Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
By what margin did Australia beat India in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Group A match on 13 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 9 runs
BBC Sport and ESPNcricinfo scorecard (13 Oct 2024): Australia 151-8, India 142-9; Australia won by nine runs.
Where was the India vs Australia ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 match played on 13 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Sharjah
ICC and BBC Sport (13 Oct 2024): Australia sealed their semi-final place during India's chase in Sharjah.
Before the 2024 edition, Australia had won the three previous ICC Women's T20 World Cups. In which years?
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Correct answer: A — 2018, 2020 and 2023
ICC (13 Oct 2024): Australia are targeting a four-peat having triumphed in each of the three previous editions, in 2018, 2020 and 2023.
Thane Creek Bridge 3, whose north channel was inaugurated on 13 October 2024, is on which highway?
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Correct answer: D — Sion-Panvel Highway
Hindustan Times and Free Press Journal (13 Oct 2024): CM Shinde inaugurated the north channel of Thane Creek Bridge 3 on the Sion-Panvel Highway.
The seven creek bridges whose foundation stone was laid on 13 October 2024 are on the coastal highway between:
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Correct answer: B — Rewas (Raigad) and Redi (Sindhudurg)
Free Press Journal (13 Oct 2024): seven creek bridges on the coastal road between Rewas in Raigad district and Redi in Sindhudurg district; Hindustan Times also names the Rewas-Redi Coastal Highway.
Which agency is executing the Thane Creek Bridge 3 and the Rewas-Redi creek bridge projects?
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Correct answer: C — Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC)
Hindustan Times (13 Oct 2024): all these projects are planned and executed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC); FPJ also cites MSRDC.
Under the CCPA direction announced on 13 October 2024, Ola consumers can choose their refund as:
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Correct answer: D — Bank account refund or a coupon
PIB (13 Oct 2024): CCPA directed Ola to let consumers choose their preferred method of refund, either directly to their bank account or via coupon.
Who headed the Central Consumer Protection Authority as Chief Commissioner when it issued directions to Ola in October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Nidhi Khare
PIB (13 Oct 2024): the Authority is headed by Chief Commissioner Smt. Nidhi Khare.
As noted by the CCPA in the Ola case, not issuing a bill or invoice for services rendered is an 'unfair trade practice' under:
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Correct answer: A — The Consumer Protection Act, 2019
PIB (13 Oct 2024): not issuing bill or invoice or receipt for services rendered constitutes an 'unfair trade practice' under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
As per the Government's October 2024 backgrounder, Tele MANAS has handled over how many calls since its launch?
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Correct answer: C — 14.7 lakh
PIB backgrounder (13 Oct 2024): Tele MANAS has handled over 14.7 lakh calls since its launch.
When was the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) launched?
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Correct answer: A — 10 October 2022
PIB backgrounder (13 Oct 2024): the National Tele Mental Health Programme was launched by the Government of India on October 10, 2022.
In how many Indian languages is the Tele MANAS service available, as per the October 2024 backgrounder?
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Correct answer: D — 20
PIB backgrounder (13 Oct 2024): the service is available in 20 Indian languages.
On completion of three years of PM GatiShakti (13 October 2024), the Prime Minister visited the Anubhuti Kendra at:
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Correct answer: A — Bharat Mandapam
PIB (13 Oct 2024): the Prime Minister visited Anubhuti Kendra at Bharat Mandapam on completion of 3 years of GatiShakti.
How many years of PM GatiShakti were completed on 13 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Three
PIB (13 Oct 2024): the Prime Minister visited the Anubhuti Kendra on completion of 3 years of PM GatiShakti.
While hailing three years of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the Prime Minister shared posts by MyGov and which Union Minister?
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Correct answer: D — Piyush Goyal
PIB (13 Oct 2024): sharing on X a post by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and a thread by MyGov.
India's first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers, inaugurated on 13 October 2024, is located at:
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Correct answer: C — Jejuri, Pune
PIB (13 Oct 2024): Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated India's first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers at Jejuri in Pune.
The biopolymer demonstration facility at Jejuri uses indigenous technology to produce which bioplastic?
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Correct answer: A — Polylactic Acid (PLA)
PIB (13 Oct 2024): the facility is a pioneering effort in indigenously integrated technology for the production of Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic.
Which company built India's first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers at Jejuri?
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Correct answer: B — Praj Industries
PIB (13 Oct 2024): the facility has been built by Praj Industries.
Which helpline number did Tamil Nadu announce on 13 October 2024 for round-the-clock rain-related help in Chennai?
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Correct answer: A — 1913
The Hindu and Business Standard (13 Oct 2024): helpline 1913 established to serve the public round the clock, with 150 personnel.
