Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
On 18 October 2024, DAY-NRLM signed MoUs for individual financing of women entrepreneurs with:
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Correct answer: D — 9 public sector banks and 1 private bank
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: DAY-NRLM signed MoUs with nine Public Sector Banks and one Private Bank.
The loan products designed under the DAY-NRLM bank MoUs of 18 October 2024 are meant for:
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Correct answer: B — Individual women entrepreneurs under DAY-NRLM
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: banks have designed specific products for financing individual women entrepreneurs under the fold of DAY-NRLM.
Which hydroelectric project was specifically discussed when Bhutan's Energy Minister met Manohar Lal in New Delhi on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Puna-1 Hydroelectric Power Project
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: both sides discussed enhancing collaboration to further boost energy production from the Puna-1 HEP project.
Who is Bhutan's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources who met Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Lyonpo Gem Tshering
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Bhutan, H.E. Lyonpo Gem Tshering, met Manohar Lal in New Delhi.
The 'Aviation Park' showcasing India's aviation heritage, unveiled on 18 October 2024, is located:
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Correct answer: C — Within the premises of the Ministry of Civil Aviation
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the Ministry of Civil Aviation unveiled the Aviation Park within the premises of the Ministry.
From where was the Indian Navy's motorcycle expedition 'Northeast Odyssey' flagged off on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Shillong, Meghalaya
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: Vice Adm Rajesh Pendharkar flagged off the Motorcycle Expedition 'Northeast Odyssey' from Shillong, Meghalaya.
The Indian Navy's 'Northeast Odyssey' motorcycle expedition (October 2024) was undertaken in association with:
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Correct answer: A — TVS Motor Company
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the expedition is being undertaken in association with TVS Motor Company.
As explained at the National SC-ST Hub conclave in Moga (18 October 2024), the Public Procurement Policy mandates what share of public procurement from SC/ST enterprises and from women enterprises?
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Correct answer: A — 4% and 3%
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the Public Procurement Policy mandated 4% public procurement from SC/ST enterprises and 3% from women enterprises.
Where did the Ministry of MSME organise the National SC-ST Hub conclave on 18 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Moga, Punjab
PIB, 18 Oct 2024: the Ministry of MSME organised the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) Conclave at Moga, Punjab.
The International Abhidhamma Divas ceremony on 17 October 2024 also celebrated the recognition of which language as a classical language?
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Correct answer: B — Pali
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: ceremony in celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas and recognition of Pali as a classical language at Vigyan Bhavan.
The International Abhidhamma Divas event addressed by the PM on 17 October 2024 was organised by:
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Correct answer: D — International Buddhist Confederation under the Ministry of Culture
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: the event was organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture.
Abhidhamma Divas commemorates:
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Correct answer: A — The descent of Lord Buddha from the celestial realm after teaching Abhidhamma
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: Abhidhamma Divas commemorates the descent of Lord Buddha from the celestial realm after teaching Abhidhamma.
With effect from 1 November 2024, the Advance Reservation Period for Indian Railways train tickets is:
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Correct answer: C — 60 days
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: Indian Railways has cut down Advance Reservation Period from current 120 days to 60 days w.e.f. 01.11.2024, excluding the date of the journey.
The Advance Reservation Period of Indian Railways had last been raised from 60 days to 120 days with effect from:
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Correct answer: B — 1 January 2015
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: the advance reservation period was last revised to 120 days from 60 days with effect from 1/1/2015.
Consider the following statements about the Railways' ARP change announced on 17 October 2024: 1. The limit for foreign tourists remains unchanged. 2. Taj Express and Gomti Express will continue with their lower time limits for advance reservation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct per PIB: the limit for foreign tourists remains unchanged, and Taj Express and Gomti Express will continue to follow the lower time limits for advance reservations.
Where did Nayab Singh Saini take oath as Chief Minister of Haryana on 17 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Dussehra Ground, Panchkula
Lok Bhavan Haryana, 17 Oct 2024: Nayab Singh Saini took oath as the new Chief Minister of Haryana at Dusshera ground in Panchkula.
Who administered the oath of office to Nayab Singh Saini on 17 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Governor Bandaru Dattatraya
Lok Bhavan Haryana: Haryana Governor Sh Bandaru Dattatraya administered him the oath of office and secrecy.
