BPSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In November 2024, PM Modi congratulated whom on election as the President of Botswana?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Duma Boko
PIB (PMO): the PM congratulated Mr. Duma Boko on his election as the President of Botswana.
Duma Boko, congratulated by PM Modi on 3 November 2024, was elected President of which country?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Botswana
PIB (PMO): Duma Boko was elected President of Botswana.
Which session of the ILO Governing Body was held in Geneva from 28 October to 7 November 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 352nd
PIB (Labour): the 352nd Governing Body meeting of the ILO is being held at Geneva from 28 October to 7 November 2024.
At the ILO Governing Body (November 2024), India said how many people escaped multidimensional poverty in the last nine years?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 248 million
PIB (Labour): 248 million individuals escaped multidimensional poverty in the last 9 years, as measured by the multidimensional poverty index.
Which ILO flagship report, cited by India in November 2024, points to a doubling of social protection coverage in India?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — World Social Protection Report 2024–26
PIB (Labour): the ILO's flagship World Social Protection Report 2024–26 points out the doubling of social protection coverage in India.
How much area did Indian Railways' Swachhata Pakhwada 2024 cover, as reported in November 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 45.20 crore sq m
PIB (Railways): the cleanliness drive covered 45.20 crore square metres of area during this year's Swachhata Pakhwada.
During which period did Indian Railways observe Swachhata Pakhwada in 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1–15 October 2024
PIB (Railways): Indian Railways observed Swachhata Pakhwada from 1 to 15 October 2024.
What was NMDC's iron ore production in October 2024, its best-ever October since inception?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 4.07 MT
PIB (Steel): NMDC produced 4.07 MT and sold 4.03 MT of iron ore in October 2024, its best-ever October.
NMDC, India's largest iron ore producer, is a Navratna PSU under which ministry?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Ministry of Steel
PIB (Steel): NMDC is a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Steel.
What is the 'appointed day' under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, marked each year as the formation day of Kerala, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 November 1956
States Reorganisation Act, 1956, s. 2(a): 'appointed day' means the 1st day of November, 1956. PIB carried the PM's greetings to these states on 1 Nov 2024.
Under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, Kerala was formed from Travancore-Cochin, Kasaragod taluk of South Kanara and which district?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Malabar
States Reorganisation Act, 1956, s. 5: Kerala comprised Travancore-Cochin (minus territories transferred to Madras), Malabar district (excluding Laccadive and Minicoy) and Kasaragod taluk of South Kanara.
Kannada Rajyotsava marks 1 November 1956, when the States Reorganisation Act formed a new State known as:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Mysore
States Reorganisation Act, 1956, s. 7: a new State to be known as the State of Mysore was formed from the appointed day (1 November 1956).
Under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, territories of Hyderabad were added to which State, which was then renamed Andhra Pradesh?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Andhra
States Reorganisation Act, 1956, s. 3: Hyderabad territories were added to the State of Andhra, which became known as the State of Andhra Pradesh.
Bibek Debroy, who passed away on 1 November 2024, was serving as:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the PM
PIB (PMO): the PM condoled the passing of Dr Bibek Debroy, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.
At what age did Bibek Debroy pass away on 1 November 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 69
BusinessLine and Business Standard (1 Nov 2024): Debroy was 69.
Consider the following about Bibek Debroy: 1. He was Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. 2. He was a member of NITI Aayog until June 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB, BusinessLine and Business Standard: he was Chairman of EAC-PM, and a member of NITI Aayog until June 2019.
Under which law was the State of Haryana formed on 1 November 1966?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966
Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966: s. 2(b) appointed day is 1 November 1966; s. 3 forms the State of Haryana from territories of the existing State of Punjab.
Besides Haryana, which new Union territory was formed on 1 November 1966 under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Chandigarh
Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, s. 4: a new Union territory to be known as Chandigarh was formed on and from the appointed day.
