Environment & Ecology Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Which country co-chaired the LeadIT Summit with India on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, where LeadIT's first five-year report was launched?
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Correct answer: C — Sweden
PIB (MoEFCC): the summit was co-chaired by India's MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh and Sweden's Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari.
What does 'LeadIT', the group whose summit India co-chaired at COP29, stand for?
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Correct answer: B — Leadership Group for Industry Transition
PIB (MoEFCC): LeadIT is the Leadership Group for Industry Transition; the 2024 summit marked its fifth year.
At an International Solar Alliance session at COP29, what increase in solar adoption by 2050 was called for?
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Correct answer: D — 20-fold
PIB (MoEFCC): the ISA session called for a 20x increase in solar adoption by 2050, aiming to meet over 75% of the world's grid energy needs.
Where did Power Minister Manohar Lal flag off NTPC's green hydrogen buses on 23 November 2024, described as the world's highest-altitude green hydrogen mobility project?
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Correct answer: A — Leh
PIB (Power): the buses were flagged off at Leh; the project is at 3,650 m MSL, the world's highest-altitude green hydrogen mobility project.
How many hydrogen buses are part of NTPC's Green Hydrogen Mobility Project at Leh?
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Correct answer: C — 5
PIB (Power): the project comprises a 1.7 MW solar plant, an 80 kg/day hydrogen filling station and 5 intra-city hydrogen buses.
According to NTPC, how far can each Leh hydrogen bus travel on a single 25 kg fill of hydrogen?
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Correct answer: B — 300 km
PIB (Power): each bus can cover 300 km per single filling of 25 kg of hydrogen.
At the G20 Rio session on 19 November 2024, PM Modi said how much of India's 500 GW renewable energy target for 2030 had been achieved?
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Correct answer: D — 200 GW
PIB (PMO): India has set a target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, of which 200 GW has been achieved.
PM Modi addressed which G20 Summit session in Rio de Janeiro on 19 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Sustainable Development and Energy Transition
PIB (PMO): PM Modi addressed the G20 Summit session on Sustainable Development and Energy Transition.
Consider the following, as recalled by PM Modi at the G20 Rio session: 1. At the New Delhi G20 Summit, the group resolved to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. 2. At the New Delhi G20 Summit, the group resolved to double the energy efficiency rate by 2030. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (PMO): during the New Delhi G20 Summit the group resolved to triple renewable energy capacity and double the energy efficiency rate by 2030.
Who delivered India's National Statement at the High-level Segment of COP29 in Baku on 19 November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Kirti Vardhan Singh
PIB (MoEFCC): MoS for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh delivered India's National Statement.
In which city was COP29 of the UN Climate Change Conference held in November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Baku
PIB (MoEFCC): India's National Statement was delivered at the High-level Segment of COP29 at Baku, Azerbaijan.
Which tiger reserve was notified as India's 56th tiger reserve in November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve
PIB (MoEFCC): the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh was notified as the country's 56th tiger reserve.
The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is the third largest in India. Which two reserves are larger?
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Correct answer: C — Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam and Manas
PIB (MoEFCC): it is the third largest tiger reserve after Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh and Manas in Assam.
Consider the following about the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve: 1. It is contiguous with the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. 2. With it, Chhattisgarh has five tiger reserves. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (MoEFCC): it is contiguous with Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve (MP); with this notification Chhattisgarh is home to 4 tiger reserves, so 2 is wrong.
Which body invoked Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR on 17 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Commission for Air Quality Management
PIB (MoEFCC): the CAQM sub-committee invoked Stage-IV of GRAP. CPCB only issued the AQI bulletin.
Under the revised GRAP, Stage-IV ('Severe+') applies when Delhi's AQI is above:
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Correct answer: C — 450
PIB (MoEFCC): Stage-IV of the revised GRAP is 'Severe+' air quality, with Delhi's AQI above 450.
Consider the following about the GRAP Stage-IV decision of 17 November 2024: 1. It was invoked by the Central Pollution Control Board. 2. Delhi's daily average AQI rose to 457 at 7 PM that day. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
PIB (MoEFCC): Stage-IV was invoked by the CAQM sub-committee, not CPCB; Delhi's AQI rose from 441 at 4 PM to 457 at 7 PM. So only 2 is correct.
The Mitigation Ambition and Implementation Work Programme (MWP), discussed by India at CoP29 on 16 November 2024, was established at which CoP?
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Correct answer: B — CoP27, Sharm el-Sheikh
PIB (MoEFCC): India referred to decisions on the Sharm el-Sheikh mitigation ambition and implementation work programme at CoP27.
Consider the following about India's statement at CoP29 on 16 November 2024: 1. It was delivered in the closing plenary of the Subsidiary Bodies. 2. India supported including the CoP28 Global Stocktake mitigation paragraphs in the MWP. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (MoEFCC): the statement was made in the closing plenary of the Subsidiary Bodies, and India opposed developed countries' push to include the Global Stocktake mitigation paras. So only 1 is correct.
