Trade and Energy Innovations in India

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Questions and Answers

Who is depicted on the new 10,000-yen note?

Umeko Tsuda

Fumio Kishida

Shibasaburo Kitasato

Eiichi Shibusawa (correct)

What is the theme of RIMPAC 2024?

Unity in Diversity

Partners: Integrated and Prepared (correct)

Strength in Collaboration

Global Security Initiatives

Which country has taken over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union?

Czech Republic

Italy

Hungary (correct)

Poland

What was the main topic discussed at the international conference on soils held in Morocco?

Soil health and degradation Signup and view all the answers

What are the main causes of soil degradation according to the new index?

Unsustainable Agricultural Practices and Deforestation Signup and view all the answers

Who won Iran’s presidential runoff election?

Masoud Pezeshkian Signup and view all the answers

How many aircraft will approximately participate in the RIMPAC exercise?

Over 150 Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the top priorities outlined by Hungary during its presidency of the EU Council?

Addressing European Demographic Challenges Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of the mechanism introduced for trade between India and Myanmar?

To streamline trade transactions Signup and view all the answers

Which Indian institutions are partnering with Shell for decarbonization research?

Indian Institute of Science, IIT Madras, National Chemicals Lab, TERI Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of MSME credit is reportedly allocated to women-led businesses?

7% Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of low female labour force participation according to the Reserve Bank's executive director?

It obstructs economic growth and financial inclusion efforts Signup and view all the answers

What major project did the Life Insurance Corporation of India undertake to meet customer needs?

Jeevan Samarth Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Indian Overseas Bank is correct?

It is headquartered in Chennai. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following facilities has Indian Overseas Bank recently introduced for its customers?

Concessions and waivers for existing savings accounts Signup and view all the answers

What aspects are Shell's partnerships with Indian institutions focusing on?

Greenhouse gas reductions and low carbon innovations Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of zinc in plants according to the findings?

Assists in nitrogen fixation Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the explosive SEBEX 2 developed by the Indian Navy?

It has a lethality 2.01 times greater than TNT Signup and view all the answers

Which animal species is now classified as Endangered according to the IUCN Red List?

Borneo elephants Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Exercise MAITREE conducted in Thailand?

To enhance counter-insurgency operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of recording the new species of horned frog, Xenophrys apatani?

It is named after a local community known for conservation Signup and view all the answers

What does a higher TNT equivalence indicate about an explosive?

Greater lethality Signup and view all the answers

According to a study published in the Lancet Planetary Health, where was a significant number of air pollution-related deaths recorded?

In coastal cities Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of deaths in the town of Shimla was found to be pollution-related?

3.7% Signup and view all the answers

What was the increase in internet subscribers in rural areas from 2019-2021?

95.76 million Signup and view all the answers

Which initiative aims to promote digital literacy in rural India?

Pradhan Mantri Grammen Digital Sakshata Abhiyan Signup and view all the answers

What unique support does the NIRMAN portal provide for UPSC aspirants?

Financial support of Rs 1 Lakh for qualifying candidates Signup and view all the answers

What does MWp stand for in the context of renewable energy?

Megawatt Peak Signup and view all the answers

What condition is Zika virus associated with in newborns?

Microcephaly Signup and view all the answers

What are the two modules of the eSankhyiki Portal?

Data Catalogue Module and Macro Indicators Module Signup and view all the answers

Which state declined the 'mandir' tag for Ayushman health centres?

Meghalaya Signup and view all the answers

What was discovered by archaeologists in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh?

The oldest known ostrich nest Signup and view all the answers

What is the income limit for candidates to qualify for the NIRMAN support scheme?

Rs 8 lakhs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Odisha's initiative regarding palm trees?

To combat lightning deaths Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of the Union Health Ministry regarding the Zika virus?

Screening of pregnant women Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of palm trees in relation to lightning strikes?

They act as natural conductors during strikes. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the population in Meghalaya follows Christianity?

75% Signup and view all the answers

When was the Digital India initiative launched?

2015 Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the aims of the Digital India initiative?

Strengthening digital infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

Who heads the panel outlined in the content?

Justice Brijesh Kumar Srivastav Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Trade Facilitation Between India and Myanmar

A mechanism aims to simplify trade transactions between India and Myanmar by allowing direct payments in local currencies to eliminate exchange rate complexities.
The mechanism encompasses both sea and border trade, including transactions for goods and services.

Shell's Decarbonization R&D Partnerships in India

Shell, a global energy company, has partnered with top Indian educational institutions to focus on decarbonization research.
Collaborators include the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, IIT Madras, National Chemicals Lab in Pune, and TERI in New Delhi.
The partnerships aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop innovations like low-carbon fuels, distributed electrification, carbon sinks, hydrogen generation, and efficient power solutions.

Indian Overseas Bank: Savings Account Upgrades

Indian Overseas Bank offers enhanced saving account schemes, SB Max and SB HNI, with additional benefits and fee waivers.

Women in MSMEs: Financing Challenges

Reserve Bank of India's Executive Director Neeraj Nigam highlighted the low labor force participation of women as a barrier to financial inclusion and economic growth.
Only 7% of outstanding loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are extended to women-led businesses.
NITI Aayog and Transunion Cibil organized the 'Financing Women Collaborative' conference to address this issue.

Life Insurance Corporation of India's Transformation Project

Life Insurance Corporation of India launched the 'Jeevan Samarth' project, a transformation initiative, to address evolving customer needs.
The project involved a partnership with A.T. Kearney.