From which assembly constituency was Nayab Singh Saini elected MLA before taking oath as Haryana CM on 17 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Ladwa
Lok Bhavan Haryana: elected as an MLA from the Ladwa assembly constituency. He had earlier represented Karnal as CM and Nariangarh as MLA (2014), and was MP from Kurukshetra.
Consider the following statements about the Haryana swearing-in of 17 October 2024: 1. Along with the Chief Minister, 11 Cabinet Ministers and 2 Ministers of State took oath. 2. The Haryana Gazette notified that the Chief Minister entered upon his duties with effect from 17 October 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct. Lok Bhavan Haryana: the Governor also administered the oath to 11 Cabinet Ministers and 2 Ministers of State. The Gazette notification of 17 Oct 2024 says he entered upon the duties of his office with effect from 17 October 2024.
As reported on 17 October 2024, CJI D.Y. Chandrachud recommended which judge as the next Chief Justice of India?
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Correct answer: C — Justice Sanjiv Khanna
The Hindu and The Indian Express, 17 Oct 2024: CJI Chandrachud recommended Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the second-most senior judge, as his successor.
If appointed, Justice Sanjiv Khanna would become the ______ Chief Justice of India.
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Correct answer: A — 51st
The Hindu and The Indian Express: Justice Khanna would be the 51st Chief Justice of India.
Consider the following statements (as reported on 17 October 2024): 1. CJI D.Y. Chandrachud is due to retire on 10 November 2024. 2. Justice Sanjiv Khanna is due to retire on 13 May 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct per The Hindu and The Indian Express: Chief Justice Chandrachud retires on November 10; Justice Khanna is due to retire on May 13, 2025.
AROHA-2024, the first-ever international conference of the All India Institute of Ayurveda, was inaugurated on 17 October 2024 by:
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Correct answer: B — Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: AROHA-2024 was inaugurated today by Dr. Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India.
17 October 2024, the opening day of AROHA-2024, also marked which foundation day of the All India Institute of Ayurveda?
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Correct answer: C — 8th
PIB: the CJI said the day also marks the 8th foundation day of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA).
The tripartite agreement signed under Namami Gange (reported 17 October 2024) for Saharanpur, UP, aims to conserve Pawandhoi and Dhamola, which are tributaries of:
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Correct answer: A — Hindon
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: a tripartite agreement has been signed for the conservation of the Hindon River's tributaries, Pawandhoi and Dhamola, in Saharanpur.
Consider the following statements about the Namami Gange 2.0 projects reported on 17 October 2024: 1. A 25 MLD STP was completed in Patna-Danapur, Bihar. 2. The Saharanpur 135 MLD STP project will be built on the EPC model with full central funding. 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 wrong: the Saharanpur project will operate on a Hybrid Annuity PPP model, with World Bank financial assistance.
The 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which concluded on 17 October 2024, was held in:
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Correct answer: C — Geneva
PIB: Om Birla led a Parliamentary Delegation to the 149th IPU Assembly in Geneva, held from 13 to 17 October 2024.
Who led the Indian Parliamentary Delegation to the 149th IPU Assembly (13-17 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: B — Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
PIB: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla led a Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) to the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva.
The ETAI Framework launched for the Armed Forces on 17 October 2024 relates to:
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Correct answer: A — Evaluating trustworthy artificial intelligence
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: Evaluating Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (ETAI) Framework and Guidelines for the Armed Forces were launched.
The ETAI Framework and Guidelines were launched on 17 October 2024 by CDS General Anil Chauhan and:
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Correct answer: B — DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat
PIB: launched by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat in New Delhi on October 17.
Which of the following is NOT among the five broad principles of the ETAI Framework (October 2024)?
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Correct answer: C — Autonomy
PIB: the ETAI Framework focuses on five broad principles: Reliability & Robustness, Safety & Security, Transparency, Fairness and Privacy. Autonomy is not one of them.
The 'Scam se Bacho' national user awareness campaign launched on 17 October 2024 is a collaboration of the Government with:
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Correct answer: D — Meta
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: Government and Meta join forces for 'Scam se Bacho' campaign to tackle rising online scams.
At the 'Scam se Bacho' launch on 17 October 2024, how many cyber fraud cases were cited as reported in India in 2023?
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Correct answer: A — 1.1 million
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: rising cyber frauds, with 1.1 million cases reported in 2023.
