Current Affairs: Vetrii Ias Study Circle

VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE
Current Affairs
(A book for TNPSC Examination)
SEPTEMBER
JULY -2023
SEPTEMBER
MARCH 2023 - PART 1
2023
- 2021
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My Dear Aspirants,
Greetings to all of you! “What we think we
become” Gautama Buddha. We all have dreams.
To make dreams come into reality it takes a lot of
determination, dedication, self discipline and
continuous effort.
We at VETRII IAS Study Circle are committed to
provide the right guidance, quality coaching and help
every aspirants to achieve his or her life’s cherished
goal of becoming a civil servant.
The class room coaching at VETRII IAS Study Circle
is meticulously planned to equip the aspirants with all
the relevant facts and fundamentals of the subjects.
M. SHUNMUGAM Further the VETRII IAS Study Circle Study materials
Director aim to support the candidate by providing the
Vetrii IAS Study Circle. most relevant study material in a comprehensive
manner.
We also thank other family members of Vetrii for
making this effort a reality.
We wish the aspirants ALL THE VERY BEST
for their journey in Civil Services !
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Web : www.vetriias.com
CONTENTS
HISTORY
01
28 POLITICAL SCIENCE
GEOGRAPHY
39
42 ECONOMICS
SCIENCE
46
NATIONAL–DIARY OF
EVENT 48
56 INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS
TAMILNADU AFFAIRS 57
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. HISTORY
1.1 IMPORTANT DAYS
Date Day Theme / Remark

▪ National Nutrition Week is observed every year
from September 1 to September 7.
▪ Objective - To raise awareness about the importance
of nutrition for the human body and measures to
National Nutrition
September 1 to eradicate hunger and malnourishment.
Week (Bharat
September 7 ▪ Theme 2023 – “Healthy Diet Going Affordable for
Nutrition week) All”.
Note
• The Indian government has been conducting
the National Nutrition week since 1982.
▪ It is celebrated every year on 2 September to create
awareness among people about the countless
benefits of coconuts across the globe.
▪ Theme 2023: “Coconuts: Transforming Lives.”
Note
September 2 World Coconut Day ▪ India is the largest coconut-producing country in
the world.
Vetrii IAS Study Circle
▪ Top three coconut producing states

• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu
• Kerala
▪ Theme 2023 - “Global Solidarity to End Poverty”
Background
• The date of 5 Septemberwas chosen in order to
commemorate the anniversary of the passing
International Day of away of Mother Teresa.
September 5
Charity • In 1928 she came to India.
• In 1948 became an Indian citizen.
• She founded the order of Missionaries of
Charity in Kolkota.
• Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
2 | Current Affairs, September - 2023 Vetrii IAS Study Circle

▪ Ministry of Education observes Literacy Week

from 1st to 8th September 2023 under ULLAS: Nav
Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
About ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong
Learning for All in Society)
▪ Launch – July 29, 2023 in New Delhi (3rd
anniversary of National Education Policy (NEP)
2020)
▪ Centrally Sponsored Scheme ULLAS on Education
1st to 8th
for All (erstwhile termed as Adult Education)
Literacy Week ▪ Implementation during FYs 2022-27 in alignment
September 2023
with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• The scheme has five components namely
• Foundational Literacy and Numeracy,
• Critical Life Skills
• Basic Education
• Vocational Skills
• Continuing Education.
Note
• International Literacy Day – Septemebr 8, 2023.
▪ Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year since 1962
on September 5 to recognise and celebrate the
works of educators including teachers, researchers
and professors in India.
▪ It marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli
Radhakrishnan.
▪ Theme 2023 - “Teachers at the heart of education
recovery”
About Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

September 5 Teacher’s Day
• Born - September 5, 1888 in Tiruttani, Tamil
Nadu
• Fourth Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu
University (1939 to 1948)
• Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union (1949
to 1952)
• First Vice-President of India (1952 to 1962)
• Second President of India (1962 to 1967)
• Bharat Ratna -1954
International day
September 7 of clean air for blue ▪ Theme – Together for clean air.
skies
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HISTORY | 3
▪ The day has been observed since 1967 to promote

the importance of literacy for dignity and human
rights, and a literate and sustainable society.
▪ The day is observed by United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
▪ Theme 2023 - ‘Promoting literacy for a world in
transition: Building the foundation for sustainable
and peaceful societies’.
Note
▪ As per 2011 census
International Literacy
September 8 • India’s Literacy rate - 74.04 per cent (82.14 for
Day males and 65.46 for females)
• Top Three states
1. Kerala - 93.91 per cent
2. Lakshadweep - 92.28 per cent.
3. Mizoram - 91.58 per cent.
• Last three states
1. Bihar – 63.82 per cent
2. Arunachal Pradesh - 66.95 per cent
3. Rajasthan - 67.06 per cent.
▪ Theme 2023 - “First Aid in the Digital World."

Note
▪ CM flags off special vehicles to rescue accident
victims.
• To make Chennai's roads safe, a rescue vehicle
has been developed to save road accident
victims trapped inside the mangled and

crashed vehicles.
September 9 World First Aid Day
• Under this pilot project, a special vehicle,
VEERA (Vehicle for Extrication in Emergency
Rescue and Accidents) will be used by police
personnel.
• The initiative had been launched under a
corporate social responsibility (CSR) project.
Innuyir Kaapom / Nammai Kaakkum - 48
• The State government bears the expenses of
emergency care for accident victims for the first
48 hours.
www.vetriias.com 3

▪ Celebrated every year across India especially in

Uttarakhand to preserve the Himalayan ecosystem
and region.
September 9 Himalayan Diwas
▪ It was officially declared as Himalaya Day by the
then chief minister of Uttarakhand, Harish Rawat,
in 2014.
World Suicide ▪ Triennial theme (2021-2023) - "Creating Hope
September 10
Prevention Day Through Action."
Bharathiyar
• Full Name - C. Subramaniya Bharathiyar
102nd Memorial
• Parents - Chinnaswamy Iyer & Lakshmi
Day of Subramania
Ammal
Bharati
• Born - 11 December 1882, Ettaiyapuram
• Died - 11 September 1921, Triplicane, Chennai
▪ The day is observed as an annual commemoration
of the Khejarli massacre (September 1730) and
to remember, and honour people who sacrificed
their lives to protect forests and Wildlife in India.
September 11
Note
• Khejarli massacre occurred in Northern India,
National Forest when 363 Bishnois (a community) were killed
Martyrs Day 2023 while trying to peacefully protect a grove of
Khejri trees.
• The massacre later became known as a precursor
to the 20th century Chipko movement.
• Chipko movement - Sunderlal Bahuguna in
the Garhwal forests. It is a non-violent forest
conservation movement in India.
▪ It is annually observed across the globe to highlight
the importance of cooperation among countries of
the developing world, known as the Global South.

▪ Theme 2023 - “Solidarity, Equity, and Partnership:
Unlocking South-South Cooperation to Achieve
International Day the SDGs”
September 12 for South-South
About United Nations Office for South-South
Cooperation 2023
Cooperation (UNOSSC)
• Director – Dima Al-Khatib
• Headquarters – New York, United States of
America (USA)
• Established – 1974
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HISTORY | 5

▪ It is celebrated every year to mark the day of

adoption of Hindi as the official language by the
Constituent Assembly of India in 1949.
▪ Hindi was legalised as an official language of India
by the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950.
About Hindi Language
Hindi Diwas or • One of the eighth schedule languages.
September 14
National Hindi Day • Neither a classical language nor a national
language.
• Article 351 pertains to the ‘Directive for
development of the Hindi language’.
• Official language of India the other being
English.
• Fourth most spoken language in the world.
▪ Celebrated every year to recognise and honour
the achievements of the Mokshagundam
Visvesvaraya.
▪ Theme 2023 – “Engineering for a Sustainable
Future”
▪ First observed – 1968 by Government of India.
About Visvesvaraya
▪ Born - September 15, 1861, Karnataka.
National Engineer's ▪ Achievements - Numerous water management
September 15
Day systems across the country, including the renowned
Krishna Raja Sagar dam in Mysuru
▪ Notable Books
• Reconstructing India (1920)
• Planned Economy of India (1934)
▪ Awards/Honours
• 1915 - Knighthood while serving as the Diwan

of Mysore.
• 1955 - Bharat Ratna
▪ It is annually observed across the world to raise
September 16 awareness of the problem of marine litter.
International Coastal
(3rd Saturday of ▪ International Coastal Clean-up Day 2023 was
Clean-up (ICC) Day
September) observed on 16th September 2023.
▪ Theme 2023 – Sea the Change.
www.vetriias.com 5

▪ International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone

Layer observed annually raise awareness about
the importance of the ozone layer and how its
depletion is leading to global warming and climate
change across the world.
▪ Theme 2023 – “Montreal Protocol: Fixing the
Ozone Layer and Reducing Climate Change”.
▪ The day is recognised to commemorate the
September 16 World Ozone Day Montreal Protocol.
▪ About Montreal Protocol
▪ Adoption – 1987
▪ Objective - To protect the ozone layer by curbing
global production and consumption of substances
that deplete it.
▪ Only UN treaty that has been ratified by all 198
member-states
▪ September 17 is commemorated by the Union
government as ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’ and
by the government of Telangana as ‘National
Integration Day’.
Hyderabad Liberation ▪ It was on this day that Hyderabad was integrated
September 17 Day/ National into the Indian Union.
Integration Day ▪ On September 17, 1948 the Nizam of Hyderabad
Mir Osman Ali Khan, had surrendered in the
wake of Operation Polo, the military invasion of
Hyderabad by Indian forces when Vallabhbhai
Patel was the Home Minister of India.
▪ It is annually observed across the globe to
create awareness about the importance of the
conservation of Red Pandas and to promote and
encourage people to save them.

▪ The Red Panda Network (RPN) introduced the
International Red Panda Day in 2010.
International Red ▪ About Red Panda
September 16
Panda Day 2023 ▪ IUCN Status – Endangered
▪ It is the State animal of Sikkim.
▪ They are found in Eastern Himalayas, especially
▪ Singalila National Parks – Darjeeling, West Bengal
▪ Neora Valley National Parks – Darjeeling, West
Bengal
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HISTORY | 7

▪ World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) is

annually observed across the globe to raise
awareness about the significance of monitoring
water sources regularly.
▪ The Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the
International Water Association (IWA) coordinate
WWMD internationally.
World Water ▪ Note
September 18
Monitoring Day 2023 ▪ India accounts for about 2.45% of world’s surface
area and 4% of the world’s water resources
▪ Groundwater extraction in India
▪ Only 8% of the extracted groundwater in India is
used for drinking.
▪ 80% goes to irrigation
▪ Remaining 12% goes to industrial uses.
▪ It is annually observed across the globe during the
last full week of September and concludes on the
final Sunday of September.
September 18 International Week of
▪ It aims to raise awareness about the rights of people
to 24 Deaf People 2023 who are deaf or hard of hearing/hearing impaired.
▪ Theme 2023 is “A World Where Deaf People
Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!”
▪ It is observed every year to strengthen the ideals of
peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence
and cease-fire.
International Day of
September 21 ▪ Theme 2023 – “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition
Peace
for the Global Goals”
▪ The Day was established by the United Nations
General Assembly in 1981.
▪ The day is observed every year to raise the

awareness about Alzheimer's and Dementia.
World Alzheimer's
September 21 ▪ Theme 2023 - Never too early, never too late
Day
▪ Note
▪ Alzheimer’s disease was first diagnosed in 1906.
www.vetriias.com 7

▪ Also known as the Welfare of Cancer Patients

Day is observed every year to honor and support
individuals worldwide who are courageously
battling cancer.
World Rose Day
▪ The World Rose Day was first observed in the
honour of 12-year-old cancer patient Melinda Rose
from Canada, who was diagnosed with Askin’s
Tumour in 1994 and died in 1996.
September 22
▪ The day is observed every year to raise awareness
about the critical plight of the rhinoceros species
and advocating for their protection.
World Rhino Day ▪ Note
2022 ▪ Great Indian rhinoceros
▪ Also known as One-horned rhino.
▪ Native to the Indian subcontinent.
▪ IUCN status – Vulnerable.
▪ It is celebrated annually across the world along
with International Week of the Deaf to promote
the linguistic and cultural diversity of deaf
communities worldwide.
▪ In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly
adopted a resolution to designate September 23rd
as the International Day of Sign Languages.
International Day
▪ Theme 2023 - “A World Where Deaf People
September 23 of Sign Languages
Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!”
(IDSL)
▪ Note
▪ Indian Sign Language (ISL) is used in the deaf
community all over India.
▪ In 2011, the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment approved the establishment of the
Indian Sign Language Research and Training

Center (ISLRTC).
▪ Organ Donation Day is observed on September
23 in Tamil Nadu every year to commemorate the
tragic death of AP Hitendran in 2008.
September 23 Organ Donation Day
▪ Hitendran’s parents, a doctor couple - Dr
Pushpanjali and Dr Ashokan donated his organs
who was declared brain dead.
▪ Note
▪ National Organ Donation Day is observed on
August 3.
▪ The day has been shifted from November 27 to 3rd
August in 2023.
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HISTORY | 9

▪ World Rivers Day is celebrated on fourth Sunday in

September every year to spread public awareness
about all rivers in the world and their importance.
▪ Theme 2023: Rights of Rivers.
September 24 World Rivers Day
▪ Note :
▪ The rivers of India can be classified into four groups
viz., Himalayan rivers, Deccan rivers, Coastal
rivers, and Rivers of the inland drainage basin.
▪ The day is commemorated every year with the goal
of highlighting and advocating the pharmacist's
contribution to health improvement.
▪ Theme 2023 - Pharmacy strengthening health
systems.
▪ Note
September 25 World Pharmacist Day
▪ The pharmaceutical industry in India was valued at
an estimated US$42 billion in 2021 and is estimated
to reach $130 billion by 2030
▪ As of 2023, Indian pharmaceutical industry is the
world's 3rd largest by volume and 13th largest by
value.
▪ The day is observed every year to create awareness
about the impact of environmental health on
human lives.
▪ Theme 2023 – “Global Environmental Public
World Environment Health: Standing up to protect everyone's Health
September 26 each and every day.”
Health Day
▪ First announced by International Federation of
Environmental Health in 2011.
▪ Note
▪ World Environment Day – June 5

▪ The day is observed to mark the importance of
choice-based approaches to family planning, aiming
to meet unmet needs and promote comprehensive
reproductive health services.
World Contraception
September 26 ▪ Theme 2023 - "The Power of Options."
Day
Note
• India was the first country in the world to have
launched a National Programme for Family
Planning in 1952.
www.vetriias.com 9

▪ The day is observed annually to highlight the

significance of tourism in fostering cultural
exchange, economic growth and sustainable
development.
▪ Theme 2023 : “Tourism and green investment”
▪ The day was first observed by the United Nations
World Tourism Organization since 1980.
Note
September 27 World Tourism Day
• Tourism - 4.6% of the India's GDP.
• India ranks 6th according to World Travel &
Tourism Council (WTTC) in terms of Travel &
Tourism total contribution to GDP in 2022.
• Ministry of Tourism designated the 2023 as
the 'Visit India' year.
• Tamil Nadu received the highest number of
domestic tourists (over 11 crore) in India in
2021 as per the Ministry of Tourism’s Indian
Tourism Statistics 2022.
▪ World Maritime Day is celebrated on the last
Thursday of September every year to honor the
tireless work of the international maritime industry
workers.
▪ Theme 2023 – “MARPOL at 50 — Our commitment
goes on”
About International Maritime Organization's
(IMO)
September 28
• Headquarters - London, United Kingdom
(last Thursday World Maritime Day
• Founded - 17 March 1958
of September)
• Head - Secretary-General; Kitack Lim
About MARPOL
▪ MARPOL - International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
▪ International convention covering prevention
of pollution of the marine environment by ships
from operational or accidental causes.
• Adoption - November 2, 1973 at IMO.
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HISTORY | 11

▪ The day is observed annually to raise awareness

about the world’s deadliest infectious disease and
bring together partners to enhance prevention and
control efforts worldwide.
September 28 World Rabies Day ▪ Theme 2023 – “All for 1, One Health for all”.
Note
• Zero by 30: World Health Organisation’s Global
strategic plan to end human deaths from dog-
mediated rabies by 2030.
▪ World Heart Day is celebrated every year to raise
awareness of cardiovascular disease, the world’s
number one killer.
▪ Theme 2023 - 'Use Heart, Know Heart'.
September 29 World Heart Day
▪ The first World Heart Day was celebrated in 1999
to mark the anniversary of the foundation of the
World Heart Federation which was established in
1978.
▪ International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and

Waste is observed every year to raise awareness of
the importance of food loss and waste.
▪ Theme 2023 - “Reducing food loss and waste:
Taking Action to Transform Food Systems”.
International Day of Note
September 29 Awareness of Food • Globally, around 13 percent of food produced
Loss and Waste is lost between harvest and retail, while an
estimated 17 percent of total global food
production is wasted in households, in the
food service and in retail all together.
• Number of people affected by hunger has
been slowly on the rise since 2014.
▪ International Translation Day (ITD) is celebrated

every year to highlight the significant role of
translators all across the world.
International
September 30 ▪ Theme 2023: Translation unveils the many faces of
Translation Day 2023
humanity.
▪ The day was first observed by the International
Federation of Translators (FIT) in 1991.
www.vetriias.com 11
Poila Baisakh is West Bengal Note

