Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron ships that completed a visit to Manama, Bahrain on 16 October 2024 were:
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Correct answer: D — INS Tir and ICGS Veera
PIB: Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS) - INS Tir and ICGS Veera completed their long range training deployment to Manama, Bahrain, on 16 Oct 24.
Which assembly of the International Telecommunication Union did PM Modi inaugurate in New Delhi on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: the Prime Minister inaugurated the International Telecommunication Union - World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam.
Which edition of the India Mobile Congress did PM Modi inaugurate on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 8th
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: Shri Modi also inaugurated the 8th edition of India Mobile Congress during the programme.
At WTSA 2024 (15 October 2024), PM Modi said the length of optical fibre India laid in 10 years is how many times the Earth-Moon distance?
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Correct answer: D — Eight times
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: The length of optical fiber that India has laid in just 10 years is eight times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
Who was the ITU Secretary-General present at the inauguration of WTSA 2024 in New Delhi on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Doreen Bogdan-Martin
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: the Prime Minister welcomed ... Secretary General of ITU Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
On which date is polling for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election, as announced by the ECI on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 20 November 2024
ECI Press Note ECI/PN/158/2024: poll is scheduled to be held in a single phase in Maharashtra on 20.11.2024.
As per the ECI schedule announced on 15 October 2024, polling in Jharkhand will be held in:
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Correct answer: D — Two phases on 13 and 20 November 2024
ECI Press Note ECI/PN/158/2024: poll is scheduled to be held in 02 phases in Jharkhand on 13.11.2024 and 20.11.2024.
The bye-elections announced by the ECI on 15 October 2024 cover:
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Correct answer: A — 48 Assembly constituencies and 2 Parliamentary constituencies in 15 States
ECI Press Note ECI/PN/150/2024 (15 Oct 2024): schedule for bye-election to 48 Assembly Constituencies and 2 Parliamentary Constituencies of 15 States.
Consider the following statements about the bye-elections announced by the ECI on 15 October 2024: 1. The Wayanad Parliamentary constituency fell vacant due to the resignation of Rahul Gandhi. 2. Polling for the Nanded Parliamentary constituency and the Kedarnath Assembly constituency is on 20 November 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct per ECI Press Note ECI/PN/150/2024: 4-Wayanad PC - resignation of Rahul Gandhi; poll for 16-Nanded PC and 07-Kedarnath AC is on 20.11.2024 (other bye-elections on 13.11.2024).
In which state did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lay the foundation stone of the Indian Navy's new VLF station on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Telangana
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: foundation stone of a new VLF Station of the Indian Navy at the Damagundam Reserve Forest site, Pudur Mandal in Vikarabad, Telangana.
What does 'VLF' stand for in the Navy station whose foundation stone was laid at Vikarabad on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Very Low Frequency
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: Raksha Mantri laid the foundation stone of a new Very Low Frequency (VLF) Station of the Indian Navy.
The Navy's VLF station at Vikarabad (foundation stone laid 15 October 2024) is to cost ______ and be spread across ______.
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Correct answer: D — ₹3,200 crore; 2,900 acres
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: the facility, built at a cost of Rs 3,200 crore, will be spread across 2,900 acres.
The district version of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan launched on 15 October 2024 covers how many aspirational districts?
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Correct answer: B — 27
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: Shri Piyush Goyal launched the district version of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for 27 aspirational districts.
Along with the District Master Plan on 15 October 2024, Piyush Goyal also launched guidelines for preparing:
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Correct answer: D — City Logistics Plans for Indian cities
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: Shri Piyush Goyal launches 'Guidelines for Preparing City Logistics Plans for Indian Cities' to help cities tailor logistics planning.
Which body issued the 'Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024' on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Central Consumer Protection Authority
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) unveiled the guidelines titled 'Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024'.
Consider the following statements about the CCPA greenwashing guidelines of 15 October 2024: 1. Words such as 'sustainable', 'natural' and 'organic' may be used freely without any qualifier. 2. Specific environmental claims must be supported by credible certification or reliable scientific evidence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: such words shall not be used without adequate, accurate and accessible qualifier. Statement 2 is correct per PIB. So statement 2 is correct.
