Banking Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Japan.

In News

• Indian Navy’s guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai participated in the 5^th edition of the multinational naval exercise LA PEROUSE hosted by France in January 2025.

Key Points

• The exercise was conducted from January 16 to 24, 2025, in the strategic maritime straits of Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok linking the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.
• It was led by the French Carrier Strike Group, centered around the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle.
• Navy forces from nine Indo-Pacific nations participated: India, Australia, Canada, USA, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, United Kingdom, and Singapore.
• Japan was not among the participating countries of the La Perouse 25 exercise in 2025.
• The exercise emphasized maritime cooperation, interoperability, anti-illicit activities operations, and protection of key trade routes.
• The IORIS (Indian Ocean Regional Information Sharing) system was used for coordination and communication among participating navies.
• INS Mumbai's participation highlights India's commitment to regional maritime security and collaboration under its SAGAR vision.

Additional Information

• La Perouse exercises are biennial multinational naval drills organized by France focusing on Indo-Pacific maritime security.
• The exercise area includes key maritime chokepoints vital to global shipping and regional stability.
• Participants train in multidomain warfare tactics, maritime interdiction, and search and rescue operations.
• India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative promotes cooperative maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
• The first La Perouse exercise was held in 2019, with subsequent editions biannually to enhance naval interoperability.

The correct answer is 7.93%.

In News

• India submitted its 4^th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the UNFCCC on December 30, 2024, with the GHG inventory for the year 2020.

Key Points

• India’s total GHG emissions, excluding Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF), were 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) in 2020.
• Including LULUCF, India’s net emissions were 2,437 million tonnes of CO2e, showing the significant carbon sink effect of forests and land.
• The report states a 7.93% reduction in total GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019.
• The energy sector contributed the most to emissions at 75.66%, followed by agriculture (13.72%), industrial processes product use (8.06%), and waste (2.56%).
• India’s forest and tree cover sequestered approximately 522 million tonnes of CO2 in 2020, equivalent to reducing 22% of total emissions.
• Between 2005 and 2020, India reduced its emission intensity of GDP by 36%.
• Installed capacity of renewable power increased significantly to 203.22 GW by October 2024, supporting India’s sustainable energy transition.

Additional Information

• The BUR-4 report updates the Third National Communication and is part of India’s ongoing reporting to the UNFCCC under its climate commitments.
• India emphasizes equity and common but differentiated responsibilities in global climate action frameworks.
• India’s climate strategy balances economic growth with sustainability through national policies and international cooperation.
• The forestry sector acts as a net carbon sink, helping offset GHG emissions from other sectors.
• India’s renewable energy expansion includes solar, wind, and large hydropower projects aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070.

The correct answer is Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.

In News

• PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18^th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on January 9, 2025.

Key Points

• The 18^th PBD Convention was held in collaboration with the Government of Odisha from January 8 to 10, 2025.
• The theme of the event was “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” emphasizing the Indian diaspora's role in national progress.
• The event featured participation from delegates across over 75 countries, highlighting India's wide diaspora network.
• PM Modi flagged off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train organised for Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) under the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana.
• The Convention included exhibitions on diaspora contributions to technology, culture, and Odisha’s economic growth.
• The President of Trinidad and Tobago virtually addressed the convention underlining the importance of diaspora ties.
• Youth-focused sessions and business forums were also part of the event to foster engagement and opportunities.

Additional Information

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated biennially to connect the Indian diaspora with their cultural roots and homeland.
• The convention was first instituted in 2003 to recognize and strengthen the engagement of overseas Indians.
• The Pravasi Bharatiya Express provides curated tourism experiences to PIOs across prominent religious and cultural sites in India.
• Odisha, as the host, showcased its cultural heritage and economic progress during the convention.
• The event aligns with India’s broader ‘Purvodaya’ and ‘Act East’ policy initiatives to foster regional economic integration.

The correct answer is India.

In News

• The Indian women’s team won the final of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025, defeating Nepal at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.

Key Points

• The Indian women’s Kho Kho team beat Nepal 78-40 to clinch the championship title in the inaugural World Cup.
• The team, captained by Priyanka Ingle, remained undefeated throughout the tournament, winning all group and knockout matches.
• The finals featured both Indian men’s and women’s teams facing counterparts from Nepal, securing victories in both divisions and a clean sweep for India.
• Organised by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), the event was supported by the Indian Olympic Association.
• The tournament featured 19 women’s teams competing in group and knockout stages, reflecting Kho Kho’s growing international reach.
• The second edition of the World Cup is scheduled to be held in Birmingham, England, in 2026-27.
• India’s men’s team also remained unbeaten and won the World Cup title.

