CA PART 5 Flashcards
(195 cards)
1
Q
Describe the NSE’s announcement regarding transaction charges.
A
• The NSE board approved a 1% reduction in transaction charges across its cash equity and equity derivatives segments.
• This change will take effect on April 1, 2024.
• The reduction aims to make trading costs more competitive.
2
Q
What is the expected impact of the NSE’s reduced transaction charges?
A
The NSE estimates the reduced charges will decrease their revenues by roughly ₹130 crore per year.
Lower charges will likely make the NSE more attractive compared to its main competitor, the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange).
Algo trading and arbitrage trading (which rely on many small, rapid transactions) are expected to benefit significantly as their profit margins increase.
3
Q
Explain the NSE’s previous decision on transaction charges in March 2023.
A
• In March 2023, the NSE had initially planned a 6% increase in transaction charges for the equity cash and derivatives segments.
• This decision faced resistance, and the NSE ultimately rolled back the proposed hike.
4
Q
What is NSEIT, and what decision did the NSE board make about it?
A
• NSEIT is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NSE that focuses on digital technology solutions.
• The NSE board approved the sale of NSEIT’s digital technology business, including its subsidiaries, to Investcorp.
• The sale follows a “slump sale” structure, meaning all of NSEIT’s assets and liabilities are transferred to Investcorp in one transaction.
• The completion of the sale is expected by March 31, 2024.
5
Q
What is an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card?
A
• An OCI card grants individuals of Indian origin (PIOs) many of the same rights as Indian citizens, even if they hold citizenship in another country.
• Benefits include:
◦ Lifelong visa for travel to India
◦ Parity with Indian citizens in some economic and educational areas
◦ Does not grant voting rights or the ability to hold government jobs
6
Q
What special provision did India approve for Indian-origin people in Mauritius?
A
• India will now grant OCI cards to people of Indian origin in Mauritius up to the 7th generation.
• This means that even those with distant Indian ancestry can benefit from the rights and status associated with an OCI card.
• This provision strengthens ties between India and the large Indian diaspora in Mauritius.
7
Q
What is Ganga Talao?
A
• Ganga Talao is a crater lake in Mauritius, located in the Savanne district.
• It is the most sacred Hindu site in Mauritius and is considered a place of pilgrimage.
• The lake is believed to be connected to the Ganges River in India, giving it its religious significance.
8
Q
How is India supporting the redevelopment of Ganga Talao?
A
• The Indian government is committed to developing Ganga Talao into a hub for religious, cultural, and tourism activities.
• This support reflects India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Mauritian Hindu community.
9
Q
56th National Day celebrations of Mauritius being celebrated on 12th
March.
A
President Droupadi Murmu participated as the Chief Guest
10
Q
In what period did the area used for fruit cultivation in India increase from 2.8 million hectares to 6.8 million hectares? What was the annual growth rate of this increase?
A
Between 1991-92 and 2019-20 at an annual rate of 2.4%.
11
Q
How did Indian fruit production change between 1991-92 to 2019-20?
A
Fruit production nearly quadrupled, going from 29 million tonnes (mt) in 1991-92 to 102 mt in 2019-20. This represents an annual growth of 3.4%.
12
Q
What global ranking does India hold in fruit and vegetable production?
A
India is the world’s second-largest producer of both fruits (102 million tonnes) and vegetables (188 million tonnes).
While China is the world’s largest producer of fruits (around 300 million tonnes) and vegetables (over 600 million tonnes).
13
Q
Describe India’s vegetable import/export balance in 2019-20.
A
India exported far more vegetables than it imported. Exports: 1.93 mt, Imports: 0.15 mt.
14
Q
What is the expected demand for vegetables and fruits in India by 2047-48 under a “Business As Usual” scenario?
A
Vegetables: 365 mt, Fruits: 233 mt
15
Q
How will domestic pulses production and demand compare between 2019-20 and 2047-48 under a BAU scenario?
A
Production will rise from 23 mt to 47 mt, while demand will grow to 49 mt
16
Q
How much rice is India expected to demand in 2030-31 and 2047-48?
