CA - 10 Flashcards

1
Q

What is India’s stance on the IPEF?

A

India has joined three of the four pillars, excluding the trade pillar.
India will specifically participate in the clean energy pillar’s cooperative working group on carbon markets.

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2
Q

How do carbon markets work?

A

Also known as emissions trading systems or cap-and-trade programs.
Market-based mechanisms that put a price on greenhouse gas emissions.
Designed to incentivize the reduction of emissions.

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3
Q

Who has been given the additional charge of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries?

A

Kiren Rijiju has been given the additional charge of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries1.

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4
Q

What is World Sparrow Day?

A

March 20th

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5
Q

What is the theme for this year’s World Sparrow Day?

A

“I Love Sparrows”

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6
Q

What does the International Labor Organization (ILO) study?

A

The ILO studies workplace issues, including forced labor, providing data and analysis to promote workers’ rights globally.

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7
Q

How much illegal profit does forced labor generate in the private economy annually?

A

$236 billion

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8
Q

How has the illegal profit generated by forced labor changed since 2014?

A

It has increased by $64 billion, or 37%.

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9
Q

What was the title of the ILO’s recent report on forced labor?

A

“Profits and Poverty: The Economics of Forced Labour”

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10
Q

Approximately how many people are in forced labor globally, according to the ILO?

A

27.6 million people

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11
Q

How has the number of people trapped in forced labor changed between 2016 and 2021?

A

it has increased by 2.7 million people.

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12
Q

Which region generates the highest illegal profits from forced labor?

A

Europe and Central Asia ($84 billion)

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13
Q

What is the key agreement between the CAG of India and IIT Delhi?

A

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

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14
Q

What is the focus of the MoU?

A

Artificial Intelligence (AI) collaboration in the field of auditing.

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15
Q

When did India unveil its national strategy for AI?

A

2018

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16
Q

What are the goals of India’s national AI strategy?

A

Encourage innovation, workforce skilling, and promote responsible AI adoption.

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17
Q

What benefits will the CAG gain from this MoU?

A

Access to AI expertise, workforce training (capacity building), and the development of customized AI solutions for auditing.

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18
Q

How much is Australia contributing to British industry for the construction of nuclear-powered submarines?

A

4.6 billion Australian dollars (USD 3 billion)

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19
Q

What is the purpose of Australia’s contribution?

A

To support the construction of nuclear-powered submarines and ensure their timely delivery for the Australian navy.

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20
Q

What security pact did Australia and the UK sign before this announcement?

A

A defence and security pact to address regional challenges, including China’s activity in the South China Sea and South Pacific.

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21
Q

How will the construction be divided between the UK and Australia?

A

The UK’s Rolls-Royce will build the nuclear reactors in Derby, and BAE Systems in Adelaide, Australia will construct the submarines.

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22
Q

What is the name of the trilateral security partnership for which these submarines are being built?

A

AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom, and United States)

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23
Q

What type of submarines will Australia receive?

A

Virginia-class submarines based on a UK design, equipped with US weapons systems.

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24
Q

When will Australia receive its first nuclear-powered submarines?

A

Early 2030s (at least three submarines)

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25
Q

What is the overall goal of the AUKUS partnership regarding submarines?

A

To establish a strong, self-sufficient industrial base across all three countries for submarine production and maintenance.

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26
Q

Who is set to become Ireland’s youngest ever taoiseach?

A

Simon Harris is set to become Ireland’s youngest ever taoiseach [PM]

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27
Q

What is the name of the new border patrol surveillance drone?

A

Trishul

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28
Q

Who manufactures the Trishul drone?

A

Garuda Aerospace

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29
Q

Who is the brand ambassador and backer of Garuda Aerospace?

A

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (famous cricket legend)

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30
Q

What are some use cases for the Trishul drone?

A

Monitoring people movement, surveying natural calamities, assessing traffic

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31
Q

What kind of sensors does the Trishul drone have?

A

High-definition cameras, infrared, and radar

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32
Q

What type of data can the Trishul drone provide?

