International Relations Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Where was INS Tushil commissioned into the Indian Navy on 9 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad
PIB (9 Dec 2024): INS Tushil (F 70) was commissioned in the presence of Rajnath Singh at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia on December 09, 2024.
What is the pennant number of INS Tushil?
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Correct answer: B — F 70
PIB (9 Dec 2024): INS Tushil (F 70), the latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy.
INS Tushil is an upgraded frigate of which class and project?
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Correct answer: D — Krivak III class, Project 1135.6
PIB (9 Dec 2024): INS Tushil is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate of Project 1135.6.
What is INS Tushil's position in the Project 1135.6 series of frigates?
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Correct answer: A — Seventh
PIB (9 Dec 2024): six Project 1135.6 ships are already in service (three Talwar class and three Teg class); INS Tushil is the seventh in the series and the first of two upgraded additional follow-on ships.
Consider the following about INS Tushil: 1. Its keel was laid on 12 July 2013. 2. It is the first of the three Teg class ships built at Yantar Shipyard. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the keel was laid on July 12, 2013. Statement 2 is incorrect: the three Teg class ships are already in service; INS Tushil is the first of two upgraded additional follow-on ships.
With which country's coast guard did the Indian Coast Guard hold its second bilateral meeting in New Delhi on 9 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Philippines
PIB (9 Dec 2024): the Indian Coast Guard conducted the second bilateral meeting with the Philippine Coast Guard on December 09, 2024, at ICG HQs, New Delhi.
The National Centre for Good Governance began its 6th Capacity Building Program for civil servants of which country at Mussoorie on 9 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Sri Lanka
PIB (9 Dec 2024): the 6th Capacity Building Program for the Civil Servants of Sri Lanka commenced at NCGG, Mussoorie, with 40 mid-career civil servants.
Which capital city did Syrian rebel forces seize on 8 December 2024, ending Bashar al-Assad's rule?
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Correct answer: D — Damascus
Reuters (8 Dec 2024): Syrian rebels seized the capital Damascus unopposed on Sunday, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia; The Hindu also reports rebels claimed control of Damascus.
To which country did Bashar al-Assad flee after rebels took Damascus on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Russia
Reuters (8 Dec 2024) and The Hindu (9 Dec 2024): President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia; Reuters reports Moscow gave asylum to Assad and his family.
In its statement of 9 December 2024 on Syria, India's Ministry of External Affairs advocated:
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Correct answer: B — A peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process
The Hindu and Indian Express (9 Dec 2024): the MEA said 'We advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process respecting the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society.'
The fall of Bashar al-Assad on 8 December 2024 ended his family's rule over Syria that had lasted roughly:
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Correct answer: C — Five decades
Reuters (8 Dec 2024): the capture of Damascus ended more than five decades of the Assad family's rule; The Hindu (9 Dec 2024) calls it the end of the 50-year-long Assad family rule.
Consider the following about the developments in Syria in December 2024: 1. President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia after rebels took Damascus. 2. India's MEA underlined the need for all parties to work towards preserving Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Reuters (8 Dec 2024): Assad fled to Russia as rebels seized Damascus. The Hindu and Indian Express (9 Dec 2024): the MEA underlined the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.
In which city was the India-Norway Business Forum held on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Mumbai
PIB (8 Dec 2024): the India-Norway Business Forum was held in Mumbai, organised by CII in collaboration with DPIIT.
As stated at the India-Norway Business Forum on 8 December 2024, Norway is India's investor of which rank?
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Correct answer: D — 33rd
PIB (8 Dec 2024): DPIIT Joint Secretary Gurneet Tej highlighted bilateral trade of USD 1.1 billion and Norway emerging as India's 33rd largest investor.
Consider the following about the India-Norway Business Forum held on 8 December 2024: 1. Piyush Goyal proposed launching a startup bridge between India and Norway at the next ministerial meeting. 2. Norway's Ambassador said Norway had already ratified TEPA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. PIB (8 Dec 2024): Goyal proposed a startup bridge at the next ministerial meet; Norway's Ambassador noted Norway's plans to ratify TEPA by 2025, so it had not yet ratified it.
