State PSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The ETAI Framework launched for the Armed Forces on 17 October 2024 relates to:
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Correct answer: A — Evaluating trustworthy artificial intelligence
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: Evaluating Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (ETAI) Framework and Guidelines for the Armed Forces were launched.
The ETAI Framework and Guidelines were launched on 17 October 2024 by CDS General Anil Chauhan and:
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Correct answer: B — DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat
PIB: launched by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat in New Delhi on October 17.
Which of the following is NOT among the five broad principles of the ETAI Framework (October 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — Autonomy
PIB: the ETAI Framework focuses on five broad principles: Reliability & Robustness, Safety & Security, Transparency, Fairness and Privacy. Autonomy is not one of them.
The 'Scam se Bacho' national user awareness campaign launched on 17 October 2024 is a collaboration of the Government with:
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Correct answer: D — Meta
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: Government and Meta join forces for 'Scam se Bacho' campaign to tackle rising online scams.
At the 'Scam se Bacho' launch on 17 October 2024, how many cyber fraud cases were cited as reported in India in 2023?
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Correct answer: A — 1.1 million
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: rising cyber frauds, with 1.1 million cases reported in 2023.
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.
'Pavana Chitra', unveiled on 17 October 2024 as India's first airport-based self-powered indoor air quality monitoring facility, is located at:
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Correct answer: B — Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: Dr Jitendra Singh unveiled Pavana Chitra, India's first Airport based self-powered indoor air quality monitoring facility at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
The indoor solar cells powering the 'Pavana Chitra' air quality monitor (October 2024) were developed by:
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Correct answer: D — CSIR-NIIST
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: the off-grid air quality monitor is powered by indigenous indoor solar cells developed by CSIR-NIIST, crafted from locally available materials.
Scientists at INST Mohali (reported 17 October 2024) developed a nose-to-brain delivery method for brain tuberculosis using nano-aggregates made of:
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Correct answer: A — Chitosan
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: scientists at INST Mohali used tiny particles made of a natural material called chitosan to deliver TB medicines directly to the brain through the nose.
The 4-lane access-controlled Northern Patiala Bypass approved on 17 October 2024 is how long?
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Correct answer: C — 28.9 km
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: approved ₹1,255.59 crore for the construction of a 28.9 km, 4-lane access-controlled Northern Patiala Bypass.
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.
Where did Omar Abdullah take oath as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar
The Hindu and The Indian Express, 16 Oct 2024: Omar Abdullah took oath at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
Omar Abdullah, sworn in on 16 October 2024, holds which distinction?
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Correct answer: D — First Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
The Hindu and The Indian Express: Omar Abdullah became the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Who administered the oath of office to Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
The Indian Express, 16 Oct 2024: Abdullah and his ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy by J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Consider the following statements about the Jammu and Kashmir swearing-in of 16 October 2024: 1. Surinder Kumar Choudhary was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. 2. It is Omar Abdullah's second term as Chief Minister, his first having begun in 2009. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct. The Hindu and The Indian Express: Surinder Kumar Choudhary was sworn in as Deputy CM. The Hindu: it is the second term of Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister after 2009.
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 Varanasi-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya multitracking project approved on 16 October 2024 includes a new rail-cum-road bridge across which river?
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Correct answer: B — Ganga
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: Cabinet approves construction of Varanasi-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya multitracking including a new Rail-cum-Road Bridge across Ganga River.
What is the estimated cost of the Varanasi-Pt. DDU multitracking project approved on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2,642 crore
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the total estimated cost of the project is Rs 2,642 crore (approx.).
Within how many years is the Varanasi-Pt. DDU multitracking project (approved 16 October 2024) to be completed?
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Correct answer: C — Four years
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the project will be completed in Four years.
The Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly (November 2024) is held under India's presidency and the co-presidency of:
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Correct answer: D — France
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: under the presidency of the Republic of India and co-presidency of the Republic of France, the seventh session of the ISA Assembly will be held at Bharat Mandapam.
