Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In which city was the Syed Modi India International 2024 badminton tournament held, where PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won singles titles on 1 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Lucknow
Sportstar and Olympics.com (1 Dec 2024): PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won the singles titles at the Syed Modi India International in Lucknow on Sunday, 1 December.
Consider the following statements about the Syed Modi International 2024 finals on 1 December 2024: 1. PV Sindhu beat China's Wu Luo Yu in the women's singles final. 2. Lakshya Sen beat Singapore's Jason Teh in the men's singles final. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Sportstar and Olympics.com (1 Dec 2024): Sindhu beat China's Wu Luo Yu 21-14, 21-16 and Lakshya Sen beat Singapore's Jia Heng Jason Teh 21-6, 21-7. Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.
What was India's overall coal production in November 2024, as reported by the Ministry of Coal on 1 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 90.62 million tonnes
PIB (1 Dec 2024): overall coal production in November 2024 reached 90.62 million tonnes (provisional), compared with 84.52 MT in November 2023.
By what percentage did India's overall coal production in November 2024 grow over November 2023?
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Correct answer: B — 7.20%
PIB (1 Dec 2024): production of 90.62 MT against 84.52 MT in the same month last year marks a 7.20% growth.
Coal production from captive and other entities in November 2024 reached how much, according to the Ministry of Coal?
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Correct answer: C — 17.13 million tonnes
PIB (1 Dec 2024): coal production from captive and other entities reached 17.13 million tonnes (provisional) in November 2024, up from 12.44 million tonnes in November 2023, a growth of 37.69%.
According to IMD's bulletin of 1 December 2024, into what had Cyclonic Storm Fengal weakened by 11:30 IST that day?
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Correct answer: B — A deep depression
IMD (1 Dec 2024): Fengal remained practically stationary, weakened into a deep depression and lay centred at 1130 hours IST of 1 December close to Puducherry.
In its 1 December 2024 bulletin on Fengal, IMD warned of 'extremely heavy rainfall' over north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. What rainfall amount does this term denote in the bulletin?
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Correct answer: C — ≥ 21 cm
IMD (1 Dec 2024): extremely heavy rainfall (≥ 21 cm) at isolated places was very likely over North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on 1st December.
The Border Security Force, which the PM greeted on its Raising Day on 1 December 2024, was officially formed in which year?
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Correct answer: A — 1965
BSF official website: the Border Security Force was officially formed on 1st December 1965; the PM greeted the BSF on its Raising Day on 1 December 2024 (PIB).
Who was the first Director-General and founding father of the Border Security Force?
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Correct answer: D — K. F. Rustamji
BSF official website: the Government of India appointed Shri K. F. Rustamji, IP, as the first Director-General and the founding father of BSF.
At the final plenary of INC-5 on plastic pollution in Busan on 1 December 2024, what did India say was required to support developing countries?
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Correct answer: D — A stand-alone dedicated Multilateral Fund
PIB (1 Dec 2024): India said a stand-alone dedicated Multilateral Fund is required to provide financial resources to developing countries for meeting incremental costs of their compliance obligations.
On 1 December 2024, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the 138th birth anniversary celebrations of which freedom-era figure at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi?
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Correct answer: B — Raja Mahendra Pratap
PIB (1 Dec 2024): the Vice-President addressed the 138th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Raja Mahendra Pratap at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, calling him a born diplomat, statesman, visionary and nationalist.
Consider the following statements about the 236th CBT meeting of EPFO (30 November 2024): 1. It amended paragraph 60(2)(b) of the EPF Scheme, 1952 so that interest is paid up to the date of settlement. 2. It was informed that the limit for auto claim settlement had been raised to ₹2 lakh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (Labour): the CBT amended para 60(2)(b) so that interest is paid up to the date of settlement (1 is correct). The auto claim settlement limit was extended to ₹1 lakh from ₹50,000, not ₹2 lakh (2 is wrong).
