SF Prep

SSC Stenographer Current Affairs Quiz — All time

Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.

7 days 1 month 3 months 6 months 12 months All
3261 news · 8869 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 88 questions
NPPA raises ceiling prices of 11 formulations of 8 essential drugs by 50% to ensure availability
Q1 Advanced

By how much did the NPPA raise the ceiling prices of 11 scheduled formulations of 8 drugs, as announced on 14 October 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q2 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi begins visit to Japan (14-17 October 2024)
Q3

Who was India's Ambassador to Japan with whom the Army Chief was to interact in Tokyo on 14 October 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q4 Advanced

On the last day of his Japan visit (17 October 2024), where was General Upendra Dwivedi scheduled to lay a wreath?

Show answer

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.

PLI Scheme for White Goods: 38 applicants commit ₹4,121 crore in third round
Q5 Advanced

The PLI Scheme for White Goods, whose third application round drew 38 applicants in October 2024, covers which products?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Air conditioners and LED lights

PIB (14 Oct 2024): PLI Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners and LED lights).

Q6

What was the net committed investment by the 38 applicants in the third round of the PLI Scheme for White Goods?

Show answer

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.

WPI inflation at 1.84% (provisional) for September 2024
Q7

What was the annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for September 2024, released on 14 October 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q8 Advanced

What is the base year of the Wholesale Price Index series used for the September 2024 data?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 2011-12

PIB (14 Oct 2024): Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India for September 2024 (Base Year: 2011-12).

ANRF launches its first two initiatives: PM Early Career Research Grant and MAHA-EV Mission
Q9 Advanced

The MAHA-EV Mission launched by ANRF on 14 October 2024 focuses on R&D in:

Show answer

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.

Q10 Advanced

The first meeting of the ANRF Governing Board, which began its operationalisation, was held on:

Show answer

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.

MSDE partners with Meta for an AI Assistant on Skill India Digital and 5 VR/MR Centres of Excellence at NSTIs
Q11 Advanced

The AI chatbot for the Skill India Digital Portal under the MSDE-Meta partnership (October 2024) is powered by which model?

Show answer

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.

Q12 Advanced

Which of the following is NOT among the NSTI locations for the five VR/MR Centres of Excellence under the MSDE-Meta partnership?

Show answer

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.

Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Australia beat India by nine runs in Sharjah, qualify for semi-finals
Q13

By what margin did Australia beat India in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Group A match on 13 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 9 runs

BBC Sport and ESPNcricinfo scorecard (13 Oct 2024): Australia 151-8, India 142-9; Australia won by nine runs.

Q14

Where was the India vs Australia ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 match played on 13 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sharjah

ICC and BBC Sport (13 Oct 2024): Australia sealed their semi-final place during India's chase in Sharjah.

Q15 Advanced

Before the 2024 edition, Australia had won the three previous ICC Women's T20 World Cups. In which years?

Show answer

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.

CCPA directs Ola to let consumers choose refund mode and issue invoices for Auto rides
Q16 Advanced

Under the CCPA direction announced on 13 October 2024, Ola consumers can choose their refund as:

Show answer

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.

Q17 Advanced

Who headed the Central Consumer Protection Authority as Chief Commissioner when it issued directions to Ola in October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Nidhi Khare

PIB (13 Oct 2024): the Authority is headed by Chief Commissioner Smt. Nidhi Khare.

Q18 Advanced

As noted by the CCPA in the Ola case, not issuing a bill or invoice for services rendered is an 'unfair trade practice' under:

Show answer

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.

Tele MANAS completes two years, handles over 14.7 lakh calls
Q19 Advanced

As per the Government's October 2024 backgrounder, Tele MANAS has handled over how many calls since its launch?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 14.7 lakh

PIB backgrounder (13 Oct 2024): Tele MANAS has handled over 14.7 lakh calls since its launch.

Q20

When was the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) launched?

Show answer

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.

Q21 Advanced

In how many Indian languages is the Tele MANAS service available, as per the October 2024 backgrounder?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 20

PIB backgrounder (13 Oct 2024): the service is available in 20 Indian languages.

PM Internship Scheme: applications open on the PM Internship Portal from 12 October 2024
Q22

What is the target number of internships under the pilot of the PM Internship Scheme for FY 2024-25?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1.25 lakh

PIB backgrounder (12 Oct 2024): the pilot project for FY 2024-25 targets 1.25 lakh internships.

Q23 Advanced

From which date could candidates apply through the PM Internship Portal?

Show answer

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.

Q24 Advanced

On what basis were the 500 partner companies of the PM Internship Scheme identified?

Show answer

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.

Q25 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Jitendra Singh presents Indo-US Science and Technology Endowment Fund awards to 17 Indo-US teams
Q26

How many Indo-US teams were given the opportunity to work together under the USISTEF awards presented on 12 October 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q27 Advanced

The USISTEF award teams of October 2024 will work primarily on which technologies?

Show answer

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.

Q28 Advanced

Which US Ambassador participated in the USISTEF award function on 12 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Eric Garcetti

PIB (12 Oct 2024): the USISTEF award function, in which United States Ambassador Eric Garcetti also participated.

India and Laos exchange defence, broadcasting and customs pacts and three Ramayana-linked QIPs
Q29

Who was the Prime Minister of Lao PDR with whom PM Modi held bilateral talks in Vientiane on 11 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Sonexay Siphandone

PIB (11 Oct 2024): PM Modi held bilateral talks with Prime Minister of Lao PDR Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane.

Q30 Advanced

The three Quick Impact Projects exchanged between India and Laos on 11 October 2024 were under which framework?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Mekong-Ganga Cooperation

PIB (11 Oct 2024): three Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation were exchanged in the presence of the two leaders.

Q31 Advanced

Under the India-Laos broadcasting MoU of 11 October 2024, Lao National Television partnered with which Indian body?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Prasar Bharati

PIB list of outcomes (11 Oct 2024): MoU on Cooperation of Broadcasting between Lao National Television and Prasar Bharati.

Q32 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India-Laos outcomes of 11 October 2024: 1. One QIP concerns shadow puppet theatre in Champasak province. 2. The defence MoU was signed on the Indian side by the Chief of Defence Staff. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct; statement 2 is wrong. PIB list of outcomes (11 Oct 2024): a QIP on preservation of shadow puppet theatre's performance in Champasak province; the defence MoU was signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

PM Modi attends 19th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, invites EAS countries to a Nalanda conclave
Q33

The 19th East Asia Summit, attended by PM Narendra Modi on 11 October 2024, was held in which city?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Vientiane

PIB (11 Oct 2024): the PM attended the 19th East Asia Summit on 11 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Q34 Advanced

At the 19th East Asia Summit, PM Modi invited EAS countries to a Heads of Higher Education Conclave at which institution?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Nalanda University

PIB (11 Oct 2024): recalling EAS support for its revival, the PM invited EAS countries to a Heads of Higher Education Conclave at Nalanda University.

Q35 Advanced

At the 19th East Asia Summit, PM Modi conveyed good wishes to which country as the new Chair of ASEAN?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Malaysia

PIB (11 Oct 2024): the PM conveyed his good wishes to Malaysia as the new Chair of ASEAN and expressed India's full support to it.

Q36 Advanced

Consider the following statements about PM Modi's address at the 19th East Asia Summit (11 October 2024): 1. He said India's participation in the EAS is an important pillar of its Act East Policy. 2. He stressed ASEAN's central role in the Indo-Pacific regional architecture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. PIB (11 Oct 2024): the PM stressed ASEAN's central role in the Indo-Pacific regional architecture and underlined that India's participation in the EAS was an important pillar of its Act East Policy.

Nobel Peace Prize 2024 awarded to Japan's Nihon Hidankyo
Q37

Who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2024, announced on 11 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Nihon Hidankyo

Norwegian Nobel Committee (Oslo, 11 Oct 2024): the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 is awarded to the Japanese organisation Nihon Hidankyo.

Q38 Advanced

The term 'Hibakusha', associated with the Nobel Peace Prize 2024 laureate, refers to whom?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Nobel press release (11 Oct 2024): Nihon Hidankyo is a grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha.

Q39 Advanced

In which year was Nihon Hidankyo, the Nobel Peace Prize 2024 laureate, formed?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1956

Nobel press release (11 Oct 2024): in 1956, local Hibakusha associations and victims of Pacific nuclear tests formed the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organisations, shortened to Nihon Hidankyo.

Q40 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Nobel Peace Prize 2024: 1. It was announced by the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo. 2. The Committee described the international norm against using nuclear weapons as 'the nuclear taboo'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. The press release is dated Oslo, 11 October 2024, from the Norwegian Nobel Committee, and says the norm stigmatising nuclear weapon use has become known as 'the nuclear taboo'.

IIP contracts 0.1% in August 2024; mining and electricity decline
Q41

As per the Quick Estimate released on 11 October 2024, what was India's IIP growth rate for August 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — (-)0.1 percent

MoSPI via PIB (11 Oct 2024): the IIP growth rate for August 2024 is (-)0.1 percent, against 4.7% in July 2024.

