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Current Affairs Yearbook 2024 Edition www.parchamclasses.
in
Contents
Important Days & Theme ........................................ 5 Obituaries ............................................................ 81

January ..................................................................... 5 Art and culture ....................................................... 81
February ................................................................... 7 Political Member.................................................... 84
March ....................................................................... 9 Award Winners ...................................................... 87
April ........................................................................ 11 Miscellaneous ........................................................ 90
May ........................................................................ 14 Appointments....................................................... 93
June ........................................................................ 17 Govt Appointments................................................ 93
July ......................................................................... 19 PSU ....................................................................... 105
August .................................................................... 20 Security & Defense .............................................. 107
September.............................................................. 21 Banking & Insurance ............................................ 112
October .................................................................. 23 Indian Ambassadors............................................. 117
November .............................................................. 24 Private Org ........................................................... 118
December ............................................................... 26 Miscellaneous ...................................................... 119
Books & Authors ................................................... 28 Union Territories ................................................ 123
Biography & Autobiography................................... 28 Jammu & Kashmir ................................................ 123
Historical Books...................................................... 29 Ladakh .................................................................. 129
Sports Books........................................................... 31 Chandigarh ........................................................... 132
Political ................................................................... 31 Lakshadweep ....................................................... 134
Economy................................................................. 33 State News ......................................................... 135
Government launch ............................................... 34 Himachal Pradesh ................................................ 135
Miscellaneous ........................................................ 35 Uttarakhand ......................................................... 139
Awards ................................................................. 37 Punjab .................................................................. 145
Film & Music .......................................................... 37 Haryana ................................................................ 149
Art & literature ....................................................... 43 Uttar Pradesh ....................................................... 151
Gallantry ................................................................. 49 Madhya Pradesh .................................................. 161
Nobel prize ............................................................. 50 Chhattisgarh......................................................... 168
Padma awards ........................................................ 51 Jharkhand............................................................. 170
Science ................................................................... 52 Odisha .................................................................. 173
Sports ..................................................................... 54 Bihar ..................................................................... 181
Banking & Business ................................................ 57 West Bengal ......................................................... 185
Gandhi Peace Prize................................................. 58 Assam ................................................................... 188
Ministry related...................................................... 59 Manipur ............................................................... 194
State Award............................................................ 63 Meghalaya ........................................................... 196
International .......................................................... 68 Mizoram ............................................................... 197
Miscellaneous ........................................................ 74 Nagaland .............................................................. 199
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Current Affairs Yearbook 2024 Edition www.parchamclasses.in
Sikkim ................................................................... 199 Ministry of Coal ....................................................... 275

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) ........................... 275
Arunachal Pradesh ............................................... 200
Summits & conferences in India .......................... 276
Tripura .................................................................. 203
Projects & Campaign............................................ 290
Rajasthan.............................................................. 204
Mission, Portals And Initiatives ........................... 300
Gujarat ................................................................. 210
National and International events ....................... 314
Maharashtra......................................................... 216
National parks & WLS .......................................... 318
Goa ....................................................................... 224
Tiger & Elephant Reserves ................................... 323
Karnataka ............................................................. 226
World Heritage Sites ............................................ 328
Andhra Pradesh.................................................... 239
Bills, Act And Amendmends ................................. 331
Tamil Nadu ........................................................... 242
Miscellaneous ...................................................... 336
Kerala ................................................................... 247
Short News........................................................... 384
STATE SHORT NEWS ............................................ 254
Science & Technology ......................................... 389
National News .................................................... 259
Satellite & Space projects .................................... 389
Central Govt Schemes .......................................... 259
NASA .................................................................... 397
Ministry of Tribal Affairs ...........................................259
Miscellaneous ...................................................... 402
Ministry of Finance...................................................259
Culture ......................................................................261 Medicine & Research ........................................... 408
Education .................................................................261
New discovery...................................................... 419
AYUSH ......................................................................262
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution ......262 Technology........................................................... 421
Health & Family Welfare ..........................................262
Miscellaneous ...................................................... 427
The Railways Ministry ..............................................264
Ministry of Women and Child Development............264 Defence .............................................................. 434
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Military Exercises ................................................. 434
..................................................................................265
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment ..........266 Indian Navy .............................................................. 434
Ministry of Textiles ...................................................266 Indian Army ............................................................. 438
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises .......267 Coast Guard ............................................................. 442
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas .......................269 Air Force .................................................................. 442
Ministry of Development of North-East Region .......269 Miscellaneous ...................................................... 444
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology DRDO.................................................................... 447
..................................................................................270
Ministry of Rural Development ................................270 Other News Related To Drdo ............................... 450
Ministry of Minority Affairs ......................................271 Other Countries Missile & Test ............................ 451
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) .....271
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). ...................271
Defense Procurement & MoU ............................. 453
The Ministry of Labour and Employment.................272 Miscellaneous ...................................................... 462
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers .......................272
GI Tags ............................................................... 471
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy ..................273
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ladakh .................................................................. 471
..................................................................................273
J&K ....................................................................... 471
Ministry of Civil Aviation ..........................................274
Ministry of Heavy Industries ....................................274 Uttarakhand ......................................................... 471
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Himachal Pradesh ................................................ 472
..................................................................................274
Ministry of Shipping, Waterways and Ports .............275 Uttar Pradesh ....................................................... 472
Ministry of Human Resource Development .............275 Bihar ..................................................................... 473
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Madhya Pradesh .................................................. 473 Badminton ........................................................... 571

Chhattisgarh ......................................................... 474 Hockey ................................................................. 573
Rajasthan.............................................................. 474 Football ................................................................ 575
Odisha .................................................................. 475 Chess .................................................................... 579
Assam ................................................................... 475 Shooting ............................................................... 582
Mizoram ............................................................... 475 Archery................................................................. 583
Meghalaya............................................................ 475 Boxing .................................................................. 583
Arunachal Pradesh ............................................... 475 Wrestling.............................................................. 584
Goa ....................................................................... 476 Weightlifting ........................................................ 585
Karnataka ............................................................. 476 F1 Racing .............................................................. 585
Tamil Nadu ........................................................... 477 Athletics ............................................................... 586
Andhra Pradesh.................................................... 478 National Games ................................................... 589
Index & Ranking.................................................. 479 Miscellaneous ...................................................... 594
National Index & Reports ..................................... 479 International News ............................................. 598
International Index & Reports ............................. 498 International Appointments ................................ 598
Banking & Finance .............................................. 530 Projects & Agreements ........................................ 611
Sports ................................................................. 558 Int. Summits & Conferences ................................ 629
ICC World Cup 2023 ............................................. 558 Miscellaneous ...................................................... 645
Cricket .................................................................. 561 Short News........................................................... 674
Tennis ................................................................... 568
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Important Days & Theme

January
DATE DAY THEME/ REMARK
1 Jan DRDO Day Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
(65th Foundation day) DRDO founded:1958
Dr Sameer V Kamath, Chairman, DRDO
4 Jan World Braille Day Marks the birthday of Louis Braille, creator of braille language.
Observed since 2019
9 Jan NRI (Non-Resident Indian) Commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South
Day or Pravasi Bharatiya Africa to Mumbai on 9 January 1915.
Diwas Theme: “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit
Kaal”. It was first celebrated in 2003.
17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention organized from 8-10 January
2023 in Indore
Chief Guest: Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of Cooperative
Republic of Guyana
10-Jan World Hindi Day In 1975, the first-ever World Hindi Conference took place in
Maharashtra’s Nagpur on January 10
World Hindi Day was first celebrated in 2006. Former Prime Minister
Dr. Manmohan Singh adopted it.
Theme 2023 – Hindi: Traditional Knowledge to Artificial Intelligence.
National Hindi Day on September 14.
11- 17 National Road safety week Organised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Jan
12-Jan National Youth Day birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda
Celebrated since 1984
26th edition ,Theme – ‘Viksit Yuva Viksit Bharat’
14-Jan Armed Forces veteran day initially called Armistice Day. celebrated to honour the sacrifice of our
veterans in serving the nation.
Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the
Indian Armed Forces retired on 14 January 1953.
14-Jan International Kite Day Observed in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, since 1989
Popularly called Makar Sankranti - marks the end of winter as well as
the beginning of longer days on account of the sun's northward
journey.
Different Names of Sankranti Festival in Different States
 In UP and Gujarat, the festival is known as Uttarayan or Kicheri.
 In Odisha, it is called Makara Chaula
 In Bihar - Til Sakraat or Dahi Chura.
 Kerala - Makaravilakku.
 Karnataka - Suggi.
 Tamil Nadu - as Pongal
 In Maharashtra and Goa - Haldi Kumkum or Maghi Sankrant.
 In Himachal Pradesh - Magha Saaji.
 In Assam - Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu.
 In West Bengal - Poush Sankranti.
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15-Jan Indian Army Day In recognition of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa's (then a Lieutenant
General) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian
Army in 1949.
15-Jan Foundation Day of India Its inception 148 years ago on 15 January 1875.
Meteorological Department Headquarters – New Delhi
(IMD) IMD works under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
16 Jan National Startup Day Objective – To promote and encourage upcoming businesses in the
country.
On January 15, 2022, PM Modi first announced the adoption of the
day.
To celebrate this day, the Ministry of Commerce has organized Startup
India Innovation Week from 10 to 16 January 2023.
19-Jan 18th National Disaster National Disaster Response Force was formed in 2006 under the
Response Force (NDRF) Disaster Management Act.
Raising Day It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Director General of NDRF - Atul Karwal
21-Jan Manipur, Meghalaya, and The government of India granted their statehood on January 21, 1972,
Tripura Statehood day under the North Eastern Region (Reorganization) Act, 1971.
23-Jan Parakram Diwas He was born on January 23, 1897, at Cuttack in Odisha and his birthday
(126th Birth anniversary of is being celebrated as ‘Parakram Divas’ (day of valor) since 2022.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose)
24-Jan International Day of UNESCO dedicated this day on 24th of January 2023 to Afghan girls
Education to Afghan Girls and women.
24-Jan National Girl Child Day Started by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and
the Government of India in 2008
24-Jan International Education Day Theme 2023 – To Invest in People, Prioritise Education
It was announced by the United Nations General Assembly on 3
December 2018 (4th Edition)
National Education Day in India - 11 November.
24-Jan Foundation Day of Uttar The initiative to celebrate ‘Uttar Pradesh Day’ was taken by the then
Pradesh Governor Ram Naik in 2018.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh was known as United Provinces. On January 24,
1950, it was recognized as Uttar Pradesh.
The main theme of the ‘Uttar Pradesh Day’ 2023 is ‘Investment and
Employment’.
25-Jan National Tourism Day Theme 2022 - Rural and Community Centric Tourism
25-Jan National Voters Day Theme 2023 – Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For Sure
Marks the Foundation day of Election Commission of India (1950).
Started in 2011
25-Jan Himachal Pradesh Statehood 53rd Statehood Day
Day It was on this day in 1971 that Himachal Pradesh became the 18th
state of India.
After India’s independence, Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15 April
1948, by uniting 30 hill princely states of the region.
It was granted the status of a Union Territory on November 1, 1956.
26-Jan International Customs Day Theme 2023 – Nurturing the next generation: promoting a culture of
knowledge-sharing and professional pride in Customs
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World Customs Organization (WCO) was established on January 26,

1953.
26-Jan 74th Republic day 2023 Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 replacing the
Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India.
2021- No Chief Guest (Due to Covid-19)
2022-No Chief Guest (Due to Covid-19)
2023-Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi
1950- President Sukarno (Indonesia)
27-Jan International Holocaust In honour of 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust and millions of other
Remembrance Day 2023 Nazism victims under the Hitler regime between 1933 and 1945.
Theme 2023: Home and Belonging
28-Jan Data Privacy Day Theme 2023 – Think Privacy First
Was initiated by the Council of Europe in 2006.
29-Jan World Leprosy Day Theme 2023 – Act Now. End Leprosy
(last Sunday of January) Hansen’s disease or Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by slow-
growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae.
30-Jan Martyrs Day or Shaheed Mahatma Gandhi was assasinated on January 30, 1948.
Diwas And on March 23, the British hanged —Bhagat Singh, Shivaram
Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar—to death.
Which day is observed as ‘National Tourism Day’? Which day is observed as ‘Parakram Diwas’?
• 24 January • 15 January
9 January is observed as : What was the theme of the ‘National Voters Day’
a) Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2023?
b) Data Privacy Day • To Invest in People, Prioritise Education
c) National Voters Day • Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For Sure
d) National Startup Day • Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible, and
Participatory
24 January is observed as: • None of the above
• Armed Forces veteran day
• National Tourism Day
• National Girl Child Day
• National Youth Day
February
Which 2 North Eastern states got their statehood on 20th February?

