India Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In which city was India's updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) released at CBD COP16 on 30 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Cali
PIB (MoEFCC), 3 Nov 2024: the document was released at a special event on 30 October 2024 in Cali, Colombia.
How many national biodiversity targets does India's updated NBSAP set?
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Correct answer: C — 23
PIB (MoEFCC), 3 Nov 2024: the updated NBSAP aligns with the KMGBF, setting 23 national biodiversity targets.
India's updated NBSAP, released at COP16, is aligned with which global framework?
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Correct answer: D — Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
PIB (MoEFCC), 3 Nov 2024: the updated NBSAP is aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
Consider the following about India's updated NBSAP: 1. It was released by Union MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh. 2. Its update involved a consultative process with 23 central ministries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MoEFCC), 3 Nov 2024: MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh released the updated NBSAP; the update was led by MoEFCC and involved 23 central ministries, departments, state-level organisations, communities and other stakeholders.
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in September 2024 (provisional) over September 2023?
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Correct answer: A — 2.0%
PIB (Commerce), 30 Oct 2024: the combined ICI increased by 2.0 per cent (provisional) in September 2024.
The eight core industries together account for what share of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?
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Correct answer: B — 40.27%
PIB (Commerce), 30 Oct 2024: the Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the IIP.
What was the cumulative (provisional) growth of the Index of Eight Core Industries during April–September 2024-25?
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Correct answer: D — 4.2%
PIB (Commerce), 30 Oct 2024: the cumulative growth rate of ICI during April to September 2024-25 is 4.2 per cent (provisional).
Consider the following about the core industries data for September 2024: 1. Cement, refinery products, coal, fertilizers and steel recorded positive growth. 2. Crude oil production grew over September 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (Commerce), 30 Oct 2024: cement, refinery products, coal, fertilizers and steel grew; crude oil production declined by 3.9% in September 2024.
Under the DoPPW OM of 30 October 2024, Dearness Relief for central government pensioners was raised to what rate of basic pension?
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Correct answer: B — 53%
PIB (DoPPW), 30 Oct 2024: DR rises from the existing rate of 50% to 53% of basic pension/family pension w.e.f. 01.07.2024.
From which date is the 3% additional instalment of DA/DR notified on 30 October 2024 effective?
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Correct answer: A — 1 July 2024
PIB (DoPPW), 30 Oct 2024: the additional instalment is due from 01.07.2024; higher DR applies w.e.f. 01.07.2024.
Which institute developed the 'Indian Equatorial Electrojet (IEEJ) Model', announced by DST on 30 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Navi Mumbai
PIB (DST), 30 Oct 2024: scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), Navi Mumbai, developed the empirical IEEJ Model.
IIG measures the Equatorial ElectroJet using ground-based magnetometers at which equatorial station near India's southern tip?
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Correct answer: B — Tirunelveli
PIB (DST), 30 Oct 2024: IIG regularly measures the EEJ current using ground-based magnetometers at the equatorial station Tirunelveli.
Where did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrate Deepawali with troops on 30 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 4 Corps Headquarters, Tezpur
PIB (MoD), 30 Oct 2024: Rajnath Singh celebrated Deepawali with troops at the 4 Corps Headquarters in Tezpur, Assam.
Which Chief of the Army Staff was present when the Defence Minister celebrated Diwali with troops at Tezpur on 30 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Gen Upendra Dwivedi
PIB (MoD), 30 Oct 2024: Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi was present.
Ferry services that resumed after IWAI dredged the Neamati–Kamalabari channel in October 2024 connect Majuli with:
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Correct answer: B — Jorhat
PIB (MoPSW), 30 Oct 2024: ferry services between Jorhat and Majuli were disrupted and resumed after dredging of the Neamati–Kamalabari channel.
The Neamati–Kamalabari channel's depth had fallen to 0.5 metres against what required minimum, disrupting ferries from 20 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 1.5 metres
PIB (MoPSW), 30 Oct 2024: channel depth became 0.5 metres against a minimum of 1.5 metres.
