January Important News Bites - AzuCATion

January Important News Bites - AzuCATion
8. ISRO's Successful Launch of Earth Observation Satellite EOS-03

....................................................................................................... 7
Overview: ................................................................................... 7
Satellite Features: ...................................................................... 7
Significance: ............................................................................... 7
9. India's COVID-19 Vaccination Milestone: 1 Billion Doses
Administered ................................................................................. 7
Overview: ................................................................................... 7
Achievements: ........................................................................... 7
Challenges:................................................................................. 7
JAN – Bites Conetent 10. Indian Economy's Resilience: IMF Raises Growth Forecast for
1. Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh Assumes Helm as Chief of 2024 ............................................................................................... 7
Material in the Indian Navy ...........................................................6 Overview: ................................................................................... 7
Overview: ...................................................................................6 Revised Forecast: ....................................................................... 7
Background Points: ....................................................................6 Positive Indicators: .................................................................... 7
Contributions: ............................................................................6 11. Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fibre
Accolades: ..................................................................................6 Connection..................................................................................... 8
2. Sagar Parikrama: 10th Edition Takes Coast-to-Coast Approach 6 Overview: ................................................................................... 8
Focus Areas: ...............................................................................6 Transformative Impact: ............................................................. 8
Key Highlights:............................................................................6 Implementation: ........................................................................ 8
Takeaways: .................................................................................6 12. The Emerging Threat of 'Cyber Kidnapping' ............................ 8
3. NEDFi Catalyzes Northeast Development with Over ₹750 What is Cyber Kidnapping?........................................................ 8
Crores for 5,300 Projects ...............................................................6 Global Evidence: ........................................................................ 8
Overall Role: ...............................................................................6 Recommendations:.................................................................... 8
Initiatives:...................................................................................6 13. CCRAS and NCISM Launch 'SMART 2.0' to Mainstream
Women Empowerment: ............................................................6 Ayurveda Research ........................................................................ 8
4. Ashtlaxmi Haat: NEHHDC Establishes Marketplace for About SMART 2.0:...................................................................... 8
Northeast Arts and Crafts ..............................................................6 Areas of Focus:........................................................................... 8
Introduction: ..............................................................................6 Wider Participation:................................................................... 8
Features: ....................................................................................6 14. Pakistan: Proposed Acquisition of J-31 Chinese Stealth
Livelihood Preservation: ............................................................6 Fighters .......................................................................................... 8
5. 16th Finance Commission Formed Under Economist Arvind Overview: ................................................................................... 8
Panagariya ......................................................................................6 Details of J-31: ........................................................................... 8
Overview: ...................................................................................6 Regional Impact: ........................................................................ 8
Areas of Focus: ...........................................................................6 15. Green Cover Index for National Highways .............................. 8
Significance: ...............................................................................7 Background: ............................................................................... 8
6. India's Green Revolution 2.0: PM Modi Launches 'Harit Kranti' NRSC's Role: ............................................................................... 8
Initiative .........................................................................................7
Expected Outcomes: .................................................................. 8
Overview: ...................................................................................7
16. Study Spotlights India’s Alarming Cancer Burden ................... 8
Key Objectives:...........................................................................7
Key Figures (Asia):...................................................................... 8
Significance: ...............................................................................7
India Status: ............................................................................... 9
7. Indian Railways Introduces 'Utkrisht Rake' for Enhanced
Highest Burden Sites:................................................................. 9
Passenger Comfort .........................................................................7
Key Risk Factors: ........................................................................ 9
Overview: ...................................................................................7
Recommendations for India: ..................................................... 9
Key Features:..............................................................................7
17. Tur Dal Procurement Portal ..................................................... 9
Benefits: .....................................................................................7
Overview: ................................................................................... 9
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Addressing Price Uncertainty: ...................................................9 Impact on Automakers and Consumers: ................................. 11
Streamlining Procurement: ........................................................9 29. India and Mauritius to Jointly Build and Launch Small Satellite
Advancing Food Security:...........................................................9 ..................................................................................................... 11
18. Opposition Seek ECI Appointment for VVPAT Discussion .......9 Collaboration Details: .............................................................. 11
What is VVPAT?..........................................................................9 Benefits: ................................................................................... 11
Current Audit Practice: ..............................................................9 Background: ............................................................................. 11
Potential Solutions: ....................................................................9 30. First 2024 Cyclone Hits Madagascar ...................................... 11
19. Tamil Nadu’s Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy Cyclone Impact: ....................................................................... 11
........................................................................................................9 Recent Cyclones:...................................................................... 11
Semiconductors Overview: ........................................................9 Need for Early Warning: .......................................................... 11
Key Properties and Applications: ...............................................9 31. PRITHVI Scheme to Advance India’s Earth System Sciences . 11
Builds on Established Prowess: ..................................................9 Scheme Overview: ................................................................... 11
Holistic Vision: ............................................................................9 Objectives: ............................................................................... 11
20. Government Regulation of Short Selling .................................9 Focus Areas: ............................................................................. 11
Case Context: .............................................................................9 32. Uttar Purvi Mahotsav 2024 ................................................... 12
What is Short Selling? ................................................................9 Festival Overview:.................................................................... 12
Key Arguments: ..........................................................................9 Key Details: .............................................................................. 12
Assurances to Supreme Court: ................................................10 Economic Growth: ................................................................... 12
Analysis: ...................................................................................10 33. Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Paying Guest’ Scheme to Promote Tourism
21. ERNET India Launches New Web Portal for Education in Ayodhya ................................................................................... 12
Institutes ......................................................................................10 Scheme Overview: ................................................................... 12
Key Information: ......................................................................10 Significance: ............................................................................. 12
About ERNET India: ..................................................................10 Key Details: .............................................................................. 12
22. Similipal Kai Chutney Gets Geographical Indication Tag .......10 34. Uganda to Host 19th NAM Summit ....................................... 12
Key Points:................................................................................10 NAM Overview: ....................................................................... 12
23. NSIL Picks SpaceX to Launch ISRO Satellite GSAT-20.............10 Key Discussion Topics: ............................................................. 12
Key Details About GSAT-20: .....................................................10 India's Goals: ............................................................................ 12
About SpaceX’s Falcon 9: .........................................................10 Outreach to Africa: .................................................................. 12
Why SpaceX: ............................................................................10 35. Microsoft Launches AI Odyssey Program to Upskill 100,000
24. Three Indian Cities Nominated for Wetland City Tag ............10 Indian Developers ........................................................................ 12
Key Points:................................................................................10 Program Overview: .................................................................. 12
25. Justice B.R. Gavai Nominated as SC Legal Services Committee Learning Tracks: ....................................................................... 12
Chairman ......................................................................................10 Empowering Careers: .............................................................. 12
About SCLSC: ............................................................................10 36. Gabriel Attal: France’s New Prime Minister .......................... 12
About Legal Services Authorities Act 1987: .............................10 Political Background: ............................................................... 12
26. Law Commission Looks into Synchronization of Local and Context: ................................................................................... 12
National Elections ........................................................................11 Rapid Rise to Power: ................................................................ 13
Key Points:................................................................................11 Challenges and Impact: ........................................................... 13
27. ECI Introduces Stricter Norms for Symbol Allotment to 37. India-Maldives Ties Fray Over Minister’s Remarks Against PM
Unrecognized Parties (RUPPs) .....................................................11 Modi............................................................................................. 13
About RUPPs: ...........................................................................11 Diplomatic Fallout:................................................................... 13
Key Changes: ............................................................................11 PM Modi’s Tourism Push: ........................................................ 13
28. India Implements New Emission Test Rules for Vehicles Under Attempts to Defuse Backlash: ................................................. 13
BS VI Norms..................................................................................11
Lakshadweep’s Rising Tourism: ............................................... 13
BS VI Norms Overview: ............................................................11
38. India Unveils New Indigenous Assault Rifle ‘Ugram’ for Armed
Key Aspects of New Test Regulations: .....................................11 Forces........................................................................................... 13

New Assault Rifle 'Ugram': .......................................................13 Specific Health Indicators Affected: ........................................ 17
Key Features and Specifications: .............................................13 Areas for Renewed International Cooperation: ...................... 17
Ongoing Development and Production: ..................................13 48. Global Hydrogen Price Index - Collaboration in GIFT City ..... 17
Strategic Significance: ..............................................................13 Collaboration for Global Hydrogen Trading Platform: ............ 17
39. “World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024” Objectives of Global Hydrogen Price Index: ............................ 17
Report ..........................................................................................13 About GIFT IFSC: ...................................................................... 17
ILO's Annual Report Highlights: ...............................................13 49. Oxfam’s Inequality Inc Report - Global Wealth Disparities ... 17
Macroeconomic Environment: ................................................13 Key Findings: ............................................................................ 17
Labor Market Recovery and Risks:...........................................13 Corporate Power and Gender Wealth Gap: ............................ 18
Long-Term Policy Priorities: .....................................................14 Policy Solutions Proposed: ...................................................... 18
40. Global Risks Report 2024 by World Economic Forum ...........14 50. Poverty and Inflammation Heighten Mortality Risks -
Key Highlights:..........................................................................14 Synergistic Impact........................................................................ 18
Mitigating AI-Enabled Misinformation: ...................................14 Synergistic Impact on Mortality: ............................................. 18
Cost-of-Living Crisis and Political Instability: ...........................14 15-Year Mortality Data Analysis: ............................................. 18
Long-Term Environmental Threats: .........................................14 Calls for Routine Inflammation Screenings: ............................ 18
Davos Dialogue Expectations: ..................................................14 Context on Poverty and Inflammation: ................................... 18
41. South Africa’s Genocide Allegations Against Israel at ICJ ......14 51. National Startup Awards 2023 - Recognizing Innovation in
ICJ Hearing on Genocide Allegations: ......................................14 India ............................................................................................. 18
South Africa’s Allegations: .......................................................14 Winners and Categories: ......................................................... 18
Provisional Measures Sought:..................................................14 Spread of Innovation and Emerging Trends: ........................... 18
ICJ’s Decision and Implications: ...............................................15 Key Stats and Trends: .............................................................. 18
Past Cases and International Implications: ..............................15 52. Revival of Moh-Juj (Buffalo) Fights in Assam ........................ 19
42. Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 .........................................15 Revival of Traditional Buffalo Fights: ....................................... 19
Cleanest Cities in India: ............................................................15 Animal Welfare Focus and SOPs:............................................. 19
Ranking Methodology: .............................................................15 Ahatguri's Historical Significance: ........................................... 19
Indore's Consistent Performance: ...........................................15 53. eSakshi App Launch for MPLADS Fund Tracking ................... 19
Statewise and Category Winners: ............................................15 Introduction of eSakshi App: ................................................... 19
Indore’s Focus Areas: ...............................................................15 Revamping MPLADS Management:......................................... 19
Sustaining Momentum and Lessons: .......................................15 Pending MPLADS Works and Challenges: ............................... 19
43. Drought Declaration in Jharkhand .........................................15 Calls for Increased MPLADS Funds: ......................................... 19
Situation Overview:..................................................................15 SAKSHI Portal and eSakshi App Benefits: ................................ 20
State’s Initiatives and Seeking Aid: ..........................................15 54. 2023 ASER Survey - Empowering Rural Youth ....................... 20
Global Context and Future Challenges: ...................................16 Focus on 14-to-18-Year-Olds: .................................................. 20
44. 2023 Global Water Monitor Report .......................................16 Four Measurement Areas: ....................................................... 20
Report Highlights: ....................................................................16 Key Findings: ............................................................................ 20
Outlook for 2024: .....................................................................16 School and Education Insights: ................................................ 20
45. Supreme Court Questions Govt on GM Crops .......................16 55. 2024 Global Firepower Rankings - India's Military Strength . 20
Recent Developments: .............................................................16 Overview: ................................................................................. 20
GM Mustard Hybrid DMH-11: .................................................16 India's Military Capabilities: .................................................... 20
46. NITI Aayog’s Discussion Paper ‘Multidimensional Poverty in 56. Draft Indian Stamp Bill, 2023 - Modernizing Fiscal Legislation
India since 2005-06’ .....................................................................16 ..................................................................................................... 21
Key Findings and Analysis: .......................................................16 Need for Legislative Update: ................................................... 21
Criticisms and Challenges: .......................................................16 Role of Stamp Act: ................................................................... 21
47. Global Cooperation Barometer 2024 - Health and Wellness Proposed Changes and Benefits: ............................................. 21
Focus ............................................................................................17 57. ASCI Guidelines for Green Claims in Advertisements ........... 21
Trends in Global Health Cooperation: .....................................17 Introduction: ............................................................................ 21
Key Guidelines:.........................................................................21 Amendments and Objectives: ................................................. 25
Rising Consumer Activism: .......................................................21 Attracting Investment and Bolstering Transparency: ............. 25
Government Emphasis: ............................................................21 Implementation Focus: ............................................................ 25
58. China's Population Decline in 2023 - Economic Impacts .......22 65. BCCI Awards 2024 .................................................................. 26
Overview: .................................................................................22 Overview: ................................................................................. 26
Factors Contributing to Decline: ..............................................22 Award Categories and Awardees: ........................................... 26
Aging Crisis Challenge: .............................................................22 Historical Significance: ............................................................. 26
International Comparisons: .....................................................22 Focus on Domestic Circuit and Youth:..................................... 26
Global Implications: .................................................................22 Tribute to Lifetime Achievers: ................................................. 26
Economic Disincentives for Childbearing: ...............................22 66. Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur ......................................... 26
59. WHO Guidance on Healthcare AI Ethics ................................22 Background: ............................................................................. 26
Overview: .................................................................................22 Profile of Karpoori Thakur: ...................................................... 26
Key Areas of LMM Application in Healthcare: .........................22 Recognition and Symbolism: ................................................... 26
Core Ethical Principles:.............................................................23 67. NATO Inks Mega Ammunition Deal for Ukraine.................... 26
Global Risks: .............................................................................23 Ammunition Procurement Details:.......................................... 26
EU's AI Governance: .................................................................23 Purpose and Distribution: ........................................................ 26
Cyber Threats and Quantum Computing: ................................23 Delivery Timeline: .................................................................... 27
60. Nagara Style in Ayodhya’s Ram Temple Design ....................23 Context and Background: ........................................................ 27
Introduction: ............................................................................23 Future Considerations: ............................................................ 27
Key Features of Nagara Temples: ............................................23 68. High Risk Zones Identified in Joshimath ................................ 27
Deity Images and Cultural Legacy: ...........................................23 Risk Zones Identification:......................................................... 27
61. Ayodhya’s Ties to Korean Queen Heo ...................................23 Land Subsidence and Safety Concerns: ................................... 27
Historical Connection: ..............................................................23 CBRI's Proposed Options: ........................................................ 27
Queen Heo’s Legend: ...............................................................23 Resident Concerns and Reactions: .......................................... 27
Cultural Exchanges and Economic Ties: ...................................24 Ongoing Discussions and Safety Focus: ................................... 27
Geopolitical Significance: .........................................................24 69. People’s Democratic Party Wins Bhutan Elections ............... 27
Economic Impacts: ...................................................................24 Election Results:....................................................................... 27
Global Prominence: .................................................................24 Electoral System and Turnout: ................................................ 27
62. Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana ........................................24 Party Campaign Focus and Key Concerns:............................... 27
Overview: .................................................................................24 Policy Priorities and India-Bhutan Ties: ................................... 28
Objectives: ...............................................................................24 70. Odisha’s Black Tiger Safari ..................................................... 28
Benefits: ...................................................................................24 Introduction: ............................................................................ 28
Current Solar Expansion Status:...............................................24 Black Tigers: ............................................................................. 28
Challenges: ...............................................................................24 Safari Plan and Location: ......................................................... 28
63. India Surpasses Hong Kong As World’s Fourth Biggest Stock Approvals and Launch: ............................................................ 28
Market..........................................................................................25 Concerns and Perspectives: ..................................................... 28
Market Capitalization Milestone: ............................................25 71. 2024 Padma Awards .............................................................. 28
Driving Forces: .........................................................................25 Overview: ................................................................................. 28
Contrasting with China/Hong Kong: ........................................25 Awardees and Categories: ....................................................... 28
Ongoing Momentum: ..............................................................25 Notable Awardees: .................................................................. 28
Global Capital Redirection: ......................................................25 Diversity in Awardees: ............................................................. 28
Key Risks: ..................................................................................25 Controversies: .......................................................................... 29
Looking Ahead: ........................................................................25 72. All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022 ..... 29
64. Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2024 ..........................25 Introduction: ............................................................................ 29
Overview: .................................................................................25 Enrolment Trends: ................................................................... 29
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): ..................................................29
Ph.D Enrolment: .......................................................................29
Program-wise Enrolment: ........................................................29
STEM Education: ......................................................................29
Infrastructure and Institutions:................................................29
Faculty Details: .........................................................................29
73. UGC’s Draft De-Reservation Guidelines.................................29
Controversial Draft Guidelines: ...............................................29
Ministry’s Clarification: ............................................................29
Lack of Clarity: ..........................................................................29
Social Justice Concerns: ...........................................................30
Overlooking Meritorious Reserved Students: .........................30
Inadequate Efforts Criticized: ..................................................30
Legal and Constitutional Concerns: .........................................30
74. Nitish Kumar Back as Bihar CM for Record 9th Term ............30
Political Turn of Events: ...........................................................30
Justifications and Reactions: ....................................................30
Political Journey of Nitish Kumar: ............................................30
Political Dynamism and Controversies: ...................................30
75. Finance Ministry Highlights Key Economic Challenges ..........30
Overview: .................................................................................30
1. Global Spillovers and Hyper-Globalization: .........................30
2. AI Impact on Services Sector:...............................................30
3. Balancing Energy Security and Sustainability: .....................30
4. Availability of Skilled Workforce: .........................................31
Positive Growth Trajectory: .....................................................31
76. Sheen-e She’ (Shan): The Mascot of 2024 Khelo India Winter
Games ..........................................................................................31
About the Mascot: ...................................................................31
Hosting of Khelo India Winter Games: ....................................31
Significance of Mascot: ............................................................31
Broader Goals: .........................................................................31
Future Prospects: .....................................................................31

1. Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh Assumes Helm 3. NEDFi Catalyzes Northeast Development with
as Chief of Material in the Indian Navy Over ₹750 Crores for 5,300 Projects
Overview: Overall Role:
On January 1st, Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh stepped into the role North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) provided
of Chief of Material for the Indian Navy, succeeding Vice Admiral funding of ₹766 crores to around 5,338 enterprises across sectors in
Sandeep Naithani, who retired after 39 years of commendable northeast India between January-November 2023.
service.
Initiatives:
Background Points:
• ₹547 crores disbursed at concessional interest rates to
• Graduated as an Engineer Officer from Mumbai’s VJTI micro and small businesses.
University in 1986. • ₹41 crores credit extended via microfinance institutions.
• Holds a Master’s in Engineering and is an alumnus of the • ₹53 crores direct micro lending benefiting over 9 lakh
Defence Services Staff College. individuals.
• ₹98 crores venture capital commitments to 67 startups.
Contributions:
Women Empowerment:
• Oversaw critical milestones as the Controller of Warship
Production and Acquisition. • Over 90% microfinance beneficiaries are women.
• Instrumental in the commissioning of India’s first indigenous • Collaboration with Ministry of Development of North
aircraft carrier and the launch of the light combat aircraft Eastern Region for a ₹100 crore North East Venture Fund.
from it.
• Played a key role in the construction and induction of
frontline battleships and submarines. 4. Ashtlaxmi Haat: NEHHDC Establishes
Marketplace for Northeast Arts and Crafts
Accolades:
Introduction:
• Decorated with the Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht
The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development
Seva Medal for outstanding leadership. Corporation (NEHHDC) is setting up Ashtlaxmi Haat, a dedicated
marketplace in Guwahati to boost incomes for regional artisans.
2. Sagar Parikrama: 10th Edition Takes Coast-to- Features:

Coast Approach
Focus Areas: • ₹7.6 crore project showcasing handicraft diversity from
Northeast India’s eight states.
India’s Fisheries Minister Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the 10th • 24 permanent handicraft stalls and accommodation center
edition of Sagar Parikrama, a 15-day coastal yatra aimed at for visiting artists.
spreading awareness about government welfare schemes among • Showcasing rich traditions, bridging artisans to
fishermen. contemporary consumers.
Key Highlights: Livelihood Preservation:
• Emphasis on familiarizing beneficiaries with existing • Aims to modernize business avenues benefiting small
initiatives. producers in the NER handicrafts sector.
• Distribution of assets under fisheries development schemes.
• Facilitation of credit access through fisher Kisan Credit
Cards. 5. 16th Finance Commission Formed Under
• Addressing grievances and ground realities. Economist Arvind Panagariya
• Exploration of sustainable fishing opportunities.
Overview:
Takeaways:
The Indian government has formed the 16th Finance Commission to
review fiscal distribution between the Union and States for 5 years
• Government's hands-on approach to empower the fishing from 2026. Dr Arvind Panagariya, former NITI Aayog Vice
community. Chairman, will helm the panel.
• Promotion of participatory last-mile delivery across the
fisheries value chain. Areas of Focus:
•
Tax devolution framework.
•
Grants-in-aid disbursal norms.
•
Enhancing funds to rural and urban local bodies.
• Reviewing 2005 Disaster Management Act financing. 8. ISRO's Successful Launch of Earth Observation
Satellite EOS-03
Significance: Overview:
• Shapes vital financial contours for economic growth across • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a
India’s federal structure. successful launch of the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-03
• An eminent economist at the helm underscores the priority on January 24.
on cooperative fiscal federalism.
Satellite Features:
• High-resolution imaging capabilities.

• Advanced technology for monitoring and surveillance.
• Supports applications in agriculture, forestry, and disaster
6. India's Green Revolution 2.0: PM Modi management.
Launches 'Harit Kranti' Initiative
Overview: Significance:
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the 'Harit Kranti' • Strengthens India's capabilities in space-based technologies.
initiative on January 12, marking a renewed focus on • Enhances remote sensing capabilities for various sectors,
environmental sustainability and afforestation. contributing to national development.
Key Objectives:
9. India's COVID-19 Vaccination Milestone: 1
• Plantation of 2 billion trees across the country.
Billion Doses Administered
• Promotion of eco-friendly practices and sustainable
Overview:
agriculture.
• Harnessing technology for precision farming and water
• India reached a significant milestone on January 30 by
conservation.
administering 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Significance:
Achievements:
• Aligns with global climate initiatives.
• Rapid vaccination campaign covering a substantial portion
• Aims to enhance India's green cover, mitigate climate
of the population.
change effects, and promote sustainable farming practices.
• Diverse vaccine portfolio, including Covishield, Covaxin, and
others.
7. Indian Railways Introduces 'Utkrisht Rake' for Challenges:

Enhanced Passenger Comfort
Overview: • Ongoing efforts to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure
equitable distribution.
• Indian Railways rolled out the 'Utkrisht Rake' (Upgraded
Coaches) on January 18, aiming to provide passengers with
an enhanced travel experience. 10. Indian Economy's Resilience: IMF Raises
Growth Forecast for 2024
Key Features:
Overview:
• Improved interiors with modern amenities.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its growth
• Bio-toilets for eco-friendly travel.
forecast for the Indian economy in 2024, acknowledging its
• Enhanced safety measures and fire-retardant materials.
resilience and recovery.
Benefits:
Revised Forecast:
• Elevates passenger comfort and safety standards.
• Upward revision of GDP growth projection.
• Part of the railways' ongoing efforts to modernize and
• Recognition of India's economic reforms and recovery
provide world-class services.
measures.
Positive Indicators:
• Robust performance in key sectors.

• Government initiatives contributing to economic stability.

• Aims to generate tangible validation for Ayurvedic
11. Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine therapies.
Optical Fibre Connection
Wider Participation:
Overview:
• Invites participation from Ayurveda teaching institutions
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kochi-
nationwide.
Lakshadweep Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-
SOFC) project.
• The project, costing Rs 1,072 crore, connects Lakshadweep
islands to mainland India, providing high-speed internet. 14. Pakistan: Proposed Acquisition of J-31
Chinese Stealth Fighters
Transformative Impact: Overview:
• Ends years of bandwidth constraints for island residents. • Pakistan in talks with China to acquire J-31 stealth fighter
• Facilitates e-governance, healthcare access, online aircraft.
education, digital commerce, and boosts tourism. • Potential replacement for older F-16s, strengthening PAF
capabilities.
Implementation:
Details of J-31:
• Executed by BSNL, funded by the Universal Service
Obligation Fund. • Similarities to American-made F-35 and F-22 jets.
• Envisioned as a digital catalyst for Lakshadweep's economic • China's ongoing production showcases aviation prowess.
development.
Regional Impact:
• Strengthens PAF capabilities, compensating for uncertainty

12. The Emerging Threat of 'Cyber Kidnapping'
over US military assistance.
What is Cyber Kidnapping?
• India developing indigenous stealth fighter (AMCA) by 2030.
• Online extortion where scammers convince victims to
isolate themselves.
• Scammers monitor victims remotely, negotiate ransom 15. Green Cover Index for National Highways
from worried relatives. Background:
Global Evidence: • NHAI signs 3-year agreement with ISRO's NRSC for a 'Green
Cover Index.'
• Increasing worldwide, particularly targeting international • Aims to gauge afforestation level along India's highways
students. using satellite imagery analytics.
• Concerns about AI advancements making schemes more
convincing. NRSC's Role:
Recommendations: • Utilizes geo-spatial technology for comprehensive green

cover estimation.
• Exercise caution with unknown calls/messages. • Offers a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solution for
• Contact authorities before complying with demands. monitoring greening initiatives.
• Limit personal details on public online spaces.
Expected Outcomes:
• Granular green cover metrics for each national highway.