Who took over as the 26th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Paramesh Sivamani
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: DG Paramesh Sivamani took over as the 26th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Paramesh Sivamani, who became the 26th DG of the Indian Coast Guard on 15 October 2024, had been holding additional charge of DG Coast Guard since:
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Correct answer: B — August 2024
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: he was elevated to Additional Director General in September 2022 ... and was given the additional charge of Director General Coast Guard in August 2024.
In which subject did the Algerian university confer an honorary doctorate on President Droupadi Murmu on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Political Science
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the Honorary Doctorate in Political Science in recognition of her advocacy of science and knowledge for all social groups in India.
The honorary doctorate conferred on President Murmu on 15 October 2024 was awarded by which institution, at a function in Sidi Abdellah?
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Correct answer: A — Scientific and Technological Hub, Martyr Ihaddaden Abdelhafid University
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: The Scientific and Technological Hub, Martyr Ihaddaden Abdelhafid University of Algeria conferred the Degree of Honorary Doctorate on the President at a function held at Sidi Abdellah.
How much did the government approve for the three AI Centres of Excellence announced on 15 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — ₹990 crore
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: Government approved Rs. 990.00 Crore for creation of three AI-CoEs.
The three AI Centres of Excellence announced on 15 October 2024 focus on:
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Correct answer: A — Healthcare, agriculture and sustainable cities
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: three AI Centres of Excellence (CoE) focused on Healthcare, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities.
The apex committee for implementing the three AI Centres of Excellence (announced 15 October 2024) was led by:
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Correct answer: B — Sridhar Vembu
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: he complimented the apex committee led by Shri Sridhar Vembu for their efforts towards the implementation of these CoEs. (K. Sanjay Murthy is Secretary, Higher Education.)
The National Maritime Heritage Complex, on which PM Modi wrote a LinkedIn post on 15 October 2024, is being developed at:
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Correct answer: D — Lothal
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: PM wrote a post on LinkedIn elaborating on the advantages of developing a National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat.
The Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, 2024, on which CBDT issued FAQs on 15 October 2024, was enacted through:
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Correct answer: A — The Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: the DTVSV Scheme, 2024 was announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 and enacted through the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024.
The National Skill Training Institute extension centre inaugurated on 15 October 2024 is housed at which campus in Visakhapatnam?
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Correct answer: B — Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ)
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: Jayant Chaudhary inaugurated the National Skill Training Institute Extension Centre at AMTZ Campus, Visakhapatnam; the NSTI extension centre is housed at the AMTZ campus.
On 15 October 2024, MLAs of which state, representing the Kuki-Zo-Hmar, Meitei and Naga communities, met in New Delhi and appealed to all communities to shun violence?
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Correct answer: C — Manipur
PIB, 15 Oct 2024: a group of elected members of Manipur Assembly, representing Kuki-Zo-Hmar, Meitei and Naga communities, met in New Delhi ... resolved to appeal to the people of the State ... to shun the path of violence.
India's High Commissioner to Canada, whose withdrawal the MEA announced on 14 October 2024, was:
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Correct answer: A — Sanjay Kumar Verma
MEA (14 Oct 2024): the Government of India decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials; MEA's statement that day names High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma.
Who was the Canadian Acting High Commissioner among the six diplomats India expelled on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Stewart Ross Wheeler
MEA (14 Oct 2024): the 6 Canadian diplomats to be expelled include Mr. Stewart Ross Wheeler, Acting High Commissioner.
How many Canadian diplomats did India decide to expel on 14 October 2024, and by when were they asked to leave?
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Correct answer: D — 6; by 11:59 PM on 19 October 2024
MEA (14 Oct 2024): the Government of India decided to expel 6 Canadian diplomats, asked to leave India by or before 11:59 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
Consider the following statements about the MEA releases of 14 October 2024 on Canada: 1. The Canadian Charge d'Affaires was summoned by Secretary (East) that evening. 2. Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert was among the six Canadian diplomats to be expelled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct per MEA (14 Oct 2024): the Canadian Charge d'Affaires was summoned by Secretary (East) this evening; the expulsion list includes Mr. Patrick Hebert, Deputy High Commissioner.
The National Electricity Plan (Transmission) launched on 14 October 2024 was prepared by:
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Correct answer: C — Central Electricity Authority
PIB (14 Oct 2024): CEA prepared the detailed National Electricity Plan (Transmission) in consultation with stakeholders.
