Banking Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is NIVARAN.

In News

• Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas launched the NIVARAN portal in January 2025 as a dedicated grievance redressal platform for PM JI-VAN Yojana stakeholders.

Key Points

• NIVARAN provides a centralised online mechanism for registering, tracking, and resolving complaints related to JI-VAN scheme projects.
• Centre for High Technology (CHT) manages the portal as a nodal agency under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for biofuel initiatives.
• The platform addresses grievances concerning second-generation ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass and agricultural residues.
• PM JI-VAN scheme supports 12 commercial and 10 demonstration projects across two phases from 2018-2024 with financial assistance.
• Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) appraises projects while NIVARAN ensures timely stakeholder issue resolution during implementation.
• Portal facilitates 24x7 access promoting transparency, accountability, and efficient project execution in biofuel sector.
• Initiative reduces stubble burning pollution while enhancing energy security through domestic biofuel production capacity.

Additional Information

• PM JI-VAN full form: Pradhan Mantri Jaiv Indhan-Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran Yojana focusing on crop residue management.
• CHT provides secretarial support to SAC for project evaluation and financial grant recommendations under the scheme.
• Second-generation ethanol produced from non-food biomass reduces fossil fuel import dependence and greenhouse emissions.
• Agricultural residues include rice straw, wheat stubble, sugarcane bagasse, and cotton stalks suitable for biofuel conversion.

The correct answer is New Development Bank (NDB).

In News

• New Development Bank (NDB) appointed RBI's Rajiv Ranjan as Vice President and Chief Risk Officer for five years.

Key Points

• Rajiv Ranjan joined RBI in 1989 and has served as Executive Director and Monetary Policy Committee member since 2022.
• His expertise covers monetary policy, fiscal policy, the external sector, and international relations at the RBI.
• NDB was established in 2015 by the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) for infrastructure financing.
• Ranjan represents the India constituency at NDB, focusing on sustainable development projects in emerging markets.
• Prior experience includes deputation to the Central Bank of Oman and various RBI departments.
• The appointment strengthens India's leadership role in multilateral development financing institutions.
• NDB mobilizes resources for infrastructure and sustainable development, avoiding the traditional donor-recipient model.

Additional Information

• New Development Bank is headquartered in Shanghai, China, with equal shareholding among founding members.
• Chief Risk Officer oversees NDB's risk management framework for project financing.
• BRICS institutions complement traditional multilateral banks like the World Bank and ADB.
• Ranjan holds a PhD in Economics from Mumbai University and Master's from the Delhi School of Economics.

The correct answer is Ramesh Budihal.

In News

• Ramesh Budihal won bronze medal in Open Men's category at Asian Surfing Championships 2025 held in India.

Key Points

• Ramesh Budihal from Kerala secured India's first individual medal at Asian Surfing Championships with 12.60 points.
• The event served as final qualifiers for 2026 Asian Games surfing competition in Japan.
• Budihal advanced to medal round after finishing second in the semi-final heat with 11.43 points.
• India hosted the championships for first time at Mahabalipuram beaches, Tamil Nadu.
• Gold medal won by South Korea's Kanoa Heejae (15.17 points) and silver by Indonesia's Pajar Ariyana (14.57 points).
• Budihal started surfing at age five in Kovalam, Kerala, marking his breakthrough performance.
• The medal boosted India's surfing profile ahead of international competitions.

Additional Information

• Surfing scores are based on wave riding performance, judged on difficulty, variety, and execution.
• Asian Surfing Championships are organised by the Asian Surfing Championships board annually.
• Mahabalipuram is known for suitable surfing conditions and a historic beach location.
• India's surfing growth is supported by the Surfing Federation of India established in 2015.

The correct answer is Bibi Fatima.

In News

• Bibi Fatima Women's Self-Help Group from Teertha village, Karnataka, won the UNDP Equator Prize 2025 as the sole Indian recipient.

