Current Affairs — Batch 1 | BPSC Practice Questions

India Current Affairs — Space

Q292MediumBPSC Prelims

India's first solar observation mission, Aditya-L1, was successfully launched in 2023. Where is it positioned?

AIn low Earth orbit (400 km above Earth)

BAt the L1 Lagrange point between Earth and Sun (approximately 1.5 million km from Earth)

COn the surface of the Sun

DIn a geostationary orbit at 36,000 km above Earth

Show Answer

✔ B — At the L1 Lagrange point between Earth and Sun (approximately 1.5 million km from Earth)

Aditya-L1:
- Launch: September 2, 2023 (PSLV-C57) from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota
- Destination: L1 Lagrange Point — 1.5 million km from Earth (toward Sun)
- Reached L1: January 6, 2024 — inserted into halo orbit around L1
Why L1?
- L1 is a gravitational balance point between Earth and Sun
- Spacecraft at L1 can observe the Sun continuously without eclipses
- Unobstructed 24/7 view of the Sun
- Minimal fuel required to maintain position
Payloads (7 scientific instruments):
- VELC: Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (studies solar corona)
- SUIT: Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope
- SoLEXS: Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer
- HEL1OS: High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer
Objectives: Study solar corona heating, solar wind, CMEs (Coronal Mass Ejections), solar flares, and their impact on Earth's space weather.
*Why A is wrong:* LEO = ISS, Earth observation satellites — not a solar observatory.
*Why C is wrong:* Spacecraft cannot land on the Sun (10,000°C surface).
*Why D is wrong:* Geostationary orbit = communication satellites; Sun would only be visible half the time.

Q293MediumBPSC Prelims

India's human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, aims to send Indian astronauts to space. The astronaut candidates selected for Gaganyaan are from which branch of India's armed forces?

AIndian Navy

BIndian Air Force

CIndian Army

DBoth Indian Army and Navy

Show Answer

✔ B — Indian Air Force

Gaganyaan Mission:
- India's first crewed spaceflight mission (ISRO)
- Target: send 3 Indian astronauts (Vyomanauts/Gaganauts) to Low Earth Orbit (400 km) for 3 days
Astronaut candidates (selected January 2020): 4 Indian Air Force test pilots:
1. Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair
2. Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
3. Group Captain Angad Pratap
4. Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla
All trained at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Russia (2020-21); further training continues.
Mission components:
- Uncrewed test flights first (LVM3 rocket), then crewed mission
- Indian Space Policy 2023: ISRO focuses on R&D; commercial space operations through IN-SPACe and NSIL
- VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram: developing Crew Escape System (CES)
Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla: selected for Axiom Space mission to ISS (Ax-4) as part of NASA collaboration.
*Why A is wrong:* Indian Navy pilots were not selected for Gaganyaan.
*Why C is wrong:* Army — no army pilots selected.
*Why D is wrong:* Only IAF test pilots were selected — not army.

India Current Affairs — Space/Technology

Q294HardBPSC Prelims

India's UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has become a global digital payment success story. Which organisation operates UPI?

AReserve Bank of India (RBI)

BState Bank of India (SBI)

CNational Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)

DMinistry of Finance, Government of India

Show Answer

✔ C — National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)

UPI (Unified Payments Interface):
- Operated by: NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India)
- NPCI: set up by RBI and Indian Banks' Association (IBA); not-for-profit umbrella organisation for retail payments
- UPI launched: April 2016
- Architecture: works on IMPS infrastructure; 24/7 instant bank-to-bank transfers via smartphone
UPI milestones:
- August 2023: 10 billion transactions in a single month (first time)
- 2023-24: ₹200 lakh crore ($2.4 trillion) annual transaction value
- Users: 300 million+ active users
- Countries accepting UPI: UAE, Singapore, France (Eiffel Tower), UK, Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius
Key UPI products: BHIM UPI, PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm — all built on NPCI's UPI rails.
NPCI also operates: RuPay (card network), NEFT, RTGS, NACH (auto-debit), FASTag (highway tolls), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS).
*Why A is wrong:* RBI regulates payments systems and owns NPCI jointly (with IBA), but NPCI operates UPI.
*Why B is wrong:* SBI is a commercial bank that uses UPI — it doesn't operate the system.
*Why D is wrong:* Ministry of Finance makes policy; NPCI operates.

India Current Affairs — Technology

Q295MediumBPSC Prelims

The "One Nation, One Subscription" scheme launched by the Government of India in 2024 aims to:

AProvide one mobile SIM card to every Indian citizen free of charge

BProvide Indian government institutions and researchers access to major international academic journals through a centralized subscription

CCreate a single OTT platform (like Netflix) for all Indian content

DProvide one universal health insurance subscription across all states

Show Answer

✔ B — Provide Indian government institutions and researchers access to major international academic journals through a centralized subscription

One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS):
- Launched: 2024 by Ministry of Education / DST (Department of Science & Technology)
- Purpose: Centrally procure subscriptions to major international academic/research journals and provide access to ALL government-funded institutions (universities, colleges, research labs) across India
- Coverage: ~6,300 institutions, ~1.8 crore (18 million) researchers and students
Problem it solves: Individual Indian institutions pay separately for journals like Nature, Science, Elsevier — costs ₹1,000-₹5,000 crore collectively. ONOS negotiates a single national deal — saving costs + democratising access to rural/tier-2 colleges.
Key beneficiaries: IITs, IIMs, NIT, central universities, state universities, ICAR, DRDO, CSIR labs, and regional institutions.
Publishers included: Elsevier, Springer Nature, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, etc.
*Why A is wrong:* One SIM scheme = separate concept; telecom area not education.
*Why C is wrong:* No government OTT platform = "One Nation, One Subscription" is academic, not entertainment.
*Why D is wrong:* Health insurance = Ayushman Bharat — different scheme.

India Current Affairs — Government Scheme

Q296EasyBPSC Prelims

Under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), how much financial assistance is provided to eligible farmer families per year?

A₹2,000 per year (in 1 instalment)

B₹6,000 per year (in 3 equal instalments of ₹2,000 each)

C₹12,000 per year (in 4 quarterly instalments)

D₹5,000 per year (in 2 instalments)

Show Answer

✔ B — ₹6,000 per year (in 3 equal instalments of ₹2,000 each)

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN):
- Launched: February 24, 2019 (Gorakhpur, UP)
- Benefit: ₹6,000/year in 3 instalments of ₹2,000 each (April-July, August-November, December-March)
- Transfer mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly to bank accounts (Aadhaar-linked)
- Beneficiaries: Small and marginal farmer families owning up to 2 hectares of land
Key features:
- Fully funded by Central Government (100%)
- ~11-12 crore (110-120 million) farmer beneficiaries
- Total outlay: ~₹60,000 crore/year
- e-KYC mandatory for PM-KISAN beneficiaries
Bihar under PM-KISAN: ~85 lakh (8.5 million) registered farmers; Bihar's agriculture-dependent economy makes PM-KISAN critical for rural income support.
16th instalment: released in 2024 — ongoing scheme.
*Why A is wrong:* ₹2,000 is one instalment, not annual total.
*Why C is wrong:* ₹12,000 and quarterly = incorrect — PM-KISAN is ₹6,000/year in 3 instalments.
*Why D is wrong:* ₹5,000 in 2 instalments is not PM-KISAN's structure.

Q297MediumBPSC Prelims

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to provide:

AIrrigation water to all agricultural fields in India by 2030

BTap water connection (Har Ghar Jal) to every rural household in India by 2024

CClean drinking water to urban slums through public taps by 2022

DDesalination plants in all coastal states by 2025

Show Answer

✔ B — Tap water connection (Har Ghar Jal) to every rural household in India by 2024

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) / Har Ghar Jal:
- Launched: August 15, 2019
- Target: Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household by 2024
- Budget: ₹3.60 lakh crore (2019-2024)
- Ministry: Jal Shakti Ministry
Progress:
- August 2019: Only ~3.23 crore (17%) rural households had tap connections
- By 2024: ~14.18 crore (73%+) households covered
- Goal: 19.21 crore rural households total
Key features:
- Potable water: 55 litres per person per day (lpcd) minimum
- Water Quality Testing: Village-level water quality testing labs; women trained as Jal Sahayikas
- Community participation: Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs)
Bihar under JJM: significant challenge — historically one of the lowest coverage states. JJM pipeline work underway in Muzzafarpur, Darbhanga, Samastipur districts.
*Why A is wrong:* JJM = drinking water, not irrigation. Irrigation = PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
*Why C is wrong:* JJM targets RURAL households — urban water = AMRUT scheme.
*Why D is wrong:* Desalination = separate coastal state schemes, not JJM.

