OPSC OCS Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
On 24 October 2024, PM Modi greeted the personnel of which force, whom he called 'Himveers', on its Raising Day?
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Correct answer: C — Indo-Tibetan Border Police
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: 'Raising Day greetings to ITBP Himveers and their families. This Force stands tall as a symbol of valour and dedication.'
To what purity level is Boron-11 enriched at the electronics-grade facility inaugurated at HWBF, Talcher on 23 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Above 99.8%
PIB, 30 Oct 2024: with technology demonstration of B-11 enrichment to electronics grade (>99.8%) at HWBF, Talcher, India has joined the elite club of nations having this technology.
Electronics-grade Boron-11 (facility inaugurated at Talcher on 23 October 2024) is used to produce BF3 gas, which serves as:
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Correct answer: A — A p-type dopant in semiconductor chip manufacturing
PIB, 30 Oct 2024: electronics grade B-11 is used for production of BF3 gas which is used as p-type dopant in the manufacturing of semiconductor chips.
Who inaugurated the Electronics Grade Boron-11 Enrichment Facility at HWBF, Talcher on 23 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Dr A.K. Mohanty, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission
PIB, 30 Oct 2024: Dr A.K. Mohanty, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission & Secretary, DAE inaugurated the facility at HWBF, Talcher on October 23, 2024.
What was the theme of the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan (22-24 October 2024), as stated in the Kazan Declaration?
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Correct answer: B — Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security
Kazan Declaration, para 1: the leaders met in Kazan from 22 to 24 October 2024 for the XVI BRICS Summit under the theme 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security'.
How many new BRICS partner countries did the leaders welcome at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan (PIB, 23 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — 13
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: 'The leaders welcomed the 13 new BRICS partner countries.'
In the Kazan Declaration (23 October 2024), 'BRICS Clear' refers to:
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Correct answer: A — An independent cross-border settlement and depositary infrastructure
Kazan Declaration: leaders agree to discuss and study the feasibility of establishment of an independent cross-border settlement and depositary infrastructure, BRICS Clear.
The Kazan Declaration (23 October 2024) welcomed India's candidacy to host which event?
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Correct answer: C — COP 33 in 2028
Kazan Declaration: 'We support Brazil's leadership in hosting COP30 in 2025 and welcome India's candidacy to host COP 33 in 2028.'
At their meeting in Kazan on 23 October 2024, PM Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed that which mechanism would meet at an early date on the India-China boundary question?
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Correct answer: A — Special Representatives
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary question will meet at an early date to oversee the management of peace and tranquillity in border areas.
At the Kazan meeting (23 October 2024), PM Modi welcomed the recent agreement for complete disengagement and resolution of issues in the India-China border areas that arose in:
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Correct answer: C — 2020
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: welcoming the recent agreement for complete disengagement and resolution of issues that arose in 2020 in the India-China border areas.
Where did PM Modi meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on 23 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Kazan, on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: PM Modi met Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit at Kazan on 23 October 2024.
Which regional headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard put in place preventive measures ahead of Cyclone Dana (PIB, 23 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — ICG Region (North-East)
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: as Cyclone Dana is forecast to make landfall on October 24-25 along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Region (North-East) has implemented a series of preventive measures.
As announced on 23 October 2024, over what period will the Government celebrate Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary?
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Correct answer: A — 2024 to 2026 (two years)
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: the Government will commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel with a two-year-long nationwide celebration from 2024 to 2026.
In announcing the Sardar Patel 150 celebration (23 October 2024), Amit Shah credited Sardar Patel with unifying India 'from Kashmir to ___':
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Correct answer: D — Lakshadweep
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: 'his pivotal role in unifying India from Kashmir to Lakshadweep remains indelible'.
As per the Department of Fertilizers (23 October 2024), the MRP of DAP has been maintained since Covid times at:
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Correct answer: C — ₹1,350 per 50 kg bag
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: the MRP of DAP has been maintained at Rs. 1350/- per 50 Kg bag since Covid times.
What special package per tonne was provided for DAP procurement for Rabi 2024, as stated on 23 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — ₹3,500 per tonne
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: Rs. 3500/- per MT as a special package costing Rs. 2625 crores has been provided to make the price sustainable for companies for procurement of DAP.