A

Information about speed and potential safety threats

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33
Q

What is the denomination of the commemorative coin released for the RBI’s 90th anniversary?

A

₹90

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34
Q

What is the metal used to make the RBI 90th anniversary coin?

A

Pure Silver (99.9%)

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35
Q

What is the weight of the RBI 90th anniversary coin?

A

40 grams

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36
Q

What is the diameter of the RBI 90th anniversary coin?

A

44 mm

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37
Q

What is a unique feature on the edge of the RBI 90th anniversary coin?

A

200 serrations (tiny saw-tooth like indentions on the edge of the coin for security and to prevent counterfeiting)

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38
Q

What image is featured in the center of the RBI 90th anniversary coin?

A

Iconic RBI logo

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39
Q

What inscription is below the RBI logo on the commemorative coin?

A

“RBI@90”

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40
Q

What image appears on the other side of the RBI 90th anniversary coin?

A

Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar

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41
Q

What national motto is inscribed below the Lion Capital on the coin?

A

Satyamev Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs) in Devanagari script

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42
Q

How many commemorative coins have been issued for the RBI in total, including the 90th-anniversary coin?

A

Three (3)

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43
Q

When were the previous commemorative coins issued for the RBI?

A

1985 (Golden Jubilee) and 2010 (Platinum Jubilee)

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44
Q

Who has been appointed as India’s new ambassador to Russia?

A

Vinay Kumar

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45
Q

What are some of Vinay Kumar’s previous diplomatic postings?

A

India’s envoy to Afghanistan and Myanmar

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46
Q

With whom did Central Bank of India sign a distributorship agreement for mutual fund products?

A

PPFAS Asset Management Company Limited

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47
Q

How will customers of Central Bank of India be able to invest in mutual funds under this agreement?

A

Do-it-yourself (DIY) model

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48
Q

What new requirement is SEBI proposing for companies listing on the main board?

A

Disclosures in DRHP (Draft Red Herring Prospectus) and RHP (Red Herring Prospectus) must be made available in audio-visual (AV) format.

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49
Q

What languages will the AV disclosures be made available in?

A

English and Hindi

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50
Q

What is the purpose of the AV format for disclosures?

A

To provide ease in understanding key features of the public issue and reference important disclosures.

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51
Q

What is the maximum allowed duration for the AV presentation?

A

8 minutes

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52
Q

How should the time in the AV presentation be distributed?

A

equitably among various sections of the offer document (risk factors, capital structure, business information, etc.)

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53
Q

What guidelines exist for the content of the AV presentation?

A

Must be factual, non-promotional, and non-repetitive

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54
Q

When should the AV presentation be revised?

A

At the RHP (Red Herring Prospectus) stage

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55
Q

What is the publication timeline for the AV presentation?

A

Within 5 working days of submitting or re-submitting the DRHP.

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56
Q

Where should the AV presentation be made available?

A

Digital/social media platforms of the Issuer and the Association of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI).

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57
Q

To whom did HDFC Bank sell its stake in HDFC Credila?

A

BPEA EQT and ChrysCapital (private equity firms)

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58
Q

What was the total value of the sale?

A

Rs 9,553 crore

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59
Q

What will happen to HDFC Credila after the sale?

A

It will no longer be a subsidiary of HDFC Bank.

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60
Q

Does HDFC Bank completely exit its stake in HDFC Credila?

A

No, they will retain a 9.99% stake.

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61
Q

Why did HDFC Bank sell its stake in HDFC Credila?

A

RBI directive to reduce holding to 10% within two years of merging with HDFC.

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62
Q

What was HDFC Credila’s total revenue in the last fiscal year?

A

Rs 1,352.18 crore

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63
Q

What was the loan book size of HDFC Credila in the last fiscal year?

A

Rs 15,298 crore

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64
Q

What was HDFC Bank’s net profit for the September-December quarter of FY24?

A

Rs 16,373 crore

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65
Q

What was the growth rate of the Indian direct selling industry in 2022-23 compared to the previous year?