At CoP29 in November 2024, India said developed countries must provide and mobilise at least how much climate finance every year till 2030?
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Correct answer: B — USD 1.3 trillion
PIB (MoEFCC): India said developed countries need to commit to provide and mobilise at least USD 1.3 trillion every year till 2030.
On whose behalf did India deliver a statement at the High-Level Ministerial on Climate Finance at CoP29 on 14 November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Like-Minded Developing Countries
PIB (MoEFCC): India intervened on behalf of the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs).
Consider the following about India's LMDC statement at CoP29 (14 November 2024): 1. It was delivered by India's lead negotiator Naresh Pal Gangwar. 2. It proposed turning the New Collective Quantified Goal into an investment goal. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (MoEFCC): Naresh Pal Gangwar delivered it, and the statement said the NCQG cannot be changed into an investment goal. So only 1 is correct.
What was Delhi's daily average AQI on 14 November 2024, when CAQM invoked GRAP Stage-III?
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Correct answer: B — 424
PIB (MoEFCC): Delhi's daily average AQI was 424 as per the CPCB bulletin.
Stage-III of the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) corresponds to which air quality category?
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Correct answer: A — Severe
PIB (MoEFCC): Stage-III of the revised GRAP is 'Severe' air quality; Stage-IV is 'Severe+'.
As of October 2024, India's renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity stood at:
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Correct answer: D — 203.18 GW
PIB (MNRE): according to the CEA, RE-based generation capacity stood at 203.18 GW as of October 2024.
As of October 2024, renewable energy made up what share of India's total installed electricity capacity?
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Correct answer: B — More than 46.3%
PIB (MNRE): renewable energy now constitutes more than 46.3% of total capacity (203.18 GW of 452.69 GW).
Which source led India's renewable energy capacity as of October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Solar power
PIB (MNRE): solar power leads with 92.12 GW, followed by wind power with 47.72 GW.
According to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri on 12 November 2024, how much has biofuel blending saved India on its import bill?
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Correct answer: B — ₹91,000 crore
PIB (Petroleum): Puri said through biofuel blending the country could save 91,000 crore rupees on the import bill.
At the Energy Technology Meet in Bengaluru (November 2024), the Petroleum Minister said India's energy demand will grow how much by 2047?
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Correct answer: A — Two and a half times
PIB (Petroleum): the minister said India's energy demand will grow by two and a half times by 2047.
Scientists from which institute discovered the new plant species Dicliptera polymorpha in the northern Western Ghats (announced November 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — Agharkar Research Institute, Pune
PIB (DST): the discovery was made by a team led by Dr Mandar Datar of the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous institute under DST.
Consider the following about Dicliptera polymorpha: 1. It is fire-resilient (pyrophytic) and shows a second burst of flowering after grassland fires. 2. It was discovered in the Eastern Ghats. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (DST): the species is pyrophytic with a dual-blooming pattern, but it was found in the northern Western Ghats, not the Eastern Ghats. So only 1 is correct.
In November 2024, the High-Level Committee chaired by Amit Shah approved fire-services projects worth how much for Chhattisgarh, Odisha and West Bengal?
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Correct answer: D — ₹725.62 crore
PIB (MHA): the committee approved three projects of ₹725.62 crore; ₹5,000 crore is the NDRF allocation for the scheme and ₹2,542.12 crore the earlier approvals for 15 states.
The Centre's ₹5,000 crore allocation for 'Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States' is under which fund?
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Correct answer: B — National Disaster Response Fund
PIB (MHA): the Central Government has allocated ₹5,000 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for the scheme.
Of the three states in the November 2024 fire-services approval, which received the largest amount?
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Correct answer: A — West Bengal
PIB (MHA): West Bengal ₹376.76 crore, Odisha ₹201.10 crore and Chhattisgarh ₹147.76 crore.
NITI Aayog launched the ASSET platform for states' green transition in November 2024 in collaboration with:
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of Power and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
PIB (NITI Aayog): NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, launched the ASSET platform.
Which organisation was the knowledge partner for NITI Aayog's symposium on 'Green Transition in States' (11 November 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — ISEG Foundation
PIB (NITI Aayog): the symposium was organised by NITI Aayog with ISEG Foundation as knowledge partner.
Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), which launched 'EV as a Service' in November 2024, is a subsidiary of:
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Correct answer: C — Energy Efficiency Services Limited
PIB (Power): CESL is a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).
CESL's 'EV as a Service' programme aims to deploy how many e-cars in government departments over the next two years?
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Correct answer: B — 5,000
PIB (Power): the programme aims to deploy 5,000 e-cars over the next two years; 2,000 e-cars are already deployed and about 17,000 e-buses are being facilitated.
