The Clat Post January 20235013216

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Bhopal 7676564400 | Indore 9109108422 | Jabalpur 9109108423 | Jodhpur 9109108419 | Raipur 9109108417 | Bilaspur 9109108416 | Ranchi 9109108418
Delhi 9891906520 | Gurugram 09717289708 | Kanpur 8576066660 | Prayagraj 6306330553 | w 6390573333
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S. No. Contents
1. Deep fakes 4
2. Comprehensive migration and mobility partnership agreement (mmpa) 6
3. Supreme court upholds demonetization 2016 7
4. Wassenaar arrangement 9
5. Parasnath hill and shetrunjay hill 11
6.
7.
E-scr project
How to regulate online gaming in india
c o m 13
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8.
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Basic structure doctrine
Can an underage muslim girl marry after attaining puberty?
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10. Reward project
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11. Eco-sensitive zones 22
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Indian wrestlers’ protests
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Sc collegium firm on appointing gay lawyer as hc judge
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14. India can lead efforts to find a new tb vaccine 29
15. Blacklisting of terrorists 31
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Passaged based questions
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18. National 48
19. International 62
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20. Science 3R2Q1O6L
& Technology
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21. Appointmens & Resignations 69
22. Awards & Recognition 72
23. Books & Author 75
24. Important Days 77
25. Obitury 80
26. Ranking 83
27. Sports 85
28. Summit's & MoU's 90
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29. Banking And Economy 94
30. 106
31. Needed, a new approach to data protection for minors 111
32. Delhi High Court issues guidelines for medical termination of pregnancy in cases where 112
pregnancy of sexual assault victims exceeds 24 weeks
33. Delhi High Court notifies rules for live streaming and recording of court proceedings 113
34. [BREAKING] Cannot reject candidature of Saurabh Kirpal based on sexual orientation: 114
Supreme Court Collegium
35. Revised amendments to IT Rules, 2021: Central government proposes to crack down on 115
fake news fact-checdked by PIB
36. 116
37.
c o m 116
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February, 2022
DEEP FAKES
News
Deepfake technology — software that allows people to swap faces, voices and other characteristics to create digital
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forgeries — has been used in recent years to make a synthetic substitute of Elon Musk that shilled a cryptocurrency
scam, to digitally “undress” more than 100,000 women on Telegram and to steal millions of dollars from companies
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by mimicking their executives’ voices on the phone.
 In most of the world, authorities can’t do much about it. Even as the software grows more sophisticated and
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accessible, few laws exist to manage its spread.
 China hopes to be the exception. This month, the country adopted expansive rules requiring that
deepfake service providers offer ways to “refute rumors.”
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manipulated material have the subject’s consent and bear digital signatures or watermarks, and that
 The policy requires deep synthesis service providers and users to ensure that any doctored content using
About Deepfake Technology
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the technology is explicitly labelled and can be traced back to its source.
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 Deepfake technology uses powerful computers and deep learning to manipulate movies, pictures, and audio files.
 Among other wrongdoings, it is used to fabricate news and commit financial fraud.
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 Cybercriminals utilise artificial intelligence to overlay a digital composite over an already-existing video,
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photograph, or audio.
 When an anonymous Reddit user went by the name "Deepfakes" in 2017, that is when the phrase "deepfake" first
appeared.
 This person created and posted pornographic 1Q3R2Q
videos
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1O6L Google's open-source, deep-learning technology.
using
 Deepfake technology is now being utilised for evil things like frauds, hoaxes, celebrity pornography, election rigging,
social engineering, automated disinformation attacks, identity theft, and financial crime, among other things.
 The former presidents of the United States Barack Obama and Donald Trump, the prime minister of India Narendra
Modi, and other well-known figures have all been impersonated using deepfake technology.
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Laws Around the World to restrict Deepfakes
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 To prevent the dissemination of false information through deepfakes, the European Union has amended its Code
of Practice.
 The updated Code mandates that social media platforms like Twitter, Google, and Meta take action against
deepfakes and fake accounts.
 Once they have agreed to the Code, they have six months to put their plans into action.
 According to the revised Code, these businesses risk fines as high as 6% of their annual global revenue if found in
violation.
 The Code of Practice on Disinformation was introduced in 2018 and brought together global industry leaders for
the first time to commit to battling disinformation.
United States:
 In order to help the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) combat deepfake technology, the United States
introduced the bipartisan Deepfake Task Force Act.
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 The law requires the DHS to conduct an annual assessment on deepfakes to evaluate the technology being used,
monitor how both domestic and foreign companies are using it, and develop countermeasures to deal with the
issue.
 California and Texas have established legislation that penalise the publication and spreading of deepfake movies
that attempt to affect the outcome of an election. Distribution of nonconsensual deepfake pornography is illegal in
Virginia and is punishable by law.
India:
 However, there are no laws prohibiting the use of deepfake technology in India.
 However, certain legal issues, such as copyright violations, defamation, and cyber-crimes, can be handled when
technology is used improperly.
1. Deepfakes was created using which of the following (c) 2017 (d) 2018
company’s open-source, deep-learning technology?
(a) Amazon (b) Google 4. As per the revied code wrt false news and deepfakes
2.
(c) Microsoft (d) OpenAI
Deepfakes was created in which of the following

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in EU, the social media companies can be fined as
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high as how much percent of their annual global
revenue if found in violation?
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years? (a) 2% (b) 4%
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(a) 2014 (b) 2017 (c) 6% (d) 10%
(c) 2019 (d) 2020
5. In order to help combat Deepfake technology, which
3. The Code of Practice on Disinformation in the
European Union was introduced in which of the
k e of the following countries has established Deepfake

Task Force Act?
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following years? (a) USA (b) UK
(a) 2015 (b) 2016 (c) Canada (d) India
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ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
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1. (b) When an anonymous Reddit user went by the 3. (d) The Code of Practice on Disinformation was
name "Deepfakes" in 2017, that is when the introduced in 2018 and brought together global
2.
Google's
technology.
open-source,
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phrase "deepfake" first appeared. This person
created and posted pornographic videos using
deep-learning
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(b) When an anonymous Reddit user went by the
name "Deepfakes" in 2017, that is when the
4.
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industry leaders for the first time to commit to
battling disinformation
(c) According to the revised Code, these businesses
risk fines as high as 6% of their annual global
revenue if found in violation.
(a) In order to help the Department of Homeland
phrase "deepfake" first appeared. This person Security (DHS) combat deepfake technology,
created and posted pornographic videos using the United States introduced the bipartisan
Google's open-source, deep-learning Deepfake Task Force Act
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technology. tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
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Delhi 9891906520 | Gurugram 09717289708 | Kanpur 8576066660 | Prayagraj 6306330553 | w
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COMPREHENSIVE MIGRATION AND MOBILITY PARTNERSHIP
AGREEMENT (MMPA)
News
After mobility agreements with the UK, France, Germany and Finland, India on Monday signed a 'Comprehensive
Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement' (MMPA) with Austria for migration and mobility of Indian students
and professionals.
 The two sides discussed economic cooperation, food security, energy security crisis owing to the Russia-Ukraine
war, Ukraine situation and nuclear safety, and India’s presidency of the G-20.
 This is the first visit of an Indian foreign minister to Austria in 27 years.
Relevancy of the Agreement:

As a first step toward resolving the long-pending India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement and to facilitate
Indian professionals working in these nations, India has been eager to finalise these agreements with the European
nations. The European nations also see them as a way to stop illegal immigration from India.
 This agreement is desperately needed, especially in light of the dramatic rise in illegal immigration Austria
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experienced last year, which included over 15,000 illegal immigrants from India who had virtually little prospect of
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obtaining refuge.
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 As it allows for the quick return of unlawful migrants, the agreement is now a useful tool in our joint fight against
illegal immigration.
 It will control multiple entry visas for professionals and student exchange programmes, and will be evaluated
regularly by a Joint Working Group (JWG).
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Diplomatic relations between India and Austria
 They started off in 1949. Relations between India and Austria have historically been cordial and friendly.
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 High-level visits have been regularly exchanged between the two nations.
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 Since joining the European Union in 1995, Austria has served as an essential link between India and Europe,
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particularly with the nations of Central and Eastern Europe.
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 The primary products that India exports to Austria include footwear, textiles, leather goods, apparel and accessories,
vehicles, rolling stock (and related parts and equipment), electrical machinery and equipment, organic chemicals,
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pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
India recently signed Mobility and Migration

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partnership Agreement with which of the following
Countries?
(a) Australia (b) Austria
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9.
(a) 1955
(c) 1997
(b) 1989
(d) 2002
India’s external affairs minister has visited Austria

(c) Vienna (d) Hungary after how many years?
(a) 10 (b) 14
7. Diplomatic Relationship between India and Austria (c) 21 (d) 27
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were established in which of the following years?
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(a) 1947 tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
(b) 1949 10. Who among the following is the External Affairs
(c) 1951 (d) 1955 Minister of India?
(a) S. Jaishankar (b) Piyush Goyal
8. Austria joined European Union in which of the (c) Smriti Irani (d) Mansukh L.
following years? Mandaviya
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6. (b) After mobility agreements with the UK, France, India and Europe, particularly with the nations
Germany and Finland, India on Monday signed of Central and Eastern Europe.
a 'Comprehensive Migration and Mobility 9. (d) This is the first visit of an Indian foreign minister
Partnership Agreement' (MMPA) with Austria to Austria in 27 years.
for migration and mobility of Indian students 10. (a) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is an Indian
and professionals. diplomat and politician serving as the Minister
7. (b) They started off in 1949. Relations between India of External Affairs of the Government of India
and Austria have historically been cordial and since 30 May 2019. He is a member of the
friendly. Bharatiya Janata Party and a Member of
8. (a) Since joining the European Union in 1995, Parliament in the Rajya Sabha since 5 July 2019,
Austria has served as an essential link between representing Gujarat.
News
SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS DEMONETIZATION 2016
The dissenting, minority judgement of Supreme Court Justice Nagarathna, in the Writ Petition Vivek Narayan
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Sharma versus Union of India—popularly known as the demonetisation case—has regurgitated the vexed issue of
whether the RBI is sufficiently autonomous and resilient in discharging its mandate.
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 The Court stated that, “From the record, it appears that there was a consultative process between central govt and
RBI for over 6 months before the decision was taken”.
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 In a surprise announcement on the evening of November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a televised
address to the nation that the two banknotes will be “just worthless piece of paper” with immediate effect, and went
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on to introduce new notes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 for public circulation.
 While many termed it as a “bold” move, the Opposition, over the years, has criticised the government.
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What were the Questions before the Court?
1. Whether the power available to the Central Government under sub-section (2) of Section 26 of the RBI Act can be
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restricted to mean that it can be exercised only for “one” or “some” series of bank notes and not “all” series in view
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of the word “any” appearing before the word “series” in the said sub-section, specifically so, when on earlier two
occasions, the demonetisation exercise was done through the plenary legislation?
2. In the event it is held that the power under sub-section (2) of Section 26 of the RBI Act is construed to mean that it
can be exercised in respect of “all” series of bank notes,
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under the said sub-section would amount to conferring excessive delegation and as such, liable to be struck down?
3. As to whether the impugned Notification dated 8th November 2016 is liable to be struck down on the ground that
the decision making process is flawed in law?
4. As to whether the impugned notification dated 8th November 2016 is liable to be struck down applying the test of
proportionality?
5. As to whether the period provided for exchange of notes 6I vide the impugned notification dated 8th November 2016
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can be said to 0Tbe1Qunreasonable?
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6. As to whether the RBI has independent power under sub-section (2) of Section 4 of the 2017 Act in isolation of
provisions of Section 3 and Section 4(1) thereof to accept the demonetised notes beyond the period specified in
notifications issued under sub- section (1) of Section 4?
Verdict Explained
In its majority 4:1 judgment, it was held that the Centre’s notification dated November 8, 2016, was valid and satisfied
the test of proportionality. The Court held that “We find that the three purposes are proper purposes and there was a
reasonable nexus between the objects and the means to achieve the objects. Action cannot be struck down on the basis
of the doctrine of proportionality,” it said.
“The central government’s decision was after RBI board’s approval which shows in-built safeguard against centre’s
powers. It cannot be said that there is excessive delegation of power under the RBI Act to the Centre which is answerable
to the Parliament.” the court observed.
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“The Centre is required to take the action after the consultation with the Central Board and there is an inbuilt safeguard.
There has to be great restraint in matters of economic policy. The Court cannot supplant the wisdom of executive with
its wisdom. Decision-making process cannot be faulted merely because the proposal emanated from the centre,” the
judgment stated.
In her dissenting judgement, Justice B V Nagarathna said while the measure was “well-intentioned”, it was to be
declared “unlawful purely on legal grounds”. “The record demonstrates there was no independent application of
mind by the RBI. There was no time for the bank to such an independent application of mind,” she said in the court.
“As per Section 26(2), the proposal for demonetisation is to emanate from the central board of the RBI.
Demonetisation of all series of notes at the instance of Central Government is a far more serious issue than the
demonetisation of particular series by the bank. So, it has to be done through legislation than through executive
notification,” Justice Nagarathna said.
Test of Proportionality
 In circumstances when two or more fundamental rights conflict, courts around the world—typically
constitutional courts—often use the test of proportionality to reach a decision.
 In such circumstances, the court must weigh the satisfaction of certain rights against the harm that a ruling
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may do to other rights because one right often wins at the expense of the other.
 The administrative measure must not be more severe than necessary to achieve the targeted effect,
according to the proportionality principle.
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Background of the Case
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 Taking up the batch of 58 petitions challenging various aspects of the government’s note ban decision, the Supreme
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Court had initially wondered if it had not become merely an “academic debate” given the passage of time. It later
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decided to go into the issue, with the petitioners contending that the procedure prescribed in Section 26(2) of RBI
Act, 1934, was not followed.
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 Section 26(2) of the Act states that “on recommendation of the [RBI] Central Board, the Central Government may,
by notification in the Gazette of India, declare that, with effect from such date… any series of bank notes of any
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denomination shall cease to be legal tender save at such office or agency of the Bank and to such extent as may be
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specified in the notification”.
 Chidambaram argued that as per the particular section, the recommendation should have emanated from the RBI,
but in this case, the government had advised the central bank, following which it made the recommendation. He
said when earlier governments had demonetised currency
tr-5L0T1Q3R 2Q1O6L — in 1946 and 1978, they had done so by way of a law
made by Parliament.
 He also accused the government of withholding documents related to the decision-making process from the court
and raised doubts about whether the quorum as required for the RBI Central Board meeting was met.
11. Which of the following Justice gave dissenting 13. In which of the following years did India
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opinion in the Demonetisation verdict? tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J demonetised its currency for the first time?
(a) Justice Nagarathna 1O6L (a) 1946 (b) 1952
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(b) Justice SA Nazeer (c) 1976 (d) 1986
(c) Justice Sanjiv Khanna
(d) Justice Ajjikuttira Somaiah Bopanna 14. PM Modi declared all the Indian Bank Notes
demonetised in which of the following days?
12. Which of the following is the name of the (a) 8 November, 2016 (b) 12 November, 2016
Demonetization Verdict? (c) 16 November, 2016 (d) 21 November, 2016
(a) Young India Lawyers Association versus Union
of India 15. Reserve Bank of India was Nationalised in which of
(b) NALSA versus Union of India the following years?
(c) Narayan Sharma versus Union of India (a) 1949 (b) 1951
(d) Justice Puttaswamy versus Union of India (c) 1959 (d) 1961
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11. (a) The dissenting, minority judgement of Supreme emanated from the RBI, but in this case, the
Court Justice Nagarathna, in the Writ Petition government had advised the central bank,
Vivek Narayan Sharma versus Union of following which it made the recommendation.
India—popularly known as the He said when earlier governments had
demonetisation case—has regurgitated the demonetised currency — in 1946 and 1978, they
vexed issue of whether the RBI is sufficiently had done so by way of a law made by Parliament.
autonomous and resilient in discharging its 14. (a) In a surprise announcement on the evening of
mandate. November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra
12. (c) The dissenting, minority judgement of Supreme Modi said in a televised address to the nation
Court Justice Nagarathna, in the Writ Petition that the two banknotes will be “just worthless
Vivek Narayan Sharma versus Union of piece of paper” with immediate effect, and went
India—popularly known as the on to introduce new notes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500
demonetisation case—has regurgitated the
vexed issue of whether the RBI is sufficiently
autonomous and resilient in discharging its
15.
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for public circulation.
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(a) The Reserve Bank of India was nationalised with
c
effect from 1st January, 1949 on the basis of the
.
mandate. Reserve Bank of India (Transfer to Public
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13. (a) Chidambaram argued that as per the particular Ownership) Act, 1948.
section, the recommendation should have
WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT
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News
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India formally took over as chairman of the Wassenaar Arrangement on January 1, 2023, after Ireland relinquished the
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position at the 26th annual plenary in Vienna.
About Wassenaar Arrangement
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 This is a grouping of 42 countries that seeks to advance security and stability in the sale and transfer of
materials and technologies that can be used to make nuclear and conventional weapons.
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 India became a member of the Arrangement in 2017.
 The group works by regularly exchanging information in respect of technology, both conventional and nuclear-
capable, that is sold to, or denied to countries outside the grouping.
 This is done through maintenance and updating
that are considered militarily significant.
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detailed lists of chemicals, technologies, processes and products
 The plenary comprises all the 42 countries of the group, is the primary decision making body and is chaired on a
rotation basis annually.
 It has 42 member states comprising mostly NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and EU states.
 Participating States are required to report their arms2Itransfers
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technologies to destinations outside the tr-5H0I1J3J 1J on a six-monthly basis.
Arrangement
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 The decisions of the plenary are taken by consensus.
 Wassenaar Arrangement Plenary
Representatives from each Participating State make up the group, which convenes once a year, typically in December.
The Participating States alternate annually holding the office of Plenary Chair.
The United Kingdom presided over the plenary in 2018, and Greece will do so in 2019.
 As a chair of the plenary, India would be in a position to steer discussions of the group to further strengthen the
export controls to prevent arms diversion to terrorists or to sovereign nations supporting terrorism.
Significance of India assuming Chairmanship

 India’s chairmanship of the WA Plenary is also significant in the long run considering the recent spurt in investment
and activity in the local defence and space sectors.
 As the chair of the WA, India could play a significant role in democratising access to technologies and processes
that can serve as crucial building blocks for the newly emerging defence and space manufacturing sectors in India.
 India is slowly emerging as a low-cost producer of several items in the WA’s control lists.
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 At the helm of the plenary, India’s chair-ship would go a long way in establishing the credibility of the country as a
responsible stakeholder in the global non-proliferation architecture.
Chairmanship Coinciding with G20 Chairmanship

 “The timing of India’s WA chairmanship coincides with a recent increase in country’s anti-terrorism position in
international bodies.
 Terrorism is one of the three challenges along with climate change and pandemics in India’s agenda for its G20
presidency beginning December 1st 2022. India is also actively engaging global stakeholders in curbing terrorist
financing.
 The Union Home Minister is presently the chair of the No Money for Terrorism (NMFT) ministerial initiative,”
explained a senior diplomat who wished to remain anonymous.
 Not only has India hosted the NMFT Conference in November 2022, it has also mooted the setting up of NMFT’s
permanent secretariat in India.
 The clarity of India’s leadership towards a uniform, unified and zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism takes a
quantum leap with the chairmanship of the WA as the proliferation of arms and dual-use technology is one of the
building blocks of terrorist organisations.
 While the WA intends to block cross-border trade/transfer of technology and equipment, the NMFT aims at
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uprooting the financial and other support networks of terrorist organisation and state actors supporting terrorism.
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What we are seeing today is the beginning of a two pronged approach by India towards weeding out terrorism and
fundamentalism.
16. Wassenaar Arrangement has how many members?

(a) 30 (b) 38
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19. Participating States are required to report their arms
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(c) 42 (d) 48 transfers and transfers/denials of certain dual-use
goods and technologies to destinations outside the
17. India became member of the Wassenaar
Arrangement in which of the following years?
(a) 2015 (b) 2017
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(a) 3 months basis
(c) 1 year basis
(b) 6 month basis
(d) 2 year basis
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(c) 2018 (d) 2019
20. 26th annual plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement
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18. Who among the following was the last chairman of held at which of the following places?
the Wassenaar Arrangement? (a) Ireland (b) Vienna
(a) Ireland (b) UK (c) Scotland (d) New Zealand
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16. (c) It has 42 member states comprising mostly after Ireland relinquished the position at the
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) 3J2I1J6I 26th annual plenary in Vienna.
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and EU states. 3R2Q1O6L 19. (b) Participating States are required to report their
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17. (b) This is a grouping of 42 countries that seeks to arms transfers and transfers/denials of certain
advance security and stability in the sale dual-use goods and technologies to destinations
and transfer of materials and technologies outside the Arrangement on a six-monthly
that can be used to make nuclear and basis.
conventional weapons. India became a 20. (b) India formally took over as chairman of the
member of the Arrangement in 2017. Wassenaar Arrangement on January 1, 2023,
18. (a) India formally took over as chairman of the after Ireland relinquished the position at the
Wassenaar Arrangement on January 1, 2023, 26th annual plenary in Vienna.
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PARASNATH HILL AND SHETRUNJAY HILL
News
Members of the Jain community have been staging protests in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and
New Delhi for the past two weeks over demands related to two holy sites — Sammed Shikhar on Parasnath hill in
Jharkhand and Shetrunjay hill in Palitana of Gujarat.
 In Jharkhand, the issue is about Parasnath hill being declared a tourist spot and an eco-sensitive zone, while in
Gujarat, the row is over the vandalising of a shrine and related security concerns.
About Sammed Shikhar on Parasnath

 The Parasnath Hills are a range of hills located in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, the highest of which is 1350
meters high.
 Jains call it Sammed Shikhar.
 This hill has been named Parasnath after the 23rd Jain Tirthankara.
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 Parasnath is a major centre of Jain Religion, as out of 24 Jain Tirthankaras, 20 Tirthankaras attained Kaivalya here.
For each of these a temple (Gumti or Tuk) has been built on the hill.
 It is noteworthy that the Santhals call this hill Marang Buru.
 They celebrate a hunting festival on the full moon day in Vaishakha (mid-April).
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Palitana and Shatrunjaya Hill:
 In Palitana town, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat, there are hundreds of shrines on Shatrunjaya Hill, a sacred location.
were declared holy.
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 When Rishabha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism, delivered his first sermon in the temple atop the hill, the shrines
 The Shatrunjaya hill, one of Jainism's greatest pilgrimage locations, is a magnificent hill covered in temples that
date back more than 900 years.
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 The founder of Jainism, Adinath (also known as Rishabha), is claimed to have meditated at the top under a rayan
tree.
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Jainism
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 Jainism came to prominence in the 6th century B.C., when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion.
 There were 24 great teachers, the last of whom was Lord Mahavira.
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 These twenty-four teachers were called Tirthankaras-people who had attained all knowledge (Moksha) while living
and preached it to the people.
 The first Tirthankara was Rishabnatha. tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q1O6L
 The word ‘Jain’ is derived from jina or jaina which means the ‘Conqueror’.
 It mainly aims at the attainment of liberation, for which no ritual is required. It can be attained through three
principles called Three Jewels or Triratna i.e. Right Faith (Samyakdarshana), Right Knowledge (Samyakjnana), Right
Action (Samyakcharita)
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Doctrines of Jainism tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
1O 6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
Ahimsa: Non-injury to living being, Satya: Do not speak a lie, Asteya: Do not steal, Aparigraha: Do not acquire
property & Brahmacharya: Observe continence.
 According to Jainism, the universe and all of its constituent parts or creatures are eternal. With regard to time, it
has no beginning or conclusion. The laws of the universe govern it on their own.
 All chemicals continuously alter or change their shapes. In the universe, nothing can be created or destroyed.
 No one is required to establish or oversee the universe's affairs.
 Jainism rejects the idea that God created, preserved, and ultimately destroyed the cosmos.
 Jainism does, however, hold a belief in God, although one who is flawless rather than a maker.
 A person becomes a liberated soul once all of his karmas have been destroyed. He spends all of his time in Moksha
in an ideal state of joy.
 The freed soul has infinite wisdom, infinite insight, infinite strength, and boundless joy. The god of the Jain religion
is this living thing.
 Every living thing possesses the capacity to become God.
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 As a result, Jains do not worship a single deity; rather, they worship an infinite number of deities, who grow in
number as more living things achieve liberation.
Sects/ School of Jainism

Jain order has been divided into two major sects: Digambara and Svetambara.
 Famine in Magadha, which forced a party led by Bhadrabahu to relocate to South India, was the main cause of the
divide.
 In contrast to the Magadha group, which adopted a more relaxed attitude and began donning white clothing, the
South Indian group adhered to rigid rituals during the 12-year famine.
 When the Southern group returned to Magadha after the famine was over and the customs had changed, Jainism
had split into two factions.
Jain Literature
Jain literature is classified into two major categories:
Agam Literature
Lord Mahavir's preaching was methodically compiled by his followers into many texts. These texts are collectively
c o m
.
known as Agams, the sacred books of the Jain religion. Agam literature is also divided into two groups:
rs
Ang-agama: These writings contain Lord Mahavir's direct sermons. Ganadharas put them together.
 The name Ganadhara was given to the closest followers of Lord Mahavir.
 Every Ganadhara had full knowledge (keval-gyan).
agams.
k e
 They orally collected Lord Mahavir's direct sermons into twelve major texts (sutras). These writings are called Ang-
 The collection was made by Shrutakevalin.
r n
Ang-bahya-agams (outside of Ang-agams): The Ang-agams are expanded in these books.
a
 Shrutakevalin were monks who were proficient in at least ten Purvas.
o p
 Shrutakevalin expanded the subject matter covered in the Ang-agams in a number of works (sutras). These texts
are referred to as Ang-bahya-agams together, which means outside of Ang-agams.
 The name of the eleventh Ang-agam is Drastivad. There are fourteen Purva scriptures, sometimes called Purvas or
T
Purva-agams, that make up the Drastivad. The Purvas were the oldest religious scriptures among the Ang-agams.
 They have Prakrit script on them.
Non-agam Literature: This is a compilation oftr-older

by Agam authors as well as other authors.
6L
3R2Q1O nuns, and academics' criticism and explanations on works
5L0T1Qmonks,
 Numerous languages, including Prakrit, Sanskrit, Old Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannad, Tamil, German, and
English are used to write them.
Jain Council
6I
First Jain Council tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
3R2Q 1O 6L
Held at Patliputra in1Q
tr-5L0T 3rd Century B.C. and was presided by Sthulbhadra.
Second Jain Council

Held at Vallabhi in 512 A.D. and was presided by Devardhi Kshmasramana.
Final Compilations of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.
Vardhamana Mahavira
 The 24th Tirthankara, Vardhamana Mahavira, was born in 540 B.C. at Kundagrama, a village close to Vaishali.
 He was related to the Magadha royal dynasty and belonged to the Jnatrika tribe.
 His mother Trishala was a sister of Chetaka, the ruler of Vaishali, while his father Siddharta was the leader of the
Jnathrika Kshatriya tribe.
 He gave up his home and become an ascetic when he was thirty years old.
 At the age of 42, after 12 years of ascetic practise, he acquired the greatest level of spiritual understanding known as
Kaivalya (i.e., he overcame suffering and happiness).
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 At Pava, he preached for the first time.
 Every Tirthankara had a symbol assigned to them, and Mahavira's was a lion.
 He travelled for his missions to Koshala, Magadha, Mithila, Champa, etc.
 At the Pavapuri in Bihar, he passed away at the age of 72.
21. Who among the following is considered as the first (c) 5 (d) 7
tirthankara of Jainism?
(a) Adinatha (b) Ajita 24. Which of the following Vow or teaching was added
(c) Sambhava (d) Rishabhanatha by Mahavira to the Jain philosophy?
(a) Ahimsa (non-violence)
22. In Which of the following years did the Government (b) Satya (not lying)
conferred minority status to Jain Community? (c) Asteya (not stealing)
(a) 2012 (b) 2014 (d) Brahmacharya (chastity)
(c) 2017 (d) 2019
m
25. Shvetambaras sect in Jainism was divided under
23. How many supreme vows does Jain community which of the following?
have?
(a) 3 (b) 4
(a) Sthalabahu
c
(c) Muni Suvrata
. o (b) Bhadrabahu
(d) Parshavanath
rs
21. (d) Rishabhanatha, (Sanskrit: “Lord Bull”) the first

of the 24 Tirthankaras (“Ford-Makers,” i.e.,
saviours) of Jainism, a religion of India. His
k e Satya (not lying), Asteya (not stealing),

Brahmacharya (chastity), and Aparigraha (non-
possession).
name comes from the series of 14 auspicious
dreams that his mother had, in which a bull
(rishabha) appeared, before his birth.
r n
24.
a
25.
(d) Among these 5 teachings, the Brahmacharya
(Celibacy/Chastity) was added by Mahavira.
(a) Sthulabhadra (297-198 BCE) was the founder of
p
22. (b) On 27 January 2014, the Government of India Svetambara Jain order during a 12-year famine in
explicitly awarded the status of a & minority Maurya empire in third or fourth-century BC.
23.
o
religion; to the Jain community in India, as per
Section 2(c) of the National Commission for
T
Minorities (NCM) Act (NCM), 1992.
(c) There are Five Great vows prescribed to
followers of Jainism; Ahimsa (non-violence),1Q3R2Q1O6L
tr-5L0T
He was a disciple of Bhadrabahu and
Sambhutavijaya. His father was Sakatala, a
minister in Nanda kingdom before the arrival of
Chandragupta Maurya.
E-SCR PROJECT
News
In another step towards digitalization, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud Monday announced the launch of
the electronic Supreme Court Reports (e-SCR) project to provide free access to its about 34,000 judgements to lawyers,
law students and the common public. tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
6I
 These verdicts will
tr-5L0T
6L
be2Qavailable on the apex court website, its mobile app and on the judgment portal of the National
1Q3R 1O
Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), the CJI said at the outset of judicial proceedings on the first working day of 2023.
 The CJI, who was sharing the bench with Justice P S Narasimha, wished lawyers on the first working day of the year
and then gave the details of the e-SCR projects.
Features of the Project
Digital Repository of Judgments
 The Supreme Court Reports (SCR) from 1950 to 2017 were painstakingly digitised, scanned, and preserved as PDFs
by the Judges' Library and Editorial Section to produce the digital archive of judgements.
 Through this procedure, the Registry was able to compile reported decisions in soft form into a digital archive.
Search Engine and Its Features
 With the assistance of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the Supreme Court has created a search engine that
utilises elastic search methods in the database of the e-SCR.
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 The e-SCR search tool offers a variety of choices, including free text searching, searching inside searches, searching
by case type and year, judge searching, year and volume searching, and searching by bench strength.
Neutral Citations to be Introduced

 The CJI further disclosed that neutral citations will be introduced in the Supreme Court along with the e-SCR
project.
 Standardized legal citations known as neutral citations do not reveal the author of a legal document, allowing for
impartial and unbiased referring.
 Neutral citations are already used by the Delhi and Kerala High Courts. Three judges have been appointed to a
committee that will work on the Supreme Court's introduction of neutral citations.
Benefits for Stakeholders in Justice System

 The e-SCR project and the adoption of neutral citations are anticipated to assist various justice system participants
in various ways.
 The judgments of the supreme court will be simple to access for attorneys, law students, and the general public,
assisting them in their research and comprehension of legal issues.
o m
 Legal practitioners will save time and effort by using the digital judgement library to more quickly find and retrieve
c
.
pertinent judgements.
rs
Availability of Judgments Online
 All Supreme Court decisions will be made available online within 24 hours of the e-SCR project's start. Both the
rulings.
k e
judgement site on the National Judicial Data Grid and the Supreme Court's mobile app will have access to these
Deadline for Head-Noted Judgments of 2022
an
 The CJI has set a deadline of February 15th for the online publication of the head-noted judgements from 2022. The
r
decisions that have been chosen for inclusion in the Supreme Court Reports, the official legal report, are those with
a headnote.
o p
 The Supreme Court hopes to increase the transparency and accessibility of its work and decisions by making these
rulings available online.
T
 Significant advances have been taken toward the digitalization of the Indian court with the inauguration of the e-
SCR project and the adoption of neutral citations in the Supreme Court. These initiatives will make it simple to
access Supreme Court rulings and make it easier to do legal study and comprehend legal concepts.
 Legal practitioners will save time and effort
access pertinent judgements.
tr-5Lby
0T1Q 3R2Q1O
using
6L
the digital judgement repository to quickly search for and
 The Supreme Court's work and conclusions will be more transparent and accessible thanks to the 2022 deadline for
head-noted judgments to be posted online. In general, these measures are anticipated to result in beneficial change
for all parties involved in the legal system.
tr-5H0I1J3J 2I1J6I
26. E-SCR project is collection of how many Supreme (a) Delhi High Court
0T 1Q 3R 2Q 1O6L
Court Judgements?
tr-5L (b) Kerala High Court
(a) 15000 (b) 20000 (c) Mumbai High Court
(c) 34000 (d) 45000 (d) Both a and b
27. The Supreme Court has created a search engine that 29. Who among the following is the Chairperson of the
utilises elastic search methods in the database of the Supreme Court’s E-Committee?
e-SCR with the help of which of the following? (a) Justice DY Chandrachud
(a) National Informatics Centre (b) Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul
(b) National Logistics Centre (c) Justice K.M. Joseph
(c) National Statistical Centre (d) Justice Mukeshkumar Rasikbhai Shah
(d) National Infographic Centre
30. The SCR is digitising the Judgements of which years?
28. Neutral citations are already used by the which of (a) 1950-2000 (b) 1950-2010
the following High Courts? (c) 1950-2015 (d) 1950-2017
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26. (c) In another step towards digitalization, Chief appointed to a committee that will work on the
Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud Monday Supreme Court's introduction of neutral
announced the launch of the electronic citations.
Supreme Court Reports (e-SCR) project to 29. (a) Chairperson
provide free access to its about 34,000 Name Designation
judgements to lawyers, law students and the Dr Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, Judge,
common public. Supreme Court of India Chairperson
27. (a) With the assistance of the National Informatics 30. (d) The Supreme Court Reports (SCR) from 1950 to
Centre (NIC), the Supreme Court has created a 2017 were painstakingly digitised, scanned, and
search engine that utilises elastic search preserved as PDFs by the Judges' Library and
methods in the database of the e-SCR. Editorial Section to produce the digital archive
28. (d) Neutral citations are already used by the Delhi of judgements.
and Kerala High Courts. Three judges have been
HOW TO REGULATE ONLINE GAMING IN INDIA
c o m
News
rs .
Online games will have to register with a self-regulatory body, and only games cleared by the body will be allowed to
legally operate in India. Online gaming companies will not be allowed to engage in betting on the outcome of games,
the proposed rules say.
e
 A self-regulatory body, mandatory know-your-customer norms for verification, and a grievance redressal
k
mechanism are among the key proposals in the draft rules for online gaming, released by the Ministry of Electronics
and IT (MeitY) on Monday.
an
 Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that “around 40 to 45 per cent of the gamers in
r
India are women, and therefore it was all the more important to keep the gaming ecosystem safe”.
About the Draft Rule
o p
The proposed rules, aimed at safeguarding users against potential harm from skill-based games, have been introduced
as an amendment to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code)
on them.
T
Rules, 2021. The attempt is to regulate online gaming platforms as intermediaries and place due diligence requirements
 As per the principles laid under the rule, wagering

tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
on1Othe
6L outcome of a game will not be allowed. All online
gaming companies will have to register with the self-regulatory body.
 The self-regulatory body will have a board of directors with five members from diverse fields, including online
gaming, public policy, IT, psychology and medicine.
 It must ensure that the registered games don’t have anything “which is not in the interest of sovereignty and
integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order, or
incites the commission of any cognizable offence relating
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
6I to the aforesaid.”
 There could be more than
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O 6Lone self-regulatory body and all of them will have to inform the Centre about the games
they have registered along with a report detailing the criteria for registering.
 The government may also regulate the content of online gaming, and “ensure that the games do not have violent,
addictive or sexual content”.
 Like an intermediary, online gaming firms will be required to undertake additional due diligence, including KYC of
users, transparent withdrawal and refund of money, and a fair distribution of winnings.
 For KYC, they will have to follow norms laid down for entities regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
 Gaming companies will also have to secure a random number generation certificate, which is typically used by
platforms that offer card games to ensure that game outputs are statistically random and unpredictable.
 They will also have to get a “no bot certificate” from a reputed certifying body.
 Similar to social media and e-commerce companies, online gaming platforms will also have to appoint a compliance
officer who will ensure that the platform is following norms, a nodal officer who will act as a liaison official with the
government and assist law enforcement agencies, and a grievance officer who will resolve user complaints.
 MeitY has invited comments on the draft rules by January 17, and the final rules may be ready next month.
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Online gaming sector in India
 India’s share of the global online gaming industry is currently just 1 per cent. In contrast, China has a 25 per cent
share and the US 23 per cent share in a market of about three billion users.
 According to industry estimates, in 2020, the worth of India’s online gaming industry was around $1.8 billion. There
are about 400 million online gamers in India and their numbers are expected to grow to 450 million by 2024.
 India’s advantage also lies in the fact that 86 per cent of online gaming is mobile gaming and this sector is growing
the fastest. According to the industry body, IAMAI, there are about 950 start-ups in the sector with 15,000
developers; three of these start-ups have acquired unicorn status.
 The revenue of the Indian mobile gaming industry is expected to reach $5 billion in 2025. The industry grew at a
compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38 per cent in India between 2017-2020, as opposed to 8 per cent in China
and 10 per cent in the US.
 It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15 per cent to reach Rs 153 billion in revenue by 2024, as per a report by VC firm
Sequoia and management consulting company BCG.
31. Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines

and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules came out in
(a) 1%
(c) 5%
c o m (b) 2%
(d) 8%
.
which of the following years?
rs
(a) 2012 (b) 2017 34. Which country has the maximum share in the online
(c) 2020 (d) 2021 gaming industry globally?
(a) China (b) USA
32. Which kind of a body has been recommended to
regulate Online Gaming?
k e (c) India (d) Russia
n
(a) Statutory Body (b) Legal Body 35. Who is the minister responsible for the Ministry of
(c) Self-regulatory Body (d) None of the above Electronics and IT?
33. How much percentage share does India has in the

global online gaming industry?
p r a (a) Bhupendra Yadav (b) Ashwini Vaishnav

(c) Piyush Goyal (d) Maneka Gandhi
31.
To
against potential harm from skill-based games,
have been introduced as an amendment tr-
(d) The proposed rules, aimed at safeguarding users
0T1Q3R2Q1O
to5Lthe
34.
6L
(a) India’s share of the global online gaming
industry is currently just 1 per cent. In contrast,
China has a 25 per cent share and the US 23 per
Information Technology (Intermediary cent share in a market of about three billion
Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) users.
Rules, 2021. 35. (b) Union Minister for Electronics & Information
32. (c) Online games will have to register with a self- Technology, Railways and Communications,
regulatory body, and only games cleared by the Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate the 3rd
6I
body will be allowed to legally operate in India.tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J edition of 'NIC Tech Conclave 2022', a two-day
1Q3R2Q 1O 6L
tr-5L0Tcompanies
Online gaming will not be allowed to event being organized by the National
engage in betting on the outcome of games, the Informatics Centre (NIC), at Vigyan Bhawan,
proposed rules say. New Delhi on 3rd& 4th March 2022.
33. (a) India’s share of the global online gaming
industry is currently just 1 per cent.
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BASIC STRUCTURE DOCTRINE
News
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar criticised the Supreme Court for using the Basic Structure Doctrine to strike down
constitutional amendments by Parliament, such as the NJAC Act.
 Earlier on December 7, in his maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar had called the striking down of the NJAC
Act a “severe compromise” of parliamentary sovereignty and disregard of the “mandate of the people”.
About Basic Structure Doctrine

The Doctrine of Basic Structure is a form of judicial review that is used to test the legality of any legislation by
the courts.
 The doctrine was evolved by the Supreme Court in the 1973 landmark ruling in Kesavananda Bharati v State
of Kerala. In a 7-6 verdict, a 13-judge Constitution Bench ruled that the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution
is inviolable, and could not be amended by Parliament.
m
 If a law is found to “damage or destroy” the “basic features of the Constitution”, the Court declares it
unconstitutional. The test is applied to constitutional amendments to ensure the amendment does not
dilute the fundamentals of the Constitutional itself.
 The test is widely regarded as a check on majoritarian impulses of the Parliament since it places substantive
limits on the power to amend the Constitution.
.c o
Who was Kesavanand Bharti
e rs
 Born in 1940, Kesavananda Bharati took sanyas at the age of 19 and headed to the Edneer Mutt, a Hindu monastery
k
in Kasargod, Kerala. In 1961, still only 21, he was appointed as the head of the Mutt, a position he held till his death
in 2020.
n
 A proponent of the Smartha tradition of Advaita Vedanta, at the Mutt, he was referred with his honorific title:
a
Srimad Jagadguru Sri Sri Sankaracharya Thotakacharya Keshavananda Bharathi Sripadangalavaru. The Edneer Mutt
r
is believed to have been established by Totakacharya, one of four original disciples of Adi Shankaracharya, the man
p
credited to have synthesised the non-dualistic philosophy of Advaita Vedanta.
 Kesavananda Bharati was known to be a patron of Hindustani and Carnatic music as well as Yakshagana, a folk
o
theatre form popular in some districts of Karnataka and the border district of Kasargod, Kerala.
T
Background to the Kesavananda Bharti
Kesavananda Bharati did not have any larger, “constitutional” aims when he took the Kerala government to court in
February 1970. Rather, he was challenging the 1969 Land
government which had affected his Mutt. Undertr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
Reforms
1O 6L enacted by the communist C. Achuta Menon
the reforms, the Edneer Mutt lost a large chunk of its property, which
contributed to its financial woes.
Filing a writ petition in the Supreme Court, Kesavanandas Bharati argued, along with his lawyer Nani Palkhivala, that
this action violated his fundamental rights – in particular, his fundamental right to religion (Article 25), freedom of
religious denomination (Article 26), and right to property (Article 31).
1J3J2I1J6I tr-5H0I
1O6L
The case, tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
Kesavananda Bharati
Sripadagalvaru and Ors vs State of Kerala and Anr, would go on for over three
years with a 13-judge bench hearing the matter. The hearings themselves went on for 68 working days. Alongside
Kesavananda Bharati, representatives of coal, sugar and other industries adversely affected by land reforms also
presented their sides.
The 13-judge bench concluded with a 7-6 majority that the Constitution’s ‘basic structure’ is inviolable and cannot
be altered by the Parliament. While the court itself did not define what this basic structure meant, it cited the following
to be included in this basic structure.
The basic structure may be said to consist of the following features:

a. Supremacy of the Constitution;
b. Republican and Democratic forms of Government.
c. Secular character of the Constitution;
d. Separation of powers between the Legislature, the executive and the judiciary;
e. Federal character of the Constitution.
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The judgement read, “the above structure is built on the basic foundation, i.e., the dignity and freedom of the individual.
This is of supreme importance. This cannot by any form of amendment be destroyed.”
Proponents of the basic structure doctrine consider it to be a safety valve against majoritarian authoritarianism. Without
it, it is plausible that Indira Gandhi’s 1975 Emergency could have had far more deleterious effects on the health of Indian
democracy.
However, opponents claim that the doctrine amounts to judicial overreach over the legislature – something that itself
is undemocratic.
36. Which of the following Constitutional Amendment (b) Independence of Judiciary
Acts was NOT challenged in the Kesavananda Bharti (c) Separation of Power
Case? (d) Non Amenability of Fundamental Rights
(a) 24th (b) 25th
(c) 26th (d) 29th 39. Keshvananda Bharti died recently in which of the
following years?
m
37. How many Judge sat to hear the Kesavananda Bharti (a) 2018 (b) 2019
Case? (c) 2020 (d) 2021
(a) 07
(c) 11
(b) 09
(d) 13 40.
c o
Property of Religious Denominations is protected as
.
fundamental right under which of the following
rs
38. Which of the following is NOT a Basic Structure of Articles?
Constitution? (a) Article 25 (b) Article 26
e
(a) Judicial Review (c) Article 27 (d) Article 28
36.
(c) The petitioners challenged, in particular, three
an k a Hindu monastery in Kasargod, Kerala. In 1961,

constitutional amendments – 24th Amendment,
25th Amendment and 29th Amendment and
their validity.
p r
40.
still only 21, he was appointed as the head of the
Mutt, a position he held till his death in 2020.
(b) Article 26 guarantees all religious
37.
38.
o
(d) The case was heard by the largest ever
Constitution Bench of 13 Judges. The bench gave
T
eleven separate judgments, which agreed in
some points and differed on others.
(d) Fundamental Rights can be amendment, only1Q3R2Q1O6L
basic structure cannot be changed.
tr-5L0T
denominations and sects, subject to public
order, morality and health, to manage their own
affairs in matters of religion, set up institutions
of their own for charitable or religious purposes,
and own, acquire and manage a property in
accordance with law.
39. (c) Born in 1940, Kesavananda Bharati took sanyas
at the age of 19 and headed to the Edneer Mutt,
CAN AN UNDERAGE MUSLIM GIRL 6I

MARRY AFTER ATTAINING
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6L PUBERTY?
News
The Supreme Court on January 13 decided to examine whether girls as young as 15 years can enter into wedlock on
the basis of custom or personal law when such marriages constitute an offence in statutory law.
 The Supreme Court intervention opens up the issue of regulating the minimum age of marriage for women and
the impact it has on personal law.
 The Supreme Court on Friday (January 13) agreed to examine a decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court
holding that a Muslim girl can marry a person of her choice after attaining puberty.
 A bench headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud said the HC’s decision should not be relied on as
a precedent in any other case.
What is the Punjab and Haryana HC ruling?
 In October last year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court while hearing a Habeas Corpus petition ruled that a
Muslim girl is free to marry a person of her choice after attaining puberty, unless she is under the age of
18.
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 A 26-year-old Muslim man who had married a 16-and-a-half-year-old girl had moved the High Court seeking
custody of his spouse. The Punjab police had taken custody of the girl since she was a minor.
 Justice Vikas Bahl examined the girl’s statement and noted in the judgment that “she had run from the house along
with the present petitioner out of her own will as the dentenue is fond of the petitioner and wished to marry him.”
 The girl, referred to as the dentenue, also told the Panchkula magistrate in her statement under Section 164 of the
Code of Criminal Procedure that she “had run away from her house along with the present petitioner out of her
own will and has stated that her family members forcefully engaged her with her maternal uncle and she has
performed Nikah with the present petitioner on 27.07.2022 in a Mosque at Manimajra and she does not want to stay
with her family and in fact, is married to the petitioner and wishes to reside with him.”
 Under these circumstances, the HC allowed the marriage of the girl as per her free, especially since under Muslim
law, a girl can be married after attaining puberty.
What is the Muslim law on the age of marriage for a woman?

The HC ruling quoted the Principles of Mohammedan Law by Sir Dinshah Fardunji Mulla, on the capacity for marriage.
It states:
Capacity for marriage:
1. Every Mahomedan of sound mind, who has attained puberty, may enter into a contract of marriage.
c o m
.
2. Lunatics and minors who have not attained puberty may be validly contracted in marriage by their respective guardians.
rs
3. A marriage of a Mahomedan who is of sound mind and has attained puberty, is void, if it is brought about without his
consent.
Explanation. Puberty is presumed, in the absence of evidence, on completion of the age of fifteen years.
The Current Challenge
k e
n
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights had moved the Supreme Court against the HC ruling.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the child rights’ body, argued that the High Court’s ruling essentially
a
allowed a child marriage, and this was in violation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
r
The plea argued that the Child Marriage Act is a secular legislation and would apply to all religions, overriding
their personal law.
p
o
What is the law on child marriage?
T
 Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, any marriage below the prescribed age of 18 years for
women and 21 for men is illegal, and the perpetrators of a forced child marriage can be punished.
 Child marriages are illegal but not void. It is voidable at the option of the minor party. This means, the
marriage can be declared void by a court only if 1Q
tr-5L0T the3Rminor
2Q1O6Lparty petitions the court.
 The NCPCR also argued that since the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 does not recognise
consent for sexual activity by minors, marriages on attaining puberty cannot be allowed.
 The Karnataka High Court, in a 2013 ruling in the case of Seema Begaum D/O Khasimsab vs State Of
Karnataka (2013), said that “no Indian citizen on the ground of his belonging to a particular religion, can
claim immunity from the application of the P.C.M”.
 In February 2021, the Punjab and Haryanatr-High 5H0I1J3J 2I1J6I granted protection to a Muslim couple (a 17-year-old
Court
2Q 1O 6L
girl married
tr-5Lto a 3R
0T1Q 36-year-old man), holding that theirs was a legal marriage under personal law. The HC
examined provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act but held that since the special law does not override
personal laws, Muslim law will prevail.
 In 2021, the Centre introduced a Bill to increase the age of marriage for women, and ensure harmony in the
age limit across religions.
What is the proposed law?