Under CBDT's revised compounding guidelines of 17 October 2024, the multiple rates of compounding charges for TDS defaults were replaced by a single rate of:
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Correct answer: D — 1.5% per month
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: for TDS defaults, multiple rates of 2%, 3% and 5% have been reduced to single rate of 1.5% per month.
Consider the following statements about CBDT's revised compounding guidelines issued on 17 October 2024: 1. They apply only to new applications filed after the date of issue. 2. Interest chargeable on delayed payment of compounding charges has been abolished. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: PIB says the guidelines apply to pending as well as new applications. Statement 2 is correct: interest chargeable on delayed payment of compounding charges has been abolished.
'Pavana Chitra', unveiled on 17 October 2024 as India's first airport-based self-powered indoor air quality monitoring facility, is located at:
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Correct answer: B — Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: Dr Jitendra Singh unveiled Pavana Chitra, India's first Airport based self-powered indoor air quality monitoring facility at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
The indoor solar cells powering the 'Pavana Chitra' air quality monitor (October 2024) were developed by:
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Correct answer: D — CSIR-NIIST
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: the off-grid air quality monitor is powered by indigenous indoor solar cells developed by CSIR-NIIST, crafted from locally available materials.
Scientists at INST Mohali (reported 17 October 2024) developed a nose-to-brain delivery method for brain tuberculosis using nano-aggregates made of:
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Correct answer: A — Chitosan
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: scientists at INST Mohali used tiny particles made of a natural material called chitosan to deliver TB medicines directly to the brain through the nose.
The 4-lane access-controlled Northern Patiala Bypass approved on 17 October 2024 is how long?
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Correct answer: C — 28.9 km
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: approved ₹1,255.59 crore for the construction of a 28.9 km, 4-lane access-controlled Northern Patiala Bypass.
Who represented India at the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad (October 2024)?
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Correct answer: A — External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar
MEA, 16 Oct 2024: India's National Statement was delivered by External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar at the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad.
The SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting held in Islamabad in October 2024 was its:
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Correct answer: C — 23rd meeting
MEA, 16 Oct 2024: the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad.
In India's National Statement at the SCO CHG meeting (16 October 2024), which three key challenges were cited from the SCO Charter that the organisation is committed to combating?
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Correct answer: D — Terrorism, separatism and extremism
MEA, 16 Oct 2024: the key challenges were primarily three that the SCO was committed to combatting: one, terrorism; two, separatism; and three, extremism.
What is the MSP of wheat for Rabi Marketing Season 2025-26, approved by the CCEA on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2,425 per quintal
PIB, 16 Oct 2024 (MSP table): Wheat - MSP RMS 2025-26 ₹2425; MSP RMS 2024-25 ₹2275; increase ₹150.
Which Rabi crop got the highest absolute increase in MSP for Marketing Season 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — Rapeseed & mustard
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the absolute highest increase in MSP has been announced for Rapeseed & Mustard at Rs.300 per quintal, followed by Lentil (Masur) at Rs.275 per quintal.
For Rabi Marketing Season 2025-26, the expected margin over the all-India weighted average cost of production is highest for which crop?
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Correct answer: A — Wheat (105%)
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the expected margin over All-India weighted average cost of production is 105 percent for wheat, followed by 98 percent for rapeseed & mustard; 89 per cent for lentil; ... 50 percent for safflower.
Consider the following statements about the Rabi MSPs for Marketing Season 2025-26 approved on 16 October 2024: 1. Wheat received the highest absolute increase in MSP among Rabi crops. 2. The increase is in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing MSP at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the highest absolute increase was for rapeseed & mustard (₹300); wheat rose by ₹150. Statement 2 is correct per PIB. So statement 2 is correct.
President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Mauritania on 16 October 2024 was significant because it was:
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Correct answer: A — The first visit by an Indian President to Mauritania
PIB, 17 Oct 2024: This is the first visit by an Indian President to Mauritania.
With whom did President Murmu hold talks in Mauritania on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Mohamed Ould Ghazouani
PIB: the President held wide-ranging talks with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania at the Presidential Palace.
Which of the following was NOT among the areas of the four India-Mauritania MoUs signed on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Defence cooperation
PIB: four MoUs in the areas of training of diplomats, cultural exchange, visa exemption and foreign office consultations were signed. Defence cooperation was not among them.
