CA PART 5 Flashcards
Describe the NSE’s announcement regarding transaction charges.
• The NSE board approved a 1% reduction in transaction charges across its cash equity and equity derivatives segments.
• This change will take effect on April 1, 2024.
• The reduction aims to make trading costs more competitive.
What is the expected impact of the NSE’s reduced transaction charges?
The NSE estimates the reduced charges will decrease their revenues by roughly ₹130 crore per year.
Lower charges will likely make the NSE more attractive compared to its main competitor, the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange).
Algo trading and arbitrage trading (which rely on many small, rapid transactions) are expected to benefit significantly as their profit margins increase.
Explain the NSE’s previous decision on transaction charges in March 2023.
• In March 2023, the NSE had initially planned a 6% increase in transaction charges for the equity cash and derivatives segments.
• This decision faced resistance, and the NSE ultimately rolled back the proposed hike.
What is NSEIT, and what decision did the NSE board make about it?
• NSEIT is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NSE that focuses on digital technology solutions.
• The NSE board approved the sale of NSEIT’s digital technology business, including its subsidiaries, to Investcorp.
• The sale follows a “slump sale” structure, meaning all of NSEIT’s assets and liabilities are transferred to Investcorp in one transaction.
• The completion of the sale is expected by March 31, 2024.
What is an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card?
• An OCI card grants individuals of Indian origin (PIOs) many of the same rights as Indian citizens, even if they hold citizenship in another country.
• Benefits include:
◦ Lifelong visa for travel to India
◦ Parity with Indian citizens in some economic and educational areas
◦ Does not grant voting rights or the ability to hold government jobs
What special provision did India approve for Indian-origin people in Mauritius?
• India will now grant OCI cards to people of Indian origin in Mauritius up to the 7th generation.
• This means that even those with distant Indian ancestry can benefit from the rights and status associated with an OCI card.
• This provision strengthens ties between India and the large Indian diaspora in Mauritius.
What is Ganga Talao?
• Ganga Talao is a crater lake in Mauritius, located in the Savanne district.
• It is the most sacred Hindu site in Mauritius and is considered a place of pilgrimage.
• The lake is believed to be connected to the Ganges River in India, giving it its religious significance.
How is India supporting the redevelopment of Ganga Talao?
• The Indian government is committed to developing Ganga Talao into a hub for religious, cultural, and tourism activities.
• This support reflects India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Mauritian Hindu community.
56th National Day celebrations of Mauritius being celebrated on 12th
March.
President Droupadi Murmu participated as the Chief Guest
In what period did the area used for fruit cultivation in India increase from 2.8 million hectares to 6.8 million hectares? What was the annual growth rate of this increase?
Between 1991-92 and 2019-20 at an annual rate of 2.4%.
How did Indian fruit production change between 1991-92 to 2019-20?
Fruit production nearly quadrupled, going from 29 million tonnes (mt) in 1991-92 to 102 mt in 2019-20. This represents an annual growth of 3.4%.
What global ranking does India hold in fruit and vegetable production?
India is the world’s second-largest producer of both fruits (102 million tonnes) and vegetables (188 million tonnes).
While China is the world’s largest producer of fruits (around 300 million tonnes) and vegetables (over 600 million tonnes).
Describe India’s vegetable import/export balance in 2019-20.
India exported far more vegetables than it imported. Exports: 1.93 mt, Imports: 0.15 mt.
What is the expected demand for vegetables and fruits in India by 2047-48 under a “Business As Usual” scenario?
Vegetables: 365 mt, Fruits: 233 mt
How will domestic pulses production and demand compare between 2019-20 and 2047-48 under a BAU scenario?
Production will rise from 23 mt to 47 mt, while demand will grow to 49 mt
How much rice is India expected to demand in 2030-31 and 2047-48?
110 mt in 2030-31 and 114 mt in 2047-48
Will wheat production be sufficient to meet future demand in India?
Yes, India is expected to have a surplus of wheat. 2030-31: 19-26 mt surplus, 2047-48: 40-67 mt surplus.