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani had introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha to amend
the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 to increase the age of marriage for women, and ensure harmony in
the age limit across religions. The Bill was subsequently referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee.
“All women from all faiths, under Hindu Marriage Act or the Muslim Personal Law, should get equal rights to marry,”
Irani had said while introducing the Bill.
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During the debate, E T Mohammed Basheer of the Indian Union Muslim League said the Bill was unconstitutional and
was violative of Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of conscience and free profession,
practice and propagation of religion.
41. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights 44. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act was passed in
was formed in which year? which of the following years?
(a) 2004 (b) 2005 (a) 2002 (b) 2005
(c) 2007 (d) 2009 (c) 2006 (d) 2009
42. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act was 45. Which of the following is CORRECT?
passed in which of the following years? (a) Every Mahomedan of sound mind, who has
(a) 2010 (b) 2012 attained puberty, may enter into a contract of
(c) 2016 (d) 2019 marriage.
(b) Lunatics and minors who have not attained
43. Who among the following is the Union Minister for
Women and Child Development?
(a) Smriti Irani
m
puberty may be validly contracted in marriage
o
by their respective guardians.
(c) A marriage of a Mahomedan who is of sound
c
.
(b) Maneka Gandhi mind and has attained puberty, is void, if it is
(c) Nirmala Sitharaman brought about without his consent.
rs
(d) Dr. Harshavardhan (d) All of the above
k e
41. (c) The National Commission for Protection of
Child Rights is an Indian statutory body
established by an Act of Parliament, the
r an Bill in the Lok Sabha to amend the Prohibition

of Child Marriage Act, 2006 to increase the
age of marriage for women, and ensure
Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act,
o
2005. The Commission works under the aegis of
Ministry of Women and Child Development,
p 45.
harmony in the age limit across religions.
(d) The HC ruling quoted the Principles of
Mohammedan Law by Sir Dinshah Fardunji
T
GoI. The Commission became operational on 5 Mulla, on the capacity for marriage. It states:
March 2007. Capacity for marriage:
42. (b) The NCPCR also argued that since the 1. Every Mahomedan of sound mind, who has
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences 1O6L attained puberty, may enter into a contract
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
Act, 2012 does not recognise consent for sexual of marriage.
activity by minors, marriages on attaining 2. Lunatics and minors who have not attained
puberty cannot be allowed. puberty may be validly contracted in
43. (a) Union Minister for Women and Child marriage by their respective guardians.
Development Smriti Irani had introduced a 3. A marriage of a Mahomedan who is of sound
6I
Bill in the Lok Sabha to amend the Prohibitiontr-5H0I1J3J2I1J mind and has attained puberty, is void, if it is
1O 6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
of Child Marriage Act, 2006 to increase the brought about without his consent.
age of marriage for women, and ensure Explanation. Puberty is presumed, in the
harmony in the age limit across religions. absence of evidence, on completion of the age of
44. (c) Union Minister for Women and Child fifteen years.
Development Smriti Irani had introduced a
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21
REWARD PROJECT
News
Impressed with Karnataka’s performance in the implementation of the Rejuvenating Watershed for Agricultural
Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD) scheme, the World Bank has decided to get agricultural
officers from Sub-Saharan countries to visit the State to learn from its experience.
 A World Bank team that visited the State from January 9 to 11 to review the implementation of REWARD
scheme informed this to the State officers, according to M. V. Venkatesh, Commissioner, Watershed Development
Department.
 The World Bank team felt that Karnataka’s model could help Sub-Saharan countries that are reeling under food
crisis, he said.
 Impressed with Karnataka’s performance in the implementation of the Rejuvenating Watershed for Agricultural
Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD) scheme, the World Bank has decided to get agricultural
officers from Sub-Saharan countries to visit the State to learn from its experience.
m
 Karnataka, which has been identified as a “lighthouse partner” by the World Bank in developing science-based
watershed model, is the first State to develop a Land Resource Inventory portal that has details of 14 lakh
hectares of land coming under the project, he said.
c
 The Land Resource Inventory will have details on the appropriate measures to be taken for different types of land
with respect to agriculture, groundwater, crop, and soil health, among other issues, he explained.
. o
rs
 Karnataka has already set up a Centre for Excellence in Watershed Management to train officers from
different States on watershed-related aspects. The centre is located on the GKVK campus of the University of
Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru.
About REWARD PROJECT
k e
n
 The Government of India, the State Governments of Karnataka and Odisha and the World Bank have signed
a
a $115 million (INR 869 crore) Programme (Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through
r
Innovative Development Programme) in 2022 that will help national and state institutions adopt improved
p
watershed management practices to help increase farmers’ resilience to climate change, promote higher
productivity and better incomes.
o
 The Government of India has committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and
doubling farmers’ income by 2023.
T
 Effective watershed management can help enhance livelihoods in rainfed areas, while building a more resilient food
system. In this context, the new program will help the participating state governments in their efforts to transform
watershed planning and execution and adopt science-based
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6L planning that could be replicated across the country.
It will also help the participating and others states to adopt new approaches to watershed development.
 The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated the need for sustainable and risk-averse agriculture in India which both
protects farmers from climate uncertainties and strengthens their livelihood. While a robust institutional
architecture for watershed development already exists in India, renewed focus on science-based, data-driven
approaches implemented through this project can offer new opportunities for farmers in the face of climate change.
 India has one of the largest watershed tr- management
5H0I1J3J2I1J6I programs in the world. This programme will further
advance this progress
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
by
1O developing
6L and applying comprehensive spatial data and technologies, decision support
tools, and knowledge exchanges.
 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) financing will support Karnataka with $60
million (INR 453.5 crore), Odisha with $49 million (INR 370 crore), and the remaining $6 million (INR 45.5 crore)
will be for the central government’s Department of Land Resources. The $115 million (INR 869 crore) loan has a
maturity of 15 years, including a grace period of 4.5 years.
46. Who among the following is supporting the (a) 2025 (b) 2028
REWARDS Project in Karnataka? (c) 2030 (d) 2032
(a) World Bank (b) IMF
(c) ADB (d) European Bank 48. Which of the following has been identified as a
“lighthouse partner” by the World Bank in
47. The Government of India has committed to developing science-based watershed model?
restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by (a) Karnataka (b) Odisha
which of the following years? (c) Manipur (d) West Bengal
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22
49. The World Bank team felt that Karnataka’s model 50. The Government of India, the State Governments of
could help which of the following countries that are Karnataka and Odisha and the World Bank have
reeling under food crisis? signed a $115 million (INR 869 crore) Programme in
(a) Sub-Saharan (b) West African which years?
(c) South American (d) All of the above (a) 2020 (b) 2021
(c) 2022 (d) 2023
46. (a) Impressed with Karnataka’s performance in hectares of land coming under the project, he
the implementation of the Rejuvenating said.
Watershed for Agricultural Resilience 49. (d) The World Bank team felt that Karnataka’s
through Innovative Development model could help Sub-Saharan countries that
(REWARD) scheme, the World Bank has are reeling under food crisis.
decided to get agricultural officers from Sub-
Saharan countries to visit the State to learn from
its experience.
50.
m
(c) The Government of India, the State
o
Governments of Karnataka and Odisha and the
c
World Bank have signed a $115 million (INR 869
47. (c) The Government of India has committed to
restoring 26 million hectares of degraded
land by 2030 and doubling farmers’ income
rs .
crore) Programme(Rejuvenating Watersheds for
Agricultural Resilience through Innovative
Development Programme) in 2022 that will help
e
by 2023. national and state institutions adopt improved
48. (a) Karnataka, which has been identified as a watershed management practices to help
“lighthouse partner” by the World Bank in
developing science-based watershed model, is
the first State to develop a Land Resource
an k increase farmers’ resilience to climate change,

promote higher productivity and better
incomes.
r
Inventory portal that has details of 14 lakh
News
o p ECO-SENSITIVE ZONES
Ecologically sensitive zones (ESZ) are intended to protect ‘protected areas’ – national parks and wildlife sanctuaries –
T
by transitioning from an area of lower protection to an area of higher protection. ESZs are effectively insulating layers
where humans and nature can be at peace with each other.
 However, the creation of these zones has provoked protests
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
is likely to emerge in other parts of the country.
About the Issue

1O6L in Kerala and some other areas, in a precursor to what
 Protected areas cover 5.26% of India’s land area as 108 national parks and 564 wildlife sanctuaries.
 They are notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
 National parks do away with permissions tr- for
5Heven those
0I1J3J2I 1J6I activities permitted in ‘reserve forests’ while wildlife
sanctuaries offer
tr-5L progressively
0T1Q 3R2Q 1O 6L diminishing concessions.
 This is the rights-negating ‘fortress conservation model’, which conservation scientists abandoned long ago. It is
also no longer present in Indian law, at least over forests within the purview of the Scheduled Tribes and Other
Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 – a.k.a. the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
 FRA recognises the customary and the traditional rights (both individual and collective) of forest-dwellers on
forest land, including inside protected areas.
 India’s colonial forest regime should have recognised these rights but didn’t, resulting in a historic injustice that
lawmakers tried to undo with the FRA.
 The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change reckoned in 2009 itself that doing so would mean
handing over at least four lakh sq. km – more than half of India’s notified forest area – to village-level
institutions.
 But as of June 2022, only 64,873.70 sq. km – or 16% – had come under the FRA. (The actual area is likely smaller
because some areas have been counted multiple times for different rights.)
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 Gram Sabhas are now the statutory authorities empowered to conserve, protect and manage forests,
wildlife and biodiversity lying within the traditional village boundaries over forest lands.
 This is to be a new category of forests called ‘community forest resource’ (CFR). Gram sabhas have to integrate
their CFR conservation and management plan into the ‘working plan’ of the Forest Department, with the required
modifications.
 Surrounding these protected areas is an area of more than 1,11,000 sq. km – or 3.4% percent of the country’s land
– which in effect falls under the ESZ regime.
 Governments have notified 341 ESZs in 29 States and five Union territories, while another 85 ESZs are awaiting
notification. Together, protected areas and the ESZs cover 8.66% of India’s land area.
 The ESZs span notified forests outside protected areas, most of which could also come under gram sabhas’
jurisdiction under the FRA.
 The extent of ESZs from the boundary of a protected area ranges from 0 to as much as 45.82 km (in Pin Valley
National Park, Himachal Pradesh). Fifteen states have ESZs exceeding 10 km.
 Significantly, parts of ESZs in ten States – Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand,

Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana – fall within the Scheduled Area notified under
the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.
c o
Such Scheduled Areas cover over 11% of the country’s land area and are mostly thickly forested and mountainous.
m
.
They are preponderantly populated by Scheduled Tribe groups and are notified by the President under Article 244
rs
of the Provisions of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) 1996.
 PESA recognises habitation-level Gram Sabhas to be competent to safeguard and preserve community resources
e
on forest and revenue lands in Scheduled Areas.
 Effectively, PESA and FRA are two flagship laws of the Union government that, for the first time in independent

India, gave primacy to people’s democracy in governance.
n k
However, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has shown no inclination to
a
amend the Indian Forest Act 1927, the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the Environment (Protection) Act 1986
r
(under which ESZs are notified) to comply with PESA and FRA.
 In fact, in the Forest Conservation Rules, compliance with FRA, recognition of forest rights and gram sabha’s

MoEFCC did away with them in 2022.
p
consent were preconditions for considering proposals to divert forest land for non-forestry purposes – until the
o
The ministry has also overlooked demands by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to restore the

T
erstwhile FRA compliance procedure.
About Eco-Sensitive Zones
The 2002 Wildlife Conservation Strategy envisaged lands within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
wildlife sanctuaries to be notified as ecologically
Protection Act 1986 and its Rules 5(viii) and (x).
1O6L
fragile zones under Section 3(2)(v) of the Environment
The MoEFCC was to take steps to protect the environment by regulating and (if required) prohibiting industries,
operations and processes.
 Rule 5(1)(vi) provided for environmentally compatible land-use in areas around protected areas.
 The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) also 1J endorsed
6I this view.
tr-5H0I1J3J2I
 In 2005, the National Board
1O 6L for Wildlife decided to delineate site-specific ESZs to regulate specific activities
5L0T1Q3R2Q
instead of tr-
prohibiting them.
 So on May 27, 2005, the MoEFCC asked the States and UTs to propose ESZs.
 On December 4, 2006, the Supreme Court directed the MoEFCC (W.P No.460/2004) to have the States’ and UTs’
proposals submitted within four weeks. But four years later, the MoEFCC still hadn’t issued the ESZ guidelines.
 The Supreme Court pointed this out on December 3, 2010 (I.A No.2609/2009), prompting the MoEFCC to submit
the guidelines on February 9, 2011. Based on the forest rangers’ inventory of land-use and wildlife corridors within
10 km of each protected area, a committee consisting of the Wildlife Warden, an ecologist, and an official from the
local government was to determine the extent of each ESZ, the nature of environmental concerns to be addressed
and ways to address them.
 The Chief Wildlife Warden was to then list the activities that were to be prohibited, to be restricted with safeguards
and to be permitted.
 Finally, the state government would submit this, the geographical description of the area and the biodiversity
values, the rights and entitlements of local communities, and their economic potential and implications for their
livelihoods, as a proposal to the MoEFCC for notification.
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24
 While the 10-km rule is implemented as a general principle, the extent of its application can vary. Areas beyond 10
km can also be notified by the Union government as ESZs, if they hold larger ecologically important “sensitive
corridors”.
Activities Around ESZs:

a. Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, saw mills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise etc),
establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood.
b. Regulated Activities: Felling of trees, establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water,
erection of electrical cables, drastic change of agriculture system, e.g., adoption of heavy technology, pesticides etc,
widening of roads.
c. Permitted Activities: Ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, use
of renewable energy sources, adoption of green technology for all activities.
Significance of ESZs:
Minimise the Impact of Development Activities:
 The areas close to protected areas have been designated as Eco-Sensitive Zones in order to lessen the effects of
urbanisation and other developmental activities.
c o m
.
In-situ Conservation:
 ESZs support in-situ conservation, which focuses on preserving a threatened species in its own environment, such
rs
as the one-horned rhinoceros of Assam's Kaziranga National Park.
Minimise Forest Depletion and Man-Animal Conflict:
 Eco-sensitive zones reduce man-animal conflict and the loss of forests.
k e
 The core and buffer style of management serves as the foundation for the protected areas, which also benefits and
n
protects the surrounding communities.
Minimise the Negative Impact on the Fragile Ecosystems:
region.
p a
 Eco-sensitive zones are designated around protected areas in order to act as a "Shock Absorber" for the protected
r
 They serve as a crossing point between regions with high levels of protection and those with lower levels of
o
protection.
T
Challenges Associated with ESZs:
Climate change:
 Climate change has put the ESZs under stress in terms of land, water, and the environment.
 For instance, the Assam floods and the periodic
tr-5L0T1Q 3R2Q1O
forest 6L have significantly impacted the wildlife and Kaziranga
fires
National Park.
Encroachment of Forest Rights:
 The enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Environmental Protection Act of 1986 occasionally
leads to the government ignoring the rights of forest communities and having an adverse effect on their way of life.
 The privileges granted to the gramme sabha for approval of development projects are similarly diluted.
1J6I
 Up until the MoEFCC eliminated them in 2022, 1J3J2I
tr-5H0Ithe Forest Rights Act of 2006 required recognition of forest rights
1O 6L
3R2Q approval before plans to shift forest land for non-forestry uses could be considered.
tr-5L0T1Q
and the gramme sabha's
51. Land under how many kms of the National Parks 53. Eco Sensitive Zones are Covered under which of the
and Wildlife Sanctuary is declared as Eco-Sensitive following legislations?
Zone? (a) Environment Protection Act 1986
(a) 05 (b) 08 (b) Wildlife Conservation Strategy 2002
(c) 10 (d) 15 (c) National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016)
(d) Indian Forest Act 1927
52. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above
passage? 54. Which of the following Indian States has the most
(a) 18 (b) 20 Eco Sensitive Zones?
(c) 23 (d) 28 (a) Tamil Nadu (b) Karnataka
(c) Maharashtra (d) Uttar Pradesh
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55. As per latest findings, how much is the total forest (a) 21% (b) 25 %
and tree cover in India? (c) 28% (d) 31%
51. (c) The 2002 Wildlife Conservation Strategy the Environment Protection Act 1986. India has
envisaged lands within 10 km of the boundaries more than 600 Ecologically Sensitive Zones
of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to be declared across different states.
notified as ecologically fragile zones under 54. (c) Such areas are protected by regulating and
Section 3(2)(v) of the Environment Protection managing the activities. The state of
Act 1986 and its Rules 5(viii) and (x). Maharashtra has the maximum number of
52. (c) The MoEF had issued final or draft notifications Ecologically Sensitive Zones.
on the ESZ of 23 wildlife sanctuaries and 55. (b) In 2021, the total forest and tree cover in India is
national parks in the state from 2019 to 2021, 80.9 million hectares, which is 24.62% of the
53.
based on which Kerala had submitted proposals
seeking to remove human habitations.
(a) Ecologically Sensitive Zones are notified by the
m
geographical area of the country. Sharing the
o
findings, the Minister informed that the total
c
forest and tree cover of the country is 80.9
Central Government through the Ministry of
Environment Forests and Climate Change under
rs .
million hectare which is 24.62 percent of the
geographical area of the country
News
INDIAN WRESTLERS’ PROTESTS
k e
Vinesh Phogat decided to go public with allegations of sexual harassment against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)
women wrestlers.
r n
president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh after she received a number of phone calls from fearful young
a
 If WFI does not respond to the Sports Ministry's request for an explanation within 72 hours, the Ministry will move
p
to take action against the Federation in accordance with the 2011 National Sports Development Code's provisions.
o
Such Issues in Sports
 Between 2010 and 2020, the SAI (Sports Authority of India) received 45 complaints of sexual harassment, 29
T
of which were against coaches, according to RTI (Right to Information) Data.
 In several of these incidents that were disclosed, the defendants received light sentences that included reassignment
to a pitiful reduction in salary or pension.
 Many of the cases have dragged on for years
of the tunnel.
tr-5Lwith
3R2Q1O6L
0T1Qno apparent resolution, and some have yet to see light at the end
 Germany's polls in 2021 raised the issue of sports violence. In May 2021, the Federal Parliament's Sports Committee
held a public hearing on sexualized, physical, and emotional violence in sports.
 It is past time for India to have this conversation rather than waiting for athletes to hold a demonstration at Jantar
Mantar. 6I
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
 In the 21st century, where
1O 6L we have developed the technology to control robots to carry out our will, there is still
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
much work to be made in the area of gender equality.
Issue Faced by Sportswomen
Funding and Budget:
When compared to men's athletics, women's sports receive less money, which makes it challenging for them to compete
and maintain continuous programmes.
Buoyant Sexism:
Women are forced to deal with the repercussions of increasing sexism every day, whether at work or even at home.
They are observed and evaluated based on how they speak and how they dress.
Gender Disparity:
Women still do not enjoy the same amount of respect or recognition on the professional front as their male colleagues,
especially in the sports industry, despite their attempts to lobby for their social rights.
6390573333
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Lack of Access and Costlier:
Lack of physical education in schools and limited opportunities to play sports in both high school and college mean
girls have to look elsewhere for sports –which may not exist or may cost more money.
Often there is an additional lack of access to adequate playing facilities near their homes that makes it more difficult
for girls to engage in sports.
Safety and Transportation Issues:

Sports participants must have a location to practise, and for many females, especially those living in densely populated
cities, that means walking through dangerous areas to get to facilities or being without transportation to reach facilities
located miles away.
A girl and her family may have no choice but to stay at home if a safe option, such as carpooling with other families, is
unavailable.
For instance, Manipur is a powerhouse in sports, but 48% of female athletes travel more than 10 kilometres to get to the
practise area.
Social Attitudes and Disfigurement:

Despite recent advancements, discrimination against female athletes based on their actual or perceived sexual
c o m
.
orientation and gender identity still exists.
In sports, girls may encounter bullying, social exclusion, unfavourable performance reviews, or losing their starting
rs
position.
The dread of being labelled "gay" is great enough to drive many girls out of the game throughout socially precarious
adolescence.
Decreased Quality Training:
k e
n
The playing times might not be ideal, and the facilities are not as nice as the boys' venues.
a
In their neighbourhood, there may not be enough qualified, trained coaches, or these coaches may be more interested
r
in the programmes for boys who have access to funding for training.
p
Many girls' programmes don't receive the same funding for uniforms and equipment as those for boys, which limits the
growth and enjoyment of the sport for these girls. Simply put, playing sports isn't enjoyable anymore.
Lack of Positive Role Models:
To
Girls today are constantly exposed to pictures of physical beauty rather than strong, self-assured female role models in
sports.
Them can experience peer pressure at any age, and1Q if it isn't
tr-5L0T 3R2Q
1O6Lcountered by strong encouragement to engage in sports
and healthy physical exercise, the outcomes could cause girls to stop trying entirely.
Limited Media Coverage:

Because women's sports are frequently underrepresented in the media, it may be more difficult for female athletes to
find sponsorship possibilities and attention.
6I
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
Pregnancy and5L Maternity: 1O6L
tr- 0T1Q3R2Q
It might be difficult for female athletes to balance parenting with their sporting careers.
This may limit female athletes' opportunities for training and competition.
56. Between 2010 and 2020, the SAI (Sports Authority of 58. Who of the following is the President of the
India) received how complaints of sexual Wrestling Federation of India?
harassment? (a) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
(a) 25 (b) 31 (b) Shri Pushpdan Shambhudan
(c) 39 (d) 45 (c) Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot
(d) Shri Shankar Prasad Jaiswal
57. Which of the following countries polls in 2021 raised
the issue of sports violence? 59. Wrestling Federation of India established in which
(a) Germany (b) New Zealand year?
(c) Switzerland (d) USA (a) 1957 (b) 1961
(c) 1967 (d) 1971
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60. Sports Authority of India was formed in which of the (a) 1970 (b) 1984
following years? (c) 1990 (d) 1991
56. (d) Between 2010 and 2020, the SAI (Sports and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh after she
Authority of India) received 45 complaints of received a number of phone calls from fearful
sexual harassment, 29 of which were against young women wrestlers.
coaches, according to RTI (Right to 59. (c) Established in the year 1967, Wrestling
Information) Data. Federation Of India in Ashoka Road, Delhi is a
57. (a) Germany's polls in 2021 raised the issue of sports top player in the category Associations Of Sports
violence. In May 2021, the Federal Parliament's in the Delhi.
Sports Committee held a public hearing on 60. (b) The Sports Authority of India (SAI) was
sexualized, physical, and emotional violence in established by the Govt. in 1984 as a Society
58.
sports.
(a) Vinesh Phogat decided to go public with
allegations of sexual harassment against
m
under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, with
o
the twin objective of broad-basing of sports and
c
to achieve excellence at the national and
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president
SC COLLEGIUM FIRM ON APPOINTING GAY LAWYER AS HC .

international level.
rs
News
JUDGE
k e
n
Disagreeing with the Centre’s position, the Supreme Court Collegium reiterated its November 11, 2021
a
recommendation to appoint senior advocate Saurabh Kirpal, an openly gay person, as a judge of the Delhi High
Court.
r
 A three-member Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and also comprising Justices S
“expeditiously”.
o p
K Kaul and K M Joseph, said Kirpal’s appointment as a judge was pending for five years and had to be processed
 According to the Union Law Ministry, despite the fact that homosexuality is no longer a crime in India, same-sex
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marriage is still not recognized in either codified statutory law or uncodified personal law.
On what grounds Collegium reiterated its decision:

 In the Navtej Singh Johar case of 2018, the tr-5LSC0T1Q 3R2Q1O6L
affirmed the fundamental principle that every person has the right
to keep their own sense of dignity and uniqueness regardless of their sexual orientation.
 Rejecting the candidate on the grounds of sexual orientation would be obviously in violation of the SC's
constitutional norms.
 The candidate's Swiss-national partner has no motive to be unfriendly to India given the relationship between his
own nation and India. 6I
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 Everyone has the right to
1O freedom
6L of speech and expression, and as long as a candidate is qualified, deserving, and
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honest, their political beliefs do not bar them from holding a constitutional office.
Significance of appointing a judge of different sexual orientation:

 His hiring will improve the Delhi High Court Bench and promote inclusivity and diversity.
 The opinions of the many judges are pushed and enriched by one another.
Origins of Collegium System

 The collegium system is the way by which judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed and
transferred. The collegium system is not rooted in the Constitution or a specific law promulgated by Parliament; it
has evolved through judgments of the Supreme Court.
 In the first judges case, SP Gupta v Union of India - 1981, the judges suggested that the executive must have the
biggest say in judicial appointments.
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 In the second judges case, Supreme Court Advocates-on Record Association v Union of India - 1993, a nine-
judge bench said that the CJI must be given priority in such appointments.
 This was reiterated in the third judges case, in re Special Reference 1 of 1998. Since then, judges have been
appointed by the collegium system.
 In September 2013, the Rajya Sabha passed The Constitution (120th Amendment) Bill, 2013 that amends
articles 124(2) and 217(1) of the Constitution of India, 1950 and establishes the National Judicial Appointments
Commission, on whose recommendation the President would appoint judges to the higher judiciary. However, the
amendment was quashed by the apex court for being unconstitutional in October 2015.
How does The Collegium System works

The Supreme Court Collegium is a five-member body, which is headed by the incumbent CJI and comprises the
four other senior most judges of the court at that time. A High Court collegium is led by the incumbent Chief
Justice and two other senior most judges of that court. By its very nature, the composition of the collegium keeps
changing.
Judges of the higher judiciary are appointed only through the collegium system, and the government has a role only
c o m
.
after names have been decided by the collegium. Names recommended for appointment by a High Court collegium
rs
reach the government only after approval by the CJI and the Supreme Court collegium.
The role of the government in this entire process is limited to getting an inquiry conducted by the Intelligence Bureau
k e
(IB) if a lawyer is to be elevated as a judge in a High Court or the Supreme Court. The government can also raise
objections and seek clarifications regarding the collegium’s choices, but if the collegium reiterates the same names, the
n
government is bound to appoint them.
a
Sometimes the government delays making the appointments, especially in cases where the government is perceived to
r
be unhappy with one or more judges recommended for appointment by the collegium. Supreme Court judges have
sometimes expressed anguish over such delays.
p
To
National Judicial Appointment Commission
The Constitution (99th Amendment) Act, which established the NJAC and the NJAC Act, was passed by
Parliament in 2014 to set up a commission for appointing judges, replacing the Collegium system. This would
essentially increase the government’s role in the appointment of judges.
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1O6L
The NJAC was to comprise the Chief Justice of India as the ex officio Chairperson, two senior-most Supreme
Court Judges as ex officio members, the Union Minister of Law and Justice as ex officio member, and two
eminent persons from civil society — one of whom would be nominated by a committee consisting of the CJI, Prime
Minster and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the other would be nominated from the
SC/ST/OBC/minority communities or women.
6I
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The laws weretr-
repealed
5L0T1Q3Rin
2QOctober
1O6L 2015 after the Supreme Court struck them down.
The Constitution Bench declared the said Act as violative of the basic structure of the Constitution. The Act is full
of contradictions and strikes at the independence of the judiciary.
Under Article 141, the law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts. If it is binding on all courts, it
is equally binding on all constitutional authorities. In a constitutional democracy, there is no scope of Parliamentary
Sovereignty. Parliament is neither sovereign nor supreme. Equally, the judiciary is also not supreme.
The Parliament can amend the Constitution but it cannot damage or destroy or change its basic structure. If the
constitutional amendment is violative of the basic structure, it is liable to be declared unconstitutional. The
Constitution is supreme. It is binding on all, including the Parliament.
61. Under which Article Law declared by the Supreme (a) Article 32 (b) Article 121
Court is binding on all the Courts? (c) Article 141 (d) Article 137
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62. National Judicial Appointment Commission was 64. Who is the current Law Minister of India?
brought via which of the following Amendments? (a) Ravishankar Prasad (b) Kiren Rijiju
(a) 97th Amendment (b) 98th Amendment (c) Piyush Goyal (d) Ashwini Vaishnav
(c) 99th Amendment (d) 100th Amendment
65. Supreme Court Collegium is how many members
63. First Judge Case was held in which of the following body?
years? (a) 3 (b) 4
(a) 1981 (b) 1993 (c) 5 (d) 6
(c) 1998 (d) 2015
61. (c) Under Article 141, the law declared by the have the biggest say in judicial appointments.
Supreme Court is binding on all courts. 64. (b) The Supreme Court of India’s Collegium system
62. (c) The Constitution (99th Amendment) Act, which
established the NJAC and the NJAC Act, was
passed by
m
has been dominating the headlines of late with
o
Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju criticising the
c
decades-old system of appointment of judges
Parliament in 2014 to set up a commission for
appointing judges, replacing the Collegium
system. This
.
saying that & nowhere in the world, except in
rs
India is there a practice where judges appoint
their brother judges.
e
would essentially increase the government’s role 65. (c) The Supreme Court Collegium is a five-member
in the appointment of judges. body, which is headed by the incumbent CJI and
63. (a) In the first judges case, SP Gupta v Union of
India - 1981, the judges suggested that the
executive must
an k comprises the four other senior most judges of

the court at that time.
News
p r
INDIA CAN LEAD EFFORTS TO FIND A NEW TB VACCINE
o
Raising the need to develop a new vaccine for tuberculosis, Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist at the World
Health Organisation (WHO), said India, considering its accelerated timeline for TB elimination than the rest of the
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world, should be in the lead, and scientists and researchers around the country as well as globally should come
together to develop a better vaccine.
 At a high-level panel on TB at the World Economic Forum,
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6LDr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General
of WHO, announced plans to establish a new TB Vaccine Accelerator Council.
About TB
 Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a member of the Mycobacteriaceae family with roughly 200 species, is the bacterium
that causes tuberculosis (TB).
 Some mycobacteria infect a variety of animals,tr-5Hwhile
0I1J3J2Iothers
1J6I cause diseases like leprosy and TB in humans.
 TB most frequently
tr-5L0T1Q3Rimpacts
2Q 1O 6L the lungs in people (pulmonary TB), however it can also impact other organs (extra-
pulmonary TB).
 It has been proven that TB, a very old disease, was present in Egypt as early as 3000 BC.
 The disease TB is curable and treatable.
 Through the air, TB can transmit from one person to another. People who have lung TB cough, sneeze, or spit into
the air, spreading the TB bacteria.
 Chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats are all common signs of active lung TB, as do coughs
that occasionally produce sputum and blood.
Global Impact of TB
 The 30 countries with a high TB burden accounted for 87% of new TB infections in 2019.
 Eight nations—India, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and South Africa—accounted
for two thirds of the new TB cases.
 Between January and December 2020, India reported 1.8 million TB cases, down from 2.4 million the year prior.
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 MDR-TB continued to be a public health emergency and a threat to health security in 2019.
 MDR-TB is a type of tuberculosis that is resistant to the two anti-TB medications that are typically used as first-line
therapy. Extensively A type of tuberculosis known as drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is brought on by germs
that are resistant to several of the most potent anti-TB medications.
BCG Vaccine
 By altering a Mycobacterium bovis strain (that causes TB in cattle), two Frenchmen named Albert Calmette
and Camille Guerin created the BCG vaccine. In humans, it was first used in 1921.
 BCG was first made available in India on a small scale in 1948, and it was included in the National TB Control
Program in 1962.
 In addition to its principal application as a TB vaccine, it also offers defence against other mycobacterial diseases
like Leprosy and Buruli's ulcer as well as infant respiratory and bacterial infections.
 Malignant melanoma and urinary bladder cancer are both treated with it as an immunotherapy agent.
 It's an intriguing fact about BCG that it performs well in certain places and poorly in others. In general, a country's
efficiency increases with distance from the equator.
o m
 In nations near or on the equator, such India, Kenya, and Malawi, where the prevalence of TB is higher, it has little
to no efficacy. It has a high efficacy in the UK, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
c
About Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
 The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has launched this project to hasten the nation's progress
rs .
e
toward TB eradication by 2025.
 India's National TB Elimination Programme has been reinforced to help the nation reach its 2025 deadline for
k
ending the TB pandemic, which is five years earlier than the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
n
 The TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign, The Nikshay Ecosystem (a national TB information system), The Nikshay
a
Poshan Yojana (financial support), and The National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination (2017–2025).
 Two TB vaccines, MIP (Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii) and VPM (Vaccine Projekt Management) 1002, have
r
been created, identified, and are currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials.
p
o
World TB Day
 On March 24, the world observes World Tuberculosis (TB) Day in an effort to raise awareness about the TB
T
epidemic's devastating effects on people's health, society, and the economy.
 On this day in 1882, Dr. Robert Koch revealed the identification of the TB-causing Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, which paved the path for the treatment and diagnosis of the illness.
 One of the worst infectious diseases in thetr-5L 0T1Q3R
world
2Q1O6L
even now is tuberculosis. Over 4100 people die from TB every
day, and about 28,000 more contract the illness, according to the World Health Organization. For the first time
in almost a decade, tuberculosis deaths have increased in 2020.
 The WHO estimates that approximately 1,500,000 persons died and approximately 9,900,000 contract TB in 2020.
66,000,000 lives have been spared since 2000 as a result of global efforts to eradicate TB.
 Around 26% of all TB cases worldwide are located in1JIndia. 6I
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 Consequently, World2QTB Day is commemorated
1O6L to inform people about the illness TB and its impact.
tr-5L0T1Q3R
66. When is the World Tuberculosis Day observed? (c) Kristalina Georgieva
(a) 24th March (b) 28th March (d) Indermit Gill
(c) 01st April (d) 30th April
69. India has set a target to eradicate TB by which of the
67. Dr. Robert Koch revealed the identification of the following years?
TB-causing Mycobacterium tuberculosis in (a) 2025 (b) 2028
which of the following years? (c) 2030 (d) 2040
(a) 1882 (b) 1889
(c) 1891 (d) 1898 70. BCG Vaccine was first used in Humans in which of
the following years?
68. Who is the Director General of WHO? (a) 1919 (b) 1920
(a) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (c) 1921 (d) 1922
(b) Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
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66. (a) On March 24, the world observes World announced plans to establish a new TB Vaccine
Tuberculosis (TB) Day in an effort to raise Accelerator Council.
awareness about the TB epidemic's devastating 69. (a) The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
effects on people's health, society, and the (MOHFW) has launched this project to hasten
economy. the nation's progress toward TB eradication by
67. (a) On this day in 1882, Dr. Robert Koch revealed 2025.
the identification of the TB-causing 70. (c) By altering a Mycobacterium bovis strain
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which paved (that causes TB in cattle), two Frenchmen
the path for the treatment and diagnosis of the named Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin
illness. created the BCG vaccine. In humans, it was first
68. (a) At a high-level panel on TB at the World used in 1921.
Economic Forum, Dr Tedros Adhanom BCG was first made available in India on a small
Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO,
o m
scale in 1948, and it was included in the
National TB Control Program in 1962.
c
News
BLACKLISTING OF TERRORISTS
rs .
e
The ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) has placed Abdul Rehman Makki, a
fundraiser and key planner of the Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), on its sanctions list.
k
 The move was made possible after China withdrew the “technical hold” that it had imposed last June, when the U.S.
n
and India - then a non-permanent member at the UNSC - tried unsuccessfully to get Mr. Makki on the global terror
blacklist.
a
 Beijing has now argued that the blacklisting is in fact a “recognition” of Pakistan’s record of fighting terrorism.
Who is Abdul Rehman Makki:
p r
o
Bahawalpur-born Makki, already a US-designated terrorist, is also the head of the political affairs wing of the Jama’at-
ud-Dawah, a member of JuD’s markazi (central) team and daawati (proselytisation) team.
T
 Brother-in-law of JuD and LeT chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Makki has been the head of LeT’s foreign relations
department and a member of its shura (governing body).
 His listing by the UNSC is significant and is similar to the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a
1Q3R
tr-5L0Tits
global terrorist in June 2019 when Beijing lifted 2Q1O6L
block.
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c o m
rs .
k e
r an
o p
Background T tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6L
 During India’s two-year (2021-22) tenure at the UNSC, five names were designated under the ISIL and Al Qaeda
Sanctions Committee including Abdul Rehman Makki (LeT).
 These names faced a “technical hold” from China, while the other 14 members (permanent + non-permanent) of
the UNSC supported the listing.
 India and the US have listed Makki as a terrorist under their respective national laws.
6I
 In October 2022, Pakistan was removed from tr-5H 0I1J
the 3J2I1J
grey list of FATF.
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tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
What is the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee?
The UNSC committee's responsibility is to carry out international sanctions against terrorists.
After the UNSC Resolution 1267 declared Al-Qaeda and the Taliban to be terrorist organisations, the Al-Qaida and
Taliban Sanctions Committee was created. A distinct committee was established for the Taliban in 2011.
What does the UN’s blacklisting of terrorists imply?

In accordance with Resolution 1267, which was adopted in accordance with Chapter VII of the UN Charter, all UN
member states are required to: Freeze the assets; prohibit entry into or transit through; and prohibit the direct or
indirect supply, sale, or transfer of arms or military equipment to any person or entity linked to Al-Qaida.
In reaction to terrorist threats, it is helpful to improving global counterterrorism collaboration.
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About Financial Action Task Force
 It is an intergovernmental organisation that was established in 1989 at the G7's request to create guidelines for
combating money laundering.
 Its authority was widened to cover financing of terrorism in 2001.
 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) headquarters in Paris serve as its operational
hub.
 Member Nations: It has 39 members, including India, as well as the EU and the GCC, two regional organisations
(Gulf cooperation council)
 Sessions: Its plenary (the body that makes decisions) holds three annual meetings.
 Lists under FATF:
o Grey List: It serves as a warning for the countries considered a safe haven for supporting terror funding and money
laundering.
o Black List: High-risk countries and Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs) are put on the blacklist.
E.g., Iran, Myanmar and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
71. 1267 al-qaeda sanctions committee was established

in which of the following years?
73.
o m
FATF was established in which of the following
years?
c
.
(a) 1992 (b) 1999 (a) 1972 (b) 1983
rs
(c) 2001 (d) 2005 (c) 1989 (d) 1991
e
72. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about FATF? 74. The FATF plenary session is the decision-making
(a) It has a total of 29 members. body which meets how many times in a year?
(b) Its membership includes three regional
organizations.
(c) India is not a member in the FATF
(d) All of the above
an k
75.
(a) Once
(c) Thrice
(b) Twice
(d) Four time
Where is the headquarter of the FATF located?
p r (a) Geneva
(c) Paris
(b) Nairobi
(d) New York
71.
To
(b) Resolution 1267 (1999) adopted on 15 October
1999 established the 1267 Committee and
imposed amongst other things, financial
73.
1O6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q 74.
(c) An inter-governmental body established in 1989
during the G7 Summit in Paris.
(c) The FATF Plenary is the decision-making body
sanctions on the Taliban. of the FATF. It meets three times per year.
72. (d) The FATF currently has 39 members including 75. (c) An inter-governmental body established in 1989
two regional organisations - the European during the G7 Summit in Paris. Its Secretariat is
Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. located at the Organisation for Economic
India is a member of the FATF. Cooperation and Development (OECD)
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tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J headquarters in Paris.
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PASSAGED BASED QUESTIONS

Passage 1
Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday announced that the Centre has cleared the much disputed Kalasa-
Banduri Nala project's detailed project report (DPR).
Claiming a "victory" ahead of the assembly elections, CM Bommai announced the Centre's clearance for the DPR which
was submitted in November 2022
"Considering that the legislature session is being held in Belagavi, I am glad to announce that the Centre has recently
cleared the much disputed Kalasa-Banduri Nala project which has been a long standing demand of north Karnataka
taluks," said Bommai.
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The CM recalled that the project was first initiated by his father, and then CM, SR Bommai over river sharing with Goa
and using the water for drinking purposes. "However, successive governments failed to follow through and there were
several environmental, forest and inter-state water disputes Today, finally, we have realised the goal which was set upon
decades ago," said Bommai.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/centre-clears-kalasa-banduri-nala-project-dpr-karnataka-cm-
claims-victory/articleshow/96596890.cms
76. Kalasa and Banduri are both the tributaries of which

of the following rivers? 79. The National Rural Drinking Water Programme
(a) Mahadayi River (b) Bhima River (NRDWP) was launched in which of the following
(c) Kaveri River (d) Mahaprabha River years?
(a) 2005 (b) 2009
77. Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal was set up in (c) 2012 (d) 2018
which of the following years?
(a) 2002
(c) 2010
(b) 2008
(d) 2012
80.
o m
In which of the following years did the interstate
tribunal had granted Karnataka a total of 13.42
thousand million cubic feet of water against a total
c
.
78. Kalasa-Banduri project was planned in which of the of their claim of 36.558 thousand million cubic feet?
following years? (a) 2015 (b) 2017
rs
(a) 1982 (b) 1984 (c) 2018 (d) 2019
(c) 1989 (d) 1991
k e
76. (a) It involves building across Kalasa and Banduri,
two tributaries of the Mahadayi river to divert
water to the Malaprabha river (a tributary of
r an 79. (b) The National Rural Drinking Water Programme

(NRDWP) was launched in 2009. It aims to
provide safe and adequate water for drinking,
77.
Krishna river).
o
(c) The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal was set
up in 2010. Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra are
p 80.
cooking and other domestic needs to every rural
person on a sustainable basis.
(c) In 2018, the interstate tribunal had granted
T
parties to the tribunal. Karnataka a total of 13.42 thousand million cubic
78. (c) Kalasa-Banduri project was planned in 1989; Goa feet of water against a total of their claim of
raised an objection to it. 36.558 thousand million cubic feet. Both Goa
1O6L and Karnataka had challenged the decision.
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Passage 2.
Ever since its formation, the Modi government has committed itself to bring about a change in the rural economy,
double the income of farmers and make village economy vibrant. It has initiated several schemes to uplift the rural
economy as India's most of the population still resides in the villages. Now, to get fresh ideas and solutions that could
help the rural economy grow, the government has launched a sort of competition, called 'Prajjwala Challenge'. With
this initiative, the government is inviting ideas, tr-
solutions 1J6I actions from the common public which could play a role
5H0I1J3J2Iand
1Q3R2Q 1O 6L
as a catalyst intr-the transformation
5L0T of the rural economy.
This is another Modi model of governance where inputs directly from the stakeholders are taken into consideration.
Under 'Prajjwala Challenge', people could now give their ideas and suggestions which would help transform the rural
economy. This is a platform where ideas are invited from the private sector, social enterprises, startups or even
individuals. Additionally, the ideas and suggestions are also being welcomed from community-based organisations,
incubation centres and investors as these are the entities that have potential to transform the rural economy to a great
extent. The idea of India has villages in its core, and this government knows it well; therefore the 'Prajjwala Challenge'.
https://www.oneindia.com/india/what-is-prajjwala-challenge-how-will-it-help-the-rural-economy-3506102.html
81. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna, which was
Livelihoods Mission was launched by the Ministry of launched in which of the following years?
Rural Development as a restructured version of (a) 2011 (b) 2015
(c) 2018 (d) 2020
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82. Who among the following is the Minister of Rural
Development? 84. The Mission so far has mobilised how many women
(a) Giriraj Singh in to the Self Hep Groups and their federation?
(b) Shailesh Kumar Singh (a) 57 Million (b) 67 Million
(c) Bhupendra Yadav (c) 77 Million (d) 87 Million
(d) Gajendra Shekhawat
85. Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) is a
83. Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna was renamed “movement” of self-employed women in rural and
Deendayal Antayodaya Yojana in which of the urban India. It was established in which year?
following years? (a) 1967 (b) 1972
(a) 2012 (b) 2014 (c) 1989 (d) 1994
(c) 2015 (d) 2018
81. (a) It was launched by the Ministry of Rural

Development (MoRD), Government of India in
o m
83. (c) In November 2015, the program was renamed
c
Deendayal Antayodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM).
June 2011 as a restructured version of Swarna
Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna (SGSY).
82. (a) Shri Giriraj Singh has taken charge as the Union
.
84. (d) The Mission so far has mobilised more than 87
rs
Million women in to the Self Hep Groups and
their federations.
e
Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati 85. (b) Established in 1972, the Self-Employed Women's
Raj. Informing about his assuming charge Association (SEWA) is a “movement” of self-
through a tweet, Shri Singh expressed his
heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi for entrusting him with the new
an k employed women in rural and urban India, and

is the largest trade union of the country.
r
responsibility and reposing confidence.
Passage 3.
o p
More than two years after Ladakh became a Union Territory, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted a
high-powered committee headed by Minister of State [1] to “ensure protection of land and employment” for the people
T
of Ladakh.
The 17-member committee that includes Ladakh Lieutenant Governor R.K. Mathur will “discuss measures to protect
the region’s unique culture and language taking 3R2Q1O 6L
tr-5L0T1Qinto consideration its geographical location and its strategic
importance”, an order by MHA said.
The committee will also discuss measures for inclusive development and employment generation in the region and
issues related to empowerment of Ladakh Autonomous Hill District Coucils of Leh and Kargil.
On [2], the former State of Jammu and Kashmir was

tr-5H 3J2I1J6I
0I1Jbifurcated into two UTs - J&K and Ladakh, the latter without a
2Q 1O 6L
Legislative Assembly.
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mha-constitutes-high-powered-committee-to-ensure-protection-of-land-
and-employment-for-ladakh/article66331577.ece
86. Who among the following will replace [1] in the 88. Which of the following is one of the causes of the
above passage? demand to for inclusion of Ladakh in the sixth
(a) Nityanand Rai (b) Ajay Kumar Mishra schedule?
(c) Sanjay Jaiswal (d) Giriraj Singh (a) Inclusion in the sixth schedule will help in
democratic devolution of powers in the region.
87. Which of the following will replace [2] in the above (b) It will also will also enhance the transfer of funds
passage? for speedy development of the region.
(a) August 5, 2019 (b) September 5, 2019 (c) It is estimated that more than 90% of Ladakh’s
(c) July 5, 2019 (d) October 5, 2019 population is tribal.
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89. The sixth schedule of the Constitution of India 90. Which of the following State is not one of the States
comes under which of the following Articles? in the 6th Schedule?
(a) Article 241 (b) Article 244 (a) Assam (b) Tripura
(c) Article 248 (d) Article 251 (c) Meghalaya (d) Nagaland
86. (a) Nityanand Rai is an Indian politician and the Prior to the creation of the Union Territory of
current Minister of State for Home Affairs in the Ladakh, people in Ladakh region had certain
Government of India. He was elected in the 2014 agrarian rights including right on land which
and 2019 General Election from Ujiarpur as a restricted people from other parts of the country
candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party. to purchase or acquire land in Ladakh. Inclusion
87. (a) On August 5, 2019, the former State of Jammu in the sixth schedule will help in democratic
and Kashmir was bifurcated into two UTs - J&K
and Ladakh, the latter without a Legislative
Assembly.
m
devolution of powers in the region and will also
o
enhance the transfer of funds for speedy
c
development of the region.
88. (a) It is estimated that more than 90% of Ladakh’s
population is tribal. The primary Scheduled
Tribes (STs) in Ladakh are Balti Beda, Bot (or
89.
rs .
(b) The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 provides
for the formation of autonomous administrative
divisions — Autonomous District Councils
e
Boto), Brokpa (or Drokpa, Dard, Shin), (ADCs) — that have some legislative, judicial,
Changpa, Garra, Mon and Purigpa. The Ladakh and administrative autonomy within a state.
region has several distinct cultural heritages by
communities such as Drokpa, Balti and
Changpa, among others, which needs to be
an k
90. (d) As of now, 10 autonomous councils exist in
Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. This
special provision is provided under Article
r
preserved and promoted. 244(2) and Article 275(1) of the Constitution.
Passage 4.
o p
BJP's Sushil Modi, who spoke against same sex marriages in Parliament today, told NDTV that while same sex
relationships are acceptable, allowing such marriages will give rise to problems on multiple levels, including "divorce
T
and adoption". Speaking in Rajya Sabha earlier today, the MP had objected to it in the social and cultural context.
"Any law should also be attuned with traditions and cultures of the country," he said. "We should assess what is Indian
society and whether the people are ready to accept 1Q3R2Q1O6L
tr-5L0Tit".
"Same-sex relationships have been decriminalised... But shadi (marriage)is a pavitra sanstha (sacred institution). Same-
sex couples living together is one thing, but giving them legal status is a different thing," he added. The government, he
told NDTV, has opposed it in Supreme Court in an affidavit.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/same-sex-relationships-okay-but-not-same-sex-marriages-bjps-sushil-modi-
3620583 tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
6I
1O6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
91. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was 93. The right to marriage is recognised as which right
decriminalised in which of the following Judgements under Indian Constitution.
of the Supreme Court of India? (a) Fundamental Right
(a) Navtej Singh Johar versus Union of India (b) Constitutional Right
(b) Young India Lawyers Assosiations versus State (c) Is not expressly recognized as either
of Kerala (d) Both a and b
(c) NALSA versus Union of India
(d) Anil Kumar Verma versus Union of India 94. Marriage is regulated through various statutory
enactments and developed through judicial
92. Which of the following became the First Asian decisions of India’s Supreme Court. Such declaration
Country to allow Same Sex Marriage? of law is binding on all courts throughout India
(a) Thailand (b) Taiwan under which Article of the Constitution.
(c) Malaysia (d) Japan (a) Article 121 (b) Article 141
(c) Article 35 (d) Article 47
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37
95. Which one of these countries Laws Criminalizing (a) Belgium (b) Iceland
Same-Sex Relations, by Sentence (c) Denmark (d) Papua New Guinea
91. (a) Navtej Singh Johar & Ors. v. Union of India thr. under the Indian Constitution. Though
Secretary Ministry of Law and Justice is a marriage is regulated through various statutory
landmark decision of the Supreme Court of enactments, its recognition as a fundamental
India that decriminalised all consensual sex right has only developed through judicial
among adults, including homosexual sex. decisions of India’s Supreme Court.
92. (b) Following a Constitutional Court ruling and a 94. (b) Such declaration of law is binding on all courts
subsequent legislative act, Taiwan became the throughout India under Article 141 of the
first country in Asia to legalize same-sex Constitution.
marriage nationwide on 24 May 2019. 95. (d) Except Papua New Guinea rest all countries have
93. (c) The right to marry is not expressly recognized
either as a fundamental or constitutional right
Passage 5.
c o m
legislation in favour of same-sex marriage.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the proposal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
regarding the Central Sector Scheme “Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development” (BIND). The BIND
scheme is aimed to bring modernisation to the public broadcaster Prasar Bharati i.e. All India Radio (AIR) and
rs .
e
Doordarshan (DD). The outlay of the scheme is Rs.2,539.61 crore and is for the time period upto 2025-26.
k
Prasar Bharati played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic in disseminating important public health messages
n
and awareness to the public. As a public broadcaster of the country, the organisation is a significant source for
a
communicating information in the public interest. Prasar Bharati not only provides information but also educates and
r
engages people. Undoubtedly, expenses are needed for expansion and upgradation of work. Hence, the BIND scheme
would provide for the necessary financial support to improve the infrastructure.
96. At Present, DD Operates how many TV Channels?

p
https://newsonair.com/2023/01/05/cabinet-approves-bind-scheme-to-further-modernise-public-service-broadcasting/
o 98. Prasar Bharti was founded in which of the following
97.
(a) 25
(c) 45
(b) 36
(d) 52
T
Which of the following is TRUE about the tr-
Scheme?
5L0T1Q3R2Q
BIND
(a) The Scheme will increase coverage of AIR FM

1O
99.
6L
years?
(a) 1997
(c) 2002
(b) 1999
(d) 2004
Who is the current CEO of Prasar Bharti?