Residents were asked to download which app for rain information when the Chennai command centre was reviewed on 13 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — TN Alert
The Hindu ('Tamil Nadu Alert') and Business Standard ('TN ALERT'), 13 Oct 2024: people can download the TN Alert app to receive rain information.
The 'Purple Revolution' mentioned by Dr Jitendra Singh to J&K students on 13 October 2024 is linked to the cultivation of:
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Correct answer: B — Lavender
PIB (13 Oct 2024): the Purple Revolution benefits J&K youth who grow lavender and distil perfume and oil from it.
Addressing the Indian community in Algiers on 13 October 2024, how did President Murmu describe the community?
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Correct answer: C — As a bridge taking forward India's interests and soft power
PIB (14 Oct 2024): the President said the Indian community in Algeria is a bridge taking forward India's interests and soft power.
What was the total cost of the 75 BRO projects dedicated to the nation on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — ₹2,236 crore
PIB (12 Oct 2024): Rajnath Singh virtually dedicated 75 BRO projects at a cost of Rs 2,236 crore.
From where did Rajnath Singh virtually dedicate the 75 BRO projects on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Trishakti Corps HQ, Sukna, West Bengal
PIB (12 Oct 2024): Raksha Mantri inaugurated the projects from the Headquarters, Trishakti Corps in Sukna, West Bengal.
The Kupup-Sherathang Road, a highlight of the BRO projects inaugurated on 12 October 2024, is in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Sikkim
PIB (12 Oct 2024): one of the main highlights was the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim, linking Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and the Zuluk axis.
Consider the following statements about the 75 BRO projects dedicated on 12 October 2024: 1. They comprise 22 roads, 51 bridges and two other projects. 2. Ladakh has the largest number of these projects. 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. PIB (12 Oct 2024): 22 roads, 51 bridges and two others; 19 are in Jammu and Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh and 11 in Ladakh.
What is the target number of internships under the pilot of the PM Internship Scheme for FY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: B — 1.25 lakh
PIB backgrounder (12 Oct 2024): the pilot project for FY 2024-25 targets 1.25 lakh internships.
From which date could candidates apply through the PM Internship Portal?
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Correct answer: D — 12 October 2024
PIB backgrounder (12 Oct 2024): internships can be applied for through the PM Internship Portal from October 12, 2024; the scheme was launched on October 3, 2024.
On what basis were the 500 partner companies of the PM Internship Scheme identified?
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Correct answer: A — Average CSR expenditure over the last three years
PIB backgrounder (12 Oct 2024): the Ministry identified top 500 companies based on their average CSR expenditure over the last three years.
Consider the following statements about the PM Internship Scheme pilot: 1. It is for youth aged 21 to 24 years. 2. Interns receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both correct per PIB (12 Oct 2024): 12-month internship for youth aged 21 to 24 years; monthly stipend of ₹5,000, plus a one-time grant of ₹6,000.
India's total of 297/6 against Bangladesh on 12 October 2024 is significant because it is:
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Correct answer: A — The highest T20I total by a full-member team
ICC (12 Oct 2024): India's total of 297/6 is the highest by a full-member team in T20I history; Nepal's 314/3 v Mongolia is the highest overall.
Which team holds the highest total in men's T20Is (314/3), ahead of India's 297/6?
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Correct answer: C — Nepal
ICC (12 Oct 2024): Nepal recorded 314/3 against Mongolia in 2023, the highest total ever in men's T20Is.
By how many runs did India beat Bangladesh in the third T20I at Hyderabad on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 133 runs
BBC Sport and ESPNcricinfo (12 Oct 2024): India 297/6, Bangladesh 164/7; India won by 133 runs.
In which district of Madhya Pradesh did the DRI bust an illegal mephedrone factory on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Jhabua
PIB (14 Oct 2024): DRI busted a factory in the Industrial Area of Meghnagar, Dist. Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, in the early hours of 12-10-2024.
What was the total quantity and value of mephedrone seized by the DRI in Meghnagar in October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 112 kg; ₹168 crore
PIB (14 Oct 2024): 36 kg powder and 76 kg liquid mephedrone (112 kg) worth Rs. 168 crore seized.
Mephedrone, seized by the DRI in Jhabua, is a psychotropic substance under which law?
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Correct answer: B — NDPS Act, 1985
PIB (14 Oct 2024): Mephedrone is a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985.
How much did Rajasthan receive as the first instalment of XV Finance Commission grants for rural local bodies for 2024-25, released on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Over ₹1,267 crore
PIB (12 Oct 2024): over Rs.1267 crores for Rajasthan and over Rs.988 crores for Andhra Pradesh released as the first instalment.
Untied XV Finance Commission grants to Panchayats can be used across how many subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule?
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Correct answer: C — 29
PIB (12 Oct 2024): untied grants enable Panchayats to address local needs across 29 subjects under the Eleventh Schedule.
Which of the following is NOT a permitted use of untied XV Finance Commission grants for rural local bodies?
