CA PART 6 Flashcards
(207 cards)
1
Q
What is the subsidy amount for a small electric three-wheeler (e-rickshaw or e-cart) under EMPS 2024?
A
Rs. 25,000
2
Q
How much financial support will be provided for purchasing a large electric three-wheeler under EMPS 2024?
A
Rs. 50,000
3
Q
What is the maximum limit on the subsidy for an electric two-wheeler or three-wheeler under EMPS 2024?
A
15% of the ex-factory price
4
Q
Besides the EMPS 2024 scheme, what collaboration did the Ministry of Heavy Industries undertake to promote innovation in the electric vehicle sector?
A
Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) to establish a center of excellence and an industry accelerator.
5
Q
What was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in Gujarat, and when?
A
India’s first automobile in-plant railway siding project of Maruti Suzuki (MSIL) was inaugurated in Hansalpur, Mehsana district, Gujarat on March 12th.
6
Q
What other significant transportation initiative did PM Modi launch during his Gujarat visit?
A
PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of Rs 85,000 crore railway projects.
7
Q
Describe the partnership behind MSIL’s in-plant railway siding project.
A
Developed under PM Gati Shakti mission.
Partnership between Gujarat government, Indian Railways and MSIL.
Implemented by a special-purpose vehicle, Bahucharaji Rail Corporation Limited (BRCL).
8
Q
What are the environmental benefits of MSIL’s in-plant railway siding project?
A
Saves 50,000 truck trips annually.
Reduces fuel consumption by 35 million liters per year.
Cuts carbon emissions by 1,650 tonnes per year.
9
Q
Which three Indian states are the major producers of oil palm, accounting for 98% of production?
A
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala
10
Q
Name five other states in India that have significant oil palm cultivation.
A
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, and Mizoram
11
Q
How has the Indian government made it easier for the RBI to import gold for its reserves?
A
The government issued a notification waiving the 15% import duty (including a 5% cess) on gold imports by the RBI.
12
Q
Based on the information provided, what were the gold import figures for India in the period April-January of FY24?
A
India’s gold imports stood at $1.9 billion in the last month (likely January 2024), bringing the cumulative imports to $37.85 billion from April-January in FY24.
13
Q
Why did the RBI take action against Federal Bank and South Indian Bank?
A
RBI stopped these banks from issuing new co-branded credit cards due to non-compliance with norms issued on March 7th, 2024.
14
Q
Can Federal Bank and South Indian Bank still offer credit cards?
A
Yes, both banks can continue offering credit cards to new and existing customers, but only in the non-co-branded segment.
15
Q
What are some of the key points of the RBI’s co-branded credit card guidelines from March 7th?
A
Co-branded cards must clearly disclose the co-branding agreement.
Co-branding partners cannot promote the card as their own product.
Marketing materials must prominently display the card issuer’s name.
Co-branding partners cannot access transaction information.
Co-branding partners can only be the first point of contact for complaints and have no involvement after card issuance.
16
Q
Why did the RBI impose a ₹1.40 crore penalty on the Bank of India?
A
Non-compliance with RBI directions on:
Interest Rate on Deposits
Customer Service in Banks
Interest Rate on Advances
Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC)
Membership of Credit Information Companies (CICs)
Provisions of Credit Information Companies Rules, 2006
17
Q
What triggered the RBI’s action against the Bank of India?
A
Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE) of the bank (financial positions as on March 31, 2021, and March 31, 2022) which revealed the non-compliance
18
Q
Besides Bank of India, which other bank faced a penalty from the RBI?
A
Bandhan Bank was fined ₹29.55 lakh for non-compliance with RBI directions on Interest Rate on Deposits.
19
Q
Did the RBI take action against any non-banking financial companies (NBFCs)?
A
Yes. Indostar Capital Finance was fined ₹13.60 lakh for:
Non-compliance with RBI directions on ‘Monitoring of Frauds in NBFCs’
Non-compliance with certain ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’ provisions.
20
Q
What is the significance of the European Parliament’s recent approval?
A
The European Parliament approved the world’s first comprehensive rules governing artificial intelligence (AI), known as the AI Act.
21
Q
What specific areas will the AI Act regulate?
