PPSC (Punjab) Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Which department invited public comments on the draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Department of Legal Affairs
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the Department of Legal Affairs invites comments/feedback from the public on the draft amendment Bill.
Which of the following is a stated aim of the draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Reducing court intervention in arbitrations
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the aim is to boost institutional arbitration, reduce court intervention in arbitrations and ensure timely conclusion of arbitration proceedings.
On 18 October 2024, DAY-NRLM signed MoUs for individual financing of women entrepreneurs with:
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Correct answer: D — 9 public sector banks and 1 private bank
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: DAY-NRLM signed MoUs with nine Public Sector Banks and one Private Bank.
The loan products designed under the DAY-NRLM bank MoUs of 18 October 2024 are meant for:
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Correct answer: B — Individual women entrepreneurs under DAY-NRLM
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: banks have designed specific products for financing individual women entrepreneurs under the fold of DAY-NRLM.
The 'Aviation Park' showcasing India's aviation heritage, unveiled on 18 October 2024, is located:
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Correct answer: C — Within the premises of the Ministry of Civil Aviation
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the Ministry of Civil Aviation unveiled the Aviation Park within the premises of the Ministry.
As explained at the National SC-ST Hub conclave in Moga (18 October 2024), the Public Procurement Policy mandates what share of public procurement from SC/ST enterprises and from women enterprises?
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Correct answer: A — 4% and 3%
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the Public Procurement Policy mandated 4% public procurement from SC/ST enterprises and 3% from women enterprises.
Where did the Ministry of MSME organise the National SC-ST Hub conclave on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Moga, Punjab
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the Ministry of MSME organised the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) Conclave at Moga, Punjab.
With effect from 1 November 2024, the Advance Reservation Period for Indian Railways train tickets is:
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Correct answer: C — 60 days
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: Indian Railways has cut down Advance Reservation Period from current 120 days to 60 days w.e.f. 01.11.2024, excluding the date of the journey.
The Advance Reservation Period of Indian Railways had last been raised from 60 days to 120 days with effect from:
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Correct answer: B — 1 January 2015
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: the advance reservation period was last revised to 120 days from 60 days with effect from 1/1/2015.
Consider the following statements about the Railways' ARP change announced on 17 October 2024: 1. The limit for foreign tourists remains unchanged. 2. Taj Express and Gomti Express will continue with their lower time limits for advance reservation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct per PIB: the limit for foreign tourists remains unchanged, and Taj Express and Gomti Express will continue to follow the lower time limits for advance reservations.
As reported on 17 October 2024, CJI D.Y. Chandrachud recommended which judge as the next Chief Justice of India?
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Correct answer: C — Justice Sanjiv Khanna
The Hindu and The Indian Express, 17 Oct 2024: CJI Chandrachud recommended Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the second-most senior judge, as his successor.
If appointed, Justice Sanjiv Khanna would become the ______ Chief Justice of India.
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Correct answer: A — 51st
The Hindu and The Indian Express: Justice Khanna would be the 51st Chief Justice of India.
Consider the following statements (as reported on 17 October 2024): 1. CJI D.Y. Chandrachud is due to retire on 10 November 2024. 2. Justice Sanjiv Khanna is due to retire on 13 May 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct per The Hindu and The Indian Express: Chief Justice Chandrachud retires on November 10; Justice Khanna is due to retire on May 13, 2025.
The 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which concluded on 17 October 2024, was held in:
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Correct answer: C — Geneva
PIB: Om Birla led a Parliamentary Delegation to the 149th IPU Assembly in Geneva, held from 13 to 17 October 2024.
Who led the Indian Parliamentary Delegation to the 149th IPU Assembly (13-17 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: B — Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
PIB: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla led a Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) to the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva.
Under CBDT's revised compounding guidelines of 17 October 2024, the multiple rates of compounding charges for TDS defaults were replaced by a single rate of:
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Correct answer: D — 1.5% per month
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: for TDS defaults, multiple rates of 2%, 3% and 5% have been reduced to single rate of 1.5% per month.
Consider the following statements about CBDT's revised compounding guidelines issued on 17 October 2024: 1. They apply only to new applications filed after the date of issue. 2. Interest chargeable on delayed payment of compounding charges has been abolished. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: PIB says the guidelines apply to pending as well as new applications. Statement 2 is correct: interest chargeable on delayed payment of compounding charges has been abolished.
Scientists at INST Mohali (reported 17 October 2024) developed a nose-to-brain delivery method for brain tuberculosis using nano-aggregates made of:
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Correct answer: A — Chitosan
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: scientists at INST Mohali used tiny particles made of a natural material called chitosan to deliver TB medicines directly to the brain through the nose.
The 4-lane access-controlled Northern Patiala Bypass approved on 17 October 2024 is how long?
