Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Department of Posts' drone mail proof of concept started on 21 October 2024 connected which two post offices?
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Correct answer: A — Chowkham PO (Namsai) and Wakro BO (Lohit), Arunachal Pradesh
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: the PoC started on 21 October 2024 between Chowkham PO and Wakro BO, in Namsai and Lohit districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
With which company did the Department of Posts tie up for the drone mail proof of concept in Arunachal Pradesh (October 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — Skye Air Mobility Private Limited
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: Department of Posts has entered into a tie up with SKYE AIR Mobility Private Limited for carrying out the POC.
'eShram - One Stop Solution', launched in New Delhi on 21 October 2024, is meant for:
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Correct answer: C — Unorganised workers registered on eShram, for access to social security schemes
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: eShram - One Stop Solution will provide seamless access of different social security schemes to the unorganised workers registered on eShram.
When bids were opened on 21 October 2024 for the 10th round of commercial coal mine auctions, how many bids were received and for how many mines?
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Correct answer: D — 43 bids for 16 of the 61 mines offered
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: a total of 43 bids were received against 16 coal mines out of 61 coal mines offered in the 10th round.
The 10th round of commercial coal mine auctions (bids opened 21 October 2024) was launched on:
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Correct answer: C — 21 June 2024
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: 'This round was launched on June 21, 2024 and bid submission date was extended twice.'
INS Suvarna paid a port call from 19 to 21 October 2024, during its anti-piracy deployment in the Gulf of Aden, at:
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Correct answer: B — Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: INS Suvarna paid a port call at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 19-21 Oct 24 for operational turnaround during her anti-piracy deployment in the Gulf of Aden.
During its October 2024 port call at Dar es Salaam, what did INS Suvarna hand over to the Tanzania People's Defence Force?
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Correct answer: C — An Infantry Weapon Training Simulator
PIB, 21 Oct 2024: 'The ship also handed over the Infantry Weapon Training Simulator to the TPDF side.'
On 20 October 2024, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for runway expansion and a new terminal building at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, worth about:
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Correct answer: A — ₹2,870 crore
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: runway expansion, new terminal building and allied works of LBS International Airport, Varanasi worth around ₹2,870 crore. (₹6,100 crore is the total of all airport projects.)
On 20 October 2024, the PM laid foundation stones for New Civil Enclaves at three airports. Which of the following was NOT one of them?
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Correct answer: C — Rewa
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: New Civil Enclaves at Agra, Darbhanga and Bagdogra airports. Rewa's new terminal building was inaugurated, not a civil enclave.
Consider the following about the PM's Varanasi programme of 20 October 2024: 1. New terminal buildings of Rewa, Maa Mahamaya (Ambikapur) and Sarsawa airports worth over ₹220 crore were inaugurated. 2. Phases 2 and 3 of the Varanasi Sports Complex redevelopment were inaugurated under the Khelo India scheme and the Smart City Mission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the PIB release of 20 Oct 2024.
After the new terminals inaugurated on 20 October 2024, the combined annual passenger handling capacity of Rewa, Ambikapur and Sarsawa airports rose to more than:
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Correct answer: B — 2.3 crore
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: the combined passenger handling capacity of these airports increases to more than 2.3 crore passengers annually.
The NCC's first-ever special sailing expedition (announced 20 October 2024) involves how many Naval Wing cadets, sailing about how far?
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Correct answer: C — 528 cadets, 1,200 km
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: 528 Naval Wing cadets will sail approximately 1,200 km along the Ganges and Hooghly.
The NCC sailing expedition along the Ganges and Hooghly (October-December 2024) was to run between:
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Correct answer: D — Kanpur and Kolkata
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: the expedition will be flagged off from Kanpur on 21 October 2024 and conclude in Kolkata on 20 December 2024.
The NCC's first special sailing expedition is a lead-up event to which camp, and in how many phases is it held?
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Correct answer: B — Republic Day Camp 2025; six phases
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: a flagship event leading up to the Republic Day Camp 2025; cadets from all State Directorates will take part in this six-phase event.
The first RCS-UDAN flight, inaugurated by PM Modi on 27 April 2017, connected:
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Correct answer: B — Shimla to Delhi
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: the first RCS-UDAN flight was inaugurated by PM Modi on 27 April 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi.