On which date was the State of Chhattisgarh created?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 November 2000
PIB (Vice-President's Secretariat, 2025): the State of Chhattisgarh was created on 1st November 2000; the PM greeted it on its Foundation Day on 1 Nov 2024.
Which Greek Prime Minister spoke with PM Modi by phone on 1 November 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Kyriakos Mitsotakis
PIB (PMO): PM Modi received a telephone call from the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Which economic corridor did PM Modi and PM Mitsotakis discuss in their November 2024 call?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — IMEEC
PIB (PMO): the leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues, including IMEEC and developments in West Asia.
What was India's overall coal production in October 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 84.45 MT
PIB (Coal): overall coal production in October 2024 reached 84.45 MT; dispatches were 82.89 MT; October 2023 production was 78.57 MT.
By what percentage did India's coal production in October 2024 grow over October 2023?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 7.48%
PIB (Coal): production rose to 84.45 MT from 78.57 MT, an increase of 7.48% (dispatch grew 4.60%).
On which date did Coal India Limited come into being?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 November 1975
PIB (Coal): CIL came into being on 1 November 1975 as an apex holding company of the nationalised coking and non-coking coal mines.
What was Coal India Limited's coal output in FY 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 773.6 MT
PIB (Coal): CIL ended FY 2024 with 773.6 MT output, an 8.7-fold growth over 89 MT in 1975-76.
Where was the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Ministerial Meeting (30 October–1 November 2024) held?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
Which edition of the India–Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise Garud Shakti was held in November 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 9th
PIB (Defence): the contingent left for the 9th edition of exercise Garud Shakti 24, held from 1 to 12 November 2024.
Which Indonesian Special Forces unit took part in exercise Garud Shakti 24?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Kopassus
PIB (Defence): the Indonesian contingent of 40 personnel was represented by Indonesian Special Forces Kopassus.
Exercise Garud Shakti 24 (1–12 November 2024) was held at:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Cijantung, Jakarta
PIB (Defence): the Indian contingent departed for Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Which edition of the India–US joint Special Forces exercise Vajra Prahar was held in November 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 15th
PIB (Defence): the Indian Army contingent departed for the 15th edition of exercise Vajra Prahar.
Where was exercise Vajra Prahar 2024 (2–22 November) held?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Orchard Combat Training Centre, Idaho
PIB (Defence): the exercise was scheduled from 2 to 22 November 2024 at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA.
Which US Army unit represented the US contingent in exercise Vajra Prahar 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Green Berets
PIB (Defence): the US Army contingent was represented by Green Berets.
How many personnel were awarded the 'Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak' for 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 463
PIB (MHA), 31 Oct 2024: the medal was awarded to 463 personnel of various States/UTs/CAPFs/CPOs for 2024.
The 'Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak' was instituted by an MHA notification dated:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 February 2024
PIB (MHA), 31 Oct 2024: instituted vide Ministry of Home Affairs' Notification dated 1st February, 2024.
Consider the following about the 'Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak': 1. It recognises excellent work in Special Operation, Investigation, Intelligence and Forensic Science. 2. It is announced every year on 15 August. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (MHA), 31 Oct 2024: the four fields are Special Operation, Investigation, Intelligence and Forensic Science; the medal is announced on 31 October every year, Sardar Patel's birth anniversary.
Consider the following about the MoPSW's Rashtriya Ekta Diwas event on 31 October 2024: 1. All organisations of the ministry virtually took the pledge after Sarbananda Sonowal read it out. 2. The event began with Sonowal performing 'Pad Puja' by offering floral tributes to an image of Sardar Patel. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MoPSW), 31 Oct 2024: all organisations virtually took the pledge after the Union Minister read it out; the event started with Sonowal doing 'Pad Puja' with floral tributes to Sardar Patel's image.
In which city was India's updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) released at CBD COP16 on 30 October 2024?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in September 2024 (provisional) over September 2023?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 2.0%
PIB (Commerce), 30 Oct 2024: the combined ICI increased by 2.0 per cent (provisional) in September 2024.
