Europe Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
At the 14th India-France CEOs Forum in Paris (February 2025), PM Modi said roughly how many compliances had been rationalised in the last few years?
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Correct answer: C — Over 40,000
Modi said more than 40,000 compliances had been rationalised and that a high-level committee for regulatory reforms had been constituted.
Alar Karis, whom PM Modi met for the first time on the sidelines of the Paris AI Action Summit in February 2025, is the President of:
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Correct answer: D — Estonia
Alar Karis is the President of Estonia; the two leaders discussed cyber security and the India-Nordic-Baltic format.
Phase-2 of which India-UK bilateral programme was announced at the Fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue on 10 February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — ASPIRE (Accelerating Smart Power & Renewable Energy in India)
The ministers launched Phase-2 of the Accelerating Smart Power & Renewable Energy in India (ASPIRE) programme.
Who co-chaired the Fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue in New Delhi on 10 February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Manohar Lal and Ed Miliband
The dialogue was co-chaired by India's Power Minister Manohar Lal and the UK's Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband.
Where was the 2nd India-France AI Policy Roundtable held on 10 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Sciences Po, Paris
The roundtable was held at the Sciences Po university campus in Paris as a side event of the AI Action Summit.
The C295 project, cited at the 5th India–Spain defence Joint Working Group meeting in February 2025, is a partnership of Airbus Spain with which Indian company?
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Correct answer: B — Tata Advanced Systems Limited
The C295 project of Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems Limited is the first Make-in-India project in the defence aircraft sector.
Who won the Tata Steel Masters chess tournament on 2 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — R Praggnanandhaa
R Praggnanandhaa won the Tata Steel Masters 2025 after beating D Gukesh in a blitz tiebreak; Gukesh was second and Abdusattorov third.
R Praggnanandhaa beat which player in the tiebreak to win the Tata Steel Masters 2025?
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Correct answer: A — D Gukesh
Praggnanandhaa and world champion D Gukesh tied on 8.5/13; Praggnanandhaa won the blitz tiebreak 2–1, taking the sudden-death game.
The 87th Tata Steel Chess Tournament, whose Masters section R Praggnanandhaa won in February 2025, was held in which country?
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Correct answer: D — Netherlands
The 87th Tata Steel Chess Tournament was held from 18 January to 2 February 2025 at Wijk aan Zee in the Netherlands.
With which European Commissioner did Piyush Goyal hold a High Level Dialogue in Brussels on 18–19 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Maroš Šefčovič
PIB 2094362: Goyal met Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security.
Consider the following statements about the Goyal–Šefčovič High Level Dialogue of January 2025: 1. It was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders. 2. It was held in New Delhi. 3. Goyal outlined six principles for an India–EU partnership. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2094362: it was their first in-person meeting and Goyal outlined six principles; the dialogue was held in Brussels, not New Delhi.
At the January 2025 India–EU High Level Dialogue, Piyush Goyal estimated the combined India–EU market at over how much?
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Correct answer: D — $24 trillion
PIB 2094362: Goyal described the combined market as currently estimated at over $24 trillion, with 2 billion people.
Which edition of the India–EU Human Rights Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 8 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 11th
MEA joint press release: the 11th India–EU Human Rights Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 8 January 2025.
When was the India–EU Human Rights Dialogue held before its January 2025 round?
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Correct answer: D — July 2022
MEA: the sides exchanged views on developments since the last Dialogue in July 2022.
At the 11th India–EU Human Rights Dialogue, which position did India reiterate?
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Correct answer: A — Recognition of the Right to Development as a distinct, universal, inalienable and fundamental human right
MEA: India reiterated its stand on recognition of the Right to Development as a distinct, universal, inalienable and fundamental human right; the EU reiterated its opposition to capital punishment.
António Costa, who called PM Modi on 7 January 2025, holds which post?
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Correct answer: B — President of the European Council
PIB (PMO): António Costa is President of the European Council; the PM congratulated him on assuming charge.
During the 7 January 2025 call between PM Modi and António Costa, where was the next India–EU Summit said to be held?
