SF Prep

Teaching Current Affairs Quiz — All time

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

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6413 news · 16878 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 88 questions
Centre releases first instalment of XV Finance Commission grants to rural local bodies of Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh
Q1 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.

Q2 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.

Q3 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
Q4

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.

Q5 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.

Q6 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
Q7 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.

Q8

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.

Q9 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
Q10

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.

Q11 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.

Q12 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.

Q13 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
Q14

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.

Q15 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.

Q16 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.

Q17 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
Q18

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.

Q19 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.

Q20 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.

Q21 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'.

Rajnath Singh inaugurates Prerna Sthal at Burdang, Sikkim, for 22 soldiers lost in 2023 GLOF
Q22

Prerna Sthal, inaugurated on 11 October 2024 in memory of 22 soldiers, is located at Burdang in which state?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Sikkim

PIB (11 Oct 2024): Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated Prerna Sthal at Burdang in Sikkim in memory of 22 soldiers.

Q23 Advanced

The 22 soldiers commemorated at Prerna Sthal, Burdang, lost their lives in a glacial lake outburst flood at which lake?

Show answer

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.

IIP contracts 0.1% in August 2024; mining and electricity decline
Q24

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.

Q25 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.

Q26 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
Q27

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.

Q28 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.

Q29 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.

NIELIT and Maharashtra sign MoU for Centres of Excellence in AI, robotics, IoT and Industry 4.0
Q30 Advanced

Through which body did the Government of Maharashtra sign the MoU with NIELIT on 11 October 2024 for Centres of Excellence?

Show answer

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.

Q31

Which Union Minister said the NIELIT-Maharashtra Centres of Excellence effort of 11 October 2024, beginning in Maharashtra, will be extended to other states?

Show answer

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.

WCD Ministry concludes 10-day International Day of the Girl Child celebration under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Q32

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?

Show answer

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.

Centre releases ₹1,78,173 crore tax devolution to States, including an advance instalment
Q33

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.

Q34 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.

Q35 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
Q36

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.

Q37 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.

Q38 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
Q39

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.

Q40 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.

Q41 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.

Q42 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
Q43

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.

Q44 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.

Q45 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.

Q46 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).

Q47 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
Q48

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.

Q49 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.

Q50 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
Q51

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.

Q52 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
Q53

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.

Q54 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
Q55

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.

Q56 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
Q57 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.

Q58 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
Q59

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'.

Q60 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.

Q61 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.

Q62 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
Q63

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.

Q64 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.

Q65 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.

Q66 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.

Cabinet approves development of National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat
Q67

The National Maritime Heritage Complex approved by the Union Cabinet on 9 October 2024 is being developed at:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Lothal

PIB (9 Oct 2024): the Cabinet approved development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.

Q68 Advanced

Which Union Ministry is setting up the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

PIB (9 Oct 2024): the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) is setting up a world class NMHC at Lothal.

Q69 Advanced

About how many jobs are expected to be created in the development of the NMHC project at Lothal?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 22,000

PIB (9 Oct 2024): around 22,000 jobs are expected, with 15,000 direct and 7,000 indirect employment.

Q70 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the NMHC at Lothal: 1. Phase 1A is to be developed through land subleasing/PPP. 2. The Light House Museum under Phase 1B will be funded by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Only statement 2 is correct. PIB (9 Oct 2024): Phases 1A and 1B are to be developed in EPC mode and Phase 2 through land subleasing/PPP; the Light House Museum under Phase 1B will be funded by DGLL.

Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, passes away at 86
Q71

Ratan Tata, who passed away on 9 October 2024, held which position at Tata Sons at the time of his death?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Chairman Emeritus

Times of India / NDTV (9 Oct 2024): Ratan Naval Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away; the statement was issued by N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons.

Q72 Advanced

Which civilian honour had Ratan Tata received, as noted in the Tata Sons statement of 9 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Padma Vibhushan

Tata Sons statement, carried by Times of India (9 Oct 2024), is headed 'Padma Vibhushan Mr. Ratan N Tata, 28.12.1937-09.10.2024'.

Q73 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Ratan Tata: 1. He was born on 28 December 1937. 2. The Tata Sons statement on his death was issued by Cyrus Mistry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only statement 1 is correct. The Tata Sons statement (Times of India, NDTV, 9 Oct 2024) gives his dates as 28.12.1937-09.10.2024 and was issued by N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons.

Cabinet approves 2,280 km of roads in border areas of Rajasthan and Punjab at ₹4,406 crore
Q74

The Union Cabinet on 9 October 2024 approved roads in border areas of which two states?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Rajasthan and Punjab

PIB (9 Oct 2024): the Cabinet approved construction of 2,280 km roads in border areas of Rajasthan and Punjab.

Q75 Advanced

What is the investment for the 2,280 km of border-area roads approved by the Cabinet on 9 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹4,406 crore

PIB (9 Oct 2024): the roads will be built at an investment of Rs 4,406 crore.

Q76 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Cabinet decision of 9 October 2024 on border roads: 1. It covers construction of 2,280 km of roads. 2. It covers border areas of Gujarat as well. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only statement 1 is correct. PIB (9 Oct 2024): 2,280 km roads in border areas of Rajasthan and Punjab; Gujarat is not included.

India Post releases commemorative stamps for 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union
Q77

The Universal Postal Union, whose 150th anniversary was marked with stamps on 9 October 2024, was established in which city?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Bern

PIB (9 Oct 2024): the UPU was established on October 9, 1874, in Bern, Switzerland.

Q78 Advanced

How many member countries does the Universal Postal Union have, as per the Department of Posts release of 9 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 192

PIB (9 Oct 2024): the UPU ensures seamless mail exchange among its 192 member countries.

UNFPA honours India for maternal health and family planning; lauds 70% cut in MMR
Q79

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.

Q80 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
Q81

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.

Q82 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.

Q83 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.

PM inaugurates Indian Institute of Skills, Mumbai, to train 5,000 students a year in Industry 4.0 skills
Q84

How many students will the Indian Institute of Skills, Mumbai, inaugurated on 9 October 2024, train annually in Industry 4.0 skills?

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Correct answer: D — 5,000

PIB (9 Oct 2024): the institute is to train 5000 students annually in Industry 4.0 skills.

Q85 Advanced

The Indian Institute of Skills, Mumbai, is a PPP between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and:

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Correct answer: B — Tata IIS, a Section 8 company under Tata Trusts

PIB (9 Oct 2024): the institute is a collaboration between MSDE and Tata IIS (a section 8 company under Tata Trusts).

PM lays foundation of Maharashtra projects worth over ₹7,600 crore; inaugurates 10 Government Medical Colleges
Q86

How many Government Medical Colleges in Maharashtra did PM Modi inaugurate on 9 October 2024?

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Correct answer: A — 10

PIB (9 Oct 2024): the PM inaugurated 10 Government Medical Colleges in Maharashtra.

Q87 Advanced

On 9 October 2024, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a new integrated terminal building at which airport in Maharashtra?

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Correct answer: C — Shirdi

PIB (9 Oct 2024): the PM laid the foundation stone for a New Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport.

Q88 Advanced

What was the total value of the Maharashtra projects for which PM Modi laid foundation stones on 9 October 2024?

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Correct answer: B — Over ₹7,600 crore

PIB (9 Oct 2024): the PM laid the foundation stone for various development projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 7600 crore.