ca part 4 Flashcards
What are some of Amitav Ghosh’s well-known novels?
The Nutmeg’s Curse, The Hungry Tide, The Great Derangement (among others)
What is the monetary value of the Erasmus Prize awarded to Amitav Ghosh?
€150,000
Briefly describe how the Erasmus Prize ceremony typically takes place.
The prize is presented by the Patron of the Foundation during a ceremony held at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.
When was the Praemium Erasmianum foundation established?
1958
How does Kerala rank in terms of passport holders in India?
Kerala has the highest total number of passport holders (both male and female).
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of male passport holders.
What is unique about Kerala’s passport statistics in terms of gender?
Kerala has the highest number of female passport holders of any Indian state.
What does the high number of female passport holders in Kerala indicate?
It reflects a changing migration pattern with a rising number of young people, particularly female students, going overseas for higher education.
Provide specific passport holder statistics for Kerala.
Total passport holders: 98.92 lakh
Male passport holders: 56.75 lakh
Female passport holders: 42.17 lakh
What is the purpose of the NITI for States platform?
To empower states and UTs in achieving national development goals by providing a centralized repository of resources and promoting good governance.
Who launched the NITI for States platform?
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Communications, Railways, and Electronics & Information Technology.
Where is the NITI for States platform located?
NITI Aayog’s ‘Viksit Bharat Strategy Room’
What kind of resources can be found on the NITI for States platform?
Best practices
Policy documents
Datasets
NITI Aayog publications
List some features of the NITI for States platform.
Multilingual accessibility
Capacity building initiatives
Expert help desk
Data integration from the National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP)
What is the ultimate goal of the NITI for States platform?
To become a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Policy and Good Governance across various sectors.
In how many sectors does the NITI for States platform offer knowledge products?
10 sectors including Agriculture, Education, Energy, etc. with a focus on Gender and Climate Change.
How many languages will the NITI for States platform be available in eventually?
22 major Indian languages and 7 foreign languages.
What is the total budget allocated for the India AI Mission for the next five years?
Rs 10,372 crore
How will the India AI Mission support private companies?
By subsidizing them to set up AI compute capacity in India.
What are two ways the India AI Mission will support AI startups?
Seed funding
Access to an AI marketplace with pre-trained models
What is the goal for the computing capacity established under the India AI Mission?
To exceed 10,000 GPUs (Graphics Processing Units)
What kind of foundational models will be developed under the India AI Mission?
Large models with over 100 billion parameters trained on Indian language datasets relevant to healthcare, agriculture, and governance.
How will government ministries be involved in the India AI Mission?
By establishing AI Curation Units (ACUs) within 50 key ministries.
How much funding is allocated for building the AI compute infrastructure?
Rs 4,564 crore (with 50% viability gap funding through a public-private partnership model)
How much funding is allocated for supporting deep tech AI startups?
Approximately Rs 2,000 crore
What is the purpose of the IndiaAI Innovation Research Centre?
To develop and deploy large foundational models, including indigenous multi-modal models and domain-specific models.
What is the IndiaAI Datasets Platform designed to achieve?
Improve the quality, accessibility, and use of non-personal data for AI innovation.
When did Sweden officially become a member of NATO?
March 7, 2024
32nd member
Why was Sweden’s NATO membership delayed?
Objections from Turkey and Hungary
Briefly describe NATO’s purpose and when it was established.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military alliance formed in 1949 by the US, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union.
Where is NATO’s headquarters located?
Brussels, Belgium
who joined NATO prior to sweden
• North Macedonia: Joined on March 27, 2020.
What is the India’s Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP)?
• A city-specific plan launched in Nagpur, focused on achieving net-zero emissions in buildings by 2050.
• Aims to contribute to India’s broader net-zero emission target by 2070.
What types of buildings are included in the ZCBAP roadmap?
• Public buildings
• Affordable housing
• Commercial buildings
• Private homes (residential)
Why was the ZCBAP created for Nagpur?
