Q.1. which initiative was launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to enhance the capacity building of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members?
(a) Gram Swaraj Abhiyan
(b) Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi
(c) Rashtriya Gram Vikas Yojana
(d) Digital Panchayat Mission
Ans. (b)
Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi. This initiative aims to empower local bodies and enhance their role in achieving sustainable development goals at the grassroots level.
Q.2. which state launched the Dr. Ambedkar Samman Yojana in December 2024 to support Dalit students pursuing higher education abroad?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Haryana
(c) Delhi
(d) Madhya Pradesh
Ans. (c)
Q.3. what is the main purpose of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, launched by PM Modi on December 25, 2024?
(a) Improve roads in Bundelkhand
(b) Solve water scarcity in Bundelkhand
(c) Boost industries in Bundelkhand
(d) Promote tourism in Bundelkhand
Ans. (b)
Solve water scarcity in Bundelkhand. The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project aims to address water scarcity in Bundelkhand by providing irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower benefits. This initiative is part of the National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers to enhance water resources across India.
Q.4. which state government launched the ‘Banglar Bari’ housing initiative in December 2024 to provide affordable housing to its residents?
(a) Odisha
(b) Bihar
(c) West Bengal
(d) Assam
Ans. (c) West Bengal.
In December 2024, the West Bengal government, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, launched the ‘Banglar Bari’ housing initiative. This state-funded scheme aims to provide affordable housing to the people of West Bengal, addressing housing needs and improving living conditions.
Q.5. In December 2024, India established AYUSH academic chairs in which of the following countries to promote traditional medicine systems globally?
(a) Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia, and Malaysia
(b) Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, and Singapore
(c) USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and France
(d) China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam
Ans. (a) The AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy) chairs enhance research and teaching of Ayurveda and Yoga. They are part of India’s global soft power strategy, aligning with WHO’s endorsement of traditional medicine systems for healthcare integration.
Q.6. Which organization launched the ‘CHARAK’ initiative in December 2024 to provide free treatment for life-threatening diseases to economically weaker sections in Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts?
(a) Coal India Limited (CIL)
(b) Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL)
(c) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
(d) National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
Ans. (b)
NCL, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, launched the ‘CHARAK’ initiative to provide free treatment for critical diseases to families earning below ₹8 lakh annually in Singrauli and Sonbhadra.
Q.7. In December 2024, which scheme was launched by the Indian government to promote long-haul cargo movement via inland waterways?
(a) Jal Marg Vikas
(b) Sagarmala
(c) Jalvahak
(d) Bharatmala
Ans. (c)
The Jalvahak Scheme promotes long-distance cargo transport on key National Waterways with up to 35% cost reimbursement. A similar initiative, Jal Marg Vikas Project (2014), focuses on improving navigation on National Waterway 1 for eco-friendly transport.
Q.8. In December 2024, which scheme was launched by the Indian government to promote electric mobility in India?
(a) FAME-I
(b) FAME-II
(c) FAME-III
(d) PM E-DRIVE
Ans. (d)
In December2024, the Indian government launched the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore for two years (April 2024 to March 2026). This initiative aims to promote electric mobility and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Q.9. Under the “New Cities Scheme” launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, how many smart cities are planned to be developed?
(a) 5
(b) 6
(c) 8
(d) 10
Ans. (c)
The “New Cities Scheme,” introduced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aims to develop eight smart cities across India with an allocation of ₹8,000 crore as a performance-based challenge fund.
Q.10. under the LIC’s Bima Sakhi Yojana, what is the primary aim of the initiative?
(a) Promote women’s entrepreneurship
(b) Train women as LIC agents
(c) Provide women-specific insurance schemes
(d) Financial literacy for women
Ans. (b)
LIC’s Bima Sakhi Yojana aims to empower women by training them as LIC agents, providing stipends, and enhancing financial independence. LIC is headquartered in Mumbai, and its Chairman is Siddhartha Mohanty.