UPSSSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
According to EPFO's provisional payroll data released on 20 November 2024, what was the net member addition in September 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 18.81 lakh
PIB (Labour Ministry): EPFO recorded a net addition of 18.81 lakh members in September 2024, 9.33% higher year on year.
Which state led in net EPFO member additions in September 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Maharashtra
PIB (Labour Ministry): Maharashtra led by adding 21.20% of net members during the month.
Where was the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin launched on 20 November 2016, the date now marked as Awaas Diwas?
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Correct answer: A — Agra
PIB (Rural Development): PMAY-G was launched by PM Modi on 20 November 2016 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
What is the unit assistance under PMAY-G in North-Eastern and hill states?
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Correct answer: C — ₹1.30 lakh
PIB (Rural Development): assistance is ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas and ₹1.30 lakh in North-Eastern and hill states.
Consider the following about PMAY-G as stated on Awaas Diwas 2024: 1. The scheme has been extended for 2 crore more houses for FY 2024-29. 2. 74% of sanctioned houses are owned by women, solely or jointly. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Rural Development): both are correct; the extension outlay is ₹3,06,137 crore.
At the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit sidelines on 20 November 2024, PM Modi thanked which country's President for supporting India's membership of the UN Security Council?
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Correct answer: D — Suriname
PIB (PMO): Modi thanked President Chandrikapersad Santokhi for Suriname's support to India's UNSC membership.
At the G20 Rio session on 19 November 2024, PM Modi said how much of India's 500 GW renewable energy target for 2030 had been achieved?
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Correct answer: D — 200 GW
PIB (PMO): India has set a target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, of which 200 GW has been achieved.
PM Modi addressed which G20 Summit session in Rio de Janeiro on 19 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Sustainable Development and Energy Transition
PIB (PMO): PM Modi addressed the G20 Summit session on Sustainable Development and Energy Transition.
Consider the following, as recalled by PM Modi at the G20 Rio session: 1. At the New Delhi G20 Summit, the group resolved to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. 2. At the New Delhi G20 Summit, the group resolved to double the energy efficiency rate by 2030. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (PMO): during the New Delhi G20 Summit the group resolved to triple renewable energy capacity and double the energy efficiency rate by 2030.
Where was the 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit held on 19 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Rio de Janeiro
PIB (MEA joint statement): the summit was held on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 19 November 2024.
In which Indian city did the 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit welcome the opening of a new Australian Consulate-General?
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Correct answer: D — Bengaluru
PIB (MEA joint statement): the leaders welcomed the new Consulate-General of Australia in Bengaluru and of India in Brisbane.
Consider the following about the 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit: 1. The leaders welcomed the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership. 2. The Australia-India Business Exchange (AIBX) was extended for another four years from July 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MEA joint statement): both are correct; the REP covers solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage and related areas.
With which Latin American President did PM Modi hold his first bilateral meeting on 19 November 2024 in Rio, discussing critical minerals including lithium?
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Correct answer: B — Javier Milei of Argentina
PIB (PMO): Modi's meeting with Argentina's President Javier Milei was their first bilateral meeting; cooperation areas include critical minerals including lithium.
PM Modi conveyed India's strong support for which Brazilian initiative when he met President Lula in Rio on 19 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Global Alliance Against Poverty and Hunger
PIB (PMO): Modi commended the Brazilian initiative to establish the Global Alliance Against Poverty and Hunger and conveyed India's strong support.
Consider the following about PM Modi's meeting with Chile's President Gabriel Boric Font on 19 November 2024: 1. It was the first meeting between the two leaders. 2. They agreed to explore opportunities to further expand the India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (PMO): this was their first meeting; both sides agreed to cooperate in critical minerals and explore further expanding the PTA.
With which organisation did the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) sign an MoU on 19 November 2024 to promote green hydrogen initiatives?
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Correct answer: A — H2Global Stiftung
PIB (MNRE): SECI signed an MoU with H2Global Stiftung to establish a collaborative framework to promote green hydrogen initiatives.
Consider the following about the SECI–H2Global MoU of 19 November 2024: 1. SECI functions under the Ministry of Power. 2. The cooperation offers India the opportunity to work on joint tender design concepts. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
PIB (MNRE): SECI is under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, so 1 is wrong; the collaboration offers India the opportunity to work on joint tender design concepts.
Who delivered India's National Statement at the High-level Segment of COP29 in Baku on 19 November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Kirti Vardhan Singh
PIB (MoEFCC): MoS for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh delivered India's National Statement.