(a) Shashi Shekhar Vempati
transmitters in the country to 66% by (b) Gaurav Dwivedi
geographical area (c) DPS Negi
(b) The Scheme will increase coverage of AIR FM (d) Ms. Neerja Sekha
2I1J6I
transmitters in the country to 80% tr-5H by0I1J3J
1O 6L
population.tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q 100. Who among the following is the current minister for
(c) The Scheme also envisages free distribution of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting?
over 8 lakh DD Free Dish STBs to people living (a) Nirmala Sitharaman
in remote, tribal, LWE and border areas. (b) Ravi Shankar Prasad
(d) All of the above (c) Anurag Thakur
(d) Ashwini Vaishnav
96. (b) At present, DD operates 36 TV channels geographical area and 80% by population up
including 28 regional channels and AIR operates from 59% and 68% respectively. The Scheme
from more than 500 broadcasting centres. also envisages free distribution of over 8 lakh
97. (d) The Scheme will increase coverage of AIR FM DD Free Dish STBs to people living in remote,
transmitters in the country to 66% by tribal, LWE and border areas.
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38
98. (a) Prasar Bharati is a legally independent 100. (c) Sh Anurag Singh Thakur is the Union Minister
organisation. It is the nation’s public service of Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs
broadcaster. In 1997, it was founded under the & Sports. He is a 4th term Member Parliament
Prasar Bharati Act. (Lok Sabha/Lower House) from Hamirpur,
99. (a) Shashi Shekhar Vempati is the currently the Himachal Pradesh. He previously served as the
CEO of the Prasar Bharti. Minister of State for Finance and Corporate
Affairs (31st May 2019 to 7th July 2021).
Passage 6.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the world’s longest river cruise, [1], on 13 January 2023 in Varanasi. "From
Kashi to Sarnath, from Majuli to Mayong, from Sunderbans to Kaziranga, this cruise packs an experience of a lifetime.
I believe that this wonderful initiative, under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi ji, is the beginning of a new era in
river cruise tourism in India and strengthening our government’s commitment to enable Act East, both through policy
and practice," [2], Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush said.
o
The luxury cruise will cover a distance of more than 3,200 kms in 5 states in India and Bangladesh. The maiden voyage
of MV [1] will witness 32 tourists from Switzerland relishing the Varanasi to Dibrugarh journey.
c m
.
The 51 days cruise is planned with visits to 50 tourist spots including World Heritage Sites, National Parks, river Ghats,
and major cities like Patna in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Kolkata in West Bengal, Dhaka in Bangladesh and Guwahati
rs
in Assam.
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/worlds-longest-river-cruise-ganga-vilas-to-cover-5-states-50-tourist-spots-in-
101.
51-days-key-things-to-know-see-pics-11673321653622.html
Which of the following will replace [1] in the above
k e (a) 19 (b) 22
passage?
(a) Ganga Vilas (b) Ganga Darshan
(c) Ganga Amar Yatra (d) Ganga Yatri
r an 104.
(c) 27 (d) 32
How many total UNESCO World Heritage Sites are
p
there in India?
102. Who among the following will replace [2] in the (a) 32 (b) 36
above passage?
(a) Sarbananda Sonowal
(b) Arjun Munda
(c) Virendra Kumar
(d) Pashupati Kumar Paras To tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
105.
1O6L
(c) 40 (d) 42
India has entered the Super-40 club for World

Heritage Site inscriptions. Which of the following
Countries is not one of the Super-40 Members?
(a) Italy (b) France
103. The Cruise will Cover how many river systems in its (c) U.K. (d) China
total journey?

6I
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
101. (a) Prime Minister 3R2Q1O6LModi
Narendra
tr-5L0T1Q will launch the 103. (c) Besides connecting National Waterway 1 (NW1)
world’s longest river cruise, Ganga Vilas, on 13 which includes Ganga and National Waterway 2
January 2023 in Varanasi. "From Kashi to (NW2) on Brahmaputra, the cruise will cross 27
Sarnath, from Majuli to Mayong, from river systems.
Sunderbans to Kaziranga, this cruise packs an 104. (c) There are 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in
experience of a lifetime. India. Dholavira and Ramappa Temple are the
102. (a) I believe that this wonderful initiative, under the latest addition to the list under the 'Cultural'
guidance of Prime Minister Modi ji, is the category. There are two more categories —
beginning of a new era in river cruise tourism in Natural and Mixed.
India and strengthening our government’s 105. (c) The list of countries with 40 or more World
commitment to enable Act East, both through Heritage sites include Italy, Spain, Germany,
policy and practice," Sarbananda Sonowal, China, France, and now India. Out of India’s 40
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways World Heritage properties, 32 are cultural, seven
and Ayush said. natural and one mixed property. In another
6390573333
39
tweet, Reddy said, “Today is a proud day for
India, especially for the people of Gujarat.
Passage 7.
The first session of every new Parliament in the United Kingdom requires the election of the Speaker to be completed
and members of both Houses to take oath. Neither House of Parliament can proceed with any public business in any
further session unless it is opened either by the King himself or by Lords Commissioners acting on his behalf. The King’s
speech is thus the formal beginning of each new session of Parliament and states the government’s policy and the
intended programme of business for the forthcoming session. The King’s speech is prepared by the incumbent
government and a copy of it is given to him by the Lord Chancellor.
As India adopted the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy, the Constituent Assembly decided, on May 18,
1949, to adopt this practice. Article 87 of the Indian Constitution requires the President to make a special address to
both Houses of Parliament assembled on the commencement of the first session of each year. The President has to
inform Parliament of the causes of its summons. Similarly, [1] requires the Governor to make a special address at the
o m
first session of each year of every State Legislative Assembly and to both Houses wherever the State also has a Legislative
Council. The language of these provisions were borrowed from the rules of the House of Commons.
c
.
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/more-than-just-an-address/article66374147.ece
rs
106. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above (a) Five Years (b) Pleasure of President
passage? (c) Six Years (d) Both a and b
(a) Article 161
(c) Article 172
(b) Article 168
(d) Article 176
k e
109. The nomination of a governor by the Union and his
appointment by the President in India is based on
107. Which of the following articles of the Constitution
of India binds the Governor to the aid and advice of
the Council of ministers of State?
r an the model of which of the following countries?

(a) Canada
(c) Switzerland
(b) USA
(d) New Zealand
p
(a) Article 161 (b) Article 162
(c) Article 163 (d) Article 164 110. Who among the following is the Governor of Tamil
108.
To
A Governor is appoint for a term of which of the
following?
ANSWER KEY
tr-5L & 1O
0T1Q3R2Q EXPLANATIONS
6L
Nadu?
(a) RN Ravi
(c) Mangubhai Patel
(b) Anandibai Patel
(d) Lalji Tondon
106. (d) Similarly, Article 176 requires the Governor to 109. (a) The nomination of a governor by the Union and
make a special address at the first session of each his appointment by the President in India is
year of every State Legislative Assembly and to based on the Canadian model of government.
both Houses wherever the State also has a 110. (a) Ravindra Narayana Ravi is an Indian politician
6I
Legislative Council. The language of these tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J and former bureaucrat serving as the current
provisionstr-were 3R2Q1O6Lfrom the rules of the
borrowed
5L0T1Q and 15th Governor of Tamil Nadu. Ravi served as
House of Commons. the 18th Governor of Nagaland from 1 August
107. (c) Likewise, the Constitution of India, under 2019 to 9 September 2021 and Governor of
Article 163, binds the governor to take action on Meghalaya from 18 December 2019 to 26 January
the aid and advice of the council of ministers. 2020.
108. (d) The Governor of a State is appointed by the
President for a term of five years and holds office
during his pleasure.
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40
Passage 8.
The signing and exchange of the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) letters between India and UK marks a new chapter
in the visa regime between the countries. India joins just a handful of countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand,
Japan, Taiwan, Iceland, San Marino, Monaco, South Korea and Hong Kong to have a scheme where 3,000 individuals
aged 18-30 can live and work in the UK for two years without the need for a sponsor or a job on hand. Apart from [1],
India is the only visa-requiring country that has this scheme.
In May 2021, Minister for External Affairs [2] and the then UK home secretary Priti Patel had signed the wider “Migration
and Mobility Partnership” in Delhi which had YPS as one of the key highlights. On Monday, High Commissioner of
India to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, and UK Home Office permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft signed and exchanged
YPS letters marking its imminent launch.
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/immigration/uk-india-young-professionals-scheme-no-sponsor-no-job-
necessary-for-two-year-stay-9869921.html

passage?
(a) Australia (b) Canada
114.
o m
The Young Professionals Scheme was conceived as
part of an India-U.K. The Migration and Mobility
c
.
(c) Japan (d) Taiwan MoU signed in May 2021, was announced in
November at the G20 summit at which of the
rs
112. Which of the following will replace [2] in the above following places?
passage? (a) Bali (b) Malé
(a) S Jaishankar
(c) G Kishan Reddy
Pandey
(b) RN Ravi
(d) Mahendra Nath
k e
115.
(c) Kuala Lumpur (d) The Bahamas
Defence and International Security Partnership
113. Bharatiya Pravasi Divas is celebrated on which of the

following days?
r an between India and the UK was signed in which of the

following years?
(a) 2012 (b) 2015
p
(a) 2nd January (b) 9th January (c) 2018 (d) 2020
(c) 23rd January (d) 30th January
111.
112.
To
(c) Apart from Japan, India is the only visa-
requiring country that has this scheme. tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q1O6L

(a) In May 2021, Minister for External Affairs S. 114.
Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai on 9
January 1915.
(a) The Young Professionals Scheme was conceived
Jaishankar and the then UK home secretary Priti as part of an India-U.K. The Migration and
Patel had signed the wider “Migration and Mobility MoU signed in May 2021, was
Mobility Partnership” in Delhi which had YPS as announced in November at the G20 summit in
one of the key highlights. Bali.
113. (b) Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a celebratory tr-day5H0I1J3J2I1J6I115. (b) India is a key strategic partner for the UK in the
1O 6L
1Q3R2Q by the Republic of India
observed on
tr-5L90TJanuary Indo-Pacific both in terms of market share and
to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian defence, as was underscored by the signing of
community towards the development of India. the Defence and International Security
The day commemorates the return of Mahatma Partnership between India and the UK in 2015.
Passage 9.
DRDO conducted two successful test flight of Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile on 27 Sep
2022 from a ground based portable launcher at the Integrated Test Range, [1], off the coast of Odisha. VSHORADS is a
Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed and developed indigenously by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat
(RCI), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners.
VSHORADS missile incorporates many novel technologies including miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and
integrated avionics, which have been successfully proven during the tests. The missile, meant for neutralizing low
altitude aerial threats at short ranges is propelled by a dual thrust solid motor. The design of the missile including
6390573333
41
launcher has been highly optimized to ensure easy portability. Both the flight tests have completely met the mission
objectives.
Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh complimented and appreciated the efforts of DRDO and industry partners
and said that this new missile equipped with modern technologies will give further technological boost to the Armed
Forces. Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO congratulated the entire VSHORADS team for this tremendous success.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1862617#:~:text=VSHORADS%20is%20a%20Man%20Portable,laborat
ories%20and%20Indian%20Industry%20Partners.
116. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above (c) 12 Kilometres (d) 14 Kilometres
passage?
(a) Chandipur (b) Paradeep Beach 119. Which of the following is the Short-range surface-
(c) Aryapalli Beach (d) Puri Beach to-surface ballistic missile.
(a) Prithvi (b) Agni
117. DRDO was established in which of the following
years?
(a) 1958 (b) 1959 120.
(c) Trishul
o m (d) Nag
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program
c
.
(c) 1960 (d) 1962 received Government approval in which of the
following years?
rs
118. MANPADS have a maximum range of how many (a) 1974 (b) 1983
kilometres? (c) 1987 (d) 1991
(a) 08 Kilometres (b) 10 Kilometres

k e
116. (a) DRDO conducted two successful test flight of
Very Short Range Air Defence System
r an 119. (a) The 5 missiles (P-A-T-N-A) developed under

this program are:
(VSHORADS) missile on 27 Sep 2022 from a
o
ground based portable launcher at the
Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast
p a. Prithvi: Short-range surface-to-surface
ballistic missile.
b. Agni: Ballistic missiles with different ranges,
T
of Odisha. i.e., Agni (1,2,3,4,5)
117. (a) DRDO was formed in 1958 from the c. Trishul: Short-range low-level surface to air
amalgamation of the then already functioning missile.
Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) 1O6L d. Nag: 3rd generation anti-tank missile.
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
of the Indian Army and the Directorate of e. Akash: Medium-range surface-to-air missile.
Technical Development & Production (DTDP) 120. (b) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam came up with the idea to
with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO). help India become self-sufficient in missile
118. (a) MANPADS have a maximum range of 8 technology.
kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes of
6I
4.5 km. tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
1O6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
Passage 10.
The Golden Globes will return with its 80th edition on January 10, (January 11 for India). In 2022, the awards were not
broadcast owing to protests against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which was criticised for the lack
of diversity among nominees. The event was boycotted by media companies, actors, and creatives. The award ceremony
was held in private and winners were announced in a press release.
This time, the prestigious awards function is even more special as [1] RRR has been nominated in two categories. The
film has earned two nominations for Best Original song for Naatu Naatu and Best Picture — Non-English language. The
Golden Globes are an important precursor to the Academy Awards, so these nominations matter all the more for RRR.
The Golden Globes will be held on January 10 8pm ET (January 11, 5:30 am IST). The red carpet appearances will begin
by 5:30 am and the actual ceremony will begin by 6:30 am.
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/golden-globes-2023-date-time-and-how-to-watch-in-
india-rrr-ss-rajamouli-8368250/
6390573333
42
passage? 124. Which Movie won the best pictures award at the
(a) SS Rajamouli (b) Prashanth Neel 80th Golden Globes Awards?
(c) Sukumar (d) Devi Sri Prasad (a) The Fabelmans
(b) Avatar: The Way of Water
122. Who among the following organises the Golden (c) Top Gun: Maverick
Globes Awards? (d) Elvis
(a) Hollywood Foreign Press Association
(b) Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 125. Which of the following own the Best limited series,
(c) Hollywood Media Group anthology series, or TV movie at the 80th Golden
(d) Academy of International Films Awards Globes Awards?
(a) Black Bird
123. Golden Globes Awards were started in which of the (b) Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
following years?
(a) 1944
(c) 1962
(b) 1956
(d) 1978
(c) Pam and Tommy
o m
(d) The White Lotus: Sicily
c
rs .
e
121. (a) This time, the prestigious awards function is 123. (a) The 1st Golden Globe Awards, honoring the best
even more special as SS Rajamouli’s RRR has achievements in 1943 filmmaking, were held in
122.
been nominated in two categories.
(a) The Golden Globes are organised by the
Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
an k
124.
January 1944, at the 20th Century-Fox studios
(a) 'The Fabelmans' sweeps the Best Picture -
Drama category award triumphing over Avatar:
r
Comedian and actor Jerrod Carmichael will host The Way of Water, and Top Gun: Maverick.
the ceremony, and Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee 125. (d) Best limited series, anthology series, or TV
Curtis, Tracy Morgan are presenters for the
ceremony.
o p movie: The White Lotus: Sicily – WINNE
T
Passage 11.
The Indian Navy has signed an agreement with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd for armed autonomous boat swarms
under ‘SPRINT’, an initiative to promote development of niche defence technologies by domestic companies.
1O6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
This is the 50th contract under ‘SPRINT’, which aims at the development of [1] indigenous technologies by the industry
for the Navy, officials said. The contract was signed on Wednesday.
“We are keeping the pressure on to sign the 100th contract by January end. Our aim is to induct 75 new technologies by
August 15, 2023 as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” a Navy official said.
6I
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
1O6L
Sagar 5L0T1Q3R2Q has
Defencetr-Engineering the know-how to create the nation’s first armed autonomous unmanned boat with
swarming capabilities, the company said in a statement.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-signs-contract-for-autonomous-armed-boat-swarms-under-
sprint/article66349788.ece
126. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above (c) Sunil Lamba
passage? (d) S N Kohli
(a) 30 (b) 45
(c) 55 (d) 75 128. Defence Ministry had launched the Naval
Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation in
127. Who among the following is the current Chief of which of the following years?
Naval Staff in India? (a) 2018 (b) 2019
(a) Admiral R Hari Kumar (c) 2020 (d) 2021
(b) Karambir Singh
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129. Navy Day in India is celebrated on which of the 130. INS Vikrant, which was brought from UK was
following days? decommissioned in which of the following years?
(a) 4th May (b) 4th July (a) 1992 (b) 1997
(c) 4th September (d) 4th December (c) 2002 (d) 2008
126. (d) This is the 50th contract under ‘SPRINT’, which 129. (d) Navy Day in India is celebrated on 4 December
aims at the development of 75 indigenous every year to recognize the achievements and
technologies by the industry for the Navy, role of the Indian Navy to the country. 4
officials said. The contract was signed on December was chosen as on that day in 1971,
Wednesday. during Operation Trident, the Indian Navy sank
127. (a) The current Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) and four Pakistani vessels including PNS Khaibar,
128.
only full admiral in the Indian Armed Forces is
Admiral R. Hari Kumar.
(c) Defence Ministry had launched the NIIO in
130.
m
killing hundreds of Pakistani Navy personnel.
o
(b) The first INS Vikrant was a major symbol of
c
national pride and played an important role in
August 2020, to encourage innovation and
indigenisation for self-reliance in defence
sector.
.
several military operations including the 1971
rs
Indo-Pak War before being decommissioned in
1997.
Passage 12.
k e
Integrated and immediate mitigation is more critical as we face some of the most difficult geoeconomic conditions in a
n
generation, where we see a shift to a low-investment, low-growth, low-cooperation era, that is in danger of eroding
resilience and accelerating the other risks we face.
r a
Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director, World Economic Forum warns, “Climate and human development must be at the
p
core of concerns of global leaders, even as they battle current crises. Cooperation is the only way forward.”
To
Complementing Global Risks practice, the World Economic Forum hosts platforms dedicated to action on the world's
most pressing challenges - including mobilizing for the climate, managing and disseminating Fourth Industrial
Revolution technologies, shaping the energy transition and shaping the future of health and healthcare.
These platforms, and the leaders, networks and 1O6Lthey host, apply the findings of this report in their efforts
tr-organizations
5L0T1Q3R2Q
to tackle the world’s greatest challenges—managing risks, building resilience and using new opportunities.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/01/global-risks-report-2023-experts-davos2023/
131. Which of the following is incorrect about Global (d) Social cohesion erosion
Risk Report?
6I
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J 133.
(a) Global Risk Report is an annual report published Which of the following is correct about World
1O 6L
by the World 0T1Q3R2Q Forum.
tr-5LEconomic Economic Forum?
(b) It focuses on five risk factors: economic, (a) WEF is an international non-governmental not
environmental, geopolitical, sociological, and for profit organization based in Cologny,
technological. Switzerland.
(c) The 17th edition of the Global Risk Report was (b) Kristalina Georgieva is its Executive Chairman.
published in January, 2022. (c) The WEF is majorly for its annual meeting at the
(d) None of the above. end of January in Geneva, Switzerland.
(d) It was founded on 24 January 1991 by German
132. Which of the following emerged as the number one engineer and economist Klaus Schwab.
risk with potentially the most severe impact over the
next decade? 134. Which of the following is India’s correct rank in the
(a) Climate action failure Global Gender Gap Index, 2022?
(b) Extreme weather (a) 121 (b) 134
(c) Biodiversity loss (c) 135 (d) 136
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(b) Global Competitiveness Report.
135. Which of the following is NOT published by World (c) Global IT Report
Economic Forum? (d) Global Financial Development Report
(a) Energy Transition Index.
131. (d) is the right answer end of January in Davos, a mountain resort in
132. (a) ‘Failure to Mitigate Climate Change’ and ‘Failure the eastern Alps region of Switzerland.
of Climate Change Adaptation’ are the two most 134. (c) India ranks 135 among a total of 146 countries in
severe risks facing the world in the next decade, the Global Gender Gap Index 2022 and is the
followed by ‘natural disasters and extreme worst performer in the world in the “health and
weather events’ and ‘Biodiversity loss and survival” sub-index where it is ranked 146.
ecosystem collapse’. 135. (d) Global Financial Development Report is
133. (a) Klaus Schwab is WEF’s founder and Executive
Chairman. It was founded on 24 January 1971.
The WEF is majorly for its annual meeting at the
o m
published by World Bank, while the rest of the
option are all published by WEF.
c
Passage 13.
rs .
Shanta hardly knew that liberty of expression or equality of status was her right. Once enlightened, the 63-year-old has
e
no doubt where to place the Preamble of the Constitution of India.
k
In her modest two-room house in rural Kulathupuzha, the preamble shares a wall with gods. A Bhagavatham reciter by
n
profession, she is one among thousands of neo-literates who have been educated on the Indian Constitution as part of
The Citizen, a Constitution literacy campaign jointly launched by the Kollam district panchayat, District Planning
a
r
Committee and the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA).
o p
“When I first read the preamble, I was overwhelmed as it sees everyone as equals just like the way gods do. I didn’t know
such a document existed and it guaranteed basic human rights like equality and freedom to all citizens. We have no
separate puja room and so I decided to keep it along the pictures of Lord Krishna and Shiva,” says Shanta, who could
T
not continue her studies beyond Class VIII.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kollam-is-indias-first-constitution-literate-
district/article66373733.ece
1O6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
136. Which of the following is true about the (d) K. K. Shailaja
Constitution literacy campaign in Kollam?
(a) The campaign aimed to provide constitutional 138. Kerala became the first state in India which attained
literacy to 23 lakh citizens belonging to 7 lakh hundred percent primary education in which year?
families in the district. (a) 2012 (b) 2014
6I
(b) To achieve this goal, awareness classes weretr-5H0I1J3J2I1J (c) 2016 (d) 2019
1O 6L
1Q3R2Q 90% of the people in
organized tr-for
5L0Taround
Kollam. 139. According to the report published by the National
(c) Around 16.3 lakh people above the age of 10 were Survey of India, which of the following is the literacy
educated by 2,200 trainers called “senators,” rate of India in 2022?
who visited schools, offices, auto stands, and (a) 70% (b) 74%
tribal councils to create awareness. (c) 77% (d) 81%
140. Which of the following State ranks lowest in the
137. Who among the following is the Governor of Kerala? terms of literacy rate in India?
(a) Arif Mohammad Khan (a) Jharkhand (b) Chhattisgarh
(b) RN Ravi (c) Bihar (d) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Shazia Ilmi
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45
136. (d) The campaign aimed to provide constitutional Minister. He has held several portfolios ranging
literacy to 23 lakh citizens belonging to 7 lakh from energy to civil aviation.
families in the district. 138. (c) On January 13, 2016, at Thiruvananthapuram,
To achieve this goal, awareness classes were Hamid Ansari announced that Kerala has
organized for around 90% of the people in become first state of India which attained 100%
Kollam. primary education. State Government of Kerala
Around 16.3 lakh people above the age of 10 were has launched a mission called “Athulyam”. The
educated by 2,200 trainers called “senators,” achievement in 2016 is a major part of this
who visited schools, offices, auto stands, and mission.
tribal councils to create awareness. 139. (c) According to the report published by the
137. (a) Arif Mohammad Khan is an Indian politician National Survey of India, the Literacy Rate of
representing the BJP. He currently serving as the India in 2022 is 77.7 per cent.
Governor of Kerala & the Chancellor of all State
Universities in Kerala. He is a former Union
140.
o m
(c) As per the Indian Census, amongst the 28 states
of India, Kerala has the highest literacy rank
c
whereas Bihar stands at the lowest.
.
Passage 14.
rs
Kerala’s [1] has become the first district in the state to ensure its tribal population has all basic documents. The district
administration has provided six documents — Aadhaar card, ration card, bank statements, birth and death certificates,
voters ID card, and health insurance — to all tribal citizens through the Akshaya Big Campaign for Documents
Digitalisation (ABCD) campaign.
k e
n
The ABCD campaign was launched in [1], the district with the highest tribal population in the state, in 2021. A pilot
project in Kerala, it is implemented by the district administration with the help of the SC development department and
local self-governments.
p r a
According to the Wayanad district administration, 26 camps were held across 23 panchayats and three municipalities
o
and it has 64,670 beneficiaries. It also digitised 22,888 documents through [2], an initiative under Digital India toward
paperless documentation.
T
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/thiruvananthapuram/kerala-wayanad-basic-documents-tribal-population-
abcd-campaign-8400661/
141. Which of the following will replace [1] in the tr-

above
5L0T1Q3R2Q 144.
1O6L How many districts does the State of Kerala has?
passage? (a) 11 (b) 14
(a) Malabar (b) Kasaragod (c) 19 (d) 21
(c) Kannur (d) Wayanad
145. Which article of the Constitution of India provides
142. Which of the following will replace [2] in the above that “The State shall promote with special care the
passage? 6I educational and economic interests of the weaker
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
(a) DigiLockertr-5L0T1Q3R2Q 1O 6L
(b) DocuDigi sections of the people, and, in particular, of the
(c) DigitDoc (d) LockDigi Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and
shall protect them from social injustice and all forms
143. Which of the following is the largest tribe of Kerala? of exploitation."?
(a) Paniya (b) Cholanaikkans (a) Article 21 (b) Article 34
(c) Kurumbas (d) Kattunaikans (c) Article 46 (d) Article 51
141. (d) Kerala’s Wayanad has become the first district ration card, bank statements, birth and death
in the state to ensure its tribal population has all certificates, voters ID card, and health insurance
basic documents. The district administration — to all tribal citizens through the Akshaya Big
has provided six documents — Aadhaar card,
6390573333
46
Campaign for Documents Digitalisation (ABCD) Primitive Tribes. Cholanaikkans, Kurumbas,
campaign. Kattunaikans, Kadars and Koragas are the five
142. (a) According to the Wayanad district primitive tribal groups in Kerala.
administration, 26 camps were held across 23 144. (b) Kerala State has been divided into 14 districts, 78
panchayats and three municipalities and it has taluks, 152 community development blocks, 941
64,670 beneficiaries. It also digitised 22,888 Gram panchayats, 6 corporations and 87
documents through DigiLocker, an initiative municipalities.
under Digital India toward paperless 145. (c) Article 46 "The State shall promote with special
documentation. care the educational and economic interests of
143. (a) The Paniya (Paniyar) are the largest of the 35 the weaker sections of the people, and, in
major tribes. Tribal people groups who are food- particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the
gatherers, with diminishing population and very Sche- duled Tribes, and shall protect them from
low or little literacy rates can be called as social injustice and all forms of exploitation."
Passage 15.
o m
After the Centre decided to provide free food grains to 81 crore beneficiaries in 2023 under the National Food Security
Act, many rightfully expressed concern over the permanent nature of such an expenditure. However, the basis of the
c
.
number of beneficiaries is not being questioned. After all, budget allocation falls if the number of beneficiaries falls.
rs
“Until 1997, the Public Distribution System was universal in nature, however, the government introduced ‘Targeted
Public Distribution System’…to focus on the poor. The coverage was linked to poverty estimates under two categories,
k e
namely, Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL). Later w.e.f. December 2000, government introduced
“Antyodaya Anna Yojana” (AAY) in order to make TPDS more focused and targeted to poor and the poorest of poor
(Antyodaya),” as per the 2020-21 annual report of The Department of Food and Public Distribution.
146.
census/1316379/
When was the National Food Security Act Passed?
r an
https://theprint.in/opinion/centre-must-review-nfsa-beneficiaries-for-budget-use-aadhar-database-not-2011-
(b) About two thirds of the population therefore is

(a) 2010
(c) 2014
(b) 2013
(d) 2016
o p covered under the Act to receive highly

subsidized foodgrains.
(c) The eldest woman of the household of age 18
147.
T
Which of the following is TRUE about the NFSA?
(a) NFSA caters to 67% of the total population.
(b) Households covered under existing Antyodaya
Anna Yojana are eligible under the NFSA tr-5L0T1Q3R
(c) 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the
urban population receives subsidized food
2Q1O6L
149.
years or above is mandated to be the head of the
household for the purpose of issuing of ration
cards under the Act.
World Food Day is observed on which of the

grains under Targeted Public Distribution following days?
System (TPDS). (a) November 16 (b) October 16
(d) All of the above 6I
(c) August 16 (d) September 16
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
6L
tr-5L 0T1Q3R2Q1O
148. Which of the following is TRUE about the National 150. Food Security comes under which of the following
Food Security Act of India? Sustainable Development goals?
(a) The Act legally entitles upto 75% of the rural (a) SDG 1 (b) SDG 2
population and 50% of the urban population to (c) SDG 5 (d) SDG 9
receive subsidized foodgrains under Targeted
Public Distribution System.
151. (c) The National Food Security Act 2013 also Right billionpeople. It was signed into law on 12
to Food Act is an Indian Act of Parliament which September 2013, retroactive to 5 July 2013.
aims to provide subsidized food grains to 152. (d) NFSA caters to 67% of the total population.
approximately two thirds of the country;s 1.2 Households covered under existing Antyodaya
Anna Yojana are eligible under the NFSA. 75% of
6390573333
47
the rural population and up to 50% of the urban 154. (b) World Food Day is an international day
population receives subsidized food grains celebrated every year worldwide on October 16
under Targeted Public Distribution System to commemorate the date of the founding of the
(TPDS). United Nations Food and Agriculture
153. (d) The Act legally entitles upto 75% of the rural Organization in 1945.
population and 50% of the urban population to 155. (b) The Sustainable Development Goal to “End
receive subsidized foodgrains under Targeted hunger, achieve food security and improved
Public Distribution System. About two thirds of nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture”
the population therefore is covered under the (SDG2) recognizes the inter linkages among
Act to receive highly subsidized foodgrains. As a supporting sustainable agriculture, empowering
step towards women empowerment, the eldest small farmers, promoting gender equality,
woman of the household of age 18 years or above ending rural poverty, ensuring healthy lifestyles,
is mandated to be the head of the household for ...
the purpose of issuing of ration cards under the
Act.
c o m
rs .
k e
r an
o p
T tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6L
6I
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
6L
tr-5L 0T1Q3R2Q1O
6390573333
48
Piyush Goyal launches right to repair portal & new premise of National Consumer Helpline
 Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal launched a host of new initiatives, including the right to repair
portal and an NTH mobile app and opened new premises of National Consumer Helpline centre in the national
capital. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Consumer Affairs Department and IIT
(BHU), Varanasi as well launched a capacity building programme of consumer commissions.
 These initiatives were launched on the occasion of the National Consumer Day. The theme was “Effective disposal
of cases in consumer commission”. Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs Sadhvi Niranjan Jyothi was also
present at the event.
 In July 2022 the Department of Consumer Affairs had set up a committee headed by the Additional Secretary Nidhi
Khare to develop a comprehensive framework on ‘Right to Repair’.
Anil Kumar Lahoti next Railway Board Chairman, CEO from January 1
c o m
.
 Anil Kumar Lahoti has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Railway Board. The
rs
former General Manager of Central Railway was appointed as Member (Infrastructure) of the board a week ago, and
will be taking over the chairmanship from Vinay Kumar Tripathi on January 1.
 Lahoti belongs to the 1984 batch of Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE), and his appointment is a part of an
k e
overhaul at the top management of the railway board. Over the past months, no full-time appointments for the
member positions were made in the railway board, as it was transitioning to a new integrated service.

n
Home Ministry nod to name change of two places in Uttar Pradesh
a
Stage is all set in Uttar Pradesh to rename two places after the state government got the approval by Union Home
r
Ministry. The Union Home Ministry has given its consent to change the names, a Municipal Council in Gorakhpur
o p
and a village in Deoria, both in eastern UP, following recommendations from the state government. The ‘no-
objection’ certificates were issued by the Union Home ministry for changing the name of ‘Mundera Baazar’
municipal council in Gorakhpur district to ‘Chauri-Chaura’ and that of ‘Telia Afghan’ village in Deoria district to
T
‘Telia Shukla’.
 Mundera Bazar Municipal Council will now become Chauri-Chaura Municipal Council to commemorate 100-years
of the Chauri-Chaura incident which had taken place on February 4, 1922 in Gorakhpur district. The police under
British rule had opened fire on a large group 3R2Q1O6L then participating in the Non-Cooperation Movement
of1Qprotesters
tr-5L0T
called by Mahatma Gandhi. Consequently, the demonstrators had retaliated by setting a police station ablaze killing
all of its occupants. The incident led to the death of three civilians and 22 policemen.
President Murmu lays foundation stone for restoration works of Kameswaralaya Temple in Mulugu,
Telangana
2I1J6I
 Smt. Droupadi Murmu has laid the foundation tr-5H0I1J3J
stone of the project ‘Development of Pilgrimage Facilities at
1O 6L
1Q3R2Qof Temples’ at Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamivari Devasthanam, Bhadrachalam in Telangana.
tr-5L0T
Bhadrachalam Group
 The President of India laid the foundation stone for another project called ‘Development of Pilgrimage and Heritage
Infrastructure of UNESCO World Heritage Site at Rudreshwara Temple in Telangana. These projects have been
approved under the PRASAD Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
 President Droupadi Murmu informed that the famous temples of Telangana are visited by lakhs of pilgrims, and
they form the major components of domestic and foreign tourists.
 Tourism increases the livelihood opportunities and income of the people.
 The President appreciated the Ministry of Tourism for boosting spiritual and cultural tourism by developing
pilgrimage sites under the ‘PRASHAD’ scheme.
6390573333
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A 10-day International Beach Festival is happening in Kerala
 The ‘Spice Coast’ in the far north of Kerala, better known as North Malabar, bask in myriad colours and the pomp
and splendour of the cultural extravaganza titled ‘Bekal International Beach Festival’. Chief Minister Pinarayi
Vijayan has inaugurated the 10-day first international beach festival, that captures the wholeness and the essence
of the district’s cultural and artistic uniqueness and displays the rich cultural diversity and grandeur of the country,
at the majestic Bekal Beach Park.
 It is organised by Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC) in association with the District Tourism
Promotion Council, Kudumbashree, Asmi Holidays, and the local self-government bodies in the district. In Kerala,
festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam calendar and the local traditions and customs.
Water sports series kick off in Uttarakhand's Tehri

 World Class Kayaking Canoeing Academy to be set up at Tehri in Uttarakhand. The Union Minister of Power and
New & Renewable Energy R.K.Singh announced the World Class Kayaking Canoeing Academy. Chief Minister
Pushkar Singh Dhami also inaugurated the National Championship “Tehri Water Sports Cup” at Tehri Lake.
 Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy R.K.Singh informed that there are immense possibilities for
the hydropower projects in the mountains, and central and state government is working together to take them
forward.
c o m
.
 State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh highlighted that it is the first time that a national-level sports competition is
rs
being organized at Tehri Lake.
 He also informed us that making Tehri Lake an international tourism destination is being done at a fast pace.

e
New sports policy has been implemented in the state and the government has announced the re-introduction of
sports quota in jobs.
n
UP govt launches E-Sushrut Hospital Management Info System in medical colleges
k
The Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak and Minister of State for Medical Education Mayankeshwar
a
Sharan Singh inaugurated the ‘E-Sushrut’ Hospital Management Information System (HMIS )in 22 state medical

for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC).
p r
colleges. The initiative was launched by the state medical education department in collaboration with the Centre
o
I. Patients will be able to download E-Sushrut HMIS software from their Android phone’s Playstore.
 II. By registering through software, patients will be saved from the inconvenience caused at the counter.



T
III. The software will also tell which doctors will be available in the hospital on which day.
IV. Patients will be able to pay the fee online through any medium like UPI, Net banking.
President Murmu lays foundation stone

Telangana
1Q3R
for
tr-5L0T 2Q1O
restoration
6L
works of Kameswaralaya Temple in Mulugu,
Smt. Droupadi Murmu has laid the foundation stone of the project ‘Development of Pilgrimage Facilities at
Bhadrachalam Group of Temples’ at Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamivari Devasthanam, Bhadrachalam in Telangana.
 The President of India laid the foundation stone for another project called ‘Development of Pilgrimage and Heritage
Infrastructure of UNESCO World Heritage Site at Rudreshwara Temple in Telangana. These projects have been
1J6I
5H0I1J3J2Iof
approved under the PRASAD 6L
Scheme of thetr-Ministry Tourism, Government of India.
1O
 President tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
Droupadi Murmu informed that the famous temples of Telangana are visited by lakhs of pilgrims, and
they form the major components of domestic and foreign tourists.
 Tourism increases the livelihood opportunities and income of the people.
 The President appreciated the Ministry of Tourism for boosting spiritual and cultural tourism by developing
pilgrimage sites under the ‘PRASHAD’ scheme.
A 10-day International Beach Festival is happening in Kerala

 The ‘Spice Coast’ in the far north of Kerala, better known as North Malabar, bask in myriad colours and the pomp
and splendour of the cultural extravaganza titled ‘Bekal International Beach Festival’. Chief Minister Pinarayi
Vijayan has inaugurated the 10-day first international beach festival, that captures the wholeness and the essence
of the district’s cultural and artistic uniqueness and displays the rich cultural diversity and grandeur of the country,
at the majestic Bekal Beach Park.
6390573333
50
 It is organised by Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC) in association with the District Tourism
Promotion Council, Kudumbashree, Asmi Holidays, and the local self-government bodies in the district. In Kerala,
festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam calendar and the local traditions and customs.
Water sports series kick off in Uttarakhand's Tehri

 World Class Kayaking Canoeing Academy to be set up at Tehri in Uttarakhand. The Union Minister of Power and
New & Renewable Energy R.K.Singh announced the World Class Kayaking Canoeing Academy. Chief Minister
Pushkar Singh Dhami also inaugurated the National Championship “Tehri Water Sports Cup” at Tehri Lake.
 Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy R.K.Singh informed that there are immense possibilities for
the hydropower projects in the mountains, and central and state government is working together to take them
forward.
 State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh highlighted that it is the first time that a national-level sports competition is
being organized at Tehri Lake.
 He also informed us that making Tehri Lake an international tourism destination is being done at a fast pace.
 New sports policy has been implemented in the state and the government has announced the re-introduction of
sports quota in jobs.
c o m
.
UP govt launches E-Sushrut Hospital Management Info System in medical colleges
rs
 The Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak and Minister of State for Medical Education Mayankeshwar
Sharan Singh inaugurated the ‘E-Sushrut’ Hospital Management Information System (HMIS )in 22 state medical
e
colleges. The initiative was launched by the state medical education department in collaboration with the Centre
for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC).




k
I. Patients will be able to download E-Sushrut HMIS software from their Android phone’s Playstore.
n
II. By registering through software, patients will be saved from the inconvenience caused at the counter.
a
III. The software will also tell which doctors will be available in the hospital on which day.
r
IV. Patients will be able to pay the fee online through any medium like UPI, Net banking.

p
Home minister Amit shah launches 'Prahari" app for BSF Jawans
o
Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the security of the border can be ensured only when the border villages are
populated. He said, along with the deployment of Jawans on the borders, only the patriotic citizens living in the

T
village can provide permanent security. Mr Shah said this while launching the Mobile App ‘Prahari’ and Manual of
Border Security Force in New Delhi.
He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently started the Vibrant Village programme. He urged all the Border
Security Forces that through the Vibrant Village 3R2Q1O6L they should make efforts towards increasing tourism in
tr-5L0T1Qprogram,
the village, making the village self-sufficient with complete facilities. The Minister said that the security of the
borders of the country cannot be ensured by pillars or fencing, but by the bravery, patriotism and alertness of the
soldiers standing on that border.
India grant permission to Nepal to exports additional 40 MW electricity

3J2I1J6I
 India has given permission 6L
tr-5H0I1JAuthority
to the Nepal Electricity (NEA) to export additional 40 megawatts of electricity
1Q3R2Q 1O
tr-5L0Thydroelectric
from two more projects.
 According to NEA, the Central Electricity Authority of India has approved the sale of surplus power from two more
hydropower projects - 25 MW Kabeli B-1 and 20 MW Lower Modi - at competitive rates in the Indian energy market.
With this, 452.6 MW surplus power can be exported to India from 10 hydropower projects.
 The NEA has halted the export of surplus power to India since the 19th of December as production from the river-
based hydroelectric power stations decreased.
 NEA has generated a net income of 11.16 billion rupees via trading 1.36 billion units of surplus power at a competitive
rate in the Indian energy market as of the 18th of December.
'Dhanu Yatra' the largest open-air theatre performance begin

 The ‘Dhanu Yatra’ festival, the largest open-air theatre festival began after a gap of two years, in Bargarh at the
Odisha. The vibrant Dhanu Yatra is associated with the culture of Odisha. The Festival is being held from December
27 to Jan 6, 2023. Several artists from 130 cultural troupes from across the country are scheduled to perform during
6390573333
51
the festival. Around 3,000 artistes of 130 cultural troupes from across the country is participating in the festival.
However, Kansa is the central attraction of the Dhanu Yatra.
 Dhanu Yatra, the eleven day long annual extravaganza places Bargarh in the Cultural Map of India. It is at par with
the standard of Odishan Heritage and culture. It is an open-air theatre festival stretching more than 5 square K.M
and comprising a village and a town in between.
Madras High Court Bans Mobile Phones In Temples Across Tamil Nadu
 The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has prohibited devotees from carrying mobile phones inside temples in
Tamil Nadu. The Division Bench of Justice R. Mahadevan and J Sathya Narayana Prasad held that the gadgets divert
the attention of the devotees from the purpose of visiting the temple.
 The Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorization Act 1947, and the Rules empower the trustees or any authority in
charge of the temple to make regulations for the maintenance of order and decorum in the temple.
 The court noted that mobile phone ban have been implemented in famed temples.
 These temples include Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayur, Kerala, Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple at Madurai,
Tamil Nadu, and Sri Venkateshwara Temple at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
Food processing industry invests Rs 4,900 crore under PLI scheme so far: Government
c o m
.
 The government said that the food processing industry has invested Rs 4,900 crore so far under the production-
rs
linked incentive (PLI) scheme. The PLI scheme for the food processing industry was approved in March 2021, with
a budget outlay of Rs 10,900 crore. It will be implemented for seven years, until 2026-27.

e
A total of 182 applications have been approved under the PLI scheme for the food processing industry. This includes
30 applications for millets-based products under the PLI scheme (8 large entities and 22 SMEs). Incentives

crore has been disbursed so far.
n k
amounting to Rs 800 crore are likely to be disbursed in the current financial year. Sales-based incentive of Rs 107.3
PLI beneficiaries’ investments are likely to increase sales and exports of food products. The scheme requires that
a
the entire chain of manufacturing processes, including primary processing of food products, take place in India in
p r
order to qualify for the incentive, which is expected to boost domestic industry. It was also stated that the scheme
will aid in the promotion of Indian brands abroad.

o
ISRO, Andhra University set up equipment to predict rip currents, prevent drowning at sea
T
Indian Space and Research Organization (ISRO), National Centre for Earth Sciences (NCES), and the Andhra
University (AU) have researched and concluded that constant rip current zones at blue flag-certified Rushikonda
beach and RK Beach have become a danger to the beach visitors.
Between 2012 to 2022, over 200 people drowned in3R
tr-5L0T1Q the sea6Lat various beaches in and around Visakhapatnam and 60
2Q1O
percent of deaths occurred in RK Beach.
 ISRO, NCES, and Andhra University have conducted research and set up equipment to identify Rip currents to warn
marines and local police.
Ministry of Rural Development launches Prajjwala Challenge

2I1J6I
 The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-Nationaltr-5H 0I1J3JLivelihood
Rural Mission (DAY-NRLM) has launched the Prajjwala
3R2Q 1O 6L
5L0T1Q
Challenge.tr-The Prajjwala Challenge has been launched to invite ideas, solutions, and actions that can transform
rural development.
 It will provide a platform where ideas are invited from individuals, social enterprises, start-ups, the private sector,
civil society, community-based organizations, academic institutions, incubation centers, investors, etc having the
potential to transform the rural economy.
 The Prajjwala Challenge was launched by the Secretary of, the Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Shailesh Kumar
Singh in New Delhi.
 The mission aims to look forward to ideas and solutions around Innovation technology solutions, inclusive growth,
value chain interventions, enhanced women entrepreneurship, and cost-effective solutions.
Kolkata: India's first underwater metro worth over Rs 8000 crores to be operational by 2023
 India’s first underwater metro service, The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) said that the East-West Metro
Corridor project, is expected to be completed by December 2023. With this, another feather is being added to the
crown of Kolkata Metro, the first metro railway in the country. Kolkata Metro, which started its journey in 1984, is
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being expanded to cover the whole city and its outskirts. The underwater metro, which will be running through the
Hoogly river will connect the twin cities of Howrah and Kolkata.
 Kolkata Metro Railway Corporation has taken up the difficult take of making the tunnel with the help of German
machines and the best experts. Work inside the tunnel is still in progress.
 As far as the cost of construction of the underground metro is concerned, it costs about Rs 120 crore per kilometre
to build the tunnel but the manufacturing cost of the tunnel underwater, which is deep in the Hooghly river costs
increased to around 157 crores by per kilometre.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated Mega Dairy in Karnataka

 Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated Mega Dairy at Mandya in Karnataka. The mega
dairy inaugurated at a cost of Rs 260 crore would process 10 lakh liters of milk per day and the will have the capacity
to increase it upto 14 lakh liters per day. 10 lakh liters of milk is processed, prosperity reaches the homes of lakhs of
farmers. There are 15,210 village level cooperative dairies in Karnataka, in which about 26.22 lakh farmers deliver
their milk daily and through 16 district level dairies, Rs 28 crore is deposited into the accounts of 26 lakh farmers

every day.
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Around 66,000 kg milk used to be processed daily in Karnataka in 1975 while today over 82 lakh kg milk is processed
daily and 80% of the total turnover goes to the farmer.
c

CM to open Indian Library Congress in Kannur
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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated Indian Library Congress in Kannur, Kerala. The inauguration
e
event of the Indian Library Congress was organized by the People’s Mission for Social Development and Library
Council.