As ratified by EPFO's CBT on 30 November 2024, what are the minimum and maximum benefits under the extended EDLI scheme?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2.5 lakh and ₹7 lakh
PIB (Labour): the ratified EDLI extension provides a minimum benefit of Rs. 2.5 lakh and a maximum of up to Rs. 7 lakh.
The first pilot of EPFO's Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS), completed in October 2024, was carried out in which places?
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Correct answer: B — Karnal, Jammu and Srinagar
PIB (Labour): the first CPPS pilot was completed in October 2024 in Karnal, Jammu and Srinagar; a second pilot covered 20 more Regional Offices in November.
According to IMD, Cyclonic Storm 'Fengal' crossed the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts on 30 November 2024 close to which place?
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Correct answer: B — Puducherry
IMD: Fengal crossed the north Tamil Nadu & Puducherry coasts near 12.05°N, 79.9°E, close to Puducherry, between 2230 and 2330 hrs IST on 30 November 2024.
Consider the following statements about Cyclone Fengal (2024): 1. It intensified into a cyclonic storm over the Southwest Bay of Bengal on 29 November 2024. 2. It crossed the coast with a wind speed of 120–130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
IMD: it became a cyclonic storm at 1430 hrs IST on 29 November 2024 over the Southwest Bay of Bengal (1 is correct). It crossed the coast with 70–80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph, not 120–130 kmph (2 is wrong).
IMD monitored Cyclone Fengal during its landfall using Doppler Weather Radars located at which two places?
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Correct answer: C — Karaikal and Chennai
IMD's 1 December 2024 bulletin: the system was being continuously monitored by the Doppler Weather Radar at Karaikal and Chennai.
What was the UNAIDS theme followed for World AIDS Day 2024 in India?
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Correct answer: C — Take the Rights Path
PIB (Health): the World AIDS Day 2024 event was aligned with the UNAIDS theme 'Take the Rights Path'.
The national World AIDS Day 2024 event led by Union Health Minister J P Nadda was to be held at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Indore
PIB (Health): the event was to be held on 1 December 2024 at the Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya Auditorium in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), which observes World AIDS Day in India, functions under which ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
PIB (Health): NACO is under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
The 13th edition of the India–Singapore exercise 'Agni Warrior' concluded on 30 November 2024 at which location?
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Correct answer: C — Devlali, Maharashtra
PIB (MoD): XAW-2024 concluded at the Field Firing Ranges, Devlali (Maharashtra) on 30 November 2024.
Which edition of Joint Military Exercise 'Agni Warrior' was held in November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 13th
PIB (MoD): the 13th edition of Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024) was held from 28 to 30 November 2024.
Consider the following statements about Agni Warrior 2024: 1. The Singapore contingent comprised 182 personnel from the Singapore Artillery and the Indian contingent 114 personnel from the Regiment of Artillery. 2. It was a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (MoD): the contingents were 182 (Singapore Artillery) and 114 (Regiment of Artillery) — 1 is correct. It was an Army–Singapore Armed Forces artillery exercise, not a naval one — 2 is wrong.
By what date did TRAI direct access providers to ensure PE–TM chain declaration by all Principal Entities and Telemarketers, as announced on 30 November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 10 December 2024
PIB (TRAI): access providers were directed to ensure PE–TM chain declaration by all PEs and TMs latest by 10 December 2024.
Under TRAI's Direction of 20 August 2024, commercial messages had to be traceable from senders to recipients with effect from which date?
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Correct answer: A — 1 November 2024
PIB (TRAI): the Direction of 20 August 2024 mandated that all commercial messages must be traceable from 1 November 2024.
On 30 November 2024, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the Short Refit and Dry Docking of INS Vikramaditya with which shipyard?
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Correct answer: D — Cochin Shipyard Limited
PIB (MoD): the contract for the SRDD of INS Vikramaditya was signed with M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited on 30 November 2024.
What was the overall cost of the INS Vikramaditya Short Refit and Dry Docking contract signed on 30 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — ₹1,207.5 crore
PIB (MoD): the SRDD contract was signed at an overall cost of Rs. 1207.5 crore.
