MPSC (Maharashtra) Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
How many projects under the Tomato Grand Challenge received funding for prototype development and mentorship, as announced on 22 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 28
PIB (Consumer Affairs): of 1,376 ideas, 423 were shortlisted in Round 1, 29 reached Round 2 and 28 projects received funding and mentorship.
The Tomato Grand Challenge was launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with which body?
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Correct answer: D — Innovation Cell, Ministry of Education
PIB (Consumer Affairs): the Department of Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with the Innovation Cell of the Ministry of Education, initiated the Tomato Grand Challenge hackathon.
Scientists from which DST-funded autonomous institute proposed in November 2024 that the Milky Way's X-ray emitting hot gas comes from a puffed-up region around its stellar disc?
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Correct answer: D — Raman Research Institute
PIB (DST): scientists at the Raman Research Institute, an autonomous institute funded by DST, with collaborators at IIT-Palakkad and Ohio State University, proposed the model.
The absorbing hot gas around the Milky Way studied by RRI scientists was found enriched with α-elements. Which of the following were cited as examples?
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Correct answer: C — Sulphur, magnesium and neon
PIB (DST): the fiery gas seems enriched with α-elements such as sulphur, magnesium and neon, whose nuclei are multiples of helium nuclei.
According to the Coal Ministry on 22 November 2024, how many coal blocks had been successfully auctioned since the launch of commercial coal mining?
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Correct answer: C — 104
PIB (Coal): the event marked the successful auctions of 104 coal blocks till date since the launch of commercial coal mining.
Which company was among the successful bidders whose coal block agreements were executed on 22 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Hindalco Industries Limited
PIB (Coal): the successful bidders for Meenakshi and Rampia & Dip Side of Rampia include Hindalco Industries Limited and Jhar Mineral Resources Private Limited.
Consider the following statements about the Coal Ministry's announcements of 22 November 2024: 1. Agreements were executed for the Meenakshi, Rampia and Dip Side of Rampia coal blocks. 2. Two coal blocks were auctioned on the second day of the 10th round of commercial auctions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Coal): agreements were executed for Meenakshi, Rampia and Dip Side of Rampia, and day 2 of the 10th round saw 2 blocks auctioned. Both are correct.
Which country did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcome as country coordinator for India in ASEAN and the ADMM-Plus forum for the next cycle (22 November 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — Philippines
PIB (Defence): Raksha Mantri welcomed the Philippines as country coordinator for India in ASEAN and ADMM-Plus for the next cycle.
In which city did Rajnath Singh attend the 11th ADMM-Plus in November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Vientiane
PIB (Defence): during his three-day stay in Vientiane, Lao PDR, Rajnath Singh attended the 11th ADMM-Plus.
On 21 November 2024, PM Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Parliament of which country?
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Correct answer: B — Guyana
PIB (PMO): PM Modi addressed the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana; he is the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.
Who convened the special session of Guyana's Parliament for PM Modi's address on 21 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Speaker Manzoor Nadir
PIB (PMO): a special session of the Parliament was convened by Speaker Manzoor Nadir for the address.
In his address to Guyana's Parliament, PM Modi said India wants to serve humanity as what?
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Correct answer: A — Vishwabandhu, a friend to the world
PIB (PMO): India wants to serve humanity as 'Vishwabandhu', a friend to the world.
At the 11th ADMM-Plus on 21 November 2024, Rajnath Singh called for developing which of the following?
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Correct answer: D — An ADMM-Plus Defence Strategy on Climate Change
PIB (Defence): the Raksha Mantri called for developing an ADMM-Plus Defence Strategy on Climate Change.
Who chaired the 11th ADMM-Plus held in Vientiane in November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Gen Chansamone Chanyalath, Deputy PM and Defence Minister of Laos
PIB (Defence): the meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Laos General Chansamone Chanyalath.
Consider the following statements about the 11th ADMM-Plus: 1. It comprised the 10 ASEAN countries, eight Plus countries and Timor-Leste. 2. It was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Defence): the forum consisted of 10 ASEAN countries, eight Plus countries and Timor-Leste, and was held at Vientiane, Lao PDR. Both are correct.
The Indian Arrival Monument in Georgetown, where PM Modi paid tribute on 21 November 2024, is a replica of the first ship that brought indentured migrants from India to Guyana in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1838
PIB (PMO): the monument is a replica of the first ship which arrived in Guyana in 1838 bringing indentured migrants from India; India gifted it in 1991.
