Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA).

In News

• Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) collaborated with APSHCL and APSEEDCO to launch three transformative programmes aimed at strengthening energy efficiency, sustainability, and livelihoods in Andhra Pradesh.

Key Points

• The collaboration between EESL, APSHCL, and APSEEDCO was launched in Vijayawada in the presence of CM N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Power Minister Manohar Lal.
• EESL, a joint venture of National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), to support the implementation of energy efficiency projects.
• The first programme, URJAVEER, aims to train 1 lakh individuals as “Urjaveers” who will promote energy-efficient products through EESLmart.in and community outreach.
• The second programme introduces energy-efficient appliances to low-income PMAY households, including 6 lakh LED bulbs, 3 lakh LED battens, and 3 lakh BLDC fans.
• The third, the National Efficiency Cooking Programme (NECP), promotes electric cooking solutions like EESL induction cooktops distributed through Anganwadi Centers.
• These initiatives aim to combine environmental sustainability with economic empowerment, contributing to India’s broader energy conservation goals.
• EESL, under the Ministry of Power, is recognized for pioneering large-scale efficiency programs such as UJALA and the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP).
• It was set up to implement the Energy Service Company (ESCO) model for cost-effective and measurable energy savings in India.

Additional Information

• Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
• Established - 2009
• HQ - New Delhi
• Parent Ministry - Ministry of Power, Government of India
• Joint Venture of - NTPC, PFC, REC, POWERGRID
• Major Programmes of EESL
• UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All)
• Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP)
• Building Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP)
• NECP (National Efficiency Cooking Programme)
• IREDA, though a power sector PSU, is not a joint venture partner in EESL.
• EESL plays a central role in India’s pledge to reduce energy intensity by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
• Partnerships like these strengthen state-level implementation of clean energy and efficiency goals.

The correct answer is Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips.

In News

• In the 2024 Pulitzer Prize announcements, the Fiction category winner was Night Watch, authored by Jayne Anne Phillips.

Key Points

• Night Watch is the work cited as the Fiction category winner in 2024.
• The Pulitzer Prizes are administered by Columbia University and established by Joseph Pulitzer.
• Winners in 2024 include categories across Journalism, Drama, Music, and Books with 24 total categories.
• In Books, Drama and Music, winners receive cash prizes and certificates, with Public Service in Journalism receiving a gold medal.
• Jayne Anne Phillips’s Night Watch contributes to American literary fiction recognized by the Pulitzer Board.
• The 2024 awards reflect a diverse set of voices across genres in American letters.

Additional Information

• The Pulitzer Prize was first awarded in 1917 and is the highest national honor in journalism, literature, and music in the USA.
• Categories span Journalism (15), Letters/Drama/Music (8), and Special Citations (1).
• Winners in Books, Drama and Music receive cash prizes and certificates; Fiction is among these literary categories.
• Night Watch explores themes typical of contemporary American fiction and was recognized for its narrative craft.
• Books, Drama and Music winners are announced annually in December, while Pulitzer Prizes in Journalism are announced in May.

The correct answer is Digital Inclusion in Logistics

In News

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal released the 6^th edition of the ‘Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) Report 2024’ in New Delhi, highlighting progress in logistics efficiency and policy reforms.

Key Points

• The LEADS 2024 report evaluates logistics performance across Indian states and union territories by using a comprehensive set of performance indicators.
• It was released by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, in the presence of Jitin Prasada, MoS, and Amardeep Singh, Secretary, DPIIT.
• Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu were recognized as top achievers among coastal states.
• The report’s assessment framework is built around four key pillars: Logistics Infrastructure, Logistics Services, Operating and Regulatory Environment, and Sustainable Logistics (introduced newly).
• A new report by NCAER on India’s logistics cost framework was also unveiled to analyze domestic and EXIM cargo data.
• Piyush Goyal proposed the LEAD approach — Longevity, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Accessibility, Accountability, and Digitalization to improve logistics development.
• Additionally, a PM Gati Shakti course by Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya was launched through iGOT Karmayogi and UGC-SWAYAM platforms for infrastructure planning studies.

Additional Information

• About LEADS Report
• Initiated - 2018
• Conducted annually by - DPIIT under the National Logistics Policy 2022
• Purpose - To support states in improving infrastructure and service delivery in logistics.
• The aim is to align with the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index framework while integrating national-level indicators.
• The Sustainable Logistics pillar marks a shift toward environmentally responsible transport development in India.
• LEADS serves as a key input for India’s logistics efficiency roadmap under PM Gati Shakti.
• Digital Inclusion is not a separate assessment pillar in the LEADS 2024 report but forms part of broader process modernization efforts.

The correct answer is Rs 2,481 crore.

In News

• The Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare with a total outlay of Rs 2,481 crore.

