SSC Stenographer Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Which organisation conducted the maiden 'Antariksha Abhyas-2024' (11–13 November 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — Defence Space Agency
PIB (MoD): the Defence Space Agency of HQ Integrated Defence Staff conducted Antariksha Abhyas-2024.
'Antariksha Abhyas-2024' was what kind of exercise?
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Correct answer: B — A Space Table Top Exercise
PIB (MoD): Antariksha Abhyas-2024 was a Space Table Top Exercise.
Consider the following about 'Antariksha Abhyas-2024': 1. It was the third edition of the exercise. 2. It was conducted by ISRO. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
PIB (MoD): it was the maiden edition and was conducted by the Defence Space Agency of HQ IDS. Neither statement is correct.
The Union Cabinet approved the Mines Ministry's MoU with the International Energy Agency on critical minerals on:
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Correct answer: C — 3 October 2024
PIB (Mines): approval for signing the MoU was accorded by the Union Cabinet on 3 October 2024; it was signed on 13 November 2024.
Who signed the November 2024 critical minerals MoU with India on behalf of the International Energy Agency?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Fatih Birol
PIB (Mines): the MoU was signed by Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao and IEA Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol.
According to WIPO's World Intellectual Property Indicators 2024, where does India rank globally for patent applications?
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Correct answer: C — Sixth
PIB (Commerce): India ranks sixth globally for patents with 64,480 applications.
By how much did India's patent applications grow in 2023, the fastest among the top 20 origins, as per WIPI 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 15.7%
PIB (Commerce): India recorded the fastest growth in patent applications (+15.7%) in 2023 among the top 20 origins. 36.4% is design growth, 6.1% trademark growth and 55.2% the resident share.
In WIPI 2024, India ranked where globally in trademark filings?
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Correct answer: D — Fourth
PIB (Commerce): India ranked fourth globally in trademark filings, with a 6.1% increase in 2023. (Its trademark office holds the second-largest number of active registrations.)
All-India year-on-year CPI inflation for October 2024, released on 12 November 2024, was:
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Correct answer: A — 6.21%
PIB (MoSPI): year-on-year CPI inflation for October 2024 is 6.21%; 6.68% is the rural rate.
Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) inflation for October 2024 (provisional) was:
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Correct answer: D — 10.87%
PIB (MoSPI): all-India CFPI inflation for October 2024 is 10.87% (provisional); 11.09% is the urban rate.
What was the gross NPA ratio of public sector banks as of September 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 3.12%
PIB (Finance): gross and net NPA stood at 3.12% and 0.63% as on September 2024.
What was the combined net profit of public sector banks in H1 FY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: C — ₹85,520 crore
PIB (Finance): net profit for H1 FY25 was ₹85,520 crore (25.6% YoY growth); ₹1,50,023 crore was the operating profit.
As of September 2024, the CRAR of public sector banks was 15.43% against a regulatory requirement of:
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Correct answer: D — 11.5%
PIB (Finance): CRAR stood at 15.43% in September 2024 against the regulatory requirement of 11.5%.
As per Quick Estimates released on 12 November 2024, India's IIP grew by how much in September 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 3.1%
PIB (MoSPI): the IIP growth rate for September 2024 is 3.1%, against (-)0.1% in August 2024.
In September 2024, the manufacturing sector of the IIP grew by:
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Correct answer: C — 3.9%
PIB (MoSPI): mining, manufacturing and electricity grew 0.2%, 3.9% and 0.5% respectively in September 2024.
Scientists from which institute discovered the new plant species Dicliptera polymorpha in the northern Western Ghats (announced November 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — Agharkar Research Institute, Pune
PIB (DST): the discovery was made by a team led by Dr Mandar Datar of the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous institute under DST.
Consider the following about Dicliptera polymorpha: 1. It is fire-resilient (pyrophytic) and shows a second burst of flowering after grassland fires. 2. It was discovered in the Eastern Ghats. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (DST): the species is pyrophytic with a dual-blooming pattern, but it was found in the northern Western Ghats, not the Eastern Ghats. So only 1 is correct.
In November 2024, PM Modi congratulated Dr Navin Ramgoolam on his election victory as Prime Minister-elect of which country?
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Correct answer: D — Mauritius
PIB (PMO): the PM congratulated Prime Minister-elect Dr Navin Ramgoolam on his historic election victory in Mauritius.
Which DRDO laboratory developed indigenous processes for 4-inch Silicon Carbide wafers and GaN HEMT-based MMICs (announced November 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — Solid State Physics Laboratory
PIB (MoD): the Solid State Physics Laboratory, a DRDO laboratory, developed these processes.