Q42 Advanced

Which sector recorded the steepest decline in the IIP for August 2024, attributed likely to heavy rainfall?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Mining

MoSPI via PIB (11 Oct 2024): mining grew (-)4.3 percent, the steepest fall; the decline is likely due to heavy rainfall in August 2024.

Q43 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the IIP Quick Estimate for August 2024: 1. Manufacturing recorded negative growth. 2. The index for August 2024 was higher than in August 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2

Neither statement is correct. MoSPI via PIB (11 Oct 2024): manufacturing grew 1.0 percent, and the index stood at 145.6 against 145.8 in August 2023.

India's vaccine regulator declared 'functional' against WHO Global Benchmarking Tool VI
Q44

Which Indian body, along with the NRA of India, was found on 11 October 2024 to meet WHO indicators for a functional vaccine regulatory system?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — CDSCO

PIB (11 Oct 2024): the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), along with the NRA of India and affiliated institutions, meets the WHO indicators for a functional vaccine regulatory system.

Q45 Advanced

Against which version of the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool was India's vaccine regulatory system declared 'functional' in October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Version VI

PIB (11 Oct 2024): India has been declared 'functional' against all the core regulatory functions of the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool Version VI.

Q46 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the WHO re-benchmarking of India's vaccine regulatory system: 1. The review was conducted from 16 to 20 September 2024 by an expert team led by WHO headquarters. 2. India's system had earlier been benchmarked in 2017 against GBT version V. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. PIB (11 Oct 2024): the WHO HQ-led review ran from September 16 to 20, 2024, and India's system was benchmarked in 2017 against GBT version V.

Centre releases ₹1,78,173 crore tax devolution to States, including an advance instalment
Q47

How much tax devolution did the Union Government release to States on 10 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹1,78,173 crore

Finance Ministry via PIB (10 Oct 2024): the Union Government released tax devolution of ₹1,78,173 crore to State Governments on 10 October 2024.

Q48 Advanced

Which state received the largest amount in the tax devolution released on 10 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Uttar Pradesh

PIB state-wise table (10 Oct 2024): Uttar Pradesh received ₹31,962 crore, the largest, followed by Bihar with ₹17,921 crore.

Q49 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the tax devolution released on 10 October 2024: 1. It included one advance instalment in addition to the regular instalment due in October 2024. 2. Bihar received the largest share among the States. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct; statement 2 is wrong. PIB (10 Oct 2024): the release includes one advance instalment in addition to the regular October 2024 instalment; Uttar Pradesh (₹31,962 crore) received the largest share, with Bihar (₹17,921 crore) second.

Nobel Prize in Literature 2024 awarded to South Korean author Han Kang
Q50

Who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature 2024, announced on 10 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Han Kang

Nobel press release (10 Oct 2024): the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2024 is awarded to the South Korean author Han Kang.

Q51 Advanced

Which of the following is a work by Han Kang, the Nobel Prize in Literature 2024 laureate?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — The Vegetarian

NobelPrize.org facts: among Han Kang's works are The Vegetarian, Human Acts and We Do Not Part.

Q52 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Han Kang, the Nobel Prize in Literature 2024 laureate: 1. She writes in Korean. 2. She began her career in 1993 as a poet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. NobelPrize.org facts: language Korean; Han Kang began her career in 1993 as a poet, but has since written mainly novels and short stories.

India's renewable energy capacity crosses 200 GW, at 201.45 GW as of 10 October 2024
Q53

According to the CEA, what was India's total renewable energy capacity as of 10 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 201.45 GW

MNRE/PIB (14 Oct 2024): as per the Central Electricity Authority, total renewable energy capacity stands at 201.45 GW, crossing 200 GW as of October 10, 2024.

Q54 Advanced

What share of India's total installed electricity capacity did renewable energy account for when it crossed 200 GW in October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 46.3 percent

MNRE/PIB (14 Oct 2024): renewable energy now constitutes 46.3% of total capacity of 452.69 GW.

Q55 Advanced

Which source contributed the most to India's renewable energy capacity of 201.45 GW in October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Solar

MNRE/PIB backgrounder (14 Oct 2024): solar power leads with 90.76 GW, followed by wind with 47.36 GW and large hydro with 46.92 GW.

Q56 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India's renewable energy capacity as of October 2024: 1. Wind capacity (47.36 GW) exceeded large hydro capacity (46.92 GW). 2. India's total installed electricity generation capacity was 452.69 GW. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. MNRE/PIB backgrounder (14 Oct 2024): wind 47.36 GW, large hydro 46.92 GW; total generation capacity 452.69 GW.