A
110 mt in 2030-31 and 114 mt in 2047-48
17
Q
Will wheat production be sufficient to meet future demand in India?
A
Yes, India is expected to have a surplus of wheat. 2030-31: 19-26 mt surplus, 2047-48: 40-67 mt surplus.
18
Q
In what year, by whom, and for what purpose was the NITI Aayog working group on Crop Husbandry set up?
A
2022, PS Birthal (director, ICAR-NIAP). The group aimed to analyze food demand and supply trends, consumer preferences, and make suitable recommendations by 2047.
19
Q
The government granted a six-month extension in service tenure of Foreign Secretary
A
Vinay Mohan Kwatra, beyond 30.04.2024 i.e. up to 31.10.2024 or until further orders.
20
Q
What committee proposed a new Digital Competition Act and an ex-ante regulatory framework in India?
A
he Centre-appointed 16-member Committee under the chairmanship of Manoj Govil on Digital Competition Law (CDCL)
21
Q
What is the purpose of the proposed Digital Competition Act?
A
To regulate large digital enterprises through a separate act by the Competition Commission of India (CCI)
22
Q
How will the CDCL identify large digital enterprises for regulation?
A
By designating them as Systemically Significant Digital Enterprises (SSDEs) based on thresholds and criteria.
23
Q
What are the quantitative thresholds for designating an SSDE?
A
The draft law outlines various factors including:
turnover in India (₹4,000 crore),
global turnover ($30 billion),
gross merchandise value (₹16,000 crore),
market capitalization/fair market value ($75 billion), and
user base (1 crore end users or 10,000 business users in India for 3 preceding years).
24
Q
What are some examples of Anti-Competitive Practices (ACPs) that SSDEs will be prohibited from engaging in?
A
Self-preferencing, anti-steering, restricting third-party applications (for identified core digital services)
25
What is the penalty for SSDEs engaging in Anti-Competitive Practices?
Up to 10% of their global turnover
26
Which company commissioned India's largest solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project?
TPSSL (Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd)
27
Describe the capacity of the solar and BESS project.
100 MW Solar PV Project coupled with 120 MWh BESS
28
What technology was used for the solar panels in the BESS project?
Cutting-edge Bifacial Mono Crystalline technology (239,685 modules)
29
What is the target for BESS project development in India by 2030-31?
4,000 MWh
30
How does the Indian government financially support BESS projects?
Up to 40% of the capital cost through Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
31
How are the benefits of BESS projects ensured to reach consumers?
A minimum of 85% of the project capacity is made available to Distribution Companies (Discoms)
32
What is the purpose of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)?
To store energy from renewable sources (like solar and wind) and release it when needed
33
What is the Ministry of Coal's target for renewable energy capacity by 2030?
Over 9 GW
34
How is the Ministry of Coal encouraging coal companies to adopt clean energy solutions?
By issuing directives to accelerate the use of solar energy in mining operations
35
What is the current total solar energy capacity installed by leading coal companies in India?
Approximately 1700 MW, with an additional 51 MW from windmills.
36
Which department of the Nagaland government is leading the promotion of ONDC in the state?
Department of Industries & Commerce
37
What is the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)?
A Government of India initiative under the DPIIT to promote open and accessible e-commerce.
38
What is the purpose of the MoU signed between Nagaland's Department of Industries & Commerce, YES Bank, and Sellmetric Pvt. Limited?
To collaborate and facilitate digital sales for small businesses, farmers, and entrepreneurs through the ONDC platform.
39
What was the name of the tri-service military exercise showcased by India?
Bharat Shakti
40
What was the purpose of the Bharat Shakti exercise?
To showcase the coordinated use of advanced military technology by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
41
Where did the Bharat Shakti exercise take place?
Pokhran field firing range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
42
What is the historical significance of Pokhran in relation to India's nuclear program?
Pokhran is the location where India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, known as "Smiling Buddha" or "Pokhran I".
43
What did Prime Minister Modi inaugurate in Dahej, Gujarat?
Laid the foundation stone for a petrochemicals complex of Petronet LNG.