Key Points

• The NMNF aims to promote Natural Farming (NF) techniques that produce chemical-free, nutritious food while reducing dependence on external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
• The scheme will be implemented across 15,000 clusters in Gram Panchayats nationwide within two years, targeting 1 crore farmers and covering 7.5 lakh hectares of land.
• The total outlay for the scheme is Rs 2,481 crore, with Rs 1,584 crore contributed by the Centre and Rs 897 crore by state governments, valid up to the 15^th Finance Commission cycle (2025–26).
• The initiative includes setting up 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) to ensure widespread access to organic and natural farming inputs.
• Approximately 2,000 Natural Farming Model Demonstration Farms will be established at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs), and farmer fields.
• Around 18.75 lakh trained farmers will produce bio-inputs such as Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, while 3,000 Krishi Sakhis/CRPs will raise awareness and assist local farmers.
• Real-time monitoring will be conducted through an online geo-tagging portal to ensure transparency and effective implementation.

Additional Information

• Natural Farming enhances soil fertility, conserves water resources, and builds climate resilience against floods, droughts, and waterlogging.
• The scheme will integrate with existing government programmes to support livestock development, marketing, and local value chain formation.
• A simple certification and branding system will help farmers market their natural produce effectively.
• Undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma-level courses in Natural Farming will be introduced under the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) programme.
• Bio-input centres will create rural employment opportunities while reducing chemical dependency in agriculture.

The correct answer is 2019.

In News

• The United Nations’ World Braille Day is observed annually on January 4, marking the birth anniversary of Louis Braille. The first World Braille Day was celebrated in 2019.

Key Points

• World Braille Day is observed on January 4 worldwide to emphasize the importance of Braille as a communication tool for blind and visually impaired individuals.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially established World Braille Day on December 17, 2018, through resolution A/RES/73/161.
• The first World Braille Day was observed on January 4, 2019, and 2025 marks its 7^th observance since inception.
• The day commemorates the legacy of Louis Braille, who invented the Braille system in 1824 at the age of 15.
• The 2025 celebration also coincided with his 216^th birth anniversary.
• The observance aims to promote access to written communication, education, and opportunities for visually impaired communities worldwide.

Additional Information

• Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809, in Coupvray, France. A childhood accident caused him to lose his eyesight by age 5.
• At age 12, he learned about “night writing,” a 12-dot code created by French Army officer Charles Barbier, which inspired his system.
• Braille’s first book, “Method of Writing Words, Music, and Plain Songs by Means of Dots,” was published in 1829 for use by the blind.
• He passed away at the age of 43 on January 6, 1852, but his invention transformed global communication for visually impaired individuals.
• Braille uses a 6-dot matrix arranged in a 3x2 format, representing letters, numbers, and symbols read through touch.

The correct answer is National e-Governance Division (NeGD).

In News

• DigiLocker, under the Digital India program, is developed and managed by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) to provide a secure digital document storage and sharing platform for Indian citizens.

Key Points

• DigiLocker is a key initiative of the Government of India’s Digital India program launched to empower citizens with digital document management.
• The platform enables storage, access, and sharing of government-issued documents and certificates in a digital locker linked to the Aadhaar identity.
• It is developed and maintained by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), an autonomous arm under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) also provides technical and policy support to various e-governance projects across India.
• DigiLocker enhances citizen convenience by eliminating the need for physical document submission during various services.
• The initiative promotes paperless governance, improves transparency, and facilitates secure data exchange among departments.
• DigiLocker complies with security standards and includes features like digital signatures and secure access.

Additional Information

• National e-Governance Division (NeGD) operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), India.
• DigiLocker leverages Aadhaar-based authentication to provide secure access to documents.
• The platform supports digital sharing of documents with government and private agencies, reducing fraud risk.
• NeGD also oversees other e-governance initiatives like the Common Services Centres (CSC) and e-District projects.
• DigiLocker was launched in 2015 and has since expanded to include over hundreds of government departments and private service providers.

The correct answer is Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

In News

• On January 6, 2025, FIU-IND signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to strengthen cooperation in AML and CFT within the insurance sector.

Key Points

• The MoU facilitates timely sharing of intelligence and information on suspicious financial activities between FIU-IND and IRDAI.
• Clear reporting procedures for suspicious transactions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, are established for insurance sector entities.
• Both organizations will conduct training programs to enhance the skills of personnel in regulated insurance entities on AML/CFT risks and detection.
• Risk assessments will be regularly conducted to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen compliance within the insurance sector.
• The agreement mandates the appointment of a nodal officer and an alternate nodal officer by each party to coordinate activities effectively.
• FIU-IND functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and collects intelligence on offenses under PMLA.
• IRDAI is a statutory body supervising and developing the insurance sector, formed under the IRDA Act, 1999.

Additional Information

• FIU-IND serves as the central national agency for receiving, processing, and analyzing suspicious transaction reports (STRs).
• The PMLA, 2002, is the key legislation to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing in India.
• IRDAI regulates insurance companies, intermediaries, and protects policyholder interests.
• The MoU aims to improve transparency and effectiveness of AML/CFT mechanisms in insurance.
• Collaborations like this strengthen India’s compliance with global anti-money laundering standards.
• IRDAI
• Established in - 1999
• HQ - Hyderabad

The correct answer is Both 1 and 3.

