UPSC EXAM QUIZ 22.01.2025

Explanation:

• Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launches several telecom initiatives to enhance connectivity and security in India.
• These include the Sanchar Saathi mobile app, National Broadband Mission 2.0, and intra circle roaming on DBN-funded 4G mobile sites.
• These initiatives aim to promote digital inclusion by providing citizens access to better telecom services.

National Broadband Mission 2.0

• An initiative to improve telecom access in India.
• Building on the success of NBM 1.0, launched in 2019 under the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018.

Under NBM 1.0

• The number of telecom towers increased to 17 lakh.
• The number of broadband subscribers reached 941 million.

Explanation:

• Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has approved 56 new watershed development projects in 10 high performing states with a budget of ₹700 crore.

Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY-WDC)

• Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP): Implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) since 2009-10.
• ‘WDC-PMKSY 1.0’: IWMP was added in 2015-16 as a watershed development component of the umbrella scheme of PMKSY.
• ‘WDC-PMKSY 2.0’: Extending the success of PMKSY-WDC 1.0.
• Duration: 2021-2026.
• Target: Development of 49.50 lakh hectares of area.

Explanation:

• India has ranked 25th overall in the QS Future Skills Index 2025. Notably, in the “Future of Work” category India ranked second globally, just behind the United States.

QS World Future Skills Index

• About: The QS World Future Skills Index, developed by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), ranks countries on their readiness to meet evolving global job market demands emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and talent development.
• Indicators: The Index uses four indicators to measure a country’s preparedness to thrive in an increasingly skills-driven global economy.
• Skills Fit: Measures how well a country's education systems align with employer demands.
• Academic Readiness: Reflects the capacity of higher education systems to equip students with relevant skills for future jobs, particularly in emerging fields such as Artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies, and green industries.

Explanation:

• The toolkit for 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS), the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey, has been launched.
• Swachh Survekshan was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2016.
• In 2024, a special category - Super Swachh League has been introduced for a separate league of cities excelling in cleanliness.
• For the very first time, the cities have been classified into 5 population categories: Very Small, Small, Medium, Big, and Million-Plus.
• In this year, Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) and adopting Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata – behaviour change in daily lives have been included in the assessment.
• There are 12 cities in the Super Swachh League. Top 3 ranking cities in each population category will move into the league for the subsequent years.

Explanation:

• World Monuments Fund (WMF) has added Hyderabad's Musi River Historic Buildings to its 2025 World Monuments Watch list.
• Another Indian location on the WMF's list of 25 sites at risk from the water crisis and climate change is Gujarat's "Bhuj Historic Water Systems."
• The British Residency (now Koti Women’s College), Osmania General Hospital, Telangana High Court, and State Central Library are important buildings along the Musi River.
• WMF published a list of sites from 29 nations that it believes require preservation and advocacy.
• The New York-based organization's biannual nomination-based lobbying program highlights structures and locations that are impacted by natural catastrophes, tourism, conflict, and climate change.
• One of the Krishna River's principal tributaries is the Musi River.