The Arya Samaj monument in Georgetown, where PM Modi paid tribute in November 2024, was unveiled in 2011 to commemorate what?
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Correct answer: A — 100 years of the Arya Samaj movement in Guyana
PIB (PMO): the Arya Samaj monument was unveiled in 2011 in commemoration of 100 years of the Arya Samaj movement in Guyana.
While addressing the Indian community in Georgetown, PM Modi dedicated Guyana's Order of Excellence to 1.4 billion Indians and an Indo-Guyanese community of what size?
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Correct answer: D — 3 lakh
PIB (PMO): Shri Modi dedicated the award to 1.4 billion Indians and the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community.
Which edition of the pan-India coastal defence exercise Sea Vigil concluded on 21 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Fourth
PIB (Defence): the fourth edition of the Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise Sea Vigil 24 concluded on 21 Nov 2024.
Since which year has the coastal defence exercise Sea Vigil been held?
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Correct answer: C — 2018
PIB (Defence): since its inception in 2018, Sea Vigil has played a pivotal role in India's coastal defence preparedness.
According to the official release on Sea Vigil 24, what is the length of India's coastline covered by the exercise?
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Correct answer: A — 11,098 km
PIB (Defence): Sea Vigil 24 spanned the entirety of India's 11,098 km coastline and its EEZ of 2.4 million sq km.
How many coal mines were put up for auction on the first day (21 November 2024) of the 10th round of commercial coal mine auctions?
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Correct answer: D — 5
PIB (Coal): on the first day, 5 coal mines were put up for auction; forward e-auctions for nine mines commenced from 21.11.2024.
According to telecom subscription data as on 30 September 2024 (released 21 November 2024), how many active wireless subscribers were there in September 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 1,059.97 million
PIB: the number of active wireless subscribers (on the date of peak VLR) in September 2024 was 1,059.97 million; 1,039.11 million is the cumulative MNP requests.
PM Modi's November 2024 visit to Guyana was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in how many years?
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Correct answer: A — 56 years
PIB (PMO): this is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in 56 years.
Under an MoU signed during PM Modi's visit to Guyana, which Indian entity is to work on deploying a UPI-like real-time payment system in Guyana?
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Correct answer: D — NPCI International Payments Ltd
PIB (list of outcomes): the MoU between NPCI International Payments Ltd and Guyana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is for enabling deployment of a UPI-like system in Guyana.
Consider the following MoUs signed during PM Modi's visit to Guyana in November 2024: 1. An MoU between HLL Lifecare Ltd and Guyana's Ministry of Health for implementing the Jan Aushadhi scheme (PMBJP). 2. An MoU between Guyana's National Defence Institute and Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (list of outcomes): both MoUs are among the ten signed during the visit.
Nafithromycin, launched on 20 November 2024 as India's first indigenous antibiotic, is meant to treat which disease?
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Correct answer: B — Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
PIB (DBT): Nafithromycin is designed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
Under which trade name is Nafithromycin marketed by Wockhardt?
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Correct answer: B — Miqnaf
PIB (DBT): Nafithromycin has been brought to market under the trade name 'Miqnaf'.
Consider the following statements about Nafithromycin: 1. It was developed with support from BIRAC under its Biotechnology Industry Partnership Program. 2. Its treatment regimen lasts fourteen days. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (DBT): it was supported by BIRAC under BIPP; the regimen is three days. The 14 figure refers to the years of research.
Who co-chaired the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit with PM Narendra Modi in Georgetown on 20 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Grenada PM Dickon Mitchell, the CARICOM Chair
PIB (PMO): PM Modi and Grenada PM Dickon Mitchell, the current CARICOM Chair, chaired the Summit; President Irfaan Ali hosted it.
Where was the first India-CARICOM Summit held, in 2019?
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Correct answer: A — New York
PIB (PMO): the first India-CARICOM Summit was held in 2019 in New York.
Consider the following announcements made by PM Modi at the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit: 1. 1,000 more ITEC slots for CARICOM countries over the next five years. 2. Training in India for 11 young women cricketers from each CARICOM country. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (PMO): both were announced, along with the next India-CARICOM Summit to be hosted in India.
In how many phases did all 288 assembly constituencies of Maharashtra vote in the 2024 assembly election?
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Correct answer: D — One
PIB (ECI): all 288 ACs in Maharashtra voted in a single phase on 20 November 2024.