As per the National Electricity Plan (Transmission), the investment opportunity in the transmission sector till 2032 is over:
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Correct answer: B — ₹9,15,000 crore
PIB (14 Oct 2024): the plan provides visibility of an investment opportunity of over INR 9,15,000 Crores in the transmission sector till 2032.
Consider the following statements about the National Electricity Plan (Transmission): 1. It considers 47 GW of Battery Energy Storage Systems and 31 GW of Pumped Storage Plants. 2. Inter-regional transmission capacity is planned to reach 168 GW by 2032. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct per PIB (14 Oct 2024): the plan considers 47 GW BESS and 31 GW PSP; inter-regional capacity to increase to 143 GW by 2027 and 168 GW by 2032 from 119 GW.
Who is the President of Algeria with whom President Droupadi Murmu held talks on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Abdelmadjid Tebboune
PIB (14 Oct 2024): President Murmu held a meeting with Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.
President Murmu's October 2024 State Visits, which began in Algeria, covered which three countries?
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Correct answer: C — Algeria, Mauritania and Malawi
PIB (14 Oct 2024): Algiers was the first leg of her State Visits to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi.
At which venue in Algiers did President Murmu meet President Tebboune on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — El Mouradia Palace
PIB (14 Oct 2024): the President visited the El Mouradia Palace where she held a meeting with President Tebboune; the memorial and museum were visited earlier that morning.
What was the all-India year-on-year CPI inflation rate for September 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 5.49%
MoSPI via PIB (14 Oct 2024): year-on-year inflation rate based on All India CPI for September 2024 is 5.49%.
What was the all-India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) inflation for September 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 9.24%
MoSPI via PIB (14 Oct 2024): year-on-year inflation based on All India CFPI is 9.24% (Provisional) for September 2024.
Consider the following statements about CPI data for September 2024: 1. Rural CPI inflation was lower than urban CPI inflation. 2. CFPI inflation was below 5%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct per MoSPI (14 Oct 2024): rural inflation 5.87% was higher than urban 5.05%, and CFPI inflation was 9.24%.
By how much did the NPPA raise the ceiling prices of 11 scheduled formulations of 8 drugs, as announced on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 50%
PIB (14 Oct 2024): NPPA approved increase in the ceiling prices of eleven scheduled formulations of eight drugs by 50% of their current ceiling prices.
Consider the following statements about the NPPA decision announced on 14 October 2024: 1. The NPPA reduced the ceiling prices of the eight drugs. 2. The NPPA invoked extraordinary powers under Para 19 of the DPCO, 2013. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 2 is correct; statement 1 is wrong. PIB (14 Oct 2024): invoking extraordinary powers under Para 19 of DPCO 2013, NPPA approved an increase (not a reduction) in ceiling prices.
Who was India's Ambassador to Japan with whom the Army Chief was to interact in Tokyo on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Sibi George
PIB (14 Oct 2024): on 14 October General Upendra Dwivedi will interact with Shri Sibi George, Indian Ambassador to Japan.
On the last day of his Japan visit (17 October 2024), where was General Upendra Dwivedi scheduled to lay a wreath?
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Correct answer: A — Hiroshima Peace Park
PIB (14 Oct 2024): on 17 October the COAS will visit Hiroshima and lay a wreath at Hiroshima Peace Park and pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi's Statue there.
'Samarthak', launched on 14 October 2024, is the first ship of which Indian Navy project?
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Correct answer: A — Multi Purpose Vessel project
PIB (14 Oct 2024): Samarthak is the first ship of the two Multi Purpose Vessel project being built by L&T Shipyard for the Indian Navy.
When was the contract for the two Multi Purpose Vessels signed between the Ministry of Defence and L&T Shipyard?
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Correct answer: C — 25 March 2022
PIB (14 Oct 2024): the contract for building two Multi Purpose Vessels was signed between MoD and L&T Shipyard on 25 Mar 22.
Stage-I of GRAP, invoked across the NCR on 14 October 2024, corresponds to which Delhi AQI range?
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Correct answer: A — 201-300 ('Poor')
PIB (14 Oct 2024): Stage-I of GRAP - 'POOR' Air Quality (Delhi AQI ranging between 201-300).
How many actions are envisaged under Stage-I of the revised GRAP invoked on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 27
PIB (14 Oct 2024): all 27 actions as envisaged under Stage-I of the revised GRAP to be implemented from 8:00 AM of 15.10.2024.