1 Feb 47th Indian Coast Guard Day The interim Indian Coast guard was established on 1 February 1977 to
prevent sea-borne smuggling of goods which were hampering India's
domestic economy.
2 Feb World Wetlands Day Theme 2023- It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration
it marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on this date in
1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
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4 Feb International Day of Human raising awareness about different cultures and religions, or beliefs, and
Fraternity the promotion of tolerance.
4 Feb World Cancer Day Slogan - 'Close the care gap’
Blue and Orange are the official colour for world cancer day 2023.
10 Feb National De-Worming Day Initiative of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, to make every
child in the country worm free. First round of NDD was conducted in
February 2015
10 Feb World Pulses Day Theme 2023: Pulses for a Sustainable Future
established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN to
recognize the importance of pulses as a global food.
11 Feb International Day of Women Theme - Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance. I.D.E.A.: Bringing
and Girls in Science communities Forward for sustainable and equitable development.
12 Feb National Productivity Day This day is a part of the National Productivity Week celebrations,
which is observed from 12 February to 18 February in India.
Productivity Week Theme 2023
“Productivity, Green Growth and Sustainability: Celebrating India’s G-
20 Presidency”
13 Feb World Radio Day Theme 2022 is "Radio and Peace".
13 Feb National Women's Day Sarojini Naidu’s Birth Anniversary
nickname 'Nightingale of India' or 'Bharat Kokila'
13–17 RBI’s Financial Literacy Week Theme: "Good Financial Behaviour, Your Saviour”.
Feb The theme aligned with the strategic objectives of the National Strategy
for Financial Education: 2020-2025.
20 Feb Mizoram & Arunachal Arunachal Pradesh became the 24th state of India and is also known as
Pradesh Statehood Day the ‘land of the rising sun’.
Mizoram was declared a UT in 1972 under the Northeast Areas
(Reorganisation) Act of 1971.
It became the 23rd state of India after the 53rd Amendment to the
Indian Constitution in 1986.
20 Feb World Day of Social Justice Theme 2023 – Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for
Social Justice
21 Feb International Mother Theme 2023 – Multilingual Education – a necessity to transform
Language Day education
22 Feb World Scout Day Birthday of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting
24 Feb Central Excise Day Celebrated to commemorate the legislation of the Central Excise and
Salt Act on 24 February 1944.
27 Feb World NGO Day Theme 2023 – The role and influence of NGOs in advancing human
rights
27 Feb National Protein Day Theme – Easy Access to Protein for All
to create awareness about protein deficiency and encourage people to
include this macronutrient in their diet
28 Feb National Science Day Theme: “Global Science for Global Wellbeing”
to mark the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian physicist Sir C. V.
Raman, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
The breakthrough discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in
1930.
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Which day is observed as ‘National Women's Day’? 4 February is observed as:

• 10 February • Indian Coast Guard Day
• 12 February • World Cancer Day
• 13 February • World Radio Day
• 14 February • World Scout Day
12 February is observed as: What is the theme of ‘World Pulses Day’?

• World Wetlands Day • Pulses for a sustainable future
• World Pulses Day • Pulses are the backbone of diet
• Central Excise Day • Pulses for a nutritious life
• National Productivity Day • None of the above
Which day is observed as ‘National Science Day’?

• 22 February
• 24 February
• 28 February
• 27 February
March
1 Mar Zero Discrimination Day Theme 2023: “Save lives: Decriminalise”
to promote equality before the law and in practice throughout all of the
member countries of the UN
1 Mar World Civil Defence Day Theme 2023: Uniting the world’s leading specialists for the safety and
security of future generations”.
3 Mar World Wildlife Day Theme 2023- "Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation”
4 Mar National Safety Day Theme 2023: ‘Nurture young minds – Develop safety culture’
observed to celebrate the base and foundation of the National Safety
Council in 1972.
and to enhance the safety awareness among people.
7 Mar Jan Aushadhi Diwas Theme 2023 – Jan Aushadhi – Sasti bhi Acchi bhi
The Jan Aushadi Diwas was launched on 7 March 2019, by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi as part of the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya
Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
8 Mar International Women's Day Theme 2023 - DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality
During International Women’s Year in 1975, the UN celebrated its first
official International Women’s Day.
8 Mar No Smoking Day Theme 2023: “Stopping smoking improves your brain health”.
(second Wednesday of March)
10 Mar International Day of Women to honour all-female judges who have taken the lead in the fight against
Judges social injustice.
10 Mar CISF Raising Day On this day, in 1969, the CISF was set up. It is directly under the Union
Central Industrial Security Ministry of Home Affairs. The objective of the CISF is - Better protection
Force and security of industrial undertakings in both government and private
sectors
14 Mar Pi Day OR International Day Theme 2023 – Mathematics for Everyone
of Mathematics The day is written in the month and date (MM/DD) format to represent
the value of Pi which is 3.14.
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The first Pi Day was celebrated in 1988, by physicist Larry Shaw at the
San Francisco Exploratorium.
14 Mar International Day of Action Theme 2023 – Rights of Rivers
for Rivers The first International Day of Action for Rivers was observed in March
1997.
15 Mar World Consumer Rights Day Theme 2023 – Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy
Transitions
The first World Consumer Rights Day was observed on March 15, 1983
16 Mar National Immunisation/ The first dose of the Oral Polio Vaccine was administered in 1995 on this
Vaccination Day date, under WHO’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative which had begun
in 1988.
18 Mar Ordnance Factories Day The production of India’s oldest Ordnance Factory, which is at Cossipore
(India) of Kolkata, was started on the 18th of March, 1802.The day is
celebrated by displaying the rifles, guns, artillery, ammunition etc in
exhibitions all over India.
18 Mar Global Recycling Day Theme 2023 is “Creative Innovation”.
20 Mar World Sparrow Day Theme 2023 is “I Love Sparrows.”
20 Mar International Day of Theme 2023 – Be Mindful, Be Grateful, Be Kind
Happiness The United Nations started the event in 2013
20 Mar World Oral Health Day Theme (2021 – 2023),'Be Proud of Your Mouth.
20 Mar French Language Day To celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote
equal use of all six official languages throughout the Organization
21 Mar World Down Syndrome Day Theme 2023 – With Us, Not For Us
World Down Syndrome Day was first observed in 2006
21 Mar International Day of Forests 2023 theme: Forests and health
21 Mar International Day for the -
Elimination of Racial
Discrimination
21 Mar International Day of Nowruz Iranian New Year, celebrated by Zorastrians. Nowruz, meaning “new
day”, is an ancestral festivity marking the first day of spring and the
renewal of nature. Observed on the day of the astronomical vernal
equinox
22 Mar World Water Day Theme for 2023 is "Accelerating the change to solve the water and
sanitation crisis.”
UNGA adopted World Water Day in 1992.
22 Mar Bihar observed its 111th On this day, the state of Bihar was carved out from the Bengal
foundation day presidency in 1912.
Theme of the 2023 event is “Yuva Shakti Bihar ki Pragati”.
23 Mar World Meteorological Day 2023 theme: The future of weather, climate, and water across
generations
Commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO), on March 23, 1950.
23 Mar Shaheed Diwas to honour the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Shivram Rajguru, and
Sukhdev Thapar in 1931.
24 Mar World Tuberculosis Day Theme 2023: "Yes! We can end TB!".
On March 24, 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.
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25 Mar International Day of Theme 2023 – Fighting Slavery’s Legacy of Racism Through
Remembrance of the Victims Transformative Education
of Slavery and the The day honours and remembers those who suffered and died as a
Transatlantic Slave Trade consequence of the transatlantic slave trade.
27 Mar World Theatre Day Theme 2023 – Theatre and a Culture of Peace
30 Mar Rajasthan Day The State was formed on 30th March 1949 when Rajputana – name as
adopted by British Crown was merged into the Dominion of India
30 Mar International Day of Zero Observed for the first time on 30 March 2023 and jointly facilitated by
Waste UNEP and UN-Habitat, aims to raise awareness of the importance of
zero waste
The day encourages people to adopt practices that minimize waste,
reuse and recycle materials, and reduce the amount of waste
generated.
22 March is observed as ? 30th March is observed as?

World Water Day World Down Syndrome Day
World Tuberculosis Day Global Recycling Day
World Consumer Rights Day International Day of Zero Waste
National Safety Day World Tuberculosis Day
What was the theme of the International Day of
World Wildlife Day is observed on which date? Mathematics 2023?
3 March Mathematics for a Better World
4 March Mathematics Unites
7 March Mathematics is Everywhere
14 March Mathematics for Everyone
Which day is observed as Ordnance Factories Day?
14 March
15 March
16 March
18 March
April
Date Day Theme
1 April Utkal Dibasa (Odisha Day) On 1st April 1936, the state of Odisha came into existence.
Odisha was separated from the Bengal province.
1-7 April Prevention of Blindness Week National Society for the Prevention of Blindness Week was founded
2023 in 1960 (Under the Societies Registration Act of 1860) with Jawaharlal
Nehru and Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur being its founding patrons.
2 April World Autism Day Theme - Transformation: Towards a Neuro-Inclusive World for All/
Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the
arts and in policymaking
The very first World Autism Day was observed in the year 2008 on
April 2.
4 April International Day of Mine Theme 2023: Mine Action Cannot Wait
Awareness and Assistance in On 8 December 2005, the General Assembly declared that 4 April to
Mine Action observe as this day.
5 April National Maritime Day India observed the 60th National Maritime Day on April 5, 2023, to
National Maritime Week 2023 commemorate the sailing of the first Indian commercial vessel, SS
(30 March-5 April) Loyalty, from Mumbai to London.
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This day was started by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and

Waterways in 1964. The theme for National Maritime Week 2023 is
'Amrit Kaal in Shipping’.
World Maritime Day is observed on 28 September.
6 April International Day of Sport for 2023 theme: Scoring for People and the Planet
Development and Peace In August 2013, the UN General Assembly made the decision to
proclaim 6 April as the International Day of Sport for Development
and Peace
7 April World Health Day On this day, WHO was founded in 1948 and this year marks the 75th
founding anniversary of WHO.
Theme 2023 - ‘Health for All’.
10 April World Homeopathy Day Theme 2023 – One Health, One Family
Birth anniversary of Dr Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of
Homoeopathy.
11 April World Parkinson’s Day Theme 2023 is #Take6forPD.
The day marks the birthday of Dr James Parkinson from London,
who was the first person to systematically describe the six
individuals with the symptoms of Parkinson Disease (progressive
nervous system disorder.)
11 April National Safe Motherhood To raise awareness about adequate access to care for women during
Day pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal services.
The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi,
the wife of Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi.
12 April International Day of Human First human space flight by Yuri Gagarin (a Soviet citizen) on April
Space Flight 12, 1961.
13 April 39th Siachen Day On 13 April 1984, the Indian Army launched ‘Operation MEGHDOOT’
to secure Bilafond La and other passes on the Saltoro Ridgeline, from
Pakistani aggression.
13 April Jallianwala Bagh Massacre’s The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place on April 13, 1919 at
104th Anniversary Jallianwala Bagh in Punjab’s Amritsar.
14 April Ambedkar Jayanti The Day has been observed as an official public holiday throughout
India since 2015.
In 2023, we are marking the 132nd birth anniversary of Babasaheb,
who was born on 14 April 1891.
Dr. Ambedkar is known as the Father (chief architect) of the Indian
Constitution.
He was the first Law and Justice Minister of the country after the
independence.
14 April WHO World Chagas Disease The first World Chagas Disease Day was observed on 14 April 2020.
Day The day has been named after Carlos Ribeiro Justiniano Chagas, the
Brazilian doctor who diagnosed the first case on 14 April 1909.
It is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma crizu.
This parasite is transmitted to humans through the triatomine bug
which is also known as the kissing bug.
15 April World Art Day Theme: Art is good for the health
First observed in 2012, World Art Day was celebrated to
commemorate the renowned artist Leonardo Da Vinci -- renowned
for his incredible artistic work ‘Mona Lisa’.
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16 April Save the Elephant Day Theme 2023 is "Protecting Elephant Habitats for a Sustainable
Tomorrow".
The event was first celebrated on 16 April 2012
17 April World Haemophilia Day 2023 Haemophilia - a rare genetic blood disorder which inhibits the
clotting of blood, leading to significant bleeding during injuries and
surgeries.
Theme 2023 is “Access for All: Prevention of Bleeds as the Global
Standard of Care.”
18 April International Day For Approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983.
Monuments and Sites 2023 Theme 2023 – HERITAGE CHANGES.
17 - 21 National Panchayat Awards Theme is Panchayaton ke Sankalpon ki Siddhi ka Utsav (पंचायतों के
April Week
संकल्पों की ससद्धि का उत्सव)
21 April World Creativity and Theme in 2023: “step out and innovate”
Innovation Day The first UN World Creativity and Innovation Day was celebrated on
April 21, 2018.
21 April National Civil Services Day First Home Minister of Independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
addressed the probationers of Administrative Services Officers in
1947 at Metcalf House, Delhi.
In his address, he called Civil Servants, the ‘Steel Frame of India’.
22 April International Mother Earth Theme 2023 is “Invest in Our Planet”.
Day The day was established in 2009 by the United Nations General
Assembly.
23 April World Book and Copyright It is organized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Day Organization (UNESCO).
The first World Book Day was celebrated on 23 April in 1995.
Theme 2023 – Indigenous Languages
24 April National Panchayati Raj 1st National Panchayati Raj day Celebrated in 2010
Diwas Balwant Rai Mehta (second Chief Minister of Gujarat) is considered
as the 'Architect of Panchayati Raj ‘
24 - 30 World Immunization Week Theme 2023 – The Big Catch-Up
April
25 April World Malaria Day Theme 2023: Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate,
implement
26 April World Intellectual Property Theme 2023 – Accelerating Innovation and Creativity: Women and
Day IP
The day was first established by the World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO) in 2000.
28 April World Day for Safety and 2023 theme: A safe and healthy working environment as a
Health at Work fundamental principle and right at work
It was first observed in 2003 after the ILO declared it an annual
international campaign.
World Parkinson’s Day is observed on? National Civil Services Day