According to the ECI, what was the total value of seizures since the announcement of the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections and the bye-elections, as of polling day on 20 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — ₹1,139 crore
PIB (ECI): seizure figures crossed ₹1,000 crore and stood at ₹1,139 crore in total since the announcement of the assembly elections and bye-elections.
Consider the following about the by-polls held on 20 November 2024: 1. By-polls were held in 9 assembly constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. 2. The Kedarnath assembly constituency in Uttarakhand also went to by-polls. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (ECI): Uttar Pradesh had polling in 9 ACs, Punjab 4, and Kedarnath (Uttarakhand) and Palakkad (Kerala) also went to by-polls, along with the Nanded Lok Sabha seat.
Which is the highest national award of Guyana, conferred on PM Narendra Modi on 20 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — The Order of Excellence
PIB (PMO): President Irfaan Ali conferred 'The Order of Excellence', Guyana's highest national award, on PM Modi at the State House.
Who conferred the 'Dominica Award of Honour' on PM Modi in Georgetown on 20 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — President Sylvanie Burton
PIB (PMO): Dominica's President Sylvanie Burton conferred the award for Modi's statesmanship and Covid-19 support to Dominica.
Consider the following statements: 1. PM Modi is only the fourth foreign leader to receive Guyana's highest national award. 2. The 'Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados' for PM Modi was announced by Barbados PM Mia Amor Mottley on the sidelines of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (PMO) and PMIndia: Modi is only the fourth foreign leader to receive the Order of Excellence; PM Mottley announced the Barbados award during their meeting on 20 November 2024 on the summit sidelines.
In which year was Project Veer Gatha instituted?
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Correct answer: B — 2021
PIB (Defence): Project Veer Gatha was instituted in 2021 to spread stories of Gallantry Awardees among students.
How many national winners will be selected under Project Veer Gatha 4.0, and what prize will each get?
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Correct answer: D — 100 winners, ₹10,000 each
PIB (Defence): 100 winners will be selected and each will get a cash prize of ₹10,000.
According to EPFO's provisional payroll data released on 20 November 2024, what was the net member addition in September 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 18.81 lakh
PIB (Labour Ministry): EPFO recorded a net addition of 18.81 lakh members in September 2024, 9.33% higher year on year.
Which state led in net EPFO member additions in September 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Maharashtra
PIB (Labour Ministry): Maharashtra led by adding 21.20% of net members during the month.
Where was the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin launched on 20 November 2016, the date now marked as Awaas Diwas?
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Correct answer: A — Agra
PIB (Rural Development): PMAY-G was launched by PM Modi on 20 November 2016 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
What is the unit assistance under PMAY-G in North-Eastern and hill states?
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Correct answer: C — ₹1.30 lakh
PIB (Rural Development): assistance is ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas and ₹1.30 lakh in North-Eastern and hill states.
Consider the following about PMAY-G as stated on Awaas Diwas 2024: 1. The scheme has been extended for 2 crore more houses for FY 2024-29. 2. 74% of sanctioned houses are owned by women, solely or jointly. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Rural Development): both are correct; the extension outlay is ₹3,06,137 crore.
At the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit sidelines on 20 November 2024, PM Modi thanked which country's President for supporting India's membership of the UN Security Council?
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Correct answer: D — Suriname
PIB (PMO): Modi thanked President Chandrikapersad Santokhi for Suriname's support to India's UNSC membership.
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.
Where was the 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit held on 19 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Rio de Janeiro
PIB (MEA joint statement): the summit was held on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 19 November 2024.
In which Indian city did the 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit welcome the opening of a new Australian Consulate-General?
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Correct answer: D — Bengaluru
PIB (MEA joint statement): the leaders welcomed the new Consulate-General of Australia in Bengaluru and of India in Brisbane.
Consider the following about the 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit: 1. The leaders welcomed the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership. 2. The Australia-India Business Exchange (AIBX) was extended for another four years from July 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MEA joint statement): both are correct; the REP covers solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage and related areas.
With which Latin American President did PM Modi hold his first bilateral meeting on 19 November 2024 in Rio, discussing critical minerals including lithium?
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Correct answer: B — Javier Milei of Argentina
PIB (PMO): Modi's meeting with Argentina's President Javier Milei was their first bilateral meeting; cooperation areas include critical minerals including lithium.
PM Modi conveyed India's strong support for which Brazilian initiative when he met President Lula in Rio on 19 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Global Alliance Against Poverty and Hunger
PIB (PMO): Modi commended the Brazilian initiative to establish the Global Alliance Against Poverty and Hunger and conveyed India's strong support.