Dr. R. Bindu will inaugurate 100 new libraries in the district as part of the event.
a k
The event was hosted by Kannur University, Kerala from 1st January to 3rd January 2023. Higher Education Minister
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Ramachandran Gadnapally MLA, Kannur District Panchayat President PP Divya, Kasaragod District Panchayat
r
President Baby Balakrishnan, MV Jayaranjan, Prabir Purkayastha, TK Govindan, PK Vijayan, Dr. KV Kunhikrishnan,
Pramod Vellachal, and others were also present during the inauguration ceremony.
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Chandrayaan-3 to Gaganyaan: 2023 is going to be about bigger, bolder, braver missions from India
In 2022, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) reached new heights as it experimented with new tests to
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confirm its human spaceflight mission, built new facilities to train its astronauts, and created a new connection
with the private sector by putting India’s first privately made rocket to the test. The year 2023 won’t be any different.
Instead, since the roster is set, it might be a year of bigger, bolder, and braver expeditions from India to space.
The first test of the Gaganyaan mission, the 1O6L
0T1Q3R2Qfirst
tr-5Lnation’s astronaut mission that sends Indians outside the planet
in an indigenously manufactured technology, is the most audacious venture the Indian space agency has ever
undertaken.
‘SMART’ programme launched for Ayurveda professionals to boost R&D in Ayurveda

 The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Central Council for Research in
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Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the two prominent institutions under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India for
2Q 1O 6L
5L0T1Q3Reducation
regulatingtr-medical and conducting scientific research respectively, have launched ‘SMART’ (Scope for
Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching Professionals). The program aimed to boost scientific research in
priority healthcare research areas through Ayurveda colleges and hospitals.
 The proposed initiative is conceptualised with an objective to identify, support and promote innovative research
ideas in healthcare research areas including Osteoarthritis, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Chronic Bronchitis,
Dyslipidemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Psoriasis, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Non-
alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)”.
J&K: CRPF celebrates ‘Jashn-e-Chillai-Kalan’

 On the occasion of Chillai Kalan in the Kashmir Valley, 44 Bn CRPF organized a function “Jashn – e – Chillai Kalan”
on 26/12/2022 at HMT Complex, Zainakote, Srinagar. During this competition, 54 participants (including 12 Female
participants) from Schools/colleges & other educational institutions were present along with their guardians &
teachers. Commandant 44 Bn, CRPF inaugurated the event.
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 The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is a federal police organisation in India under the authority of the Ministry
of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India. It is one among the Central Armed Police Forces. The CRPF’s
primary role lies in assisting the State/Union Territories in police operations to maintain law and order and counter-
insurgency.
Second Phase of Sari Festival “VIRAASAT”- Celebrating 75 handwoven Saris of India begins
 The second phase of the Sari Festival “VIRAASAT”-Celebrating 75 handwoven Saris of India will begin from 3rd to
17th January 2023 at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi. The Sari Festival VIRAASAT is organized by the Ministry
of Textile. In the second stage phase, there are 90 participants from different parts of the country.
 There are several Handcrafted varieties of Saris to be displayed in the festival including Tie and Dye, Chikan
embroidered Saris, Hand Block Saris, Kalamkari printed Saris, Ajrakh, Kantha, and Phulkari. There is an addition
to the exclusive handloom Saris of Jamdani, Ikat, Pochampally, Banaras Brocade, Tussar Silk (Champa), Baluchari,
Bhagalpuri Sik, Tangail, Chanderi, Lalitpur, Patola, Paithani, etc.

Prime Minister Virtually Inaugurates Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and
Sanitation in Kolkata
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and
c o m
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Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS) at Joka in Kolkata via video conferencing. SPM-NIWAS has been set up with a budget of
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Rs 100 crore, on 8.72 acres of land at Joka, Diamond Harbour Road, Kolkata, West Bengal.
 The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) aims to bridge the knowledge and capacity-building
gap in the field of public health engineering, sanitation & hygiene, through short, medium, and long-term courses

policies.
k e
which are not just related to engineering but also cover aspects of management, health, accounting, law, and public
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The conference was chaired by the Union Minister for Kal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
 The Union Minister reiterated the Prime Minister’s vision of cooperative federalism and states that under Swachh
globe.
p r a
Bharat Mission, Namami Gange, and Jal Jeevan Mission, the combined efforts are being recognized around the
o
Capt Shiva Chouhan becomes first woman officer to be deployed at Siachen, world’s highest battlefield
 Captain Shiva Chauhan from the Corps of Engineers has been posted at a frontline post in Siachen Glacier, in first
T
such operational deployment of an woman Army officer at the world’s highest battlefield. The officer was posted at
the Kumar post, located at an altitude of around 15,600 feet in Siachen, on Monday for a three-month stint after she
underwent rigorous training. The training included endurance training, ice wall climbing, avalanche and crevasse
rescue and survival drills. 1O6L
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 Capt Shiva Chouhan, who hails from Rajasthan, is a Bengal Sapper Officer. Chouhan lost her father at the age of 11
and her mother, a housewife, took care of her studies. She did her schooling from Udaipur and graduated from NJR
Institute of Technology, Udaipur, in civil engineering. Covering a distance of 508 kms, Capt Chouhan successfully
led the Sura Soi Cycling Expedition from Siachen War Memorial to Kargil War Memorial conducted on the occasion
of Kargil Vijay Diwas in July 2022. She then took up the challenge of leading the men of Sura Soi Engineer Regiment
at Siachen and, based on her performance, was 1J3J2I1J6Ito undergo training at the Siachen Battle School.
selected
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Government starts process to buy 100 more K9-Vajras self-propelled howitzers
 The Defence Ministry has started the process for the procurement of 100 more K9-Vajra tracked self-propelled
howitzers which are built in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) using technology transferred from South Korean
defence major Hanwha Defence. At the height of tensions in eastern Ladakh in 2020, the Army deployed one
regiment of K-9 Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzers there to augment its long-range fire power in the backdrop
of a massive build-up of forces by China across the Line of Actual Control. Buoyed by their performance, the Army
is looking at eventually procuring 200 additional guns. The induction of Dhanush, K-9 Vajra and M777 Ultra Light
Howitzers has enhanced the reach of artillery firepower on the northern borders.
 The K9 Vajra is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer built by L&T with technology transferred from
South Korean defence major Hanwha Defense based on its K9 Thunder.
 The K9 Vajra was mainly bought for use in deserts, but the standoff prompted them to be deployed in the mountains
as well, officials had stated earlier.
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Himachal Pradesh: CM donates first salary to Chief Minister Sukhashray Sahayata Kosh
 Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced to set up of Rs 101 crore CM’s Sukhashraya
Sahayata Kosh for the destitute in the state. Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh informed that 40 Congress MLAs
agreed to contribute Rs one lakh each from their first salary for the fund and also requested the MLAs from BJP and
other parties to contribute.
 The collected fund will be spent on the higher education of destitute children to encourage them to pursue courses
such as engineering, medicine, management, and other streams from reputed institutions like IIT, IIM, AIIMS, and
NIT.
 CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that there are 6,000 destitute children in Himachal Pradesh.
 The CM’s Sukhashraya Sahayata Kosh with an expenditure of Rs 101 crore would provide the facility of higher
education to needy children.
 Through the CM’s Sukhashraya Sahayata Kosh other than bearing the educational expenses, the government would
also provide Rs 4000 monthly pocket money to the destitute children and women pursuing higher education.

Uttarakhand govt abolishes system of revenue police
The Uttarakhand government has decided to abolish the revenue policing system in the state. The Pushkar Singh
Dhami government has also announced that revenue villages will be brought under the regular policing system.
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Law and order in 1,800 revenue villages of Uttarakhand will now be handled by the state police, according to a
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statement by the Chief Minister’s Office.
 The demand to replace the revenue police system in Uttarakhand gained traction during the investigation into the
e
Ankita Bhandari murder case in September 2022. Ankita, a 19-year-old who worked as a receptionist at a resort run
by Pulkit Arya, the son of expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya, was found dead in the Chilla canal in Rishikesh on
k
September 24 after going missing for six days. The area was under the jurisdiction of the revenue police. Allegations
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were raised against the revenue police for not registering a complaint on time and even siding with the accused.
a
Manipur: Gaan Ngai festival of Zeliangrong community to be celebrated on 4th January

r
The Gaan Ngai of the Zeliangrong Community celebrated in Manipur. The Gaan Ngai festival is one of the major
p
festivals of Manipur which is celebrated every year after harvesting. The festival also marks the end of the year when
o
the farmers have stored their foodgrains in their granaries. During the festival, the Zeliangrong Community shows
their gratitude by offering the Almighty a good harvest and praying for a better and prosperous life in the coming
T
year.
 It is a custom to produce new fire by rubbing dry wood and split bamboo pieces and distributing them to every
household on the day of the festival to mark the beginning of the new year.
 The Gaan Ngai is a post-harvest festival. It is 0T
tr-5L mainly 1O6L
1Q3R2Qperformed by the followers and devotees of the Zeliangrong
Indigenous religion of ‘Poupei Chapriak’ and ‘Heraka’.
Experiencing History!: World’s first Palm-leaf Manuscript Museum in Kerala

 Kerala Chief Minister(CM) Pinarayi Vijayan has inaugurated the Palm leaf Manuscript Museum with modern audio-
visual technology at the renovated Central Archives, Fort area in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The Museum,
tr-5H0I1J3J
promoted as “World’s First Palm-Leaf Manuscript 2I1J6I
Museum” was set up by the Archives Department in association
1O 6L
1Q3R2Q of History and Heritage at a cost of Rs 3 crore.
with the Kerala
tr-5L0TMuseum
 The museum is a repository of curious nuggets of administrative, socio-cultural and economic facets of the
Travancore kingdom which lasted for 650 years till the end of the 19th century. It had been the Central Vernacular
Records Office since 1887 before becoming a museum.
Ghaziabad-Pt becomes longest fully ABS section of Indian Railways says Indian Railways
 Ghaziabad-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay section (762 KM) becomes the longest fully automatic block signalling section
of Indian Railways. In order to increase line capacity to run more trains on existing High Density Routes of Indian
Railways, Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) is a cost effective solution. Indian Railways has been rolling out
Automatic Block signalling on a mission mode. ABS has been commissioned on 268 Rkm during 2022-23. As on
31.12.2022, ABS has been provided on 3706 Route km over IR. With implementation of Automatic Signalling,
increase in capacity will accrue resulting in more train services becoming possible.
 Electronic Interlocking are being adopted on a large scale to derive benefits of digital technologies in train operation
and to enhance safety. Electronic Interlocking systems have been provided at 347 stations during 2022-23. So far
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2888 stations have been provided with Electronic Interlocking up to 31.12.2022 covering 45.5% of IR. Recently, with
the commissioning of Automatic signalling system in Sath Naraini- Rundhi- Faizullapur Station section of Prayagraj
Division, 762 KM long Ghaziabad-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay section has been fully automated and has also become
the longest automatic block signalling section of Indian Railways.
Centre constitutes High Powered Committee to discuss measures to protect Ladakh's unique culture,
language & employment
 The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India has established a High Powered Committee (HPC) to address issues
related to the protection of Ladakh’s culture, language, land, and employment opportunities. A 17-member
committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
 In addition to Rai, the committee will include the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, the
Member of Parliament for Ladakh, the Chairmen/Chief Executive Councilors of the LAHDCs of Leh and Kargil, and
several other officials from the MHA and the Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs.
 The establishment of the HPC reflects the Indian government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the
people of Ladakh and ensuring that the region’s unique culture and way of life are preserved. With its strategic
o m
location and importance, Ladakh plays a vital role in the security and stability of the region, and the HPC will work
to ensure that the needs of the people of Ladakh are met and that the region is able to contribute to the overall
c
.
development of the country.
rs
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh briefs media about ‘2023 Science Vision’ at New Delhi
 In a media interaction on the first day of the New Year, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science &
k e
Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances,
Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, 2023 Science Vision will define India at 2047.
n
Dr Jitendra Singh added that the year 2023 also happens to be the first of the last 25 years or the last quarter of the
calendar before independent India turns 100 at 2047 and realizes its century dreams.

Year of Millets.
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This is also the year, the Minister said, when India under PM Narendra Modi reiterates its stature in the
international fora as the host of G20 as well as the Nation on whose proposal the world is observing International

Thiruvananthpuram
o
Union Minister Parshottam Rupala inaugurates 29 Mobile Veterinary Units & centralised call center in
T
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala on Thursday inaugurated 29
Mobile Veterinary Units (MVU) and centralised call center in Thiruvananthpuram in a major step for the benefit of
the livestock farmers in Kerala. tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6L
The Minister highlighted that this intervention will boost the confidence of dairy farmers to rear high productive
dairy animals as most of the breeders are reluctant to take their livestock to Veterinary Hospital for treatment and
usually end calling quacks for doorstep delivery of services. Each MVU will be manned by a qualified Veterinarian
and a Paravet for providing specialized services to livestock farmers, he added.
 The Minister underlined that the scheme is promising and will transform the dairy sector from a subsistence-based
6I
2I1Jgiving
tr-5H0I1J3Jby
farm livelihood to a commercially viable enterprise gainful employment to the youth of the Kerala.
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President Droupadi Murmu lays foundation stone for SJVN's 1,000 MW solar project in Rajasthan
 President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone of state-owned energy firm SJVN’s 1,000 MV Bikaner Solar
Power Project. The event was done virtually by the President of India in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The project is being
implemented by SJVN Limited through its owned subsidiary SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL).
 The solar power project is being developed on 500 acres near the village of Banderwala, district Bikaner of Rajasthan.
It is one of the highest solar yield areas in India.
 The development cost of the Bikaner Solar Power Project is ₹5492 crore and viability gap funding support of ₹44.72
lacks per megawatt.
 After commissioning the project will generate 2454.55 million units in the first year and approximately 56838 MU
would be generated on a cumulative basis over 25 years.
Kerala declared first State to enable digital banking in all eligible accounts
 Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared Kerala as the first state in the country to go fully digital in its banking
service and said this recognition would boost the state economy. Vijayan said this achievement was possible due to
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social interventions through local self-government institutions along with infrastructure development and
technological advances in the banking sector.
 It is a joint venture between the Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd (KSITIL), Kerala State
Electricity Board (KSEB) and the state, in which the two companies hold 49% each and the state the remaining 2%.
A consortium led by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) is executing the project and will be responsible for the operation
and maintenance of the 35,000-km-long network for the next seven years. Funded by the Kerala Infrastructure
Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the project is estimated to cost Rs 1,028.20 crore, which includes capital
expenditure, administrative overheads and annual operational expenditure of Rs 104.4 crore.
President Droupadi Murmu lays foundation stone for SJVN's 1,000 MW solar project in Rajasthan
 President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone of state-owned energy firm SJVN’s 1,000 MV Bikaner Solar
Power Project. The event was done virtually by the President of India in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The project is being
implemented by SJVN Limited through its owned subsidiary SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL).
 The solar power project is being developed on 500 acres near the village of Banderwala, district Bikaner of Rajasthan.

It is one of the highest solar yield areas in India.
o m
The development cost of the Bikaner Solar Power Project is ₹5492 crore and viability gap funding support of ₹44.72
lacks per megawatt.
c
.
 After commissioning the project will generate 2454.55 million units in the first year and approximately 56838 MU
rs
would be generated on a cumulative basis over 25 years.
e
Kerala declared first State to enable digital banking in all eligible accounts
 Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared Kerala as the first state in the country to go fully digital in its banking

k
service and said this recognition would boost the state economy. Vijayan said this achievement was possible due to
n
social interventions through local self-government institutions along with infrastructure development and
technological advances in the banking sector.
a
r
It is a joint venture between the Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd (KSITIL), Kerala State
Electricity Board (KSEB) and the state, in which the two companies hold 49% each and the state the remaining 2%.
o p
A consortium led by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) is executing the project and will be responsible for the operation
and maintenance of the 35,000-km-long network for the next seven years. Funded by the Kerala Infrastructure
Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the project is estimated to cost Rs 1,028.20 crore, which includes capital
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expenditure, administrative overheads and annual operational expenditure of Rs 104.4 crore.
International Kite Festival 2023 begins in Ahmedabad

The International Kite Festival 2023 has began
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on3R82QJanuary in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The festival, which is being
organised after a gap of two years, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The previous edition was
held in 2020 with 153 participants from 43 countries. The festival is being organised by Gujarat Tourism on the G20
theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. Apart from Ahmedabad, the International Kite Festival will also be
organised in Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Dwarka, Somnath, Dhordo and Kevadia.
 After a gap of 2 years, the sky above the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad will be decorated with colourful unique
2I1J6I
0I1J3Jand
kites. More than 800 kite flyers from across India
tr-5H the world will participate in the festival and display their
1O 6L
3R2Q year kite lovers from different countries will attempt to create a Guinness World Record for
tr-5L0T1QThis
unique creations.
the maximum number of kite flyers at the same time.
India’s first-ever coal gasification based Talcher Fertiliser plant in Odisha will be ready by October 2024:
Mansukh Mandaviya
 Union Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced that
India’s first-ever coal gasification-based Talcher Fertilizer Plant in Odisha will be ready to be dedicated to the nation
by October 2024. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the site on the second day and noted that the work
in the plant in Talcher is in progress.
 Along with Union Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya,
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was also present during the occasion.
 Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, five out of four urea plants have become
functional.
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 The urea plants at Talcher which uses Coal Gasification Technology to produce urea will be ready by the end of this
year.
Kerala establishes welfare board for workers under employment guarantee programmes
 The Kerala Cabinet approved a scheme to ensure those employed under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme(MGNREGS) in the poll-bound state get benefits like pension and medical assistance. It has
recommended that governor Arif Mohammad Khan issue an ordinance in this regard.
 The state government and local bodies will give an equal contribution and ₹50 will be deducted from a worker’s
salary every month for it.
 Those who are between 18 and 55 can register for membership and they can submit their contribution every month
or on yearly basis. People aged up to 75 are eligible for employment under MGNREGS.
PM Launches Aspirational Block Programme, Calls for "India-First" Approach

 Prime Minister has launched the government’s Aspirational Block Programme (ABP), which is aimed at improving
the performance of blocks lagging on various development parameters. The Aspirational Blocks Programme is on
the lines of the Aspirational District Programme that was launched in 2018 and covers 112 districts across the
country.
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 NITI Aayog in partnership with the states will release a quarterly ranking of these blocks based on their performance
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on development indicators covering sectors such as health, education and nutrition among others.
 The Centre had announced its intention to launch this initiative in the Union Budget 2022-23.The programme will
e
cover 500 districts across 31 states and Union Territories initially. Over half of these blocks are in 6 states—Uttar
Pradesh (68 blocks), Bihar (61), Madhya Pradesh (42), Jharkhand (34), Odisha (29) and West Bengal (29).

India’s Fastest Payment App PayRup Launched
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India’s fastest payment app PayRup was launched in India on 9th January 2023. PayRup is built with the finest
a
technology of web 3.0. PayRup provides an advanced digital payment experience with an outstanding user

purchase gift cards.
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experience. PayRup users can pay utility bills and landline bills, recharge their mobile, broadband, DTH, and
o
PayRup services are planned to expand across various financial instruments.These instruments include multiple
payment services such as school fees, pay rent, and other payment collection services.


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PayRup has announced ticketing and booking services for flights, buses, and hotels along with other USPs.PayRup
opens 24/7 customer care facilities for help and support for users.
Customer Support desk runs with leading CRM technologies and supports by the global standard. PayRup ensured
the 5 dimensions of service quality and follows 1Q3R2Q1O6L standards to provide the best service experience.
tr-5L0TSERVQUAL
Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates School of Logistics, Waterways and Communication in Agartala

 Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, inaugurated the School of
Logistics, Waterways and Communication in Agartala. The school’s mission is to tap into the economic potential
of the Northeast by harnessing the human resources of the region’s waterways and transportation sector, as outlined
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by Minister Sonowal. tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
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 The Centre for0TLogistics,
tr-5L Communication and Waterways aims to improve the logistics and transportation sector
by conducting research, training, workshops, and seminars for various stakeholders, including businesses,
exporters/importers, Chambers of Commerce and Industries, local entrepreneurs, and tourist operators. The centre
is established under the State Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (SIPARD), an autonomous
body funded by both the Government of Tripura and the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
Music of the soul at Mongeet in Assam at Majuli

 Mongeet is a festival of music, poetry, art, craft, food, culinary techniques, indigenous herbs, and culture celebrated
in Majuli, Assam. The Mongeet festival started in the year 2020 as a movement of arts and music and it aims to
nurture the upcoming musical talents of Assam. It was started by actor Adil Hussain and Kaushik Nath, an actor-
director-turned-entrepreneur.
 Mongeet festival will be held on 15th, 16th, and 17th January at Dekasang, Majuli and on 19th and 20th January at
Dekasang, Sadiya.
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 This edition of the Mongeet festival will witness Montulika, a creative painting workshop, and Monmritikka, a
special workshop on the rich art and sculpture of Assam.
 In the Mongeet festival, renowned Assamese Chef Atul Lahkar will host a masterclass, Aharor Aakholi (food and
traditional kitchen) to talk about food conservation, identification of ingredients, modern cooking methods about
indigenous techniques, and ways to promote regional cuisine.
West Bengal: ICG ship ‘Kamla Devi’, last vessel of FPV series, commissioned
 Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship ‘Kamla Devi’ the Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) which is designed, built, and delivered by
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd to Indian Coast Guard was commissioned in Kolkata, West
Bengal. Indian Coast Guard ship Kamla Devi is officially the fifth and last vessel of the series of FPVs designed and
built by GRSE as per the specifications of the Indian Coast Guard.
 Indian Coast Guard ship (ICGS) Kamla Devi is 48.8 meters long and 7.5 meters wide with a displacement of 308
tonnes. There are three engines and water jets in ICGS Kamla Devi.
 She is capable of a top speed of 34 knots and an endurance of over 1,500 nautical miles. She has an Integrated Bridge

System and is fitted with 40/60 guns as the main armament.
The ICGS Kamla Devi has advanced habitability features with fully air-conditioned accommodations for 35
personnel.
c o m

Tripura State Government launches "Saharsh" special education program
rs .
The ‘Saharsh’ was launched in 40 schools of the state on a pilot basis in August last year. This year, it will be extended
e
to all government and aided schools in Tripura from the second week of January.
 A similar program, which was found to be effective in social and economic development in research studies of

in Tripura.
a k
Harvard and Columbia Universities is being contextualized with local realities of India before being implemented
n
On the inauguration of the 49th state-level science, mathematics, and environment exhibition, Education Minister
r
Ratan Lal Nath informed that the state government has been working to make Tripura self-reliant and prosperous.
 The school education department has introduced 36 reforms in the last five years and the higher education
department has 19 reforms.
o p
Vidisha becomes the 1st Indian district to implement cutting-edge 5G use cases proposed by startups


T
A joint initiative by the Vidisha District Administration and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT),
Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the direction of Additional Secretary (Telecom) & Administrator
USOF, made Vidisha, a district of Madhya Pradesh, the first district ever in India for on-ground implementation of
5L0T1Q3R2Q
groundbreaking 5G use cases proposed bytr-startups. 1O6L
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has been fostering partnerships of Digital Communication Tech –
startups & SMEs to potential user communities, viz. State governments, Smart cities, Aspirational districts, vertical
industries, etc., through the Telecom Startups & MSMEs Mission (TSuM) & 5G Vertical Engagement Partnership
Program (VEPP). This is accomplished to accelerate Digital Transformation across socio-economic verticals.
 To implement 5G/4G/IoT innovative approaches of Startups & SMEs at Vidisha (Aspirational district), Madhya
1J6I
tr-5H0I1J3J2IDiary,
Pradesh with a primary focus on Health, Agriculture, Education & Skill Development, benefiting the Vidisha
3R2Q 1O 6L
community tr-5L a 1Q
as0T whole, the “5G use case promotional pilot” is being spearheaded by the Centre for Development of
Telematics (C-DOT), DoT, which is a trailblazer in emerging Digital communication Technologies.
Flybig starts flight from Itanagar to Guwahati

 Regional carrier Flybig commenced its services from Itanagar to Guwahati. The Flybig carrier has commenced
flights from Hollongi in Arunachal Pradesh to Guwahati in Assam. With this, Itanagar becomes the 10th destination
on the Flybig network while the third destination in Arunachal Pradesh alone.
 Flybig flies six days a week to Tezu and seven days to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh from Guwahati. The morning
flights from Itanagar to Guwahati will be operated on all days except Wednesday.
 Flybig is a regional airline based in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. The airline began its operations in December
2020 and is focused on connecting tier-2 cities within India. The company received a No Objection Certificate from
the Ministry of Civil Aviation and received its Air Operator’s Certificate (AoC) on 14th December 2020. It began
operations with a single ATR-72-500.
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Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal hands over 9th to 10th century Nataraja idol to Archaeological
Department official in Chittorgarh Fort
 Union Minister of State for Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal handed over the 9th to 10th century Nataraja Idol of the
Archeological Department official in Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal noted that
there are only 13 idols of ancient importance that could be brought to India by the year 2023 but after 2014, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi brought 229 idols to India.
 The Nataraja Idols were stolen from the Shiva temple at Badoli in Chittorgarh in 1998. The idols were brought to
India in 2020 from a private museum in London after a long legal process. Union Minister has also ensured to build
a ropeway on Chittorgarh fort and connect Chittorgarh with Bharatmala Yojana.
 Arjun Ram Meghwal is an Indian politician currently serving as the Minister of State for Parliament Affairs and
Culture. He is a member of the Bhartiya Janata Party. He has previously served as the Chief Whip and Minister of
State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
Jallikattu 2023: Celebrations begin in Madurai; Tamil Nadu govt issues new norms amid Covid scare
 The renowned Jallikattu bull-taming competition got underway on Sunday in the Tamil Nadu village of
Avaniyapuram. Aneesh Sekhar, the district collector of Madurai, as saying that preparations had been made to
o m
ensure a successful Jallikattu. ensuring the players’ and bulls’ safety. Bulls are protected in the play area by three
c
.
levels of barricading, as are spectators.

rs
Several eager young men participated in the sport, which received a fawning round of applause.
 During the Pongal harvest season, which starts in mid-January, jallikattu is a well-liked sport.The winner is
e
determined by how long the tamer stays on the bull’s hump.
 It is customarily done as a part of Mattu Pongal, the third day of Tamil Nadu’s four-day harvest festival.
n
Success of 'Womaniya on Government eMarketplace' commemorated in New Delhi
k
The success of “Womaniya on Government eMarketplace” was commemorated in New Delhi. The event was held
a
by Government eMarketplace (GeM) in partnership with the self-employed women’s association, Bharat (SEWA
p r
Bharat), and attended by women entrepreneurs and participants from stakeholders’ organizations and associations.
The highlight of the event included a presentation on financial literacy by Smt. Piya Bahadur, Co-founder & CEO,
o
MeraBills.
 Presentation by Smt Sanchita Mitra, National Coordinator, SEWA Bharat on the new opportunities created for

T
women entrepreneurs within the informal economy through digital inclusion.
A short film on GeM seller testimonials, “Voice from the Ground” by SEWA.
Doppler weather radar network to cover tr-5Lentire 2Q1O6L by 2025

0T1Q3Rcountry
The entire country will be covered by Doppler Weather Radar Network by 2025 to help predict extreme weather
events more accurately, union minister Jitendra Singh said on Sunday, speaking at the foundation day of India
Meteorological Department.
 They include two at Murari Devi and Jot in Himachal Pradesh, and one each at Banihal Top in Jammu and Kashmir
and Surkandaji in Uttarakhand covering a radius of 100 km.
1J3J2I1J6I
 The IMD has taken proactive 6L
tr-5H0I
steps to increase the number of radars from 15 in 2013 to 37 in 2023 and will add 25
3R2Q 1O
more in next 2-31Qyears,
tr-5L0T he said in presence of Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and LG of
J&K—the three Himalayan States most prone to the extreme events in the country.
 Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh urged the union minister to provide one more DWR system at Lahaul-
Spiti, which suffers from frequent cloud-burst incidents.
Old Pension Scheme benefits to be extended to CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP personnel; Delhi HC directs Centre
to issue orders
 The Himachal Pradesh government restored the old pension scheme in its first cabinet meeting. The cabinet
decided to provide OPS to all government employees who are presently covered under the defined contributory
pension scheme, also referred to as NPS. This scheme will benefit about 1.36 lakh NPS employees in the state.
 The State Cabinet in its first meeting presided over by the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held in Shimla
passed a resolution thanking the people of Himachal Pradesh for reposing their confidence in the policies and
programs of congress.
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 Congress government has fulfilled a key poll promise by providing the Old Pension scheme (OPS) to all government
employees.
PM shares snippets titled 'Your Exam, Your Methods-Choose

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared snippets titled “Your Exam, Your Methods-Choose Your Own Style” from the
Exam Warriors Book and has urged students to share how they prepare for exams. PM Modi in his message shared
that in the book Exam Warriors, one mantra is “Your Exam, Your Methods-Choose Your Own Style”.
 He also urged all the students to share their interesting experiences while preparing for the exams. The Prime
Minister has shared that it will surely motivate Exam Warriors.
 Exam Warriors is a book published by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. Exam Warriors is written especially
for young students to help them deal with the stress of exams.
Union Govt included 'Neelakurinji' in the list of protected plants

 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) has listed Neelakurinji under Schedule III of the

after the Center increased the earlier protected list of six plant species to 19.
c m
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, including it on the list of protected plants. Neelakurinji has been included in the list
o
As per the order, those uprooting or destroying the plant will be fined Rs 25,000 and imprisoned for three years,

furthermore, cultivation and possession of Neelakurinji are not permitted.
rs .
Neelakurinji is a shrub found in the Western Ghats in the Shola forests in the Southern part of India. It is peculiar
that it blooms only once in twelve years. It has also given the name Nilgiris to the mountains of the region owing
e
to its blue color. Neelakurinji usually grows at an elevation of 1300 – 2400 m and a height between 30 – 60 cm.

1200-yr-old Miniature Stupas Found In Nalanda District
n k
The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) of the Patna circle has unearthed 1200 years old two miniature votive stupas
a
near the Sarai Tila mound on the “Nalanda Mahavihara” grounds in the Nalanda district. The stupas found in
r
Nalanda are carved from stones and depict Buddha figures.
 The Superintendent Archeologist, ASI Patna circle, Goutami Bhattacharya informed that at the beginning of the

p
7th century CE, small miniature terracotta stupas became popular as votive offerings. Devout pilgrims visiting
o
various holy sites and temples throughout Asia would either purchase small votive offerings or make their own.
The Nalanda Mahavihara site comprises the archeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating



T
from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th Century CE.
It includes stupas, shrines, viharas, and important artwork in stucco, stone, and metal.
The archaeological remains of Nalanda Mahavihara were systematically unearthed and preserved simultaneously.
Odisha Govt to revamp Vedvyas Shrine in Sundargarh

tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6L
Odisha Government will develop the famous Vedvyas Shrine, which is located near Rourkela in Sundargarh district,
the temple is not only a place of natural beauty but is also considered a pilgrimage.
 On the direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Secretary to CM VK Pandian on Saturday visited Vedvyas Peetha
and after holding a discussion with the members of the Trust Board, and local people, Pandian asked the district
5H0I1J3J2I1J6I
tr-plan
Collector to prepare 2Q
a detailed
1O6L
development within 15 days for Vedvyas Peetha in line with 5T initiatives of the
tr-5L0T1Q3R
State Government.
 The development plan will be presented before the Chief Minister for approval.
 Vedvyas Peetha is one of the major pilgrimage sites in the State. Many visitors from across the State and outside
come to this famous Peetha every day. Hence, the State Government is making constant efforts for the overall
development of this Peetha, the 5T Secretary said.
PM inaugurates second phase of Sansad Khel Mahakumbh

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the second phase of Saansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23 via video
conferencing. Saansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23 has been organized in Basti district, Uttar Pradesh by Harish
Dwivedi, Member of Parliament from Basti since 2021.
 The Khel Mahakumbh includes various competitions in both indoor and outdoor sports like wrestling, kabaddi,
kho kho, basketball, football, hockey, volleyball, handball, chess, carrom, badminton, table tennis, etc. There are
several other competitions including essay writing, painting, rangoli making, etc are also organized during the Khel
Mahakumbh.
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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has noted that Basti is the pious land of Maharishi Vashist which is made up of labor
and meditation, asceticism, and renunciation.
J&K completely shift to digital mode of governance, becomes first UT to do so

 Jammu & Kashmir becomes the first union territory in India to completely switch to a digital method of
administration, leading the way in the digital transformation of governance. All governmental and administrative
services in Jammu & Kashmir are currently only offered digitally.
 The declaration was made during the meeting of the Committee of Secretaries. Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar
Mehta instructed the commissioner of IT during the meeting to make sure that all government services would only
be accessible online.
 According to the state administration’s guidelines, no service will be unavailable, and applicants won’t need to go
to a government office.
 Dr. Arun Mehta also instructed all the secretaries to make sure that services were delivered online without difficulty
and tasked them with organizing public awareness campaigns in panchayats and educational institutions.
 The UT administration constituted a ‘Coordination Cell’ for monitoring the progress of the implementation of
online services in Jammu and Kashmir.
c o m
.
EY projects India to become a US$26 trillion economy by 2047 with a six-fold increase in per capita income
rs
to US$15,000
 Ernst & Young, released a report titled India@100: Realizing the potential of a US$26 trillion economy. According
e
to the estimates Indian economy will reach GDP size of US$26 trillion by 2047, the 100th year of the country’s
independence.

economies.
Growth Enablers As Per Report
1. World’s Information Technology and Services Hub
a k
The per capita income is expected to increase to US$15,000, putting the country among the ranks of developed
n
2. Digitalization: A Force Multiplier
3. Filing the credit gap to fuel growth
p r
o
4. Thriving entrepreneurship spurred by private capital
5. Reaping the demographic dividend
T
6. Making domestic manufacturing competitive
7. Building the infrastructure of the future
8. Transition to sustainable energy
1O6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
Deepest underground metro station in the country to start by March end
 The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MahaMetro) has announced that the Commissioner of Metro Railway
Safety (CMRS) will inspect a stretch of the Pune Metro in February, and clearances are expected in March. This line
features India’s deepest underground station, which will be ready in a few months at the Civil Court and measures
33.1 metres (108.59 feet) in depth.
 3J2I1J6Iand Civil Court, as well as the section between Civil Court
tr-5H0I1JVanaz
The CMRS inspection will cover the part between
1O 6L
and Pimpri 0T1Q3R2Q Municipal Corporation. MahaMetro, a joint special purpose vehicle (SPV) of Government
Chinchwad
tr-5L
of India and Government of Maharashtra, is the executing agency of Pune Metro rail project.
 A metro rake successfully completed its first test run between the Range Hills and Civil Court stations in Pune’s
underground segment, covering 3 kilometres in around 30 minutes.
National AIDS Control Organisation forms Largest Human Red Ribbon Chain in Kalinga Stadium of
Bhubaneswar, Odisha to create awareness on AIDS
 Odisha State AIDS Control Society organised an awareness program on HIV AIDS in coordination with the
Department of Sports and Youth Services and Hockey India under the leadership of National AIDS Control
Organization (NACO), on 19th January 2023. The spectators in the gallery included 4,800 students from various
schools, Red Ribbon Club members from colleges, people from community, and participants from the Mission
Shakti Department.
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 Odisha continues to have a low HIV prevalence in the state with an adult prevalence of 0.14% and an estimated
52,108 people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, only half of the people living with HIV in the state are on the Anti-
Retroviral Treatment (ART).
INTERNATIONAL
Former Maldives president Yameen to appeal 11-year jail term
 The Maldives criminal court sentenced former president Abdulla Yameen to 11 years in prison and fined him $5
million after finding him guilty of corruption and money laundering charges related to receiving kickbacks from a
private company. Yameen has denied any wrongdoing.
 He lost power in 2018 but has been declared presidential candidate for the Progressive Party of the Maldives for an
election due in 2023. Already in 2019 he was sentenced to five years in jail and fined $5 million in 2019 for embezzling
$1 million in state funds, which the prosecution said was acquired through the lease of resort development rights.
After his sentencing, Yameen was shifted to house arrest in 2020 and was freed months later.

Bangladesh's first-ever metro inaugurated in capital Dhaka
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the first metro rail in Dhaka. The metro train was flagged
c o m
off in Dhaka for the first journey between Diabari and Agargaon station. The metro rail is part of the Bangladesh
.
project of Mass Rapid Transit to be completed by 2030.
rs
 Bangladesh has reached another milestone in its development journey with its first metro rail inauguration.
 The metro rail is an approximately 12-kilometer-long metro route.

e
The metro rail will connect Diabari to Agargaon station in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
 Ten pairs of trains with six coaches each will run on this route initially for four hours carrying about five lakh

passengers daily.
n k
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the first-ever metro rail of Bangladesh which has increased the pride
and development of the country.
a

p r
Bhutan DGPC handed keys to Indian-backed 720 Mw Mangdechhu hydro project
India-assisted 720 Megawatts Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project has been recently handed to Druk Green
o
Power Corporation (DGPC) in Bhutan. With this project, India and Bhutan have successfully completed four mega
hydroelectric power projects. The commissioning of the project has increased Bhutan’s Electrical Power Generation

Capacity by 44 per cent.
T
The 720 MW project Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering in 2019. The commissioning of the project has increased
by3R
tr-5L0T1Q
Bhutan’s Electrical Power Generation Capacity
2Q1O6L
44 per cent and it is now at 2,326 Mega Watts. The Project has
generated more than 9000 million units of energy since its commissioning, reducing 2.4 million tons of emissions
annually.
Lula sworn in for third term as Brazil's president

 Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office for a third term as Brazil’s president, vowing to fight for the poor and the
6I
0I1J3J2I1Jleader
environment and “rebuild the country” after far-right
tr-5H Jair Bolsonaro’s divisive administration. The 77-year-
2Q 1O 6L
old veteran tr-5L 0T1Q3R
leftist, who previously led Brazil from 2003 to 2010, took the oath of office before Congress, capping a
remarkable political comeback for the metalworker-turned-president less than five years after he was jailed on
controversial, since-quashed corruption charges.
 It is the first time since the end of Brazil’s 1965-1985 military dictatorship that an incoming leader has not received
the yellow-and-green presidential sash from his predecessor. Foreign dignitaries including 19 heads of state were in
attendance as Lula, who previously led Brazil through a watershed boom, took the oath of office for a new four-year
term.
Elon Musk becomes first ever person to lose $200 billion after Twitter takeover
 Tesla and Twitter CEO Elon Musk became the first person to lose $200 billion from his net worth. Elon Musk has
seen a drop of up to $137 billion in his wealth after a recent drop in Tesla Shares. The shares of his electric car
company are down nearly 65 percent. Elon Musk became the richest person in the world for the first time in January
2021 with a net worth of more than $185 billion.
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 However, he was replaced by Bernard Arnault, the chief executive of luxury brand Louis Vuitton’s parent company
LVMH as the world’s richest man.
 Elon Musk has applied a move-fast-and-break-things approach such as firing staff then asking them to come back
and applying content policies haphazardly to justify banning the accounts of some prominent journalists who cover
him.
 Commenting on Croatia’s Schengen accession and the adoption of the euro, the President of the EU Commission,
Ursula von der Leyen, expressed her warm welcome for the citizens of Croatia in the borderless zone, pointing out
that border controls between Croatia and the rest of the Schengen Area will now become part of the past.
Croatia's big day: Balkan nation adopts euro and joins Schengen zone
 Starting from this Sunday, January 1, 2023, Croatia will officially become a Schengen Area Member Country and will
also adopt the euro as its currency after years of intensive preparations and work.
 In honour of Croatia meeting these two milestones, the European Union Commission has released a statement
congratulating the country and highlighting the importance of this date for both Croatia and Europe.

