General Knowledge

Miscellaneous Current Affairs Questions

Chapter: Current Affairs | Total Available: 92 Real Questions

Question 1 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

The scheme PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) provides assistance for

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution
✓

1. Correct Answer

Option C is correct. The PRASHAD scheme provides assistance for the development of tourism infrastructure in States and Union Territories.

📖 Core Concept

The PRASHAD scheme is designed to enhance pilgrimage tourism and infrastructural development at significant religious destinations in India.

💡 3. Explanation

The PRASHAD scheme, initiated in 2014 by the Ministry of Tourism, focuses on the development of infrastructure such as roads, lodging, and sanitation facilities specifically at pilgrimage sites to attract and assist both domestic and foreign visitors.

❌ 4. Option Analysis

  • •Option A: The e-Visa facility is unrelated to infrastructure development.
  • •Option B: Multilingual Tourist Infoline is a support service, not infrastructure.
  • •Option D: Promoting Dekho Apna Desh is about domestic tourism promotion, not infrastructure.
⚡

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

Remember: "PRASHAD = Pilgrim's Recovery and Structural Development" to recall its focus on infrastructure.

🎯

5. Key Takeaways

PRASHAD focuses on enhancing tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage sites across India.

Question 2 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Under which one of the following initiatives does the NITI Aayog support interested States toestablish a State Institution for Transformation(SIT)?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option C is correct. The NITI Aayog supports the establishment of State Institutions for Transformation through the State Support Mission initiative.

📖 Core Anchor Concept

The NITI Aayog, a premier policy think-tank of the Government of India, aims to foster cooperative federalism by supporting State governments in implementing reforms effectively.

📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

  • The State Support Mission was launched to assist States in improving governance by establishing a robust institutional framework.
  • It provides technical assistance and strategic support to promote good governance and sustainable development.
  • This initiative aims to align State plans with national priorities, ensuring coherent development across regions.

🔍 Option Analysis

  • A: NITI for States Platform - This platform facilitates dialogue between the Centre and States but does not specifically focus on SIT.
  • B: Bharat Ke Badhte Kadam - A broad initiative focusing on national development, lacking specific reference to SIT.
  • D: Aspirational Block Programme - Targets development at the block level but is not directly linked to the State Support Mission.

⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

Remember the acronym "SIT" (State Institutions for Transformation) to link it with the State Support Mission for effective recall.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NITI Aayog documentation and recent policy frameworks.

Question 3 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Consider the following statements with regardto the National Technology Day:

1. It commemorates the momentous events of 11th May 1998, when India conducted successful nuclear tests under Operation Shakti

2. The official theme for the National Technology Day 2025 is ‘School to Startups - Igniting Young Minds to Innovate’

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option A is correct. It acknowledges the pivotal event of 11th May 1998 while noting that the 2025 theme is not officially confirmed.

📖 Core Anchor Concept

The National Technology Day marks the successful nuclear tests conducted on 11th May 1998 under Operation Shakti. This date is significant in India's technological and strategic advancement.

📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

  • Operation Shakti: A series of nuclear tests demonstrating India's nuclear capabilities.
  • National Technology Day: Celebrated annually to highlight the achievements in technology and innovation.
  • The official theme for 2025 is not yet confirmed, and the provided theme is speculative.

🔍 Option Analysis

  • Option A (1 only): Correct, as it accurately describes the significance of the date.
  • Option B (2 only): Incorrect, since the theme is not officially set yet.
  • Option C (Both 1 and 2): Incorrect due to the uncertainty surrounding the theme.
  • Option D (Neither 1 nor 2): Incorrect, as statement 1 is indeed correct.

⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

To remember key dates in India's nuclear history, note that May 11 signifies both the technology day and the commencement of India's nuclear threshold.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 12 Political Science and Indian Government publications.

Question 4 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which of the following were added in India as Ramsar Site in the year 2025?

1. Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary

2. Udhwa Lake

3. Rudrasagar Lake

4. Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary

Select the answer using the code given below:

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option (c) is correct. Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Udhwa Lake were added as Ramsar Sites in 2025.

📖 Core Anchor Concept

The Ramsar Convention aims to conserve and ensure the sustainable use of wetlands. In 2025, Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand were recognized for their ecological importance.

📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

  • Ramsar Sites: Internationally recognized wetlands of significance.
  • 2025 Additions:
    • Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
    • Udhwa Lake, Jharkhand
  • Previously Established:
    • Rudrasagar Lake and Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary were designated in earlier years and are not new additions for 2025.

🔍 Option Analysis

  • Option A (1 and 4): Incorrect; Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary was not added in 2025.
  • Option B (2 and 3): Incorrect; Rudrasagar Lake was previously designated.
  • Option D (1, 2 and 3): Incorrect; includes Rudrasagar Lake which is not a 2025 addition.

⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

Memorize the 2025 additions with: "Sakkara Udhwa" (Sakkarakottai + Udhwa) to emphasize both sites were added that year.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against the Ramsar Convention listings and environmental resource materials.

Question 5 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Ethereum, Tether, Solana and Cardano are all forms of

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option A is correct. Ethereum, Tether, Solana, and Cardano are types of cryptocurrencies.

📖 Core Anchor Concept

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies utilizing blockchain technology for secure, decentralized transactions.

📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

  • Ethereum: Launched in 2015, it introduced smart contracts, allowing automated and transparent transaction execution.
  • Tether: A stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, launched in 2014, providing liquidity and stability in the crypto market.
  • Solana: Established in 2020, known for high-speed processing and low fees, enhancing scalability for decentralized applications.
  • Cardano: Founded in 2017, it emphasizes a research-driven approach to blockchain technology and sustainability.

