GK Express of 23/02/2025

I. Infrastructure & Welfare Schemes Coach 

1)Which scheme was launched to promote digital transactions and financial literacy in rural areas?

 

 

  Digital India Program is a campaign launched by the Government of India to make its services available to citizens electronically via improved online infrastructure and by increasing Internet connectivity. The initiative includes plans to connect rural areas with high-speed internet networks. It consists of three core components: the development of secure and stable digital infrastructure, delivering government services digitally, and universal digital literacy.

2)Which project aims to build 100 smart cities across India?

The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) aims to enhance the quality of life in India's cities through smart, sustainable solutions. Its goal is to create cities that are economically vibrant, inclusive and environment friendly. By focusing on key areas like infrastructure, governance and social development, SCM seeks to transform urban living across the country. With 100 cities leading the initiative, the mission has made significant progress, having completed 7,380 out of 8,075 projects, with an investment of ₹1,47,704 crore. These completed projects demonstrate SCM’s commitment to creating smarter, more livable urban spaces for all.

3)Which river interlinking project is the largest water transfer initiative in India?

The largest water transfer initiative in India through river interlinking is the Ken-Betwa Link Project, which aims to divert surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, primarily benefiting the drought-prone Bundelkhand region. 

4)Which initiative promotes online learning and digital education in India?

"Swayam" is a prominent initiative by the Indian government that actively promotes online learning and digital education by providing a platform for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), offering access to quality education across various disciplines to anyone with an internet connection; essentially aiming to bridge the digital divide in education. 

5)Which scheme provides a pension of ₹6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers?

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY) is a pension scheme for small and marginal farmers in India. It was launched in 2019 to provide social security and old age protection. 

Famous Personalities 

1) Who is the first Indian woman to win a Nobel Prize?

Mother Teresa was the first Indian woman to win Noble Peace Prize in 1979. She was born on August 26, 1910. She founded the missionaries of charity in 1950. She was also awarded Raman Magsaysay Peace Prize in 1962.

2)Who was the first Indian-origin person to win an Oscar?

Bhanu Athaiya was the first Indian to win an Academy Award. She won the award in 1983 for Best Costume Design for her work on the film Gandhi. 

3)Who is the first Indian woman to win the Miss World title?

Dr. Reita Faria was the first Indian woman to win the Miss World title in 1966. She was also the first Asian woman to win the title. 

4)Who won the first-ever International Booker Prize from India in 2022?

Geetanjali Shree became the first Indian to win the International Booker Prize in 2022 for her novel "Tomb of Sand", which was originally written in Hindi and translated in to English by Daisy Rockwell; marking the first time an Indian writer won the award for a book originally written in a language other than English. 

5)Which Indian-American astronaut was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor?

Dr. Kalpana Chawla was the Indian-American astronaut who was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. She was also the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space. 

 

National & International Organisations

1)Which Indian organization handles cyber security and cybercrime issues?

 CERT-In, or the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, is a government agency that protects India's cyber space. It is responsible for responding to and preventing cyber security incidents. 

2)Which Indian organization develops missiles like Agni and Prithvi?

The Indian organization that develops missiles like Agni and Prithvi is the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 

3)Which national body is responsible for ensuring the protection of consumer rights in India?

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) is a government commission that resolves consumer disputes in India. It was established in 1988 under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. The NCDRC is headquartered in New Delhi. 

4)Which organization provides humanitarian aid during conflicts and disasters?

International Red Cross, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). 

5) What is the full form of BOBP-IGO?

The Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), set up in 2003, is a unique regional fisheries body, specifically mandated to assist the member countries in increasing the livelihood opportunities and improving the quality of life of the small-scale/ artisanal fisher folk in the Bay of Bengal region. The current members of the Organisation are Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka while Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand are cooperating non-contracting parties.