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The correct answer is Both 1 and 3.

In News

• ICRISAT developed solar-powered water hyacinth harvesters costing less than ₹2 lakh to provide an affordable solution for weed management in rural areas.

Key Points

• Statement 1 – Correct: ICRISAT’s solar-powered water hyacinth harvesting machines are designed to address the rapid growth of aquatic weeds that cause ecological and economic damage.
• Statement 2 – Incorrect: Water hyacinth adversely affects water quality by blocking sunlight, reducing oxygen, and disrupting biodiversity, not aiding ecosystem health.
• Statement 3 – Correct: The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is founded through a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and CGIAR (Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers)
• Founded in 1972 through an agreement between the Government of India and CGIAR, ICRISAT operates mainly in Africa and Asia.
• Headquartered at Patancheru near Hyderabad, it collaborates with various national and international agricultural institutions.
• In addition to developing weed control methods, ICRISAT has digital tools like the Plantix app to diagnose crop issues.
• Controlling aquatic weeds involves multiple methods, including mechanical harvesting, biological, chemical, and manual approaches.

Additional Information

• Water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant known for its fast growth, which hampers aquatic ecosystems by reducing biodiversity and increasing water treatment costs.
• ICRISAT works to develop sustainable solutions for water management and crop resilience in dryland regions.
• The agency partners with several research institutions, including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
• Addressing aquatic weeds like water hyacinth is crucial for ecological health, water accessibility, and economic stability in rural areas.

The correct answer is 15%.

In News

• The Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) under the Ministry of Small Scale Industries (SSI) offers a 15% upfront capital subsidy on the institutional finance availed by SSI units to support technology upgradation.

Key Points

• CLCSS provides financial support for technology modernization in SSI units, including khadi, tiny, village, and coir sectors.
• The scheme offers an upfront 15% capital subsidy on the value of institutional finance availed for adopting well-established modern technologies.
• Eligible sectors under this scheme include biotech, pharmaceuticals, leather, food processing, cosmetics, steel furniture, and ready-made garments among others.
• SIDBI and NABARD serve as the nodal agencies for scheme implementation, supported by nine public sector banks including SBI, Canara Bank, and Bank of Baroda.
• The scheme helps SSI units enhance production efficiency, product quality, and competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
• Financial assistance under CLCSS reduces the financial burden on units investing in advanced technology adoption.
• The scheme aims to enable SSI enterprises to upgrade their production infrastructure and technologies to meet evolving market demands.

Additional Information

• The Ministry of Small Scale Industries (SSI) promotes MSME sector development and modernization through schemes like CLCSS.
• Technological upgradation improves productivity, quality, and market acceptance for SSI products.
• Nodal banks and government agencies facilitate credit linkages and subsidy disbursement under the scheme.
• CLCSS encourages adoption of energy-efficient and environment-friendly technologies.
• Successful implementation contributes to employment generation and sustainable industrial growth.

The correct answer is All of the above.

In News

• Major global stock market indexes represent the performance of countries’ equity markets, with India represented by NIFTY 50, the US by NASDAQ, Japan by Nikkei 225, the UK by FTSE 100, and Germany by DAX.

Key Points

• NIFTY 50 is the flagship stock market index in India representing the National Stock Exchange’s top 50 companies based on market capitalization.
• NASDAQ Composite Index is a prominent US stock index consisting primarily of technology and growth-oriented companies.
• Nikkei 225 is a price-weighted stock market index for the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan.
• FTSE 100 comprises the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange and represents the UK equity market’s performance.
• DAX is the German stock market index covering 40 major companies trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
• These indexes serve as barometers for their respective economies and are widely followed by investors globally.
• The indexes represent different sectors and play a critical role in global investment and financial markets.

Additional Information

• NIFTY 50 was launched in 1996 and has become a benchmark for Indian stock market performance.
• NASDAQ was founded in 1971 and includes many tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon.
• Nikkei 225 is widely used to assess the economic health of Japan and reflects market sentiment there.
• FTSE 100 is managed by the FTSE Group, a subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange.
• DAX is considered one of Europe’s most important indices and includes multinational corporations.

The correct answer is 16 digits.

In News

• The Udyam Registration Number (URN) is a 16-digit unique registration number assigned to MSMEs upon registration under the MSME Act, 2006, facilitating access to various government support and schemes.