A

12% year-on-year

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66
Q

What was the overall industry turnover of the Indian direct selling industry in 2022-23?

A

Rs 21,282 crore

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67
Q

What was the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Indian direct selling industry between 2019-20 and 2022-23?

A

8.3%

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68
Q

How much did the total sales in the Indian direct selling industry increase in 2022-23 compared to the pandemic-affected 2021-22?

A

Rs 2,252 crore

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69
Q

How many positions did India climb in the global direct selling market ranking in 2022 compared to 2019?

A

One position (from 15th to 11th)

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70
Q

Approximately how many direct sellers are actively working in India (2022-23)?

A

86 lakh

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71
Q

What service is being offered through the expanded partnership between HDFC Bank and TD Bank Group?

A

Supporting Indian students planning to study in Canada

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72
Q

How will HDFC Bank help students?

A

By referring them to TD’s International Student Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) Program

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73
Q

What is the benefit of using TD’s International Student GIC Program?

A

Helps students comply with Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) study permit pathway

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74
Q

What functionalities does the TD International Student GIC Program offer?

A

Enables students to open accounts digitally and meet study visa/living expense requirements.

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75
Q

What is the existing relationship between HDFC Bank and TD Bank Group?

A

TD has been HDFC Bank’s main correspondent bank for Canadian dollar clearing since 2015 (This provides a background to the partnership).

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76
Q

How many Indian students were studying in Canada with active permits in 2023 (according to the passage)?

A

Over 425,000

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77
Q

Front: Who has been appointed as the Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics?

A

Six-time women boxing World Champion Mary Kom1.

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78
Q

Who will be India’s flag bearer at the Paris Olympics?

A

Veteran table tennis player and CWG champion Sharath Kamal

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79
Q

Who is assisting Mary Kom as the Deputy Chef de Mission for the Paris Olympics?

A

Luger Shiva Keshavan

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80
Q

Who will oversee India’s operations at the shooting range for the Paris Olympics?

A

Olympic bronze medallist in rifle shooting Gagan Narang

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81
Q

How many quotas has India secured for the shooting events at the Paris Olympics?

A

India has secured 19 quotas, marking its largest-ever shooting contingent

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82
Q

Who is the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)?

A

PT Usha, a legendary former athlete and multiple Asian Games gold medallist

83
Q

What is the dollar amount of funding NAB Samruddhi Finance Ltd. has provided for WASH initiatives?

A

$45 million

84
Q

What does the acronym WASH stand for in this context?

A

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

85
Q

How many partner institutions has NAB Samruddhi Finance Ltd. worked with to support WASH initiatives?

A

32 partner institutions

86
Q

What kind of support does NAB Samruddhi Finance Ltd. provide WASH initiatives?

A

Concessional wholesale WASH loans (using refinance from NABARD)
Blended technical support from partners (Water.org and FINISH Mondial)

87
Q

What is NABARD’s role in WASH initiatives?

A

Provides refinance to subsidiaries like NAB Samruddhi for WASH projects
Launches awareness campaigns for Climate-Ready WASH funding

88
Q

What type of borrowers will NABARD’s Climate-Ready WASH awareness campaigns target?

A

Women JLG (Joint Liability Group) borrowers of microfinance institutions

89
Q

Why are WASH initiatives important?

A

Access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene are fundamental for:

Public health (preventing diseases)
Economic development
Gender equality
Environmental protection

90
Q

What is the reversionary bonus rate for Whole Life Assurance (WLA) under the Postal Life Insurance Scheme?

A

₹76 per thousand of sum assured

91
Q

What is the reversionary bonus rate for Endowment Assurance (EA) including joint life and children’s policies under the Postal Life Insurance Scheme?

A

₹52 per thousand of sum assured

92
Q

What is the reversionary bonus rate for Anticipated Endowment Assurance (AEA) under the Postal Life Insurance Scheme?

A

₹48 per thousand of sum assured

93
Q

What is the terminal bonus rate in the Postal Life Insurance Scheme, and what are the conditions?

