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InterviewSolution
This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.
| 401. |
Under which scheme CCEA approves enhancement of target? |
| Answer» The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved to enhance target base of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) from 5 crore to 8 crores. The revised target of PMUY will be achieved by 2020 with an additional allocation of Rs. 4,800 crore. The decision comes in the wake of the huge response to PMUY from the women particularly in rural areas and to cover such households not having LPG connection. This move will address practical difficulty faced in implementation of MUY, namely, targeting genuinely poor households left out of Socio-Economic Cards. | |
| 402. |
Which committee has been constituted by Union Government to expedite capital acquisition for Armed Forces modernisation? |
| Answer» Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Defence Minister, has constituted a 13-member advisory committee to monitor and expedite capital acquisition projects for the modernization of the armed forces. The committee will undertake an independent review and check the status of ongoing critical projects worth more than Rs 500 crore. It will also suggest measures to improve the capital acquisition process. The committee, headed by Vinay Sheel Oberoi, will have to present an initial status report on identified projects to the Defence Minister by March 31. | |
| 403. |
For this NH, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has planned to launch a pilot project, to analyse the feasibility of "Pay as you use" tolling system in India. |
| Answer» National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is launching a pilot project on Delhi Mumbai national highway (NH8) to analyse the feasibility of "Pay as you use" tolling system in India. The pilot project includes developing a satellite based electronic toll collection system that works on GPS/GSM technology for nearly 500 commercial vehicles on the Delhi Mumbai national highway. This project will be carried out for 1 year. It will work using mobile telecommunications technology (GSM) and the satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS). This system will deduct money from a vehicle account and credit money to the concessionaire in 1 day and open the toll gate. In case of transaction failure, toll operator will be alerted, and money will be collected manually before opening the gate. | |
| 404. |
This city get electric vehicle charging points across the city recently. |
| Answer» Bengaluru city has the highest number of electric car owners in India, with over 6,000 electric vehicles. Now, the government is planning to install 11 public charging points for e-vehicles. The first charging point will be opened for public from February 15th. It is located at the KR Circle at Bescom's corporate office. Currently, Mahindra is the only manufacturer that commercially sells electric vehicles in India. In the future, manufacturers like Tata, Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Hyundai have plans to launch electric vehicles in the Indian market too. | |
| 405. |
Which two Indian institutions placed among Top 50 educational institutes of Asia in TIMES Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking's? |
| Answer» Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay are the only two Indian institutions to feature among Top 50 educational institutes in Asia in TIMES Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking's. Among Indian institutes, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) ranked highest at 29th. IISc is followed by IIT, Bombay at 44th. Total 17 institutes from India featured in the list this year. Interestingly, although number of Indian institutes featuring in the list has increased, rank of many institutes has dropped as compared to last year. National University of Singapore has been adjudged as Asia's top university for the third consecutive year. With 89 universities featuring in the list, Japan is the most-represented nation. | |
| 406. |
Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological Systems inaugurated at ___________. |
| Answer» Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological System (IAAMS) was inaugurated at INS Garuda, a naval air station located in Kochi, Kerala. INS Garuda has become the fourth Naval Air Station to be the part of this integrated system. | |
| 407. |
How many people participated in Shankh at Rajim Kumbh Mela to create a world record? |
| Answer» A record was set on the second day of Rajim Kumbh Mela in Chhattisgarh after over 2,100 saints and locals blew 'shankh' (conch shells) together. Golden Book of World Records certified the record. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh had inaugurated Rajim Kumbh Mela and Ganga Aarti performance at banks of river Mahanadi in Gariyaband's Rajim. | |
| 408. |