• First woman speaker of a State Assembly
Foundation Day
in India - Shanno Devi became the speaker
▪ The West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed
of Haryana Legislative Assembly from 6

a resolution declaring Poila Baisakh, the first
December 1966 to 17 March 1967.
day of the Bengali calendar, as Bangla Dibas,
or West Bengal Foundation Day. • Rukmini Lakshmipathy - First women
deputy speaker of Madras Presidency
▪ The Assembly also passed a proposal of
Legislative Assembly in the 1937 elections.
making Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Banglar
Mati Banglar Jol’ (Bengal’s soil and Bengal’s About Odisha
water) as the official song of West Bengal. • Capital – Bhubaneswar
About West Bengal • Chief minister - Naveen Patnaik
• Capital - Kolkata • Governor - Ganeshi Lal
• Chief minister - Mamata Banerjee Team from Buddhavanam project visits
• Governor - C. V. Ananda Bose Buddhist rock caves in Sri Lanka
▪ A Buddhavanam team from Telangana visited
Goa launched Griha Adhar Scheme to the third century BC Buddhist rock cut caves
Empower Homemakers at Mathale on the Colombo Kandy route in
Sri Lanka.
▪ Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant
distributed Griha Adhar sanction orders to About Buddhavanam
numerous beneficiaries to financially support • Inauguration – May 14, 2022.
homemakers, promoting their independence • Buddhavanam is a massive Buddhist
and improving their quality of life. heritage theme park developed by the
▪ Objective - To provide support to the Telangana government at Nagarjunasagar.
housewives/homemakers from middle, About Sri Lanka
lower middle and poor section of the society, • Capitals - Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura
to maintain a reasonable standard of living for Kotte
their families. • Currency - Sri Lankan Rupee
▪ Under the scheme, a monthly disbursement • President - Ranil Wickremesinghe
of an amount as prescribed will be provided • Prime minister - Dinesh Gunawarden
every month directly to the hands of the
housewives/homemakers to achieve the Note
• Buddha’s teachings called Tripitaka —
objective.
Sutr, Vinaya and Abhidhamma pitakas
About Goa were written on palm leaves under the

• Capital - Panaji (Executive Branch) auspices of Sri Lankan king Devanampiya
Tissa. He is a contemporary of King
• Chief minister - Pramod Sawant Ashoka.
• Governor - P. S. Sreedharan Pillai • The first discoveries were made in
Nagarjunakonda in 1926 by French
First woman Speaker of Odisha
archaeologist Gabriel Jouveau-Dubreuil.
assembly
▪ Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management
Minister and six-time MLA Pramila Mallick
is set to become the first woman speaker of
Odisha Legislative Assembly.
12 www.vetriias.com
HISTORY | 13
1.3 DEFENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY AND TERRORISM

INS Mahendragiri ▪ Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had
the monopoly over manufacture of military

▪ INS Mahendragiri was commissioned by
Sudesh Dhankher (Second Lady of India) at aircraft in India so far.
the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai. Note
▪ Mahendragiri is Indian Navy's final and 7th • India has world's third-largest defence
stealth frigate constructed as part of Project expenditure, as of 2021, and expects to
17A frigates. export equipment worth US$ 15 billion by
▪ It is named after a mountain peak in the eastern 2026.
Ghats located in Odisha.
Defence ministry clears proposal to buy
About Project 17 Alpha
▪ Launch - 2019 'Pralay' ballistic missiles for Army
▪ To construct a series of stealth guided-missile ▪ Ministry of Defence granted approval for
frigates (total 7 ships). acquisition of a regiment of Pralay ballistic
missiles.
▪ Constructed by two companies
About 'Pralay' Ballistic missiles
• Four ships by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
(MDL), Mumbai. • Developed by - DRDO
• Three ships by Garden Reach Shipbuilders • Type - Surface-to-Surface short-range
& Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. ballistic missile that is capable of being
launched from a mobile launcher.
▪ Other Six
• Operational range - 150 to 500 kms
• Nilgiri - 2019
• Payload capability - 350 to 700 kgs of
• Himgiri - 2020 conventional warhead.
• Udaygiri - 2022
About DRDO
• Dunagiri - 2022 • Formation - 1958
• Taragiri - 2022 • Functions under the Minister of Defence
• Vindhyagiri – 2023 - Rajnath Singh.
India takes delivery of first C295 • Chairman - Dr Sameer V Kamath.
transport aircraft • Headquarters – New Delhi
▪ IAF (Indian Air Force) Chief Air Marshal VR Swavlamban 2023
Chaudhari and Indian Ambassador to Spain

▪ The 2nd Edition of the Indian Navy’s Naval
Dinesh K Patnaik received the first Airbus
Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation
C295 aircraft at Seville in Spain.
(NIIO) Seminar ‘Swavlamban 2023’ is
▪ The 56 C-295 aircraft are set to replace its scheduled to be held on October 4-5, 2023 in
ageing Avro-748 fleet. New Delhi.
▪ 16 aircraft will come in flyaway condition while ▪ The seminar will showcase 75 prototypes of
40 will be manufactured by Airbus jointly indigenous technologies/products developed
with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) in by start-ups under the ‘SPRINT Challenges’
C-295 transport aircraft manufacturing facility initiative.
in Vadodara, Gujarat.
About SPRINT initiative
▪ It will be manufactured under India’s first- • It is a collaborative initiative being
ever ‘Make in India’ Aerospace programme undertaken in conjunction with the
in the private sector. Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).
www.vetriias.com 13
• It stands for Supporting Pole-Vaulting land in short and unpaved runways.

in R&D through Innovations for Defence • It will replace the HS-748 Avro aircraft.
Excellence (iDEX), NIIO and Technology
Note
Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC).

• As of 2021, India has world's third-largest
• It aims to boost the usage of indigenous defence expenditure and is expected to
technology in the Indian Navy. export equipment worth US$ 15 billion by
Note 2026.
• The 1st edition of the seminar was held in
July 2022 in New Delhi. 19th edition of YUDH ABHYAS
▪ The 19th edition of “EXERCISE YUDH
India’s first C-295 transport aircraft ABHYAS” is being conducted from 25th
inducted into IAF September to 8th October 2023 in Fort
▪ The first C-295 medium tactical transport Wainwright, Alaska, USA.
aircraft was inducted into the Indian Air Force ▪ The theme is ‘Employment of an Integrated
(IAF). Battle Group in Mountain/ Extreme Climatic
▪ 16 aircraft will come in flyaway condition while Conditions’ under Chapter VII of the United
40 will be manufactured by Airbus jointly Nations mandate.
with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) in ▪ It is an annual joint exercise between the
a manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. Indian Army and the US Army.
▪ It will be the first aircraft to be manufactured ▪ It was started in 2004 under the US Army
under ‘Make in India’ Aerospace programme Pacific Partnership Program.
in the private sector. Other Exercises between India and USA
▪ Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had • Army: Vajra Prahar
the monopoly over manufacture of military • Navy: MALABAR (Multilateral)
aircraft in India so far.
• Air Force: Cope India, Red Flag
About C-295 MW transporter (Multilateral)
• It is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne
About US
capacity with contemporary technology.
• Capital - Washington, D.C.
• Can transport up to 71 troops or 50
paratroopers, airdrop cargo, be deployed • President - Joe Biden
for medical evacuation, and take off and • Vice President - Kamala Harris.
1.4 WORLD ORGANISATIONS – PACTS AND SUMMITS

African Union to join G-20, as Sherpas Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) of Asia
reaches a deal Pacific in New Delhi on September 20.
▪ The African Union (AU) is set to join the ▪ The conference is being organised by the
G20 as negotiators agreed on clearing its National Human Rights Commission
membership, at the Sherpa meeting in New (NHRC), India, in collaboration with the
Delhi. Asia Pacific Forum.
About Asia-Pacific Forum
President Droupadi Murmu to
• Formation - 1996
inaugurate NHRIs conference
• The Asia Pacific Forum (APF) is one of four
▪ President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate regional networks of national human
the biennial conference of the National rights institutions (NHRIs).
14 www.vetriias.com
HISTORY | 15
• It is a coalition of 25 national human Key highlights of Delhi Declaration

rights institutions across the region. • All states must refrain from the threat or
use of force to seek territorial acquisition
G20 Summit 2023
against the territorial integrity and

▪ The G20 New Delhi Summit was held in New sovereignty or political independence of
Delhi, hosted by India as the G20 Presidency any state.
on September 9 and 10.
• Terrorism constitutes one of the most
▪ Location - Bharat Mandapam in Pragati
serious threats to international peace and
Maidan, New Delhi, India
security. All acts of terrorism are criminal
▪ Theme - “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” and unjustifiable regardless of their
▪ India's G20 Sherpa - Amitabh Kant motivation, wherever, whenever, or by
▪ Important issues discussed - food security, whomever they are committed.
climate and energy, development, health and • Protecting the vulnerable through
digitalization. promoting equitable growth and enhancing
▪ The G20 New Delhi Leader’s Declaration was macroeconomic and financial stability.
issued as the summary of the discussions. • Focus on strong and sustainable growth,
▪ The declaration places emphasis on strong, accelerating progress on sustainable
sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth. development goals, a green development
Schedule pact, and reinvigorating multilateralism.
▪ Day 1 • G20 member countries are dedicated to
• Session 1 “One Earth” promoting unrestricted, open and fair
• Session 2 “One Family” trade in the fields of agriculture, food, and
fertilizers, with a commitment to refrain
▪ Day 2
from imposing export restrictions.
• Session 3 “One Future”
• The G-20 nations agree to remain
Session 1 “One Earth” committed to strengthening the global
• Discussed issues - World economy, health architecture. Countries will enhance
food security, climate and energy, and the resilience of health systems and support
environment the development of climate-resilient and
• Regarding Russia’s aggression agaisnt low-carbon health systems in collaboration
Ukraine, emphasized the importance of with multilateral development banks
observing the United Nations Charter and (MDBs).
achieving peace in Ukraine. • Necessity of aligning financial flows with
• Affirmed the need for the G20 to respond climate objectives while expanding finance,
to the aggression’s increasing adverse capacity-building, and technology transfer
impact on the world economy. with a focus on the priorities and needs of
developing countries.
Session 2 “One Family”
• Discussed issues - Inclusive growth, the Important Decisions
SDGs, health and other issues ▪ Union of Comoros President and African
• Importance of reducing poverty and Union chairperson Azali Assoumani took the
inequality, accelerating efforts toward the seat as a full member of the G20.
achievement of SDGs, and preparing for ▪ India-led initiative of International Biofuels
pandemic Alliance.
Session 3 “One Future” • The US and Brazil, two of the world's
• Discussed issues - Multilateral reforms, largest biofuels markets, are joined.
digital and other issues • Aim to boost demand for the lower-
emissions energy source.
www.vetriias.com 15
▪ India proposes G20 satellite for climate India hosts inaugural UNCITRAL South
observation. Asia Conference
▪ India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor ▪ India recently hosted the inaugural United

(IMEC) Nations Commission on International Trade
• Aims to bolster economic development Law (UNCITRAL) South Asia conference.
by fostering connectivity and economic ▪ It was jointly organized by the Ministry
integration between Asia, the Arabian of External Affairs, UNCITRAL, and
Gulf, and Europe. the organization’s national coordination
About African Union committee for India.
• Formation – 2002 (Announced by Sirte About UNCITRAL
Declaration, 9 September 1999) • Formation - 1966
• Member States – 55 • A subsidiary body of General Assembly
• Chairperson - Azali Assoumani of UN with a mandate to further
• African Continental Free Trade Area harmonization and unification of law of
(AfCFTA) - 1 January 2021 international trade.
• It is composed of 70 Member States elected
About G 20
• Formation - 26 September 1999 by General Assembly for a term of six
years.
• Headquarters - New Delhi 2023 (Current
Capital city of G20 Host) • India will be a member till 2028
• Membership - 20 members U.N.’s Climate Ambition Summit
• Chairman (Incumbent) - Narendra Modi, ▪ The Climate Ambition Summit (CAS) which
Prime Minister of India was conducted as part of the United Nations
• G-20 Theme - "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" General Assembly in New York was concluded
or "One Earth, One Family, One Future”. on September 21.
G20 Presidency ▪ The summit was marked by the absence of
major economies like China, United States and
▪ India Prime Minister Narendra Modi
India whose actions significantly influence the
completed the transition by handing over the
future of global emissions.
ceremonial gavel of the presidency to Brazil
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. ▪ They collectively account for about 42% of
global greenhouse gas emissions and are the
▪ India has had the presidency of the G20 since
top three emitters.
Dec. 1, 2022 when it took over from Indonesia.
▪ Only representatives from 34 states and seven
▪ India will continue to hold the position until

institutions were listed as speakers on the
Nov. 30, 2023.
summit.
About G20 ▪ All the G20 governments will be asked to
• Established – 1999 commit to presenting, by 2025, more ambitious
G20 member countries economy wide Nationally Determined
• Japan, India, Argentina, Australia, Contributions.
Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India’s climate targets
Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Republic of ▪ India last updated its climate pledges in 2022 of
Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, reducing emissions intensity or the volume of
Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, emissions per unit of gross domestic product
European Union. (GDP) by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.
• It is a 10% increase from what it agreed to
in 2015.
16 www.vetriias.com
HISTORY | 17
▪ India committed to meet 50% of its electric bilateral meetings.

power needs from renewable, non-fossil ▪ He met with his Brazilian and South African
fuel energy sources by 2030 up from 40% counterparts as part of the IBSA group, to
committed at the Paris agreement.

further strengthen South-South cooperation.
▪ India assured to create an additional carbon About UN General Assembly
sink of 2.5 to 3bn tonnes of CO2-equivalent • Formation – 1945.
[GtCO2e] through additional forest and tree
• Headquarters - New York.
cover by 2030.
• Head - Dennis Francis
▪ India committed to India achieving net zero
by 2070. About IBSA
• Formation - 6 June 2003 (Brasilia
Foreign Ministers IBSA Meeting Declaration).
▪ External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar, who • Members - India, Brazil and South Africa.
is visiting the United States to address the
• Objective - to promote South-South
78th session of the United Nations General
cooperation and build consensus on issues
Assembly (UNGA) and for plurilateral and
of international importance.
1.5 EMINENT PERSONS

ISRO scientist Valarmathi passes away • Two steamships - S.S. Gallia and S.S.
▪ N. Valarmathi, an ISRO scientist, who lent her Lawoe
voice on all countdowns for rocket launches • 1908 - Coral Mill Strike
in Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, • 7 July 1908 - V.O.C. and Subramania
passed away in Chennai. Siva were found guilty and imprisoned
▪ Chandrayaan-3 was her last countdown. on charges of sedition for celebrating
‘Swarajya Day’ (to mark the release of Bipin
Notable Achievements Chandra Pal from prison) in Tirunelveli.
▪ She was the first person to receive the APJ
Abdul Kalam award in 2015. Indian American Mathematician CR Rao
▪ The Award was instituted by the Government dead
of Tamil Nadu in honour of the former ▪ One of the world’s most eminent statistician,
president APJ Abdul Kalam in 2015. Calyampudi Radhakrishnan Rao died in the
United States.
▪ She was the project director of RISAT-1, India's

first indigenously developed Radar Imaging ▪ He is known for
Satellite in 2012. • Cramér–Rao bound
• Rao–Blackwell theorem
V.O.C’s 152nd Birth Anniversary • Orthogonal arrays
▪ September 5, 2023 marks the 152nd birth
• Score test
anniversary of V.O. Chidambaranar.
▪ Awards
About V.O. Chidambaranar (5 September
• Padma Bhushan – 1968
1872 - 18 November 1936) • Mahalanobis Centenary Gold Medal of the
▪ Valliyappan Olaganathan Chidambaram Indian Science Congress – 1993
Pillai also known as Kappalottiya Tamizhan • Padma Vibhushan – 2001
("Tamil Helmsman") was born in Ottapidaram,
• National Medal of Science, the highest
Tirunelveli District. award in US in the scientific field - 2002
• 1906 - Swadeshi Steam Navigation
Company (SSNC)
www.vetriias.com 17
• International Mahalanobis Prize of the Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai (15

International Statistical Institute – 2003 September 1909 – 3 February 1969)
• Srinivasa Ramanujan Medal of the Indian
Profile
National Science Academy – 2003

▪ Other names - Anna, Arignar Anna or
• India Science Award; the highest award in Perarignar Anna.
a scientific field presented by government
▪ Fourth and last Chief Minister of Madras State
of India – 2010
(1967 until 1969)
• International Prize in Statistics – 2023
▪ First Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for 20
(Considered as Noble Prize for Maths) days (after Madras State was renamed Tamil
Birth Anniversary of Acharya Vinoba Nadu) before his death.
Bhave ▪ Achievements
▪ Vinova Narahari Bhave was a human rights • 1967 - Legal status to Self Respect Marriage.
activist and follower of non-violence. • 1967 - Scheme For Rice at Re.1 was
launched at Chennai
▪ Profile
• 1967 - Inauguration of the Cooum
• Born - September 11, 1895, Gagoji village
Improvement Scheme.
(present-day Gagode Budruk) in the
• 1967 - Sanskrit word “Shree” was changed
Konkan region of Maharashtra.
to “Thiru” for the Government letter
• The name Vinoba was conferred upon him transactions.
by Mama Phadke.
• 1968 - Two language Policy as State official
▪ Bhoodan Movement or Land Gift movement : Language
The Land Gift movement was a voluntary land • 1968 – Organised 2nd World Tamil
reform movement started by him in 1951. Conference in Chennai
▪ Awards/Honours • 1969 - Vaimayae Vellum was announced as
• First recipient of the international Ramon state’s slogan
Magsaysay Award for Community • 1969 - Madras state was renamed as Tamil
Leadership - 1958. Nadu.
• Bharat Ratna awardee–1983 Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy (17
(posthumously) September 1879 – 24 December 1973)
• First Individual Satyagrahi. ▪ 145th birth anniversary of E.V. Ramasamy was
celebrated on September 17.
▪ He died on 15 November 1982 after refusing

food and medicine for a few days by accepting ▪ Also Known as Periyar or Thanthai Periyar.
"Samadhi Maran" / "Santhara" according to ▪ Indian social activist and rationalist who
Jainism. rebelled against Brahminical dominance and
gender and caste inequality in Tamil Nadu.
Ian Wilmut dies at 79 ▪ Father of the Dravidian movement.
▪ Ian Wilmut, the cloning pioneer whose work ▪ Since 2021 Tamil Nadu celebrates his birth
was critical to the creation of Dolly the Sheep anniversary as 'Social Justice Day’
in 1996, has died.
Timeline
▪ He is considered to be the Father of Cloning. • 1918 - Chairmanship of Erode Municipality
▪ Dolly is the first cloned mammal (1996). • 1919 - Joined the Indian National Congress.
Note • 1924-25 - Vaikom Satyagraha
• The lamb was initially referred to as • 1925 – Resigned from Congress
“6LL3” and was later named Dolly, after • 1925 - Started the Self-Respect Movement.
the singer Dolly Parton.
18 www.vetriias.com
HISTORY | 19
• 1938 - "Tamil Nadu for Tamilians" slogan • 2008 - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
was first raised by E.V. Ramasamy • 2013 - Padma Bhushan
• 1939 – Head of Justice Party ▪ Books authored:

• 1944 – Justice Party’s name changed as • The Science of Bharatanatyam and the
Dravidar Kazhagam. Classical Dances of India.
Journals and Books • Bharatanatyam– An In-Depth Study
• 1925 - “Kudi Arasu” edited by himself to
spread the principles of Self-Respect. 200th Birth Anniversary of Ishwar
• 1928 – Published “Revolt” (English Chandra Vidyasagar (1820-1891)
magazine) ▪ Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a visionary
• 1930 - "Family Planning" (book) & social reformer who worked relentlessly
• 1933 - 'Puratchi' for social emancipation and contributed
greatly towards women upliftment & widow
• 1934 - Tamil weekly 'Pagutharivu' remarriage.
• 1934 - Why Were Women Enslaved? (“Pen ▪ He was given the name of "Vidyasagar" which
Yenn adimaiyanaal?”) (1st edition) means “ocean of knowledge”.
• 1935 - 'Viduthalai' as Tamil Daily
Profile
Newspaper.
• Born - September 26, 1820 (Bengal)
• 1950 - Periyar imprisoned for the
• Vidyasagar with other reformers—
publication of his book 'Ponmozhigal'
Ramgopal Ghosh, Madan Mohan
(Golden sayings).
Tarkalankar and others founded schools
• 1970 – bi- monthly “Unmai" for girls in the 19th Century.
Gita Mehta passes away at 80. • He opened schools for girls and brought
▪ Gita Mehta, writer, journalist and elder sister significant reforms in the education sector
of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik by bringing justice and equality for women
passed away. through education.
▪ She has written five books 116th Birth Anniversary of Bhagat Singh
• Karma Cola ▪ The 116th birth anniversary of Bhagat Singh is
• Snakes and Ladders: Glimpses of Modern celebrated on September 28.
India Bhagat Singh's Life (28 September 1907 – 23
• A River Sutra March 1931)
• Raj • 1926 - Founded Naujawan Bharat Sabha.