Q298MediumBPSC Prelims

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) provides health coverage of:

A₹1 lakh per family per year

B₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation

C₹10 lakh per family per year for all medical expenses

D₹2 lakh per family per year for outpatient treatment

Show Answer

✔ B — ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY:
- Launched: September 23, 2018 (Ranchi, Jharkhand) — World's largest health insurance scheme
- Coverage: ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization
- Beneficiaries: ~55 crore (550 million) people — bottom 40% of India's population (SECC 2011 data)
- Cashless and paperless: treatment at empaneled public and private hospitals
- Ministry: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; implemented by NHA (National Health Authority)
Key features:
- No cap on family size
- Pre-existing conditions covered from Day 1
- 1,949+ treatment packages covering surgery, medical, day care
- ~27,500 empaneled hospitals (public + private)
Bihar under PM-JAY: high number of beneficiaries; PMJAY-MERA SWASTHYA MERI SAHULAT in Bihar.
2024 expansion: PM Modi extended PM-JAY to all senior citizens (70+) regardless of income — Ayushman Bharat for Senior Citizens.
*Why A is wrong:* ₹1 lakh = much lower than actual ₹5 lakh.
*Why C is wrong:* ₹10 lakh = not PM-JAY's coverage limit.
*Why D is wrong:* PM-JAY covers HOSPITALIZATION (inpatient) — outpatient covered by Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs).

Q299HardBPSC Prelims

The PM SVANidhi scheme was launched to provide microcredit to which category of workers?

ASmall scale factory workers in MSME sector

BStreet vendors and hawkers to restart livelihoods affected by COVID-19

CWomen self-help groups in rural areas for entrepreneurship

DDaily wage agricultural labourers during crop failure

Show Answer

✔ B — Street vendors and hawkers to restart livelihoods affected by COVID-19

PM SVANidhi (PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi):
- Launched: June 1, 2020 (during COVID-19 pandemic)
- Ministry: Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
- Purpose: Micro-credit for street vendors displaced by COVID-19 lockdowns
Loan structure:
- 1st loan: ₹10,000 (working capital)
- 2nd loan: ₹20,000 (on timely repayment)
- 3rd loan: ₹50,000 (further timely repayment)
- Digital transactions: incentive of ₹100/month cashback for digital payments
- Interest subsidy: 7% per annum
Beneficiaries: ~50 lakh (5 million) street vendors — dhaba owners, vegetable sellers, fruit vendors, laundry persons, barbers, cobbler shops, paan shops.
Bihar: ~2 lakh+ street vendors registered in Bihar. Patna city: largest beneficiary among Bihar's urban areas.
*Why A is wrong:* MSME factory workers = different schemes (Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme, CGTMSE).
*Why C is wrong:* Women SHG microcredit = DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana), not SVANidhi.
*Why D is wrong:* Agricultural labourers = MGNREGS, PM-KISAN for farmers — not SVANidhi.

India Current Affairs — Constitutional/Political

Q300MediumBPSC Prelims

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules were notified by the Government of India in:

ADecember 2019 (same time as the Act was passed)

BMarch 2024

CJanuary 2021

DAugust 2023

Show Answer

✔ B — March 2024

Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA):
- Act passed: December 11, 2019 (Rajya Sabha); December 9, 2019 (Lok Sabha)
- Received Presidential assent: December 12, 2019
- CAA Rules notified: March 11, 2024 (implementation rules published in Gazette)
- Application portal launched: March 2024 — online applications via CAA portal
What CAA does:
- Grants fast-track citizenship to persecuted Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014
- Notable exclusion: Does NOT include Muslims from these countries
- Controversy: Critics argue it discriminates based on religion; proponents say it protects religious minorities
Key: CAA does NOT remove Indian citizenship from anyone; it provides citizenship TO qualifying persecuted minorities from 3 specific countries.
*Why A is wrong:* Rules were NOT notified in 2019 — only the Act was passed. There was a 4-year gap.
*Why C is wrong:* 2021 rules were not notified then.
*Why D is wrong:* August 2023 is incorrect.

India Current Affairs — Economy

Q301HardBPSC Prelims

India became the world's 5th largest economy by nominal GDP in 2023, surpassing which country?

AGermany

BUnited Kingdom

CFrance

DCanada

Show Answer

✔ B — United Kingdom

India's GDP ranking:
- 2022: India surpassed UK to become 5th largest economy (nominal GDP)
- India officially confirmed as 5th largest: IMF, World Bank data 2022-2023
- India's GDP 2023-24: ~$3.7 trillion (nominal)
Rankings (2024, nominal GDP):
1. USA (~$27 trillion)
2. China (~$18 trillion)
3. Germany (~$4.4 trillion)
4. Japan (~$4.2 trillion)
5. India (~$3.7 trillion)
6. United Kingdom (~$3.1 trillion)
7. France
India's GDP targets:
- $5 trillion economy: originally targeted by 2025, revised to 2027-28
- $10 trillion economy: targeted by 2032
- Developed nation: "Viksit Bharat 2047" by India's centenary
Growth rate: India's GDP growth rate 2023-24: 8.2% — fastest growing major economy.
*Why A is wrong:* India has NOT yet surpassed Germany (Germany is 3rd).
*Why C is wrong:* France (7th) is ranked lower than India; India surpassed France earlier.
*Why D is wrong:* Canada (~$2.2 trillion) is ranked lower than India.

Q302MediumBPSC Prelims

The Union Budget 2024-25 introduced changes to the income tax structure. Under the new tax regime, what is the revised tax exemption limit for individual taxpayers?

A₹2.5 lakh

B₹3 lakh

C₹5 lakh (with rebate under Section 87A)

D₹7 lakh (with rebate under Section 87A under new regime)

Show Answer

✔ D — ₹7 lakh (with rebate under Section 87A under new regime)

Income Tax — New Regime (FY 2024-25):
Under the New Tax Regime (default from FY 2023-24 onwards):
- Tax-free income: up to ₹7 lakh per year (due to Section 87A rebate)
- Basic exemption: ₹3 lakh (no tax on first ₹3 lakh)
- Rebate u/s 87A: ₹25,000 rebate if income ≤ ₹7 lakh → effectively zero tax up to ₹7 lakh
New Tax Regime slabs (FY 2024-25 — Budget changes):
- ₹0 – ₹3 lakh: NIL
- ₹3 – ₹7 lakh: 5%
- ₹7 – ₹10 lakh: 10%
- ₹10 – ₹12 lakh: 15%
- ₹12 – ₹15 lakh: 20%
- Above ₹15 lakh: 30%
Budget 2024-25 changes: Standard deduction raised from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 for salaried employees under new regime.
Old Tax Regime: ₹2.5 lakh basic exemption (still allows deductions — 80C, 80D etc.).
*Why A is wrong:* ₹2.5 lakh = old regime basic exemption (no rebate consideration).
*Why B is wrong:* ₹3 lakh = basic exemption under new regime, but with Section 87A rebate, effectively ₹7 lakh.
*Why C is wrong:* ₹5 lakh with 87A was the OLD regime rebate limit (changed to ₹7 lakh under new regime).

India Current Affairs — Defence

Q303MediumBPSC Prelims

INS Vikrant, India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier, was commissioned in 2022. Which shipyard built it?

AMazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai

BCochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi

CHindustan Shipyard, Visakhapatnam

DGarden Reach Shipbuilders, Kolkata

Show Answer

✔ B — Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi

INS Vikrant (IAC-1 — Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1):
- Commissioned: September 2, 2022 (by PM Narendra Modi, Kochi)
- Built by: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, Kerala
- Construction period: ~14 years (keel laid 2009; launched 2013; commissioned 2022)
Specifications:
- Displacement: 45,000 tonnes (full load)
- Length: 262 metres
- Speed: 28 knots
- Aircraft: 30 aircraft — MiG-29K fighters, MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, Ka-31 AEW helicopters
- Crew: 1,600 (including aviation personnel)
Historical significance:
- Named after original INS Vikrant (British-built Majestic-class carrier decommissioned 1997)
- India's largest ever military platform
- "Vikrant" means "courageous" in Sanskrit
- India joined elite group: USA, UK, France, Russia, China — nations that can build aircraft carriers
India now has 2 aircraft carriers: INS Vikrant + INS Vikramaditya (Soviet-era Gorshkov, refurbished in Russia).
*Why A is wrong:* Mazagon Dock = submarines (INS Arihant-class) and destroyers — not aircraft carriers.
*Why C is wrong:* Hindustan Shipyard (Vizag) = smaller vessels, submarine maintenance.
*Why D is wrong:* GRSE (Kolkata) = frigates, fast patrol vessels — not aircraft carriers.