Nagpur’s residential, commercial, and institutional buildings were identified as significant contributors to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
Which organizations collaborated to develop Nagpur’s Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP)?
• Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Ltd (NSSCDCL)
• Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC)
• World Resources Institute (WRI)
• Global Environment Facility (GEF)
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• ICLEI South Asia
England’s James Anderson has etched his name in history books as he has become the first-ever pacer
in the history of the sport to
complete 700 wickets in Test cricket
He has also become the third bowler to do so. He is behind Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) and Australia’s late
Shane Warne (708 wickets).
Anderson reached the milestone in his 187th Test
by removing India’s Kuldeep Yadav on day 3
What is the purpose of the BCCI’s Test Cricket Incentive Scheme?
To reward Indian senior men’s cricket players who prioritize Test cricket by offering additional income based on their participation.
How is the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme structured?
The scheme is divided into three slabs based on a player’s participation percentage in Tests:
• Less than 50% - No incentive, only base match fees
• 50% to 75% - Additional Rs 30 Lakh per match (total Rs 45 Lakh per match)
• More than 75% - Additional Rs 45 Lakh per match (total Rs 60 Lakh per match)
Minister for Communications, Electronics and Information Technology and
Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched India’s fastest and indigenously
developed IP/MPLS
(Multiprotocol Label Switching) router in Bengaluru.
• The router was developed by the collaboration of the government’s
Department of Telecom, CDOT and Nivetti.
IP/MPLS router has 2.4 tbps speed
Terabytes per second (TBps) is the rate of data transmission. It is equivalent to
1,000 gigabytes, or one lakh crore bytes per second
The multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) technique was first developed in the
1990s. Its main function
is to speed up network connections by sending packets
along predetermined network paths
What are SM REITs?
Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trusts issued by Sebi.
Allow fractional ownership of commercial and residential properties, boosting investment.
Funds start at ₹50 crore, minimum of 200 investors.
Assets held under Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for management and income generation.
Key requirements for establishing an SM REIT
• Investment manager must have ₹20 crore net worth.
• Separate trustee appointed for oversight.
• Regulations officially called: Sebi (REIT) (Amendment) Regulations 2024.
How does an SM REIT launch differ from a traditional REIT?
• SM REITs list similarly to IPOs
• 95% of assets must be completed and income-generating (vs. 80% for larger REITs)
• Minimum per-investor subscription is ₹10 lakh (lower than fractional platforms)
What are the investment manager’s obligations in an SM REIT?
Must retain 5% of outstanding units in each scheme from year 4 to year 5 post-listing.
This is reduced from the initially proposed 15%.
SM REITs with leverage require a 15% co-investment by the manager.
Leverage is capped at 49% of total REIT assets.
Who won Miss World 2024?
Krystyna Pyszkova from Czech Republic
Where was Miss World 2024 held?
Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India
When was the last time India hosted Miss World before 2024?
Nearly three decades ago (around 28 years)
Who did Krystyna Pyszkova succeed as Miss World?
Karolina Bielawska of Poland (Miss World 2022)
How many times has India won Miss World?
Six times (Reita Faria, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Diana Hayden, Yukta Mookhey, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Manushi Chillar)
What is the purpose of the International Cooperative Museum (ICM)?
To showcase the history and achievements of India’s cooperative movement, with a focus on Kerala.
Where is the ICM being built?
Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
Who is funding the construction of the ICM?
Karassery Service Co-operative Bank.
What is the significance of the ICM’s location?
It will be the second cooperative museum in the world (first established in 1844, Toad Lane, U.K.).
What organizations are being approached for additional support on the ICM project
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and International Cooperative Alliance.
What is the name of the new scheme launched in Chhattisgarh?
Mahatari Vandana Yojana
What is the purpose of the Mahatari Vandana Yojana?
To empower women in Chhattisgarh by providing financial assistance.
Who is eligible for the Mahatari Vandana Yojana?
Eligible married women, widows, divorced, and deserted women above 21 years of age (as of January 1, 2024) residing in Chhattisgarh.
What is the amount provided under the Mahatari Vandana Yojana?
