Which organization signed a $350 million loan agreement with the Government of India for the SMILE initiative?

Asian Development Bank

United Nations

World Bank

International Monetary Fund

Correct Answer : Asian Development Bank

* The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $350 million policy-based loan agreement with the Government of India under the second subprogram of the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) initiative.

* This loan aims to enhance India's logistics sector through reforms, infrastructure development, and digital integration, contributing to the efficiency of logistics, strengthening the manufacturing sector, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

* The agreement involves stakeholders such as the Department of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

Published On : December 22, 2024

Recently Updated Current Affairs

Q .

Which state/UT had the highest percentage of women electors in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections?

Kerala

Tamil Nadu

Puducherry

Andhra Pradesh

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Puducherry

* Puducherry led the nation with 53.03% women electors in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, making it the state/UT with the highest percentage of women electors.

* This significant milestone highlights the territory's efforts towards promoting inclusivity and gender equality in the electoral process.

* The achievement is particularly notable, considering the overall increase in female electors and their participation in the elections.

Published On : December 31, 2024

Q .

Which country's parliament impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo on December 27, 2024?

Laos

Japan

Thailand

South Korea

Correct Answer : Option (D) - South Korea

* South Korea's parliament impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo on December 27, 2024, amid growing dissatisfaction over his refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court.

* This event followed the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14, 2024, after he briefly imposed martial law.

* The impeachment of Han marked a historic moment as it was the first time an acting president in South Korea was impeached.

* The political crisis significantly impacted the country, contributing to economic instability, with the Korean won reaching its lowest value in nearly 16 years.

Published On : December 31, 2024

Q .

Where is the Kagyed Dance Festival, a significant Buddhist celebration, prominently held?

Ladakh

Sikkim

Himachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Sikkim

* The Kagyed Dance Festival is a major Buddhist celebration in Sikkim, held annually at Tsuklakhang Palace in Gangtok.

* Featuring traditional Cham dances performed by masked monks, the festival symbolizes the destruction of evil forces and the welcoming of peace and prosperity.

* Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, it attracts locals and tourists alike, showcasing Sikkim's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.