21st ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane: PM Modi announces 10-point plan, 2025 as ASEAN-India Year of Tourism
Q57

Which year did PM Modi announce as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit on 10 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2025

PIB (10 Oct 2024): the 10-point plan includes celebrating the year 2025 as ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, with India making available USD 5 million.

Q58 Advanced

What was the Chair's theme in line with which PM Modi announced his 10-point plan at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience

PIB (10 Oct 2024): in keeping with the Chair's theme of 'Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience', the PM announced a 10-point plan.

Q59 Advanced

Which country became the new Country Coordinator for ASEAN-India relations, as noted at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Philippines

PIB (10 Oct 2024): the PM thanked Singapore for its role as Country Coordinator over the last three years and looked forward to working with the Philippines, the new Country Coordinator.

Q60 Advanced

At the 21st ASEAN-India Summit, leaders agreed to create a new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for which period?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2026-2030

PIB (10 Oct 2024): leaders agreed to create a new ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026-2030).

Q61 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the 21st ASEAN-India Summit (10 October 2024): 1. It was PM Modi's 11th participation in the Summit. 2. The PM noted that India-ASEAN trade had doubled in the last ten years to over USD 130 billion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. PIB (10 Oct 2024): this was the PM's 11th participation in the Summit, and in the last ten years India-ASEAN trade had doubled to over USD 130 billion.

Sports Ministry puts Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 out for public comments
Q62

Which body does the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 propose as the central regulatory authority to recognise National Sports Federations?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Sports Regulatory Board of India

PIB (10 Oct 2024): the draft Bill proposes a Sports Regulatory Board of India as the central regulatory authority for granting recognition to NSFs.

Q63 Advanced

The Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 restricts the size of executive committees of IOA/PCI/NSFs to how many members?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 15

PIB (10 Oct 2024): the Bill restricts the size of the EC to 15 members.

Q64 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024: 1. It proposes an Appellate Sports Tribunal to handle sports-related disputes. 2. It requires 10% of voting members in the General Body of the NOC, NPC and NSFs to be sportspersons of outstanding merit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. PIB (10 Oct 2024): a dedicated Appellate Sports Tribunal will handle sports disputes, and 10% of General Body voting members are to be sportspersons of outstanding merit elected by the Athletes Commission.

PM Modi holds first meeting with New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon; welcomes NZ joining ISA
Q65

PM Modi held his first meeting with which New Zealand Prime Minister in Vientiane on 10 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Christopher Luxon

PIB (10 Oct 2024): PM Modi and Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon met on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane; this was their first meeting.

Q66 Advanced

On 10 October 2024, PM Modi welcomed New Zealand's decision to join which India-led initiative?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — International Solar Alliance

PIB (10 Oct 2024): the Prime Minister welcomed New Zealand's decision to join the International Solar Alliance.

PM Modi meets newly appointed Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba in Laos
Q67

PM Modi met which newly appointed Prime Minister of Japan on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit on 10 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Shigeru Ishiba

PIB (10 Oct 2024): PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with the newly appointed Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit in Laos.

Q68 Advanced

As reaffirmed by PM Modi and PM Ishiba on 10 October 2024, India-Japan ties are described as a:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Special Strategic and Global Partnership

PIB (10 Oct 2024): the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Ministry of Education opens registrations for Yuva Sangam Phase V
Q69

Yuva Sangam, whose Phase V registrations opened on 10 October 2024, is an initiative under which programme?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

PIB (10 Oct 2024): the registration portal for Phase V of Yuva Sangam, under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB), was launched by the Ministry of Education.

Q70 Advanced

What is the eligible age group for Yuva Sangam Phase V, for which registrations opened on 10 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 18-30 years

PIB (10 Oct 2024): interested youth in the age group of 18-30 years can register.

81st Network Planning Group meeting under PM GatiShakti evaluates five road and aviation projects
Q71 Advanced

The Vrindavan Bypass evaluated at the 81st NPG meeting under PM GatiShakti on 10 October 2024 will connect NH-44 to which expressway?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Yamuna Expressway

PIB (11 Oct 2024): a 16.75 km greenfield Vrindavan Bypass in Uttar Pradesh will connect NH-44 to the Yamuna Expressway.

Q72 Advanced

The new integrated terminal building evaluated at the 81st NPG meeting (10 October 2024) is for which airport?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Srinagar Airport

PIB (11 Oct 2024): a brownfield project for a new integrated terminal building of 71,500 sq m at Srinagar Airport in Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir.

