My Father – A Daughter Remembers’ is authored by Sharmistha Mukherjee, the daughter of the late President Pranab Mukherjee.
Details:
- In this book, she provides insights into her father’s political life and his views, particularly regarding the Congress party’s leadership after its defeat in the 2014 elections.
- The book offers a unique perspective on Pranab Mukherjee’s life and his role in Indian politics, as seen through the eyes of his daughter.
S8. Ans. (d)
Sol. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic.”
Details:
- This implies that India is an independent entity, adheres to socialism and secularism, and has a democratic government system based on the republic principle where the head of state is elected.
S9. Ans. (b)
Sol. The 2nd edition of the joint military exercise “AUSTRAHIND-23” was conducted between the Indian Armed Forces and the Australian Army.
Details:
- This exercise, which took place in Perth, Australia, from November 22nd to December 6th, 2023, signifies the growing defense cooperation between India and Australia.
- The exercise is designed to enhance mutual understanding, cooperation, and interoperability in military strategies and tactics.
S10. Ans. (e)
Sol. Italy won the Davis Cup in 2023, marking their second title in the history of the tournament.
Details:
- The Italian team, under the captaincy of Filippo Volandri, secured this victory in the finals by defeating the Australian team, led by captain Lleyton Hewitt.