New Japanese Yen Banknotes

Japan introduced new 10,000-yen, 5,000-yen, and 1,000-yen banknotes, each featuring a notable Japanese figure.
The 10,000-yen note depicts Eiichi Shibusawa, often called the "father of Japanese capitalism," the founder of the first bank and stock exchange.
The 5,000-yen bill features Umeko Tsuda, founder of one of Japan's earliest women's universities.
The 1,000-yen bill showcases Shibasaburo Kitasato, a pioneering medical scientist.

The 29th Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC)

RIMPAC, the world's largest international maritime exercise, was held in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Approximately 29 nations participated with over 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, 14 land forces, and 150 aircraft.
The Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Shivalik participated in the exercise.
RIMPAC 2024's theme was "Partners: Integrated and Prepared".

Hungary's Presidency of the European Council

Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months.
Janos Boka, Hungary's EU Affairs Minister, outlined seven top priorities during the presidency, including enhancing EU competitiveness, reinforcing European defense policy, EU enlargement, addressing illegal migration, shaping the future of cohesion policy, formulating a farmer-oriented agricultural policy, and tackling demographic challenges.

Iran's Presidential Runoff Election

Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran's presidential election against hard-liner Saeed Jalili.
Pezeshkian received 16.3 million votes, while Jalili garnered 13.5 million.

UNESCO's Global Alarm on Soil Degradation

UNESCO announced the World Soil Health Index at the International Conference on Soils held in Morocco.
The index aims to measure soil quality in different regions and ecosystems to prevent soil degradation.
Key causes of degradation include unsustainable agricultural practices, industrial pollution, natural erosion, and deforestation.

India-Thailand Exercise MAITREE

The 13th edition of Exercise MAITREE was conducted between India and Thailand at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand.
The exercise focused on enhancing combined capabilities in joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in jungle and urban environments.
The last edition was held in Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2019.

Indian Navy's High-Performance Explosive SEBEX 2

The Indian Navy developed and certified SEBEX 2, a new explosive, which is 2.01 times more lethal than standard TNT.
SEBEX 2, developed by Solar Industries, is now one of the world's most potent non-nuclear explosives.
The explosive's performance is measured by TNT equivalence, with higher values indicating greater lethality.

Borneo Elephants Classified as Endangered

Borneo elephants are now listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and other threats.
Borneo elephants are found in the forests of Borneo and Sumatra.

New Horned Frog Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a new forest-dwelling horned frog species in Arunachal Pradesh's Talle Wildlife Sanctuary.
The species is named after the Apatani community in recognition of their conservation efforts.

Air Pollution in Indian Cities

A study in the Lancet Planetary Health journal revealed that air pollution is elevated even in Indian cities previously considered to have relatively clean air.
Coastal cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai, where air quality is considered moderate, have experienced a significant share of the 33,000 yearly deaths attributed to air pollution.
The study found that 3.7% of all deaths in Shimla, the town with the cleanest air among the cities studied, were pollution-related.

Indian Railways' Green Initiatives

Indian Railways emphasizes renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
The railways are also focusing on providing passenger amenities and contributing to environmental sustainability.

MoSPI Launches eSankhyiki Portal for Enhanced Data Access

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the eSankhyiki Portal to improve user experience and ease data access.
The portal provides real-time data for planners, policymakers, researchers, and the public.
It features two modules: Data Catalogue and Macro Indicators, enabling users to search, download, filter, and visualize data.

Prehistoric Ostrich Nest Discovery in Andhra Pradesh

Archaeologists discovered a 41,000-year-old ostrich nest in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh.
This discovery offers insights into the extinction of megafauna in the Indian subcontinent.
The nest is considered the world's oldest known ostrich nest.

Odisha's Palm Tree Planting Initiative to Combat Lightning Deaths

Odisha, one of India's most lightning-stricken states, has restricted the cutting of palm trees and plans to plant 1.9 million palm trees to reduce lightning casualties.
Palm trees act as natural lightning conductors and protect lives.

Digital India Mission Completes 9 Years

The Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, aims to create a digitally empowered society in India.
It focuses on strengthening digital infrastructure, delivering digital services, and promoting digital financial inclusion.
The Department of Electronics and Information Technology oversees its implementation.

Pradhan Mantri Grammen Digital Sakshata Abhiyan: Promoting Rural Digital Literacy

Launched in 2017, this program promotes digital literacy in rural India.
It has improved accessibility, connectivity, affordability, and inclusivity of digital services nationwide.

NIRMAN Portal for Civil Services Aspirants

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, launched the NIRMAN portal, a CSR scheme by Coal India Limited, to support meritorious youth in its operational districts who qualified for the UPSC preliminary exams.
The scheme provides Rs 1 lakh to candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, female or third gender categories, and having an annual family income below Rs 8 lakhs.

Zika Virus Advisory Issued in India

The Union Health Ministry issued an advisory to all states to screen pregnant women for the Zika virus and monitor fetal growth.
Zika, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is associated with microcephaly in newborns.

Meghalaya Declines 'Mandir' Tag for Ayushman Health Centers:

Meghalaya, after Mizoram and Nagaland, refused to rename health and wellness centers in the state as 'Ayushman Arogya Mandirs'.

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Description

This quiz explores the recent initiatives focused on trade facilitation between India and Myanmar, as well as Shell's partnerships for decarbonization research in India. It covers mechanisms for simplifying trade transactions and collaborative projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through innovative energy solutions.