13. CCRAS and NCISM Launch 'SMART 2.0' to
• Annual growth rate analysis and targeted plantation drives.
Mainstream Ayurveda Research
• Advances sustainability commitments and promotes data-
About SMART 2.0:
backed governance.
• 'Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research among
Teaching professionals.'
• A collaboration between CCRAS and NCISM to promote 16. Study Spotlights India’s Alarming Cancer
evidence-based clinical research on Ayurveda interventions. Burden
Key Figures (Asia):
Areas of Focus:
• New Cases in 2019: 4 million
• Pediatric and women’s health, malnutrition, and lifestyle • Deaths in 2019: 6 million
diseases.
• Increase Since 1990: Over 3X more new cases; 2X more • Paper slip printed with the voter’s selection.
deaths
Current Audit Practice:
India Status:
• Verification of VVPAT slips from 5 randomly pre-selected
• Constituted 28% of Asia’s new cases in 2019. booths per assembly seat.
• Mortality nearly tripled indicating low survival rates. • Election Commission opposes blanket checks due to
logistical challenges.
Highest Burden Sites:
Potential Solutions:
• Lung, Breast, Colorectal, Stomach, Prostate
• Database integration between EVM and VVPAT for targeted
Key Risk Factors: verification.
• Continuous improvement of the framework while retaining
• Smoking (33 million lost healthy life years) scale strengths.
• Alcohol
• Air Pollution
• Smokeless tobacco contributes significantly in India. 19. Tamil Nadu’s Semiconductor and Advanced
Electronics Policy
Recommendations for India:
Semiconductors Overview:
• Advance national screening programs.
• Transition towards higher value addition in semiconductors
• Awareness campaigns on tobacco dangers.
and advanced electronics.
• Strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
• Focus on chip design/fabrication capabilities.
• Taxation, regulations, and cessation assistance for smokers.
Key Properties and Applications:
17. Tur Dal Procurement Portal • Widely used in electronics manufacturing, optoelectronic
Overview: devices, and high power electrical applications.
• Portal unveiled by Union Home Minister Amit Shah for Builds on Established Prowess:
direct procurement of tur dal from registered farmers.
• Aims to boost domestic production, secure buffer stocks, • Tamil Nadu already assembles Apple iPhones and aims to
and reduce import dependence. attract higher-end manufacturers.
Addressing Price Uncertainty: Holistic Vision:
• Purchasing 80% of farmers' buffer quantity directly at MSP • Policy sets targets for advanced electronics contribution,
or market prices. facilitation schemes, and ecosystem conditions.
• Direct bank transfers without intermediaries for full gains to
producers.
20. Government Regulation of Short Selling
Streamlining Procurement: Case Context:
• Integrates registration, price discovery, purchase orders, • Supreme Court records government and SEBI promising
and payments. appropriate oversight on short selling after allegations
• Transparency in deal statuses for farmers. against Adani Group.
Advancing Food Security: What is Short Selling?
• Insulating India from global volatilities. • Selling borrowed stocks anticipating price fall, allowing
• Higher prices motivate farmers for self-sufficiency. buying them back cheaper in the future.
Key Arguments:
18. Opposition Seek ECI Appointment for VVPAT
Discussion • SEBI defends short selling as a globally recognized strategy
What is VVPAT? for optimum transparency.
• Banning short trades can aid manipulation and distort
• Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail system for transparent efficient markets.
polling.

Assurances to Supreme Court: 23. NSIL Picks SpaceX to Launch ISRO Satellite
GSAT-20
• Government and SEBI will undertake appropriate measures Key Details About GSAT-20:
on regulating short selling of Indian securities.
• NSIL contracts SpaceX to launch Indian communication
Analysis: satellite GSAT-20.
• GSAT-20, weighing 4.7 tons, is ISRO’s latest high-capacity
• Part of wider efforts to bolster Indian capital market communication satellite.
stability, resilience, and trustworthiness. • Operates in the Ka-band spectrum for broadband
• Smart regulation to nurture access alongside accountability. connectivity and cellular backhaul services.
• Coverage zone spans the entire Indian mainland, Andaman-
Nicobar, and Lakshadweep.
21. ERNET India Launches New Web Portal for About SpaceX’s Falcon 9:
Education Institutes
Key Information: • Reusable rocket built by SpaceX, known for its orbital-class
launches.
• Integrated web portal launched by ERNET India for • Falcon 9 can lift 22,800 kg payload mass to Low Earth Orbit.
educational institutes. • Reusability reduces overall launch costs.
• Provides domain registration, DNS setup, website
templates, and learning management system templates. Why SpaceX:
• Users can create customized websites and learning portals
through simple interfaces. • GSAT-20's weight exceeds ISRO's own rockets' lift capacities.
• Utilizes open-source software, AI, and machine learning. • SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is suitable for launching heavier satellites.
• Inaugurated a new conference hall during the launch event. • ISRO aims for more powerful semi-cryogenic engines for
future launches without overseas providers.
About ERNET India:
• Not-for-profit society under the Ministry of Electronics and 24. Three Indian Cities Nominated for Wetland
Information Technology.
City Tag
• Exclusive domain name registrar for .ac.in, .edu.in, and
Key Points:
.res.in websites.
• Offers IT services like campus Wi-Fi, smart classrooms, and
• India nominates Indore, Bhopal, and Udaipur for the
network connectivity.
‘International Wetland City’ tag.
• Plays a crucial role as India’s National Research and
• Recognition highlights efforts to conserve urban and peri-
Education Network (NREN).
urban wetlands.
• Provides consultancy, project management, training, web
• Urban wetlands crucial for filtering wastewater, regulating
hosting, email, and video conferencing services.
water, and providing green spaces.
• Wetland city accreditation provides international
recognition for conservation efforts.
22. Similipal Kai Chutney Gets Geographical • Cities have nominated wetlands sustaining local
Indication Tag populations.
Key Points:
• Similipal kai chutney, made with red weaver ants, receives a 25. Justice B.R. Gavai Nominated as SC Legal
geographical indication (GI) tag.
Services Committee Chairman
• Mayurbhanj Kai Society Ltd applied for GI registration in
About SCLSC:
2020.
• Chutney known for its nutritional and medicinal properties.
• Justice B.R. Gavai nominated as the new Chairman of the
• Red weaver ants are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and
Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).
nutrients.
• SCLSC provides free legal services for cases under the
• Regular consumption boosts immunity and has healing
Supreme Court’s jurisdiction.
properties.
• Constituted under the 1987 Legal Services Authorities Act.
• Around 500 tribal families involved in ant collection and
• Aims to promote justice on the basis of equal opportunity.
chutney preparation.
• GI tag expected to boost visibility and commercial demand About Legal Services Authorities Act 1987:
while ensuring sustainable harvesting practices.
• Gives statutory backing to provide free legal aid to poor
citizens.
10 | C V : S y n o n y m s o f F i n a l C o n v e r t s | T o J o i n W A T P I C o u r s e : h t t p s : / / a z u c a t i o n . o r g /
• Aims to enforce the fundamental right to justice for 29. India and Mauritius to Jointly Build and
vulnerable sections. Launch Small Satellite
Collaboration Details:
26. Law Commission Looks into Synchronization • Agreement between ISRO and Mauritius Research and
of Local and National Elections Innovation Council.
Key Points: • Joint development of a small satellite to be launched in
early 2024.
• Law Commission examines the feasibility of synchronizing • Mauritius to provide ground infrastructure for ISRO’s future
Lok Sabha, state, and local body elections. projects.
• Expanded scope includes coordination of all elections for
better efficiency. Benefits:
• Ideas under consideration include fixed 5-year terms and
syncing assembly polls with Lok Sabha polls. • Continued support for ISRO’s ground tracking station in
• Challenges include constitutional amendments, logistics, Mauritius.
and potential impact on democracy. • Broadening scope of bilateral space collaboration.
Background:
27. ECI Introduces Stricter Norms for Symbol
• Cooperation guided by a 2009 country-level agreement on
Allotment to Unrecognized Parties (RUPPs) space.
About RUPPs: • MRIC’s role in steering Mauritius’ research environment.
• Election Commission of India (ECI) issues new guidelines for

recognized unrecognized political parties (RUPPs).
30. First 2024 Cyclone Hits Madagascar
• RUPPs are registered but not state or national parties.
Cyclone Impact:
Key Changes:
• Cyclone Alvaro hits southwest Madagascar.
• RUPPs must submit audited financial statements of the last • First cyclone of the 2023-2024 season.
3 years and election expenditure statements from the last 2 • Over 16,100 affected, 5 reported dead, 8400 displaced.
elections.
• Aims to improve transparency and accountability in symbol Recent Cyclones:
allotment.
• Cyclone Cheneso (January 2023) in the northeast.
• Expected to discourage fly-by-night operators and curb
• Cyclone Freddy (February 2023) on the southeast coast.
excessive use of dummy candidates.
• Effective from January 11th, 2023.
Need for Early Warning:
• Madagascar vulnerable to climate shocks.

28. India Implements New Emission Test Rules • 'REPRESA' project aims to enhance regional resilience.
for Vehicles Under BS VI Norms
BS VI Norms Overview:
31. PRITHVI Scheme to Advance India’s Earth
• Introduced nationwide on April 1, 2020. System Sciences
• Strict emission standards for vehicles.
Scheme Overview:
• Focus on lower limits for PM and NOx emissions.
• Rs 4797 crores investment from 2021 to 2026.
Key Aspects of New Test Regulations:
• Consolidation of 5 earth science sub-schemes under MOES.
• Aims to enhance understanding of Earth’s vital signs.
• Test fuels include gasoline blended with ethanol.
• Tailpipe tests for gaseous and PM emissions.
Objectives:
• PM limits apply to cars with direct-injection engines.
• Sustain long-term observations of Earth's spheres.
Impact on Automakers and Consumers:
• Develop predictive models for weather and ocean hazards.
• Explore polar and marine areas for new discoveries.
• Clarity for automakers on allowable fuels.
• Enhanced conformity checks for ongoing compliance.
Focus Areas:
• BS VI vehicles deliver major air quality benefits.
• Climate change science.
• Disaster alerts for preparedness and mitigation.
• Holistic approach towards earth system sciences. Key Discussion Topics:
• Global cooperation, solidarity, and common goals.

32. Uttar Purvi Mahotsav 2024 • Uganda to set agenda as incoming chair for 2024-2027.
Festival Overview:
India's Goals:
• 5-day cultural festival organized by DoNER.
• Strengthen ties with African nations.
• Showcasing art, crafts, and heritage of North-Eastern states.
• India's recent support for African Union's entry into G20.
• Focus on creating economic opportunities through trade.
• Uganda as NAM chair benefits India's interests.
Key Details:
Outreach to Africa:
• Around 250 artisans, weavers, farmers, and entrepreneurs
• India's wider outreach to African countries.
participating.
• Hosting 'Voice of the Global South' summits.
• Panel discussions on women empowerment and youth
• Cooperation in areas like sustainable development, food
workforce.
security, and digital partnerships.
• Showcasing distinctive arts, crafts, and traditional dance
forms.
Economic Growth: 35. Microsoft Launches AI Odyssey Program to

Upskill 100,000 Indian Developers
• Aims to accelerate the North-East region’s business Program Overview:
ecosystem.
• Connect artisans and entrepreneurs to national markets. • Microsoft's AI Odyssey initiative to upskill Indian
• Blend of culture and commerce for prosperity. developers.
• Aims to provide advanced skills training in AI tools and
technologies.
33. Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Paying Guest’ Scheme to • Targets 100,000 software developers across India.
Promote Tourism in Ayodhya
Learning Tracks:
Scheme Overview:
• Level 1 focuses on leveraging Azure cloud tools for AI use
• Part of 'Navya Ayodhya' project.
cases.
• Focus on paying guest facilities and homestays.
• Level 2 includes an online assessment with interactive lab
• Utilizes Awadh culinary heritage for unique dining
challenges.
experiences.
• Successful participants eligible for a sponsored visit to
Significance: Microsoft AI Tour.
• Opens income avenues for locals. Empowering Careers:

• Ayodhya emerging as a top tourist destination.
• Major investment in empowering India’s technology talent.
• Large investments in hotels anticipated.
• Accelerates AI transformation across industries.
• Democratizes expertise in the rapidly evolving AI domain.
Key Details:
• Certification requirements for property owners.

