Correct Answer : Aviral Jain
Aviral Jain has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India, effective from October 1, 2024. Before this promotion, he served as the Regional Director for Maharashtra. Jain possesses over three decades of experience in key areas such as supervision, currency management, and human resource management. His extensive background positions him well to oversee crucial departments within the RBI, ensuring smooth operations and compliance, as well as contributing to the bank's strategic initiatives and governance.
Correct Answer : 2013
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) was launched in 2013 by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs in India. This mission aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to the urban poor by focusing on skill development and entrepreneurship. It specifically targets six groups, including construction workers, gig workers, waste management workers, care workers, domestic workers, and transportation workers. The program has successfully mobilized millions of urban poor women and formed numerous Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across various towns in India, highlighting its significance in enhancing the livelihoods of vulnerable urban populations.
Correct Answer : 2018
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) was launched in September 2018 as a flagship scheme of the Indian government, aiming to provide health coverage of up to ?5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. This initiative targets India’s bottom 40% poor and vulnerable population, offering cashless treatment in both public and private empanelled hospitals. The scheme ensures that beneficiaries receive an e-card for seamless access to healthcare services, with eligibility determined by various socio-economic criteria, enhancing healthcare access and financial protection for those in need.
Correct Answer : Water-borne disease
Cholera is primarily classified as a water-borne disease, caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It is an acute diarrheal illness that spreads through contaminated water and food, particularly in areas with inadequate sewage treatment and drinking water facilities. Cholera can lead to severe dehydration and death if left untreated. Vulnerable populations, such as malnourished children and individuals living with HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk of mortality. Effective prevention measures include access to clean water, proper sanitation, and vaccination with Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV).
Correct Answer : West Bengal
West Bengal, specifically Kolkata, introduced Asia's first electric tram service on 27th March 1902, from Esplanade to Kidderpore. The tram service in Kolkata began as a horse-drawn system in 1873 and was later electrified. After 151 years of operation, the West Bengal government has decided to discontinue the tram service, except for a small heritage stretch from Maidan to Esplanade. Kolkata's tram service holds cultural significance, featured in notable films like Satyajit Ray's "Mahanagar" and hosting India's first electric tram library in 2020.
Correct Answer : United States
India and the United States signed an agreement aimed at bolstering the critical mineral supply chain in response to concerns over China's dominance in this sector. The agreement seeks to leverage the complementary strengths of both countries to enhance resilience in sourcing critical minerals, which are vital for modern technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and semiconductor manufacturing. Given the growing reliance on these minerals and the restrictions imposed by China on key exports, this partnership is essential for ensuring a stable supply chain and advancing clean technology initiatives in both nations.
Correct Answer : Taiwan
Taiwan has received its first batch of US-made Harpoon missile systems to strengthen its coastal defence. The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile designed by McDonnell Douglas. These shore-mounted systems enhance Taiwan's ability to defend against naval threats, utilizing active radar homing and low-altitude flight patterns to evade enemy defences. The delivery of these missile systems is a strategic move aimed at bolstering Taiwan's maritime security, especially in light of growing regional tensions.
Correct Answer : Italy and Switzerland
Italy and Switzerland are revising their Alpine border due to the significant impact of climate change on glaciers. Rising global temperatures are causing glaciers to shrink, altering natural watershed lines that historically defined the frontier between the two nations. This adjustment has economic implications, particularly for tourism-dependent regions, and highlights the broader consequences of climate change on natural boundaries and ecosystems. The border change primarily affects areas around the Matterhorn, with Italy expected to lose territory and Switzerland gaining it. This development underscores the urgent need for adaptive measures to address climate-driven geographical shifts.
Correct Answer : Amazon
Amazon has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Posts to enhance logistics capabilities and expand parcel delivery services across India. This partnership builds on an ongoing collaboration since 2013, leveraging DoP's extensive postal network to support Amazon's e-commerce operations and contribute to job creation. The MoU aims to improve operational efficiencies, share capacities, and utilize networks to boost delivery reach across India, thereby promoting the growth of e-commerce logistics.
Correct Answer : NTPC
NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) has partnered with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to implement solar power solutions across 15 ICMR institutes. NVVN will install and maintain rooftop solar panels with a capacity of 4,559 KW, ensuring that the health research facilities benefit from clean, renewable energy. This initiative includes a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement, which guarantees stable solar energy tariffs, thereby contributing to both sustainability and cost-efficiency for ICMR's operations, reducing their reliance on conventional power sources.
