Banking Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Madhya Pradesh.

In News

• Madhya Pradesh leads as the top lentil-producing state in India, with its Bundelkhand region contributing nearly 25% to national lentil production.

Key Points

• Madhya Pradesh consistently ranks as India's largest producer of lentils, accounting for over 25% of the country's total pulses output including masoor dal.
• The Bundelkhand region within Madhya Pradesh serves as the primary lentils cultivation hub, earning recognition as the "lentil bowl" due to its favourable agro-climatic conditions.
• Lentils thrive in Madhya Pradesh's black cotton soils during the rabi season, supported by adequate winter rainfall and moderate temperatures ideal for pulse crops.
• The state's extensive acreage under lentils, combined with improved seed varieties and farming practices, drives its leadership in production volumes.
• Government procurement and minimum support prices ensure stable returns for Madhya Pradesh farmers, encouraging sustained cultivation of lentils.
• As pulses production leader, Madhya Pradesh significantly contributes to India's efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce import dependence on lentils.

Additional Information

• Lentils (masoor dal) form a major rabi pulse crop grown across India, with Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and West Bengal as key producers.
• India aims to become the world's largest lentils producer through expanded acreage and productivity improvements in leading states like Madhya Pradesh.
• Bundelkhand region's semi-arid climate and soil conditions particularly suit lentils, supporting high yields during winter cropping season.
• Pulses cultivation helps improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, making lentils valuable in crop rotation systems.

The correct answer is 63.55%.

In News

• India's milk production surged by 63.55% in the last ten years through the Rashtriya Gokul Mission implementation and supporting dairy development initiatives.

Key Points

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission has driven a 63.55% increase in India's milk production over the past decade, reinforcing its status as the world's largest milk producer.
• The mission focuses on conserving indigenous breeds through scientific breeding, artificial insemination, and productivity enhancement programmes for native cattle.
• Per capita milk availability rose from 307 grams per day in 2013-14 to 471 grams per day in 2023-24, reflecting substantial growth in dairy output.
• Cattle productivity improved by 26.34% during the same period through better genetics, health management, and feed supplementation initiatives.
• Artificial insemination coverage reached 33% of breedable bovines, with emphasis on upgrading non-descript cattle using proven indigenous genetics.
• The mission promotes the establishment of milk processing units and cold chain infrastructure to reduce wastage and enhance farmer incomes.

Additional Information

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission targets the development of high genetic merit bulls, frozen semen production, and elite herd formation for sustainable dairy growth.
• India produces about 24-25% of global milk, supporting 80 million small dairy farmers primarily through indigenous breeds.
• The government aims to reach 300 million tonnes of milk production by 2028 through continued breed conservation and productivity enhancement.
• Indigenous breeds contribute significantly to milk production while maintaining disease resistance and suitability to local conditions.

The correct answer is Perfection.

In News

• Vincenzo Latronico's Perfection named among six books on the 2025 International Booker Prize shortlist for its incisive portrayal of modern emptiness.

Key Points

• Vincenzo Latronico's novel Perfection secured a position on the 2025 International Booker Prize, competing among six translated fiction works.
• The judges described Perfection as a taut, spare sociological novel examining the emptiness of contemporary urban existence through expat protagonists Anna and Tom.
• Set in Berlin, the narrative follows digital creatives whose curated lifestyle of progressive politics, sexual experimentation, and party culture reveals underlying disillusionment.
• Latronico masterfully critiques digital perfectionism and authenticity-seeking through characters trapped in optimised yet unfulfilling modern existence.
• The novel's stylistic precision and wry humour earned praise as scathing yet affecting commentary on 21^st-century societal disconnection.
• International Booker Prize recognises outstanding translated fiction, with shortlisted works representing diverse global voices and literary excellence.