What is the diameter of the indigenous Silicon Carbide wafers developed by DRDO's SSPL?
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Correct answer: D — 4 inches
PIB (MoD): SSPL developed processes for growing and manufacturing 4-inch diameter SiC wafers.
Where has limited production of indigenous GaN-on-SiC MMICs been established?
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Correct answer: A — GAETEC, Hyderabad
PIB (MoD): indigenous GaN-on-SiC MMICs with limited production capability have been established at GAETEC, Hyderabad.
Denis Manturov, who called on PM Modi on 11 November 2024, holds which post?
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Correct answer: B — First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia
PIB (PMO): Denis Manturov is the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
While meeting Denis Manturov, PM Modi referred to decisions taken during his recent meetings with President Putin in which cities?
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Correct answer: B — Moscow and Kazan
PIB (PMO): the PM welcomed efforts to implement decisions taken during his recent visits and meetings with President Putin in Moscow and Kazan.
In November 2024, the High-Level Committee chaired by Amit Shah approved fire-services projects worth how much for Chhattisgarh, Odisha and West Bengal?
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Correct answer: D — ₹725.62 crore
PIB (MHA): the committee approved three projects of ₹725.62 crore; ₹5,000 crore is the NDRF allocation for the scheme and ₹2,542.12 crore the earlier approvals for 15 states.
The Centre's ₹5,000 crore allocation for 'Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States' is under which fund?
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Correct answer: B — National Disaster Response Fund
PIB (MHA): the Central Government has allocated ₹5,000 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for the scheme.
Of the three states in the November 2024 fire-services approval, which received the largest amount?
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Correct answer: A — West Bengal
PIB (MHA): West Bengal ₹376.76 crore, Odisha ₹201.10 crore and Chhattisgarh ₹147.76 crore.
Which edition of the Indian Coast Guard–Sri Lanka Coast Guard Annual High Level Meeting was held in Colombo on 11 November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 7th
PIB (MoD): the ICG and SLCG conducted the 7th Annual High Level Meeting in Colombo on 11 November 2024; the 8th will be hosted by ICG in 2025.
The ICG–SLCG Annual High Level Meeting follows a mechanism set out in an MoU signed in:
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Correct answer: A — May 2018
PIB (MoD): the meeting follows the institutionalised mechanism outlined in the MoU signed between both agencies in May 2018.
Who led the Indian Coast Guard delegation at the 7th ICG–SLCG High Level Meeting in Colombo (November 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — S Paramesh
PIB (MoD): a four-member ICG delegation was led by Director General S Paramesh.
The nationwide Digital Life Certificate Campaign 3.0 (1–30 November 2024) is being held at how many locations?
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Correct answer: C — 1,900 locations in 800 cities/districts
PIB (DoPPW): Campaign 3.0 is being organised at 1,900 locations in 800 cities/districts; 600 locations in 100 cities was Campaign 2.0 in 2023.
How many Digital Life Certificates were generated in the first week of DLC Campaign 3.0 in November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Over 37 lakh
PIB (DoPPW): more than 37 lakh DLCs were generated within the first week of the launch of DLC Campaign 3.0.
Consider the following about the Digital Life Certificate campaigns: 1. Campaign 2.0 was held in November 2023 at 600 locations in 100 cities. 2. Campaign 3.0 promotes face authentication for submitting DLCs. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (DoPPW): Campaign 2.0 ran from 1 to 30 November 2023 at 600 locations in 100 cities, and Campaign 3.0 promotes DLC submission through face authentication. Both are correct.
According to the PM on 10 November 2024, Special Campaigns have earned how much for the exchequer since 2021 just by disposing of scrap?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2,364 crore
PIB (PMO): Special Campaign 4.0 achieved outcomes including ₹2,364 crore (since 2021) for the exchequer simply by disposing of scrap.
PM Modi lauded Special Campaign 4.0 on 10 November 2024 while responding to a post by which Union Minister?
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Correct answer: B — Jitendra Singh
PIB (PMO): the PM was responding to a post by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on X.
Who are the two crew members of INSV Tarini on Navika Sagar Parikrama II?
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Correct answer: D — Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A
PIB (MoD): the Indian Navy duo of Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A is sailing INSV Tarini on Navika Sagar Parikrama II.
At which port did INSV Tarini arrive on 9 November 2024 during Navika Sagar Parikrama II?
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Correct answer: B — Fremantle, Australia
PIB (MoD): INSV Tarini arrived at Fremantle, Australia on 9 November 2024 after covering 4,900 nm from Goa.
Navika Sagar Parikrama II was flagged off from Goa by the Chief of the Naval Staff on:
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Correct answer: C — 2 October 2024
PIB (MoD): the expedition was flagged off from Goa by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi on 2 October 2024.