Consider the following statements: 1. INS Vikramaditya was commissioned into the Indian Navy in November 2013. 2. The 2024 refit project envisages the involvement of nearly 50 MSMEs and employment for more than 3,500 personnel. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MoD): the carrier was commissioned in November 2013, and the project envisages nearly 50 MSMEs and employment for more than 3,500 personnel. Both are correct.
At the Credit Outreach Programme in Madhubani, Bihar, on 30 November 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman distributed copies of the Constitution in which two languages?
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Correct answer: B — Maithili and Sanskrit
PIB (Finance): she distributed five copies of the Constitution each in Maithili and Sanskrit to distinguished citizens.
Consider the following statements about the Madhubani Credit Outreach Programme (30 November 2024): 1. Loans worth ₹1,121 crore were distributed to 50,294 beneficiaries. 2. SIDBI announced approval of more than ₹155.84 crore for rural road projects. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (Finance): loans of ₹1,121 crore went to 50,294 beneficiaries (1 is correct). The ₹155.84 crore approval was by NABARD; SIDBI approved ₹75.52 lakh (2 is wrong).
Which Italian Navy tall ship docked at the Indira Dock of Mumbai Port, where Sarbananda Sonowal met Italian minister Adolfo Urso on 30 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Amerigo Vespucci
PIB (MoPSW): the meeting took place during the docking of the Italian Navy school ship Amerigo Vespucci at the Indira Docks in Mumbai Port.
Consider the following statements: 1. Sarbananda Sonowal sought Italy's collaboration for the National Maritime Heritage Complex being built at Lothal, Gujarat. 2. The ship Amerigo Vespucci was commissioned in May 1931. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MoPSW): Sonowal requested support for the NMHC at Lothal, Gujarat, and the release states Amerigo Vespucci was commissioned in May 1931. Both are correct.
By CBDT Circular No. 18/2024 of 30 November 2024, the due date for filing ITRs for AY 2024-25 by assessees required to furnish a Section 92E report was extended to which date?
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Correct answer: D — 15 December 2024
PIB (Finance): the due date, originally 30 November 2024, was extended to 15 December 2024 by CBDT Circular No. 18/2024 dated 30.11.2024.
The ITR due-date extension announced by CBDT on 30 November 2024 applies to assessees required to furnish a report referred to in which section of the Income-tax Act, 1961?
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Correct answer: B — Section 92E
PIB (Finance): the extension applies to assessees required to furnish a report referred to in section 92E.
Who received the President's Gold Medal for the INA B.Tech course at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Passing Out Parade on 30 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Midshipman Ayush Kumar Singh
PIB (Navy): the President's Gold Medal for the INA B.Tech course was awarded to Midshipman Ayush Kumar Singh; Karan Singh got the CNS Silver Medal and Kartikey V Vernekar the FOC-in-C South Bronze Medal.
How many trainees passed out at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, on 30 November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 239
PIB (Navy): a total of 239 trainees passed out at the POP held at INA Ezhimala on 30 November 2024.
According to NSO estimates released on 29 November 2024, India's real GDP grew by how much in Q2 (July–September) of 2024-25?
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Correct answer: B — 5.4%
PIB (MoSPI): real GDP grew 5.4% in Q2 of 2024-25, against 8.1% in Q2 of 2023-24. 6.0% was the H1 growth.
Consider the following statements about the Q2 2024-25 GDP estimates: 1. Manufacturing grew by 2.2% in Q2 of 2024-25. 2. Agriculture and allied sector grew by 3.5%, after growth of 0.4% to 2.0% in the previous four quarters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MoSPI): manufacturing grew 2.2%, and agriculture bounced back to 3.5% after sub-optimal growth of 0.4% to 2.0% in the previous four quarters. Both are correct.
What was the growth rate of nominal GDP (GDP at current prices) in Q2 of 2024-25, as estimated on 29 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 8.0%
PIB (MoSPI): nominal GDP in Q2 of 2024-25 was ₹76.60 lakh crore against ₹70.90 lakh crore, a growth of 8.0%. 8.9% was H1 nominal growth.
Which company was declared the preferred bidder for the Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Block in Tamil Nadu on 7 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Hindustan Zinc Ltd
PIB (Mines): the block was successfully auctioned with Hindustan Zinc Ltd declared as the preferred bidder on 07.11.2024.
Consider the following statements: 1. Section 11D, inserted in the MMDR Act, 1957 by the 2023 Amendment, empowers the Central Government to exclusively auction mining leases and composite licences for specified critical and strategic minerals. 2. The Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Block was auctioned as a mining lease block that requires no further exploration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (Mines): Section 11D empowers the Centre to exclusively auction such leases and licences (1 is correct). The block was auctioned as a composite licence block that is only partially explored, so the bidder must explore first (2 is wrong).
Among the nine One Stop Centres approved for Indian women in distress abroad, the two OSCs without shelter homes are located in which cities?
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Correct answer: A — Toronto and Singapore
PIB (MWCD): seven OSCs with shelter homes are in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia (Jeddah & Riyadh); two OSCs without shelter homes are in Toronto and Singapore.
How many One Stop Centres for Indian women facing distress abroad were approved by the Empowered Committee of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, as stated on 29 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 9
PIB (MWCD): proposals of the MEA for 9 One Stop Centres for Indian women facing distress abroad were approved by the Empowered Committee.
What is the name of the mascot of the first Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, unveiled on 29 November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Purvi
PIB (DoNER): 'Purvi', the mascot of the Mahotsav, was introduced at the curtain raiser; she is a young girl representing all eight states of Northeast India.
Where and when was the first Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav scheduled to be held?
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Correct answer: A — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, 6–8 December 2024
PIB (DoNER): the three-day festival was to take place at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from 6 to 8 December 2024.
What was the size of the loan signed by India and the Asian Development Bank on 29 November 2024 for 'Building India's Clean Plant Programme'?
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Correct answer: A — $98 million
PIB (Finance): the Government of India and ADB signed a $98 million loan for the Building India's Clean Plant Programme.
Through which bodies will the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare implement the ADB-supported Clean Plant Programme project?
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Correct answer: B — National Horticulture Board and ICAR
PIB (Finance): the project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the National Horticulture Board and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
In the joint Indian Navy–Sri Lanka Navy anti-narcotics operation announced on 29 November 2024, approximately how much of which narcotic was seized?
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Correct answer: B — About 500 kg of crystal meth
PIB (Navy): both boats were boarded on 24 and 25 November 2024, leading to the seizure of approximately 500 kg of narcotics (crystal meth).
Indian Navy surveillance in the November 2024 anti-narcotics operation with Sri Lanka was based on inputs from which centre located in Gurugram?
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Correct answer: D — Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)
PIB (Navy): surveillance by LRMP aircraft and RPA was based on inputs from the Information Fusion Centre (Indian Ocean Region), Gurugram.
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in October 2024 (provisional), as released on 29 November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 3.1%
PIB (Commerce): the ICI increased by 3.1% (provisional) in October 2024 over October 2023. 4.1% is the April–October cumulative growth and 6.3% the final July 2024 figure.
Which of the eight core industries carries the highest weight in the Index of Eight Core Industries?
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Correct answer: D — Petroleum Refinery Products
PIB (Commerce): weights are Refinery Products 28.04%, Electricity 19.85%, Steel 17.92% and Coal 10.33%.
The 59th All India Conference of DGsP/IGsP, inaugurated by Amit Shah on 29 November 2024, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Bhubaneswar
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah inaugurated the 59th DGsP/IGsP Conference 2024 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Which Ministry of Home Affairs book did Amit Shah release at the 59th DGsP/IGsP Conference on 29 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Ranking of Police Stations 2024
PIB (MHA): Shah released the Ministry of Home Affairs' book on 'Ranking of Police Stations 2024' and awarded trophies to the three best police stations.