44
What is the estimated value of the Petronet LNG petrochemicals complex project?
Over Rs. 20,600 crores.
45
What additional initiative did Prime Minister Modi participate in from Ahmedabad, Gujarat?
Dedicated 50 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (government pharmacies) to the nation.
46
Which power distribution company topped the 2022-23 12th edition Integrated Rating of Discoms?
Adani Electricity Mumbai
47
Which companies ranked second and third in the performance rating?
Torrent Power Surat (second), Torrent Power Ahmedabad (third)
48
How many discoms received the highest A+ rating?
14 out of 55
49
Which state had the most discoms with A+ or A ratings?
Gujarat (9 utilities)
50
How are private discoms rated compared to state government ones?
Private discoms tend to perform better, with all 11 private discoms earning ratings of A+, A, B, or B-.
51
Which state/UT topped the power department integrated performance ratings?
hrissur Corporation Electricity Department (TCED) of Kerala
52
How did the average annual growth rate (CAGR) of power demand in India differ between FY14-FY20 and FY21-FY23?
FY14-FY20: 4.3% CAGR, FY21-FY23: 8.9% CAGR (significant increase)
53
What is one strategy the government is using to improve power sector efficiency?
Encouraging discoms (distribution companies) to enter long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for most of their electricity needs (85%).
54
How did Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses in the power sector change in FY23?
AT&C losses improved to 15.4% (positive development).
55
What factors are used to evaluate the performance of power distribution utilities in India's Integrated Rating?
Financial sustainability, performance excellence, and external environment (each with specific parameters).
56
How often is the Integrated Rating of Power Distribution Companies conducted?
Annually, since 2012.
57
How does the rating framework score discoms?
It uses 15 base rating metrics and 9 disincentives (out of a possible 100 points) to comprehensively assess a discom's performance.
58
Who inaugurated the development projects under 'Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan'?
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah
59
What is the goal of the 'Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan'?
To develop infrastructure in urbanized villages and new urban areas of Delhi.
60
What is the total budget allocated for the 'Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan'?
Rs 960 crore, managed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
61
Which specific project was inaugurated by Amit Shah?
Commencement of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) facilities in 41 villages and various development projects in 178 villages (total outlay of Rs 383 crore)
62
How much was invested in the PNG pipeline network for the 41 villages?
Rs 20 crore by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) with a network of 100 km.
63
What benefit does the Indian government expect from providing PNG in Delhi?
It promotes the use of green energy in the national capital as PNG is safe, affordable, and eco-friendly.
64
What is the aim of the Government of India's laboratory network upgradation scheme?
• To boost India's quality infrastructure by enhancing testing facilities nationwide.
• To strengthen laboratories across critical sectors, including:
◦ Textiles
◦ Food
◦ Legal Metrology (the science of measurement, important for fair trade)
◦ Power Transmission
65
How much funding has been allocated to the laboratory network upgradation scheme?
• Over ₹340 crore (approximately $41 million USD) in proposals have been screened for funding.
66
What other actions has the Indian government taken to improve laboratory infrastructure
• The government has extended its support beyond BIS labs to include:
◦ Laboratories at higher education institutions
◦ Private R&D laboratories
◦ Not-for-profit laboratories
67
What is the BIS Laboratory Recognition Scheme (BIS LRS)?
• A program by the Bureau of Indian Standards to recognize laboratories that meet its quality standards.
• Recognized laboratories can perform testing and calibration for various products and services.
• The LRS scheme helps ensure product reliability and consumer trust.
68
IREDA’S 38TH FOUNDATION DAY
MARCH 11, ,2024
69
What government Ministry recently signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi to advance rural development?
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
70
What is the name of the project aimed at leveraging AI and geospatial technologies for asset management under a recently signed MoU?
BhuPRAHARI
71
What is the specific government scheme the BhuPRAHARI project focuses on?
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
72
Which lab at IIT Delhi will execute the BhuPRAHARI project?
The HydroSense lab
73
Who is leading the HydroSense lab's efforts on the BhuPRAHARI project?
