General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Art (Music)

In News

• Rezwana Choudhary Bannya received the Padma Shri 2024 for her contributions to Bangladeshi classical music.

Key Points

• Awarded in the Art category for her excellence in Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti.
• One of the few Bangladeshi nationals to receive India’s Padma Shri.
• Recognized for promoting cultural ties between India and Bangladesh through music.
• Padma Awards 2024 included 132 recipients (5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, 110 Padma Shri).

Additional Information

• Rezwana Choudhary Bannya:
• Renowned exponent of Tagore’s and Kazi Nazrul Islam’s compositions.
• Founder of Surer Dhara, a music school in Dhaka.
• Padma Awards:
• India’s highest civilian honors after Bharat Ratna.
• 2024 saw 9 posthumous awardees and 30 women recipients.

The correct answer is Kalam-250

In News

• Skyroot Aerospace tested Stage 2 of Vikram-1 rocket engine "Kalam-250" at ISRO’s SDSC (March 2024).

Key Points

• The Stage 2 engine of Vikram-1 is named "Kalam-250", honoring Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
• Test conducted at ISRO’s Propulsion Complex, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
• Kalam-250 is a high-thrust cryogenic engine using liquid natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen (LoX).
• Vikram-1 is India’s first private orbital launch vehicle, capable of carrying 300 kg payloads to LEO.

Additional Information

• Skyroot Aerospace:
• India’s first private space company to launch a rocket (Vikram-S, November 2022).
• Founded in 2018; headquartered in Hyderabad.
• Vikram-1:
• Three-stage launch vehicle with carbon-fiber structure.
• Maiden flight expected in 2024.
• ISRO Collaboration:
• Skyroot leverages ISRO’s facilities under IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre).

The correct answer is Rajasthan.

In News

• NABARD supported the GI certification for five traditional artworks from Rajasthan including Jodhpur Bandhej, Koftagiri Metal Craft, Nathdwara Pichhwai, Bikaner Usta Kala, and Hand embroidery art of Bikaner.
• The project aims to preserve disappearing traditional crafts and empower local communities by increasing their income levels.

Key Points

• GI certification was granted for five traditional Rajasthan crafts to protect cultural heritage.
• NABARD’s support aims at rural off-farm development through product differentiation and brand building.
• The initiative enhances local employment, market access, and safeguards traditional knowledge.
• During FY 2022-23, NABARD disbursed Rs. 31.04 crore for developmental interventions in Rajasthan.
• The project helps promote regional branding, tourism, and biodiversity conservation.

Additional Information

• Geographical Indications (GI) Tag
• GI tag protects unique products linked to a specific geographic region.
• It helps in legal recognition and prevents unauthorized use.
• NABARD Initiatives in Rajasthan
• Skill development, watershed and wadi development for tribal communities.
• Promotion of farm and off-farm producer organizations.
• Traditional Crafts in Rajasthan
• Jodhpur Bandhej: Traditional tie and dye textile.
• Koftagiri Metal Craft: Metal engraving from Udaipur.
• Nathdwara Pichhwai: Religious textile art.
• Bikaner Usta Kala: Intricate art using gold and silver.

The correct answer is World Economic Forum (WEF)

In News

• The Global Risk Report 2024 was released during the 54^th WEF Annual Meeting in Davos.

Key Points

• The Global Risk Report (including the Risk Index) is published annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
• It assesses economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal, and technological risks over short/long terms.
• 2024 report highlights misinformation, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts as top risks.
• Based on surveys of 1,400+ global experts and leaders.

Additional Information

• WEF's 54^th Annual Meeting (2024):
• Theme: "Rebuilding Trust".
• Held in Davos, Switzerland (15–19 January 2024).
• Other WEF Reports:
• Global Gender Gap Report, Global Competitiveness Report.
• Top 2024 Risks:
• Climate change, AI-driven misinformation, and economic volatility.

The correct answer is 2 only.

In News

• MHI extended the PLI-Auto Scheme till FY28 with amendments for flexibility.

Key Points

• Statement 2 is correct: Companies missing annual sales thresholds lose incentives for that year but regain eligibility if they achieve 10% YoY growth subsequently.
• Statement 1 is incorrect: Incentives are disbursed in the subsequent financial year (e.g., FY24 production → FY25 disbursement).
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The scheme mandates 50% (not 30%) domestic value addition for AAT products.

Additional Information

• Amended PLI-Auto Scheme:
• Duration: FY24–FY28 (extended by 1 year).
• Budget: ₹25,938 crore (approved in 2021).
• Objective:
• Boost manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products like EVs and hydrogen fuel cells.
• Approval Body:
• Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS).

The correct answer is Artisans

In News

• PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY) supports traditional artisans, including coir weavers.

Key Points

• Coir weavers are classified as Artisans under PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
• PMVY is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of MSME in 2023.
• Provides skill training, toolkits, and subsidized loans (up to ₹2 lakh at 5% interest).
• Targets 18 traditional crafts, including cobblers, potters, and coir weavers.

Additional Information

• Coir Industry:
• India produces ~80% of global coir, primarily in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
• PMVY Benefits:
• ₹15,000 for skill training + ₹500/day stipend during training.
• ₹1 lakh first-tranche loan with credit guarantee.
• Other Covered Artisans:
• Blacksmiths, carpenters, goldsmiths, and boat makers.

The correct answer is District & State Cooperative Banks, RRBs

In News

• NABARD and RBIH partnered to digitize agri-lending via e-KCC integration (April 2024).

Key Points

• The integration will benefit District & State Cooperative Banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
• Aims to streamline credit flow to farmers through paperless e-KCC processing.
• Leverages RBIH’s digital infrastructure for real-time loan approval and disbursal.
• Part of RBI’s broader agenda to achieve 100% digital KCC coverage by 2025.

Additional Information

• e-Kisan Credit Card (e-KCC):
• Provides farmers with flexible credit (up to ₹3 lakh at 4% interest under PM-KISAN).
• NABARD’s Role:
• Refinances cooperative banks and RRBs to enhance rural credit accessibility.
• RBI Innovation Hub (RBIH):
• Promotes fintech solutions for financial inclusion (e.g., UPI for rural areas).

The correct answer is Hindustan Zinc

In News

• World Silver Survey 2024 ranked Hindustan Zinc as the third-largest silver producer globally.

Key Points

• Hindustan Zinc became the third-largest silver producer globally as per the World Silver Survey 2024.
• The survey is published annually by The Silver Institute, USA.
• Hindustan Zinc produced ~746 metric tonnes of silver in 2023.
• The company is a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources and India's largest integrated zinc producer.

Additional Information

• Top Global Silver Producers (2024):
• 1^st: Fresnillo plc (Mexico)
• 2^nd: KGHM Polska Miedź (Poland)
• Hindustan Zinc:
• Headquartered in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
• Operates the world's largest zinc mine (Rampura Agucha).
• India's Silver Market:
• India is the world's sixth-largest silver producer (2023).

The correct answer is Shah Alam, Malaysia.

In News

• The 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships were held from 13 to 18 February 2024 at the Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

Key Points

• The tournament was the fifth edition of the Badminton Asia Team Championships.
• It was held at the Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
• Organised by Badminton Asia and the Badminton Association of Malaysia.
• Sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Additional Information

• The championships acted as qualifiers for the 2024 Thomas & Uber Cup Finals to be held in Chengdu, China.
• Four semi-finalist teams from both men's and women's categories secured qualification to the Finals.
• The tournament also contributed ranking points for the Race to Paris 2024 Olympic qualification.
• India won its first-ever women’s team title in the event.
• Malaysia and Indonesia were defending champions in the men's and women's categories respectively.

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only

 

In News

• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is the flagship program under the Ministry of Rural Development aimed at poverty reduction through institutional support to the poor, especially women.

Key Points

• DAY-NRLM was renamed from the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) on March 29, 2016.
• It is a restructured version of Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY).
• The program follows a demand-driven approach, allowing states to formulate their own action plans.
• It targets coverage of 7 crore rural poor households across 600 districts, 6000 blocks, 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats and 6 lakh villages.

Additional Information

• Intensive vs Non-Intensive Blocks
• All components of DAY-NRLM are implemented in intensive blocks and districts through SRLMs or NGOs.
• Other regions are categorized as non-intensive.
• Objective
• Build self-managed SHGs and federated institutions.
• Enable the poor to access rights, entitlements, public services, and finance.
• Core Focus
• Empower women and marginalized groups
• Strengthen livelihood collectives

The correct answer is Telangana

In News

• Medaram Jathara 2024 was celebrated in Telangana with grand tribal traditions.

Key Points

• Medaram Jathara is celebrated in Telangana, primarily by the Koya tribe.
• It is held biennially in Medaram village (Mulugu district) to honor tribal goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma.
• Recognized as the largest tribal fair in Asia, attracting over 1 crore devotees.
• The festival was declared a State Festival in 1996.

Additional Information

• Cultural Significance:
• Commemorates the legend of a mother-daughter duo (Sammakka-Saralamma) who fought against Kakatiya rulers.
• Rituals:
• Devotees offer jaggery (equivalent to gold) to the deities.
• UNESCO Recognition:
• Proposed for inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
• Other Tribal Festivals:
• Hornbill Festival (Nagaland), Bhagoria Haat (Madhya Pradesh).

The correct answer is ₹7 lakh

In News

• EPFO celebrated its 71^st Foundation Day and announced the Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2023.

Key Points

• The maximum insurance benefit under EDLI scheme is ₹7 lakh (effective from 2021).
• EDLI provides life insurance cover to private sector employees who are EPFO members.
• The benefit is calculated as 30 times the average monthly wages (capped at ₹7 lakh).
• Minimum assured benefit is ₹2.5 lakh, even if the calculated amount is lower.

Additional Information

• Eligibility:
• Available to all EPF members (employees earning ≤ ₹15,000/month are auto-enrolled).
• Premium:
• Employers contribute 0.5% of employee's basic wages (max ₹75/month).
• Recent Changes:
• Increased from ₹6 lakh to ₹7 lakh in 2021 to enhance social security.
• Claim Process:
• Nominees can claim through EPFO's unified portal with death certificate and Form 5IF.

The correct answer is Horticulture crops

In News

• CDP-SURAKSHA was launched in April 2024 to streamline subsidy disbursal for horticulture farmers.

Key Points

• CDP-SURAKSHA aims to promote horticulture crops under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).
• It enables instant subsidy disbursal to farmers' bank accounts via e-RUPI vouchers.
• The platform integrates with National Horticulture Board (NHB) and other agencies for seamless implementation.
• Focuses on reducing delays and leakages in subsidy distribution for inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.

Additional Information

• Cluster Development Programme (CDP):
• Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare to boost horticulture productivity.
• Targets 10,000 clusters across India with financial support for infrastructure and inputs.
• e-RUPI Vouchers:
• Digital vouchers redeemable without bank accounts, ensuring transparency.
• India's Horticulture Sector:
• Contributes ~30% to agricultural GDP; top global producer of fruits like mango and banana.

The correct answer is Phi-3-Mini. 

In News

• Microsoft unveiled Phi-3-mini, its latest small language model, expanding options for AI applications.

Key Points

• The Phi-3-mini is part of Microsoft's Phi-3 family, described as capable and cost-effective small language models (SLMs).
• It has reportedly outperformed models of similar and larger sizes across various benchmarks including language, reasoning, coding, and math.
• Language models like Phi-3-mini are essential for AI applications like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, solving language problems.
• Large Language Models (LLMs) have huge training data and parameter counts, defining the model's skill in problem-solving.
• Phi-3-mini offers more practical choices for generative AI applications, available on platforms like Microsoft Azure AI Studio and HuggingFace.
• It comes in two variants, one with a 4K context-length and another with 128K tokens.
• Microsoft claims Phi-3-mini's performance surpasses several models in its category and beyond.
• India’s ITC has also utilized Phi-3-mini, showcasing its effectiveness in real-world applications.
• This release showcases Microsoft's commitment to advancing AI technology with smaller, more efficient models.

Additional Information

• OpenAI: ChatGPT Mini
• Meta: Llama-3-Lite.
• There is no such thing as Agnatox-1-Ultra is in existance.

The correct answer is All of the above

In News

• IFFCO has expanded its global footprint through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

Key Points

• IFFCO operates in Brazil, Canada, Australia, and Senegal through joint ventures and subsidiaries.
• In Canada, IFFCO owns a majority stake in Canada's Farmers Fertilizer Ltd..
• In Australia, IFFCO has a joint venture with Wesfarmers Chemicals.
• In Senegal, IFFCO established Indorama Senegal Fertilizer Company.
• In Brazil, IFFCO collaborates with local firms for fertilizer distribution.

Additional Information

• IFFCO's Global Presence:
• Also operates in the UAE, Oman, and Jordan through subsidiaries.
• Domestic Operations:
• India's largest fertilizer cooperative, headquartered in New Delhi.
• Key products: Urea, NPK fertilizers, and organic farming solutions.
• Recent Initiatives:
• Launched Nano Urea to reduce dependency on conventional urea.

The correct answer is 30%

In News

• The TREAD scheme provides financial support to women entrepreneurs in MSMEs.

Key Points

• The government grants up to 30% of the total project cost under the TREAD scheme.
• The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME).
• It aims to empower women entrepreneurs through financial assistance and skill development.
• The remaining 70% of the project cost is financed by lending institutions.

Additional Information

• TREAD Scheme:
• Focuses on women entrepreneurs in rural and urban areas.
• Provides grants for project cost, skill development, and marketing support.
• Eligibility:
• Women entrepreneurs, self-help groups (SHGs), and NGOs are eligible.
• Other MSME Schemes:
• Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
• Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).

The correct answer is NRIs are eligible to open new PPF accounts.

In News

• DEA issued 6 new rules for PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and other small savings schemes, effective from 1^st October 2024.

Key Points

• NRIs are not eligible to open new PPF accounts (existing accounts opened before becoming NRI can continue until maturity).
• PPF has a 15-year lock-in period, extendable indefinitely in 5-year blocks.
• Partial withdrawals are permitted from the 7^th financial year onward.
• The current PPF interest rate is 7.1% (Q3 2024), revised quarterly by the government.

Additional Information

• New Rules (Effective 1^st Oct 2024):
• Mandatory Aadhaar linkage for all small savings schemes.
• Revised premature closure rules for PPF (allowed only after 5 years under specific conditions).
• PPF Features:
• Tax benefits under Section 80C; interest and maturity proceeds are tax-free.
• Minimum annual deposit: ₹500; maximum: ₹1.5 lakh.
• Other Small Savings Schemes:
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), NSC, KVP, etc., also covered under the new rules.

The correct answer is Airtel Payments Bank.

In News

• Razorpay launches UPI switch in partnership with Airtel Payments Bank.

Key Points

• Digital payments platform Razorpay launched its own Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure, or UPI switch, in partnership with Airtel Payments Bank.
• The infrastructure is designed to handle up to 10,000 transactions per second, at any given time, and enable five times faster access to UPI innovations for businesses.
• The infrastructure must be hosted by a bank for businesses to use it.
• Airtel Payments Bank is Razorpay's banking partner for this.
• Razorpay's UPI switch solves all these challenges and enhances the experience of businesses, the company claimed.
• It also helps resolve disputes seven times faster — within 24 hours against the industry average of seven days — as well as processes refunds instantly compared with the standard of up to three days.

Additional Information

• Razorpay
• ​Founded in - 2013
• HQ - Bengaluru
• CEO - Harshil Mathur
• Airtel Payments Bank
• ​Founded in - 2017
• HQ - New Delhi
• CEO - Anubrata Biswas

The correct answer is Rs 10,000 crore

In News

• Prabhaav SIDBI unveiled a CRISIL study on the impact of the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) on the startup ecosystem.

Key Points

• The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) was launched in 2016 as part of the Startup India Action Plan with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore.
• FFS is managed by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
• The fund does not directly invest in startups but provides capital to SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which in turn invest in startups.
• FFS aims to support innovation-driven enterprises and boost the startup ecosystem in India.

Additional Information

• Startup India Initiative
• Launched on January 16, 2016, to foster innovation and startups in India.
• Key components include tax exemptions, simplified compliance, and funding support.
• Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)
• SEBI-regulated funds that pool capital from investors to invest in startups, SMEs, and other high-growth sectors.
• SIDBI
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the principal financial institution for MSME development in India.

The correct answer is 1, 2, 3 and 4.

In News

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are informal voluntary associations formed by people, typically from similar socio-economic backgrounds, to work together for mutual benefit, particularly in financial matters.

Key Points

• Sources of funds for SHGs include:
• Member savings
• Interest income earned on group loans
• Funds from federations or promoting institutions
• Bank loans or credit linkages from financial institutions
• SHGs play a significant role in financial inclusion, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

Additional Information

• This topic is covered under the Static Banking Awareness section, specifically under the Classification of Indian Banks chapter.
• It is also frequently featured in Daily Current Affairs segments.