EU citizens that will share it as their common currency.
c o
which are also EU countries. The Eurozone, in the meantime, now consists of 19 EU Member States and 347 million
m
It further points out that with Croatia joining the Schengen Area, now the zone consists of 27 Member States, 23 of

Dhaka Lit Fest to feature speakers from five continents
rs .
The 10th edition of Dhaka Lit Fest (DLF), the largest international literary festival in Bangladesh, which was
postponed three years in a row owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, is scheduled for January 5-8, 2023. The Bangla

Academy in Dhaka’s historic grounds will serve as the venue for the event.
k e
In a press release on Friday, Sadaf Saaz, Ahsan Akbar, and Kazi Anis Ahmed—the festival’s three directors—
confirmed the information.

 n
The Dhaka Lit Fest has long been a well-liked annual occasion on Bangladesh’s winter calendar. The eighth Dhaka
a
Lit Fest, which was most recently held in 2019, attracted almost 30,000 attendees.
r
Over the course of the four days, there will be a variety of discussions and dialogues as well as film screenings, art
p
displays, musical performances, and cultural performances.
 Out of the more than 200 speakers scheduled to attend the 2023 edition, the DLF directors have released their initial

roster of 25 speakers.
To
Qin Gang is named China's new foreign minister
China has appointed Qin Gang, its ambassador to the United States and a trusted aide of President Xi Jinping, to
be its new foreign minister, as Beijing and Washington seek
5L0T1Q3R2Q
the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC)tr-Standing
1O6L
to stabilize rocky relations. This decision was made by
Committee. Qin, 56, replaces Wang Yi, who has been foreign
minister for the past decade. Wang, 69, was promoted to the politburo of the Chinese Communist Party and is
expected to play a bigger role in Chinese foreign policy.
 Qin rose quickly through various positions in China’s foreign ministry, including two stints as ministry spokesman
between 2006 and 2014, and as chief protocol officer between 2014 and 2018, overseeing many of Xi’s interactions
with foreign leaders. As spokesman, he stood out among his peers for being one of the earliest Chinese diplomats
1J3J2I1J6I
tr-5H0Iincreasingly
to make sharp comments in defence of China’s assertive foreign policy, what later became known as
tr-5L0T 1Q3R2Q1O6L
“wolf warrior” diplomacy.
China becomes the first country in Asia and second in the world to launch Hydrogen powered Train
 China’s CRRC Corporation Ltd. Launched a hydrogen urban train, and it is the first in Asia and the second such
train in the world. Germany introduced green trains a few months back. The hydrogen trains have a speed of 160
km per hour and the operational range without refueling is 600 km.
 The trains launched by Germany have a record of 1175 km range set. The Indian Railway on the other hand is moving
fast to induct the ‘World’s Greenest Train’ soon.
 India will get its first-ever Indigenous Hydrogen trains by December 2023. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav
informed that Indian Railways is working on new environment-friendly trains and the engineers are designing them.
India identifies copper and lithium mines in Argentina

 The Indian government has proclaimed that they have identified two lithium mines and one copper mine in
Argentina and they are moving forward to acquiring it or taking long term lease. The government of India said that
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they had sent a team of geologists to Argentina to assess and find potential lithium deposits in the month of
November 2022. They have been able to identify a possible source of lithium and copper deposits in the south
American country.
 Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (Kabil) will have ownership or leasing rights to the mines. A joint venture between the
National Aluminium Company (Nalco), Hindustan Copper (HCL), and Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. It was
established in 2019 to ensure the market in India had access to strategic minerals.
Europe's melted snow due to 'winter heatwave' seen from space

 New satellite imagery reveals the effect of Europe’s ‘winter heatwave’ in the thick of the continent’s winter skiing
season. An image posted by the European Union’s Copernicus Programme shows a distinct lack of snow
surrounding the Swiss town of Altdorf, which is close to skiing resorts. In Altdorf, the temperature reached 66.5°F
(19.2°C) on New Year’s Day and did not fall below 60.9°F (16.1°C) during the night, breaking a previous record set in
1864. Warsaw in Poland also hit 66°F (18.9°C), smashing its own January record by over 9°F (5°C).
 The new satellite image was captured by Sentinel 2, one of the Earth observation satellites that makes up the
Copernicus Programme. According to the programme, 2023 has started with ‘a historic heatwave‘ affecting Europe,
with many countries observing the warmest temperature on record for January 1, potentially due to human-caused
climate change.
c o m

World’s first vaccine for honeybees gets conditional nod in US
rs .
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted a conditional license for a vaccine for honeybees
to curb American foulbrood (AFB), a fatal bacterial disease for the insect.

k
can affect most of the brood, severely weakening the colony and eventually killing it.
e
It is not a stress-related disease and can infect the strongest to the weakest colony in an apiary. Heavy infections
n
The disease cannot be cured, meaning that the destruction of infected colonies and hives or irradiation of infected
material is the only way to manage AFB.
p r a
Taiwan passes Chips Act, offers tax credits to local chipmakerss
Taiwanese lawmakers have passed new rules that let local chip firms turn 25% of their annual research and
o
development expenses into tax credits, part of efforts to keep cutting-edge semiconductor technologies at home
and maintain the island’s technology leadership. Officials there have repeatedly said they will ensure the latest chip
T
technologies remain in Taiwan, a point that has been reaffirmed by executives at Taiwan Semiconductor
Manufacturing Co. and other local chip giants. While Taiwan’s assisted local chipmakers in the past with
infrastructure construction and other measures, the island is now stepping up its efforts.
 The new incentives should take effect sometime 3R2Q1O
tr-5L0T1Qfrom
6L Chip companies in Taiwan can also claims tax credits
2023.
on 5% of the annual costs of buying new equipment for advanced process technologies, the ministry said in what’s
been dubbed the local version of America’s Chips Act. Any credits earned, however, cannot exceed 50% of the total
annual income taxes a firm owes.
Taiwan passes Chips Act, offers tax credits to local chipmakerss

 Taiwanese lawmakers have passed new rules that
tr-5H0I 1J6Ilocal chip firms turn 25% of their annual research and
1J3J2Ilet
1O 6L
development 0T1Q3R2Q into tax credits, part of efforts to keep cutting-edge semiconductor technologies at home
tr-5Lexpenses
and maintain the island’s technology leadership. Officials there have repeatedly said they will ensure the latest chip
technologies remain in Taiwan, a point that has been reaffirmed by executives at Taiwan Semiconductor
Manufacturing Co. and other local chip giants. While Taiwan’s assisted local chipmakers in the past with
infrastructure construction and other measures, the island is now stepping up its efforts.
 The new incentives should take effect sometime from 2023. Chip companies in Taiwan can also claims tax credits
on 5% of the annual costs of buying new equipment for advanced process technologies, the ministry said in what’s
been dubbed the local version of America’s Chips Act. Any credits earned, however, cannot exceed 50% of the total
annual income taxes a firm owes.
Kevin McCarthy elected U.S. House Speaker in vote 15 after chaotic week
 The United States Parliament has elected Kevin McCarthy of the Republican Party as the speaker of the House of
Representatives after 15 rounds of voting. He is the 55th speaker of the US House of Representatives. He was serving
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as the House Minority Leader in the House. He has replaced Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the Democratic Party in
the House of Representatives.
 After the midterm elections held on November 8, the number of members of former President Donald Trump’s
Republican Party has increased to222 in the 435-member House of Representatives. With this, President Joe Biden’s
Democratic Party has come in the minority in the House of Representatives. Kevin McCarthy has become thethird
most senior US position after US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
 Kevin McCarthy is a member of the Republican Party. He was elected as the House Minority Leader from 2019 to
2023. He previously served as the House Majority Leader from 2014 to 2019 under Speakers John Boehner and Paul
Ryan. McCarthy has been elected as a member of the US Parliament 9 times. He was born in Bakersfield, California.
Manpreet Monica Singh First female Sikh judge in US

 Indian-origin Sikh woman, Manpreet Monica Singh became the first ever female Sikh judge in the US after she was
sworn in as a Harris county judge. Born and brought up in Houston, after her father immigrated to the US early in
the 1970s, Singh currently lives in Bellaire with her husband and two children. In her career expanding over two

national levels.
m
decades, the newly appointed judge has been involved in numerous civil rights organizations at the local, state, and
o
An estimated 5,00,000 Sikhs live in the US, with 20,000 Sikhs living in the Houston area. The state’s first South
c
.
Asian judge, Indian-American Ravi Sandill called it a big moment for the Sikh community. Sandill was also presiding
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over the ceremony which happened in a packed courtroom.
Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts again after brief pause


e
After a brief pause, Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted again, spewing lava fountains and discharges of volcanic ash
k
into the air. The eruption started January 5, 2022 afternoon at the volcano’s crater, according to a notice issued by
n
the United States Geological Service (GSGS).lava from the volcano is contained in Kilauea’s crater, a closed section
of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

p r a
The USGS warned locals that the high quantities of volcanic fumes may still be dangerous as they travelled
downstream. The Kilauea volcano is the most active of the five volcanoes that make up the Island of Hawaii. It is a
shield volcano, which is a type of volcano composed of fluid lava and characterized by its vast lava flow.

o
Gabon named its Vice-President and new Prime Minister of the country
T
Gabon’s President Ali Bongo appointed the country’s first female Prime Minister Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda
to the role of Vice-President and named a new PM to replace her.\Ossouka Raponda, 59, was appointed in July 2020
after her predecessor stepped down. She was Defence Minister before th
+at. Ossouka Raponda was named Budgettr-Minister in1O
5L0T1Q3R2Q
6L before being elected mayor of the capital Libreville in
2012
2014, becoming the first woman to hold that position since 1956. She had to navigate a delicate political scene as
Prime Minister after a coup attempt in 2019 while Bongo was on prolonged medical leave following a stroke.\Former
Minister Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze will replace Ossouka Raponda and form a new government, Bongo’s secretary
general Jean-Yves Teale said in a video statement posted on the presidency’s Twitter account.
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5H0I1J3JBooks 6I
Italy Man Sets World Record By 'Mirror tr- Typing' In Ancient Languages
1Q3R2Q 1O 6L
 tr-5L0T
A 63-year-old Italian man, Michele Santelia has achieved a world record by typing copies of 81 books backwards, a
technique that he calls ‘mirror writing’, as per a report by the Guinness World Records (GWR). For the purpose of
this record, the books must be typed using ‘mirror writing’, such that the result is the mirror image of any given
language’s normal writing.
 Michele’s latest book, Das Nibelungenlied Backwards, a medieval German heroic epic, was typed in 2022. Michele
dedicated it to “the disabled people of the whole world; to all those who suffer daily in a bigoted and clumsy society.”
 Santaglia types books using four completely blank keyboards without looking backwards.
 He types each book in its original language whether it be hieroglyphs, Old Hebrew, Traditional Chinese, Mayan,
Etruscan, Cuneiform or Voynich glyphs.
China's population falls, heralds a demographic crisis

 China’s population fell last year for the first time in six decades, a historic turn that is expected to mark the start of
a long period of decline in its citizen numbers with profound implications for its economy. The drop, the worst
since the Great Famine of 1961, also lends weight to predictions that India will become the world’s most populous
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nation in this year. The population dropped by roughly 850,000 to 1.41175 billion at the end of 2022. Long-term, UN
experts see China’s population shrinking by 109 million by 2050, more than triple the decline of their previous
forecast in 2019.
 Last year’s birth rate was 6.77 births per 1000 people, down from a rate of 7.52 births in 2021 and marking the lowest
birth rate on record. The figures also logged the highest death rate since 1974, registering 7.37 deaths per 1000 people
compared with a rate of 7.18 deaths in 2021.
Sri Lanka Closer to IMF Bailout as India Said to Back Debt Plan
 India will support Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring plan as the island nation looks to trim its huge public expenditure
to win approval for a crucial bailout from the International Monetary Fund. India formally notified that it would
support Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring plan. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence from
Britain in 1948, and policymakers have been grappling with multiple challenges over the past year including a
shortage of dollars, runaway inflation and a steep recession.
 Sri Lanka owes India around $1 billion that will come under the debt restructuring plan. New Delhi also separately

lines, a currency swap arrangement and deferred import payments.
m
provided Sri Lanka with about $4 billion in rapid assistance between January and July last year, including credit
o
New Delhi’s backing comes at a critical time for Sri Lanka as it has to put its massively indebted public finances in
c
.
order to unlock a $2.9 billion IMF loan that was agreed in September.
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Janani Ramachandran becomes first LGBTQ of color city council
 Janani Ramachandran, a 30-year-old IndianAmerican attorney, has emerged as the youngest and the first queer
k e
woman of colour to take oath as the Oakland City Council member in the US state of California.
Ramachandran took the ceremonial oath wearing a saree as the Oakland City Council member for District 4 in an
n
inauguration ceremony held on January 10.
 "WE WON! Honored to be the next City Councilmember for Oakland District 4!! I will officially be the youngest
Council," the public interest attorney tweeted.
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Council member in Oakland's history, the 1st #LGBTQ woman of color & 1st South Asian to serve on Oakland City
o
Pakistan's economy South Asia's weakest, World Bank report says amid crisis
 World Bank forecast Pakistan’s economic growth to slow further to two percent during the current year. This will
T
mark a drop of two percentage points from its June 2022 estimates, according to the World Bank’s Global Economic
Prospects report. The report said that Pakistan’s economic output was not only declining itself but also bringing
down the regional growth rate as well. Forecasting Pakistan’s GDP growth rate to improve to 3.2 per cent in 2024,
1O6L
the report said, “Policy uncertainty furthertr-complicates
5L0T1Q3R2Q the economic outlook” of Pakistan.
 This pace reflects still robust growth in India, Maldives, and Nepal, offsetting the effects of the floods in Pakistan
and the economic and political crises in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. The deteriorating global environment, however,
will weigh on investment in the region,” the report said pointing to a “sharp, long-lasting slowdown” with the global
growth expected at 1.7 per cent this year.
India participates in international tourism tr-5Htrade 1J6I FITUR in Madrid

0I1J3J2Ifair
6L
 FITUR is the 2Q 1O
0T1Q3Rmeeting
tr-5Lglobal point for tourism professionals and the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound
markets in Latin America. FITUR is the second most important tourism fair in the world. Around 10,000 national
and international companies take part in each edition and there are more than 50,000 visitors spread over the
different days of the event.
 FITUR 2023 has designed an extensive programme to diversify the specialised public in different thematic areas-
1. FiturTechy brings together the world of technology
2. FiturCruises brings together tourism platforms from the world of cruises
3. FiturSports does the same with the world of sports, and
4. FiturLGBT+, among others, presents the latest developments in the world of LGTB+ tourism.
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India-Bangladesh Friendship pipeline to start supplying diesel to Bangladesh from June
 The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFPL) would begin supplying diesel to Bangladesh on an
experimental basis in June of this year, according to State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid.
Nasrul Hamid responded to a written inquiry before the national parliament, Jatiya Sangsad, in Dhaka, by stating
that a pipeline of 131.5 kilometres long has been built for importing fuel from India.
5 kilometres of the pipeline are in Bangladesh, and 5 kilometres are in India, pre-commissioning of diesel imports
through this pipeline is already in progress, according to UNB.
Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc announces his resignation following corruption scandals
 The continuous anti-corruption campaign has prompted President Nguyen Xuan Phuc of Vietnam to announce his
resignation. In Vietnam, the anti-corruption campaign has resulted in the dismissal of several ministers. Two of
President Phuc’s deputy prime ministers had resigned earlier.
 Former prime minister Phuc has been the country’s president since 2021.Between April 2021, when he was elected

president, and 2016, the 69-year-old was Vietnam’s prime minister.
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The National Assembly must approve the president’s resignation; a special vote will be held today; however, it is
anticipated that this will only be a formality.
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.
 In a statement praising Phuc’s leadership, the Communist Party insisted that he was politically accountable for
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infractions and the misbehaviour of many officials who worked for him.
Hyderabad-Born Aruna Miller Becomes First Indian-American To Be Elected As Maryland Lieutenant

Governor
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Aruna Miller has scripted history by becoming the first Indian-American politician to be sworn in as the Lieutenant
n
Governor in the state of Maryland, adjoining the US capital. Aruna, 58, a former delegate to the Maryland House,
made history when the Democrat became the 10th Lieutenant Governor of the state.

p r a
The Lieutenant Governor is the state’s highest official following the Governor and assumes the role when the
Governor is out of state or incapacitated. Moore became Maryland’s 63rd governor, the state’s first and the country’s
only current Black chief executive. The newly sworn-in Lt Governor took her oath on the Bhagwat Gita.
To
UNGA adopts resolution on 'Education for Democracy' co-sponsored by India
The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted a resolution titled ‘Education for Democracy’ that reaffirms
the right of everyone to education. The resolution, which was co-sponsored by India, recognises that “education for
all” contributes to the strengthening of democracy. The resolution encourages member states to integrate education
for democracy into their education standards.tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
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 This isn’t the first time that an education resolution has been adopted by the UN General Assembly. Earlier in 2015,
a similar resolution was passed at the Assembly encouraging all UN entities to use education to promote peace,
human rights, and democracy. The resolution aimed at encouraging member states to integrate education for
democracy into their education standards.
Jacinda Ardern resigns as prime minister of0INew

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1J3J2IZealand
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 New Zealand 0T1Q3R2Q
tr-5LPrime
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Minister Jacinda Ardern, a global figurehead of progressive politics, shocked the country. She
was re-elected for a second term in 2020, the victory buoyed by her government’s “go hard and go early” approach
to the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw New Zealand impose some of the world’s strictest border rules, separating
families and shutting out almost all foreigners for almost two years.
 Ardern won international acclaim for her empathetic handling of the 2019 Christchurch mosque massacre, in which
51 Muslim worshippers were killed and another 40 wounded.
 Ms. Ardern had faced a tough election campaign this year. Her Liberal Labour Party won re-election two years ago
in a landslide of historic proportions, but recent polls have put her party behind its conservative rivals.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
IIT Roorkee, AIIMS Delhi develop SwasthGarbh app providing real-time medical support to pregnant
women
 To create the SwasthGarbh app, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and the All India Institute of
Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi worked together. Pregnant women can access antenatal care and real-time
medical support through the smartphone app. The software may be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store.
 SwasthGarbh app may be a crucial tool for women in rural areas and those who do not have easy access to doctors,
according to a statement made by IIT Roorkee.
 The software was created by Sahil Sharma, Professor Deepak Sharma, Professor Vatsla Dadhwal, and Professor
Aparna Sharma from the AIIMS in Delhi, all of whom work in the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering
at IIT Roorkee.
 The app helps expectant mothers by assuring punctual prenatal care appointments, documenting each clinical test,
and enhancing medication adherence.

m
The clinical evaluation of 150 patients showed how useful the app is for enhancing antenatal care quality and
minimising problems.

NABI, Mohali, gets genome editing and training centre
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Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today inaugurated “National Genome Editing & Training Centre” at National Agri-
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food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) Mohali, Punjab.The Minister also, at the same time, inaugurated a 4-day
International Conference on Food and Nutritional Security 2023.

k e
“National Genome Editing & Training Centre” (NGETC) is a one-roof state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a
national platform to cater to the regional needs to adapt different genome editing methods, including CRISPR-Cas9
mediated genome modification. It will also empower young researchers by providing them with training and
n
guidance about its know-how and application in crops. In the current climatic scenario, improving crops for better
a
nutrition and tolerance to the changing environmental condition is a significant challenge. Genome editing could
r
be a promising technology that Indian research could adapt to offer the desired tailor-made traits in crops. NABI
p
has shown ability and can expand the genome editing tools to vast arrays of crops, including Banana, Rice, Wheat,
Tomato, Maize and Millets.
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DAC gives nod to purchase indigenous defence systems
In an effort to shore up the air defence systems all along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) facing China, the Defence
Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the proposal for procurement of VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system under
design and development by the Defence Research
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
and1ODevelopment
6L Organisation(DRDO). In view of the recent
developments along the Northern borders(China) there is a need to focus on effective Air Defence (AD) weapon
systems which are man portable and can be deployed quickly in rugged terrain and maritime domain. Procurement
of VSHORAD, as a robust and quickly deployable system, will strengthen the Air Defence capabilities.
 India has been in talks with Russia since 2018 to procure the Igla-S air defence missiles at a cost of $1.5 billion under
the VSHORAD programme in a bid to replace the Russian Igla-M systems which have been in use with the Army.
However, with a strong pitch for ‘Atmanirbharta’ in defence,
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
6I there has been little progress on this front in the last
two years,tr-
with sources
5L0T1Q3R2Q indicating
1O 6L that the deal has been put on hold for now.
Anti-tank, air defence missile systems: Defence ministry approved capital procurement proposals worth
Rs. 4276 crore
 Defence Acquisition Council(DAC) approved three proposals worth 4,276 crore rupees to strengthen the country’s
deterrence and combat readiness. Defence Ministry said, a meeting of Defence Acquisition Council held under the
chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The DAC has accorded approval for procurement of HELINA
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated to the Advanced
Light Helicopter.
 There were three proposals – two for the Army and third was for the Indian Navy. The defence ministry said the
DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisition proposals, amounting to ₹4,276 crore.
The DAC granted approval for procurement of Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) for the Shivalik
class of ships and next generation missile vessels (NGMVs) for the Indian Navy.
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Centre will launch National Urban Technology Mission for Municipal Services and ULBs
 The Centre is about to launch a five-year National Urban Technology Mission which is able to infuse technological
improvements in municipal providers and infrastructure of 4,500 city native bodies within the nation. The mission,
to be spearheaded by the ministry of housing and urban affairs, can have three main sub-heads. A be aware ready
for the approval of the expenditure finance committee (EFC) pegs the mission outlay at ₹15,000 crore for 5 years.
 The primary sub-head is online governance. The mission will establish six primary frequent citizen providers which
each city native physique should provide on-line. These would essentially embrace issuing beginning and loss of
life certificates, offering water and electrical energy connections, computation and assortment of property tax and
grievance redress.
APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS
RBI approves Baskar Babu’s re-appointment as Suryoday Bank’s Chief for 3 years
 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of Baskar Babu Ramachandran as the MD & CEO of
Suryoday Small Finance bank for three years effective from 23rd January 2023. The founder of the bank, Baskar Babu
Ramachandran sold the bank’s 50 lakh shares on 16th December for ₹55.44 crores to close a loan for exercising

warrants to maintain the promoter’s stake at the minimum of 26 percent for the first 5 years.
Baskar Babu Ramachandran holds 63,01,911 shares amounting to 5.94 percent after the aforementioned same of
which 62.40 lakh shares are pledged.
c o m

rs .
Suryoday Small Finance Bank is a scheduled commercial bank. The bank has a widespread presence across 13 states
and UTs across India through its 565 banking outlets. The bank has reported a net profit of Rs 13 crore in Q2 FY22
as against a net loss of Rs 1.92 crore.
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Lieutenant General Arvind Walia Has Been Appointed as the Next Engineer-in-Chief of the Army
Lieutenant General Arvind Walia has been appointed as the next Engineer-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He would

there.
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be succeeding Lt Gen Harpal Singh who is superannuating on December 31. An officer of the 1986 batch, Lt Gen
Walia is an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and also received the prestigious Silver Medal
Lt Gen Walia has previously commanded an independent squadron in the desert sector, a regiment in Jammu and
o
Praveen Kumar Srivastava appointed acting CVC p
Kashmir and an Engineer Brigade along the western front. He has also commanded the MEG & Centre in Bengaluru.
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Vigilance Commissioner Praveen Kumar Srivastava has been appointed as the acting Central Vigilance
Commissioner (CVC). He appointment comes after Suresh N. Patel completed his term as the chief of the anti-
corruption watchdog Central Vigilance Commission
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
have a maximum of two Vigilance Commissioners.
on1ODecember
6L 24. The commission is headed by a CVC and can
Besides Mr. Srivastava, former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief
Arvind Kumar is the other Vigilance Commissioner. The tenure of a CVC and vigilance commissioner is of four
years or till the incumbent attains the age of 65 years.
 Mr. Srivastava is a 1988-batch (retired) Indian Administrative Service officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre. He
superannuated as Secretary (Coordination), Cabinet Secretariat on January 31 this year.
 During his tenure as Special Secretary and Additional Secretary
6I in the Ministry of Home Affairs, he had handled
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
matters relating to cadre
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6L of Indian Police Service, personnel and general administration of central
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armed police forces and Union territories.
Ajay Kumar Srivastava becomes new MD and CEO of Indian Overseas Bank
 Ajay Kumar Srivastava has been elevated as Managing Director and CEO of Indian Overseas Bank with effect from
January 1, 2023 from his current posting as executive director. He started his banking career as a probationary officer
in 1991 with Allahabad Bank where he worked in various capacities in different parts of the country. He is an astute
and hardcore banker with Vast field-level experience and has the distinction of having successfully led the largest
and most critical areas of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Delhi while working at a senior level in Allahabad Bank.
 After the successful completion of about 27 years in Allahabad Bank he was elevated as Executive Director of IOB
in October 2017.
 He made strategies for each of the key areas and successfully implemented them at the ground level with the
support of the Board.
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International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 kick starts
 The Government of India sponsored the proposal for International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 which was accepted
by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The declaration has been instrumental for the Government of
India to be at the forefront in celebrating the IYM. PM Narendra Modi has also shared his vision to make IYM 2023
a ‘People’s Movement’ alongside positioning India as the ‘Global Hub for Millets’.
 Recognising the enormous potential of Millets, which also aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), the Government of India (GoI) has prioritized Millets. In April 2018, Millets were rebranded as “Nutri
Cereals”, followed by the year 2018 being declared as the National Year of Millets, aiming at larger promotion and
demand generation. The global millets market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period
between 2021-2026.
Bank of Singapore hires CEO from Julius Baer

 Bank of Singapore (BoS), the private banking arm of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC), announced
that it has appointed Jason Moo as its new CEO. BoS’s announcement comes after Bloomberg’s article on Dec 26,

2022. Moo will succeed Bahren Shaari officially from March 6 onwards.
Moo comes with over 25 years of experience in private banking, wealth management and capital markets. This
includes 22 years in Goldman Sachs, as well as time spent in New York, Hong Kong and Singapore. From 2017 to
c o m
.
2019, Moo was the CEO for Goldman Sachs (Singapore). Moo joins BoS from Julius Baer where he was head of
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private banking, Southeast Asia and branch manager Singapore.
 Aside from Singapore, he has also worked in New York and Hong Kong. Shaari was appointed CEO in 2015. Under
his leadership, the bank successfully integrated Barclays Asia after the acquisition, and grew its assets under
management from US$55 billion to US$109 billion as at September 30 2022.
k e
n
EC names folk singer Maithili Thakur its Bihar icon
 Folk singer Maithili Thakur was appointed the state icon for Bihar by the Election Commission. The singer will

a
create awareness among the voters for their participation in the electoral process. This recognition will give her
r
(Maithili) more impetus to spread Bihar’s folk music across continents and generate awareness about the
p
importance of participating in the electoral process.
o
Maithili, born in Bihar’s Madhubani district, along with her two brothers, were trained by their grandfather and
father in folk, Hindustani classical music, harmonium and tabla. She has rendered traditional folk songs of Bihar in
T
Maithili, Bhojpuri and Hindi.
 Thakur, trained in Indian classical and folk music, was recently selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
of the Sangeet Natak Akademi for her contribution to the folk music of Bihar for 2021.
1O6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
Paytm Payments Bank receives RBI nod to appoint Surinder Chawla as Managing Director and CEO
 Paytm Payments Bank has received banking regulator RBI’s nod to appoint Surinder Chawla as its Managing
Director and CEO. The RBI, however, continues to bar Paytm Payments Bank from on-boarding new customers.
Before joining PPBL, Chawla was working with RBL Bank, where he served as Head – Branch Banking and focused
on expanding the CASA base, fee revenue, and cross-selling across channels. The company in its regulatory filing
said that the latest appointment comes as part tr-5Hof 3J2I1J6Iongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership team, enhance
PPBL’s
0I1J
1Q3R2Q 1O 6L
its technology capabilities
tr-5L0T and drive financial inclusion in the country.
 Chawla brings with him a career in retail banking spanning over 28 years across institutions such as HDFC Bank,
RBL Bank, ABN Amro Bank and Standard Chartered Bank. He joins PPBL from RBL Bank, where he served as head
of branch banking and focused on expanding the Current Account Savings Account (CASA) base, fee revenue, and
cross-selling across channels.
Clare Lombardelli appointed as OECD Chief Economist

 Chief Economic Adviser to the Treasury, Clare Lombardelli, has been appointed as the new Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Chief Economist. She will lead the OECD’s economic work,
replacing France’s Laurence Boone, who has held the post since 2018. A British national, Clare holds a Master’s
Degree in Economics from London School of Economics and Political Science and Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy,
Politics and Economics from Oxford University.
 Clare was selected after a highly competitive merit-based selection process. She is a highly regarded economic policy
leader who joins the OECD with 20 years of experience in economic analysis and policy-making in the United
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Kingdom, including as the Chief Economist at the UK Treasury and the Joint Head of the UK Government Economic
Service over the past five years.
Captain Surbhi Jakhmola Became the First Woman Officer Posted On Foreign Assignment In The Border
Roads Organisation
 Captain Surbhi Jakhmola of the Indian Army’s 117 Engineer Regiment will be the first woman officer to be posted
on a foreign assignment at the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The officer will be sent to Bhutan as part of
Project Dantak. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is an executive road construction force in India that supports
the Indian armed forces.
 The BRO’s deployment comes just days after the Indian Air Force deployed woman fighter pilot squadron leader
Avani Chaturvedi to Japan for the exercise Veer Guardian 2023, which will take place from January 16 to 26 at the
Hyakuri Air Base and its surrounding airspace in Omitama, as well as the Iruma Air Base in Sayama in Japan.
 Avani Chaturvedi, a Su-30MKI pilot and one of India’s first three women fighter pilots will depart for Japan shortly
to take part in the exercise. Chaturvedi was born, raised, and completed her education in Madhya Pradesh. She was
Hyderabad.
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inducted into the IAF fighter squadron after six months of intensive training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal,
.
Centre appoints Pankaj Kumar Singh as deputy national security advisor

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Retired director general of the Border Security Force (BSF), Pankaj Kumar Singh was appointed as the Deputy
National Security Adviser in National Security Council Secretariat for a period of two years. Singh, a 1988-batch IPS
officer of the Rajasthan cadre, has been appointed on a re-employment contract. Singh had retired as the BSF chief

on December 31, 2022.
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When Singh took charge of the BSF on August 31, 2021, he had created history of a son and a father holding the top
n
post of a paramilitary force during their services. His father and retired IPS officer of the 1959-batch, Prakash Singh,
had also headed the BSF from June, 1993 to January, 1994. Singh holds LLB and MPhil degrees, besides MBA from

the IIM, Ahmedabad.
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Currently, retired IPS officer Dattatray Padsalgikar, former R&AW chief Rajinder Khanna and retired IFS officer
p
Pankaj Saran also served as Deputy National Security Advisors.

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Shooting World Cup 2023: HC appoints ex-SC Judge AK Sikri as administrator to see fund utilisation
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Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri, a retired judge from the Supreme Court, has been appointed by the Delhi High Court as
Administrator to manage the use of funds for the next ISSF Shooting World Cup in 2023. The ISSF World Cup
(Rifle/Pistol) will take place in March in Bhopal.
Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice 3R2Q1O6L
Subramonium
tr-5L0T1Q Prasad’s divisional bench noted that if there is any
obstacle to arranging the World Cup event, which would require funds from the Central Government, the prestige
of the nation will be harmed.
 The administrator may also enlist the services of any athlete of his choosing who has competed at the national or
international level in shooting, according to the court. After the occurrence, the bench requested that a report be
sent in a sealed cover.
6I
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
Reed Hastings is3R
tr-5L0T1Q 2Q1O6L
stepping down as Netflix's co-CEO
 In order to transfer the keys over to longtime partner and co-CEO Ted Sarandos and chief operating officer Greg
Peters, Netflix Inc. co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings resigned from his position as the company’s chief executive.
 In after-hours trading, Netflix shares increased 6.1% to $335.05 as the pioneer of streaming video also revealed that
it had gained more customers than anticipated at the end of the previous year.
 As a result of losing consumers in the first half of 2022, the company has been under pressure.
 Its stock, once a favourite on Wall Street, has decreased by about 38% in the previous 12 months.
 Hastings will serve as executive chairman and share the role of chief executive with Sarandos and Peters.
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AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Prabhu Chandra Mishra receives the Atal Samman Award
 On the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister of the country Atal Bihari Vajpayee, many personalities who
played an important role in various fields were honored, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi during 9th Atal Samman
Samaroh. Prabhu Chandra Mishra has been awarded Atal Samman Award for his excellence in field of science &
research. His area of work is Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine in infertility especially when IVF also fails.
 The diseases like premature ovarian failure, thin endometrium, Asherman syndrome Etc have shown satisfactory
results with body’s own cells. PRP & bone marrow-derived StemCells Research have shown promising hope for
these patients/ couples who are struggling for their own child’s.
IIT Madras’ courses win Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards

 The Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards, also known as “,” gave significant recognition to the Indian Institute
of Technology, Madras (IIT-M). The best programme awards went to the IIT Madras courses, BS Data Science and
m
NPTEL in partnership with IISc Bangalore. The institute has been awarded and its BS in Data Science and
Applications is awarded the silver in the best online programme category. While, the National Programme on

lifelong learning category.
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Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), a joint initiative of IITs and IISc, run by IIT Madras, won the gold in the
c
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Applications program is a sought-after undergraduate degree that is
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uniquely designed to address the employability of students in this domain. The programme opens the door to the
world of data science and programming where the demand for skilled resources is very high, to anyone from any
e
background and of any age group. This tailor-made programme provides core employment-oriented skills to
students.”
an
Chhattisgarh police ‘Nijaat’ campaign received IACP 2022 Award
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International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the US-based international organisation has selected the anti-
r
drug & illicit liquor campaign ‘Nijaat’ of Chhattisgarh police for ‘Leadership in Crime Prevention’ award in the
p
institutional category. The prestigious IACP 2022 Award has selected the de-addiction drive ‘Nijaat’, which was
executed following the directive by chief minister Bhupesh Baghel to act tough against drug peddlers, and

o
bootleggers and check to smuggling of drugs. A successful singular campaign, ‘Nijaat’ witnessed the striking results
to achieve a drug-free society with missionary zeal.
T
The campaign was launched by the Chhattisgarh police under the leadership of the IPS officer Santosh Kumar Singh
who pioneered the drive with intensified efforts in districts of Korea, Rajnandgaon and presently continuing in
Korba. 1O6L
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Odisha Wins World Habitat Awards 2023 For Slum Upgradation Program
 Odisha won the UN-Habitat’s World Habitat Awards 2023 for Jaga Mission, a 5T initiative of the state. The awards
recognise and highlight innovative, outstanding and revolutionary housing ideas, projects and programmes from
across the world. The Jaga mission is the land titling and slum upgrading program that aims at empowering the
lives of slum dwellers. 6I
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 Jaga mission is the world’s
1O 6L largest land titling and slum upgrading program which aims at empowering the lives of
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slum dwellers. Under the inspiring leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the Government of Odisha has set
itself the ambitious target of becoming the first slum-free state in India and is leading the Jaga Mission programme
to upgrade all of the state’s 2,919 slums.
 In the last 05 years of the initiative, 1,75,000 families have been granted land tenure security. 100% households in
2,724 slums have been provided with pipe water connections, 707 slums transformed fully into Liveable Habitats,
100% households in 666 slums have individual toilets, and 8 cities have become slum-free.
Central Government Declared Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2023

 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award: 27 Indians living overseas have been chosen by the Indian government for
the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA), for outstanding achievements both in India and abroad. The award
is the highest honour conferred upon Indians living abroad, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of
Indian Origin (PIOs) or organisations/institutions established and run by them.
 The jury that selected the recipients comprised Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar as its chairman and External
Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as its Vice-Chair, among other distinguished dignitaries from different fields. The
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awards will be conferred upon the recipients by President Droupadi Murmu during the 17th edition of the PBSA,
which is scheduled to be held from 8-10 January in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
CJI Chandrachud To Receive Harvard Law School’s ‘Award for Global Leadership’
 The Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession (HLS CLP) has announced Chief Justice of India Dr. DY
Chandrachud as the 2022 recipient of its “Award for Global Leadership” in recognition of his lifetime service to the
legal profession in India and across the world. The award will be presented to him in a virtual event on 11th January
2023.
 Professor David Wilkins of Harvard Law School will have a conversation with Chief Justice Dr. DY Chandrachud at
the event.
 The “Award for Global Leadership” is the Centre’s highest Professional Honor.
 The Centre brings together leading academics, legal practitioners, and thought leaders to honor and recognize
individuals whose achievements have been impactful to the legal profession.

CJI Chandrachud To Receive Harvard Law School’s ‘Award for Global Leadership’
The Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession (HLS CLP) has announced Chief Justice of India Dr. DY
c o m
Chandrachud as the 2022 recipient of its “Award for Global Leadership” in recognition of his lifetime service to the
.
legal profession in India and across the world. The award will be presented to him in a virtual event on 11th January
rs
2023.
 Professor David Wilkins of Harvard Law School will have a conversation with Chief Justice Dr. DY Chandrachud at
e
the event.
 The “Award for Global Leadership” is the Centre’s highest Professional Honor.

an
individuals whose achievements have been impactful to the legal profession.
Kerala University wins ‘Overall Championship’ at youth festival held in Tirupati k

The Centre brings together leading academics, legal practitioners, and thought leaders to honor and recognize
r
University of Kerala bagged the ‘Overall Championship’ at Padma Tarang, the 36th Inter University South Zone
p
Youth Festival at Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam (SPMVV) in Tirupati. Mahatma Gandhi University,
o
Kottayam, came the runners-up. With more than 700 registered participants from universities across South India
converging on the campus.
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The SPMVV is hosting the event for the third time in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities
(AIU). In all, there will be 27 competitive events during the five-day festival. Of the eighteen universities that
deputed student contingents to the event, Kerala ranked first with seven varsities.
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Golden Globes 2023: SS Rajamouli’s RRR wins Best Original Song for ‘Naatu Naatu’
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Composer MM Keeravani, along with singers Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj, has won the Golden Globe for
Best Original Song, for the track “Naatu Naatu,” from epic drama “RRR“. “Naatu Naatu,” a dance number featuring
stars Jr NTR and Ram Charan, was competing against Taylor Swift’s “Carolina” from Where the Crawdads Sing,
“Ciao Papa” from Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick, and “Lift
Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, tr-5H0I 1J3J2I1J6I by Rihanna.
performed
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 tr-5L0T
The historical 1Q3Rhas
epic also been nominated in the Best Non-English Language Film category at the 80th Golden
Globes. In the ‘best picture–non English segment’, “RRR” will face off with Korean romantic mystery film “Decision
To Leave”, German anti-war drama “All Quiet on the Western Front”, Argentine historical drama “Argentina, 1985”,
and French-Dutch coming-of-age drama “Close”.
Golden Globes Awards 2023 announced, Winners

 The 80th edition of 2023 Golden Globes show, hosted by Jerrod Carmichael, airs live on NBC and Peacock. The 80th
Golden Globe Awards is the first edition of the annual spectacle to be on TV since an ethics, finance and diversity
scandal involving the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the group behind the awards, led NBC to decide not to
air the 2022 ceremony. As in years past, the show will hand out honors in both film and TV categories.
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c o m
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k e
r an
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SII's Adar Poonawalla gets 1st Patangrao Kadam award for fight against Covid
Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, honours Adar Poonawalla with Patangrao Kadam
award for vaccine work. Devendra Fadnavis also praised
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Sunday for their work in the fight against COVID-19.
Serum Institute of India and its CEO Adar Poonawalla on
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‘Patangrao Kadam was a leader who founded 190 institutes to deliver great education and generate quality human
resources.’
 Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party, and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the chief minister of
Himachal Pradesh, both attended the ceremony.
 As SII has produced 160 vaccinations, Adar Poonawalla
tr-5H 0I1J3J2I1J6I is continuing his father Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla’s legacy,
according tr-
to5LPawar. The chief minister of HP requested that Bharti Vidyapeeth and SII establish facilities in his
0T1Q3R2Q 1O 6L
state.
Indian peacekeepers deployed with UNMISS honoured with UN medal for exemplary service
 Over 1,000 Indian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been
honoured with the prestigious UN medals at an award ceremony where the parade was led for the first time by a
woman officer of the Indian Army.
 At a special award ceremony in Upper Nile, 1,171 peacekeepers from India deployed with the UN mission in South
Sudan were honoured with UN medals for their exemplary service. for the first time, a female officer of the Indian
Army, Major Jasmine Chattha, led the parade of the large Indian contingent, comprising infantry, engineers and
medical officials, at the award ceremony in Upper Nile.
 Last week, India deployed the largest platoon of women peacekeepers to the United Nations Interim Security Force,
Abyei (UNISFA), heralding New Delhi’s intent of increasing significantly the number of women in peacekeeping
contingents.
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Critics Choice Awards 2023: RRR Bags Two Wins
 The 28th Critics Choice Awards were held, and once again, SS Rajamouli’s RRR has made India proud, as the film
scored two awards. RRR won Best Song award for Naatu Naatu, as well as Best Foreign Language film. RRR was also
nominated for Best Director, Best Picture and Best Visual Effects.
 The American Canadian Critics Choice Association CCA show Who shows for the finest In cinematic achievement.
The Critics Choice Movie award Formerly known as the Broadcast Film Critics Association award was held. Critics
Choice Awards Winner 2023 shows were hosted by Chelsea Handler.
 The 28th Critics Choice Awards were held, and once again, SS Rajamouli’s RRR has made India proud, as the film
scored two awards. RRR won Best Song award for Naatu Naatu, as well as Best Foreign Language film. RRR was also
nominated for Best Director, Best Picture and Best Visual Effects.
Best Animated Series: “Harley Quinn”
Best Foreign Language Series: “Pachinko”
Best Comedy Special: “Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special”
Best Talk Show: “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver”
SeeHer Award: Janelle Monáe
Lifetime Achievement Award: Jeff Bridges
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Press Trust of India: Federal Bank Literary Award for writer
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 Noted writer K Venu was conferred with Federal Bank Literary Award 2022 for his autobiography
‘Oranweshananthinte Katha.’ Venu received the award from Balagopal Chandrasekhar, Chairman and Independent
e
Director of Federal Bank, at a special event held as part of the Kerala Literature Festival.
 ‘Oranweshananthinte Katha’ was chosen by the judging panel comprising writer and literary critic KC Narayanan,
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k
Sunil P Ilayidom and PK Rajashekharan. Judging panel member P K Rajashekaran commented that the essence of
n
the book brought back the memory of the most intense political timeline in the modern history of Kerala.
This is the first-ever literary award constituted by the Federal Bank. By constituting the award, Federal Bank aims
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to celebrate the diversity of contemporary literature and recognise writers for their cultural contributions.
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Award
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Civil Aviation 2023: New Goa Manohar International Airport Wins 'Best Sustainable Greenfield Airport'
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The New Goa Manohar International Airport (MIA), built by the GMR Goa International Airport Ltd (GGIAL), a
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subsidiary of GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited, won the prestigious “Best Sustainable Greenfield Airport” award
under Aviation Sustainability and Environment at ASSOCHAM 14th International Conference-cum-Awards for Civil
Aviation 2023 at New Delhi.
2Q1O6Lby GGIAL in implementing sustainability as one of core
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The award was presented for “excellent initiatives”
concepts. During the conference, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia presented the award to the
senior officials from GGIAL in the presence of industry dignitaries and participants.
 The forum recognises the companies engaged in civil aviation initiatives that adopt best practices and technological
advancement in their daily operations, a GMR Goa International Airport release said.
 The criteria of awards are contribution, innovativeness, applicability, relevance and impact potential in their
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respective areas. tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
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BOOKS & AUTHOR

Book “Forks in the Road: My Days at RBI and Beyond” by Indian economist C. Rangarajan
 C Rangarajan authored a book titled “Forks in the Road: My Days at RBI and Beyond”. It was published by the
Penguin Business (Penguin Group). The book is the memoir of Dr C. Rangarajan, an Indian economist, a former
Member of Parliament, and the 19th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It discusses India’s transition
from its post-independence planning era to the present times. The book is divided into 3 parts. Part 1- ‘RBI and
Planning Commission’, Part 2-‘Governor of RBI’ and Part 3- ‘Beyond RBI’.
 In this book, the veteran economist and policymaker provides a captivating account of his professional journey,
starting with his purely accidental entry into the RBI in 1982. Rangarajan, regarded as one of the tallest figures in
the history of India’s economic reforms, provides crucial insights into the role he played as part of the team which
initiated far-reaching reforms in India’s economy in the early 1990s.
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Assam CM publishes ‘Chief Minister’s Dairy No 1’, former CJI Ranjan Gogoi releases book
 Former Chief Justice of India and member of the Rajya Sabha Ranjan Gogoi has released a book titled ‘Chief
Minister’s Diary No.1’ containing the account of events of the first year in office of Assam chief minister Himanta
Biswa Sarma. The book featured accounts of daily activities he undertook as a chief minister.
 Assam Chief Minister said that without bringing his personal life into the limelight, the book featured accounts of
daily activities he undertook as a Chief Minister. His diary essentially featured the growth initiatives that Assam
witnessed over the last 11 months.
 Ranjan Gogoi is presently a member of the Rajya Sabha. He served as the 46th Chief Justice of India for 13 months
from 2018 to 2019.
Dhoni releases autobiography of Prof. K.K. Abdul Gaffar

 Techno-educationalist, Professor K.K. Abdul Gaffar’s autobiography, ‘Njaan Sakshi’ (me as the witness), was
released by cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The book was introduced by senior journalist T.A. Shafi. The
first copy was received by Marwan Al Mulla, the CEO of Dubai Health Authority (DHA), from M S Dhoni. He also

presented copies of the book to dignitaries including actor Tovino Thomas present at the occasion.
Senior Supreme Court Attorney and son of Kapil Sibal, Akhil Sibal, Former Union Minister Salim Iqbal Sherwani,
Uduma MLA, C.H. Kunhambu, Kasaragod MLA, N.A. Nellikkunnu, Mangaluru City South MLA Vedavyas Kamath,
c o m
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participated in the event.
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 Incidentally, the book includes the infamous disappearance of P. Rajan, an engineering student from Kozhikode
REC, during the emergency period and recalls the pressure put on him on behalf of the government and the police
e
to influence him as a witness in the case.
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Prince Harry’s memoir, titled ‘Spare,’ to come out in 10th January
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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, a member of the British royal family, has released his memoir titled “Spare”. The book
was written with the assistance of American novelist J. R. Moehringer. The book is published by Transworld
Publishers Ltd, a division of Penguin Random House.
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The book reveals the details of Harry’s relationship with his father, King Charles, his elder brother, Prince William,
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and other members of the royal family. Prince Harry announced that the proceeds from his memoir will be used to
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support British charities with donations including USD 1.5 million to Sentebale, an organization Prince Harry
founded with Prince Seeiso in their mothers’ legacies, which supports vulnerable children and young people in
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Lesotho and Botswana.
PM Modi receives book titled " Braving A Viral Storm: India’s Covid-19 Vaccine Story"
 Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh 1Q3R2Q1O6L has officially launched the book titled “Braving A Viral
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Storm: India’s Covid-19 Vaccine Story” in New Delhi. The book is co-authored by Aashish Chandorkar and Suraj
Sudhir. The book launch comes ahead of India’s second anniversary of starting its COVID-19 vaccination drive in
January 2021.
 In this book, the inside story of India’s fight against Corona and the challenges of making a vaccine in difficult
circumstances is told. The whole story from India’s preparation to making it in the vaccine race has been told
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through words in this book. India had established 1J6I management model towards an exemplary vaccination
a2ICovid
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with public 0T1Q3R2Q
participation.
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Book “Come! Let’s Run” Authored by Health Minister of Tamil Nadu Released
 The English version of the book titled ‘Come! Let’s Run’ by Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Minister, Ma.
Subramanian was released by Krishnamachari Srikkanth, former Captain of the Indian Cricket team. The Tamil
version of the same book titled ‘Odalam Vanga’ was released on March 8, 2021. The book was published by Emerald
Publishers and the English translation was done by Geeta Padmanaban (a teacher) along with J. Joicy and Sharon.
 This book is a fascinating account of the physical, emotional, and historical journey taken by Thiru. Subramanian
during the course of running his marathons in Tamil Nadu, in India, and all over the world. He includes interesting
facts and details about each place he ran a marathon while talking about the challenges of running each race. Every
volunteer in the party has perseverance and is always ready to face challenges and win. This book is proof of that.
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Book ‘COACHING BEYOND: My Days with the Indian Cricket Team’ by R. Kaushik, R. Sridhar
 A book titled ‘COACHING BEYOND: My Days with the Indian Cricket Team’ authored by R. Kaushik & R. Sridhar.
The book reflects primarily on R. Sridhar’s seven-year coaching tenure with the Indian cricket team as its fielding
coach. This book isn’t as technical as it is anecdotal. It throws light, for instance, on how Virat Kohli overcame a
dismal Test series in England in 2014 to smash four hundreds in as many matches in his next overseas outing, in
Australia.
 It also traces Rishabh Pant’s journey towards becoming the ferocious ball-striker and outstanding gloveman he is
today while delving into the minds of players and the support staff to analyse India’s progression towards the
number 1 Test ranking. Revelations of behind-the-scenes parleys jostle with the then head coach Ravi Shastri’s
motivational skills in a riveting read that provides an insider’s account of the rise and rise of Indian cricket.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2022: 27th December
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International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on December 27 serves the purpose of creating awareness about
epidemics. This day encourages every individual, every institution, and every government to prepare its citizens in
o
an appropriate manner and in accordance with national contexts and priorities, through education and awareness-
c
raising activities, in order to highlight the importance of the prevention of, preparedness for, and partnership
against epidemics.
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 The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness reminds us what we went through during the two years of peak-
COVID infections. Hospitals were overwhelmed. Family members could not conduct the last rites of their loved
e
ones. Such grim situations could be avoided in the future if people remain alert and prepared.
 In its 75th session and 36th plenary meeting on December 7, 2020, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
an
Celebrate Gwalior Gaurav Diwas Like A Festival, Says Shivraj k
passed a resolution which declared December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.
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 Gwalior Gaurav Diwas is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He is also known
as the son of Gwalior. Gwalior Gaurav Diwas is celebrated on 25th December. On the occasion of Gwalior Gaurav
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Diwas, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed the participation through video conferencing and appealed
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to the people of Gwalior to light lamps at their homes on 25th December 2022.
Gwalior Gaurav Diwas is celebrated on 25th December, on the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
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A huge statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be installed and a research center will be built as
part of his grand memorial in Gwalior.
The Gwalior Gaurav Diwas marked the 98th birth anniversary
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1O6L of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The event was attended by Union Jyotiraditya Scindia and Narendra Singh Tomar.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born in Gwalior on 25th December 1924 and is known as the pride of Gwalior.
356th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj being celebrated across the country
 The 356th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj is being celebrated across the country today with
religious fervor and gaiety. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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6I paid tribute to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and recalled his
contribution towards
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serving
1O 6L humanity. In a tweet, Mr Modi said that his unparalleled courage will continue to
motivate people for years to come.
 In Bihar, the main function of the birth anniversary known as Prakash Parv will be celebrated at midnight at the
gurdwara Takht Sri Harimandir Sahib at Patna Sahib, the birthplace of the Tenth Sikh Guru. A special Diwan has
been decorated at Takht Sri Harimandir Sahib Gurudwara. Shabad Kirtan has been organized and devotees have
been paying their Ardas (obeisance) since early morning. With the culmination of Akhand Path the main ritual of
Prakash Utsav will be performed.
DRDO celebrates its 65th Foundation Day; Floral tributes paid to former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
at DRDO Headquarters in New Delhi
 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Headquarters in New Delhi has marked the 65th
Foundation Day of the Organisation, which is celebrated on 1st January every year. DRDO Chairman Dr S V Kamat
addressed the DRDO fraternity on the occasion. He reaffirmed DRDO’s commitment towards R&D excellence and
briefed about the development of cutting edge technologies for self-reliance in defence.
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 On the occassion of the day, a DRDO monograph ‘Infrared Signatures, Sensors and Technologies’ authored by Dr
Kamal Nain Chopra, a former DRDO Scientist, was also released by the Chairman DRDO. DRDO calendar 2023 was
also released. In addition, Secretary DD R&D and Chairman DRDO felicitated all the employees who have
completed 25 years of their service in DRDO.
 It is a premier defence research and development agency under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
 It is working on several cutting-edge military technology areas, including aeronautics, armaments, combat vehicles,
electronics, instrumentation, engineering systems, missiles, materials, naval systems, advanced computing,
simulation, cyber, hypersonic technology, quantum computing and communications.
World Braille Day 2023: 4th January

 World Braille Day, marked on January 4, emphasises the significance of Braille as a form of communication for the
partially sighted and blind. The United Nations has been commemorating the day since 2019. World Braille Day
also commemorates the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, who was born on January 4, 1809. After losing his sight
during childhood, the French educator devised the Braille technique.
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The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the braille language, which attempts to bridge the gap among normal
o
and differently-abled individuals. Coupvray, France, gave birth to the creator of an extensively adopted touch device
enabling blind persons to read and write. Braille created a system of writing that employed, paradoxically, an awl-
c
.
like instrument to punch symbols on a sheet that can be sensed and read by blind people after himself being
rs
irreparably blinded at the age of three in his father’s saddle-making factory.
e
World Day of War Orphans 2023: 6th January
 The World Day of War Orphans is observed on January 6 every year with an aim to raise awareness about children
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orphaned in wars. These children are subjected to hardships that are more than just physical neglect after losing
n
their caregivers. It is an important event to note that the aftermaths of war are not just harsh on a single part of the
society.
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Most significant reason the day is marked is to highlight the debilitating aftereffects of war. The focus is especially
shifted to orphans and their plight. Children who have no direct part in the war, often end up suffering the most.
o p
The day is marked to understand the full impact of how destructive wars can be and the weight of loss it brings
along. The day is also commemorated to give a platform to the war orphans and let them know their voices are
heard.
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09th Jan 2023: Nation Celebrates 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or NRI Day is formally observed on 9 January to celebrate the day when Mahatma Gandhi
returned from South Africa to Mumbai, India.
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1Q3Rday2Q1Ois6Lcelebrated to acknowledge the contribution of the non-
resident Indian community in helping in the development of the country. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 has
conducted in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, from 8–10 January, 2023. It is important to note that this is the 17th Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas, or NRI Day.
 According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the official theme of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 is “Diaspora:
Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal.” The theme focuses on the importance of the Indian diaspora
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in the development of the country. It is important note that every year a new theme is chosen to celebrate the
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day. tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
 The purpose of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is to give NRIs a forum to discuss their attitudes toward India and to build
bridges of goodwill with their fellow citizens. It also entails informing the natives of their brothers’
accomplishments abroad and informing the foreigners of what their fellow citizens expect of them.
Startup India Innovation Week: January 10th To January 16th

 The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry is
organising Startup India Innovation Week from 10th January 2023 to 16th January 2023 to celebrate the Indian
Startup Ecosystem as well as National Startup Day (16th January 2023).
 Startup India Innovation Week 2023 aims to engage startup ecosystem stakeholders across the nation during 10th
January-16th January 2023 and spur the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in India.
 Startup India Innovation Week 2023 will include Knowledge Sharing Sessions for entrepreneurs, aspiring
entrepreneurs, and other enablers, involving relevant stakeholders from the startup ecosystem such as government
officials, incubators, corporates and investors.
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 As a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, various startup related events are being organised in more than
75 places across the country to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation by involving the startup
community across length and breadth of the country.
World Hindi Day: 10th January 2023

 World Hindi Day or Vishwa Hindi Diwas is celebrated on 10th January every year to promote awareness about the
language across the world. It is also the day when Hindi, India’s national language, was spoken for the first time in
the United Nations General Assembly. It was on this day in 1975 that the first World Hindi Conference was held in
Nagpur. Since then, such conferences are organised in different parts of the world every year.
 The theme this year is “Hindi – Traditional Knowledge to Artificial Intelligence”. This year, the 12th World Hindi
Conference will be organised in Fiji by the Foreign Ministry in collaboration with the Fiji government from February
15 to 17. The location for the 2023 event was decided during the 11th World Hindi Conference held in Mauritius last
year.

