Test: Weekly Current Affairs: August 1st to 7th - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The RBI-DPI score reported in March 2025 was 493.22, reflecting significant growth in India's digital payments ecosystem since it increased from 465.33 in September 2024. This upward trajectory indicates a rapid transformation in digital payment adoption across the country.

The primary aim of the RBI-DPI is to track the progress and adoption of digital payments in India. It encompasses various parameters such as payment infrastructure and consumer centricity, providing a comprehensive view of the digital payment landscape.

Operation Shiv Shakti was aimed at neutralizing infiltrators, specifically targeting two terrorists attempting to cross the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. This operation highlights India's ongoing efforts to combat cross-border terrorism effectively.

The Barbados threadsnake, recognized as the world's smallest known snake, was rediscovered in 2025 after nearly two decades without a confirmed sighting. Its rediscovery underscores the importance of preserving unique biodiversity in Barbados.

The AI-powered agromet advisory system leverages Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to generate personalized, real-time weather and climate information for farmers, helping them adapt to climate variability and improve agricultural productivity.

The Matri Van initiative aims for ecological preservation by creating an urban forest that enhances biodiversity and improves public well-being, aligning with sustainability goals and community involvement.

IPPB's Aadhaar-based face authentication allows for contactless identity verification, facilitating a more accessible banking experience, especially for the elderly and differently-abled individuals who may struggle with traditional methods.

The SOP focuses on conserving traditional landrace seed varieties to protect agrobiodiversity and empower smallholder farmers, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge and community management in agriculture.

The BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival held in August 2025 highlighted the musical traditions of member countries, promoting cultural diplomacy and unity across the region through a rich exchange of musical styles.

The District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) aims to provide a comprehensive measurement of flood severity at the district level, helping to improve flood management policies and target relief efforts more effectively.

The Repairability Index was launched to promote sustainable electronics by evaluating devices based on their repairability. This initiative aims to reduce e-waste and enhance the rights of consumers regarding repairs.

The Repairability Index benefits consumers by improving the ease of repairing devices, encouraging manufacturers to design products that are easier to fix and maintain, thereby promoting sustainability and reducing waste.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) collaborated with ICRISAT to launch the AI-powered climate advisory service, aiming to assist farmers in adapting to climate variability and improving agricultural productivity.

Community seed centers (CSCs) play a crucial role in Odisha's landrace seed conservation efforts by providing storage and distribution of traditional seed varieties, thus empowering local farmers and preserving agricultural diversity.

The study found 48 bacterial species in the indri lemur's microbiome, of which 47 were previously unknown and exclusive to indris, highlighting the unique microbial communities that could be lost with their extinction.

The PAHAL scheme is implemented by the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), which facilitates direct benefit transfers for LPG subsidies to consumers, enhancing transparency and targeting.

The success of Operation Shiv Shakti was largely attributed to the precise intelligence provided by the Indian Army and local police, enabling effective targeting of infiltrators before they could enter Indian territory.

The Repairability Index aims to promote formal recycling by establishing minimum payments for recycling efforts, thereby reducing e-waste and encouraging responsible disposal of electronic devices.

The Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) was introduced with a base period score of 100, representing the starting point for measuring the growth and adoption of digital payments in India.

The research on the indri lemur's microbiome is significant as it provides crucial insights for habitat conservation, emphasizing the need to protect not just the species but also their unique microbial communities that contribute to biodiversity.

The PAHAL scheme has achieved a compliance rate of 92.44% for Aadhaar seeding among active LPG consumers, indicating a strong effort towards ensuring that subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries.

The Matri Van initiative aims to eliminate the invasive species Prosopis juliflora and replace it with native trees to restore the Aravalli ecosystem, enhancing biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

The effectiveness of the AI-powered advisory service hinges on its ability to analyze real-time data from the India Meteorological Department and satellite observations, providing timely and relevant insights to farmers.

The BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival is significant as it promotes cultural diplomacy and unity among member countries, enhancing people-to-people connections through the rich musical heritage of the region.

A key challenge faced by the informal repair sector in India is the lack of recognition and support. Despite their crucial role in sustainability, informal repairers often lack access to formal training programs and policy support, which can help them thrive in a more sustainable economy.