🔍 Option Analysis

  • Option B: Artificial Intelligence Startups - Not related to cryptocurrencies.
  • Option C: Humanoid Robots - No connection to cryptocurrency technology.
  • Option D: Medical apps - Does not pertain to digital currencies.

⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

Remember the phrase "*EconTies Celebrate*" to recall Ethereum, Tether, Solana, and Cardano as major cryptocurrencies.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against reputable blockchain and cryptocurrency resources, including whitepapers and educational material.

Question 6 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

The Headquarters of South-Eastern Railway is located at

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option [C] is correct. The headquarters of South-Eastern Railway is in Kolkata.

📖 Core Anchor Concept

The South Eastern Railway (SER) is one of the major railway zones in India, crucial for connectivity in the eastern region.

📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

  • Established in: 1952
  • Headquarters: Garden Reach, Kolkata, West Bengal
  • Significance: Connects several important cities and industrial regions in Eastern India
  • Zone location: Map coordinates approximately 22.5726° N, 88.3639° E

🔍 Option Analysis

  • A: Bilaspur - Headquartered for the South East Central Railway zone.
  • B: Secunderabad - Headquarters for South Central Railway zone.
  • D: Bhubaneswar - Not a railway zone headquarters.

⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

Remember "Kolkata is the key," as Kolkata connects various zones, including the South Eastern Railway.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against official Indian Railways records and documentation.

Question 7 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Exercise Desert Knight - 21 is a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Air Force of which one of the following countries?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option B is correct. Exercise Desert Knight-21 is a joint military exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air Force.

📖 Core Anchor Concept

Exercise Desert Knight-21 emphasizes bilateral cooperation between the Indian Air Force and the French Air Force, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and interoperability.

📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

- **Duration**: January 20-24, 2021 - **Location**: Jodhpur Air Force Station, Rajasthan, India - **Objective**: To develop tactics and increase cooperation through exchanging operational best practices.

🔍 Option Analysis

- **A: USA** - Incorrect; the USA participates in other exercises but not Desert Knight-21. - **C: Britain** - Incorrect; the UK Air Force was not involved in this exercise. - **D: Israel** - Incorrect; there is no bilateral air exercise named Desert Knight-21 with Israel.

⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

Remember: **Desert Knight = France + Interoperability.** Use the acronym "D-KIF" (Desert-Knight Indian France) to quickly recall the key participants and purpose.
Question 8 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Tableau of which one of the following States/ Union Territory was adjudged best in the Republic Day Parade, 2021?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option (B) is correct. Uttar Pradesh's tableau, themed on Ayodhya, received the best tableau award at the Republic Day Parade 2021.

📖 Core Anchor Concept

The award at the Republic Day Parade is granted annually to the most impressive tableau representing States and Union Territories, showcasing cultural heritage or significant events.

📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

- **Event:** Republic Day Parade 2021, held on January 26, 2021. - **Winning Tableau:** Uttar Pradesh's tableau displayed the cultural richness of Ayodhya, a historical and religious city significant to Hindu culture. - **Criteria for Judging:** Creativity, design, and relevance to the theme were considered in selection.

🔍 Option Analysis

- **A: Ladakh** - Participated but did not win. - **C: Tripura** - Showcased its handicrafts, but less impactful compared to Uttar Pradesh. - **D: Uttarakhand** - Focused on local biodiversity but not awarded best tableau.

⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

Recall the best tableaux by associating them with their themes: "Ayodhya's Art" = Uttar Pradesh, "Crafts from the East" = Tripura, etc.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against official press releases and government archives regarding Republic Day Parade 2021.

Question 9 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

In the recently concluded elections in December 2020, Faustin-Archange Touadera has won a second term in office as President of one of the following countries. Identify the country.

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option A is correct. Faustin-Archange Touadera won a second term as President of the Central African Republic.

📖 Core Anchor Concept

The context revolves around the presidential elections in December 2020, where Faustin-Archange Touadera secured re-election in the Central African Republic.

📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

- **Election Date**: December 27, 2020 - **Outcome**: Touadera received approximately 53% of the votes. - **Significance**: This election was pivotal for the stability of the Central African Republic, which has faced civil conflict and instability for several years.

🔍 Option Analysis

- **B: Republic of South Africa**: A separate nation, notable for its own political landscape, not related to Touadera. - **C: Republic of Ghana**: A West African nation, distinct in governance and recent elections. - **D: Republic of Mozambique**: Another Southern African country with its own political context.

⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

To remember the timeline of Touadera's presidency, associate **"Touadera" with "Two-Dare-A"**, indicating his second term in 2020.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against reputable news sources summarizing the Central African Republic's elections in December 2020.

Question 10 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following statements is not correct in respect of the Legion of Merit award?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option D is correct. The Legion of Merit is not the highest civilian award of the United States.

📖 Core Anchor Concept

The Legion of Merit is a military award established by the United States in 1942. It is awarded to both American and foreign military personnel for exceptional service.

📜 Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

  • Conferred by the President of the United States.
  • Notable recipients include foreign leaders.
  • Prime Minister Modi received this award in December 2020 from President Trump.
  • Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia, was also a recipient.
  • It is important to note that it is a military award, thus not classified as a civilian award like the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

🔍 Option Analysis

Option A: Correct – Awarded by the U.S. President.
Option B: Correct – Modi was awarded in December 2020.
Option C: Correct – Scott Morrison received the award.

⚡ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

Remember the sequence of military awards: Legion of Merit (US) > Distinguished Service Medal (US) > Medal of Honor (highest US award).

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against authorized military award guidelines and historical records.

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