Lok Sabha Passes Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 🚆
- All Aboard for Change! The Lok Sabha has given the green signal to the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Amidst the noise and commotion of the Winter Session, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed fears of privatization.
- Why It Matters: This bill is like an express train simplifying India’s legal railway framework and giving more power to the Railway Board.
India’s Atomic Power Surge 🌟
- Going Nuclear! India’s atomic power capacity has almost doubled in the last decade, going from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,081 MW in 2024. And guess what? By 2031-32, we’re aiming for 22,480 MW!
- Why It Matters: This ambitious plan not only shows India’s leadership in nuclear energy but also its dedication to sustainable power.
Gita Jayanti 2024: A Record-Breaking Celebration 📜
- Holy Milestone! Bhopal set a Guinness World Record with over 5,000 Acharyas chanting the Bhagavad Gita, and Kurukshetra engaged 1.5 crore participants globally through a virtual platform.
- Why It Matters: This event not only celebrates the spiritual essence of the Gita but also unites people in devotion and reverence.
ADB’s Economic Forecast for India 📈
- Numbers Game! The Asian Development Bank has revised India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.5% for FY25 and 7% for FY26.
- Why It Matters: This adjustment reflects the economic hurdles India needs to overcome to keep its growth on track.
Smart City Mission: New Kids on the Block 🌆
- City Slickers! The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is extending its Smart City Mission with a ₹8,000 crore performance-based challenge fund to incubate eight new smart cities.
- Why It Matters: This initiative is all about managing urbanization and enhancing infrastructure and services for future city-dwellers.
Coca-Cola’s Sweet Deal in India 🥤
- A Fizzy Partnership! Coca-Cola has sold a 40% stake in its India bottling business to Jubilant Bhartia Group for ₹12,500 crore.
- Why It Matters: This move aims to fizz up Coca-Cola’s presence in India and boost its bottling operations.
Protecting Bank Employees 💼
- Safety First! The All India Bank Employees’ Association has proposed a 3-year ban on account openings for customers who assault bank staff.
- Why It Matters: This proposal is all about ensuring the safety and well-being of bank employees, who often face abuse.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers 📝
1. What bill did the Lok Sabha pass during the Winter Session of 2024?
- a) Education Reform Bill
- b) Railways (Amendment) Bill
- c) Health Services Bill
- d) Environmental Protection Bill
- Answer: b) Railways (Amendment) Bill
2. By what year does India aim to triple its atomic power capacity to 22,480 MW?
- a) 2028
- b) 2030
- c) 2031
- d) 2035
- Answer: c) 2031
3. What record did Bhopal set on Gita Jayanti 2024?
- a) Most people meditating
- b) Largest yoga session
- c) Largest collective recitation of Bhagavad Gita verses
- d) Largest cultural festival
- Answer: c) Largest collective recitation of Bhagavad Gita verses
4. What is the revised GDP growth forecast for India for FY25 by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)?
- a) 5.5%
- b) 6.0%
- c) 6.5%
- d) 7.0%
- Answer: c) 6.5%
5. How many new smart cities is the Centre planning to incubate under the new scheme?
- a) 5
- b) 6
- c) 7
- d) 8
- Answer: d) 8
6. What significant business move did Coca-Cola recently make in India?
- a) Launched a new product
- b) Sold a 40% stake in its India bottling business
- c) Opened a new factory
- d) Partnered with PepsiCo
- Answer: b) Sold a 40% stake in its India bottling business
7. What proposal did the All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) make regarding customer behavior?
- a) Reduce interest rates
- b) Increase account opening fees
- c) Ban account openings for customers who assault bank staff
- d) Extend banking hours
- Answer: c) Ban account openings for customers who assault bank staff