State PSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In which district of Madhya Pradesh did the DRI bust an illegal mephedrone factory on 12 October 2024?
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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.
What was the total quantity and value of mephedrone seized by the DRI in Meghnagar in October 2024?
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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.
Mephedrone, seized by the DRI in Jhabua, is a psychotropic substance under which law?
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Correct answer: B — NDPS Act, 1985
PIB (14 Oct 2024): Mephedrone is a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985.
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?
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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.
Untied XV Finance Commission grants to Panchayats can be used across how many subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule?
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Correct answer: C — 29
PIB (12 Oct 2024): untied grants enable Panchayats to address local needs across 29 subjects under the Eleventh Schedule.
Which of the following is NOT a permitted use of untied XV Finance Commission grants for rural local bodies?
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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.
How many Indo-US teams were given the opportunity to work together under the USISTEF awards presented on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 17
PIB (12 Oct 2024): 17 Indo-US teams given opportunity to work together, primarily to develop AI-enabled tech and quantum technologies.
The USISTEF award teams of October 2024 will work primarily on which technologies?
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Correct answer: B — AI-enabled technology and quantum technologies
PIB (12 Oct 2024): the 17 teams will work together primarily to develop AI-enabled tech and Quantum Technologies.
Which US Ambassador participated in the USISTEF award function on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Eric Garcetti
PIB (12 Oct 2024): the USISTEF award function, in which United States Ambassador Eric Garcetti also participated.
Under which provision did the CAQM authorise district authorities on 12 October 2024 to prosecute officials for inaction on stubble burning?
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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.
How many Central Teams did the CAQM deploy to Punjab and Haryana to check paddy stubble burning (October 2024)?
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Correct answer: B — 26
PIB (12 Oct 2024): the CAQM deployed 26 Central Teams to Punjab and Haryana.
How many paddy residue burning events were reported from Punjab between 15 September and 9 October 2024, as per the CAQM?
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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.
Where did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh perform Shastra Pooja on Dussehra, 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Sukna Military Station, West Bengal
PIB (12 Oct 2024): Rajnath Singh performed the traditional Shastra Pooja at the Sukna Military Station in West Bengal on October 12, 2024.
From which fund did the PM approve ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh per deceased for the Kaithal and Mehsana incidents on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF)
PIB (12 Oct 2024): an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased; Rs. 50,000 for the injured.
In the context of the rooftop solar plant inaugurated in Hyderabad on 12 October 2024, what does GSITI stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Geological Survey of India Training Institute
PIB (12 Oct 2024): G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated the Rooftop Solar Power Plant at the Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI) in Hyderabad.
Who was the Prime Minister of Lao PDR with whom PM Modi held bilateral talks in Vientiane on 11 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Sonexay Siphandone
PIB (11 Oct 2024): PM Modi held bilateral talks with Prime Minister of Lao PDR Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane.
The three Quick Impact Projects exchanged between India and Laos on 11 October 2024 were under which framework?
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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.
Under the India-Laos broadcasting MoU of 11 October 2024, Lao National Television partnered with which Indian body?
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Correct answer: D — Prasar Bharati
PIB list of outcomes (11 Oct 2024): MoU on Cooperation of Broadcasting between Lao National Television and Prasar Bharati.
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?
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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.
The 19th East Asia Summit, attended by PM Narendra Modi on 11 October 2024, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Vientiane
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the PM attended the 19th East Asia Summit on 11 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
At the 19th East Asia Summit, PM Modi invited EAS countries to a Heads of Higher Education Conclave at which institution?
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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.
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.
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.
Who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2024, announced on 11 October 2024?
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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.
The term 'Hibakusha', associated with the Nobel Peace Prize 2024 laureate, refers to whom?
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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.
In which year was Nihon Hidankyo, the Nobel Peace Prize 2024 laureate, formed?
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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.
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?
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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'.
Prerna Sthal, inaugurated on 11 October 2024 in memory of 22 soldiers, is located at Burdang in which state?
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Correct answer: C — Sikkim
PIB (11 Oct 2024): Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated Prerna Sthal at Burdang in Sikkim in memory of 22 soldiers.
The 22 soldiers commemorated at Prerna Sthal, Burdang, lost their lives in a glacial lake outburst flood at which lake?
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Correct answer: B — South Lhonak Lake
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the soldiers lost their lives during a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood at the South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim in October last year.
As per the Quick Estimate released on 11 October 2024, what was India's IIP growth rate for August 2024?
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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.
Which sector recorded the steepest decline in the IIP for August 2024, attributed likely to heavy rainfall?
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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.
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?
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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.
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?
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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.
Against which version of the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool was India's vaccine regulatory system declared 'functional' in October 2024?
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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.
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?
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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.
Through which body did the Government of Maharashtra sign the MoU with NIELIT on 11 October 2024 for Centres of Excellence?
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Correct answer: C — Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the MoU was signed between NIELIT and the Government of Maharashtra through its Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education, Mumbai.