In which city was COP29 of the UN Climate Change Conference held in November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Baku
PIB (MoEFCC): India's National Statement was delivered at the High-level Segment of COP29 at Baku, Azerbaijan.
Which countries made up the G20 Troika that issued the 'Declaration on Digital Public Infrastructure, AI and Data for Governance' at Rio in November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — India, Brazil and South Africa
PIB (MEA): the joint communiqué was issued by the G20 Troika of India, Brazil and South Africa.
Consider the following about the G20 Troika declaration of November 2024: 1. It was endorsed by several G20 countries, guest countries and international organisations. 2. It calls for a technology-neutral approach to deploying DPI, AI and data for development. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MEA): the communiqué was endorsed by several G20 countries, guest countries and international organisations, and calls for a technology-neutral approach.
What was the theme of World Toilet Day 2024 (19 November)?
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Correct answer: B — Toilets – A Place for Peace
PIB (MoHUA): the theme for World Toilet Day 2024 was 'Toilets – A Place for Peace'.
The 'Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman' campaign launched on World Toilet Day 2024 by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation runs until which day?
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Correct answer: D — Human Rights Day, 10 December
PIB (Jal Shakti): the campaign started on 19 November and culminates on Human Rights Day, 10 December 2024. The SBM-U Clean Toilets Campaign runs till 25 December.
Where was the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry's two-day National Knowledge Workshop on urban sanitation held on World Toilet Day 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Lucknow
PIB (MoHUA): Minister Manohar Lal addressed the National Knowledge Workshop in Lucknow.
How many new employees were added under the ESI Scheme in September 2024, according to ESIC's provisional payroll data?
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Correct answer: D — 20.58 lakh
PIB (Labour Ministry): ESIC's provisional payroll data shows 20.58 lakh new employees added in September 2024.
How many new establishments were brought under the ESI Scheme in September 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 23,043
PIB (Labour Ministry): 23,043 new establishments were brought under the ESI Scheme in September 2024.
Which is India's first coastal industrial corridor, as described by DPIIT?
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Correct answer: B — East Coast Economic Corridor
PIB (DPIIT): the East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC) is India's first coastal corridor.
Which was India's first industrial corridor, before the four corridors approved in November 2016?
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Correct answer: D — Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor
PIB (DPIIT): India's first corridor was the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).
What was the theme of the opening session of the G20 Rio Summit addressed by PM Modi on 18 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty
PIB (PMO): PM Modi addressed the opening session of the G20 Summit on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty'.
At the G20 Rio Summit on 18 November 2024, PM Modi said India had pulled how many people out of poverty in the last ten years?
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Correct answer: C — 250 million
PIB (PMO): India pulled 250 million people out of poverty in the last ten years and distributes free foodgrains to 800 million people.
Consider the following about PM Modi's address at the G20 Rio opening session: 1. He described India's approach to food security as 'Back to Basics and March to Future'. 2. He welcomed the Brazilian initiative to establish a Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (PMO): both are correct.
India and Italy announced a Joint Strategic Action Plan for which period at the G20 Rio Summit on 18 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 2025-2029
PIB (MEA): PM Modi and PM Meloni announced the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029.
Where had PM Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni met in June 2024, before their meeting at the G20 Rio Summit?
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Correct answer: D — Puglia
PIB (MEA): the Rio meeting was their fifth in two years; they last met in June 2024 in Puglia.
Consider the following about the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029: 1. It includes a pilot project to train health professionals in India for employment in Italy. 2. It provides for cooperation between the Italian Space Agency and ISRO. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MEA): both are in the plan, along with an Italian space industry mission to India ideally by mid-2025.
For which CSR project did Coal India Ltd receive the Green World Environment Award 2024 in London on 18 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna
PIB (Coal): the award was given for CIL's Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna, which funds curative bone marrow transplants.
Which organisation gives the Green World Awards, one of which Coal India received in November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — The Green Organisation
PIB (Coal): the award was given by The Green Organisation, which began in 1994.
Which department topped Group A in the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023 launched on 18 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
PIB (DARPG): the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare topped Group A, followed by the Department of Posts.
How many central ministries and departments were assessed in GRAI 2023?
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Correct answer: B — 89
PIB (DARPG): eighty-nine central ministries and departments were assessed and ranked.
According to the PLFS Quarterly Bulletin for July-September 2024, what was the urban unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above (CWS)?
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Correct answer: D — 6.4%
PIB (MoSPI): urban UR for persons aged 15+ decreased from 6.6% in July-September 2023 to 6.4% in July-September 2024.
When was the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) launched by the National Statistics Office?
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Correct answer: A — April 2017
PIB (MoSPI): the NSO launched the PLFS in April 2017.
In which two UK cities did PM Modi announce new Consulates General of India during his first meeting with PM Keir Starmer on 18 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Belfast and Manchester
PIB (MEA): PM Modi announced two new Consulates General of India in the UK in Belfast and Manchester.
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and which country, as noted at a G20 Rio meeting on 18 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Portugal
PIB (MEA): Modi and Portugal's PM Luís Montenegro noted that 2025 marks 50 years of India-Portugal diplomatic relations.
Consider the following about PM Modi's meetings at G20 Rio on 18 November 2024: 1. His meeting with Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto was their first. 2. His meeting with France's President Emmanuel Macron was their first of the year. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (MEA): the meeting with Prabowo was their first; the meeting with Macron was their third that year, after his Republic Day visit to India.
Which body organised the Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University?
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Correct answer: C — National Security Council Secretariat
PIB (NSCS): Bharat NCX 2024 was organised by the National Security Council Secretariat in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University.
Who was India's National Cyber Security Coordinator who gave the inaugural address at Bharat NCX 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Lt Gen M U Nair (Retd)
PIB (NSCS): Lt Gen M U Nair (Retd), the National Cyber Security Coordinator, delivered the inaugural address.
What penalty did the Competition Commission of India impose on Meta on 18 November 2024 over WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update?
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Correct answer: C — ₹213.14 crore
PIB (CCI): the Commission imposed a penalty of ₹213.14 crore on Meta for abusing its dominant position.
In the Meta-WhatsApp case decided on 18 November 2024, in which relevant market did the CCI find Meta (through WhatsApp) dominant?
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Correct answer: D — OTT messaging apps through smartphones in India
PIB (CCI): the CCI delineated two relevant markets and found Meta, through WhatsApp, dominant in the market for OTT messaging apps through smartphones in India.
Which national award did Nigeria confer on PM Narendra Modi on 17 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Grand Commander of the Order of Niger
PIB (PMO): President Tinubu conferred the 'Grand Commander of the Order of Niger' on PM Modi in Abuja.
PM Modi became the first foreign leader since which year to be conferred Nigeria's 'Grand Commander of the Order of Niger'?
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Correct answer: C — 1969
PIB (PMO): PM Modi is the first foreign leader to be conferred this award since 1969.
During PM Modi's visit to Nigeria on 17 November 2024, MoUs were signed in all of the following areas EXCEPT:
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Correct answer: D — Defence Production
PIB (PMO): the three MoUs were on Cultural Exchange Programme, Customs Cooperation and Survey Cooperation. Defence Production was not among them.
Consider the following about PM Modi's November 2024 visit to Nigeria: 1. It was a State Visit from 17 to 18 November 2024. 2. The official talks with President Tinubu were held in Lagos. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (PMO): the State Visit was from 17-18 November 2024, and the talks were held in Abuja, not Lagos. So only 1 is correct.
During talks in Abuja on 17 November 2024, Nigeria's President acknowledged India's efforts to amplify the concerns of developing countries through which summits?
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Correct answer: B — Voice of the Global South Summits
PIB (PMO): President Tinubu acknowledged India's efforts through the Voice of the Global South Summits.
By what percentage did the all-India average retail price of tomato fall between 14 October and 14 November 2024, as per the Department of Consumer Affairs?
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Correct answer: B — 22.4%
PIB (Consumer Affairs): the price fell from ₹67.50/kg to ₹52.35/kg, a 22.4% decline. The almost 50% fall was in Azadpur mandi modal prices.
As per the third advance estimate cited by the Department of Consumer Affairs in November 2024, India's tomato production in 2023-24 was:
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Correct answer: D — 213.20 lakh tonnes
PIB (Consumer Affairs): 213.20 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, 4% more than 204.25 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
Modal prices of tomato fell by almost 50% between 14 October and 14 November 2024 at which mandi, as per the Department of Consumer Affairs?
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Correct answer: A — Azadpur
PIB (Consumer Affairs): modal prices at Azadpur mandi fell from ₹5,883 to ₹2,969 per quintal.
On 17 November 2024, PM Modi praised the Marathi community of which country for celebrating Marathi being conferred Classical Language status?