A
The AI Act will lay down rules and guidelines for AI use in areas such as:
Biometric authentication
Facial recognition
High-risk domains (e.g., healthcare)
Deep fakes
22
Q
How does the AI Act define “high-risk” AI systems?
A
High-risk systems are those with the potential to cause harm to:
Health
Safety
Fundamental rights
Environment
Democracy
The rule of law
23
Q
What enforcement mechanisms are included in the AI Act?
A
Each EU country will have its own AI watchdog for handling citizen complaints.
EU will create an AI Office to enforce rules for general-purpose AI.
Violations could result in fines of up to 35 million euros or 7% of global revenue.
24
Q
What is being nominated for the World Monuments Fund Watch 2025 programme?
A
The Eri (tank) network in the Kazhuveli watershed region, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India.
25
What is special about the Eri network?
The Eri network is an incredible network of tanks created thousands of years ago.
26
What is the size of the Kazhuveli watershed region?
The watershed area covers approximately 740 square kilometers and stretches from Gingee to Marakkanam, reaching the Auroville plateau.
27
Where is the World Monuments Fund headquartered?
New York City, USA.
28
Who laid the foundation stone for the Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project?
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi
29
Where is the Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project located?
Lower Dibang Valley district, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
30
What is the estimated cost of the Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project?
More than Rs. 31,875 crores.
31
What will be the height of the Dibang Dam?
278 meters, making it the highest Concrete-Gravity Dam in India.
32
What construction technique will be used for the Dibang Dam?
Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC), making it the world's highest RCC Dam.
33
How will the Dibang Project benefit the state of Arunachal Pradesh?
The project will provide 12% free power to the state, with an additional 1% for a Local Area Development Fund.
34
What is the name of the action plan launched to reduce snakebite deaths in India?
National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE)
35
What is the target of NAP-SE?
To reduce snakebite deaths by half by 2030
36
What approach does NAP-SE use?
One Health approach, which involves collaboration across human, wildlife, tribal, and animal health sectors.
37
What is the purpose of launching Snakebite Helpline No. 15400?
To provide immediate assistance, guidance, and support to people affected by snakebites. (Pilot program in 5 states)
38
Five states NAP-SE
Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and
Delhi
39
what is the estimated average annual number of snakebite cases in India?
Around 3 lakh cases.
40
What are the four most common venomous snakes in India, known as the "big four"?
Common krait, Indian cobra, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper.
41
What is Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary known for?
It's known for having the highest density of one-horned rhinoceros in the world.
42
What did the Supreme Court do regarding the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam?
The Supreme Court froze the Assam government's attempt to withdraw the notification establishing the sanctuary.
43
Why did the Assam government want to withdraw the notification?
They argued that the rights of some villagers residing in the sanctuary area since before Independence hadn't been addressed.
44
one horned rhino highest in
The Indian state of Assam is home to the largest population of greater one-horned rhinos, with more than 90% in Kaziranga National Park
45
one horned rhino second highest in
Chitwan National Park in Nepal
46
What event is India hosting related to telecommunication standards?
World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA 2024)
47
When and where will WTSA 2024 be held in India?
New Delhi, India, from October 15-24, 2024.
48
What event precedes WTSA 2024?
Global Standards Symposium (GSS 2024) on October 14, 2024.
49
What organization is behind the WTSA event?
International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN agency for information and communication technologies.
50
What is the purpose of WTSA, held every four years?
To plan the International Telecommunication Union's standardization program for telecommunication technologies.
51
What was one new initiative announced regarding telecommunication spectrum in India?
New guidelines for Spectrum Regulatory Sandbox and Wireless Test Zones to develop technologies for using greenfield spectrum bands more efficiently.
52
How can companies apply to participate in the Spectrum Regulatory Sandbox and Wireless Test Zones?
Through a simplified process via the Saral Sanchar Portal for a nominal fee.
53
How did the DoT announcement impact the requirement for a Wireless Operating License?
The government abolished the requirement for a Wireless Operating License for establishing, maintaining, or working of telecommunication equipment.
54
What is the purpose of the MoU signed between DoT and Ericsson?
To offer accredited courses on 5G for students of DoT's 100 5G use case labs, aiming to strengthen capacity building and skill development in these labs.
55
What is the purpose of SEBI's new framework for index providers?
To strengthen transparency and accountability in the administration of benchmark indices used in India.
56
What are two requirements for index providers under the new framework?