• Over 460 people obtained certificates out of 600 applicants. 36. Gabriel Attal: France’s New Prime Minister
• Bookings facilitated through the Holy Ayodhya mobile app. Political Background:
• Target of registering 1,000 houses under the scheme.
• Gabriel Attal named as France’s newest Prime Minister.
• Former Minister of Education and government
34. Uganda to Host 19th NAM Summit spokesperson.
• Becomes France’s youngest head of government in modern
NAM Overview:
history.
• Forum of 120 developing countries not aligned with major
power blocs. Context:
• Represents political, economic, and cultural interests of the
• Appointment follows PM Elisabeth Borne's resignation amid
developing world.
political challenges.
• Uganda to host the 19th NAM Summit.
• President Macron's administration facing declining approval
ratings and challenges.
• Attal's outsider perspective aims to inject new vigor into 38. India Unveils New Indigenous Assault Rifle
Macron’s presidency. ‘Ugram’ for Armed Forces
New Assault Rifle 'Ugram':
Rapid Rise to Power:
• DRDO develops and launches a new 7.62mm caliber assault
• Attal backed Macron’s presidential bid in 2016. rifle named 'Ugram.'
• Became France’s youngest cabinet member at age 29. • Intended as a standard-issue weapon for the Indian Armed
• Held positions as government spokesperson and budget Forces, replacing some INSAS rifles.
minister. • Collaboration with private industry; focuses on reliability,
accuracy, and lightweight ruggedness.
Challenges and Impact:
Key Features and Specifications:
• Attal faces challenges of declining approval ratings and a
strong far-right opposition. • 7.62x51mm assault rifle; NATO-compatible large-caliber
• Tasked with uniting Macron’s diverse coalition allies for cartridge.
smoother policymaking. • Weighs less than 4 kg fully-loaded; incorporates steel for
• Uncertainty about the impact of an inexperienced durability.
newcomer in the role of Prime Minister. • Effective range of 500 meters; enhances soldiers' tactical
versatility.
37. India-Maldives Ties Fray Over Minister’s Ongoing Development and Production:
Remarks Against PM Modi
Diplomatic Fallout: • Functional prototypes demonstrated to Indian Army
officials.
• Diplomatic furor after Maldivian junior ministers mock PM • Undergoes exhaustive independent tests by ARDE for
Modi’s Lakshadweep visit. durability, safety, and accuracy.
• Indian government summons Maldivian ambassador, • Showcases India’s self-reliance in small arms and reduces
condemns "derogatory remarks." import dependence.
• Many Indians cancel trips to the Maldives, pledge to visit
Lakshadweep instead. Strategic Significance:
PM Modi’s Tourism Push: • Upgrades lethality and accuracy over aging INSAS rifles.
• Reduces import dependence, showcasing Indian R&D
• Modi promotes Lakshadweep's tourism potential, sparking capabilities.
global interest. • Aligns with India’s ambition to lead in infantry arms
• Maldivian ministers mock India's attempt to compete with advancement.
their upscale island resort industry.
• Indians outraged, leading to hashtags #BoycottMaldives and
#UnfriendMaldives. 39. “World Employment and Social Outlook:
Trends 2024” Report
Attempts to Defuse Backlash: ILO's Annual Report Highlights:
• Maldivian President’s Office suspends two implicated • ILO's World Employment and Social Outlook report projects
Cabinet members. worldwide joblessness to increase through 2024.
• Ambassador visits India to smooth tensions, but India • Declining economic growth, inflation, and stagnant wages
expresses "shock" over remarks. contribute to rising inequality.
• Lingering tensions raise concerns about fraying India-
Maldives relationship. Macroeconomic Environment:
Lakshadweep’s Rising Tourism: • Sharp deterioration in major economies due to global crises.
• Aggressive central bank interest rate hikes to tame inflation
• PM Modi's focus on Lakshadweep brings attention to its impact industrial production, trade, and investment flows.
beach and diving potential.
• Lack of big resorts compared to the Maldives; potential for Labor Market Recovery and Risks:
hospitality investment.
• Lakshadweep could become a preferred destination for • Global jobless rate drops below pre-COVID levels, but
Indian travelers. concerns remain over the quality of work.
• Slowing economies expected to increase global
unemployment through 2024.
• Rising working poverty as real wage growth lags behind • Rising prices, debt distress, and social impacts may fuel
consumer prices in many countries. political instability and unrest.
• Policymakers advised to balance inflation control with
Long-Term Policy Priorities: targeted relief for vulnerable groups.
• Governments urged to prioritize quality job creation and Long-Term Environmental Threats:
fortify social safety nets.
• Investment in workforce training, job matching programs, • Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss:
and unemployment schemes recommended. • Existential threats from climate change and biodiversity loss
• Proactive reforms needed to strengthen worker protections dominate the long-term global risks outlook.
and address structural challenges in the labor market. • Urgent climate mitigation and adaptation efforts essential
to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
• Reversing nature loss through conservation and restoration
initiatives vital for the collective future.
40. Global Risks Report 2024 by World Economic
Forum Davos Dialogue Expectations:
Key Highlights:
• Focus on Environmental Risks:
• Davos dialogue expected to focus extensively on long-term
• AI-Driven Misinformation Risks:
environmental risks.
• WEF warns of AI-driven misinformation and disinformation
• Ongoing military conflicts and geopolitical tensions likely to
as a major global risk in 2023 and 2024.
• Misinformation and disinformation identified as the biggest shape discussions.
• Global leaders to address strategies for mitigating global
short-term risks.
• AI's role in spreading fake content poses challenges in risks and building resilience.
spotting false information.
• Long-Term Concerns:
• Extreme weather events and critical Earth system changes, 41. South Africa’s Genocide Allegations Against
such as biodiversity loss, highlighted as significant long-term Israel at ICJ
concerns. ICJ Hearing on Genocide Allegations:
• Climate change and biodiversity loss seen as existential
threats requiring urgent mitigation and adaptation efforts. • Background:
• Cost-of-Living Crisis and AI Risks: • International Court of Justice (ICJ) holds a two-day hearing
• Cost-of-living crisis and interlinked risks of AI-enabled to decide on provisional measures in a case filed by South
misinformation/disinformation and societal polarization Africa against Israel.
dominate 2024 outlook. • South Africa alleges violations of the Genocide Convention
• AI-driven misinformation may impact major national by Israel regarding acts against Palestinians in Gaza.
elections in countries like the US, India, UK, Indonesia, and • Genocide Convention and ICJ:
Mexico. • ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN, settling legal
• Geopolitical Tensions and Conflict Contagion: disputes between countries based on international law.
• Ongoing conflicts, underlying geopolitical tensions, and • Genocide Convention defines genocide and outlines
weakening societal resilience risk creating conflict obligations related to preventing and punishing acts of
contagion. genocide.
• Survey covers insights from over 1400 global risk experts,
industry heads, and policymakers. South Africa’s Allegations:
Mitigating AI-Enabled Misinformation: • Accusations:

• South Africa alleges Israel committed acts against
• Recommendations by WEF: Palestinians with genocidal intent since October 2023.
• Increase societal resilience through critical thinking, media • Cites scale of killings, injuries, displacement, and destruction
literacy, and civic responsibility education. as evidence of ongoing genocide.
• Governments collaborate with tech firms to promote • Refers to statements by Israeli leaders as evidence of
information integrity while respecting digital rights. specific genocidal intent.
• Foster international cooperation for early identification and
containment of misinformation campaigns. Provisional Measures Sought:
Cost-of-Living Crisis and Political Instability: • South Africa's Requests:

• Urgent steps sought to prevent further harm to Palestinians
• Near-Term Concern: in Gaza.
• Persisting cost-of-living crisis identified as a major near-term
concern.
• Requests ICJ to order Israel to suspend military operations, • Smaller cities Sasvad, Lonavala, and Patan secure top three
prevent genocide, stop forced displacement, and refrain cleanliness positions.
from further genocidal acts. • Mhow Cantonment Board rated the cleanest cantonment.
• Calls for access to fact-finders and prevention of destruction
of evidence. Indore’s Focus Areas:
ICJ’s Decision and Implications: • Cleanliness Initiatives:

• IMC's interventions include doorstep waste collection, NGO
• Likely Outcome: engagement for household compliance, and waste
• ICJ likely to issue a provisional measures order given South treatment plants.
Africa's meeting of the threshold. • Crackdown on public littering through penalties, distribution
• The order would be legally binding on all parties to the of free dustbins, and construction of additional toilets.
Genocide Convention. • Sustained administrative commitment and civic
• Implications for international rule of law and addressing participation contribute to Indore's success.
allegations of genocide.
Sustaining Momentum and Lessons:
Past Cases and International Implications:
• Commitment and Funding:
• Similar Cases: • Sustaining cleanliness momentum requires commitment
• Similar cases involving Ukraine, The Gambia, Russia, and and reliable funding.
Myanmar filed under the Genocide Convention. • Leadership, technological upgrades, and civic participation
• ICJ’s ruling may set precedents and impact international vital for hygienic urban habitats.
responses to allegations of genocide. • Annual Swachh Survekshan crucial for maintaining
cleanliness standards.
42. Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023

Cleanest Cities in India: 43. Drought Declaration in Jharkhand
Situation Overview:
• Top Rankings:
• Surat and Indore jointly adjudged India’s cleanest cities in • Drought Declaration:
Swachh Survekshan 2023. • Jharkhand government declares 158 blocks across 17
• Navi Mumbai secured the third position. districts as drought-hit.
• Awards conferred by President Droupadi Murmu in New • Below-average rains impact nearly 1.5 million farmers,
Delhi. affecting kharif planting and cropping acreage.
• Rain Deficits in 2022:
Ranking Methodology: • Only 4 out of 24 districts recorded normal monsoon rainfalls
in 2022.
• Parameters: • Approximately 40% shortfall in critical kharif planting
• Union Housing Ministry confers awards under Swachh window compared to average precipitation.
Bharat Mission. • Historical Drought Frequency:
• Key parameters include citizen feedback evaluations and • In over 20 years since Jharkhand’s formation, 10 drought
field assessments of sanitation indicators. years officially declared.
• State governments provide updated data validated through • Recurring droughts causing rural distress, with 88% of
surveys and on-ground visits. districts experiencing drought in 2022.
Indore's Consistent Performance: State’s Initiatives and Seeking Aid:
• Indore's Achievement: • Government Appeals for Central Aid:

• Indore retains the top rank for the seventh consecutive • Jharkhand urges special Central aid before NITI Aayog for
year. irrigation infrastructure development and drought
• Recognition as India’s cleanest city since 2017; ranked 25th resilience.
in 2016. • Only 20% of cultivable land in Jharkhand has irrigation
• Other top-ten cities include Visakhapatnam, Bhopal, facilities, making it vulnerable to weather fluctuations.
Vijayawada, Delhi, Tirupati, Hyderabad, and Pune. • Importance of Irrigation Infrastructure:
• Focus on establishing irrigation in rain-dependent areas to
Statewise and Category Winners: cultivate drought-resilient crops.
• Agricultural scientists recommend diversification from
• State Ranks: water-intensive rice to pulses and oilseeds for sustainability.
• Maharashtra tops state ranks, followed by Madhya Pradesh
and Chhattisgarh.
Global Context and Future Challenges: GM Mustard Hybrid DMH-11:
• Global Drought Trends: • Background:

• United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification • Government seeks to withdraw its promise not to push GM
reports a sharp rise in global drought occurrence since 2000. mustard cultivation.
• With over 80% of Jharkhand’s villages reliant on agriculture, • GM Mustard Hybrid DMH-11 developed at Delhi University
addressing recurrent droughts is a developmental priority. aims for higher yields and reduced edible oil imports.
• GM Method and Controversies:
• GM method facilitates efficient cross-breeding, leading to
44. 2023 Global Water Monitor Report higher yields.
Report Highlights: • Concerns raised over risks to bees, prompting expert
reports. Court ordered status quo on commercial
• Record-High Temperatures: cultivation.
• 2023 Global Water Monitor report reveals over 77 countries • Government’s Motivation:
experienced their highest average annual temperatures in • India's heavy reliance on edible oil imports motivates GM
45 years. mustard approval to cut foreign exchange spending.
• Unprecedented heat affects global water cycles, influencing • Approval could significantly impact India's edible oil
precipitation patterns and water budgets. production and self-sufficiency.
• Warming Effects on Weather Systems:
• Rising ocean temperatures due to climate change impact
tropical rainfall zones and boost cyclone strength and 46. NITI Aayog’s Discussion Paper
rainfall intensity. ‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06’
• Severe human and economic costs incurred globally through Key Findings and Analysis:
flooding.
• Soil Moisture Trends: • Multidimensional Poverty Reduction:
• Annual soil moisture levels increased by 3.5% above 1998- • NITI Aayog report states 24.82 crore Indians lifted out of
2005 averages despite hotter and drier air. multidimensional poverty in the last 9 years.
• Total terrestrial water storage declined, including snow, ice, • MPI poverty in India reduced from 29.17% in 2013-14 to
and groundwater, across January-September 2022. 11.28% in 2022-23, using the Alkire Foster method.
• Vegetation Changes and Extreme Events: • Annual Rate of Reduction:
• Global land vegetation vigor surpassed 2001-2005 baselines • MPI poverty declines at a 10.66% annual rate between
by 4.7%, aiding crops in cold regions. 2015-16 and 2019-21, faster than the 2005-2015 rate of
• Warning of climbing extremes in high or low rainfall, 7.69%.
worsening droughts or floods, and reduced surface water • Major improvements across 12 key parameters, reflecting
extents. government initiatives in healthcare, food security, and
more.
Outlook for 2024: • Statewise Performance and Concerns:
• UP witnesses the most significant reduction in poverty,
• Regional Rainfall Predictions: raising concerns about the credibility of projections.
• Higher rainfall likely for parts of Africa and Asia in 2024. • Critics challenge assumptions and projections, highlighting
• Reduced rainfall anticipated for the Americas, Southern the impact of GDP growth variations during different
Africa, and Australia. periods.
• Drought risks in the Western Hemisphere and potential • Pandemic Impact Oversight:
flooding challenges in India or East Africa. • Report's reliance on pre-pandemic data until 2019/21 raises
concerns as it overlooks setbacks during COVID.
• Economic constraints post-pandemic and funding cuts
45. Supreme Court Questions Govt on GM Crops affecting social sector schemes not adequately considered.
Recent Developments:
Criticisms and Challenges:
• Supreme Court’s Inquiry:
• Supreme Court questions the Genetic Engineering Appraisal • Dubious Projections:
Committee (GEAC) on its approval of genetically modified • Critics challenge assumptions and projections, questioning
(GM) crops. the credibility of rosy conclusions.
• GEAC's failure to consider expert reports on GM crops • GDP growth variations during different periods not
raised during the court proceedings. adequately considered, raising doubts about the analysis.
• Petitions Against GMOs: • COVID-era Oversights:
• Court hears pleas seeking a ban on releasing GM organisms • NITI Aayog's projections overlook medium-term setbacks
until comprehensive research is conducted. during COVID, impacting education, health outcomes, and
• Demands transparency in the approval process involving government programs.
independent expert agencies.
• Failure to acknowledge the pandemic's impact on • Coordinated approaches to engage and support the needs
multidimensional poverty reduction. of ageing populations globally.
• Fiscal Constraints:
• Fiscal constraints post-COVID affecting government
spending on social sector schemes not reflected in the 48. Global Hydrogen Price Index - Collaboration
analysis. in GIFT City
• Doubts about the feasibility of poverty reduction Collaboration for Global Hydrogen Trading Platform:
projections amid economic challenges.
• Partnership Details:
• International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City
47. Global Cooperation Barometer 2024 - Health collaborates with Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) and Gujarat
and Wellness Focus State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC).
Trends in Global Health Cooperation: • Aim to develop a Global Hydrogen Price Index within the
GIFT City Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
• Pre-2020 Improvement: • Platform Development:
• WEF report reveals that prior to 2020, global health • GSPC and IGX to create a platform enabling global
cooperation indicators were steadily improving. institutions to trade hydrogen contracts and derivatives.
• Impact of COVID-19: • GIFT City, an established IFSC, expands its capabilities to
• Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, global include global hydrogen trading.
cooperation on health has witnessed a decline.
• Life expectancy at birth dropped from 72.8 years in 2019 to Objectives of Global Hydrogen Price Index:
71 years in 2021 due to COVID-19-related deaths.
• Diversion of Healthcare Resources: • Price Discovery:
• COVID-19 led to a diversion of healthcare resources, • The index aims to enable price discovery for hydrogen,
resulting in increased mortality from other diseases. providing key market information.
• Estimated 14 million more malaria cases and 69,000 more • Support for the growing green hydrogen industry in India.
malaria deaths in 2020 compared to 2019. • Transparency and Investor Confidence:
• Boost transparency and investor confidence in the emerging
Specific Health Indicators Affected: hydrogen market.
• Reliable price indexing and trading avenues to attract global
• Life Expectancy Decline: capital inflows into India’s green hydrogen sector.
• Life expectancy decline attributed to COVID-19 deaths and
the diversion of resources from other health conditions. About GIFT IFSC:
• Maternal Mortality Increase:
• After decades of improvement, maternal mortality rates • Establishment and Operation:
increased in 2020, reaching 152 deaths per 100,000 live • GIFT International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)
births. established in 2015 in GIFT City, Gujarat.
• Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 70% of estimated global • Operates as a financial hub and special economic zone
maternal deaths in 2020. regulated by the International Financial Services Centres
Authority.
Areas for Renewed International Cooperation: • Current Commodities Trading:
• GIFT IFSC currently facilitates commodities trading,
1. Basic Research: including gold and silver, on the India International Bullion
Exchange.
• Sustained global partnerships crucial for expanding basic
research across various health conditions.
49. Oxfam’s Inequality Inc Report - Global Wealth
1. Illicit Drugs: Disparities
Key Findings:
• Coordinated efforts needed to address the proliferation of
illicit synthetic drugs posing threats to health and security. • Worsening Global Inequality:
• Oxfam's "Inequality Inc" report indicates a worsening global
1. Mental Health:
wealth divide for the first time in 25 years.
• Climate change impacts, largely driven by billionaires and
• Alignment of emerging best practices globally to improve
corporations, exacerbate inequality.
mental health outcomes, particularly among working-age
• Trillionaire Emergence vs Poverty Persistence:
populations.
• Possibility of the world's first trillionaire within 10 years.
• Eradicating poverty would take 229 years, highlighting the
1. Ageing Populations:
stark contrast in wealth distribution.
• Billionaire Wealth Explosion:
• Net worth of the world’s five richest billionaires surged from • Authors emphasize the need for routine inflammation
$405 billion in 2020 to over $869 billion. checks, especially for socially disadvantaged groups, to curb
• Billionaires gained $3.3 trillion in 2023 alone, a 34% net preventable deaths.
wealth surge compared to 2020. • Early medical intervention crucial for addressing root
causes.
Corporate Power and Gender Wealth Gap:
Context on Poverty and Inflammation:
• Corporate Influence:
• Corporate power and monopolies intensify economic, • Poverty Indicators:
gender, and racial divides globally. • Poverty assessed using factors like education, income,
• 7 of the top 10 public corporations have a billionaire as CEO employment, home ownership, and amenity access.
or lead shareholder. • Those in the lowest quartile across markers categorized as
• Gender Wealth Disparity: disadvantaged.
• Men hold $105 trillion more wealth than women globally. • Inflammation Assessment:
• Gender wealth gap remains pronounced, with a female • Inflammation measured via blood markers like C-reactive
healthcare worker needing 1,200 years to earn a Fortune protein levels and white blood cell counts.
100 CEO's yearly income. • Participants in the top quartile classified as having chronic
inflammation.
Policy Solutions Proposed:
• Tax Reforms and Power Redistribution: 51. National Startup Awards 2023 - Recognizing
• Oxfam advocates for concrete strategies like tax reforms, Innovation in India
corporate regulation, and power redistribution to create a
Winners and Categories:
more equitable economy.
• Wealthier nations urged to spearhead changes to global • National Startup Day Highlights:
rules combating extreme inequality. • DPIIT reveals winners of National Startup Awards 2023 on
India’s National Startup Day.
• 20 groundbreaking startups honored across 15 diverse
50. Poverty and Inflammation Heighten Mortality categories.
Risks - Synergistic Impact • Examples of Awarded Startups:
Synergistic Impact on Mortality: • Defense Tech: Axial Aero – Advanced aerospace systems for
defense.
• Combined Risks: • Handicrafts: Country Clay – Luxury ceramic products
• New US research indicates facing both poverty and chronic showcasing Indian art forms.
inflammation more than doubles heart disease mortality • Healthtech: Blackfrog Technologies – Developer of Emvólio,
risk and triples cancer mortality risk over 15 years. a portable medical cold chain device for medicines like
• Interaction Dynamics: insulin.
• Poverty and inflammation interact synergistically,
amplifying outcomes beyond the expected additive effects. Spread of Innovation and Emerging Trends:
• Risks for heart disease and cancer mortality show a 127%
and 196% increase, respectively. • Wide Range of Startups:
• Award-winning startups span industries from defense tech
15-Year Mortality Data Analysis: to sustainability, showcasing the proliferation of innovation.
• Strong representation from Tier 2/3 cities highlights
• Data Sources: emerging pockets of entrepreneurship.
• Analysis combines health surveys (1999-2002) for adults • Startup Maha Kumbh 2024:
aged 40+, assessing inflammation and socioeconomic • Union Minister Piyush Goyal announces the Startup Maha
markers. Kumbh in March 2024.
• 15-year mortality calculated using death records. • A monumental gathering aiming to further catapult India’s
• Impact on Overall Mortality: startup ecosystem to new heights.
• Individuals with either inflammation or disadvantage alone
had around 50% higher overall mortality. Key Stats and Trends:
• Presence of both factors more than doubled the overall
mortality risk. • Applications and Locations:
• 2,324 startups applied, with submissions 12% lower than in
Calls for Routine Inflammation Screenings: 2022.
• Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh
• Screening for Vulnerable Groups: lead in applications.
• Women Entrepreneurs:
• 20% of selected startups have women founders, double the • Resumption as Events, Not Tournaments:
percentage from the previous year. • With the ban in place, buffalo fights could not be organized
• Sustainability Focus: as tournaments.
• 11% of applicants strongly focus on sustainability, • Individual owners continued sporadically, studying global
underscoring increased attention on conscious innovation. best practices before restarting the events.
• Sectoral Spread and Emerging Cities:
• Startups span healthcare, agritech, edtech, fintech, food
and beverages, AI, and more. 53. eSakshi App Launch for MPLADS Fund
• 40% of winners hail from Tier 2/3 cities, reflecting the Tracking
diffusion of startup growth beyond traditional hubs. Introduction of eSakshi App:
• Ministry Initiative:
52. Revival of Moh-Juj (Buffalo) Fights in Assam • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Revival of Traditional Buffalo Fights: launched the eSakshi app to track the fund flow under the
Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme
• Nine-Year Hiatus: (MPLADS) for 2023.
• After nearly nine years, traditional Moh-Juj (buffalo) fights • Enhanced Monitoring:
were held in Ahatguri, Assam. • The app aims to capture the entire MPLADS fund allocation
• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the event, cycle, providing greater convenience and accessibility in
marking the revival of this cultural practice. monitoring the scheme.
• Cabinet Approval:
• In December 2022, the Assam cabinet granted approval to Revamping MPLADS Management:
frame detailed procedures for permitting buffalo and bull
fights during Magh Bihu. • Ongoing Efforts:
• The intangible cultural heritage will now be organized under • The app launch is part of the ministry’s efforts to strengthen
government guidelines. the management and efficiency of the MPLADS.
• Revised guidelines introduced last year aimed to help MPs
Animal Welfare Focus and SOPs: direct funds more effectively.
• Key Guidelines:
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): • Full annual amount of Rs 5 crore allocated to each MP at
• SOPs aim to prevent cruelty against animals while allowing the start of the financial year for immediate fund utilization.
locals to celebrate the state’s centuries-old heritage. • Introduction of the SAKSHI portal for real-time tracking of
• Organizers mandated to ensure animal well-being is upheld MPLADS progress, fund status, and work details.
during events. • Transparency Measures:
• Magh Bihu Tradition: • Centralized and state agencies, district authorities, and MPs
• Buffalo fights traditionally held informally during Magh Bihu can monitor MPLADS work status on the portal, ensuring
celebrations in January. transparency.
• Supreme Court ban in 2014 on similar activities due to
animal harm led to the outlawing of traditional buffalo Pending MPLADS Works and Challenges:
fights.
• Supreme Court Developments: • Backlog of Projects:
• In May 2022, Supreme Court upheld amendments to animal • As of December 2022, over 200,000 MPLADS works were
cruelty legislation, allowing the resumption of specific bull- pending completion across India.
taming sports. • Uttar Pradesh alone accounted for 10% of the delayed
• Assam Government assured the Gauhati High Court in projects, indicating challenges in timely execution.
October 2022 that SOPs would regulate traditional practices • Completion Rate Challenges:
like buffalo fights. • In 2022-23, the number of MPLADS works completed has
• Formal Cabinet Approval: been 10% less than the number sanctioned.
• On December 8th, 2023, the Assam cabinet formally • The reduction contributes to the backlog, raising concerns
approved the revival of buffalo fights under strict rules and about the scheme's efficiency.
protocols.
• This paved the way for restarting this cultural event in a Calls for Increased MPLADS Funds:
regulated manner after years of prohibition.
• Demand for Doubling Funds:
Ahatguri's Historical Significance: • Some MPs have demanded an increase in the annual
MPLADS fund allocation per MP from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10
• History of Ahatguri Events: crore.
• Ahatguri, a riverside town, hosted buffalo fight tournaments • Arguing that a higher allocation will enable sanctioning
as part of Magh Bihu since 1972. more impactful projects for constituents.
• Large-scale events stopped after the 2014 prohibition. • Counterargument for Efficiency:
• Others argue that focusing on transparency, monitoring, • Girls outperform boys in reading, while boys perform better
and efficient usage of existing funds should be a priority in arithmetic and English.
before increasing allocations. • Digital Access and Usage:
• Streamlining execution issues could make the current Rs 5 • Over 90% can use a smartphone, but usage is more for
crore cap sufficient for meaningful development projects. entertainment and social media than education.
SAKSHI Portal and eSakshi App Benefits: School and Education Insights:
• Technological Leverage: • Schools Still Vital:

• The SAKSHI portal launched last year, and the eSakshi app • With 85% enrollment, schools remain important for in-
represents the ministry’s focus on leveraging technology for person and remote learning, acting as crucial convening and
MPLADS governance. sharing platforms.
• Real-time visibility into sanctions, funds, and work status • Education and Job Misalignment:
should assist in tracking and accelerating projects. • Job market and education misalignment noted, with
• Sustained Focus Needed: students studying humanities reflecting local availability.
• Continued policy and administrative attention is crucial to Remote learning could bridge gaps.
unlock the decentralized, participative potential of the
ambitious MPLADS scheme.
• Metrics like work completion rates and fund utilization 55. 2024 Global Firepower Rankings - India's
efficiency will need to demonstrate steady improvements. Military Strength
Overview:
54. 2023 ASER Survey - Empowering Rural Youth • Global Military Rankings:
Focus on 14-to-18-Year-Olds: • The US leads the 2024 Global Firepower Rankings, followed
by Russia and China.
• Survey Objective: • India maintains its 4th position for the second consecutive
• The 2023 ASER survey targeted 14-to-18-year-old children in year.
rural areas, specifically assessing their ability to apply • Assessment Factors:
reading and math skills to everyday situations. • Rankings based on factors like military resources, industry,
• Captured their access to digital technology and skills in using geography, manpower, and technology level.
it. • Allows smaller, more advanced nations to compete with
• Shift from Younger Cohorts: larger, less developed powers.
• Previous surveys from 2005-2014 focused on younger
children. The 2023 survey explored an older cohort during India's Military Capabilities:
the gap years between full surveys.
• Power Index and Ranking:
Four Measurement Areas: • India scores a Power Index of 0.1023, maintaining its 4th
position globally.
• Broad Areas Assessed: • Personnel and Budget:
• Survey aimed at measuring activity, aspiration, general • Over 1.4 million active personnel, second-largest globally.
awareness, and ability. • Defense budget of $76.6 billion, focusing on accelerated
• Built on a 2017 survey that focused on reading and domestic production despite being lower than the US and
arithmetic skills. China.
• New Components: • Economic Growth Impact:
• Included components mapping readiness for everyday tasks • India's growing economy provides resources for military
and digital skills like using a cellphone. capabilities.
• Rapid GDP expansion enables increased expenditure on
Key Findings: defense priorities.
• Self-Reliance in Arms:
• Multiple Roles but Limited Options: • Indigenous weapons like Tejas fighter jet and BrahMos
• Approximately 30% of respondents already work but don’t cruise missile showcase India’s production capabilities.
aspire to continue this work when older, indicating the • Emphasis on self-reliance to reduce dependence on
multiple roles children play not fully captured by education imports.
or job markets. • Technological Advancements:
• Basic Skills Challenges: • Active modernization of military equipment using drones,
• About 25% still cannot fluently read a Standard II level text automation, AI, and cutting-edge systems.
in their regional language. • Focus on technological advancements crucial for future
• Over half struggle with division problems typically mastered capabilities.
by Standard III-IV. • Nuclear Triad Deterrence:
• Gender Disparities: • Possession of a nuclear triad enhances defense deterrence.
• Expanding triad platforms augments nuclear capacity. • The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has
introduced guidelines effective February 15, 2024, to curb
misleading environmental claims or greenwashing in
56. Draft Indian Stamp Bill, 2023 - Modernizing advertisements.
Fiscal Legislation
Key Guidelines:
Need for Legislative Update:
• Archaisms in 1899 Stamp Act: 1. Reliable, Verifiable, and Transparent:

• The draft Indian Stamp Bill, 2023, aims to modernize stamp
• Green claims must be reliable, verifiable, and transparent.
duty provisions and replace the archaic 1899 Stamp Act.
• Brands need robust supporting data or credible
• The 1899 Act has been amended but many original
certifications for any eco-friendly assertions.
provisions have become redundant or inoperative.
• Fiscal Law Predating Constitution:
1. Preventing Greenwashing:
• The 1899 Act predates the Constitution and governs taxes
via stamps on transaction instruments.
• The guidelines aim to prevent greenwashing, emphasizing
• Despite central government imposition, stamp duties are
honest advertising.
collected by states per the Constitution.
• ASCI categorizes greenwashing as deceptive sustainability
claims violating its code.
Role of Stamp Act:
1. Supporting Genuine Green Products:
• Imposition on Financial Transactions:
• Imposes levies in the form of stamps on legal agreements
• Brands offering genuinely greener products can effectively
and documents recording financial transactions.
communicate their environmental benefits to eco-aware
• Includes property sale agreements, lease contracts, and
consumers.
power of attorney papers.
• Revenue Source for States:
1. Comparative Claims Require Proof:
• While the central government defines stamp duty rates,
revenues go to State Governments.
• Ads making relative claims must provide evidence of
• A vital source of tax collection funding welfare programs
superior environmental gains over alternatives, be it past
and public infrastructure projects.
versions or competitor products.
Proposed Changes and Benefits:
1. Preventing Cherry-Picking:
• Alignment to Current Realities:
• Brands cannot highlight the absence of one damaging
• The proposed Indian Stamp Bill will align the stamp duty
component that competitors also lack as a unique ecological
regime to current realities.
benefit.
• Repealing the 1899 Act and enacting fresh legislation is
deemed necessary for the contemporary context.
1. No Legal Compliance Claims:
• Ease of Payment and Access:
• Expected legislative changes may ease payment modes and • Marketing legal compliance itself as an environmental
introduce consolidated duty slabs for uniformity. achievement is prohibited if competing products meet
• Digital property registration could enhance convenience. identical compulsory standards.
• Curbing Duty Avoidance:
• Anti-evasion measures may prevent tactics used to avoid 1. Credible Certifications:
duty, such as undervaluing property sales.
• Linking sale prices with circle rates may prevent under- • Environmental assertions must be backed by national or
reporting. international accreditations from recognized bodies.
• Digital Economy Boost:
• An all-digital stamp duty system will propel India’s digital Rising Consumer Activism:
economy.
• Electronic documentation and registration via a single portal • Growing Environmental Consciousness:
will enhance transparency and efficiency. • With increasing environmental consciousness, consumers
favor firms reflecting green values.
• Greenwashing erodes consumer trust and provokes activism
57. ASCI Guidelines for Green Claims in challenging disingenuous branding.
Advertisements
Introduction: Government Emphasis:
• ASCI Initiative: • Self-Regulation and Accountability:
• ASCI's guidelines represent self-regulation to drive • India surpassed China as the world's largest country by
accountability on environmental advertising claims before population in 2022.
potential stricter official interventions. • Economic contrasts and population shifts prompt debates
over relocating manufacturing.
58. China's Population Decline in 2023 - Economic Economic Disincentives for Childbearing:
Impacts
• Economic Factors:
Overview:
• High youth joblessness, declining real wages, and ongoing
• Population Decline Continues: property market weakness dissuade young Chinese couples
• China's population fell for the second consecutive year in from having children.
• Economic uncertainty further deters childbearing in 2023.
2023, declining by 2.75 million to 1.409 billion.
• Accelerating downturn due to plunging birth rates and
COVID-19 fatalities.
59. WHO Guidance on Healthcare AI Ethics
Factors Contributing to Decline: Overview:
1. Fastest Decline Since 1961 Famine: • WHO Initiative:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has published
• Exceeds the 2022 fall, marking the fastest decline since the comprehensive recommendations on the ethical
1961 famine under Mao Zedong. governance of Large Multi-Modal AI Models (LMM) in
• Viral resurgence and deaths contributed to the decline. healthcare, emphasizing the urgent need for proper
oversight.
1. Plummeting Birth Rates Over Decades:
Key Areas of LMM Application in Healthcare:
• Long-term decline due to the one-child policy and increased
costs of raising children with urbanization. 1. Identified Application Areas:
1. Pandemic Policies Weaken Economy: • Clinical diagnosis and care.

• Patient self-diagnosis.
• COVID curbs disrupted manufacturing and consumer • Clerical healthcare administration.
spending, impacting the economy. • Medical education via simulations.
• Youth unemployment surged, wages dropped, and a • Scientific Research & Development (R&D).
property sector crisis intensified, discouraging childbearing.
1. Caution Against Risks:
1. Economic Consequences:
• Despite promising use cases, LMMs pose risks such as false
• Concerns arise around economic prospects with a shrinking or biased statements, training data quality issues,
workforce and reduced domestic consumption. affordability concerns, over-reliance on automation, and
• Potential acceleration of supply chain shifts to alternative cyber threats due to sensitive patient data.
markets.
1. Stakeholder Collaborations:
Aging Crisis Challenge:
• Advocates collaborative governance involving health system
• UN Estimates and Aging Population: stakeholders, technology firms, civil society, and patients
• UN estimates suggest China may lose over 100 million throughout the LMM building and rollout stages.
people by 2050, stressing the pension system and local
governments. 1. Government Regulations and Investments:
• Aging population poses challenges for Beijing.
• Recommends governments enact laws ensuring ethical
International Comparisons: duties for LMMs, fund public computing infrastructure
adhering to fairness principles, and assign oversight bodies
• Birth Rate Lagging Behind Peers: to vet healthcare AI.
• China's 2023 birth rate lags behind regional peers like Japan
and South Korea, highlighting shifts in family planning 1. Responsible Industry Practices:
attitudes.
• Encourages developers to engage diverse users early, design
Global Implications: AI systems for well-defined tasks with explainability, and
ensure responsible practices in AI development.
• India's Population Overtakes:
Core Ethical Principles: • Five modes identified: Valabhi, Phamsana, Latina, Shekhari,
and Bhumija.
• WHO's 2023 AI ethics guidance highlights six foundational
principles for the health sector: 1. Comparison to Dravida Style:
• Protecting autonomy.
• Promoting well-being/safety. • Contrasts with Dravida vimana spires, which are smaller.
• Ensuring transparency. • Nagara temples generally lack encircling walls common in
• Fostering accountability. Dravida style.
• Enabling inclusivity/equity.
• Furthering sustainability. 1. Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir Features:
Global Risks: • Combines Nagara and Dravida elements.

• Main shikhara modeled after the 5th-century Gupta period
• World Economic Forum's Concerns: Mukteshvara Temple.
• AI disinformation and media manipulation categorized as
short-term societal risks. 1. Materials Used:
• UN experts warn that AI may disproportionately affect
lower-income countries and women. • Built with stone, incorporating marble, carved sandstone,
• Proactive measures needed to democratize access. and Rajasthani pink stone.
EU's AI Governance: 1. Iconographic Imagery:
• EU AI Act: • Elaborate carvings and murtis adorn the walls.

• The EU recently passed an AI Act enforcing fundamental • Shikharas symbolize Mount Meru’s sacred heights.
rights compliance to protect election integrity.
• Emphasizes the need for global policy coherence to balance 1. Surrounding Smaller Shikharas:
innovation with responsibility.
• Incorporates additional shorter shikharas around the main
Cyber Threats and Quantum Computing: central spire.
• Falls within later composite Latina and Shekhara modes.
• Additional Concerns:
• The World Economic Forum report identifies quantum Deity Images and Cultural Legacy:
computing as another potentially disruptive technology.
• Raises concerns about "harvest attacks" with the • Iconographic Imagery:
emergence of powerful quantum computers, highlighting • Shrines include prominent figures like Shri Ram,
the need for upgraded security. Parashurama, Balarama, Shiva-Parvati, and Ganesha.
• Pays homage to India’s diverse Hindu religio-cultural legacy.
60. Nagara Style in Ayodhya’s Ram Temple

Design 61. Ayodhya’s Ties to Korean Queen Heo
Introduction: Historical Connection:
• Architectural Style - Nagara: • Ancient Connection - Queen Heo:

• Ayodhya's new Ram Janmabhoomi temple design combines • Representatives from over 50 nations, including Kim Chil-su
Nagara and Dravida elements. from South Korea, invited for the Ram Temple consecration
• Nagara temple style emerged in northern India during the ceremony in Ayodhya.
5th century CE. • Honoring the ancient connection between India and Korea
via Queen Heo.
Key Features of Nagara Temples:
Queen Heo’s Legend:
1. Temple Structure:
1. Legend of Queen Heo:
• Nagara temples stand on raised platforms.
• Towering spires (shikharas) rise above the sanctum housing • Queen Heo, an Ayodhya princess, is said to have journeyed
the deity. to Korea around 2,000 years ago (48 AD) and married King
Kim Suro.
1. Shikhara Shapes and Designs: • Parents received divine guidance to send her to Korea as
Queen.
• Diverse Nagara temples have varying shikhara shapes and
designs. 1. Modern Era Connections:
• Recent years have seen a revival of the ancient India-Korea
connection.
• South Korea’s First Lady attended Diwali events in Ayodhya 62. Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana
in 2018 to highlight historical bonds. Overview:
1. Descendants Honor Shared Lineage: • Announcement:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the 'Pradhan
• Millions of Koreans trace ancestry to the Karak clan founded Mantri Suryodaya Yojana,' a scheme to promote rooftop
by Queen Heo. solar power systems.
• Karak clan members visited Ayodhya in 2002 to
commemorate Queen Heo at a memorial on the Saryu Objectives:
riverbank.
1. Rapid Expansion of Rooftop Solar Capacity:
1. Ongoing Research:
• Aims to install solar power systems on one crore houses.
• Samguk Yusa chronicle is the earliest source documenting • Seeks to provide incentives and financial assistance for
the legend. affordable adoption of rooftop solar by residential
• Genetic analyses have pointed to possibilities of Queen consumers.
Heo’s Indian heritage.
• Ongoing investigations by both Indian and Korean scholars. 1. Target and Deadline:
Cultural Exchanges and Economic Ties: • A response to missing the initial target of 40 gigawatts of
rooftop solar capacity by 2022.
• Cultural Tributes: • Signals renewed efforts to achieve the extended target of
• The Ayodhya-Korea Queen Heo connection has led to 40GW by 2026.
cultural tributes, including books on her life and articles
highlighting shared heritage. Benefits:
• Uttar Pradesh government collaborated with Gimhae city to
open a Queen Heo memorial park in Ayodhya in 2001. 1. Reduction in Electricity Bills:
Geopolitical Significance: • Installing solar rooftops under the scheme will reduce
monthly electricity bills for households.
• Soft Power Diplomacy:
• In a post-pandemic landscape of geopolitical realignments, 1. Contribution to Renewable Energy Goals:
the Queen Heo connection allows India to engage East Asian
countries, particularly South Korea, invoking ancient ties • Supports India's goal of reaching 500GW of renewable
and shared traditions. energy by 2030.
• A strategic soft power play in contemporary geopolitics. • Rooftop solar expected to contribute significantly to this
target.
Economic Impacts:
1. Energy Security and Self-reliance:
• Boosting Commercial Links:
• The Queen Heo legend fortifies economic ties between • Widespread adoption will boost energy security and self-
India and Korea, attracting Korean companies to invest in reliance.
Uttar Pradesh, leveraging shared history for economic
cooperation. Current Solar Expansion Status:
Global Prominence: • As of December 2022, India's total installed solar capacity is