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Correct answer: D — Salaries and establishment costs
PIB (12 Oct 2024): untied grants cover subjects from agriculture and rural housing to education and sanitation, but cannot be used for salaries or establishment costs.
How many Indo-US teams were given the opportunity to work together under the USISTEF awards presented on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 17
PIB (12 Oct 2024): 17 Indo-US teams given opportunity to work together, primarily to develop AI-enabled tech and quantum technologies.
The USISTEF award teams of October 2024 will work primarily on which technologies?
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Correct answer: B — AI-enabled technology and quantum technologies
PIB (12 Oct 2024): the 17 teams will work together primarily to develop AI-enabled tech and Quantum Technologies.
Which US Ambassador participated in the USISTEF award function on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Eric Garcetti
PIB (12 Oct 2024): the USISTEF award function, in which United States Ambassador Eric Garcetti also participated.
Under which provision did the CAQM authorise district authorities on 12 October 2024 to prosecute officials for inaction on stubble burning?
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Correct answer: D — Section 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021
PIB (12 Oct 2024): the CAQM, in exercise of the powers vested under section 14 of the CAQM Act 2021, authorised the Deputy Commissioners/District Collectors/District Magistrates.
How many Central Teams did the CAQM deploy to Punjab and Haryana to check paddy stubble burning (October 2024)?
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Correct answer: B — 26
PIB (12 Oct 2024): the CAQM deployed 26 Central Teams to Punjab and Haryana.
How many paddy residue burning events were reported from Punjab between 15 September and 9 October 2024, as per the CAQM?
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Correct answer: A — 267
PIB (12 Oct 2024): 267 and 187 paddy residue burning events were reported from Punjab and Haryana respectively during 15 September - 9 October 2024.
Where did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh perform Shastra Pooja on Dussehra, 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Sukna Military Station, West Bengal
PIB (12 Oct 2024): Rajnath Singh performed the traditional Shastra Pooja at the Sukna Military Station in West Bengal on October 12, 2024.
From which fund did the PM approve ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh per deceased for the Kaithal and Mehsana incidents on 12 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF)
PIB (12 Oct 2024): an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased; Rs. 50,000 for the injured.
In the context of the rooftop solar plant inaugurated in Hyderabad on 12 October 2024, what does GSITI stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Geological Survey of India Training Institute
PIB (12 Oct 2024): G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated the Rooftop Solar Power Plant at the Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI) in Hyderabad.
Who was the Prime Minister of Lao PDR with whom PM Modi held bilateral talks in Vientiane on 11 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Sonexay Siphandone
PIB (11 Oct 2024): PM Modi held bilateral talks with Prime Minister of Lao PDR Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane.
The three Quick Impact Projects exchanged between India and Laos on 11 October 2024 were under which framework?
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Correct answer: A — Mekong-Ganga Cooperation
PIB (11 Oct 2024): three Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation were exchanged in the presence of the two leaders.
Under the India-Laos broadcasting MoU of 11 October 2024, Lao National Television partnered with which Indian body?
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Correct answer: D — Prasar Bharati
PIB list of outcomes (11 Oct 2024): MoU on Cooperation of Broadcasting between Lao National Television and Prasar Bharati.
Consider the following statements about the India-Laos outcomes of 11 October 2024: 1. One QIP concerns shadow puppet theatre in Champasak province. 2. The defence MoU was signed on the Indian side by the Chief of Defence Staff. 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. PIB list of outcomes (11 Oct 2024): a QIP on preservation of shadow puppet theatre's performance in Champasak province; the defence MoU was signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The 19th East Asia Summit, attended by PM Narendra Modi on 11 October 2024, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Vientiane
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the PM attended the 19th East Asia Summit on 11 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
At the 19th East Asia Summit, PM Modi invited EAS countries to a Heads of Higher Education Conclave at which institution?
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Correct answer: D — Nalanda University
PIB (11 Oct 2024): recalling EAS support for its revival, the PM invited EAS countries to a Heads of Higher Education Conclave at Nalanda University.
At the 19th East Asia Summit, PM Modi conveyed good wishes to which country as the new Chair of ASEAN?
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Correct answer: A — Malaysia
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the PM conveyed his good wishes to Malaysia as the new Chair of ASEAN and expressed India's full support to it.
Consider the following statements about PM Modi's address at the 19th East Asia Summit (11 October 2024): 1. He said India's participation in the EAS is an important pillar of its Act East Policy. 2. He stressed ASEAN's central role in the Indo-Pacific regional architecture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. PIB (11 Oct 2024): the PM stressed ASEAN's central role in the Indo-Pacific regional architecture and underlined that India's participation in the EAS was an important pillar of its Act East Policy.