Rs 1,000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Who launched the Mahatari Vandana Yojana?
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
Asif Ali Zardari became
the 14th president of Pakistan
second term
What is the role of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)?
regulatory body that promotes, protects, and enforces the rights of consumers. It was established in 2019 under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Why did the CCPA issue a recent advisory?
in response to the increasing instances of advertisements promoting illegal activities, specifically betting and gambling.
What is the legal stance on betting and gambling in India?
Under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, betting and gambling are strictly prohibited and considered illegal in the majority of regions across India.
Despite their illegal status, how do online betting platforms and apps continue to operate?
Online betting platforms and apps often advertise betting and gambling either directly or in a disguised form, typically as gaming activities.
What guidelines does the CCPA’s advisory cite?
The CCPA’s advisory cites the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022, which prohibit advertisements promoting products or services outlawed under any current law.
Which part of India’s Constitution deals with the ability to regulate gambling and betting?
The Seventh Schedule, List II (State List) of the Constitution of India gives State Governments the authority to enact laws related to gambling and betting activities.
What is the goal of the New Education Policy’s assessment changes?
To create a “holistic progress card (HPC)” that tracks a student’s development in cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains, providing a comprehensive picture.
Who is responsible for creating the new HPCs?
NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) through the standard-setting body PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development
What new, non-academic information will HPCs include?
Hobbies, favorite food, festivals
What are the three parameters used to describe a student in the new system?
Awareness, Sensitivity, Creativity
What are the three descriptors used to rank each parameter?
Stream, Mountain, Sky
Middle Stage Specific Changes - What is the “Ambition Card” in the middle stage HPC?
A section for students to list “5 skills I need to achieve my ambition” and “Subjects I need to focus on”
What is the purpose of the “Parent-Teacher Partnership Card”?
A collaborative section for pinpointing a child’s weak areas, titled “At school, my child needs support with:”
Which stages currently lack the new HPCs?
Foundational (Classes 1 & 2), Preparatory (Classes 3-5), and Middle (Classes 6-8)
What is the status of report cards for the secondary stage? (beyond 9 class)
Still being prepared
Create standalone two-way flash cards from the below news without missing any information
Best Actor (Cillian Murphy),
Best Director (Christopher Nolan),
Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.),
Best Film Editing,
Best Cinematography,
Best Original Score
How many Oscar nominations did “Oppenheimer” receive?
13
Who won Best Actress at the 96th Oscars?
Emma Stone for her role in “Poor Things”
Who won Best Supporting Actress at the 96th Oscars?
Da’Vine Joy Randolph for her role in “The Holdovers”
Which film won Best Documentary at the 96th Oscars?
“20 Days in Mariupol” (Ukraine) [FIRST AWARD]
Which film won Best International Film at the 96th Oscars?
“The Zone of Interest” (UK)
Where and when did the 96th Oscars ceremony take place?
Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA on March 10th.
What is the AMPAS?
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the organization that presents the Oscars)
Which renowned Indian art director and production designer was honored during the Oscars Memoriam segment?
Nitin Chandrakant Desai [Hindi films. He won four National Film Awards for Best Art Direction]
What is Exercise Cutlass Express?
A multinational maritime exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, focusing on East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean.
Where and when did Cutlass Express 2024 take place?
Port Victoria, Seychelles
Which Indian Navy ship participated in Cutlass Express 2024?
INSTIR, the lead ship of the First Training Squadron (1TS)
How long has the Indian Navy participated in Exercise Cutlass Express?
Since 2019.
Who inaugurated Exercise Cutlass Express 2024?
The President of Seychelles
What is TEPA?
A Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement signed by India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) on March 10th, 2024.
What are the EFTA member countries?
Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.
Why is TEPA significant for India?
First FTA with a major European economic bloc (EFTA).
- Increased market access for Indian goods and services.
- Potential for attracting investments and job creation in India.
What are some of the previous FTAs signed by India?
Mauritius, UAE, and Australia (since 2014).