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Correct answer: C — India
PIB (PMO): the leaders looked forward to the next India–EU Summit to be held in India at a mutually convenient time.
Which agreement did PM Modi and António Costa underline the need to conclude early during their call on 7 January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — India–EU Free Trade Agreement
PIB (PMO): the leaders underlined the need for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India–EU FTA.
Jayant N. Khobragade, appointed on 4 January 2025, will be India's next Ambassador to which country?
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Correct answer: A — Poland
MEA: Jayant N. Khobragade (IFS: 1995), presently Ambassador to ASEAN, has been appointed the next Ambassador of India to Poland.
Who was appointed on 4 January 2025 as the next Ambassador of India to ASEAN?
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Correct answer: B — Srinivas Gotru
MEA: Srinivas Gotru (IFS: 1997), presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry, has been appointed the next Ambassador of India to ASEAN.
Which aircraft carrier led the French Carrier Strike Group that visited India from 3 to 9 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — FNS Charles de Gaulle
PIB (Defence): the group was led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle; FS Forbin was one of the ships that visited Kochi.
At which two Indian ports did the French Carrier Strike Group make port calls during its January 2025 visit?
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Correct answer: C — Goa and Kochi
PIB (Defence): the visit from 03–09 Jan 25 included port calls in Goa and Kochi.
With which Indian Navy formation did the French Carrier Strike Group hold a PASSEX in January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Western Fleet
PIB (Defence): in Goa, the group is hosting engagements including a PASSEX at sea with the Indian Navy's Western Fleet.
With which company did the Ministry of Defence sign a contract of about ₹1,990 crore on 30 December 2024 for construction of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) plug for the DRDO-AIP system?
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Correct answer: A — Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
PIB (Defence): the ~₹1,990 crore AIP plug contract was signed with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai.
The ₹877 crore contract signed with Naval Group, France, on 30 December 2024 is for integrating the Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo on which class of Indian Navy submarines?
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Correct answer: D — Kalvari class
PIB (Defence): the Naval Group contract covers integration of the DRDO-developed EHWT on the Kalvari-class submarines.
Consider the following statements about the submarine contracts signed by the Ministry of Defence on 30 December 2024: 1. The two contracts together were worth about ₹2,867 crore. 2. The AIP technology is being indigenously developed by DRDO. 3. The torpedo integration contract was the larger of the two, at about ₹1,990 crore. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Defence): the contracts total about ₹2,867 crore and the AIP technology is being developed by DRDO; the EHWT contract was about ₹877 crore while the AIP plug contract was about ₹1,990 crore, so statement 3 is wrong.
Pierre-Sylvain Filliozat, the French Sanskrit scholar who died on 28 December 2024, had received which Indian civilian award in January 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Padma Shri
French Association for Indian Studies notice (INDOLOGY list): Filliozat received the Padma Shri in January 2024.
Pierre-Sylvain Filliozat's father, the Indologist Jean Filliozat, founded which institution?
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Correct answer: C — French Institute of Pondicherry
French Association for Indian Studies notice: Jean Filliozat, a professor at the Collège de France, was the founder of the French Institute of Pondicherry; Pierre-Sylvain was a member of the EFEO.
Pierre-Sylvain Filliozat frequently lived for long periods at his house in Yadavagiri, which is in which Indian city?
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Correct answer: A — Mysuru
French Association for Indian Studies notice: he resided frequently and for long periods at his house in Yadavagiri, Mysore.
Which session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation was held in Moscow on 10 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 21st
PIB (10 Dec 2024): the 21st session of the IRIGC-M&MTC was co-chaired by Rajnath Singh and Andrey Belousov in Moscow on December 10, 2024.
Who co-chaired the 21st IRIGC-M&MTC with Rajnath Singh on 10 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Andrey Belousov
PIB (10 Dec 2024): the session was co-chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov.
The India-Russia Military Technical Cooperation agreement mentioned at the 21st IRIGC-M&MTC covers which period?