Q304HardBPSC Prelims

India successfully tested Agni-V missile with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology in 2024. What does MIRV capability mean?

AThe missile can travel at 5 times the speed of sound (hypersonic)

BA single missile can carry multiple warheads and deliver each to a different target independently

CThe missile can be launched from submarines underwater

DThe missile has a range of over 10,000 km reaching any point on Earth

Show Answer

✔ B — A single missile can carry multiple warheads and deliver each to a different target independently

MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle):
- Agni-V MIRV test: Mission Divyastra — March 11, 2024
- Successfully tested by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)
- Significance: One Agni-V missile can carry multiple nuclear warheads and deliver each to a different target independently
Why MIRV is strategically important:
1. Penetration of missile defence systems: multiple warheads overwhelm ABM (Anti-Ballistic Missile) systems — harder to intercept all simultaneously
2. Counter-force capability: can target multiple military sites with one launch
3. Deterrence: enormously increases India's nuclear deterrent credibility
Agni-V specifications:
- Range: ~5,000-8,000 km (covers all of China)
- Canister-launched (road-mobile) — increased survivability
- Surface-to-surface ballistic missile
- DRDO developed
India joins elite MIRV club: USA, Russia, UK, France, China — India becomes 6th nation.
*Why A is wrong:* Hypersonic (5x speed of sound) = different technology (Shaurya, BrahMos-NG). Agni-V is a ballistic missile, not classified specifically as hypersonic.
*Why C is wrong:* Submarine-launched = Sagarika/K-15; Agni-V is land/canister-launched.
*Why D is wrong:* Agni-V range = ~5,000-8,000 km, not 10,000 km+ (ICBM class).

India Current Affairs — Awards

Q305EasyBPSC Prelims

The Bharat Ratna was awarded to five personalities in 2024. Which of the following was NOT among the 2024 Bharat Ratna recipients?

ALK Advani

BMS Swaminathan (posthumous)

CAPJ Abdul Kalam (posthumous)

DPV Narasimha Rao (posthumous)

Show Answer

✔ C — APJ Abdul Kalam (posthumous)

Bharat Ratna 2024 — India's highest civilian honour — awarded to 5 recipients (posthumous awards marked):
1. LK Advani — veteran BJP leader, former Deputy PM; only living recipient in 2024 batch
2. Karpoori Thakur (posthumous) — former Bihar CM (OBC leader); announced January 23, 2024
3. PV Narasimha Rao (posthumous) — former PM (1991-96); architect of economic liberalisation
4. MS Swaminathan (posthumous) — Father of Green Revolution in India; agricultural scientist
5. Chaudhary Charan Singh (posthumous) — former PM; farmers' champion
APJ Abdul Kalam (former President, Missile Man of India) received Bharat Ratna in 1997 — NOT in 2024.
Bihar significance: Karpoori Thakur's Bharat Ratna was hugely significant for Bihar — he was Bihar's CM twice (1970-71, 1977-79); OBC icon; known as "Jan Nayak" (People's Leader).
*Why A, B, D:* All were 2024 Bharat Ratna recipients.
*Why C is correct:* APJ Abdul Kalam received Bharat Ratna in 1997, not 2024.

Q306MediumBPSC Prelims

Who won the Nobel Prize in Literature 2024?

AHaruki Murakami (Japan)

BHan Kang (South Korea)

CSalman Rushdie (UK/India)

DBob Dylan (USA)

Show Answer

✔ B — Han Kang (South Korea)

Nobel Prize in Literature 2024:
- Winner: Han Kang (South Korea) — born 1970
- Awarded by: Swedish Academy
- Citation: "for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life"
Han Kang: Notable works:
- *The Vegetarian* (2007, English translation 2015) — Man Booker International Prize 2016
- *Human Acts* (2014) — about 1980 Gwangju Uprising massacre
- *The White Book* (2016)
- *The Impossible Goodbye* (2021)
Significance: Han Kang is the first South Korean to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. She is also the first Asian woman to win this prize (Yasunari Kawabata and Kenzaburo Oe were Japanese men).
*Why A is wrong:* Haruki Murakami (Japan) is a famous Nobel "prediction" — has never won.
*Why C is wrong:* Salman Rushdie is a noted author but has not won Nobel in Literature.
*Why D is wrong:* Bob Dylan won Nobel in Literature in 2016 — not 2024.

India Current Affairs — Sports

Q307MediumBPSC Prelims

In the Paris Olympics 2024, India won how many medals in total?

A5 medals (1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze)

B6 medals (0 gold, 1 silver, 5 bronze)

C7 medals (1 gold, 0 silver, 6 bronze)

D4 medals (0 gold, 0 silver, 4 bronze)

Show Answer

✔ B — 6 medals (0 gold, 1 silver, 5 bronze)

Paris Olympics 2024 — India's performance:
India's 6 medals (August 2024):
| Medal | Event | Athlete |
|-------|-------|---------|
| Silver | Shooting 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team | Manu Bhaker & Sarabjot Singh |
| Bronze | Shooting 10m Air Pistol Women | Manu Bhaker |
| Bronze | Shooting 25m Pistol Women | Manu Bhaker (2nd bronze = historic) |
| Bronze | Shooting 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team | Swapnil Kusale (different event) |
| Silver | Wrestling Women 57kg Freestyle | Vinesh Phogat (disqualified — DQ) |
| Bronze | Hockey Men's Team | Indian Hockey Team |
Final medal count after DQ of Vinesh Phogat: 6 medals (0 gold, 1 silver, 5 bronze)
Note: Vinesh Phogat won Silver but was disqualified 100g overweight at weigh-in — controversial.
Historic: Manu Bhaker first Indian to win 2 medals in a single Olympics (modern era).
India's overall rank: ~71st in medal table.
*Why A is wrong:* India won no gold at Paris 2024.
*Why C is wrong:* 7 medals is incorrect after Vinesh's DQ.
*Why D is wrong:* India won more than 4 medals (6 medals).

India Current Affairs — Foreign Policy/International

Q308HardBPSC Prelims

India hosted the G20 Summit in 2023 under the theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." What does this phrase mean and where is it from?

A"Unity in Diversity" — from the Preamble to the Indian Constitution

B"One Earth, One Family, One Future" — from the Maha Upanishad (ancient Sanskrit text)

C"World is One Nation" — from Mahatma Gandhi's writings

D"India Leads the World" — coined specifically for India's G20 Presidency

Show Answer

✔ B — "One Earth, One Family, One Future" — from the Maha Upanishad (ancient Sanskrit text)

India's G20 Presidency Theme:
- Theme: "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" — One Earth, One Family, One Future
- Source: Maha Upanishad (Chapter 6, Verse 72) — ancient Sanskrit text
- Full verse: "Ayam Nijah Paroveti Ganana Laghu Chetasam | Udaracharitanam Tu Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"
- Translation: "This is mine, that is yours — small minds think this. For the large-hearted, the entire world is a family."
India's G20 Presidency (December 1, 2022 – November 30, 2023):
- Summit: September 9-10, 2023, New Delhi (Bharat Mandapam)
- Historic outcome: African Union (AU) became permanent G20 member (India proposed this)
- New Delhi Declaration: consensus on Ukraine war language (India's diplomatic success)
- "One Future" emphasis: developing world priorities, climate finance, digital public infrastructure
G20 members: 19 countries + EU + African Union (permanent from 2023)
*Why A is wrong:* "Unity in Diversity" is India's informal motto — not from Upanishad; not the G20 theme.
*Why C is wrong:* Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam predates Gandhi — it's from Maha Upanishad.
*Why D is wrong:* The phrase is ancient Sanskrit, not coined for G20.

India Current Affairs — Environment

Q309MediumBPSC Prelims

India's climate commitment under the Paris Agreement (NDC — Nationally Determined Contribution) includes achieving what percentage of electric power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030?

A40%

B50%

C60%

D75%

Show Answer

✔ B — 50%

India's Updated NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) — submitted August 2022:
Key targets by 2030:
1. 50% cumulative electric power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030
2. Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% (from 2005 levels)
3. Net zero carbon emissions by 2070
4. Create additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent through forests
India's current renewable energy status:
- Total renewable energy capacity (2024): ~200 GW+ (solar + wind + hydro + biogas)
- Solar alone: ~80 GW+
- Target: 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030
India's commitments at COP28 (Dubai, 2023):
- Signed Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency pledge (triple renewable capacity by 2030)
- Endorsed loss and damage fund for climate-vulnerable nations
- India pushed for "phase down" not "phase out" of fossil fuels
*Why A is wrong:* 40% was India's ORIGINAL NDC target (Paris Agreement 2015 commitment) — updated to 50%.
*Why C, D:* 60% and 75% are higher than India's actual commitment.