a) 11 April a) 16 April
b) 12 April b) 21 April
c) 17 April c) 23 April
d) None of the above d) None of the above
Connect Us - 13
Which of the following days is observed on 24 April? What was the theme of World Intellectual Property
a) World Elephant Day Day 2023?
b) National Panchayati Raj Divas a) IP and Youth: Innovating for a Better Future
c) World Malaria Day b) Accelerating Innovation and Creativity:
d) None of the above Women and IP
c) Innovate for a Green Future.
Which of the following days is observed on 10 April? d) None of the above
a) World Haemophilia Day 2023
b) World Book and Copyright Day
c) World Homeopathy Day
d) None of the above
May
Date Day Theme/Remark
1-May International Labour Day Also known as ‘Kamgar Divas’, ‘Kamgar Din’, and ‘Antrarashtriya
अंतर्ााष्ट्रीय श्रम दिवस Shramik Divas’.
In India, the first Labour Day or May Day was celebrated in Madras
(now known as Chennai) by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan on
May 1, 1923.
1-May Maharashtra Day, In the year 1960, Maharashtra and Gujarat were carved out of the
Gujarat Day (63rd) state of Bombay under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
2-May World Tuna Day Theme 2023 – The Global Tuna Industry: Trailblazing through Tough
द्धवश्व टू ना दिवस Times
In December 2017, this day was observed by the United Nations
General Assembly.
2-May World Asthma Day Theme 2023 – Asthma care for all.
(first Tuesday of May)
3 - May International Leopard Day 2023 International Leopard Day is a new annual event that was officialized
on May 3, 2023, by the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT).
India has the highest population of Leopard in Madhya Pradesh>
Karnataka> Maharashtra
3-May World Press Freedom Day Theme 2023: Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as
द्धवश्व प्रेस स्वतंत्रता दिवस a Driver for all other human rights
In 1993, UNGA declared May 3 as World Press Freedom Day.
4-May Coal Miners Day First-ever coal mine was opened in 1575 in Scotland.
कोयला खसनक दिवस In India, the coal mining business began in 1774 from Raniganj
coalfield in Asansol and Durgapur
4-May International Fire Fighter’s Day -
5-May World Hand Hygiene Day Theme 2023: Accelerate action together. SAVE LIVES – Clean Your
Hands
5-May World Portuguese language day In 2019, UNESCO’s General Conference decided to proclaim 5 May as
“World Portuguese Language Day”
7-May World Athletics Day Theme 2023 is “Athletics for All – A New Beginning,”
द्धवश्व एथलेदटक्स दिवस World Athletics Headquarters: Monaco
7-May BRO 64th Raising Day • Founded: 7 May 1960
बीआर्ओ का 64वां स्थापना दिवस • Headquarters: New Delhi
• Director-General: Lt. Gen. Rajeev Chaudhary
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8-May World Thalassaemia Day 2023 theme: Be aware. Share. Care: Strengthening Education to
द्धवश्व थैलेसीसमया दिवस Bridge the Thalassaemia Care Gap
8-May World Red Cross Day The theme of World Red Cross Day 2023 is ‘Everything we do comes
द्धवश्व र्े ड क्रॉस दिवस #fromtheheart’.
Birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, who founded the Red Cross.
11-May National Technology Day • Declared by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
र्ाष्ट्रीय प्रौद्योसिकी दिवस • National Technology Week May 11-14
• 2023 Theme: School to Startups-Igniting Young Minds to
Innovate
• 11th May 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran. Also, first indigenous
aircraft “Hansa-3” tested on this day, and India performed a
successful test firing of the Trishul missile.
12-May International Nurses Day • 2023 Theme: Our Nurses. Our Future.
अंतर्ााष्ट्रीय नसा दिवस • birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale - founder of
Modern Nursing - born on May 12, 1820, in Italy
12-May International Day of Plant Theme 2023 – Plant Health for Environmental Protection
Health Established in 2022 by the United Nations.
13-May World Migratory Bird Day Theme/Slogan 2023: “Water: Sustaining Bird Life"
(Second Saturday in May and
the second Saturday in
October)
15-May International Day of Families 2023 theme: Demographic Trends and Families
15 -21 7th UN Global Road Safety 2023 slogan: #RethinkMobility
May Week The week is organized by the WHO and the UN regional commissions
and supported by governments, NGOs, and individuals.
16-May International Day of Light Anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by
physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman.
16-May National Dengue Day Theme 2023 – Fight Dengue, Save Live
र्ाष्ट्रीय डें िू दिवस Dengue viruses spread through Aedes species mosquitoes (Ae.
aegypti or Ae. Albopictus) which also transmit yellow fever, Zika
viruses, and chikungunya.
16-May Sikkim’s 48th Statehood Day On 15 May 1975, then-President of India Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed
ससक्क्कम का 48वां स्थापना दिवस signed a 36th constitutional amendment and a day later, Sikkim
became a complete Indian state.
The rule of the Chogyal (last dynasty) was abolished.
17-May World Telecommunication and Theme 2023 – Empowering the least developed countries through
Information Society Day information and communication technologies
द्धवश्व िर्ू संचार् और् सूचना समाज The first World Telecommunication Day was celebrated on May 17,
1969, to mark the founding of ITU and the signing of the first
दिवस
International Telegraph Convention in 1865.
17-May World Hypertension Day 2023 theme: Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It,
द्धवश्व उच्च र्क्तचाप दिवस Live Longer
18-May International Museum Day 2023 theme: Museums, Sustainability, and Well-being
19-May National Endangered Species • 2023 theme: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the
Day Endangered Species Act
(third Friday of May)
र्ाष्ट्रीय लुप्तप्राय प्रजासत दिवस
Connect Us - 15
• In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was passed, which is

designed to protect endangered and threatened species in
the USA.
20-May World Bee Day • Commemorates birth of Anton Jansa in 1734. She is
द्धवश्व मधुमक्खी दिवस considered the pioneer of beekeeping.
• Theme 2023 is “Engaging in Pollinator-Friendly Agricultural
Production.”
20-May World Metrology Day • Theme 2023 – Measurements supporting the global food
द्धवश्व मैट्रोलोजी दिवस system.
• Metrology is the study of measurement. Celebrated to
highlight the need for accurate measurement units and
contribution of metrologists, organisations and institutes.
21-May Anti-Terrorism Day • On May 21, 1991 Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by the LTTE
आतंकवाि द्धवर्ोधी दिवस terrorists at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.
• Rajiv Gandhi became India’s youngest PM when he was
sworn in at 40. He took over as the sixth PM of the country
after Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984.
21-May International Tea Day The day was first observed in New Delhi in 2005. In 2015, Indian
अंतर्ााष्ट्रीय चाय दिवस government proposed to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation
(FAO) to expand the celebrations across the world. First-ever
International Tea Day was on 21st May 2020
22-May International Day for Biological 2023 theme: From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity
Diversity
23-May World Turtle Day 2023 theme: I love Turtles
24-May Commonwealth Day in India • Commonwealth Day (formerly Empire Day) is commemorated on
भार्त में र्ाष्ट्रमंडल दिवस second Monday of March.
• India and a few other countries celebrate it on 24th May.
• 2023 theme: Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common
Future
25-May World Thyroid Awareness Day Both iodine deficiency and excess can result in hypothyroidism as
द्धवश्व थायर्ाइड जािरूकता दिवस well as hyperthyroidism.
30-May Goa Statehood Day On this day in 1987 Goa ceased to be a UT and became the 25th
िोवा र्ाज्य स्थापना दिवस state of India. Goa, Daman and Diu Liberation Day is observed on
December 19.
31-May World No Tobacco Day Theme 2023 - “Grow food, not tobacco”
When was International Leopard Day 2023? When is National Technology Day?
a. May 12 a. May 21
b. May 5 b. May 11
c. May 20 c. May 8
d. May 3 d. May 31
Which day is observed on 16th May? When is International Museum Day?

a. National Dengue Day a. May 22
b. International Nurses Day b. May 17
c. World Press Freedom Day c. May 18
d. None of the above d. May 25
Connect Us - 16
What was the theme of World Athletics Day 2023?

a. Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common
Future
b. Athletics for All – A New Beginning
c. Athletics for Peace and Development
d. None of the above
June
June – जूूँ
June – Zoo
June – Summer Solstice
June - Monsoon
Date Day Theme

1st June World Milk Day Theme 2023: ‘Enjoy Dairy’
The day is adopted by Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations since 2001.
1st June Global Day of Parents Theme 2023: The power of parenting: raising happy, healthy and
hopeful children
declared by the UN General Assembly in 2012.
2nd June Telangana Formation Day Telangana is the India’s 28th state.
The state was founded on 2nd June 2014 from Andhra Pradesh.
3rd June World Bicycle Day Theme 2023 - Riding Together for a Sustainable Future.
5th June World Environment Day 50th World Environment Day
द्धवश्व पयाावर्ण दिवस Côte d'Ivoire was the host for this year.
Theme 2023: ‘'Solutions to plastic pollution', under the campaign
#BeatPlasticPollution.
6th June Russian Language Day This is the 7th most spoken language in the world.
founded in 2010 by United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
7th June World food safety day Theme 2023: “Food Standards Save Live”
Established by the WHO and FAO in 2018.
8th June World Ocean Day Declared by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Theme 2023: ‘Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing’
8th June World Brain tumour Day Theme 2023: Protect yourself – keep away from stress
12th June World Day Against Child International Labour Organization (ILO) launched this day in 2002 to
Labour tackle this global issue against child labour.
Theme 2023: Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!
13 June International Albinism Theme 2023: Inclusion is Strength
Awareness Day
14 June World Blood Donor Day Theme 2023: “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often”.
This day was first distinguished by the WHO in 2004.
15th Global Wind Day Announced by European Wind Energy Association (EWEA)
June Central theme 2023 “Pawan – Urja: Powering the Future of India”
15th World Elder Abuse Awareness Theme 2023: “Closing the Circle: Addressing Gender-Based
June Day Violence (GBV) in Older Age - Policy, Law and Evidence-based
Responses”
17th June World Day to Combat Adopted by UNGA
Desertification and Drought Theme 2023: Her land. Her rights
Connect Us - 17
18 June Autistic Pride Day Theme 2023 - Transforming the Narrative: Contributions at Home,
at Work, in the Arts and Policymaking.”
19th June World Sickle Cell Day Theme 2023 – Building and strengthening global sickle cell
द्धवश्व ससकल सेल दिवस communities, formalising new-born screening and knowing your
sickle cell disease status
20th June World Refugee Day Theme 2023- Hope Away from Home
21st June International Yoga Day The idea was proposed on September 27, 2014, during PM Modi’s
अंतर्ााष्ट्रीय योि दिवस speech at the UN General Assembly.
First International Yoga Day was observed in 2015.
Theme 2023 – "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam".
21st June World Music Day Theme 2023 – Music on the intersections
21st June World Hydrography Day Theme 2023 – Hydrography – underpinning the digital twin of the
ocean
22nd June World Rainforest Day Theme 2023 – Conserve Restore Regenerate
23 June International Olympic Day Theme 2023 – “#LetsMove”
अंतर्ााष्ट्रीय ओलंद्धपक दिवस The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded on 23
June 1894, Paris, France
23 June United Nations Public Service -
Day
24 June International Day of Women UNGA announced it in 2022
in Diplomacy Theme 2023 - "Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in
Diplomacy for Sustainable Development.”
26 June International Day against Drug Theme 2023 – People first: stop stigma and discrimination,
Abuse and Illicit Trafficking strengthen prevention
27 June Micro-Small and Medium- marked by UNGA in 2017.
sized Enterprises Day(MSME Theme 2023 - “Building a Stronger Future Together"
Day) Central Theme 2023 in India: “Future-ready MSMEs for
India@100."
29 June National Statistics Day Birth anniversary of Prof. P C Mahalanobis.
Theme 2023: Alignment of State Indicator Framework with
National Indicator Framework for Monitoring Sustainable
Development Goals
29 June International Day of the Observed for the first time by UN in 2017.
Tropics Tropics - region roughly between tropic of Cancer and tropic of
Capricorn.
The Tropics account for 40% of the world’s total surface area and are
host to approximately 80% of the world’s biodiversity.
30th June World Asteroid Day Marks the anniversary of Tunguska impact over Siberia, on 30 June
1908, and to raise public awareness about the asteroid impact
hazard
30th June International Day of The Day was established in 2018 through a United Nations General
Parliamentarism Assembly Resolution.
Theme 2023: "Parliaments for the planet"
Telangana Formation Day (तेलंिाना स्थापना दिवस) c) 3 June

comes on: d) 5 June
a) 1 June
b) 2 June
21 June is observed as:
Connect Us - 18
a) International Day of Parliamentarism What was the theme of the World Environment Day
b) World Ocean Day 2023?
c) International Yoga day a) Solutions to plastic pollution
d) None of the above b) Together we are stronger
c) Riding Together for a Sustainable Future.
Which day is observed as National Statistics Day d) Conserve Restore Regenerate
(र्ाष्ट्रीय सांक्ययकी दिवस) ?
a) 23 June Who has takes charge as SAIL Chairman?
b) 27 June
c) 29 June
d) None of the above
23 June is observed as:

a) MSME Day
b) International Olympic Day
c) Telangana Formation Day
d) National Statistics Day
July
Date Day Theme
1st July National Chartered 2023 theme: Empowering Financial Excellence
Accountants’ Day
1st July National Doctors Day 2023 theme: Celebrating Resilience and Healing Hands
Birth and death anniversary Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
1st July GST Day (Goods & Services
Tax)
1st July International Day of (first Saturday of July)
Cooperative/ अंतर्ााष्ट्रीय Theme 2023 – Cooperatives: partners for accelerated sustainable
development
सहकारर्ता दिवस
th
5 July World Badminton Day
6th July World Zoonoses Day
10th July National Fish Farmers Day
11th July World Population Day/ द्धवश्व Theme 2023 – Unleashing the power of gender Equality: Uplifting
the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite
जनसंयया दिवस
possibilities.
12th July International Malala Day
15th July World Youth Skills Day 2023 Theme: Skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a
transformative future
15th July World Plastic Surgery Day
18th July Nelson Mandela Theme 2023 – The Legacy Lives on Through You: Climate, Food, and
International Day Solidarity.
18th July Tamil Nadu Day
20th July World Chess Day
20th July International Moon Day Theme 2023 – Lunar Exploration, Coordination and Sustainability
22nd July National Flag Adoption Day/ July 22, in 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the
National Flag
Pingali Venkayya designed the national flag
Connect Us - 19
22nd July National Mango Day