Central Government approves construction of over ____ lakh more houses under PMAY Urban. |
| Answer» The central government has approved the construction of over 1.86 lakh more houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) scheme, taking the total number of affordable houses sanctioned to over 39.25 lakhs. The latest approvals under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PMAY (Urban), entailed an investment of Rs 11,169 crores, with central assistance of Rs 2,797 crores. Haryana has been sanctioned the maximum number of 53,290 houses in this round of approval, followed by Tamil Nadu 40,623 houses, Karnataka 32,656 houses and Gujarat 15,584 houses. Maharashtra got 12,123 houses, Kerala 9,461, Uttarakhand 6,226 and Orissa 5,133 houses. | |
| 409. |
The NWEC will be established under which ministry? |
| Answer» The Ministry of Women and Child Development is considering to establish National Women Entrepreneurship Council (NWEC). NWEC will promote entrepreneurship as it would be the umbrella organization for socio-economic gender parity, financial inclusion and economic empowerment of women in India. It was announced by Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Dr. Virendra Kumar. | |
| 410. |
ONGC acquires _____________ % stake in UAEs Zakum oilfield. |
| Answer» Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)-led consortium of Indian state oil firms have acquired 10% stake in Abu Dhabi's offshore Lower Zakum Concession. The acquisition is part of deal inked between company executives and UAE officials in presence of visiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi. The Lower Zakum Oil Field is located 84 km north-west of Abu Dhabi Islands. It was discovered in 1963 and is owned and developed by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. The total proven reserves of it are around 17.2 billion barrels and production is centered on 425,000 barrels per day (67,600 m3/d). | |
| 411. |
What is the name of India's first online radio station? |
| Answer» India's 1st Online Radio Station 'Radio Umang' was launched recently in India. Listeners can tune in to this online radio station through web streaming or download the app. It provides programmes for 24 hours. It has gained a good reach in Hindi speaking states of India and in more than 60 countries. Theme of Radio Umang is love, peace and happiness. It features various talk shows apart from music. | |
| 412. |
What is the entry fess for entering into the 16th century monument's main mausoleum of Taj Mahal? |
| Answer» The Union Minister of culture Mahesh Sharma announced that from April 1, domestic tourists visiting the Taj Mahal will have to pay Rs 50 to enter the premises and pay an additional Rs 200 to gain entry into the 16th century monument's main mausoleum and the tomb in the basement. And he said, for better crowd management, the government has also decided to limit the validity of all tickets to three hours. Tourists who stay inside the monument longer than three hours will have to pay the entry fee once again. | |
| 413. |
State-run NTPC Ltd will supply how many megawatts to power-starved Bangladesh? |
| Answer» Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) had invited tenders for supply of 500 MW power from India for short term (June 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019) and long term (January 1, 2020 to May 31, 2033). State-run NTPC Ltd will supply 300 megawatts (MW) to power-starved Bangladesh. It is a part of India's strategy of playing a key role in creating a new energy security architecture for its neighbours. Of India's current supplies of 660MW to Bangladesh, NTPC has been supplying 410MW. | |
| 414. |
How many crores order BHEL Bags Order From NTPC? |
| Answer» Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) bagged an order worth Rs 560 crore from NTPC for setting up a system for emission control. BHEL has secured the order for "supply and installation of the flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) system from NTPC for 2x490 MW National Capital Power Station at Dadri in Uttar Pradesh. | |
| 415. |
___________ and Natural History Museum (NHM), United Kingdom (UK) signed a MoU for cooperation in the field of genetic/taxonomic studies, research and training, conservation in India, including species and habitat conservation assessments. |
| Answer» Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Natural History Museum (NHM), United Kingdom (UK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of genetic/taxonomic studies, research and training, conservation in India, including species and habitat conservation assessments. The MoU was signed in New Delhi by Dr Paramjit Singh - Director of BSI and Dr Sandra Knapp - Head of the Algae, Fungi and Plants Division, NHM, in presence of Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr Harsh Vardhan. As per the terms of this MoU, BSI staff will work in Natural History Museum, London and vice-versa. Staffs of both these entities will equitably share the benefits that may arise from the combined collection, joint study and conservation efforts. | |
