States

 

Current Affairs from States of India, important for Competitive Exam. 

Goa Liberation Day – 19 December 2024: Marking 63 Years of Liberation

Goa celebrated its 63rd Liberation Day on 19 December 2024, marking independence from Portuguese rule in 1961 after 451 years of colonial occupation.

Ceremony Honoring Martyrs:

  • Chief Minister Pramod Sawant led a ceremony to honor the families of freedom fighters.
  • Sawant emphasized remembering sacrifices and the harshness of nearly 450 years of Portuguese rule.

‘Operation Vijay’:

Goa’s liberation was achieved through Operation Vijay, a 36-hour military campaign by the Indian Armed Forces in December 1961, ending Portuguese control and integrating Goa into the Indian Union.

Historical Context:

  • While India gained independence in 1947, Goa remained under Portuguese rule until 1961.
  • Inspired by India’s freedom movement, many Goans, including women, joined the fight against colonial rule.

Mohan Ranade’s Contributions:

  • Mohan Ranade, a prominent freedom fighter, led armed revolts, was imprisoned in 1955, and spent 14 years in prison (6 in solitary confinement).
  • He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001 for his role in Goa’s freedom struggle.

Goa’s Unique Identity:

Liberation allowed Goa to reclaim its place in the Indian Union, while its Portuguese-influenced cultural and religious heritage continues to shape its identity.

MCQs on Goa Liberation Day

Q.: When does Goa celebrate its Liberation Day?
a) 15 August
b) 26 January
c) 19 December
d) 2 October

Answer: c) 19 December
Goa celebrated its 63rd Liberation Day on 19 December 2024

Q. How many years of Portuguese rule ended with Goa’s liberation in 1961?
a) 350 years
b) 451 years
c) 200 years
d) 500 years

Answer: b) 451 years
Goa liberate from Portuguese rule in 1961 after 451 years of colonial occupation.

Q. Which military operation led to Goa’s liberation?
a) Operation Blue Star
b) Operation Vijay
c) Operation Meghdoot
d) Operation Trident

Answer: b) Operation Vijay
Goa’s liberation was achieved through Operation Vijay, a 36-hour military campaign by the Indian Armed Forces in December 1961, ending Portuguese control and integrating Goa into the Indian Union.

First Banana Export Train from Andhra’s Tadipatri

The South Central Railway (SCR), in collaboration with the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), launched the first Banana Export Train of the season on November 22, 2024 from Tadipatri, Andhra Pradesh. This initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s agricultural export sector.

The train, carrying a load of 980 metric tonnes of locally grown bananas, is headed to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai, from where the consignment will be exported to international markets. This move is expected to save both time and fuel, as transporting such a large consignment by road would have required around 150 trucks.

The bananas are being exported under the brand name “Happy Bananas”, and the initiative aims to enhance the productivity, quality of produce, post-harvest treatment, and packing. Farmers from the Putlur region in Anantapur and Pulivendula in Kadapa district are exporting Green Cavendish bananas to many international markets.

This development is part of a broader effort to boost fruit exports from Andhra Pradesh, with the government targeting exports of 30,000 metric tonnes of fruits from the state. The collaboration with six major corporate companies aims to provide market linkage and ensure higher prices for local farmers.

Meluri becomes 17th district of Nagaland

Meluri, home to the Pochury Naga tribe, has been officially declared the 17th district of Nagaland. The state government announced that Meluri, previously a sub-division of Phek District, is now a full district.

An official notice from Chief Secretary Dr. J. Alam on November 2, 2024, confirmed that the new district will include the area that was part of Meluri Sub-Division. This decision, approved by the Cabinet on November 1, is intended to enhance governance and development in the region.

UP International Trade Show 2024 from September 25 to 29, 2024, in Greater Noida

The 2nd edition of UP International Trade Show 2024 is being held from September 25 to 29, 2024, at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. This is co-organized by the Government of Uttar Pradesh and India Exposition Mart Ltd., aimed at showcasing the state’s diverse business, trade, craft, culture, and innovation.