Additional Information

• International Booker Prize awards £50,000 to winning author and translator, celebrating literature bridging cultural boundaries through translation.
• Perfection draws comparisons to Georges Perec's Les Choses for its examination of consumerist disillusionment in contemporary settings.
• The prize shortlist typically features works from varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds, highlighting global literary diversity.
• Italian literature gains recognition through Latronico's precise social observation and narrative economy in English translation.

The correct answer is Only 1 and 3.

In News

• The Vigyan Dhara scheme was launched on January 16, 2025, to strengthen India’s scientific research, innovation, and technological development.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct: The scheme merges three existing umbrella schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST): Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building, Research and Development, and Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The total outlay for the Vigyan Dhara scheme is Rs. 10,579.84 crore, not Rs. 5,000 crore, for the 15^th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26).
• Statement 3 is correct: The annual allocation for the scheme increased by 4.31 times, from Rs. 330.75 crore (2024-25) to Rs. 1,425 crore (2025-26).

Additional Information

• The Government of India (GoI) launched the unified Vigyan Dhara scheme on 16 January 2025 to strengthen India’s scientific research, innovation, and technological development.
• It merges three existing umbrella schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology(MoS&T):
• Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building
• Research and Development (R&D)Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment
• Total Outlay: Rs. 10,579.84 crore for the 15^th Finance Commission(FC) period (2021-22 to 2025-26).
• Annual Allocation: 4.31 times Increased from Rs. 330.75 crore (2024-25) to Rs. 1,425 crore (2025-26).

The correct answer is 100.

In News

• Department of Fisheries selected 100 coastal fishermen villages for development as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.

Key Points

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana targets development of 100 coastal fishermen villages across all coastal states and union territories as climate-resilient settlements.
• The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) designated as nodal agency for implementing Rs 200 crore project covering comprehensive village infrastructure.
• Selected villages situated close to coastlines will receive modern facilities including fish drying yards, processing centres, fish markets, fishing jetties, ice plants, and cold storage.
• Initiative aims to create economically vibrant fishing communities resilient to climate change impacts like cyclones and sea-level rise.
• Emergency rescue facilities and common infrastructure ensure fisherfolk safety and livelihood security during adverse weather conditions.
• PMMSY funding supports sustainable fisheries development, post-harvest infrastructure, and value addition for coastal community empowerment.

Additional Information

• PMMSY comprehensive scheme boosts fisheries production to 22 million tonnes by 2024-25 through infrastructure and productivity enhancement.
• Climate-resilient villages incorporate disaster management infrastructure suited to coastal vulnerabilities like erosion and flooding.
• NFDB coordinates fisheries development projects nationwide, focusing on sustainable practices and fisher community welfare.
• Integrated village development reduces post-harvest losses through modern processing and storage infrastructure.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
• Launched: 10 September 2020
• Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
• Objective: Sustainable development of fisheries & doubling fishers’ income

The correct answer is 33%.

In News

• Under the bamboo development framework in the North Eastern Region, the Project Bamboo Northeast Centre has been assigned a 33% share as the central coordinating institution.

Key Points

• The programme identifies a dedicated Project Bamboo Northeast Centre to function as the nodal hub for capacity building, technical guidance and market linkage for bamboo-based enterprises.
• The Centre’s share is fixed at 33%, reflecting its role in providing overarching support in areas such as technology transfer, design development, and cluster-level coordination.
• The remaining share is distributed among state governments, implementing agencies, and local producer groups, ensuring decentralised participation in project execution.
• This allocation model helps balance central-level expertise with state-level implementation, leading to better adaptation to local bamboo varieties and traditional practices.
• Bamboo is a major livelihood resource in the North Eastern Region and a key raw material for furniture, handicrafts, construction, and biomass-based products.
• The Centre also works to align project activities with national policies on agro-forestry, MSME promotion, and export-oriented bamboo products.
• By maintaining a 33% central share, the programme ensures that strategic planning and quality standards are maintained while encouraging local ownership and innovation.

Additional Information

• Bamboo-based development programmes often involve components like nursery development, plantation, processing units, and skill training for artisans.
• North Eastern states of India have a comparative advantage in bamboo resources due to favourable climate and traditional usage.
• Institutional centres help standardise product quality, branding, and certification to access domestic and export markets.
• Such projects support carbon sequestration and climate resilience by promoting bamboo as a fast-growing renewable resource.
• Public–private partnerships are increasingly used to scale up bamboo value chains and integrate them with national logistics and e-commerce platforms.

The correct answer is Western Coalfields Limited.

In News

• Western Coalfields Limited became the first coal PSU in India to deploy Paste Fill Technology for underground mining operations.

Key Points

• Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, pioneered the adoption of Paste Fill Technology in India’s coal PSU segment.
• Paste Fill Technology involves mixing mill tailings, fly ash, water, and binding agents into a paste and pumping it into underground voids left after coal extraction.
• This technique significantly reduces surface subsidence and ground instability, enhancing safety for both mining operations and surface structures.
• By backfilling voids, the technology allows for higher extraction rates from underground seams, improving overall resource recovery compared to conventional methods.
• Pasting reduces the volume of waste material stored on the surface, supporting environmental management and land reclamation in mining areas.
• The adoption of paste fill aligns with policy goals of scientific mining, environmental sustainability, and worker safety in the coal sector.
• WCL’s initiative sets a benchmark for other subsidiaries and mining companies to consider modern backfilling methods in suitable underground projects.

Additional Information

• Coal India Limited is the world’s largest coal producer, with several subsidiaries including WCL, ECL, SECL, NCL, and others.
• Established in - 1975
• HQ - Kolkata
• Traditional underground mining methods often leave voids that can cause land subsidence, water ingress, and safety risks.
• Paste fill is widely used in metal mining globally and is now being adopted in coal mining to improve sustainability.
• Fly ash from thermal power plants is an important ingredient in paste fill, offering a way to utilise industrial waste.
• Advanced mining technologies help align India’s energy production with environmental and social governance (ESG) expectations.

The correct answer is ₹1,000 crore.

In News

• The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of a ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund for the space sector under the aegis of IN-SPACe.

Key Points

• The Cabinet cleared a dedicated Venture Capital (VC) Fund of ₹1,000 crore to support startups and private players in India’s space sector.
• The fund will operate under the supervision of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), which promotes private sector participation in space activities.
• The ₹1,000 crore corpus is planned to be disbursed over a period of up to five years from the commencement of fund operations.
• Annual deployment from the fund is expected to average between ₹150–250 crore, depending on the investment pipeline and project readiness.
• The fund aims to provide equity and quasi-equity support to space-tech startups engaged in launch services, satellite manufacturing, downstream applications, and related technologies.
• This decision was part of a broader set of approvals that also included two railway projects worth ₹6,798 crore and a new Amaravati railway line approved at an expenditure of ₹2,245 crore.
• The VC fund is expected to crowd-in private capital and strategic investors, accelerating the growth of India’s emerging commercial space ecosystem.

Additional Information

• IN-SPACe is an autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space tasked with authorising and regulating private space activities in India.
• Venture Capital funds provide risk capital to early-stage and high-growth companies in exchange for equity stakes.
• India’s space reforms aim to open areas like satellite communication, remote sensing, launch services, and space-based applications to non-government entities.
• Cabinet approvals for railway projects support connectivity, freight movement, and regional development alongside space-sector investments.
• Dedicated VC support for space-tech aligns with India’s target of becoming a major player in the global commercial space market.

The correct answer is Karnataka.

In News

• The Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSR&TI) functions as a key sericulture research and training centre located in Karnataka.

Key Points

• The Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSR&TI) is a premier sericulture research institute under the Central Silk Board.
• CSR&TI is located in the state of Karnataka, a leading region for mulberry cultivation and silk production in India.
• The institute undertakes research on silkworm breeds, mulberry varieties, disease management, and rearing technologies to enhance productivity and quality.
• It also provides training and extension support to state sericulture departments, farmers, grainage owners, and reelers through structured programmes.
• CSR&TI develops and disseminates package-of-practice manuals and technical guidelines suited to different agro-climatic zones.
• The institute collaborates with other research bodies and agricultural universities to integrate sericulture with agro-forestry and livelihood missions.
• Its work contributes significantly to the growth of the Indian silk industry, supporting both domestic consumption and export of silk products.

Additional Information

• Sericulture is the science and practice of rearing silkworms for silk production, involving mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, reeling, and weaving.
• India is one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of silk, with Karnataka as a major hub for mulberry silk.
• The Central Silk Board is a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles responsible for planning, development, and promotion of sericulture in India.
• Research institutes like CSR&TI help improve cocoon yield, raw silk quality, and disease resistance through scientific breeding programmes.
• Sericulture is an important labour-intensive, livelihood-oriented activity providing supplementary income to rural households, especially women.

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

In News

• On April 2, 2025, Forbes released its 39^th Annual World’s Billionaires List, featuring the definitive ranking of the world’s richest individuals for the year.

Key Points

• Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, topped the list with a net worth of USD 342 billion.
• Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, ranked 2^nd with a net worth of USD 216 billion, followed by Jeff Bezos in 3^rd place.
• Mukesh Ambani ranked 18^th globally with USD 92.5 billion, making him India’s richest and Asia’s wealthiest individual.
• Gautam Adani ranked 28^th globally with USD 56.3 billion, behind Mukesh Ambani, Zhang Yiming (23^rd), and Zhong Shanshan (26^th).
• Savitri Jindal & Family ranked 48^th, Shiv Nadar 51^st, and Dilip Shanghvi 79^th among the world's billionaires.

Additional Information

• Top 3 Global Billionaires (2025)
• 1^st – Elon Musk (USD 342 B), CEO of Tesla, USA
• 2^nd – Mark Zuckerberg (USD 216 B), CEO of Meta
• 3^rd – Jeff Bezos, Amazon Founder
• Top 5 Indian Billionaires (2025)
• 18^th – Mukesh Ambani, USD 92.5 B, Reliance Industries
• 28^th – Gautam Adani, USD 56.3 B, Adani Group
• 48^th – Savitri Jindal & Family, USD 35.5 B, Jindal Group
• 51^st – Shiv Nadar, USD 34.5 B, HCL
• 79^th – Dilip Shanghvi, USD 24.9 B, Sun Pharmaceuticals
• Other Notable Asians
• Zhang Yiming, TikTok Founder – 23^rd, USD 65.5 B
• Zhong Shanshan, Nongfu Spring – 26^th, USD 57.7 B

The correct answer is Only 1 and 2.

In News

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and WhatsApp collaborated to expand Meta’s safety campaign ‘Scam Se Bacho’ to enhance digital safety in India.
• The DoT launched the ‘Sanchar Saathi portal’ and mobile app to help users report suspected fraud calls, track mobile connections, and block or trace lost or stolen devices.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct: The DoT and WhatsApp partnered to extend Meta’s safety campaign ‘Scam Se Bacho,’ which aims to raise awareness and enhance digital safety for users in India.
• Statement 2 is correct: The ‘Sanchar Saathi portal’ and mobile app launched by the DoT allow users to report fraud calls, track mobile connections, and manage lost or stolen devices to ensure safety and prevent fraud.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: WhatsApp is not launching a new initiative for tracking lost or stolen devices; it is involved in expanding the safety campaign, but not in the direct management of device tracking.

Additional Information

• The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, available for both Android and iOS platforms, provides users with critical tools to secure their telecom resources and combat telecom frauds. Key features include:
• · Chakshu - Reporting Suspected Fraud Communications (SFC): Users can report suspected calls and SMS using app and directly from mobile phone logs.
• · Know Mobile Connections in Your Name: Citizens can identify and manage all mobile connections issued in their name, ensuring no unauthorized usage.
• · Blocking Your Lost/ Stolen Mobile Handset: Lost or stolen mobile devices can be swiftly blocked, traced and recovered.
• · Know Mobile Handset Genuineness: The app offers an easy way to verify the authenticity of mobile handsets, ensuring users purchase genuine devices.
• With over 90 crore smart phone users in the country, the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App aims to ensure that every individual has access to these vital services with just a few taps on their smartphone.
• National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0: The NBM 2.0 aims to propel India into a new era of digital transformation. Aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, it envisions India as a global knowledge society by providing High-speed Broadband and Meaningful Connectivity for all. Building on the success of NBM 1.0 (2019-2024), following will be the key benefits of NBM 2.0:
• Extending operational optical fiber cable (OFC) connectivity to 2.70 lakh villages by 2030 with 95% uptime from ~50,000 as of now.
• To provide broadband connectivity to 90% of anchor institutions like Schools, PHCs, Anganwadi Centre, and Panchayat offices by 2030.
• Improve the Fixed broadband download Speeds- National Average from 63.55 Mbps in November 2024 to a minimum 100 Mbps by 2030.
• To achieve 100% mapping of fiber networks owned by government PSUs by 2026 on PM GatiShakti National MasterPlan Platform (PMGS) and use PMGS for planning of Additional Bharatnet project.
• For Ease of Doing Business - reduce the Right of Way application average disposal time from 60 days (now)to 30 days by 2030. In 2019 it was 449 days.
• Increase the number of rural internet subscribers per 100 population from the current 45 to 60 by 2030.
• Achieve the target of powering 30% of mobile towers with sustainable energy by 2030.
• Work on enhancing the usage of the ‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) mobile app to protect underground Telecom infrastructure and other utilities. Hon’ble PM had launched it in March 2023.
• Collaborate with all stakeholders viz. Central Ministries and departments, States, UTs and municipalities to ensure the effective implementation of the New RoW Rules 2024, issued under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
• To facilitate rollout of the 5G network, in nook and corner of the country and forfuturistic networks of 6G, work to create a robust, ready to use street furniture infrastructure across the country.
• To work with all stakeholders for Common/Shareable telecom ducts and utility corridors in all linear projects toimprove the maintenance and cost efficiency of telecom networks and other utilities.
• Leveraging Power Sector Assets Such as Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) for enhanced Broadband Connectivity and to improve broadband network reliability, survivability and resiliency during disasters, wars, and other emergencies, in far-flung, remote and hilly regions of the country, where traditional infrastructure might be challenging to deploy.

The correct answer is Agnilet.

In News

• World's first fully 3D-printed single-piece rocket engine Agnilet launched May 2024.

Key Points

• Agnilet developed as fully 3D-printed single-piece liquid rocket engine by an Indian private space startup.
• Produced without assembled parts using advanced additive manufacturing techniques completely.
• Design eliminates leakage points simplifying manufacturing, quality control processes significantly.
• Liquid propellant engine powers small satellite launch vehicles efficiently.
• 3D-printing reduces fabrication time dramatically versus traditional machining methods.
• Innovation central to cost-effective, responsive small satellite launch capabilities.
• Highlights India's private sector space technology capabilities growth rapidly.

Additional Information

• Additive manufacturing builds components layer-by-layer from digital designs precisely.
• 3D-printed engines enable complex internal cooling channels impossible conventionally.
• Space sector reforms opened private participation beyond government organisations.
• Global companies pursuing 3D-printed rockets reducing production costs, timelines.

The correct answer is Rs 1,50,000 crore.

In News

• RBI fixed Ways and Means Advances limit at Rs 1,50,000 crore for H1 FY 2025-26.

Key Points

• RBI set WMA limit at Rs 1,50,000 crore for April-September 2025 to bridge temporary mismatches between government receipts and payments.
• The government can trigger fresh market borrowings once 75% of the WMA limit gets utilised ensuring smooth liquidity management.
• For H2 FY 2025-26 (October 2025-March 2026), WMA limit revised to Rs 50,000 crore reflecting seasonal cash flow patterns.
• Interest rate on WMA linked to prevailing policy repo rate while overdrafts beyond WMA attract additional 2% penalty.
• WMA limits reviewed periodically based on government cash management performance and market conditions.
• Mechanism prevents excessive volatility in government cash balances and money market interest rates effectively.
• Separate WMA limits exist for state governments managed through State Government Securities auctions.

Additional Information

• WMA authorised under Section 17 of RBI Act, 1934 as a short-term accommodation facility.
• Overdrafts beyond specified consecutive days trigger restrictions on further RBI drawings.
• WMA supplements but doesn't replace long-term deficit financing through bond markets.
• Cash Management Bills provide an alternative short-term instrument beyond WMA limits.
• RBI
• Established in - 1935
• HQ - Mumbai
• Governor - Sanjay Malhotra

The correct answer is Indore.

In News

• Indore, the cleanest city in India for 7 consecutive years, launched India’s first PPP-based green waste processing plant.
• The plant is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) initiative, aimed at converting green waste into valuable products, promoting sustainability and economic growth.

Key Points

• Indore has been recognized as the cleanest city in India for 7 consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to cleanliness and waste management.
• The plant is launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) as part of India’s efforts to improve waste processing and promote sustainability.
• The initiative supports sustainability by converting green waste into useful products, such as compost and bioenergy.
• The PPP model brings together public and private sectors to jointly handle the green waste processing project, enabling better resource utilization and economic growth.

Additional Information

• What is PPP?
• Public Private Partnership (PPP) means an arrangement between a Government / statutory entity / Government owned entity on one side and a private sector entity on the other, for the provision of public assets and/or public services, through investments being made and/or management being undertaken by the private sector entity, for a specified period of time, where there is well defined allocation of risk between the private sector and the public entity and the private entity who is chosen on the basis of open competitive bidding, receives performance linked payments that conform (or are benchmarked) to specified and pre-determined performance standards, measurable by the public entity or its representative.
• Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can take a wide range of forms varying in the degree of purpose, involvement of the private entity, legal structure and risk sharing. A PPP is generally memorialized in a contract or agreement to outline the responsibilities of each party and clearly allocate risk. The broad contractual forms, as covered by extant policy include:
• DBFOT/BOT:
• The most common form of PPP used where the private sector operator designs, builds, finances, owns and constructs the facility and operates it commercially for the concession period, after which the facility is transferred to the authority. In this case legal ownership of the asset vests with the public sector the concession period ends. The most common form of a BOT project is a Toll Road project.
• Operations & Maintenance (Service contract):
• the Government bids out the right to deliver a specific service or gives part of the undertaking to the private sector for operations and maintenance of the assets. Such contracts are normally of a shorter duration than concession contracts.
• Lease, Develop, Operate and Maintain (a variation of BOT):
• Assets are leased out to the private sector under specific terms, to operate and maintain the asset for the term of the concession period.
• The Government has facilitated the PPP sector by offering:
• Viability Gap Funding Scheme (VGF) :
• Viability Gap Funding of upto 40% of the cost of the project can be accessed in the form of a capital grant.
• India Infrastructure Project Development Fund (IIPDF):
• Scheme supports the Central and the State Governments and local bodies through financial support for project development activities (feasibility reports, project structuring etc.) for PPP projects
• IIFCL:
• long-term debt for financing infrastructure projects that typically involve long gestation periods since debt finance for such projects should be of a sufficient.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):
• upto 100% FDI in equity of SPVs in the PPP sector is allowed on the automatic route for most sectors.

The correct answer is 39.

In News

• In April 2025, the Geographical Indication (GI) Registry based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu granted GI tags to 7 more products from West Bengal, taking the total GI-tagged products of the state to 39.

Key Points

• The total number of GI-tagged products from West Bengal reached 39 as of April 2025.
• The GI tags were granted by the Geographical Indication (GI) Registry, Chennai, under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The newly tagged 7 products include sweets, agricultural items, and textiles such as Nolen Gurer Sandesh, Baruipur Guavas, and Malda’s Nistari Silk Yarn.

Additional Information

• 7 Newly GI-Tagged Products from West Bengal (April 2025)
• Nolen Gurer Sandesh – Traditional sweet
• Kamarpukur’s White Bonde – Traditional sweet
• Murshidabad’s Chhanabora – Traditional sweet
• Bishnupur’s Motichur Laddoo – Traditional sweet
• Baruipur Guavas – Agricultural produce
• Radhunipagal Rice – Agricultural produce
• Malda’s Nistari Silk Yarn – Textile product
• Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
• Granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• Identifies a product as originating from a particular place with unique qualities or reputation.

The correct answer is Loan overdue for more than 90 days.

In News

• A loan account overdue for more than 90 days is classified as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA) under RBI prudential norms for banks.

Key Points

• Under RBI guidelines, a borrower account is classified as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA) when it ceases to generate income for the bank, specifically when principal or interest remains overdue for more than 90 days.
• NPAs are categorised into three sub-classes based on ageing: Substandard (up to 12 months), Doubtful (12-48 months), and Loss Assets (uncollectible), each requiring progressively higher provisioning.
• Banks must make provisioning requirements against NPAs: 15% for substandard, 25-100% for doubtful depending on duration, and 100% for loss assets, impacting their profitability and capital adequacy.
• The 90-day norm applies to term loans, but different past-due periods apply to other facilities: overdraft/loan current accounts (overdraft unused for 90 days), agricultural advances (2 crop seasons), and bills (90 days).
• Once classified as NPA, the entire loan amount (principal + interest) becomes overdue and non-accruing, meaning banks stop recognising interest income until actual recovery occurs.
• RBI mandates banks to review NPA accounts quarterly and upgrade them to standard category only upon satisfactory performance for specified periods after clearing all overdue amounts.
• High NPA levels affect banks' lending capacity, require capital infusion, and necessitate resolution through mechanisms like SARFAESI Act, IBC, or compromise settlements.

Additional Information

• NPA Classification Timeline
• Term Loans/Cash Credit: 90 days past due
• Agriculture Term Loans: 2 crop seasons
• Agriculture Crop Loans: 2 crop seasons from due date
• Provisioning Norms
• Substandard: 15% of outstanding + 25% of unsecured portion
• Doubtful up to 1yr: 25%; 1-3yr: 40%; >3yr: 100%
• Loss Assets: 100% provision
• Resolution Mechanisms
• SARFAESI Act (2002), Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (2016), Debt Recovery Tribunals.

The correct answer is 39^th.

In News

• India ranked 39^th in Global Innovation Index 2024 with score of 38.3, improving from 40^th position and 38.1 score in GII 2023.

Key Points

• India climbed to 39^th position among 133 economies in GII 2024, scoring 38.3 compared to 40^th rank and 38.1 score in the previous year's index.
• Switzerland topped GII 2024 for the 14^th consecutive year, followed by Sweden at second and United States at third position in innovation rankings.
• GII evaluates economies using 80 indicators across seven pillars: Institutions, Human Capital & Research, Infrastructure, Market Sophistication, Business Sophistication, Knowledge & Technology Outputs, Creative Outputs.
• The index comprises two sub-indices: Innovation Input Sub-Index covering five input pillars and Innovation Output Sub-Index spanning two output pillars.
• India, Moldova, and Vietnam recognised as consistent innovation overperformers relative to development levels for 14 consecutive years.
• China stands as only middle-income economy in GII top 30 at 11^th position, while India maintains top 40 presence through sustained innovation investments.

Additional Information

• GII co-published annually since 2007 by WIPO, INSEAD, and Cornell University serves policymakers tracking innovation trends addressing global challenges.
• Middle-income climbers like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Brazil, Indonesia, Mauritius, Pakistan showed largest ranking improvements in GII 2024.

The correct answer is Rs 37,216 crore.

In News

• The Union Cabinet approved Rs 37,216 crore as subsidy on phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers for the Kharif season under the NBS scheme.

Key Points

• The Cabinet clearance of Rs 37,216 crore supports farmers by keeping P&K fertiliser prices at reasonable levels during Kharif.
• The subsidy is provided under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy scheme, which fixes per kg nutrient rates for N, P, K, and S.
• The decision considers international prices of fertilisers and raw materials, rupee exchange rate, and freight costs.
• The subsidy aims to promote balanced fertiliser use and prevent overuse of urea relative to P&K nutrients.
• It helps protect farmers from volatility in global fertiliser markets and ensures timely availability.
• The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers in coordination with fertiliser companies.
• It supports the government's broader objective of food security and sustainable agricultural productivity.

Additional Information

• The NBS scheme was introduced in April 2010.
• Kharif season runs roughly from June to October and depends heavily on the south-west monsoon.
• Balanced NPK use is critical for maintaining soil health and long-term productivity.
• Fertiliser subsidy forms a significant part of the Government of India’s agriculture-related expenditure.

The correct answer is Kenya, India, and China.

In News

• Kenya, India, and China are among the world’s leading tea‑producing countries in 2024.

Key Points

• China is the largest tea producer globally, with diverse varieties such as green, black, oolong, and white tea.
• India is a major producer and exporter, known for Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri, and other regional tea varieties.
• Kenya is one of the top black tea exporters and a key supplier to global tea auctions and blends.
• These three countries together contribute a significant share of global tea output and exports.
• Their tea sectors support millions of smallholders, plantation workers, and value‑chain participants.
• Climatic conditions in high‑rainfall and hilly regions of these countries favour tea cultivation.
• Tea remains an important agricultural export commodity and foreign exchange earner for all three nations.

Additional Information

• Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world after water.
• Global tea trade is influenced by climate change, labour costs, and shifting consumer preferences.
• Value addition through branded and specialty teas increases export earnings.
• Sustainability certifications are increasingly important in global tea supply chains.

The correct answer is European Space Agency (ESA).

In News

• European Space Agency launched Gaia Telescope in December 2013 for Milky Way stereoscopic census.

Key Points

• ESA's Gaia mission, launched on 19 December 2013, charts a 3D map of the Milky Way revealing its composition, formation, and evolution.
• It monitors a billion stars to magnitude G=20, providing positional and radial velocity measurements with exceptional accuracy.
• The spacecraft features two telescopes with 106.5° separation and rectangular primary mirrors of 0.7 m² collecting area optimised for space.
• Space-based observations eliminate atmospheric distortion, yielding superior accuracy compared to ground-based telescopes.
• Gaia has discovered exoplanets, brown dwarfs, and observed 500,000 quasars to test General Relativity stringently.
• Gaia Data Releases provide public access to stellar positions, parallaxes, proper motions, photometry, and spectroscopy.
• The mission reveals Local Group dynamics and galactic structure formation history comprehensively.

Additional Information

• Astrometry measures celestial positions, distances, and motions precisely, fundamental to astronomy.
• Gaia's focal plane contains the largest billion-pixel camera ever used for space astrometry.
• Rectangular mirrors maximise space efficiency within spacecraft constraints effectively.
• Data Releases (DR1, DR2, DR3) progressively refine parameters for billions of stars.
• European Space Agency
• Established in - 1975
• HQ - Paris, France