Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
As per telecom subscription data as on 31 August 2024 (released 26 October 2024), India's total telephone subscribers (wireless + wireline) stood at about:
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Correct answer: A — 1,200.07 million
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: Total Telephone Subscribers (Million) — wireless 1163.83, wireline 36.23, total 1200.07.
What was India's overall tele-density as on 31 August 2024, as per the data released on 26 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 85.43%
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: Overall Tele-density — total 85.43% (urban 132.94%, rural 59.05%).
How many subscribers submitted Mobile Number Portability (MNP) requests in August 2024, as per the data released on 26 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 14.66 million
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: in August 2024, 14.66 million subscribers submitted their requests for MNP; cumulative requests rose to 1025.78 million.
Under the Quality Control Order cited in the Department of Consumer Affairs' helmet drive (26 October 2024), all helmets must comply with which BIS standard?
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Correct answer: C — IS 4151:2015
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: the QCO mandates that all helmets comply with the BIS standard IS 4151: 2015.
From which date has the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways enforced the Quality Control Order for helmets, as stated in the release of 26 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 1 June 2021
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: MoRTH has enforced the Quality Control Order (QCO) as of June 1, 2021, mandating that all helmets comply with IS 4151: 2015.
As per provisional ESIC payroll data released on 26 October 2024, how many new employees were added under the ESI Scheme in August 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 20.74 lakh
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: the provisional payroll data of ESIC reveals that 20.74 lakh new employees have been added in the month of August, 2024.
How many new establishments were brought under the ESI Scheme in August 2024 (PIB, 26 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — 28,917
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: 28,917 new establishments have been brought under the social security ambit of the ESI Scheme in August 2024.
Consider the following about ESIC payroll data for August 2024 (PIB, 26 October 2024): 1. About 47.68% of the new registrations belonged to the age group of up to 25 years. 2. Net enrolment of female members was 6.14 lakh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: 9.89 lakh employees, about 47.68% of the total, were aged up to 25 years (1 is correct). Net enrolment of female members was 4.14 lakh, not 6.14 lakh (2 is wrong).
On 26 October 2024, CBDT extended the due date for furnishing returns of income for AY 2024-25 (for assessees in clause (a) of Explanation 2 to section 139(1)) from 31 October 2024 to:
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Correct answer: B — 15 November 2024
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: CBDT extended the due date for AY 2024-25, which is 31 October 2024 for these assessees, to 15th November, 2024 (Circular No. 13/2024).
According to the Ministry of Rural Development (26 October 2024), what share of land records in rural India had been digitised since 2016?
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Correct answer: A — 95%
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: 95% of land records have been digitized in rural India since 2016.
The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), restructured as a Central Sector Scheme in April 2016, was previously known as:
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Correct answer: C — National Land Record Modernization Programme
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: DILRMP, previously known as the National Land Record Modernization Programme, was restructured as a Central Sector Scheme in April 2016, with full funding from the central government.
Which Livestock Census was launched in New Delhi on 25 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 21st
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh launched the 21st Livestock Census in New Delhi today.
The 21st Livestock Census (launched 25 October 2024) is to cover about how many households?
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Correct answer: B — Over 30 crore
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: 21st Livestock Census to cover over 30 crore households; capture data on gender roles in livestock sector.
What was the motto of the 7th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations held in New Delhi on 25 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Growing Together with Innovation, Mobility and Sustainability
PIB joint statement, 25 Oct 2024: under the motto 'Growing Together with Innovation, Mobility and Sustainability', the 7th IGC placed emphasis on technology, talent, mobility and climate action.
The India-Germany joint statement of 25 October 2024 noted that 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of which agreement?
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Correct answer: D — Inter-Governmental Agreement on Cooperation in Scientific Research and Technological Development
PIB joint statement, 25 Oct 2024: the year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Cooperation in Scientific Research and Technological Development.
Consider the following about the 7th India-Germany IGC (25 October 2024): 1. The list of outcomes included a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters. 2. It was Olaf Scholz's first visit to India as Chancellor. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the list of outcomes includes a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in Criminal Matters (1 is correct). The joint statement says it was Scholz's third visit to India as Chancellor (2 is wrong).
According to IMD, Cyclone Dana crossed the north Odisha coast on 25 October 2024 close to:
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Correct answer: A — Habalikhati Nature Camp (Bhitarkanika) and Dhamara
IMD report on SCS Dana: it crossed north Odisha coast close to Habalikhati Nature Camp (Bhitarkanika) and Dhamara during 0130 to 0330 hrs IST of 25 October.
In which IMD intensity category was Cyclone Dana when it crossed the Odisha coast on 25 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Severe cyclonic storm
IMD report on SCS Dana: it crossed the north Odisha coast as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.
What was the wind speed of Cyclone Dana at landfall on 25 October 2024, as per IMD?
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Correct answer: B — 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph
IMD report on SCS Dana: wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph at the time of crossing the coast.
According to IMD, for how long did the landfall process of Cyclone Dana continue (from midnight of 24 October to the morning of 25 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — 9 hours
IMD report on SCS Dana: the landfall process commenced at midnight (2330 hours IST) of 24 October and continued for 9 hours till 0830 hours IST of 25 October.
