Correct Answer :   82nd

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India holds the 82nd position in the Henley Passport Index for 2024, allowing visa-free entry to 58 countries.

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.

Singapore leads the 2024 index, offering visa-free access to 195 destinations.

India shares its 82nd rank with Senegal and Tajikistan, highlighting its moderate global mobility compared to other nations.

This ranking reflects changes in visa policies and international relations, impacting the travel freedom of passport holders.

Correct Answer :   21.71%

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The Forest Survey of India (FSI) conducts a biennial assessment of the country's forest cover. According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the total forest cover is 7,13,789 square kilometres, which constitutes 21.71% of India's geographical area.

This statistic highlights the extent of forested regions in the country, reflecting efforts towards forest conservation and management. Understanding these figures is crucial for environmental planning and policy-making aimed at maintaining and increasing forest cover to ensure ecological balance and sustainability.

Correct Answer :   Haryana

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NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. is establishing two waste-to-charcoal plants in Haryana, specifically in the districts of Gurugram and Faridabad.

These plants, costing ?500 crore each, will convert 1,500 tonnes of daily waste into charcoal using indigenous technology.

This initiative aims to support the Swachh Bharat campaign, enhance urban cleanliness, and promote environmental sustainability.

The green coal plants will be the largest in India, surpassing the current facility in Varanasi, and are expected to be completed in about 30 months.

Correct Answer :   SIDBI

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The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) received funding approval of $215.6 million from the Green Climate Fund to establish a $1 billion corpus for financing mitigation and adaptation projects for Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs).

This fund aims to provide nearly 10,000 concessional loans to promote low-emission, climate-resilient technologies, contributing to substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions and benefiting millions of vulnerable communities.

Correct Answer :   World Intellectual Property Organisation

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The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) at NITI Aayog and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) partnered on 22 July 2024 to develop joint innovation programs in the Global South.

This partnership aims to leverage India’s innovation models for similar developing countries, enhance intellectual property awareness, and foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

WIPO’s involvement underscores its commitment to integrating youth in the global IP ecosystem and promoting innovation and creativity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Correct Answer :   KV Subramanian

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KV Subramanian has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Federal Bank, with his term starting on September 23, 2024.

Prior to this role, Subramanian was the Joint Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Federal Bank, headquartered in Aluva, Kerala, is a prominent Indian private sector bank founded on April 23, 1931, by K. P. Hormis. His appointment marks a significant leadership transition for the bank.

Correct Answer :   July 23

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National Broadcasting Day in India is observed annually on July 23 to commemorate the beginning of organized radio broadcasting in the country, which started with the establishment of the Indian Broadcasting Company on July 23, 1927.

This day highlights the significant role that broadcasting has played in India's development, including educational outreach, cultural preservation, and national unity.

Correct Answer :   Hello Meghalaya

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Meghalaya recently launched the OTT platform 'Hello Meghalaya,' designed to support regional languages and provide a space for minor and principal matrilineal communities to showcase their stories.

This platform offers financial support for film production and incentives for regular uploads, aiming to promote and celebrate regional content.

The initiative follows Kerala's CSpace, reflecting a growing trend of regional governments supporting local media and cultural projects.

Correct Answer :   Indian Oil Corporation

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Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) partnered with the Indian Navy to advance hydrogen and fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility.

As part of this collaboration, IOCL handed over a green hydrogen fuel cell bus to the Indian Navy.

This initiative aims to promote the use of hydrogen as a clean energy source in transportation.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of key officials, including Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and S M Vaidya, highlighting the commitment of both entities to innovative and sustainable technologies.

Correct Answer :   Rs 8.5 crores

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday (21st July 2024) announced financial assistance to the Paris Olympics-bound Indian athletes, contributing Rs 8.5 crore to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for their campaign.

The Paris Games will begin from July 26, 2024.

"I am proud to announce that the @BCCI will be supporting our incredible athletes representing #India at the 2024 Paris Olympics. We are providing INR 8.5 Crores to the IOA for the campaign," BCCI secretary Jay Shah wrote on his 'X' account.

"To our entire contingent, we wish you the very best. Make India proud! Jai Hind!"

As many as 117 athletes will represent India at the Paris Olympics. There will also be 140-strong support staff, making it a 257-member contingent..

Source :Business Standard