23rd July National Broadcasting Day On this day in 1927, the first-ever radio broadcast in the country
went on the air from the Bombay Station under a private company,
the Indian Broadcasting Company.
24th July Income Tax Day
25th July World IVF Day/ World
Embryologist Day
26th July Kargil Vijay Diwas To commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War in
1999.
26th July International Day for the
Conservation of the Mangrove
Ecosystem
27th July Raising Day of CRPF The force was established on July 27, 1939, as the Crown
Representative Police.
28th July World Hepatitis Day • Theme 2023 – One life, one liver
28th July World Nature Conservation Theme 2023 “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and
Day Planet.”
29th July International Tiger Day
31st July World Ranger Day • Theme 2023: ’30 by 30‘.
August
1-Aug World Wide Web Day The WWW was created by English computer scientist Tim Berners-
Lee in 1989 in Switzerland.
1-Aug World Lung Cancer Day
1-7 Aug World Breastfeeding week Theme: "Let's make breastfeeding and work, work!
7 Aug National Handloom Day It was on this day in 1905, Swadeshi Movement was launched in the
Calcutta Town hall to protest partition of Bengal by the British
Government.
7 Aug Javelin Throw Day First observed in 2022 in honour of Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra
8 Aug August Kranti Diwas On 8 August 1942 at the All-India Congress Committee session in
(Quit India Day) Bombay, Gandhiji gave ‘Do or Die Speech’ and launched the 'Quit
India' movement.
9 Aug International day of World’s Theme 2023: “Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-
Indigenous people (World determination.”
Tribal Day)
10 Aug World Biofuel Day / In honour of Sir Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine.
International Biodiesel Day
10 Aug World Lion Day
12 Aug National Librarian Day In remembrance of Dr S.R Ranganathan
12 Aug International Youth day Theme 2023 – Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World
National Youth Day – 12 Jan
12 Aug World Elephant Day Theme 2023 – Ending the Illegal Wildlife Trade
13 Aug World Organ Donation Day Indian Organ Donation Day is on 27th November
14 Aug Partition Horrors
Remembrance Day
Connect Us - 20
19 Aug World Humanitarian Day Theme 2023 – No matter what"

19 Aug World Photography Day Theme 2023: “Landscapes.”
20 Aug Sadbhavana Diwas To commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s youngest Prime
Minister, Rajiv Gandhi. His death anniversary is observed as Anti-
Terrorism Day (May 21)
20 Aug Akshay Urja Day
20 Aug World Mosquito Day
20-24 World Water Week 2023 Theme 2023 - Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-
Aug Wise World
World Water Day – 22 March
21 Aug World Senior Citizen Day
23 Aug National Space Day Successful Moon landing
of Chandrayaan 3.
26 Aug Women’s Equality Day Theme 2023 - “Embrace Equity”.
29 Aug International Day against
Nuclear Tests
29 Aug National Sports Day Theme 2023 – Sports are an enabler to an inclusive and fit society
(Rashtriya Khel Divas To commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major
Dhyan Chand
30 Aug National Small Industry Day
31 Aug World Sanskrit Day
September
1-7 Sept National Nutrition Week
1-30 Sept 6th Rashtriya Poshan Maah Theme centered on "Suposhit Bharat, Sakshar Bharat, Sashakt
2023 Bharat" (Nutrition-rich India, Educated India, Empowered India).
1- 8 Sept Literacy Week
2 Sept World Coconut Day Theme: "Sustaining Coconut Sector for the Present and Future
Generation“
3-Sept National Skyscraper Day
5 Sept National Teachers’ Day • birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
8 Sept International Literacy Day • Theme 2023 - Promoting literacy for a world in transition:
अंतर्ााष्ट्रीय साक्षर्ता दिवस Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful
societies.'
8 Sept World Physiotherapy Day • Theme 2023 – Prevention and Management of Osteoarthritis
द्धवश्व दिक्जयोथेर्ेपी दिवस
9 Sept Himalaya Diwas
9 Sept World First Aid Day
(second Saturday in
September)
10 Sept World Suicide Prevention Theme 2023: Creating hope through action; it is the triennial theme
Day (WSPD) for this day from 2021 to 2023.
11 Sept National Forest Martyrs Day
12 Sept United Nations Day for Theme 2023 - “Solidarity, Equity and Partnership: Unlocking South-
South-South Cooperation South Cooperation to Achieve the SDGs”.
Connect Us - 21
14 Sept Hindi Day (र्ाष्ट्रीय दहं िी दिवस)

15 Sept Engineer’s day in India • To commemorate the birth anniversary of Mokshagundam
Visvesvaraya
• 2023 theme- 'Engineering for a sustainable future’.
15 Sept International Day of • Theme 2023 – “Empowering the next generation”
Democracy
16 Sept World Ozone Day Theme - Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing
(International Day for climate change
Preservation of Ozone
Layer)
16 Sept International Red Panda Day
(third Saturday of
September)
17 Sept Vishwakarma Jayanti
18 Sept World Bamboo Day
21 Sept International Day of Peace • Theme 2023: Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the
#GlobalGoals.
21 Sept World Alzheimer’s Day Theme 2023: 'Never Too Early, Never Too Late.'
22 Sept World Rhino Day
23 Sept International Day of Sign Theme 2023: A World where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign
Languages Anywhere.
24 Sept World rivers day
(fourth Sunday of
September)
25 Sept Antyodaya Diwas To mark the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
25 Sept World Pharmacists Day Theme 2023 – Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems
26 Sept World Environmental Health Theme - Global Environmental Public Health: Standing up to protect
Day everyone's Health each and every day.
26 Sept International Day for the
Total Elimination of Nuclear
Weapons
26 Sept World Contraception Day Theme 2023 - "The Power of Options“
27 Sept World Tourism Day The host country for World Tourism Day 2023 is Saudi Arabia.
Theme 2023 - 'Tourism and Green Investments’.
28 Sept International Day For Theme 2023 – The importance of online space for access to
Universal Access To information.
Information (IDUAI)
28 Sept World Rabies Day Theme 2023: "All for One, One Health for All".
28 Sept World Maritime Day Theme 2023 – MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on
(last Thursday of Sept)
29 Sept World Heart Day Theme 2023 – Use Heart, Know Heart
30 Sept International Translation Theme 2023 - 'Translation unveils the many faces of humanity'
Day
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October
Date Day Theme
1 Oct International Day of Older Theme: “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of
Persons Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations.”
1 Oct National Pension System
(NPS) Diwas
1 Oct National Voluntary
Blood Donation Day
2 Oct International Day of Non-
Violence
2 Oct 119th birth anniversary of
Lal Bahadur Shastri
2-8 Oct National Wildlife Week Theme 2023 "Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation", inspired by
2023 the theme of the UN World Wildlife Day 2023
4 to 10 World Space Week (WSW) Theme 2023 is “Space and Entrepreneurship.”
Oct 2023
4 Oct World Animal Welfare Day Theme 2023: “Great or Small, Love Them All”
5 Oct World Teachers’ Day 2023 Theme 2023 - "The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want:
The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage".
6 Oct World Cerebral Palsy Day Theme 2023 is “Together Stronger.”
7 Oct World Cotton Day Theme 2023 – “Making cotton fair and sustainable for all, from farm
to fashion”
8 Oct Indian Air Force Day Theme 2023, 'IAF - Airpower Beyond Boundaries’
9 Oct Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Day 2023
9 Oct World Post Day 2023 Theme “Together for Trust: Collaborating for a safe and connected
future.”
10 Oct National Post Day
10 Oct World Mental Health Day Theme 2023 - 'Mental health is a universal human right’.
Since 1992
10 Oct Good Manufacturing The government along with the Indian Drugs Manufacturers’
Practice Day (cGMP Day) Association (IDMA) celebrated the first ever National cGMP Day on
10 October
11 Oct International Day of Theme: "Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being"
the Girl Child
12 Oct World Eye Day’ or ‘World Theme - LOVE YOUR EYES AT WORK
(second Vision Day
Thursday)
12 Oct World Arthritis Day Theme 2023 – Living with an RMD at all stages of life
14 Oct World Standards Day Theme – “Shared Vision for a Better World – Standards for
Sustainable Development Goals” (incorporating SDG3).
14 Oct International E-Waste Day Theme 2023 - You can recycle anything with a plug, battery or cable!
14 Oct World Migratory Bird Day Theme "Water: Sustaining Bird Life.”
(& 13 2023
May )
15 Oct World Students Day 2023 Declared by United Nations in 2010, to observe the birth date of Dr.
APJ Abdul Kalam
Theme: “FAIL: stands for First Attempt In Learning”.
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15 Oct Global Handwashing Day Theme is “Clean hands are within reach”
15 Oct International Day of Rural
Women 2023 / ‘Mahila
Kisan Diwas’
16 Oct World Anaesthesia Day Theme 2023 is ‘Anaesthesia and Cancer Care.’
16 Oct World Food Day Theme – Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind. “Water is
essential to life on Earth
17 Oct International Day for the Theme is "Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting Dignity in
Eradication of Poverty Practice for All"
17 Oct World Trauma Day
20 Oct World Osteoporosis Day Theme 2023 – Build better bones
20 Oct World Statistics Day Theme 2023 is Connecting the world with data we can trust
21 Oct Police Commemoration Day
24 Oct World Polio Day Theme 2023 – A healthier future for mothers and children.
24 Oct United Nations Day On October 24, 1945, the United Nations was created.
Theme 2023 – The Frontlines of Climate Action.
24-30 Oct UN Disarmament
Week
24-31 Oct Global Media and 2023 Theme, “Media and Information Literacy in Digital Spaces: A
Information Literacy Week Collective Global Agenda.”
27 Oct World Day for Audio-visual Theme is "Your Window to the World."
Heritage 2023
27 Oct 76th Infantry Day It is the day when the Indian Army’s infantry troops landed in
Kashmir in 1947.
29 Oct World Stroke Day Theme 2023 - Together we are #GreaterThan Stroke
30 Oct-5 Vigilance Awareness Week Theme 2023: “Say no to corruption; commit to the Nation”
Nov
31 Oct World Thrift Day/ In India it is celebrated on 30th October due to death of late Prime
World Savings Day Minister Indira Gandhi on the same day in 1984
Theme 2023: “Conquer your Tomorrow” through savings!
31 Oct World Cities Day Theme 2023 - “Financing sustainable urban future for all”
31 Oct Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or The day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar
National Unity Day Vallabhbhai Patel
November
Date Day Theme
1 Nov World Vegan Day Theme 2023: Celebrating for a Good Cause
1 Nov Zojila Day / जोक्जला दिवस It was commemorated to celebrate the gallant action by Indian troops
in ‘Operation Bison’ in 1948 which was launched on the icy heights of
Zojila pass, the gateway to Ladakh.
1 Nov 7 Indian states & 2 UTs On November 1, Seven Indian states and two Union Territories
celebrated their formation observed their formation day (though in different years).
day/ 7 भार्तीय र्ाज्यों और् 2 States - Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala,
Chhattisgarh, Punjab and
केंद्रशाससत प्रिे शों ने अपना
Haryana
स्थापना दिवस मनाया Union Territories - Lakshadweep and Puducherry
Connect Us - 24
3 Nov International Day For

Biosphere Reserves
5 Nov World Tsunami Awareness 2023 theme, “Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future”
Day
7 Nov Infant Protection Day Theme for 2023: 'Ensuring Every Child's Right to Thrive'
7 Nov National Cancer Awareness This day coincides with the birth anniversary of the Nobel Prize
Day winner Marie Curie.
8 Nov World Radiography Day Theme 2023 - “Celebrating Patient Safety.”
9th Nov National Legal Services To commemorate the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act
Day/ र्ाष्ट्रीय कानूनी सेवा दिवस 1987 (came into force in 1995)& formation of National Legal Services
Authority of India (NALSA).
9th Nov Uttarakhand Foundation Uttarakhand is the 27th state of India and was known as Uttaranchal
Day till 2007.
10 Nov 8th 'Ayurveda Day’ World Ayurveda Day is organized by the Ministry of AYUSH every year
(on Dhanteras) on the day of Dhanvantari Jayanti
10 Nov World Science Day for Theme 2023 – Building Trust in Science
Peace and Development
11 Nov National Education Day to mark the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Theme 2023 – Embracing Innovation
11 Nov Armistice Day It marks the day World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of
(Remembrance Day) the 11th month, in 1918.
12 Nov World Pneumonia Day 2023 theme is "Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its Track”
12 Nov Public Service Broadcasting To commemorate the visit of Mahatma Gandhi to All India Radio in
Day Delhi in 1947.
14 Nov Children’s Day or ‘Bal • 20 November – World Children’s Day
Diwas’
14 Nov World Diabetes Day Theme 2023 – Access to diabetes care
14-20 Nov National Cooperative Week
15 Nov Jharkhand Foundation Day Jharkhand is the 28th state of India. It was formed on November 15,
2000 from Bihar, after a long-standing tribal movement for
statehood.
15 Nov Janjatiya Gaurav Divas The birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda (Birsa
or Tribal Pride Day Munda Jayanti)
16 Nov National Press Day Theme 2023 is “Media in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”
16 Nov World Philosophy Day Theme 2023 – Philosophical Reflection in a Multicultural World
(3rd Thursday of
November)
17 Nov National Epilepsy Day Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of brain characterized by recurrent
‘seizures’ or ‘fits’.
18 Nov 6th Naturopathy Day Theme 2023 - Naturopathy for Holistic Health.
18 Nov National Sapper's Day The Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army are also called the Sappers.
18-24 Nov World Antibiotic Awareness Theme 2023 – Preventing antimicrobial resistance together
Week /World Antimicrobial
Awareness Week (WAAW)
19 Nov International Men’s Day Theme 2023 – Zero Male Suicide
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19 Nov World Toilet Day Theme 2023,’Accelerating Change’.

