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CA/PIB/RBI/ESI/FM - MAR'24 > CA-8 > Flashcards

CA-8 Flashcards

1
Q

In 2023, how much methane was emitted from the energy sector, and what were the primary sources?

A

Approx. 120 million tonnes from fossil fuel operations.
Approx. 10 million tonnes from bioenergy use.

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2
Q

What actions and goals are being set to address methane emissions at the international level?

A

The Paris Agreement calls for a 75% reduction of fossil fuel-based methane by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5 °C.
Over 150 nations (including Azerbaijan) pledged a 30% cut by 2030.
Oil and gas companies committed to reducing methane by 2050.

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3
Q

Name the top three countries leading in methane emissions from the energy sector.

A

United States
Russia
China (with China leading specifically in coal-related emissions)

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4
Q

What is the IEA, and what is its role?

Paris, France.

A

IEA stands for the International Energy Agency.
An autonomous organization within the OECD framework.
Focuses on providing data and analysis about energy, including monitoring methane emissions (as in the Global Methane Tracker report).

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5
Q

What is Devin, and what company created it?

A

Devin is an AI software engineer chatbot developed by Cognition, a US-based company.
Claimed to be the world’s first fully autonomous AI software engineer.

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6
Q

What are some of Devin’s capabilities according to Cognition?

A

Can work independently or collaboratively on complex engineering tasks.
Able to plan and execute tasks requiring numerous decisions.
Achieved a 13.86% success rate on SWE-Bench (evaluating real-world software issues).

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7
Q

What is the purpose of the agreement between the Technology Development Board (TDB) and Quicksand Design Studio?

A

To foster innovation in the FMCG industry through the project: “Digital Financial Solutions for Last Mile FMCG Value Chains in Emerging Markets”
The TDB has provided a ₹1.22 crore grant to support this project.

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8
Q

What is the INDIA-ISRAEL INDUSTRIAL R&D AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION FUND (I4F)?

A

A collaboration between the DST (India) and the IIA (Israel)
Designed to support joint industrial R&D projects between Indian and Israeli companies

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9
Q

Who are the project leads for the FMCG digital finance platform?

A

Quicksand Design Studio Private Limited (India)
M/s Vascode Technologies Ltd. (Israel)

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10
Q

Why is this agreement between TDB and Quicksand significant?

A

It’s the first agreement under the India-Israel bilateral call for projects.
Signals the potential for more collaborations and innovations supported by the TDB.

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11
Q

What is the recent change in regulations by UGC regarding off-campus centers for private universities?

A

State private universities can now set up off-campus centers within their state.
This is focused on “future academic vision” rather than just commercial interests.

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12
Q

What were the previous restrictions on off-campus centers for private universities?

A

Private universities were not allowed to open off-campus centers anywhere in India.

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13
Q

What are the eligibility criteria for a state private university to establish an off-campus center?

A

Be operational for at least 5 years.
Have accreditation from NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council), any grade.
Guarantee the same quality of infrastructure, faculty, and courses as the main campus.
Pay a one-time fee of Rs 10 lakh to UGC.
Own the land or have a lease agreement for at least 30 years.

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14
Q

What is the current trend of patent applications and approvals in India?

A

India witnesses a new patent application every 6 minutes.
2023 saw a record high of 90,300 applications.
Over 1 lakh patents were granted between Mar 15, 2023, and Mar 14, 2024 (250 per working day).

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15
Q

How have Geographical Indication (GI) registrations fared in India?

A

GI registrations have tripled compared to the previous year.
As of today (March 31, 2024), 573 GIs are registered in India.
98 new GIs were registered in 2023-24, with 62 more expected by March 31st

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16
Q

How do the Patent Rules 2024 affect time limits for patent applications?

A

Time to submit foreign application details (Form 8) is reduced:
From 6 months after application filing
To 3 months after receiving the first examination report.
Time to request patent examination is reduced:
From 48 months
To 31 months from priority date or application filing date (whichever is earlier).