What are the main areas covered by TEPA?
Market access for goods and services, trade facilitation, intellectual property rights, investments, sustainable development.
What percentage of tariff lines will EFTA offer duty-free access for Indian exports?
92.2% (covering 99.6% of India’s exports to EFTA).
What percentage of tariff lines will India offer duty-free access for EFTA exports?
82.7% (covering 95.3% of EFTA’s exports to India).
Are there any exclusions from the EFTA agreement?
Yes, some sensitive sectors like dairy, soya, coal, and certain agricultural products.
How does TEPA address Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)?
Commitments are at TRIPS level, with India’s interests in generic medicines protected.
How could TEPA help India integrate into European markets?
By using Switzerland, a major service exporter to the EU, as a base for reaching EU markets.
What are the investment goals outlined in TEPA?
EFTA aims to increase FDI in India by $100 billion over 15 years, creating 1 million jobs
($50 billion in first 10 years, $50 billion in next 5 years)
When was EFTA established?
1960
How many chapters does the India-EFTA agreement consist of?
14 chapters
Which EFTA country is India’s largest trading partner?
Switzerland
Which EFTA country is India’s second-largest trading partner after Switzerland?
Norway
Under what circumstances can India withdraw tariff concessions related to investments?pen_spark
Only after 18 years and following a three-stage consultation process if EFTA fails to meet the investment target.
When can India initiate the consultation process?
After 15 years (following a 3-year grace period for EFTA) if the investment target is not achieved.
What is the goal of the Right to Repair movement?
To empower consumers to repair their own products, reducing e-waste and combating planned obsolescence (products designed to break quickly).
What is the Right to Repair Portal India?
A government-launched website providing information to consumers about repairing their products across various sectors.
Who launched the Right to Repair Portal India?
The Department of Consumer Affairs of India (DoCA)
What kind of information does the Right to Repair Portal provide?
Product manuals, disassembly guides, information on spare parts availability, and potentially access to diagnostic tools.
What sectors are currently covered by the Right to Repair Portal India?
Automobiles, consumer durables (like appliances), mobile phones and electronics, and farming equipment.
What’s the website address for the Right to Repair Portal India?
https://righttorepairindia.gov.in/
What is the circular economy?
An economic model focused on extending product life through repair, reuse, and recycling, as opposed to a linear “take-make-dispose” model.
What did France do on International Women’s Day in 2024?
Enshrined the right to abortion in its constitution.
When did France first legalize abortion?
1975
What is the legal status of abortion in France now?
A “guaranteed freedom” for women, meaning it’s a fundamental right protected by the constitution.
Why did Kerala declare man-animal conflict a state-specific disaster?
Due to rising deaths and public anger over animal attacks.
What makes Kerala’s declaration unique
It’s the first state in India to declare man-animal conflict a state-specific disaster.
Which department typically manages man-animal conflict in India?
The forest department, under the Wild Life Protection Act.
How does declaring man-animal conflict a disaster change who’s responsible?
Responsibility shifts to the state disaster management authority, allowing for faster action under the Disaster Management Act.
Has any other state declared a similar state-specific disaster?
Yes, Odisha declared snakebite a state-specific disaster in 2015
Majuli masks and Majuli manuscript painting of which of the following state has recieved a Geographical Indication
(GI) tag
Assam
What type of train is the Vande Bharat sleeper?
A self-propelled trainset, meaning the engine and passenger cars are integrated (no separate locomotive).
Where is the first Vande Bharat sleeper train being manufactured?
At BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) in Bengaluru.
What is the planned top speed of Vande Bharat sleeper trains?
160 kmph (kilometers per hour)
How many coaches and of what type are planned for the first prototype?
11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, and 1 AC 1st class coach.
What does T+0 settlement mean?
Trades are settled on the same day they occur, rather than taking one or more days to complete.
What is the current settlement cycle in the Indian cash market?
T+1 (trade plus one day)
• Why is SEBI introducing the T+0 settlement cycle?
To improve market efficiency, reduce risk, and potentially align closer with global practices.