Consider the following statements about the 59th DGsP/IGsP Conference 2024: 1. It was held in a hybrid format, with police chiefs of all States/UTs and heads of CAPFs/CPOs attending physically. 2. Amit Shah said the three new criminal laws have changed the criminal justice system from punishment-oriented to justice-oriented. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MHA): the conference was held in hybrid format with DGsP/IGsP of all States/UTs and heads of CAPFs/CPOs attending physically, and Shah said the new laws transformed the system from punishment-oriented to justice-oriented. Both are correct.
The Indian Coast Guard's 11th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2024) was conducted off which coast in November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Kochi
PIB (MoD): the ICG conducted the 11th edition of SAREX-2024 off the Kochi coast on 29 November 2024.
What was the theme of SAREX-2024?
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Correct answer: D — Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration
PIB (MoD): SAREX-2024 had the theme 'Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration'.
Officers from which of the following countries did NOT take part in NCGG's 1st Capacity Building Programme for Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean Region (18–29 November 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — Indonesia
PIB (DARPG): the 30 officers came from Sri Lanka, Oman, Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles, Malaysia, Cambodia, Maldives and Myanmar. Indonesia was not listed.
Where was NCGG's 1st Capacity Building Programme for civil servants of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean Region conducted?
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Correct answer: C — Mussoorie and New Delhi
PIB (DARPG): the two-week programme, held from 18 to 29 November 2024, was conducted in Mussoorie and New Delhi.
The 48th meeting of the National Committee of Archivists concluded on 29 November 2024 at which place?
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Correct answer: D — Ekta Nagar (Kevadiya), Gujarat
PIB (Culture): the two-day 48th NCA meeting concluded on 29 November 2024 at the Statue of Unity, Kevadiya (Ekta Nagar), Gujarat.
Consider the following statements: 1. The 48th meeting was the first time the National Committee of Archivists met in Gujarat. 2. The Gujarat State Archives has completed the digitisation of its entire records holding. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
PIB (Culture): it was the second NCA meeting in Gujarat — the 32nd was held at Gandhinagar on 7 June 1982 (1 is wrong). The Gujarat State Archives has completed digitising its entire records holding (2 is correct).
The Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND) released at the 18th NCB International Conference on 29 November 2024 is an Indian Certified Reference Material of which standard?
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Correct answer: C — Gypsum
PIB (Commerce/DPIIT): the BND released is an Indian Certified Reference Material of Gypsum Standard produced by NCB with NPL.
On 28 November 2024, Hemant Soren was sworn in as which Chief Minister of Jharkhand (by number)?
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Correct answer: C — 14th
DD News, The Hindu and The Indian Express: Hemant Soren was sworn in as the 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand at Morabadi Ground, Ranchi, on 28 November 2024.
Who administered the oath of office to Hemant Soren as Chief Minister of Jharkhand on 28 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar
DD News and The Hindu: Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Hemant Soren.
Consider the following statements about Hemant Soren's swearing-in on 28 November 2024: 1. The ceremony was held at Morabadi Ground in Ranchi. 2. It marked his fourth term as Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The Hindu and The Indian Express: Soren took oath at Morabadi Ground, Ranchi, for his fourth term as Chief Minister. Both are correct.
How many mineral blocks were offered in the first-ever tranche of offshore mineral block auctions launched on 28 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 13
PIB (Mines): the first tranche includes 13 mineral blocks spanning the Arabian Sea and the Andaman Sea.
The blocks in the first tranche of offshore mineral auctions (November 2024) are located in which seas?
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Correct answer: B — Arabian Sea and Andaman Sea
PIB (Mines): the 13 blocks span the Arabian Sea and the Andaman Sea.
Consider the following statements about the first offshore mineral auction tranche: 1. The blocks feature construction sand, lime-mud and polymetallic nodules and crusts. 2. The Geological Survey of India has identified about six lakh sq km of offshore area with potential for offshore mining. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Mines): the tranche features construction sand, lime-mud and polymetallic nodules and crusts, and the Mines Secretary said GSI has identified about six lakh sq km of offshore area with mining potential. Both are correct.