National Youth Day: 12th January 2023
National Youth Day is celebrated every year on January 12 to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
Every year on this occasion, the government organises National Youth Festival in collaboration with one state
c o m
.
willing to host from January 12 to January 16. This year Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate the festival on
rs
January 12 in Huballi, Karnataka.
 The basic objective of National Youth Day is to bring the youth of the country together in an attempt to showcase
their talents in various activities to cover almost all socio-cultural aspects of life, providing an opportunity to

from experts of various disciplines.
k e
amateur young artists to express themselves and interact with fellow artists and to further learn the new art forms
n
The Centre said the festival is held to provide exposure to youths at a national level and this year’s theme for the
four-day programme is “Viksit Yuva – Viksit Bharat (Developed Youth – Developed India)”.
p r a
National Road Safety Week: 11th to 17th January 2023
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India is observing the Road Safety Week from 11th to 17th
o
January 2023, under “Swachhata Pakhwada”, to propagate the cause of safer roads for all. During the Week, various
activities is being organised throughout the Country to create awareness among general public and to give an
T
opportunity to all stakeholders to contribute to the cause of road safety. This includes various awareness campaigns
related to causes of road accidents and measures to prevent them. Various activities with School/college students,
drivers and all other road users have also been planned.
 Ministry will conduct several activities including 2Q1O6L Nataks (Street Shows) and Sensitization Campaigns at
Nukkad
tr-5L0T1Q3R
various locations in the Capital. Further, Essay Writing & Poster Making competition for school students, Exhibition
& Theatre Pavilion by corporates / PSUs / NGOs actively working in the field of road safety, Walkathon and Talks/
Interactions with senior officers will also be held at Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, Delhi.
Army Day to be celebrated on January 15 in Bengaluru

 Indian army day 2023 is celebrated on 15th tr- 2I1J6I and it mark the 75th anniversary of the Indian army day.
5H0I1J3J2023
January
1O 6L
Every yeartr-on 0T1Q3R2Q15, India celebrates its Army Day. It is the day on which Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa
5LJanuary
(then a Lieutenant General) took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from the last British
Commander-in-Chief of India, General Fransis Bucher in the year 1949. Parades, medal presenting and other
ceremonies are organized to celebrate the Army Day. With “Service before self” as its motto, the Indian Army is the
largest component of the Indian Armed Forces.
 Originally, the Indian army was formed under the British rule on April 1, 1895 and was called as British Indian Army.
After India got its independence in the year 1947, it was only on January 15, 1949, when the country got its first
Indian chief. Lt Gen K M Carriappa took over as commander-inchief of the Indian Army in 1949 from General
Francis Butcher, the last British commander-in-chief ofIndia.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to preside over 7th Armed Forces Veterans Day Celebrations at
Dehradun
 The Armed Forces Veterans Day is celebrated on 14th January since 1953, the First Indian Commander in Chief (C-
in-C) of Indian Army- Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who led Indian Forces to Victory in the 1947 war, had formally
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retired from the Services. The Day is celebrated as Armed Forces Veterans Day and dedicated to our esteemed
Veterans. The First Armed Forces Veterans Day was celebrated on January, 14, 2016 and it was decided to
commemorate this day every year by hosting such interactive events in the honor of our Armed Forces Veterans
and their families.
 Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh preside over 7th Armed Forces Veterans Day Celebrations by addressing an
Armed Forces Veterans Rally at Jaswant Ground in Dehradun Cantonment. He also launch the ‘Soul of Steel Alpine
Challenge’, a joint adventure sport initiative of the Indian Army and CLAW Global, by flagging off a car expedition
from Dehradun to Ghamshali located in the Niti Valley.
National startup Day: 16th January 2023

 India is recognized as a startup hub and such government initiatives encourage innovation across sectors. January
16 is celebrated as National Startup Day every year in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made this
announcement last year to assist percolate startup tradition to the grassroots level.
 This year Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Startup Day (16th January 2023).
m
initiative of organizing Startup India Innovation Week to celebrate the Indian Startup Ecosystem as well as National
o
The initiative will bring together young celebrated entrepreneurs to brainstorm, innovate and excel. Enclosed are
c
.
some startup leaders that congratulate and celebrate this iconic day.
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National Disaster Response Force Day 2023: History & Significance
 18th National Disaster Response Force day is celebrated on January 19, 2023 by the National Disaster Response Force
k e
(NDRF). The day has been celebrated on this day since 2006 when the rescue force was officially formed. The
specialised, multi-skilled rescue force is made up of battalions from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve
n
Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema
Bal (SSB) and the Assam Rifles. The NDRF is the primary agency responsible for conducting rescue operations

a
during disasters like drowning, building collapses, landslides, devastating floods, earthquakes and cyclones.
r
With 12 battalions and 13,000 NDRF personnel spread across the country, the NDRF has managed to save 1.44 lakh
p
human lives and evacuated more than 7 lakh stranded individuals in its 17 years of service. In 2021 alone, the NDRF
o
saved 12,000 lives in various rescue operations. The NDRF Raising Day is an important day as it provides an
opportunity for the brave personnel of the rescue force to be recognised, honoured and awarded for their work. On
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NDRF Raising Day 2022, 8 NDRF rescuers were given the ‘Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal’ for
their extraordinary work in 2021.
OBITURY
1O6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
Pelé, Brazil World Cup winner and football legend, dies aged 82
 Brazilian football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously called Pelé, has passed away aged 82. He is
considered by many as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He was instrumental in Brazil’s three World Cup
victories in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He is still the top scorer for Brazil national team with 77 goals in 92 games. He
tr- 5H0I1J3J2I1J6I
retired from Santos in 1974
6L but a year later made a surprise comeback by signing a lucrative deal to join the New
0T1Q3R2Q1O
tr-5Lin
York Cosmos the then nascent North American Soccer League.
 In a glorious 21-year career he scored between 1,281 and 1,283 goals, depending on how matches are counted. Pele,
though, transcended soccer, like no player before or since, and he became one of the first global icons of the 20th
century.
 During his career, he became known as “The Black Pearl”.
 Pele was named “Athlete of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee, co-“Football Player of the
Century” by world soccer body FIFA, and a “national treasure” by Brazil’s government.
PM Modi's mother Heeraben Modi passed away

 Heeraben Modi (Hiraben Modi), mother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, passed away early on Friday (30
December 2023) in an Ahmedabad hospital. Heeraben was 99. The news of her passing was announced in a bulletin
from the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre, where she was taken on Wednesday when her
condition began to deteriorate.
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Former Pope Benedict XVI dies in Vatican monastery aged 95
 Statement released by the Vatican, the former Pope Benedict XVI has passed away in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery
in the Vatican. He was 95 years old. The head of the Catholic Church, former Pope Benedict, was the first pope in
600 years to resign. He resigned in 2013 and was replaced by the present pope Francis. Pope Benedict was the first
German to become pope in 1000 years. He was the head of the Vatican City from 19 April 2005 until his resignation
on 28 February 2013. He was born as Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger on April 16, 1927, in the southern German village of
Marktl, close to Austria.
 Pope is a title which is given to the Bishop of Rome who is the head of the Roman Catholic Church. He is also the
head of the sovereign country of Vatican City. Roman Catholics are the largest of the three major branches of
Christianity.
Tata Group veteran RK Krishnakumar, 84, passes away in Mumbai

 R Krishnakumar, a close confidante of Ratan Tata and a group veteran, passed away. Kerala-born Krishnakumar,
who had served at multiple positions in the group, including heading its hospitality arm Indian Hotels, was 84. He
which worked alongside Ratan Tata in the Cyrus Mistry ouster episode. In 2009, Krishnakumar was awarded Padma
Shri.
c m
had been active with the Tata Trusts after his retirement from executive roles and was reportedly a part of the team
o
.
 Krishna Kumar, well known as KK, was instrumental in the 271 million pounds buy-out of Tetley in 2000, which not
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only catapulted Tata Global Beverages to the No. 2 spot among the world’s tea makers but also brought the group
and India Inc to the international stage. He served as the managing director (MD) of Tata Global Beverages from
May 1991 to January 1998.
k e
Keshari Nath Tripathi, former West Bengal Governor Bengal and senior BJP leader, passes away at 88
n
Senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former West Bengal governor, Keshari Nath Tripathi passed
away at 88. Born on November 10, 1934 in erstwhile Allahabad, Tripathi was also a senior advocate at the Allahabad

a
High Court. He joined RSS when he was just 12 and later switched to Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He was jailed in Naini
r
Central Jail in 1953 for participating in the ‘Kashmir Andolan’ and again in 1990 for taking part in the Ram
Janmabhoomi movement.
p
o
A senior advocate of Allahabad high court, Tripathi served as a member of the UP Legislative Assembly six times.
He represented the Jhunsi seat between 1977-1980) and Allahabad South seat for five consecutive terms between
T
1989-2007). He also served as the Speaker of the UP Legislative Assembly thrice between 1991 and 2004.
Keshari Nath Tripathi, former West Bengal Governor Bengal and senior BJP leader, passes away at 88
 Senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Partytr-(BJP)
5L0T1Qand
1O6L West Bengal governor, Keshari Nath Tripathi passed
3R2Qformer
away at 88. Born on November 10, 1934 in erstwhile Allahabad, Tripathi was also a senior advocate at the Allahabad
High Court. He joined RSS when he was just 12 and later switched to Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He was jailed in Naini
Central Jail in 1953 for participating in the ‘Kashmir Andolan’ and again in 1990 for taking part in the Ram
Janmabhoomi movement.
 A senior advocate of Allahabad high court, Tripathi served as a member of the UP Legislative Assembly six times.
tr-5H0I1J3J2I
He represented the Jhunsi seat between 1977-1980) and1J6I Allahabad South seat for five consecutive terms between
2Q 1O 6L
1989-2007). He0Talso
tr-5L 1Q3Rserved as the Speaker of the UP Legislative Assembly thrice between 1991 and 2004.
Rahman Rahi, Valley's only Jnanpith awardee, dies at 98

 Professor Rehman Rahi, renowned poet and Kashmir’s first Jnanpith awardee took his last breath in the early hours
on Monday at his residence in the Nowshera area of Kashmir. At the time of his death, the globally acclaimed poet
was 98 years old. He is survived by four children.
 Born on May 6, 1925, Rahi wrote several collections of poems and translated the works of some of the celebrated
poets in other languages into Kashmiri.
 He had started his career as a clerk in a government department in 1948 after which he continued his education
and completed MA in Persian and English in 1950s and 60s. He was an academic at Kashmir University for most
part of his life.
 Rahi had received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961 for his poetry collection Nawroz-i-Saba and got the Padma
Shri in 2000.
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 He received the highest literary honour of the country — Jnanpith award — in 2007 for his collection ‘Siyah Rood
Jaeren Manz’ (In Black Drizzle).
Father of laparoscopic surgery passed away at 88

 Padma Awardee Dr Tehemton Erach Udwadia, an Indian Surgeon and Gastroenterologist, who was known as the
‘father of laparoscopic surgery in India’ passed away, at the age of 88. He was born on 15th July 1934 in the Bombay
Presidency, British India (now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India).
 Tehemton E Udwadia pursued medicine and started his career as a research fellow at the King Edward Memorial
Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College in 1958 and stayed till 1962.
 In 1993, he found the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-Surgeons and he served as its President from 1993
to 1998.
 He was the 1st surgeon in India to introduce laparoscopy in surgery in 1972, and the 1st to perform laparoscopic
surgery in the developing world in 1990.

Constantine II, last king of Greece dies at 82
o
Constantine II, the former and last King of Greece who ruled Greece before the country became a republic in 1974
c m
passed away in Athens, Greece, at 82. He was born of King Paul I, younger brother to King George II, of Greece and
.
German aristocrat Princess Frederica of Hannover, Germany, on 2nd June 1940 in Psikhikó near Athens, Greece.
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When Constantine was an infant, the royal family fled Greece during the German invasion of World War II, moving
to Alexandria (Egypt), South Africa. They returned to Greece in 1946.
e
 Constantine II, the 2nd cousin of Britain’s King Charles III, is the only son of King Paul and Queen Frederica of
Greece, he ascended to the throne in 1964 at the age of 23 after the demise of his father. His reign was marred by
k
political instability, culminating in a military coup on 21st April 1967. A military coup was launched as a result of
n
the episode involving the defection of numerous lawmakers from the ruling party, which is widely known as the
a
“apostasy” in Greece. He remained in Rome until the regime abolished the monarchy in 1973.
p r
Sharad Yadav From Fighting Emergency To Championing Mandal dies at 78
Socialist stalwart and former JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav passed away. He was 75. He is survived by his wife, daughter
o
and son. A 7-term Lok Sabha and 4-term Rajya Sabha member, Yadav, a former Union Minister, had not been
keeping well for some time.

 T
Born on July 1, 1947 at Babai in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, Yadav was a gold medallist in engineering
from the Jabalpur Engineering College.He soon became active in youth politics, greatly influenced by socialist leader
Ram Manohar Lohia.
He participated in a number of mass movements
1O6L
3R2Qwas
tr-5L0T1Qand detained under MISA during the turbulent 1970s. Much
later, he was among the leaders who played a significant role in the implementation of the Mandal Commission
recommendations.
Hong Kong DJ who broadcast for six decades dies at 98

 Ray Cordeiro, who interviewed music acts including the 6I
Beatles during a six-decade career on Hong Kong radio
that earned him the title6L tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J disc jockey, has passed away. Cordeiro, who was born in
of the world’s longest-working
1Q3R2Q1O
Hong Kong in0T
tr-5L 1924 of Portuguese descent, was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest-
working DJ. He joined Hong Kong’s public broadcaster in 1960 after working as a prison warden and bank clerk.
His “All the Way With Ray” show of easy listening music was on RTHK Radio 3 for 51 years until his retirement.
 Cordeiro interviewed the Beatles, then the world’s biggest music act, in 1964 following a study course in London
with the British Broadcasting Corp. He said John Lennon recounted their early days in Hamburg, Germany, where
they lived in relative poverty and played in clubs. The broadcast of the Beatles interview on Hong Kong radio made
Cordeiro a celebrity. He also interviewed other stars and met Elton John and Tony Bennett.
Mukarram Jah Bahadur, Hyderabad’s Last Nizam passes away

 The last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mukarram Jah Bahadur, who passed away on Saturday night in Turkey, will be buried
in the family vault in the Mecca Masjid courtyard. The preparation of the vault where other members of the Nizam’s
family who governed Hyderabad starting in 1724 are buried was overseen by representatives of the Nizam Trust.
 Two of the most renowned dynasties in the Muslim world were connected to Mukarram Jah, also known by his title
Nawab Mir Barket Ali Khan Walashan Mukarram Jah Bahadur.
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 Durrushehvar, his mother, was the lone child of Abdul Majid, the final Caliph of Islam who was exiled by Mustafa
Kemal Ataturk when the Caliphate was abolished.
 His father was Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan’s oldest son, Azam Jah, whose kingdom united with India on September
18, 1948.
Italian film legend Gina Lollobrigida passes away at age 95

 Italian film legend Gina Lollobrigida, the diva who came to represent Italy's vibrant rebirth after World War Two
during the 1950s has passed away at the age of 95. Lollobrigida was dubbed as “the most beautiful woman in the
world" after the title of one of her movies.
 The agent, Paola Comin, didn't provide details. Lollobrigida had surgery in September to repair a thigh bone broken
in a fall.
 A drawn portrait of the diva graced a 1954 cover of Time magazine, which likened her to a “goddess" in an article
about Italian movie-making. More than a half-century later, Lollobrigida still turned heads with her brown, curly
hair and statuesque figure, and preferred to be called an actress instead of the gender-neutral term actor.

World's oldest known person Lucile Randon dies at 118 in France
c o
The world’s oldest person, French nun Lucile Randon, has died aged 118. Randon, also known as Sister Andre, was m
rs .
born in southern France on February 11, 1904, a decade before World War I. She was long regarded as the oldest
European, but the death of Japan’s Kane Tanaka at the age of 119 last year made her the world’s oldest person. The
record for oldest confirmed age reached by a human belongs to Jeanne Calment, also of southern France, who died
e
in 1997 at the age of 122. Guinness World Records had officially recognised her status in April 2022.
 At the age of 26, she converted to Catholicism and was baptized. Driven by a desire to “go further,” she entered the
k
Daughters of Charity order of nuns at the rather late age of 41. Sister Andre was thereafter posted to a Vichy hospital,
n
where she stayed for 31 years. Spending most of her life dedicated to religious service, Sister André also held the
record for the oldest nun living.
a
p r RANKING
To
India Ranks 5th In World's Best Cuisines List; Gulati's Butter Chicken In Delhi Among Top Dishes
Cuisines of the World: India is ranked fifth on the global list of the best cuisines for 2022, according to Taste Atlas.
The ranking is based on audience votes for ingredients, dishes, and beverages. Italy’s food came in first place
followed by Greece and Spain. India received 4.54 points and the best rated foods of the country include “garam
masala, malai, ghee, butter garlic naan, keema”, the rating
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6L said. It has a total of 460 items in the list. Furthermore,
the best restaurants to try Indian cuisine are Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (Mumbai), Karavalli (Bengaluru), Bukhara
(New Delhi), Dum Pukht (New Delhi), Comorin (Gurugram) and 450 others, according to the list.
 Japan, the United States of America, Turkiye, France and Peru were also among the top 10 countries with best
cuisines. Chinese cuisine, which is the world’s most popular, however, ranked 11th on the list.
1,668 journalists killed from 2003-2022 intr-connection

5H0I1J3J2I1J6I with their work
 A total of 1,668 1O
tr-5L0TJournalists
1Q3R2Q 6Lhave been killed worldwide with murders, contract killings, ambushes, war zone deaths,
and fatal injuries. These journalists have been killed in connection with their work in the last two decades from
2003 to 2022. The reports gave an average of more than 80 journalists being killed every year.
 Christopher Deloire, RSF Secretary General said that behind the figures, there are the faces, personalities, talent,
and commitment of those who have paid with their lives for their information gathering their search for the truth,
and their passion for journalism.
Power Grid Corporation of India ranks first in services sector in PE survey 2021-22
 Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) has been ranked 1st in Services Sectors across categories
Gross Block, Value Addition, Net Profit, Net Worth, Dividend Declaration, and Contribution to the Central
Exchequer and has also been ranked 3rd among the Top 10 profit-making Closes.
 The results were published in the Public Enterprises Survey 2021-2022 by the Department of Public Enterprises
(DPE), Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
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 The Public Enterprises Survey is a unique data repository to measure the progress and contribution of the CPSEs to
the Indian economy.
 The total transmission assets of POWERGRID and its subsidiary as on 31st December 2022 include 1,73,791 circuit
km of transmission lines.
Japan tops the World’s strongest passport list in 2023

 Japan continues to top the list of the world's most powerful passport for the year 2023, according to the Henley
Passport Index report released on January 10. Japanese citizens can travel to as many as 193 countries visa-free or
visa-on-arrival access destinations around the world.
 The second spot is shared by Singapore and South Korea and gives visa-free access destinations to 192 countries.
Countries like France, Ireland, Portugal and the United Kingdom are tied at the sixth spot with a visa-free score of
187.
 Countries like the United States, Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, Czech Republic and Switzerland are tied at the
seventh position with regard to the most powerful passports in the world with a visa-free score of 186.

Richest 1% own 40.5% of India's wealth, says new Oxfam report
c
The richest one per cent of Indians own over 13 times more wealth than the bottom 50 per cent, according to a
o m
.
report by Oxfam India. The top five per cent own 61.7 per cent of the total wealth, nearly 20 times more than the 3
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per cent owned by the bottom half. According to the “Survival of the Richest: The India Supplement”, released by
the non-government organisation (NGO), wealth inequality gets denser on the top. More than half of the wealth of
e
the top 10 per cent of richest Indians is owned by the top 1 per cent. The combined wealth of India’s 100 richest
persons reached Rs 54.12 lakh crore in 2022. The total wealth of the 10 richest Indian stood at Rs 27.52 lakh crore in

2022, a 32.8% rise from 2021.
n k
The share of the top 10 per cent in India’s total wealth has risen from 45 per cent to 63 per cent between 1981 and
2012. On the other hand, the wealth of the bottom half halved during the same period. The total number of
a
billionaires also increased in India from 102 in 2020 to 142 in 2021 and 166 in 2022. In a stark contrast 22.89 crore
r
persons live in poverty in India – the highest in the world, the report said.
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o
For First Time Ever, Environment Tops Global Risks
 The world faces a set of risks that feel both wholly new and eerily familiar. The Global Risks Report 2023 explores
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some of the most severe risks we may face over the next decade. As we stand on the edge of a low-growth and low-
cooperation era, tougher trade-offs risk eroding climate action, human development and future resilience.The
World Economic Forum taking place in Davos, Switzerland released the 18th edition of the Global Risk Report 2023
based on the 2022-2023 Global Risks Perception 3R2Q1O
Survey 6L
(GRPS).
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 The next decade will be characterized by environmental and societal crises, driven by underlying geopolitical and
economic trends. “Cost-of-living crisis” is ranked as the most severe global risk over the next two years, peaking in
the short term. “Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse” is viewed as one of the fastest deteriorating global risks
over the next decade, and all six environmental risks feature in the top 10 risks over the next 10 years.
0I1J3J2I1J 6I
Shah Rukh Khan only Indian to beat Tom Cruise,
tr-5H Jackie Chan and others on world's richest actor's list
6L
 3R 2Q 1O
Bollywoodtr-actor Shah Rukh Khan with his more than three decades of work in the film industry has garnered
5L 0T 1Q
millions of fans all over the world and an estimated net worth of ₹627 million ($770 million), making him the richest
actor in Asia and fourth richest actor all over the world. Beating fellow immensely famous and cult actors like Tom
Cruise, Jackie Chan, and George Clooney, Shah Rukh Khan took the fourth position in the list of eight richest actors
of the world released by World of Statistics.
 The Shah Rukh Khan has made a great impact with his cameos in films like R Madhavan’s Rocketry: The Nambi
Effect and Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra Part 1: Shiva. Now, ahead of the release of his comeback film, Pathaan, the
actor has been featured in the list of the richest actors in the world.
Global Firepower Index 2022 - World Military Strength Rankings

 The Global Firepower Index ranks the countries based on their potential military strength. India is ranked fourth
in the index. The Global Firepower Index ranked 145 countries. The countries were evaluated based on prolonged
offensive and defensive military campaigns.
 The Global Firepower Index is calculated using fifty individual factors from geography to logistical capability.
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 It also includes manpower, land forces, airpower, natural resources, naval forces, logistics and financials.
 Under manpower, the factors considered are total population, paramilitary, reaching military age annually, active
reserves and active services.
 The finance factors include external debt, defence budget, reserves of foreign exchange and gold and purchasing
power parity.
TCS, Infosys consolidate their positions among top three global IT brands
 Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys grew their brand value to retain their positions as the second and third most
valuable IT services brands, according to the ‘IT Services 25’ list prepared by UK-based consultancy Brand Finance
for the year 2023.
 Accenture retained the top slot for the fifth year straight, with a brand valued at $39.8 billion. It is the strongest IT
services brand in the ranking with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.8 out of 100 and a corresponding AAA
brand rating.
 TCS’s brand value was up 2 per cent at $17.2 billion. TCS has delivered many tailored transformation programmes
as clients migrated to various hybrid working methods, said the Brand Finance report.
o m
Infosys’s brand value rose 2 per cent to $13 billion as it consolidated its position amongst the top three most valuable
c
IT services brands globally. A rating of AAA helped Infosys to enter the top 150 most valuable brands in the world.
SPORTS
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
Anurag Thakur inaugurates Sports Science Centre in Udupi
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Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur inaugurated the Sports Science Centre here at M.G.
Stadium in Udupi, Karnataka. This Sports Science Centre will bring together sports scientists and athletes. The

n
sports science center has been set up by the government of Karnataka.
a
The state government has set up two sports science centers at Udupi and Bengaluru. These centers will conduct
r
research on medicines, nutritious food, treatment and rehabilitation measures for sportspersons, which would help
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them to boost their abilities. The Minister said that many more such sports science centers will come up. In the
future. The government is making efforts to transform India into a sporting soft power. It has increased the sports

To
budget from 854 crores before 2014 to 3,100 crore rupees this year and spent 2700 crore rupees to enhance sporting
infrastructure as against 630 crore rupees earlier.
South Africa's Farhaan Behardien retires from cricket

South African batter Farhaan Behardien has announced
career. The 39-year old has represented thetr-5L 0T1Q3R2Q1O
Proteas
retirement,
6L concluding an 18-year international cricketing
in 59 ODIs and has 1074 runs and 14 wickets under his belt.
 Behardien also has 38 T20I caps for South Africa and has amassed 518 runs at an average of 32.37. He also led the
Proteas in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in January 2017. His last international game came way back
in 2018, in South Africa’s 21-run win over Australia in a T20I at the Carrara stadium. The batter remained not out
for three off two deliveries.
6I
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
Bengal gets5L10th GM,1OIndia
6L 78th in Koustav Chatterjee
tr- 0T1Q3R2Q
 Nineteen-year-old Kolkata-based chess player, Koustav Chatterjee became India’s 78th Grandmaster. He is also the
tenth GM from West Bengal. Koustav earned his first GM norm in October 2021 at a Grandmasters’ chess
tournament in Bangladesh. He got his second GM norm at the Asian championship in the first week of November
2022. He crossed FIDE rating 2500 in August. Koustav is in the joint-lead with GM Abhijeet Gupta at the National
Senior Chess Championship with a score of 8/10 after 10 rounds.
 GrandMaster is the highest title apart from World Champion awarded to Chess players International Chess
Federation FIDE. India’s 1st Chess GrandMaster was won by Viswanathan Anand at the age of 14 in 1988.
Jaydev Unadkat's historic first-over Ranji Trophy hat-trick wrecks Delhi

 Saurashtra’s Jaydev Unadkat made a slice of Ranji Trophy history, becoming the first bowler to take a hat-trick in
the opening over. The left-arm pacer destroyed Delhi by adding two more in the next over in a career-best eight-
wicket haul in the Elite Group B match in Rajkot. Unadkat’s hat-trick victims included opener Dhruv Shorey,
Vaibhav Rawal and young Delhi captain Yash Dhull, all of whom departed for duck. Unadkat’s finishing with career-
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best figures of 8/39 in his 12 overs. Delhi, who lost 7 wickets for just 10 runs, didn’t face ignominy of lowest first-
class score of 6 by a team called ‘The B’s’ against England in an official match held in 1810.
 No one had managed a first-over hat-trick in the 89-year history of the premier domestic competition. The previous
record of the fastest Ranji hat-trick belonged to Karnataka pacer Vinay Kumar, who achieved the feat in the 2017-
18 quarter-final against Mumbai. Kumar’s effort was spread across the first and third overs of the match. Unadkat,
playing in his 98th first-class match was playing in his first Ranji game of the season, having recently made his Test
return in Bangladesh following a 12-year wait.
Belinda Clark becomes first women cricketer to have a statue cast, sculpture unveiled at Sydney Cricket
Ground
 Australia’s Belinda Clark has become the first female cricketer to have a statue cast in her honour, a bronze sculpture
of the trailblazing former captain unveiled outside Sydney Cricket Ground. Clark played 15 tests and over 100 limited
overs matches between 1991-2005, and became the first cricketer to score a double-hundred in one-day
internationals when she made an unbeaten 229 against Denmark in 1997.
 The 52-year-old’s statue stands alongside Richie Benaud, Fred Spofforth, Stan McCabe and Steve Waugh as
cricketers honoured with sculptures in the SCG precinct. at the ground. Her bronze cast now stands alongside
former captain Richard Benaud and Steve Waugh. The 52-year-old Clark who has held several roles in Australian
c o m
.
Cricket board was excited on this honour. Known for scoring the first double century in ODI cricket, Clark played
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15 Tests and over 100 l imited-over matches between 1991-2005. His historic double hundred came against Denmark
in 1997 with an unbeaten knock of 229.

India's first-ever Formula E World Championship to take place on feb 11
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The countdown of the first-ever ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race in India is to be held in Hyderabad.
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The Formula E World Championship will be held from 11th February.
 The first ticket for the Formula E World Championship was booked by Telangana Special Chief Secretary (Municipal

India, and other dignitaries were also present.
p a
Administration) Arvind Kumar. During the event, Akbar Ebrahim, President Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of
r
The government aims to make Hyderabad one of the top cities in the world by hosting Formula E World
o
Championship.
 Hyderabad race on 11th February will be the fourth race of the season, season 9 of Formula E, the first three include
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Mexico City and Riyadh.
 A total of 11 teams with 23 cars with 22 cars would be racing here and they include some of the top racing companies.
Chess: Tamil Nadu's Pranesh M becomes 1O6LGrandmaster after winning Rilton Cup
tr-5LIndia's
0T1Q3R2Q 79th
 Pranesh M became India’s 79th Grandmaster, having completed his three norms prior to this event. IM Pranesh M
emerged as the winner of the Rilton Cup, the first tournament of the FIDE Circuit. The 16-year-old from India,
seeded 22nd, made a clean sweep of the field in Stockholm, winning eight games and finishing a full point ahead of
IM Kaan Kucuksari (Sweden) and GM Nikita Meshkovs (Latvia).
 The 2022/2023 Rilton Cup, the strongest open tournament in Sweden, ran from December 27 to January 5 and
6I
0I1J3J2I1Jfederations.
brought together 136 players representing 29 national
tr-5H Pranesh M is now the early leader of the FIDE
3R 2Q 1O 6L
Circuit with
tr- 6.8
5L 0T circuit
1Q points that he gets for this victory. The one who accumulates the most points by the end of
the year qualifies for the 2024 FIDE Candidates.
Chetan Sharma retained as chairman of selectors

 Chetan Sharma was reappointed as the chairman of the senior selection committee, exactly two months after his
entire panel was disbanded by the BCCI for the Indian team’s semifinal exit in the T20 World Cup. Salil Ankola,
Shiv Sunar Das, Subroto Banerjee and Sridharan Sharath are new members of the selection committee. The new
committee has been picked by the Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape and
Sulakshana Naik. The committee further recommended Chetan Sharma for the role of Chairman of the senior men’s
selection committee.
 Salil Ankola, the former chief selector of the Mumbai cricket team, played 20 ODIs and 1 Test match between 1989
to 1997. His Test debut came along with Sachin Tendulkar against Pakistan in 1989.
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'Hindustan Ka Dil Dhadka Do'... Khelo India gets josh anthem & mascot
 The anthem, mascot and a ‘smart torch’ for the fifth edition of the youth games were unveiled by chief minister
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union MoS sports Nisith Pramanik and state sports minister at a glittering event in Bhopal
on Saturday evening.
 The 5th KIYG 2022 will be held from January 30 to February 11. There are 27 sporting disciplines on the schedule,
with over 6,000 athletes competing. ‘Hindustan Ka Dil Dhadka Do’ – this is the heartpounding anthem of the Khelo
India Youth Games 2022. And cheetah Asha, who was named by PM Narendra Modi, the Games mascot.
 The importance of sports and fitness in one’s life is invaluable. Playing sports inculcates team spirit, develops
strategic & analytical thinking, leadership skills, goal setting and risk taking. A fit and healthy individual leads to
an equally healthy society and strong nation.
Sania Mirza announces her retirement from professional Tennis

 Indian Tennis Player Sania Mirza (36-year-old), the former doubles World No. 1 , has confirmed her retirement
from professional Tennis. She announced that the Dubai Tennis Championships, a Women’s Tennis Association

in women’s doubles at the Australian Open in 16 to 29 January 2023 alongside Kazakhstan’s Anna Danilina.
c
She has won six Grand Slam doubles titles.She won her first grand slam in 2009 by winning Austraian Open Mixed
m
(WTA) 1000 event in Dubai in February 2023 will be her last match. Prior to her last appearance, she is going to play
o
.
doubles title with Mahesh Bhupathi. The pair also won the French Open 2012.
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 Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis of Switzerland won 3 women’s doubles – Wimbledon 2015, the US Open 2015 and
the Australian Open 2016.

e
In 2007, She was ranked among the 30 and also reached her career-high ranking of world number 27(Singles).

Tallon griekspoor wins maharashtra open tennis tournament
n k
Tallon Griekspoor was coming into the Maharashtra Open ATP 250 final winning a staggering 96.77 % of his service
a
games. His opponent, Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi, 26, had dropped just one set leading into the title clash, and
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after piercing a hole through the Dutchman’s serve to go a break up 5-4 in Saturday’s opener, looked to be the
favourite for the crown.

o p
But Griekspoor, ranked 95, had very different plans. And egged on by a packed, noisy, underdog-loving Pune crowd,
turned around the one-set deficit to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 for his first title at this level.
The two had played a lot of junior tennis together, and in the 2021 season, had gone on a Challenger-winning spree,

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Griekspoor taking eight of those titles, Bonzi claiming six. Both were in their first-ever ATP World Tour final, serving
quite well – and it was only that mistake late in the first set when Griekspoor double-faulted that gave the
Frenchman an edge.
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1O6L
South Africa All-Rounder Cricketer Dwaine Pretorius Announces International Retirement

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed that Proteas all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius has retired from international
cricket with immediate effect. Since making his international debut in 2016, the 33-year-old has represented South
Africa across all three formats in 30 T20 Internationals (T20I), 27 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and three Tests.
He has also featured in two World Cups. Pretorius showed his prowess both with the bat and ball in the
international arena, aggregating 1895 runs and 0I1J3J2I1J6I
tr-5Hscalping 77 wickets across formats.
3R2Q 1O 6L
 Announcingtr-5L 0T1Q
his retirement, the 33-year-old expressed his desire to play more franchise cricket around the world ‘to
have a better balance in my career and family life.’ The all-rounder will be seen in the IPL this year as he is part of
the Chennai SuperKings squad.
Suryakumar Yadav becomes fastest batter to notch up 1500 T20I runs in terms of balls taken
 Suryakumar Yadav has become the fastest player to reach 1,500 runs in T20 International cricket in terms of balls
faced. The took only 843 balls to reach this landmark. In 45 matches and 43 innings, Suryakumar has scored 1,578
runs at an average of 46.41. He has three centuries and 13 half-centuries in the format, with the best individual score
of 117.
 However, he is the third-fastest batter to reach the 1,500-run mark in terms of innings. The fastest batters to reach
this landmark are Indian batter Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Australian veteran Aaron Finch and Pakistan skipper Babar
Azam, who all took 39 innings to score 1,500 runs in T20 International cricket. Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter
Mohammed Rizwan reached the milestone in 42 innings and Suryakumar did so in 43 innings.
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France Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris Announces Retirement from International Football
 France team captain Hugo Lloris has announced his decision to retire from international football at the age of 36.
Lloris represented France in four World Cups and three Euros and captained Les Blues to the World Cup trophy in
2018. The Tottenham Hotspur shotstopper led his team to the World Cup final in Qatar, where they were beaten
by Argentina on penalties.
 The 36-year-old holds many records and is France’s most capped player with 145 appearances to his name. Lloris
made his debut for Les Blues back in November 2008. He was handed the armband two years after his international
debut and would go on to captain France in 121 matches.
 Deschamps paid tribute to the 36-year-old and called him a great servant of the France national team. The France
coach went on to say that it was a honour and pleasure to be Lloris’ trainer and thanked him for his contributions
to the team.
Former Indian Captain MS Dhoni, Garuda Aerospace launched surveillance drone named Droni
 Former India cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and drone market Garuda Aerospace have launched a a
surveillance drone named ‘Droni.’ Dhoni is an ambassador-cum-investor in the low-cost drone manufacturer.
Dhoni had unveiled the camera drone called Droni at The Global Drone Expo in Chennai last year. Droni is a
battery-operated quadcopter surveillance drone.
c o m
.
 At the launch, MS Dhoni has said that he got interested about drones during the COVID-19 lockdown and learned
rs
about the important role drones can play for farmers and agriculturalists. Garuda Aerospace recently became the
first-ever drone company in India to get dual DGCA approvals for both drone manufacturing type certificate and
e
RTPO. Recently, MS Dhoni and Garuda had also launched a short film ‘Kheton Ke Kaptan’, aimed at encouraging
youth and farmers to lead in their respective farms.
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Brook and Gardner crowned ICC Players of the Month for December 2023
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Harry Brook received the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award after a blistering run of scores that helped England
a
r
claim a historic World Test Championship (WTC) series victory in Pakistan. On the other hand, Australia’s Ashleigh
Gardner bagged the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for her contributions with bat and ball in the T20I

series against India.
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The 23-year-old Brook scored 468 runs in three matches in the recently concluded Test series against Pakistan.
England won the series 3–0 in which Brook made his important contribution.


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Gardner won the award after his impressive individual performance in the series against India in December 2022.
He received this award leaving behind Charlie Dean of England and Suzie Bates of New Zealand.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates FIH

tr-5L Men’s
0T1Q
6L
3R2Q1OHockey World Cup 2023 in Cuttack
Men’s Hockey World Cup, 2023 has began with a spectacular opening ceremony at the picturesque Barabati Stadium
in Cuttack that was witnessed by thousands of hockey lovers in attendance from across the country and abroad.
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, International Hockey Federation
president Tayyab Ikram and Hockey India chairman Dilip Tirkey were present at the glittering ceremony. 16 teams
are participating in the global tournament.
3J2I1J6I
 The matches will be held at two venues, tr- 5H0I1JMundra
Birsa Hockey Stadium in Rourkela and Kalinga Stadium in
2Q 1O 6L
1Q3RJanuary
tr-5L0T
Bhubaneswar, from 13 to January 29.
Virat Kohli beats Mahela Jayawardene to become 5th highest run scorer in ODI cricket
 Star cricketer Virat Kohli became the fifth-highest run-scorer in history of ODI cricket, overtaking Sri Lankan legend
Mahela Jayawardene to enter into top-five. At the time of becoming the fifth-highest run-scorer, Virat had 12,652
runs in 268 ODIs at an average of 57.78, with 45 tons and 65 half-century. His best score in the format is 183.
 As per records, the highest run-scorer in ODI history is Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored 18,426 runs
at an average of 44.83. He has 49 centuries and 96 fifties in this format, with the best of 200*. Followed by Sachin,
Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs in 404 matches), Australian great Ricky Ponting (13,704), Sri
Lankan all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya (13,430 in 445 matches) and Virat.
 10 Kohli’s ODI hundreds against Sri Lanka. He’s the first player to hit ten ODI centuries against an opponent. Kohli
also has nine hundreds against West Indies, while Tendulkar also has nine against Australia.
 96 ODI wins for India against Sri Lanka, the most by a team against an opponent in this format, surpassing
Australia’s 95 wins against New Zealand.
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Barcelona wins Spanish Super Cup after beating Real Madrid 3-1 in final hosted by Saudi Arabia
 Barcelona have won the Spanish Super Cup for the first time since the competition was revamped and moved to
Saudi Arabia with a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid. Robert Lewandowski, Gavi and Pedri scored a goal each at King
Fahd Stadium in Riyadh to give Barcelona its first Super Cup trophy since 2018, and the first since the tournament’s
Final-Four format began in 2020 in a lucrative deal for the Spanish football federation. It was also Barcelona’s first
title since former player Xavi took over as the team’s coach in 2021, and since Lionel Messi left for Paris Saint-
Germain. Barcelona have now won the Super Cup a record 14 times. Madrid have 12 to their name.
 The Super Cup used to be played between the Spanish league champion and the Copa del Rey winner. Now the
runners-up in both competitions also participate.
Badminton Malaysia Open 2023: Viktor Axelsen Yamaguchi Akane win titles in Kuala Lumpur
 Akane Yamaguchi and Viktor Axelsen won the Malaysia Open Super 1000 women’s and men’s singles titles in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia. Yamaguchi, the reigning world champion, registered a come-from-behind win over world no. 4
An Se Young to clinch the Super Series Premier title. Yamaguchi won her maiden Super Series Premier title at the

China Open in 2017.
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The men’s singles final saw a repeat of last month’s World Tour Finals. Axelsen, the regaining Olympic and world
champion, won the Malaysia Open title in straight games, beating Japanese youngster Kodai Naraoka in 40 minutes.
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This was Axelsen’s ninth Super Series Premier title and third Malaysia Open crown.

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China’s Chen Qingchen-Jia Yifan, the world no. 1 pairing in women’s doubles, blew away South Korea’s Baek Hana-
Lee Yulim 21-16, 21-10 in 52 minutes.
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'Per match value of Rs 7 cr': Women's IPL media rights for 2023-27 bagged by Viacom for Rs 951 cr
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that Viacom 18 have grabbed the media rights for
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the upcoming Women’s IPL for a whopping Rs 951 crore for five years, pipping other bidders, including Disney Star
and Sony, in the auction. The auction for the T20 League was conducted by the cricket board in Mumbai. The global

a
rights comprise three categories linear (TV), digital and combined (TV and digital). In the men’s IPL, separate rights
r
are sold across regions. The inaugural Women’s IPL is likely to begin in the first week of March. Five teams will
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compete and all the matches will be held in Mumbai.
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Viacom18 had won the IPL digital rights for Rs 23,758 crore while Disney Star had retained the TV rights for Rs
23,575 crore for a five-year period starting 2023 during a three-day auction held in June, 2022. There will be a total
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of 134 matches in the five-team WIPL over five years, with 22 matches each in the first three years. The number
could touch 34 matches each in the final two years. BCCI is anticipating growth in WIPL over the next few years.
Denmark Viktor Axelsen wins Men's singles tr-5L0T1Q 2Q1O6L open 2023
at3RMalaysia
 Danish ace Viktor Axelsen stormed to victory in the final of badminton's Malaysia Open on Sunday, successfully
defending his title by outgunning Japan's Kodai Naraoka.
 The world number one only needed 40 minutes in Kuala Lumpur to secure his first trophy of the year, displaying
top form to walk away with the match 21-6, 21-15.
 Wasting no time in the first game, Axelsen immediately went on the offensive, raining his signature pinpoint
6I
smashes on a defenceless Naraoka. tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
1O 6L
 He then kept 0T1Q
tr-5Lup 3R2Q
the pressure in the second game against a visibly exhausted opponent to clinch the win.
Hockey World Cup: Netherlands breaks record of most goals in a men’s HWC match, beats Chile 14-0
 The three-time champion Netherlands defeated Chile’s debutants by a score of a record-breaking 14-0 to qualify as
the first team to the quarterfinals of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup. The Netherlands finished at the top of Pool
C with a maximum of nine points after racking up three victories in as many games.
 The largest margin of victory in a World Cup game was recorded by the third-ranked Netherlands against the 23rd-
ranked Chile in the day’s second play.
 World No. 1 Australia previously held the record for the largest margin of victory in a hockey World Cup match
after thrashing South Africa 12-0 in New Delhi.
 The Netherlands, who have won the World Cup three times and placed second in the previous two tournaments,
earned 18 penalty corners in the match, of which they converted six, while Chile only received two.
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Rohit Sharma breaks MS Dhoni’s record of most ODI sixes at home in IND vs NZ 1st ODI
 Indian captain Rohit Sharma has shattered a long-standing record held by MS Dhoni to become India’s most prolific
six-hitter in the history of ODI cricket. At the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad, Rohit achieved this remarkable
feat during the first ODI between India and New Zealand. The Indian captain’s knock included two maximums,
breaking MS Dhoni’s long-standing record.
 Rohit is now India’s leading six-getter in the history of ODI cricket, with a total of 125 sixes to his name.
ICC Under 19 Womens T20 World Cup 2023

 The first edition of Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2023 has been launched by International Cricket Council (ICC)
and it is scheduled from 14th January to 29th January 2023. The first match of the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup
2023 was played between Australia Women U19 and Bangladesh Women U19 at Willowmoore Park, Benoni. A total
of 16 teams are participating in the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2023.
 The Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2023 has been scheduled from 14th January 2023 to 29th January 2023. Each day,
four matches will be played. The super six round will begin on 20th January 2023 with the Semi-finals set to take
The table given below describes the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2023 schedule, and the venue of the matches.
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place on the 27th of January and the Finals scheduled on 29th January 2023 at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.
SUMMIT'S & MOU's

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chairs Conference of LGs, Administrators of UTs in New Delhi
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e
 Home Minister Amit Shah has said that if the potential of Union Territories is fully harnessed, India will be able to
achieve the goal of becoming the third-largest economy in the world. He emphasized making Union Territories a
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role model for the country. Mr Shah said this while chairing the Conference of Union Territories in New Delhi
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today. He said that all Union Territories should come together and work synergistically on a common platform to
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achieve the national objectives and vision and take the country forward in the journey of development.
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 The Minister also directed the Union Territories to prepare their vision for 2047. He said that Union Territories
should take inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's motto of vocal for local and Ek Bharat Shreshtha
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Bharat while striving to become a hub of tourism, development and welfare. The Union Territories should focus on
increasing their manufacturing sector to reduce their dependence on external resources to reduce the loss of
revenue in the process. He said that tourist circuits should be developed in the country to attract more tourists and

Schools
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reduce the cost of transportation.
Tribal Affairs Ministry, Amazon Launch Computer

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Skills Training Programme For Teachers Of Tribal
In conjunction with the Learning Links Foundation, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS)
was setting up a two-day face-to-face capacity building program which was held on 28th and 29th of December
2022, for EMRS teachers to implement the Amazon Future Engineer Program (LLF).
 The relationship between NESTS and amazon, according to Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda,
will empower educators and students in the area of digital
6I education. He further stated that the programme will
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aid in the beginning of digital
1O 6L contact with those living in remote places in the present decade. He claimed that the
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Future Engineer Program will be extremely beneficial to EMRS students. Additionally, he said that the Future
Engineer Program would help the tribal students at EMRSs become more computer literate.
Jaishankar signs defense cooperation agreement with Cyprus on visit

 At a joint news conference held in Nicosia, Cyprus, Foreign Minister of Cyprus Ioannis Kasoulides and External
Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar signed three important agreements. The two ministers had fruitful conversations
during Jaishankar’s first official visit to Cyprus about bilateral relations, multilateral cooperation, geopolitical and
regional problems, the Indo-Pacific issue, the Middle East, Europe, and India’s relationship with the European
Union.
 S. Jaishankar also stated at the meeting how crucial the partnership between India and Cyprus is.
 It is based on our shared principles of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and respect for the law, he claimed.
 Both are driven by similar beliefs and guiding principles as India and Cyprus develop their own relationships and
collaborate with other parties.
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 The UN Security Council has expressed concern over unauthorized activities in the buffer zone separating the Greek
and Turkish communities in the northern and southern regions of the Mediterranean island since 1974.
India & Austria ink pact on migration and mobility
 Last year witnessed “exploding number of Indians” who arrived at the borders of Austria as illegal immigrants, said
the Foreign Minister of Austria Alexander Schallenberg on January 2, 2023.
 The Minister made the comment soon after the Indian and the Austrian teams signed a Comprehensive Migration
and Mobility Partnership Agreement that Mr Schallenberg described as “most important”. He called for dialogue to
resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and described India as a voice of “peace” and “reason”.
BREAKING BARRIERS: THE STORY OF A DALIT CHIEF SECRETARY

 Former IAS officer Kaki Madhava Rao has authored a new book titled “Breaking Barriers: the Story of a Dalit Chief
Secretary” which addresses the details about the dynamics of civil services at the ground level and also fills the gap
in the knowledge about micro policies and governance. The book is published by Emesco Books Private Limited. K
m
Madhava Rao is a 1962 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who retired as Chief Secretary of Andhra
Pradesh (AP). He was born in Pedamaddali village of Krishna district, AP in 1939. He also served in the Reserve

Bank of India(RBI) as a Director and as a member of a sub-committee, the Board for Financial Supervision.
c o
Chapters 2,3,4, and 5 are full of details on his exposure to the national stage, a different world from rural Andhra
Pradesh. The account here is of how a provincial young man matures into an adult in the world at large.
.

