SF Prep

State Police 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
6045 news · 16334 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 86 questions
India expels six Canadian diplomats and decides to withdraw its High Commissioner from Canada
Q1

India's High Commissioner to Canada, whose withdrawal the MEA announced on 14 October 2024, was:

Show answer

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.

Q2 Advanced

Who was the Canadian Acting High Commissioner among the six diplomats India expelled on 14 October 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q3 Advanced

How many Canadian diplomats did India decide to expel on 14 October 2024, and by when were they asked to leave?

Show answer

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.

Q4 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Manohar Lal launches National Electricity Plan (Transmission) to evacuate 500 GW RE by 2030
Q5

The National Electricity Plan (Transmission) launched on 14 October 2024 was prepared by:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Central Electricity Authority

PIB (14 Oct 2024): CEA prepared the detailed National Electricity Plan (Transmission) in consultation with stakeholders.

Q6 Advanced

As per the National Electricity Plan (Transmission), the investment opportunity in the transmission sector till 2032 is over:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹9,15,000 crore

PIB (14 Oct 2024): the plan provides visibility of an investment opportunity of over INR 9,15,000 Crores in the transmission sector till 2032.

Q7 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the National Electricity Plan (Transmission): 1. It considers 47 GW of Battery Energy Storage Systems and 31 GW of Pumped Storage Plants. 2. Inter-regional transmission capacity is planned to reach 168 GW by 2032. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both correct per PIB (14 Oct 2024): the plan considers 47 GW BESS and 31 GW PSP; inter-regional capacity to increase to 143 GW by 2027 and 168 GW by 2032 from 119 GW.

President Droupadi Murmu holds talks with Algerian President Tebboune in Algiers; first visit by an Indian President to Algeria
Q8

Who is the President of Algeria with whom President Droupadi Murmu held talks on 14 October 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q9 Advanced

President Murmu's October 2024 State Visits, which began in Algeria, covered which three countries?

Show answer

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.

Q10 Advanced

At which venue in Algiers did President Murmu meet President Tebboune on 14 October 2024?

Show answer

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.

CPI retail inflation at 5.49% in September 2024; food inflation 9.24%
Q11

What was the all-India year-on-year CPI inflation rate for September 2024?

Show answer

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%.

Q12 Advanced

What was the all-India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) inflation for September 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q13 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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%.

NPPA raises ceiling prices of 11 formulations of 8 essential drugs by 50% to ensure availability
Q14 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.

Q15 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)
Q16

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.

Q17 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.

'Samarthak', first of two Multi Purpose Vessels for the Navy, launched at L&T Kattupalli
Q18

'Samarthak', launched on 14 October 2024, is the first ship of which Indian Navy project?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Multi Purpose Vessel project

PIB (14 Oct 2024): Samarthak is the first ship of the two Multi Purpose Vessel project being built by L&T Shipyard for the Indian Navy.

Q19 Advanced

When was the contract for the two Multi Purpose Vessels signed between the Ministry of Defence and L&T Shipyard?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 25 March 2022

PIB (14 Oct 2024): the contract for building two Multi Purpose Vessels was signed between MoD and L&T Shipyard on 25 Mar 22.

CAQM invokes Stage-I of GRAP across NCR as Delhi's AQI hits 'Poor' (234)
Q20

Stage-I of GRAP, invoked across the NCR on 14 October 2024, corresponds to which Delhi AQI range?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 201-300 ('Poor')

PIB (14 Oct 2024): Stage-I of GRAP - 'POOR' Air Quality (Delhi AQI ranging between 201-300).

Q21 Advanced

How many actions are envisaged under Stage-I of the revised GRAP invoked on 14 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 27

PIB (14 Oct 2024): all 27 actions as envisaged under Stage-I of the revised GRAP to be implemented from 8:00 AM of 15.10.2024.

Sea Phase of Exercise MALABAR 2024 begins off Visakhapatnam
Q22

Which of the following countries was NOT among the participants of the MALABAR 2024 Sea Phase?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — France

PIB (15 Oct 2024): ships and aircraft from Australia, India, Japan and USA took part; France was not a participant.

Q23 Advanced

The Sea Phase of MALABAR 2024 commenced on 14 October 2024 off the coast of:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam

PIB (15 Oct 2024): the Sea Phase of Exercise MALABAR 2024 commenced on 14 Oct 24 off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

PLI Scheme for White Goods: 38 applicants commit ₹4,121 crore in third round
Q24 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).

Q25

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
Q26

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.

Q27 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
Q28 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.

Q29 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
Q30 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.

Q31 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.

President's Rule in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir revoked ahead of new government
Q32 Advanced

The Presidential Order of 13 October 2024 revoking President's Rule in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir was issued under which section of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Section 73

Gazette S.O. 4484(E), 13 Oct 2024: the Order was issued in exercise of powers conferred by section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019; section 54 concerns the CM's appointment.