In what year, by whom, and for what purpose was the NITI Aayog working group on Crop Husbandry set up?
2022, PS Birthal (director, ICAR-NIAP). The group aimed to analyze food demand and supply trends, consumer preferences, and make suitable recommendations by 2047.
The government granted a six-month extension in service tenure of Foreign Secretary
Vinay Mohan Kwatra, beyond 30.04.2024 i.e. up to 31.10.2024 or until further orders.
What committee proposed a new Digital Competition Act and an ex-ante regulatory framework in India?
he Centre-appointed 16-member Committee under the chairmanship of Manoj Govil on Digital Competition Law (CDCL)
What is the purpose of the proposed Digital Competition Act?
To regulate large digital enterprises through a separate act by the Competition Commission of India (CCI)
How will the CDCL identify large digital enterprises for regulation?
By designating them as Systemically Significant Digital Enterprises (SSDEs) based on thresholds and criteria.
What are the quantitative thresholds for designating an SSDE?
The draft law outlines various factors including:
turnover in India (₹4,000 crore),
global turnover ($30 billion),
gross merchandise value (₹16,000 crore),
market capitalization/fair market value ($75 billion), and
user base (1 crore end users or 10,000 business users in India for 3 preceding years).
What are some examples of Anti-Competitive Practices (ACPs) that SSDEs will be prohibited from engaging in?
Self-preferencing, anti-steering, restricting third-party applications (for identified core digital services)
What is the penalty for SSDEs engaging in Anti-Competitive Practices?
Up to 10% of their global turnover
Which company commissioned India’s largest solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project?
TPSSL (Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd)
Describe the capacity of the solar and BESS project.
100 MW Solar PV Project coupled with 120 MWh BESS
What technology was used for the solar panels in the BESS project?
Cutting-edge Bifacial Mono Crystalline technology (239,685 modules)
What is the target for BESS project development in India by 2030-31?
4,000 MWh
How does the Indian government financially support BESS projects?
Up to 40% of the capital cost through Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
How are the benefits of BESS projects ensured to reach consumers?
A minimum of 85% of the project capacity is made available to Distribution Companies (Discoms)
What is the purpose of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)?
To store energy from renewable sources (like solar and wind) and release it when needed
What is the Ministry of Coal’s target for renewable energy capacity by 2030?
Over 9 GW
How is the Ministry of Coal encouraging coal companies to adopt clean energy solutions?
By issuing directives to accelerate the use of solar energy in mining operations
What is the current total solar energy capacity installed by leading coal companies in India?
Approximately 1700 MW, with an additional 51 MW from windmills.
Which department of the Nagaland government is leading the promotion of ONDC in the state?
Department of Industries & Commerce
What is the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)?
A Government of India initiative under the DPIIT to promote open and accessible e-commerce.
What is the purpose of the MoU signed between Nagaland’s Department of Industries & Commerce, YES Bank, and Sellmetric Pvt. Limited?
To collaborate and facilitate digital sales for small businesses, farmers, and entrepreneurs through the ONDC platform.
What was the name of the tri-service military exercise showcased by India?
Bharat Shakti
What was the purpose of the Bharat Shakti exercise?
To showcase the coordinated use of advanced military technology by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Where did the Bharat Shakti exercise take place?
Pokhran field firing range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
What is the historical significance of Pokhran in relation to India’s nuclear program?
Pokhran is the location where India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, known as “Smiling Buddha” or “Pokhran I”.
What did Prime Minister Modi inaugurate in Dahej, Gujarat?
Laid the foundation stone for a petrochemicals complex of Petronet LNG.
What is the estimated value of the Petronet LNG petrochemicals complex project?
Over Rs. 20,600 crores.
What additional initiative did Prime Minister Modi participate in from Ahmedabad, Gujarat?
Dedicated 50 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (government pharmacies) to the nation.
Which power distribution company topped the 2022-23 12th edition Integrated Rating of Discoms?
Adani Electricity Mumbai
Which companies ranked second and third in the performance rating?
Torrent Power Surat (second), Torrent Power Ahmedabad (third)
How many discoms received the highest A+ rating?