| 416. |
Which ministry organized the Youth Exchange Programme- Watan Ko Jano programme? |
| Answer» The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had recently organized Youth Exchange Programme- Watan Ko Jano programme. Under it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh met youth of Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi. Around 200 youth from state visited different places of country as part of the programme. The programme is sponsored jointly by Ministry of Home Affairs, Central Government (Kashmir Cell) and J&K State Rehabilitation Council Social Welfare Department. It aims to give exposure to youth and children of J&K about the cultural and socio-economic development taking place in other parts of country. Youth and children hit by militancy and from weaker sections from J&K are selected for the programme. | |
| 417. |
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has suspended which country's drug-testing laboratory for 6 months, quoting that the laboratory was not up to the required standards? |
| Answer» The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has suspended Romania's drug-testing laboratory for 6 months, quoting that the laboratory was not up to the required standards. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has said that, it has suspended the Romanian drug-testing laboratory in Bucharest for 6 months due to a lot of non-conformities. But it did not mention the problems in detail. The laboratory is now banned from testing samples. The laboratory has been urged to hand over its possessions to another laboratory. The ban on this laboratory is backdated to 29 November 2017. WADA has tightened laboratory check-ups after finding violations at the Moscow laboratory. | |
| 418. |
This organisation lowers interest rate to 8.55 pc for 2017-18. |
| Answer» Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) declared that rate of interest on employees provident fund for 2017-18 will be 8.55 per cent. This marks 0.10 per cent reduction as compared to 8.65 per cent for 2016-17. This is the second consecutive year, that EPFO has decreased the interest rates for its subscribers. 8.65 per cent for 2016-17 was 0.15 per cent lower as compared to 8.8% for 2015-16. As per the prevailing norms, all units employing 20 or more employees are mandatorily covered under the social security schemes run by the EPFO. | |
| 419. |
As a part of the UDAN scheme, Chhattisgarh will get __________ airports. |
| Answer» According to the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha, four places (Ambikapur, Bilaspur, Jagdalpur & Raigarh) in Chhattisgarh will get airports as part of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is a regional airport development and "Regional Connectivity Scheme" (RCS) of Government of India. At the beginning of the scheme, out of total 486 airports, 406 were participating unserved airports,27 well served airports out of 62 non-RCS airports and 12 operational out of 18 participating underserved regional operational airports with regular fixed-wing scheduled flights. | |
| 420. |
Which committee has been constituted by the Union Government to study Brahmaputra and flood control measures in Assam? |
| Answer» The Union Government has constituted a committee headed by Rajiv Kumar, the Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog, to study the Brahmaputra and flood control measures in Assam and neighboring states . | |
| 421. |
Which city to Impose Carbon Tax From 2019? |
| Answer» Singapore will impose a 'carbon tax' from 2019 to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and make companies more competitive as global agreements on climate change take effect. Finance minister Heng Swee Keat stated that the tax would be levied on all facilities producing 25,000 tonnes or more of greenhouse gas emissions a year. The tax, to be applied to all sectors, will be Sg$5.0 ($3.8) per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 to 2023. | |
| 422. |
For how many states, the Union Cabinet approved six rail projects for new lines as well as doubling and electrification of tracks? |
| Answer» Union Cabinet approved six rail projects in 4 states for new lines as well as doubling and electrification of tracks. Esitamted cost for executing all these projects is Rs 11661. As per Indian Railways, these projects would generate more than 200 lakh person days of employment in Uttar Pradesh and three other states. Projects that have been approved include doubling and electrification projects of 425 km-long Jhansi-Manikpur and Bhimsen-Khairar lines covering districts of Jhansi, Mahoba, Banda, Chitrakut Dham in Uttar Pradesh and Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh. Doubling with electrification of the 116.95 km-long Bhatni-Aurnihar line covering the districts of Deoria, Ballia, Mau and Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh has also been approved. | |