Key Points

• The URN is generated when an MSME completes registration via the official government portal under the MSME Development Act, 2006.
• The 16-digit URN is a unique digital identification that helps MSMEs avail benefits under various government schemes, loans, and support programs.
• It replaces older registration methods, making processes more transparent, efficient, and accessible to MSMEs nationwide.
• MSMEs with URN can access government subsidies, collateral-free loans, and various other benefits aimed at fostering growth and competitiveness.
• The URN is issued by the Ministry of MSME (MoMSME) and is mandatory for MSMEs seeking government support or participating in formal financial schemes.
• The scheme aims to streamline MSME registration, enhance data accuracy, and promote ease of doing business for small and medium enterprises across India.

Additional Information

• The MSME Scheme promotes digital registration and microenterprise development under the Make in India initiative.
• Having a URN is essential for MSMEs to benefit from government schemes like collateral-free loans, capital subsidies, and export support programs.
• The portal for MSME registration is accessible online, simplifying the process for entrepreneurs and micro-enterprise owners.
• URD plays a pivotal role in data collection, monitoring, and policy formulation for MSME sector growth in India.
• MSME registration under URN also supports tracking and boosting exports, employment, and industrial decentralization.

The correct answer is Environmental sustainability.

In News

• India improved its Logistics Performance Index (LPI) rank to 38^th in 2023, up from 44^th in 2018, evaluated across six parameters excluding environmental sustainability.

Key Points

• LPI 2023 assesses logistics performance of 139 countries based on six parameters: Customs, Infrastructure, International shipments ease, Logistics competence and quality, Tracking and tracing, and Timeliness.
• India shares the 38^th rank with countries like Lithuania, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye.
• The government’s initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy aim to improve multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency.
• India’s improvements in infrastructure, international shipments, and timeliness contributed significantly to its LPI ranking.
• Customs and border management processes impact the ease and speed of trade logistics evaluated by the LPI.
• Tracking and tracing technology and logistics services quality are important for supply chain reliability.
• Environmental sustainability is not a parameter in the current World Bank LPI assessment.

Additional Information

• The LPI is a biennial report developed by the World Bank to benchmark logistics performance worldwide.
• India’s rise in ranking reflects investments in trade infrastructure, digitalization, and policy reforms.
• Logistics performance is crucial for economic growth, trade competitiveness, and attracting investments.
• PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and National Logistics Policy are key government initiatives supporting infrastructure and efficiency improvements.

The correct answer is Election Commission of Bhutan.

In News

• The Election Commission of India handed over the chairmanship of the Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBoSA) to the Election Commission of Bhutan for the term 2021-22 during the 11^th Annual meeting of FEMBoSA.

Key Points

• FEMBoSA was established at the 3^rd Conference of Heads of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of SAARC countries in 2012.
• SAARC comprises eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• The 11^th Annual FEMBoSA meeting was hosted by the Election Commission of Bhutan at Thimphu.
• During this meeting, the chairmanship tenure was extended from one year to two years due to the pandemic situation, adopting the Thimphu Resolution.
• The theme of the meeting was ‘Use of Technology in Elections,’ focusing on making elections more participative, accessible, and transparent, especially considering COVID-19 measures.
• FEMBoSA aims to enhance cooperation among the SAARC election management bodies on areas of common interest.
• The logo of FEMBoSA, with golden pearls, symbolizes values of transparency, impartiality, democracy, and cooperation.

Additional Information

• FEMBoSA serves as a regional forum representing a large democratic population across South Asia.
• The forum facilitates sharing of best practices, capacity building, and mutual support among SAARC election bodies.
• Election Commissions coordinate through FEMBoSA to uphold election standards and transparency in the region.
• Technology has become a key area of focus to improve electoral processes and voter engagement.
• FEMBoSA’s initiatives complement broader SAARC goals of regional cooperation and democracy strengthening.

The correct answer is China.

In News

• China is the largest importer of Indian spices, having imported spices worth US$192.40 million during the financial year 2024-25 (up to June 2024).

Key Points

• India produced 11.14 million tonnes of spices in 2022-23, reflecting steady growth and its dominant role in the global spice market.
• India grows approximately 75 of the 109 ISO-recognized spices varieties, with key spices including chilli, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander.
• Major spice-producing Indian states include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and others.
• India exports spices to over 200 destinations, with China, USA, Bangladesh, UAE, Malaysia, UK, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Germany accounting for over 60% of export earnings.
• China leads as the largest importer for Indian spices valued at US$192.40 million followed by the USA with US$156.32 million, and Bangladesh with US$90.75 million.
• Chilli is India’s top export spice by value, contributing 31% of total spice exports.
• India’s spice industry faces challenges from global competition and quality concerns but continues to innovate and expand with government support.

