SEBI Grade A Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
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.
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).
The district version of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan launched on 15 October 2024 covers how many aspirational districts?
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Correct answer: B — 27
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: Shri Piyush Goyal launched the district version of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for 27 aspirational districts.
Along with the District Master Plan on 15 October 2024, Piyush Goyal also launched guidelines for preparing:
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Correct answer: D — City Logistics Plans for Indian cities
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: Shri Piyush Goyal launches 'Guidelines for Preparing City Logistics Plans for Indian Cities' to help cities tailor logistics planning.
Which body issued the 'Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024' on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Central Consumer Protection Authority
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) unveiled the guidelines titled 'Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024'.
Consider the following statements about the CCPA greenwashing guidelines of 15 October 2024: 1. Words such as 'sustainable', 'natural' and 'organic' may be used freely without any qualifier. 2. Specific environmental claims must be supported by credible certification or reliable scientific evidence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: such words shall not be used without adequate, accurate and accessible qualifier. Statement 2 is correct per PIB. So statement 2 is correct.
Who took over as the 26th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Paramesh Sivamani
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: DG Paramesh Sivamani took over as the 26th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Paramesh Sivamani, who became the 26th DG of the Indian Coast Guard on 15 October 2024, had been holding additional charge of DG Coast Guard since:
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Correct answer: B — August 2024
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: he was elevated to Additional Director General in September 2022 ... and was given the additional charge of Director General Coast Guard in August 2024.
In which subject did the Algerian university confer an honorary doctorate on President Droupadi Murmu on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Political Science
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the Honorary Doctorate in Political Science in recognition of her advocacy of science and knowledge for all social groups in India.
The honorary doctorate conferred on President Murmu on 15 October 2024 was awarded by which institution, at a function in Sidi Abdellah?
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Correct answer: A — Scientific and Technological Hub, Martyr Ihaddaden Abdelhafid University
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: The Scientific and Technological Hub, Martyr Ihaddaden Abdelhafid University of Algeria conferred the Degree of Honorary Doctorate on the President at a function held at Sidi Abdellah.
The Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, 2024, on which CBDT issued FAQs on 15 October 2024, was enacted through:
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Correct answer: A — The Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: the DTVSV Scheme, 2024 was announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 and enacted through the Finance (No. 2) Act, 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.
Who is the President of Algeria with whom President Droupadi Murmu held talks on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Abdelmadjid Tebboune
PIB (14 Oct 2024): President Murmu held a meeting with Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.
President Murmu's October 2024 State Visits, which began in Algeria, covered which three countries?
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Correct answer: C — Algeria, Mauritania and Malawi
PIB (14 Oct 2024): Algiers was the first leg of her State Visits to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi.
At which venue in Algiers did President Murmu meet President Tebboune on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — El Mouradia Palace
PIB (14 Oct 2024): the President visited the El Mouradia Palace where she held a meeting with President Tebboune; the memorial and museum were visited earlier that morning.
What was the all-India year-on-year CPI inflation rate for September 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 5.49%
MoSPI via PIB (14 Oct 2024): year-on-year inflation rate based on All India CPI for September 2024 is 5.49%.
What was the all-India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) inflation for September 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 9.24%
MoSPI via PIB (14 Oct 2024): year-on-year inflation based on All India CFPI is 9.24% (Provisional) for September 2024.
Consider the following statements about CPI data for September 2024: 1. Rural CPI inflation was lower than urban CPI inflation. 2. CFPI inflation was below 5%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct per MoSPI (14 Oct 2024): rural inflation 5.87% was higher than urban 5.05%, and CFPI inflation was 9.24%.
By how much did the NPPA raise the ceiling prices of 11 scheduled formulations of 8 drugs, as announced on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 50%
PIB (14 Oct 2024): NPPA approved increase in the ceiling prices of eleven scheduled formulations of eight drugs by 50% of their current ceiling prices.
Consider the following statements about the NPPA decision announced on 14 October 2024: 1. The NPPA reduced the ceiling prices of the eight drugs. 2. The NPPA invoked extraordinary powers under Para 19 of the DPCO, 2013. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 2 is correct; statement 1 is wrong. PIB (14 Oct 2024): invoking extraordinary powers under Para 19 of DPCO 2013, NPPA approved an increase (not a reduction) in ceiling prices.
Who was India's Ambassador to Japan with whom the Army Chief was to interact in Tokyo on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Sibi George
PIB (14 Oct 2024): on 14 October General Upendra Dwivedi will interact with Shri Sibi George, Indian Ambassador to Japan.
On the last day of his Japan visit (17 October 2024), where was General Upendra Dwivedi scheduled to lay a wreath?
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Correct answer: A — Hiroshima Peace Park
PIB (14 Oct 2024): on 17 October the COAS will visit Hiroshima and lay a wreath at Hiroshima Peace Park and pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi's Statue there.
The PLI Scheme for White Goods, whose third application round drew 38 applicants in October 2024, covers which products?
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Correct answer: C — Air conditioners and LED lights
PIB (14 Oct 2024): PLI Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners and LED lights).
What was the net committed investment by the 38 applicants in the third round of the PLI Scheme for White Goods?
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Correct answer: A — ₹4,121 crore
PIB (14 Oct 2024): the third round attracted 38 responses with a net committed investment of Rs 4,121 crore.
What was the annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for September 2024, released on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 1.84%
PIB (14 Oct 2024): annual rate of inflation based on all India WPI is 1.84% (Provisional) for September 2024.