The Jorhat–Majuli ferry, restored in October 2024, operates on which National Waterway?
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Correct answer: A — NW-2 (Brahmaputra)
PIB (MoPSW), 30 Oct 2024: Sonowal said dredging ensured resumption of ferry services between Majuli and Jorhat on NW 2 (Brahmaputra).
With which institute did NTPC's NETRA develop an indigenous catalyst for converting CO2 to methanol (announced 30 October 2024)?
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Correct answer: D — Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun
PIB (Power), 30 Oct 2024: NETRA developed the catalyst in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun.
NETRA, which developed a CO2-to-methanol catalyst in 2024, is the R&D wing of which company?
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Correct answer: A — NTPC
PIB (Power), 30 Oct 2024: NETRA, the R&D wing of NTPC.
Consider the following about NTPC's CO2-to-methanol catalyst: 1. The methanol produced has a purity of more than 99%. 2. It is being tested in a 10 kg/day methanol pilot plant. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Power), 30 Oct 2024: performance assessment is under way in a specially designed 10 kg/day methanol pilot plant; methanol purity is more than 99%.
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan was invited as Guest of Honour in Algeria in November 2024 for the military parade marking:
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Correct answer: C — The 70th anniversary of the revolution of 1 November 1954
PIB (MoD), 30 Oct 2024: the Military Parade and Ceremony commemorating Algeria's 70th Anniversary of the Glorious revolution of 01 Nov 1954, where Gen Chauhan was invited as Guest of Honour.
According to the MoD release of 30 October 2024, what were the dates of CDS Gen Anil Chauhan's official visit to Algeria?
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Correct answer: D — 31 October–4 November 2024
PIB (MoD), 30 Oct 2024: the CDS will embark on an official visit to Algeria from 31st October to 4th November 2024.
On 30 October 2024, PM Modi congratulated the people of which city on its Deepotsav, calling it the first Deepawali after Lord Shri Ram was enthroned in his grand temple?
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Correct answer: B — Ayodhya
PIB, 30 Oct 2024: the PM congratulated the people of Ayodhya on the grand and divine Deepotsav; 'This is the first Deepawali after Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram has been enthroned in his grand temple.'
On 30 October 2024, PM Modi paid tributes to Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar on the occasion of his:
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Correct answer: D — Guru Pooja
PIB, 30 Oct 2024: the PM paid tributes to Shri Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar on the occasion of his Guru Pooja.
Which Chief of the Air Staff visited Jammu and forward IAF bases on the eve of Diwali 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
PIB (MoD), 30 Oct 2024: on the eve of Diwali, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, visited Jammu and some forward locations.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three anti-cancer drugs whose MRP NPPA directed manufacturers to reduce in October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Pembrolizumab
PIB (Pharmaceuticals), 29 Oct 2024: the three drugs are Trastuzumab, Osimertinib and Durvalumab.
The GST rate on Trastuzumab, Osimertinib and Durvalumab was cut with effect from 10 October 2024:
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Correct answer: D — From 12% to 5%
PIB (Pharmaceuticals), 29 Oct 2024: Notification 05/2024 dated 08.10.2024 reduced GST from 12% to 5% w.e.f. 10.10.2024.
Which edition of Ayurveda Day was observed on 29 October 2024, coinciding with Dhanvantari Jayanti?
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Correct answer: C — 9th
PIB (Ayush), 29 Oct 2024: the PM launched projects on the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day.
On 29 October 2024, PM Modi launched health-sector projects worth about ₹12,850 crore at which venue?
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Correct answer: A — All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi
PIB (PMO), 29 Oct 2024: projects worth around Rs 12,850 crore were launched at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.
On 29 October 2024, the PM said elderly people above 70 years would get free hospital treatment through which card?
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Correct answer: D — Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
PIB (PMO), 29 Oct 2024: every elderly person above 70 years of age will get free treatment in hospital by an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card.