Registration with SEBI
Authorization for introducing new indices
57
What is the minimum net worth requirement for an index provider under SEBI's regulations?
Rs. 25 crore and 5 years experience
58
What is another requirement for index providers?
To establish an oversight committee to review both the design and methodology of their indices.
59
What are some exclusions to SEBI's new regulations for index providers?
Indices exclusively used in foreign jurisdictions.
Benchmarks regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
60
which companies will likely need to register with SEBI under the new framework?
NSE Indices (Nifty50, Nifty Bank) and Asia Index (AIPL) (compiles Sensex).
61
Describe the growth of passive products in Indian capital markets.
There has been a significant increase in passive products, including ETFs and index funds. In 2008, there were only 8 such products, and today there are over 200.
62
How many outstanding credit cards were there in India by the end of January 2024?
9.95 crore (close to 10 crore milestone)
Flashcard 2
63
What was the growth rate of credit cards in India in January 2024?
1.63% increase
64
Which bank is the leading credit card issuer in India (as of Jan 2024)?
HDFC Bank, with over 2.01 crore cards
65
How many new credit cards did HDFC Bank issue in January 2024?
2.3 lakh cards
66
Which bank had the highest number of new credit card additions in January 2024 (compared to others mentioned)?
ICICI Bank, with 3.1 lakh new cards added
67
ICICI Bank, with 3.1 lakh new cards added
E-commerce: 64.8% of total credit card spending
Point-of-sale (PoS): 35.2% of total credit card spending
68
Which bank was the second-largest credit card issuer in India (as of Jan 2024)?
State Bank of India
69
How many credit cards did State Bank of India have in total at the end of January 2024 (approximately)?
1.9 crore cards
70
Which bank launched the new 'Vikas Spoorty' loan scheme?
Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB)
71
What is the purpose of the Vikas Spoorty loan scheme?
To strengthen rural credit systems and support small-scale income-generating activities for individual
72
What are some key features of the Vikas Spoorty loan?
Hassle-free process
No collateral security or surety required
73
What is the minimum and maximum loan amount under the Vikas Spoorty scheme?
Minimum: ₹50,000 Maximum: ₹2,00,000
74
What is the key announcement regarding Aditya Birla Capital and Aditya Birla Finance?
The board of Aditya Birla Capital announced it will merge Aditya Birla Finance, a wholly-owned subsidiary, with itself. The goal is to create a large unified operating NBFC.
75
What is driving the merger of Aditya Birla Finance and Aditya Birla Capital, besides the goal of a larger NBFC?
The merger aligns with the RBI's (Reserve Bank of India) scale-based regulations, which mandated a listing of Aditya Birla Finance by September 30, 2025.
76
Explain the NBFC classifications of Aditya Birla Capital and Aditya Birla Finance.
Aditya Birla Capital: Listed, systemically important, non-deposit taking core investment company (NBFC-CIC); Classified as Middle Layer NBFC (NBFC-ML) under Scale-Based Regulations.
Aditya Birla Finance: Non-deposit taking, systemically important NBFC (NBFC-ND-SI); Classified as Upper Layer NBFC (NBFC-UL) under Scale-Based Regulations.
77
What are the leadership changes expected post-merger of Aditya Capital and Finance?
Tushar Mulye (current Head of the NBFC business in Aditya Birla Capital) will become MD and CEO of the merged entity.
Rakesh Singh (current CEO of Aditya Birla Finance) will become Executive Director and CEO (NBFC) for the merged entity.
78
What was approved by the CCI regarding the merger of Garagepreneurs Internet Private Limited (GIPL),?
approved the merger of Garagepreneurs Internet Private Limited (GIPL), a fintech company, with North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB).
79
the merger of a financial technology company, GIPL (including Quadrillion Finance Private Limited
(QFPL) (an NBFC-SI-ICC) and Intergalactory Foundry Private Limited (IFPL)) with
North-East Small Finance Bank Limited (NESFB) (including
RGVN (North-East) Microfinance Limited (RGVN))
80
What brand name does Garagepreneurs Internet Private Limited (GIPL) operate under?
Slice
81
What is the core function of Slice (GIPL)?
Facilitating payments and credit products through digital means in India, particularly for the underbanked population.