In 2024, the theme will be Leveraging Water for Peace.
19 Nov National Integration Day National Integration Day 2022 marks the 106th birth anniversary of
(Quami Ekta Divas) Indira Gandhi.
19-25 Nov World Heritage Week By UNESCO.
& Quami Ekta Week In India, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) celebrates it.
20 Nov World Children's Day Theme 2023 – For Every Child, Every Right
19 Nov World Day of Remembrance Theme 2023 – Accelerating Change
for Road Traffic Victims (3rd
Sunday of Nov)
21 Nov World Television Day Theme 2023 is Accessibility.
21 Nov World Fisheries Day 2023
24 Nov Guru Teg Bahadur’s It was on this day in 1675, that Guru Tegh Bahadur was publicly
Martyrdom Day executed in Delhi by the then Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb.
24 Nov Lachit Divas/ लासचत दिवस Lachit Borphukan was a commander, in the Ahom kingdom, located in
present-day Assam, India, known for his leadership in the 1671 Battle
of Saraighat.
25 Nov International Day for the Theme 2023: UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women &
Elimination of Violence Girls! #No Excuse
Against Women
25 Nov No Non-Veg Day/ नो नॉन- Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government declared November
25 as "no non-veg day" on the occasion of the birth anniversary of
वेज डे
Sadhu TL Vaswani.
26 Nov National Milk Day
26 Nov Constitution Day Also known as National Law Day.
(Samvidhan Divas)
29 Nov International Jaguar Day Its scientific name is Panthera Onca.
December
1 Dec World AIDS Day Theme 2023- “Let communities lead”
1 Dec Nagaland statehood day Nagaland became 16th State of the Union of India on 1st December
1963
1 Dec Border Security Force This day marks the creation of BSF on December 1, 1965.
raising day
2 Dec National Pollution Control Theme 2023 - Sustainable Development for a Clean and Healthy
Day Planet
2 Dec World Computer Literacy Theme 2023 - Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the
Day foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies.
3 Dec International Day of Theme 2023 - United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for,
Persons with Disabilities with and by persons with disabilities
4 Dec International Day of Banks
4 Dec Indian Navy Day Theme 2023 is "Operational Efficiency, Readiness and Mission
Achievement in the Maritime Domain"
4 Dec International Cheetah Day -
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5 Dec International Volunteer Day 2023 Theme: the power of collective action: if everyone did.
(IVD)
5 Dec World Soil Day 2023 Theme – Soil and water, a source of life
7 Dec Armed Forces Flag Day Also the Flag Day of India - dedicated towards collection of funds
from people of India for the welfare of the Indian Armed Forces
personnel.
7 Dec International Civil Aviation Theme 2023: “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation
Day Development”.
9 Dec International Anti- Theme 2023 – ‘UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption.’
Corruption Day
10 Dec Human Rights Day 2023 Theme: Freedom, Equality and Justice for All
11 Dec UNICEF Day Theme 2023 – “For every child, every right.“
11 Dec International Mountain • Theme 2023 – Restoring mountain ecosystems
Day
12-Dec International Universal Theme 2023 – Health For All: Time for action.
Health Coverage Day
14 Dec National Energy
Conservation Day
16 Dec Vijay Diwas commemorated in Bangladesh and India, to observe India’s victory
over Pakistan in War of 1971 for the liberation of Bangladesh from
Pakistan.
18 Dec Minorities Rights Day in Theme for 2023 – Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
India
Dec 18 International Migrants Day Theme: Act today (given by UN)
19 Dec Goa's Liberation Day Goa got its freedom from Portuguese on 19th December, 1961 after
450 years.
22 Dec National Mathematics Day to mark the birth anniversary of legendary Indian mathematician,
Srinivasa Ramanujan.
23 Dec Kisan Diwas/ National Commemorates birthday of the 5th Prime Minister of
Farmer's Day India, Choudhary Charan Singh, also a farmer's leader
24 Dec National Consumer Day/ or World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on the 15th of March
Bharatiya Grahak Diwas
25 Dec Good Governance Day birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
(India) Good Governance Week from December 19 to 25 (3rd edition)
26 Dec Veer Baal Diwas This day is observed to pay honor and tribute to the sacrifices made
by Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (6) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (9), who
were laid down their lives while defending their faith in Sirhind,
Punjab.
27 Dec International Day of The decision is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Epidemic Preparedness
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Books & Authors

Biography & Autobiography
The book ‘Thread By Thread’ on the life of Shambhu Kumar Kasliwal was launched
by Kapil Dev in Mumbai
 S. Kumars, one of the most enduring brands in the country since 1948
turned 75 in 2023.
 The book is written by noted journalist & author Satya Saran
 Shambhu Kumar pioneered the introduction of Polyester Blends in India.
Shashi Tharoor’s latest book Ambedkar: A Life launched

Other notable books of Shashi Tharoor: Riot (2001), Why I Am A Hindu (2018), The Paradoxical
Prime Minister (2018), India: From Midnight to the Millennium (1997)
Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi released book 'Chief Minister's Diary No.1’
• Ranjan Gogoi - member of the Rajya Sabha
• This book containing the account of events of the first year in
office of Assam CM, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Dhoni releases autobiography of Prof. K.K. Abdul Gaffar

An autobiography of Techno-educationalist, Professor K.K. Abdul Gaffar 'Njaan
Sakshi’ (me as the witness) was released by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
It will provide an insight into the journey of Prof. Gaffar and how education and
students have changed over the time.
Biography Title and Author Remark
Prince Harry Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex “Spare”. The book reveals the details of Harry’s
Author :J. R. Moehringer relationship with his father, King Charles, his
elder brother
General Bipin Rawat ‘Bipin: The Man Behind the Uniform’ Pays tribute to General Bipin Rawat, India’s
Author:Rachna Bisht Rawat first Chief of Defence Staff.
K.K. Shailaja ‘My Life as a Comrade’ K. Shailaja is an Indian politician and former
Author:K.K. Shailaja and Manju Sara Rajan Health Minister of Kerala
Ruskin Bond wrote a new book titled 'The Golden Years’

book titled "The Golden Years: The Many Joys of Living a Good Long
Life".
"The Golden Years" focuses on Bond's experiences during the 60s, 70s
and 80s.
Other Book:"The Room on the Roof“
In 1992, Bond received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his work "Our Tree Still Grows in Dehra".
He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014 for his contribution to literature and
education.
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Author Shantanu Gupta launched novel ‘Ajay to Yogi Adityanath’

based on the life journey of Yogi Adityanath.
Prior to this, author Shantanu Gupta has written two bestseller titles on Yogi Adityanath-
• The Monk Who Transformed Uttar Pradesh
• The Monk Who Became Chief Minister.
“NTR: A Political Biography" by Ramachandra Murthy Kondubhatla

Explores the Life of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao
NTR, was an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who served as Chief Minister of Andhra
Pradesh for seven years
‘Through the Broken Glass: An Autobiography’ authored by T.N. Seshan

This autobiography also covers his term as Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India from 1990
to 1995.
Vivek Agnihotri launches his latest book ‘The Book of Life’

“The Book of Life: My Dance with Buddha for Success”
Vivek Agnihotri recently directed a medical drama film ‘The Vaccine War’ in 2023.
Historical Books
The Mahabharata: Mewari Miniature Paintings
Book: The Mahabharata: Mewari Miniature Paintings (1680–1698) by Allah Baksh”.
Authors: Chandra Prakash Deval and Alok Bhalla
These were commissioned by Maharana Jai Singh of Udaipur.
They were painted between 1680 and 1698 by his court painter Allah Baksh.
The Reverse Swing: Colonialism To Cooperation

Launched by Hardeep Singh Puri (India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas)
Authored by Ashok Tandon.
It highlights how India has made significant strides to become the world’s fifth-largest economy.
Rishi Raj’s New Book “Kargil: Ek Yatri Ki Jubani” Released

The book portrays the lives of all the 527 soldiers, who laid down their lives for our nation in the
Kargil War.
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Historian David Hardiman’s new book released

Historian David Hardiman has released his new book 'Non-Cooperation in India: Non-Violent
Strategy and Protest 1920-22’.
The book is a detailed account of India’s first mass movement.
Historian Sanjeev Sanyal released his new book ‘Revolutionaries’

book titled “Revolutionaries: The Other Story of How India Won Its Freedom”.
It is based on the revolutionary movements related to the struggle for Indian Independence.
Some of Sanyal’s books include – Land of the Seven Rivers, The Ocean of Churn, India in the Age of
Ideas, and The Indian Renaissance.
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi released two books

Pt. Deendayal Udadhyaya: Dispersions of Thought
Pt. Deendayal Udpadhyaya: Integral Humanism in Chennai.
The book was authored by Professor B. Dharmalingam.
He also served as the 10th President of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1967 – 1968).
A book “India’s Struggle for Independence – Gandhian Era” released

The book is authored by P. Jyothimani (former Judge of Madras High Court), and G. Balan
(former professor of history)
The book 'Mundaka Upanishad: The Bridge to Immortality’ authored by former MP Dr. Karan
Singh
Released by Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar
He is the son of Maharaja Sir Hari Singh, the last ruler of the princely state of Jammu and
Kashmir, and mother Maharani Tara Devi.
Book titled "War and Women" written by Dr. MA Hasan released

• launched during the 52nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
(UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
• The book throws light on the suffering of Bengali women who were victims of
sexual violence during the 1971 war.
"Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origin of Empire": Nandini Das
The book focuses on Thomas Roe's four-year mission as the English ambassador to the court of
the Mughal emperor Jahangir in India in 1615.
A new book "Gandhi: Siasat Aur Sampradaya" written by Piyush Babele

The book aims to break the myth spread by the Hindu right wing that Mahatma Gandhi was
responsible for the partition.
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Amitav Ghosh's new book 'Smoke and Ashes' to released

This book explores the opium trade's effect on world history and how it continues to
hugely impact our lives today.
Other Notable works: The Shadow Lines, The Glass Palace, The Hungry Tide, Gun Island,
and The Great Derangement
Amit Shah released a book 'Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Memories Never Die'
Authored by Dr. YS Rajan & Dr. Maraikayar
Dr. Kalam received Bharat Ratna in 1997
PM Modi released three books at Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, MP

PM Modi visited Tulsi Peeth and released three books - ‘Ashtadhyayi Bhashya’,
‘Rambhadracharya Charitam’ and ‘Bhagwan Shri Krishna ki Rashtraleela’, written by
Rambhadracharya Maharaj.
Tulsi Peeth is an important religious and social service institution in Chitrakoot, MP
established by Jagadguru Rambhadracharya in 1987.
In 2015, he received Padma Vibhushan from the government of India.
Assam Governor released book ‘Partitioned Freedom’

This book was written by Ram Madhav
This book offers great insights into the events that unfolded during 1905 and the pre-independence
era.
His other book: Uneasy Neighbours: India and China After 50 Years of the War
Sports Books
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik released the publication titled ‘Hockey & India — A Golden
Legacy’ book by Sportstar on Indian hockey.
Tennis legend Jaidip Mukerjea launches his autobiography “Crosscourt”

Jaidip Mukerjea - former Davis Cup captain
Author Book
Amrit Mathur’s autobiography ‘Pitchside: My Life in Indian Cricket’
Former India cricketer W.V. Raman and senior ‘The Lords of Wankhede: Tales between Two Titles’
journalist R. Kaushik
R. Kaushik & R. Sridhar ‘COACHING BEYOND: My Days with the Indian Cricket Team
Boria Majumdar SACHIN@50: Celebrating a Maestro’
Political
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami released Book 'RESILIENT INDIA: How Modi Transformed
India's Disaster Management Paradigm
The book Highlights PM Modi's Role In Transforming disaster management
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Naye Bharat Ka Samveda

Former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind launched a book “ Naye Bharat ka Samveda” in New
Delhi.
The book is a compilation of speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Indian Constitution.
 ‘Karmayoddha Granth’: This book based on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was
released by Amit Shah.
 “Narendra Modi: A Political Biography”: Andy Marino
Major books written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

 Exam Warriors in both English and Hindi languages
 A Journey: Poems by Narendra Modi
 Jyotipunj (in both English and Hindi language)
 Waqt ki Mang
A new book ‘India’s Knowledge Supremacy: The New Dawn” released

A new book titled “India’s Knowledge Supremacy: The New Dawn” written by Ashwin Fernandes
was released globally.
This book was launched by Minister of Education - Dharmendra Pradhan
BJP National President JP Nadda launched book 'Modi: Shaping a Global order in flux’
The book is forewarded by S. Jaishankar ( Union External Affairs Minister)
Edited by Sujan Chinoy, Vijay Chauthaiwala, and Uttam Kumar Sinha.
A book called ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ written by Shashi Shekhar Vempati
At the 100th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, a book called ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ written by
Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati (2017-2022).
“The Indian Metropolis: Deconstructing India’s Urban Spaces” book by Varun Gandhi
The book examines the challenges facing India’s urban spaces, including poverty, inequality, crime,
and environmental degradation.
Hindi version of Uttarakhand DGP's book 'Cyber Encounters' released

This book was co-authored by state director general of Police (DGP) Ashok
Kumar and former DRDO scientist OP Manocha.
This book will help the readers in becoming aware of various cyber crimes
‘Supreme Court On Commercial Arbitration’ book By Dr. Manoj Kumar