In News

• The hallmarking scheme in India under BIS Rules, 2018, mandates compensation if gold jewellery does not meet declared purity standards.

Key Points

• Statement 1 – Correct: BIS Rules, 2018 under Section 49 requires the seller to pay a compensation amounting to twice the value of the difference in purity calculated on the weight of the gold article sold.
• **Statement 2 – Incorrect:**The buyer is entitled to reimbursement for any testing charges incurred for purity verification, as part of the compensation.
• Statement 3 – Correct: The detailed compensation mechanism is explicitly provided under sub-rule (1) of Rule 49 of BIS Rules, 2018, to safeguard consumers from adulteration risks.
• Hallmarking protects consumers by ensuring legal standards of fineness are maintained by manufacturers of gold and silver jewellery.
• The seller’s liability extends to compensating buyers promptly if purity falls short of declared standards, maintaining trust in the industry.
• The inclusion of testing charges reimbursement incentivizes consumers to verify purity without financial hesitation.
• Hallmark certification by BIS is an assurance of authenticity and compliance with Indian purity norms for precious metals.

Additional Information

• Hallmarking Scheme initiated by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certifies purity standards of gold and silver jewellery in India.
• The scheme originally started with gold and later extended to silver to curb adulteration and protect consumer rights.
• Section 49 of BIS Rules, 2018 consolidates the compensation framework for buyers in case of purity shortfall.
• Consumers are encouraged to check for hallmark certification before purchasing to ensure product authenticity.
• The scheme promotes transparency and ensures accountability by legal enforcement of purity standards and compensation.

The correct answer is Madhyanchal Gramin Bank.

In News

• Madhyanchal Gramin Bank was formed by merging Madhya Bharat Gramin Bank, Rewa-Sidhi Gramin Bank, and Sharda Gramin Bank under the Regional Rural Bank Act, 1976, with its head office in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, sponsored by State Bank of India.

Key Points

• Madhyanchal Gramin Bank is a Regional Rural Bank operating in 13 districts of Madhya Pradesh with headquarters in Sagar.
• The bank was established by merging three RRBs—Madhya Bharat Gramin Bank, Rewa-Sidhi Gramin Bank, and Sharda Gramin Bank—under the Regional Rural Bank Act, 1976.
• Sponsor Bank of Madhyanchal Gramin Bank is State Bank of India, which holds 35% share of the bank’s capital.
• The Government of India holds 50% share while the Government of Madhya Pradesh holds 15% share in the bank.
• Madhya Bharat Gramin Bank itself was formed by merging three SBI-sponsored banks: Damoh-Panna-Sagar RRB, Shivpuri-Guna RRB, and Bundelkhand Gramin Bank in 2006.
• Recent consolidation initiatives by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the ‘One State-One RRB’ policy have further integrated RRBs to improve efficiency.
• The mergers reduced the total number of RRBs nationwide from 43 to 28 and aim for better financial inclusion and rural credit delivery.

Additional Information

• The Regional Rural Bank Act, 1976 supports establishment and regulation of RRBs to provide banking services in rural areas.
• The ‘One State-One RRB’ policy aims to strengthen regional rural banks by consolidating multiple banks within states.
• State Bank of India is the sponsor bank of Madhyanchal Gramin Bank, providing managerial and financial support.
• The jurisdiction of Madhyanchal Gramin Bank covers districts including Damoh, Sagar, Shivpuri, Guna, and others within Madhya Pradesh.
• The capital structure of RRBs involves contributions from the central government, sponsor bank, and state government.

The correct answer is 2019.

In News

• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was launched in 2019 to provide every rural household Functional Household Tap Connections and ensure 55 litres per capita per day of safe drinking water.

Key Points

• JJM was launched with the goal of providing tap water to all rural households by 2024, recently extended to 2028 due to implementation challenges.
• The mission focuses on quality infrastructure, sustainable operation, and community-led management through “Jan Bhagidari” (people’s participation).
• Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), also known as Pani Samitis, play a crucial role ensuring 50% women participation.
• JJM is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation and subsumed the earlier National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP).
• The funding pattern varies: 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern states, 100% central funding for Union Territories, and 50:50 cost-sharing for other states.
• By 2025, 80% of rural households had gained piped water access, with several states and UTs achieving 100% coverage.
• Challenges include infrastructure gaps, cost overruns, underutilization of funds, and delays due to external disruptions such as COVID-19 and global material price hikes.

Additional Information

• JJM aims to ensure 55 litres per capita per day of potable water supply to every rural household.
• Implementation challenges necessitated extension of the target year from 2024 to 2028.
• “Jan Bhagidari” engages local communities to foster ownership and operational sustainability.
• Technological tools such as IoT monitoring and GIS mapping are used for progress tracking and transparency.
• The mission prioritizes women’s leadership in water governance for inclusive community development.