What is the total budgetary allocation for fertilizer subsidy for Rabi 2024-25, as stated by the Department of Fertilizers on 23 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — ₹24,475 crore
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: the total budgetary allocation for Rabi 2024-2025 has been increased to Rs. 24,475 crores.
Before their meeting in Kazan on 22 October 2024, PM Modi and President Putin had met in Moscow in July 2024 for which India-Russia Annual Summit?
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Correct answer: B — 22nd
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: the two leaders had earlier met in Moscow for the 22nd Annual Summit in July 2024.
At the Kazan meeting (22 October 2024), PM Modi invited President Putin to visit India next year for:
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Correct answer: C — The 23rd Annual Summit
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: 'Prime Minister invited President Putin to visit India next year for the 23rd Annual Summit.'
Consider the following statements about PM Modi's October 2024 visit to Russia: 1. In his departure statement of 22 October 2024, the PM said he was going on a two-day visit to Kazan at the invitation of President Putin. 2. The Kazan meeting of 22 October 2024 was the first meeting between PM Modi and President Putin in 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct (departure statement). Statement 2 is wrong: PIB says it was their second meeting this year, after the July 2024 Annual Summit in Moscow.
PM Modi met Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in Kazan on 22 October 2024 and congratulated him on his election as the ______ President of Iran.
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Correct answer: D — 9th
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: the PM congratulated Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on his election as the 9th President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
At their Kazan meeting (22 October 2024), PM Modi and President Pezeshkian agreed to continue cooperation in which multilateral forums, as named by PIB?
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Correct answer: A — BRICS and SCO
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: 'The leaders agreed to continue their cooperation in various multilateral forums, including BRICS and SCO.'
The nationwide Digital Life Certificate Campaign 3.0 announced by DoPPW on 22 October 2024 was scheduled for:
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Correct answer: A — 1-30 November 2024
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: DoPPW will conduct the 3rd nationwide DLC campaign in 800 cities/districts from November 1-30, 2024.
In how many districts/cities was DLC Campaign 3.0 (November 2024) planned, as per DoPPW?
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Correct answer: C — 800
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: camps to be held at 800 districts/cities. (597 locations in 100 cities was DLC 2.0; 785 is the number of district post offices taking part.)
What is the target of DLC Campaign 3.0 (November 2024), as stated by DoPPW?
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Correct answer: B — 2 crore DLCs, including 1 crore face-authenticated DLCs
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: 'Saturation model adopted to achieve 2 crore DLCs with 1 crore Face Authenticated DLCs.'
According to DoT (22 October 2024), about how many incoming international calls were identified and blocked as spoofed within 24 hours of the new prevention system's operation?
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Correct answer: C — About 1.35 crore
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: the system identified and blocked about 1.35 crore calls as spoofed in the last 24 hours, about 90% of all incoming international calls.
The 'International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System' launched on 22 October 2024 is designed to block:
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Correct answer: D — Incoming international calls that display Indian (+91) numbers by manipulating the calling line identity
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: cyber criminals make international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers (+91-xxxxxxxxx) by manipulating the calling line identity (CLI); the system identifies and blocks such calls.
While unveiling BSNL's new logo on 22 October 2024, the Minister said BSNL had successfully trialled indigenous 5G RAN and core in which bands?
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Correct answer: B — 3.6 GHz and 700 MHz
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: BSNL has successfully conducted trials of indigenous 5G RAN and core in both the 3.6 GHz and 700 MHz bands.
What is the base year of the All-India CPI for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL), as given in the September 2024 release?
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Correct answer: D — 1986-87=100
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: CPI-AL and CPI-RL (Base: 1986-87=100).
What was the year-on-year inflation rate based on CPI-AL for September 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 6.36%
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: CPI-AL 6.36% and CPI-RL 6.39% in September 2024; 6.70% was CPI-AL in September 2023 and 5.96% was CPI-AL in August 2024.
On 21 October 2024, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that India and China had arrived at an agreement on:
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Correct answer: A — Patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas
MEA transcript, 21 Oct 2024: 'agreement has been arrived at on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas'.
Consider the following statements about the Foreign Secretary's briefing of 21 October 2024 on India-China border areas: 1. Indian and Chinese diplomatic and military negotiators had been in close contact over the last several weeks in a variety of forums. 2. The agreement leads to disengagement and a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are in the MEA transcript: negotiators 'have been in close contact with each other in a variety of forums' over the last several weeks, and the agreement is 'leading to disengagement and a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020'.