Additional Information

• India’s spice exports were valued at nearly USD 4.4 billion in the financial year 2023-24.
• Spices infrastructure includes crop-specific Spices Parks facilitating processing, packaging, and quality enhancement.
• The Spices Board of India promotes spice production, standardization, and global marketing.
• India’s diverse agro-climatic zones enable cultivation of a wide range of spices.
• International customers are increasingly drawn to Indian spices for quality, variety, and medicinal benefits.

The correct answer is 66.4 million metric tonnes, with HDC handling 49.54 MMT.

In News

• In FY24, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata achieved a record cargo handling of 66.4 million metric tonnes, with Haldia Dock Complex setting a record at 49.54 MMT.

  Key Points

• SMP Kolkata comprises two main dock systems: Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC).

• In FY24, the port handled a total of 66.4 million metric tonnes of cargo, up 1.11% from the previous record.

• HDC handled 49.54 million metric tonnes, setting a new record for cargo processed.

• KDS managed 16.856 million metric tonnes during the same period.

• Financially, SMP Kolkata showed a net surplus of US$ 60.2 million (Rs. 501.73 crore), registering a 65% growth over the previous year.

• The port is focusing on enhancing capacity through Public-Private Partnership projects, with investments worth US$ 57.6 million already awarded.

• Major projects completed in FY24 include drainage network development and energy-efficient infrastructure implementations.

  Additional Information

• The port has shown consistent growth and operational efficiency in handling container and bulk cargoes.

• SMP Kolkata supports trade for eastern and northeastern India, including landlocked neighbors like Nepal and Bhutan.

• Strategic focus on sustainability and modern technology is enhancing the port’s competitiveness.

• Public-Private Partnerships are prioritized to expedite infrastructural developments and capacity expansions.

• Leadership at SMP Kolkata credits collective efforts of port employees, stakeholders, and supporting agencies for the port’s success.

The correct answer is ₹500 crore.

In News

• Unlisted public companies with a minimum paid-up capital of ₹500 crore fall under the regulatory purview of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).

Key Points

• NFRA was formed in 2018 under Section 132(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, to regulate and improve the quality of auditing and financial reporting in India.
• In addition to listed companies, unlisted public companies with paid-up capital of ₹500 crore or more, turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or loans, deposits, and debentures of ₹500 crore or more come under NFRA.
• The authority has powers to investigate professional misconduct of auditors and ensure compliance with accounting and auditing standards.
• NFRA functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is headquartered in New Delhi.
• This enhances accountability and transparency in corporate financial governance for large companies.
• NFRA’s jurisdiction also extends to banking companies, insurance companies, power companies, and certain subsidiaries of Indian companies abroad.

Additional Information

• NFRA helps bridge audit oversight gaps left by self-regulatory bodies like the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
• The authority can impose penalties, issue directions, and debar auditors for professional misconduct.
• By upholding high standards, NFRA promotes investor confidence and strengthens corporate financial discipline.
• Compliance with international standards such as IFRS and ISA is encouraged under NFRA supervision.
• The chairperson of NFRA is appointed by the Central Government and has a fixed tenure or age limit.

The correct answer is the Ministry of Rural Development.

In News

• MKSP is implemented by the Department of Rural Development under the Ministry of Rural Development, focusing on empowering rural women farmers by increasing their participation and productivity in agriculture.

Key Points

• MKSP enhances women’s productive participation in agriculture by providing access to inputs, government schemes, and capacity building.
• It works to create sustainable agriculture-based livelihoods and improves food and nutrition security at household and community levels.
• Women constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce but face barriers in accessing extension services, credit, and subsidies, which MKSP aims to reduce.
• The program encourages the formation of women self-help groups (SHGs) and promotes managerial skills for biodiversity and resource management.
• MKSP operates through state rural livelihoods missions and collaborates with NGOs and other stakeholders.
• The mission supports diverse rural activities including crop production, allied agriculture, value addition, and market linkages.

Additional Information

• Women represent about 48% of the agricultural workforce in India, many from marginalized communities.
• MKSP contributes to poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment by addressing gender-specific constraints in agriculture.
• The scheme integrates with larger rural development and livelihood programs to maximize impact.
• Capacity building under MKSP includes training on sustainable farming, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
• MKSP has positively impacted income generation and social status of many rural women beneficiaries.