Ambikapur airport, inaugurated under RCS-UDAN on 20 October 2024, is in which State?
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Correct answer: A — Chhattisgarh
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: the three airports are Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
As per PIB (20 October 2024), RCS-UDAN has so far facilitated travel of more than how many passengers?
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Correct answer: D — 144 lakh
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: so far RCS-UDAN has facilitated travel of more than 144 lakh passengers.
As per EPFO's provisional payroll data released on 20 October 2024, how many net members were added in August 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 18.53 lakh
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: net addition of 18.53 lakh members in August 2024; 9.30 lakh were new members.
About how many new members did EPFO enrol in August 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 9.30 lakh
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: EPFO enrolled around 9.30 lakh new members in August 2024.
What share of EPFO's new members in August 2024 belonged to the 18-25 age group?
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Correct answer: B — 59.26%
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: the 18-25 age group constituted 59.26% of the total new members added in August 2024.
At the 2nd Indian Lighthouse Festival (20 October 2024), Sarbananda Sonowal announced two new lighthouses on Odisha's coast at:
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Correct answer: A — Chaumuck and Dhamra
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: two new lighthouses, one at Chaumuck at Narayanpur in Balasore district and another at Dhamra in Bhadrak district.
The 'New Kalwan Lighthouse' dedicated to the nation on 20 October 2024 is located in:
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Correct answer: C — Jamnagar, Gujarat
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: Sonowal dedicated the 'New Kalwan Lighthouse' in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to the nation.
According to Sarbananda Sonowal (20 October 2024), lighthouse tourism in India has grown by how much since 2014?
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Correct answer: B — More than 400%
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: 'Lighthouse Tourism soared by more than 400% since 2014.'
According to the ICMR-INDIAB data released on 20 October 2024, what is the overall burden of diabetes in the Jammu region?
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Correct answer: B — 18.9%
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: the overall burden in Jammu region is 18.9%, with 26.5% in urban and 14.5% in rural areas.
What was the diabetes prevalence in urban areas of the Jammu region as per the ICMR-INDIAB data (20 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — 26.5%
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: 26.5% in urban areas and 14.5% in rural areas.
The Jammu-region data of the ICMR-INDIAB study released on 20 October 2024 covered how many districts?
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Correct answer: A — 10
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: the overall burden of the disease in Jammu region covering its 10 districts is 18.9%.
On 20 October 2024, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated a newly constructed girls' hostel at SAI RC LNCPE, Thiruvananthapuram. How many beds does it have?
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Correct answer: D — 300
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: the Minister inaugurated the newly constructed 300-bedded girls' hostel at SAI RC LNCPE.
The upgraded SAI Golf Course inaugurated by the Sports Minister on 20 October 2024 is at:
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Correct answer: C — Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: the minister inaugurated the upgraded SAI Golf Course at Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram.
Consider the following statements (PIB, 20 October 2024): 1. The SAI National Golf Academy is described as the first of its kind in Kerala. 2. The girls' hostel at SAI RC LNCPE was built under the Fit India Movement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the hostel was constructed under Khelo India infrastructure projects (₹32.88 crore).
According to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda (20 October 2024), which hospital is being redeveloped into Asia's second-largest hospital?
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Correct answer: B — Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH)
PIB, 20 Oct 2024 (Nadda): 'The Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) is being redeveloped into Asia's second-largest hospital.'
As cited by J.P. Nadda on 20 October 2024, how many of India's 1.73 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are in Bihar?
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Correct answer: A — 10,716
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: of 1.73 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, 10,716 are in Bihar and 3,825 in Jharkhand.
While inaugurating the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi (20 October 2024), the PM listed five pillars of India's health strategy. Which of the following was NOT among them?
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Correct answer: D — Mandatory private health insurance for all
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: the five pillars are preventive healthcare, timely diagnosis, free and low-cost treatment, good treatment in small towns, and expansion of technology in healthcare.
What ex-gratia did the PM announce from PMNRF on 20 October 2024 for victims of the Dholpur (Rajasthan) road accident?
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Correct answer: C — ₹2 lakh per deceased; ₹50,000 per injured
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased; the injured would be given ₹50,000.
Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, appointed Chairperson of the National Commission for Women in October 2024, is its:
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Correct answer: C — 9th Chairperson
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: 'She will be the 9th Chairperson of NCW.'
Before her NCW appointment, Vijaya Rahatkar chaired which body from 2016 to 2021?
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Correct answer: D — Maharashtra State Commission for Women
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: she was Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (2016-2021).
Vijaya Rahatkar, the new NCW Chairperson, served as Mayor of which city from 2007 to 2010?
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Correct answer: A — Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: as the Mayor of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar from 2007 to 2010, she implemented development projects.
At WTSA-2024, India's leadership positions in ITU-T increased from 7 (WTSA-2022) to:
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Correct answer: B — 11
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: India increased its leadership positions in ITU-T from 7 in WTSA-2022 to 11 in WTSA-2024.
Consider the following statements about India at WTSA-2024 (PIB, 19 October 2024): 1. India secured the Chair position in all 10 ITU-T Study Groups. 2. India secured Vice-Chair positions in 9 Study Groups and the SCV Committee. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: India retained the Chair in one group. Statement 2 is correct: it secured Vice-Chair positions in all other 9 Study Groups and the SCV Committee.
WTSA-2024, hosted by India, was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, during:
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Correct answer: D — 15-24 October 2024
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: WTSA-2024 at Bharat Mandapam was inaugurated by the PM on 15 October and will continue till 24 October 2024.
Where did PM Modi launch 'Karmayogi Saptah' on 19 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the PM launched 'Karmayogi Saptah' - National Learning Week at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
'Karmayogi Saptah', launched by the PM on 19 October 2024, is also called:
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Correct answer: A — National Learning Week
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: 'Karmayogi Saptah' - National Learning Week.
According to J.P. Nadda at India Chem-2024 (October 2024), India's chemical and petrochemical industry is projected to:
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Correct answer: A — Surpass $300 billion by 2028 and reach $1 trillion by 2040
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the industry is projected to surpass $300 billion by 2028 and is on track to reach $1 trillion by 2040.
Where was 'India Chem-2024' (17-19 October 2024) held?
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Correct answer: C — Mumbai
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the three-day event 'India Chem-2024', inaugurated on the 17th, concludes in Mumbai today.
The Chief Ministers of which States were present at the India Chem-2024 keynote session addressed by J.P. Nadda?
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Correct answer: C — Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: Nadda addressed the keynote session in the presence of the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
Who was the Chief Information Commissioner of India who called on Dr Jitendra Singh on 19 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Heeralal Samariya
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: Chief Information Commissioner of India Shri Heeralal Samariya called on Dr Jitendra Singh.
As reported on 19 October 2024, what RTI disposal rate did the Central Information Commission achieve in the first six months of the current financial year?
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Correct answer: B — 100%
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the Central Information Commission has achieved 100% disposal rate of RTIs during the first six months of the current financial year.
The 21st Divya Kala Mela, inaugurated on 19 October 2024, was held in:
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Correct answer: A — Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the 21st Divya Kala Mela is being held at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, from 17 to 27 October 2024.
The Divya Kala Mela held in Jabalpur in October 2024 was which edition?
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Correct answer: C — 21st
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar inaugurated the 21st Divya Kala Mela in Jabalpur.
According to PIB (19 October 2024), the previous 20 editions of the Divya Kala Mela generated a combined income of over:
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Correct answer: D — ₹15 crore
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the last 20 editions generated a combined income exceeding ₹15 crore and facilitated loans worth over ₹12 crore.
In the draft JV agreement signed on 19 October 2024 between MOIL and MP State Mining Corporation, what is the shareholding pattern?
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Correct answer: D — MOIL 51% : MPSMCL 49%
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the JV company will have a shareholding of 51% of MOIL and 49% of MPSMCL.
At which event was the MOIL-MPSMCL draft JV agreement for manganese mining signed on 19 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — MP Mining Conclave'24, Bhopal
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: MOIL entered into a draft JV agreement with MPSMCL at MP Mining Conclave'24 in Bhopal.
Where was the Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024, on day one of the 2nd National Lighthouse Festival (19 October 2024), held?
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Correct answer: A — Puri, Odisha
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: MoPSW hosted the Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024 today in Puri.
Which ministry hosted the Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024 in October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the conclave.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's 7-day tour from 20 to 26 October 2024 covered which two countries?