82
What action has the Reserve Bank of India taken with Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank Ltd
The RBI has reconstituted the bank's three-member Committee of Advisors. This comes after the RBI superseded the bank's Board of Directors in November 2023.
83
Why did the RBI supersede Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank's Board of Directors?
The RBI superseded the board due to concerns over poor governance standards within the bank
84
Who are the members now on the reconstituted Committee of Advisors for Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank?
Devendra Kumar (former Chief General Manager, SBI)
Venkatesh Hegde (former General Manager, SBI)
Suhas Gokhale (former MD, COSMOS Co-operative Bank Limited)
85
What was the role of the original Committee of Advisors for Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank?
The Committee of Advisors was formed to assist the Administrator (Satya Prakash Pathak, appointed by the RBI) in managing the bank's affairs after the RBI superseded the Board of Directors.
86
Who is the Administrator appointed by RBI for Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank and what is his background?
The Administrator is Satya Prakash Pathak, a former Chief General Manager of State Bank of India (SBI).
87
What warning did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issue to mobile phone users?
The RBI advised users to avoid charging their phones at public USB charging ports due to the risk of cyberattacks.
88
What is the cyberattack RBI is concerned about regarding public USB charging ports?
Juice Jacking - Hackers tamper with public USB ports to steal data from connected devices.
89
How does Juice Jacking work?
Hackers infect public USB ports with malware or make hardware changes to steal data from connected devices.
90
What is Accenture LearnVantage?
A new technology learning and training service designed to help Accenture's clients reskill and upskill their workforce in technology, data, and AI.
91
How is Accenture investing in LearnVantage?
$1 billion investment planned over three years.
Acquisition of the educational platform Udacity.
92
What specific skill gaps will Accenture LearnVantage help address?
Gaps in technology, data, and AI skills created by rapid technological advancements
93
What benefits does the Udacity acquisition bring to Accenture LearnVantage?
Localized courses in multiple languages (English, Arabic, Korean, Spanish)
Expansion of the LearnVantage team with Udacity's 230+ professionals
94
Name the company that inaugurated its design centre in Chennai.
Qualcomm Inc, a US-based company that develops wireless technologies.
95
Who inaugurated Qualcomm’s new design centre in Chennai?
Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the centre, which was set up with an investment of ₹177.27 crore.
96
What will the new Qualcomm design centre in Chennai specialise in?
The design centre will specialise in wireless connectivity solutions, focusing on innovations that complement WiFi technologies.
97
What is the Qualcomm 6G University Research India Program?
It is a program announced by Qualcomm that aligns with the Indian Government’s Bharat 6G Vision to support academic research and leadership in emerging 6G technologies.
98
How many academicians comprise the first cohort of the Qualcomm 6G University Research India Program, and what is the program funding amount?
The first cohort comprises 17 academicians, sharing program funding of about $1.02 million over three years.
99
What two key initiatives were launched to drive 6G development in India?
Prime Minister unveiled a Vision Document for 6G rollout by 2030
Government launched the Bharat 6G Project to fund 6G research and deployment
100
Outline the two phases of the Bharat 6G Project.
Phase 1 (2023-2025): Support for exploratory ideas, proof-of-concept tests, and risky research pathways.
Phase 2 (2025-2030): Focus on promising concepts, developing use cases, creating intellectual property, establishing testbeds, and leading to commercialization.
101
What is the role of the apex council overseeing the Bharat 6G Project?
Addresses issues like:
Standardization and spectrum for 6G
Creating a device and systems ecosystem
Funding for research and development
102
Key features of Bharat 6g
103
How does India's digital growth support the need for 6G innovation?
India is the 2nd largest telecom market globally.
Rapid growth in digital subscribers, broadband users, and internet connections.
Success in e-governance and direct payments underscores the need for even faster connectivity that 6G offers.
104
Explain the basic concept of 6G technology.
The successor to 5G, offering higher frequencies, greater capacity, and lower latency for communication than its predecessor.
105
What is the key agreement between the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and Jakarta Futures Exchange (JFEX)?
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in areas related to commodity exchange development.
106
What are the specific areas of collaboration outlined in the MoU between MCX and JFEX?
Knowledge sharing
Research
Education and training
Raising awareness
Market development initiatives
107
briefly describe the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX).
Established in 2003 by the Indian government.
Located in Mumbai, India.
First listed, national-level electronic commodity exchange in India.
Current CEO: P.S. Reddy
108
What did British American Tobacco (BAT) do with its stake in ITC Ltd?
Sold 43.69 crore shares (3.5% stake) through block trades to institutional investors for ₹16,690 crore (1.5 billion pounds).
109
How did BAT sell its ITC stake?
Through its subsidiary Tobacco Manufacturers (India) Ltd.
110
Who were some of the main buyers of the ITC stake sold by BAT?
ICICI Prudential Fund, Government of Singapore, and Monetary Authority of Singapore.
111
How did this sale affect BAT's ownership in ITC?
Their shareholding decreased from 29% to 25.5%.
112
On December 31, 2023, who held a significant stake (around 7.82%) in ITC?
Specified Undertaking of Unit Trust of India (SUUTI)
113
What collaboration did EaseMyTrip establish with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?
Entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to become the Monument Mitra (Smārak Särathi) for four historical monuments under the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 program.
114
Which monuments are included in the EaseMyTrip-ASI partnership?
Qutub Minar, Delhi
Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
Agra Fort, Agra
Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
115
What is EaseMyTrip Foundation's role as the Monument Mitra?
Collaborate with the government to improve the upkeep, maintenance, and overall enhancement of the four designated heritage sites.
116
How will the Adopt a Heritage project benefit visitors to the historical monuments?
Through infrastructural upgrades, provision of amenities, and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.
117
Briefly describe the Adopt a Heritage project.
Ministry of Culture in 2017
to involve public and private entities in the conservation and preservation of India's historical monument
118
What is the key agreement between Reliance Consumer Products and Elephant House?
A partnership to manufacture and sell Elephant House branded beverages in India.
119
How will this partnership benefit Reliance Consumer Products?
It expands their beverage portfolio in India, adding Elephant House to existing brands like Campa Cola, Sosyo, and Raskik.
120
Who is Elephant House owned by?
Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings, Sri Lanka's largest listed conglomerate.
121
What is the purpose of the MoU signed between GAIL, ONGC, and Shell Energy India (SEI)?
To explore opportunities for importing ethane and other hydrocarbons to India, along with developing the infrastructure to receive them.
122
Where will the imported ethane potentially be received?
At the Shell Energy Terminal located in Hazira, India.
123
GAIL's existing bilateral MoU with SEI for exploring
energy cooperation, which included a feasibility study on ethane import infrastructure at the SEI terminal.
124
ONGC's existing bilateral MoU with GAIL
for importing and handling hydrocarbons.
Increasing demand for ethane in India and plans for ethane import infrastructure development.
125
Who is the new Chairman of Prasar Bharati?
Navneet Kumar Sehgal, a retired bureaucrat.
126
How long will Sehgal's term as Chairman last?
Three years or until he turns 70, whichever comes first.
127
What project did the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approve for the Indian Air Force (IAF)?
Design and development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.
128
Who will develop the AMCA?
DRDO's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) along with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL),
129
What is the estimated cost of the AMCA project?
₹15,000 crore (approx.)
130
What is the timeline for the AMCA project?
Develop five prototypes within five years.
First flight expected before 2030.
Deployment with IAF may take longer.
131
How will the initial AMCA squadrons be powered?
AMCA-Mk1-A variant with GE-414 engines manufactured under a Make in India agreement with General Electric (GE).
132
The CCS also approved acquiring 34 new Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters
for the Indian Army (25) and Coast Guard (9).
133
Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters - manufactured by
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL),
134
What is Tata Motors planning to build in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu?
A cutting-edge vehicle manufacturing facility.
135
What is the estimated investment for the new Tata Motors plant?
₹9,000 crore.
136
Why is Ranipet vehicle manufacturing plant significant for Tata Motors?
It will be their second plant in southern India, following the one in Dharwad, Karnataka.
137
How does this project fit into the Tamil Nadu auto industry?
It marks the second major investment in recent times, following Vietnamese company VinFast's announcement of a $500 million (Rs 4,152 crore) manufacturing facility in the state.
138
Which company broke ground on a new electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu?
VinFast, a Vietnamese automotive company.
139
Where in Tamil Nadu is the new VinFast facility located?
Thoothukudi City, within the SIPCOT industrial estate.