Released
Fore word by Shri.R.Venkataramani ( Attorney-General for India)
A compendium of three volumes
with Judgments spanning from the year 1988 till 2022
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Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu released book “As the wheel turns”
The book is authored by Ranjit Pratap (Rayala Corporation CEO).
Neerja Chowdhary released a new book titled "How Prime Ministers Decide“
The book throws light on the working style of the Prime Ministers of India.
Goa governor Sreedharan Pillai authored three books on trees, nature, geopolitics
Heritage Trees of Goa, When Parallel Lines Meet, Ente Priya Kavitakal.
Jnanpith winner Damodar Mauzo released two other books: ‘When Parallel Lines
Meet’ and ‘Ente Priya Kavitakal’.
Shivraj Singh & Anurag Thakur released books based on speeches of PM Modi
The book titled “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”
JP Nadda released Outlook Group's Coffee Table Book 'Sikhs and Modi
Coffee Table Book 'Sikhs and Modi (A Journey of Nine Years) in New Delhi authored by Prabhleen Singh.
The Book, Titled ‘Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers’ By Sharmishtha Mukherjee

 Pranab Mukherjee was an Indian politician and statesman who served as the 13th
president of India from 2012 until 2017.
Economy
Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan's new book 'Breaking the Mould’
Raghuram Rajan has teamed up with economist Rohit Lamba to write a book, "Breaking
the Mould: Reimagining India's Economic Future"
A book titled “MADE IN INDIA :75 Years of Business and Enterprise” by Amitabh Kant
He served CEO of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) from 2016-2022
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A new book ‘The Poverty of Political Economy’ by Meghnad Desai released
A.K. Bhattacharya wrote a new book titled "Finance Minister of India"

Journalist A.K. Bhattacharya wrote a new book titled "Finance Ministers of India: From Independence
to the Emergency (1947-1977)".
It covers the period from 1947 to 1977.
Government launch
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched
comic book 'Let's Move Forward' in
collaboration with NCERT and UNESCO
The primary objective of the book is to enhance

the health and overall well-being of school-
going children across India.
The comic book was jointly created by the
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) New Delhi, under the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of
Education.
ECI launched “Chacha Chaudhary aur Chunavi Dangal,” To Educate And

Motivate Young Voters
 “Chacha Chaudhary aur Chunavi Dangal,” was launched by CEC
(Chief Election Commissioner) Shri Rajiv Kumar and ECs (Election
Commissioners) Shri Anup Chandra Pandey and Shri Arun Goel
Short Stories collection “The Book of Bihari Literature” by Abhay K

Released by Bihar Minister of Industry, Samir Kumar Mahaseth
Edited by Abhay Kumar, an Indian poet- diplomat
This book would be promoting the rich literature of Bihar across India and the world.
A new book ‘Prism: The Ancestral Abode of Rainbow’ released

Released from the rocket launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The book was authored by Vinod Mankara
It was released by S Somanath (ISRO Chairman)
A collection of 50 essays in Malayalam, the book comprises articles from various
streams of science.
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Kerala Governor launches Malayalam translation of 'Krishna - The 7th Sense’

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan released the Malayalam translation of the book
"Krishna - The 7th Sense" written by Debasish Chatterjee, Director, IIM-Kozhikode.
Another book by Chatterjee - "Karma Sutra - Leadership and Wisdom in Uncertain
Times", a flagship book in the IIMK for budding managers.
Prasoon Joshi Launched Dr. Hema Joshi’s Book ‘Do Palkon Ki Chhavn Main
Mansukh Mandaviya released a book titled Braving A Viral Storm

• book titled Braving A Viral Storm: India’s Covid-19 Vaccine Story.
• It was co-authored by Aashish Chandorkar and Suraj Sudhir.
Mansukh Mandaviya released book ‘India’s Vaccine Growth Story - From

Cowpox to Vaccine Maitri’
Author - Sajjan Singh Yadav
(Additional Secretary of Finance Ministry)
Miscellaneous
Huma Qure shi launched 1st novel ‘Zeba’/
Huma Qureshi launched 1st novel ‘Zeba’
Twinkle Khanna launches her fourth book 'Welcome to Paradise'

Twinkle Khanna has previously authored books like ‘Mrs Funnybones,’
‘Pyjamas are Forgiving,’ and ‘The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad’.
Salman Rushdie’s new novel 'Victory City' released

• It is an epic tale of a 14th-century woman who defies a patriarchal
world to rule a city.
• Rushdie won the Booker Prize in 1981 for his second novel, Midnight's
Children.
• His notable works: Grimus (1975); Shame (1983); The Satanic Verses
(1988)
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Book titled ‘The bee, the beetle, and the money bug- The bank bazaar guide to the financial
wild’ authored by Adhil Shetty and AR Hemant
It has been authored by Adhil Shetty (CEO and Co-founder of Bankbazaar.com) and AR Hemant
(former journalist and now head of communications at Bankbazaar.com).
The book emphasises on the advantage of starting investments at an early age.
It explain the basics of investing, managing money and wealth creation.
Satinder Kumar Lambah's book 'In Pursuit of Peace' launched

Book:‘In Pursuit of Peace: India-Pakistan Relations Under Six Prime Ministers’ was launched
by his wife Nina Lambah.
Foreword by former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Satinder Kumar Lambah had served two tenures in Pakistan as Deputy Chief of Mission and
High Commissioner and was Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board.
Book titled ‘The Power of One Thought’ to released

book by BK Shivani
Aims to guide readers toward personal transformation.
BK Shivani was honored with ‘Nari Shakti Puraskaar’ in 2017.
.
Indian author Roopa Pai wrote a new book called "The Yoga Sutras for Children"
focuses on uncovering the secrets of Patanjali's 2,000-year-old treatise on yoga.
A new book ‘A Resurgent Northeast: Narratives of Change’ by Ashish

Kundra launched
• Senior b ureaucrat-author Ashish Kundra served in the Northeast for
eight years.
• IAS officer Ashutosh Agnihotri launches his book “Kuch Adhure
Shabd”
Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo’s debut novel on Booker Prize longlist

debut novel 'Western Lane.’
Harper Collins released a book ‘Fire on the Ganges’ by Radhika Iyengar

The book explores the city of Banaras in India, particularly its relationship with
death and the afterlife.
She won the Red Ink award for Excellence in Indian Journalism (2018).
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Awards
Film & Music

Apolinaris D’Souza Honored With The 19th ‘Kalakar Puraskar’ Award
• Apolinaris D'Souza, a prominent Konkani singer, lyricist, and composer
• ‘Kalakar Puraskar’ was established in 2005 by Pratap Naik
• This annual award is presented to individuals from the Karnataka region in
recognition of their outstanding achievements in various fields related to
Konkani culture, including music, dance, theatre, and cinema.
54th International Film Festival of India

• Location - Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium at Panaji, Goa, India
• Founder – 1952
Award Winner
Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence Hollywood star Michael Douglas
in Cinema
Best Film or the Golden Peacock Award Abbas Amini directed ‘Endless Borders’
Special Jury or Silver Peacock Award Kannada film 'Kantara: A legend', directed by Rishab
Shetty.
Best Director Stephan Komandarev for Blaga’s Lessons
Best Actor award Pouria Rahimi Sam for ‘Endless Borders’.
Best Actor (Female) award Melanie Thiery for 'Party of Fools’.
ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal film ‘Drift’
Best OTT series award (introduced for the first time) "Panchayat" season two
IFFI Special Recognition for Contribution to Bharatiya Madhuri Dixit
Cinema Award
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51st International Emmy Awards 2023

• Producer Ekta Kapoor, awarded the Directorate Award at the - First Indian
Woman Filmmaker to receive this Award.
• Vir Das: Landing, and Derry Girls season 3, were honoured with the
International Emmy for Comedy.
• Indian actor Shefali Shah was nominated for season 2 of Netflix’s Delhi
Crime.
• Best Actress: Karla Souza in “La Caida” (Dive)
• Best Actor: Martin Freeman in “The Responder”
• Best Drama Series: “The Empress”
• Best TV Movie/Mini-Series: La Caida [Dive]
• Best Documentary: Mariupol: The People's Story
• First awarded: January 25, 1949
• Presented by the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Emmy awards honor the best in
international television programming
69th National Film Awards 2023 Conferred By President Droupadi Murmu

• Waheeda Rehman received the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime
Achievement Award.
• Best Actor: Allu Arjun for Pushpa: The Rise.
• Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi and Kriti Sanon for
Mimi
• Best Supporting Actress: Pallavi Joshi for Kashmir Files
• Best Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi for Mimi.
• Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' directed by R Madhavan was given the Best Feature Film for the year 2021.
• RRR bagged the award for Best Popular Film providing wholesome entertainment
• The Kashmir Files directed by Vivek Agnihotri received the Nargis Dutt award for Best Film on National
Integration.
• Shreya Ghoshal bagged the Best Female Playback Singer.
• Prem Rakshith got the Best Choreography award for 'RRR'.
Legendary actor Waheeda Rehman to receive 53rd Dadasaheb Phalke Award
• Veteran actor Waheeda Rehman conferred with the country’s top honour in the field of cinema, the
Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2021
• The award will be presented during the 69th National Film awards ceremony.
• Waheeda made her acting debut with the Telugu film Rojulu Marayi (1955).
• Earlier, she has also received National Film Award for her role as a clanswoman in "Reshma and Shera"
(1971).
• She has been conferred with Padma Shri(1972) and Padma Bhushan award(2011).
• Rajnikanth :Winner of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2019
• Asha Parekh:Winner of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2020
• The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.
• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest award in the field of cinema. It is presented annually at the
National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organization set up by the Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting.
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• The government instituted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1969, and Devika Rani, dubbed "the first lady of
Indian cinema," received it for the first time.
• Raja Harischandra (1913), India's first feature film, was directed by Dadasaheb Phalke. He is referred to as
the "Father of Indian Cinema."
Manoj Bajpayee’s 'Joram' wins awards at Durban International Film Festival

• Joram has won two awards at the Durban International Film Festival.
• Manoj bagged the ‘Best Actor’ trophy, the film’s cinematographer Piyush Puty
won the award for ‘Best Cinematography’.
• The film is directed by Devashish Makhija.
• The film deals with issues such as social inequalities, injustice with the tribal communities and deforestation.
Que: Which Hollywood actor received Honorary Palme d’Or Prize at Cannes Film Festival 2023
Ans: Michael Douglas
• To pay tribute to the two-time Oscar winner Michael Douglas at
the 76th Cannes Film Festival
• Palme d’Or is the highest honourary award of the fest
• Actor Harrison Ford was honored with the prestigious Palme D'Or
award for lifetime achievement at the 76th Cannes Film Festival
2023.
• The coveted Palme d’Or went to Justine Triet’s crime drama
Anatomy of a Fall.
Osaka Tamil International Film Festival Awards: Vijay, Kangana Ranaut named best
actors
• The OTIFF awards celebrated outstanding performances in films released in
2021.
• Best Film: Sarpatta Parambarai
• Best Director: Pa Ranjith (Sarpatta Parambarai)
• Vijay was awarded for his performance in 'Master’
• Kangana Ranaut has bagged the Best Actress Award for her performance in Thalaivii.
Hrithik Roshan and Alia Bhatt win the award for best actor at IIFA 2023
• Best Actor (Male):
• Hrithik Roshan for Vikram Vedha.
• Best Actor (Female):
• Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi.
• Best Film: Drishyam 2
• Best Director:
• R Madhavan (Rocketry: The Nambi Effect)
• Supporting Role:
• Best Actor (Female):
• Mouni Roy (Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva)
• Best Actor (Male):
• Anil Kapoor (Jugg Jugg Jeeyo)
Kamal Haasan felicitated with Outstanding Achievement at IIFA 2023

• 23rd IIFA (International Indian Film Academy Awards) Awards 2023, held in Abu
Dhabi, UAE.
• He was awarded various awards including Padma Shri (1990), Padma Bhushan
(2014), and Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2016.
• IIFA First awarded: 2000
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South Asian Film Festival of Montreal honours ‘Gauri’ with ‘Best Long Documentary Award’
• “Gauri,” a documentary based on journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, directed by Kavitha
Lankesh, has won the “Best Long Documentary Award” at the South Asian Film Festival of
Montreal 2023.
• The film is about journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, who was assassinated in 2017, and
the current political crisis in India.
Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Award

• The award was instituted by the Mangeshkar family and trust, and is given to a
person who has made a significant contribution to the nation, its people and
society.
• Singer Asha Bhosle, Pankaj Udhas and actor Vidya Balan will be honoured with the
prestigious Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Award
The 68th Hyundai Filmfare Awards was held at the Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai
• Best Film: Gangubai Kathiawadi
• Best Film (Critics'): Badhaai Do
• Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Rajkummar Rao for Badhaai Do
• Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
• Best Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi
• Best Music Album: Pritam for Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Prem Chopra
• RD Burman Award for Upcoming Music Talent: Jahnvi Shrimankar for Dholida from Gangubai Kathiawadi
Filmfare Awards were first introduced in 1954
95th Oscars Winners 2023

Category Winner
Best Picture Everything Everywhere All At Once
Actor In A Leading Role Brendan Fraser (The Whale)
Actress In A Leading Role Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All At Once)
Costume Design Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Ruth Carter)
• RRR is the first Indian film to be nominated for Academy Awards in the
last two decades, while 'Naatu Naatu' was the first Indian song to be
nominated for an Oscar.
• Music director MM Keeravani received the award.
• Note - the song 'Jai Ho' from the UK film 'Slumdog Millionaire' directed by
Danny Boyle is the first Hindi song to win an Academy Award in the Best
Original Score and Original Song categories.
• Its music was composed by AR Rahman and its lyrics were written by
Gulzar.
• Another Indian entry at the Academy Awards, 'The Elephant Whispers'

won the Oscar in the Best Documentary Short Film category.
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Indian Oscars Recipients Category Year