• Eternal Ganesha: From Birth to Rebirth • September 1928 – He reorganised
▪ In 2019 she had declined the Padma Shri award Hindustan Republic Association
bestowed on her by the Union government. as Hindustan Socialist Republican
Association (HSRA)
Saroja Vaidyanathan passes away
• April 8, 1929 - Threw bombs in the Central
▪ Bharatanatyam dancer Saroja Vaidyanathan Legislative Assembly.
dies at 86.
• 1930 – Wrote “Why I Am an Atheist”, an
▪ She was known for her extensive contribution essay in Lahore Central Jail
to Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music in the • March 23, 1931 - Executed along with
form of 10 full length ballets and nearly 2,000 Rajguru and Sukhdev.
choreographies.
▪ The day is observed as Martyr's Day (Shaheed
▪ Awards and Honour Diwas) to pay tribute to Bhagat Singh,
• 2002 - Padma Shri Rajguru, and Sukhdev.
www.vetriias.com 19
MS Swaminathan: Father of Green Awards and Honour

Revolution dies at 98 • 1961 - Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award
▪ Renowned agricultural scientist Dr. • 1965 - Mendel Memorial Medal

Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan who • 1967 - Padma Shri
is regarded as the Father of India’s Green • 1971 - Ramon Magsaysay award
Revolution passed away at his residence in
• 1972 - Padma Bhushan
Chennai.
• 1987 - Won the first World Food Prize
▪ He is known as the "Father of Economic
Laureate
Ecology" by the United Nations Environment
Programme. • 1989 - Padma Vibhushan
▪ He coined the term 'Evergreen Revolution' in About Green Revolution in India:
1990 ▪ 1943 – Bengal famine which is one of the
world’s worst recorded food crisis. It led to the
Timeline
death of approximately 4 million people due
• Born - August 7, 1925, Kumbakonam.
to hunger.
• 1972 – 1979 - Director-General of the Indian
• This inspired M.S.Swaminathan to study
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
agriculture.
• 1979 - Principal Secretary of the Agriculture
▪ Green revolution - Refers to a period when
Ministry of the Indian government.
Indian Agriculture was converted into an
• 1981 – 85: Independent Chairman of the industrial system due to the adoption of
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). modern methods and technology such as the
• 1984-90: President of the International use of HYV seeds, tractors, irrigation facilities,
Union for the Conservation of Nature and pesticides and fertilizers.
Natural Resources. ▪ Funded by the US, Indian Government and
• 1989-96: President of the World Wide Fund the Ford and Rockefeller Foundation.
for Nature (India) ▪ Dr. Swaminathan worked closely with two
• 2004-06 : As the head of the National Agriculture Ministers, C.Subramaniam (1964-
Commission on Farmers he recommended 67) and Jagjivan Ram (1967-70 & 1974-77) for
the Minimum Support Prize the success of the Green Revolution.
• 2007 - 2013: Nominated member of Rajya
Sabha for one term.
1.6 SPORTS AND GAMES

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 • Champion - Coco Gauff (US)
▪ Host Nations (3) - Philippines, Japan and • Runner-up - Aryana Sabalenka (Belarus)
Indonesia Note
▪ Champion - Germany ▪ Men's Doubles
▪ Runner-up – Serbia • Champion - Rajeev Ram (US) / Joe
Salisbury (UK)
US Open 2023
• Runner-up - Rohan Bopanna (India) /
▪ Location - Newyork, United States
Matthew Ebden (Australia)
▪ Men's Singles
Major Grand Slams
• Champion - Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
i. Australian Open (January)
• Runner-up - Daniil Medvedev (Russia)
ii. French Open (late May to early June)
▪ Women's Singles
20 www.vetriias.com
HISTORY | 21
iii. Wimbledon Open (late June to early July) be held in Hangzhou, China from September
iv. US Open (late August to early September) 23 to October 8, 2023.
▪ The Indian contingent list in the Asian Games
Elavenil claims air rifle gold in Rio

is 921, including 655 athletes, 260 coaches, and
World Cup support staff.
▪ Elavenil Valarivan won gold medal in
About Asian Games
women’s 10m air rifle final.
• Held every fourth year among athletes
▪ It was the second World Cup individual gold from all over Asia.
for Elavenil.
• Second largest multi-sport event after the
▪ She won the first medal in 2019 in Rio World Olympic Games.
Cup
• First event - New Delhi (1951)
Asian Games 2023 • 2026 Asian Games - Nagoya, Japan.
▪ The 19th edition of Asian Games is scheduled to
1.7 PLACES IN NEWS

Santiniketan finds its place on • father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore
UNESCO’s World Heritage List around 1853-54.
▪ Santiniketan, located in West Bengal’s Note
Birbhum district became India’s 41st World • World Heritage Site - designated by
Heritage Site to join the UNESCO’s World UNESCO for having cultural, historical,
Heritage List. scientific or other forms of significance.
About Santiniketan About UNESCO
• It is a town established by Nobel laureate • Headquarters - Paris, France
Rabindranath Tagore • Formation - 16 November 1945
• Santiniketan - means “abode of peace” • Director-General - Audrey Azoulay
• Established in 1901 (France)
• Tagore laid the foundations of Visva About West Bengal
Bharati University in Santiniketan. • Capital – Kolkata
• Santiniketan Griha the oldest house • Chief minister - Mamata Banerjee
in Santiniketan, built by Rabindranath • Governor - C. V. Ananda Bose

Tagore's
1.8 BOOKS & AUTHORS

The Changing Mediascape
▪ The book - The Changing Mediascape
▪ Authored by - Veteran journalist B.R.P. Bhaskar
▪ Released by - Chief Minister M.K. Stalin
▪ At an event in - Chennai by the Kerala Media Academy
www.vetriias.com 21
1.9 AWARDS & HONOURS

65th Ramon Magsaysay Award 2023 About BRICS

▪ Surgical oncologist R. Ravi Kannan, Director • Formation - September 2006
of the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research • 1st BRIC summit: 16 June 2009
Centre (CCHRC) in Assam was selected as one
(Yekaterinburg)
of the Ramon Magsaysay award for 2023.
▪ He is credited with revolutionising cancer • Headquarters – Shanghai.
treatment in Assam through people centric • Members - Brazil, Russia, India, China,
and pro poor healthcare. and South Africa (joined in 2010)
Other Winners • Current Chair of BRICS - South Africa
• Korvi Rakshand - Bangladesh (President Cyril Ramaphosa)
• Eugenio Lemos - Timor-Leste • New Development Bank – 2015 (Fortaleza
• Miriam Coronel - Ferrer - Philippines declaration)
About Ramon Magsaysay Award
▪ Creation – August 31, 1957 Kalaignar Semmozhi Award 2023
▪ To commemorate the birth anniversary of the ▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin handed over the
Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi Semmozhi Tamil
▪ Conceived as Asia’s Nobel Prize to honour Award to Tamil scholar K. Ramasamy.
greatness of spirit shown in service to the ▪ The award is presented by the Central Institute
peoples of Asia. of Classical Tamil.
▪ Awarded under six categories
▪ He was the former DeputyDirector of the
• Government Service
Central Institute of Indian Languages.
• Public Service
▪ The award is given for the best contribution
• Community Leadership
to classical Tamil studies by a researcher or a
• Journalism, Literature, and Creative
research institution in specified areas.
Communication Arts
▪ The award carries a cheque for `10 lakh, a
• Peace and International Understanding
citation plaque, and a bronze replica of the
• Emergent Leadership
donor, Karunanidhi.
Note
• The first Indian to win the Ramon Note
Magsaysay Award is Vinoba Bhave in • Prof. Asko Parpola is the first recipient of
1958 under the category of Community the Kalaignar Semmozhi Award (2009)
Leadership. National Teacher’s Award 2023
World Innovation Award ▪ President Droupadi Murmu conferred
▪ Telangana’s First woman Chief Innovation National Awards to Teachers to 75 selected
Officer (CIO) Shanta Thoutam has been awardees at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
presented with the World Innovation Award ▪ Each award carries a certificate of merit, a cash
at the first BRICS Innovation Forum hosted at award of Rs.50,000 and a silver medal.
Moscow.
▪ From 2023, the ambit of National Teachers’
▪ The award is given for outstanding Award has been expanded to include teachers
contribution to the Sustainable Development
of the Department of Higher Education
Goal-4 that ensures inclusive and equitable
and the Ministry of Skill Development &
quality education and promotes lifelong
opportunities for all. Entrepreneurship.
22 www.vetriias.com
HISTORY | 23
▪ In 2023, 50 School Teachers, 13 teachers (CSIR).

from Higher education and 12 teachers • It is usually an announced on the foundation
from Ministry of Skill Development & day of the institution on September 26.
Entrepreneurship were awarded.

About CSIR
Award winners from Tamil Nadu • Formation - 26 September 1942
i. T.Godwin Vedanayagam Rajkumar, • President - Prime Minister of India
Government Boys HR Sec. School, • Director General - Dr. N. Kalaiselvi (first
Alanganallur, Madurai women chief of CSIR)
ii. S.S.Malathi, Government Higher
Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Rewards
Secondary School, Tenkasi
▪ Four farmers have bagged the prestigious
iii. Dr.S.Brinda, HoD PSG Polytechnic Plant Genome Saviour Rewards.
College, Coimbatore.
▪ The awards were declared by the Registrar,
iv. S. Chithrakumar, Assistant Training Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers
Officer, Government Industrial Training Rights Authority (PPV&FRA).
Institute (Women), Dindigul
▪ The award consists of certificate and cash prize
Note: A total of 396 teachers from across Tamil of `1.5 lakh each.
Nadu were given the Dr. Radhakrishnan
▪ Awardees for 2020-21 - Praseed Kumar Thayyil
Award on the occasion of Teachers’ Day by the
and Sunil Kumar M. of Wayanad district.
State government.
▪ Awardees for 2021-22 - John Joseph of
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards Kozhikode district and Vinod E.R. of Thrissur
for 2022 announced district.
▪ Council of Scientific and Industrial Research About PPVFRA
(CSIR) has publicised the list of winners of the • Statutory body under the Department of
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards for Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers
2022. Welfare and Ministry of Agriculture and
▪ It is considered as on one of the most Farmer’s Welfare.
prestigious prizes for science in India. • It provides an effective system for the
▪ 2022 awardees constitute 12 scientists below protection of plant varieties, the rights
the age of 45 of farmers and plant breeders and to
1. Ashwani Kumar encourage the development of new
varieties of plants.
2. Maddika Subba Reddy
• Chairman - Dr. H. S. Gupta

3. Akkattu Biju
4. Debabrata Maiti One-time Sangeet Natak Akademi
5. Vimal Mishra awards for 84 artists
6. Dipti Ranjan Sahoo ▪ The Sangeet Natak Akademi announced
special onetime awards, commemorating
7. Rajnish Kumar
75 years of Independence, to 84 artists who
8. Apoorva Khare are above the age of 75 and have not been
9. Neeraj Kayal accorded any national honour in their career.
10. Dipyaman Ganguly ▪ The awards would be given by VicePresident
11. Anindya Das Jagdeep Dhankhar.
12. Basudeb Dasgupta ▪ Awardess from Tamil Nadu include,
Note: SSB Prize was instituted in the memory i. Gowri Kuppuswamy - Carnatic Vocal
of the first Director-General (DG) of the ii. Upparayan Chinnathambi - Hindustani
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Instrument (Nagaswaram)
www.vetriias.com 23
iii. Ramamurthy Sundaresan – Acting awards will not include any cash component.
iv. V.A.K Rangarao - Music for Dance ▪ It will bestow a certificate and a medallion on
(Bharatanatyam) the awardee.

v. Ramani Rangan - Carnatic Instrumental ▪ RVP will comprise
(Veena) • Three Vigyan Ratna
About Sahitya Akademi Awards • 25 Vigyan Shri
• Second-highest literary honour by the • 25 Vigyan Yuva Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
Government of India, after the Jnanpith
• Three Vigyan Team awards
award.
▪ It will be awarded under 13 categories
• Established - March 12, 1954.
including the 13th category as ‘others’
• It has recognised 24 languages (22
▪ The RVP awards will commence from 2024.
languages enumerated in the Constitution
of India, English and Rajasthani) ▪ The awards will be announced annually on
May 11, which is National Technology Day,
• Also known as India's National Academy
and will be awarded on National Space Day,
of Letters
August 23.
• President: Chandrashekhara Kambara
Norman Borlaug award 2023
TracKD application received 3rd Prize ▪ Agriculture scientist Swati Nayak won the
▪ TracKD application received the third prize prestigious Norman E. Borlaug Award for
under the category “Comparative Evaluation 2023.
of Technical Application Available with
▪ She is the third Indian and first Odia to receive
States/U.T. police” at the fourth Crime and
the award.
Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS)
Hackathon and Cyber Challenge 2023. ▪ She won the award for introducing the drought
tolerant Shahabhagi Dhan rice variety in
▪ The event was organised by the National
Odisha.
Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in New Delhi.
▪ She is famously called Bihana Didi (Seed
About TracKD (Tracking Known Delinquents) Lady)
application
About Norman Borlaug award
• Implemented by – Tamil Nadu Police in
▪ Instituted by World Food Prize Foundation
2022.
▪ Instituted in honour of Nobel Laureate and
• An application and integrated data
Green Revolution’s chief architect Dr Norman
management system for criminal profiling
E Borlaug.
and tracking.
▪ Other Indian recipients:
• Profiles of around 30,000 history sheeted
antisocial elements were digitised in the • Aditi Mukherji (2012)
app. • Mahalingam Govindaraj (2022).
• Prem Anand Sinha conceptualised TracKD Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime
and ensured its implementation across TN.
Achievement Award for 2021
Centre introduced new science awards - ▪ The veteran Bollywood actor Waheeda
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Rehman was announced the Dadasaheb
▪ The Union government is set to institute Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021
the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar — 56 prizes in honour of her stellar contribution to Indian
to felicitate scientists, technologists and cinema.
innovators. ▪ The award will be presented during the 69th
▪ Similar to the prestigious Padma awards, these national film awards ceremony.
24 www.vetriias.com
HISTORY | 25
About Waheeda Rehman Note

▪ Ms. Rehman has worked in more than 90 films. • There were no awards in 2021 because of
▪ Achievements the COVID-19 pandemic

• National Award for the best female actor About Smart Cities Mission
- 1971 • Launched - 25 June, 2015
• Padma Shri - 1972 • Objective - to promote cities that provide
• Padma Bhushan - 2011 core infrastructure and give a decent
▪ Made her film debut with the Tamil film quality of life to its citizens, a clean and
'Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum' as a dancer. sustainable environment through the
application of 'Smart' solutions.
About Dadasaheb Phalke Award
• 100 cities – selected through a two-stage
▪ India's highest award in the field of cinema
competition.
▪ Presented annually at the National Film
Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film TN grants `1 lakh aid to Kalaimamani
Festivals. awardees
• It is an organisation set up by the Ministry ▪ TN Chief Minister M.K. Stalin distributed
of Information and Broadcasting. `1 lakh (porkizhi) each to Kalaimamani
▪ Award comprises, awardees who live in indigent circumstances
• Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka
Manram.
• A shawl
▪ The awardees are,
• Cash prize of ` 1,000,000
▪ First awarded – 1969 1. K. Kalyanasundaram
▪ First recipient - Devika Rani 2. S. Samuthram,
3. N. Parvathy Udhayam
India Smart Cities Award Contest (ISAC)
4. K. Kumaravel,
2022
5. P. Muthuchandran,
▪ The fourth edition of the India Smart Cities
Award Contest (ISAC) 2022 was held in 6. K. Muthulakshmi,
Indore. 7. P.R. Durai,
▪ The ISAC is being organized under the Smart 8. R. Kalyanasundaram
Cities Mission, Ministry of Housing and 9. M.S. Mohammed Masthan,
Urban Affairs.
10. T.N. Varalakshmi
Award Winners About Kalaimamani Awards

▪ Best Smart City Category • Highest civilian award in the state of
• First - Indore (Madhya Pradesh) Tamil Nadu.
• Second - Surat (Gujarat) • Distributed by - Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai
• Third – Agra (Uttar Pradesh) Nataka Mandram (literature, music and
▪ Best State Category theatre). It is an unit of the Directorate of
Art and Culture, Govt. of TN.
• First - Madhya Pradesh
• Secretary - Chitra Visweswaran.
• Second – Tamil Nadu
• First Awarded – 1954.
• Third - Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
▪ Best Union Territory – Chandigarh
▪ Coimbatore secured first place in the 'built
environment' category.
www.vetriias.com 25
1.10 APPOINTMENTS – WHO IS WHO?