| 423. |
The Union cabinet has approved Rs. __________ cr for the creation of National Urban Housing Fund (NUHF). |
| Answer» The Union Cabinet has approved the creation of National Urban Housing Fund (NUHF) with Rs 60,000 crore in its kitty. The fund will be situated in Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The Ministry has so far sanctioned 39.4 lakh houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). | |
| 424. |
Which city becomes fully Women Operated Station? |
| Answer» The Gandhi Nagar railway station in Jaipur, Rajasthan became railway station to be fully-managed by women. Gandhi Nagar is an important railway station in Jaipur situated on the Jaipur-Delhi rail route. The station has a footfall of more than 7,000 passengers every day. There are 40 women staff at the station beside women personnel of the railway protection force have been deployed at the station. | |
| 425. |
How many seats are declared for Rajya Sabha by the The Election Commission? |
| Answer» The Election Commission (EC) announced polls to 58 Rajya Sabha seats which will fall vacant in April this year. Polling for the 58 seats will be held on March 23 The term of office of 58 members of the Upper House, elected from 16 states, is due to expire upon their retirement in April-May 2018. The maximum number of seats for elections are from the state of Uttar Pradesh i.e. 10, six each from Bihar and Maharashtra; five each from West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh; four each from Gujarat and Karnataka; three each from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Rajasthan; two from Jharkhand; and one seat each from Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. | |
| 426. |
Which department launch an idea of SRIJAN, recently? |
| Answer» 'SRIJAN' (Station Rejuvenation through Joint Action), an idea competition, in a move to redevelop nearly 600 major railway stations in India, was announced at MyGov portal. All classes of people from railway passengers to architects, urban planners, engineers can submit their ideas. Last date for submission is 26 March 2018. Railway Ministry has announced that, the winners will be awarded certificates and good ideas will be considered for implementation in the redevelopment plans for stations. IRSDC has also launched competitions for logo and tagline at the MyGov portal. Winners of logo and tagline competitions will be awarded Rs 75,000 each. Last date of submission for logo and tagline competitions is also March 26, 2018. | |
| 427. |
Which ministry has appointed 4 institutes to interact with stakeholders and suggest measures to push India's ranking in ease of doing business index? |
| Answer» Commerce & industry ministry has appointed 4 institutes to interact with stakeholders and suggest measures to push India's ranking in ease of doing business index. NICMAR, IIFT, ICSI and ICAI are the four institutes that have been roped in for the exercise. As per the latest World bank's Ease of Doing Business ranking, India's position improved by 30 places to 100th. | |
| 428. |
What is the sum allocated by a high level committee for nine states which suffered from natural calamities during 2017-18? |
| Answer» A high level committee chaired by Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh approved a central assistance of around Rs 6000 crore for nine states which suffered from natural calamities during 2017-18. Central assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) amounting to Rs 1055.05 crore for Gujarat, Rs 420.69 crore for Uttar Pradesh, Rs 420.57 crore for Rajasthan and Rs 838.85 crore for West Bengal has been approved by the committee. All these states were affected by floods during 2017-18. The committee has approved assistance of Rs 1711.66 crore for Bihar, which too was affected by floods during 2017-18. Assistance of Rs 169.63 crore has been approved for Kerala, which was affected by cyclone Ockhi while Rs 133.05 crore has been approved for Tamil Nadu which too was affected by cyclone Ockhi and North East Monsoon. Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, which were affected by kharif drought, will receive central assistance of Rs 395.91 crore and Rs 836.09 crore respectively. | |
| 429. |
Which color represents the Bal Aadhaar of UIADI? |
| Answer» Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the nodal authority for issuing Aadhaar cards has rollout 'Bal Aadhaar', meant for kids under 5 years of age. Bal Aadhaar literally means Kid's Aadhaar. It will have blue colour to differentiate it with regular Aadhaar. It will be linked with one of parent's Aadhaar card. No biometric details will be captured. Biometrics are not developed for children before 5 years of age. Hence, during Aadhar enrolment child's Aadhaar data does not include biometric info like fingerprints and Iris scan. Bal Aadhaar will have no biometric identification, like Iris scan or fingerprint scans, as their parents will be accompany their ward when such identification is required. However, once the kid crosses 5 years of age, then regular Aadhaar will be issued, which will have the biometric details. Bal Aadhaar will not abe necessity per se, but it may be required when kid grows up, and applies for Government scholarships or grants for higher education. Aadhaar rules mandate compulsory conversion of all Bal Aadhaar cards into proper Aadhaar card with biometric details once the kid turns 5 years. | |