Consider the following about PM Modi's meeting with Chile's President Gabriel Boric Font on 19 November 2024: 1. It was the first meeting between the two leaders. 2. They agreed to explore opportunities to further expand the India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (PMO): this was their first meeting; both sides agreed to cooperate in critical minerals and explore further expanding the PTA.
With which organisation did the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) sign an MoU on 19 November 2024 to promote green hydrogen initiatives?
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Correct answer: A — H2Global Stiftung
PIB (MNRE): SECI signed an MoU with H2Global Stiftung to establish a collaborative framework to promote green hydrogen initiatives.
Consider the following about the SECI–H2Global MoU of 19 November 2024: 1. SECI functions under the Ministry of Power. 2. The cooperation offers India the opportunity to work on joint tender design concepts. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
PIB (MNRE): SECI is under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, so 1 is wrong; the collaboration offers India the opportunity to work on joint tender design concepts.
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 countries made up the G20 Troika that issued the 'Declaration on Digital Public Infrastructure, AI and Data for Governance' at Rio in November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — India, Brazil and South Africa
PIB (MEA): the joint communiqué was issued by the G20 Troika of India, Brazil and South Africa.
Consider the following about the G20 Troika declaration of November 2024: 1. It was endorsed by several G20 countries, guest countries and international organisations. 2. It calls for a technology-neutral approach to deploying DPI, AI and data for development. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MEA): the communiqué was endorsed by several G20 countries, guest countries and international organisations, and calls for a technology-neutral approach.
What was the theme of World Toilet Day 2024 (19 November)?
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Correct answer: B — Toilets – A Place for Peace
PIB (MoHUA): the theme for World Toilet Day 2024 was 'Toilets – A Place for Peace'.
The 'Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman' campaign launched on World Toilet Day 2024 by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation runs until which day?
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Correct answer: D — Human Rights Day, 10 December
PIB (Jal Shakti): the campaign started on 19 November and culminates on Human Rights Day, 10 December 2024. The SBM-U Clean Toilets Campaign runs till 25 December.
Where was the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry's two-day National Knowledge Workshop on urban sanitation held on World Toilet Day 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Lucknow
PIB (MoHUA): Minister Manohar Lal addressed the National Knowledge Workshop in Lucknow.
How many new employees were added under the ESI Scheme in September 2024, according to ESIC's provisional payroll data?
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Correct answer: D — 20.58 lakh
PIB (Labour Ministry): ESIC's provisional payroll data shows 20.58 lakh new employees added in September 2024.
How many new establishments were brought under the ESI Scheme in September 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 23,043
PIB (Labour Ministry): 23,043 new establishments were brought under the ESI Scheme in September 2024.
Which is India's first coastal industrial corridor, as described by DPIIT?
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Correct answer: B — East Coast Economic Corridor
PIB (DPIIT): the East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC) is India's first coastal corridor.
Which was India's first industrial corridor, before the four corridors approved in November 2016?
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Correct answer: D — Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor
PIB (DPIIT): India's first corridor was the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).
What was the theme of the opening session of the G20 Rio Summit addressed by PM Modi on 18 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty
PIB (PMO): PM Modi addressed the opening session of the G20 Summit on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty'.
At the G20 Rio Summit on 18 November 2024, PM Modi said India had pulled how many people out of poverty in the last ten years?
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Correct answer: C — 250 million
PIB (PMO): India pulled 250 million people out of poverty in the last ten years and distributes free foodgrains to 800 million people.
Consider the following about PM Modi's address at the G20 Rio opening session: 1. He described India's approach to food security as 'Back to Basics and March to Future'. 2. He welcomed the Brazilian initiative to establish a Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (PMO): both are correct.
India and Italy announced a Joint Strategic Action Plan for which period at the G20 Rio Summit on 18 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 2025-2029
PIB (MEA): PM Modi and PM Meloni announced the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029.
Where had PM Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni met in June 2024, before their meeting at the G20 Rio Summit?
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Correct answer: D — Puglia
PIB (MEA): the Rio meeting was their fifth in two years; they last met in June 2024 in Puglia.
Consider the following about the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029: 1. It includes a pilot project to train health professionals in India for employment in Italy. 2. It provides for cooperation between the Italian Space Agency and ISRO. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MEA): both are in the plan, along with an Italian space industry mission to India ideally by mid-2025.