Prof. Manabendra Saharia
74
• What does USOF stand for?
• Under which Indian government department does USOF function?
• Universal Service Obligation Fund
• Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
75
• List the three entities that signed the tripartite MoU to proliferate digital services in India.
• Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)
• Prasar Bharati
• Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
76
• What is the main objective of the tripartite MoU (usof, ondc AND Prasar bharti) ?
• To bundle broadband services with OTT and e-commerce platforms in rural India, utilizing BharatNet infrastructure established by the USOF.
77
• What key role has the USOF played in India's digital development?
• The USOF has been critical in providing high-speed broadband and mobile connections to Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages throughout India.
78
What is the Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI)?
A first-of-its-kind research facility designed to study the Indian monsoon system.
79
Where is the ART-CI located?
Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh (around 50km northwest of Bhopal).
80
What organization is spearheading research activities at the ART-CI?
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) based in Pune.
81
What is the primary purpose of the ART-CI?
• To improve weather models through data collection on various atmospheric parameters.
• To facilitate advanced research on the Indian monsoon system.
82
List some of the high-end instruments used at the ART-CI
• Aethalometer (aerosol studies)
• Cloud condensation nuclei counter
• Laser ceilometer (cloud size measurement)
• Micro rain radar (raindrop size and distribution)
83
What is PB-SHABD?
Prasar Bharti - Shared Audio
Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination
A news sharing service launched by Prasar Bharati offering audio, video, text, and photo content.
all major Indian languages across fifty categories.
84
Who are the beneficiaries of PB-SHABD?
Smaller news organizations lacking extensive content networks.
85
What type of content will PB-SHABD provide?
Daily news feeds
Video
Audio
Text
Photos
News stories in all major Indian languages across fifty categories.
86
Where can users access PB-SHABD content?
Websites of DD News and Akashvani News
News on Air mobile app
87
Is there a cost associated with using PB-SHABD?
FREE
88
What is the name of the new initiative launched to support marginalized communities?
Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ)
89
What is the PM-SURAJ portal for?
To offer credit support to entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities in India.
90
Who is implementing the PM-SURAJ program?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
91
What additional support was provided to Safai Mitras (sewer and septic tank workers)?
• Ayushman health cards
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) kits (under NAMASTE program)
92
What is the Gorsam Kora festival a symbol of?
The enduring friendship between India and BhutaN
93
Where is the Gorsam Kora festival held?
• Arunachal Pradesh's Zeminthang Valley
• Along the Nyanmjang Chu River
94
What did Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate in Ahmedabad, Gujarat?
• The redeveloped Kochrab Ashram (Mahatma Gandhi's first ashram in India)
• The Master Plan of the Gandhi Ashram Memorial
95
What is the significance of the Kochrab Ashram?
• Established in 1915 by Mahatma Gandhi upon his return from South Africa.
• Named Satyagraha Ashram and served as the foundation for his ideas of peaceful resistance.
• Currently preserved as a memorial and tourist space
96
Who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on IT skills development?
• National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) of India
• Information Technology Institute (ITI) of Egypt
97
What are the primary goals of the MoU between NIELIT and ITI?
• Improve workforce skills in the IT sector
• Increase employment opportunities
• Address skill gaps in the workforce
• Promote cooperation between India and Egypt
98
What government ministry is NIELIT associated with in India?
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
99
What additional benefit will Egyptian students receive through this collaboration?
Access to NIELIT's free digital literacy course through the NIELIT Virtual Academy
100
What is India’s first FutureLABS center?
India’s first FutureLABS center is the “Centre for Semiconductor Chips & Systems for Strategic Electronics” located in C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram.
101
What is the role of the Centre for Semiconductor Chips & Systems for Strategic Electronics?
It plays a crucial role in catalyzing an ecosystem for next-generation chip design, manufacturing, and research.
102
What did Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar (IT minister) launch?
Mr. Chandrasekhar formally launched PARAM Shavak, an indigenously designed supercomputing-in-a-box solution for beginners.
103
Who jointly designed PARAM Shavak?
PARAM Shavak was jointly designed by C-DAC and VVDN Technologies.