India Current Affairs — Ram Mandir

Q311MediumBPSC Prelims

The Ram Mandir (Ram Lalla's Prana Pratishtha) consecration ceremony at Ayodhya was held on:

AJanuary 5, 2024

BJanuary 22, 2024

CDecember 6, 2023

DFebruary 14, 2024

Show Answer

✔ B — January 22, 2024

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Consecration (Prana Pratishtha):
- Date: January 22, 2024
- Performed by: PM Narendra Modi led the consecration ceremony
- Chief priest: Acharya Lakshmikant Dixit
- Shrine: Ram Lalla (infant form of Lord Ram) installed in new temple
Key facts:
- Supreme Court verdict: November 9, 2019 — awarded the disputed 2.77 acre land to Ram Lalla Virajman (deity) for temple; alternative land for mosque
- Masjid-e-Ittehaq mosque: built on 5-acre alternative site at Dhannipur, Ayodhya
- Trust: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra (government-formed trust)
- Temple architecture: Nagara style; built by Chandrakanta Sompura
- Material: Pink sandstone from Rajasthan (Bansi Paharpur quarry)
Completion: First phase consecrated January 22, 2024 with partial construction; full completion expected 2025.
Historical dispute: Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi issue stretching from 1528 to 2019 Supreme Court verdict.
*Why A is wrong:* January 5 = no significant event.
*Why C is wrong:* December 6 = Babri Masjid demolition anniversary (1992) — not consecration.
*Why D is wrong:* February 14 = Valentine's Day; no Ram Mandir event.

India Current Affairs — Constitutional

Q312HardBPSC Prelims

The 'One Nation, One Election' concept was recommended by a high-level committee. Who headed this committee?

AFormer Chief Justice DY Chandrachud

BFormer President Ram Nath Kovind

CFormer Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda

DFormer Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu

Show Answer

✔ B — Former President Ram Nath Kovind

One Nation, One Election Committee:
- Committee headed by: Former President Ram Nath Kovind
- Formed: September 2, 2023
- Report submitted: March 14, 2024 to President Droupadi Murmu
Key recommendation:
- Phase 1: Simultaneous Lok Sabha + State Assembly elections
- Phase 2: Panchayat and local body elections within 100 days of Phase 1
- Constitutional amendments required: Articles 82A, 83, 172, 327, and new provisions for mid-term elections
Arguments FOR:
- Reduced election expenditure (~₹10,000 crore per election cycle currently)
- Policy continuity (Model Code of Conduct disrupts governance)
- Voter fatigue reduction
Arguments AGAINST:
- Federalism concerns (state governments may fall prematurely)
- Logistical challenges (massive simultaneous elections)
- Opposition concerns about central dominance
*Why A is wrong:* CJI DY Chandrachud headed the Supreme Court; not this committee.
*Why C is wrong:* HD Deve Gowda is former PM; not committee head.
*Why D is wrong:* M Venkaiah Naidu was former VP; not head of ONOE committee.

India Current Affairs — National Emblem/Symbols

Q313MediumBPSC Prelims

India recently installed a large bronze National Emblem atop the new Parliament building. What is the weight of this emblem?

A650 kg

B9,500 kg

C25,000 kg

D1,200 kg

Show Answer

✔ B — 9,500 kg

National Emblem on New Parliament Building:
- Unveiled: July 11, 2022 by PM Narendra Modi
- Weight: 9,500 kg (9.5 tonnes)
- Height: 6.5 metres (20 feet)
- Material: Bronze (cast in individual pieces, welded)
- Made by: Sunil Deore's team; cast at Aurangabad, Maharashtra
India's National Emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka):
- Adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath (3rd century BCE)
- Official emblem since January 26, 1950
- Original in Sarnath Museum (UP)
- Design: Four Asiatic lions on a circular abacus (only 3 visible from front)
- Below lions: Dharma Chakra (wheel), flanked by bull and horse
- Motto: "Satyameva Jayate" (from Mundaka Upanishad — "Truth alone triumphs")
New Parliament building: inaugurated May 28, 2023 by PM Modi.
*Why A is wrong:* 650 kg = not the correct weight (too light for a 6.5m bronze emblem).
*Why C is wrong:* 25,000 kg = too heavy.
*Why D is wrong:* 1,200 kg = too light.

India Current Affairs — Scheme

Q314MediumBPSC Prelims

PM Vishwakarma Yojana was launched on September 17, 2023, to benefit which category of workers?

AAgricultural labourers working in paddy fields

BTraditional artisans and craftspersons (18 specific trades)

CIT professionals in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities

DMigrant workers from rural areas employed in construction

Show Answer

✔ B — Traditional artisans and craftspersons (18 specific trades)

PM Vishwakarma Yojana:
- Launched: September 17, 2023 (Vishwakarma Jayanti)
- Budget: ₹13,000 crore (FY 2023-24 to 2027-28)
- Ministry: MSME Ministry
- Target: Traditional artisans and craftspersons — 18 specific trades
18 trades covered:
Carpenter (Suthar), Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith (Lohar), Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith (Sonar), Potter (Kumhar), Sculptor/Stone Carver, Cobbler (Mochi), Mason (Raj Mistri), Basket/Mat/Broom Maker, Doll/Toy Maker, Barber (Naai), Garland Maker, Washerman (Dhobi), Tailor (Darzi), Fishing Net Maker
Benefits:
- Recognition: PM Vishwakarma certificate + ID card
- Training: 5-7 day basic, 15+ day advanced — stipend ₹500/day
- Toolkit incentive: ₹15,000 (e-voucher)
- Collateral-free credit: ₹1 lakh (1st tranche) + ₹2 lakh (2nd tranche) at 5% interest
- Market linkage, digital payment incentives
*Why A is wrong:* Agricultural labourers = MGNREGS, PM-KISAN (for farmers) — not Vishwakarma.
*Why C is wrong:* IT professionals = not the target; Vishwakarma = traditional/manual craft workers.
*Why D is wrong:* Construction migrants = PM SVANidhi (urban); MGNREGS (rural) — not Vishwakarma.

India Current Affairs — Economy/Digital

Q315EasyBPSC Prelims

Which of the following correctly describes "Digital Rupee" (e₹) launched by RBI?

AA cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, traded on blockchain exchanges

BIndia's central bank digital currency (CBDC) issued by the Reserve Bank of India

CA mobile application for UPI payments developed by NPCI

DA foreign exchange reserve maintained in digital form

Show Answer

✔ B — India's central bank digital currency (CBDC) issued by the Reserve Bank of India

Digital Rupee (e₹) — Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC):
- Issued by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- Two forms:
- e₹-W (Wholesale): for large financial institutions — pilot from November 1, 2022
- e₹-R (Retail): for public use — pilot from December 1, 2022
Key features:
- Legal tender: exactly like physical currency (₹100 note) — sovereign guarantee
- NOT a cryptocurrency: no decentralisation; no blockchain speculation; RBI has full control
- Not interest-bearing: unlike bank deposits
- Offline capability being tested
- Privacy: programmable money — government can track large transactions
CBDC vs UPI vs Cryptocurrency:
| Feature | CBDC | UPI | Bitcoin |
|---------|------|-----|---------|
| Issued by | RBI | Banks (via NPCI) | Decentralised |
| Guarantee | Sovereign | Bank balance | No |
| Volatility | None | None | High |
Global CBDC: 130+ countries exploring; China's e-CNY most advanced. India's e₹ pilot ongoing.
*Why A is wrong:* Digital Rupee is NOT cryptocurrency — it's government-issued and centralised.
*Why C is wrong:* UPI app (BHIM) = different; Digital Rupee is separate sovereign currency.
*Why D is wrong:* Forex reserves = India's foreign exchange held in USD, gold, SDRs — not Digital Rupee.

India Current Affairs — Judiciary

Q316MediumBPSC Prelims

Who was appointed as the 50th Chief Justice of India?

AJustice DY Chandrachud

BJustice NV Ramana

CJustice Sanjiv Khanna

DJustice UU Lalit

Show Answer

✔ C — Justice Sanjiv Khanna

Chief Justices of India (recent):
- Justice NV Ramana: CJI #48 (April 2021 – August 2022)
- Justice UU Lalit: CJI #49 (August 2022 – November 2022)
- Justice DY Chandrachud: CJI #50 (November 2022 – November 2024)
- Justice Sanjiv Khanna: CJI #51 (November 11, 2024 onwards)
Wait — let me recalculate:
- DY Chandrachud was the 50th CJI; Sanjiv Khanna is the 51st CJI.
Correction: Justice DY Chandrachud was the 50th Chief Justice of India (November 9, 2022 to November 10, 2024).
CORRECT ANSWER should be A) Justice DY Chandrachud as the 50th CJI.
Note: The question asks "50th CJI" — answer is DY Chandrachud (A).
CORRECT ANSWER: A (correction — see below)

India Current Affairs — Polity

Q317MediumBPSC Prelims

The Electoral Bonds scheme was struck down by the Supreme Court of India as unconstitutional in February 2024. What was the primary ground?

AElectoral bonds allowed anonymous donations to political parties, violating voters' right to information

BElectoral bonds were illegal because only foreign entities purchased them

CElectoral bonds reduced political donations below a minimum threshold

DElectoral bonds violated the freedom of speech of political parties

Show Answer

✔ A — Electoral bonds allowed anonymous donations to political parties, violating voters' right to information

Electoral Bonds — Supreme Court Judgment (February 15, 2024):
- 5-judge Constitution Bench (CJI DY Chandrachud)
- Decision: Unanimously struck down as unconstitutional
Grounds for striking down:
1. Violates right to information (Article 19(1)(a)): Voters have a fundamental right to know the source of political party funding — anonymous bonds denied this
2. Disproportionate restriction: transparency in political funding is essential for free and fair elections
3. SBI directed to submit all bond details to Election Commission of India (ECI)
What were Electoral Bonds?
- Introduced: Finance Act 2017 (effective March 2018)
- Bearer instrument: Anyone could buy bonds from SBI in denominations (₹1,000 to ₹1 crore); donate to political party; party encashes with SBI
- Anonymity: Donor's identity not disclosed to public/ECI — only SBI knew
Post-judgment: ECI published all electoral bond data on website — major political transparency revelation.
*Why B is wrong:* Foreign entities cannot donate to Indian political parties under FCRA — Electoral Bonds were domestic.
*Why C is wrong:* Electoral bonds REMOVED existing limits on corporate donations — didn't reduce anything.
*Why D is wrong:* Freedom of speech (political parties) was not the ground — voter's right to information was.

India Current Affairs — Education

Q318MediumBPSC Prelims

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 replaced which earlier policy?

ANational Policy on Education 1986 (amended 1992)

BNational Policy on Education 1976

CEducation Policy 2005 (RTE Act framework)

DKothari Commission recommendations 1966

Show Answer

✔ A — National Policy on Education 1986 (amended 1992)

National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020):
- Released: July 29, 2020
- Chairman of drafting committee: Dr K Kasturirangan (former ISRO Chairman)
- Replaced: National Policy on Education 1986 (amended 1992)
Key changes under NEP 2020:
1. 5+3+3+4 structure replaces 10+2:
- Foundational (3-8 years), Preparatory (8-11), Middle (11-14), Secondary (14-18)
2. Mother tongue as medium of instruction until Grade 5
3. Multiple Entry-Exit in higher education (credit system)
4. Academic Bank of Credits (ABC): store credits across institutions
5. Multidisciplinary education: arts + science + commerce integration
6. GER targets: 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education by 2035
7. New bodies: PARAKH (assessment), National Research Foundation (NRF)
8. Foreign universities: allowed to set up campuses in India (IIM Ahmedabad abroad, foreign campuses in GIFT City)
*Why B is wrong:* 1976 policy = under Emergency period; NEP 2020 replaced 1986/1992 policy.
*Why C is wrong:* RTE Act 2009 = Right to Education (6-14 years compulsory free education) — separate law.
*Why D is wrong:* Kothari Commission 1964-66 = led to 1968 policy; later 1986 policy further developed.

India Current Affairs — Governance

Q319MediumBPSC Prelims

"Viksit Bharat 2047" is India's vision for:

ABecoming the world's largest economy by 2047

BAchieving developed nation status (Viksit Bharat) by India's 100th year of independence in 2047

CBuilding 100 smart cities by 2047

DAchieving 100% renewable energy by 2047

Show Answer

✔ B — Achieving developed nation status (Viksit Bharat) by India's 100th year of independence in 2047

Viksit Bharat 2047 (Developed India 2047):
- Goal: India becomes a developed nation by 2047 — its 100th year of independence (Centenary of Independence)
- Launched by: PM Narendra Modi; championed as a national vision
Key targets associated with Viksit Bharat 2047:
- GDP: $30 trillion+ (from $3.7 trillion in 2024)
- Per capita income: $18,000+ (developed nation threshold)
- Manufacturing: 25% of GDP
- Net zero emissions: by 2070
- Literacy: 100%
- Education GER (higher education): 50%+
Four pillars of Viksit Bharat:
1. Economy
2. Infrastructure
3. Innovation and Technology
4. Inclusion (social equity)
Supporting initiatives: PM Gati Shakti, PLI Schemes (Production-Linked Incentive), Make in India, Startup India, Digital India.
*Why A is wrong:* World's largest economy = India may not achieve by 2047 (USA and China likely to remain ahead).
*Why C is wrong:* Smart Cities Mission has different targets (100 cities by 2023-24); not Viksit Bharat.
*Why D is wrong:* 100% renewable by 2047 is not the primary Viksit Bharat goal (net zero target is 2070).

Q320EasyBPSC Prelims

Which ministry is responsible for implementing the PM Gati Shakti — National Master Plan?

AMinistry of Rural Development

BMinistry of Finance

CMinistry of Commerce and Industry

DMinistry of MSME

Show Answer

✔ C — Ministry of Commerce and Industry

PM Gati Shakti — National Master Plan:
- Launched: October 13, 2021
- Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry (nodal ministry)
- Purpose: Digital platform for integrated infrastructure planning across 16 ministries
- Platform: GIS-based portal with satellite imagery; all infra projects mapped and coordinated
16 ministries on PM Gati Shakti platform:
Railways, Roads, Shipping, Civil Aviation, Telecom, Power, Petroleum, Irrigation, Forest, Environment, Mining, Inland Waterways, Logistics, Food Processing, Tourism, Urban Development
Goal: End siloed infrastructure planning — coordinate roads, railways, ports so they align and avoid bottlenecks.
Achievements:
- Reduced project approval time
- Identified multimodal logistics parks
- Linked economic zones with transport corridors
PM Gati Shakti in Bihar:
- NH expansion in Bihar (NH-31, NH-319, NH-333)
- Patna-Kolkata expressway planning
- Ganga freight corridor coordination
- Bihar Sharif logistics hub
*Why A is wrong:* Rural Development = MGNREGS, PMAY (Rural) — not Gati Shakti (infrastructure planning).
*Why B is wrong:* Finance Ministry = budget; not infra coordination.
*Why D is wrong:* MSME = SME development; not Gati Shakti.

International Current Affairs

Q321EasyBPSC Prelims

Which country became the first to formally withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for its Prime Minister?

ARussia

BIsrael

CUSA

DChina

Show Answer

✔ B — Israel

ICC and Israel (2024):
- ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan issued arrest warrant applications (May 2024) for:
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu
- Defence Minister Yoav Gallant
- Hamas leaders (Mohammed Deif, Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh)
- Grounds: war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza conflict (October 2023 onwards)
- Israel's response: Rejected ICC jurisdiction; announced withdrawal from ICC Rome Statute
Context:
- ICC warrant: unprecedented targeting of a sitting leader of a Western-allied democracy
- USA opposition: Biden administration rejected ICC's jurisdiction over US allies
- Israel-Palestine conflict: October 7, 2023 Hamas attack → Israeli military response in Gaza → humanitarian crisis
Note: Russia's President Putin also has an ICC arrest warrant (2023, for Ukrainian children deportation) — Russia had previously left ICC (2016). USA never joined ICC.
*Why A is wrong:* Russia never "formally withdrew" in 2024 — Russia had withdrawn in 2016 (earlier, different context).
*Why C is wrong:* USA never joined ICC.
*Why D is wrong:* China is not an ICC member.

Q322MediumBPSC Prelims

The BRICS grouping expanded in 2024 with new member countries. Which of the following became full BRICS members in January 2024?

ASaudi Arabia, UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, Argentina

BMexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey, Bangladesh

CPakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, Sudan

DAustralia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Canada

Show Answer

✔ A — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, Argentina

BRICS Expansion (2024):
- BRICS invited 6 new members at 15th BRICS Summit (Johannesburg, August 2023)
- New members (full membership from January 1, 2024):
1. Saudi Arabia (energy superpower; largest oil exporter)
2. UAE (Gulf financial hub)
3. Ethiopia (Africa's 2nd most populous nation)
4. Iran (joined despite Western sanctions)
5. Egypt (North Africa's largest economy)
6. Argentina (declined membership — new government reversed decision)
Effective from January 2024:
- Saudi Arabia, UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt joined as full members
- Argentina declined under President Milei's new government
BRICS+ (2024 composition):
- Original 5: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
- New 4 (Argentina declined): Saudi Arabia, UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt
- Total: 9 members
*Why B, C, D:* None of these countries joined BRICS in 2024.

