Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 1st August 2025 - Bank Exams MCQ

The Skill Impact Bonds (SIB) initiative aims to promote employment-linked skill development for 50,000 youth over four years, with a specific focus on achieving 62% participation from women. This innovative approach emphasizes measurable outcomes such as job placements and retention rather than merely enrollment in training programs, thereby addressing both skill shortages and gender disparities in the workforce.

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is the lead agency for the Skill Impact Bonds initiative. Established to enhance the skill development landscape in India, the NSDC collaborates with various partners to implement programs that bridge the gap between training and employment, enhancing workforce readiness and productivity.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Maldives in July 2025 marked a significant reset in the bilateral ties between India and the Maldives, especially following the election of President Mohamed Muizzu, who had campaigned on an 'India Out' platform. This visit indicated a willingness to restore and strengthen diplomatic relations after a period of tension.

The Digital Payments Index (DPI) reported a significant increase of 12.6% year-on-year as of March 31, 2024. This increase reflects the growing adoption of digital payment methods across India, supported by advancements in technology and infrastructure, particularly with platforms like Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and mobile wallets.

One of the key features of the Skill Impact Bonds (SIB) is its outcome-focused approach, which measures success through job placements and retention over three months, rather than just training enrollment. This focus on tangible outcomes ensures that the initiative effectively addresses employment challenges and skill gaps in the labor market.

As of the latest updates, international merchant payments under UPI are accepted in the UAE, France, and Singapore. This expansion highlights the growing integration of India's digital payment systems into the global economy, facilitating easier transactions for Indian merchants and travelers abroad.

The primary focus of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 concerning Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is to integrate preschool classes into government schools, aiming for universal access to ECCE by 2030. This initiative is designed to address historical inequities in early education and ensure that children from all socio-economic backgrounds receive quality foundational learning.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects global economic growth to be 3.0% in 2025, an increase from the earlier forecast of 2.8%. This anticipated growth reflects resilience despite ongoing challenges such as geopolitical tensions and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the adaptability of global economies.

The Supreme Court raised concerns that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls could disenfranchise millions of marginalized individuals due to stringent documentation requirements. This shift from presumed inclusion to presumptive exclusion could undermine the democratic principle of universal adult suffrage, raising alarms about access to voting rights.

The manufacturing of silicon solar panels poses an environmental challenge as it is energy-intensive and involves the use of toxins, which partially negates their environmental benefits. While these panels are crucial for harnessing solar energy, their production raises concerns about sustainability and environmental impact, necessitating a reevaluation of current technologies in pursuit of cleaner energy solutions.