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Correct answer: D — Nigeria
PIB (PMO): PM Modi lauded the Marathi community of Nigeria, which expressed joy at Marathi being conferred Classical Language status.
Consider the following about PM Modi's address to the Indian community in Abuja on 17 November 2024: 1. It was his first visit to Nigeria as Prime Minister. 2. He said India has always supported giving Africa a greater voice on all global platforms. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (PMO): both are correct.
How many domestic air passengers departed across India on 17 November 2024, the first day the figure crossed 5 lakh?
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Correct answer: D — 5,05,412
PIB (Civil Aviation): 5,05,412 domestic passengers departed on 17 November 2024.
The UDAN ('Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik') scheme was launched on which date?
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Correct answer: B — 21 October 2016
PIB (Civil Aviation): UDAN was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 21 October 2016.
Who was the Union Civil Aviation Minister when domestic air passengers crossed 5 lakh in a day in November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Ram Mohan Naidu
PIB (Civil Aviation): Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu welcomed the milestone.
The Mitigation Ambition and Implementation Work Programme (MWP), discussed by India at CoP29 on 16 November 2024, was established at which CoP?
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Correct answer: B — CoP27, Sharm el-Sheikh
PIB (MoEFCC): India referred to decisions on the Sharm el-Sheikh mitigation ambition and implementation work programme at CoP27.
Consider the following about India's statement at CoP29 on 16 November 2024: 1. It was delivered in the closing plenary of the Subsidiary Bodies. 2. India supported including the CoP28 Global Stocktake mitigation paragraphs in the MWP. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (MoEFCC): the statement was made in the closing plenary of the Subsidiary Bodies, and India opposed developed countries' push to include the Global Stocktake mitigation paras. So only 1 is correct.
Where was the 4th High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, addressed by Anupriya Patel on 16 November 2024, held?
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Correct answer: D — Jeddah
PIB (Health): the conference was held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
At the Jeddah AMR conference in November 2024, India supported the creation of which of the following?
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Correct answer: B — AMR Multi-partner Trust Fund
PIB (Health): India supported the AMR Multi-partner Trust Fund and an Independent Panel on Evidence for Action against AMR in 2025.
Consider the following about India's statement at the 4th High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR (November 2024): 1. India called for a 'One Health' approach covering human, animal, plant and environmental health. 2. India stressed access to and affordability of antimicrobials, diagnostics and vaccines in low- and middle-income countries. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Health): both are correct.
The Ayushman Vay Vandana card under AB PM-JAY is meant for senior citizens of what age?
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Correct answer: D — 70 years and above
PIB (Health): the card is for senior citizens aged 70 and above.
On which date did PM Modi roll out the Ayushman Vay Vandana card?
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Correct answer: B — 29 October 2024
PIB (Health): the card was rolled out by PM Narendra Modi on 29 October 2024.
Consider the following about Ayushman Vay Vandana card enrolments as reported on 16 November 2024: 1. More than 10 lakh senior citizens enrolled within three weeks. 2. Around 4 lakh of the enrolments were by women. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Health): both are correct.
In his departure statement of 16 November 2024, PM Modi said he would attend the 19th G20 Summit in Brazil in which capacity?
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Correct answer: B — As a Troika member
PIB (PMO): PM Modi said he would attend the 19th G20 Summit as a Troika member.
PM Modi's November 2024 visit to Guyana was described as the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over how many years?
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Correct answer: D — 50 years
PIB (PMO): the departure statement said it would be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in over 50 years.
Which summit did PM Modi say he would join in Guyana during his November 2024 visit?
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Correct answer: C — 2nd India-CARICOM Summit
PIB (PMO): PM Modi said he would join Caribbean leaders for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit.
As per WIPO's World Intellectual Property Indicators 2024, what is India's global rank in patent applications?
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Correct answer: A — 6th
PIB: India ranks 6th globally in patent applications, with 64,480 filings in 2023.
As per WIPI 2024, what share of India's patent applications in 2023 were filed by residents, the first time above half?
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Correct answer: D — 55.2%
PIB: for the first time, more than half (55.2%) of India's patent applications in 2023 were filed by residents.
Consider the following about India in WIPO's World Intellectual Property Indicators 2024: 1. India had 64,480 patent filings in 2023. 2. Patents granted in India in 2023 fell compared with the previous year. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB: India had 64,480 filings in 2023, and patents granted rose 149.4% (not fell). So only 1 is correct.