How will SEBI roll out the T+0 settlement cycle?
In two phases: Phase 1 (optional T+0 for trades before 1:30 pm) and Phase 2 (optional immediate trade-by-trade settlement until 3:30 pm)
When will the optional T+0 cycle begin?
March 28th, 2024
When is the planned implementation of instantaneous settlement?
March 2025.
How does India’s current settlement cycle compare to most global markets?
India’s T+1 is faster than the T+2 commonly used in other markets.
Did any stakeholders raise concerns about the T+0 move?
Yes, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) had concerns about potential market liquidity issues.
What is the bob Earth Green Term Deposit Scheme?
A fixed deposit scheme by Bank of Baroda that raises funds for environmentally friendly projects.
Is Bank of Baroda the first to offer this type of deposit scheme?
No, SBI launched a similar scheme (SBI Green Rupee Term Deposit) in January 2024.
What is the She Research Network in India (SheRNI)?
An online platform connecting women scientists and researchers across India, promoting collaboration and opportunities.
Who launched the SheRNI initiative?
University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Information and Library Network Centre (INFLIBNET)
What is the main goal of SheRNI?
To achieve equal representation for women in science and research fields.
What types of connections does SheRNI facilitate for women scientists?
Networking, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities for career growth.
According to the UGC, how many profiles of women scientists are currently available on the SheRNI website?
81,818 profiles
Who is the current Chairman of the UGC?
M Jagadesh Kumar
Who is the Life Protection Plan (LPP) designed to protect?
Indian blue-collar workers employed in the UAE.
What types of death are covered by the LPP?
Both natural and accidental deaths.
Besides death benefits, what other coverage does the LPP provide?
Compensation for disability (total or partial) from accidents AND repatriation expenses.
What is the minimum premium for LPP coverage?
AED 37 per annum (approximately $10 USD per year)
What’s the range of compensation for beneficiaries in case of a worker’s death?
Dh35,000 to Dh75,000 (around $9,500 USD to $20,500 USD)
What is the approximate size of the Indian blue-collar workforce in the UAE?
Around 2.275 million workers (65% of the total Indian population in the UAE)
LTFH (L&T Finance Holdings Ltd) has signed a financing agreement with JICA. What is JICA?
JICA is the Japan International Cooperation Agency, a governmental agency delivering Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to support the socioeconomic development of countries.
What is the purpose of the LTFH-JICA financing agreement?
To provide $125 million in funds to support specific types of lending in India, with a focus on women borrowers in rural and peri-urban areas.
How will the $125 million in funds from the JICA agreement be allocated by LTFH?
At least 40% for women borrowers, and the rest for farmers, MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises), and loans for new two-wheelers (including electric)
Did LTFH secure similar funding recently? If so, from whom?
Yes, in November 2023, LTFH received a $125 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The JICA agreement is an additional $125 million under a co-financing arrangement.
What is the purpose of SIDBI’s credit assistance scheme for Jan Aushadhi Kendras? [Health and Chemicals & Fertilisers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched]
To help small operators start or expand Jan Aushadhi Kendras (affordable medicine stores), contributing to the expansion of affordable healthcare in India.
How will the loans from SIDBI to Jan Aushadhi Kendra operators work?
Loans will be available without collateral, with credit guarantees provided by CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises).
What is the government’s goal for the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras?
To have 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras nationwide by March 31, 2026.
How has the Jan Aushadhi Kendra program grown, and what are the savings?
From only 80 stores in 2014, there are now approximately 11,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras. In 2022-23, sales reached over ₹1200 crore, saving citizens approximately ₹7400 crore in medicine costs.
What other assistance is offered besides loans for starting/expanding a Kendra?
A 2nd MoU aims to fund 80% of a new store’s setup costs (up to Rs. 4 lakhs), covering items like furniture, computers, and equipment
How does SIDBI plan to streamline the loan process?
Using the GST-Sahay technology platform will help simplify and speed up loan disbursement to small businesses.