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17
Q

How do the Patent Rules 2024 impact patent renewal fees?

A

A 10% discount applies to renewal fees paid electronically in advance for at least 4 years.

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18
Q

: What is the GVA share of the Livestock Sector?

A

Approximately 5%

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19
Q

What is the total growth rate of the Livestock Sector?

A

Approximately 7.93%

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20
Q

What is the market size of the Livestock Sector?

A

Rs 15.63 lakh Cr

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21
Q

What is the purpose of the Pashupalak App?

A

To help farmers access all free and paid livestock-related schemes and services.

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22
Q

Who launched Pashupalak app?

A

Prime Minister

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23
Q

What is the purpose of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024?

A

To improve the process of certification for films intended for public exhibition.

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24
Q

How did the Ministry develop these new Certification Rules?

A

Through consultations with filmmakers, cinema owners, rights organizations, NGOs, film industry bodies, and the public.

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25
Q

How does the UA category change under the new rules?

A

The existing UA category is subdivided into three age-based categories: UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+.

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26
Q

What is the new requirement for the CBFC Board composition?

A

At least one-third of the board members must be women, with a goal of reaching half female representation.

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27
Q

Is there a way to expedite film certification?

A

Yes, the new rules allow for faster screenings in cases of urgent release commitments by filmmakers.

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28
Q

How long are CBFC certificates valid under the new rules?

A

Certificates have perpetual validity, unlike the previous 10-year expiration.

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29
Q

How does television broadcasting handle film certification?

A

Edited films for television require recertification, and only films certified for unrestricted public exhibition are allowed.

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30
Q

When were the last major changes to the Cinematograph Act made?

A

The Act was amended in 2023, the first significant change in nearly 40 years.

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31
Q

What are the penalties for film piracy under the new Act?

A

A fine of Rs 3 lakh and a minimum of 3 months imprisonment.

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32
Q

What is the significance of March 15th, 2024 for India’s MSME sector?

A

The total number of registered MSMEs on the Udyam and UAP platforms crossed 4 crore, marking a major milestone in the Ministry of MSME’s formalization efforts.

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33
Q

How does India define Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)?

A

MSMEs are classified based on a composite definition of investment in plant/machinery and their turnover (introduced in a notification on June 26th, 2020).

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34
Q

What is the Udyam Registration Portal?

A

A free, online platform launched on July 1st, 2020, for MSMEs with PAN to formalize their registration. It considers both investment and turnover during registration.

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35
Q

What is the IPEF?

A

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is a regional economic initiative.

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36
Q

What are the goals of the IPEF?

A

Seeks to boost partnerships for resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, growth, fairness, and competitiveness.

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37
Q

When was the IPEF launched and how many partners does it have?

Launched in Tokyo, Japan

A

Launched in May 2022 with 14 partners: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. Represents 40% of global GDP and 28% of global trade in goods and services.

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38
Q

What are the four main pillars of the IPEF?

A

Supply-chain resilience
Clean energy, decarbonization & infrastructure
Taxation & anti-corruption
Fair & resilient trade

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39
Q

Why has India opted out of the IPEF’s trade pillar?

A

India’s trade policies don’t fully align with the issues emphasized within the IPEF trade pillar.

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40
Q

How does the IPEF differ from a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?

A

The IPEF isn’t an FTA. It allows members to choose which pillars they wish to negotiate and participate in.

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41
Q

When and where will the next in-person IPEF Ministerial meeting take place?

A

June 6th, 2024 in Singapore. Ministers will focus on the Supply Chain, Clean Economy, and Fair Economy Agreements, along with the Agreement on IPEF.

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42
Q

What is the FSSAI’s Eat Right Campuses initiative?

A

A program to certify educational institutions, workplaces, hospitals, and even prisons that meet hygiene and healthy food standards.
It involves audits, food handler training, and is part of the Eat Right India movement.

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43
Q

How many prisons have been certified as Eat Right Campuses?

A

Around 100 out of over 2,900 total campuses certified.
Uttar Pradesh has the most certified prisons, followed by Punjab, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.