Key Highlights:

  • Focus on MSMEs and GI Products: The event emphasizes Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Geographical Indication (GI) products, and the One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative.
  • Wide Range of Sectors: Exhibits will cover sectors like agriculture, automobile, defense, e-commerce, electronics, health, IT, and renewable energy.
  • Business and Public Hours: Business hours are from 11 AM to 3 PM, while public hours are from 3 PM to 10 PM.
  • Government Support: Various government schemes and policies will be featured to promote industrial development and ease of doing business in the state.

Objectives:

  • Economic Growth: The event aims to support Uttar Pradesh’s goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by providing a platform for businesses to expand.
  • Investment Attraction: It seeks to attract significant investments by showcasing the state’s potential as a top investment destination.
  • Cultural Showcase: The event will also highlight Uttar Pradesh’s rich craft, cuisine, culture, and traditions.

This edition is expected to be larger and more impactful, building on the success of the first edition to boost the state’s economic and cultural profile.

Inner Line Permit (ILP) implements for three districts of Nagaland

The Nagaland State Government has approved the implementation of ILP in the districts of Chumoukedima, Niuland, and Dimapur. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on 11 September 2024.

Dimapur residents will be classified into three categories:

  • Category-I: Individuals settled before December 1, 1963, exempt from ILP and eligible for a Smart Card, Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC), and Domicile Certificate.
  • Category-II: Individuals settled between December 1, 1963, and November 21, 1979, exempt from ILP, eligible for a PRC, and Domicile Certificate.
  • Category-III: Individuals settled on or after November 22, 1979, required to obtain an ILP for staying in Dimapur.

Special Groups and ILP Validity: Certain groups, such as students, teachers, technical personnel, and business partners, will be eligible for ILPs valid for 2 to 5 years, based on the purpose of their stay.

Digital System for ILP Issuance: The government is working on improving the digital system to streamline the ILP application process.

UP govt to host Semicon India 2024 at India Expo Mart

Uttar Pradesh government will host Semicon India 2024 at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from September 11 to 13. The event is organized in collaboration with SEMI, Messe Muenchen India, and the Electronic Industries Association of India.

Semicon India 2024 will be held alongside Electronica India and Productronica India, Southeast Asia’s largest electronics fairs. The goal is to boost India’s semiconductor sector and position the country as a global contender.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event on September 11, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also in attendance. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath encouraged investors to explore Uttar Pradesh’s potential as the state aims to become a one trillion-dollar economy.

West Bengal Legislative Assembly passes ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill’

On 3rd September 2024, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024’, in response to the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor on August 9. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized the bill’s importance in safeguarding women’s dignity in the state and criticized the lack of consultation with states before the national Code of Justice Bill was passed.

The passage of the bill coincided with the 43rd anniversary of the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Q.: What was the primary reason for introducing the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill’ in West Bengal?

A) A medical negligence case
B) The rape and murder of a trainee doctor
C) Lack of women’s employment opportunities
D) Gender-based wage inequality

Answer: B) The rape and murder of a trainee doctor
On 3rd September 2024, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024’, in response to the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor on August 9.

Eight railway stations in Lucknow division renamed

The names of eight railway stations in Uttar Pradesh were changed following an order issued by Northern Railways on August 27, 2024. All eight stations are located in the Lucknow division of Northern Railways.

The renamed stations are as follows:

  1. Kasimpur Halt → Jais City
  2. Jais → Guru Gorakhnath Dham
  3. Misrauli → Maa Kalikan Dham
  4. Bani → Swami Paramhans
  5. Nihalgarh → Maharaja Bijli Pasi
  6. Akbarganj → Maa Ahorva Bhawani Dham
  7. Wazirganj Halt → Amar Shaheed Bhale Sultan
  8. Fursatganj → Tapeshwarnath Dham

Q.: Which railway station in Uttar Pradesh was renamed as Guru Gorakhnath Dham?

a) Kasimpur Halt
b) Jais
c) Misrauli
d) Akbarganj

Answer: b) Jais
The names of eight railway stations in Uttar Pradesh have been changed according to an order issued by the Northern Railways on 27 August 2024.

Wayanad Landslides : Deadliest in Kerala’s history

On July 30, 2024, devastating landslides occurred in Wayanad district, Kerala, India. These landslides resulted in more than 276 deaths and over 200 injuries, making them the deadliest landslides in Kerala’s history.