| 430. |
Which Metro Station to get a tech savvy remodeling with advanced mechanization and safety? |
| Answer» this year. There will be six coaches, while some of the latest features include push-button start and stop, advanced automation. Along with this, it has track-synced safe signaling system and a remote operation hub to operate an ATC tower of an airport. The rakes are being manufactured by Bengaluru based BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited). The fundamental operative difference between the current rakes and the new rakes is that the old rakes have a lever, which brings the engine to life and makes the rake move. The lever is put to neutral, once the train reaches optimum speed, and the train approaches a station, the lever is pulled again, making it halt. | |
| 431. |
Which organisation successfully carries Out Test Flight Of Rustom-2 Drone recently? |
| Answer» Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flown it's Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle RUSTOM 2 in Karnataka. The flight assumes significance as this is the first flight in user configuration with higher power engine. India at present depends on America and Israel for such predator drones. DRDO is developing within India a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle RUSTOM 2. It has the capability to fly for 24 hours at a stretch at over 200 km/hr speed, and can, not only conduct sustained surveillance but will be able to destroy enemy targets. | |
| 432. |
As per RISE Scheme, IIT get __________% of Government loans for higher education institutes. |
| Answer» The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will get the largest chunk of loans on offer under Revitalising Infrastructure and Systems in Education (RISE). This shifts funding mechanism to CFIs in higher education from grant assistance to loans to assure more funds, greater accountability. RISE scheme was announced in Union Budget 2017-18. It aims to lend low-cost funds to government higher educational institutions. | |
| 433. |
Railway Ministry approved to install sanitary pad dispensers for 200 stations on ___________. |
| Answer» The Railway Ministry approved an order to install sanitary pad dispensers and incinerators at about 200 stations by International Women's Day on March 8. The move is aimed to benefit Railway employees and passengers from financially weaker sections. The dispensers have already been installed at railway stations in New Delhi and Bhopal. | |
| 434. |
Which Indian lake becomes the largest habitat of Irrawaddy dolphins in the world? |
| Answer» Chilika Lake in Odisha has become the single largest habitat of Irrawaddy dolphins in the world. A Chilika Development Authority (CDA) official said that, 155 Irrawaddy dolphins have been identified in the Chilika Lake. This information has been provided based on the preliminary report of the first 'Annual Monitoring' of the Chilika Lake conducted recently. The 'Annual Monitoring' was performed to count the number of marine mammals and to analyse the hydrological impacts of removal of pen culture. | |
| 435. |
This institute has developed a multivendor e-commerce website and mobile app named 'marinefishsales' to help fishermen. |
| Answer» Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has developed a multivendor e-commerce website and mobile app named 'marinefishsales' to help fishermen sell their products and marine catch directly to the customers. The website and mobile app were developed under the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project of CMFRI. This has been done in a move to increase the income of coastal community. CMFRI acts as an administrator for the multi-vendors and consumers interacting through the portal. Fishermen and fish farmers who are willing to sell their products online can form Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and register on the platform. | |
| 436. |
The Central Government approves Rs 2900 crore to make cities safer for women. It is approved for how many cities? |
| Answer» Women and Child Development Ministry approved projects worth over Rs 2,900 crore under the Nirbhaya fund for eight major cities to make them safer for women. These cities are Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Lucknow. The decision was taken after a meeting of Empowered Committee, which is headed by Women and Child Development Secretary. | |
| 437. |