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Correct answer: D — 2021-31
PIB (10 Dec 2024): Belousov said the operationalisation of the Military Technical Cooperation agreement for 2021-31 will give necessary impetus to 'Make in India'.
Whom did Rajnath Singh call on in Moscow on 10 December 2024, on the margins of the IRIGC-M&MTC?
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Correct answer: B — Vladimir Putin
PIB (10 Dec 2024): Rajnath Singh called on the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in Moscow on the margins of the 21st IRIGC-M&MTC.
Consider the following about Rajnath Singh's visit to Moscow on 10 December 2024: 1. He laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 2. The Russian Defence Minister congratulated him on the commissioning of INS Tushil. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (10 Dec 2024): before the meeting Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at 'The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' in Moscow, and Belousov congratulated him on the commissioning of INS Tushil.
Where was INS Tushil commissioned into the Indian Navy on 9 December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad
PIB (9 Dec 2024): INS Tushil (F 70) was commissioned in the presence of Rajnath Singh at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia on December 09, 2024.
What is the pennant number of INS Tushil?
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Correct answer: B — F 70
PIB (9 Dec 2024): INS Tushil (F 70), the latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy.
INS Tushil is an upgraded frigate of which class and project?
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Correct answer: D — Krivak III class, Project 1135.6
PIB (9 Dec 2024): INS Tushil is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate of Project 1135.6.
What is INS Tushil's position in the Project 1135.6 series of frigates?
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Correct answer: A — Seventh
PIB (9 Dec 2024): six Project 1135.6 ships are already in service (three Talwar class and three Teg class); INS Tushil is the seventh in the series and the first of two upgraded additional follow-on ships.
Consider the following about INS Tushil: 1. Its keel was laid on 12 July 2013. 2. It is the first of the three Teg class ships built at Yantar Shipyard. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the keel was laid on July 12, 2013. Statement 2 is incorrect: the three Teg class ships are already in service; INS Tushil is the first of two upgraded additional follow-on ships.
George Jacob Koovakad, created a Cardinal by Pope Francis on 7 December 2024, was serving as the coordinator of:
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Correct answer: C — The Pope's Apostolic Journeys
Holy See Press Office (7 Dec 2024): among the 21 new Cardinals was George Jacob Koovakad, titular archbishop of Nisibis of the Chaldeans, coordinator of Apostolic Journeys.
How many new Cardinals did Pope Francis create at the Ordinary Public Consistory on 7 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 21
Holy See Press Office (7 Dec 2024): the Holy Father held an Ordinary Public Consistory in the Vatican Basilica for the creation of 21 new Cardinals.
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, created on 7 December 2024, is incardinated in which Indian archdiocese, according to his official Holy See biography?
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Correct answer: A — Changanacherry
Holy See Press Office biography: Koovakad was born in Chethipuzha, India, on 11 August 1973, ordained in 2004 and incardinated in Changanacherry.
Which French Prime Minister was ousted in a no-confidence vote on 4 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Michel Barnier
BBC and Reuters (4 Dec 2024): French lawmakers passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, bringing down his government.
How many votes were cast in support of the no-confidence motion against Michel Barnier's government on 4 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 331
BBC and Reuters (4 Dec 2024): a total of 331 lawmakers voted in support of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
The fall of Michel Barnier's government on 4 December 2024 was the first time a French government lost a no-confidence vote since:
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Correct answer: C — 1962
BBC and Reuters (4 Dec 2024): it was the first time a French government had collapsed in a no-confidence vote since 1962.
Consider the following statements about the French no-confidence vote of 4 December 2024: 1. It followed Michel Barnier's use of special powers to push through his budget without a vote. 2. President Emmanuel Macron resigned after the vote. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
BBC and Reuters (4 Dec 2024): the motion followed Barnier's use of special powers to force through his budget without a vote, so statement 1 is correct. BBC reports Macron had said he would not resign whatever the outcome and was due to address the nation, so statement 2 is wrong. Answer: 1 only.