Wayanad, a hilly district in the Western Ghats mountain range, is prone to landslides during the monsoon season. Despite alerts issued by the district administration, some residents stayed in their houses, leading to tragic consequences. The affected villages include Mundakkai, Attamala, Chooralmala, and Kunhome.

Rescue operations were hindered by strong river currents and heavy rains, but relief teams, including the Indian Army, worked tirelessly to assist those affected.

Q.: Which district in Kerala experienced the deadliest landslides in its history during July 2024?

A) Idukki
B) Malappuram
C) Wayanad
D) Kozhikode

Answer: C) Wayanad
On July 30, 2024, devastating landslides occurred in Wayanad district, Kerala, India. These landslides resulted in more than 276 deaths and over 200 injuries, making them the deadliest landslides in Kerala’s history.

Hemant Soren, took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand

Hemant Soren, Executive President of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand on July 4, 2024.

This is Hemant Soren’s third term as Chief Minister. Soren was recently released on bail by the high court in an alleged money laundering case.

Champai Soren resigned as Jharkhand’s 12th Chief Minister, who had taken office on January 31, after Hemant Soren’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.

Q: Who took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand on July 4, 2024?

a) Champai Soren
b) CP Radhakrishnan
c) Hemant Soren
d) Raghubar Das

Ans : c) Hemant Soren
Hemant Soren, Executive President of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand on July 4, 2024.

Stampede at Bhole Baba’s “Satsang” in Hathras district of UP, 121 dead

The stampede accident during the satsang of Bhole Baba on June2, 2024, in Ratibhanpur Mughalgarhi village, Sikandrarau tehsil, Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in 121 deaths. Seriously injured people are undergoing treatment in Aligarh.

  • Aligarh Division Commissioner Chaitra B. provided the information and confirmed that permission was given for the program.
  • Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with senior officials in Lucknow.
  • Ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand each to the injured will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Q: The tragic accident during the satsang of Bhole Baba that killed 121 people in July 2024 occurred in which district of Uttar Pradesh?

A) Aligarh
B) Agra
C) Hathras
D) Lucknow

Answer: C) Hathras
The stampede accident during the satsang of Bhole Baba on June2, 2024, in Ratibhanpur Mughalgarhi village, Sikandrarau tehsil, Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in 121 deaths.

Manoj Kumar Singh takes over as Uttar Pradesh chief secretary

Manoj Kumar Singh, a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh on 30 June 2024. He replaced Durga Shankar Mishra.

Manoj Kumar Singh has discharged important administrative responsibilities, including as the district magistrate of Lalitpur, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Pilibhit, Moradabad and Aligarh and as the divisional commissioner of Moradabad. Singh is considered a prominent face in Adityanath’s team.

Q: Who has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh?

A) Rajendra Kumar Tiwari
B) Prashant Trivedi
C) Durga Shankar Mishra
D) Manoj Kumar Singh

Answer: D) Manoj Kumar Singh
Manoj Kumar Singh, a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh on 30 June 2024

Film City in Greater Noida : YEIDA and Babu Project sign Agreement

The Uttar Pradesh state government signed an agreement on 27 June 2024 to develop a film city in Greater Noida. Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and Bebu Project LLP, owned by film producer Bonnie Kapoor and Ashish Bhootani.

The project has an estimated cost of 1,510 crore rupees. The film city is planned to be completed within the next eight years. The initial phase, expected to be completed in three years, will focus on establishing essential film-related facilities and a film institute.

The film city will offer world-class film production amenities, including studios, open sets, hospitality services, and office spaces. The aim is to position the film city as a premier destination for filmmakers.

Q: Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and Bebu Project LLP signed an agreement to develop a Film City at which location?

A) Faridabad
B) Yamuna Nagar
C) Greater Noida
D) Lucknow

Ans : C) Greater Noida
The Uttar Pradesh state government signed an agreement on 27 June 2024 to develop a film city in Greater Noida. Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and Bebu Project LLP, owned by film producer Bonnie Kapoor and Ashish Bhootani.

New Recruitment Policy in Uttar Pradesh to Ensure Fair Competitive Exams

The Uttar Pradesh government is planning new policies to ensure fair recruitment exams due to alleged irregularities in competitive exams.