140
How large is the VinFast facility, and what will its production capacity be?
It's spread across 400 acres and is expected to produce up to 150,000 vehicles per year.
141
What event did the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, participate in at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi?
The Prime Minister participated in the “Sashakt Nari - Viksit Bharat” programme and witnessed agricultural drone demonstrations.
142
Who are the Namo Drone Didis, and what was significant about their participation in the event?
Namo Drone Didis are participants from 10 different locations nationwide who took part in the drone demonstration simultaneously. The Prime Minister handed over drones to 1,000 Namo Drone Didis during the programme.
143
What is the duration and financial outlay of the Namo Drone Didi Scheme for providing drones to Women SHGs?
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is for the period from 2024-25 to 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crores.
144
What is the aim of the Namo Drone Didi Scheme and how many SHGs will be selected?
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme aims to provide drones to 14500 selected Women SHGs for rental services to farmers for agricultural purposes
145
What financial assistance will the Women SHGs receive under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
Under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, Central Financial Assistance @ 80% of the cost of drone and accessories/ancillary charges up to a maximum of Rs. 8.0 Lakhs will be provided for purchasing drones.
146
How can the Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of SHGs raise the balance amount for drone procurement under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
The CLFs may raise the balance amount as a loan under the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF) within the Namo Drone Didi Scheme.
147
What is the interest subvention provided on the AIF loan under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
An interest subvention @ 3% on the AIF loan will be provided to the CLFs under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme.
148
How will the Namo Drone Didi Scheme benefit farmers and the SHGs?
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme will infuse advanced technology in agriculture, improving efficiency, enhancing crop yield, reducing operation costs, and providing sustainable business and livelihood support to SHGs, enabling them to earn additional income of at least Rs. 1.0 lakh per annum.
149
Garuda Aerospace secures orders for 500 Kisan drones under NaMo Drone Didi initiative
Chennai-based drone company Garuda Aerospace has secured an order of a total of 500 Garuda Kisan Drones valued at around ₹20 crore from ten leading fertiliser companies under the NaMo Drone Didi scheme.
150
eVision, a media company owned by UAE's e&, has teamed up with what platform
Times Internet-owned cricket platform Cricbuzz to create Cricbuzz TV
151
What will Cricbuzz TV offer viewers?
A 24/7 channel dedicated to top global cricket competitions and events
152
What is the official name of the UAE-based multinational telecom operator known as e&?
Emirates Telecommunications Group Company
153
What did SEBI approve for stock settlements in India?
A beta version of T+0 settlement for a limited number of stocks and brokers.
154
What does T+0 settlement mean?
Trades are settled (funds and securities exchanged) on the same day they are executed.
155
What will SEBI do to assess the T+0 settlement launch?
SEBI will evaluate the program's progress after 3 and 6 months to determine future steps.
156
SEBI reduced the settlement cycle to T+3 from T+5 in 2002, then to T+2 in
2003, before adopting T+1 in 2021 and executing it in stages, with the last phase being completed in January 2023.
157
What is the name of the initiative aimed at improving adult literacy in India?
ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)
158
What is the goal of ULLAS?
To bridge the gaps in basic literacy and critical life skills for citizens aged 15 and above.
159
How does ULLAS achieve its goals?
By providing basic education, digital and financial literacy, and critical life skills through volunteers.
160
What is FLNAT and when did it take place in 2024?
The Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test was conducted on March 17th, 2024.
161
How many people participated in the FLNAT in 2024?
Approximately 37 lakh learners across 23 states. The assessment comprises three subjects - Reading, Writing, and Numeracy - each carrying 50 marks, totalling 150 marks
162
What are some UTs aiming to achieve 100% literacy through FLNAT?
Chandigarh, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and Goa.
163
What is the target for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy under ULLAS for 2022-2027?
5 crore learners (1 crore per year).
164
Briefly describe the online learning platform used by ULLAS.
ULLAS utilizes the Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS) in collaboration with NIC, NCERT, and NIOS for online registration and learning.
165
What is the total financial outlay for ULLAS?
Rs. 1037.90 crore (Central share - Rs. 700 crore, State share - Rs. 337.90 crore).
166
How will ULLAS provide learners with access to diverse learning resources?
Through the DIKSHA portal of NCERT, acting as a digital gateway.