Consider the following about the Ayush projects of 29 October 2024: 1. Foundation stones were laid for Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy at Khorda (Odisha) and Raipur (Chhattisgarh). 2. Phase II of AIIA includes a 500-bed Panchakarma hospital. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (Ayush), 29 Oct 2024: CRIYN foundation stones at Khorda and Raipur; AIIA Phase II includes a 150-bed (not 500-bed) Panchakarma hospital; the 500 figure refers to the seats of its auditorium.
What was the total of the dividend cheques handed to the Defence Minister by seven DPSUs on 29 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — ₹1,620 crore
PIB (MoD), 29 Oct 2024: seven DPSUs handed over dividend cheques amounting to Rs. 1,620 crore.
At the DPSU review on 29 October 2024, HAL was congratulated on becoming India's Maharatna PSU number:
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Correct answer: C — 14th
PIB (MoD), 29 Oct 2024: HAL got Maharatna status, becoming the 14th Maharatna PSU of India and the first among the DPSUs.
Where did the PM inaugurate the country's biggest Jan Aushadhi Kendra on 29 October 2024?
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Correct answer: C — AIIMS, New Delhi
PIB (Pharmaceuticals), 29 Oct 2024: the PM inaugurated the biggest Jan Aushadhi Kendra of the country at AIIMS, New Delhi.
The Centre of Excellence at NIPER Guwahati, whose foundation stone was laid on 29 October 2024, focuses on:
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Correct answer: A — Phytopharmaceuticals
PIB (Pharmaceuticals), 29 Oct 2024: NIPER Ahmedabad — medical devices; Hyderabad — bulk drugs; Guwahati — phytopharmaceuticals; Mohali — anti-bacterial and anti-viral drug discovery.
Consider the following about the PLI-scheme units inaugurated by the PM on 29 October 2024: 1. One unit is at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. 2. One unit is at Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Pharmaceuticals), 29 Oct 2024: the five PLI projects are at Vapi (Gujarat), Hyderabad (Telangana), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) and Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh).
The Indian Navy's challenge in ADITI 3.0, unveiled on 29 October 2024, is to design a:
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Correct answer: C — High-Power Microwave Weapon System
PIB (MoD), 29 Oct 2024: ADITI 3.0 features a challenge from the Indian Navy to design a High-Power Microwave Weapon System.
Where was the NIIO seminar 'Swavlamban' held on 29 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PIB (MoD), 29 Oct 2024: ADITI 3.0 and DISC 13 were unveiled during the NIIO seminar 'Swavlamban' at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
'Sagarmala Parikrama', flagged off at Swavlamban 2024, is an autonomous passage of about 1,500 km between:
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Correct answer: B — Mumbai and Tuticorin
PIB (MoD), 29 Oct 2024: the flag-off of 'Sagarmala Parikrama' to conduct an autonomous passage of about 1,500 km from Mumbai to Tuticorin.
What is the combined cost of the seven ESIC projects inaugurated or laid by the PM on 29 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — ₹1,641 crore
PIB (Labour), 29 Oct 2024: 7 ESIC projects worth Rs. 1,641 crore benefitting about 55 lakh beneficiaries.
Which ESIC Hospital did the PM virtually inaugurate on 29 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Indore
PIB (Labour), 29 Oct 2024: the PM virtually inaugurated the ESIC Hospital in Indore, Madhya Pradesh (300 beds, expandable to 500).
According to the Labour Minister on 29 October 2024, the ESIC network has expanded from 393 districts in 2014 to how many districts in 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 674
PIB (Labour), 29 Oct 2024: ESIC network has expanded from 393 districts in 2014 to 674 districts in 2024.
Indian Railways renewed its MoU with Switzerland's DETEC on 29 October 2024. When was the original MoU signed?
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Correct answer: B — 31 August 2017
PIB (Railways), 29 Oct 2024: the original MoU, signed on August 31, 2017, was valid for five years.
