1. Negotiated Dealing System–Order Matching (NDS-OM) platform was launched by which institution?
[A] Stock Exchange Board of India
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Reserve Bank of India]
Notes:
Bloomberg introduced the first electronic trade in Indian Government Bonds (IGBs) through its terminal by directly connecting with the Negotiated Dealing System–Order Matching (NDS-OM) platform. NDS-OM was launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for secondary market trading of government securities. It is a screen-based electronic anonymous order matching system owned by RBI that improves transparency in bond transactions. Membership is available to banks, primary dealers, insurance companies, mutual funds, and other eligible entities. The platform allows trading in central and state government securities and treasury bills through direct bids/offers and Request for Quote (RFQ) facility.
2. Which country is the host of 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026?
[A] Colombia
[B] France
[C] Japan
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Colombia]
Notes:
India created history at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, with all five team members winning Gold Medals. India jointly secured World No. 1 rank with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, and Taiwan. The competition featured 381 students from 87 countries. The gold medalists were Kanishk Jain, Riddhesh Anant Bendale, Rishit Garg, Shresth Suraiya, and Svarit Joshi. India’s Olympiad programme is coordinated by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a National Centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
3. The Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme was launched by which organization?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] National Disaster Management Authority
[C] All India Disaster Mitigation Institute
[D] Indian Red Cross Society
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Disaster Management Authority]
Notes:
Gujarat trained 4,526 volunteers under the first phase of the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme to strengthen community-based disaster management across 17 districts. The scheme, launched by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in 2016, is implemented in Gujarat through the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA). It aims to create trained local volunteers for immediate rescue and relief before specialised teams arrive. The programme targets 11,850 volunteers, with 50% participation by women.
4. NAMASTE Scheme, that was recently seen in news, primarily focuses on the welfare of which category of workers?
[A] Sanitation workers, including sewer and septic tank workers
[B] Agricultural workers, fishermen, and dairy workers
[C] Delivery workers, transport workers, and street vendors
[D] Construction workers, factory workers, and industrial labourers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sanitation workers, including sewer and septic tank workers]
Notes:
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment observed the 3rd NAMASTE Day on 14 July, marking three years of the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme, launched in 2023-24. The scheme promotes mechanised sanitation, dignity, safety, social security, and skill development for sanitation workers. Its key goals are zero sanitation-related fatalities, elimination of manual scavenging, establishment of Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs), and promotion of self-employment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
