1. India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), recently marked its 7th foundation day, operates under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Commerce
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Communication
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Communication]
Notes:
India Post Payment Bank (IPPB) recently celebrated its 7th Foundation Day. IPPB was established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, with 100% ownership by the Government of India. It aims to provide efficient banking services to every household in India, enhancing financial security and empowerment. IPPB leverages a vast postal network of over 1,61,000 post offices across the country. Services offered include savings and current accounts, Direct Benefit Transfers, bill and utility payments, and access to third-party products like loans and insurance.
2. ‘Nambike Nakshe’ scheme, recently seen in the news, is introduced by which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Bengaluru’s Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, launched the ‘Nambike Nakshe’ scheme to streamline building approvals. The scheme simplifies the process for properties up to 4,000 square feet within Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) areas. It allows property owners to obtain provisional approval for building plans from certified architects or engineers. This change lets owners start planning their buildings sooner, bypassing initial approval complexities. It benefits landowners in areas developed by the Bangalore Development Authority and Karnataka Housing Board, often with plots around 50×80 feet.
3. Which state government recently passed ‘Aparajita Women and Child Bill 2024’?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal]
Notes:
In response to a tragic crime of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital on August 9, the West Bengal Assembly passed the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, to strengthen protections for women and children. The bill amends several criminal laws, including the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012. It proposes harsher penalties for rape, including life imprisonment for the convict’s natural life or the death penalty. The bill mandates time-bound investigations of rape cases within 21 days. It also imposes penalties for unauthorized publication of court proceedings and ensures convicts bear victims’ medical costs.
4. Recently, which country has announced a new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to increase tourism from India and China?
[A] New Zealand
[B] Chile
[C] South Africa
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [South Africa]
Notes:
South Africa announced a new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), focusing on India and China. The scheme will start in January next year and aims to reform the visa system. It is expected to boost tourism jobs and help South Africa become a preferred destination for tourists from two of the world’s largest economies. The TTOS will remove barriers to attracting more tourists. Currently, Indian tourists make up only 3.9% of South Africa’s international visitors.
5. Which day will be observed and celebrated as ‘Sootea Day’ by the Assam government?
[A] 15 July
[B] 20 August
[C] 18 September
[D] 5 October
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [20 August]
Notes:
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Sootea Police Station in Biswanath District. He paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1942 Quit India Movement. He announced that August 20 will be celebrated as Sootea Day. Sarma revealed plans to build a heritage monument at the site. Rs 5 crores have been allocated for this project.
6. Which state assembly recently passed Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2024, to control the spread of illegal colonies?
[A] Punjab
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Punjab]
Notes:
The Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2024 was passed to stop unauthorized developments. It aims to make property registration easier for small landowners. The law regulates illegal colonies and imposes strict penalties for violations. The Chief Minister emphasized its importance for public welfare. This legislation highlights Punjab’s commitment to addressing illegal colonies and promoting proper development in the state.
7. Bedouin community, recently seen in the news, belongs to which country?
[A] Iran
[B] Iraq
[C] Israel
[D] Qatar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Israel]
Notes:
The rescue of Qaid Farhan Alkadi, a Bedouin hostage from Gaza, has highlighted the Bedouin community in Israel. The Bedouins are part of Israel’s Arab minority, making up about 20% of the population. Though they hold Israeli citizenship, Bedouins face unique socio-economic challenges. Traditionally nomadic, modern pressures and state policies have affected their way of life, leading to marginalization. The Bedouin community primarily resides in the Negev Desert, which has harsh living conditions and is a center of land and resource conflicts.
8. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, which was recently in the news, is located near the border of which states?
[A] Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana
[B] Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat
[C] Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana
[D] Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana]
Notes:
Recent analysis shows that about 50,000 trees were uprooted in a 200-hectare area along 2 to 3 km length in Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary, established in 1953, is located near the Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana borders. The perennial Dayyam Vagu river flows through it, dividing the sanctuary into two parts. The sanctuary is known for the Sammakkka Sarakka Jathra, one of Asia’s largest tribal festivals, held every two years. The River Godavari also flows through the sanctuary.
9. Poltava City, recently seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] China
[B] Ukraine
[C] Japan
[D] Israel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ukraine]
Notes:
A Russian missile strike on Poltava, Ukraine, killed 51 people and injured 271 others. Poltava is a city in east-central Ukraine, located 300 km east of Kyiv, along the Vorskla River. Archaeological evidence traces its origins to the 8th-9th centuries; it was first referenced in 1174. The city was destroyed by Tatars in the 13th century and became a Cossack regiment center by the 17th century. In 1709, Peter the Great defeated Sweden’s Charles XII at Poltava, marking Russia’s rise as a power. Modern Poltava was rebuilt after World War II and is a key agricultural hub.
10. What is the primary objective of ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY)’, recently completed 5 years of implementation?
[A] To modernize agriculture and reducing the drudgery of farming operations.
[B] To facilitate resource mobilization for the Micro Irrigation expansion
[C] To provide social security to Small and Marginal Farmers in their old age
[D] To disseminate information and knowledge to the farming community in local language
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [To provide social security to Small and Marginal Farmers in their old age]
Notes:
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) has completed five successful years. It was launched on September 12, 2019. It provides social security to land-holding small and marginal farmers across India. The scheme is a voluntary old-age pension program offering Rs. 3,000 per month to eligible farmers after they turn sixty. Farmers contribute monthly to the pension fund, with the central government matching their contributions.