Where was CESL's 'EV as a Service' programme launched on 10 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
PIB (Power): Manohar Lal launched the programme at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
At its 9 November 2024 review, CAQM directed action against end-of-life vehicles defined as:
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Correct answer: C — Petrol over 15 years, diesel over 10 years
PIB (CAQM): intensified action to liquidate end-of-life vehicles — more than 15 years for petrol and 10 years for diesel vehicles.
Under GRAP Stage-I/II measures reiterated by CAQM in November 2024, construction and demolition projects not registered on the web portal must stop if the plot size exceeds:
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Correct answer: A — 500 sq m
PIB (CAQM): stop C&D projects with plot size more than 500 sq m not registered on the web portal.
Under the amended rules (November 2024), what is the environmental compensation per stubble-burning incident for a farmer with less than two acres?
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Correct answer: A — ₹5,000
PIB (MoEFCC): for land under two acres the EC was revised from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per incident.
For a farmer with more than five acres, the revised environmental compensation for stubble burning (November 2024) is:
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Correct answer: D — ₹30,000
PIB (MoEFCC): for land over five acres the EC was revised from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per incident.
Consider the following about the revised environmental compensation for stubble burning (November 2024): 1. The amendment rules were notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. For farmers with two acres or more but less than five acres, the rate is ₹10,000 per incident. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB: MoEFCC notified the Amendment Rules on 6 November 2024 (G.S.R. 690(E)); the 2-to-under-5-acre rate went from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Both are correct.
Almora, where a road accident occurred in November 2024 for which the PM announced ex-gratia, is in which state?
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Correct answer: B — Uttarakhand
PIB (PMO): the PM condoled the loss of lives in the road accident in Almora, Uttarakhand.
What ex-gratia from the PMNRF was announced for each person injured in the Almora road accident (November 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — ₹50,000
PIB (PMO): ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased; the injured would be given ₹50,000.
Since when has Stage II of the revised GRAP been in force in the entire NCR, as reported in November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 22 October 2024
PIB (Environment/CAQM): Stage I has been in force since 15.10.2024 and Stage II since 22.10.2024 in the entire NCR.
The revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in NCR is implemented by which body?
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Correct answer: B — Commission for Air Quality Management
PIB: the revised GRAP is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas.
On average, how many mechanical road sweeping machines were deployed daily in Delhi alone under GRAP during 15–31 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 81
PIB: in Delhi alone on an average 81 MRSMs were deployed daily (36 in Haryana and UP); around 600 water sprinklers and anti-smog guns each were also deployed.
How many elephants died in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, prompting a central enquiry announced on 2 November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Ten
PIB (Environment): the WCCB constituted a team to enquire into the death of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
Which central body constituted a team to enquire into the elephant deaths in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (November 2024)?
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Correct answer: B — Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
PIB (Environment): the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of the Environment Ministry constituted the enquiry team.
The five-member committee formed by Madhya Pradesh to enquire into the Bandhavgarh elephant deaths is headed by:
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Correct answer: B — APCCF (Wildlife)
PIB (Environment): the five-member state committee is headed by APCCF (Wildlife).
Where was the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Ministerial Meeting (30 October–1 November 2024) held?
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Correct answer: B — Belem
PIB (MHA): the G20 DRRWG Ministerial Meeting was held from 30 October to 1 November 2024 in Belem, Brazil.
Who led India's delegation to the G20 DRRWG Ministerial Meeting in Belem in 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Dr P K Mishra
PIB (MHA): the Indian delegation was led by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr P K Mishra.
In which city was India's updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) released at CBD COP16 on 30 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Cali
PIB (MoEFCC), 3 Nov 2024: the document was released at a special event on 30 October 2024 in Cali, Colombia.
How many national biodiversity targets does India's updated NBSAP set?
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Correct answer: C — 23
PIB (MoEFCC), 3 Nov 2024: the updated NBSAP aligns with the KMGBF, setting 23 national biodiversity targets.
India's updated NBSAP, released at COP16, is aligned with which global framework?
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Correct answer: D — Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
PIB (MoEFCC), 3 Nov 2024: the updated NBSAP is aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
Consider the following about India's updated NBSAP: 1. It was released by Union MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh. 2. Its update involved a consultative process with 23 central ministries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MoEFCC), 3 Nov 2024: MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh released the updated NBSAP; the update was led by MoEFCC and involved 23 central ministries, departments, state-level organisations, communities and other stakeholders.
In India's COP16 national statement of 29 October 2024, the number of Indian Ramsar sites was said to have risen since 2014 from 26 to:
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Correct answer: D — 85
PIB (MoEFCC), 30 Oct 2024: India's Ramsar sites have risen from 26 to 85 since 2014.