A

₹20 per sum assured of ₹10,000
Maximum bonus of ₹1,000
Applicable to WLA and EA policies with a term of 20 years or more

94
Q

When was Postal Life Insurance (PLI) introduced in India, and what was its original purpose?

A

Introduced: February 1, 1884
Original Purpose: Welfare scheme for postal employees

95
Q

What makes Postal Life Insurance unique in Indian history?

A

It was the first insurance company to cover female lives (in 1894)

96
Q

When was Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) introduced, and who was it designed for?

A

Introduced: March 24, 1995
Designed for: Rural people, with a focus on weaker sections and women workers in rural areas

97
Q

What is a reversionary bonus?

A

A share of an insurance company’s profits that is distributed to policyholders as a bonus

98
Q

What is a significant first for Amul, an Indian milk cooperative brand?

A

Selling fresh milk in the United States

99
Q

Which organization is Amul partnering with to sell milk in the US?

A

Michigan Milk Producers Association

100
Q

In which regions of the US will Amul milk be available initially?

A

East Coast and Midwest markets

101
Q

Why is the Michigan Milk Producers Association a good partner for Amul’s US expansion according to the news?

A

Their Ohio dairy plant is strategically located to access major markets like Chicago and Dallas.

102
Q

What is GCMMF?

A

Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation - Umbrella body of milk cooperatives in Gujarat that markets Amul products

103
Q

What is Flash Pay?

A

A RuPay smart key chain for contactless payments offered by Federal Bank

104
Q

What kind of contactless payments can be made with Flash Pay?

A

NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) payments

105
Q

Where can Flash Pay be used for NCMC payments?

A

Enabled metro stations and PoS terminals

106
Q

Up to what amount can contactless payments be made with Flash Pay without a PIN?

A

₹5,000

107
Q

What is the daily limit for contactless payments with Flash Pay at PoS terminals?

A

₹1 lakh

108
Q

How does Flash Pay ensure the security of transactions?

A

Uses tokenization and encryption

109
Q

What is the benefit of using Flash Pay?

A

Allows secure contactless payments with a tap, eliminating the need for physical cards or cash.

110
Q

Who inaugurated the Start-up Mahakumbh?

A

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

111
Q

What is the goal of the Start-up Mahakumbh event?

A

To connect startups with investors, venture capitalists, and potential corporate partners.

112
Q

What was highlighted by the Prime Minister regarding India’s startup ecosystem?

A

India is the third largest startup ecosystem globally, aiming to be a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.

113
Q

How many startups are currently there in India, according to DPIIT Secretary?

A

Over one lakh (compared to 300 in 2016)

114
Q

What percentage of startups in India come from tier-2 and tier-3 cities?

A

Over 50%

115
Q

What is a recent initiative by DPIIT to support startups?

A

Bharat Startup Ecosystem Registry - aims to create synergy between startups for productive economic activities.

116
Q

central theme of the Startup Mahakumbh is

A

“Bharat Innovates”

117
Q

Who won the recent Russian Presidential elections and what was the percentage of votes secured?

A

Russian President Vladimir Putin won the recent Presidential elections, securing 87.97% of the votes

118
Q

How many times has Vladimir Putin won the Presidential Elections?

A

Vladimir Putin has won the Presidential Elections for the fifth time

119
Q

What historical record will Putin achieve with this election victory?

A

With a six-year term set to follow, Putin will become Russia’s longest-serving leader in more than 200 years

120
Q

Who stood second in the recent Russian Presidential elections?

A

Nikolay Kharitonov, a member of Russia’s lower house of parliament and the Communist Party, stood second, polling around 4.7% of the votes3.

121
Q

Who will Putin surpass to become the longest-serving Russian leader?

A

Vladimir Putin will surpass Catherine the Great to become the longest-serving Russian leader since the 1700s

122
Q

What major change did Japan’s central bank implement recently?

A

Japan’s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time in 17 years, ending its negative interest rate policy. The short-term rate is now between 0 and 0.1%.