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44
Q

What is the Centre of Jain Manuscriptology (GUCJM)?

A

A new centre established at Gujarat University with funding from the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Focuses on Jain Studies and research on Jainism.

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45
Q

What are the goals of the Centre of Jain Manuscriptology (GUCJM)?

A

To promote education and research in Jain Studies.
To empower minority communities through academic opportunities in Jainism.
To support the development of Apabhransh and Prakrit languages, important for Jainism

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46
Q

Panch pran of amrit kaal

A
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47
Q

When is International Day of Yoga observed each year?

A

June 21st

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48
Q

What was the special event held to mark the 100-day countdown to IDY-2024?

A

Yoga Mahotsav-2024

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49
Q

What is the theme of IDY-2024?

A

Yoga for Women Empowerment

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50
Q

What is the significance of the 10th edition of International Day of Yoga?

A

It marks a decade of the global celebration of yoga.

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51
Q

What is JETCO?

A

Joint Economic and Trade Committee between India and Dominican Republic

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52
Q

When was the JETCO protocol signed?

A

March 12, 2024

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53
Q

In what context was the JETCO agreement signed?

A

25th anniversary of India-Dominican Republic diplomatic relations

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54
Q

What is the purpose of the JETCO agreement?

A

Strengthen and develop cooperation in trade, services, industries, and other sectors

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55
Q

How will JETCO achieve its goals?

A

Through technical assistance, training programs, and capacity building

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56
Q

What are India’s main exports to Dominican Republic?

A

Pharmaceuticals, marine products, motor vehicles, two & three wheelers

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57
Q

What does Dominican Republic mainly export to India?

A

Gold

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58
Q

For what works are translations eligible for the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize?

A

Books first published between January 1st, five years before the prize year, and December 31st of the preceding year (e.g., 2023 prize considers works published between 2017-2021)

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59
Q

What is the prize amount for the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize?

A

Rs. 50,000/-

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60
Q

What additional recognition do winners receive?

A

A copper plaque presented at a special function

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61
Q

In what categories are the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prizes awarded?

A

Poetry, Novels, Short Stories, Essays, and Literary Studies (Number of awards in each category:
Poetry - 9,
Novels - 6,
Short Stories - 5, Essays - 3,
Literary Study - 1)

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62
Q

What was the name of the Indian warship that thwarted the pirate attack?

A

INS Kolkata

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63
Q

How many crew members were rescued by the Indian Navy?

A

17

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64
Q

What was the nationality of some of the rescued crew members?

A

Bulgarian (7)

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65
Q

How many pirates surrendered to the Indian Navy?

A

35

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66
Q

What was the name of the hijacked merchant vessel?

A

MV Ruen

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67
Q

How far from India did this anti-piracy operation take place?

A

1400 nautical miles (2600 km)

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68
Q

How did the Indian Navy support the operation?

A

Deployment of INS Subhadra, airdropping of Marine Commandos (PRAHARS)

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69
Q

Who signed a MoU to promote Indian agriculture initiatives?

A

Krishi Jagran Pvt Ltd and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

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70
Q

What is the purpose of the MoU?

A

Disseminate and promote ICAR’s initiatives for agricultural growth and farmer well-being

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71
Q

How will the MoU achieve its goals?

A

Produce videos showcasing ICAR success stories on social media platforms.
Promote successful ICAR-developed technologies across India.
Feature video bytes from senior ICAR officials in Krishi Jagran magazines.
Publish articles on ICAR initiatives in relevant Krishi Jagran editions.

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72
Q

What is the Raksha Mantri Trophy?

A

An award recognizing excellence in healthcare delivered by Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) hospitals. It fosters healthy competition among them.

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73
Q

When was the Raksha Mantri Trophy instituted?

A

1989

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74
Q

Who won the Best Command Hospital award for 2022?

A

Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune

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75
Q

Who won the Second Best Command Hospital award for 2022?

A

Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow

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76
Q

What is NHIT?