Who won Ghana's presidential election of December 2024 after his rival conceded on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — John Dramani Mahama
Reuters and BBC (8 Dec 2024): Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat and congratulated former President John Dramani Mahama on his victory.
Mahamudu Bawumia, who conceded Ghana's presidential election on 8 December 2024, held which office at the time?
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Correct answer: A — Vice-President of Ghana
Reuters and BBC (8 Dec 2024): Ghana's Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat in Saturday's election.
SAARC Charter Day is observed on 8 December because the SAARC Charter was adopted on that date in 1985 at the first SAARC Summit held in:
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Correct answer: D — Dhaka
Spotlight Nepal and The Rising Nepal (8 Dec 2024): SAARC was launched by South Asian Heads of State/Government at their first summit in Dhaka by adopting the Charter on 8 December 1985.
Who was the Secretary General of SAARC who issued a message on the 40th SAARC Charter Day on 8 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Md. Golam Sarwar
Spotlight Nepal and The Rising Nepal (8 Dec 2024): SAARC Secretary General Md. Golam Sarwar issued a message to mark the 40th Charter Day.
George Jacob Koovakad, created a Cardinal by Pope Francis on 7 December 2024, was serving as the coordinator of:
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Correct answer: C — The Pope's Apostolic Journeys
Holy See Press Office (7 Dec 2024): among the 21 new Cardinals was George Jacob Koovakad, titular archbishop of Nisibis of the Chaldeans, coordinator of Apostolic Journeys.
How many new Cardinals did Pope Francis create at the Ordinary Public Consistory on 7 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 21
Holy See Press Office (7 Dec 2024): the Holy Father held an Ordinary Public Consistory in the Vatican Basilica for the creation of 21 new Cardinals.
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, created on 7 December 2024, is incardinated in which Indian archdiocese, according to his official Holy See biography?
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Correct answer: A — Changanacherry
Holy See Press Office biography: Koovakad was born in Chethipuzha, India, on 11 August 1973, ordained in 2004 and incardinated in Changanacherry.
The MoU between the Geological Survey of India and Italy's CNR-IRPI, approved by the Union Cabinet on 6 December 2024, relates to:
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Correct answer: C — Landslide forecasting and early warning
PIB (10 Dec 2024): the Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 06.12.2024 approved the MoU between GSI and CNR-IRPI, Italy, for collaboration in landslide forecast and early warning.
Where has the Geological Survey of India set up its National Landslide Forecasting Centre (NLFC)?
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Correct answer: D — Kolkata
PIB (10 Dec 2024): GSI has established a state-of-the-art National Landslide Forecasting facility at GSI, Kolkata to operationalise regional Landslide Early Warning Systems.
The stocktake visit that concluded in New Delhi on 6 December 2024 related to India's Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with which country?
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Correct answer: D — Australia
PIB (9 Dec 2024): the 3-day stocktake visit for the India-Australia CECA concluded in New Delhi on 6th December 2024; the meeting was held from December 4th to 6th.
Where was the 10th round of India-Australia CECA negotiations held in August 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Sydney
PIB (9 Dec 2024): the stocktake visit followed the 10th round of negotiations held in Sydney from August 19th to 22nd, 2024.
Which King of Bhutan did Prime Minister Narendra Modi receive in New Delhi on 5 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
PIB (5 Dec 2024): Prime Minister Narendra Modi received His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Her Majesty the Queen, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, in New Delhi.
During the meeting of 5 December 2024, PM Modi and the King of Bhutan exchanged ideas on which initiative spearheaded by the King?
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Correct answer: D — Gelephu Mindfulness City
PIB (5 Dec 2024): the leaders exchanged ideas on the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, a project spearheaded by His Majesty to catalyse Bhutan's development and strengthen linkages with adjoining border areas in India.
India and Slovenia met on 5 December 2024 to finalise a science and technology Programme of Cooperation for which period?
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Correct answer: B — 2024–2029
PIB (5 Dec 2024): Dr Jitendra Singh and Slovenian Minister Dr Igor Papič met at Parliament House to finalise the Programme of Cooperation (PoC) for 2024–2029.