First woman to head Railway Board • Headquarters - New Delhi
• Five Zonal benches - Bhopal, Pune,

▪ Jaya Verma Sinha was appointed as the
Chairperson of the Railway Board, the top Kolkata, Chennai, and Guwahati.
decisionmaking body of the Railway Ministry. • Headed by a Chairperson who is a retired
▪ She replaces Anil Kumar Lahoti. judge of the Supreme Court or the High
▪ She becomes the first woman to head the Court.
Board in its 118year history (Since 1905).
Vijay Raghavan Committee
History of Railway Board ▪ A nine-member committee headed by former
• Constituted in 1901 based on the Principal Scientific Advisor to government, K
recommendations of Sir Thomas Robertson Vijay Raghavan, has been set up by the Ministry
Committee. of Defence (MoD) to review functioning
• In 1905, its powers were formalised by of Defence Research and Development
Lord Curzon's government. Organisation (DRDO) .
▪ The committee is instituted to suggest
Actor Madhavan to head Film &
“restructuring and redefining” of its role to
Television Institute of India improve the output of the state-owned agency,
▪ Actor R. Madhavan was appointed as the aiding government’s move to make India self-
president of the Film and Television Institute reliant in military sector.
of India (FTII) Society and chairperson of the
governing council. About DRDO
• Formation – 1958
About FTII Society
• Functions under the Minister of Defence -
• Established – 1960.
Rajnath Singh.
• Autonomous Society under the Ministry of
• Chairman - Dr Sameer V Kamath.
Information and Broadcasting.
• Headquarters – New Delhi
Note
• Madhavan made his directorial debut T.N. govt. forms committee to study
with ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’, which Vishwakarma scheme
won the Best Feature Film Award at the ▪ The Tamil Nadu government has constituted
69th National Awards announced recently. a five member committee headed by J.
Jeyaranjan to study the guidelines of the
New Chairperson of National Green
Union government’s Vishwakarma scheme.

Tribunal
▪ It would analyse to see if the scheme would be
▪ Justice Prakash Shrivastava has been
detrimental to educational and social mobility
appointed as the new Chairperson of National
of artisans and confine them to their traditional
Green Tribunal (NGT).
caste based occupations.
▪ He replaced Justice A.K Goel who was retired
in July, 2023. About Vishwakarma scheme
• Launch - September 17, 2023.
About National Green Tribunal (NGT)
• Central Sector Scheme
• Quasi-judicial body formed under
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 in • Objective - To support artist, craftsman
2010. and small business owner financially
and help them to grow their business by
• It aims to provide speedy and effective
providing them capital support.
justice to cases related to environmental
protection and conservation of forests and • Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Micro, Small
other natural resources. & Medium Enterprise.
26 www.vetriias.com
HISTORY | 27
New PTI Chairman as the new the Vice-Chairman of PTI.

▪ K.N. Shanth Kumar, the director of The About Press Trust of India
Printers (Mysore) Pvt. Ltd, publishers of • Formation - 27 August 1947
Deccan Herald, was elected as the new

• Headquarters - New Delhi.
Chairman of the Press Trust of India’s Board
• Non Profit Cooperative and the largest
of Directors.
news agency in India.
▪ Praveen Someshwar, the Chief Executive
Officer of Hindustan Times was also elected
www.vetriias.com 27
2. POLITICAL
SCIENCE
2.1 INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
▪ 12 point proposal to expand India - viii. Offer to share India’s experience in
ASEAN cooperation providing affordable and quality
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented medicines to people through Jan-
a 12 point proposal to expand cooperation Aushadhi Kendras
between India and the Association of ix. A call for collective fight against
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in areas terrorism, terror financing and cyber-
such as connectivity, trade, and digital disinformation
transformation at the annual ASEANIndia x. Invitation to ASEAN countries to
Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. join Coalition for Disaster Resilient
▪ India announced the establishment of a Infrastructure
multimodal connectivity and economic xi. Call for cooperation in disaster
corridor linking Southeast Asia, India, West management
Asia, and Europe. xii. Call for enhanced cooperation on
▪ 12-point plan unveiled by India in Jakarta maritime safety, security and domain
during the India-ASEAN Summit: awareness
▪ Note
i. Establishing multi-modal connectivity
• PM Modi also addressed the 18th East
and economic corridor that links South-
Asia Summit in Jakarta on the side-lines
East Asia-India-West Asia-Europe
in which he reinstated that India believes
ii. Offer to share India’s Digital Public a code of conduct for South China Sea
Infrastructure Stack with ASEAN should be effective and compliant with
partners the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
iii. ASEAN-India fund for Digital Future (UNCLOS)
focusing on cooperation in digital About ASEAN

transformation and financial connectivity • Formation - 8 August 1967.
iv. Renewal of support to Economic and • Headquarters - Jakarta, Indonesia.
Research Institute of ASEAN and East • Members – 10 countries (Brunei,
Asia (ERIA) to act as knowledge partner Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,
for enhancing engagement. Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore,
v. Call for collectively raising issues being Thailand, and Vietnam).
faced by Global South in multilateral fora About East Asia Summit
vi. An invitation to ASEAN countries to join • Formation – 2005 (1st Summit - Kuala
Global Centre for Traditional Medicine Lumpur, Malaysia)
being established by WHO in India • Membership - 18 countries (ASEAN
vii. Call for working together on Mission countries plus six - Australia, China, India,
LiFE Japan, New Zealand, and the South Korea.
US and Russia joined in 2011)
POLITICAL SCIENCE | 29
About United Nations Convention on the Law India-UK hold 12th Economic and
of the Sea Financial Dialogue (EFD)
• Signed - 10 December 1982. ▪ The 12th Round of Ministerial India-UK

• The international agreement that Economic and Financial Dialogue was held in
establishes a legal framework for all marine New Delhi.
and maritime activities. ▪ The Dialogue concluded with the adoption of
the Joint Statement by Union Finance Minister
Bilateral meeting between India and
of India and Chancellor of Exchequer of United
Saudi Arabia Kingdom.
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a ▪ India and U.K. agreed to promote financial
bilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince services and investment activities in GIFT
and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman IFSC (GIFT International Financial Services
Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud after the conclusion of Centre)
the G 20 summit.
▪ On the side lines, India-UK Financial
▪ India and Saudi Arabia signed eight Partnership (IUKFP) meeting was also held.
agreements to boost cooperation in a range
of areas — from energy to interconnectivity, About UK
digitalisation and electronic manufacturing to • Capital – London
finance and security. • Currency - Pound sterling (GBP)
Key Decisions • Monarch - Charles III
▪ A joint task force to fast track the West Coast • Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak
refinery project.
India, Bangladesh Sign 3 MoUs
▪ First meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia
▪ 3 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
Strategic Partnership Council which was set
were signed by Narendra Modi and Sheikh
up in 2019.
Hasina, to strengthen bilateral cooperation
▪ India will be connected to Saudi Arabia by between India and Bangladesh.
railroad under the multinational India-
▪ 3 MoUs are
Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) that
was announced on the side lines of the G20 i. MoU on Cooperation in Digital Payment
Summit. mechanisms between National Payments
▪ Cooperation between Corporation of India (NPCI) and
Bangladesh Bank.
i. India’s Central Vigilance Commission and
Saudi’s anti-corruption unit ii. MoU on renewal of the Cultural Exchange
Program (CEP) between India and

ii. Investment entities Bangladesh for 2023-2025.
iii. Small and medium enterprises banks iii. MoU between Indian Council of
iv. National Archives of the two countries Agricultural Research (ICAR) and
▪ Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were Bangladesh Agriculture Research
signed regarding information technology, Council (BARC).
agriculture, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals About Bangladesh
and human resources, among other sectors. • Prime Minister - Sheikh Hasina
About Saudi Arabia • Capital – Dhaka
• Prime Minister – Mohammed bin Salman • Currency – Bangladeshi Taka
• Capital – Riyadh • Major River – Padma River
• Currency - Saudi Riyal • Major Port – Chittagong Port
www.vetriias.com 29
Quad Ministers hold talks on rules- • UN reform: Comprehensive UN reform,

based order, UN reform including expanding permanent and no
▪ On the sidelines of 78th session of the United permanent representation on the UN
Security Council.

Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Foreign
Ministers of the Quad (India, Australia, Japan • Indo-Pacific Region: The group reiterated
and the U.S.) met and reaffirmed the group’s its commitment to practical initiatives in
commitment to a free and open Indo - Pacific region, including the Quad Infrastructure
region. Fellowship Programme which is a
pandemic preparedness exercise.
Key highlights of the discussion
• Quad Counterterrorism Working Group’s About QUAD
Consequence Management Exercise’s • Formation - 2017
Outcome: It studied how the Quad • Objective - To counter China's aggressive
could help regional countries that had behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.
experienced terror attacks. • Members - Australia, India, Japan, United
• Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI): The States
Quad also backed the UN’s efforts to • Quad Plus additional members - New
restart the BSGI. It is a deal that secures the Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam.
export of grain from Ukraine and Russia.
2.2 PROBLEMS IN CONDUCT OF PUBLIC ELECTIONS

Government panel to study • Article 85 relating to the dissolution of the
simultaneous polls to LS, State Lok Sabha by the President
Assemblies • Article 172 relating to the duration of the
▪ A committee has been formed under the State legislatures
headship of former President of India, Ram • Article 174 relating to the dissolution of
Nath Kovind, to look into the feasibility of the State legislatures
simultaneous elections to State Assemblies • Article 356 relating to the imposition of
and the Lok Sabha. President’s Rule in States.
Note ▪ A parliamentary panel and Election
▪ Holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Commission of India had already examined
Sabha and Assemblies would require at least the issue.

five constitutional amendments which include ▪ The matter now stands referred to the Law
• Article 83 relating to the duration of Commission for further examination.
Houses of Parliament
30 www.vetriias.com
2.3 POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL SYSTEM IN INDIA

Special Session of Parliament from • Nodal Agency - Department of
Administrative Reforms and Public

September 18 to 22
▪ The Union government announced a Special Grievances (DARPG).
Session of Parliament from September 18 to 22 • Preparatory phase of Special Campaign
shortly after the conclusion of the G20 Summit 3.0 from 15th September, 2023-30th
here on September 10. September, 2023- Part of Special campaign
▪ The government has not revealed the agenda 3.0 between 2nd October- 31st October,
of the session. 2023.
About Sessions of Parliament Udhampur Railway Station as Martyr

▪ Under Article 85 of the Constitution. Capt. Tushar Mahajan (MCTM) Railway
▪ Convened by the President of India Station
(Decided by the Cabinet Committee ▪ Union Minister of State (Independent Charge)
on Parliamentary Affairs) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel,
▪ By convention Parliament meets for three Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy
sessions in a year. and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh unveiled the
• Budget Session re-naming of Udhampur Railway Station
as Martyr Capt. Tushar Mahajan Railway
• Monsoon Session
Station.
• Winter Session
About Martyr Capt. Tushar Mahajan
▪ The gap between two sessions of the Parliament
• Captain Tushar Mahajan was an officer in
cannot exceed 6 months.
the Indian Army.
Swachhata Special Campaign 3.0 Portal • He was a part of the 9 Para Special Forces
launched unit, also known as the "9 Parachute
▪ Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Commando."
Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, • Captain Tushar Mahajan was born on
Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy May 25, 1987, in Udhampur, Jammu and
and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh launched the Kashmir, India.
dedicated web-portal for Swachhata Special • He made the ultimate sacrifice in the
Campaign 3.0, https://scdpm.nic.in. line of duty during a counter-terrorism
About Special campaign 3.0 operation in Pampore, Jammu and
• Focus on Swachhata (clean) and Reducing Kashmir, in February 2016.

Pendency in Government Offices with a
saturation approach
www.vetriias.com 31
2.4 GOVT – WELFARE ORIENTED GOVT SCHEMES, THEIR UTILITY

E-buses will be allotted to cities based Management of River Ganga (referred as
National Ganga Council)

on population
▪ The Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty ▪ The Act envisages five tier structures at
Alleviation issued the guidelines on the national, state and district level to take
measures for prevention, control and
implementation of the PM-eBus Sewa scheme
abatement of environmental pollution in river
to the States.
Ganga
▪ It is notified that the 10,000 electric buses under • National Ganga Council under
the scheme would carry a uniform branding chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister
provided by the Union government. of India
▪ The 169 eligible cities would be categorised • Empowered Task Force (ETF) on river
into four groups based on their population Ganga under chairmanship of Union
and e-buses would be allocated based on the Minister of Jal Shakti (Department of
population as Water Resources, River Development and
• Between 15 and 20 lakh – 150 buses Ganga Rejuvenation)
• Between 10 and 15 lakh – 100 buses • National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
• Between five and 10 lakh – 100 buses • State Ganga Committees
• Less than five lakh. – 50 buses • District Ganga Committees in every
specified district abutting river Ganga and
About PM-eBus Sewa its tributaries in the states.
▪ The scheme aims to introduce 10,000 Electric
Buses through a Public-Private Partnership Other information related to Ganga River
(PPP) model. Cleaning
▪ The scheme has two segments • Clean Ganga Fund (CGF): Established in
2015 as a trust under the Indian Trusts Act,
• Segment A: Augmenting City Bus Services 1882, to enable Resident Indians, Domestic
(169 cities) 10,000 e-busses will be deployed and Overseas Corporates / Trusts, and
in PPP Model in 169 cities. NRIs / PIOs to contribute towards the
• Segment B: Green Urban Mobility conservation efforts of River Ganga.
Initiatives (181 cities) Infrastructure will be • Namami Ganga Programme: Launched in
upgraded under the green urban mobility June 2014. Its main objective is to ensure
initiatives in 181 cities. that no untreated sewage flows into the
National Mission for Clean Ganga river.

(NMCG) completes seven years. • Bhuvan-Ganga Web App: It ensures
▪ Seven years has been completed since involvement of the public in monitoring of
the government unveiled its ambitious pollution entering into the river Ganga.
`20,000crore National Mission for Clean • Ganga was declared as the ‘National
Ganga (NMCG). River’ of India in 2008.
About NMCG Iyothee Thass Pandithar Habitation
▪ It was registered as a society on 12th August Development Scheme
2011 under the Societies Registration Act
▪ The state has allocated Rs.1000 crore for a
1860.
new scheme called “Iyothee Thass Pandithar
▪ Acts as implementation arm of National Habitation Development Scheme”
Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and
32 www.vetriias.com
▪ 200 crores were allotted for the year 2023-24. Indian Heritage app:
Aim • Provides a comprehensive guide to
• To ensure basic amenities in Adi Dravidar monuments under ASI’s ambit.

habitations in both urban and rural areas • It lists historical structures along with
• Comprehensive socio-economic pictures, public facilities available on site
development over a period of five years and geo-tagged locations.
“Engal palli; milirum palli” (Our school, Himachal launches SABAL Yojna to
shining school) launched Empower Specially-Abled Children
▪ The School Education Department launched a ▪ Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh
special campaign called ‘Engal palli, milirum Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched
palli,’ (Our school, shining school) in an the Mukhya Mantri Sporting Abilities,
attempt to promote cleanliness and hygiene Rebuilding Aspirations and Livelihood
on school campuses. Scheme (SABAL).
▪ The campaign also seeks to encourage greening ▪ The scheme intends to improve the lives
drives in the campuses for environment of specially-abled children in the state by
conservation and raise awareness among integrating them into the mainstream.
students on nutrition. About Himachal Pradesh
▪ District, block and school level committees are • Capital - Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala
to be formed for implementing the campaign (Winter)
in coordination with various government • Chief Minister– Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
departments. • Governor– Shiv Pratap Shukla
ASI launches revamped ‘Adopt a 75 lakh more consumers to get LPG
Heritage 2.0’ programme connections
▪ The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) ▪ The Union Cabinet decided to extend the
launched a revamped version of the ‘Adopt a Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) to
Heritage 2.0’ programme along with Indian 75 lakh more consumers by providing them
Heritage app and an e-permission portal. LPG connections over three years from 2023
Adopt a Heritage Programme: 24 to 2025-26.
• Launched - 2017 About PMUY
• Under the Ministry of Tourism, in • Launch - May 1, 2016 in Ballia, Uttar
Pradesh
collaboration with the ASI.
• Objective - To make clean cooking fuel such

• The programme encourages corporate as LPG available to the rural and deprived
stakeholders to utilise their Corporate households which were otherwise using
Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to traditional cooking fuels.
adopt and enhance facilities in over 3,000 • Ujjwala 2.0 - Additional allocation of 1.6
protected monuments spread across the Crore LPG Connections under PMUY
country. Scheme with special facility to migrant
households.
• ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ is the upgraded
• Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Petroleum
version of ‘Adopt a Heritage’ programme. and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
The e-permission portal:
• It has been designed to simplify and speed Basic income scheme to benefit 1.06
up the process for acquiring approvals for crore women
photography, filming, and developmental ▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched
initiatives concerning heritage monuments. the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam
www.vetriias.com 33
(Kalaignar Women’s Rights Grant Scheme) PM unveils `13,000 crore Viswakarma

in Kancheepuram on September 15 marking scheme
the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched
C.N. Annadurai.

the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana
▪ In the 2023-24 Budget, the state government (PMVY) for the upliftment of the artisans and
announced an allocation of Rs 7,000 crore for crafts people with a financial outlay of 13,000
the implementation of the scheme. crore.
About Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai ▪ The scheme would equip crafts people with
Thittam the technology to augment their skills for the
• The scheme ensures a basic minimum modern market.
income of Rs 1,000 per month for eligible Note
women heads of families. • On the sidelines PM also inaugurated the
• Beneficiary - Woman, hailing from eligible first phase of the `5,400crore state of the art
families, who has completed 21 years of India International Convention and Expo
age (born before September 15, 2002) Centre named Yashobhoomi at Dwarka in
• 1.06 crore women who will benefit from New Delhi.
the scheme. • Yashobhoomi will be one of the world's
Note
largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives,
▪ Other Basic Income Scheme for Women Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities.
• Lakshmir Bhandar - West Bengal About Vishwakarma scheme
• Launch - September 17, 2023.
• Gruha Lakshmi scheme – Karnataka
• Central Sector Scheme
• Ladli Bahna Yojana - Madhya Pradesh
• Objective - To support artist, craftsman and
Telangana to launch free breakfast small business owner financially and help
scheme in schools them to grow their business by providing
▪ The Telangana government is set to launch them capital support.
Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme for • Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Micro, Small
students of Classes 1 to 10. & Medium Enterprise.
▪ It will be implemented in all schools run by the • The scheme offers collateral free enterprise
government and local bodies. development loans of `1 lakh (first tranche
▪ The scheme was formulated on the sidelines to be repaid in 18 months) and `2 lakh
of Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister’s Breakfast (second tranche to be re paid in 30 months).
Scheme
Govt. plans to establish primary animal
About the TN Break Fast Scheme rescue centres in all districts
• Launched – September 15, 2022 at Madurai ▪ At the eighth State Wildlife Board meeting
• Objective - To provide breakfast to chaired by Forest Minister M. Mathiventhan
primary school children from 1st to 5th the decision was taken to set up a primary
standard studying in Government schools animal care centre in each district using MP
on all school working days. MLA funds.
• Aim - To reduce hunger, prevent ▪ The new centres will be meant for emergency
malnutrition, achieve average height or primary care for wildlife and are proposed
in children, prevent underweight in to be set up using Members of Legislative
adolescents, prevent anaemia as well as Assembly Local Area Development Scheme
vitamin B12 deficiency. (MLALAD) and Members of Parliament
Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD)
funds.
34 www.vetriias.com
Note • Under the scheme, MPs receive Rs.5 crore