Q323MediumBPSC Prelims

Which country's election results led to a significant political change in 2024, with a new government's first major decision being to exit from the Paris Climate Agreement?

ABrazil

BArgentina

CUSA (under President Trump)

DAustralia

Show Answer

✔ C — USA (under President Trump)

USA Presidential Election 2024:
- Election: November 5, 2024
- Winner: Donald Trump (Republican) — defeated Kamala Harris (Democrat)
- Trump's term: January 20, 2025 onwards (47th US President)
Trump's immediate actions (January 2025):
1. Paris Climate Agreement withdrawal: Signed executive order on Day 1 of presidency
2. WHO withdrawal: Initiated process to leave World Health Organisation
3. Border/immigration: Emergency declaration at US-Mexico border
4. TikTok ban reversal: Extended deadline for TikTok sale
5. Ukraine: Signalled change in US support for Ukraine
Context: Trump had also withdrawn from Paris Agreement in his first term (2017); Biden rejoined in 2021 on Day 1; Trump withdrew again in 2025.
*Why A is wrong:* Brazil — Lula da Silva won in 2022; 2024 no federal election in Brazil.
*Why B is wrong:* Argentina — Milei (2023 election); Argentina already exited BRICS, not Paris Agreement in 2024.
*Why D is wrong:* Australia — no such exit; Australia committed to climate targets.

Q324MediumBPSC Prelims

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit held in November 2023 was hosted at:

AWashington DC, USA

BBletchley Park, United Kingdom

CGeneva, Switzerland

DBrussels, Belgium

Show Answer

✔ B — Bletchley Park, United Kingdom

AI Safety Summit (November 1-2, 2023):
- Location: Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
- Historical significance: Bletchley Park = WW2 codebreaking centre (Alan Turing's team cracked Enigma)
- Organised by: UK government (PM Rishi Sunak hosted)
- Bletchley Declaration: Signed by 28 countries including USA, China, India, EU
- Agreement: AI poses serious risks; international cooperation needed on AI safety
- "Frontier AI" (advanced models like GPT-4, Gemini) pose catastrophic risks
Attending nations: USA, China, UK, EU, India, Saudi Arabia, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, etc.
India's participation: Minister of State for Electronics and IT represented India.
Follow-up AI Safety Summits:
- Seoul AI Summit: May 2024 (South Korea)
- Paris AI Action Summit: February 2025 (France)
*Why A is wrong:* Washington DC — no AI Safety Summit 2023.
*Why C is wrong:* Geneva = UN organisations (WHO, WTO, UNHCR) — no AI summit.
*Why D is wrong:* Brussels = EU headquarters — no AI summit; EU AI Act separately enacted.

Q325EasyBPSC Prelims

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to:

AGreta Thunberg (climate activist, Sweden)

BNihon Hidankyo (Japanese organisation of atomic bomb survivors)

CUNHCR (UN Refugee Agency)

DAntónio Guterres (UN Secretary-General)

Show Answer

✔ B — Nihon Hidankyo (Japanese organisation of atomic bomb survivors)

Nobel Peace Prize 2024:
- Winner: Nihon Hidankyo (Japan)
- Full name: Nihon Hidankyo — "Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations"
- Members: Hibakusha — survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945)
- Prize citation: "for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again"
Significance (2024 context):
- Growing nuclear tensions: Russia-Ukraine war nuclear threats; North Korea's expansion
- Hibakusha testimony: surviving witnesses of nuclear attack's horrific human cost
- Message: As Hibakusha age and die, their testimonies must be preserved and heeded
Hiroshima and Nagasaki:
- Hiroshima: August 6, 1945 — "Little Boy" uranium bomb; ~140,000 deaths
- Nagasaki: August 9, 1945 — "Fat Man" plutonium bomb; ~80,000 deaths
- Japan surrendered: August 15, 1945
*Why A is wrong:* Greta Thunberg = prominent climate activist; never received Nobel Peace Prize.
*Why C is wrong:* UNHCR received Nobel in 1954 and 1981 — not 2024.
*Why D is wrong:* António Guterres = UN Secretary-General; not 2024 Peace Prize.

Q326MediumBPSC Prelims

COP29, the UN Climate Change Conference 2024, was held in which country?

AUAE (Dubai)

BEgypt (Sharm el-Sheikh)

CAzerbaijan (Baku)

DBrazil (Belém)

Show Answer

✔ C — Azerbaijan (Baku)

COP29 (Conference of Parties to UNFCCC):
- Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
- Dates: November 11-22, 2024
- UNFCCC = United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Key outcome of COP29:
- New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG): Developed nations pledged $300 billion/year climate finance to developing nations by 2035
- Developing nations demanded $1 trillion+ (India, China, developing bloc)
- $300 billion = seen as inadequate by developing countries including India
- Carbon markets article 6: agreement on international carbon trading rules (Article 6.4 mechanism)
Climate COP history (recent):
- COP26: Glasgow, UK (2021) — 1.5°C target reaffirmed
- COP27: Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (2022) — Loss and Damage Fund established
- COP28: Dubai, UAE (2023) — "transition away" from fossil fuels agreed
- COP29: Baku, Azerbaijan (2024) — $300 billion climate finance pledge
- COP30: Belém, Brazil (2025) — planned
*Why A is wrong:* UAE Dubai = COP28 (2023) — not COP29.
*Why B is wrong:* Egypt Sharm el-Sheikh = COP27 (2022).
*Why D is wrong:* Belém Brazil = COP30 (2025, upcoming).

Q327HardBPSC Prelims

The term "Global South" is increasingly used in international discourse. Which best describes it?

ACountries located geographically south of the equator

BDeveloping and emerging economies, mostly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, characterised by lower per capita income and shared development challenges

CCountries that have signed the Non-Aligned Movement charter

DThe 77 poorest nations as defined by the World Bank

Show Answer

✔ B — Developing and emerging economies, mostly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, characterised by lower per capita income and shared development challenges

Global South:
- A political-economic term (not strictly geographic) for developing and emerging economies
- Primarily located in: Asia, Africa, Latin America, Oceania
- Shared characteristics: lower per capita income, colonial histories, development challenges, limited influence in global governance
"Global South" includes:
- India, China, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Nigeria, Bangladesh
- All of sub-Saharan Africa, most of Southeast Asia, most of Latin America
- Some countries are geographically in the "North" — e.g., Central Asian states
Notable: Australia and New Zealand are geographically in the South but are "Global North" (developed economies).
India's role in Global South:
- PM Modi called India "voice of the Global South"
- "Voice of the Global South Summit": India hosted in January 2023 (virtual); January 2024 (second edition)
- 125 countries participated
- India's G20 presidency: championed Global South interests (AU membership)
G77: Group of 77 developing nations at UN — different from "Global South" but overlapping.
*Why A is wrong:* Geographic south ≠ Global South (Australia/NZ are south of equator but "Global North").
*Why C is wrong:* NAM charter has 120 members; some NAM members (Cuba, Yugoslavia historically) are "Global North" adjacent; Global South ≠ NAM.
*Why D is wrong:* "77 poorest nations" = not the definition; Global South includes middle-income countries like Brazil, China.

Q328MediumBPSC Prelims

The Russia-Ukraine war (February 2022 – ongoing) had a major impact on global food security. Which two countries are among the world's largest grain exporters most affected?

AChina and India

BRussia and Ukraine

CUSA and Canada

DAustralia and Argentina

Show Answer

✔ B — Russia and Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine War — Food Security Impact:
- War began: February 24, 2022 (Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine)
- Combined, Russia + Ukraine account for:
- ~25-30% of global wheat exports
- ~15% of global corn (maize) exports
- ~65-80% of global sunflower oil exports
- ~30% of global barley exports
Impact:
1. Black Sea blockade: Ukraine's grain exports blocked initially → global food prices soared
2. Black Sea Grain Initiative: July 2022 — UN/Turkey mediated deal allowing Ukrainian grain exports; Russia withdrew July 2023
3. Food price crisis: Wheat prices surged 40%+ in 2022; affected countries in Middle East, Africa (bread basket of their food security)
4. India's response: Banned wheat exports (May 2022) to secure domestic supply; later resumed partially
Ukraine's agricultural land: ~30 million hectares of chernozem (black soil, world's most fertile) — "breadbasket of Europe."
*Why A is wrong:* China and India = major grain producers but NOT among top exporters (China imports).
*Why C is wrong:* USA and Canada = major exporters, but Russia-Ukraine WAR specifically disrupted THESE two.
*Why D is wrong:* Australia and Argentina = major grain exporters but not the ones in the war.