First G-20 meeting to take place in Puducherry on Jan 31, says LG Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan
e rs
Puducherry Lieutenant governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan said that the first G-20 meeting will be held in
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Puducherry on 31st January. The G20 logo for the meeting was released by Lieutenant Governor Dr. Tamilisai
Soundararajan at a function held at Beach Road Gandhi Tidal. Dr. Tamisai thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi

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for giving all the states the opportunity to host the G-20 meetings. He released stickers, posters and badges and also
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inaugurated a selfie booth in the presence of Chief Minister Rengasamy.
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These programs will be organised in different parts of the country in different segments. Kolkata will host the first
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meeting on the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion.
 Since India is holding the presidency of the group, it is also setting an agenda for the wellbeing of the world at large.
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Needless to say whilst G20 priorities are in the process of being firmed up and a lot of them would come up as the
talks go on, India is showing a path with focus on inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth.
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Cabinet Committee approves over Rs 2,500-cr scheme for upgrading infra of DD, AIR
In a bid to upgrade Prasar Bharati’s broadcast infrastructure
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1O6L and network, the Cabinet Committee on Economic
Affairs (CCEA) approved a scheme worth more than Rs 2,500 crore for Doordarshan and All India Radio. Under the
scheme, eight lakh DD Free Dish DTH set top boxes (STBs) will also be distributed to people living in remote, tribal,
LWE, border areas and ‘aspirational’ districts.
 Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur announced the Central Sector ‘Broadcasting Infrastructure
and Network Development (BIND)’ scheme with an outlay of Rs 2,539.61 crore up to 2025-26, which was approved
by the CCEA. 6I
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 The BIND scheme is the
1Ovehicle
6L for providing financial support to Prasar Bharati for expenses related to expansion
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
and upgradation of its broadcasting infrastructure, content development and civil work related to the organization.
 The BIND scheme will enable the public broadcaster to undertake a major upgradation of its facilities with better
infrastructure which will widen its reach, including in the LWE (Left Wing Extremism), border and strategic areas
and provide high quality content to the viewers.
JSW Group named as global partner for FIH Men's Hockey World Cup in India
 The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has signed a partnership with the JSW Group for the upcoming FIH
Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela, which will kick-off later this month. The group
supports and promotes Olympics in India and has created an Olympic Training Institute in the Inspire Institute of
Sport as well as has Olympic training centres across the country. The 15th edition of FIH’s flagship event for men
will be played from 13 January to 29 January in Odisha, India.
 JSW Group is ranked among India’s leading business houses, active in various sectors including Steel, Energy,
Infrastructure, Cement, Paints, Venture Capital and Sports. JSW is committed to using sports as a means of nation-
building and has a long history of supporting and promoting Olympic sport in India.
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India to host Voice of Global South Summit next week, over 120 nations invited
 India will host ‘The Voice of Global South’ Summit on January 12-13, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said. As many
as 120 countries will participate in the summit. The virtual summit is significant as India currently holds the
presidency of the G20 group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier indicated that priorities would be
shaped in consultation with developing countries.
 The ‘Voice of Global South Summit’ under the theme ‘Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose’ envisages bringing together
countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform.
 The MEA said that the summit envisages ten sessions, four sessions on January 12 and six sessions on January 13.
Each session is expected to witness the participation of leaders or ministers from 10-20 countries.
 The inaugural and concluding sessions would be at the head of state or government level and hosted by the Prime
Minister. The theme of the Inaugural Leaders’ session is ‘Voice of Global South – for Human-Centric Development’
and that of the Concluding Leaders’ session is ‘Unity of Voice -Unity of Purpose’.

UAE names its oil company chief to lead U.N. climate talks
The United Arab Emirates has named a veteran technocrat who both leads Abu Dhabi’s state-run oil company and
c o
oversees its renewable energy efforts to preside over the upcoming United Nations climate negotiations in Dubai.
m
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Emirati authorities nominated Sultan al-Jaber, a confidant of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al
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Nahyan, who serves as CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.
 The announcement prompted fierce criticism from environmental activists. Al-Jaber’s firm pumps some 4 million
e
barrels of crude a day and hopes to expand to 5 million daily, generating more of the heat-trapping carbon dioxide
the UN annual climate negotiations aim to limit. The Emirates’ state-run WAM news agency made the

announcement, noting al-Jaber’s years also serving as a climate envoy.
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In its announcement about al-Jaber, more than $50bn in renewable energy projects across 70 countries, with plans
to invest a minimum of $50bn over the next decade.
a
r
Al-Jaber also led green initiatives including a $22bn “carbon-neutral” city on Abu Dhabi’s outskirts. The project was
halted after the global financial crisis that struck the Emirates hard beginning in 2008.
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Rajasthan becomes first state to adopt blindness control policy
Under its campaign of Nirogi Rajasthan, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has implemented the policy for
T
Blindness Control with the objective of ‘Right to Sight’. With this, Rajasthan has become the first state to have such
a policy. This policy has been brought with an aim to bring light in the lives of more than 3 lakh people suffering
from visual impairment in the State. The prevalence rate of blindness in the country was 1.1% in 2020 and the
initiatives under the Blindness Control Policy will help
1Q3R 6Lbring it down to 0.3 percent.
2Q1Oto
tr-5L0T
 Under the policy for Blindness Control, the state government will mandatorily run Keratoplasty Centre and Eye
Bank in all the government medical colleges. The government funded private organizations and NGOs that are
collecting cornea will have to provide the collected cornea to the government institutions on priority.
 Efforts to eliminate visual impairment would be made in the districts in collaboration with voluntary organizations,
trusts, hospitals and other charitable institutions working in this field.
6I
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
6L
5L
Think-20 tr-meeting 0T1Q3R2Q1O
under G-20 to start from today at Kushabhau Thackeray International Convention
Center, Bhopal
 The two-day Think-20 meeting under the G-20 is starting from today at the Kushabhau Thackeray International
Convention Center in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh(MP). The first Think-20 meeting in MP will be inaugurated by Chief
Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. AIR correspondent reports, there will be a discussion held on, ‘Global Governance
with LiFE values and wellbeing.’
 G-20 Chief Coordinator Harsh Vardhan Shringla informed in Bhopal that more than 300 ministers, intellectuals and
subject experts from India and abroad will brainstorm in plenary and parallel sessions, round table conferences and
cluster briefings. Of these, 94 international delegates, 115 from different states and about 100 local participants will
be involved in discussions.
 In addition, representatives of international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, ADB Institute,
African Union, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UN, UNDP and UNICEF will also attend the event. There will be
3 plenary and 10 parallel sessions will be held on the first day and after these sessions, the guest will visit the Tribal
Museum in Bhopal and participate in the cultural programs.
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B20 inception meeting in Gandhinagar from 22 to 24 January 2023
 The first 15 meetings of the Business 20 (B20) India Inception Meeting will be held in Gandhinagar from January
22nd to 24th, 2023. The Gujarat Government to host a dinner for G20 delegates followed by a delegation visiting the
Dandi Kutir. India has been assumed as the G20 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 The nation aspires to play an important role on the world stage by finding practical global solutions for the welfare
of all. The G20 chairman for India is a historic event as it comes while celebrating the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.The
18th G20 Summit will be held in September 2023.
 Gujarat will be a part of this historic event and has prepared itself to complete facilities to conduct discussions,
consultations, and meetings.The first 15 meetings to be held in Gujarat in the B20 India Inception Meeting.
Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum begins today in Switzerland

 Today marks the start of the 53rd World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The meeting will go on
through January 20. The WEF meeting’s 2018 theme is “Cooperation in a Fragmented World.” The gathering of
professionals, academics, investors, and political and commercial leaders will discuss and support creative solutions

for some of the most serious problems confronting the world today, such as the climate change, global inflation,
and the Russia-Ukraine situation.
c o m
The prospect of a recession, the cost of living crisis, and financial strain are expected to dominate the future for at
.
least two years, according to the WEF’s annual Global Risks Report.
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 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President of the European
Parliament Roberta Metsola, Presidents of South Africa Cyril M. Ramaphosa, Spain’s Pedro Sanchez, South Korea’s
e
Yoon Suk-yeol, Switzerland’s Alain Berset, and Finland’s Sanna Marin are among the world leaders attending the
meeting.
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Taiwan’s Gogoro, India’s Belrise to invest $2.5bn in Maha for battery swapping infra
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Taiwan-headquartered electric vehicle and infrastructure company Gogoro is advancing its plans to deploy battery
a
swapping network in India. The company along with Belrise Industries (formerly known as Badve Engineering) has
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inked a strategic energy partnership with the Maharashtra government to establish a battery swapping
infrastructure. This follows up to Gogoro’s earlier announced partnership with Hero MotoCorp and Zypp Electric
o
among others.
 As per the understanding, Gogoro and Belrise Industries are planning a 50-50 JV to invest around $2.5 billion (Rs
T
20,617 crore) over a course of eight years to build energy infrastructure across the state. The non-binding MoU
agreement was signed at the Maharashtra pavilion, World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The battery
swapping infrastructure expects to begin deploying across the State of Maharashtra in 2023 which will leverage
Gogoro’s smart energy ecosystem including smart
tr-5L 2Q1O6L stations, swapping technologies, network management
battery
0T1Q3R
solutions.
Memorandum of Agreement signed between Indian Ports Association and RIS for setting up Centre for
Maritime Economy and Connectivity
 The Indian Ports Association (IPA) and Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) signed a
Memorandum of Agreement for setting up atr-Centre 2I1J6I
5H0I1J3Jfor Maritime Economy and Connectivity in the presence of the
3R 2Q 1O 6L
Minister for
tr- Ports,
5L 0T 1Q Shipping & Waterways and Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. During the function, various other
dignitaries were also present.
 Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary (PSW) complimented the IPA and RIS teams for the effort put in for setting up the
center.
 He informed that the proposed project of the Transhipment Port at Galathea bay at Greater Nicobar in Andaman
& Nicobar Islands will be the future which will be advantageous for the BIMSTEC Nations.
ESAF Bank wins Inclusive Finance India Awards 2022

 ESAF Small Finance Bank has bagged the prestigious Inclusive Finance India Awards 2022 for its contributions in
advancing the goal of financial inclusion and supporting inclusive growth. This award is a recognition of ESAF’s
unique spectrum of Financial Inclusion projects ESAF Dhansree, ESAF Udyog Jyothi, LSEDP (Local Sustainable
Economic Development Project), ESAF Balajyothi, ESAF Vayojyothi, and ESAF Garshom.
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 The Inclusive Finance India Awards initiative aims to celebrate and encourage deserving institutions to continue to
enhance outreach to the poor by way of motivating management and staff through recognition of their painstaking
efforts and enhancing the credibility of the institution, thereby making it more attractive for funding.
BANKING AND ECONOMY

Jio Invests Additional Rs 6500 Cr For 5G In Andhra Pradesh
 Reliance Jio announced it has launched True 5G services in Andhra Pradesh. The 5G services were launched in
Tirumala, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Guntur districts. Apart from their existing investment of Rs 26,000
crore, additionally Jio has invested over Rs 6,500 crore for deploying 5G network in Andhra Pradesh. By December
2023, Jio True 5G services will be made available in every town, taluka, mandalam and village of Andhra Pradesh.
 Jio demonstrated the benefits of 5G in the field of healthcare, through Jio Community Clinic medical kit, and the
revolutionary AR-VR device, Jio Glass. These benefits will bring phenomenal changes in the lives of people in
m
Andhra Pradesh. The launch of Jio’s True 5G services will open doors to growth opportunities in the areas of e-
governance, education, healthcare, IT and SME business.
Under SIDBI’s Mentorship, FIT Rank for MSMEs Launched by TransUnion CIBIL and Online PSB Loans
Limited (OPL)
.c o
rs
 With the intent of deepening credit flow to small businesses and also helping lenders avoid loan losses on such
bets, credit information company TransUnion Cibil launched a ranking system for MSME borrowers. The ‘FIT Rank’
e
launched by TransUnion Cibil in association with Online PSB Loans, will rate the over 6 crore micro, small and
medium enterprises (MSMEs) by drawing inputs from their current accounts, income tax returns and also Goods

relevant data.
a k
and Service Tax (GST) returns to arrive at a score between 1-10 to rate a borrower after taking consent to draw the
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The ranking will give lenders an idea about the capacity of an enterprise to pay, its creditworthiness and also
r
intention to pay from past experience.
 The product will go into the cash flows of an entity while arriving at the rank, and hence broaden the universe of

p
entities who can borrow because at present, banks insist on collaterals.
o
The lenders will be able to get the probability of default in a particular case because the engines have sifted through
the data of many years while arriving at the rank.

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India to become $10-trillion economy by 2035, forecasts by CEBR
The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR),
tr-5L0T1Q3R
that India will become the third-largest economy
2Q1O6L
which is a UK-based economics consultancy, predicted
by 2037. 14th edition of the report noted that over the next five
years, the annual rate of GDP growth is expected to average 6.4%. After that, the growth is expected to average 6.5%
in the subsequent nine years.
 As per the report, India seems “unstoppable in its momentum” to become the third economic superpower. The
report has predicted that in 2035, India will become the third $10 trillion economy.
 While commenting on the Chinese economy, the report
6I said that despite modest output performance in 2022,
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
inflation was at1Q an3Ranticipated
2Q 1O 6L 11.6%. The Chinese economy, therefore, faces a potential stagflationary trade-off
tr-5L0T
between growth and price rises.
 In last year’s report, it was mentioned that India will regain its position from France and the South Asian nation
will witness an improvement in its World Economic League Table (WELT) ranking over the next 15 years.
Government gives official recognition to Esports

 Esports received a huge boost from the Indian government. It is incorporated into the nation’s mainstream sports
disciplines. Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, amended the regulations governing eSports in accordance
with the authority “conferred by clause (3) of article 77 of the Constitution” and requested that “e-Sports be included
as part of multi-sports events” from the Ministries of Electronics and Information Technology and Sports.
 E-sports after being added to the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta as a demonstration sport, which meant that medals
earned in the sport were not included in the official total of medals.
 There had been an increase in desire for Esports to be included in the curriculum of multi-discipline competitions.
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Bajaj Allianz Launches ‘Respect Senior Care Rider’ for Elderly
 Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, one of the leading private general insurers of India, announced the launch of its
unique health insurance rider ‘Respect Senior Care Rider’. This rider helps one fulfill their parental responsibility
smoothly. In order to accomplish this goal, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has tied up with a wide network of
service providers to assist the insured with their worries.
 This network can be accessed by them or their family members at any time, this product will protect the customers
from shelling out significant sums of cash and reduces worries and brings a plethora of services at their fingertips.
 The intention of the rider is to minimize the worries of senior citizens and of their family members who might not
be living in the same city. Anyone who is aged 50 years & above and has the company’s base health insurance policy
can opt for this rider.
 Bajaj Allianz General Insurance is India’s leading private general insurance company. Bajaj Allianz is a joint venture
between Bajaj Finserv Limited, India’s most diversified non-bank financial institution, and Allianz SE, the world’s
leading insurer and largest asset manager.

Financial literacy poor across urban, rural population: RBI
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It is often believed that in India, the majority of the rural people is not familiar with digital banking. But in what
c
might be considered a revelation, a pan-Indian “Financial Literacy and Inclusion survey” conducted by the Reserve
.
Bank of India (RBI) found that awareness and knowledge of digital banking are on par between the rural and urban
rs
population nationwide, with the average for both segments being 11.7 on a scale of 21.
 Three criteria—financial knowledge, attitude, and behavior—were used to base the poll. The average urban and
e
rural scores on a scale of 1 to 21 were 11.7. The scores, zone-wise, were as follows: Both the urban and rural areas in
the north zone had scores of 11.5 apiece, which was par. The scores were 12.1 for both rural and urban areas in the
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east zone as well. In the middle zone, urban areas had a score of 12.5 while rural regions received a slightly lower
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score of 12.1. In the west zone, scores were nearly identical, with urban areas scoring 12.6, and rural regions scoring
12.5. The urban area score in the south zone was 11.2 while the rural area score was 10.3.
a

Frauds fall nearly 50% at banks: RBI Data
p r
According to an RBI report, public sector banks (PSBs) accounted for the majority of frauds reported in 2018–19,
o
with 55.4% of the cases reported and 90% of the money involved. This is primarily due to an inadequate internal
process, lack of personnel, and inadequate systems to address operational risks.
T
 Private banks and foreign banks contributed 30,7% and 11.2 percent, respectively, to the total number of frauds,
while contributing 7.7 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively, to the latter.
 According to the Reserve Bank of India’s “Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2018-19” report, PSBs contributed
even more to big frauds in 2018–19, accounting
tr-5L0Tfor 2Q1O6L
91.6%
1Q3R of their total value.
 The value of incidents involving various aspects of banking, such as card/internet, off-balance sheet, and foreign
exchange transactions, has decreased (in terms of reporting date) in 2018–19 compared to the previous year.
Ambani-Led Reliance Retail Acquires Metro AG’s India Business For Rs 2,850 Crore
 Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd signed definitive agreements to
5H0I1J 1J6I
3J2ICarry
acquire 100 percent equity stake in Metro tr- Cash and India Pvt Ltd, which operates under the ‘Metro India’
3R2Q 1O 6L
brand, for tr-
a 5L 0T1Qconsideration
cash of Rs 2,850 crore.
 Through this acquisition, Reliance Retail gets access to a wide network of METRO India stores located in prime
locations across key cities, a large base of registered kiranas and other institutional customers, strong supplier
network and some of the global best practices implemented by METRO in India.
 Metro India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mero AG, started operations in India in 2003 as the first company to
introduce cash-and-carry business format in the country and now runs 31 large format stores across 21 cities with
about 3,500 employees.
IRDAI WILL Introduce ‘Bima Vahaks’ to Expand Insurance Force a “BIMA VAHAK”
 To enhance the insurance force in India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
will soon introduce “Bima Vahaks” in each gram panchayat. Each Gram Panchayat will have a ‘Bima Vahak’ who
would be tasked to sell and service simple parametric bundled insurance products, Bima Vistar, covering health,
property, life and personal accident.
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 The insurance companies have adopted a state each and with the help of state governments are looking to develop
state-level insurance plans. Much like what has been done in the banks.
 There’s arguably a case for having differentiated operations which cater to niche sectors, the same way we have
NBFCs and microfinance institutes in lending.
 There is a big protection gap in the country, and it was an “urgent need” for insurance companies and caregivers to
collaborate and ensure wider coverage.
Indian PSU WAPCOS top amongst Consulting Services Firm category in ADB report
 The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in its report released on annual procurement, ranked Indian-PSU company
WAPCOS as top amongst consulting services firms in water and other infrastructure sectors, with the highest
sanctioned financed amount. In another report on its members’ Fact Sheet – 2022 released by the ADB, WAPCOS
figured amongst the Top 3 consultants from India involved in consulting services contracts under ADB loan, grant,
and technical assistance projects in energy, transport and water, and other urban infrastructure sectors.
 WAPCOS is a leading technology-driven consultancy, engineering, and procurement and construction (EPC)

organization in the fields of water resources, power, and infrastructure development.
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It was established by the government of India in 1969 under the aegis of the Ministry of Water Resources to utilize
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India’s knowledge and expertise in the field of water resources by sharing and exporting technology to friendly
.
developing nations.
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India, Australia Economic Cooperation & Trade Agreement comes into force from today
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e
India, Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement comes into force from 29 December. India and
Australia signed the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) on the 2nd of April 2022. ECTA is the
 k
first trade agreement of India with a developed country after more than a decade. The agreement encompasses
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cooperation across the entire gamut of bilateral economic and commercial relations between the two friendly
countries.
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r
Under this trade agreement, Indian exports will benefit from preferential zero-duty market access in Australia for
100 per cent of its tariff lines. It will benefit India’s labour-intensive sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles,
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leather, furniture, food and agricultural products, engineering products, and medical devices.
India has provided preferential access to Australia on over 70 per cent of its tariff lines, which are primarily raw
materials and intermediaries. As a result of this agreement, 10 lakh jobs are estimated to be created in the country.
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The total bilateral trade is expected to cross 45 to 50 billion dollar in five years from the existing 31 billion US dollar.
Free import policy for key pulses extended by a year

 The government of India has extended thetr-free 5L0T1Q 3R2Q1O
import of6LUrad and Tur pulses by one more year to 31 March 2024.
Earlier in March 2022 the government had allowed free import of tur and urad till 31 march 2023. Now importers
can import any quantity of urad and tur dal without any quantitative restrictions. The government has taken this
step to ensure adequate domestic supply in the country and to control the prices of these pulses.
 India is the largest producer, importer and consumer of pulses in the world accounting for nearly 25% of global
production, 15% of International trade and 27% of world consumption.
 In 2020-21 the total pulse production in India was
tr-5H 3J2I1J6Imillion tonnes.
0I1J26.96
2Q 1O 6L
 India meetstr-5L 0T1Q3R10-12
around % of its demand for pulses through import.
Service sector received most FDI investment: Ind-Ra report 2022

 According to a research report published on 28 December 2022 by the India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) the Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) in India was still limited to few sectors and maximum investment was still in the service
sectors.
 According to Ind-Ra despite the government’s effort to attract more investments in the manufacturing sector
through “Make in India" campaign, the FDI inflow is still tilted in favour of the services sector,".
 Ind-Ra believes this could be because doing business in the services sector is less complicated than doing business
in the manufacturing sector in India. This could also be the reason for the majority of the FDI coming in the
manufacturing sector is not a Greenfield investment.
 The share of the services sector and computer software & hardware in the FDI between April 2014 and March 2022
were as high as 41.3% and 19.6%, respectively, while manufacturing accounted for just 25.4%.
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 Between April 2000 and March 2014, the share of the services sector and computer software & hardware in such
inflows were 37% and 5.9%, respectively, and that of manufacturing was as much as 35.4%.
RBI releases the Financial Stability Report, December 2022

 The 26th edition of the Financial Stability Report was released by the Reserve Bank of India on December 29. The
Reserve Bank of India publishes a financial stability report (FSR) every two years (RBI). The report reflects the Sub-
Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council’s (FSDC) collective evaluation of the financial
system’s resilience and vulnerabilities to financial stability.
 With recessionary dangers hanging large, the global economy is contending with significant obstacles.
 Multiple shocks acting in concert have tightened financial conditions and increased market volatility.Strong
international headwinds are affecting the Indian economy.
 The findings of the stress tests, which are published in this issue of the FSR, show that, should they occur, even
extremely severe stress circumstances, banks would be able to survive them.
 Credit risk macro stress tests show that SCBs would be able to meet the minimum capital requirements even in the
most extreme stress scenarios.
Centre's fiscal deficit for April-November period at 58.9% of FY23 target
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.
 The government’s fiscal deficit in end-November touched 59 per cent of the full year Budget Estimate on increased
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capital expenditure and slow growth in non-tax revenue. In actual terms, the fiscal deficit, which is the difference
between expenditure and revenue, was Rs 9.78 lakh crore during the April-November period of 2022-23. In the
e
corresponding period last year, the deficit was 46.2 per cent of the Budget Estimates of 2021-22.
 The government has budgeted fiscal deficit to be Rs 16.61 lakh crore or 6.4 per cent of the GDP in the current year

k
ending March 2023. The deficit is funded by market borrowings. Capital expenditure was at Rs 4.47 lakh crore or
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59.6 per cent of BE between April-November. In the last fiscal, capex was 49.4 per cent of BE.
a
As per the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) data, the net tax revenue at Rs 12.24 lakh crore was 63.3 per cent
r
of BE 2022-23. During the corresponding period of 2021-22, the net tax revenue was 73.5 per cent of that year’s BE.
Non-tax revenue was at Rs 1.98 lakh crore or 73.5 per cent of BE. In the last fiscal, the collection was 91.8 per cent of
BE.
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Core sector output growth in November rises to 5.4 percent


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Production of eight infrastructure sectors increased by 5.4 per cent in November against a 3.2 per cent growth in
the same month last year on a better show by coal, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity segments. Crude oil,
natural gas and refinery products, however, recorded negative growth in November this year. The production
growth of eight key sectors slowed down to 0.9
tr-5L 0Tper
1Q3Rcent 6L
2Q1Oin October.
The growth rate of eight infrastructure sectors — coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel,
cement and electricity — stood at 8 per cent in April-November this fiscal as against 13.9 per cent during the same
period last fiscal.
 The production of coal rose by 12.3 per cent, fertiliser by 6.4 per cent, steel by 10.8 per cent, cement by 28.6 per cent
and electricity by 12.1 per cent in November 2022 compared to a year ago.
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tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
6L
RBI launches 0T1Q3R2Q1O
tr-5L Utkarsh 2.0 for the Period 2023-2025
 The Reserve Bank of India’s Medium-term Strategy Framework for the period 2023-2025 – ‘Utkarsh 2.0’ – was
launched by Shri Shaktikanta Das, Governor, RBI. The first strategy framework (Utkarsh 2022) covering the period
2019-2022 was launched in July 2019. It became a medium-term strategy document guiding the Bank’s progress
towards realisation of the identified milestones. Utkarsh 2.0 would allow the central bank to both react and act
proactively to confront socio-economic challenges.
 Utkarsh 2.0 harnesses the strengths of Utkarsh 2022 by retaining the six Vision statements as well as Core Purpose,
Values, and Mission statement. Collectively, they create a strategic guiding path.
 The desired outputs are proposed to be realised in terms of strategies calibrated through milestones. The Reserve
Bank of India attaches high importance to its medium-term strategy and monitors its implementation and progress
through a Sub-committee of its Central Board.
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Gross GST collection in Dec up 15% to Rs 1.49L cr
 According to a government announcement, India’s goods and services tax receipts increased 15% year over year in
December to Rs 1.49 lakh crore ($18.07 billion), suggesting robust economic activity throughout the holiday season.
In November, revenue from goods and services taxes totaled Rs. 1.46 lakh crore.
 The total amount of GST revenue collected in December 2022 was Rs 1,49,507 crore, of which the CGST portion was
Rs 26,711 crore, the SGST portion was Rs 33,357 crore, the IGST portion was Rs 78,434 crore (including Rs 40,263
crore from the collection of GST on goods imported), and the Cess portion was Rs 11,005 crore (including Rs 850
crore collected on import of goods).
 The government made a regular settlement of Rs 36,669 crore to CGST and Rs 31,094 crore to SGST from IGST.
 After monthly payments in the month of December 2022, the combined income for the Centre and the States is Rs
63,380 crore for the CGST and Rs 64,451 crore for the SGST.
SBI Card collaborates with Punjab & Sind Bank to launch co-brand credit cards
 Public sector bank Punjab and Sind Bank (PSB) has partnered with SBI Card to launch co-brand credit cards for the
of this collaboration. Three card variants—the PSB SBI Card ELITE, PSB SBI Card PRIME, and PSB SimplySAVE SBI
c m
bank’s customers. PSB has also entered the credit card market as a new product segment in its portfolio as a result
o
Card—have been launched by both partners. This collaboration also marks the entry of PSB into ‘credit cards’ as a
.
new product segment under the bank’s portfolio.
rs
 The joining price for the PSB SBI Card ELITE is Rs 4,999 plus taxes, the PSB SBI Card PRIME is Rs 2,999 plus taxes,
and the PSB SimplySAVE SBI Card is Rs 499 plus taxes. The PSB SBI Cards ELITE and PRIME will be offered on the
e
VISA platform, while the PSB SimplySAVE SBI Card will be offered on the RuPay network.
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UPI Transactions Rise Over 7.82 Billion in December 2022. Here’s How UPI Has Grown Over The Years
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) processed a record 7.82 billion transactions in December, worth a total of
INR 12.82tn ($174.6bn). This represents an increase of 7.12% in volume and 7.73% in value compared to November.
a
On a year-on-year basis, volume and value increased by 71% and 55% respectively.


worth INR 71.54tn.
p r
In 2022, UPI processed over 74 billion transactions worth INR 125.94tn. In 2021, it processed 38 billion transactions
o
This represents a YoY increase of 90% in volume and 76% in value.
 UPI reached 1 billion transactions in October 2019, 2 billion in October 2020, and 3 billion in January 2021.

T
SBI, ICICI, HDFC Bank remain systemically important banks: RBI
The Reserve Bank of India said SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank remain domestic systemically important banks (D-
SIBs). D-SIBs are those interconnected entities
tr-5L0T1Q whose 6L
3R2Q1Ofailure can impact the whole of the financial system and
create instability. In addition to the usual capital conservation buffer, D-SIBs will need to maintain additional
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1). As per the RBI’s latest press release, SBI will have to maintain an additional 0.6 per
cent CET1 as a percentage of its risk-weighted assets. Similarly, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank need to maintain
additional 0.2 per cent each.
 The additional CET1 required for D-SIBs was phased-in from April 1, 2016 and became fully effective from April 1,
2019. The additional CET1 requirement will tr- 0I1J
be5Hin 3J2I1J6I to the capital conservation buffer.
addition
3R2Q 1O 6L
 The Reservetr-5L 0T1Qhad
Bank issued the framework for dealing with D-SIBs on July 22, 2014. The D-SIB framework requires
the Reserve Bank to disclose the names of banks designated as D-SIBs starting from 2015 and place these banks in
appropriate buckets depending upon their Systemic Importance Scores (SISs). Based on the bucket in which a D-
SIB is placed, an additional common equity requirement has to be applied to it.
Coffee exports up nearly 2% to 4 lakh tonne in 2022

 Coffee shipments from India, Asia’s third-largest producer and exporter, rose 1.66 per cent to 4 lakh tonne in 2022
on rise in instant coffee exports and re-exports. Exports stood at 3.93 lakh tonne in 2021. In value terms, coffee
export was higher at Rs 8,762.47 crore in 2022 as against Rs 6,984.67 crore in the previous year. India ships both
Robusta and Arabica varieties, besides instant coffee.
 According to the Board’s latest data, shipment of Robusta coffee declined marginally to 2,20,974 tonne in 2022 from
2,20,997 tonne in the previous year.
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 Similarly, export of Arabica fell 11.43 per cent to 44,542 tonne from 50,292 tonne. However, export of instant coffee
increased 16.73 per cent to 35,810 tonne in 2022 from 29,819 tonne in the previous year. About 99,513 tonne of coffee
was re-exported in 2022, higher than 92,235 tonne in the previous year.
Election Commission's 'Mission-929' to take voter turnout in Tripura to over 90%

 The Election Commission (EC) is focusing on 929 polling booths across Tripura, setting a target of 92 per cent voter
turnout in the assembly elections due early this year. These booths recorded a voter turnout of less than 89 per
cent, which was the average across 3,328 booths in the 2018 assembly polls. The EC is also working on ‘Mission Zero
Poll Violence’ to make the assembly elections peaceful.
 According to the ECI, these booths recorded a voter turnout of less than 89 percent in the 2018 assembly polls.
Except for these booths almost all the booths in the state recorded a voter turnout of 91 % or more .The voter
turnout was 89.5% in the 2018 Tripura assembly election.
 The Election commission plans to launch an awareness campaign, poll officials will visit senior citizens and persons
with disability, and appeal to them to cast their votes.

votes peacefully in the assembly election to be held in 2023.
c o m
The ECI will make requisite arrangements such as ramps, wheelchairs and separate queues will be arranged at every
polling station to felicitate senior citizens and persons with disability. This will also ensure that voters can cast their

India's unemployment rate rises to 8.30% in December, highest in 16 months: Report
rs .
Unemployment rate in India rose to 8.30 per cent in December 2022, the highest in 16 months, according to data
e
from Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). It was 8 per cent in the month of November. While urban
unemployment rose to 10.09 per cent in December, from 8.96 per cent in November, rural unemployment moved

to 7.44% from 7.55%, the data revealed.
n k
The urban unemployment rate rose to 10.09% in December from 8.96% in the previous month, while the rural
unemployment rate slipped to 7.44% from 7.55%.
a
r
The rise was “not as bad as it may seem,” as there was a simultaneous increase in the labour participation rate,
which rose to 40.48 per cent in December, the highest in 12 months.


January 2022.
o p
Most importantly, the employment rate has increased in December to 37.1%, which again is the highest since
The unemployment rate had declined to 7.2% in the July-September quarter compared to 7.6% in the previous

in November.
T
quarter, according to separate quarterly data compiled by state run National Statistical Office (NSO) and released
Overseas financial assets of Indian residents tr-5L0T1Qdeclined

6L
3R2Q1O by USD 43.9 bn during Jul-Sep 2022: RBI
India’s international financial assets declined by $56.5 billion during July-September 2022 with valuation losses
accounting for a major part. Reserve assets remained the dominant component (62.9% share) of India’s
international financial assets. The net claims of non-residents on India increased by $34.3 billion during Q2 of FY23
and stood at $389.6 billion in September.
 The fall in India’s foreign liabilities during Q2 was attributed primarily to direct investment (net) outflows.
0I1J3J2I1J6I
 Portfolio and other investments
1O6L
also recordedtr-5H
marginal decline on a net basis, barring trade credit which increased
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
by $5.1 billion.
 Variation in the exchange rate of rupee vis-a-vis other currencies also impacted the change in liabilities, when
valued in U.S. dollar terms.
 Debt and non-debt liabilities continued to have equal share in total external liabilities. The ratio of international
assets to international liabilities moderated to 68.5% in September from 71.5% a quarter ago.
In the January 2023 round, RBI Survey for Price Movements, Inflation Assessment Launched
 The Reserve Bank of India has launched the Inflation Expectations Survey of Households (IESH) which will provide
useful inputs for monetary policy. In the January 2023 round, the survey will be conducted across 19 cities. It aims
to capture subjective assessments of price movements and inflation, based on individual consumption baskets.
 The survey will be conducted in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi,
Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, Ranchi and
Thiruvananthapuram.
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 The agency — Hansa Research Group, Mumbai — has been engaged to conduct the survey of this round on behalf
of the ventral bank.
 The selected households will be approached by the agency and they will be requested to provide their response.
Other individuals, who are not approached by the agency, can also participate in this survey by providing their
responses using the linked survey schedule.
India aims for $17 bln cut in food, fertiliser subsidies in 2023/24
 India aims to cut spending on food and fertiliser subsidies to 3.7 trillion rupees ($44.6 billion) in the fiscal year from
April, down 26% from this, to rein in a fiscal deficit that ballooned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spending on
fertiliser subsidies will likely fall to about Rs 1.4 lakh crore. That compares with nearly Rs 2.3 lakh crore this year.
 Food and fertiliser subsidies alone account for about one-eighth of India’s total budgetary spending of ₹39.45 trillion
this fiscal year, but reducing these subsidies could be politically sensitive given the impending elections.
 The government anticipates allocating roughly 2.3 trillion for food subsidies in the upcoming fiscal year as opposed
to 2.7 trillion for the year that has just ended on March 31.

year.
c o m
The amount spent on fertiliser subsidies will probably decrease to roughly 1.4 trillion in contrasts to 2.3 trillion this
.
Cabinet approves National Green Hydrogen Mission
rs
 The Union Cabinet approved an initial outlay of Rs 19,744 crore for the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Addressing the nation on its 75th Independence Day in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a national
e
mission for green fuels in line with the Centre’s stated target of making India energy-independent before completing
100 years of Independence. The mission will have four components that aim at enhancing domestic production of
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green hydrogen and promote the manufacturing of electrolysers — a key constituent for making green hydrogen.
The initial outlay for the mission will include Rs 17,490 crore for strategic interventions for green hydrogen
transition (SIGHT) programme, Rs 1,466 crore for pilot projects, Rs 400 crore for research and development (R&D),
and Rs 388 crore towards other mission components.
a

r
The initial target is to produce 5 million tonnes (mt) of green hydrogen annually. It will include two financial
p
incentive mechanisms for the domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and the production of green hydrogen.
o
 The mission will also support pilot projects in emerging end-use sectors and the production pathways. Regions
capable of supporting large-scale production and/or utilisation of hydrogen will be identified and developed as

green hydrogen hubs.
T
Microsoft Cloud. HDFC Bank as a part of its Future Ready strategy is developing in house IPs as well as partnering
with several companies including FinTechs’ to co -create technology IPs. HDFC Bank as a part of its Future Ready
strategy is developing in house IPs as welltr-as
technology IPs.
1Q3R2Q1O6L
partnering
5L0T with several companies including FinTechs’ to co -create
The bank will leverage Microsoft Azure to consolidate and modernize its enterprise data landscape through a
Federated Data Lake to scale its information management capabilities across enterprise reporting, and advanced
analytics using artificial intelligence.
1J
5H0I52-week 3J2I1J6I
Equitas Small Finance Bank surges 7% totr-hit high after RBI’s nod to stake acquisition
1Q 3R 2Q 1O6L
 The Reserve 5L 0T
tr- Bank of India gave its approval to SBI Funds Management Ltd to acquire up to 9.99% stake in Equitas
Small Finance Bank through the schemes of SBI Mutual Fund, the bank said in an exchange filing. Franklin
Templeton Mutual Fund and DSP Mutual Fund have also received RBI’s approval to buy 9.99% stake each in the
bank.
 Shares of Equitas Small Finance Bank witnessed a surge in buying activity, with the stock price rising as much as
7% to hit a fresh record high, in an otherwise weak broader market. The share price of the private lender got a boost
after the Reserve Bank India (RBI) gave nod to SBI Funds Management Limited (SBIFML) to acquire shares in the
bank.
 The aforesaid approval by RBI is subject to compliance with the relevant provisions of Banking Regulation Act,1949,
Master Direction on Prior Approval for Acquisition of shares or voting rights in Private Sector Banks dated
November 19, 2015 and Master Direction on Ownership in Private sector Banks dated May 12, 2016, issued by RBI.
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Zerodha-backed fintech receives debt broker license from Sebi
 Zerodha-backed GoldenPi Technologies has become the first online bond platform provider to receive a debt
brokerage license from market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). The Bengaluru-based
fintech firm expects this development to spur greater trust in online bonds and debentures investment space.
 The regulator introduced regulations for online debt trading platforms which stated that no company or individual
shall act as an online bond platform provider without the certificate of registration as a stock broker under the SEBI
Regulations, 2021.
 The awarding of the license by Sebi to GoldenPi is expected to work as a catalyst for greater investor trust in the
online bonds and debentures investment space, the company said in a release.
 The awarding of the license by Sebi to GoldenPi is expected to work as a catalyst for greater investor trust in the
online bonds and debentures investment space, the company said in a release.
Axis Bank and fintech company, OPEN join hands to launch a digital current account for businesses
 Axis Bank has partnered with OPEN to provide a fully native digital current account journey for its customers
including SMEs (small and medium enterprises), freelancers, homepreneurs, influencers and more. This has been
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the bank’s first-ever partnership with a fintech player to launch a fully digital current account. Using this account,
customers can avail 250+ banking services and claim up to 50 per cent cashback through grab-deals. With this
c
.
partnership, all existing Axis bank account holders also get access to OPEN’s all-in-one digital banking platform
rs
that is used by over 30 lakh businesses currently.
 The partnership is aiming to offer access to Axis Bank’s holistic banking services coupled with OPEN’s end-to-end
e
financial automation tools for business management like payments, accounting, payroll, compliance, expense
management and several other services to a larger business community.
n
Indian GDP pegged to grow at 7% in FY23: NSOs advance estimatess
k
India’s economy is expected to grow 7.0% in the current financial year, according to the first advance estimates by
a
the National Statistical Office (NSO). New Delhi had pegged India’s growth at 8.7% in the last fiscal year that ended

March 31, 2022.
p r
Earlier last month, the Reserve Bank of India had lowered the country’s GDP (gross domestic product) growth
o
forecast to 6.8 per cent for the current fiscal from 7 per cent earlier, on account of continued geopolitical tensions
and tightening of global financial conditions.
T
 The RBI had projected the real GDP growth for 2022-23 at 6.8 per cent, with the third quarter at 4.4 per cent and
the fourth at 4.2 per cent. It had pared the growth projection for 2022-23 for the third time in December 2022.
1O
2Qof 6L
5L0T1Q3Ras
Forex reserves rise $44 million to $562.9tr-billion Dec 30
 India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $70.1 billion in 2022, data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) shows.
The forex reserves stood at $562.9 billion in the week ended December 30. The decline in the forex reserves is partly
due to the RBI intervention in the currency markets to stave off volatility and partly on account of depreciation of
other major currencies held by the central bank. The RBI net sold $33.42 billion till September, Union finance
minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. The RBI holds major currencies including pound sterling, yen and euro in its
6I
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
reserves, which are expressed in US dollar terms.
1O6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
RBI to issue green bonds in two tranches of ₹8000 cr. each
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will auction ₹16,000 crore of sovereign green bonds (SGrBs) in two tranches. The
RBI will auction 5-year and 10-year green bonds worth ₹4,000 crore each on 25 January and on 9 February, and this
would be a uniform price auction.
 The proceeds will be deployed in public sector projects, which help in reducing the carbon intensity of the economy.
As announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, the central government as part of its overall market borrowings will be
issuing Sovereign Green Bonds for mobilising resources for green infrastructure.
 Green bonds are issued by companies, countries and multilateral organisations to exclusively fund projects that
have positive environmental or climate benefits and provide investors with fixed income payments.
 Proceeds from these bonds are earmarked for green projects. This is unlike standard bonds, the proceeds of which
can be utilised for various purposes at the discretion of the issuer.
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ICICI Prudential Life Insurance ropes in Suryakumar Yadav for new campaign
 ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has announced the launch of its ‘360° Financial Protection with ICICI Prudential
Life Insurance’ digital-first campaign featuring cricketer Suryakumar Yadav. According to the company, Yadav has
emerged as a consistent and dependable batter in the white ball format since his international debut. The
campaign’s central message is how ICICI Prudential Life Insurance offers a comprehensive suite of protection
products providing all-around life cover that offers 360-degree financial protection in any critical situation.
 Since his international debut, Suryakumar Yadav has quickly risen to emerge as one of the most consistent and
dependable batters in the white ball format. The multi-dimensional batter is popularly known as “Mr. 360 degree”
for his wide array of shots covering every inch of the field.
RBI: Some Lenders still Continuing with Libor Contracts

 With the end near for the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) told banks and
other financial institutions to stop using the benchmark as soon as possible and mandatorily by December 31 and
move to any Alternative Reference Rates (ARR). Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) and Sterling Overnight

Interbank Average Rate (SONIA) are the two popular alternatives, but are nowhere near as popular internationally
as Libor, which is being phased out by this year’s end.
o
Libor had to be scrapped after a rate fixing scandal was unearthed a few years back. In August 2020, the RBI had
c m
.
advised banks to move away from Libor.

rs
Almost all banks that deal in foreign exchange by now are ready with the transition to ARR, but they have not yet
decided which one will be the most reliable ARR.

e
With the demise of Libor, the popular Indian benchmark Mumbai Interbank Forward Outright Rate (MIFOR),
which uses Libor as a benchmark, has to be scrapped too.
n
Axis Bank signs up with IISc to set up math and computing centre
k
Axis Bank has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to establish a Centre for
a
Mathematics and Computing at the institute. The Axis Bank Centre for Mathematics and Computing is India’s first
p r
comprehensive Academic Research Centre on Mathematics and Computing. It will play a vital role in building the
nation’s future as many contemporary and futuristic areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science rely on
o
the foundations of mathematics and computing.
 Spread over 1.6 lakh square feet of space, the Centre will have state-of-the-art labs and programmes that will benefit
T
faculty and students from more than twenty departments of IISc. The Centre will host the new IISc B.Tech
programme in Mathematics & Computing and the ongoing Interdisciplinary PhD programme in Mathematical
Sciences. It is expected that over 500 engineers and scientists will benefit from the Centre every year.
 Mathematics and Computing are at the tr-5Lcore 2Q1O
0T1Q3Rof
6L
critical disciplines like Computational Fluid Dynamics,
Computational Biology, Quantum Computing, Precision Medicine, Digital Health, Climate Science, Materials
Genomics, Cybersecurity, AI, ML, and Data Science.
BharatPe receives in-principle nod from RBI for online payment aggregator
 Fintech platform BharatPe said it has received in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to
operate as an online payment aggregator (PA).tr-5HThe 2I1J6I
0I1J3Jcompany said that an in-principle nod was awarded to Resilient
1O 6L
3R2Qa 100 percent subsidiary of Resilient Innovations Private Ltd (BharatPe).
Payments tr-
Private
5L0T1QLtd,
 RBI’s nod comes amid a slew of high profile exits the Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global-backed firm, which has been
battling controversies since last year. It is currently fighting a court battle with its former co-founder Ashneer
Grover alleging financial misappropriation. Grover was ousted last year in March.
 Payment aggregators are entities that facilitate e-commerce sites and merchants to accept various payment
instruments from the customers. The merchants do not need to create a separate payment integration system of
their own.
 The payment aggregator framework, introduced formally in March 2020, mandates that only firms approved by the
RBI can acquire and offer payment services to merchants. RBI has been strict in its evaluation of entities that have
applied for the payment aggregator licence.
RBI issues list of six raters to assess banks' Basel-III capital regulations
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the list of six credit rating agencies that banks can use for the purpose of
risk weighting banks’ claims for capital adequacy purposes. The six credit rating agencies are Acuite Ratings &
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Research Limited, Credit Analysis and Research Limited (CARE), CRISIL Ratings Limited, ICRA Limited, India
Ratings and Research Private Limited (India Ratings)\ and INFOMERICS Valuation and Rating Pvt Ltd. Banks have
to get ratings from these agencies to comply with Basel-III capital regulations.
 The RBI said no fresh ratings shall be obtained from Brickwork Ratings India Private Limited. In October last year,
the Securities and Exchange Board of India has cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) granted to Brickwork
Ratings India Private Limited as a Credit Rating Agency (CRA) and directed it to wind down its operations within
a period of six months.
World Bank forecasts India's FY23 GDP at 6.9%; warns of global recession
 India’s growth is expected to slow to 6.9 per cent in Financial Year 2023, a 0.6 percentage point decrease since June,
as the global economy and rising uncertainty weigh on export and investment growth, according to the World Bank.
The World Bank predicted that global growth in 2023 would slow to 1.7 per cent from the 3 per cent expected six
months ago, citing elevated inflation, higher interest rates, reduced investment and disruptions caused by Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine.

revised 0.6 percentage points lower since June. The global economic slowdown and rising uncertainty will weigh
on export and investment growth.
c o m
Growth in India is expected to slow from 8.7 per cent in FY 2021-22 to 6.9 per cent in FY2022-23, with the latter
.
 Growth is expected to slow to 6.6 per cent in FY2023-24 before returning to its potential rate of just above 6 per
rs
cent. India is predicted to have the fastest growing economy among the seven largest developing economies
(EMDEs).