123
Q

Why did Japan’s central bank change its interest rate policy?

A

Japan had a negative interest rate policy to stimulate the economy and escape deflationary tendencies. The rate hike signals a potential shift away from ultra-lax monetary policies.

124
Q

When was the last time Japan’s central bank raised interest rates?

A

Before this recent change, the last interest rate hike by Japan’s central bank was in February 2007.

125
Q

What was Japan’s inflation target associated with its previous interest rate policy?

A

japan’s inflation target was 2%. This target was meant to signify escape from deflationary tendencies.

126
Q

Where does Japan currently rank in the world in terms of nominal GDP?

A

Japan is currently the fourth-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP, behind the United States, China, and Germany.

127
Q

Define negative interest rates.

A

Negative interest rates mean that depositors are charged a fee for keeping their money in the bank, rather than earning interest. This policy is intended to encourage lending and spending.

128
Q

What did the UN General Assembly recently approve for the first time?

A

The UN General Assembly approved the first resolution on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

129
Q

What is the main goal of the UN resolution on AI?

A

The UN resolution on AI aims to ensure AI benefits all nations, respects human rights, and is safe, secure, and trustworthy.

130
Q

How many countries supported the UN resolution on AI?

A

The UN resolution on AI was adopted by consensus, meaning all 193 UN member nations agreed to it, even though it was formally sponsored by the United States and co-sponsored by 123 countries.

131
Q

Besides safety and human rights, what other concern does the UN resolution on AI address?

A

The UN resolution on AI aims to close the digital divide between developed and developing countries regarding AI discussions and development.

132
Q

Who has been selected as the CMD of the New India Assurance Company by the FSIB?

A

Girija Subramanian has been selected as the CMD of the New India Assurance Company.

133
Q

Who is the new CMD of United India Insurance Company?

A

Bhupesh Sushil Rahul

134
Q

When did the CMD post at United India become vacant?

A

he CMD post at United India became vacant in February 2024 following Satyajit Tripathy’s retirement.

135
Q

When is Neerja Kapur’s tenure as CMD of New India Assurance set to end?

A

Neerja Kapur’s tenure as CMD of New India Assurance is set to end in April 2024.

136
Q

What is the current role of Girija Subramanian before being selected as CMD of New India Assurance?

A

Girija Subramanian is currently the CMD of the Agriculture Insurance Company of India.

137
Q

What is the purpose of the Working Arrangement signed between the CBI and Europol?

A

To establish cooperative relations for direct collaboration between the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol).
To explore potential synergies and build on their existing strategies.

138
Q

What does the Working Arrangement enable besides direct CBI-Europol cooperation?

A

Wide cooperation between law enforcement agencies in India and the 27 European countries represented by Europol.
Cooperation with third-party countries and organizations associated with Europol.

139
Q

What is Europol?

A

The law enforcement agency of the European Union (EU)
Established in 1998
Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands

140
Q

How might this Working Arrangement improve law enforcement capabilities?

A

Enhanced information sharing and intelligence gathering
Coordinated investigations across borders
Access to specialized resources and expertise
Stronger response to transnational crime

141
Q

What does BEML stand for?

A

Bharat Earth Movers Limited

142
Q

Describe the key features of the newly test-fired indigenous 1500 HP engine.

A

Designed for military vehicles
High power-to-weight ratio
Operates in extreme environments (high altitude, sub-zero temperatures, deserts)

143
Q

When did the development project for the 1500 HP engine begin, and when is its expected completion?

A

Began: August 2020
Expected Completion: Mid-2025

144
Q

What was the significance of the first successful test-firing of the 1500 HP engine?

A

It marked the completion of Generation One of the project, which focused on technology stabilization.

145
Q

What is the next phase (Generation Two) of the 1500 HP engine project?

A

BEML will produce engines for trials at Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE, a DRDO lab) and integrate them into vehicles for user testing.

146
Q

What specific military vehicle will the 1500 HP engine power?