• Efforts to expedite sea turtle conservation in two instalments (Rs.2.5 crore) every
was also discussed at the meeting. year.
• In January 2023, TN Government

• Funds under MPLAD Scheme are non-
announced the setting up of a sea turtle lapsable.
conservation centre in Chennai at `6.30 About MLALAD
crore. • States’ version of MPLAD.
About MPLAD • Objective - To create local need based
• Launch – December 23, 1993 infrastructure, to create assets of public
• Objective - To enable the MP to suggest utility and to remove regional imbalances
and get executed developmental works in development.
of a capital nature based on locally felt • Amount allocation per MLA varies across
needs with an emphasis on the creation of the states. Delhi has the highest allocation
durable assets. under MLALAD.
2.5 PUBLIC AWARENESS & GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

India marks one year of launch of ▪ Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP):
National Logistics Policy It will also enable information exchange on a
▪ The National Logistics Policy (NLP) real-time basis in a confidential manner.
was launched on 17th September 2022 to • NICDC’s (National Industrial Corridor
complement PM Gati Shakti National Master Development Corporation) Logistics Data
Plan (NMP). Bank Project to develop ULIP.
▪ While the PM Gati Shakti NMP addresses ▪ Ease of Logistics (ELOG): To simplify the
rules and ease the logistics business.
integrated development of the fixed
infrastructure and network planning, the NLP ▪ System Improvement Group (SIG):
monitoring all logistics-related projects
addresses the soft infrastructure and logistics
regularly and tackling all obstacles.
sector development aspect.
About National Logistics Policy Parliament's Special Session
▪ Launch - September 17, 2022 ▪ The special session of the parliament is being
▪ Vision - To drive economic growth and held from September 18 to 22.
business competitiveness of the country. ▪ 4 bills to be discussed include,

▪ Targets • The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023,
• Reduce cost of logistics in India • The Press and Registeration of Periodicals
• To improve the Logistics Performance Bill, 2023
Index ranking (among top 25 by 2030) • The Post Office Bill, 2023
• To create data driven decision support • The Chief Election Commissioner
mechanism. and other Election Commissioners
▪ Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP) (Appointment, Conditions of Service and
includes eight actions Term of Office) Bill, 2023.
▪ A discussion was held on the subject
Four Major Steps Under National Logistics
'Parliamentary Journey of 75 years starting
Policy
from Samvidhan Sabha - Achievements,
▪ Integration of Digital System (IDS): Different Experiences, Memories and Learnings.
systems of seven different departments will be
integrated digitally.
www.vetriias.com 35
Key Highlights ▪ Domestic gas stoves compatible for Liquefied

• Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal petroleum (LPG) gas are already under the
tabled the Women's Reservation ambit of mandatory BIS certification.
Bill termed as 'Nari Shakti Vandan

About BIS
Adhiniyam' to reserve 33 per cent of seats • National Standard Body of India
in Lok Sabha and all state legislative established under the BIS Act 2016.
assemblies for women. • Functions under Department of Consumer
• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs,
that the old Parliament building will now Food & Public Distribution.
be called 'Samvidhan Sadan' • Headquarters - New Delhi
• New Parliament building will be called • President - Pramod Kumar Tiwari.
'Parliament House of India" in English
and ‘Bharath’s Sansad Bhawan’ in Hindi.
About Sessions of Parliament Note
▪ Article 85 of the Constitution - Deals with • Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is natural gas
prorogation and dissolution of Parliament. - mainly Methane and supplied through
▪ Convened by the President of India (Decided mild steel (MS) and polyethylene (PE)
by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary pipes to cater to the natural gas demand.
Affairs)
Central Govt launches Kisan Rin Portal,
▪ By convention Parliament meets for three
WINDS Manual and Door to Door KCC
sessions in a year.
Campaign
• Budget Session
▪ Union Minister of Finance Nirmala
• Monsoon Session Sitharaman and Union Minister of
• Winter Session Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW)
▪ There is no fixed schedule but the Article 85 Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated Kisan
specify that the President must summon the Rin Portal (KRP), Weather Information
Houses to meet at least once within six months. Network Data Systems (WINDS) Manual
▪ Special Session: and Door-To-Door Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
• It is not explicitly mentioned in the campaign (Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan) in
Constitution or in the rulebooks of the two New Delhi.
Houses of Parliament. ▪ Kisan Rin Portal (KRP): It provides a
• There are no specific guidelines on how or comprehensive overview of farmer data, loan
when such a session can be convened. disbursement details, interest subvention
claims, and the progress of scheme utilization.
• Article 352, which deals with the
proclamation of Emergency, refers to a ▪ WINDS Manual: The instructional manual will
‘special sitting’ of the House. enhance the impact of the Weather Information
Network Data Systems (WINDS) initiative.
• This clause was added through the 44th
Amendment Act in 1978 as a safeguard. • WINDS : An instrumental innovation,
leverages advanced weather data analytics
ISI mark made mandatory for gas to provide stakeholders with actionable
stoves insights on weather.
▪ Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Chennai ▪ Door-To-Door Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
announced that the domestic gas stoves campaign: An ambitious campaign to extend
compatible with piped natural gas (PNG) and the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
utility lighters will have to compulsorily bear Scheme to every farmer across India.
the ISI mark from February 9, 2024.
36 www.vetriias.com
Parliament passes Women's Reservation launched the mobile application and the web
Bill portal for GCES (General Crop Estimation
▪ Parliament has passed the Constitution (One Survey).

Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) ▪ It was designed to transform agricultural
Bill, 2023 which seeks to reserve one-third of practices across the nation and also ensures
the total number of seats for women in Lok transparency and accuracy.
Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and Delhi ▪ Developed by Department of Agriculture
Assembly. and Farmers’ Welfare
About Women's Reservation Bill Key Features:
• It is the historic first legislation being • Comprehensive Information - Provide
introduced in the new Parliament House. a comprehensive repository of yield
• The Bill aims to provide one-third estimation including village wise GCES
reservation to women in the Lok Sabha plan.
and State Assemblies. • Geo-referencing: Enables the primary
• The quota will not be implemented in worker to draw the boundary of the
2024 general election. experimental plot and upload photos of
• It can be implemented only after a the plot as well as of the crops through it.
delimitation exercise which is scheduled to About General Crop Estimation Survey
be done in 2026 is completed. • Conducted annually to obtain the
• Within the women’s quota itself, one-third estimates of average yield per hectare
of the seats will be reserved for women (productivity) and total production of
belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the principal crops by conducting crop-cutting
Scheduled Tribes. experiments.
• There is no separate quota for women • Conducted by the Ministry of Statistics
belonging to other backward classes. and Programme Implementation.
• After becoming an Act the law will be in Panel on ‘One Nation, One Election’
force for 15 years.
holds first meet in New Delhi.
• The seats reserved for women will be ▪ The high-level committee, headed by former
rotated after every delimitation exercise. President Ram Nath Kovind, to examine the
Constitutional Amendments possibility of simultaneous elections held its
▪ The 2023 bill proposes an amendment to one first meeting and decided to invite national
constitutional provision, i.e., Article 239AA and regional political parties to submit their
(Special provisions with respect to Delhi), views and suggestions on the issue.
and the insertion of three new articles namely Note
Articles 330A, 332A, and 334A. ▪ Holding simultaneous elections to the Lok
• Article 330A and 332A: Seeks to introduce Sabha and Assemblies would require at least
33 percent in Lok Sabha and the state five constitutional amendments which include.
legislative assemblies respectively. • Article 83 relating to the duration of
• Article 334A: Seeks to introduce the Houses of Parliament
reservation of seats for after an exercise of • Article 85 relating to the dissolution of the
delimitation is undertaken for this purpose. Lok Sabha by the President
Innovative Mobile Application and Web • Article 172 relating to the duration of the
Portal for General Crop Estimation State legislatures.
Survey (GCES) • Article 174 relating to dissolution of the
▪ Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of State legislatures.
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW)
www.vetriias.com 37
• Article 356 relating to the imposition of • Recommends judicial discretion in the

President’s Rule in States. matter of sentencing in cases involving
tacit approval of children between 16-18
Key changes to TV network rules age.

• The Information and Broadcasting (I
About Law Commission
& B) Ministry has issued a notification
• Formation - 1834
amending the Cable Television Network
Rules, 1994. • Objectives - Reforming the law for
maximising justice in society and
Key Changes include: promoting good governance under the
• A procedure for the renewal of Multi Rule of Law
System Operator (MSO) registrations was
• Headquarters - New Delhi
introduced.
• Chairman - Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi (22nd
Law Commission)
• Provision for the sharing of infrastructure
by the cable operators with the broadband • Ministry - Ministry of Law and Justice
service providers to promote Internet
penetration to the last mile.
• The cable operators will have to apply for
the registration or renewal of registration
online at the Ministry’s Broadcast Seva
Portal.
• The registrations will be granted or
renewed for 10 years.
• The renewal procedure is in line with
the government’s commitment to ease of
doing business as it will provide certainty
to cable operators to continue their services
without interruption.
Law Commission advises against

changing age of consent under POCSO
Act
▪ The 22nd Law Commission, headed by Justice
(Retired) Ritu Raj Awasthi, submitted its

report to the Law Ministry.
▪ The report states that the government should
not tinker with the age of consent (currently
18 years) under the Protection of Children
from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Key Findings of the report
• Reducing the age of consent would have
a direct and negative bearing on the fight
against child marriage and child trafficking.
• Certain amendments would be required
in the POCSO Act, 2012 to remedy the
situation in cases involving tacit approval
on the part of children aged between 16
and 18 years.
38 www.vetriias.com
3. GEOGRAPHY
3.1 POLICY ON ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

BSI gets patent for reusable straw made for over 17 percent of corridors found in
from bamboo India.
▪ The patent office of the Government of • There are six transnational corridors
India has granted a patent to the Botanical between India and Nepal.
Survey of India for ‘reusable straw and its Note
manufacturing’. ▪ Status of Elephants in India
▪ The straw is developed from a species of • IUCN Red List: Endangered
endemic bamboo plant, Schizostachyum • CITES: Appendix I
andamanicum which is found on the Andaman
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
and Nicobar Islands.
▪ Conservation of Elephant
▪ This species of bamboo was characterised by
thin large hollow erect culm (stem) with long • Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants
internodes. (MIKE) programme – 1997
• Project Elephant - 1992
About Botanical Survey of India
• Headquarters – Kolkata • Elephant Reserves – 33 (5 in TN)
• Founded – 1890 Existence of 36 elephant corridors in TN
• Objective – exploring the plant resources of says study
the country and identifying plant species ▪ A recent field study conducted by Elephant
with economic virtue. Corridor Committee has revealed the
• Director – Dr A. A. Mao existence of 36 elephant corridors in Tamil
Nadu.
Elephant Corridor Report 2023 released
▪ Of them, 17 have been identified in the south
▪ Elephant Corridor Report 2023 was released

of Palakkad and 19 in the north of Palakkad.
by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change of India (MoEFCC). ▪ A publication titled ‘Right of Passage:
Elephant Corridors in India’ released by the
▪ The Elephant corridor is a strip of land that
Wildlife Trust of India had mentioned 19
facilitates the movement of elephants between
elephant corridors in Tamil Nadu
two or more viable habitat patches.
Note
Key Highlights of the Report
• Elephants die after biting country made
• 60 new elephant corridors were identified
bombs (Avattukai) used by poachers to
taking the total number of elephant
hunt wild boars.
corridors to 150.
• 74 out of the 88 elephant corridors that Status of Elephants in India
were listed in 2010 Elephant Task Force • IUCN Red List: Endangered
report (Gajah report) are still active. • CITES: Appendix I
• West Bengal leads with the highest number • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
of elephant corridors in India, accounting
Conservation of Elephant Cheetah Re-introduction Plan
• Monitoring the Illegal Killing of ▪ India’s ambitious Cheetah reintroduction
Elephants (MIKE) programme – 1997 programme under Project Cheetah completed
• Project Elephant - 1992 one year on 17th September 2023.
• Elephant Reserves – 33 (5 in TN) ▪ It is aimed at establishing a self-sustaining
• Elephant Corridors – 150 (as per Elephant population of about 35 cheetahs in the country
Corridor Report 2023) over the next decade.
• Top three states with highest number of ▪ However it has faced several criticisms with
elephants the death of 9 cheetahs (6 adults and 3 cubs) out
of the 20 translocated cheetahs from Namibia
i. Karnataka – 6,049 and South Africa.
ii. Assam - 5,719
Project Cheetah (Cheetah reintroduction
iii. Kerala - 3,054
programme)
AI cameras to curb poaching in Madhya • Launch – September 17, 2022
Pradesh • First batch- 8 African cheetahs (Acinonyx
▪ AI cameras installed in Kanha-Pench corridor jubatus jubatus) translocated on
in Madhya Pradesh captured the poachers for September 17, 2022.
the first time. • Second batch-12 cheetahs from South
▪ These new set of camera traps or cameras Africa arrived on February 18, 2023 at
with infrared sensors are installed to count Kuno Palpur National Park.
wild animals and monitor the movement of • It is the first ever intercontinental wildlife
potential poachers with the help of artificial translocation.
intelligence (AI). • India planned to bring 12-14 cheetahs from
▪ The new kind of camera set-up being South Africa/Namibia/ other African
experimented is called TrailGuard AI camera- Countries, annually for the next 5 years.
alert system. • Other alternative sites for cheetah
Features introductions - Gandhi Sagar Wildlife
• It is Shaped like a pen, 13.8 cm long and Sanctuary and Nauradehi Wildlife
1.4 cm wide. Sanctuary, both in Madhya Pradesh.
• The system has embedded software that Note
can be instructed to take pictures of specific ▪ Cheetah is world’s fastest land mammal that
species of interest. lives in Africa and Asia.
• It can be set to specifically capture humans ▪ There are two species of Cheetah
or species of interest — lions, tigers, • African Cheetah
cheetahs.
• Asiatic Cheetah (declared extinct in India
• The ‘AI’ element or ‘embedded AI’ as it is in 1952)
technically known is used in this system in
which the camera only sends pictures of State of the Rhino 2023
interest to forest officials. ▪ Recently, the International Rhino Foundation
• The product was developed by RESOLVE, (IRF) released the State of the Rhino, 2023
an international non-profit organisation. report which documents current population
estimates and trends for the five surviving
Note
rhino species in Africa and Asia.
• Kanha-Pench corridor is India's first
dedicated corridor build for wild animals Key Findings
connecting two famous wildlife parks — • India is estimated to be home to 3,262
Kanha and Pench National Parks. rhinos.
GEOGRAPHY | 41
• The collaboration among India, Bhutan, rhinos and their habitats, address poaching,
and Nepal, along with strict government and mitigate the effects of climate change to
protection and management, has led to a ensure the survival of these iconic species.
20 per cent increase in their population

Note
over the past decade. ▪ Types of Rhinos found in the world
• Black rhino populations are increasing • White Rhino – Near Threatened
despite poaching pressure.
• Greater One-Horned Rhino (Indian
• South Africa is grappling with devastating Rhinoceros) - Vulnerable
poaching losses of its white rhinos,
• Black Rhino – Critically Endangered
particularly in certain reserves.
• Javan Rhino - Critically Endangered
• The status and whereabouts of 12 of the
approximately 76 remaining Javan rhinos • Sumatran Rhino - Critically Endangered
are unknown. ▪ Conservation of Indian Rhinoceros
• Sumatran rhinos are also increasingly • National Rhino Conservation Strategy –
difficult to find, raising uncertainty about 2019
their population in the wild. • Population - Beyond 3600 as of 2020.
• The report underscores the need for
continued efforts to protect and conserve
3.2 CURRENT TRENDS IN INDIAN ECONOMY

Indian Economy grows 7.8% ▪ GVA from public administration, defense,
▪ India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and and other services, as well as the employment
the Gross Value Added (GVA) grew at 7.8% intensive construction sector, rose 7.9% each.
in the first quarter of the financial year 2023-24 About GDP and GVA
(April-June period). • GDP and GVA are the two main ways
▪ Agriculture, forestry and fishing GVA grew to ascertain the country’s economic
3.5% performance.
▪ Financial, real estate and professional services • The GDP measures the monetary measure
GVA grew 12.2%. of all “final” goods and services produced
▪ GVA from trade, hotels, transport, in a country in a given period.
communications, and services related to • The GVA calculates the national income
broadcasting rose 9.2%. from the supply side.
www.vetriias.com 41
4. ECONOMICS
4.1 NEW ECONOMIC POLICY & GOVT. SECTOR
RBI decides to discontinue I-CRR of Benches of the GST tribunals - Lucknow,
▪ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided Varanasi, Ghaziabad, Agra, and Prayagraj.
to discontinue the Incremental Cash Reserve ▪ Tamil Nadu along with Puducherry will have
Ratio (I-CRR) in a phased manner. two Benches.
▪ The measure was intended to absorb surplus About GSTAT
liquidity generated by various factors, • The Central Goods and Service Tax Act,
including the return of 2000 notes to the 2017 (CGST Act) in Section 109 mandates
banking system. for the constitution of a GSTAT and its
The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) Benches.
• The minimum amount of the total deposits • One principal bench in New Delhi and as
which banks have to maintain as cash many benches or boards in states.
reserve with the Reserve Bank of India. • Composition - Two technical and two
• Banks cannot use this amount for lending judicial members.
or for any investment purposes. About GST:
Note • Launch - July 1, 2017.
• The RBI had announced last month that • GST had replaced the old Indirect tax
scheduled banks must maintain an I-CRR regime in India.
of 10% on the increase in their net demand. • It was introduced with the idea of “One
About RBI Nation- One Market- One Tax”.
• Governor - Shaktikanta Das • GST is an indirect, multi-stage,
• HQ - Mumbai consumption-based tax system.
• Established - 1 April 1935 • Subsumes several domestic indirect taxes
• Established with the provisions of Reserve like service tax, purchase tax, value-added
Bank of India Act, 1934. tax, excise duty, and others under one
head.
31 Benches of GST Appellate Tribunal • It does not include Petroleum, Liquor,
(GSTAT) notified and stamp duty.
▪ The Finance Ministry notified the constitution • The Three taxes application under the GST
of 31 Appellate Tribunals across 28 States are CGST (Central) SGST (State) and IGST
and eight Union Territories for the Goods (integrated)
and Services Tax (GST) to resolve a growing • Tax Slabs - 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%.
number of taxpayer disputes with the Revenue
Department.
▪ As of June 30, the number of pending appeals
from taxpayers over Central GST levies had
increased sharply to over 14,000.
▪ Uttar Pradesh will have the highest number
ECONOMICS | 43
4.2 CURRENT TRENDS IN INDIAN ECONOMY