104
What indigenously developed technologies were introduced at CDAC TVM?
An indigenously developed electric vehicle DC-DC converter and a movable electric vehicle charger were introduced.
105
What agreement was signed by Tata Power Renewable Microgrid and C-DAC?
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the areas of microgrid development and deployment
106
What is the aim of the Digital India FutureLABS?
to tap into the trillion-dollar business opportunity presented by the electronics system design and manufacturing sector.
107
Who launched the first season of “Swaraj” on Amazon Prime?
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur.
108
When was “Swaraj” launched and what does it depict?
Launched in August 2022, “Swaraj” depicts stories of bravery in India’s freedom struggle that are lesser-known.
7 languages
109
National Archives of India Celebrates 134th Foundation Day
11th march 2024
Launched "Subhash Abhinandan" digital exhibition on Subhash Chandra Bose's life based on National Archives documents. 16 sections
110
What is a unicorn in the business world?
A startup firm valued over USD 1 billion.
111
According to a CII report, what is the projected impact of new unicorns on India's economy by 2030?
They are expected to add USD 1 trillion to the economy (reaching a size of USD 7 trillion) and create 50 million new jobs.
112
What is the title of the CII report on unicorns, and who contributed to it?
The report is titled 'Unicorn 2.0: Adding the Next Trillion', and McKinsey & Company was the knowledge partner.
113
How many unicorns does India currently have, and what is their combined valuation?
India has crossed the mark of 100 unicorns. Their combined valuation is USD 350 billion as of January 2024.
114
What was the timeframe for India reaching its milestone of 100+ unicorns?
India saw its first unicorn in 2011, and in a decade, crossed the mark of 100 unicorns.
115
What is the estimated contribution of startups and related ventures to India's GDP growth between 2016 and 2023 (according to the CII report)?
10 to 15 percent
116
How has the number of startups in India grown between 2015 and 2023?
• There has been a 20-fold increase, from 4,000 in 2015 to over 100,000 in 2023. Their economic contribution in FY23 is estimated at USD 140 billion.
117
What is the purpose of the $23 million loan agreement between the Indian government and the ADB?
To enhance fintech education, research, and innovation at GIFT City.
118
What specific initiative will be undertaken as part of the Indian government and the ADB loan agreement?
The establishment of a fintech institute (IFI) in GIFT City, offering training programs aligned with global standards.
119
Besides the fintech institute, what other aims does Indian government and the ADB project have?
• To establish a state fintech readiness index
• To develop solutions in emerging technologies
120
What kind of platform is http://arya.ag/?
A grain commerce platform
121
What is the main purpose of the partnership between http://arya.ag/ and Shivalik Small Finance Bank?
To help farmers, agro-processors, and micro-enterprises access financial support.
122
What specific financial mechanism will enable http://Arya.ag and Shivalik SFB partnership?
Warehouse receipt financing (using stored crops as collateral for loans)
123
How much funding is aimed to be facilitated through http://Arya.ag and Shivalik SFB partnership in the current financial year?
Over ₹200 crore
124
What is the minimum net owned fund (NOF) requirement for most ARCs in India by March 2024?
₹200 crore
125
By December 2023, what was the NOF range for many ARCs close to meeting the ₹200 crore target?
₹175-180 crore
126
How many ARCs are currently operating in India? (as of the time of this news)
27
127
What is the deadline for ARCs established before October 2022 to reach a minimum NOF of ₹300 crore?
March-end 2026
128
What is the minimum NOF requirement for ARCs registered after October 2022?
₹300 crore (ongoing basis)
129
What are the four main components of an ARC's net owned fund (NOF)?
• Paid-up equity capital
• Free reserves
• Balance in share premium account
• Capital reserves from asset sales (excluding revaluation)
130
How many ARCs surrendered their licenses after the minimum NOF requirement increased?
2
131
List three key reasons why banks prefer to use ARCs for bad loans. (according to a 2021 RBI report)
1. Free up capital and management bandwidth by removing bad loans from their books.
2. ARCs manage recovery efforts for banks through security receipts (SRs).
3. ARCs can potentially help borrowers revive their businesses.
132
According to a report, what is the expected growth in ARCs' assets under management (AUM) by March 2024?
