SF Prep

UKSSSC 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
3330 news · 9054 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 88 questions
INS Shardul concludes Dubai port call; holds Maritime Partnership Exercise with UAE Navy
Q1 Advanced

INS Shardul concluded its visit on 16 October 2024 at which port as part of a long range training deployment?

Show answer

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.

Q2 Advanced

On departing Dubai (October 2024), INS Shardul conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise with which UAE Naval ship?

Show answer

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.

ECI announces Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly election schedule, and bye-elections to 48 Assembly and 2 Lok Sabha seats
Q3

On which date is polling for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election, as announced by the ECI on 15 October 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q4 Advanced

As per the ECI schedule announced on 15 October 2024, polling in Jharkhand will be held in:

Show answer

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.

Q5 Advanced

The bye-elections announced by the ECI on 15 October 2024 cover:

Show answer

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.

Q6 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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).

District Master Plan under PM GatiShakti launched for 27 aspirational districts
Q7 Advanced

The district version of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan launched on 15 October 2024 covers how many aspirational districts?

Show answer

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.

Q8 Advanced

Along with the District Master Plan on 15 October 2024, Piyush Goyal also launched guidelines for preparing:

Show answer

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.

CCPA issues guidelines to prevent greenwashing and misleading environmental claims
Q9 Advanced

Which body issued the 'Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024' on 15 October 2024?

Show answer

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'.

Q10 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

DG Paramesh Sivamani takes over as 26th Director General of Indian Coast Guard
Q11

Who took over as the 26th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard on 15 October 2024?

Show answer

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).

Q12 Advanced

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:

Show answer

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.

Algerian university confers honorary doctorate in Political Science on President Murmu
Q13 Advanced

In which subject did the Algerian university confer an honorary doctorate on President Droupadi Murmu on 15 October 2024?

Show answer

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.

Q14 Advanced

The honorary doctorate conferred on President Murmu on 15 October 2024 was awarded by which institution, at a function in Sidi Abdellah?

Show answer

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.

India expels six Canadian diplomats and decides to withdraw its High Commissioner from Canada
Q15

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.

Q16 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.

Q17 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.

Q18 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.

President Droupadi Murmu holds talks with Algerian President Tebboune in Algiers; first visit by an Indian President to Algeria
Q19

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.

Q20 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.

Q21 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%
Q22

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%.

Q23 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.

Q24 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
Q25 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.

Q26 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)
Q27

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.

Q28 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Hiroshima Peace Park

PIB (14 Oct 2024): on 17 October the COAS will visit Hiroshima and lay a wreath at Hiroshima Peace Park and pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi's Statue there.

PLI Scheme for White Goods: 38 applicants commit ₹4,121 crore in third round
Q29 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).

Q30

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
Q31

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.

Q32 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
Q33 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.

Q34 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
Q35 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.

Q36 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Kolkata

PIB (14 Oct 2024): the 5 CoEs are at NSTIs located at Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai and Kanpur; Kolkata is not listed.

Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Australia beat India by nine runs in Sharjah, qualify for semi-finals
Q37

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.

Q38

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.

Q39 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 2018, 2020 and 2023

ICC (13 Oct 2024): Australia are targeting a four-peat having triumphed in each of the three previous editions, in 2018, 2020 and 2023.

CCPA directs Ola to let consumers choose refund mode and issue invoices for Auto rides
Q40 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.

Q41 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.

Q42 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
Q43 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.

Q44

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.

Q45 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 20

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

PM Internship Scheme: applications open on the PM Internship Portal from 12 October 2024
Q46

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.

Q47 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.

Q48 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.

Q49 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the PM Internship Scheme pilot: 1. It is for youth aged 21 to 24 years. 2. Interns receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both correct per PIB (12 Oct 2024): 12-month internship for youth aged 21 to 24 years; monthly stipend of ₹5,000, plus a one-time grant of ₹6,000.

Jitendra Singh presents Indo-US Science and Technology Endowment Fund awards to 17 Indo-US teams
Q50

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.

Q51 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.

Q52 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Eric Garcetti

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

India and Laos exchange defence, broadcasting and customs pacts and three Ramayana-linked QIPs
Q53

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.

Q54 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.

Q55 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.

Q56 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
Q57

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.

Q58 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.

Q59 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.

Q60 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
Q61

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.

Q62 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.

Q63 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.

Q64 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

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

IIP contracts 0.1% in August 2024; mining and electricity decline
Q65

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.

Q66 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.

Q67 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
Q68

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.

Q69 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.

Q70 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

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

Centre releases ₹1,78,173 crore tax devolution to States, including an advance instalment
Q71

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.

Q72 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.

Q73 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
Q74

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.

Q75 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.

Q76 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
Q77

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.

Q78 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.

Q79 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.

Q80 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
Q81

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.

Q82 Advanced

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.

Q83 Advanced

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.

Q84 Advanced

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).

Q85 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?

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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.

Sports Ministry puts Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 out for public comments
Q86

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.

Q87 Advanced

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.

Q88 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?

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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.