A

National Highways Infra Trust, an infrastructure investment trust by NHAI.

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77
Q

What is the purpose of NHIT?

A

To raise funds for acquiring and managing national highway stretches in India.

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78
Q

What was the name of NHIT’s recent successful fundraising round?

A

InvIT Round-3

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79
Q

: What is the total length of highway stretches acquired through InvIT Round-3?

A

Approximately 889 kilometers

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80
Q

What is the total value of NHIT’s InvIT Round-3 monetization?

A

Over Rs. 16,000 crore (highest by NHAI and one of the largest in the Indian road sector)

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81
Q

How did NHIT raise funds in InvIT Round-3?

A

: By raising unit capital (around Rs. 7,272 crore) from investors and debt (around Rs. 9,000 crore) from lenders.

82
Q

What will the raised funds be used for?

A

To acquire national highway stretches with a base concession fee of around Rs. 15,625 crore and additional fees of Rs. 75 crore.

83
Q

How much has NHIT raised through monetization since its inception?

A

Approximately Rs. 28,000 crore (Rs. 16,000 crore from InvIT Round-3 + Rs. 12,000 crore from previous rounds)

84
Q

What is the National Creators Award?

A

initiative by the Indian government to honor digital creators who excel in storytelling, social change advocacy, environmental sustainability, education, and gaming, among other domains. It was presented for the first time by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

85
Q

How many winners were there in the first-ever National Creators Award?

A

There were 23 winners, including three international creators, in the first-ever National Creators Award

86
Q

What are the eligibility criteria for the National Creators Award

A

Participants must be 18 years or older at the time of nomination. 19 categories are open exclusively to Indian nationals, while one category is dedicated to international digital creators1.

87
Q

On which digital platforms must the content be published to be eligible for the National Creators Award?

A

Eligible content must be published on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, ShareChat, Koo, Roposo, or Moj, and can be in English or any Indian language

88
Q

Can creators nominate themselves for the National Creators Award?

A

Yes, creators can self-nominate in a maximum of three categories. Those nominating others can propose nominations across all 20 categories1.

89
Q

Describe the failure of Japan’s Space One Kairos rocket on its inaugural mission.

A

he 18-meter (59 ft), four-stage solid-fuel Kairos rocket exploded shortly after launch. This setback occurred as Space One attempted to become Japan’s first private company to place a satellite in orbit.

90
Q

What is the name of Japan’s new flagship rocket that recently had a successful launch?

A

The H3 rocket, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

91
Q

How does the recent anti-drone system contract signed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) mark a milestone?

A

The ₹200 crore contract with Big Bang Boom Solutions Private Limited (BBBS) represents the largest awarded under the iDEX initiative. This signifies a significant step in promoting innovation in India’s defence sector by supporting domestic companies developing advanced military technologies.

92
Q

What is the iDEX program’s objective?

A

he Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative aims to foster an ecosystem that encourages technological advancements and innovation in India’s defence sector.

93
Q

Describe the capabilities of BBBS’s Vajra Sentinel System.

A

Detection of drones at extended ranges.
Tracking and neutralizing identified drone threats.
Offering “soft kill” by jamming drone signals to take control or force landing upto 10 km.
Employing “hard kill” with interceptor drones to eliminate hostile drones (at a range of 5-6 km).

94
Q

What is the operational range of the Vajra Sentinel System?

A

The system can effectively operate up to 10 kilometers for detection and tracking. The “hard kill” option using interceptor drones is functional within a 5-6 kilometer range.

95
Q

Who sold a 5.8% stake in IndiGo through the open market?

A

Rakesh Gangwal, co-founder of InterGlobe Aviation

96
Q

What was the total stake holding of Rakesh Gangwal, his wife Shobha Gangwal, and their family trust in IndiGo before the sale?

A

Approximately 34% (as of December 2022)

97
Q

Why did Rakesh Gangwal decide to sell his stake in IndiGo?

A

He planned to gradually reduce his holdings after stepping down from the IndiGo board in February 2022.