167
What is the name of the new high-octane, eco-friendly fuel available at IndianOil Retail Outlets?
ETHANOL 100
168
Where can customers avail ETHANOL 100 currently?
At select 183 retail outlets across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.
169
What is the government's long-term goal for ethanol-petrol blending?
To achieve a 20% ethanol-petrol blend by 2025-26.
170
How are Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) supporting the increase in ethanol production?
By signing long-term agreements with 131 dedicated ethanol plants.
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What is the expected additional production capacity of these new ethanol plants?
745 crore litres annually.
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What is the current average ethanol blending rate in India (as of Feb 2024)?
11.60% (for the first four months of the 2023-24 supply year)
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Did the Indian government restrict a source of ethanol production in 2023-24?
Yes, they banned the use of sugarcane juice and sugar syrup for ethanol production.
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Despite the ban, how does the government claim to achieve its blending target?
The government claims alternative sources like grains will fill the gap left by sugarcane juice/syrup.
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What are the main feedstock sources for ethanol production in India?
Sugarcane-based molasses and grain-based sources
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What is Sagar Parikrama?
An outreach program designed to connect with the fishing community across India's coastline.
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How does Sagar Parikrama reach fishermen?
Through a predetermined sea route with stops at coastal village
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What was the distance covered by Sagar Parikrama Yatra?
7,986 kilometers out of a total coastline of 8,118 kilometers.
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What is India's ranking in global seafood production?
3rd largest fish producer, 2nd largest aquaculture producer, largest shrimp producer, and 4th largest seafood exporter.
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What is the name of the new digital system designed to aid India's fight against crime?
Criminal Case Management System (CCMS)
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Who developed the Criminal Case Management System (CCMS)?
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs
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What benefit will the CCMS offer to law enforcement?
This user-friendly, browser-based system will assist State Police forces in investigations and prosecution.
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What is the name of the new mobile app launched alongside the CCMS?
Sankalan
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Who created the Sankalan mobile app?
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs
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What is the purpose of the Sankalan app?
To serve as a comprehensive guide for navigating new and old criminal laws in India.
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According to the 2022 UNDP Human Development Report, what is India's rank in the world for HDI?
134 (out of 193 countries ranked)
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What category does India fall under based on its HDI value (0.644)?
Medium human development
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Very high human development
(HDI value above 0.800)
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High human development
HDI value between 0.700 and 0.799
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Medium human development
HDI value between 0.550 and 0.699
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Low human development
HDI value between 0.350 and 0.549
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Very low human development
HDI value below 0.350
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how HDI is calculated.
composite index based on life expectancy, average years of schooling, and GNI per capita (income).
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How did India's HDI indicators perform in 2022?
All three HDI indicators (life expectancy, education, GNI per capita) showed improvement.
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How does HDI differ from GDP?
HDI considers broader well-being measures (health, education, income) compared to GDP which focuses solely on economic output.
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How does India compare to its South Asian neighbors in HDI ranking (2022)?
India ranks lower than Sri Lanka (78th), Bhutan (125th), and Bangladesh (129th).
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What was one of India's key achievements related to gender equality in 2022?
Progress in reducing gender inequality, ranking 108th out of 166 countries in the Gender Inequality Index (GII).
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How does the Gender Inequality Index (GII) measure gender equality?
It considers reproductive health, empowerment, and labor market participation.
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How does India's GII value compare to global and South Asian averages?
India's GII (0.437) is better than both the global average (0.462) and South Asian average (0.478).
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What area remains a challenge for India regarding gender equality?
Labor force participation rate disparity between women (28.3%) and men (76.1%).
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How has India's HDI improved over the years (since 1990)?
Life expectancy (+9.1 years),
expected years of schooling (+4.6 years), mean years of schooling (+3.8 years), GNI per capita (approx. +287% growth).
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Which country ranks number one on the 2022 Human Development Index?
Switzerland
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Can you name some of the countries that follow Switzerland in the top rankings of the 2022 HDI?
Norway, Iceland, Hong Kong, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, and Ireland (in descending order).
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How does India compare to Nepal and Pakistan in the 2022 HDI rankings?
India ranked higher than Nepal (146) and Pakistan (164)
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What is the date of International Day of Mathematics (IDM)?
March 14
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What is the theme for International Day of Mathematics 2024?
Playing With Math
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