Recently, which union territory joins UDAY scheme? |
| Answer» The Union territory of Lakshadweep joined UDAY (Scheme Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana) Scheme. This will ensure operational turnaround of Lakshadweep's Electricity Department. Lakshadweep will receive an overall net benefit of around Rs. 8 crore through the UDAY Scheme. This will be achieved by cheaper funds, reduction in AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses, interventions in energy efficiency, etc. The Central Government will help Lakshadweep in improving Power infrastructure which will result in further reduction of the cost of power. | |
| 438. |
Maharashtra government ties up with ___________ to promote Marathi. |
| Answer» The Maharashtra government has partnered with Wikipedia, to spread the Marathi language and enhance its online usage. Maharashtra government made this announcement on Marathi language day (27th February 2018). It is aimed to spread the Marathi language across the world. It will also offer Marathi-speaking people a single platform to interact. It would also help to reach Maharashtrians who have migrated to the United States. | |
| 439. |
This railway station of Andhra Pradesh will become all-women rail station. |
| Answer» An all-women railway station is launched at Phirangipuram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The railway station on the Guntur-Narsaraopet line would be handed over to an all-women crew from the station master to the signalling staff. Only the third-of-its-kind railway station in the country after Jaipur's Gandhi Nagar and Mumbai's Matunga, the all-women station is set to create history. | |
| 440. |
The 2018 cultural festival 'India by the Nile' will be held in __________ |
| Answer» The mega annual cultural festival 'India by the Nile' will be held in Cairo, Egypt from March 6, 2018 with main focus on classical culture. The 12-day event will host a wide range of events to celebrate Indian culture and its diversity. It is the biggest foreign festival in Egypt which provides audiences an Indian cultural experience and encourages artistic collaborations between India and Egypt will be held in several cities such as Cairo. The festival, which is organised by the Embassy of India in Egypt and the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture in collaboration with entertainment company Teamwork Arts, is a celebration of contemporary and classical music, dance, theatre, visual arts, film, food and literature. | |
| 441. |
How many total Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) are introduced by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) so far? |
| Answer» Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) entered into seven more Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs), taking the total number of APAs to 203 so far. All seven APAs signed in February 2018 are unilateral APAs and pertain to automobile, pharmaceuticals, Financial and Food & Beverages sectors. Out of all APAs entered into by the CBDT till date, 185 are Unilateral APAs and 18 are Bilateral APAs. In the current financial year, i.e. 2017-18, CBDT has entered into 51 APAs so far, out of which, 44 are Unilateral and 7 are Bilateral. APA provisions were introduced in the Income-tax Act, 1961 in 2012. Objective of APA scheme is to provide certainty to taxpayers in the domain of transfer pricing by specifying the methods of pricing and thereby reducing litigation. | |
| 442. |
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs announced to set up Steering Committee for analysis of which area has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Secretary? |
| Answer» As per the announcement made by the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri ArunJaitley in his Budget Speech 2018-19, a Steering Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance. The objective of this committee is to consider various issues relating to development of fintech space in India with a view to make fintech related regulations more flexible and generate enhanced entrepreneurship in an area where India has distinctive comparative strengths vis-vis other emerging economies. The Steering Committee will also focus on how fintech can be leveraged to enhance financial inclusion of MSMEs. The committee will be headed by Economic Affairs Secretary. | |
| 443. |
Recently this country overtakes Saudi Arabia to become India's top crude oil supplier. |
| Answer» Iraq overtook Saudi Arabia to become India's top crude oil supplier by supplying 38.9 million tonnes (MT) crude oil in the current financial year. It was fifth of India's oil needs. India is 80% dependent on imports to meet its oil needs. India had imported 184.4 MT of crude oil during April. Saudi Arabia traditionally has been India's top oil source but Iraq dethroned it. Saudi Arabia supplied 30.9 MT of crude oil in first 10 months. | |
| 444. |
Which ministry launches National E-Mobility Programme in India, recently? |