98
Q

What was Rakesh Gangwal’s stake in IndiGo and his family trust’s stake before this transaction (as of December 2023)?

A

Rakesh Gangwal: 11.72% stake

99
Q

How much has Rakesh Gangwal’s stake reduced in IndiGo after the sale?

A

To 6%, bringing the promoter group’s holding down to 57.3%

100
Q

How much has the share of mutual fund assets owned by women investors increased in India (as of December 2023)?

A

There’s been a 21% increase compared to March 2017.

101
Q

According to AMFI data, in which areas of India has the share of women’s mutual fund investments grown the most significantly?

A

Investments from beyond the top 30 cities have seen the highest growth, with women investors’ share increasing from 17% to 28% (as of December 2023).

102
Q

What age group represents the largest portion of women investors in mutual funds?

A

Nearly 50% of women investors in India fall within the 25-44 age bracket.

103
Q

Which Indian state has the highest percentage of women investors in mutual funds?

A

Goa leads with 40% of its mutual fund industry’s assets under management (AUM) being held by women investors, followed by the North-Eastern states.

104
Q

How do most women in India typically invest in mutual funds?

A

They tend to choose the regular investment plan route and hold their investments for longer durations

105
Q

What was the name and theme of the unique spiritual gathering held in India?

A

Global Spirituality Mahotsav, with the theme “Inner Peace to World Peace”.

106
Q

Who co-hosted this Global Spirituality Mahotsav event?

A

The Ministry of Culture (Special Cell) and Heartfulness Institute.

107
Q

Why is this year (2024) significant regarding Hyderabad State Liberation Day?

A

The Indian Central Government has decided to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Hyderabad State Liberation Day in a grand manner.

108
Q

When will the official commemoration for Hyderabad State Liberation Day take place?

A

On September 17, 2024, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the liberation.

109
Q

Briefly explain the historical context of Hyderabad State Liberation Day.

A

It marks the day (September 17, 1948) when the Hyderabad State, including Telangana, parts of Maharashtra, and Karnataka, was integrated into India after being ruled by the Nizam

110
Q

Who played a key role in securing Hyderabad State’s liberation for India?

A

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s leadership and Operation Polo were instrumental in this historical event.

111
Q

Describe the central government’s most recent revision to the windfall tax.

A

The windfall tax on petroleum crude has been increased by ₹300 to ₹4,900 per tonne effective March 16, 2024. Export taxes on petrol, diesel, and ATF remain at zero.

112
Q

What is the government’s reasoning for adjusting the windfall tax?

A

The adjustment aims to capture profits made by energy companies amid fluctuations in global oil prices.

113
Q

When did India first introduce the windfall tax and why?

A

India introduced the windfall tax in July 2022 in response to soaring crude oil prices. This tax aims to target unexpected, sudden profits within the energy sector.

114
Q

Name Indian companies particularly affected by the windfall tax

A

Key upstream companies in India, such as the Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Oil India are significantly impacted by the windfall tax policy.

115
Q

What is a windfall tax in general?

A

A windfall tax is a higher tax rate imposed on sudden and substantial profits earned by specific companies or industries due to favorable economic circumstances that were unforeseen or unplanned.

116
Q

What is the purpose of the new regulations introduced by TRAI regarding mobile number portability (MNP)?

A

To reduce and prevent fraudulent activities related to SIM swaps.

117
Q

When will these new MNP regulations come into effect?

A

They will be implemented starting from July 1, 2024.

118
Q

How do the new regulations impact users who need to replace a lost SIM card?

A

Users who require a replacement SIM will have a seven-day waiting period before being eligible to port their mobile number to a different network.

119
Q

Are there any exceptions to the seven-day waiting period?

A

Yes, Upgrading a SIM card (e.g., from 3G to 4G/5G) does not require a waiting period for porting, as it’s authorized by the user with a one-time password (OTP).

120
Q

Briefly explain Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in India

A

Initially launched as a pilot program in Haryana in November 2010. Extended nationwide in January 2011, initially within the same service area.
Full MNP implemented in July 2015, allowing porting across different telecom circles in India.