Where did Omar Abdullah take oath as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar
The Hindu and The Indian Express, 16 Oct 2024: Omar Abdullah took oath at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
Omar Abdullah, sworn in on 16 October 2024, holds which distinction?
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Correct answer: D — First Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
The Hindu and The Indian Express: Omar Abdullah became the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Who administered the oath of office to Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
The Indian Express, 16 Oct 2024: Abdullah and his ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy by J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Consider the following statements about the Jammu and Kashmir swearing-in of 16 October 2024: 1. Surinder Kumar Choudhary was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. 2. It is Omar Abdullah's second term as Chief Minister, his first having begun in 2009. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct. The Hindu and The Indian Express: Surinder Kumar Choudhary was sworn in as Deputy CM. The Hindu: it is the second term of Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister after 2009.
India's total exports (merchandise and services) for April-September 2024, as estimated on 16 October 2024, were:
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Correct answer: C — USD 393.22 billion
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the cumulative overall exports during April-September 2024 is estimated at USD 393.22 Billion, as compared to USD 375 Billion in April-September 2023. (USD 213.22 bn is merchandise only; USD 448.05 bn is imports.)
What was the estimated growth of India's total exports in April-September 2024 over the same period of 2023?
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Correct answer: B — 4.86%
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: total exports during April-September 2024 estimated at USD 393.22 Billion registering a positive growth of 4.86 percent. (1.02% is merchandise growth; 6.89% is import growth; 3.76% is September growth.)
The Varanasi-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya multitracking project approved on 16 October 2024 includes a new rail-cum-road bridge across which river?
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Correct answer: B — Ganga
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: Cabinet approves construction of Varanasi-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya multitracking including a new Rail-cum-Road Bridge across Ganga River.
What is the estimated cost of the Varanasi-Pt. DDU multitracking project approved on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2,642 crore
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the total estimated cost of the project is Rs 2,642 crore (approx.).
Within how many years is the Varanasi-Pt. DDU multitracking project (approved 16 October 2024) to be completed?
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Correct answer: C — Four years
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the project will be completed in Four years.
The Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly (November 2024) is held under India's presidency and the co-presidency of:
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Correct answer: D — France
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: under the presidency of the Republic of India and co-presidency of the Republic of France, the seventh session of the ISA Assembly will be held at Bharat Mandapam.
Where is the Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly (3-6 November 2024) to be held?
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Correct answer: A — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the seventh session of the ISA Assembly will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 03 November to 06 November 2024.
The additional DA/DR instalment approved by the Cabinet on 16 October 2024 is effective from:
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Correct answer: C — 1 July 2024
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: additional instalment of DA and DR w.e.f. 01.07.2024, an increase of 3% over the existing rate of 50%.
What is the combined annual impact on the exchequer of the 3% DA/DR hike approved on 16 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — ₹9,448.35 crore
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the combined impact on the exchequer on account of both DA and DR would be Rs.9,448.35 crore per annum.
The Samarth scheme, extended till March 2026 (announced 16 October 2024), is a skilling scheme of which ministry?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Textiles
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: Samarth (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector) is a demand-driven and placement-oriented umbrella skilling program of the Ministry of Textiles.
Under the extension announced on 16 October 2024, the Samarth scheme has an outlay of ______ to train ______ persons.
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Correct answer: D — ₹495 crore; 3 lakh
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: Samarth has been extended for two years with a budget of Rs. 495 Crore to train 3 lakh persons in textile-related skills.
INS Shardul concluded its visit on 16 October 2024 at which port as part of a long range training deployment?
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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.
On departing Dubai (October 2024), INS Shardul conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise with which UAE Naval ship?
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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.
South Eastern Coalfields Limited's fourth AMRIT pharmacy, the country's 216th (reported 16 October 2024), is located in:
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Correct answer: C — Bilaspur
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: the 216th AMRIT pharmacy is located at the Health Centre in SECL's Indira Vihar Colony, Bilaspur. (Gevra in Korba and Sohagpur in Shahdol host the earlier ones.)
On 16 October 2024, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the foundation stone laying ceremony of which facility in Shillong?
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Correct answer: B — Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub
PIB, 16 Oct 2024: addressing the gathering at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub at Shillong today, the Vice-President...