Which Italian Navy tall ship docked at the Indira Dock of Mumbai Port, where Sarbananda Sonowal met Italian minister Adolfo Urso on 30 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Amerigo Vespucci
PIB (MoPSW): the meeting took place during the docking of the Italian Navy school ship Amerigo Vespucci at the Indira Docks in Mumbai Port.
Consider the following statements: 1. Sarbananda Sonowal sought Italy's collaboration for the National Maritime Heritage Complex being built at Lothal, Gujarat. 2. The ship Amerigo Vespucci was commissioned in May 1931. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MoPSW): Sonowal requested support for the NMHC at Lothal, Gujarat, and the release states Amerigo Vespucci was commissioned in May 1931. Both are correct.
Where was the India–UK Statement of Intent on electric propulsion systems for the Indian Navy signed on 28 November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Portsmouth
PIB (MoD): the SoI was signed between the defence ministries of India and the UK in Portsmouth on 28 November 2024.
Under the India–UK electric propulsion partnership, which planned Indian Navy vessels are envisaged to have a Full Electric Propulsion System?
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Correct answer: B — Landing Platform Docks
PIB (MoD): the Landing Platform Docks, planned to be built at an Indian shipyard, are envisaged to have a Full Electric Propulsion System.
Which Indian body received the 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award on 25 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Chemical Council
PIB: the 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award was conferred on the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) during CSP-29 in The Hague — the first time it recognised a chemical industry body.
Consider the following statements, as given in the release on the 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award: 1. The Chemical Weapons Convention came into force in 1997 and has 193 States Parties. 2. The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB: the CWC came into force in 1997 and presently has 193 States Parties, and the OPCW won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013, after which it set up the OPCW-The Hague Award in 2014. Both are correct.
In which German city was the News9 Global Summit, addressed by PM Modi via video conference on 22 November 2024, held?
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Correct answer: A — Stuttgart
PIB (PMO): the PM addressed the News 9 Global Summit in Stuttgart, Germany, through video conference.
According to PM Modi at the News9 Global Summit (22 November 2024), 2024 marks which anniversary of the Indo-German Strategic Partnership?
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Correct answer: B — 25th
PIB (PMO): the year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Indo-German Strategic Partnership.
What was the theme of the News9 Global Summit held in Stuttgart in November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — India-Germany: A Roadmap for Sustainable Growth
PIB (PMO): the theme of the summit was 'India-Germany: A Roadmap for Sustainable Growth'.
India and Italy announced a Joint Strategic Action Plan for which period at the G20 Rio Summit on 18 November 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 2025-2029
PIB (MEA): PM Modi and PM Meloni announced the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029.
Where had PM Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni met in June 2024, before their meeting at the G20 Rio Summit?
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Correct answer: D — Puglia
PIB (MEA): the Rio meeting was their fifth in two years; they last met in June 2024 in Puglia.
Consider the following about the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029: 1. It includes a pilot project to train health professionals in India for employment in Italy. 2. It provides for cooperation between the Italian Space Agency and ISRO. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MEA): both are in the plan, along with an Italian space industry mission to India ideally by mid-2025.
For which CSR project did Coal India Ltd receive the Green World Environment Award 2024 in London on 18 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna
PIB (Coal): the award was given for CIL's Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna, which funds curative bone marrow transplants.
Which organisation gives the Green World Awards, one of which Coal India received in November 2024?
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Correct answer: C — The Green Organisation
PIB (Coal): the award was given by The Green Organisation, which began in 1994.
In which two UK cities did PM Modi announce new Consulates General of India during his first meeting with PM Keir Starmer on 18 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Belfast and Manchester
PIB (MEA): PM Modi announced two new Consulates General of India in the UK in Belfast and Manchester.
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and which country, as noted at a G20 Rio meeting on 18 November 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Portugal
PIB (MEA): Modi and Portugal's PM Luís Montenegro noted that 2025 marks 50 years of India-Portugal diplomatic relations.
Consider the following about PM Modi's meetings at G20 Rio on 18 November 2024: 1. His meeting with Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto was their first. 2. His meeting with France's President Emmanuel Macron was their first of the year. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (MEA): the meeting with Prabowo was their first; the meeting with Macron was their third that year, after his Republic Day visit to India.