121
Q

What’s a significant aspect of Maharashtra’s plan to build a facility in Jammu and Kashmir?

A

Maharashtra is poised to be the first Indian state to purchase land in Jammu and Kashmir for a tourist facility.

122
Q

: Where will the Maharashtra Bhawan be constructed?

A

The Bhawan will be built in Budgam, central Kashmir, marking the first state Bhawan ever built in the valley.

123
Q

Provide details about the land acquired for the Maharashtra Bhawan project.

A

The land area is 2.5 acres located at Ichgam, near Srinagar Airport. The Jammu and Kashmir government approved the transfer for ₹8.16 crore.

124
Q

How did the abrogation of Article 370 impact land ownership in Jammu and Kashmir?

A

Prior to its abrogation, only permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir could buy land. Now, the government can sell land, while previously they could only lease it for up to 99 years.

125
Q

What was the total budget allocated by the Maharashtra government for constructing the two Bhawans?

A

The state government sanctioned ₹77 crore for building these facilities (though the specific number of Bhawans being built isn’t mentioned here).

126
Q

Describe the overarching goal of SEBI’s regulatory amendments.

A

SEBI aims to enhance the ease of doing business, specifically for companies pursuing initial public offerings (IPOs) and fundraising activities.

127
Q

Outline the change made to SEBI regulations regarding security deposits for IPOs.

A

SEBI has eliminated the 1% security deposit requirement for public or rights issues of equity shares, simplifying the IPO process for companies.

128
Q

What new flexibility exists regarding minimum promoters’ contributions (MPC)?

A

Promoter group entities and non-individual shareholders holding over 5% of post-offer equity share capital can now contribute to the MPC without being designated as promoters.

129
Q

How have the criteria for requiring the refiling of offer for sale (OFS) documents been changed?

A

Adjustments to the OFS size will only trigger the need for refiling if either the issue size (in rupees) OR the number of shares changes. Both criteria do not have to change.

130
Q

What alteration has been made to the bid/offer closing date for specific situations?

A

Force majeure events will now allow for a minimum one-day extension of the bid/offer closing date, instead of the previous three-day minimum, providing additional flexibility in unforeseen circumstances.

131
Q

What are the minimum financial requirements for an unlisted company to make a public IPO offering in India?

A

Net Tangible Assets: At least Rs. 3 crore in each of the preceding 3 financial years, with a maximum of 50% in monetary assets (except in offer for sale).
Pre-tax Operating Profit: Minimum Rs. 15 crore as average in at least 3 out of the past 5 years.
Net Worth: At least Rs. 1 crore in each of the preceding 3 financial years.

132
Q

What additional financial requirement applies if a company has recently changed its name?

A

If the name change occurred within the last year, at least 50% of the company’s revenue in the preceding year must come from the business activity reflected in the new name.

133
Q

Are there any limitations on the IPO issue size relative to the company’s pre-issue net worth?

A

Yes, the combined size of the current IPO offering and any preceding issues within the same financial year cannot exceed five times the company’s pre-issue net worth (based on the audited balance sheet from the previous year).

134
Q

What is the minimum promoter contribution requirement for an unlisted company’s IPO in India?

A

Promoters must contribute at least 20% of the post-issue capital, which needs to be locked in for a period of 3 years.

135
Q

What did SEBI’s August 24, 2023 circular require from specific FPIs?

A

It mandated them to provide detailed disclosures on beneficial ownership, economic interest, and control structures, reaching down to all natural persons.

136
Q

What kind of FPIs are exempt from these additional disclosure requirements under SEBI’s recent change?

A

Certain FPIs with significant holdings in a corporate group structure can be exempt, subject to conditions.

137
Q

Describe the conditions an FPI must meet to qualify for the exemption.

A

The corporate group’s apex company must not have an identifiable promoter.
The FPI’s holding in the group (excluding the apex company) cannot exceed 50% of its Indian equity AUM.
The combined holdings of all such FPIs in the apex company must be less than 3% of its total equity share capital.