Which two organizations signed a long-term agreement to focus on research in blockchain and AI technologies?
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore.
What is the purpose of the NPCI-IISc agreement?
To conduct joint research on blockchain and AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology, focusing on their potential applications within India’s financial technology (fintech) sector.
What will be created as part of the NPCI-IISc collaboration?
The “NPCI-IISc Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Deep Tech Research & Development” to act as a hub for this research and innovation.
What did Bharti Life Ventures Private Limited (BLVPL) acquire?
AXA’s 49% stake in Bharti AXA Life Insurance Company Limited, making Bharti the sole owner with a 100% stake.
How long have Bharti and AXA been partners in the life insurance venture?
For over 18 years.
What is the Avaana Sustainability Fund (ASF)?
A $120 million venture capital fund managed by Sidbi that aims to invest in early-stage Indian climate tech companies.
What is the primary goal of the Avaana Sustainability Fund project?
To promote climate solutions and sustainability in India by investing in technology-driven innovation.
Who is the Green Climate Fund (GCF)?
The world’s largest climate fund, supporting developing countries in climate action (Headquarters: South Korea).
How much did the Green Climate Fund contribute to the Avaana Sustainability Fund project?
$24.5 million
Why is the ASF project a significant development for India?
It’s the first GCF-approved project anchored by Sidbi and the first secured by India in recent years. It supports India’s national climate goals through green finance.
What is Sidbi’s role with the GCF?
Sidbi is designated as an Accredited Entity (AE) and Direct Access Entity (DAE) with the GCF, allowing them to access climate finance for low-carbon and climate-resilient projects in India.
What is the title of the report that details complaints to the RBI Ombudsman in 2022-23?
Annual Report of the Ombudsman Scheme 2022-23
How many complaints did the RBI receive in 2022-23?
7,03,544, representing a 68.24% increase over the previous year.
Which type of bank received the most complaints?
Public sector banks (41%) followed by private sector banks (31%).
What were the two most common complaint categories?
Mobile and internet banking (20.27%) and loans and advances (20.13%).
How many complaints were deemed non-maintainable by the CRPC?
4,68,270 complaints
What were the top five regions contributing complaints?
Chandigarh, NCT of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat
What language received the most calls on the RBI Ombudsman helpline?
Tamil (29.22%)
What is the purpose of the booklet “Raju and the Forty Thieves”?
Raise awareness about fraudulent financial activities and provide consumer protection tips.
How much did the average turnaround time for complaints decrease in 2022-23?
11 days (from 44 days in 2021-22 to 33 days in 2022-23).
What is the Reserve Bank- Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS)?
A scheme launched in 2021 to provide a single platform for resolving customer complaints against RBI-regulated entities.
What existing schemes did the RB-IOS replace?
• Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006
• Ombudsman Scheme for Digital Transactions, 2019
Ombudsman Scheme for Non-Banking Financial Companies, 2018
Under what legal authority was the RB-IOS implemented?
Sections 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, 45L of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, and 18 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
How did the RB-IOS broaden its reach compared to previous schemes?
It includes Non-Scheduled Primary Co-operative Banks with a deposit size of ₹50 crore and above.
Which entities are covered under the RB-IOS, 2021?
• Commercial Banks
• Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
• Payment System Participants
• Most Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks
• Credit Information Companies
When can I reach the RBI Contact Center for English and Hindi support?
Weekdays (except National Holidays) from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
When can I reach the RBI Contact Center for support in regional languages?
Weekdays (except National Holidays) from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM. Ten regional languages are supported: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Telugu, and Tamil.
Ombudsman Office Locations
Presently functioning in 22 locations across India.
What is the maximum compensation limit under RB-IOS for complaints?
Complaints seeking compensation of ₹20 lakh or lower are admissible.
What is the maximum compensation an Ombudsman can award to a complainant?
Up to ₹1 lakh for loss of time, expenses incurred, harassment, and mental anguish.
What was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
A 125-foot bronze statue of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan. Rs 214 crore
What is FinGlobe?
