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191. The Union government has launched a new round of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for which sector?
[A] Agriculture
[B] Tourism
[C] Transport
[D] Steel
Correct Answer: D [Steel]
Notes:
The Union government is starting a new phase of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the steel industry. This program is designed to boost the local production of specialty steel and decrease dependence on imports. The Union Ministry of Steel announced this, with the launch set for January 6, 2025. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy will manage the launch and will invite applications from companies that are interested. The PLI scheme started during the COVID-19 pandemic to boost local manufacturing. It originally focused on three sectors but added steel in November 2020. The main goal of the scheme is to promote investments in specialty steel production.
192. Who has recently inaugurated the Namo Bharat corridor between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Amit Shah
[C] Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
[D] Droupadi Murmu
Correct Answer: A [Narendra Modi]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched development projects in Delhi worth more than ₹12,200 crore. These projects are designed to boost connectivity and improve transportation for many people. Important initiatives include the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, the Janakpuri-Krishna Park section of Delhi Metro Phase-IV and Rithala-Kundli Corridor. The government highlights that these efforts will change Delhi’s infrastructure and support India’s goal of becoming a developed country. The Namo Bharat corridor is 13 km long and links Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar, with a total cost of about ₹4,600 crore. The opening of the 2.8 km Janakpuri-Krishna Park section is a significant achievement for Delhi Metro Phase-IV, costing around ₹1,200 crore. PM Modi also started the Rithala-Kundli corridor project, which will extend 26.5 km.
193. Which ministry has planned to establish a new fund to enhance exploration and investment in critical and strategic minerals?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Mines
[C] Ministry of Current Affairs
[D] Ministry of corporate Affairs
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Mines]
Notes:
The Indian Mines Ministry is set to create a new fund to boost exploration and investment in important minerals. This effort supports the National Critical Minerals Mission and seeks to ensure access to resources needed by different industries. The fund will likely follow a structure like the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), with a two-level system for improved management and oversight.
194. The Government of India is set to unveil a new Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) for a self-sustaining of which?
[A] Drone
[B] Airplane
[C] Ships
[D] War Tanks
Correct Answer: A [Drone]
Notes:
The Government of India is poised to introduce a new Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme designed to foster a self-sustaining drone ecosystem. This initiative is anticipated to include an allocation exceeding ₹500 crore in the forthcoming Budget. It will replace a previous scheme that allocated ₹120 crore for domestic drone manufacturing during the period from 2021 to 2022. The new incentives are intended to bolster local production capabilities and diminish reliance on imports, which presently constitute 50-60% of the drone components utilized in India.
195. Which state government has recently launched Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme?
[A] Assam
[B] Gujarat
[C] Odisha
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: C [Odisha]
Notes:
The Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme was launched by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the Adivasi Mela held in Bhubaneswar. This program seeks to address the issue of dropout rates among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in Odisha. It offers a one-time financial incentive of ₹5,000 to ST students who enroll in Class IX and Class XI. The primary objective of this initiative is to promote increased enrollment and successful completion of secondary and higher secondary education. Eligibility for this financial assistance is restricted to ST students whose families have an annual income that does not exceed ₹2,50,000.
196. What is the amount of financial assistance provided under the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme?
[A] ₹15,000
[B] ₹10,000
[C] ₹5,000
[D] ₹2,000
Correct Answer: C [₹5,000]
Notes:
The scheme provides ₹5,000 as one-time financial assistance to Scheduled Tribe students enrolling in Class IX and Class XI. Scheme launched by Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi on January 7, 2025.
197. Which state government has launched the first phase of its flagship education evaluation programme, Gunotsav 2025?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Assam
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Assam]
Notes:
The Assam government started the first phase of its main education evaluation program, Gunotsav 2025, on January 6, 2025. This program aims to evaluate education quality and enhance learning results for about 14.11 lakh students in the state. The theme of the program is “Ensuring Quality Education,” and it will take place in three phases, involving many schools and districts, with help from outside evaluators and support from different stakeholders.
198. In which sector is poised for expansion with the anticipated introduction of the UDAN 2.0 scheme?
[A] Agriculture
[B] Civil Aviation
[C] Health
[D] Energy
Correct Answer: B [Civil Aviation]
Notes:
The Indian civil aviation sector is on the verge of significant growth with the expected launch of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) 2.0 program. It is anticipated that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will designate financial resources for this initiative in the forthcoming Union Budget. This updated version seeks to improve last-mile connectivity through the establishment of affordable airport infrastructure. In the previous budget, ₹502 crore was allocated to the UDAN scheme, which fell short of earlier projections. Experts within the industry predict that the funding for UDAN 2.0 will be increased, aligning with the objective of raising the number of operational airports to between 350 and 400 by the year 2047.
199. e-Shram portal has recently expanded to how many scheduled languages?
[A] 22
[B] 23
[C] 24
[D] 25
Correct Answer: A [22]
Notes:
The e-Shram portal has been improved to help unorganised workers easily access different government schemes. Now, it supports all 22 scheduled languages. This upgrade was introduced by Union Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to make the portal more user-friendly for workers throughout India.
200. Recently the UJALA scheme was seen in the news, when was it launched?
[A] 2nd January 2015
[B] 3rd January 2015
[C] 4th January 2015
[D] 5th January 2025
Correct Answer: D [5th January 2025]
Notes:
The UJALA scheme started on January 5, 2015, and has changed how India handles energy efficiency. Originally called the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme, it aimed to provide affordable LED lights to many homes. By January 2025, more than 360 million LED bulbs have been given out, representing a significant achievement in saving energy and money for Indian families.