Which Indian institution ranked highest in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025?
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Correct answer: A — IIT Delhi
PIB (Education): IIT Delhi achieved India's highest ranking, moving up to 44th from 46th.
The QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025 assessed how many institutions?
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Correct answer: D — 984 in 25 countries
PIB (Education): the ranking assesses 984 institutions covering 25 countries.
How many Indian institutions are in the top 50 of the QS Asia Rankings 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Two
PIB (Education): India has two institutions in the top 50 (IIT Delhi 44, IIT Bombay 48) and seven in the top 100.
Coal production from captive and commercial mines from 1 April to 8 November 2024 stood at:
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Correct answer: D — 100.08 MT
PIB (Coal): production during 1 April – 8 November 2024 was 100.08 MT, against 75.05 MT in the same period of FY 2023-24.
What was the year-on-year growth in coal production from captive and commercial mines (1 April – 8 November 2024)?
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Correct answer: A — 33%
PIB (Coal): 100.08 MT against 75.05 MT indicates year-on-year growth of 33%.
What is the total outlay of the Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry launched on 8 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — ₹500 crore
PIB (Chemicals & Fertilizers): the scheme has a total outlay of ₹500 crore.
Consider the following about the Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry (November 2024): 1. It covers support for clinical studies. 2. It covers skill development. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB: the scheme covers manufacturing of key components and accessories, skill development, support for clinical studies, common infrastructure and industry promotion. Both are correct.
Who launched the Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry on 8 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — J P Nadda
PIB: Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare J P Nadda launched the scheme; MoS Anupriya Patel was present.
At which Mozambican port did India hand over two Fast Interceptor Craft on 8 November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Nacala
PIB (MoD): the two FICs were handed over to Mozambique at Nacala on 8 November 2024.
Which Indian Navy ship transshipped the two Fast Interceptor Craft gifted to Mozambique in November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — INS Gharial
PIB (MoD): the FICs were transshipped from India by INS Gharial.
The Fast Interceptor Craft gifted by India to Mozambique (November 2024) have a top speed of:
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Correct answer: D — 45 knots
PIB (MoD): the water-jet propelled boats have a top speed of 45 knots and a range of 200 nm at 12 knots.
The pilot run of EPFO's Centralized Pension Payments System (October 2024) covered pensioners of which regions?
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Correct answer: B — Jammu, Srinagar and Karnal
PIB (Labour): about ₹11 crore was disbursed to more than 49,000 EPS pensioners of the Jammu, Srinagar and Karnal regions.
EPFO's Centralized Pension Payments System is to be fully rolled out by January 2025 as part of which IT modernisation project?
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Correct answer: D — CITES 2.01
PIB (Labour): CPPS will be fully rolled out as part of the Centralized IT Enabled System (CITES 2.01) by January 2025.
On full rollout, the Centralized Pension Payments System is expected to benefit about how many EPS pensioners?
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Correct answer: A — More than 78 lakh
PIB (Labour): the new CPPS will benefit more than 78 lakh EPS pensioners of EPFO.
Under the amended rules (November 2024), what is the environmental compensation per stubble-burning incident for a farmer with less than two acres?
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Correct answer: A — ₹5,000
PIB (MoEFCC): for land under two acres the EC was revised from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per incident.
For a farmer with more than five acres, the revised environmental compensation for stubble burning (November 2024) is:
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Correct answer: D — ₹30,000
PIB (MoEFCC): for land over five acres the EC was revised from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per incident.
Consider the following about the revised environmental compensation for stubble burning (November 2024): 1. The amendment rules were notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. For farmers with two acres or more but less than five acres, the rate is ₹10,000 per incident. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB: MoEFCC notified the Amendment Rules on 6 November 2024 (G.S.R. 690(E)); the 2-to-under-5-acre rate went from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Both are correct.
On 7 November 2024, the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme completed how many years of implementation?
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Correct answer: B — 10 years
PIB (PMO): the PM marked ten years of the OROP scheme on 7 November 2024, the day it was implemented.
How many critical mineral blocks were successfully auctioned under Tranche IV (announced 7 November 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — 8
PIB (Mines): the Ministry concluded the auction of 8 critical mineral blocks under Tranche IV.
Which state had the largest number of successfully auctioned blocks in Tranche IV of the critical mineral auctions?
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Correct answer: B — Arunachal Pradesh
PIB (Mines): four of the eight successful blocks (Depo, Endolin-Isholin, Phop, Radhpu) are in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Centre auctions critical mineral blocks using its power to grant concessions for minerals listed in which part of the MMDR Act, 1957?
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Correct answer: A — Part D of the First Schedule
PIB (Mines): the auction under the MMDR Act, 1957 uses the Central Government's authority for key minerals listed in Part D of the First Schedule.
The Notice Inviting Tender for Tranche IV of critical mineral block auctions was issued on 24 June 2024 for how many blocks?
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Correct answer: C — 21
PIB (Mines): the NIT was issued on 24 June 2024 for 21 mineral blocks; 10 advanced to e-auction and 8 were successfully auctioned.
The coal sector's Single Window Clearance System (SWCS), on which a Mine Opening Permission module was launched in November 2024, was itself launched on:
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Correct answer: D — 11 January 2021
PIB (Coal): the SWCS was launched on 11 January 2021.
Who inaugurated the Mine Opening Permission module on the SWCS portal on 7 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt
PIB (Coal): Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Vikram Dev Dutt inaugurated the new module on 7 November 2024.
In his message of 6 November 2024 congratulating Donald Trump, PM Modi referred to the India-US relationship as a:
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Correct answer: C — Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership
PIB (PMO): the PM looked forward to renewing collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following about PM Modi's contact with Donald Trump on 6 November 2024: 1. The PM spoke to Trump by phone on the same day. 2. The PM mentioned space among the sectors for closer India-US cooperation. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (PMO): the PM had a conversation with President-elect Trump on 6 November and mentioned technology, defence, energy, space and other sectors. Both are correct.
Under PM-Vidyalaxmi (approved 6 November 2024), education loans up to ₹7.5 lakh get what level of government credit guarantee?
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Correct answer: A — 75%
PIB (Cabinet): loan amounts up to ₹7.5 lakh will be provided a 75% credit guarantee by the Government of India.
Under PM-Vidyalaxmi, 3% interest subvention is available to students with annual family income up to:
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Correct answer: D — ₹8 lakh, on loans up to ₹10 lakh
PIB (Cabinet): students with up to ₹8 lakh annual family income get 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹10 lakh (in addition to full subvention for income up to ₹4.5 lakh under existing schemes).
What is the outlay for PM-Vidyalaxmi for 2024-25 to 2030-31?
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Correct answer: B — ₹3,600 crore
PIB (Cabinet): an outlay of ₹3,600 crore has been made during 2024-25 to 2030-31; 7 lakh fresh students are expected to get interest subvention.
PM-Vidyalaxmi covers students admitted to how many top quality higher education institutions?
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Correct answer: C — 860
PIB (Cabinet): loans to meritorious students admitted to the top 860 quality HEIs, covering more than 22 lakh students every year.
How much equity infusion in the Food Corporation of India did the CCEA approve on 6 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — ₹10,700 crore
PIB (Cabinet): the CCEA approved infusion of equity of ₹10,700 crore for working capital in FY 2024-25 in FCI.
The ₹10,700 crore equity infusion in FCI (November 2024) is being made by:
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Correct answer: D — Conversion of Ways and Means Advance to equity
PIB (Cabinet): the equity is infused by way of conversion of Ways and Means Advance to equity in 2024-25.
In which year did the Food Corporation of India start its journey?
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Correct answer: A — 1964
PIB (Cabinet): FCI started its journey in 1964 with authorised capital of ₹100 crore and equity of ₹4 crore.
As reported by the ECI on 6 November 2024, total seizures in the Maharashtra and Jharkhand elections and bypolls stood at:
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Correct answer: A — ₹558 crore
PIB (ECI): agencies seized ₹558 crore worth of cash, freebies, liquor, drugs and precious metals in Maharashtra, Jharkhand and bypolls.
How much was seized in Maharashtra as per the ECI's 6 November 2024 release?
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Correct answer: C — ₹280 crore
PIB (ECI): ₹280 crore was seized in Maharashtra and ₹158 crore in Jharkhand.
The edition of the Indian Navy's MAHASAGAR virtual interaction held on 5 November 2024 was the:
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Correct answer: B — Third
PIB (MoD): the third edition of MAHASAGAR was conducted on 5 November 2024.
What was the theme of the third MAHASAGAR interaction (November 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR
PIB (MoD): the theme was 'Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR'.
V D Chafekar, formerly of the Indian Coast Guard, was appointed (announced November 2024) as Executive Director of:
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Correct answer: D — ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre, Singapore
PIB (MoD): ADG (Retd) V D Chafekar has been appointed the seventh Executive Director of ReCAAP ISC in Singapore.
The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre, the first regional government-to-government agreement against piracy in Asia, was established in:
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Correct answer: B — 2006
PIB (MoD): established in 2006, ReCAAP ISC is the first regional G2G agreement to promote cooperation against piracy and armed robbery at sea in Asia.