The December 20th Current Affairs Quiz Challenge

In competitive exams such as SSC, Defence, State Exams, and Railways, current affairs play a crucial role in achieving success. These exams often feature a dedicated section that assesses candidates on recent events, government policies, global developments, and scientific progress. Staying well-informed with daily updates enables aspirants to tackle this section confidently, boosting their chances of scoring high marks.

Q1. Which position India achieved in global smartphone exports in 2024?

(a) 2nd

(b) 3rd

(c) 5th

(d) 10th

Q2. Which species was satellite-tagged for the first time globally under Project Dolphin?

(a) Irrawaddy Dolphin

(b) Ganges River Dolphin

(c) Indus River Dolphin

(d) Bottlenose Dolphin

Q3. Which Indian space tech firm is part of the collaboration on space debris removal?

(a) Pixxel

(b) InspeCity

(c) Skyroot Aerospace

(d) Dhruva Space

Q4. Where was the Indian Army AI Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) launched?

(a) Pune

(b) Delhi

(c) Hyderabad

(d) Bengaluru

Q5. What is the mascot for the 38th National Games 2025?

(a) Mauli

(b) Himalayan Tiger

(c) Gaur

(d) Monal

Q6.  What is the duration of the Good Governance Week 2024?

(a) December 15 to December 20, 2024

(b) December 19 to December 24, 2024

(c) December 21 to December 26, 2024

(d) December 18 to December 23, 2024

Q7. What is the name of the affordable housing scheme launched by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee?

(a) Griha Nirman Yojana

(b) Awas Bangla Yojana

(c) Banglar Bari

(d) Swasthya Sathi Housing Scheme

Q8. Which team won the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup?

(a) Manchester City

(b) Real Madrid

(c) Pachuca

(d) Bayern Munich

Q9. Which award was conferred upon Tom Cruise by the US Navy?

(a) Medal of Honor

(b) Presidential Medal of Freedom

(c) Navy Cross

(d) Distinguished Public Service Award

Q10. What is the full form of UCC?

(a) Uniform Civil Consultancy

(b) Uniform Code of Conduct

(c) Uniform Civil Code

(d) Universal Civil Consortium

S1. Ans. (b)

Sol. India rose to the 3rd position in global smartphone exports in 2024, marking significant progress from the 23rd position in 2019. 

Correct Answer: 3rd

Key Points:

• Previous Rank: (2019)23rd
• Export Value (Nov 2024): ₹20,395 crore
• Growth Over Nov 2023: 92% Increase (₹10,634 crore in Nov 2023)
• Government Initiative: Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

S2. Ans. (b)
Sol. The Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) was satellite-tagged for the first time, marking a milestone in wildlife conservation. This marks the first instance of satellite tagging for Ganges River Dolphins, not just in India but globally. 

Correct Answer: Ganges River Dolphin

Key Points:

• State: Conducted in Assam, this initiative marks a major advancement under Project Dolphin, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Significance: First instance of tagging for the species globally and Major milestone under Project Dolphin.
• Collaborating Organizations: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Assam Forest Department, Aaranyak
• Funding Authority: National CAMPA Authority
• IUCN Status of Gangetic Dolphin: Endangered

S3. Ans. (b)
Sol. InspeCity, an Indian space tech company, is collaborating with Orbital Lasers from Japan to explore space debris removal solutions.

Correct Answer: InspeCity

Key Points: 

• Background: India and Japan join hands for space debris removal through laser-equipped satellites.
• Companies,
• Indian company: InspeCity
• Japanese partner: Orbital Lasers

S4. Ans. (d)

Sol. The Indian Army AI Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) was inaugurated in Bengaluru, a hub for technological advancements and innovation, aligning with the Army’s modernization goals.

Correct Answer: Bengaluru

Key Points:

• Key Objective: Foster AI solutions for the Army’s unique needs.
• Key Areas of Research and Development: Predictive maintenance, advanced surveillance, decision support systems, and autonomous platforms.
• Indigenous Talent Development: Reduce reliance on foreign technologies.
• Manoj Pande is the current General of the Indian Army or Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).

 

S5. Ans. (a)

Sol. The mascot “Mauli” is inspired by the Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand, symbolizing the region’s uniqueness and motivating young athletes to aspire higher.

Correct Answer: Mauli

Key Points:

• Hosting State: 38th National Games Uttarakhand Unveils Mascot, Logo, Anthem, and Tagline
• Date of Event : Sunday, December 15, 2024
• Mascot Name : Mauli, inspired by the Monal (state bird of Uttarakhand)
• Logo Inspiration: Based on the Monal, reflecting Uttarakhand’s natural beauty and diversity
• Tagline: “Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak” (From Resolve to Zenith)

S6. Ans. (b)

Sol. The Good Governance Week 2024 is observed from December 19 to December 24, focusing on improving governance and public service delivery.

Correct Answer: December 19 to December 24, 2024

Key Points:

• Campaign Focus: Redressal of public grievances and improving service delivery
• Target Audience: Citizens in rural and urban areas, government officials, and stakeholders in governance

S7. Ans. (c)

Sol. The scheme is called “Banglar Bari,” aimed at providing affordable housing to the rural population of West Bengal. 

Correct Answer: Banglar Bari

Key Points:

• Scheme Name: Banglar Bari
• Funding: Entirely state-funded (Rs 14,773 crore)
• Beneficiaries Identified: 28 lakh identified, with an additional 16 lakh to be added by 2026
• First Installment Amount: Rs 60,000 given to 42 beneficiaries from 21 districts
• Installment Phases: Two phases; Rs 1.30 lakh for remote areas

S8. Ans. (b)

Sol. Real Madrid emerged victorious in the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, defeating Pachuca with a 3-0 scoreline.

Correct Answer: Real Madrid

Key Points:

• Match: Real Madrid vs Pachuca
• Venue: Lusail Stadium, Qatar
• Final Score: Real Madrid 3-0 Pachuca

S9. Ans. (d)

Sol. Tom Cruise received the US Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award for his contributions in promoting awareness and appreciation of the Navy.

Correct Answer: Distinguished Public Service Award

Key Points:

• Awarded For: Outstanding contributions to the military through influential screen roles
• Award Presentation: Ceremony at Longcross Film Studios, Chertsey, Surrey; presented by US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro
• Previous Recipients: Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks (for Saving Private Ryan)

S10. Ans. (c)
Sol. The full form of UCC is Uniform Civil Code.

Correct Answer: Uniform Civil Code

Key Points:

• About Uniform Civil Code (UCC): A Uniform Civil Code refers to a single law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc.
• Constitution Provision: Article 44 of the Constitution lays down that the State shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
• Exception of Goa: Goa is, at present, the only state in India with a uniform civil code.
• The Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, which continues to be implemented after India annexed the territory in 1961, applies to all Goans, irrespective of their religious or ethnic community.