The 24th Center of Entrepreneurship (CoE) launched by STPI (Software Technology Parks of India) dedicated to innovation in the Fintech (financial technology) sector.
Why was the FinGlobe CoE created?
To support the development and growth of cutting-edge technologies in the financial services industry.
Which organizations are involved in establishing FinGlobe?
STPI (an autonomous society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) AND the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat.
Where is the FinGlobe CoE located?
STPI-Gandhinagar, GIFT City, in Gujarat, India.
What resources does FinGlobe offer startups?
• State-of-the-art incubation infrastructure
• Sandbox environment
• Industry APIs
• Payment gateways
• Mentoring
• Connections to industry and markets
What did India successfully test on March 11?
A new Agni-V missile with MIRV technology. This means it can carry multiple warheads and hit multiple targets.
What is MIRV?
Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle. It allows one missile to carry multiple warheads that can be programmed to strike different targets.
Is MIRV technology new?
No, it was developed in the 1960s, first deployed in the 1970s by the US and USSR. Other nations, including France, China and Pakistan (Ababeel), have also developed this technology.
What is the Agni-V missile?
India’s indigenously developed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of 5,000 - 8,000 kilometers.
“Mission Divyastra” - Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted
name of the specific test conducted with the MIRV-equipped Agni-V - carried out from Dr APJ Abdul
Kalam Island off the Odisha coast
What two new programs has the Ministry of Women and Child Development introduced?
• National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for children aged 3-6.
• National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation for children from birth to age 3.
Why is early childhood development important?
85% of brain development occurs before age six, making these years crucial for shaping a child’s future potential.
Which pre-existing programs support mothers and young children in India?
• Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
• Palna and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Schemes under Mission Shakti
What are the key aims of the National Curriculum for ECCE?
To foster development in various areas: physical/motor,
cognitive,
language/literacy,
socio-emotional,
cultural/aesthetic, and
positive habits
How is the National Curriculum for ECCE structured?
• 36 weeks of active learning, 8 weeks of reinforcement, and 4 weeks of initiation.
• 5+1 days of play-based learning per week, with three activity blocks per day.
What is the goal of the National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation?
To empower caregivers (like parents) and Anganwadi workers (community health workers) to provide holistic stimulation to children from birth to age three.
How does India rank globally in arms imports? Did imports increase or decrease?
India remains the top arms importer BUT imports decreased by 11% from 2013-17 to 2018-22.
Why did India’s arms imports decrease?
• Complex procurement processes
• Efforts to diversify suppliers
• Focus on replacing imports with local production
Who were the top 5 arms importers globally in 2018-22?
India,
Saudi Arabia,
Qatar,
Australia,
China
Who were the top 5 arms exporters globally in 2018-22?
United States,
Russia,
France,
China,
Germany
How did Pakistan’s arms imports change between 2013-17 and 2018-22?
Imports increased by 14%. China remains Pakistan’s main arms supplier.
How did France’s role in arms exports change in recent years?
Arms exports increased by 44%. France is now India’s second-largest supplier after Russia, displacing the US.
How did Russia and the US fare in arms exports between the two periods?
• Russia’s share declined (from 22% to 16%). However, Russia remains India’s top arms supplier.
• The US saw its share increase (from 33% to 40%
Which 3 Middle Eastern countries were in the top 10 arms importers globally in 2018-22?
Saudi Arabia (2nd largest importer), Qatar (3rd largest), and Egypt.
What is SIPRI?
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
When and where was SIPRI founded?
In 1966, in Stockholm, Sweden.
What has been revamped in India’s pharmaceutical sector?
The Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS) by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP).
Why was the PTUAS scheme revamped?
To aid pharmaceutical companies in upgrading technology and meeting global quality standards.
How has eligibility for the PTUAS changed?
It’s no longer limited to MSMEs. Any pharma manufacturing unit with a turnover of under Rs 500 crore can now apply.
What types of upgrades does the revised PTUAS support?
mprovements aligning with Schedule-M and WHO-GMP standards, such as HVAC systems, water/steam utilities.