The eight core industries together account for what share of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 40.27%
PIB (Commerce), 30 Oct 2024: the Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the IIP.
What was the cumulative (provisional) growth of the Index of Eight Core Industries during April–September 2024-25?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 4.2%
PIB (Commerce), 30 Oct 2024: the cumulative growth rate of ICI during April to September 2024-25 is 4.2 per cent (provisional).
Consider the following about the core industries data for September 2024: 1. Cement, refinery products, coal, fertilizers and steel recorded positive growth. 2. Crude oil production grew over September 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (Commerce), 30 Oct 2024: cement, refinery products, coal, fertilizers and steel grew; crude oil production declined by 3.9% in September 2024.
Under the DoPPW OM of 30 October 2024, Dearness Relief for central government pensioners was raised to what rate of basic pension?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 53%
PIB (DoPPW), 30 Oct 2024: DR rises from the existing rate of 50% to 53% of basic pension/family pension w.e.f. 01.07.2024.
From which date is the 3% additional instalment of DA/DR notified on 30 October 2024 effective?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 July 2024
PIB (DoPPW), 30 Oct 2024: the additional instalment is due from 01.07.2024; higher DR applies w.e.f. 01.07.2024.
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan was invited as Guest of Honour in Algeria in November 2024 for the military parade marking:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — The 70th anniversary of the revolution of 1 November 1954
PIB (MoD), 30 Oct 2024: the Military Parade and Ceremony commemorating Algeria's 70th Anniversary of the Glorious revolution of 01 Nov 1954, where Gen Chauhan was invited as Guest of Honour.
According to the MoD release of 30 October 2024, what were the dates of CDS Gen Anil Chauhan's official visit to Algeria?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 31 October–4 November 2024
PIB (MoD), 30 Oct 2024: the CDS will embark on an official visit to Algeria from 31st October to 4th November 2024.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three anti-cancer drugs whose MRP NPPA directed manufacturers to reduce in October 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Pembrolizumab
PIB (Pharmaceuticals), 29 Oct 2024: the three drugs are Trastuzumab, Osimertinib and Durvalumab.
The GST rate on Trastuzumab, Osimertinib and Durvalumab was cut with effect from 10 October 2024:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — From 12% to 5%
PIB (Pharmaceuticals), 29 Oct 2024: Notification 05/2024 dated 08.10.2024 reduced GST from 12% to 5% w.e.f. 10.10.2024.
Indian Railways renewed its MoU with Switzerland's DETEC on 29 October 2024. When was the original MoU signed?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 31 August 2017
PIB (Railways), 29 Oct 2024: the original MoU, signed on August 31, 2017, was valid for five years.
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:
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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:
Show answer
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.
How many appointment letters did the PM distribute at the Rozgar Mela on 29 October 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — More than 51,000
PIB (PMO), 29 Oct 2024: the PM distributed more than 51,000 appointment letters via videoconferencing.
At the Rozgar Mela on 29 October 2024, the PM said the PM Internship Scheme provides paid internships in India's top how many companies?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 500
PIB (PMO), 29 Oct 2024: under the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme, provision has been made for paid internships in the top 500 companies of India.
During Pedro Sanchez's visit in October 2024, India and Spain announced 2026 as the India-Spain Year of:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Culture, Tourism and AI
MEA list of outcomes (PIB), 28 Oct 2024: Announcement of the Year 2026 as India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI.
In which Indian city did Spain announce it would establish a consulate in October 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bengaluru
MEA list of outcomes (PIB), 28 Oct 2024: establishment of a Spanish Consulate in Bengaluru and operationalisation of the Indian Consulate in Barcelona.
According to the India-Spain Joint Statement, Pedro Sanchez's visit in October 2024 was the first visit by a President of the Government of Spain to India after how many years?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 18
MEA joint statement (PIB), 28 Oct 2024: this was the first visit by a President of the Government of Spain to India after 18 years.