In India's COP16 national statement of 29 October 2024, the number of Indian Ramsar sites was said to have risen since 2014 from 26 to:
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Correct answer: D — 85
PIB (MoEFCC), 30 Oct 2024: India's Ramsar sites have risen from 26 to 85 since 2014.
According to India's COP16 statement, how many of the 36 globally recognised biodiversity hotspots does India house?
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Correct answer: B — Four
PIB (MoEFCC), 30 Oct 2024: India is one of the world's 17 megadiverse nations, housing four out of the 36 globally recognised biodiversity hotspots.
At CBD COP16, Colombia's Environment Minister Susana Muhamad took over the COP Presidency from:
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Correct answer: A — Huang Runqiu of China
PIB (MoEFCC), 30 Oct 2024: the MoS congratulated Susana Muhamad on taking over the COP Presidency from the longest-serving COP President, Huang Runqiu of China.
How many appointment letters did the PM distribute at the Rozgar Mela on 29 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — More than 51,000
PIB (PMO), 29 Oct 2024: the PM distributed more than 51,000 appointment letters via videoconferencing.
At the Rozgar Mela on 29 October 2024, the PM said the PM Internship Scheme provides paid internships in India's top how many companies?
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Correct answer: A — 500
PIB (PMO), 29 Oct 2024: under the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme, provision has been made for paid internships in the top 500 companies of India.
Which edition of SIMBEX was held from 23 to 29 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 31st
PIB (Defence), 31 Oct 2024: the 31st edition of SIMBEX was conducted from 23 to 29 Oct 2024.
Which Indian Navy ship of the Eastern Fleet took part in SIMBEX 2024 alongside RSS Tenacious?
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Correct answer: D — INS Shivalik
PIB (Defence), 31 Oct 2024: RSS Tenacious with the Indian Navy's INS Shivalik of the Eastern Fleet and a P8I aircraft participated.
Where was the harbour phase of SIMBEX 2024 held?
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam
PIB (Defence), 31 Oct 2024: the harbour phase was held at Visakhapatnam from 23–25 Oct; the sea phase was in the Bay of Bengal on 28–29 Oct.
How many sandstone replicas of the Konark wheels were installed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan, as announced on 29 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Four
PIB (President's Secretariat), 29 Oct 2024: four replicas of the Konark wheels, made of sandstone, have been installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan.
Where is the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft, inaugurated on 28 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Vadodara
PIB (MoD), 28 Oct 2024: the complex is at the TASL campus in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Consider the following about the C-295 facility inaugurated in Vadodara: 1. It is the first private-sector Final Assembly Line for military aircraft in India. 2. It was built by Tata Advanced Systems in collaboration with Airbus Spain. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MoD), 28 Oct 2024: the facility is the first private sector Final Assembly Line for military aircraft in the country; MEA's list of outcomes says it was built by Tata Advanced Systems in collaboration with Airbus Spain.
How many C-295 aircraft are to be manufactured in India under the programme?
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Correct answer: D — 40
MEA joint statement (PIB), 28 Oct 2024: the plant will roll out the first Made in India C295 in 2026, out of a total of 40 aircraft to be manufactured in India.
How many C-295 aircraft is Airbus Spain delivering to India in fly-away condition?
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Correct answer: B — 16
PIB (PMO), 28 Oct 2024: Airbus Spain is delivering 16 aircraft in fly-away condition, of which 6 have already been delivered to the IAF.
According to the MoD, by when is the first Made-in-India C-295 expected to be rolled out from Vadodara?
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Correct answer: B — September 2026
PIB (MoD), 28 Oct 2024: First Made-in-India C-295 expected to be rolled out by September 2026.
During Pedro Sanchez's visit in October 2024, India and Spain announced 2026 as the India-Spain Year of:
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Correct answer: D — Culture, Tourism and AI
MEA list of outcomes (PIB), 28 Oct 2024: Announcement of the Year 2026 as India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI.