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024: David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper for work on proteins
Q73

David Baker received half of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024 for what?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Computational protein design

Nobel press release (9 Oct 2024): one half to David Baker 'for computational protein design'.

Q74 Advanced

Which AI model, presented in 2020 by Demis Hassabis and John Jumper, was recognised by the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — AlphaFold2

Nobel press release (9 Oct 2024): in 2020, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper presented an AI model called AlphaFold2.

Q75 Advanced

Demis Hassabis and John Jumper, Nobel Chemistry 2024 laureates, are affiliated with which organisation?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Google DeepMind

Nobel press release (9 Oct 2024): Demis Hassabis and John Jumper are listed with Google DeepMind, London, UK.

Q76 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024: 1. It was awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. 2. AlphaFold2 has been used by more than two million people from 190 countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. Nobel press release (9 Oct 2024): the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences decided to award the prize, and AlphaFold2 has been used by more than two million people from 190 countries.

Cabinet approves continuation of free fortified rice under PMGKAY and other schemes till December 2028
Q77

Till when did the Union Cabinet on 9 October 2024 approve continuation of free fortified rice supply under PMGKAY and other schemes?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — December 2028

PIB (9 Oct 2024): the Cabinet approved continuation of the universal supply of fortified rice from July 2024 up to December 2028.

Q78 Advanced

Which micronutrients are added to rice through Fortified Rice Kernels under the rice fortification initiative?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Iron, folic acid and vitamin B12

PIB (9 Oct 2024): rice fortification adds Fortified Rice Kernels enriched with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12, as per FSSAI standards, to regular rice.

Q79 Advanced

The continuation of the rice fortification initiative approved on 9 October 2024 complements which Government strategy?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Anaemia Mukt Bharat

PIB (9 Oct 2024): continuation of the rice fortification initiative will complement the interventions under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy.

Q80 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the rice fortification initiative: 1. It will continue as a central sector initiative with 100% funding by the Government of India as part of PMGKAY. 2. Universal coverage of fortified rice in all Government schemes was achieved by March 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. PIB (9 Oct 2024): the initiative continues as a central sector initiative with 100% funding by the Government of India as part of PMGKAY, and universal coverage was achieved by March 2024 after three phases.

UNFPA honours India for maternal health and family planning; lauds 70% cut in MMR
Q81

By how much did India reduce its Maternal Mortality Ratio between 2000 and 2020, as commended by UNFPA in October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 70%

PIB (9 Oct 2024): Dr Kanem commended India's efforts in reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by an impressive 70% between 2000 and 2020.

Q82 Advanced

Who, as Executive Director of UNFPA, felicitated India's Union Health Secretary for progress in maternal health (PIB, 9 October 2024)?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Dr Natalia Kanem

PIB (9 Oct 2024): Dr Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, felicitated Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava; Andrea M. Wojnar is the UNFPA India Representative.

CAMS 2022-23: 96.9% of youth aged 15-24 literate and numerate; mean schooling 8.4 years
Q83

As per CAMS 2022-23 results released on 9 October 2024, what share of persons aged 15-24 can read, write and do simple arithmetic?

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Correct answer: D — 96.9 percent

MoSPI via PIB (9 Oct 2024): approximately 96.9 percent of persons aged 15-24 years can read and write simple statements with understanding and perform simple arithmetic.

Q84 Advanced

According to CAMS 2022-23, what are the mean years of formal schooling for persons aged 15 years and above at the all-India level?

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Correct answer: B — 8.4

MoSPI via PIB (9 Oct 2024): mean years of schooling in formal education for persons aged 15 and above is 8.4; for 25 and above it is 7.5.

Q85 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the CAMS 2022-23 results: 1. CAMS was conducted as part of the 79th round of the National Sample Survey. 2. Average household out-of-pocket expenditure on hospitalisation was higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only statement 1 is correct. MoSPI via PIB (9 Oct 2024): CAMS was part of the NSS 79th round; hospitalisation out-of-pocket expenditure was Rs 4,129 rural and Rs 5,290 urban, so it was higher in urban areas.

WHO certifies India for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem
Q86

Trachoma, which WHO certified India as having eliminated as a public health problem on 8 October 2024, primarily affects which organ?

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Correct answer: D — Eyes

PIB (8 Oct 2024): trachoma is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes and, if untreated, causes irreversible blindness.

Q87 Advanced

With WHO's October 2024 certification, India became which country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem?

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Correct answer: B — Third

PIB (8 Oct 2024): India became the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone.

Q88 Advanced

Trachoma is caused by which bacterium?

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Correct answer: A — Chlamydia trachomatis

PIB (8 Oct 2024): trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.