Sainik School (AISSEE) Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
By what percentage did India reduce TB incidence from 2015 to 2023, as recognised by the WHO and lauded by the PM in November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 17.7%
PIB (PMO): the WHO recognised India's progress in reducing tuberculosis by 17.7% from 2015 to 2023.
Which organisation recognised India's 17.7% reduction in TB incidence (2015–2023), as cited by the PM on 3 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — World Health Organisation
PIB (PMO): the recognition of India's progress in reducing TB was by the World Health Organisation.
With whom did CDS Gen Anil Chauhan sign a memorandum on defence cooperation during his visit to Algeria (31 October–3 November 2024)?
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Correct answer: A — Gen Said Chanegriha
PIB (Defence): Gen Chauhan and his counterpart General of Army Said Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the Algerian People's National Army, signed the memorandum.
The Algerian military parade of 1 November 2024, attended during the CDS's visit, marked which anniversary of Algeria's Revolution?
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Correct answer: D — 70th
PIB (Defence): the parade and events of 1 November 2024 marked the 70th anniversary of Algeria's Glorious Revolution.
Consider the following about CDS Gen Anil Chauhan's visit to Algeria: 1. The visit lasted from 31 October to 3 November 2024. 2. The CDS said India has re-established its Defence Wing in Algeria. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Defence): the visit was from 31 Oct to 03 Nov 2024, and the CDS said 'India has re-established its Defence Wing in Algeria'.
What is the 'appointed day' under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, marked each year as the formation day of Kerala, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh?
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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?
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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:
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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?
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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:
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
In which city was India's updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) released at CBD COP16 on 30 October 2024?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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)?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three anti-cancer drugs whose MRP NPPA directed manufacturers to reduce in October 2024?
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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:
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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.
During Pedro Sanchez's visit in October 2024, India and Spain announced 2026 as the India-Spain Year of:
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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?
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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?
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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.
In the 115th Mann Ki Baat (27 October 2024), the PM warned citizens about which type of fraud?
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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:
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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?
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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)?
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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.
MeitY's advisory of 26 October 2024 on hoax bomb threats warned that intermediaries failing in due diligence would lose protection under which section of the IT Act, 2000?
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Correct answer: D — Section 79
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: non-compliance with due diligence requirements shall revoke protection under section 79 and may invite consequential action under any law.
As restated in MeitY's advisory of 26 October 2024, social media platforms must assist authorised government agencies in investigations under the IT Rules, 2021 in a timely manner, but not later than:
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Correct answer: B — 72 hours
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: social media platforms are obligated under IT Rules, 2021 to timely assist authorised government agencies in investigations and cybersecurity, but not later than 72 hours.
By which year, as stated by Dr Jitendra Singh on 26 October 2024, will India have its own space station, the 'Bharatiya Antariksh Station'?
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Correct answer: D — 2035
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: India will have its own Space Station by 2035, which will be known as 'Bharatiya Antriksh Station'.
On 26 October 2024, ISRO signed an MoU to integrate biotechnology with space technology with which body?
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Correct answer: A — Department of Biotechnology
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: ISRO and Department of Biotechnology sign landmark MoU, a collaboration aimed to integrate biotechnology with space technology.
As notified (PIB, 25 October 2024), the maximum loan limit under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana was raised from ₹10 lakh to:
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Correct answer: B — ₹20 lakh
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the limit of Mudra loans under PMMY has been enhanced from current Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh.
What is the name of the new Mudra loan category for loans above ₹10 lakh and up to ₹20 lakh (PIB, 25 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — Tarun Plus
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the new category of Tarun Plus is for loans above Rs. 10 lakh and up to Rs. 20 lakh, for entrepreneurs who have availed and repaid previous Tarun loans.
Under which fund will guarantee coverage be provided for PMMY loans up to ₹20 lakh, as per the release of 25 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU)
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the guarantee coverage of PMMY loans upto Rs. 20 lakh will be provided under the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU).
The ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund for the space sector approved by the Union Cabinet on 24 October 2024 is under the aegis of:
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Correct answer: B — IN-SPACe
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the Union Cabinet approved setting up of Rs.1000 crore Venture Capital Fund dedicated to space sector, under aegis of IN-SPACe.