Piyush Goyal's Saudi Arabia visit of 29–30 October 2024 was to participate in which edition of the Future Investment Initiative?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 8th
PIB (Commerce), 28 Oct 2024: Goyal to participate in the 8th Future Investment Initiative.
In which city was the 8th Future Investment Initiative, attended by Piyush Goyal in October 2024, held?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Riyadh
PIB (Commerce), 28 Oct 2024: the visit to Riyadh for the 8th FII.
In the 115th Mann Ki Baat (27 October 2024), the PM warned citizens about which type of fraud?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Digital arrest
PIB, 27 Oct 2024 (Mann Ki Baat): 'The conversation you just heard pertains to the fraud of Digital Arrest.'
According to Mann Ki Baat of 27 October 2024, Bhagwan Birsa Munda's 150th birth anniversary year was to begin on:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 15 November 2024
PIB, 27 Oct 2024 (Mann Ki Baat): Bhagwan Birsa Munda's 150th birth anniversary year will begin from the 15th of November.
In Mann Ki Baat (27 October 2024), the PM referred to the inauguration of Asia's largest imaging telescope 'MACE'. Where is it?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Hanle, Ladakh
PIB, 27 Oct 2024 (Mann Ki Baat): 'this month, we inaugurated Asia's largest Imaging Telescope MACE in Hanle, Ladakh.'
Why was the 'Run for Unity' in 2024 held on 29 October instead of on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (31 October)?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Deepawali
PIB, 27 Oct 2024: on account of Deepawali, Run for Unity will be held on the 29th of October, i.e. Tuesday.
According to the Rural Development Ministry (27 October 2024), how many person-days were generated under MGNREGS from FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2,923 crore
PIB (Rural Development), 27 Oct 2024: total person days between FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25 have been 2923 crore, against 1660 crore in FY 2006-07 to FY 2013-14.
What is the MGNREGS budget allocation (BE) for FY 2024-25, described as the highest since inception?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹86,000 crore
PIB (Rural Development), 27 Oct 2024: Rs 86,000 crore in FY 2024-25 (BE), the highest since inception.
Consider the following about MGNREGS as stated by the ministry on 27 October 2024: 1. Aadhaar seeding has been done for 99.3% of active workers. 2. The budget allocation at BE stage in FY 2013-14 was ₹86,000 crore. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (Rural Development), 27 Oct 2024: Aadhaar seeding covers 13.10 crore active workers (99.3%); BE in FY 2013-14 was only Rs 33,000 crore — Rs 86,000 crore is the FY 2024-25 BE.
The revised SOP for protecting vulnerable children on railway premises, launched on 27 October 2024, was a joint effort of Indian Railways (RPF) and which ministry?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Women and Child Development
PIB (Railways), 27 Oct 2024: RPF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, launched the updated SOP.
What is the name of the RPF operation that has rescued over 2,300 children and apprehended 674 traffickers since 2022?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Operation AAHT
PIB (Railways), 27 Oct 2024: RPF's 'Operation AAHT' has been instrumental in rescuing over 2,300 children and apprehending 674 traffickers since 2022.
In October 2024, PM Modi congratulated GM Arjun Erigaisi for crossing which mark in live chess ratings?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2800
PIB, 27 Oct 2024: the PM congratulated Arjun Erigaisi for crossing the 2800 mark in live chess ratings.
Which Indian Navy frigate arrived at La Réunion on 27 October 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — INS Talwar
PIB (MoD), 28 Oct 2024: INS Talwar arrived at La Réunion on 27 October 24 as part of her deployment in the IOR.
INS Talwar, which visited La Réunion in October 2024, was commissioned on:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 18 June 2003
PIB (MoD), 28 Oct 2024: INS Talwar was commissioned on 18 June 2003.
Before reaching La Réunion, INS Talwar had taken part in which multilateral exercise held in South Africa?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — IBSAMAR VIII
PIB (MoD), 28 Oct 2024: the ship had recently participated in the IBSAMAR VIII multilateral exercise held in South Africa.