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Correct answer: C — 28.9 km
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: approved ₹1,255.59 crore for the construction of a 28.9 km, 4-lane access-controlled Northern Patiala Bypass.
Who represented India at the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad (October 2024)?
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Correct answer: A — External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar
MEA, 16 Oct 2024: India's National Statement was delivered by External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar at the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad.
The SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting held in Islamabad in October 2024 was its:
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Correct answer: C — 23rd meeting
MEA, 16 Oct 2024: the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad.
In India's National Statement at the SCO CHG meeting (16 October 2024), which three key challenges were cited from the SCO Charter that the organisation is committed to combating?
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Correct answer: D — Terrorism, separatism and extremism
MEA, 16 Oct 2024: the key challenges were primarily three that the SCO was committed to combatting: one, terrorism; two, separatism; and three, extremism.
What is the MSP of wheat for Rabi Marketing Season 2025-26, approved by the CCEA on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2,425 per quintal
PIB, 16 Oct 2024 (MSP table): Wheat - MSP RMS 2025-26 ₹2425; MSP RMS 2024-25 ₹2275; increase ₹150.
Which Rabi crop got the highest absolute increase in MSP for Marketing Season 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — Rapeseed & mustard
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the absolute highest increase in MSP has been announced for Rapeseed & Mustard at Rs.300 per quintal, followed by Lentil (Masur) at Rs.275 per quintal.
For Rabi Marketing Season 2025-26, the expected margin over the all-India weighted average cost of production is highest for which crop?
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Correct answer: A — Wheat (105%)
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the expected margin over All-India weighted average cost of production is 105 percent for wheat, followed by 98 percent for rapeseed & mustard; 89 per cent for lentil; ... 50 percent for safflower.
Consider the following statements about the Rabi MSPs for Marketing Season 2025-26 approved on 16 October 2024: 1. Wheat received the highest absolute increase in MSP among Rabi crops. 2. The increase is in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing MSP at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the highest absolute increase was for rapeseed & mustard (₹300); wheat rose by ₹150. Statement 2 is correct per PIB. So statement 2 is correct.
President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Mauritania on 16 October 2024 was significant because it was:
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Correct answer: A — The first visit by an Indian President to Mauritania
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: This is the first visit by an Indian President to Mauritania.
With whom did President Murmu hold talks in Mauritania on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Mohamed Ould Ghazouani
PIB: the President held wide-ranging talks with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania at the Presidential Palace.
Which of the following was NOT among the areas of the four India-Mauritania MoUs signed on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Defence cooperation
PIB: four MoUs in the areas of training of diplomats, cultural exchange, visa exemption and foreign office consultations were signed. Defence cooperation was not among them.
India's total exports (merchandise and services) for April-September 2024, as estimated on 16 October 2024, were:
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Correct answer: C — USD 393.22 billion
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the cumulative overall exports during April-September 2024 is estimated at USD 393.22 Billion, as compared to USD 375 Billion in April-September 2023. (USD 213.22 bn is merchandise only; USD 448.05 bn is imports.)
What was the estimated growth of India's total exports in April-September 2024 over the same period of 2023?
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Correct answer: B — 4.86%
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: total exports during April-September 2024 estimated at USD 393.22 Billion registering a positive growth of 4.86 percent. (1.02% is merchandise growth; 6.89% is import growth; 3.76% is September growth.)
The additional DA/DR instalment approved by the Cabinet on 16 October 2024 is effective from:
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Correct answer: C — 1 July 2024
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: additional instalment of DA and DR w.e.f. 01.07.2024, an increase of 3% over the existing rate of 50%.
What is the combined annual impact on the exchequer of the 3% DA/DR hike approved on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — ₹9,448.35 crore
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the combined impact on the exchequer on account of both DA and DR would be Rs.9,448.35 crore per annum.
The Samarth scheme, extended till March 2026 (announced 16 October 2024), is a skilling scheme of which ministry?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Textiles
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: Samarth (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector) is a demand-driven and placement-oriented umbrella skilling program of the Ministry of Textiles.
Under the extension announced on 16 October 2024, the Samarth scheme has an outlay of ______ to train ______ persons.
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Correct answer: D — ₹495 crore; 3 lakh
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: Samarth has been extended for two years with a budget of Rs. 495 Crore to train 3 lakh persons in textile-related skills.
INS Shardul concluded its visit on 16 October 2024 at which port as part of a long range training deployment?
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Correct answer: B — Port Rashid, Dubai
PIB: INS Shardul as part of long range training deployment concluded its visit to Port Rashid, Dubai, UAE, on 16 Oct 24.
On departing Dubai (October 2024), INS Shardul conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise with which UAE Naval ship?
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Correct answer: A — Al Quwaisat
PIB: on departure from Dubai, INS Shardul participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise with the UAE Naval ship Al Quwaisat.