14 out of 55
Which state had the most discoms with A+ or A ratings?
Gujarat (9 utilities)
How are private discoms rated compared to state government ones?
Private discoms tend to perform better, with all 11 private discoms earning ratings of A+, A, B, or B-.
Which state/UT topped the power department integrated performance ratings?
hrissur Corporation Electricity Department (TCED) of Kerala
How did the average annual growth rate (CAGR) of power demand in India differ between FY14-FY20 and FY21-FY23?
FY14-FY20: 4.3% CAGR, FY21-FY23: 8.9% CAGR (significant increase)
What is one strategy the government is using to improve power sector efficiency?
Encouraging discoms (distribution companies) to enter long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for most of their electricity needs (85%).
How did Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses in the power sector change in FY23?
AT&C losses improved to 15.4% (positive development).
What factors are used to evaluate the performance of power distribution utilities in India’s Integrated Rating?
Financial sustainability, performance excellence, and external environment (each with specific parameters).
How often is the Integrated Rating of Power Distribution Companies conducted?
Annually, since 2012.
How does the rating framework score discoms?
It uses 15 base rating metrics and 9 disincentives (out of a possible 100 points) to comprehensively assess a discom’s performance.
Who inaugurated the development projects under ‘Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan’?
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah
What is the goal of the ‘Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan’?
To develop infrastructure in urbanized villages and new urban areas of Delhi.
What is the total budget allocated for the ‘Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan’?
Rs 960 crore, managed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
Which specific project was inaugurated by Amit Shah?
Commencement of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) facilities in 41 villages and various development projects in 178 villages (total outlay of Rs 383 crore)
How much was invested in the PNG pipeline network for the 41 villages?
Rs 20 crore by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) with a network of 100 km.
What benefit does the Indian government expect from providing PNG in Delhi?
It promotes the use of green energy in the national capital as PNG is safe, affordable, and eco-friendly.
What is the aim of the Government of India’s laboratory network upgradation scheme?
• To boost India’s quality infrastructure by enhancing testing facilities nationwide.
• To strengthen laboratories across critical sectors, including:
◦ Textiles
◦ Food
◦ Legal Metrology (the science of measurement, important for fair trade)
◦ Power Transmission
How much funding has been allocated to the laboratory network upgradation scheme?
• Over ₹340 crore (approximately $41 million USD) in proposals have been screened for funding.
What other actions has the Indian government taken to improve laboratory infrastructure
• The government has extended its support beyond BIS labs to include:
◦ Laboratories at higher education institutions
◦ Private R&D laboratories
◦ Not-for-profit laboratories
What is the BIS Laboratory Recognition Scheme (BIS LRS)?
• A program by the Bureau of Indian Standards to recognize laboratories that meet its quality standards.
• Recognized laboratories can perform testing and calibration for various products and services.
• The LRS scheme helps ensure product reliability and consumer trust.
IREDA’S 38TH FOUNDATION DAY
MARCH 11, ,2024
What government Ministry recently signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi to advance rural development?
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
What is the name of the project aimed at leveraging AI and geospatial technologies for asset management under a recently signed MoU?
BhuPRAHARI
What is the specific government scheme the BhuPRAHARI project focuses on?
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
Which lab at IIT Delhi will execute the BhuPRAHARI project?
The HydroSense lab
Who is leading the HydroSense lab’s efforts on the BhuPRAHARI project?
Prof. Manabendra Saharia
• What does USOF stand for?
• Under which Indian government department does USOF function?
• Universal Service Obligation Fund
• Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
• List the three entities that signed the tripartite MoU to proliferate digital services in India.
• Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)
• Prasar Bharati
• Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
• What is the main objective of the tripartite MoU (usof, ondc AND Prasar bharti) ?
• To bundle broadband services with OTT and e-commerce platforms in rural India, utilizing BharatNet infrastructure established by the USOF.
• What key role has the USOF played in India’s digital development?
• The USOF has been critical in providing high-speed broadband and mobile connections to Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages throughout India.
What is the Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI)?
A first-of-its-kind research facility designed to study the Indian monsoon system.