Does PTUAS offer financial incentives? If so, how are they structured?
Yes, eligible units can receive an incentive based on their last 3 years’ average turnover, with a maximum of Rs. 1 crore per unit.
What type of company is REC Limited?
A Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the Indian Ministry of Power.
What is the purpose of the MoU between REC Ltd and the Government of Rajasthan?
To finance power and non-power infrastructure projects in Rajasthan.
How much funding support will REC provide to Rajasthan under the MoU?
Up to Rs 20,000 crores annually for the next six years.
Was this MoU part of a larger agreement or initiative?
Yes, Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) under India’s Ministry of Power and Coal signed MoUs worth a total of Rs 1.6 lakh crore with the Government of Rajasthan
What is the name of the new facility inaugurated at NABI?
National Speed Breeding Crop Facility (first-of-its-kind in India) - Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated
Where is the National Speed Breeding Crop Facility located?
At the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) in Mohali.
What is the purpose of the National Speed Breeding Crop Facility
To develop new crop varieties faster by using a precisely controlled environment
How does the National Speed Breeding Crop Facility align with the government’s priorities?
It supports Prime Minister Modi’s vision of doubling farmer income, promotes Agri-Startups, and contributes to India’s growing bio-economy.
How has India’s bio-economy grown in recent years?
It has grown significantly, from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024.
What are some of the initiatives NABI has contributed to?
Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech (UNaTI) Mission (Poshan Abhiyan) and Biotech Kisan Hubs in several North Indian states.
Who is the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)?
Shri Kishor Makwana
What is the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)?
An Indian constitutional body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Article 338
How many members are there in the NCSC?
Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other Members.
What is the name of the new talent hunt program launched by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur?
Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) program
Who has praised the launch of the KIRTI program?
Olympic javelin throw champion Neeraj Chopra
Who is the KIRTI program targeting?
School-going athletes between 9 and 18 years old.
What is the main objective of the KIRTI program?
To identify and nurture athletic talent across India using IT tools and provide a platform for showcasing skills.
What is the ultimate goal of the KIRTI program?
To develop a strong talent pipeline, fostering elite athletes who can compete and excel internationally.
How many assessments does KIRTI aim to conduct across India?
20 lakh assessments throughout the year through designated Talent Assessment Centres.
‘The Conspiracy to oust me from the Presidency’
Sri Lanka’s former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa
West Bengal’s rice production has declined in recent years. What changes have occurred?
• West Bengal used to be India’s top rice producer.
• It has slipped to fourth place in the 2023-24 crop year.
• Production decreased from 15.88 million tonnes (2019-20) to 11.52 million tonnes (2023-24).
• Its share of national rice output dropped from 13.36% to 9.3%.
Which state has seen a significant increase in rice production and now surpasses West Bengal?
• Telangana has emerged as a major rice producer.
• Its share of India’s rice output has grown significantly.
• Telangana’s production reached 16.03 million tonnes in 2023-24, with a 12.94% share.
• It surpassed West Bengal and now ranks higher in rice production.
How does Uttar Pradesh compare to West Bengal and Telangana in rice production?
• Uttar Pradesh is the second-largest rice producer in India.
• Production in 2023-24: 16.3 million tonnes.
• National output share in 2023-24: 13.16%.
• It ranks slightly higher than Telangana but lower than its peak years.
What is Indus PayWear?
• new line of wearable payment solutions from IndusInd Bank.
• It works in partnership with Mastercard.
• Wearables like rings, watch clasps, and stickers let you make contactless payments.
How does Indus PayWear function?
• It uses tokenization to link your IndusInd Bank debit or credit card to a wearable device.
• Tokenization replaces your card number with a secure code (token) for transactions.
• You can tap your wearable on contactless Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals globally to pay.
What are the transaction limits with Indus PayWear?
• Follows RBI guidelines for contactless payments:
◦ Payments below ₹5,000 require just a tap on the wearable device.
◦ Payments above ₹5,000 need you to enter your PIN for added security.
