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.

# Historical Partition of Bihar and Orissa

The British colonial administration partitioned the combined presidency into separate provinces based on administrative efficiency and regional identity.

Step 1: Understanding the Original Configuration

Before independence, Bihar and Orissa were administratively combined as a single province under British rule. This unified region had diverse geography, languages, and cultural identities that justified eventual separation.

Step 2: The Separation Date

On 1 April 1936, the British colonial government officially separated Bihar from Orissa, creating two distinct provinces. This administrative division recognized Orissa's distinct Odia linguistic and cultural identity, while Bihar remained with its Hindi-speaking majority population.

The correct answer is (B) 1 April 1936. This partition occurred during the British Raj, well before Indian independence in 1947, and established Bihar as a separate administrative unit with its own governance structure.

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.

India ranked 37th in the Global Innovation Index 2024, showing improvement in its innovation ecosystem and technological advancement.

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna is Bihar's primary airport, recently upgraded with modern facilities for international flight operations.

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

The Ganga River is the primary river system flowing through Bihar, along with its tributaries like Kosi, Mahananda, and Son, making it crucial for agriculture and irrigation.