According to India's COP16 statement, how many of the 36 globally recognised biodiversity hotspots does India house?
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Correct answer: B — Four
PIB (MoEFCC), 30 Oct 2024: India is one of the world's 17 megadiverse nations, housing four out of the 36 globally recognised biodiversity hotspots.
At CBD COP16, Colombia's Environment Minister Susana Muhamad took over the COP Presidency from:
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Correct answer: A — Huang Runqiu of China
PIB (MoEFCC), 30 Oct 2024: the MoS congratulated Susana Muhamad on taking over the COP Presidency from the longest-serving COP President, Huang Runqiu of China.
Which formation day of the National Disaster Management Authority was marked on 28 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 20th
PIB (MHA), 29 Oct 2024: the Home Secretary addressed the 20th Formation day function of NDMA in New Delhi on Monday (28 Oct).
The Yuva Apada Mitra Scheme, launched on NDMA's 20th Formation Day, aims to create 2,37,326 young volunteers in how many districts?
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Correct answer: A — 315
PIB (MHA), 29 Oct 2024: the scheme will create 2,37,326 young volunteers in 315 districts of 28 states.
Consider the following about NDMA's 20th Formation Day: 1. The Yuva Apada Mitra Scheme was launched by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. 2. Its theme was 'Empowering Communities for Disaster Risk Reduction through Awareness for Behavioral Change'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MHA), 29 Oct 2024: the Home Secretary launched the scheme; the theme of the event was 'Empowering Communities for Disaster Risk Reduction through Awareness for Behavioral Change'.
Where did the Indian Navy set up relief camps for Cyclone Dana-affected villages in Odisha (PIB, 26 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — Batipada and Talchua
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: relief camps have been established at Batipada and Talchua.
How many meals had the Indian Navy distributed in Cyclone Dana-affected areas of Odisha, as per the release of 26 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 9,000
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: a total of 9,000 meals have been distributed to the affected populations.
The medical camp set up with State agencies after Cyclone Dana (PIB, 26 October 2024) offered assistance to approximately how many people?
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Correct answer: B — 400
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: NOIC(ODS) partnered with State agencies to set up a medical camp that offers medical assistance to approximately 400 individuals.
According to IMD, Cyclone Dana crossed the north Odisha coast on 25 October 2024 close to:
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Correct answer: A — Habalikhati Nature Camp (Bhitarkanika) and Dhamara
IMD report on SCS Dana: it crossed north Odisha coast close to Habalikhati Nature Camp (Bhitarkanika) and Dhamara during 0130 to 0330 hrs IST of 25 October.
In which IMD intensity category was Cyclone Dana when it crossed the Odisha coast on 25 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Severe cyclonic storm
IMD report on SCS Dana: it crossed the north Odisha coast as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.
What was the wind speed of Cyclone Dana at landfall on 25 October 2024, as per IMD?
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Correct answer: B — 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph
IMD report on SCS Dana: wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph at the time of crossing the coast.
According to IMD, for how long did the landfall process of Cyclone Dana continue (from midnight of 24 October to the morning of 25 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — 9 hours
IMD report on SCS Dana: the landfall process commenced at midnight (2330 hours IST) of 24 October and continued for 9 hours till 0830 hours IST of 25 October.
'Weather Forecasting at the Gram Panchayat Level', launched on 24 October 2024, was developed jointly by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and:
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Correct answer: A — India Meteorological Department
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the initiative was developed in collaboration between the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Under Gram Panchayat-level weather forecasting (launched 24 October 2024), what kind of forecasts are available to over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats?
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Correct answer: D — Five-day forecasts and hourly updates
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: local weather forecasts now accessible to over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats on 5-day and hourly basis.
What is the name of Mormugao Port's scheme, launched in October 2023, that offers port-charge discounts based on ships' Environmental Ship Index scores?
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Correct answer: A — Harit Shrey
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the port's incentive program, 'Harit Shrey', launched in October 2023, offers discounts on port charges based on ESI scores.
The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) portal on which Mormugao Port was listed as an incentive provider (PIB, 24 October 2024) is acknowledged by:
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Correct answer: D — International Association of Ports and Harbours
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: Mormugao Port Authority was listed as an incentive provider on the ESI portal, acknowledged by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
Which edition of the National Water Awards did the Ministry of Jal Shakti launch on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 6th
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the Department of Water Resources, RD & GR has launched the 6th National Water Awards (NWA), 2024 on the Rashtriya Puraskar portal.
What is the last date for applications for the 6th National Water Awards, 2024 (launched 24 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: B — 31 December 2024
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the last date of submission of applications is 31st December, 2024.
What ex-gratia from PMNRF did the PM announce on 24 October 2024 for the next of kin of each person killed in the Bengaluru building collapse?
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Correct answer: B — ₹2 lakh
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased; the injured would be given Rs. 50,000.