Who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2024, announced on 11 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Nihon Hidankyo
Norwegian Nobel Committee (Oslo, 11 Oct 2024): the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 is awarded to the Japanese organisation Nihon Hidankyo.
The term 'Hibakusha', associated with the Nobel Peace Prize 2024 laureate, refers to whom?
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Correct answer: C — Survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Nobel press release (11 Oct 2024): Nihon Hidankyo is a grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha.
In which year was Nihon Hidankyo, the Nobel Peace Prize 2024 laureate, formed?
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Correct answer: D — 1956
Nobel press release (11 Oct 2024): in 1956, local Hibakusha associations and victims of Pacific nuclear tests formed the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organisations, shortened to Nihon Hidankyo.
Consider the following statements about the Nobel Peace Prize 2024: 1. It was announced by the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo. 2. The Committee described the international norm against using nuclear weapons as 'the nuclear taboo'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The press release is dated Oslo, 11 October 2024, from the Norwegian Nobel Committee, and says the norm stigmatising nuclear weapon use has become known as 'the nuclear taboo'.
Prerna Sthal, inaugurated on 11 October 2024 in memory of 22 soldiers, is located at Burdang in which state?
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Correct answer: C — Sikkim
PIB (11 Oct 2024): Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated Prerna Sthal at Burdang in Sikkim in memory of 22 soldiers.
The 22 soldiers commemorated at Prerna Sthal, Burdang, lost their lives in a glacial lake outburst flood at which lake?
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Correct answer: B — South Lhonak Lake
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the soldiers lost their lives during a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood at the South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim in October last year.
As per the Quick Estimate released on 11 October 2024, what was India's IIP growth rate for August 2024?
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Correct answer: D — (-)0.1 percent
MoSPI via PIB (11 Oct 2024): the IIP growth rate for August 2024 is (-)0.1 percent, against 4.7% in July 2024.
Which sector recorded the steepest decline in the IIP for August 2024, attributed likely to heavy rainfall?
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Correct answer: B — Mining
MoSPI via PIB (11 Oct 2024): mining grew (-)4.3 percent, the steepest fall; the decline is likely due to heavy rainfall in August 2024.
Consider the following statements about the IIP Quick Estimate for August 2024: 1. Manufacturing recorded negative growth. 2. The index for August 2024 was higher than in August 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct. MoSPI via PIB (11 Oct 2024): manufacturing grew 1.0 percent, and the index stood at 145.6 against 145.8 in August 2023.
Which Indian body, along with the NRA of India, was found on 11 October 2024 to meet WHO indicators for a functional vaccine regulatory system?
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Correct answer: B — CDSCO
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), along with the NRA of India and affiliated institutions, meets the WHO indicators for a functional vaccine regulatory system.
Against which version of the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool was India's vaccine regulatory system declared 'functional' in October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Version VI
PIB (11 Oct 2024): India has been declared 'functional' against all the core regulatory functions of the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool Version VI.
Consider the following statements about the WHO re-benchmarking of India's vaccine regulatory system: 1. The review was conducted from 16 to 20 September 2024 by an expert team led by WHO headquarters. 2. India's system had earlier been benchmarked in 2017 against GBT version V. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. PIB (11 Oct 2024): the WHO HQ-led review ran from September 16 to 20, 2024, and India's system was benchmarked in 2017 against GBT version V.
Through which body did the Government of Maharashtra sign the MoU with NIELIT on 11 October 2024 for Centres of Excellence?
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Correct answer: C — Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the MoU was signed between NIELIT and the Government of Maharashtra through its Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education, Mumbai.
Which Union Minister said the NIELIT-Maharashtra Centres of Excellence effort of 11 October 2024, beginning in Maharashtra, will be extended to other states?
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Correct answer: B — Ashwini Vaishnaw
PIB (11 Oct 2024): Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology, said the effort, beginning in Maharashtra, will be extended to other states.
Swavlamban 2024, announced by the Indian Navy on 11 October 2024, is which edition of its Naval Innovation and Indigenisation seminar?
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Correct answer: D — Third
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the 3rd edition of the Indian Navy's NIIO seminar, Swavlamban 2024, is scheduled at Bharat Mandapam on 28-29 October 2024.
PM Modi held his first meeting with which Prime Minister of Thailand in Vientiane on 11 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Paetongtarn Shinawatra
PIB (11 Oct 2024): PM Modi met Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, on the sidelines of the EAS in Vientiane; this was the first meeting between the two Prime Ministers.
Under which banner did States and UTs hold the 10-day celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child from 2 to 11 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
PIB (11 Oct 2024): all States and UTs organised the special 10-day programme under the banner of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
The mortal remains of ICG pilot Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana, reported retrieved on 11 October 2024, were found off which coast?
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Correct answer: B — Porbandar
PIB (11 Oct 2024): the remains were retrieved approximately 55 km south-west off the coast of Porbandar.