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Correct answer: D — Singapore and Australia
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: Dharmendra Pradhan will visit Singapore and Australia from 20 to 26 October 2024.
During his October 2024 visit, which conference was Dharmendra Pradhan scheduled to address in Australia?
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Correct answer: A — Australian International Education Conference
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will address the Australian International Education Conference.
Which agency implements the Sakura Science Programme ('Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science')?
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Correct answer: B — Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has been implementing the Sakura Science Programme since 2014.
How many Indian school students were sent to Japan for the Sakura Programme 2024 (20-26 October)?
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Correct answer: C — 20
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: DoSEL is sending 20 school students and 2 supervisors to Japan for the Sakura Programme 2024, along with 5 other countries.
Since which year has the Japan Science and Technology Agency been implementing the Sakura Science Programme?
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Correct answer: B — 2014
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: JST has been implementing the 'Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science' (Sakura Science Programme) since 2014.
During her visit to Malawi (18 October 2024), President Droupadi Murmu held talks with which Malawian President?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the President was received by H.E. Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, at the State House, Lilongwe.
What did India hand over to Malawi during President Murmu's visit on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 1,000 MT of rice and a Bhabhatron cancer-treatment machine
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the symbolic handing over of 1000 MT of rice as humanitarian assistance and of the Bhabhatron cancer treating machine to Malawi.
On 18 October 2024, President Murmu laid a wreath at the Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe, the resting place of:
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Correct answer: B — Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, first President of Malawi
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: Kamuzu Mausoleum - the resting place of the first President of Malawi Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
Consider the following statements about President Murmu's talks in Lilongwe on 18 October 2024: 1. MoUs on arts and culture, youth matters, sports and pharmaceutical cooperation were signed. 2. A defence cooperation agreement was signed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct per PIB. Statement 2 is not supported: the MoUs listed were on arts and culture, youth matters, sports and pharmaceutical cooperation only.
Where did the Sea Phase of exercise MALABAR 2024 conclude on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Visakhapatnam
PIB, 19 Oct 2024: the Sea Phase of MALABAR 2024 concluded on 18 Oct 24 at Visakhapatnam.
How many pilot projects for using hydrogen in steel production were sanctioned under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, as announced on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Three
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the Union Government has sanctioned three pilot projects for use of hydrogen in steel production.
Among the green hydrogen steel pilot projects sanctioned in October 2024, which has the largest plant capacity (3,200 TPD)?
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Correct answer: D — Steel Authority of India Ltd (Ranchi)
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: SAIL (Ranchi) 3,200 TPD; Matrix Gas and Renewables 50 TPD; Simplex Castings 40 TPD.
Which ministry sanctioned the green hydrogen pilot projects in the steel sector (October 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has sanctioned total three pilot projects in the steel sector.
Which Foundation Day did the NHRC celebrate on 18 October 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan?
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Correct answer: C — 31st
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: NHRC organised a function and national conference on the rights of older persons to celebrate its 31st Foundation Day.
On which date was the National Human Rights Commission set up?
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Correct answer: B — 12 October 1993
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: 'The Commission was set up on 12th October in 1993.'
Who was the NHRC Acting Chairperson at the Commission's Foundation Day function on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Vijaya Bharathi Sayani
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: NHRC Acting Chairperson, Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, addressed the function.
The India-Oman naval exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr (13-18 October 2024) was held off:
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Correct answer: A — Goa
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: the exercise with Royal Navy of Oman Vessel Al Seeb was held off Goa from 13 to 18 October 2024.
Which Indian Navy ship took part in exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr in October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — INS Trikand
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: INS Trikand and a Dornier maritime patrol aircraft participated in Naseem-Al-Bahr.
Which Royal Navy of Oman vessel took part in Naseem-Al-Bahr 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Al Seeb
PIB, 20 Oct 2024: Royal Navy of Oman Vessel Al Seeb took part in the exercise.
Which department invited public comments on the draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Department of Legal Affairs
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the Department of Legal Affairs invites comments/feedback from the public on the draft amendment Bill.
Which of the following is a stated aim of the draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Reducing court intervention in arbitrations
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the aim is to boost institutional arbitration, reduce court intervention in arbitrations and ensure timely conclusion of arbitration proceedings.