As notified (PIB, 25 October 2024), the maximum loan limit under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana was raised from ₹10 lakh to:
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Correct answer: B — ₹20 lakh
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the limit of Mudra loans under PMMY has been enhanced from current Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh.
What is the name of the new Mudra loan category for loans above ₹10 lakh and up to ₹20 lakh (PIB, 25 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — Tarun Plus
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the new category of Tarun Plus is for loans above Rs. 10 lakh and up to Rs. 20 lakh, for entrepreneurs who have availed and repaid previous Tarun loans.
Under which fund will guarantee coverage be provided for PMMY loans up to ₹20 lakh, as per the release of 25 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU)
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the guarantee coverage of PMMY loans upto Rs. 20 lakh will be provided under the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU).
On 25 October 2024, PM Modi condoled the passing of which pioneering scientist, describing her as 'a strong votary of more women in the world of science'?
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Correct answer: C — Rohini Godbole
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: 'Pained by the passing away of Rohini Godbole Ji. She was a pioneering scientist and innovator, who also was a strong votary of more women in the world of science.'
'Abhay', launched on 25 October 2024, is which ship of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (GRSE) project?
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Correct answer: D — Seventh
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: 'Abhay', the seventh ASW SWC being built by M/s GRSE for Indian Navy, was launched on 25 Oct 24 at M/s L&T, Kattupalli.
The Arnala class ASW Shallow Water Craft, of which 'Abhay' (launched 25 October 2024) is one, will replace which in-service ships of the Indian Navy?
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Correct answer: B — Abhay class ASW corvettes
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: Arnala class of ships will replace the in-service Abhay class ASW Corvettes of Indian Navy.
Where was the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024, which concluded on 25 October 2024, held?
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Correct answer: A — Manekshaw Centre, Delhi
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the Chanakya Defence Dialogue culminated on 25th October at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi.
The Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024 was which edition of the Indian Army's flagship international seminar?
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Correct answer: C — Second
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the second edition of the Indian Army's flagship international seminar, the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, culminated on 25th October.
The ICMR 'First in the World' Challenge, launched by JP Nadda on 25 October 2024, was inspired by the success of:
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Correct answer: A — Chandrayaan-3
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: one of the key initiatives launched is the 'First in the World' Challenge, inspired by the success of Chandrayaan-3.
Where are NTPC and the Indian Army setting up a solar hydrogen-based microgrid, whose foundation stone was laid on 25 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Chushul, Ladakh
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: NTPC has partnered with the Indian Army to establish a Solar Hydrogen-based Microgrid at Chushul, Ladakh.
How much round-the-clock power will the NTPC-Indian Army solar-hydrogen microgrid in Ladakh supply (PIB, 25 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — 200 kW
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the microgrid uses hydrogen as an energy storage medium to supply 200kW of power round-the-clock throughout the year.
The animal health security project launched in New Delhi on 25 October 2024 is funded by:
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Correct answer: C — G20 Pandemic Fund
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the Pandemic Fund Project is a $25 Million initiative funded by the G20 Pandemic Fund.
What is the size of the Pandemic Fund project on 'Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response' launched on 25 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — $25 million
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the Pandemic Fund Project is a $25 Million initiative.
What is the name of the website launched by the Railway Protection Force on 25 October 2024 to honour its martyrs?
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Correct answer: D — Digital Memorial of Valour
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: 'Digital Memorial of Valour' is a website to honour the sacrifices of RPF's courageous personnel, launched on 25 October 2024 in New Delhi.
'SECL Ki Dhadkan', under which 20 children got free heart surgeries (programme held 25 October 2024), is an extension of which Coal India CSR initiative?
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Correct answer: B — Nanha Sa Dil
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: SECL Ki Dhadkan, an extension of Coal India's overarching CSR initiative 'Nanha Sa Dil', focuses on medical interventions for congenital heart disease.
The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) concluded its first Mid-Career Training Programme on 25 October 2024 for 36 civil servants from which grouping's member nations?
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Correct answer: C — BIMSTEC
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: NCGG concluded its first Mid-Career Training Programme for civil servants from BIMSTEC nations, organised from October 14 to October 25; 36 civil servants participated.
At which DRDO establishment did the DRDO Directors' Conclave 2024 begin on 25 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — ARDE, Pune
PIB, 25 Oct 2024: the two-day DRDO Directors' Conclave 2024 commenced at Armament Research & Development Establishment, Pune on October 25, 2024.
The ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund for the space sector approved by the Union Cabinet on 24 October 2024 is under the aegis of:
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Correct answer: B — IN-SPACe
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the Union Cabinet approved setting up of Rs.1000 crore Venture Capital Fund dedicated to space sector, under aegis of IN-SPACe.
Approximately how many startups is the ₹1,000 crore space Venture Capital Fund (approved 24 October 2024) expected to support?
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Correct answer: D — 40
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: based on the investment range, the fund is expected to support approximately 40 startups.