Q33 Advanced

The 13 October 2024 Order revoked the earlier Order in relation to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir dated:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 31 October 2019

Gazette S.O. 4484(E): the Order dated the 31st October, 2019 in relation to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall stand revoked.

Q34 Advanced

The revocation Order of 13 October 2024 for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir was issued under the Reorganisation Act read with which Articles of the Constitution?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Articles 239 and 239A

Gazette S.O. 4484(E): section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 read with articles 239 and 239A of the Constitution of India.

Q35 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Gazette notification S.O. 4484(E) of 13 October 2024: 1. It was issued by the Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs. 2. The revocation takes effect immediately before the appointment of the Chief Minister under Section 54 of the Reorganisation Act. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both correct per the Gazette: notification of MHA (Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs); the Order stands revoked immediately before the appointment of the Chief Minister under section 54.

Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Australia beat India by nine runs in Sharjah, qualify for semi-finals
Q36

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.

Q37

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.

Q38 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.

Maharashtra CM Shinde opens Thane Creek Bridge 3 north channel; lays foundation for seven creek bridges on Rewas-Redi coastal highway
Q39

Thane Creek Bridge 3, whose north channel was inaugurated on 13 October 2024, is on which highway?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sion-Panvel Highway

Hindustan Times and Free Press Journal (13 Oct 2024): CM Shinde inaugurated the north channel of Thane Creek Bridge 3 on the Sion-Panvel Highway.

Q40 Advanced

The seven creek bridges whose foundation stone was laid on 13 October 2024 are on the coastal highway between:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Rewas (Raigad) and Redi (Sindhudurg)

Free Press Journal (13 Oct 2024): seven creek bridges on the coastal road between Rewas in Raigad district and Redi in Sindhudurg district; Hindustan Times also names the Rewas-Redi Coastal Highway.

Q41 Advanced

Which agency is executing the Thane Creek Bridge 3 and the Rewas-Redi creek bridge projects?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC)

Hindustan Times (13 Oct 2024): all these projects are planned and executed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC); FPJ also cites MSRDC.

CCPA directs Ola to let consumers choose refund mode and issue invoices for Auto rides
Q42 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.

Q43 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.

Q44 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
Q45 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.

Q46

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.

Q47 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 Modi visits Anubhuti Kendra at Bharat Mandapam as PM GatiShakti completes three years
Q48

On completion of three years of PM GatiShakti (13 October 2024), the Prime Minister visited the Anubhuti Kendra at:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Bharat Mandapam

PIB (13 Oct 2024): the Prime Minister visited Anubhuti Kendra at Bharat Mandapam on completion of 3 years of GatiShakti.

Q49

How many years of PM GatiShakti were completed on 13 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Three

PIB (13 Oct 2024): the Prime Minister visited the Anubhuti Kendra on completion of 3 years of PM GatiShakti.

Q50 Advanced

While hailing three years of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the Prime Minister shared posts by MyGov and which Union Minister?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Piyush Goyal

PIB (13 Oct 2024): sharing on X a post by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and a thread by MyGov.

Jitendra Singh inaugurates India's first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers at Jejuri, Pune
Q51

India's first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers, inaugurated on 13 October 2024, is located at:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Jejuri, Pune

PIB (13 Oct 2024): Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated India's first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers at Jejuri in Pune.

Q52 Advanced

The biopolymer demonstration facility at Jejuri uses indigenous technology to produce which bioplastic?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Polylactic Acid (PLA)

PIB (13 Oct 2024): the facility is a pioneering effort in indigenously integrated technology for the production of Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic.

Q53 Advanced

Which company built India's first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers at Jejuri?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Praj Industries

PIB (13 Oct 2024): the facility has been built by Praj Industries.

Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin reviews Chennai command centre ahead of heavy rain; helpline 1913
Q54

Which helpline number did Tamil Nadu announce on 13 October 2024 for round-the-clock rain-related help in Chennai?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1913

The Hindu and Business Standard (13 Oct 2024): helpline 1913 established to serve the public round the clock, with 150 personnel.

Q55 Advanced

Residents were asked to download which app for rain information when the Chennai command centre was reviewed on 13 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — TN Alert

The Hindu ('Tamil Nadu Alert') and Business Standard ('TN ALERT'), 13 Oct 2024: people can download the TN Alert app to receive rain information.

Rajnath Singh dedicates 75 BRO projects worth ₹2,236 crore across 11 States/UTs
Q56

What was the total cost of the 75 BRO projects dedicated to the nation on 12 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹2,236 crore

PIB (12 Oct 2024): Rajnath Singh virtually dedicated 75 BRO projects at a cost of Rs 2,236 crore.

Q57 Advanced

From where did Rajnath Singh virtually dedicate the 75 BRO projects on 12 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Trishakti Corps HQ, Sukna, West Bengal

PIB (12 Oct 2024): Raksha Mantri inaugurated the projects from the Headquarters, Trishakti Corps in Sukna, West Bengal.