around 73GW, with rooftop solar accounting for only 11GW.
• Ayodhya’s Rising Global Profile: • The scheme aims to accelerate the adoption of rooftop
• As Ayodhya gains international attention, the Queen Heo solar to meet the 40GW target.
legend elevates its global prominence.
• Korean participation in the 2023 Ram temple inauguration Challenges:
ceremonies signifies Ayodhya’s rising global significance.
• Implementation Key:
The information provides a comprehensive overview of WHO's • While the scheme reflects government intent, successful
guidance on healthcare AI ethics, details about Nag implementation is crucial.
• Challenges include regulations, financing frameworks, and
ara style in Ayodhya’s Ram Temple design, and the historical ties lack of consumer awareness.
between Ayodhya and Korean Queen Heo. • Sustained policy support and innovative business models
are necessary for widescale adoption.
63. India Surpasses Hong Kong As World’s Fourth 64. Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2024
Biggest Stock Market Overview:
Market Capitalization Milestone:
• The Indian Government announces amendments to mineral
• India's equity market capitalization surpasses Hong Kong's, auction rules through the Mineral (Auction) Amendment
making it the fourth-largest globally. Rules, 2024.
• Total valuation reaches $4.33 trillion as of January 23rd,
exceeding Hong Kong's $4.29 trillion. Amendments and Objectives:
Driving Forces: 1. Capping Upfront Fees:
1. Robust Domestic Growth Dynamics: • Introduces an upper limit of Rs 500 crore on one-time
upfront payment by successful bidders.
• Favorable domestic growth dynamics contribute to India's • Aims to prevent aggressive upfront commitments.
market rally.
• Market cap doubled from $2 trillion in four years. 1. Restricting Affiliate Bidding:
1. Foreign Inflows and Retail Participation: • Bars corporate affiliates from bidding for the same mineral
block to minimize anti-competitive practices.
• Steady foreign inflows and robust participation from Indian • Affiliate bids to be publicly disclosed for transparency.
retail investors lift domestic stocks.
• Global institutions increasing exposure to India. 1. Facilitating Exploration Licensing:
1. Political Stability and Pro-reform Policies: • Enables state governments to grant exploration licenses (EL)
directly via auctions.
• Stable political climate and pro-reform policies enhance • Promotes upfront investment in comprehensive mineral
India's market appeal. exploration.
Contrasting with China/Hong Kong: 1. Standardizing EL Safeguards:
• While India's market grows, Hong Kong faces challenges: • Sets a uniform performance security deposit of ₹2 crore for
• Strict COVID curbs, property sector woes, and regulatory exploration permits covering 500-1000 square kilometers.
tightening in China contribute to a historic market rout. • Provides clarity to potential EL bidders on financial
commitments.
Ongoing Momentum:
1. Empowering States on Revenue Sharing:
• Analysts anticipate India's stock market uptrend to
continue, supported by economic expansion and supportive • Allows state governments to define the maximum
policies. percentage share of auction premiums payable to them.
• Enhances states' rights over revenue sharing from eventual
Global Capital Redirection: mineral production.
• Diverging fortunes prompt a shift of capital from Hong Kong Attracting Investment and Bolstering Transparency:
to India.
• Foreign investors poured over $21 billion into Indian shares • Aims to attract private participation with reduced upfront
in 2022. payment burdens and enhanced exploration policy
certainty.
Key Risks: • Amendments are in line with India’s mineral sector policy
for transparent and competitive resource allocation.
• Potential risks include stretched valuations and global
growth concerns leading to capital outflows. Implementation Focus:
• Positive structural factors suggest India's market may
outpace Hong Kong over the long term. • On-ground implementation of the policy provisions will be
crucial, especially regarding decentralization of exploration
Looking Ahead: permitting and states’ revenue share decisions.
• Sustaining growth through infrastructure upgrades, policy

reforms, and private investment is crucial.
• Enhancing market access, regulation, and governance will
secure India's position among the world’s top equity hubs.
65. BCCI Awards 2024 66. Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur
Overview: Background:
• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Awards held • The central government announces Bharat Ratna for late
on January 23, 2024, in Hyderabad, honored exceptional Bihar leader Karpoori Thakur in his birth centenary year.
cricketers across formats.
Profile of Karpoori Thakur:
Award Categories and Awardees:
• Political Legacy:
1. International Performances: • CM of Bihar twice, known as ‘Jannayak’ or people’s leader.
• Emerged as Bihar’s tallest backward caste leader despite
• Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, and Ravichandran Ashwin hailing from a marginalized caste.
received awards for outstanding performances in different • Freedom Struggle Participation:
seasons. • Participated in India’s independence movement and faced
imprisonment.
1. Lifetime Achievement: • Served as an MLA and education minister post-1947.
• Social Justice Policies:
• Ravi Shastri and Farokh Engineer conferred the prestigious • Revolutionized caste-based reservations in Bihar as CM,
Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Awards for their expanding quotas for backward castes from 12% to 20%.
distinguished services to Indian cricket. • Introduced the ‘Karpoori formula’ in 1977, including an 8%
quota for extremely marginalized groups.
1. Domestic Stalwarts: • Impact and Legacy:
• Despite facing upper caste resentment, his policies drove
• Recognized highest run-getters, wicket-takers, and social progress and influenced national reservation policies.
achievements of state teams in various seasons. • Lived an austere life rooted in Gandhian values, focused on
dignity and self-reliance for the marginalized.
1. Young Talent Recognition: • Political Philosophy:
• Pro-poor governance philosophy aligns with the politics of
• Promising youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shafali Verma, social justice championed by contemporary regional parties
and others acknowledged. in Bihar.
Historical Significance: Recognition and Symbolism:
• Recognizes contributions across formats, age groups, and • Historical Significance:
domestic levels. • Recognized for contributions in empowering disadvantaged
• Highlights the achievements of both established and sections through dignified livelihoods and equitable
emerging cricketers. representation.
• Inspiration for the Marginalized:
Focus on Domestic Circuit and Youth: • Symbolizes empowerment hopes for India’s disadvantaged
sections amid current caste census demands and
• Acknowledges lesser-known but immensely talented
reservation discussions.
performers in domestic and junior levels.
• Incentives like Best Junior Women’s Cricketer for Kashvee
Gautam aim to motivate youth transitioning to the elite
level. 67. NATO Inks Mega Ammunition Deal for
Ukraine
Tribute to Lifetime Achievers: Ammunition Procurement Details:
• Ravi Shastri’s role in transforming the team and Farokh • NATO signs a €1.1 billion contract for the procurement of
Engineer’s service to Indian cricket recognized in the 155mm artillery rounds.
Lifetime Achievement category. • Contract jointly awarded by NATO Support and
• Highlights the impact of their contributions on recent Procurement Agency (NSPA) on behalf of Belgium,
overseas heroics and the overall mindset of the Indian Lithuania, and Spain.
cricket team.
Purpose and Distribution:
• Aid to Ukraine:
• Part of the ammunition will go to Ukraine, facing critical
shortages after almost two years of conflict with Russia.
• Bulk Procurement:
• Consolidated demand allows favorable bulk pricing for CBRI's Proposed Options:
around 220,000 shells.
• French and German defense contractors to supply the • Compensation or Relocation:
munitions. • CBRI proposes two options for residents: compensation or
relocation to a newly developed smart village.
Delivery Timeline: • Full support promised to the state government for building
the new village.
• Deliveries expected to begin by the end of 2025,
emphasizing the long production cycles in arms Resident Concerns and Reactions:
manufacturing.
• Protests and Concerns:
Context and Background: • Residents protest the proposed relocation, stating their
livelihoods depend on Joshimath’s location.
• Ammunition Shortages in Ukraine: • Preference for relocation to additional land within the town
• Ukrainian officials highlight the pressing challenge of rather than a new village far away.
ammunition shortages for their troops. • Importance of Joshimath:
• NATO allies collaborate to address this challenge, • Joshimath is a crucial Himalayan tourist and pilgrimage
emphasizing their commitment to sustain Ukraine’s combat gateway town, serving as a launching point for mountain
capacity. climbing ventures and pilgrimage sites.
• Previous Procurements:
• NSPA previously sealed €9.19 billion worth agreements over Ongoing Discussions and Safety Focus:
the past year for missiles, tank rounds, artillery shells, and
other weaponry. • Demographic Challenges:
• Strategic Importance: • Authorities discuss options with the central government
• The ongoing conflict in Ukraine emphasizes the strategic before finalizing relocation plans.
role of continuous ammunition provisions in denying Russia • Addressing demographic changes, livelihood impacts, and
a military breakthrough. rehabilitation packages are part of ongoing discussions.
• Safety Priority:
Future Considerations: • The safety of Joshimath residents remains the foremost
priority, and decisions may be taken to protect lives from
• Ramping up Production: future subsidence disasters.
• NATO discusses ways to persuade industry players to boost
ammunition output, including providing incentives for
capacity expansion. 69. People’s Democratic Party Wins Bhutan
• Financial Commitments: Elections
• Ensuring financial commitments match political Election Results:
pronouncements to maintain sustained supplies.
• The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) wins with 30 out of 47
seats in the Bhutan elections. The Bhutan Tendrel Party
68. High Risk Zones Identified in Joshimath becomes the opposition with 17 seats.
Risk Zones Identification:
Electoral System and Turnout:
• The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) identifies 14
high-risk zones in Joshimath after a detailed survey. • Bicameral Parliament:
• Bhutan transitioned to a constitutional monarchy with a
Land Subsidence and Safety Concerns: parliamentary democracy in 2008.
• The bicameral parliament includes the National Council
• Severe Land Subsidence: (upper house) and National Assembly (lower house).
• Zones include Marwari, Sunil, Upper Bazar, Lower Bazar, • Two-Round Voting System:
Singhdhar, and Manohar Bagh, posing major safety risks. • National Assembly elections follow a two-round system,
• Around 1,000 residential and commercial structures fall in with a primary round and a general election between the
these high-risk zones. top two parties.
• Status of Cracks and Subsidence: • Voter Turnout:
• Cracks and subsidence reported last year have not widened • Reduced to 63% and 65.6% for the two rounds, from
or deepened over the past six months. 66.36% and 71.46% in 2018.
• Despite this, the identified areas remain highly dangerous
for habitation. Party Campaign Focus and Key Concerns:
• PDP’s Focus:
• PDP focuses on economic recovery through infrastructure Approvals and Launch:
development and private sector growth in its campaign.
• Key Concerns: • In-Principle Approval:
• Economic slowdown, high unemployment (28.6%), stagnant • National Tiger Conservation Authority gives in-principle
tourism, and private sector challenges post-pandemic. approval.
• High total debt levels, declining foreign reserves, decreasing • Detailed site feasibility study and clearances, including
fertility rates, and migration pose demographic challenges. Central Zoo Authority, needed.
• Target Launch:
Policy Priorities and India-Bhutan Ties: • State government aims to launch the safari by October 2024
after final approvals and construction completion.
• PDP’s Economic Track Record:
• PDP’s economic track record from 2013-18 contributes to Concerns and Perspectives:
renewed public trust in its leadership.
• Policy priorities include addressing economic, • Activists’ Concerns:
unemployment, and debt issues through private sector • Some activists express concerns about captive tigers losing
growth and tourism revival. natural behaviors.
• Positive for India-Bhutan Relations: • Counterarguments:
• PDP’s traditionally close ties with India and its victory signal • Others argue controlled tourism may benefit conservation
continuity in the critical India-Bhutan relationship. efforts while allowing visitors to safely observe rare black
tigers.
70. Odisha’s Black Tiger Safari

Introduction: 71. 2024 Padma Awards
Overview:
• Odisha announces the world’s first exclusive melanistic tiger
safari adjoining the Similipal Tiger Reserve. • Padma Awards, India’s highest civilian honors, announced
for 2024 in three categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma
Black Tigers: Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
• Definition: Awardees and Categories:

• Regular Bengal tigers with increased melanin production,
resulting in dark stripes instead of the typical orange and • Total Awards:
black pattern. • 132 Padma Awards announced, including 2 duo cases.
• Location: • Padma Vibhushan:
• Currently found only in Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve • Conferred to 5 personalities, including former Vice
(STR). President Venkaiah Naidu and renowned Bharatnatyam
• First Sighting: dancer Padma Subrahmanyam.
• Official sighting by forest officials in 1975-1976. • Padma Bhushan:
• Scientific documentation began in 1993 after the first • Awarded to 17 individuals, featuring Bollywood star Mithun
melanistic tiger was killed in self-defense. Chakraborty and art patron Kiran Nadar.
• Population: • Padma Shri:
• Estimated 10 pseudomelanistic tigers out of the 16 tigers in • Conferred upon 110 inspiring individuals, including
STR as per 2022 data. environmental activist Chami Murmu and elephant mahout
• Ongoing tiger census suggests the population could be Parbati Baruah.
higher.
Notable Awardees:
Safari Plan and Location:
• Chami Murmu:
• Site Identified: • Environmental activist from Jharkhand, mobilized hundreds
• 200-hectare site along National Highway 18, 15 kms from of women to plant over 28 lakh trees across 500 villages.
Similipal reserve. • Recognized for afforestation and women empowerment.
• Enclosures and Facilities: • Parbati Baruah:
• 100 hectares for enclosures and facilities. • India’s first woman elephant mahout from Assam.
• 100 hectares for visitor zones and veterinary centers. • Acknowledged for her pioneering work in elephant
• Initial Residents: conservation and handling.
• 3 pseudomelanistic tigers from Nandankanan zoo and unfit
rescued tigers initially. Diversity in Awardees:
• Wide Spectrum:
• Awardees span diverse fields like art, social work, medicine, • 12% enrolment in postgraduation.
literature, sports, civil services, and environmental activism. • Arts, Science, and Commerce remain top disciplines at UG
• Women Awardees: level.
• 30 women among the awardees, highlighting gender • Social Sciences dominate at the postgraduate level.
inclusivity.
• Non-Resident Awardees: STEM Education:
• 8 NRIs/PIOs/OCIs recognized for their contributions.
• STEM Enrolment:
Controversies: • Around 98.5 lakh students pursue STEM degrees in UG, PG,
and Ph.D levels in 2021-22.
• Controversial Awardees:
• Controversies around Foxconn’s business practices and Infrastructure and Institutions:
Kiran Nadar’s art patronage.
• Committee Stand: • Infrastructure Availability:
• Despite criticism, the Awards Committees find the • Higher education institutions exhibit near-universal
recipients meeting the criteria. availability of key infrastructure.
• Institution Numbers:
• Total universities, colleges, and standalone institutions
72. All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) registered under AISHE are 1168, 45473, and 12002
2021-2022 respectively.
• New Universities:
Introduction:
• Over 340 new universities added since 2014-15, indicating
• Ministry of Education releases the All India Survey on Higher significant expansion.
Education (AISHE) for 2021-22, covering all higher education
Faculty Details:
institutions in India.
• Faculty Count:
Enrolment Trends:
• Nearly 16 lakh faculty in 2021-22, with 57% male and 43%
• Overall Growth: female.
• Gender Balance:
• Total enrolment in higher education reaches nearly 4.33
• Female faculty percentage grows by 22% since 2014-15,
crore in 2021-22, increasing by over 91 lakh students since
2014-15. indicating improving gender balance.
• Category-wise Growth:
• Enrolment increases across categories like females, SCs, STs,
OBCs, and minorities since 2014-15. 73. UGC’s Draft De-Reservation Guidelines
• Female Enrolment: Controversial Draft Guidelines:
• Female enrolment rises by 50 lakh to 2.07 crore.
• UGC released 'Guidelines for Implementation of the
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Reservation Policy' proposing de-reservation of vacant
reserved category seats.
• GER Increase: • Controversy arose over potential dilution of reservation
• Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) rises from 23.7% in 2014-15 to policies, sparking criticism from students.
28.4% in 2021-22.
• Higher rise observed for females and reserved categories Ministry’s Clarification:
like SCs and STs.
• Ministry of Education clarified on Twitter that there is no
Ph.D Enrolment: change in the reservation policy for central educational
institutions.
• Ph.D Enrolment Surge: • Directives were given to fill vacancies as per the 2019 Act,
• Ph.D enrolment increases by 81.2% since 2014-15 to 2.12 emphasizing no de-reservation of reserved posts.
lakh.
• Female Ph.D enrolment doubles, indicating greater gender Lack of Clarity:
parity in research degrees.
• The draft's applicability on all higher education institutions
Program-wise Enrolment: remains unclear.
• Education being on the concurrent list allows states to
• Undergraduate Dominance: formulate their own reservation policies, adding to the
• Nearly 79% of total enrolment is in undergraduate complexity.
programs.
• Postgraduation and Disciplines:
Social Justice Concerns: Resignation Over 2014 Debacle:
• Student groups and activists argue de-reservation defeats • Resigned as CM in 2014 after JD(U) performed poorly in LS
the purpose of social justice envisioned through reservation. elections.
• Diluting reservation policies through administrative
measures undermines the goal of promoting equality. Son Stays Away From Politics:
Overlooking Meritorious Reserved Students: • Nitish's son Nishant avoids politics despite being wealthy.
• Critics highlight cases of meritorious students from reserved Indispensability Despite Unreliability:
backgrounds missing opportunities due to vacant positions.
• De-reservation may deny access to higher education for • Parties welcome Nitish due to his clean image and his
talented students based on procedural technicalities. perceived indispensability.
Inadequate Efforts Criticized: Tenure Versus Number of Terms:
• Activists question the effectiveness of institutions' efforts to • Nitish has 17 years as CM over 9 terms, trailing others with
fill reserved seats before considering de-reservation. fewer but longer tenures.
• Lack of outreach and counseling for maximum filling of
reserved seats contributes to the de-reservation debate. Political Dynamism and Controversies:
Legal and Constitutional Concerns: • Nitish's frequent political switches highlight his political
dynamism.
• Critics argue UGC's de-reservation formula violates legal and • Despite controversies and unreliability, Nitish remains
constitutional safeguards for reservation. indispensable for parties in Bihar.
• Supreme Court upholds reservation as intrinsic to the right
to equal opportunity in public employment and education.
75. Finance Ministry Highlights Key Economic
Challenges
74. Nitish Kumar Back as Bihar CM for Record 9th Overview:
Term
Political Turn of Events: • Finance Ministry outlines four key challenges facing India's
economy in "The Indian Economy: A Review" Report.
• Nitish Kumar sworn in as Chief Minister of Bihar for the • India aims to become a $7 trillion economy by 2030.
record ninth time on August 10, 2022.
• Returns to power 18 months after leaving the BJP-led NDA, 1. Global Spillovers and Hyper-Globalization:
marking his fifth switch since 2015.
• Domestic performance drives growth, but global spillovers
Justifications and Reactions: are crucial.
• Trends like slowing hyper-globalization and friend-shoring
• Nitish claims the move is "in Bihar’s interest," while the BJP impact trade and growth.
sees it as necessary "for the state’s development." • Increasing globalization necessitates understanding global
• RJD predicts JD(U)’s demise despite the earlier alliance, economic dynamics.
emphasizing ideological compatibility.
2. AI Impact on Services Sector:
Political Journey of Nitish Kumar:
• Artificial intelligence poses a threat to jobs in the services
First BJP Alliance in 1996: sector.
• Services sector contributes over 50% to GDP.
• Nitish aligned with BJP in 1996 for his party’s interests, • The challenge involves retraining and upskilling the
becoming an MP. workforce for AI-enabled roles.
Resignation in 1999 Over Train Tragedy: 3. Balancing Energy Security and Sustainability:
• Resigned as Railway Minister in 1999 after the Gaisal train • Balancing economic growth and energy security with a
disaster, taking moral responsibility. transition to renewables.
• India's commitment to shift fully to renewables by 2070.
Departure from NDA Over Modi’s Selection: • Involves geopolitical, fiscal, technological, and social
dimensions.
• Rejected NDA’s PM candidate Narendra Modi in 2014 due
to concerns about a "secular image."
4. Availability of Skilled Workforce: • Initiatives like Khelo India Games lay the foundation for
expanding India's global sporting footprint in winter sports.
• Key for economic growth is a healthy, talented, and skilled
workforce.
• Age-appropriate learning outcomes and a fit population for
productive roles are crucial.
• Reforms in healthcare and education are intertwined with
economic growth.
Positive Growth Trajectory:
• Despite challenges, the ministry forecasts 7% or higher GDP

growth in 2023-24 and potentially in 2024-25.
• Aim for sustained high growth rates over the next decade
crucial for the $7 trillion economy vision.
• Addressing structural economic challenges is necessary for
long-term economic sustainability.
76. Sheen-e She’ (Shan): The Mascot of 2024

Khelo India Winter Games
About the Mascot:
• Name: Sheen-e She’ or Shan (Snow Leopard).

• Unveiled as the mascot for the 2024 Khelo India Winter
Games.
• Represents the biodiversity of the region, highlighting the
snow leopard native to the high Himalayas.
Hosting of Khelo India Winter Games:
• Games initiated by PM Narendra Modi to promote Olympic

sports and cultivate sporting talent.
• Two legs of the games: First in Ladakh (February 2-6) and
the second in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir (February 21-25).
• Sports include Ice Hockey, Speed Skating, Ski
Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Nordic Ski,
and Gondola competitions.
Significance of Mascot:
• Ecological Message: The snow leopard symbolizes

environmental protection and conservation.
• Habitat Preservation: Highlights the need to protect local
habitats from climate change and human activities.
• Local Integration: Logo integrates Indian tricolor and
symbols of Ladakh.
Broader Goals:
• Boosts tourism and economic opportunities in Ladakh and

J&K.
• Positions Ladakh and J&K as emerging winter sports hubs.
• Aligns with larger goals of grassroots sports development
and talent discovery in winter disciplines.
Future Prospects:
• India has the potential to groom Winter Olympics talent

with world-class infrastructure.

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8. ISRO's Successful Launch of Earth Observation Satellite EOS-03

1|CV : Synonyms of Final Converts | To Join WAT PI Course : https://azucation.org/

What is VVPAT?..........................................................................9 Benefits: ................................................................................... 11

Current Audit Practice: ..............................................................9 Background: ............................................................................. 11

Key Points:................................................................................10 Program Overview: .................................................................. 12

2|CV : Synonyms of Final Converts | To Join WAT PI Course : https://azucation.org/

South Africa’s Allegations: .......................................................14 Winners and Categories: ......................................................... 18

Provisional Measures Sought:..................................................14 Spread of Innovation and Emerging Trends: ........................... 18

Cleanest Cities in India: ............................................................15 Animal Welfare Focus and SOPs:............................................. 19

Ranking Methodology: .............................................................15 Ahatguri's Historical Significance: ........................................... 19

Statewise and Category Winners: ............................................15 Introduction of eSakshi App: ................................................... 19

Indore’s Focus Areas: ...............................................................15 Revamping MPLADS Management:......................................... 19

Situation Overview:..................................................................15 SAKSHI Portal and eSakshi App Benefits: ................................ 20

Global Context and Future Challenges: ...................................16 Focus on 14-to-18-Year-Olds: .................................................. 20

Report Highlights: ....................................................................16 Key Findings: ............................................................................ 20

Outlook for 2024: .....................................................................16 School and Education Insights: ................................................ 20

Recent Developments: .............................................................16 Overview: ................................................................................. 20

GM Mustard Hybrid DMH-11: .................................................16 India's Military Capabilities: .................................................... 20

Criticisms and Challenges: .......................................................16 Role of Stamp Act: ................................................................... 21

5|CV : Synonyms of Final Converts | To Join WAT PI Course : https://azucation.org/

2. Sagar Parikrama: 10th Edition Takes Coast-to- Features:

Key Highlights: Livelihood Preservation:

• High-resolution imaging capabilities.

7. Indian Railways Introduces 'Utkrisht Rake' for Challenges:

• Robust performance in key sectors.

7|CV : Synonyms of Final Converts | To Join WAT PI Course : https://azucation.org/

• Strengthens PAF capabilities, compensating for uncertainty

Recommendations: • Utilizes geo-spatial technology for comprehensive green

• Granular green cover metrics for each national highway.

Addressing Price Uncertainty: Holistic Vision:

9|CV : Synonyms of Final Converts | To Join WAT PI Course : https://azucation.org/

• Election Commission of India (ECI) issues new guidelines for

• Madagascar vulnerable to climate shocks.

• Global cooperation, solidarity, and common goals.

Economic Growth: 35. Microsoft Launches AI Odyssey Program to

• Opens income avenues for locals. Empowering Careers:

• Certification requirements for property owners.

Mitigating AI-Enabled Misinformation: • Accusations:

Cost-of-Living Crisis and Political Instability: • South Africa's Requests:

ICJ’s Decision and Implications: • Cleanliness Initiatives:

42. Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023

Indore's Consistent Performance: State’s Initiatives and Seeking Aid:

• Indore's Achievement: • Government Appeals for Central Aid:

• Global Drought Trends: • Background:

• Technological Leverage: • Schools Still Vital:

• Archaisms in 1899 Stamp Act: 1. Reliable, Verifiable, and Transparent:

• ASCI Initiative: • Self-Regulation and Accountability:

1. Fastest Decline Since 1961 Famine: • WHO Initiative:

1. Pandemic Policies Weaken Economy: • Clinical diagnosis and care.

Global Risks: • Combines Nagara and Dravida elements.

EU's AI Governance: 1. Iconographic Imagery:

• EU AI Act: • Elaborate carvings and murtis adorn the walls.

60. Nagara Style in Ayodhya’s Ram Temple

• Architectural Style - Nagara: • Ancient Connection - Queen Heo:

1. Descendants Honor Shared Lineage: • Announcement:

Global Prominence: • As of December 2022, India's total installed solar capacity is

Driving Forces: 1. Capping Upfront Fees:

Contrasting with China/Hong Kong: 1. Standardizing EL Safeguards:

• Sustaining growth through infrastructure upgrades, policy

70. Odisha’s Black Tiger Safari

• Definition: Awardees and Categories:

Inadequate Efforts Criticized: Tenure Versus Number of Terms: