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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.