Which French Prime Minister was ousted in a no-confidence vote on 4 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Michel Barnier
BBC and Reuters (4 Dec 2024): French lawmakers passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, bringing down his government.
How many votes were cast in support of the no-confidence motion against Michel Barnier's government on 4 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 331
BBC and Reuters (4 Dec 2024): a total of 331 lawmakers voted in support of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
The fall of Michel Barnier's government on 4 December 2024 was the first time a French government lost a no-confidence vote since:
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Correct answer: C — 1962
BBC and Reuters (4 Dec 2024): it was the first time a French government had collapsed in a no-confidence vote since 1962.
Consider the following statements about the French no-confidence vote of 4 December 2024: 1. It followed Michel Barnier's use of special powers to push through his budget without a vote. 2. President Emmanuel Macron resigned after the vote. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
BBC and Reuters (4 Dec 2024): the motion followed Barnier's use of special powers to force through his budget without a vote, so statement 1 is correct. BBC reports Macron had said he would not resign whatever the outcome and was due to address the nation, so statement 2 is wrong. Answer: 1 only.
Which country's Foreign Minister, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, did PM Narendra Modi receive in New Delhi on 4 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Kuwait
PIB (4 Dec 2024): Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Foreign Minister of Kuwait Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and thanked the Kuwaiti leadership for the welfare of Indian nationals.
Where was CoP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification held, at which India delivered its formal statement on 3 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
PIB (3 Dec 2024): Bhupender Yadav delivered India's Formal Statement at the CoP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
At UNCCD CoP16 on 3 December 2024, India reaffirmed its Bonn Challenge commitment to restore how much degraded land by 2030?
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Correct answer: B — 26 million hectares
PIB (3 Dec 2024): India reaffirmed its commitment under the Bonn Challenge of restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, of which more than 22.50 million hectares has already been restored.
Which South Korean President declared martial law on 3 December 2024 and lifted it hours later?
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Correct answer: A — Yoon Suk Yeol
BBC and The Hindu (3 Dec 2024): President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late on Tuesday, 3 December, and it was lifted hours later after lawmakers voted against it.
Consider the following statements about South Korea's martial law declaration of 3 December 2024: 1. It was lifted after the National Assembly voted to reject it. 2. It remained in force for more than a week. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
BBC and The Hindu: lawmakers voted to reject martial law and Yoon's government lifted it early on 4 December, within hours, so statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is wrong. Answer: 1 only.
Where did the 4th edition of the India–Malaysia joint military exercise Harimau Shakti begin on 2 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Bentong camp, Pahang, Malaysia
PIB (2 Dec 2024): the 4th edition of Harimau Shakti commenced at Bentong camp, Pahang district, Malaysia.
Which edition of the India–Malaysia exercise Harimau Shakti commenced on 2 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 4th
PIB (2 Dec 2024): the 4th edition of India–Malaysia Joint Military Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI commenced at Bentong camp.
Which regiment represented the Indian contingent at Exercise Harimau Shakti 2024?
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Correct answer: B — MAHAR Regiment
PIB (2 Dec 2024): the 78-member Indian contingent is represented by a Battalion of the MAHAR Regiment.
Exercise Harimau Shakti 2024 aims to enhance joint capability for counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain under which chapter of the UN mandate?
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Correct answer: D — Chapter VII
PIB (2 Dec 2024): the aim is to enhance joint military capability to undertake counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Harimau Shakti: 1. The 2024 edition is scheduled from 2 to 15 December 2024. 2. The previous edition was held in November 2023 at Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (2 Dec 2024): the exercise is scheduled from 2nd to 15th December 2024, and the last edition was conducted in Nov 2023 at Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya. Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.
At the CoP16 drought dialogue on 2 December 2024, Bhupender Yadav recalled India's presidency of which UNCCD Conference of the Parties, when India committed to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030?
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Correct answer: B — CoP14
PIB (2 Dec 2024): Shri Yadav said it was during India's presidency at CoP14 that India presented its commitment to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
India announced the setting up of a Centre of Excellence in which field during its UNCCD CoP14 presidency, which the Minister said on 2 December 2024 has been established?