What is the base year of the Wholesale Price Index series used for the September 2024 data?
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Correct answer: A — 2011-12
PIB (14 Oct 2024): Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India for September 2024 (Base Year: 2011-12).
The MAHA-EV Mission launched by ANRF on 14 October 2024 focuses on R&D in:
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Correct answer: A — Electric vehicle components such as battery cells, PEMD and charging infrastructure
PIB (14 Oct 2024): MAHA-EV Mission is designed to build an R&D ecosystem for EV components particularly Battery Cells, Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD) and Charging Infrastructure.
The first meeting of the ANRF Governing Board, which began its operationalisation, was held on:
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Correct answer: C — 10 September 2024
PIB (14 Oct 2024): the operationalisation of ANRF was initiated with the first meeting of the Governing Board on September 10, 2024, chaired by the Prime Minister.
The AI chatbot for the Skill India Digital Portal under the MSDE-Meta partnership (October 2024) is powered by which model?
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Correct answer: B — Llama
PIB (14 Oct 2024): an AI-chatbot powered by Meta's open-source Llama model will be developed for the Skill India Digital Portal.
Which of the following is NOT among the NSTI locations for the five VR/MR Centres of Excellence under the MSDE-Meta partnership?
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Correct answer: D — Kolkata
PIB (14 Oct 2024): the 5 CoEs are at NSTIs located at Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai and Kanpur; Kolkata is not listed.
Who assumed charge as Director General Medical Services (Navy) on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai
PIB (14 Oct 2024): Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai, SM, VSM assumes charge as Director General Medical Services (Navy) on 14 Oct 24.
By what margin did Australia beat India in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Group A match on 13 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 9 runs
BBC Sport and ESPNcricinfo scorecard (13 Oct 2024): Australia 151-8, India 142-9; Australia won by nine runs.
Where was the India vs Australia ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 match played on 13 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Sharjah
ICC and BBC Sport (13 Oct 2024): Australia sealed their semi-final place during India's chase in Sharjah.
Before the 2024 edition, Australia had won the three previous ICC Women's T20 World Cups. In which years?
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Correct answer: A — 2018, 2020 and 2023
ICC (13 Oct 2024): Australia are targeting a four-peat having triumphed in each of the three previous editions, in 2018, 2020 and 2023.
Under the CCPA direction announced on 13 October 2024, Ola consumers can choose their refund as:
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Correct answer: D — Bank account refund or a coupon
PIB (13 Oct 2024): CCPA directed Ola to let consumers choose their preferred method of refund, either directly to their bank account or via coupon.
Who headed the Central Consumer Protection Authority as Chief Commissioner when it issued directions to Ola in October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Nidhi Khare
PIB (13 Oct 2024): the Authority is headed by Chief Commissioner Smt. Nidhi Khare.
As noted by the CCPA in the Ola case, not issuing a bill or invoice for services rendered is an 'unfair trade practice' under:
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Correct answer: A — The Consumer Protection Act, 2019
PIB (13 Oct 2024): not issuing bill or invoice or receipt for services rendered constitutes an 'unfair trade practice' under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
As per the Government's October 2024 backgrounder, Tele MANAS has handled over how many calls since its launch?
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Correct answer: C — 14.7 lakh
PIB backgrounder (13 Oct 2024): Tele MANAS has handled over 14.7 lakh calls since its launch.
When was the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) launched?
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Correct answer: A — 10 October 2022
PIB backgrounder (13 Oct 2024): the National Tele Mental Health Programme was launched by the Government of India on October 10, 2022.
In how many Indian languages is the Tele MANAS service available, as per the October 2024 backgrounder?
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Correct answer: D — 20
PIB backgrounder (13 Oct 2024): the service is available in 20 Indian languages.
What is the target number of internships under the pilot of the PM Internship Scheme for FY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: B — 1.25 lakh
PIB backgrounder (12 Oct 2024): the pilot project for FY 2024-25 targets 1.25 lakh internships.
From which date could candidates apply through the PM Internship Portal?
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Correct answer: D — 12 October 2024
PIB backgrounder (12 Oct 2024): internships can be applied for through the PM Internship Portal from October 12, 2024; the scheme was launched on October 3, 2024.
On what basis were the 500 partner companies of the PM Internship Scheme identified?
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Correct answer: A — Average CSR expenditure over the last three years
PIB backgrounder (12 Oct 2024): the Ministry identified top 500 companies based on their average CSR expenditure over the last three years.
Consider the following statements about the PM Internship Scheme pilot: 1. It is for youth aged 21 to 24 years. 2. Interns receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct per PIB (12 Oct 2024): 12-month internship for youth aged 21 to 24 years; monthly stipend of ₹5,000, plus a one-time grant of ₹6,000.
How many Indo-US teams were given the opportunity to work together under the USISTEF awards presented on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 17
PIB (12 Oct 2024): 17 Indo-US teams given opportunity to work together, primarily to develop AI-enabled tech and quantum technologies.
The USISTEF award teams of October 2024 will work primarily on which technologies?
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Correct answer: B — AI-enabled technology and quantum technologies
PIB (12 Oct 2024): the 17 teams will work together primarily to develop AI-enabled tech and Quantum Technologies.
Which US Ambassador participated in the USISTEF award function on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Eric Garcetti
PIB (12 Oct 2024): the USISTEF award function, in which United States Ambassador Eric Garcetti also participated.