Where is the Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly (3-6 November 2024) to be held?
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Correct answer: A — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the seventh session of the ISA Assembly will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 03 November to 06 November 2024.
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.
South Eastern Coalfields Limited's fourth AMRIT pharmacy, the country's 216th (reported 16 October 2024), is located in:
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Correct answer: C — Bilaspur
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the 216th AMRIT pharmacy is located at the Health Centre in SECL's Indira Vihar Colony, Bilaspur. (Gevra in Korba and Sohagpur in Shahdol host the earlier ones.)
On 16 October 2024, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the foundation stone laying ceremony of which facility in Shillong?
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Correct answer: B — Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: addressing the gathering at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub at Shillong today, the Vice-President...
The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron ships that completed a visit to Manama, Bahrain on 16 October 2024 were:
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Correct answer: D — INS Tir and ICGS Veera
PIB: Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS) - INS Tir and ICGS Veera completed their long range training deployment to Manama, Bahrain, on 16 Oct 24.
Which assembly of the International Telecommunication Union did PM Modi inaugurate in New Delhi on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: the Prime Minister inaugurated the International Telecommunication Union - World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam.
Which edition of the India Mobile Congress did PM Modi inaugurate on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 8th
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: Shri Modi also inaugurated the 8th edition of India Mobile Congress during the programme.
At WTSA 2024 (15 October 2024), PM Modi said the length of optical fibre India laid in 10 years is how many times the Earth-Moon distance?
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Correct answer: D — Eight times
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: The length of optical fiber that India has laid in just 10 years is eight times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
Who was the ITU Secretary-General present at the inauguration of WTSA 2024 in New Delhi on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Doreen Bogdan-Martin
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: the Prime Minister welcomed ... Secretary General of ITU Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
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).
In which state did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lay the foundation stone of the Indian Navy's new VLF station on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Telangana
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: foundation stone of a new VLF Station of the Indian Navy at the Damagundam Reserve Forest site, Pudur Mandal in Vikarabad, Telangana.
What does 'VLF' stand for in the Navy station whose foundation stone was laid at Vikarabad on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Very Low Frequency
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: Raksha Mantri laid the foundation stone of a new Very Low Frequency (VLF) Station of the Indian Navy.
The Navy's VLF station at Vikarabad (foundation stone laid 15 October 2024) is to cost ______ and be spread across ______.
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Correct answer: D — ₹3,200 crore; 2,900 acres
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: the facility, built at a cost of Rs 3,200 crore, will be spread across 2,900 acres.
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.
How much did the government approve for the three AI Centres of Excellence announced on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — ₹990 crore
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: Government approved Rs. 990.00 Crore for creation of three AI-CoEs.
The three AI Centres of Excellence announced on 15 October 2024 focus on:
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Correct answer: A — Healthcare, agriculture and sustainable cities
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: three AI Centres of Excellence (CoE) focused on Healthcare, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities.
The apex committee for implementing the three AI Centres of Excellence (announced 15 October 2024) was led by:
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Correct answer: B — Sridhar Vembu
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: he complimented the apex committee led by Shri Sridhar Vembu for their efforts towards the implementation of these CoEs. (K. Sanjay Murthy is Secretary, Higher Education.)
The National Maritime Heritage Complex, on which PM Modi wrote a LinkedIn post on 15 October 2024, is being developed at:
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Correct answer: D — Lothal
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: PM wrote a post on LinkedIn elaborating on the advantages of developing a National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat.
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.
The National Skill Training Institute extension centre inaugurated on 15 October 2024 is housed at which campus in Visakhapatnam?
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Correct answer: B — Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ)
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: Jayant Chaudhary inaugurated the National Skill Training Institute Extension Centre at AMTZ Campus, Visakhapatnam; the NSTI extension centre is housed at the AMTZ campus.