Correct Answer : Om Birla
Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, is leading the Indian delegation to the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The forum focuses on the role of parliaments in advancing global development and security through multilateral cooperation. Birla's leadership underscores India's commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and its active participation in international forums aimed at fostering equitable global development and enhancing global security measures.
Correct Answer : Uday Umesh Lalit
The Supreme Court appointed former Chief Justice of India, Uday Umesh Lalit, as the chairman of the search and selection committee for appointing vice-chancellors in West Bengal’s state-run universities. This decision was made by a division bench of the Supreme Court on July 9, 2024, following a special leave petition by the West Bengal government.
Correct Answer : 2002
The original Haj Committee Rules, which have now been amended by the Haj Committee (Amendment) Rules, 2024, were established in 2002. This amendment reflects the administrative shift from the Ministry of External Affairs to the Ministry of Minority Affairs. According to the new rules, officers from the ministries of external affairs, home affairs, finance, and civil aviation will be nominated as ex-officio members of the Haj Committee. This inclusion ensures a comprehensive approach to managing the committee's activities.
Correct Answer : Dr Soumya Swaminathan
Prof. (Dr.) Soumya Swaminathan has been appointed as the Principal Adviser for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme at the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Her role is on a pro bono basis, emphasizing her dedication to public health service and her commitment to eradicating tuberculosis in India. In this capacity, she will provide strategic guidance, technical advice, and policy direction, and shape the research strategy to enhance the program’s effectiveness.
Correct Answer : Satyanarayan Goel
The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) board has approved the reappointment of Satyanarayan Goel as its Chairman and Managing Director for a new three-year term starting August 10, 2024. Goel’s extensive knowledge in the power sector and over 40 years of experience were key factors in this decision. His current term was set to end on August 9, 2024, due to the age limit specified in the Companies Act, 2013.
Correct Answer : IIT-Jodhpur
IIT-Jodhpur has announced that it will offer BTech programs in both Hindi and English for its new batch of students.This initiative, in line with the National Education Policy 2020, allows first-year students to choose their preferred language of instruction, leading to the batch being divided into two sections accordingly. The inclusion of remedial English classes aims to support students in potentially transitioning to the English medium, ensuring a smooth academic experience for all enrolled students.
Correct Answer : 6%
India's employment growth rate in FY24, as per the RBI report, surged to 6% from 3.2% in FY23. This increase reflects the creation of 46.7 million jobs, bringing total employment to 643.3 million by March 2024. Despite this growth, concerns about rising unemployment rates highlight ongoing challenges in the labour market amidst varying economic assessments and projections.
Correct Answer : Guyana
India provided a $2.5 million line of credit to Guyana for the installation of a solar photovoltaic power plant at Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The agreement, facilitated by the Export-Import Bank of India, stipulates that at least 75% of the project's contract value will be sourced from Indian suppliers. This initiative underscores India's commitment to promoting renewable energy infrastructure in partner countries, enhancing energy security, and fostering bilateral relations through strategic investments in sustainable development projects.
Correct Answer : Tata Power
Tata Power has launched the 'Ghar Ghar Solar' initiative in Uttar Pradesh, starting from Varanasi, to promote rooftop solar solutions among residents. This initiative offers substantial subsidies, state-of-the-art technology, and financial savings on electricity bills, aiming to drive widespread adoption of clean energy and support sustainable development goals in the region.
Correct Answer : Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has implemented a policy granting a 100% waiver on the registration fee for strong hybrid vehicles. This initiative aims to promote the adoption of hybrid technology and reduce the financial burden on customers purchasing such vehicles. Manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Honda Cars benefit from this policy, alongside potential savings for customers amounting up to ?3.5 lakh on vehicle purchases.