Approximately how many startups is the ₹1,000 crore space Venture Capital Fund (approved 24 October 2024) expected to support?
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Correct answer: D — 40
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: based on the investment range, the fund is expected to support approximately 40 startups.
What is the planned deployment period of the ₹1,000 crore space VC fund approved on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Up to five years from the start of fund operations
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the deployment period is planned to be up to five years from the actual date of start of the fund operations.
What is the indicative range of investment per company under the space VC fund approved on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — ₹10-60 crore
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the indicative range of investment is proposed to be Rs.10-Rs.60 crore, contingent upon the stage of the company.
What is the total estimated cost of the two railway projects approved by the CCEA on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — About ₹6,798 crore
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: CCEA approved two railway projects with total estimated cost of Rs.6,798 crore (approx.).
The new railway line approved on 24 October 2024 to provide direct connectivity to Amaravati runs between:
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Correct answer: A — Errupalem and Namburu
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: construction of new line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati covering 57 kms.
Consider the following about the railway projects approved on 24 October 2024: 1. Together they cover 8 districts in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Bihar. 2. The doubling project in north Bihar covers 157 km. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the two projects cover 8 districts in 3 states — Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Bihar (1 is correct). The Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga & Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur doubling covers 256 km, not 157 km (2 is wrong).
Which two Aspirational Districts will be served by the north Bihar doubling project approved on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to two Aspirational Districts (Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur).
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
On which date is polling for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election, as announced by the ECI on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 20 November 2024
ECI Press Note ECI/PN/158/2024: poll is scheduled to be held in a single phase in Maharashtra on 20.11.2024.
As per the ECI schedule announced on 15 October 2024, polling in Jharkhand will be held in:
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Correct answer: D — Two phases on 13 and 20 November 2024
ECI Press Note ECI/PN/158/2024: poll is scheduled to be held in 02 phases in Jharkhand on 13.11.2024 and 20.11.2024.
The bye-elections announced by the ECI on 15 October 2024 cover:
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Correct answer: A — 48 Assembly constituencies and 2 Parliamentary constituencies in 15 States
ECI Press Note ECI/PN/150/2024 (15 Oct 2024): schedule for bye-election to 48 Assembly Constituencies and 2 Parliamentary Constituencies of 15 States.
Consider the following statements about the bye-elections announced by the ECI on 15 October 2024: 1. The Wayanad Parliamentary constituency fell vacant due to the resignation of Rahul Gandhi. 2. Polling for the Nanded Parliamentary constituency and the Kedarnath Assembly constituency is on 20 November 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct per ECI Press Note ECI/PN/150/2024: 4-Wayanad PC - resignation of Rahul Gandhi; poll for 16-Nanded PC and 07-Kedarnath AC is on 20.11.2024 (other bye-elections on 13.11.2024).
India's High Commissioner to Canada, whose withdrawal the MEA announced on 14 October 2024, was:
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Correct answer: A — Sanjay Kumar Verma
MEA (14 Oct 2024): the Government of India decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials; MEA's statement that day names High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma.
Who was the Canadian Acting High Commissioner among the six diplomats India expelled on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Stewart Ross Wheeler
MEA (14 Oct 2024): the 6 Canadian diplomats to be expelled include Mr. Stewart Ross Wheeler, Acting High Commissioner.
How many Canadian diplomats did India decide to expel on 14 October 2024, and by when were they asked to leave?
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Correct answer: D — 6; by 11:59 PM on 19 October 2024
MEA (14 Oct 2024): the Government of India decided to expel 6 Canadian diplomats, asked to leave India by or before 11:59 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
Consider the following statements about the MEA releases of 14 October 2024 on Canada: 1. The Canadian Charge d'Affaires was summoned by Secretary (East) that evening. 2. Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert was among the six Canadian diplomats to be expelled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct per MEA (14 Oct 2024): the Canadian Charge d'Affaires was summoned by Secretary (East) this evening; the expulsion list includes Mr. Patrick Hebert, Deputy High Commissioner.