At the MEA briefing of 21 October 2024, Kazan, the venue of the 16th BRICS Summit, was described as the capital of which Russian republic?
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Correct answer: B — Tatarstan
MEA transcript, 21 Oct 2024: 'Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia.'
The German Navy frigate that took part in the maiden Maritime Partnership Exercise with the Indian Navy (21-23 October 2024) was:
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Correct answer: C — Baden-Württemberg
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: INS Delhi, German Navy's frigate Baden-Württemberg and tanker Frankfurt Am Main undertook the MPX; Baden-Württemberg is the lead ship of the F125 class.
Which Indian Navy ship took part in the maiden Indian Navy-German Navy Maritime Partnership Exercise in the Bay of Bengal (21-23 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: A — INS Delhi
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: Indian Navy's destroyer INS Delhi, lead ship of her class and part of the Eastern Fleet, took part in the MPX.
Who chaired the National Crisis Management Committee meeting on 21 October 2024 that reviewed preparedness for the impending Bay of Bengal cyclone?
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Correct answer: B — Cabinet Secretary Dr T.V. Somanathan
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: Cabinet Secretary Dr T.V. Somanathan chaired the NCMC meeting; the DG of IMD briefed the Committee.
PMBJP achieved sales worth ₹1,000 crore in October 2024. In the previous year, this target had been met in:
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Correct answer: A — December 2023
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: sales worth ₹1,000 crore in October 2024, a significant advancement from the previous year when this target was met in December 2023.
According to the Government (21 October 2024), Jan Aushadhi Kendras have grown from about how many in 2014 to how many now?
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Correct answer: B — 80 to over 14,000
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: Kendras were only 80 in 2014 and have grown to more than 14,000; 25,000 is the target for the next 2 years.
As per PIB (21 October 2024), the PMBJP product basket comprises:
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Correct answer: D — 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical devices
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: the product basket of PMBJP comprises 2047 medicines and 300 surgical devices.
When bids were opened on 21 October 2024 for the 10th round of commercial coal mine auctions, how many bids were received and for how many mines?
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Correct answer: D — 43 bids for 16 of the 61 mines offered
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: a total of 43 bids were received against 16 coal mines out of 61 coal mines offered in the 10th round.
The 10th round of commercial coal mine auctions (bids opened 21 October 2024) was launched on:
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Correct answer: C — 21 June 2024
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: 'This round was launched on June 21, 2024 and bid submission date was extended twice.'
INS Suvarna paid a port call from 19 to 21 October 2024, during its anti-piracy deployment in the Gulf of Aden, at:
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Correct answer: B — Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: INS Suvarna paid a port call at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 19-21 Oct 24 for operational turnaround during her anti-piracy deployment in the Gulf of Aden.
During its October 2024 port call at Dar es Salaam, what did INS Suvarna hand over to the Tanzania People's Defence Force?
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Correct answer: C — An Infantry Weapon Training Simulator
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: 'The ship also handed over the Infantry Weapon Training Simulator to the TPDF side.'
As per EPFO's provisional payroll data released on 20 October 2024, how many net members were added in August 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 18.53 lakh
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: net addition of 18.53 lakh members in August 2024; 9.30 lakh were new members.
About how many new members did EPFO enrol in August 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 9.30 lakh
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: EPFO enrolled around 9.30 lakh new members in August 2024.
What share of EPFO's new members in August 2024 belonged to the 18-25 age group?
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Correct answer: B — 59.26%
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: the 18-25 age group constituted 59.26% of the total new members added in August 2024.
At the 2nd Indian Lighthouse Festival (20 October 2024), Sarbananda Sonowal announced two new lighthouses on Odisha's coast at:
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Correct answer: A — Chaumuck and Dhamra
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: two new lighthouses, one at Chaumuck at Narayanpur in Balasore district and another at Dhamra in Bhadrak district.
The 'New Kalwan Lighthouse' dedicated to the nation on 20 October 2024 is located in:
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Correct answer: C — Jamnagar, Gujarat
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: Sonowal dedicated the 'New Kalwan Lighthouse' in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to the nation.
According to Sarbananda Sonowal (20 October 2024), lighthouse tourism in India has grown by how much since 2014?
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Correct answer: B — More than 400%
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: 'Lighthouse Tourism soared by more than 400% since 2014.'