Govt. limits wheat stocks to control price Decline in Wholesale Prices Continues

rise, hoarding for Fifth Consecutive Month
▪ Union government has decided to reduce the ▪ The Government unveiled the Wholesale Price
stock limits of wheat for traders, wholesalers, Index (WPI) data for the month of August,
retailers, big chain retailers and processors revealing a persistent trend of declining
in all States and Union Territories in order wholesale inflation.
to manage the overall food security and ▪ The wholesale inflation rate plummeted to
to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous -0.52 percent in August 2023, marking the fifth
speculation. consecutive month as it has been negative
▪ The Removal of Licensing Requirements, since April 2023.
Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on About WPI
Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, • It represents the price of a basket of
2023 was issued on 12 June 2023 and applicable wholesale goods.
until 31st March 2024 for all States and Union
• Published by - Office of Economic Adviser,
Territories.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
▪ Central Government has decided to revise the
• Base year – 2011-12
Wheat Stock limit from 3000 MT to 2000 MT
with respect to, • Commodities - Goods only
• Traders/Wholesaler- 2000 MT; ADB lowers India GDP growth outlook
• Big Chain Retailer- 10 MT for each outlet for this fiscal to 6.3%
and 2000 MT at all their depots ▪ The Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• For other categories, there is no change in forecasted India’s economic growth in the
stock limits. current fiscal year to be 6.3% from 6.4% which
• Department of Food and Public Distribution was estimated earlier.
– watch over the stock position of Wheat to ▪ It has stated the impact of declining exports
control prices and ensure easy availability and erratic rainfall patterns that could hit farm
in the country. output as the reasons.
About Wheat About Asian Development Bank
• Second most important food crop (Rabi • Formation - 9 December 1966.
season- October to March) • Headquarters - Mandaluyong, Philippines
• Temperature: Between 10-15°C (Sowing) • Membership - 68 countries

and 20-25°C (Ripening of grains) with • President - Masatsugu Asakawa
bright sunlight.
• Rainfall: Around 75-100 cm.
• Soil Type: Well-drained fertile loamy and
clayey loamy
• Top Wheat Producing States: Uttar
Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and
Madhya Pradesh.
www.vetriias.com 43
4.3 REPORTS AND INDICES

Report on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Key Highlights of the report
• Hypertension affects one in three adults

▪ Recently, a report on the status of invasive alien
species (IAS) was released at 10th plenary of the worldwide leading to stroke, heart attack,
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on heart failure, kidney damage and many
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). other health problems.
Highlights of the Report: • Approximately four out of every five
▪ Anthropogenic introduction of IAS: people with hypertension are not
adequately treated.
• 37,000 alien species have been introduced
by human activities to regions and biomes • The number of people living with
around the world. hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90
mmHg or higher or taking medication for
• Such species played a key role in 60%
hypertension) doubled between 1990 and
of global plant and animal extinctions
2019, from 650 million to 1.3 billion.
recorded.
• Hypertension is the most important risk
▪ Driver of biodiversity loss:
factor for death and disability in India
• IAS is one of the five major direct drivers of
• Less than one-fourth of hypertensive
biodiversity loss globally.
patients in India had their blood pressure
▪ Uninformed Choice: under control during 2016–2020.
• The IAS have been intentionally introduced • The 2019–2020 National Family Health
for their perceived benefits, without Survey (NFHS-5) reported a hypertension
consideration or knowledge of their prevalence of 24% in men and 21% among
negative impacts – in forestry, agriculture, women, an increase from 19% and 17%
horticulture, aquaculture, or as pets. respectively from the previous round
▪ Widespread IAS: (2015–16).
• The water hyacinth is the world’s most • Prevention, early detection and effective
widespread invasive alien species on land. management of hypertension are among
• Lantana, a flowering shrub, and the the most cost-effective interventions.
black rat are the second and third most Note
widespread globally. • India runs the India Hypertension Control
• The brown rat and the house mouse are Initiative programme (IHCI) which is
also widespread invasive alien species. a large-scale hypertension intervention
About IPBES under the National Health Mission

• It is an intergovernmental organization (NHM).
established to improve the interface About IHCI
between science and policy on issues of ▪ Launch - December 2021
biodiversity and ecosystem services. ▪ Aim - To accelerate progress towards the
• It is intended to serve a similar role to Government of India's Non Communicable
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Diseases target.
Change. • India has adopted the "25 by 25" goal,
• Formation – 2012 which aims to reduce premature mortality
due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
WHO releases first-ever report on
by 25% by 2025
global impact of high BP
About NHM
▪ World Health Organization (WHO) releases
▪ Launch – 2005
in its first-ever report on the global impact of
high blood pressure. ▪ Encompasses two Sub-Missions
44 www.vetriias.com
ECONOMICS | 45
• National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Pradesh and Punjab reported a higher
• National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). share of the elderly population than
▪ Objective - Achievement of universal access the national average in 2021. The gap is
expected to widen by 2036.

to equitable, affordable & quality health care
services that are accountable and responsive to India ranks 40th in Global Innovation
people's needs.
Index 2023
UNFPA report on ageing in India ▪ India retains 40th rank out of 132 economies
▪ The United Nations Population Fund in the Global Innovation Index 2023 rankings
(UNFPA), India, in its 2023 India Ageing published by the World Intellectual Property
Report states that by 2046, it is likely that the Organization.
elderly population will have surpassed the ▪ India has been on a rising trajectory, over the
population of children (aged up to 15) in India. past several years in the Global Innovation
Key Highlights
Index (GII), from a rank of 81 in 2015 to 40 in
• The decadal growth rate of the elderly 2023.
population of India is estimated to be 41% ▪ The NITI Aayog, in partnership with the
and its share of the total population is Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and
projected to double over 20% by 2050. the World Intellectual Property Organisation
• More than 40% of the elderly in India are (WIPO) virtually hosted the India Launch of
in the poorest wealth quintile, with about the GII 2023.
18.7% of them living without an income. ▪ For the 13th year in a row, Switzerland secured
• The population of people aged 80 and top spot in the ranking followed by Sweden,
above will grow at a rate of around 279% the United States, the United Kingdom and
between 2022 and 2050. Singapore.
• On an average women at the age of 60 About WIPO
and 80, had a higher life expectancy when • Formation - 14 July 1967
compared with men. • Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland
• Life expectancy of women at 60 is greater • Head - Daren Tang
than 20 years in States such as Rajasthan, About NITI Aayog
Haryana, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Kerala, • Formed - 1 January 2015
Himachal Pradesh and the Union
• Objectives - Foster involvement and
Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. It raises
participation in the economic policy-
concerns about their social and economic
making process by the State Governments
wellbeing.
of India
• The sex ratio (number of females per
• Headquarters - New Delhi
1,000 males) among the elderly has been
climbing steadily since 1991, while the • Chairperson - Narendra Modi
ratio in the general population has been About Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
stagnating. • President - R Dinesh
• Between 2011 and 2021, the ratio increased • Formation - 1895
in India as a whole and across all regions, • Director General - Chandrajit Banerjee
barring the Union Territories and western • Non-governmental trade association and
India. advocacy group.
• Most States in the southern region and
select northern States such as Himachal
www.vetriias.com 45
5. SCIENCE
5.1 SPACE
ISRO launch Aditya-L1 Pragyan completed its tasks
▪ Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) ▪ Chandrayaan3’s rover Pragyan had completed
launched AdityaL1 on September 2. its assignments and it had been safely parked
About Aditya-L1 and set into sleep mode.
▪ India’s first space-based observatory to study ▪ Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS)
the sun. and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope
▪ The spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit (LIBS) payloads are turned off. Data from
around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the sun these pay loads is transmitted to the Earth via
earth system, which is about 1.5 million km the Lander.
from the earth. ▪ The Chandrayaan¬3’s rover, Pragyan, has
▪ Project Director: Nigar Shaji (native of Tenkasi, traversed over 100 metres from the lander
Tamil Nadu) Vikram on the surface of the moon.
▪ 7 Payloads: The spacecraft carries seven About Chandrayaan – 3
payloads to observe the photosphere, • Launched by an LVM-3 rocket on July 14,
chromosphere and the outermost layers of the 2023 from Satish Dhawan Space Center
sun. They are (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
• Lander : Vikram
1. Visible Emission Line Coronagraph
(VELC) • Rover : Pragyan
2. Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope • 7 payloads
(SUIT) • Mission Life (Lander & Rover) – 1 Lunar
3. Solar Low Energy X ray Spectrometer Day (14 earth days)
(SoLEXS) • It consists of an indigenous Lander module
(LM), Propulsion module (PM) and a Rover
4. High Energy L1 Orbiting Xray

Spectrometer (HEL1OS) In second action by ISTRAC, Aditya-L1
5. Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment enters new orbit
(ASPEX) ▪ The second earthbound manoeuvre of the
6. Plasma Analyser Package For Aditya Aditya L1 mission to study the sun has
(PAPA) been performed successfully by the ISRO
7. Advanced Triaxial High Resolution Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network
Digital Magnetometers. (ISTRAC), Bengaluru.
Advantages of L1 point About ISTRAC
• Continuously viewing the sun without any • ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command
occultation/eclipses. Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru is entrusted
• Help in observing the solar activities and with the major responsibility to provide
its effect on space weather in real time. tracking support for all the satellite and
launch vehicle missions of ISRO.
SCIENCE | 47
• ISTRAC has established a network of About ISRO

ground stations at Bengaluru, Lucknow, • Founded – 15 August 1969
Mauritius, Sriharikota, Port Blair, • Headquarters – Bengaluru
Thiruvananthapuram, Brunei, Biak

• Founder: Vikram Sarabhai
(Indonesia).
• Chairperson – S. Somanath
LUPEX – ISRO’s next mission to Moon About Japan
▪ Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) • Capital – Tokyo
is planning its next lunar mission LUPEX, • Currency – Japanese yen (¥)
or Lunar Polar Exploration in collaboration
• Prime minister – Fumio Kishida
with Japanese space agency, Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency (JAXA).
▪ The mission is slated for 2024-25.
www.vetriias.com 47
6. NATIONAL –
DIARY OF EVENT
India’s First Indigenous 700 MW About Seaweeds Mission
Nuclear Reactor ▪ Launch - 2021
▪ India’s first indigenous 700 MW nuclear ▪ Objective - Commercial farming of seaweeds
power plant, Kakrapar Atomic Power Station and its processing for value addition towards
situated in Kakrapar, Gujarat has initiated boosting the national economy.
operations at its full capacity.
▪ Launched by - Technology Information,
Nuclear Reactors in India Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC)
1. Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS), • An autonomous organization set up in
Maharashtra 1988 under the Department of Science &
2. Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS), Technology.
Rajasthan
Utkela Airport inaugurated in Odisha
3. Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS),
▪ Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya
Tamil Nadu
Scindia inaugurated the Utkela Airport in
4. Kaiga Generating Station (KGS), Odisha.
Karnataka
▪ The airport was launched under the UDAN
5. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Station (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
(KKNPS), Tamil Nadu ▪ A direct flight was launched between Utkela
6. Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS), and Bhubaneshwar.
Uttar Pradesh
About UDAN Scheme
7. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS), ▪ Launch - 2016
Gujarat
▪ Launched by - Ministry of Civil Aviation
Note
▪ Objective - Regional airport development and
• NPCIL is responsible for design,
regional connectivity enhancement.
construction, commissioning and operation
of nuclear power reactors. ▪ Under the scheme, airlines have to cap airfares
for 50% of the total seats at Rs. 2,500 per hour
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India
of flight.
Limited (NPCIL) is a Public Sector
Enterprise under the administrative ▪ UDAN 5.0 - 2013
control of the Department of Atomic • This round of UDAN focuses on Category-2
Energy (DAE). (20-80 seats) and Category-3 (>80 seats).
First-ever multipurpose seaweed park Centre signs MoU with Adobe to train
▪ Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal children in classroom
Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala ▪ The Union Education Ministry signed an
laid the foundation stone for the first-ever agreement with global software major Adobe
multipurpose seaweed park of the country at to help children develop creative expression
Vazhamavur near Ramanathapuram. in classrooms using the application Adobe
▪ It aims to improve the livelihood of the Express.
fishermen.
NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENT | 49
▪ As per the agreement, Training and • An initiative of Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
certification in creativity and digital literacy and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)
will be provided to about 20 million students • Under the provisions of the Payment and
and five lakh teachers by 2027 using Adobe

Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
Express based curriculum.
▪ Adobe will provide schools across the country International Convention on Millets
with free access to Adobe Express Premium. ▪ A two-day international convention on
millets will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Note
on November 9 and 10.
• Union Education Minister - Dharmendra
Pradhan. About
• Capital – Bhubaneswar
India’s first UPI ATM • Chief minister - Naveen Patnaik
▪ Hitachi Payment Services, a subsidiary of • Governor - Ganeshi Lal
Hitachi Ltd, in Japan, announced the launch of
Hitachi Money Spot UPI ATM. IOC's Panipat ethanol plant to hit 100%
▪ The UPI ATM was launched in collaboration capacity utilisation soon
with the National Payments Corporation of ▪ Indian Oil Corporation's 900-crore 2G ethanol
India (NPCI). plant that was inaugurated by Prime Minister
▪ It has been unveiled as a White Label ATM Narendra Modi in August 2022, is set to reach
(WLA). 100% capacity utilisation in a few months from
▪ The UPI-ATM will also eliminate the risk of 30% now.
card skimming by fraudsters. ▪ The feed-stock for the bioethanol plant - rice
husk (parali) – was available for collection
Note
only for about 45 days and would need to be
• Card skimming is the theft of credit and
stored for the entire year.
debit card data and PIN numbers when
the user is at an automated teller machine ▪ The plant would need 1,50,000 tonnes of
(ATM) or point of sale (POS). feedstock every year.
Types of ATM
▪ Refiners including IOC are required to supply
• White Label ATM – ATMs set up, owned petrol that has 20% bioethanol by 2025.
and operated by non-banks. ▪ IOC's blend would reach 12.5%, which would
• Brown Label ATM – ATMs where the be raised to 15% next year and then, gradually,
machine is owned by a service provider, to 20% by 2025.
but the cash management and connectivity Note
are provided by a sponsor bank. • Part of the 2G ethanol would go to the

• Orange Label ATM – ATMs provided production of SAF (sustainable aviation
for share transactions. (by investors and fuels), which is also coming up near the
traders) Panipat refinery, under a joint venture
with Lanzajet.
• Yellow Label ATM – ATMs are set up for
the purpose of e-commerce. • The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction
Scheme of International Aviation
• Pink Label ATM – They are set up to
(CORSIA) have said aviation fuels would
provide safety and convenience to women
need to incorporate 2% SAF blends.
customers.
• Green Label ATM – ATMs are provided Govt. Initiatives
for agricultural transactions. • TN Ethanol Blending Policy 2023
• Ethanol blending Programme 2025
About NPCI
• Umbrella organisation for operating retail • To achieve 20% ethanol-blended petrol
payments and settlement systems in India. target by 2025
www.vetriias.com 49
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme • The vehicle is designed to operate for 12 to
• Launched in - January, 2003 16 hours at a stretch.
• Ministry - Petroleum and Natural Gas • Oxygen supply will be available for 96

Implementation of EBP programme hours.
• During 2001, pilot projects on Ethanol About NIOT
Blended Petrol started at 3 locations i.e. at • Director - Dr. Gidugu Ananda Ramadass
Miraj, Manmad (Maharashtra) and Aonla/ • Headquarters - Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh. • Formed – 1993
• The Government of India launched
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme Odisha’s Koraput Kalajeera Rice Gets
in January, 2003 for supply of 5% ethanol GI Tag
blended Petrol. ▪ Odisha’s ‘Koraput Kala Jeera Rice’, which is
also known as the ‘Prince of Rice’ was granted
First sea trial of Matsya 6000 in early
the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
2024
▪ The rice is known for its black colour, delightful
▪ The submersible called Matsya 6000, under aroma, excellent taste, and appealing texture.
project Samudrayaan is likely to undergo its
▪ The rice variety has been cultivated and
first sea trials in the Bay of Bengal off the
domesticated by the tribal communities of
Chennai coast in early 2024.
the Koraput district, Odisha for thousands of
▪ If Mission will successful, make India only years.
one among six countries (US, Russia, Japan,
France, and China) to have piloted a crewed About GI Tag
under-sea expedition beyond 5,000 metres. • It is applied to products that have a specific
geographical origin.
▪ Matsya 6000 will be looking for nickel, cobalt,
manganese, hydrothermal sulphides and gas • Geographical Indications of Goods
hydrates. (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
▪ It will investigate the chemosynthetic • First GI Tag - Darjeeling tea (in 2004–05)
biodiversity in hydrothermal vents and low • Head Office - Chennai.
temperature methane seeps in the ocean. About Odisha
About Samudrayaan Project: • Governor – Ganeshi Lal
• India’s first manned mission to explore • Chief Minister – Naveen Patnaik
the deep ocean. • Capital – Bhubaneswar
• Part of Deep Ocean Mission, which
• Major River – Mahanadi

supports the Central Government’s Blue
• Major Port - Paradip Port
Economy policy.
• Nodal Agency - The Ministry of Earth States were asked to bring all data
Sciences (MoES) under one platform
About Matsya 6000 ▪ The Union Ministry of Education Ministry
• Manned submersible vehicle developed has asked the States to open Vidya Samiksha
developed by National Institute of Ocean Kendras (VSKs) under National Digital
Technology (NIOT), Chennai. Education Architecture (NDEAR).
• It is a 2.1m diameter sphere to carry three ▪ The VSKs are data repositories that will have
people. data from all schemes run by the Ministry of
• Made up of 80mm-thick titanium alloy Education.
to withstand 600 bar pressure (600 times ▪ The platform will include data from
greater than the pressure at sea level) at i. PMPOSHAN midday meal programmes
6,000 metres depth.
50 www.vetriias.com
ii. Teacher training data from the NISHTHA • First broke out in Malaysia and Singapore
(National Initiative for School Heads’ in 1998 and 1999.
and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement) • The disease spreads through fruit bats or
portal