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Correct answer: D — Sustainable Land Management
PIB (2 Dec 2024): India announced the setting up of a Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management to promote a scientific approach to land degradation; the Minister said it has already been established.
On 2 December 2024, the MEA described as 'deeply regrettable' a breach of the premises of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Agartala
MEA statement quoted by NDTV and The Economic Times (2 Dec 2024): 'The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable.'
Consider the following statements about the Agartala incident of 2 December 2024: 1. The MEA said diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances. 2. The rally was held to protest against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
NDTV and The Economic Times (2 Dec 2024): the MEA said diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances, and the rally protested the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh. Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.
India and Italy's long-standing partnership in scientific research, highlighted during Adolfo Urso's meeting with Jitendra Singh on 2 December 2024, is particularly through the Elettra synchrotron facility located in:
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Correct answer: A — Trieste
PIB (2 Dec 2024): India and Italy enjoy a long-standing partnership in scientific research, particularly through the Synchrotron facility, Elettra, in Trieste.
Where did the first India–Cambodia joint table-top exercise CINBAX begin on 1 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Foreign Training Node, Pune
PIB (1 Dec 2024): the 1st edition of Joint Table Top Exercise CINBAX between the Indian and Cambodian Armies commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Pune.
Exercise CINBAX wargames joint counter-terrorism operations under which chapter of the UN Charter?
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Correct answer: B — Chapter VII
PIB (1 Dec 2024): CINBAX is a planning exercise aimed to wargame conduct of joint Counter Terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
Consider the following statements about Exercise CINBAX 2024: 1. It is scheduled from 1 to 8 December 2024. 2. The Indian Army contingent comprises 50 personnel from an Infantry Brigade. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (1 Dec 2024): the exercise will be conducted from 1st to 8th December 2024, so statement 1 is correct. The Indian contingent comprises 20 personnel from an Infantry Brigade, not 50, so statement 2 is wrong. Answer: 1 only.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where was the India–UK Statement of Intent on electric propulsion systems for the Indian Navy signed on 28 November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Portsmouth
PIB (MoD): the SoI was signed between the defence ministries of India and the UK in Portsmouth on 28 November 2024.
Under the India–UK electric propulsion partnership, which planned Indian Navy vessels are envisaged to have a Full Electric Propulsion System?
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Correct answer: B — Landing Platform Docks
PIB (MoD): the Landing Platform Docks, planned to be built at an Indian shipyard, are envisaged to have a Full Electric Propulsion System.
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) on a plastic pollution treaty, held in November 2024, took place in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Busan
PIB (MoEFCC): India participated in the 5th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan.
At INC-5, India said the new plastic pollution instrument should not overlap with the mandates of which multilateral environmental agreements?
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Correct answer: A — Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions
PIB (MoEFCC): India highlighted that there should be no overlap with the mandates of MEAs such as the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and bodies like the WTO.
India's proposed financial mechanism for the plastic pollution treaty at INC-5 is modelled on the fund operating under which international agreement?
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Correct answer: D — Montreal Protocol
PIB (MoEFCC): the model proposed by India has been in operation under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
Consider the following statements about India's multilateral fund proposal at INC-5: 1. The fund would provide loan-based finance to developing countries. 2. It proposes a subsidiary body with equal representation of developed and developing countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
PIB (MoEFCC): the proposed fund would provide grant-based (not loan-based) finance — 1 is wrong. It provides for a subsidiary body with equal representation of developed and developing countries — 2 is correct.
The Riyadh Design Law Treaty, whose Final Act India signed (announced 26 November 2024), was adopted by member states of which organisation?
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Correct answer: B — World Intellectual Property Organization
PIB (Commerce): the Design Law Treaty was adopted by member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) after nearly two decades of negotiations.
While announcing India's signing of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty Final Act, the Commerce Ministry said design registrations in India over the past decade had:
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Correct answer: A — Tripled
PIB (Commerce): design registrations in India have tripled over the past decade, with domestic filings up 120% in the last two years.