According to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda (20 October 2024), which hospital is being redeveloped into Asia's second-largest hospital?
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Correct answer: B — Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH)
PIB, 20 Oct 2024 (Nadda): 'The Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) is being redeveloped into Asia's second-largest hospital.'
As cited by J.P. Nadda on 20 October 2024, how many of India's 1.73 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are in Bihar?
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Correct answer: A — 10,716
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: of 1.73 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, 10,716 are in Bihar and 3,825 in Jharkhand.
Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, appointed Chairperson of the National Commission for Women in October 2024, is its:
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Correct answer: C — 9th Chairperson
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: 'She will be the 9th Chairperson of NCW.'
Before her NCW appointment, Vijaya Rahatkar chaired which body from 2016 to 2021?
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Correct answer: D — Maharashtra State Commission for Women
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: she was Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (2016-2021).
Vijaya Rahatkar, the new NCW Chairperson, served as Mayor of which city from 2007 to 2010?
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Correct answer: A — Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: as the Mayor of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar from 2007 to 2010, she implemented development projects.
Who was the Chief Information Commissioner of India who called on Dr Jitendra Singh on 19 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Heeralal Samariya
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: Chief Information Commissioner of India Shri Heeralal Samariya called on Dr Jitendra Singh.
As reported on 19 October 2024, what RTI disposal rate did the Central Information Commission achieve in the first six months of the current financial year?
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Correct answer: B — 100%
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the Central Information Commission has achieved 100% disposal rate of RTIs during the first six months of the current financial year.
Where was the Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024, on day one of the 2nd National Lighthouse Festival (19 October 2024), held?
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Correct answer: A — Puri, Odisha
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: MoPSW hosted the Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024 today in Puri.
Which ministry hosted the Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024 in October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the conclave.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's 7-day tour from 20 to 26 October 2024 covered which two countries?
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Correct answer: D — Singapore and Australia
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: Dharmendra Pradhan will visit Singapore and Australia from 20 to 26 October 2024.
During his October 2024 visit, which conference was Dharmendra Pradhan scheduled to address in Australia?
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Correct answer: A — Australian International Education Conference
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will address the Australian International Education Conference.
Which agency implements the Sakura Science Programme ('Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science')?
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Correct answer: B — Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has been implementing the Sakura Science Programme since 2014.
How many Indian school students were sent to Japan for the Sakura Programme 2024 (20-26 October)?
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Correct answer: C — 20
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: DoSEL is sending 20 school students and 2 supervisors to Japan for the Sakura Programme 2024, along with 5 other countries.
Since which year has the Japan Science and Technology Agency been implementing the Sakura Science Programme?
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Correct answer: B — 2014
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: JST has been implementing the 'Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science' (Sakura Science Programme) since 2014.
During her visit to Malawi (18 October 2024), President Droupadi Murmu held talks with which Malawian President?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the President was received by H.E. Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, at the State House, Lilongwe.
What did India hand over to Malawi during President Murmu's visit on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 1,000 MT of rice and a Bhabhatron cancer-treatment machine
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the symbolic handing over of 1000 MT of rice as humanitarian assistance and of the Bhabhatron cancer treating machine to Malawi.
On 18 October 2024, President Murmu laid a wreath at the Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe, the resting place of:
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Correct answer: B — Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, first President of Malawi
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: Kamuzu Mausoleum - the resting place of the first President of Malawi Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
Consider the following statements about President Murmu's talks in Lilongwe on 18 October 2024: 1. MoUs on arts and culture, youth matters, sports and pharmaceutical cooperation were signed. 2. A defence cooperation agreement was signed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct per PIB. Statement 2 is not supported: the MoUs listed were on arts and culture, youth matters, sports and pharmaceutical cooperation only.
How many pilot projects for using hydrogen in steel production were sanctioned under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, as announced on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Three
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the Union Government has sanctioned three pilot projects for use of hydrogen in steel production.
Among the green hydrogen steel pilot projects sanctioned in October 2024, which has the largest plant capacity (3,200 TPD)?
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Correct answer: D — Steel Authority of India Ltd (Ranchi)
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: SAIL (Ranchi) 3,200 TPD; Matrix Gas and Renewables 50 TPD; Simplex Castings 40 TPD.
Which ministry sanctioned the green hydrogen pilot projects in the steel sector (October 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has sanctioned total three pilot projects in the steel sector.