‘flying foxes’
iii. Textbook content from the DIKSHA • Found in bat urine and potentially, bat
(Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge faeces, saliva, and birthing fluids.
Sharing) • Symptoms - Fever, headache, drowsiness,
iv. School dropout and attendance related disorientation, mental confusion, coma
data on the Unified District Information and potentially death.
System for Education (UDISE+) • Prevention - Currently, there are no
v. Students’ learning outcomes from the vaccines for both humans and animals.
National Achievement Survey Intensive supportive care is given to
vi. Performance Grading Index humans infected by Nipah virus.
Note About Kerala
• PMPOSHAN Scheme - Provide one hot • Governor – Arif Mohammed Khan
cooked meal school children studying • Chief Minister – Pinarayi Vijayan
in Classes I-VIII in Government and • Capital – Thiruvananthapuram
Government-aided schools from 2021-22
• River – Periyar
to 2025-26 .
• NISHTHA portal - Flagship teacher • Major Port – Cochin Port
training program to enhance the knowledge Union Cabinet approves third phase of
and skills of teachers.
e-Courts project
• DIKSHA - Provides e-content for
▪ The Union Cabinet approved the third phase of
schools via an online portal and a mobile
the e-Courts project with a financial outlay of
application
`.7,210 crore to upgrade digital infrastructure
• UDISE+ - Database about all recognised
of the lower judiciary.
schools in India.
▪ A total of 3,108 crore documents will be
• National Achievement Survey - A national
digitised under the project
level survey conducted as Assessment
Administrator for Grade 3, 5, 8 and 10 SC joins National Judicial Data Grid
students of State Govt. schools, Govt.
▪ Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud
Aided schools, Private Unaided recognized
announced that the Supreme Court is joining
schools and Central Government schools.
the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG).
• Performance Grading Index - evaluates

▪ As a result, realtime data on the filing and
school education system at the State and
disposal of cases in the Supreme Court will
Union Territory (UT) level.
now be available for the common citizen to
Nipah breaks out again in Kerala access.
▪ Nipah breaks out again in Kerala as two About NJDG portal
deaths from the viral infection were being • It is a national repository of data relating
reported from Kozhikode district. to cases instituted, pending and disposed
About Nipah Virus of by all the courts across the country.
• It is a zoonotic virus (it is transmitted • It was implemented under the e-courts
from animals to humans). project.
• Virus family – Paramyxoviridae; genus About E-Courts Mission Mode Project
- Henipavirus and is closely related to • Pan-India Project monitored and funded
Hendra virus. by Department of Justice, Ministry of Law
and Justice.
www.vetriias.com 51
• Phase I – 2007. Indian Knowledge Systems developed 6

• Phase II – Approval by Chief Justice of indigenous indoor games
India (CJI) in 2014 and launched by the ▪ The Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)

Government in 2015. has developed 6 indoor games including
• e-Courts National portal (ecourts.gov.in) - SarpRajju that are rooted in indigenous
August 7, 2013. knowledge.
• eCommittee assist the CJI in formulating ▪ These games will be introduced in schools
a National policy on computerization from the next academic year (2023-24) under
of Indian Judiciary and advise on the Bhartiya Games programme
technological communication and About IKS
management related changes. • An innovation cell founded at the All India
India seeks Australia’s help in battle Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
in 2020.
against Nipah virus
• Developed under the Union Ministry of
▪ India is planning to import monoclonal
Education
antibodies (m102.4) from Australia to treat
Nipah virus infection in Kerala. • Objective - To promote interdisciplinary
research on aspects of indigenous
▪ The drug, m102.4, was initially developed
knowledge.
for treating Henipavirus, another bat borne
disease. About Bhartiya Games programme
▪ Early-stage trials have shown its potential in • Objective - To ensure the inclusivity of the
managing Nipah Viral cases, which has a high students living in the countryside where
mortality rate of 40-70%. sports infrastructure is poor.
• Under the programme 75 indigenous
About Nipah Virus
games were introduced in schools.
• Zoonotic virus (it is transmitted from
animals to humans). • Some popular ones are Langdi-Taang
(hopscotch), javelin throw, Patang
• Virus family – Paramyxoviridae; genus –
Uddayan (kite flying), Seeta Uddhar
Henipavirus.
(prisoner’s base), Mardani Khel (a form
• First broke out in Malaysia and Singapore of martial arts).
in 1998 and 1999.
• The disease spreads through fruit bats. Hoysala Temples now India’s 42nd
• Found in bat urine and potentially, bat UNESCO’s World Heritage site
faeces, saliva, and birthing fluids. ▪ The Hoysala temples at Belur, Halebid, and
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, drowsiness, Somanathapur in Karnataka were declared
disorientation, mental confusion, coma, by UNESCO (United Nations Educational,
and potentially death. Scientific and Cultural Organization) as India’s
42nd World Heritage site.
• Prevention: Currently, there are no
vaccines for both humans and animals. ▪ The three temples include,
• Chennakeshava temple, Belur, Hassan
About Australia
District
• Capital: Canberra
• Hoysaleshwara temple, Halebid, Hassan
• Prime Minister - Anthony Albanese
District.
• Currency - Australian Dollar.
• Keshava temple, Somanathapur, Mysuru
district.
▪ All three were officially nominated by the
Centre as India’s entry for 2022-23 in February
2022.
52 www.vetriias.com
▪ The monuments were officially inscribed as Key Recommendations

UNESCO World Heritage Sites during the ▪ Cost effective bracelets or anklet trackers can
45th session of the World Heritage Committee be worn by the prisoners who have procured
at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. bail and are out of prison on bail.

▪ The nominations were entered as ‘The Sacred • Bail is denied on three counts: The under
Ensembles of Hoysalas’. trial prisoner may influence or intimidate
Note the witness or will try to leave the country
• World Heritage Site - designated by or commit another crime.
UNESCO for having cultural, historical, ▪ Prisoners from overcrowded jails may be
scientific or other forms of significance. transferred to other jails with vacant cells in
the same State or other States.
About UNESCO
• Headquarters - Paris, France About Prisons and their administration
• Formation - 16 November 1945 ▪ It is a state subject covered by item 4 under
the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the
• Director-General - Audrey Azoulay
Constitution of India.
(France)
▪ Status:
Udaan Bhawan, pilot e-wallet facility in • According to the prison statistics published
Delhi by the National Crime Record Bureau for
▪ Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel 2021, there are 1,319 prisons in India, with
Jyotiraditya M.Scindia inaugurated the a total capacity of 4,25,609 prisoners.
‘Udaan Bhawan,’ an, pilot e-wallet facility and • The actual inmates are 5,54,034 which
Bharatkosh portal in New Delhi. shows that the occupancy capacity rate is
▪ Udaan Bhawan : It is an Integrated Office 130.2%.
Complex at Delhi’s Safdarjung Airport. It will ▪ Committees
facilitate better coordination between various • 1980 - All India Committee on Jail Reforms
regulatory authorities under Ministry of Civil Report (Mulla Committee) under Justice
Aviation (MoCA) A. N. Mulla
▪ e-wallet facility : It will be particularly useful • 1987 - Justice Krishna Iyer Committee to
for processing of fees for various regulatory conduct a study on women prisoners
approvals in the Bharatkosh portal and act as
• 2018 - Justice Amitava Roy (retd.)
a prepaid wallet that would enable registered
Committee for Prison Reforms.
users to add funds in advance.
▪ Bharatkosh portal: Portal would allow faster, Lok Sabha adjourned sine die, registers
quicker, more secure payment system. 160% productivity

About Ministry of Civil Aviation ▪ The Special Session of the Lok Sabha that
▪ Nodal ministry responsible for the formulation passed the landmark women’s reservation Bill
of national policies and programmes for the was adjourned sine die or indefinitely.
development and regulation of civil aviation. ▪ The session had four sittings that lasted for
▪ Ministers responsible about 31 hours and the House recorded a
• Jyotiraditya Scindia (Cabinet Minister) productivity of 160%.
• V. K. Singh (Minister of State) About Adjournment sine die
• It means terminating a sitting of Parliament
Panel suggests GPS trackers to reduce for an indefinite period, that is, when the
overcrowding in prisons House is adjourned without naming a day
▪ Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs for reassembly.
submits a report which suggest measures to • The power of adjournment sine die lies
reduce overcrowding in prisons. with the presiding officer of the House.
www.vetriias.com 53
National Medical Commission gets About Digital India BHASHINI

global recognition ▪ India’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) led language
▪ Recently, the National Medical Commission translation platform.

(NMC) of India has been awarded the coveted ▪ Part of the National Language Translation
World Federation for Medical Education Mission.
(WFME) Recognition Status for a tenure of 10 • The mission aims to ensure that as more
years. Indians connect to the internet, they are
▪ All of the existing 706 medical colleges in India able to access global content in their own
will become WFME accredited while new languages.
medical colleges, set up in the next 10 years, About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
will automatically become WFME accredited. (PM-KISAN)
▪ The move is expected to increase the • Launch - February 2019.
international recognition and reputation of • Objective – To transfer an amount of Rs
Indian medical schools and professionals. 6,000 per year, in three equal instalments,
About NMC directly into the bank accounts of all
• Formation - 25 September 2020 landholding farmers irrespective of the
• Regulatory body. size of their land holdings.
• Objective – To deliver quality medical • Implemented by - Ministry of Agriculture
education and training across the country. and Farmers Welfare.
• Chairperson - Dr.Suresh Chandra Sharma. • PM-KISAN Mobile App: Developed
and designed by the National Informatics
About WFME
Centre in collaboration with the Ministry
• Formation - 30 September 1972
of Electronics and Information Technology.
• Headquarters - Copenhagen
• Objective - To enhance the quality of International cricket stadium in
medical education worldwide, with the Varanasi
promotion of the highest scientific and ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the
ethical standards in medical education. foundation stone for first international
cricket stadium in Ganjari in Varanasi, Uttar
Government Unveils AI Chatbot for PM- Pradesh. (Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency).
Kisan Scheme ▪ The stadium, likely to be completed by
▪ The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ December 2025, will have floodlights
Welfare launched an AI chatbot for the PM- resembling a trishul (trident), and the
KISAN scheme. structure will resemble a damaru (small two

▪ AI chatbot was launched by Kailash headed drum).
Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture ▪ The stadium will seat 30,000 and will have
and Farmers’ Welfare. seven pitches.
About AI Chatbot Note
• Developed and improved with the support ▪ Narendra Modi Stadium - Largest cricket
of EkStep foundation and Bhashini. stadium in the world.
• Objective - Empower farmers with a user- ▪ The Eden Gardens Stadium - oldest and
friendly and accessible platform. second-largest cricket stadium in India and
• Languages - Currently available in third-largest in the world.
English, Hindi, Bengali, Odia and Tamil, ▪ 3rd stadium in Uttar Pradesh
and will soon be available in all 22 official
• Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium
languages.
54 www.vetriias.com
• Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket ▪ It is a language spoken by barely 1,600 people
Stadium in Lucknow living in parts of West Bengal bordering Bhutan
About Uttar Pradesh is to get a dictionary, thanks to the efforts of a
professor at the University of Calcutta.

• Capital - Lucknow
• Governor - Anandiben Patel IPACC, IPAMS and SELF-2023 organised
• Chief minister - Yogi Adityanath in New Delhi.
▪ A three day event, IPACC, IPAMS and SELF-
108-ft statue of Adi Shankaracharya in
2023 was organised by the Indian Army along
Omkareshwar with the US Army as the co-host in New Delhi.
▪ Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj
• Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference
Singh Chouhan unveiled the 108 feet tall
(IPACC)
statue of Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya,
• Indo-Pacific Armies Management
named 'Ekatmata Ki Pratima' (Statue of
Seminar (IPAMS)
Oneness) at Omkareshwar in Khandwa
• Senior Enlisted Leaders Form (SELF)-
district, Madhya Pradesh.
2023
▪ The design for the statue was conceptualised ▪ The event united army leaders from 30
by painter Vasudeo Kamath, who found countries.
inspiration in Raja Ravi Verma’s depiction of
About Indo-Pacific Region
Shankaracharya.
• The Indo-Pacific area encompasses the
▪ Adi Shankara, also called Adi Shankaracharya Pacific and Indian Oceans in Southeast
was an 8th-century Indian Vedic scholar and Asia.
teacher
• The Indo-Pacific area, formerly known
▪ He propounded Advaita Vedanta. It is a school as the Asia-Pacific region, was recently
of Hindu philosophy. renamed to exclude China.
Other statues
• Statue of Unity (Vallabhbhai Patel, 182m)
Electoral bonds to go on sale from
- Kevadia, Gujarat. (world's tallest statue) October 4
• Statue of Peace (Swami Ramanujacharya, ▪ The government announced the sale of the 28th
216 ft) - Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir tranche of electoral bonds from October 4 to
• Statue of Peace (Jain monk Acharya Shree 13 at all authorised branches of the State Bank
Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj, 151 of India.
inch) – Rajasthan. About Electoral Bond Scheme
• Launch - 2018 as an alternative to cash
• Statue of Equality (Swami

Ramanujacharya, 216 feet) - Muchintal, donations to political parties.
Hyderabad, Telangana. • Only bank authorised to issue and encash
• Statue of Equality (Dr.B.R. Ambedkar, the bonds - State Bank of India.
137.3 metres) – Mumbai, Maharashtra • Purchased anonymously by donors.
(third tallest statue in the world). • Validity - 15 days from the date of issue.
Dictionary to save Toto language from • Denominations of Bond - Rs 1,000, Rs
10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1
extinction crore.
▪ The trilingual dictionary titled Toto Shabda • Available for purchase for a period of ten
Sangraha, will be released in Kolkata on days each in the months of January, April,
October 7, 2023. The dictionary was written by July and October.
Padma Shri Awardee Mr.Toto. • Recently this provision has been amended
▪ Toto is a SinoTibetan language spoken by to conduct extra fortnight sale when states
the tribal Toto people and is written in the or Union territories have elections.
Bengali script.
www.vetriias.com 55
7. INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS
Ex-deputy PM Shanmugaratnam elected First asteroid samples lands on Earth
Singapore President ▪ Seven-year voyage comes to an end when a
▪ Tharman Shanmugaratnam, an Indian-origin NASA capsule landed in the Utah desert, with
former Singaporean deputy prime minister, the largest asteroid samples ever collected.
was elected president of Singapore. ▪ The samples were collected from Bennu
▪ This was the city-state's first contested vote for asteroid.
the largely ceremonial position in more than a ▪ Four years after its 2016 launch, the Osiris-
decade. Rex probe landed on the asteroid Bennu and
▪ He replaces incumbent Halimah Yacob who collected roughly nine ounces (250 grams) of
ran unopposed for her six-year term in 2017. dust from its rocky surface.
About Singapore About OSIRIS-Rex
• Capital – Singapore • Launch - 8 September 2016
• National language – Malay • First U.S. mission to collect a sample from
• Official languages - Malay, Chinese, Tamil an asteroid and return to Earth.
and English
• Currency - Singapore dollar
8. TAMILNADU
AFFAIRS
Consultant to study potential for Note
augmenting water storage, flood ▪ Top three procuring districts
control • Thanjavur - 9,73,805 tonnes
▪ The Water Resources Department has • Tiruvarur - 8,36,445 tonnes
appointed Royal Haskoning DHV, a • Mayiladuthurai - 3,00,629 tonnes
Netherlands based consultant, to study the
About Minimum Support Price
feasibility of projects to increase storage
• The MSP is the rate at which the government
potential in water bodies and to make
purchases crops from farmers.
Chennai water resilient.
• It is based on a calculation of at least one-
▪ The aim is to boost the availability of water
and-a-half times the cost of production
resources to meet the needs of Chennai.
incurred by the farmers.
Major Reservoirs for Chennai
• Poondi T.N.’s first honey bee park
• Cholavaram ▪ Tamil Nadu’s first honey bee park will be set
up in Athipattu, one of the tribal hamlets in
• Puzhal Jawadhu Hills in Tiruvannamalai.
• Kannankottai Thervoy Kandigai ▪ Spread over 14.8 hectares, the park will have
• Chembarambakkam at least 32 native tree species of the Jawadhu
• Veeranam Hills that are honey-generating varieties.
▪ Three types of honey bees, such as European
TN plans to achieve paddy procurement or Italian bees, Indian hive bees, and Dammer
target of 50 lakh tonnes for 2023-24 bees, were preferred at the new park as they
▪ Tamil Nadu has set a target of 50 lakh tonnes are less aggressive and contain harmless stings.
for 2023- 24 for the procurement process. ▪ Apart from honey production, the park will
▪ TN has already procured about 44.22 lakh also provide training for tribals on the latest
tonnes of paddy during 2022-23. methods in honey production

▪ As per the plan drawn up by the Tamil Nadu Note
Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) for the • Apiculture is the technical term for
current year, the grade ‘A’ variety of paddy beekeeping. It is the maintenance of
will account for 35 lakh tonnes and common bee colonies, commonly in man-made
variety for 15 lakh tonnes. beehives.
▪ After taking into account the minimum support • National Bee Board (NBB) – 2006
price (MSP) fixed by the Union government, • National Beekeeping & Honey Mission
the State government determined the MSP (NBHM) – for three years from 2020 -23
as `2,310 a quintal for grade ‘A’ and `2,265 a
quintal for common variety. Paraikulam cave temple declared a
▪ The two varieties carry the State government’s protected monument
incentive of `107 per quintal and `82 per ▪ The early Pandya era rock cut cave temple at
quintal respectively. Paraikulam in Virudhunagar district has been
declared a protected monument.
▪ The declaration would prevent rock mining in of Municipal Administration are ex-officio
a 300 metre radius of the monument. representatives of the government in the panel.
▪ The temple was an Ekathala Kudavarai temple Note
(a single cave temple).

• PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi
▪ It is one of the 10 early Pandya Kudavarai (PM SVANidhi) at national level.
temples (cave temples).
• Launched by Ministry of Housing & Urban
The other temples Affairs
• Pathinalamperi, Tirunelveli district
• It is a special Micro-credit facility for
• Mahipalanpatti, Sivaganga
street vendors.
• Kurathiyarai, Kanniyakumari
• Sivagiri, Pudupatti TN women to become assistant priests
• Anaiyur, Madurai in temples for the first time
• Sewilpatti,Moovaraivendran, Thiruthangal ▪ S. Krishnaveni, S. Ramya and N. Ranjitha
in Virudhunagar. were appointed as the assistant priests at
Vaishnavite temples in Tamil Nadu following
Burial urns unearthed Vembakottai the Pancharatra Agama.
▪ The state archaeology department’s ▪ They are the first three women to have
excavations in Vembakottai in Virudhunagar undergone training as Bhattars in Tamil
district are in the second phase. Nadu and studied at the Archakar Training
▪ Four burial urns, including two which were School run by the Sri Ranganathar Temple in
Srirangam.
intact, were found in a village four kilometres
from the excavation site in Vembakottai by Note
villagers of Sivasangupatti. These are about 2 • Pancharatra Agama is said to have been
thousand years old. handed down by Lord Sri Narayana to
five rishis over five nights.
Note
• Site director - Pon Baskar Evolution of Appointment of Archakas in
Tamil Nadu
• First time those burial urns were being
▪ 1925 - The Madras Hindu Religious
discovered near the excavation site.
Endowment Act by Justice Party
• In the first phase, excavation was done in ▪ 1970 – Motion for appointment of non-Brahmin
12 trenches in the archaeological mound priests in temples
that stretches over 25 acres along the left
▪ 1972 - Supreme Court declared it as ineffectual
bank of Vaippar River.

▪ Maharajan commission (1982)
Govt. reconstitutes T.N. Street Vending • Formed by the then CM
and Shops and Establishments Workers’ M.G.Ramachandran to identify reform
Welfare Board measures to be taken in temple practices.
▪ The Tamil Nadu government has reconstituted • It recommended that persons from all
the Tamil Nadu Street Vending and Shops castes be appointed as archakas after they
underwent proper training.
and Establishments Worker’s Welfare Board.
▪ 2006 – TN issued a new order again to enable
▪ The Minister for Labour Welfare and
the appointment of non-Brahmin priests.
Skill Development will be its ex-officio
▪ 2018 – First non-Brahmin priest of Tamil
chairperson.
Nadu T.Marichamy was appointed.
▪ Secretaries of the Labour Welfare and Skill
Development and Finance Departments,
Commissioner of Labour and Commissioner
58 www.vetriias.com
TAMILNADU AFFAIRS | 59
Guidelines issued for seasonal flu in TN • Platform for stakeholders to network and
▪ TN Directorate of Public Health and enable faster green hydrogen adoption and
Preventive Medicine (TNDPHPM) has issued transition.

guidelines for the prevention and control of About National Green Hydrogen Mission
the seasonal flu, and clinical management of ▪ Launch – January 4, 2023 (From FY 2023-24 to
patients. FY 2029-30)
▪ According to the guidelines, people suffering ▪ Objective - To make India a global hub
from flu like symptoms should be classed for production, usage and export of Green
under Categories A, B and C. Hydrogen and its derivatives.
▪ Only patients falling under Category C should ▪ Expected outcomes by 2030.
be tested for influenza. • To reduce ` 1 lakh crore worth of fossil fuel
About TNDPHPM
imports
• Responsible for the implementation • To reduce nearly 50 MMT per annum of
of various National and State Health CO2 emissions
Programmes. Note: India is aiming to become an energy-
• Objective - Prevention and control of independent nation by 2047.
waterborne diseases like Acute Diarrheal
State reported 4,048 dengue cases in
Diseases, Typhoid, Dysentry prevention
and control of sexually transmitted
the past eight and a half months
diseases including HIV / AIDS. ▪ According to data from the Directorate of
Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine
• Under Health and Family Welfare
Tamil Nadu has reported a total of 4,048 cases
Department (Minister - Ma. Subramanian).
of dengue in eight and a half months in 2023.
Note
Note
• Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory
• Dengue was known as the seven day fever
infection caused by influenza viruses
– the first three days were the acute viremic
• 4 types of influenza viruses - Types A, B, phase; and days four to six were the critical
C and D phase, followed by the recovery phase.
Tamil Nadu set to become green About Dengue (break-bone fever)
hydrogen research hub • Viral disease - Dengue virus (Genus
▪ IIT Madras has joined hands with Tamil Flavivirus)
Nadu Government and various partners, • Spreads through the bite of two mosquitoes
under the Hydrogen Valley Innovation — Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Cluster in Tamil Nadu (HVIC-TN). • There is no specific treatment for dengue.
▪ The initiative is expected to contribute
significantly towards the National Green Pandya-era Kurathiarai rock cut temple
Hydrogen Mission and help TN become a to be declared protected monument
research hub. ▪ The Tamil Nadu government made a proposal
to declare an early Pandya period rock cut
About HCIV-TN initiative
temple at Kurathiarai in Kanniyakumari
• Aim - To make HVIC- TN the hub of
district as a protected monument.
industrial R&D requirements to bring
green hydrogen at an economical price and ▪ The temple was one among the 10 early
scale Pandya period temples that would be declared
as protected monuments
• Comprises 30 companies working in the
hydrogen sector. About the temple
• The locals worship the deity as Avvayar
Amman, a poet of the Sangam age.
www.vetriias.com 59
• However Kavimani Desikavinayagam ▪ The policy consists of 50 ‘action points’

Pillai stated it was the image of Lord ▪ Smart Cards for Start STEPs (budding
Vishnu that was carved out of the rock. entrepreneurs) and start up: It will be issued

with support features
Start up and Innovation Policy 2023
• To register companies.
released
▪ According to the Tamil Nadu Start up and • To obtain recognition from the Department
Innovation Policy 2023, which was released for Promotion of Industry and Industrial
by Chief Minister M.K.Stalin, the Tamil Nadu Trade (DPIIT)
government will set up a `100crore ‘Co- • To apply for patents and trademark.
creation Fund’, a unique model for investing • To apply for statutory compliances,
in private sector venture capital (VC) funds. web presence, vital coaching services,
About Co-creation Fund technology up gradation, marketing,
▪ Managed by investors and coordinated by the financial services and other support
Tamil Nadu Start up and Innovation Mission services.
(Start-up TN) Steps to count endangered Nilgiri tahr
▪ It is inspired by the ‘Yozma’ (meaning ▪ Tamil Nadu is now working on a standardised
‘initiative’) model. protocol to count the endangered population
• ‘Yozma’ model is established by the Israeli of Nilgiri Tahr.
government in the 1990s to kick start ▪ The Tamil Nadu Forest Department will also
innovative industries by investing in new propose to its Kerala counterpart to conduct
venture capital funds. a synchronised census, as the animal is only
▪ The State government will contribute found in select habitats in the two States.
• 40% (with a ceiling of `10 crore) in ▪ The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is
regional, rural impact, women and climate proposing two censuses:
action focused funds. • In November - after the southwest
• 20% (with a ceiling of `5 crore) in other monsoon
thematic funds promoted by the private • In March or April - after the calving season.
sector.
▪ According to a 2015 study by WWF-India,
• 10 start-ups run by trans persons and around 3,100 Nilgiri Tahrs are found in the
persons with disabilities, that have failed to Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and Kerala,
raise funds from mainstream sources will ranging between the Nilgiris in the north and
be given a grant in aid of `5 lakh, besides the Kanniyakumari hills in the south.
special attention in the Tamil Nadu Start

up Seed Grant Fund (TANSEED). About Niligiri Tahr
▪ State animal of TN
About Tamil Nadu Start up and Innovation
▪ Niligiri Tahr Day - October 7 (In honour of
Policy 2023 E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for
▪ Policy is valid for a period of five years from pioneering one of the first studies of the species
the date of its notification, or till a new policy in 1975)
is formulated.
▪ It prefers montane grasslands, with steep
▪ Start-up TN - Nodal agency of Tamil Nadu and rocky terrains at an altitude between 300
responsible for promoting start up and metres and 2,600 metres above sea level.
innovation activities)
▪ Project Nilgiri Tahr
▪ Start-up TN will establish a Social Justice
• An initiative for the conservation of the
Venture Lab
Nilgiri Tahr
• It is a hybrid platform that assists SC/ST
• Implemented from 2022 to 2027.
founders in validating their solutions.
60 www.vetriias.com
‘Carnelian beads found at Keeladi ▪ According to data, 10,44,600 EVs were

▪ 9th phase of excavations in Keeladi has yielded registered with RTOs till September 20, 2023.
two carnelian beads, reaffirming Tamil ▪ According to the data shared by Guidance Tamil
country’s trade links with the western part of Nadu, Original Equipment Manufacturers

India such as Maharashtra and Gujarat. (OEMs) having a manufacturing facility in
▪ The beads were traced at a depth of 17.5 cm Tamil Nadu contributed more than 4,10,000
and 20 cm respectively. The bead is 1.4 cm long (0.41 million) units – over 40% out of the one
and 2 cm wide. million EVs sold in India.
▪ Top three OEMs are
▪ Carnelian stones are normally found in
• Ola Electric (1,75,608 units) – Krishnagiri
Gujarat and Maharashtra, and beads made of
• TVS Motor (1,12,949 units)– Krishnagiri
it proves the trade link between Tamil Nadu
• Ather Energy (77,764 units) - Krishnagiri
and the western part of India.
Note
About Keeladi
▪ TN regarded as the automobile capital of India.
• Location - 12 km southeast of Madurai in
Sivaganga district Tamil Nadu. ▪ TN Electric Vehicles Policy – 2023
• Excavations began in Keeladi in 2014. ▪ Six cities have been identified as potential
EV hubs – Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Tirunelveli,
• Sivanantham - Director of Keeladi
Madurai, Salem and Chennai.
Excavations (9th phase)
• Guidance Tamil Nadu - Investment
• 9th phase of excavations - April 6, 2023.
promotion agency of Tamil Nadu.
• Keeladi Museum - March 5, 2023
• Vahan - National vehicle registry.
Tamil Nadu's second inter-city Vande
5 women odhuvars appointed in
Bharat express
Temples
▪ Narendra Modi inaugurated the Tamil Nadu’s
▪ Tamil Nadu Hindu religious and charitable
second Tirunelveli - Madurai - Chennai
endowments (HR and CE) department
Vande Bharat Express.
appointed 15 odhuvars inlcuding 5 women
▪ The Chennai - Vijayawada Vande Bharat odhuvars' in the temples managed by the
express is the first train. department.
About Vande Bharat Trains ▪ M Dharani, P Charumathi, C Sivaranjani, M
• Also known as Train 18 is an Indian Gomathi and Bargavi were the five women
intercity semi-high-speed, intercity train ‘odhuvars' given appointment orders.
run by Indian Railways. ▪ All five women ‘odhuvars' were appointed in
• It is designed and manufactured by five different temples in Chennai.

Integral Coach Factory (ICF) at Perambur,
▪ With the appointment, the total number of
Chennai under the Indian Make in India
women ‘odhuvars' in HR and CE temples
initiative within a span of 18 months.
reaches 10.
• First service commenced on 15 February
2019 (between New Delhi and Varanasi) Note
• First locomotive-less train in the country. • Recently S. Krishnaveni, S. Ramya and N.
Ranjitha were appointed as the assistant
Over 40% of e-vehicles sold were made priests at Vaishnavite temples in Tamil
in T.N Nadu.
▪ According to data from the Ministry of Road
Transport and Highways’ Vahan dashboard,
TN unveils tourism policy
of the 10 lakh electronic vehicles (EVs) sold ▪ TN Chief Minister M.K. Stalin released the
in India in 2023 so far, over four lakh were Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy, 2023.
manufactured in T.N. ▪ The policy aims to attract investments of
`20,000 crore into the sector over the next five
www.vetriias.com 61
years. x. Tourism Facilitation Cell: It will be

▪ It would be valid for a period of five years created within the department to assist
from the date of its notification, or till a new Guidance Tamil Nadu in monitoring and
promoting tourism investment.

policy is announced.
Salient Features of the Policy xi. Amusement Park: Creation of large
format amusement park on the lines of
i. It envisions the enhancing and upgrading
global theme parks such as Disney and
of the existing tourism infrastructure and
Universal Studio.
implementing of new green field projects.
xii. Cruise Services: On various stretches
ii. Target: It sets targets for the next five
of the Chennai – Rameswaram –
years which include contributing at least
Kanniyakumari and Chennai – Port Blair
12% to the GSDP annually and employing
routes.
25 lakh people.
xiii. Gateway Hubs: Towns and cities with
iii. Private sector: Private sector investment
good infrastructure would be developed
would be supported in projects located in
as gateway hubs.
certain geographies designated as ‘focus
• 5% of funds from the Smart City funds
tourism destinations’ and certain corridors
would be made towards enhancing
classified as ‘focus tourism corridors’.
tourism infrastructure in gateway hubs.
iv. Single Window Portal: It provides for
a single window portal for necessary xiv. It envisages developing golf tourism,
clearances, concessions in electricity tariff sports tourism and Film tourism.
and other incentives for eligible tourism Note
projects. • Guidance Tamil Nadu - Nodal agency
instrumental in bringing investments into
v. Tariff Rebate: New hotel projects in focus
Tamil Nadu.
tourism destinations will be eligible for
electricity tariff rebate (i.e. the difference Organ donor's funeral conducted with
between commercial tariff and industrial state honours
tariff) for a maximum period of three
▪ The Tamil Nadu government conducted an
years.
organ donor's funeral with state honours
vi. Capital Subsidy: Provides for a capital in Chinnamanur Theni district for the
subsidy of up to `1.5 crore. government employee, Vadivelu, whose
vii. Other Benefits: Provides for interest organs were donated to other patients after he
subvention, payroll incentive, quality was declared brain dead by doctors.
certification incentive and sustainability ▪ Vadivel is the first person to be accorded State
initiatives incentive. honours for Organ donation.
viii. Other Features: A feedback based Note
rating system, activity operator • Tamil Nadu is a leading state in India in
licence, registration, accreditation and organ donation. (for six consecutive years
categorisation of tourism enterprises. from 2015 - 2020).
ix. Categorisation of Tourism Projects: • Tamil Nadu received the award for the
• Category ‘A’ (investment in eligible capital best State Organ and Tissue Transplant
assets of up to `50 crore) Organisation (SOTTO) from the
• Category ‘B’ (investment in eligible capital National Organ and Tissue Transplant
assets of up to `200 crore) Organisation (NOTTO).
• Category ‘C’ (investment in eligible capital • Regulated by - Transplantation of Human
assets of more than `200 crore). Organs Act, 1994.
62 www.vetriias.com
• Organisation responsible - TRANSTAN About Tamil Nadu Registration Department

(Transplant Authority of TN). • Formation – 1864.
• Organ Donation Day - September 23 • Head – Inspector General of Registration
(IGR).

(to commemorate the tragic death of AP
Hitendran in 2008).
• National Organ Donation Day – August
3 (In 2023 the day has been shifted from
November 27 to 3rd August).
Tamil Nadu reconstitutes biodiversity

board
▪ The State government recently reconstituted
the Tamil Nadu State Biodiversity Board,
and included three special invitees from the
Industries Department, the Animal Husbandry,
Dairying and Fisheries Department and the
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.
Composition
▪ The Minister for Forests will be the chairperson
of the board.
▪ Ex-officio members of the panel
• Secretaries of the Environment, Climate
Change and Forests, Rural Development
and Panchayat Raj and Agriculture and
Farmers’ Welfare Departments.
• Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
and Chief Wildlife Warden.
▪ Special invitees to the board
• Secretaries of the Industries, Investment
Promotion & Commerce Department
and the Animal Husbandry, Dairying
and Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare
Department.
• The Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu

Pollution Control Board.
Property photos mandatory for land

registrations
▪ The Tamil Nadu Registration Department has
made it mandatory to include photographs of
properties with geographic coordinates as part
of the registered document to curb fraudulent
transactions resulting in revenue loss to the
State government.
▪ It will help in ascertaining the exact location
of the property in transaction and prevent
registration of plots with buildings being
shown as vacant land.
www.vetriias.com 63

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VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE

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Date Day Theme / Remark

▪ Top three coconut producing states

Date Day Theme / Remark

Vetrii IAS Study Circle

About Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

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▪ The day has been observed since 1967 to promote

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▪ Theme 2023 - “First Aid in the Digital World."

victims trapped inside the mangled and

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the developing world, known as the Global South.

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• 1915 - Knighthood while serving as the Diwan

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encourage people to save them.

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▪ The day is observed every year to raise the

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Indian Sign Language Research and Training

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▪ World Environment Day – June 5

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Date Day Theme / Remark

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▪ International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and

been slowly on the rise since 2014.

▪ International Translation Day (ITD) is celebrated

Poila Baisakh is West Bengal Note

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About Goa were written on palm leaves under the

1.3 DEFENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY AND TERRORISM

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Chaudhari and Indian Ambassador to Spain

• It stands for Supporting Pole-Vaulting land in short and unpaved runways.

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1.4 WORLD ORGANISATIONS – PACTS AND SUMMITS

• It is a coalition of 25 national human Key highlights of Delhi Declaration

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Vetrii IAS Study Circle

▪ India will continue to hold the position until

▪ India committed to meet 50% of its electric bilateral meetings.

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1.5 EMINENT PERSONS

▪ She was the project director of RISAT-1, India's

• International Mahalanobis Prize of the Conjeevaram Natarajan Annadurai (15

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▪ He died on 15 November 1982 after refusing

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• Raj • 1926 - Founded Naujawan Bharat Sabha.

MS Swaminathan: Father of Green Awards and Honour

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1.6 SPORTS AND GAMES

4. High Energy L1 Orbiting Xray