Key Points

• The group led by Bibi Fatima conserved indigenous seeds and promoted climate-resilient farming in Karnataka's drylands.
• Bibi Fatima Swa Sahaya Sangha demonstrated community-led solutions transforming agriculture amid climate challenges.
• The Equator Prize recognizes grassroots efforts integrating biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods.
• The Karnataka collective was one of ten global winners from nine countries selected for transformative environmental impact.
• Their work focused on reviving traditional seeds suited to local conditions, reducing dependency on chemical inputs.
• The initiative empowered women farmers through collective action and knowledge sharing on sustainable practices.
• The award highlights India's community-driven approaches to climate adaptation and food security.

Additional Information

• Equator Prize is awarded biannually by UNDP's Equator Initiative to honour local solutions for sustainable development.
• Indigenous seeds are drought-resistant varieties adapted to local agro-climatic conditions over generations.
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are women-led community organizations promoting economic empowerment in rural India.
• The prize recognizes efforts aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 on climate action.

The correct answer is Validation.

In News

• RBI launched the PRAVAAH portal as Platform for Regulatory Application, VAlidation and AutHorisation to simplify application processes for regulated entities.

Key Points

• PRAVAAH provides a single-window digital interface for submitting applications for licenses, approvals, and authorisations to the RBI.
• The portal enables real-time tracking of application status, progress updates, and communication with RBI officials.
• From May 1, 2025, all regulated entities including banks and NBFCs must use PRAVAAH for regulatory submissions.
• It includes pre-loaded application forms, user manuals, FAQs, and video tutorials to assist applicants.
• The platform has processed nearly 4,000 requests since launch, enhancing transparency and reducing processing delays.
• PRAVAAH eliminates manual submissions and multiple channels, creating a centralised secure system for regulatory compliance.
• RBI mandated its use to improve efficiency in the regulatory approval ecosystem for financial institutions.

Additional Information

• Regulated Entities (REs) include commercial banks, payment banks, small finance banks, and non-banking financial companies.
• The portal supports general-purpose forms for applications without specific pre-loaded formats.
• PRAVAAH aligns with RBI's digital transformation initiatives for regulatory processes.
• It promotes paperless operations and faster turnaround times for regulatory clearances.
• RBI
• Established in - 1935
• HQ - Mumbai
• Governor  - Sanjay Malhotra

The correct answer is Retail Direct Gilt  Account.

In News

• Under the RBI Retail Direct Scheme, individual investors invest in government securities through a free-of-cost Retail Direct Gilt (RDG) Account maintained with the RBI.

Key Points

• The scheme enables resident individuals to open an online RDG Account directly with the RBI via the dedicated Retail Direct portal.
• Through the RDG Account, investors can participate in primary issuances of G-Secs, T-Bills, SDLs, and Sovereign Gold Bonds.
• Retail investors can also trade eligible government securities in the secondary market using the same account.
• No account opening or maintenance charges are levied by RBI for RDG Accounts.
• The scheme eliminates the need for intermediaries like brokers or DP for basic G-Sec investments.
• It broadens the investor base for government borrowing and encourages small savers to access risk-free instruments.
• Transactions and holdings are reflected online, with email/SMS alerts for transparency and convenience.

Additional Information

• Government securities (G-Secs) are debt instruments issued by the Central or State governments.
• They are considered risk-free in terms of default and are used by conservative investors.
• RBI acts as banker and debt manager to the government, handling G-Sec auctions.
• Retail inclusion in G-Sec markets supports financial market deepening and savings mobilisation.
• RBI
• Established in - 1935
• HQ - Mumbai
• Governor - Sanjay Malhotra

The correct answer is 100 grams.

In News

• RBI’s June 2025 draft circular on gold and silver loans proposed that banks accept standard gold and silver coins as security only up to a combined weight of 100 grams per borrower.

Key Points

• The draft guidelines cap the aggregate weight of standard gold and silver coins together at 100 grams per borrower for loan purposes.
• Coins must be issued by banks, MMTC or other RBI/SEBI–regulated entities, and must carry proper fineness and hallmarks.
• The proposal requires banks to record details like weight, purity, number of coins and value at the time of pledge.
• RBI’s move seeks to prevent misuse of high-value coins and ensure alignment with prudential lending norms on precious metals.
• These guidelines complement existing LTV norms and KYC requirements for gold loans.
• Draft instructions were placed in the public domain for stakeholder comments before finalisation.
• The framework aims to improve transparency in valuation and custody of coin-based collateral.

Additional Information

• Gold loans are typically sanctioned against jewellery or coins with a regulatory cap on LTV ratios.
• Standardised coins have uniform purity and weight, making valuation more objective.
• Draft regulatory proposals help RBI gauge industry feedback before issuing final directions.
• Prudential norms on precious metal loans aim to mitigate price volatility and concentration risk.
• RBI
• Established in - 1935
• HQ - Mumbai
• Governor - Sanjay Malhotra

The correct answer is Fixed Income Money Market and Derivatives Association of India (FIMMDA).

In News

• RBI recognised Fixed Income Money Market and Derivatives Association of India (FIMMDA) as a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) in August 2025.

Key Points

• Fixed Income Money Market and Derivatives Association of India (FIMMDA) is a market association representing participants in fixed income, money market, and derivatives segments.
• SRO status enables FIMMDA to develop industry best practices, compliance frameworks, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Recognition aims to improve market conduct, transparency, and investor protection in bond and derivatives markets.
• SROs complement the regulator’s supervisory functions by self-regulation within the industry.
• FIMMDA has collaborated with RBI, SEBI, and exchanges for product development and market growth.
• Status helps in building investor confidence and a robust market infrastructure.

Additional Information

• FIMMDA was incorporated in 1999 as an industry body for fixed-income markets.
• SRO framework is part of financial sector reforms encouraging co-regulation.
• Market participants include banks, mutual funds, insurance companies, and brokers.

The correct answer is United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In News

• India and the UAE reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation during the 13^th JDCC meeting held in New Delhi in 2025.

Key Points

• The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the UAE’s Under Secretary of Defense Lt Gen Ibrahim Nasser Alawi.
• Partnership includes enhanced military training, maritime security cooperation including SAR and anti-piracy.
• India-UAE cooperation advances joint defence manufacturing and technology development.
• MoU signed between the Indian Coast Guard and the UAE National Guard for maritime security coordination.
• Collaboration focused on Indian Ocean Region real-time information sharing and pollution response.

Additional Information

• United Arab Emirates is a key strategic partner for India in the Middle East region.
• JDCC is a bilateral forum to review and strengthen defence cooperation.
• Maritime cooperation plays a critical role in ensuring security in the Indian Ocean.

The correct answer is Rs. 10 lakh.

In News

• NPCI has set the upper limit for a single transaction under the NACH mandate for recurring payments at Rs. 10 lakh.

Key Points

• The NPCI has set the maximum limit of ₹10 lakh for a single transaction under the NACH mandate for recurring payments.
• The NACH platform supports bulk and recurring transactions such as SIPs, utility bill payments and EMI deductions.
• The upper limit of Rs. 10 lakh protects users against unauthorized debits above the mandate amounts.
• Mandate registration includes enabling or restricting AFA (Additional Factor of Authentication) based on the amount.
• Physical NACH permits no limit on registration amount, but e-NACH sets limits to enhance payment security.

Additional Information

• NACH is a centralized electronic clearing service for interbank payments.
• ENACH is an electronic NACH using digital mandates via NPCI APIs.
• NACH grows in preference over cheques for recurring financial commitments.
• NPCI
• Established in - 2008
• HQ - Mumbai

The correct answer is 1.5 times.

In News

• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved MSP for 14 Kharif crops at minimum of 1.5 times the All-India weighted average cost of production for the 2025-26 season on May 28, 2025.

Key Points

• The MSP policy aligns with the Union Budget 2018-19 commitment fixing MSP at least 1.5 times the comprehensive cost of production (A2+FL).
• Highest absolute MSP increases recommended for nigerseed (Rs 820/quintal), ragi (Rs 596), cotton (Rs 589), and sesamum (Rs 579).
• Expected farmer margins are highest for bajra (63%), maize (59%), tur (59%), and urad (53%) over production costs.
• Remaining crops provide a minimum 50% margin ensuring remunerative prices and production diversification incentives.
• MSP determination considers comprehensive cost data from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
• Initiative supports farmer income security while balancing market dynamics and consumer interests.
• Kharif crops sown with monsoon onset include paddy, maize, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops.

Additional Information

• A2+FL cost includes direct expenses (A2) plus family labour (FL) value forming the MSP calculation base.
• CACP recommends MSP based on cost data, demand-supply, terms of trade, and inter-crop price parity.
• Kharif Marketing Season covers the June-July sowing to harvest period typically October onwards.
• The government procures notified crops at MSP through agencies like FCI, NAFED ensuring price support.

The correct answer is Both 1 and 3.

In News

• NABARD and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) infused over Rs 42,000 crore into cooperative banks during FY 2024–25 to strengthen rural credit and cooperative financing.

Key Points

• Statement 1 – Correct: The combined infusion by NABARD and NCDC exceeded Rs 42,000 crore in FY 2024–25.
• Statement 2 – Incorrect: Andhra Pradesh topped the NCDC disbursement list, not the NABARD disbursement list; Madhya Pradesh led NABARD disbursements with Rs 4,430 crore.
• Statement 3 – Correct: The Minister confirmed that, except for one UCB in West Bengal, all cooperative banks are on the Core Banking Solution (CBS) platform.
• Odisha and Karnataka followed Madhya Pradesh in NABARD disbursements with Rs 4,113 crore and Rs 3,655.52 crore, respectively.
• Among NCDC allocations, Andhra Pradesh (Rs 3,730 crore) was the top recipient followed by Telangana (Rs 2,000 crore).
• Bihar, once a key beneficiary, did not receive any allocation from NCDC in FY 2024–25.

Additional Information

• NABARD – Established in 1982, HQ: Mumbai
• NCDC – Established in 1963, HQ: New Delhi
• CBS – a centralized system that enables real-time banking operations across multiple branches.
• Cooperative banks play a crucial role in rural credit delivery and socio-economic inclusion.
• The initiative aligns with India's vision of a technologically integrated cooperative banking ecosystem.

The correct answer is IIT Delhi.

In News

• India’s largest handloom-focused hackathon was conducted at IIT Delhi in 2025, with over 400 participants from 250 teams competing to develop scalable solutions for the handloom industry.

Key Points

• The hackathon coincided with National Handloom Day (7^th August) and focused on innovation in design, operations, and digital integration for the handloom sector.
• Participants included students, startups, and grassroots entrepreneurs working in teams over 36 hours to devise user-centric tech solutions.
• The theme was "DREAM IT; DO IT," emphasizing creative, impactful, and implementable solutions.
• The event was organized by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms under the Government of India.
• The hackathon aimed at modernizing the traditional industry with technology to improve market access and sustainability.
• The event fostered collaboration between skilled weavers, technologists and design thinkers across the country.
• The hackathon provided prizes and recognition, incentivizing innovation and growth in the sector.

Additional Information

• The handloom sector is a vital part of India’s cultural heritage and rural economy.
• National Handloom Day is celebrated on August 7 every year.
• Technology integration aims to address challenges like production efficiency and market reach.
• The hackathon promotes eco-friendly and sustainable practices in handloom production.
• Such initiatives help empower artisans and preserve traditional crafts in modern markets.

The correct answer is Saraswat Co-operative Bank.

In News

• RBI approved the merger of New India Co-operative Bank with Saraswat Co-operative Bank, to be effective August 4, 2025.

Key Points

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the merger of New India Co-operative Bank with the largest urban co-operative bank, Saraswat Co-operative Bank.
• Saraswat Co-operative Bank will absorb all assets and liabilities of New India Co-operative Bank.
• All branches of NICB will function as Saraswat Bank branches after the merger.
• RBI approved the Scheme of Amalgamation under Section 44A(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• NICB was under RBI moratorium since February 2025 due to embezzlement and governance failures.
• Special General Meetings and board approvals of both banks preceded the merger execution.
• Saraswat is India’s largest urban co-operative bank by assets and network.
• The merger is intended to boost financial stability and customer confidence.

Additional Information

• Saraswat Co-operative Bank established in 1918
• HQ - Mumbai
• RBI
• Established in - 1935
• HQ - Mumbai
• Governor - Sanjay Malhotra
• Urban co-operative banks serve local communities and SMEs
• Merger allows for better resource utilization and governance
• Banking Regulation Act 1949: Governs all Indian banks
• Moratorium: RBI’s step when bank faces financial distress

The correct answer is IDBI Bank.

In News

• T. N. Manoharan, Chairman of IDBI Bank and Padma Shri awardee, has passed away.

Key Points

• India mourns the loss of T. N. Manoharan, the Chairman of IDBI Bank and a renowned Chartered Accountant, who passed away
• T. N. Manoharan was serving as Chairman of IDBI Bank at the time of his demise.
• Padma Shri awardee and distinguished Chartered Accountant.
• Former President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
• Part of the Satyam revival team, won Business Leadership Award and Indian of the Year 2009.
• Conferred with Padma Shri civil award in 2010.
• Known for his contributions to banking, accounting, and corporate governance.
• His passing marks a loss to the financial and corporate sector.

Additional Information

• IDBI Bank
• Established in - 1964
• HQ - Mumbai
• Canara Bank
• ​Established in - 1906
• HQ - Bengaluru
• South Indian Bank
• ​Established in - 1929
• HQ - Thrissur, Kerala
• Saraswat Bank
• ​Established in - 1918
• HQ - Mumbai
• HDFC Bank
• Established in - 1994
• HQ - Mumbai

The correct answer is Bengaluru.

In News

• MoTA launched the first Regional Process Lab under the Aadi KARMAYOGI Abhiyan in Bengaluru to build capacity of tribal grassroots functionaries in South India.

Key Points

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) launched the first Regional Process Lab (RPL) of the Aadi KARMAYOGI Abhiyan, National Mission for Responsive Governance in Bengaluru, Karnataka
• The RPL serves as a training hub for State Master Trainers from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Aadi KARMAYOGI Abhiyan aims to create a network of 20 lakh tribal grassroots functionaries and village-level leaders for inclusive tribal development.
• The initiative is part of the National Mission for Responsive Governance led by MoTA.
• The RPL enhances last-mile service delivery and strengthens governance in tribal regions.
• The capacity-building model cascades training from State Master Trainers to district and village-level functionaries.
• The mission supports effective implementation of tribal welfare schemes through motivated and citizen-centric officials.
• The launch marks an important step in empowering tribal leaders across southern states of India.

Additional Information

• About Aadi KARMAYOGI Abhiyan:
• Launched in - June 2025 to improve tribal welfare through training of field officials.
• Launched under - Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PMJANMAN) and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA).
• PM-JANMAN Scheme:
• ​​Launched in - 2023 with a total outlay of Rs. 24,104 crore
• focusing on - 11 critical areas across 9 ministries benefiting 75 communities in 18 states and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Regional Process Labs (RPLs) are district-level institutional platforms for training and capacity building.

The correct answer is Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

In News

• IIFL Home Finance receives $100 million funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to boost affordable housing loans and green building projects in India.

Key Points

• IIFL Home Finance gets $100 million  from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
• The $100 million loan will support home loans for economically weaker and low-income families in urban and semi-urban India.
• Funds will also finance developers building affordable housing projects adhering to green certification standards.
• IIFL Home Finance aims to expand homeownership opportunities for underserved families across the country with this funding.
• The investment comes at a pivotal time, aligning with the ongoing implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAY-U 2.0), which seeks to address urban housing shortages across India
• This partnership helps advance India’s green building agenda aligned with its climate goals.
• AIIB is a multilateral development bank headquartered in Beijing, operating since 2016 with 110 member states.
• IIFL Home Finance holds a significant asset base and focuses on underserved geographies including tier 2 to 4 towns.

Additional Information

• About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank:
• Established on January 16, 2016;
• Headquarters - Beijing, China;
• Members - 110 member states;
• President - Zou Jiayi, former Vice Finance Minister of China.
• IIFL Home Finance focuses on affordable housing finance with a network across 18 states in India.
• Green building certification promotes sustainability by reducing environmental impact during construction.
• Affordable housing supports India's socio-economic development by enabling access to housing for lower-income groups$.

The correct answer is Denmark.

In News

• Switzerland ratifies India-EFTA TEPA Agreement; pact to come into force by October 2025.

Key Points

• Switzerland, on behalf of the EFTA bloc, has completed the national process of ratification, thus ensuring that the India-EFTA TEPA will be legally enforced by October 2025.
• The agreement was originally signed in New Delhi on March 10, 2024, following 16 years of prolonged negotiations between India and EFTA member nations.
• EFTA consists of four countries—Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
• The deal aims to reduce trade tariffs, facilitate services and investments, ensure market access, and promote sustainable development cooperation between the regions.
• EFTA has pledged a collective investment of USD 100 billion into India over the next 15 years, demonstrating confidence in India’s growth outlook and reforms.
• Switzerland is already the 12^th largest foreign investor in India, and its FDI has surged from CHF 551 million in 2000 to CHF 10 billion in 2024, making TEPA’s implementation even more significant.

Additional Information

• EFTA was established in 1960 as an alternative to the European Economic Community (EEC).
• Denmark is a member of the European Union, not of EFTA, hence excluded from TEPA negotiations.
• India-EFTA TEPA is among the largest trade agreements signed by India in recent years, unlocking benefits for pharmaceuticals, services, automobiles, and technology sectors.
• Trade and investment agreements are vital for India’s global trade diversification strategy, complementing FTAs with UAE, Australia, and ongoing talks with EU and UK.

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2

In News

• SEBI gave final approval to Jio BlackRock AMC in 2025; JV had earlier in-principle approval Oct 2024.

Key Points

• Statement 1 correct – Jio BlackRock Asset Management (AMC) has received the final approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to start a mutual fund (MF) business each holding 50:50.
• Statement 2 correct – 2025 final approval; industry count now 48 AMCs managing ₹70 trillion AUM.
• Statement 3 incorrect – The joint venture will be headed by Sid Swaminathan as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)., not JFS as whole.
• Launch considered disruptive as Jio may bring digital scale into mutual funds distribution.
• BlackRock is world’s largest asset manager (>USD 9 trillion AUM).
• Expected focus: low-cost passive funds, ETFs, digital-first retail investor outreach.
• Approval signals SEBI’s openness to global JV entries in India’s MF industry.
• MF penetration in India is still ~16% of GDP, indicating growth potential.

Additional Information

• MF Industry AUM ~₹70 trillion (2025), 48 players.
• Largest AMCs: SBI MF, HDFC MF, ICICI Pru MF.
• Reliance Jio enters multiple finance verticals since 2023 via JFS entity.
• SEBI
• Established in - 1992
• HQ - Mumbai
• Chairman - Tuhin Kanta Pandey

The correct answer is Fauja Singh.

In News

• World’s oldest marathon runner Fauja Singh passed away at the age of 114 in Punjab.

Key Points

• Fauja Singh died in 2025 at the age of 114 in a road accident in Punjab.
• He was born in India but later became a British citizen.
• He took up long-distance running at the age of 89 years.
• He became the first centenarian to complete a full marathon at Toronto in 2011.
• He was the torchbearer in the 2012 London Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony.
• His autobiography, titled "Turbaned Tornado" was written by Khushwant Singh in Chandigarh.

Additional Information

• Fauja Singh Key Facts
• Nicknamed “Turbaned Tornado.”
• Set age-group records in multiple races globally.
• Advocate of fitness and health awareness among the elderly.
• Symbol of inspiration in athletics despite a late-life career start.