138
Q

What role do custodians and depositories play in implementing this exemption?

A

SEBI has instructed them to track the utilization of the 3% limit for apex companies without identified promoters on a daily basis.

139
Q

Who has been appointed as the new spokesperson for the government?

A

Sheyphali B Sharan has been appointed as the new spokesperson for the government1.

140
Q

What position will Sheyphali B Sharan take charge of and when?

A

principal director general (PDG) of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) after incumbent PDG Manish Desai’s tenure ends on 31 March12.

141
Q

What is significant about Sheyphali B Sharan’s appointment as PDG of PIB?

A

Sheyphali B Sharan will be the first woman officer to head the PIB since the Modi government first came into power in 2014

142
Q

Who has been appointed as the director general of All India Radio (AIR)?

A

Maushami Chakraborty has been appointed as the director general of All India Radio (AIR), and she will take charge in April, replacing Vasudha Gupta3.

143
Q

Who won the 2023 Saraswati Samman?

A

Prabha Varma, for his verse novel Roudra Sathwikam (2022)

144
Q

What is the Saraswati Samman?

A

One of India’s most prestigious literary awards.
Awarded annually for a work published in any Indian language by an Indian citizen in the past 10 years.
Carries a citation, plaque, and ₹15 lakh cash prize.

145
Q

When was the Saraswati Samman instituted?

A

1991

146
Q

How many existing state food testing labs are there in India?

A

79

147
Q

What do current state food testing labs test for?

A

Protein or carbohydrate content, to verify information on packaging.

148
Q

Can current state food testing labs detect microbes in food?

A

No, they cannot effectively test for microbes.

149
Q

What is FSSAI establishing?

A

A network of 34 microbiology labs across India.

150
Q

What will the new microbiology labs test for?

A

10 pathogens in food products, including E coli, salmonella, and listeria.

151
Q

Based on the 2023 World Air Quality Report, which country had the 3rd worst air quality globally?

A

India

152
Q

How many countries were included in the 2023 World Air Quality Report?

A

134

153
Q

What was India’s average annual PM2.5 concentration in 2023 according to the report (in micrograms per cubic meter)?

A

54.4

154
Q

Compared to 2022, did India’s air quality ranking improve or worsen in 2023?

A

Worsened (from 8th to 3rd)

155
Q

How many Indian cities were listed among the top 50 most polluted globally in 2023?

A

42

156
Q

Which Indian city had the worst air quality in 2023 according to the report?

A

Begusarai

157
Q

Name 3 other Indian cities featured in the top 10 most polluted cities globally for 2023.

A

Guwahati, Delhi, Noida (other accepted answers include any three from the list provided in the passage).

158
Q

Did Delhi’s air quality improve or worsen in 2023 compared to 2022 (based on PM2.5 levels)?

A

Worsened (from 89.1 to 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter)

159
Q

For how many consecutive years has Delhi held the title of most polluted capital city according to the report (as of 2023)?

A

4 years (since 2020)

160
Q

What is the WHO guideline for safe annual PM2.5 concentration (micrograms per cubic meter)?

A

5

161
Q

How many countries achieved compliance with the WHO’s annual PM2.5 guideline in 2023?

A

7 (Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, New Zealand)

162
Q

Which continent is most underrepresented in terms of air quality data according to the report?

A

Africa

163
Q

Which region has the cleanest air quality globally (according to the report)?

A

French Polynesia

164
Q

Which country has the cleanest air quality globally (according to the report)?

A

Mauritius

165
Q

What is the name of the multi-purpose app developed by VSSC for the Gaganyaan mission?

A

Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction (SAKHI)

166
Q

What are some of the functionalities of SAKHI?

A

Provide vital technical information to astronauts.
Monitor astronaut health.
Facilitate communication between astronauts.
Maintain connection with Earth.
Deliver dietary reminders.

167
Q

Who purchased the Air India building in Mumbai?