Denis Manturov, who called on PM Modi on 11 November 2024, holds which post?
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Correct answer: B — First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia
PIB (PMO): Denis Manturov is the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
While meeting Denis Manturov, PM Modi referred to decisions taken during his recent meetings with President Putin in which cities?
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Correct answer: B — Moscow and Kazan
PIB (PMO): the PM welcomed efforts to implement decisions taken during his recent visits and meetings with President Putin in Moscow and Kazan.
Which Greek Prime Minister spoke with PM Modi by phone on 1 November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Kyriakos Mitsotakis
PIB (PMO): PM Modi received a telephone call from the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Which economic corridor did PM Modi and PM Mitsotakis discuss in their November 2024 call?
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Correct answer: A — IMEEC
PIB (PMO): the leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues, including IMEEC and developments in West Asia.
What was the theme of the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan (22-24 October 2024), as stated in the Kazan Declaration?
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Correct answer: B — Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security
Kazan Declaration, para 1: the leaders met in Kazan from 22 to 24 October 2024 for the XVI BRICS Summit under the theme 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security'.
How many new BRICS partner countries did the leaders welcome at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan (PIB, 23 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — 13
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: 'The leaders welcomed the 13 new BRICS partner countries.'
In the Kazan Declaration (23 October 2024), 'BRICS Clear' refers to:
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Correct answer: A — An independent cross-border settlement and depositary infrastructure
Kazan Declaration: leaders agree to discuss and study the feasibility of establishment of an independent cross-border settlement and depositary infrastructure, BRICS Clear.
The Kazan Declaration (23 October 2024) welcomed India's candidacy to host which event?
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Correct answer: C — COP 33 in 2028
Kazan Declaration: 'We support Brazil's leadership in hosting COP30 in 2025 and welcome India's candidacy to host COP 33 in 2028.'
At their meeting in Kazan on 23 October 2024, PM Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed that which mechanism would meet at an early date on the India-China boundary question?
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Correct answer: A — Special Representatives
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary question will meet at an early date to oversee the management of peace and tranquillity in border areas.
At the Kazan meeting (23 October 2024), PM Modi welcomed the recent agreement for complete disengagement and resolution of issues in the India-China border areas that arose in:
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Correct answer: C — 2020
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: welcoming the recent agreement for complete disengagement and resolution of issues that arose in 2020 in the India-China border areas.
Where did PM Modi meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on 23 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Kazan, on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit
PIB, 23 Oct 2024: PM Modi met Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit at Kazan on 23 October 2024.
Before their meeting in Kazan on 22 October 2024, PM Modi and President Putin had met in Moscow in July 2024 for which India-Russia Annual Summit?
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Correct answer: B — 22nd
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: the two leaders had earlier met in Moscow for the 22nd Annual Summit in July 2024.
At the Kazan meeting (22 October 2024), PM Modi invited President Putin to visit India next year for:
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Correct answer: C — The 23rd Annual Summit
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: 'Prime Minister invited President Putin to visit India next year for the 23rd Annual Summit.'
Consider the following statements about PM Modi's October 2024 visit to Russia: 1. In his departure statement of 22 October 2024, the PM said he was going on a two-day visit to Kazan at the invitation of President Putin. 2. The Kazan meeting of 22 October 2024 was the first meeting between PM Modi and President Putin in 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct (departure statement). Statement 2 is wrong: PIB says it was their second meeting this year, after the July 2024 Annual Summit in Moscow.
PM Modi met Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in Kazan on 22 October 2024 and congratulated him on his election as the ______ President of Iran.
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Correct answer: D — 9th
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: the PM congratulated Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on his election as the 9th President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
At their Kazan meeting (22 October 2024), PM Modi and President Pezeshkian agreed to continue cooperation in which multilateral forums, as named by PIB?
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Correct answer: A — BRICS and SCO
PIB, 22 Oct 2024: 'The leaders agreed to continue their cooperation in various multilateral forums, including BRICS and SCO.'