In which Indian city did Spain announce it would establish a consulate in October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Bengaluru
MEA list of outcomes (PIB), 28 Oct 2024: establishment of a Spanish Consulate in Bengaluru and operationalisation of the Indian Consulate in Barcelona.
According to the India-Spain Joint Statement, Pedro Sanchez's visit in October 2024 was the first visit by a President of the Government of Spain to India after how many years?
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Correct answer: C — 18
MEA joint statement (PIB), 28 Oct 2024: this was the first visit by a President of the Government of Spain to India after 18 years.
Which formation day of the National Disaster Management Authority was marked on 28 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 20th
PIB (MHA), 29 Oct 2024: the Home Secretary addressed the 20th Formation day function of NDMA in New Delhi on Monday (28 Oct).
The Yuva Apada Mitra Scheme, launched on NDMA's 20th Formation Day, aims to create 2,37,326 young volunteers in how many districts?
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Correct answer: A — 315
PIB (MHA), 29 Oct 2024: the scheme will create 2,37,326 young volunteers in 315 districts of 28 states.
Consider the following about NDMA's 20th Formation Day: 1. The Yuva Apada Mitra Scheme was launched by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. 2. Its theme was 'Empowering Communities for Disaster Risk Reduction through Awareness for Behavioral Change'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MHA), 29 Oct 2024: the Home Secretary launched the scheme; the theme of the event was 'Empowering Communities for Disaster Risk Reduction through Awareness for Behavioral Change'.
What was the value of the projects the PM launched in Amreli, Gujarat, on 28 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Over ₹4,900 crore
PIB (PMO), 28 Oct 2024: projects worth over Rs 4,900 crore in Amreli, Gujarat.
Which water body did the PM inaugurate in Amreli on 28 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Mata Sarovar
PIB (PMO), 28 Oct 2024: the PM mentioned inaugurating Bharat Mata Sarovar in Amreli earlier that day.
Where is the 'BRIC-National Agri-Food Bio-Manufacturing Institute', whose new complex was inaugurated on 28 October 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Mohali
PIB (S&T), 28 Oct 2024: Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the new complex of India's first biomanufacturing institute at Mohali.
As described by the minister at Mohali, the 'E3' in the BioE3 policy refers to:
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Correct answer: A — Economy, Employment and Environment
PIB (S&T), 28 Oct 2024: BioE3 stands for biotechnology in the service of the economy, employment, and the environment.
Where is Northeast India's first ship repair facility, reviewed by Sarbananda Sonowal on 28 October 2024, being built?
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Correct answer: D — Pandu Port Complex
PIB (MoPSW), 28 Oct 2024: Sonowal reviewed the Northeast's first ship repair facility at the Pandu Multi Modal Terminal / Pandu Port Complex.
The Pandu projects reviewed on 28 October 2024 are along which National Waterway?
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Correct answer: C — NW-2 (Brahmaputra)
PIB (MoPSW), 28 Oct 2024: projects are being developed along the river Brahmaputra (National Waterway 2).
Which two Fast Patrol Vessels did the Indian Coast Guard launch on 28 October 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Adamya and Akshar
PIB (MoD), 28 Oct 2024: ICG simultaneously launched two FPVs, 'Adamya' and 'Akshar'.
Which shipyard built the ICG Fast Patrol Vessels 'Adamya' and 'Akshar'?
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Correct answer: C — Goa Shipyard Ltd
PIB (MoD), 28 Oct 2024: the FPVs were built by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) with over 60% indigenous content.
'Adamya' and 'Akshar' are part of a ₹473-crore contract with Goa Shipyard for how many Fast Patrol Vessels?
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Correct answer: D — Eight
PIB (MoD), 28 Oct 2024: the vessels are part of the contract signed with GSL for eight such FPVs at a cost of Rs 473 crore.
The FCI Grievance Redressal System (FCI GRS) mobile app launched on 28 October 2024 is meant for:
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Correct answer: B — Rice millers
PIB (Food & PD), 28 Oct 2024: Pralhad Joshi launched the FCI GRS mobile application for rice millers.