Infrastructure & Digital — Set 9

Correct Answer: C. 2016

The correct answer is 2016. UPI was launched by NPCI in April 2016 and made available to the public in August 2016. It was developed in collaboration with Reserve Bank of India. UPI's simplicity and interoperability drove rapid adoption, especially after demonetisation in November 2016, which accelerated digital payment uptake across India.

Correct Answer: B. ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) number

The correct answer is ABHA number. Patients use their 14-digit ABHA number to access their personal health records on the Health Information Exchange under ABDM. Health records from different hospitals can be linked to the ABHA number with patient consent. The Personal Health Records app enables patients to view and manage their health history on smartphones.

Correct Answer: B. 10 lakh

The correct answer is 10 lakh. National Broadband Mission aims to have at least 10 lakh telecom towers in India by 2024, up from about 6 lakh. Increasing tower density improves mobile broadband coverage, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The mission also targets significant growth in fibre-connected towers for backhaul capacity.

Correct Answer: B. BharatNet provides backhaul OFC to panchayats; PM-WANI provides last-mile Wi-Fi hotspots

The correct answer is BharatNet provides backhaul OFC to panchayats; PM-WANI provides last-mile Wi-Fi hotspots. BharatNet creates the fibre backbone connecting gram panchayats to high-speed internet. PM-WANI leverages this connectivity to create public Wi-Fi hotspots for last-mile connectivity. Together, they form a comprehensive rural internet delivery architecture.

Correct Answer: B. Road transport

The correct answer is road transport. DFCs will shift a significant portion of freight from roads to railways, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Rail freight is 6-7 times more energy-efficient than road freight. By increasing rail freight share to 45%, India can achieve substantial reduction in logistics-related greenhouse gas emissions.

Correct Answer: B. 2024

The correct answer is 2024. Indian Railways has set a target of completing 100% electrification of the broad gauge network by 2024. As of 2023, over 90% electrification was achieved. 100% electrification will enable shift to green energy, reduce fuel costs, and allow faster and heavier trains on all routes.

Correct Answer: C. 169 cities

The correct answer is 169 cities. PM e-BUS Sewa covers 169 cities with population above 3 lakh across India. The scheme aims to add 10,000 electric buses to augment existing city bus fleets. Cities will develop charging infrastructure, depots, and operations to support the electric bus fleet under the scheme.

Correct Answer: B. Aadhaar-based OTP or biometric

The correct answer is Aadhaar-based OTP or biometric. eSign is a digital signature service that allows users to electronically sign documents using Aadhaar OTP or biometric authentication. It is legally valid under the IT Act 2000. eSign has made it possible for citizens to sign loan applications, insurance forms, and government documents without physical presence.

Correct Answer: B. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)

The correct answer is Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). IWAI was set up in 1986 and operates under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It is responsible for development, maintenance, and regulation of national waterways. IWAI is developing infrastructure including jetties, terminals, navigational aids, and vessel repair facilities across 111 national waterways.

Correct Answer: B. Ganga (Allahabad to Haldia)

The correct answer is Ganga (Allahabad to Haldia). NW-1 stretches 1,620 km from Allahabad (Prayagraj) to Haldia, covering the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system. It was the first waterway declared a national waterway in 1986. The Jal Vikas Maarg project is developing NW-1 for commercial navigation with a World Bank loan.