Q58 Advanced

The Kupup-Sherathang Road, a highlight of the BRO projects inaugurated on 12 October 2024, is in which state?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sikkim

PIB (12 Oct 2024): one of the main highlights was the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim, linking Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and the Zuluk axis.

Q59 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the 75 BRO projects dedicated on 12 October 2024: 1. They comprise 22 roads, 51 bridges and two other projects. 2. Ladakh has the largest number of these projects. 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 (12 Oct 2024): 22 roads, 51 bridges and two others; 19 are in Jammu and Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh and 11 in Ladakh.

PM Internship Scheme: applications open on the PM Internship Portal from 12 October 2024
Q60

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.

Q61 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.

Q62 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.

Q63 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.

India post 297/6, highest T20I total by a full-member team, beat Bangladesh by 133 runs in Hyderabad
Q64

India's total of 297/6 against Bangladesh on 12 October 2024 is significant because it is:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — The highest T20I total by a full-member team

ICC (12 Oct 2024): India's total of 297/6 is the highest by a full-member team in T20I history; Nepal's 314/3 v Mongolia is the highest overall.

Q65 Advanced

Which team holds the highest total in men's T20Is (314/3), ahead of India's 297/6?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Nepal

ICC (12 Oct 2024): Nepal recorded 314/3 against Mongolia in 2023, the highest total ever in men's T20Is.

Q66

By how many runs did India beat Bangladesh in the third T20I at Hyderabad on 12 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 133 runs

BBC Sport and ESPNcricinfo (12 Oct 2024): India 297/6, Bangladesh 164/7; India won by 133 runs.

DRI busts illegal mephedrone factory in Meghnagar, Jhabua; 112 kg worth ₹168 crore seized
Q67

In which district of Madhya Pradesh did the DRI bust an illegal mephedrone factory on 12 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Jhabua

PIB (14 Oct 2024): DRI busted a factory in the Industrial Area of Meghnagar, Dist. Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, in the early hours of 12-10-2024.

Q68 Advanced

What was the total quantity and value of mephedrone seized by the DRI in Meghnagar in October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 112 kg; ₹168 crore

PIB (14 Oct 2024): 36 kg powder and 76 kg liquid mephedrone (112 kg) worth Rs. 168 crore seized.

Q69 Advanced

Mephedrone, seized by the DRI in Jhabua, is a psychotropic substance under which law?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — NDPS Act, 1985

PIB (14 Oct 2024): Mephedrone is a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985.

Centre releases first instalment of XV Finance Commission grants to rural local bodies of Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh
Q70 Advanced

How much did Rajasthan receive as the first instalment of XV Finance Commission grants for rural local bodies for 2024-25, released on 12 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Over ₹1,267 crore

PIB (12 Oct 2024): over Rs.1267 crores for Rajasthan and over Rs.988 crores for Andhra Pradesh released as the first instalment.

Q71 Advanced

Untied XV Finance Commission grants to Panchayats can be used across how many subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 29

PIB (12 Oct 2024): untied grants enable Panchayats to address local needs across 29 subjects under the Eleventh Schedule.

Q72 Advanced

Which of the following is NOT a permitted use of untied XV Finance Commission grants for rural local bodies?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Salaries and establishment costs

PIB (12 Oct 2024): untied grants cover subjects from agriculture and rural housing to education and sanitation, but cannot be used for salaries or establishment costs.

Jitendra Singh presents Indo-US Science and Technology Endowment Fund awards to 17 Indo-US teams
Q73

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.

Q74 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.

Q75 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.

CAQM empowers district authorities to prosecute officials for inaction on stubble burning; 26 Central Teams to Punjab and Haryana
Q76 Advanced

Under which provision did the CAQM authorise district authorities on 12 October 2024 to prosecute officials for inaction on stubble burning?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Section 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021

PIB (12 Oct 2024): the CAQM, in exercise of the powers vested under section 14 of the CAQM Act 2021, authorised the Deputy Commissioners/District Collectors/District Magistrates.

Q77

How many Central Teams did the CAQM deploy to Punjab and Haryana to check paddy stubble burning (October 2024)?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 26

PIB (12 Oct 2024): the CAQM deployed 26 Central Teams to Punjab and Haryana.

Q78 Advanced

How many paddy residue burning events were reported from Punjab between 15 September and 9 October 2024, as per the CAQM?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 267

PIB (12 Oct 2024): 267 and 187 paddy residue burning events were reported from Punjab and Haryana respectively during 15 September - 9 October 2024.

India and Laos exchange defence, broadcasting and customs pacts and three Ramayana-linked QIPs
Q79

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.

Q80 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.

Q81 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.

Q82 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
Q83

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.

Q84 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.

Q85 Advanced

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

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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.

Q86 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?

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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.