Key points of the new policies include:

  1. Appointment of Agencies: Four agencies will conduct the recruitment examinations.
  2. Exam Location Restrictions: Candidates must take exams outside their home board area, with exceptions for disabled individuals and women.
  3. Phased Exams for Large Numbers: Exams with more than four lakh candidates will be conducted in two phases.
  4. OMR Sheet Scanning: Scanning of OMR sheets will be done by the Commission and the Board to prevent result rigging.
  5. Examination Centers: Two categories of examination centers will be established:
  • Category 1: Government Inter Colleges, Medical Colleges, and Engineering Colleges.
  • Category 2: Aided schools.
    Centers will not be set up in schools and colleges without financial support.
  1. Police Exam Controversy: The UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board canceled the constable recruitment exam due to a leaked question paper, affecting over 48 lakh candidates. Following this, the chairperson of the Board, Renuka Mishra, was sacked and replaced by Rajeev Krishna.
  2. Investigation of Irregularities: An order has been issued to investigate alleged irregularities in the Review Officer/Assistant Review Officer (RO/ARO) exams.

These measures are aimed at restoring the integrity of the recruitment process in the state.

Q: What is the primary reason for the Uttar Pradesh government implementing new policies for recruitment exams in June 2024?

A) To increase the number of candidates
B) To ensure exams are conducted in a free and fair manner
C) To reduce the duration of exams
D) To lower the exam fees

Ans : B) To ensure exams are conducted in a free and fair manner
The Uttar Pradesh Police constable recruitment exam was cancelled due to a leaked question paper, affecting over 48 lakh candidates.

Prem Singh Tamang sworn in as the Chief Minister of Sikkim for a second consecutive term

Prem Singh Tamang, the president of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Sikkim for a second consecutive term on June 10, 2024. The swearing-in ceremony took place at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, where Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy. 

The SKM secured a landslide victory in the assembly polls, winning 31 out of 32 seats in the assembly. Tamang’s leadership played a crucial role in the party’s success, and he was unanimously elected as the leader of the legislature party during a meeting on June 2.

Q: Who was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Sikkim for a second consecutive term on June 10, 2024?

A) Pawan Kumar Chamling
B) Prem Singh Tamang
C) Bhaichung Bhutia
D) Hemant Soren

Answer: B) Prem Singh Tamang

The Controversial Demise of Gangster-Politician Mukhtar Ansari

Mukhtar Ansari, a former gangster-turned-politician, passed away on the night of March 28, 2024, at a hospital in Banda, Uttar Pradesh. His death has stirred controversy and raised allegations of foul play.

  • Ansari was a five-time MLA from Mau, Uttar Pradesh.
  • He ventured into crime to establish his gang in the government contract mafia of the state.
  • Ansari faced over 60 pending cases against him.
  • He had been incarcerated in jails in both Uttar Pradesh and Punjab since 2005.
  • Cause of Death: Ansari suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized.
  • His family alleges he was administered slow poison, claiming it happened before his demise, particularly pointing to an incident on March 19 during dinner.
  • District authorities refute these claims, stating he died of cardiac arrest.
  • Chief judicial magistrate’s court at Banda in Uttar Pradesh on Friday ordered a judicial inquiry into the death of gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari

Q: Gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who recently passed away, was a prominent figure in which state’s politics?

a) Bihar
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Maharashtra
d) Madhya Pradesh

b) Uttar Pradesh

Deepak Kumar, a senior IAS officer, appointed as the new Home Secretary of Uttar Pradesh

Deepak Kumar, a senior IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Home Secretary of Uttar Pradesh on March 19, 2024.

  1. The appointment of Deepak Kumar was approved by the Election Commission.
  2. Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer, Randeep Rinwa, confirmed Deepak Kumar’s appointment.
  3. Deepak Kumar is currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary of Finance and Basic Education.
  4. Senior IAS officer Sanjay Prasad, who was previously handling the Home Department, is associated with the Chief Minister and also oversees the Information Department.
  5. Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum Lok Sabha members (80) is gearing up for the general elections in all seven phases.

Q: Who has been appointed as the new Home Secretary of Uttar Pradesh ?

a) Deepak Kumar
b) Sanjay Prasad
c) Randeep Rinwa
d) Alok Kumar

Answer: a) Deepak Kumar

President Approved Uniform Civil Code Uttarakhand Bill, 2024

President Droupadi Murmu approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Uttarakhand Bill, 2024.