| Answer» R K Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) Power and New & Renewable Energy, launched the National E-Mobility Programme in India. The National E-Mobility Programme has been introduced to improve the e-mobility ecosystem that comprises vehicle manufacturers, charging infrastructure companies, fleet operators, service providers, etc. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) will implement the National E-Mobility Programme. EESL will procure electric vehicles in huge numbers. The electric vehicles will replace the existing petrol and diesel vehicles. India would save more than 5 crore litres of fuel annually through these e-vehicles. This would result in reduction of more than 5.6 lakh tonnes of annual CO2 emission. For an electric car, the per kilometer cost is only 85 paisa. Whereas, it is Rs 6.5 for normal cars. This will help to reduce petroleum imports. | |
| 445. |
How many Indian participants attends 46th Edition of "Know India Programme"? |
| Answer» 40 students from nine countries met Railways Minister Piyush Goyal as part of Know India Programme (KIP). KIP is Indian Government 's initiative to engage with the Indian diaspora in the age group of 18 to 30 years. It is a 25-day orientation programme, organised by Union Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with one or two Indian states. Participants for KIP are selected on the basis of nominations received and recommendations of Indian ambassadors in foreign countries. For 46th KIP, Madhya Pradesh was the partner state. Thus the participants visited Madhya Pradesh and also visited Parliament House and President's House in New Delhi. | |
| 446. |
Who announced a USD 170 million projects aimed at advancing women's economic empowerment in India, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda? |
| Answer» The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced a USD 170 million projects aimed at advancing women's economic empowerment in India, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Projects in these countries are focused on four key priorities - advancing gender equality, increasing job opportunities, spreading digital financial inclusion, and supporting the agricultural sector and women's support groups. Earlier, in 2016, the foundation had committed USD 80 million for gender data, advocacy and accountability. USD 20 million out of USD 80 million was allocated for supporting women's movements. Based on data, the foundation believes that when a woman has the option of working outside the home and access to financial services to participate in the formal economy, families start emerging above the poverty line, which consequentially leads to a rise in national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). | |
| 447. |
Which platform has been launched by the Union Government on the occasion of 2018 International Women's Day? |
| Answer» NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has launched the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) on the occasion of 2018 International Women's Day (IWD). The platform aspires to substantially increase the number of women entrepreneurs who will create and empower a dynamic New India. WEP will provide opportunities to women to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations, scale-up innovative initiatives and chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for their businesses. It aims to promote women entrepreneurship and provide industry linkages and partner support to women entrepreneurs. | |
| 448. |
An event named "Vision for Future" commemorates how many years of Indo-Russia ties? |
| Answer» An event named 'Vision for Future' was inaugurated at the Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra in New Delhi to commemorate 70 years of the Indo-Russia ties. This Program was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (Eurasia Division) and the International Federation of Indo-Russian Youth Clubs. | |
| 449. |
The Central government launched biodegradable sanitary napkins under the name 'Suvidha', priced at |
| Answer» The Central government launched biodegradable sanitary napkins under the name 'Suvidha', priced at Rs.2.50 per pad, which will be available at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras. The sanitary napkins will be available in a pack of four pads for Rs. 10 across over 3,200 PMBJP Kendras by May 28, 2018. | |
| 450. |
With which ministry, Uttar Pradesh government is organizing a Women's Convention - called Swachh Shakti 2018 on International Women's Day? |
| Answer» The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, is organizing a Women's Convention - called Swachh Shakti 2018 on International Women's Day on 8th March at Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh will be hosting Swachh Shakti 2018 as the largest State in the country. Swachh Shakti 2018 will provide momentum to the sanitation coverage in Uttar Pradesh. | |