A

The Arjun Mk-1A tank

147
Q

What is BhashaNet?

A

A portal launched by MeitY and NIXI to promote Universal Acceptance (UA) of languages on the internet.

148
Q

where was the BhashaNet portal launched?

A

Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

149
Q

What was the theme of the BhashaNet portal launch event?

A

BhashaNet: Impetus Towards Universal Acceptance.

150
Q

What is the upcoming Global Universal Acceptance Day scheduled for

A

March 28, 2024, in Belgrade, Serbia.

151
Q

Who is launching the Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD)?

A

Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited

152
Q

What are the unique achievements of Agnibaan SOrTeD’s launch?

A

First private launchpad launch in India.
First launch vehicle globally with a single-piece 3D-printed engine.
First semi-cryogenic engine powered rocket launch in India.

153
Q

What was India’s first private rocket launch?

A

Vikram-S by Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited in 2022.

154
Q

From where will the Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD) be launched?

A

Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh

155
Q

What recognition did Grid-India receive from the Ministry of Power?

A

Designated as a Miniratna Category-I central public sector enterprise (CPSE)

156
Q

Why is Grid-India considered crucial in the power sector?

A

Manages the All India synchronous grid, one of the world’s largest and most intricate power systems.

Comprises five Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) and the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC).

157
Q

What are the criteria for Miniratna Category-I status?

A

Profitable for the last 3 continuous years.
Pre-tax profit of at least Rs. 30 crore in at least one of the last 3 years.
Positive net worth.
No defaults on government loan repayments.
No reliance on government budgetary support or guarantees.

158
Q

Where is the newly discovered volcano on Mars located?

A

Just south of Mars’ equator in the Eastern Noctis Labyrinthus, west of Valles Marineris (the vast canyon system).

159
Q

What is the temporary name of the newly discovered Mars volcano?

A

Noctis Volcano

160
Q

Describe the size of the Noctis Volcano.

A

Height: 29,600 feet
Width: 450 kilometers

161
Q

What missions provided the data leading to the discovery of the Noctis Volcano?

A

NASA’s Mariner 9
Viking Orbiter 1 & 2
Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Odyssey
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter

162
Q

Why did SEBI restrict mutual funds from investing in overseas ETFs?

A

Because inflows were nearing the mandated limit of $1 billion for overseas ETFs.

163
Q

What is the overall cap set by RBI for overseas investments by mutual funds?

A

$7 billion (includes overseas stocks & ETFs)

164
Q

How has the mutual fund industry responded to the limit?

A

They have requested the RBI to increase the $7 billion overseas investment limit.

165
Q

: What is an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)?

A

A marketable security that tracks an underlying asset (index, commodity, bonds, etc.) and trades like a stock on an exchange.

166
Q

What are the different types of ETFs?

A

Equity, Bonds, Commodity, International, Sectoral/Thematic

167
Q

Why hasn’t the overseas investment limit been revised since 2007-08?

A

The limit was set when India’s forex reserves were much lower ($300 billion) compared to today.

168
Q

How many mutual fund schemes currently invest overseas in India?

A

77 (as of April 2024)

169
Q

What is the Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG)?

A

A unit of the Indian Army dedicated to researching and evaluating advanced communication technologies for military use.

170
Q

What types of technologies will STEAG focus on?

A

Futuristic communication technologies like 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing.

171
Q

Besides researching new technologies, what other areas will STEAG be involved in?

A

Evaluating, adapting, and nurturing technologies across various communication systems (wired & wireless). This includes electronic exchanges, mobile communications, software-defined radios, and electronic warfare systems.

172
Q

Why is the establishment of STEAG significant for the Indian Army?

A

It highlights the Army’s commitment to staying ahead in technological advancements for modern warfare.

173
Q

What was the goal of the 4th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Startup Forum held in New Delhi on March 19, 2024?

A

Broader startup interaction among SCO member states, fostering innovation, job creation, and inspiring young entrepreneurs.

174
Q

What is the purpose of the SCO Startup Forum?