Which Union Minister said the NIELIT-Maharashtra Centres of Excellence effort of 11 October 2024, beginning in Maharashtra, will be extended to other states?
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Correct answer: B — Ashwini Vaishnaw
PIB (11 Oct 2024): Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology, said the effort, beginning in Maharashtra, will be extended to other states.
Swavlamban 2024, announced by the Indian Navy on 11 October 2024, is which edition of its Naval Innovation and Indigenisation seminar?
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Correct answer: D — Third
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the 3rd edition of the Indian Navy's NIIO seminar, Swavlamban 2024, is scheduled at Bharat Mandapam on 28-29 October 2024.
PM Modi held his first meeting with which Prime Minister of Thailand in Vientiane on 11 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Paetongtarn Shinawatra
PIB (11 Oct 2024): PM Modi met Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, on the sidelines of the EAS in Vientiane; this was the first meeting between the two Prime Ministers.
Under which banner did States and UTs hold the 10-day celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child from 2 to 11 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
PIB (11 Oct 2024): all States and UTs organised the special 10-day programme under the banner of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
The mortal remains of ICG pilot Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana, reported retrieved on 11 October 2024, were found off which coast?
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Correct answer: B — Porbandar
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the remains were retrieved approximately 55 km south-west off the coast of Porbandar.
How much tax devolution did the Union Government release to States on 10 October 2024?
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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.
Which state received the largest amount in the tax devolution released on 10 October 2024?
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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.
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?
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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.
Who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature 2024, announced on 10 October 2024?
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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.
Which of the following is a work by Han Kang, the Nobel Prize in Literature 2024 laureate?
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Correct answer: A — The Vegetarian
NobelPrize.org facts: among Han Kang's works are The Vegetarian, Human Acts and We Do Not Part.
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?
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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.
According to the CEA, what was India's total renewable energy capacity as of 10 October 2024?
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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.
What share of India's total installed electricity capacity did renewable energy account for when it crossed 200 GW in October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 46.3 percent
MNRE/PIB (14 Oct 2024): renewable energy now constitutes 46.3% of total capacity of 452.69 GW.
Which source contributed the most to India's renewable energy capacity of 201.45 GW in October 2024?
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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.
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?
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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.
Which year did PM Modi announce as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit on 10 October 2024?
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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.
What was the Chair's theme in line with which PM Modi announced his 10-point plan at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit?
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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.
Which country became the new Country Coordinator for ASEAN-India relations, as noted at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit?
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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.
At the 21st ASEAN-India Summit, leaders agreed to create a new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for which period?
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Correct answer: B — 2026-2030
PIB (10 Oct 2024): leaders agreed to create a new ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026-2030).
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?
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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.
Which body does the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 propose as the central regulatory authority to recognise National Sports Federations?
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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.
The Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 restricts the size of executive committees of IOA/PCI/NSFs to how many members?
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Correct answer: D — 15
PIB (10 Oct 2024): the Bill restricts the size of the EC to 15 members.
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?
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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 held his first meeting with which New Zealand Prime Minister in Vientiane on 10 October 2024?
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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.
On 10 October 2024, PM Modi welcomed New Zealand's decision to join which India-led initiative?
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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 met which newly appointed Prime Minister of Japan on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit on 10 October 2024?
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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.
As reaffirmed by PM Modi and PM Ishiba on 10 October 2024, India-Japan ties are described as a:
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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.
Yuva Sangam, whose Phase V registrations opened on 10 October 2024, is an initiative under which programme?
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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.
What is the eligible age group for Yuva Sangam Phase V, for which registrations opened on 10 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 18-30 years
PIB (10 Oct 2024): interested youth in the age group of 18-30 years can register.
The Vrindavan Bypass evaluated at the 81st NPG meeting under PM GatiShakti on 10 October 2024 will connect NH-44 to which expressway?
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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.
The new integrated terminal building evaluated at the 81st NPG meeting (10 October 2024) is for which airport?
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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.
A study released on 10 October 2024 found significant shale gas potential in the eastern South Karanpura coalfield. In which state is it?
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Correct answer: D — Jharkhand
PIB/DST (10 Oct 2024): the study indicated significant hydrocarbon generation potential in the eastern South Karanpura coalfield in Ramgarh district of Jharkhand.
Sahibganj, which became the first Jharkhand halt of the Anand Vihar-Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express on 10 October 2024, got a new daily intercity train to which station?
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Correct answer: B — Howrah
PIB (10 Oct 2024): Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the daily Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express, and Sahibganj became the first halt in Jharkhand for the Anand Vihar-Agartala Tejas Rajdhani.
The second Army Commanders' Conference of 2024, which began on 10 October 2024 in a hybrid format, was held at a forward location in:
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Correct answer: D — Gangtok
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the second Army Commanders' Conference of 2024 commenced in a hybrid format on 10 Oct 2024 in a forward location at Gangtok.