Additional Information

• Kho Kho is a traditional Indian tag game with deep roots, originally believed to be played on chariots in Maharashtra.
• The modern version with formalized rules emerged in 1914 in Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana Club.
• Kho Kho’s global popularity expanded from 6 countries in 2020 to 55 countries in 2025, with IKKF aiming for Olympic inclusion by 2036.
• A Kho Kho team consists of 9 active players and 3 substitutes, alternating between chasing, defending, and tagging opponents.
• The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) was established in 1955 and is headquartered in New Delhi. Sudhansu Mittal serves as the current president.

The correct answer is Shot Put.

In News

• Former Indian athlete and Asian Games gold medalist Bahadur Singh Sagoo was appointed as the President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in January 2025.

Key Points

• The appointment was made during the Annual General Assembly Meeting of the AFI held in Chandigarh, Punjab.
• Bahadur Singh Sagoo succeeds Adille Sumariwalla, who served as AFI President for three consecutive terms from 2012 to 2024.
• Stanely Jones from Telangana was appointed as the new Treasurer, while former middle-distance runner Jyotirmoyee Sikdar became the Joint Secretary.
• Bahadur Singh is a one-time Asian Games gold medalist and a two-time national champion in the shot put event.
• He won the gold medal at the 2002 Busan Asian Games with a throw of 19.03 meters.
• He represented India at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games and recorded his career-best throw of 20.40 meters in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2004.
• He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2006 for his contributions to Indian athletics.

Additional Information

• The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) was established in 1946 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
• AFI is the governing body for athletics in India, responsible for organizing track and field competitions nationwide.
• It is affiliated with World Athletics and the Asian Athletics Association.
• The primary responsibilities of AFI include athlete training, selection for international events, and conducting national championships.
• Adille Sumariwalla served as President of AFI before Bahadur Singh Sagoo and is also a member of the World Athletics Council.

The correct answer is Old & Used Vehicles

In News

• The 55^th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was held on December 21, 2024, at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Key Points

• The GST Council decided to increase the GST rate from 12% to 18% on the sale of all old and used vehicles, including Electric Vehicles (EVs), except for specified large-engine vehicles already attracting 18% GST.
• This applies to old petrol vehicles with engine capacities of 1200 cc or more and lengths exceeding 4000 mm, and diesel vehicles with 1500 cc or higher capacity and lengths over 4000 mm, including SUVs.
• The new rate applies only to registered persons dealing in such vehicles.
• GST will be levied only on the margin value, i.e., the difference between the purchase price and selling price, not on the total transaction value.
• The exemption continues for unregistered individual sellers of used vehicles.
• The Council’s clarification aims to standardise taxation and resolve disputes in used vehicle sales, enhancing compliance and fairness.
• The meeting also made changes in GST rates for several goods such as fortified rice kernel (reduced to 5%) and exempted gene therapy from GST entirely.

Additional Information

• The GST Council is a constitutional body chaired by the Union Finance Minister and includes State Finance Ministers.
• The Council’s primary function is to make key recommendations on GST laws, tax rates, and administration.
• The 55^th Council meeting also reduced GST on Fortified Rice Kernel to 5% and exempted gene therapy from GST.
• It clarified that no GST is payable on penal charges imposed by banks or NBFCs for loan defaults.
• The Council meets periodically to review fiscal trends and ensure consistent tax governance across India.

The correct answer is 14 digits.

In News

• The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission completed three years of implementation on September 27, 2024.

Key Points

• ABDM was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 27, 2021.
• It aims to revolutionize India’s digital health ecosystem by improving healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and transparency.
• Each individual is assigned a unique Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account Identifier (ABHA ID) under ABDM.
• The ABHA number is a 14-digit unique identifier that securely identifies people in the digital healthcare ecosystem.
• ABDM also features a comprehensive Health Professionals Registry and Health Facility Registries to connect stakeholders digitally.
• It ensures data privacy and security adhering to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
• Key components include Health Information Exchange & Consent Manager, Unified Health Interface, and National Health Claim Exchange to enable seamless healthcare delivery and insurance claim processing.

Additional Information

• The National Health Authority under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is the implementing agency of ABDM.
• The ABHA ID helps citizens securely access and manage their health records electronically.
• The Unified Health Interface facilitates discovery and delivery of health services digitally across India.
• ABDM supports interoperability across modern and traditional medicine systems.
• The scheme aims to promote transparency in healthcare pricing and accountability for service delivery.

The correct answer is Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

In News

• On December 30, 2024, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin inaugurated India’s first bowstring arch glass bridge at Kanniyakumari, connecting the Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

Key Points

• The bridge was inaugurated as part of the Silver Jubilee (25^th year) celebration of the installation of the Thiruvalluvar Statue.
• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin officially declared that the Thiruvalluvar Statue will henceforth be known as the “Statue of Wisdom.”
• The glass bridge measures 77 meters in length and 10 meters in width, employing advanced corrosion-resistant technology to withstand intense sea winds.
• Constructed at a cost of Rs. 37 crore, the bridge eliminates the need for ferry rides currently operated by Poompuhar Shipping Corporation between the two landmarks.
• The project aims to boost tourism in Kanniyakumari, one of India’s most visited coastal destinations for its sunrise and sunset views.
• It is expected to become a landmark attraction, enhancing accessibility and safety for tourists.

Additional Information

• The Thiruvalluvar Statue stands 133 feet tall, representing the 133 chapters of the ancient Tamil text Thirukkural.
• The statue was unveiled on January 1, 2000, by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
• It was designed by architect and sculptor V. Ganapati Sthapati and weighs around 7,000 tonnes.
• Saint-poet Thiruvalluvar authored 1,330 couplets known as Thirukkural about 2,000 years ago.
• The Vivekananda Rock Memorial, adjacent to the bridge, commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s meditation and enlightenment at Kanniyakumari.

The correct answer is Soreng.

In News

• Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched India’s first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng district of Sikkim during the Northeast Region States Meet 2025 held on January 6, 2025, in Guwahati, Assam.

Key Points

• The organic fisheries cluster promotes ecological fish farming, avoiding antibiotics, chemicals, and pesticides to produce organic fish.
• It aims to supply organic fish to eco-conscious markets globally, supporting sustainable aquaculture practices.
• The initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), focusing on boosting incomes of fish farmers and enhancing fish production.
• The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying organized the Northeast Region States Meet 2025 in Guwahati.
• The event also included certificate distribution to beneficiaries and launching of key projects worth Rs. 50 crore in the Northeast region under PMMSY.
• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) plays a key role by providing financial and technical support to the organic cluster development.
• The project emphasizes low environmental pollution approaches to aquaculture for long-term sustainability.

Additional Information

• About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):
• It was launched in September 2020 to double the income of fish farmers and promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development.
• The scheme runs from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore under Central Sector (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) components.
• PMMSY targets increased fisheries production, infrastructure enhancement, and market development across India.
• The scheme plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and jobs in fisheries and allied sectors.

The correct answer is Five.

In News

• KredX, India’s largest supply chain finance platform, received RBI approval to operate as a TReDS platform under the brand name DTX in January 2025.

Key Points

• KredX became the fifth RBI-licensed TReDS platform, joining Receivables Exchange of India (RXIL), M1 Exchange, Invoice Mart, and C2FO Factoring Solutions.
• TReDS platforms help MSMEs access credit by discounting receivables, improving liquidity and timely payments.
• To set up a TReDS platform, a company must have a minimum paid-up equity capital of Rs 25 crore.
• Businesses with a turnover of Rs 250 crore or more must register on these platforms to sell their invoices and get early payments.
• The TReDS system enables invoice uploading, buyer approval, competitive bidding by financiers, and advance payments to sellers.
• TReDS transaction volumes are expected to rise from USD 30 billion in early 2025 to USD 50 billion by 2026.

Additional Information

• The Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) operates under RBI regulation and governed by the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• Launched in 2018, TReDS addresses payment delays by corporates and government entities to MSMEs.
• The process involves MSMEs uploading invoices, which buyers approve before financiers bid to provide discounted payments.
• RBI’s regulation of TReDS ensures transparency, security, and efficiency in invoice financing.
• KredX’s DTX platform is the latest addition, enhancing MSME credit access and supply chain finance in India.

The correct answer is Four years.

In News

• Non-official directors on the RBI’s central board, including the 10 government-nominated directors and 4 directors representing four local boards, have a tenure of four years.

Key Points

• The RBI central board is constituted as per the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, and nominated directors serve four-year terms.
• The Governor and Deputy Governors hold office for terms fixed by the Central Government, typically up to five years.
• Two government officials are also members of the board during the pleasure of the government.
• The four local boards represent Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi, each with directors appointed for a four-year term.
• The term provides continuity in policy-making, enabling stable governance and oversight in RBI operations.
• Board members include experts from diverse fields, enhancing RBI’s functioning and decision-making with broad perspectives.
• The four-year tenure aligns with the Government’s mechanism for appointments, maintaining governance continuity.

Additional Information

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), established on April 1, 1935, operates under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• HQ - Mumbai
• Governor - Sanjay Malhotra
• The Central Board of Directors is the highest decision-making body within the RBI.
• The board consists of the Governor, up to four Deputy Governors, 10 government-nominated non-official directors, two government officials, and four local board directors.
• The RBI’s governance structure balances political oversight with expertise from various economic, financial, and banking sectors.
• The Governor of RBI currently serves up to a five-year term, subject to government appointment.

The correct answer is Navi Mumbai, Indore, Surat.

In News

• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the 9^th edition of Swachh Survekshan in January 2025, introducing a Million Plus Cities category with Navi Mumbai, Indore, and Surat as the top cities.

Key Points

• The 9^th edition of Swachh Survekshan introduced city classification based on population into 5 categories: Very Small, Small, Medium, Big, and Million Plus cities.
• The Million Plus Cities category comprises urban local bodies with populations exceeding 10 lakhs.
• Navi Mumbai, Indore, and Surat were recognized as top performers in the Million Plus Cities segment under the new Super Swachh League.
• The assessment includes parameters such as visible cleanliness, waste segregation, solid waste management, access to sanitation, and citizen feedback.
• The new toolkit has 10 indicator buckets to simplify understanding and implementation for urban local bodies.
• Swachh Survekshan promotes citizen participation, uses third-party validation, and inspires cities to enhance sanitation and environmental hygiene.
• The 9^th edition’s field assessment phase started on February 15, 2025, to conclude by March end.

Additional Information

• Swachh Survekshan is the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey, launched in 2016 under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• Super Swachh League (SSL) is a special category recognizing consistent top performers across multiple years.
• Swachh Survekshan 2025 emphasized “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R)” principles as part of its annual theme.
• The survey encourages integration of swachhata values within schools to foster hygiene awareness from a young age.
• Urban local bodies use Swachh Survekshan results to drive sustainable city missions and improve quality of life.

The correct answer is 10.

In News

• The United Nations Security Council consists of 10 non-permanent members serving two-year terms alongside 5 permanent members.

Key Points

• There are 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms.
• These members include countries such as Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, Panama, Somalia, Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia for the 2024-2026 or 2025 terms.
• Non-permanent members are allocated seats based on regional groups to ensure geographical representation.
• Five non-permanent members are elected each year, with terms staggered to maintain continuity.
• The UNSC has 15 members in total—5 permanent and 10 non-permanent.
• Permanent members include China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• The 10 non-permanent members participate fully in the council's deliberations but do not have veto power.

Additional Information

• Non-permanent members are elected by a two-thirds majority in the UN General Assembly.
• Seats are distributed among five regional groups: African, Asia-Pacific, Latin American and Caribbean, Western European and Others, and Eastern European groups.
• Members cannot be immediately re-elected after their two-year term ends.
• The Security Council is primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
• Non-permanent members have important roles in peacekeeping missions and international conflict resolution discussions.

The correct answer is IIM Bangalore.

In News

• NITI Aayog launched the NITI GearShift Challenge in collaboration with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India, as part of the e-FAST India initiative.

Key Points

• The challenge focuses on addressing financial, technical, and operational challenges to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India’s freight sector.
• It invites students, transport service practitioners, academics, and researchers to develop innovative business models via a two-round hackathon.
• The first round involves submitting initial business models addressing specific operational, financial, or technical barriers.
• Shortlisted teams advance to the second round to present detailed models with implementation roadmaps, mentored by industry leaders.
• The challenge aims to advance sustainable freight transport and reduce India’s freight sector carbon emissions, which contribute nearly 40% of road transport CO2.
• The initiative is a part of NITI Aayog’s broader e-FAST India programme to accelerate clean logistics technology adoption.
• Collaboration includes prominent partners like IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India, combining academic, industry, and policy expertise.

Additional Information

• NITI Aayog is India’s premier policy think tank established in 2015, replacing the Planning Commission.
• IIM Bangalore is one of India’s leading management institutes located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Smart Freight Centre India works on sustainable freight solutions to improve logistics emissions and efficiency.
• CALSTART/Drive to Zero is a global initiative accelerating zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
• WRI India focuses on sustainable development and environmental research to support policy and business innovation.

The correct answer is IIT Madras.

In News

• In January 2025, IIT Madras partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to launch Project VISTAAR to enhance the agricultural extension system through digitalization.

Key Points

• Project VISTAAR aims to provide farmers and stakeholders access to high-quality advisory services related to crop production, marketing, value addition, supply chain management, and government schemes.
• The initiative integrates information about over 12,000 agriculture and allied sector start-ups into the VISTAAR platform via a collaboration between MoA&FW and IIT Madras.
• The Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing at IIT Madras, alongside incubated startup YNOS Venture Engine, developed the extensive startup database.
• The digitalized agricultural extension system seeks to bridge information gaps and ensure wide adoption of innovative farming technologies.
• The project promotes sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture through start-up driven innovations accessible to farmers across India.
• Farmers will gain easier access to government schemes and market intelligence to improve productivity and livelihoods.
• The partnership represents a major step towards empowering Indian agriculture with digital tools and innovative solutions.

Additional Information

• IIT Madras is a premier engineering institution located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, established in 1959.
• Project VISTAAR stands for Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources.
• This project is part of India’s broader push towards digital agriculture and farmer empowerment.
• Digital agriculture extension improves access to timely, accurate, and contextual advisories for small and marginal farmers.
• The platform’s integration with startup innovation offers scalable and tailor-made solutions for diverse agricultural challenges.

The correct answer is Jalvahak Scheme.

In News

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the ‘Jalvahak’ scheme from Kolkata, West Bengal, to boost cargo movement through India’s inland waterways under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

Key Points

• The ‘Jalvahak’ scheme focuses on developing inland waterways as a sustainable, efficient, and economical transport mode for cargo movement.
• The launch event took place at GR Jetty, Kolkata, where cargo vessels MV Aai, MV Homi Bhaba, and MV Trishul, along with barges Ajay and Dikhu, were flagged off.
• The initiative introduces fixed scheduled services of cargo ships operating between Haldia (West Bengal) and NW-1 (Ganga River) and NW-2 (Brahmaputra River).
• The scheme covers three major national waterways—NW-1 (Ganga), NW-2 (Brahmaputra), and NW-16 (Barak River).
• It uses the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route for cargo movements between Kolkata and Pandu (Guwahati), facilitating regional trade.
• With an investment of Rs 95.4 crore by 2027, the scheme targets a modal shift of 800 million tonne-kilometres in cargo movement.
• The Jalvahak scheme will initially remain valid for three years and aims to help achieve India’s goal of 200 million tonne cargo transport through waterways by 2030.

Additional Information

• Implementing Agencies
• Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
• Inland & Coastal Shipping Limited (ICSL), subsidiary of Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCIL)
• National Waterways Covered
• NW-1 – Ganga River (Haldia to Varanasi)
• NW-2 – Brahmaputra River (Dhubri to Sadiya)
• NW-16 – Barak River (Lakhipur to Bhanga)
• The scheme aims to demonstrate the readiness of India’s inland waterways for large-scale cargo handling.
• Inland water transport offers fuel efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and cost savings compared to road and rail transport.
• This initiative aligns with India’s PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multimodal logistics network integration.

The correct answer is INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, INS Vaghsheer.

In News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three frontline naval vessels—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—on Indian Army Day 2025 at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

Key Points

• INS Surat is the fourth and final destroyer of the Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B), featuring 75% indigenous content and advanced guided missile capabilities.
• INS Nilgiri is the lead stealth frigate of Project 17A, equipped with advanced survivability features and modern weapon systems.
• INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and last submarine of the P75 Scorpene-class (Kalvari-class), built with French collaboration and equipped with cutting-edge stealth and weapon technologies.
• This event marked the first simultaneous commissioning of a destroyer, frigate, and submarine in the Indian Navy’s history.
• The vessels were built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, supporting India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative in defense manufacturing.
• The commissioning strengthens India’s maritime security capabilities and naval dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.
• The ships feature advanced missile systems such as BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM), torpedoes, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Additional Information

• The Visakhapatnam-class destroyers are among the most advanced warships in the Indian Navy with stealth features and potent weaponry.
• Project 17A frigates represent cutting-edge Indian naval ship design focusing on stealth and survivability.
• The P75 Scorpene-class submarines are diesel-electric attack submarines with air-independent propulsion systems.
• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited is India’s premier shipyard specializing in warship and submarine construction.
• The commissioning ceremony took place on Indian Army Day, highlighting inter-service synergy and national defense priorities.

The correct answer is BHASKAR – Rising Sun Portal.

In News

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched the ‘Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR – Rising Sun)’ Portal in New Delhi, developed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to support India’s expanding startup ecosystem.

Key Points

• The BHASKAR Portal serves as a one-stop digital platform designed for data exchange, dissemination, and communication among startup ecosystem participants.
• It was launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its flagship programme ‘Startup India.’
• The platform aims to establish the world’s largest digital registry connecting all stakeholders within India’s startup landscape.
• Each stakeholder, including startups, incubators, investors, and policymakers, will receive a unique BHASKAR ID to enable personalized digital interactions.
• The portal encourages innovation, collaboration, and inclusiveness, particularly supporting startups from tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
• BHASKAR focuses on strengthening India's role as a global startup hub by fostering transparency, traceability, and connectivity across the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Additional Information

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) oversees policy formulation for industrial development and investment facilitation in India.
• The ‘Startup India’ initiative was launched in 2016 to promote entrepreneurship and innovation across multiple sectors.
• India is home to over 1.25 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups, making it the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.
• The BHASKAR Portal enhances accessibility and resource-sharing within the ecosystem, promoting sustainable innovation.
• Under Piyush Goyal’s leadership, DPIIT continues to focus on global collaborations and ease of doing business for startups in India.

The correct answer is 22.

In News

• The Government of India launched Bhashini under the National Language Translation Mission in July 2022 to promote digital inclusion by enabling language accessibility.

Key Points

• Bhashini focuses on breaking linguistic barriers by providing multilingual communication support on digital platforms.
• The initiative aims to enable easy access to government services and online content in multiple Indian languages.
• It covers 22 Indian languages, aligning with the languages recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• Bhashini facilitates translation, transcription, and transliteration services to improve digital communication.
• The platform supports digital content creators, public service providers, and businesses to reach diverse linguistic populations.
• This mission complements other initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy and inclusion across India.

Additional Information

• Bhashini is executed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• The National Language Translation Mission is a part of India’s digital empowerment strategy.
• The platform aims to reduce digital divide caused by language barriers in a linguistically diverse country.
• India recognizes 22 official languages under its Constitution’s Eighth Schedule.
• Bhashini facilitates government accessibility, education, and economic participation for non-English-speaking citizens.

The correct answer is 10.

In News

• The Republic of Belarus officially became the 10^th permanent member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during the 24^th SCO Council of Heads of State Summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 4^th July 2024.

Key Points

• Belarus joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as its 10^th full member state during the 24^th SCO Council of Heads of State (SCO-CHS) Summit in July 2024.
• This summit was hosted by Kazakhstan in Astana under the theme “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue – Striving for Sustainable Peace and Development.”
• Belarus had previously joined the SCO as a dialogue partner in 2010 and later became an observer state in 2015.
• Following the SCO meeting held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2022, a document was signed launching Belarus’ accession process as a full member.
• With this addition, the SCO now includes ten permanent members: China, Russia, India, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus.
• Following the 2024 summit, the chairmanship rotated from Kazakhstan to China for the 2024–25 term, with Qingdao named as the SCO’s tourism and cultural capital.

Additional Information

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established on 15 June 2001 by six founding members: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Russia.
• The 23^rd SCO Summit was hosted by India in July 2023 in a virtual format, during which Iran became the 9^th permanent member of the SCO.
• Kazakhstan hosted the SCO-CHS Summit for the fourth time in 2024, having previously hosted it in 2005, 2011, and 2017.
• The SCO focuses on regional cooperation in political stability, economic development, counter-terrorism, and cultural exchange.
• With Belarus’ inclusion, the SCO now represents approximately 40% of the world’s population and nearly 30% of global GDP.