What is the planned deployment period of the ₹1,000 crore space VC fund approved on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Up to five years from the start of fund operations
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the deployment period is planned to be up to five years from the actual date of start of the fund operations.
What is the indicative range of investment per company under the space VC fund approved on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — ₹10-60 crore
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the indicative range of investment is proposed to be Rs.10-Rs.60 crore, contingent upon the stage of the company.
What is the total estimated cost of the two railway projects approved by the CCEA on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — About ₹6,798 crore
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: CCEA approved two railway projects with total estimated cost of Rs.6,798 crore (approx.).
The new railway line approved on 24 October 2024 to provide direct connectivity to Amaravati runs between:
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Correct answer: A — Errupalem and Namburu
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: construction of new line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati covering 57 kms.
Consider the following about the railway projects approved on 24 October 2024: 1. Together they cover 8 districts in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Bihar. 2. The doubling project in north Bihar covers 157 km. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the two projects cover 8 districts in 3 states — Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Bihar (1 is correct). The Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga & Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur doubling covers 256 km, not 157 km (2 is wrong).
Which two Aspirational Districts will be served by the north Bihar doubling project approved on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to two Aspirational Districts (Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur).
'Weather Forecasting at the Gram Panchayat Level', launched on 24 October 2024, was developed jointly by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and:
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Correct answer: A — India Meteorological Department
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the initiative was developed in collaboration between the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Under Gram Panchayat-level weather forecasting (launched 24 October 2024), what kind of forecasts are available to over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats?
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Correct answer: D — Five-day forecasts and hourly updates
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: local weather forecasts now accessible to over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats on 5-day and hourly basis.
With which company did the Ministry of Defence sign a contract on 24 October 2024 for six Air Cushion Vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard?
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Correct answer: B — Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd., Goa
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: MoD signed a contract with Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd., Goa for procurement of six Air Cushion Vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard.
What is the total cost of the contract for six Air Cushion Vehicles for the Coast Guard signed on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — ₹387.44 crore
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: six Air Cushion Vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of Rs 387.44 crore.
On what topic did Rajnath Singh deliver the keynote address at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — India's Vision for Development & Security
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: sharing his insights on the topic 'India's Vision for Development & Security', Raksha Mantri said development and security are deeply interconnected.
Consider the following statements made by Rajnath Singh at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue (24 October 2024): 1. The broad India-China consensus to resolve differences in certain areas along the LAC is proof that continuous dialogue brings solutions. 2. 'Aatmanirbharta' means India will work in isolation from other nations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: he said the broad consensus achieved by India and China in certain areas along the LAC is proof that continuous dialogue brings solutions (1 is correct), and that 'Aatmanirbharta' does not mean working in isolation (2 is wrong).
What new facility does the ECI's upgraded Suvidha 2.0 mobile app (launched 24 October 2024) offer candidates and parties?
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Correct answer: D — Applying for campaign-related permissions
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: candidates and parties can now apply for campaign related permissions also in the new Suvidha 2.0 mobile application; earlier they could only track status and download approvals on the app.
On 24 October 2024, NLC India Ltd signed agreements to form two power joint ventures with which state entity?
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Correct answer: C — Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: NLC India Ltd entered into Joint Venture Agreements for formation of two JVs with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL).
What equity stake will NLCIL hold in each of the two joint ventures with RRVUNL announced on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 74%
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: in both the Joint Ventures, NLCIL will hold a 74% equity stake, while RRVUNL will hold 26%.
What is the name of Mormugao Port's scheme, launched in October 2023, that offers port-charge discounts based on ships' Environmental Ship Index scores?
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Correct answer: A — Harit Shrey
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the port's incentive program, 'Harit Shrey', launched in October 2023, offers discounts on port charges based on ESI scores.
The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) portal on which Mormugao Port was listed as an incentive provider (PIB, 24 October 2024) is acknowledged by:
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Correct answer: D — International Association of Ports and Harbours
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: Mormugao Port Authority was listed as an incentive provider on the ESI portal, acknowledged by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
What milestone did Government e Marketplace (GeM) achieve with its MoU with Sikkim signed in Gangtok on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Coverage of all States and UTs of India
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: with this MoU, GeM has achieved the coverage of all the States and UTs of India.
As of 23 October 2024, buyers from the Government of Sikkim had procured goods and services worth approximately how much through GeM (PIB, 24 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — ₹90 crore
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: as of 23rd Oct 2024, buyers from Government of Sikkim have done procurement worth approximately ₹90 crore.
Which edition of the National Water Awards did the Ministry of Jal Shakti launch on 24 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 6th
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the Department of Water Resources, RD & GR has launched the 6th National Water Awards (NWA), 2024 on the Rashtriya Puraskar portal.
What is the last date for applications for the 6th National Water Awards, 2024 (launched 24 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: B — 31 December 2024
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: the last date of submission of applications is 31st December, 2024.
What ex-gratia from PMNRF did the PM announce on 24 October 2024 for the next of kin of each person killed in the Bengaluru building collapse?
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Correct answer: B — ₹2 lakh
PIB, 24 Oct 2024: an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased; the injured would be given Rs. 50,000.