Increase to ₹1.50 lakh crore from ₹1.38 lakh crore (March 2023)
133
How will Paytm continue facilitating payments after its banking unit shuts down?
By acting as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) for the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
134
What will happen to the "@Paytm" virtual payment address (VPA) after the switch?
It will be redirected to YES Bank.
135
Which banks will act as Paytm's payment system provider banks under the new model?
Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, and Yes Bank
136
In the new setup, which bank will handle merchant acquiring for Paytm (both existing and new)?
Yes Bank
137
What does TPAP stand for in the context of UPI?
Third-Party Application Provider
138
What is the role of a TPAP in the UPI ecosystem?
A service provider that facilitates UPI transactions through a partner bank (Payment System Provider bank).
139
How many TPAPs are currently operational in India besides Paytm?
24 (including PhonePe, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay)
140
What type of company is Perfios?
B2B SaaS fintech
141
How much funding did Perfios raise in its latest round?
$80 million
142
Who led the funding round for Perfios?
Teachers' Venture Growth (TVG), part of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
143
What milestone did Perfios achieve with this funding?
Unicorn status (valuation exceeding $1 billion)
144
What sectors does Perfios primarily serve?
Banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI)
145
Who has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)?
Rahul Singh
146
Who is the outgoing chairperson of the CBSE?
Nidhi Chhibber
147
What is Nidhi Chhibber's new role?
Advisor in the Niti Aayog
148
What enabled the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)?
Notification of the Citizenship Amendment Rules (CAR), 2024 by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
149
When was the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed?
December 11, 2019.
150
Why couldn't the CAA be implemented earlier?
Because the Citizenship Amendment Rules (CAR), outlining the process, were not framed.
151
How does the CAA define illegal immigrants for specific religious minorities?
It grants a faster path to citizenship (5 years) for Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis, Buddhists, Jains and Christians (but not Muslims) from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who have lived in India without documentation (before Dec 31, 2014).
152
What is the current minimum residency requirement for Indian citizenship through naturalization?
11 years (reduced to 5 years under CAA for eligible minorities).
153
In what situations can the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration be cancelled under CAA?
If the OCI cardholder violates the Citizenship Act or any other law.
154
Who is eligible for fast-track citizenship under CAA 2019?
Refugees facing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan or Bangladesh who entered India by December 31, 2014 (excluding areas with tribal autonomy or inner-line permit restrictions).
155
What documents are required for a CAA citizenship application?
An affidavit verifying the information provided, along with proof of country of origin, religion, date of entry into India, and knowledge of an Indian language.
156
How are applications for citizenship under CAA submitted?
Electronically to an empowered committee via the district-level committee (both established by the central government).
157
Who will process applications and conduct background checks for CAA citizenship?
Applications processed by Postal and Census officials, with background checks by central security agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
158
Who was elected as the new president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)?
Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympics gold medallist, was elected unopposed as the PCI president.
159
Who did Devendra Jhajharia succeed as the PCI president?
He succeeded Deepa Malik, another celebrated para athlete.
160
Who was elected as the new president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)?
Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympics gold medallist, was elected unopposed as the PCI president.
161
What are Devendra Jhajharia’s achievements in the Paralympics?
He won gold medals in the 2004 Athens and 2016 Rio Paralympics, and a silver medal in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, all in the F46 disability category. [JAVELIN THROWER]
162
Which Indian airport was recognized as the best for arrivals by Airports Council International (ACI) in 2023?
Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru
163
Besides Kempegowda International Airport, name two other airports that shared the award for best arrivals globally.
• Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala
• Zayed International Airport – Terminal A in Abu Dhabi, UAE
164
How many total airports were recognized by the ACI Airport Service Quality Awards? From which regions?
31 Airports
• 27 from the Asia-Pacific region
• 4 from the Middle East
165
How many Indian airports in total received recognition from the ACI Airport Service Quality Awards?