A

To create a platform for collaboration and engagement among SCO member states’ startup ecosystems.

175
Q

What are the expected outcomes of the SCO Startup Forum?

A

Strengthen cooperation and empower local startup ecosystems within SCO member states.

176
Q

What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)?

A

An intergovernmental organization founded in 2001, promoting cooperation among its nine member states: China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran

177
Q

When and where was the first meeting of the SCO Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation (SWG) held?

A

2023, chaired by India with the theme “Growing from Roots”. Focused on collaboration in agriculture and animal husbandry sectors.

178
Q

What are India’s upcoming SCO Startup Forum related events?

A

Second meeting of the SWG in November 2024.
SCO Startup Forum 5.0 in January 2025.

179
Q

What is the PIB Fact Check Unit (FCU)?

A

A unit under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) that verifies claims about the Indian Government’s policies, initiatives, and schemes.

180
Q

When was the PIB FCU established, and what is its main objective?

A

Established in November 2019. Its objective is to counter fake news and misinformation about the Government of India.

181
Q

How does the FCU identify misinformation?

A

It monitors online activity and responds to complaints to identify and address false information about the Government.

182
Q

How does the FCU categorize fact-checked content?

A

The FCU classifies content as “Fake,” “Misleading,” or “True” based on its factual accuracy. Fake: Factually incorrect information spread intentionally or unintentionally.
Misleading: Partially true information or distorted facts presented with the intent to deceive.
True: Information verified to be factually accurate.

183
Q

Which two government ministries in India are collaborating to combat fake news on social media?

A

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

184
Q

Who inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital?

A

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and H.E. Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, inaugurated the hospital1.

185
Q

How was the construction of the hospital supported by the Government of India? [150 beds]

A

The Government of India supported the development in two phases, with Phase one constructed at a cost of Rs. 22 Crores and the second phase at Rs. 119 Crores

186
Q

Who won the 2024 French Open Badminton Men’s Doubles title?

A

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (India)

187
Q

How long did it take Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty to win the 2024 French Open final?

A

36 minutes

188
Q

Where will the badminton events of the 2024 Paris Olympics be held?

A

Adidas Arena (formerly known as Stade Pierre de Coubertin)

189
Q

Is this Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty’s first French Open win?

A

No, they previously won the French Open in 2022.

190
Q

What is the estimated value of the deal between UltraTech Cement and Kesoram Industries?

A

₹7,600 crore (including debt übernommen (taken over) by UltraTech)

191
Q

What type of cement business did UltraTech acquire from Kesoram Industries?

A

Grey cement business

192
Q

What government ministry is planning to introduce new skill development courses?

A

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)

193
Q

What is the timeframe for introducing these new skill development courses

A

First 100 days of the next government

194
Q

What is the main purpose of standardizing skill development courses?

A

Facilitate easier migration of workers (presumably between jobs or sectors)

195
Q

Where will skilling course counseling and mentorship be available?

A

Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal

196
Q

What are some of the potential areas of focus for the new-age skill development courses?

A

Sunrise sectors like green technologies, fitness, wellness, hospitality, and healthcare (These sectors are expected to experience rapid growth)

197
Q

When was the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal launched?

A

September 2023

198
Q

What is the purpose of the Line of Credit (LOC) extended by Exim Bank to Guyana?

A

Procurement of two Dornier 228 aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for Guyana’s defence sector

199
Q

What is the amount of the Line of Credit provided by Exim Bank to Guyana?

A

$23.37 million

200
Q

Why might be Exim Bank extending this Line of Credit to Guyana?

A

To strategically enter the South American defence market (possibly as a first step)

201
Q

How many Lines of Credit has Exim Bank provided to Guyana in total?

A

Eleven

202
Q

How many countries globally does Exim Bank currently have Lines of Credit with?

A

62 (across Africa, Asia, Latin America, CIS, and Oceania)

203
Q

What is the total credit commitment available under Exim Bank’s Lines of Credit globally?

A

Around $2.72 billion

204
Q
A