Q329MediumBPSC Prelims

The "Quad" grouping consists of which four countries?

AIndia, USA, UK, Australia

BIndia, USA, Japan, Australia

CIndia, China, Russia, USA

DIndia, Japan, South Korea, Australia

Show Answer

✔ B — India, USA, Japan, Australia

QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue):
- Members: India, USA, Japan, Australia
- First meeting: 2007 (Shinzo Abe initiative; dissolved 2008; revived 2017)
- Leader-level QUAD Summit: March 2021 (virtual); September 2021 (Washington DC); May 2022 (Tokyo); May 2023 (Hiroshima); September 2024 (Delaware, Biden's home state — PM Modi attended)
QUAD focus areas:
- Free and open Indo-Pacific
- Maritime security (against Chinese assertiveness in South China Sea)
- Vaccine initiative: QUAD vaccine partnership (1 billion COVID-19 vaccines for Indo-Pacific)
- Critical technologies: semiconductors, 5G, quantum computing
- Climate change
- Cybersecurity, space cooperation
QUAD vs AUKUS:
- AUKUS: Australia, UK, USA — defence/nuclear submarine pact (2021); India NOT a member
- QUAD: No formal military alliance; "security dialogue"
*Why A is wrong:* UK is NOT in QUAD — UK is in AUKUS.
*Why C is wrong:* China and Russia = not in QUAD; QUAD is partly a response to China's rise.
*Why D is wrong:* South Korea is not a QUAD member.

Q330MediumBPSC Prelims

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which has been providing revolutionary astronomical images, is a joint project of:

ANASA (USA) only

BNASA (USA), ESA (European Space Agency), and CSA (Canadian Space Agency)

CNASA (USA) and ISRO (India)

DESA (Europe) and JAXA (Japan)

Show Answer

✔ B — NASA (USA), ESA (European Space Agency), and CSA (Canadian Space Agency)

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST):
- Launch: December 25, 2021 (Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana)
- Location: L2 Lagrange Point (1.5 million km from Earth, opposite side from Sun)
- Joint project: NASA + ESA + CSA (Canadian Space Agency)
- Named after: James Webb — NASA administrator during Apollo era
JWST capabilities:
- Observes in infrared spectrum (unlike Hubble which observes primarily visible + UV)
- Primary mirror: 6.5 metres (vs Hubble's 2.4m)
- Temperature: −233°C (shielded from Sun, Earth, Moon heat by 5-layer sunshield)
Historic discoveries:
- Earliest galaxies: observed galaxies formed just 300-400 million years after Big Bang
- Exoplanet atmospheres: detected carbon dioxide (CO₂) on TRAPPIST-1 system planets
- Pillars of Creation: ultra-detailed new image vs Hubble's classic 1995 image
- Brown dwarfs, star-forming regions, galaxy clusters
India's astronomy: ISRO's ASTROSAT (2015) is India's multi-wavelength space telescope; not part of JWST.
*Why A is wrong:* JWST = international collaboration; not NASA alone.
*Why C is wrong:* ISRO is NOT a JWST partner.
*Why D is wrong:* ESA and JAXA = not JWST partners; ESA is a partner but not JAXA.

Q332MediumBPSC Prelims

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank are called "Bretton Woods institutions." Where was the Bretton Woods Conference held?

AWashington DC, USA

BBretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA

CGeneva, Switzerland

DLondon, United Kingdom

Show Answer

✔ B — Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA

Bretton Woods Conference (July 1-22, 1944):
- Location: Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA (Mount Washington Hotel)
- 44 Allied nations attending (post-WW2 financial order)
- Key architect: John Maynard Keynes (UK) + Harry Dexter White (USA)
Two institutions created:
1. IMF (International Monetary Fund): HQ Washington DC; maintains international monetary stability
2. World Bank (IBRD): HQ Washington DC; development loans to countries
Bretton Woods system (1944-1971):
- Fixed exchange rates: all currencies pegged to USD; USD pegged to gold ($35/ounce)
- Collapsed 1971 ("Nixon Shock"): USA suspended gold convertibility → floating exchange rates
IMF facts:
- 190 member countries; India is a founding member
- Special Drawing Rights (SDR): IMF's reserve currency basket (USD, EUR, JPY, GBP, CNY)
- India's quota: contributes and can borrow from IMF
World Bank facts:
- 189 member countries
- World Bank Group: IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA, ICSID
- IDA (International Development Association): soft loans to poorest countries (India was major IDA borrower)
*Why A is wrong:* Washington DC = where IMF/World Bank HQs are, not where conference was.
*Why C is wrong:* Geneva = UN agencies (WHO, WTO, ILO, UNHCR); not Bretton Woods.
*Why D is wrong:* London was G7 summit location historically; not Bretton Woods.

Q333MediumBPSC Prelims

The SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Summit of 2023 was hosted by India. In which city was it held?

AMumbai

BNew Delhi

CIt was held virtually (online) — India hosted as a virtual SCO Summit

DGoa

Show Answer

✔ C — It was held virtually (online) — India hosted as a virtual SCO Summit

SCO Summit 2023 — India's Chairmanship:
- India's SCO Chairmanship: 2022-2023
- Summit: July 4, 2023 — held virtually/online (India's decision to host digitally)
- India became the first to host SCO Summit online
India's SCO Chairmanship theme: "SECURE" (Security, Economics, Connectivity, Unity, Respect, Example)
SCO members (as of 2023):
- Original: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan (founded 2001)
- India + Pakistan: joined as full members in 2017
- Iran: joined 2023
- Belarus: joined 2024
SCO headquarters: Beijing, China
SCO Summit 2024: Astana, Kazakhstan (in-person)
India's complex position:
- SCO: India is a member alongside rival China and adversary Pakistan
- India-China border tensions (Galwan Valley, 2020) persist
- India-Pakistan: no normalization; terror concerns
*Why A, B, D:* India chose virtual format — no physical city hosted the 2023 SCO Summit.

Q334MediumBPSC Prelims

The "Global Digital Compact" was adopted at which major international summit?

AG20 Summit, New Delhi 2023

BUN Summit of the Future, September 2024

CWorld Economic Forum, Davos 2024

DAI Safety Summit, Bletchley Park 2023

Show Answer

✔ B — UN Summit of the Future, September 2024

Global Digital Compact (GDC):
- Adopted: UN Summit of the Future, September 22-23, 2024 (New York, UNGA week)
- Part of: Pact for the Future (broader UN reforms package)
What GDC covers:
- Universal, safe, digital connectivity for all nations
- AI governance: international cooperation on AI safety and benefits
- Data governance: inclusive data economy
- Digital public goods and digital commons
- Closing digital divides (Global South vs Global North)
Summit of the Future: Landmark UN summit on multilateral system reform:
- Pact for the Future: reforms to UN Security Council, climate finance, AI governance
- UNSC reform: India's longstanding demand for permanent UNSC seat discussed
- India's position: strongly advocates for UNSC reform and developing world interests
*Why A is wrong:* G20 2023: New Delhi — digital infrastructure discussed but GDC not formally adopted.
*Why C is wrong:* Davos = World Economic Forum (private); no intergovernmental compacts.
*Why D is wrong:* AI Safety Summit (Bletchley) = Bletchley Declaration, not Global Digital Compact.

Q335HardBPSC Prelims

WHO declared "Mpox" (formerly Monkeypox) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2024. This was due to a new strain primarily spreading in which region?

ASouth Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)

BCentral and East Africa (particularly Democratic Republic of Congo, Clade Ib strain)

CSoutheast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia)

DLatin America (Brazil, Colombia, Peru)

Show Answer

✔ B — Central and East Africa (particularly Democratic Republic of Congo, Clade Ib strain)

Mpox (Monkeypox) PHEIC 2024:
- WHO Declaration: August 14, 2024 — second PHEIC for Mpox (first was 2022)
- Driver: New Mpox variant — Clade Ib — more severe, spreading rapidly in:
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda — east African countries with no prior Mpox history
Why Clade Ib is concerning:
- First time, Clade Ib spreading through sexual networks (vs traditional animal-to-human transmission)
- Higher case fatality rate than previous strains
- Children heavily affected in DRC
- Cross-border spread via truck routes, refugee camps
Mpox basics:
- Caused by: Monkeypox virus (Orthopoxvirus genus, same family as smallpox)
- Transmission: close contact (skin, respiratory, sexual)
- Symptoms: fever, rash, skin lesions
- 2022 outbreak: global outbreak (Europe, Americas) — Clade IIb — successfully contained
- Vaccines: JYNNEOS (MVA-BN) vaccine available; India has limited stocks
India's response: Health Ministry issued advisory; surveillance at airports, ports; limited mpox cases in India.
*Why A, C, D:* The 2024 outbreak was specifically DRC and East Africa — not these regions.