Which of the following countries was NOT among the participants of the MALABAR 2024 Sea Phase?
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Correct answer: D — France
PIB (15 Oct 2024): ships and aircraft from Australia, India, Japan and USA took part; France was not a participant.
The Sea Phase of MALABAR 2024 commenced on 14 October 2024 off the coast of:
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam
PIB (15 Oct 2024): the Sea Phase of Exercise MALABAR 2024 commenced on 14 Oct 24 off the coast of Visakhapatnam.
The PLI Scheme for White Goods, whose third application round drew 38 applicants in October 2024, covers which products?
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Correct answer: C — Air conditioners and LED lights
PIB (14 Oct 2024): PLI Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners and LED lights).
What was the net committed investment by the 38 applicants in the third round of the PLI Scheme for White Goods?
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Correct answer: A — ₹4,121 crore
PIB (14 Oct 2024): the third round attracted 38 responses with a net committed investment of Rs 4,121 crore.
What was the annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for September 2024, released on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 1.84%
PIB (14 Oct 2024): annual rate of inflation based on all India WPI is 1.84% (Provisional) for September 2024.
What is the base year of the Wholesale Price Index series used for the September 2024 data?
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Correct answer: A — 2011-12
PIB (14 Oct 2024): Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India for September 2024 (Base Year: 2011-12).
The MAHA-EV Mission launched by ANRF on 14 October 2024 focuses on R&D in:
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Correct answer: A — Electric vehicle components such as battery cells, PEMD and charging infrastructure
PIB (14 Oct 2024): MAHA-EV Mission is designed to build an R&D ecosystem for EV components particularly Battery Cells, Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD) and Charging Infrastructure.
The first meeting of the ANRF Governing Board, which began its operationalisation, was held on:
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Correct answer: C — 10 September 2024
PIB (14 Oct 2024): the operationalisation of ANRF was initiated with the first meeting of the Governing Board on September 10, 2024, chaired by the Prime Minister.
The AI chatbot for the Skill India Digital Portal under the MSDE-Meta partnership (October 2024) is powered by which model?
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Correct answer: B — Llama
PIB (14 Oct 2024): an AI-chatbot powered by Meta's open-source Llama model will be developed for the Skill India Digital Portal.
Which of the following is NOT among the NSTI locations for the five VR/MR Centres of Excellence under the MSDE-Meta partnership?
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Correct answer: D — Kolkata
PIB (14 Oct 2024): the 5 CoEs are at NSTIs located at Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai and Kanpur; Kolkata is not listed.
Who assumed charge as Director General Medical Services (Navy) on 14 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai
PIB (14 Oct 2024): Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai, SM, VSM assumes charge as Director General Medical Services (Navy) on 14 Oct 24.
During his October 2024 Nagaland visit, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram visited an Eklavya Model Residential School at:
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Correct answer: D — Diphupar
PIB (14 Oct 2024): Shri Oram also visited the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in Diphupar.
Alongside its first Mid-Career Training Programme for BIMSTEC civil servants (October 2024), the NCGG began the 34th Capacity Building Programme for civil servants of:
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Correct answer: C — Maldives
PIB (14 Oct 2024): the first BIMSTEC programme was held alongside the 34th Capacity Building Programme for civil servants from the Maldives.
The Presidential Order of 13 October 2024 revoking President's Rule in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir was issued under which section of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019?
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Correct answer: B — Section 73
Gazette S.O. 4484(E), 13 Oct 2024: the Order was issued in exercise of powers conferred by section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019; section 54 concerns the CM's appointment.
The 13 October 2024 Order revoked the earlier Order in relation to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir dated:
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Correct answer: D — 31 October 2019
Gazette S.O. 4484(E): the Order dated the 31st October, 2019 in relation to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall stand revoked.
The revocation Order of 13 October 2024 for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir was issued under the Reorganisation Act read with which Articles of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: A — Articles 239 and 239A
Gazette S.O. 4484(E): section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 read with articles 239 and 239A of the Constitution of India.
Consider the following statements about Gazette notification S.O. 4484(E) of 13 October 2024: 1. It was issued by the Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs. 2. The revocation takes effect immediately before the appointment of the Chief Minister under Section 54 of the Reorganisation Act. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct per the Gazette: notification of MHA (Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs); the Order stands revoked immediately before the appointment of the Chief Minister under section 54.