A

Maharashtra government

168
Q

What was the sale price of the Air India building?

A

Rs 1,601 crore

169
Q

What is the amount of DBS Bank India’s lending commitment for startups?

A

$250 million

170
Q

What is the target sector for this initiative?

A

New-age startups in India

171
Q

: Why is this a good time for DBS to invest in Indian startups?

A

The Indian startup ecosystem is maturing with improved operating metrics and a focus on profitability.

172
Q

How will DBS Bank India support startups beyond just lending?

A

By leveraging their expertise in digital technology, Asian connections, and partnerships within the startup ecosystem.

173
Q

Who is the official banking partner for the Indian Olympic team (Paris 2024)?

A

YES Bank

174
Q

What is the campaign launched by YES Bank to support the Indian Olympic team?

A

: Milkar Jitayenge (Together We Win)

175
Q

What is the special savings account offered by YES Bank for the Indian Olympic contingent?

A

YES Glory

176
Q

Who else is eligible for the YES Glory account benefits besides the athletes?

A

The athletes’ immediate family members

177
Q

List some of the benefits offered under the YES Glory scheme

A

Complimentary Orthopaedic consultations
Zero cross-currency mark-up on International spends
Medical insurance
Complimentary international lounge access
YES Glory Gold Debit Card designed exclusively for the Indian players

178
Q

With whom did HDFC Bank partner to inaugurate new banking outlets in rural areas?

A

CSC eGov

179
Q

What was the purpose of this collaboration?

A

To expand HDFC Bank’s network presence in unbanked rural centres.

180
Q

How many new banking outlets were opened through this initiative?

A

60

181
Q

What is the total network presence of HDFC Bank after this collaboration (approximately)?

A

5,020 outlets

182
Q

List some of the essential banking services provided through these new outlets.

A

AePS transactions
Deposit services
Government-backed insurance
Access to credit facilities

183
Q

How will CSC eGov contribute to this initiative?

A

By delivering banking services through their network of village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs).

184
Q

Why did RBI penalize DCB Bank?

A

Non-compliance with ‘interest rate on advances’ directions.

185
Q

What specific violations did RBI find with DCB Bank?

A

Failing to reset interest rates at prescribed intervals for certain MCLR-linked floating-rate advances.
Not benchmarking interest rates of specific floating-rate retail and MSME loans to an external benchmark lending rate.

186
Q

What was the penalty amount imposed on DCB Bank?

A

Rs 63.6 lakh

187
Q

Why did RBI penalize Tamilnad Mercantile Bank?

A

Non-compliance with RBI directions on ‘Interest Rate on Advances’ and ‘CRILC Reporting’.

188
Q

What is CRILC?

A

Central Repository of Information on Large Credits

189
Q

What was the penalty amount imposed on Tamilnad Mercantile Bank?

A

Rs 1.31 crore

190
Q

Who organized the Annual Conference of RBI Ombudsmen?

A

Reserve Bank of India

191
Q

What was the theme of the conference?

A

Protecting the Consumers – Building Robust Systems and Procedures

192
Q

What is the minimum public shareholding requirement for listed companies in India (as mandated by Sebi)?

A

25%

193
Q

What is the current deadline for PSBs to comply with the minimum public shareholding requirement?

A

August 2024

194
Q

How many PSBs were compliant with MPS norms as of March 31, 2023?

A

4 out of 12

195
Q

How many PSBs have achieved MPS compliance during the current financial year (as of October 2023)?

A

3

196
Q

How many PSBs are still working towards achieving MPS compliance?

A

5

197
Q

Punjab & Sind Bank

A

Government Holding: 98.25%

198
Q

Indian Overseas Bank

A

Government Holding: 96.38%

199
Q

UCO Bank

A

Government Holding: 95.39%

200
Q

Central Bank of India

A

Government Holding: 93.08%

201
Q

Bank: Bank of Maharashtra

A

Government Holding: 86.46%

CA/PIB/RBI/ESI/FM - MAR'24 (11 decks)

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