Uttarakhand will become the first State in the country to implement the UCC.

The Bill addresses practices such as polygamy, polyandry, halala, iddat, and talaaq, and ensures property rights, equal marriageable age, and equal inheritance rights.

On the 7th of February 2024, the Uttarakhand Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill. With the enactment of UCC law, everyone in the State will get equal rights without any discrimination in matters like maintenance, adoption, inheritance and divorce.

Q: Which state recently became the first in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) ?

a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Uttarakhand
c) Punjab
d) Maharashtra

Ans : b) Uttarakhand

Nayab Saini Takes Oath As Chief Minister of Haryana

Nayab Singh Saini, a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), become the Chief Minister of Haryana. His oath-taking ceremony took place on March 12, 2024.

About Nayab Singh Saini and his journey to the chief minister’s office:

  • Nayab Singh Saini, aged 54, represents the Kurukshetra constituency as a Member of Parliament (MP).
  • He hails from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community.
  • Saini’s political journey began in 1996 when he joined the BJP. Over the years, he steadily climbed the party ranks.
  • Notably, he served as the district general secretary of the BJP Youth Wing in Ambala in 2002 and later became the district president in Ambala in 2005.
  • In 2014, Saini was elected as an MLA from the Narayangarh constituency.
  • Subsequently, he assumed the role of a minister in the Haryana government in 2016.
  • His victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the Kurukshetra constituency further solidified his position in Haryana politics.

Q: Who became the Chief Minister of Haryana in March 2024?

A) Manohar Lal Khattar
B) Nayab Singh Saini
C) Dushyant Chautala
D) Biplab Dev

Ans : B) Nayab Singh Saini

Nitish Kumar, JD(U) leader, took oath as Bihar Chief Minister for the ninth time

  1. Nitish Kumar, JD(U) leader, took oath as Bihar Chief Minister for the ninth time on January 28, 2024.
  2. Eight other cabinet ministers, including three from BJP and three from JD(U), also took the oath of office and secrecy.
  3. Governor Rajendra Vishwanat Arlekar administered the oath.
  4. BJP’s Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, and Prem Kumar, along with JD(U)’s Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, and Shravan Kumar, are among the inducted ministers.
  5. Santosh Kumar Suman from Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and one Independent member also joined the cabinet.

Q: Who recently took oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the ninth time?

a. Jitan Ram Manjhi
b. Nitish Kumar
c. Vijay Kumar Choudhary
d. Rajendra Vishwanat Arlekar

Ans : b. Nitish Kumar

Guinness record for simultaneous mass Surya Namaskar at 108 places in Gujarat

  • Gujarat set a Guinness record for simultaneous mass Surya Namaskar at 108 places on the first day of 2024.
  • Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi attended the state-level event at the Modhera Sun Temple.
  • Over 2500 people participated in the state-level function at the Modhera Sun Temple.
  • The mass Surya Namaskar was performed at 108 places, including 51 historic sites in Gujarat.
  • A month-long Mega Surya Namaskar Competition was organized by the Gujarat State Yog Board and the state government to promote the practice.

Q: Which Indian state set a Guinness record for performing mass Surya Namaskar simultaneously at 108 places on the first day of 2024?

a) Maharashtra
b) Gujarat
c) Rajasthan
d) Karnataka

Ans : b) Gujarat

Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit 2023 at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit 2023 at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun on December 8, 2023.

  • The two-day summit is organized under the theme of “peace to prosperity” and has attracted thousands of investors and delegates from around the world.
  • Notable participants include Union Ministers, Ambassadors from various countries, and leading industrialists.
  • Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the state government’s preparations for the summit, including the introduction of more than 27 new policies and amendments to existing policies.
  • The state government has created a land bank of seven thousand acres to facilitate the establishment of new industries in Uttarakhand.

Q: Where was the Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit 2023 held in December 2023?

a. New Delhi
b. Dehradun
c. Mumbai
d. Jaipur

Ans : b. Dehradun

Q. Where is the Forest Research Institute located?

A. Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
B. Dehradun, Uttarakhand
C. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
D. Guwahati, Assam.

Ans : B. Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Revanth Reddy will be the next chief minister of Telangana

Telangana Pradesh Congress President A Revanth Reddy announced as the next Chief Minister of Telangana. Swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Thursday, the 7th December 2023 at LB Stadium Hyderabad.

Fifty-four-year-old Revanth Reddy was credited for the Congress’ thumping victory in the recently-concluded Assembly elections, wherein it secured a clear majority of 64 seats. He was also the party’s poster boy for its campaign.

Q: Who has been announced as the next Chief Minister of Telangana by the Congress party?

a) K C Venugopal
b) Mallikarjun Kharge
c) A Revanth Reddy
d) D.K. Shivakumar

Answer: c) A Revanth Reddy

Home Ministry Declares Nine Meitei Extremist Organizations Unlawful

The Home Ministry has declared nine Meitei extremist organizations operating mainly in Manipur as unlawful associations for a five-year period. The organizations include the Peoples’ Liberation Army and its political wing, the Revolutionary Peoples’ Front (RPF), the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its armed wing, the Manipur Peoples’ Army (MPA), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its armed wing, Kangleipak Communist Party and its armed wing, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), the Coordination Committee (CorCom), and the Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK).

The Home Ministry stated in a notification dated 13 November 2023 that these Meitei extremist organizations have been involved in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, including attacking and killing security forces, police, and civilians in Manipur. The Centre expressed the opinion that the activities of these organizations are detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of India, involving acts of intimidation, extortion, and looting of the civilian population for fundraising.

Q.: In which Indian state are these Meitei extremist organizations primarily operating, leading to their declaration as unlawful by the Ministry of Home Affairs?

a. Assam
b. Manipur
c. Nagaland
d. Kerala

Ans : b. Manipur

Guinness World Record by lighting 22.23 lakh diyas at 51 ghats of Ayodhya on Deepotsav

Uttar Pradesh government achieves sixth Guinness World Record by lighting 22.23 lakh diyas at 51 ghats of Ayodhya on Deepotsav on 11 November 2023.

  1. Notable attendees including Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers, cabinet ministers, and ambassadors from 52 countries.
  2. The purpose of organizing the coronation and Deepotsav is to restore the glory of Ayodhya, with 178 development projects worth rupees 30 thousand 500 crores starting in the city, aiming to generate employment opportunities.
  3. The event featured a Shobha Yatra with 18 tableaux at Ram Katha Park showcasing India’s folk culture. Additionally, Chief Minister Adityanath inaugurated a 3D holographic show, projection mapping, and laser show based on Ramayana.

Q.: What achievement did the Uttar Pradesh government attain during Deepotsav in Ayodhya on November 11, 2023?

a) Fifth Guinness World Record
b) Sixth Guinness World Record
c) Tenth Guinness World Record
d) No Guinness World Record

Ans : b) Sixth Guinness World Record

Bihar Assembly passed a unanimous amendment bill to increase the reservation quota in state government jobs

The Bihar Assembly passed a unanimous amendment bill on November 9, 2023, to increase the reservation quota in state government jobs for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Extremely Backward Caste, and other Backward Castes from 50% to 65%.

  1. The decision to increase the reservation quota was prompted by the Caste Based Survey 2022, which revealed a need for adjustments in proportion to the population increase of SCs, STs, EBCs, and Backward Castes.
  2. The new reservation paradigm proposed by the bill allocates 18% for Backward Castes, 25% for Extremely Backward Castes, 20% for Scheduled Castes, and 2% for Scheduled Tribes.
  3. The 10% reservation quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among the general category remains unchanged. The total reservation limit is now effectively 75%, leaving 25% unreserved.
  4. The Bihar Reservation Amendment Bill was introduced by State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed gratitude to the BJP for supporting the bill. The government aims to implement the changes swiftly.
  5. Additionally, the Lower House passed a unanimous Amendment Bill to increase the reservation quota for admission in government educational institutions to 65% for SCs, STs, EBCs, and other BCs, aligning with the reservation pattern in government jobs for these castes.

Q.: What is the percentage increase in the reservation quota for government jobs proposed by the Bihar Assembly Amendment Bill passed on November 9, 2023?

a. 50% to 55%
b. 55% to 60%
c. 50% to 65%
d. 65% to 70%

Ans : c. 50% to 65%

Q.: What was the reason behind the decision to increase the reservation quota in Bihar government jobs ?

a. Economic growth
b. Caste Based Survey 2022
c. Political considerations
d. International pressure

Ans : b. Caste Based Survey 2022

Harjinder Singh Dhami has been re-elected as the President of the SGPC

Harjinder Singh Dhami has been re-elected as the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Punjab on November 8, 2023.

  1. The SGPC is the topmost body representing Sikhs.
  2. Dhami won the election with 118 out of 137 votes cast, securing a third consecutive term.
  3. Sukhbir Singh Badal, the President of Shiromani Akali Dal, congratulated Harjinder Singh Dhami on his re-election as SGPC President.

Q.: Who has been re-elected as the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Punjab in November 2023?

A) Sukhbir Singh Badal
B) Harjinder Singh Dhami
C) Manpreet Singh Badal
D) Harsimrat Kaur Badal

Ans : B) Harjinder Singh Dhami

Q.: What is the significance of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)?

A) It is the highest governing body for all religious organizations in Punjab.
B) It is the topmost body representing Sikhs.
C) It is responsible for Punjab’s political administration.
D) It is a cultural organization in Punjab.

Ans : B) It is the topmost body representing Sikhs.

Indian women’s hockey team won the Asian Champions Trophy, defeating Japan 4-0

The Indian women’s hockey team won the Asian Champions Trophy, defeating Japan 4-0 in the final on November 5, 2023, in Ranchi.

  1. The goals for India were scored by Sangita Kumari, Neha, Laremsiami, and Vandana Katariya.
  2. India previously won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2016, while Japan had won it in 2013 and 2021.
  3. China secured third place by defeating South Korea 2-1, with goals from Yi Chen and Tiantian Luo for China and Sujin An for South Korea.
  4. Hockey India awarded 3 lakh rupees to each player and 1.50 lakh rupees to support staff in recognition of their performance.
  5. Salima Tete from Jharkhand was named the Player of the Tournament.

MCQs

Q.: Who won the Asian Champions Trophy in women’s hockey in 2023?

a. Japan
b. China
c. India
d. South Korea

Ans : c. India

Q.: In the final, the Indian women’s hockey team defeated which team to win the Asian Champions Trophy 2023?

a. China
b. South Korea
c. Japan
d. Singapore

Ans : c. Japan

Anthurium Festival took place on October 21 and 22, 2023, in Reiek, Mamit District, Mizoram

A two-day-long Anthurium Festival took place on October 21 and 22, 2023, in Reiek, Mamit District, Mizoram. The festival was organized by the Department of Tourism of Mizoram.

The Anthurium Festival serves as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Mizo people. The Anthurium Festival is a successful tourism promotion venture of the Tourism Department.

Q.: In which Indian state did the Anthurium Festival occur on October 21 and 22, 2023?

a. Mizoram
b. Assam
c. Nagaland
d. Manipur

Ans : a. Mizoram

India’s first solar roof cycling track “Healthway” inaugurated in Hyderabad

India’s first solar roof cycling track, named “Healthway,” was inaugurated in Hyderabad on October 2, 2023. The 23-km long cycling track is located on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) in Hyderabad, situated between the main carriageway and the service road.

  1. The cycling track will be open 24×7, aiming to support and promote the bicycling community in the city.
  2. Track Specifications: The cycling track spans 23 kilometers and includes two stretches – a pink line of 8.5 kilometers and a blue line of 14.5 kilometers, with five different access points. It is a three-lane track, 4.5 meters wide, with one meter of green space on either side.
  3. Facilities: The track offers various amenities such as ample parking space, surveillance cameras, food courts, drinking water facilities, first aid stations, and restrooms.
  4. Solar Panels: A total of 16,000 solar panels were installed on the track to generate 16 megawatts (MW) of power. This power is used to illuminate the track at night and provide protection to cyclists from the sun, rain, and other weather conditions.

MCQ

Q.: What is the name of India’s first solar roof cycling track inaugurated in Hyderabad?

a) SunCycle
b) EcoPedal
c) SolarRide
d) Healthway

Correct Answer: d) Healthway

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