Q336EasyBPSC Prelims

The United Nations headquarters is located in:

AGeneva, Switzerland

BNew York City, USA

CVienna, Austria

DBrussels, Belgium

Show Answer

✔ B — New York City, USA

United Nations (UN):
- Headquarters: New York City, USA (Manhattan — international territory)
- Founded: October 24, 1945 (UN Day)
- Charter signed: June 26, 1945 (San Francisco)
- Members: 193 member states
- Secretary-General: António Guterres (Portugal) — since 2017; second term 2022-2026
UN principal organs:
1. General Assembly (UNGA): 193 members; one country one vote; meets September-December (annual)
2. Security Council (UNSC): 15 members (5 permanent P5 + 10 rotating); primary responsibility for peace/security
3. International Court of Justice (ICJ): The Hague, Netherlands
4. Secretariat: New York; Secretary-General heads it
5. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): New York
6. Trusteeship Council: now inactive
UN major offices outside New York:
- Geneva: UNHCR, WHO, WTO, ILO, OHCHR
- Vienna: IAEA, UNODC, CTBTO
- Nairobi: UNEP, UN-Habitat
*Why A is wrong:* Geneva = major UN agency hub but NOT main headquarters.
*Why C is wrong:* Vienna = IAEA and CTBTO — not UN HQ.
*Why D is wrong:* Brussels = NATO, EU headquarters — not UN.

Q337MediumBPSC Prelims

"The Moon Agreement" (1979) regarding the activities of States on the Moon is notable because:

AIt has been ratified by all 193 UN member states

BNo major space-faring nation (USA, Russia, China, India) has ratified it

CIndia ratified it in 2023 before Chandrayaan-3 landing

DThe USA and China both ratified it in 2020

Show Answer

✔ B — No major space-faring nation (USA, Russia, China, India) has ratified it

Moon Agreement (Agreement Governing Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, 1979):
- Key provision: Moon and its resources are the "Common Heritage of Mankind" — cannot be owned/exploited by any single nation or private entity
Why no major space power ratified:
- USA, Russia, China, India, Japan = NONE have ratified
- Only 18 signatories (mostly non-space nations)
- The "Common Heritage" clause conflicts with commercial space interests
- USA: Artemis Accords (2020) — bilateral agreements with allied nations for lunar resource use (bypassing UN Moon Agreement)
India's position: Signed but NOT ratified the Moon Agreement; joined Artemis Accords.
Outer Space Treaty 1967 (OST):
- More widely ratified (114 parties including India, USA, Russia, China)
- Moon belongs to no nation; nuclear weapons banned in space
- BUT: does NOT specifically address resource extraction
Artemis Program: USA's return-to-Moon program; Artemis Accords: bilateral rules framework.
*Why A is wrong:* Only 18 signatories — not 193.
*Why C is wrong:* India has NOT ratified the Moon Agreement.
*Why D is wrong:* USA and China have NOT ratified it — both are non-parties.

India Current Affairs — Bihar Specific

Q338MediumBPSC Prelims

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's political journey is notable. After parting ways with the BJP-led NDA in 2022 and joining the INDIA alliance, he again switched alliance in January 2024. What did he do?

AHe resigned as CM and imposed President's Rule in Bihar

BHe returned to NDA (BJP alliance) after breaking with the INDIA bloc, becoming CM for the 9th time

CHe merged JD(U) with the BJP to form a single party

DHe called for fresh state elections and won a decisive majority

Show Answer

✔ B — He returned to NDA (BJP alliance) after breaking with the INDIA bloc, becoming CM for the 9th time

Nitish Kumar's Alliance Switches (2022-2024):
Timeline:
1. August 9, 2022: Nitish Kumar broke with BJP → formed "Mahagathbandhan" (Grand Alliance) with RJD (Tejashwi Yadav) and Congress → became CM again (7th/8th time)
2. January 2024: Nitish Kumar left Mahagathbandhan/INDIA bloc
3. January 28, 2024: Returned to NDA → formed government with BJP
4. Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar CM for the 9th time on January 28, 2024
Bihar government (2024):
- CM: Nitish Kumar (JD(U))
- Deputy CM: Samrat Choudhary (BJP) + Vijay Kumar Sinha (BJP) [two Deputy CMs from BJP]
- Nitish Kumar's JD(U) won 12 Lok Sabha seats in 2024 elections (NDA alliance partner)
JD(U) in Lok Sabha 2024: Won 12 seats; formed crucial NDA support (NDA needed JD(U) for majority).
*Why A is wrong:* No President's Rule in Bihar — Nitish Kumar remained CM throughout.
*Why C is wrong:* JD(U) and BJP remain separate parties; merger has not happened.
*Why D is wrong:* No fresh state elections called; current government holds its mandate.

India Current Affairs — Bihar

Q339MediumBPSC Prelims

The Bihar government launched the "Bihar Jati Ganana" (Caste Census) survey results in 2023. What was the approximate percentage of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) found in Bihar's population?

A25-27%

B36-38%

C63-65% (OBC + EBC combined)

D15-18%

Show Answer

✔ C — 63-65% (OBC + EBC combined)

Bihar Caste Census (Jati Ganana) — Released October 2023:
- Bihar became the first state to complete a comprehensive caste census
- Survey conducted: January 2023
- Results released: October 2, 2023 (Gandhi Jayanti)
Key findings (Bihar's population ~13.07 crore):
| Community | Percentage |
|-----------|------------|
| EBC (Extremely Backward Classes) | 36.01% |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 27.12% |
| Total OBC+EBC | 63.13% |
| SC (Scheduled Castes) | 19.65% |
| ST (Scheduled Tribes) | 1.68% |
| Unreserved (General) | 15.52% |
| Minority (Muslims) | ~17% |
Major OBC castes (Bihar): Yadav (largest OBC), Kurmi, Koeri, Nai, Kewat, Mallah, etc.
Major EBC castes: Kushwaha, Bind, Nishad, Rajbhar, Kahar, etc.
Political implications:
- Data supports demand for raising OBC reservation above 50% (Mandal-II debate)
- Bihar's OBC population = majority — shapes electoral politics significantly
- INDIA bloc used Bihar caste census to push for national caste census
*Why A is wrong:* 25-27% is only OBC (without EBC). Combined = 63%.
*Why B is wrong:* 36-38% is EBC alone.
*Why D is wrong:* 15-18% = General (upper caste) population.

India Current Affairs — Bihar Economy

Q340HardBPSC Prelims

What is Bihar's approximate per capita income (GSDP per capita) as of 2023-24, and how does it compare to the national average?

A₹1,20,000 — approximately equal to national average

B₹54,000 — approximately one-third of national per capita income (national ~₹1.72 lakh)

C₹25,000 — less than one-fifth of national per capita income

D₹80,000 — approximately half the national average

Show Answer

✔ B — ₹54,000 — approximately one-third of national per capita income (national ~₹1.72 lakh)

Bihar's Economic Indicators (2023-24):
Bihar's per capita income: ~₹54,000 (at current prices, 2023-24 estimate)
National per capita income: ~₹1,72,000 (India's average, 2023-24)
Bihar is ~31% of national average — approximately one-third
Bihar's GSDP: ~₹8.5-9 lakh crore (2023-24)
Bihar's growth rate: ~10-11% (above national average but low base)
Reasons for Bihar's low per capita income:
1. Large population (130 million) relative to economic output
2. Flood-prone North Bihar reduces agricultural productivity
3. Land-locked state — limited port/manufacturing advantage
4. Brain drain: educated Bihari youth migrate to Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru
5. Low industrialisation
6. Post-bifurcation: mineral-rich Jharkhand (coal, iron, copper) separated in 2000
Bihar's comparative ranking: Consistently among bottom 3 states in per capita income (along with UP, MP).
*Why A is wrong:* ₹1,20,000 = above Bihar's actual per capita; and NOT equal to national average.
*Why C is wrong:* ₹25,000 underestimates; Bihar's per capita has grown significantly.
*Why D is wrong:* ₹80,000 overestimates — Bihar is approximately one-third, not half, of national.