Six Indian Airports
166
Name the two Indian airports recognized as the best in the category of over 40 million passengers (Asia-Pacific region).
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai
• Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi
167
Which airport won the best airport award in the 15-25 million passengers category in the Asia-Pacific region?
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad
168
The Chandigarh airport was recognized as the best in which category?
The 2 to 5 million passenger category in the Asia-Pacific region.
169
When is World Kidney Day observed?
Second Thursday of March
170
What was the date of World Kidney Day in 2024?
Mar-14
171
What is the theme of the World Kidney Day campaign for 2024?
Kidney Health For All - Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice
172
What is the new name of the Ahmednagar District in Maharashtra?
Ahilya Nagar
173
Who was Ahilya Nagar named after, and why?
Ahilyabai Holkar, a prominent 18th-century ruler of the Malwa province known for her capable leadership.
174
What agreement was approved by the Indian cabinet to improve food safety cooperation?
An agreement between the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
175
What is the main purpose of the India-Bhutan food safety agreement?
To facilitate trade and ensure food safety standards between the two countries.
176
How will the agreement help with food exports from Bhutan to India?
Bhutan will issue a Health Certificate to verify compliance with FSSAI requirements for products exported to India.
177
What agreement did the Indian cabinet approve regarding the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)?
An Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement (IGFA) with the United Arab Emirates.
178
• What is the main focus of the India-UAE IGFA?
To strengthen bilateral relations in Ports, Maritime and Logistics sectors, with a focus on the IMEC.
179
How will the IGFA facilitate the IMEC project?
It explores potential for joint investments and collaboration between India and UAE for IMEC development.
180
Briefly describe the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
A proposed economic corridor connecting India to Europe via UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Greece. It consists of two branches: eastern corridor (India to Gulf) and northern corridor (Gulf to Europe).
181
When was the initial agreement on the IMEC announced?
September 9, 2023, during a G20 summit.
182
Who are the key parties involved in the initial IMEC Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)?
India, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE and the US.
183
What is the amount of the loan agreement signed between India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Ahmedabad?
181 million dollars
184
How will the loan be used to improve Ahmedabad?
To improve urban livability and mobility in peri-urban areas (areas transitioning from rural to urban).
185
What specific infrastructure projects are included in the Ahmedabad Peri-urban Livability Improvement Project?
• A: 166 km of water distribution network
• B: 126 km of climate-resilient stormwater drainage
• C: 300 km of sewerage systems
• D: Four sewage treatment plants
All of the above (A, B, C, and D)
186
Besides the infrastructure projects, what else does the Ahmedabad ADB project include?
Improvements to 10 junctions along the Sardar Patel Ring Road.
187
• What are the long-term goals of the Ahmedabad Peri-urban Livability Improvement Project?
Make peri-urban areas livable, environmentally sustainable, and efficient.
Improve urban services and governance for the urban poor, women, and migrant workers.
Enhance the capacity of government agencies in financial planning, revenue generation, and infrastructure management.
188
What is the name of the new scheme launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries to promote electric vehicles?
Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024)
189
What is the main goal of the EMPS 2024 scheme?
To accelerate the adoption of electric two-wheelers (e-2W) and electric three-wheelers (e-3W) in India.
190
What is the total budget allocated for the EMPS 2024 scheme?
Rs. 500 crore
191
How long will the EMPS 2024 scheme be operational?
4 months, from April 1, 2024 to July 31, 2024
192
What are the two main components of the EMPS 2024 scheme?
Demand incentives for e-2W & e-3W b) Administration of Scheme including IEC activities and fee for project management agency (PMA)
193
How many electric vehicles are targeted to be supported under the EMPS 2024 scheme?
3,72,215 EVs (including 3,33,387 e-2W and 38,828 e-3W)
194
What is the L5 category in the context of e-3W under the EMPS 2024 scheme?
Three-wheeled motor vehicle with a maximum speed exceeding 25 kmph.
195
How much subsidy will be provided for purchasing an electric two-wheeler under EMPS 2024?
Rs. 10,000