Centre clears incentives on digital payments across RuPay, BHIM-UPI transactions
k e
The Union Cabinet has approved the incentive scheme for the promotion of RuPay Debit Cards and low-value
n
BHIM-UPI transactions (person-to-merchant) for the current financial year. The approved incentive scheme for
a
promotion of RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (P2M) in FY 2022-23 has a financial outlay
r
of Rs 2,600 crore.
 Under the said scheme, acquiring banks will be provided financial incentive, for promoting Point-of-Sale (PoS) and

financial year FY 2022-23.
p
e-commerce transactions using RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (P2M) for the current
o
In the financial year 2021-22, the government had approved an incentive scheme in compliance with the budget
 T
announcement of FY22 to give a further boost to digital transactions.
20% ethanol-blended petrol to debut within days: Oil min Hardeep Singh Puri
tr-5L0T1Q3R
The phased roll-out of E20 (20 per cent ethanol 2Q1O6L
blending in gasoline) will begin on April 1, Petroleum Minister
Hardeep Singh Puri has said. The fuel will be available at select outlets and will not require changes to car engines.
The proposed roll-out will give further impetus to the government’s plans of achieving the level of 20 per cent
ethanol blending in the overall petrol supply in the country by ethanol supply year 2025-2026.
 Being rolled out in 11 states/UTs of Delhi, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana,
Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Daman Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, E20’s initial target was April 1, 2023, but
0I1J3J2I1J6I
tr-5H1,
the government had advanced 6L
it. Under phase 15 cities will be covered, the minister said.
2Q 1O
 tr-5L0T1Q3Rthe
India has increased ethanol blending in petrol from 1.53 per cent in 2013-14 to 10.17 per cent in 2022. To achieve
20 per cent blending by 2025, the country needs 10.2-11 billion litres of ethanol.
Retail inflation eases to a 12-month low of 5.7% in December

 Retail inflation declined to a one-year low of 5.72 per cent in December 2022, mainly due to softening prices of food
items. Also, it was well within the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) comfort range of 2 per cent-6 per cent for a second
month, data released by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) showed. The Consumer
Price Index (CPI)-based inflation rate eased to 5.72 per cent in December. It was 5.88 per cent in November, and
6.77 per cent in October 2022.
 After remaining above the Reserve Bank of India’s upper tolerance threshold of 6 per cent since January 2022, retail
inflation declined in November to 5.88 per cent and further in December to 5.72 per cent — its lowest level in one
year.
 The marginal dip in inflation was driven by lower food prices, especially vegetables. It may be noted that food
inflation for December came in at 4.1 per cent, compared to 4,.67 per cent in November. The inflation rate for
6390573333
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vegetables saw the biggest contraction at 15.08 per cent. Inflation rate for fuel and light, however, increased mildly
to 10.97 per cent against 10.62 per cent in November.
PVR-INOX Merger Scheme Gets NCLT Approval

 In a major boost to the film and entertainment industry, PVR-Inox merger has been approved by the National
Company Law Tribunal. The NCLT judge has approved the scheme of merger in a verbal order. A written order is
likely to be passed in the next 15-20 days. On March 27, PVR and Inox Leisure announced their merger, which has
already been approved by their respective shareholders, creditors as well as leading bourses NSE and BSE.
 The merger of PVR-INOX has been much talked about since 2022. It must be noted that being the country’s top
multiplexes, both INOX and PVR were also front-running competitors. The two companies’ boards — the country’s
largest multiplex chain operators — approved an all-stock merger to create a film exhibition entity with a network
of more than 1,500 screens. The share-swap ratio in the merger stands at three shares of PVR for 10 shares of Inox
— which means investors will get three shares of PVR for every 10 INOX shares held.

IDBI Strategic Stake Sale: SMBC Bank, Oaktree Capital Mangement Submit EoIs
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Group (SMBC Bank) of Japan and Oaktree Capital Management are among
o m
those that have submitted expressions of interest (EoIs) for the strategic stake sale in IDBI Bank. Oaktree is a US
c
.
alternative assets firm founded by Howard Marks, one of the world’s most formidable distressed debt investors. The
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stake being sold is held by the Centre and LIC. “Multiple expressions of interest received for the strategic
disinvestment of govt and stake in IDBI Bank,” Tuhin Kanta Pandey, secretary, Department of Investment and
Public Asset Management (DIPAM), had said. The transaction will now move to the second stage.

e
The government and LIC together are looking to sell 60.72% in IDBI Bank and had invited bids from potential
k
buyers last October. The government will offload 30.48 per cent of its stake in the bank and the LIC will sell 30.24
n
per cent.
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India's Wholesale Inflation Declines To 4.95%, Hits Another Low
In December 2022, the wholesale price-based inflation fell to 4.95 percent, primarily as a result of lower costs for
p
food items and crude oil. Inflation measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) was 5.85% in November 2022 and
14.27% in December 2021.



o
In December 2022, the inflation rate for food items was (-)1.25% while it was 18.09% for fuel and electricity.
T
According to a statement from the ministry of trade and industry, inflation in manufactured goods was 3.37 percent
in the month.
Declining prices for food items, mineral oils, crude oil, natural gas, textiles, chemicals, and chemical products are
the main factors behind the decrease in the inflation
tr-5L
1O6L
rate
0T1Q3R2Q in December 2022.
States' finances are improving; gross fiscal deficit set to fall in 2022-23:RBI
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that the finances of Indian states are projected to improve in 2022-23 with the
consolidated gross fiscal deficit to gross domestic product ratio seen falling to 3.4 percent from 4.1 percent for the
previous year. The fiscal health of the states has improved from a sharp pandemic-induced deterioration in 2020-21
1J3J2I
tr-5H0Iand 1J6I
on the back of a broad-based economic recovery resulting high revenue collections. During the pandemic years,
1Q3R2Q 1O 6L
tr-5L0Twere
states’ finances under pressure due to rising expenditures and limited revenue growth.
 The debt of the States is expected to ease from 31.1 percent of GDP in 2020–21 to 29.5 percent in 2022–23, although
it is still more than the 20 percent suggested by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Review
Committee in 2018.
 The central bank advised governments to set up a fund for longer-term expenditure when revenue collection is
strong.
 It is worthwhile considering creating a capex buffer fund during good times to smoothen and maintain expenditure
quality and flows through the economic cycle, the central bank added.
 Despite a significant increase in federal government capital expenditures, which has an impact on economic growth,
the report found that state capital spending expanded by just 0.9 percent from April to October of the previous
year.
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Amazon has reclaimed the top spot as the world's most valuable brand
 Billionaire Jeff Bezos’s e-commerce company Amazon has become the most valued brand, overtaking Apple, last
year’s topper. Amazon has reclaimed the top spot as the world’s most valuable brand despite its brand value falling
15 per cent this year from $350.3 billion to $299.3 billion. According to brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance’s
report, “Global 500 2023”, while Amazon is back at No 1, its brand value has fallen by over $50 billion this year, with
its rating slipping from AAA+ to AAA. This is as consumers evaluate it more harshly in the post-pandemic world.
 iPhone maker Apple slipped to the second slot to be ranked the world’s second most valuable brand (brand value
down 16% to $297.5 billion from $355.1 billion). This year’s fall in brand value relates to a fall in forecast revenue
with supply chain disruptions and a constrained labour market expected to limit the supply of its marquee hardware
products.
Google India pilots 'Soundpod by Google Pay' for UPI payments

 Google is actively working on a Soundbox for the India market, similar to the Paytm or PhonePe ones that you see
at your neighbourhood shop which gives a sound alert on the digital payment that has been made. The company

north India, including Delhi.
c
The ‘Soundpod by Google Pay’ is accompanied by a QR code of a merchant linked with their Google Pay for business
m
has branded them as ‘Soundpod by Google Pay’ and is currently distributing it as a pilot with some shopkeepers in
o
.
account. Users can use any UPI-based app to make a payment by scanning the code.
rs
CSR: Collaboration to Improve Road Safety: SBI General Insurance and Partners Join Forces

e
SBI General Insurance, a leading general insurance company in India, has partnered with Doers NGO to support
the Himachal Pradesh police in reducing the number of road accidents. As part of its CSR program, SBI General has

within the crucial “Golden Hour”.
n k
provided a well-equipped ambulance for immediate medical care for road accident victims in the Mandi district
The partnership between SBI General, Doers NGO, the Himachal Pradesh Police, and the Civil Hospital in
a
Sundarnagar aims to provide timely treatment and access to lifesaving medical resources for road accident victims.
p r
In addition to this, SBI General has also collaborated with the Himachal Pradesh Police to provide road signages to
increase awareness and caution in accident-prone areas on the highway, with the goal of preventing road accidents.
o
According to a report by Ministry of Road Transports and Highways Transport Research Wing, road accidents in
India kills almost 1.5 lakh people annually. India accounts for almost 11% of the accident-related deaths in the World.

T
Canara Bank Sells its Stake in Russian JV to SBI for Rs 114 Crore
Canara Bank said it plans to sell its stake in Russian Joint Venture(JV) Commercial Indo Bank LLC (CIBL) to the
other venture partner State Bank of India (SBI)
tr-5L0Tfor
1Q3R 2Q1O6L
about Rs 114 crore. CIBL, incorporated in 2003, is a joint venture
in Russia between SBI (60 per cent) and Canara Bank (40 per cent).
Based on the share sale agreement and with the consent of the Central Bank of Russia, the entire shares held by
Canara Bank was transferred to SBI on November 30, 2022, said the Bengaluru-headquartered public sector in a
regulatory filing. However, consideration ($14.67 million equivalent) in USD as agreed by the parties is not yet
received, the Bank said. The transaction is expected to completed on or before March-end 2023.
6I
 2I1Jcontrol
5H0I1J3Jthe
Canara Bank is an Indian public sector banktr-under and ownership of Ministry of Finance, Government
1O 6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
of India. Established in 1906 at Mangalore by Ammembal Subba Rao Pai, the bank also has offices in London, Dubai
and New York.
6390573333
106
1. A division bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru and body of sports along with Olympic Council of
Justice Amit Mahajan of the Delhi High Court Asia (OCA), Commonwealth Games etc.
granted an interim injunction in favour of Source:\https://www.thehindu.com/sport/gove
Hamdard Laboratories in its plea against Sadar rnment-gives-official-recognition-to-
Laboratories Private Limited for infringing its esports/article66311622.ece#:~:text=The%20Pre
registered trademark. The Court has restrained sident%20of%20India%2C%20Droupadi,of%20
the manufacturing and sale of sweet beverage multi%2Dsports%20events%22.
concentrate ‘Sharbat Dil Afza’ during the
pendency of a lawsuit for alleged trademark 3. The Union Government tabled the Jan Vishwas
infringement by Hamdard Dawakhana which (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2022 in
sells ‘Rooh Afza’. The court said Rooh Afza Parliament. The objective is to “decriminalize”
served as the source identifier for Hamdard for
over a century and has acquired immense
goodwill and it was essential to ensure that the
m
183 offences across 42 legislations and enhance
o
the ease of living and doing business in India.
c
Some Acts that are amended by the Bill include:
.
competitors keep a safe distance from the mark. the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, the
rs
It is not difficult to conceive that a person who Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Public
looks at the label of 'DIL AFZA' may recall the Liability Insurance Act, 1991, and the
label of ‘ROOH AFZA’ as the word ‘AFZA' is Information Technology Act, 2000. Under the
common and the meaning of the words 'ROOH'
and 'DIL', when translated in English, are
k e Bill, several offences with an imprisonment term

in certain Acts have been decriminalised by
n
commonly used in conjunction. Both the imposing only a monetary penalty. The Bill
products have the “same deep red colour and might undertake ‘quasi-decriminalisation’. In
texture” and “structure of the bottles is not
materially different" and thus opined that the
“commercial impression of the impugned
p r a this light, the number of offences deregulated

under the Bill seems to be a mere drop in India’s
regulatory framework. The regulatory offences
o
trademark is deceptively similar to the to be considered for ‘decriminalisation’ need to
appellants’ trademark”. be prioritised not only from the point of view of
T
Source: the ease of doing business but also from the
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/ points of view of the ills that plague our criminal
delhi-high-court-rooh-afza-trademark- justice system itself. The bill conforms to the
infringement-case-8338129/ tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6L understanding of the government that
decriminalization should be limited to
2. Recently, the President of India amended the regulatory domains.
regulations governing ESports and requested Source:
that the Sports Ministry and the Ministry of https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/a-
Electronics and Information Technology failed-attempt-at-
include “ESports in multi-sport events.” tr-The 5H0I1J3J2I1J6I decriminalisation/article66315018.ece
President tr-
is5L
empowered 6L
0T1Q3R2Q under Article 77 (3) of
1O
the Constitution to make rules for the more 4. The border dispute between Maharashtra and
convenient transaction of the business of the Karnataka is intensifying, with both states
Government of India, and for the allocation passing a unanimous resolution to support a
among Ministers of the said business. According legal battle to resolve the dispute. The border
to a gazette notification, E-Sports will now be a dispute over Belagavi, Karwar and Nipani in
part of the “multisports event” category in India. North Karnataka is long-standing. When state
Esports (Electronic Sports) is a competitive boundaries were redrawn on linguistic lines as
sport where gamers use their physical and per the States Reorganisation Act of 1956,
mental abilities to compete in various games in Belagavi became part of the erstwhile Mysore
a virtual, electronic environment. It has received state. The Act was based on the findings of the
its sporting recognition from the International Justice Fazal Ali Commission which was
Olympic Committee (IOC), which is the apex appointed in 1953 and submitted its report two
years later. Maharashtra claims that parts of
Belagavi, where Marathi is the dominant
6390573333
107
language, should remain in Maharashtra. In lingayats-to-raise-their-obc-quota-share-
October 1966, the Centre set up the Mahajan 8351325/
Commission, led by former Chief Justice of India
Mehr Chand Mahajan, to resolve the border 6. Recently, the Supreme Court has passed a
dispute in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala. verdict on the Demonetisation of currency notes
The Commission recommended that Belgaum of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 in a majority 4-1 by a five-
and 247 villages remain with Karnataka. judge Constitution Bench. The majority held
Maharashtra rejected the report, and in 2004, that Centre’s notification dated November 8,
moved the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court 2016 is valid and satisfies the test of
in its original jurisdiction decides disputes proportionality. The RBI and the Centre had
between states. As per Article 131 of the been in consultation with each other for six
Constitution reads, the Supreme Court have months prior to the November 8 notification
original jurisdiction in any dispute between the issued under Section 26(2) of the RBI (Reserve
Government of India and one or more States or Bank Of India) Act, 1934. The statutory
between the Government of India and any State
or between two or more states.
Source:
m
procedure under Section 26(2) of the RBI Act
o
was not violated merely because the Centre had
taken the initiative to “advice” the Central Board
c
.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/ho to consider recommending demonetisation. The
w-are-disputes-between-states-resolved- government was empowered under the
rs
8349561/ provision to demonetise “all series” of
banknotes. The government could have issued a
5. Karnataka has categorized the two dominant
communities, Vokkaligas and Lingayats, as
“moderately backward” from the “backward”
k e notification under Section 26(2) of the RBI Act

only if the RBI had initiated the proposal to
demonetise by way of a recommendation.
category in a move that could increase their
share in reservation for Other Backward Classes
(OBC). Karnataka currently has 32% quota for
r an Therefore, the government's notification issued

under Section 26(2) of the RBI Act was unlawful.
Source:
p
OBC, and 17% and 7% quota for Scheduled https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-
Castes and Scheduled Tribes, respectively, upholds-demonetisation-says-there-was-
To
taking the total to 56%. The Panchamasali sub-
sect of Veerashaiva Lingayats has demanded
inclusion in the 2A category which has 15%
quota from their current 3B category which has
5% quota. The Cabinet’s decision is based on the1Q3R2Q1O6L
recommendations of the Karnataka State
tr-5L0T
7.
consultation-between-centre-rbi-for-six-
months-8356225/
Recently, the Supreme Court has ruled that a

fundamental right under Article 19/21 can be
enforced even against persons other than the
Commission for Backward Classes. The State or its instrumentalities. The court took this
Vokkaliga community, which is currently in the view while ruling that the right of free speech
3A category, will be moved to a newly-created and expression guaranteed under the Article
2C category with 4% reservation. And the 19(1)(a) cannot be curbed by any additional
Lingayat community, which is in the 5H 3B 6I grounds other than those already laid down in
tr- 0I1J3J2I1J
category, will now be in
1Oa new
6L 2D category with Article 19(2). Enforcing Rights against Private
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
5% reservation. The Cabinet decision ensures Entities: This interpretation brings an obligation
that there is no sub-categorisation of the on the state to ensure that private entities also
Lingayat community. The Lingayats are a abide by Constitutional norms. It opens up a
dominant community who make up nearly 17% range of possibilities in Constitutional law,
of Karnataka’s six crore population- followed by potentially allowing for the enforcement of
Vokkaligas. The new categories will not affect privacy rights against a private doctor or the
the existing reservation provided to other right to free speech against a private social
communities. The reservation will be applicable media entity. The Court referenced the 2017
only in education and jobs, and “not political verdict in Puttaswamy, in which a nine-judge
reservation. bench unanimously upheld privacy as a
Source: fundamental right. The government had
https://indianexpress.com/article/political- argued that privacy is a right enforceable against
pulse/karnataka-reclassifies-vokkaligas- other citizens and, therefore, cannot be
6390573333
108
elevated to the status of a fundamental right Centre Debate. It has been seen as a major step
against the state. towards regaining the consciousness of Indian
Source: Constitution. There is no mention of the term
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/free- ‘Central government’ in the Constitution of
speech-protection-supreme-court-expands- India because the Constituent Assembly did not
article-19-ambit-not-just-state-even-pvt- use the term ‘Centre’ or ‘Central government’ in
citizens-can-face-challenge- all of its 395 Articles in 22 Parts and eight
8361937/#:~:text=By%20ruling%20that%20a%2 Schedules in the original Constitution. There are
0citizen,these%20rights%20against%20other% only references of the ‘Union’ and the ‘States’
20citizens. with the executive powers of the Union wielded
by the President acting on the aid and advice of
8. The Kerala High Court has reiterated that the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime
government employees who participate in Minister. Even though there is no reference to
general strikes, affecting the normal life of the the ‘Central government’ in the Constitution,
public and Public Exchequer, are not entitled to
be protected under Article 19(1)(c) of the
Constitution and are also a violation of the
m
the General Clauses Act, 1897 gives a definition
o
for it. The ‘Central government’ for all practical
purposes is the President after the
c
.
provisions of the Kerala Government Servants’ commencement of the Constitution.
Conduct Rules, 1960. In India, unlike America, Source: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-
rs
the right to strike is not expressly recognized by paper/2023-01-
the law. In India, the right to protest is a 11/th_chennai/articleG9MAO4I49-1751278.ece
fundamental right under Article 19of the
Constitution of India. But right to strike is not a
fundamental right but a legal right and with this
k e 10. The Kerala High Court has said that personal

choice to build a family is a fundamental right
right statutory restriction is attached in the
Industrial Dispute Act, 1947. The trade union
r
Act, 1926 for the first time provided limited right
an and fixing an upper age limit for the same was a

restriction which needs a relook. The court
passed the directive while disposing of a batch
p
to strike by legalizing certain activities of a of petitions challenging the age limit of 50 years
registered trade union in furtherance of a trade for women and 55 years for men prescribed
To
dispute which otherwise breach of common
economic law. Nowadays a right to strike is
recognized only to a limited extent permissible
under the limits laid down by the law itself, as a
legitimate weapon of Trade Unions. The right to1Q3R2Q1O6L
tr-5L0T
strike in the Indian constitution set up is not an
under the Assisted Reproductive Technology
(ART) (Regulation) Act, 2021, for undergoing the
assisted reproductive technology. According to
the petitioners, prescription of the upper age
limit under Section 21 (G) of the ART Act is
irrational, arbitrary, unreasonable and violative
absolute right but it flows from the fundamental of their right to reproduction, which is
right to form a union. As every other acknowledged as a fundamental right. They
fundamental right is subject to reasonable sought to declare it as unconstitutional. The
restrictions, the same is also the case to form High Court has directed the National Assisted
trade unions to give a call to the workers to 5H go 6I Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board
tr- 0I1J3J2I1J
on strike and the state1Ocan
6L impose reasonable to alert the Union government about the need
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
restrictions. Right to strike has also been for having a relook at the upper age limit
recognised by the conventions of the prescribed for using assisted reproductive
International Labour Organization (ILO). India technology. Apart from this, the petitioners
is a founder member of the ILO. have also challenged the provision wherein
Source: medical practitioners have been brought within
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/ the purview of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and
no-constitutional-protection-for-state-govt- offences have been made cognizable.
employees-participating-in-a-general-strike- Source:
rules-kerala-hc/article66342679.ece https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/thiruva
nanthapuram/upper-age-limit-assisted-
9. Since the Tamil Nadu government shunned the reproductive-technology-kerala-hc-
usage of the term ‘Central government’ in its 8360927/#:~:text=The%20court%20passed%20t
official communications by replacing it with he%20directive,undergoing%20the%20assisted
‘Union government’, it has erupted the Union Vs %20reproductive%20technology.
6390573333
109
Pradesh (AP) into two separate states, namely,
11. Andhra Pradesh has approached before the the Andhra Pradesh (residuary) and the
Supreme Court seeking “Just, Reasonable and Telangana. Now more than eight years after the
Equitable Apportionment” of assets and bifurcation of the erstwhile united Andhra
liabilities under the Andhra Pradesh Pradesh, division of assets and liabilities
Reorganisation Act 2014. On 2nd June, 2014 the between the two States remain elusive as the
north-western part of Andhra Pradesh was States make their own interpretation of the
separated and 29th state Telangana was created. provisions under the Andhra Pradesh
The States Reorganisation Act (1956) merged the Reorganisation Act 2014.
Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad state with Source:
the Andhra state to create the enlarged Andhra https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/and
Pradesh state. The Andhra Pradesh hra-pradesh/explained-the-stalemate-between-
Reorganisation Act (2014) bifurcated Andhra telangana-and-ap/article66362399.ece
12. Judging A Decade Of The Pocso Act

There Needs To Be A Review Of The Way The Act Has Been
c o m
Implemented, As There Are Still Imperfections Despite Its Impact
rs .
k e
Ten years have passed since the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, enacted in
consequence to India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992, came into effect on
November 14, 2012. The aim of this special law is to address offences of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children,
n
which were either not specifically defined or in adequately penalised. Amidst the debate on the poor conviction rate
a
under POCSO and a lowering of the age of consent from 18 years to 16 years (though rejected by the Central
r
government), it is worth evaluating its impact on the ground.
o p
A significant feature of the POCSO Act is its gender-neutral nature. Even though the National Crime Records Bureau
has not published data on male and female victims separately, in Chhattisgarh, male child victims accounted for about
eight in every 1,000 POCSO cases (0.8%). Though the reported number is not big, it still endorses society’s apprehension
T
that the sexual exploitation of male children is also a serious issue that has been largely unreported. Second, there is
sufficient general awareness now to report cases of sexual exploitation of children not only by individuals but also by
institutions as non-reporting has been made a specific offence
difficult to hide offences against children. tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6L
under the POCSO Act. This has made it comparatively
The storage of child pornography material has been made a new offence. Further, the offence of ‘sexual assault’ has been
defined in explicit terms (with increased minimum punishment) unlike an abstract definition of ‘outraging modesty of
a woman’ in the Indian Penal Code.
No change in investigation
However, a large part of the investigation of offences under 6Ithe Act is still guided by the Code of Criminal Procedure
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
(CrPC). The investigation 1Oof
6L penetrative sexual assault cases generally involves recording the statement of the
5L0T1Q3R2Q
prosecutrix, a tr-
medical and forensic science laboratory (FSL) examination, and determination of the child’s age. The
POCSO Act provides for recording the statement of the affected child by a woman sub-inspector at the child’s residence
or place of choice. But it is practically impossible to comply with this provision when the number of women in the police
force is just 10%, and many police stations hardly have women staff. In 2015, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
introduced a scheme to create an Investigation Unit on Crime Against Women (IUCAW) which was to be made up of
15 police officers (with at least one-third comprising women officers and headed by an additional superintendent of
police) in each district. Its aim was to ensure quality investigation of crimes against women on a 50:50 expenditure
sharing basis; the response by States to the scheme has been half-hearted. Similarly, despite funds being provided by
the Centre to strengthen mahila desks, many police stations still do not have even a single woman staff.
Similarly, though there is a provision to record statements using audio-video means, and a Supreme Court judgment,
Shafhi Mohammad vs The State of Himachal Pradesh (2018), on capturing and preserving the scene of crime of heinous
offences using audio-video means (followed by standardization of technical specifications by the Bureau of Police
Research and Development for uniformity), the pilot project has yet to be implemented across States. In the absence of
6390573333
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proper infrastructure to ensure the integrity of electronic evidence, the admissibility of evidence recorded using any
audio-video means will always remain a challenge. Another provision mandates the recording of the statement of the
prosecutrix by a judicial magistrate. Though such statements are recorded in most cases, judicial magistrates are neither
called for cross-examination during trial nor are those who retract their statement punished. In such a scenario, such
statements get nullified.
Second, medical examination of the prosecutrix is conducted according to provisions of the CrPC. However, the medical
examination of a girl child is conducted by a female doctor (as specified in the POCSO Act). Even so, and as observed
by the Supreme Court of India, there are instances where the banned two-finger test is still in use. Further, there have
been no attempts to upgrade the FSLs in States to expedite the examination of exhibits. The fact is that many cases have
a charge sheet without an accompanying FSL report, which is then decided by courts.
Third, though age determination of a juvenile delinquent is guided by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of
Children) Act, no such provision exists under the POCSO Act for juvenile victims. The Supreme Court in Jarnail Singh
vs State of Haryana (2013) held that the given statutory provision should also be the basis to help determine age even
for a child who is a victim of crime. However, in absence of any change in the law or even specific directions, the
o m
investigating officers (IOs) continue to rely on the the date of birth recorded in school admission-withdrawal registers
c
.
— which, in most cases, parents (in the absence of hospital or any other authentic records) are not able to defend in
the court. Age estimation based on medical opinion is generally so wide in scope that in most cases minors are proved
rs
to be major. Once a minor is proved to be a major, the probability of acquittal increases based on other factors such as
consent or no injury to private parts. Thus, the POCSO Act has made no difference in investigation when it comes to
proving juvenility.
Period of investigation
k e
Further, the time mandated to complete investigation of rape (as in the CrPC, without a similar provision in the POCSO
n
Act) is two months. Though the aim is to expedite investigation, it has resulted in two significant changes on the field.
a
One, there is much pressure on the IOs to somehow submit a charge sheet in two months irrespective of what stage the
r
investigation is at. The IOs do not want to invite internal punishment as the Ministry of Home Affairs supervises POCSO
p
cases through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and State police headquarters. Thus,
unfortunately, the focus is largely on completion of investigation in two months irrespective of quality. Second, if a
To
charge sheet was not put up in 90 days of the arrest of the accused, he/she was granted bail. Now, when a charge sheet
is put up in 60 days of the FIR (and not arrest), the accused may seek bail immediately after the filing of the charge
sheet. Thus, it is the accused, and not the victim, who gets the benefit of completing an investigation in a shorter time.
The POCSO Act provides that the court shall presume that the accused has committed the offence. No conditions
whatsoever are laid down in the POCSO Act in contrast
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
to6Lthe Indian Evidence Act (Section 114(b)) which clearly
1O
provides for the prosecution to prove recent intercourse, and the prosecutrix to state in court that she did not consent.
However, it has been observed that even after the minor age of the victim is proved, no such presumption (howsoever
small a relevance it may have) is taken up by the court during trial.
Under such circumstances, the expected increase in the conviction rate is unlikely to be achieved. Therefore, it is time
that there is a review of the way the POCSO Act is implemented to see how far it has helped victims of sexual exploitation
and what more needs to be done to ensure justice.5H0I1J3J2I1J6I
tr-
R.K. Vij is a former
5L
Special
0T 1Q 3R 2Q Director
1O 6L General of Police of Chhattisgarh. The views expressed are personal
tr-
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/judging-a-decade-of-the-pocso-act/article66410058.ece
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13.Needed, a new approach to data protection for minors
‘We should not put the onus of keeping our young safe only on parents, but instead it should make it a society-wide
obligation’
‘We should not put the onus of keeping our young safe only on parents, but instead it should make it a society-wide
obligation’ | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
How freely should Indian teenagers access the Internet? And what responsibilities do platforms have towards their
minor users? These are important questions to answer correctly to achieve India’s digital ambitions. The draft Digital
Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill, 2022 currently provides for mandatory parental consent for all data processing
activities by children, defined as any person aged under 18 years. This approach however misses the mark on two fronts.
The gaps in the Bill
m
First, instead of incentivising online platforms to proactively build safer and better services for minors, the Bill relies on
o
parents to grant consent on behalf of the child in all cases. In a country with low digital literacy, where parents in fact
c
often rely on their children (who are digital natives) to help them navigate the Internet, this is an ineffective approach
to keep children safe online.
rs .
Second, it does not take into account the “best interests of the child”, a standard originating in the Convention on the
e
Rights of the Child, 1989, to which India is a signatory. India has upheld this standard in laws such as the Commissions
for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and the
k
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. However, it has not been applied to the issue of data protection.
n
The Bill does not factor in how teenagers use various Internet platforms for self-expression and personal development
a
and how central it is to the experience of adolescents these days. From taking music lessons to preparing for
r
examinations to forming communities with people of similar worldviews, the Internet is a window to the world. While
the Bill does allow the government to provide exemptions in the future from strict parental consent requirements,
o p
profiling, tracking prohibitions, etc., this whitelisting process does not acknowledge the blurring lines between what a
platform can be used for. For example, Instagram is, strictly speaking, a social media platform, but is regularly used as
an educational and professional development tool by millions of artists around the world.
Use of personal data
T
Another issue in the current draft of the DPDP Bill is that each platform will have to obtain ‘verifiable parental consent’
in the case of minors. This provision, if enforced 0T1Q3R2Q
strictly,
tr-5L
1O6L
can change the nature of the Internet as we know it. Since it is
not possible to tell if the user is a minor without confirming their age, platforms will have to verify the age of every user.
The government will prescribe later whether verifiability will be based on ID-proof, or facial recognition, or reference-
based verification, or some other means.
Whatever form verifiability takes, all platforms will have to now manage significantly more personal data than before,
5H0I 1J3J2I1J6I
and citizens will be at greater6Lrisk of harms suchtr-as data breaches, identity thefts, etc.
1O
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
Thus we need to shift our approach with respect to children’s data before this Bill is brought to Parliament. To avoid
the folly of treating unequals equally and blocking off access to the Internet for teenagers these steps are needed.
First, we should move from a blanket ban on tracking, monitoring, etc. and adopt a risk-based approach to platform
obligations. Platforms should be mandated to undertake a risk assessment for minors and not only perform age-
verification-related corresponding obligations but also design services with default settings and features that protect
children from harm. This approach will bring in an element of co-regulation, by creating incentives for platforms to
design better products for children.
Second, we need to relax the age of mandatory parental consent for all services to 13 years in line with many other
jurisdictions around the world. By relaxing consent requirements, we will minimise data collection, which is one of the
principles that the Bill is built on. This relaxation in age of consent in tandem with the risk mitigation approach
elucidated above will achieve protection for children online while allowing them access.
6390573333
112
Surveys needed
This solution draws on the experience and deliberations in the United Kingdom, and in the United States (California,
New York, etc.) where age appropriate design codes have been introduced. To tailor this solution to the Indian context,
the government should also conduct large-scale surveys of both children and parents to find out more about their online
habits, digital literacy, preferences and attitudes.
We must design a policy in India that balances the safety and the agency of children online. We should not put the onus
of keeping our young safe only on parents, but instead it should make it a society-wide obligation. We have to get this
part of the data protection framework right as India’s ‘techade’ cannot be realised without its young.
Aparajita Bharti is a Founding Partner at TQH, a public policy consulting firm in Delhi. Nikhil Iyer is a Senior Analyst
at TQH, a public policy consulting firm in Delhi
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/needed-a-new-approach-to-data-protection-for-
minors/article66424798.ece
14. Delhi High Court issues guidelines for medical termination of
c o m
pregnancy in cases where pregnancy of sexual assault victims
exceeds 24 weeks
rs .
k e
The Court said that a woman has the right to say 'yes' or 'no' to being a mother and denying MTP to a sexual assault victim
amounts to denying the right to live with dignity.
an
The Delhi High Court has passed guidelines to be followed by the investigating officers in cases where the pregnancy of
r
a sexual assault victims exceeds 24 weeks [Minor R Thr Mother H v State of NCT of Delhi & Anr].
p
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that crucial time is lost in the process of passing orders for medical
examination of victims by a board which endangers her life.
o
In a detailed order, the court said that at the time of medical examination of a victim of sexual assault, it will be
mandatory to conduct a Urine Pregnancy Test.
T
Justice Sharma ordered that if the victim is found pregnant due to sexual assault, and in case the victim is major who
gives her consent and expresses her desire for conducting MTP, the concerned investigating officer will ensure that she
is produced before the medical board the same day.
1Q3R2Q1O6L
tr-5L0Tpregnancy,
“In case a minor victim of sexual assault is carrying upon the consent of her legal guardian and desire of such
legal guardian for termination of pregnancy, the victim will be produced before such Board,” the judge said.
She added,
“In case a minor victim is examined by such Board, appropriate report will be placed before concerned authorities, so that
if an order is being sought regarding termination of pregnancy 6I from the Courts, the Court concerned does not lose any
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
more time and is in a position 1O to
6L pass an order on the same expeditiously.”
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
The bench noted that as per Sections 3(2C) and 3(2D) of MTP Act the State government or union territory must ensure
that medical boards are constituted in the hospitals.
It, therefore, ordered the government to ensure that the mandate of Sections 3(2C) and 3(2D) are complied with and
such boards are constituted in all government hospitals which have proper MTP Centres.
The Ministry of Health Affairs, Government of NCT of Delhi and Union Ministry for Health Affairs were directed to
comply with the directions within two months.
The guidelines were issued by the court as it allowed a 14-year-old girl to undergo MTP. The girl was 25 weeks pregnant.
It was informed that the victim’s family were construction workers and she was sexually assaulted while her mother had
gone out for work.
It was observed that though the statute does not provide for termination of pregnancies over the gestational age of 24
weeks (except in case of detection of substantial foetal abnormalities), constitutional courts can use their extraordinary
powers to allow termination of such pregnancies.
6390573333
113
The judge underscored that a female has the invariable right to make reproductive choices and in case of sexual assault,
denying a women right to MTP would amount to denying her human right to live with dignity.
"A woman has a right in relation to her body which includes saying 'Yes' or 'No' to being a mother..Termination
of pregnancy in cases, like present one, cannot be reduced merely to be defined as right of a woman sexually assaulted, but
also to be recognized as a human right, as it affects dignified existence of a victim if the same is not permitted,” the Court
said.
Considering the financial status of the victim and her family, the Court directed the local Station House Officer (SHO)
to ensure that the child is enrolled in a school. The bench asked the Secretary (DSLSA) to counsel the family about their
rights.
Justice Sharma also asked the Delhi State Legal Services Authority to make an outline of a programme for workers at
the construction sites in the city so that they are informed about their right to education.
“The students of law colleges and other colleges under their programme of Socially Useful Productive Work (SUPW) can
arrange some programmes at construction sites, the students can volunteer for such purpose and can educate them about
their educational rights and may pass their own creativity skills as well as basic education to them,” the Court said.
The bench directed the registry to forward a copy of the order to DSLSA, Delhi Police Commissioner as well as Centre
and Delhi government for taking note of its contents and ensuring compliance.
c o m
.
Advocates Anwesh Madhukar, Prachi Nirwan and Yaseen Siddiqui appeared for the petitioner.
State was represented through Additional Standing Counsel (ASC) Sachin Mittal along with advocates Nishant Chauhan
rs
and Abhishek Tyagi.
https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/delhi-high-court-issues-guidelines-medical-termination-pregnancy-
cases-pregnancy-sexual-assault-victims-exceeds-24-weeks
15.Delhi High Court notifies rules for live streaming and recording
k e
of court proceedings
r an
p
The rules prohibit recording of live-streaming of proceedings and any unauthorised use will be punishable under the
Copyright Act, IT Act and contempt of court.
To
The Delhi High Court has notified the ‘Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings Rules of the High Court of
Delhi, 2022’.
The rules were published in the official gazette on January 13 and shall apply to the High Court of Delhi and to the courts
and tribunals over which it has supervisory jurisdiction.
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6L
The rules define the live streaming as a live television link, webcast, audio-video transmissions via electronic means or
other arrangements whereby any person can view the proceedings as permitted under these rules.
The court has said that subject to the exclusions contained in the rules, all proceedings will be live-streamed by the
court.
As per the rules, in case the judge concerned on the bench is desirous of opting out of live streaming while dictating the
order/oral judgment, live streaming will be paused tr-5Hduring
0I1J3J2I1Jthat
6I period.
“In such circumstances, 6L
tr-5L0T1Q3Rthe
2Q monitors will display a message: “Order-dictation in progress”. Likewise, when the bench rises
1O
for recess or otherwise, the live streaming will be paused, and the monitor will display the message: “Court not in-session”.
Importantly, the rules mandate that no person, including those of print and electronic or social media platforms shall
record, share or disseminate live-streamed proceedings or archival data.
“This provision shall also apply to all messaging applications. Any person/entity acting contrary to this provision will be
prosecuted as per law. The court shall have the exclusive copyright in the recordings and archival Data. Any unauthorised
usage of the live stream will be punishable as an offence under the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, Information Technology
Act, 2000, and other provisions of law, including the law of Contempt.”
The rules also say that any party or litigant-in-person accessing the live stream will be bound by the rules and the live
stream shall not be reproduced, transmitted, uploaded, posted, modified, published, or re published in any form without
the prior written authorisation of the Court.
“No person shall use a recording device for recording or for transcribing the proceedings, other than those authorised by
the Court.”
6390573333
114
During proceedings, all personnel should follow the instructions of the presiding judge, adhere to courtroom etiquettes
and discipline, and shall not record audio and/or video, take screenshots or use mobile communication tools to relay
the proceedings.
Additionally, the bench may also direct seizure of the communication device or recording device, the rules say.
The transcripts of the recording will be prepared only when directed by the court and may be translated in other
scheduled languages.
“Recordings that are uploaded will be made accessible for differently abled persons."
https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/delhi-high-court-notifies-rules-live-streaming-recording-court-
proceedings
16. [BREAKING] Cannot reject candidature of Saurabh Kirpal

based on sexual orientation: Supreme Court Collegium
The fact that Kirpal has been open about his orientation is a matter which goes to his credit, the Collegium said,
emphasising that his appointment will add value in terms of inclusion and diversity.
c o m
.
The Supreme Court Collegium on Wednesday reiterated its November 2021 recommendation to appoint Senior
rs
Advocate Saurabh Kirpal as a judge of the Delhi High Court, while stating that his being open about his sexual
orientation was a matter that goes to his credit.
A detailed reiteration by the Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud highlighted the decision
and individuality based on sexual orientation.
k e
of a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court which held that every individual is entitled to maintain their own dignity
n
"The fact that Mr. Saurabh Kirpal has been open about his orientation is a matter which goes to his credit. As
a prospective candidate for judgeship, he has not been surreptitious about his orientation," the statement reads.
inclusion and diversity.
p a
It was further emphasised that Kirpal's appointment will add value to the bench of the Delhi High Court and provide
r
"In view of the constitutionally recognized rights which the candidate espouses, it would be manifestly contrary to the
o
constitutional principles laid down by the Supreme Court to reject his candidature on that ground. Shri Saurabh Kirpal
T
possesses competence, integrity and intellect," the judicial appointments body said.
This explanation was provided in response to the Central government's rejection of the proposal to elevate Kirpal based
on two objections, one of them being Kirpal's openness about his sexual orientation.
According to the resolution, a letter from the Law Minister1O
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
stated
6L that though “homosexuality stands de-criminalised in
India, nonetheless same-sex marriage still remains bereft of recognition either in codified statutory law or uncodified
personal law in India”.
Additionally, Kirpal's “ardent involvement and passionate attachment to the cause of gay-rights” would not rule out the
possibility of bias and prejudice, the government had opined.
The other objection raised in letters sent by the Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) was that Kirpal's partner is a Swiss
National. tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
6I
1O6L
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
In response to this, the Collegium's resolution noted that two communications of R&AW did not reflect any
apprehension in regard to the individual conduct or behaviour of Kirpal's partner as regards national security.
"There is no reason to pre-suppose that the partner of the candidate, who is a Swiss National, would be inimically disposed
to our country, since the country of his origin is a friendly nation."
It also underscored that many persons in high positions, including present and past holders of constitutional offices,
had spouses who are foreign nationals.
The resolution also takes into account that Kirpal speaking to the press regarding the recommendations being sent back
for reconsideration may not have been advisable.
Nonetheless, it was opined that this ought not to be considered a negative feature, since his name has remained pending
for over five years.
"The overwhelmingly positive aspects of the candidature of Shri Saurabh Kirpal must, therefore, weigh in the balance. In
this backdrop, the Collegium resolves to reiterate its recommendation dated 11 November, 2021 for appointment of Shri
Saurabh Kirpal as a Judge of the Delhi High Court which needs to be processed expeditiously," the resolution thus stated.
6390573333
115
Kirpal was unanimously recommended by the Delhi High Court Collegium on October 13, 2017 and the same was
approved by the Supreme Court Collegium on November 11, 2021.
The recommendation was referred back to the Supreme Court Collegium on November 25, 2022 for reconsideration.
https://www.barandbench.com/news/breaking-supreme-court-collegium-reiterates-recommendation-to-elevate-
saurabh-kirpal-as-delhi-high-court-judge
17.Revised amendments to IT Rules, 2021: Central government

proposes to crack down on fake news fact-checdked by PIB
MEITY extended the last date for feedback on the draft amendments to the IT Rules, 2021 in relation to online gaming and
due diligence by intermediaries.
The Central government on Tuesday proposed revised

amendments to the Information Technology
m
(Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code)
Rules of 2021, through which it seeks to prohibit
o
circulation and uploading of news content that has been
c
“fact checked” by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) as
fake.
.
rs
The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MEITY) has published a draft notification on
k e
its website, proposing the addition of a para to a clause in
Rule 3 of the IT Rules, 2021, which provides for due
diligence by an intermediary.
The new Rule 3(1) (b) (v) will read:
an
3. (1) Due diligence by an intermediary: An intermediary, including [social media intermediary, significant social media
r
intermediary and online gaming intermediary], shall observe the following due diligence while discharging its duties,
p
namely...
(b) the intermediary shall inform its rules and regulations, privacy policy and user agreement to the user in English or any
share any information that...
To
language specified in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution in the language of his choice and shall make reasonable
efforts to cause the user of its computer resource not to host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update or
...(v) deceives or misleads the addressee about the origin of the message or knowingly and intentionally communicates any
misinformation or information which is patently false and
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
untrue
1O 6L or misleading in nature [or is identified as fake or
false by the fact check unit at the Press Information Bureau of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
or other agency authorised by the Central Government for fact checking or, in respect of any business of the
Central Government, by its department in which such business is transacted under the rules of business made
under clause (3) of article 77 of the Constitution].
Earlier, the clause only covered deceiving or misleading the addressee

6I about the origin of the message or knowingly and
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
intentionally communicating 1O any
6L misinformation or information which is patently false and untrue or misleading in
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
nature.
The Ministry also extended the last date for feedback on the draft amendments to the IT Rules, 2021 in relation to online
gaming for till January 25, 2023.
On January 3, the MEITY had introduced draft amendments to the IT Rules, 2021 in relation to online gaming and
feedback from the public was invited till January 17.
https://www.barandbench.com/news/central-government-proposes-revised-amendments-to-it-rules-2021-prohibits-
circulating-news-fact-checked-by-press-information-bureau-as-fake-2
6390573333
116
LEGAL CROSSWORD
COMPLETE THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE BELOW
c o m
rs .
k e
r an
o p
T Across
tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6L
Down
1. violation or injurious treatment of a sacred object or person 2. guilty
6. pardon 3. Having the same mother but different fathers
9. written amendment in a will 4. Not Guilty
10. agreeable 5. A partner in a crime
6I
13. liability on a property tr-5H0I1J3J2I7.1J substituting new contract with old one
14. two are related by blood or adoption
1O 6L wholly through males 8. lying against oath
0T1Q3R2Q
tr-5Lreceiving
16. prevent one from money or property after one’s death 9. To leave property in the custody of another
17. acceptable 11. Abrogation or cancellation of a contract
18. right over a neighbour’s land or waterway 12. Behaviour or language showing disrespect for religion or God
15. elsewhere
17. another name of a person
CROSSWORD ANSWER KEY

1. sacrilege 6. Amnesty 10. Amenable 15. Alibi
2. Inculpate 7. Novation 11. Rescission 16. Disinherit
3. Uterine 8. Perjury 12. Blasphemy. 17. Admissible(across)
4. Exculpate 9. Codicil-(across) 13. Encumbrance Alias (down)
5. Accomplice Consign (down) 14. Agnate 18. Easement
6390573333
117
a
c o m
rs .
k e
r an
o p
T tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q
1O6L
6I
tr-5H0I1J3J2I1J
6L
tr-5L 0T1Q3R2Q1O

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1

2. Comprehensive migration and mobility partnership agreement (mmpa) 6

3. Supreme court upholds demonetization 2016 7

5. Parasnath hill and shetrunjay hill 11

How to regulate online gaming in india

Can an underage muslim girl marry after attaining puberty?

10. Reward project

15. Blacklisting of terrorists 31

Current Affairs Practice Sheet tr-5L0T1Q3R2Q

21. Appointmens & Resignations 69

22. Awards & Recognition 72

23. Books & Author 75

24. Important Days 77

28. Summit's & MoU's 90

31. Needed, a new approach to data protection for minors 111

deepfake service providers offer ways to “refute rumors.”

About Deepfake Technology

Deepfakes was created in which of the following

k e of the following countries has established Deepfake

Relevancy of the Agreement:

India recently signed Mobility and Migration

India’s external affairs minister has visited Austria

About Wassenaar Arrangement

Significance of India assuming Chairmanship

Chairmanship Coinciding with G20 Chairmanship

16. Wassenaar Arrangement has how many members?

p r a Arrangement in how many months?

ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

About Sammed Shikhar on Parasnath

were declared holy.

Sects/ School of Jainism

 The collection was made by Shrutakevalin.

Non-agam Literature: This is a compilation oftr-older

Second Jain Council

21. (d) Rishabhanatha, (Sanskrit: “Lord Bull”) the first

k e Satya (not lying), Asteya (not stealing),

Neutral Citations to be Introduced

Benefits for Stakeholders in Justice System

Deadline for Head-Noted Judgments of 2022

HOW TO REGULATE ONLINE GAMING IN INDIA

About the Draft Rule

 As per the principles laid under the rule, wagering

31. Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines

k e (c) India (d) Russia

33. How much percentage share does India has in the

p r a (a) Bhupendra Yadav (b) Ashwini Vaishnav

(d) The proposed rules, aimed at safeguarding users

About Basic Structure Doctrine

The basic structure may be said to consist of the following features:

(c) The petitioners challenged, in particular, three

an k a Hindu monastery in Kasargod, Kerala. In 1961,

CAN AN UNDERAGE MUSLIM GIRL 6I

What is the Muslim law on the age of marriage for a woman?

The Current Challenge

What is the proposed law?

ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

r an Bill in the Lok Sabha to amend the Prohibition

About REWARD PROJECT

ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

an k increase farmers’ resilience to climate change,

About the Issue

Activities Around ESZs:

ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS