Goa became India's first state to achieve 100% household water supply coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission in 2024, making it the first 'Har Ghar Jal' certified state.

According to the 2021 Census data, Bihar's literacy rate is approximately 63.8%, which is below the national average of 74.4%.

# India's Hypersonic Missile Test in 2024

This question tests knowledge of India's recent defense achievements and missile development programs.

Step 1: Understanding Hypersonic Missile Technology

Hypersonic missiles are weapons that travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), making them extremely difficult to detect and intercept using conventional defense systems.

Step 2: India's 2024 Milestone

In 2024, India successfully conducted tests of its long-range hypersonic missile system, marking a significant advancement in indigenous defense capabilities. This development positions India among a select group of nations with hypersonic weapons technology, joining countries like Russia, China, and the United States. The successful test demonstrated India's progress in aeronautical engineering and strategic weapons development.

The correct answer is (B) long-range hypersonic missile — representing India's latest generation of hypersonic weapons technology tested in 2024.

Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport) in Telangana topped the Global Cleanest Airport survey in 2024 for maintaining highest hygiene standards.

Nitish Kumar continued as Chief Minister of Bihar after the 2024 elections, leading the NDA coalition government in the state.

Hyderabad was recognized as the world's fastest growing city in 2024 based on demographic and economic growth metrics by international organizations.

India has set a target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, as part of its commitment to combat climate change and transition to clean energy.

Nepal shares the longest international border with Bihar. The Indo-Nepal border stretches across the northern regions of Bihar and is significant for trade and cultural exchange.

# Understanding India's Oldest Masonry Dam

This question tests knowledge of historical infrastructure and dam engineering in India, specifically identifying structures still operational.

Step 1: Define Masonry Dam

A masonry dam is constructed using stone, brick, or concrete blocks fitted together without reinforced steel, representing older construction methods in India.

Step 2: Identify the Oldest Masonry Dam in Bihar

Kharagpur Lake Dam, located in Munger district, Bihar, was constructed in 1822 during the British colonial period. It remains the oldest masonry dam in India still in active use today. The Kosi Dam (1960s) and Sone Dam (1970s) are much newer, being concrete gravity dams. Darbhanga Dam is not a significant historical dam structure.

Final Answer: (D) Kharagpur Lake Dam is the oldest masonry dam in India still in use, located in Bihar.

National Highway 2 (now NH-19 in the new classification) connects Delhi to Kolkata via Patna, Bihar, serving as a major economic corridor.