Bhanu Athaiya Best Costume Design 1983
Satyajit Ray Honorary Award 1992
Resul Pookutty Best Sound Mixing 2009
Gulzar Best Original Song 2009
Best Original Score and Best Original
A R Rahman 2009
Song
Kartiki Gonsalves Best Documentary Short 2023
MM Keeravani and Chandrabose Best Original Song 2023
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) Awards 2023

• Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor (Brahmastra Part One-Shiva)
• Best Actress: Alia Bhatt (Gangubai Kathiawadi).
• Best Film: The Kashmir Files
• Film Of The Year: RRR
• Best Director: R Balki (Chup)
• Television Series of The Year: Anupamaa
76th BAFTA Awards

• Austin Butler - Best Leading Actor category for Elvis.
• Cate Blanchett - Best Leading Actress for TÁR.
• A German anti-war drama, ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ won a maximum of seven awards including Best
Film and Director.
• Meera Syal Receives the BAFTA Fellowship
Indian music composer, Ricky Kej wins third Grammy for 'Divine Tides’/
• at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
• He has shared this award with Stewart Copeland, who collaborated with him
on the album.
• Kej has become the only Indian to win three Grammy Awards.
• Record of the Year: About Damn Time by Lizzo

• Album of the Year: Harry's House by Harry Styles
• Song of the Year: Just Like That
• American pop star Beyoncé won 2 Grammys at the 65th Grammy Awards.
• Beyoncé has become the only celebrity in the world to win the most Grammy
Awards (32) in her career.
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RRR wins Best Original Song for ‘Naatu Naatu’ at 2023 Golden Globe Awards
• SS Rajamouli's "RRR" has won the 2023 Golden Globe Awards for the
best original song–motion picture for "Naatu Naatu" track.
• The movie was also nominated for the 'best picture-non English’.
• This track was composed by veteran music director, MM Keeravaani and
sung by Kala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj
• 80th Golden Globe Awards
• Best Film Drama: The Fabelmans

• Best Actress :Cate Blanchett, “Tár
• Best Actor :Austin Butler, “Elvis
Indian film ‘When Climate Change Turns Violent’ wins WHO Award
• 4th Health for All Film Festival (HAFF) held at the World Healtth Organization headquarters in Geneva.
• Two films from the WHO South-East Asia Region have won awards
• 'One in 36 Million: Story of Childhood Lead Poisoning in Bangladesh', won the award under the Better Health
and Well-being category.
• 'When Climate Change Turns Violent' a film by Vandita Sariya from India won the Special Prize under the
Climate Change and Health category.
• The WHO initiated HAFF in 2019 to make audio-visual language a key component of the organisation’s
"communicating for health impact" approach.
Grammy Awards 2024

• Grammy Awards 2024: The song 'Abundance in Millets', featuring Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, sung by Falguni Shah and her husband Gaurav Shah,
has been nominated in the best global music performance category at the
2024 Grammy Awards.
• The song features a speech written and delivered by PM Modi.
• Falguni Shah is a singer, songwriter, and the first South Asian woman to win a Grammy Award.
• The 66th Grammy Awards will take place on Feb. 4, 2024 in Los Angeles.
Javed Akhtar to be felicitated with Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award at the

Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival
Short News
• Hansal Mehta’s drama series Scoop has been awarded the Best
Asian TV Series at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and
Best Actress for Karishma Tanna.
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Art & literature
Suresh Wadkar Named For Maharashtra’s ‘Lata Mangeshkar Award 2023

• Suresh Wadkar, a Sangeet Natak Akademi laureate in 2018
Deepti Babuta Becomes First Woman To Bag Dhahan Prize For Punjabi Literature
• Dhahan Prize, the largest international literary award for fiction books in
Punjabi language.
• Babuta received the award for her short story collection, ‘Bhukh Eon Sah
Laindi Hai’ (‘Hunger Breathes Like This’).
• The Dhahan Prize was established by the Canada India Education Society
(CIES) and the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2013
Irish Author Paul Lynch Wins 2023 Booker Prize

• Irish author Paul Lynch’s book “Prophet Song” was named the winner of the
Booker Prize 2023
• London-based Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo’s debut novel “Western Lane”
was also shortlisted
• Lynch received his trophy from Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka, last year’s
Booker winner for “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida”
• Booker Prize is awarded to the best novel of fiction written in English and published in UK and Ireland.
• Founded in the UK in 1969, it was initially awarded to Commonwealth writers and now spans the globe, and
it is open to anyone regardless of origin.
• The winner receives £50,000
• First Indian Citizen to get booker prize – Arundhati Roy – God of Small Things in 1997
Tamil writer Perumal Murugan has won the coveted JCB Prize for Literature
• Tamil writer Perumal Murugan has won the coveted JCB Prize for Literature for
his novel, Fire Bird, an English translation of his Tamil novel Aalandapatchi.
• ‘Fire Bird’, translated into English by Janani Kannan
• The JCB Literary Prize award carries Rs 25 lakh to the author and an additional Rs
10 lakh to the translator.
• JCB Prize for Literature was established in 2018.
India-Born Author Nandini Das Wins 2023 British Academy Book Prize
• For her book ‘Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of
Empire’
• The winner gets the £25,000 prize cash award
British Academy Book Prize:
• This was formerly known as the Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize.
• It was established in 2013.
Salman Rushdie Honored With First ‘Lifetime Disturbing The Peace Award
• The Vaclav Havel Center presented Salman Rushdie with the inaugural
'Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award' and Alaa Abdel-Fattah with the
'Disturbing the Peace Award for a Courageous Writer at Risk.'
• Recently, Rushdie unveiled the publication of his latest book titled ‘Knife:
Meditations After an Attempted Murder.
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Eminent Tamil Author Ambai (C S Lakshmi) Receives Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement
Award For 2023
• Ambai is also a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021 for her novel Sivappu
Kazhuthudan Oru Pachai Paravai (A Red-Necked Green Bird).
Tamil writer Sivasankari was presented with the ‘Saraswati Samman’ 2022 for her book of
memoirs Surya Vamsam
• Sivasankari honoured with 32nd Saraswati Samman
• The Saraswati Samman was instituted in 1991 by the K. K. Birla Foundation.
• It is given annually for outstanding literary works in 22 Indian languages and is among the
highest recognitions in the field of Indian literature.
• Cash prize of ₹15 lakh
PEN Pinter Prize 2023

• Michael Rosen, a British children’s writer and performance poet, has been awarded
the PEN Pinter Prize 2023.
• PEN Pinter Prize: It was established in 2009 in memory of Nobel-Laureate playwright
Harold Pinter.
• The prize is given to a writer from the UK, Ireland, and the Commonwealth who is
committed to fearless exposition of truth about contemporary life.
• Some of the previous award-winning writers are Malorie Blackman (2022), Tsitsi Dangarembga (2021) Hanif
Kureishi (2010), Salman Rushdie (2014)
Author Salman Rushdie awarded the prestigious German Peace Prize in 2023
• British-American author, Salman Rushdie has been selected for the prestigious German
Peace Prize 2023 for his literary work and his resolve in the face of constant danger.
• He would receive the award in Frankfurt on October 22, 2023.
• Cash prize: €25,000
• German Peace Prize was established in 1950 to recognize a personality committed to
serving international understanding between nations and cultures through their work.
Ramachandra Guha's book wins Elizabeth Longford Prize 2023

• The book 'Rebels Against the Raj: Western Fighters for India’s Freedom', authored by
Ramachandra Guha has won the £5,000 Elizabeth Longford Prize 2023 for Historical
Biography.
• This book tells the story of seven foreigners (4 British, 2 American, and 1 Iris) who joined
India’s freedom struggle.
Pt P. D. Baul awarded 1st Kala Kranti Lifetime Achievement Award

• At the Kolkata edition of the International Performing Arts Festival (IPAF), inaugurated by Governor of West
Bengal Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose
• Padma Shri Baul Samrat Pandit Purna Das Baul
was presented with the IPAF Lifetime
Achievement Award for his outstanding
contribution to the traditional Baul music on
the world stage.
• Purna Das was first acknowledged as the ‘Baul
Samrat’ (King of Baul music) in 1967 by Dr.
Rajendra Prasad, the first President of
independent India.
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Writer Arundhati Roy receives 45th European Essay Prize for lifetime achievement
• She has been awarded the prize for the French translation of her compilation of
essays titled "Azadi" (2021).
• The French translation 'Liberte, fascisme, fiction' appeared in the leading French
publishing group, Gallimard.
• The award ceremony will take place on September 12 at the Lausanne Palace.
• European Essay Prize was started in 1975, by the Charles Veillon Foundation, to honour a book or the work
of an author "who, through their writings, contributes to nourishing and spreading the evolution of
thought".
Sahitya Akademi announces winners of Bal Sahitya Puraskar

• The Sahitya Akademi has announced a list of 22 recipients of its Bal Sahitya Puraskar
and 20 winners of its Yuva Puraskar for this year.
• The announcement was made at a meeting of the Sahitya Akademi's Executive Board,
chaired by President Madhav Kaushik.
• The winners of both awards will receive an engraved copper plaque and a cheque of Rs 50,000 each at a
ceremony to be held later.
• Bal Sahitya Puraskar:
• Sudha Murty will be awarded for her collection of stories titled ‘Grandparents’ Bag of Stories’
• In the Hindi language category of the same award, Suryanath Singh has been selected for his collection of
short stories, ‘Kotuk App’.
Yuva Puraskar :
• Anirudh Kanisetti has been selected for his work 'Lords Of The Deccan: Southern India From Chalukyas To
Cholas’,
• Atul Kumar Rai will receive the same award in the Hindi language category for his novel ‘Chandpur ki
Chanda’.
• The recipients for Manipuri, Maithili, and Sanskrit categories of Yuva Puraskar, as well as the Bal Sahitya
Puraskar for Manipuri, will be announced later.
• No Yuva Puraskar winner was announced for Odia, and no Bal Sahitya Puraskar winner was announced for
Kashmiri.
• Sahitya Akademi founded on 12 March 1954.
• Besides the 22 languages enumerated in the Constitution of India, Sahitya Akademi recognises English and
Rajasthani for awards.
Acharya Gopi to be conferred with first Prof. Jayashankar Award

• Acharya N. Gopi has been selected for the first-ever Prof. Kothapalli Jayashankar Award,
instituted by Bharat Jagruthi, a cultural organisation and extended arm of Bharat Rashtra
Samithi.
• N Gopi is an Eminent poet, literary critic and Sahitya Akademi Award recipient.
• The award is constituted this year and professor N Gopi is the first person to get the
award.
Shri Ramcharitmanas became the longest song in the world

• Dr. Jagadish Pillai of Varanasi created a Guinness World Record by
singing Shri Ramcharitmanas for 138 hours, 41 minutes and two
seconds.
• This achievement made Shri Ramcharitmanas the longest song in
the world.
• It is a 16th-century epic poem by the Indian poet Tulsidas in the
Awadhi language.
• Dr. Jagadish Pillai has been credited with five years of broadcast
of Sri Ramcharitmanas recitals on more than 100 official audio channels across the globe.
• Dr. Jagdish Pillai has become the Guinness World Record holder for the maximum number of times i.e. 5
times from Uttar Pradesh.
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Goan writer Damodar Mauzo conferred with 57th Jnanpith Award

• Governor of Goa, P S Sreedharan Pillai has presented the 57th Jnanpith
Award, the country's highest literary honor, to Goan writer Damodar
Mauzo.
• 25 books have been published in Konkani and one in English.
• In 1983, he has conferred the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel
'Karmelin’.
• He is the second Goan to receive the Jnanpith Award, after Ravindra Kelekar, who received the award in
2008.
Jnanpith Awards:
• It is the oldest and highest Indian literary award presented annually by Bharatiya Jnanpith.
• It recognizes outstanding contributions to literature by Indian authors writing in English as well as in the
Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
• The award was established in 1961 and is not given posthumously.
• The first award was given 1965 to G.K. Shankar Kurup was awarded.
• Ashapurna Devi became the first woman recipient in 1976 for her novel "Prothom Protishruti" (The First
Promise).
Barbara Kingsolver and Hernan Diaz win Fiction Pulitzer Prize 2023
• Barbara Kingsolver (American Novelist) and Hernan Diaz (Argentina Writer)
were awarded the Pulitzer Prize 2023 in the fiction category.
• Barbara Kingsolver was awarded for her novel 'Demon Copperhead' and
Hernan Diaz won for his novel 'Trust’.
Pulitzer Award
• The Pulitzer Award was established in 1917, named in honour of newspaper
publisher Joseph Pulitzer.
• It is administered by Columbia University and is awarded for newspaper,
magazine and online journalism, photojournalism and literature annually
across 22 categories.
• Each winner receives a certificate and a US$15,000 cash award. The winner
in the public service category is awarded a gold medal.
• Gobind Behari Lal: First from India to win the Pulitzer Prize for journalism in 1937. He was the member of the
Ghadar Party in America
Georgi Gospodinov wins the International Booker Prize 2023 for Time Shelter
• Georgi Gospodinov (Bulgarian writer) and Angela Rodel (translator) bagged the
2023 International Booker Prize for their book 'Time Shelter’.
• It is the first book originally written in Bulgarian to be nominated for the award.
• Time Shelter, a story of a magical clinic for Alzheimer’s patients
• Prize money: 50,000 pounds shared equally between the author and translator
Vinod Kumar Shukla wins PEN/Nabokov Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

• Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla has won the 2023 PEN America award for
lifetime achievement in literature.
• It is one of the most coveted literary prizes worldwide.
• He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi award in 1999 for Naukar Ki Kameez
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Tamil writer Perumal Murugan's novel longlisted for International Booker Prize 2023
• This book is a translation of his original Tamil book 'Pukkuli' which tells the story of
an inter-caste couple who elope, setting in motion a story of terrifying foreboding.
• Aniruddhan Vasudevan translated this novel into the English language in 2016.
• This is the first time a Tamil book has been nominated for the coveted prize.
• Recently Indian author Geetanjali Shree's win at the 2022 International Booker Prize
for her Hindi-language novel Ret Samadhi, or Tomb of Sand.
• International Booker Prize is given to an author for their work written in an international language, then
translated into English. Meanwhile, Booker Prize is awarded to a book/novel written in English.
Gyan Chaturvedi awarded Vyas Samman 2022 for ‘Pagalkhana

• Noted Hindi writer Dr. Gyan Chaturvedi’s 2018 satirical novel, Pagalkhana, has
been selected for the 32nd Vyas Samman 2022.
• Instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991, the annual Vyas Samman is given
to an outstanding Hindi literary work by an Indian citizen published during the
last 10 years. It carries an award money of ₹4 lakh.
• The KK Birla Foundation has also instituted Saraswati Samman and Bihari
Puraskar.
Tamil writer Sivasankari awarded Saraswati Samman for 2022

• For her book Survya Vamsam. This is a book of memoirs in Tamil language and was
published in 2019.
• Saraswati Samman carries an amount of ₹15 lakh, given to an outstanding literary
work of an Indian citizen in any of the languages included in Schedule VIII of the
Constitution of India and published during a period of 10 years
Bombay Jayashri selected for Sangita Kalanidhi award 2023

• Bombay Jayashri was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021.
• Nritiya Kalanidhi award 2023 will be conferred to Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi
dancer, Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari.
Sangita Kalanidhi award:
• It is considered the highest award in the field of Carnatic music.
• The award is conferred by the Madras Music Academy.
• The award comprises a gold medal and a birudu patra (citation).
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman honoured with FOSWAL Special literary

award
• The Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL) honoured
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with a special literary award for his
trilogy - Unfinished Memoirs, The Prison Diaries and The New China 1952.
About SAARC Writers and Literature Foundation (FOSWAL)

• It was established in 1987 as a non-profit organisation with the objective of promoting regional cooperation
and cultural exchange among SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries through
literature and the arts.
• Its founding members were writers and poets from SAARC countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives.
Pt Prem Kumar Mallick awarded Sangeet natak Akademi Award 2019

• Noted classical singer (Hindustani Vocal).
• He is a professor in the department of music and performing arts at Allahabad University.
• He has authored books like “Darbhanga Gharana evam Bandishe”
• President Droupadi Murmu presented the award on February 23.
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• A total of 128 artists from the field of music, dance, theatre, traditional, folk, and puppetry were given the
Awards
Etikoppaka Toys Craftsman : Selected For Padma Awards

• Etikoppaka toys are traditional toys made by artisans of Etikoppaka village
located on the banks of Varaha River in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra
Pradesh.
• These toys are made out of wood and are coloured with natural dyes derived
from seeds, lacquer, bark, roots and leaves.
• The artisans mainly use the wood from trees known as ‘ankudu’ (Wrightia Tinctoria) that is soft in nature.
• These toys have no sharp edges. They are rounded on all sides. Etikoppaka toys received Geographical
Indication (GI) tag IN 2017.
Dr Peggy Mohan wins 'Mathrubhumi Book of the Year' award

• During the 4th edition of Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL 2023).
• Book 'Wanderers, Kings and Merchants', which portrays the development of language as a result of
migration.
• In this award, she was given a statuette and two
lakh rupees as a cash prize.
• The award was presented by Nobel Laureate
Abdulrazak Gurnah
Dr Prabha Atre awarded Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia Lifetime Achievement Award

• The award was conferred by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde to her in Mumbai.
• She is an Indian classical vocalist from the Kirana Gharana.
• She has been awarded Padma Shri (1990), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma
Vibhushan (2022) by the Government of India.
Sahitya Akademi Award 2023

• Sahitya Akademi has announced its annual Sahitya Akademi Award 2023 in 24
Languages.
• Sanjeev will get Sahitya Akademi Award for his Hindi novel Mujhe Pahachaano.
• Neelam Saran Gour will get the award for her English Novel Requiem in Raga Janki.
• Sahitya Akademi Award, established in the year 1954

• Apart from the 22 languages included in the Constitution of India, this award is also given in English and
Rajasthani.
• The Sahitya Akademi Award is the second-highest literary honour conferred by the Government of India after
the Jnanpith Award.
• The first winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award was RK Narayan, who was given the award in 1960 for his
novel 'The Guide'.
Noted Hindi Writer Pushpa Bharati To Receive 33rd Vyas Samman

• Pushpa Bharati’s 2016 memoir, Yaadein, Yaadein aur Yaadein, has been selected
for the 33rd Vyas Samman, 2023
• The award was instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991. It is given annually to
an outstanding work of Hindi literature by an Indian citizen published in the last 10
years.
• It carries a cash prize of ₹4 lakh, a citation and a plaque
• Besides the Vyas Samman, the KK Birla Foundation has also instituted Saraswati Samman and Bihari
Puraskar.
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Bhutanese author Tshering Tashi conferred with Sahitya Akademi’s Premchand Fellowship
• The ‘Premchand Fellowship’ is named after popular Hindi writer Munshi Premchand
and was instituted by the Sahitya Akademi in 2005 on his 125th Birth Anniversary
Poet Sukrita Paul Kumar Wins Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize For ‘Salt & Pepper
• cash prize of USD 5,000, a Tagore statue, and a certificate
Arshia Sattar Conferred With French Honour

• Renowned author and translator Arshia Sattar honored with the Knight of the Order
of Arts and Letters by the French government.
• Notable among her works are translations of epics like
• the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as tales from Kathasaritsagara.
• “The Mahabharata for Children” earning her the Sahitya Akademi Prize for Children’s
Literature in 2022.
Indian-Origin Novelist Meira Chand Receives Singapore’s Highest Arts Award

• Her ‘The Painted Cage’ (1986) was longlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize.
Gallantry
Wing Commander Deepika Misra becomes 1st woman IAF officer to get Gallantry
Award
• Wing Commander Mishra, a Rajasthan-based helicopter pilot, has been
awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for "extraordinary courage"
displayed during a flood relief operation in Madhya Pradesh in August 2021.
Her efforts helped in saving 47 lives.
• President had conferred Vayu Seva Medal for gallantry on her at Independence Day last year and she
received the medal from Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari at an investiture ceremony
held in New Delhi
• A total of 58 personnel received gallantry awards from the IAF Chief
• President Droupadi Murmu on 25 January approved 412 Gallantry awards, on the eve of the 74th Republic
Day.
• The Kirti Chakra is India's second highest gallantry award after the Ashoka
Chakra. The Shaurya Chakra is the country's third highest gallantry award.
• The President has also awarded the President's Tatrakshak Medal to Indian
Coast Guard personnel for conspicuous gallantry, exceptional devotion to
duty and distinguished service.
Kirti Chakra Awardees

• Major Shubhang of the Dogra Regiment from Indian Army
• Naik Jitendra Singh of the Rajput Regiment from Indian Army
• Jammu and Kashmir police constable Rohit Kumar (Posthumous)
• Sub Inspector Deepak Bhardwaj (Posthumous)
• Head constable Sodhi Narayan (Posthumous)
• Head constable Shrawan Kashyap (Posthumous)
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INS Shivaji Received 'Vir Chakra' Of 1971 War Hero

About INS Shivaji:
• It is an Indian Naval station located in Lonavala, Maharashtra. INS Shivaji houses the Naval College of
Engineering.
• It educates and trains Indian Navy and Coast Guard officers.
• The Indian Naval Station was commissioned in February 1945 as His Majesty's Indian Ship (HMIS) Shivaji.
Nobel prize
Nobel Prize 2023 In Medicine or Physiology
• The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2023 was awarded
jointly to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman
• "for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base
modifications that enabled the development of effective
mRNA vaccines against COVID-19“
Nobel Prize In Physics 2023

• The Nobel Prize in Physics 2023 was awarded
to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne
L’Huillier
• for experimental methods that generate
attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter“
Nobel Prize In Chemistry 2023

• Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 shared by Moungi G.
Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, Alexei I. Ekimov
• Awarded for the discovery and development of
quantum dots.
Nobel in Literature 2023

• Awarded to Norwegian author Jon Fosse
• “for his innovative plays and prose which give voice to the unsayable”
Nobel Peace Prize for the year 2023

• Awarded to Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi, who is currently serving a 10-year
sentence in prison.
• Narges Mohammadi for "her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her
fight to promote human rights and freedom for all."
• Mohammadi has long campaigned for women's rights and for the abolition of the death
penalty.
The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2023
• Awarded to Claudia Goldin
• “for having advanced our understanding of women’s labour market outcomes”
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Static Facts about Nobel Prize:

• Switzerland-based International Committee of the Red Cross is the only 3-time recipient of the Nobel Prize,
being conferred with the Peace Prize in 1917, 1944, and 1963.
• 9 Indians have so far won the prize- Rabindranath Tagore (1913, Literature), CV Raman (1930, Physics), Har
Gobind Khorana (1968, Medicine), Mother Teresa (Peace, 1979), Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar (1983,
Physics), Amartya Sen (1998, Economics), Venkatraman Ramakrishnan (2009, Chemistry), Kailash Satyarthi
(2014, Peace), Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee (2019, Economics)
Padma awards
Padma Awards 2023
• Union ministry of home affairs announced the Padma Awards on the eve of the 74th Republic Day
• 106 Padma Awards including 3 duo cases (in a duo case, the Award
is counted as one)
• 6 Padma Vibhushan,
• 9 Padma Bhushan
• 91 Padma Shri Awards.
• 19 of the awardees are women
• 2 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI
• 7 Posthumous awardees.
Padma Vibhushan (6)

SN Name Field State/Country
Shri Balkrishna
1. Others – Architecture Gujarat
Doshi (Posthumous)
2 Shri Zakir Hussain Art Maharashtra
3 Shri S M Krishna Public Affairs Karnataka
Shri Dilip
4 Medicine West Bengal
Mahalanobis (Posthumous)
5 Shri Srinivas Varadhan Science & Engineering United States of America
Shri Mulayam Singh
6 Public Affairs Uttar Pradesh
Yadav (Posthumous)
Padma Bhushan (9)

SN Name Field State/Country
Shri S L Bhyrappa Literature & Education Karnataka
2 Shri Kumar Mangalam Birla Trade & Industry Maharashtra
3 Shri Deepak Dhar Science & Engineering Maharashtra
4 Ms. Vani Jairam Art Tamil Nadu
5 Swami Chinna Jeeyar Others – Spiritualism Telangana
6 Ms. Suman Kalyanpur Art Maharashtra
7 Shri Kapil Kapoor Literature & Education Delhi
8 Ms. Sudha Murty Social Work Karnataka
9 Shri Kamlesh D Patel Others – Spiritualism Telangana
Padma Shri (91)

• The prominent names include:
• stockbroker Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Rasna founder Areez Khabatta,
RRR music composer M M Keeravani, Ghazal singers Ahmed Hussain
and Mohd Hussain, and Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon
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Science
Highest Scientific Award of USA given to two Indian Americans - Ashok Gadgil
and Subra Suresh
• US President Joe Biden honored two Indian American scientists (Ashok
Gadgil and Subra Suresh) with the National Medal of Technology and
Innovation.
2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize in Mathematics

• Ruixiang Zhang, Assistant Professor, University of California, USA will be awarded
with the 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for his outstanding contributions in
mathematics.
Sastra Ramanujan Prize :
• It was instituted in the year 2005.
• It is awarded every year by the SASTRA University on its campus near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, on
Ramanujan’s birth anniversary, December 22.
• The prize is conferred annually to mathematicians from across the world who is less than 32 years of age,
working in an area influenced by the Srinivasa Ramanujan.
• It carries a citation and an award of $10,000.
P V Satyanarayana receives Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award

• P.V. Satyanarayana, principal scientist at the Agricultural Research Station,
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University Andhra Pradesh was presented 8th Dr
M.S. Swaminathan award.
• He received the award for his contribution to the development of high-yielding
rice varieties that exhibit resilience against pests and environmental challenges
Dr M S Swaminathan Award :
• This prestigious award was instituted in 2004 in honour of Dr M.S. Swaminathan the main architect of India’s
Green Revolution.
• This award is a lifetime achievement award for outstanding contributions to agricultural research and
development and for overall food security and sustainability of agriculture.
• It carries a cash prize of INR 2 lakh and a citation.
Swati Nayak From Odisha, To Receive The 2023 Norman Borlaug Field Award
• Awarded for field research and her work in the field of food and nutrition.
• She is the third Indian and first Odia to receive the award.
• In Odisha, Nayak and her team formulated a strategy for introducing the
drought-tolerant rice variety ‘Shahabhagi Dhan’ which remains an integral
part of every farm family’s diet and crop rotation. For this, she is referred to
by the local communities as ‘Bihana Didi’.
12 scientists selected for the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award for 2022/
• The country's top annual science award, the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, was announced
after a gap of two years.
• Director General of CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) Dr. N.
Kalaiselvi officially announced the awards for the year 2022.
• 12 scientists were selected for the award in seven different scientific
categories - including physics, biology, engineering, mathematics, medicine,
chemistry, and earth sciences.
• They are named after Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, the first director of CSIR.
• The award is given every year to scientists under the age of 45 years and carries a purse of Rs five lakh and a
citation.
• The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is usually announced on CSIR's foundation day on September 26.
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Prof. Thalappil Pradeep of IIT Madras won the International Eni Award
• Prof. T. Pradeep from the Department of Chemistry, IIT Madras has won the
prestigious Eni Award 2023
• Reason: To discover the advanced sustainable and affordable nano-scale
materials for the removal of toxic contaminants from water
• Eni Award is considered among the top global honors for scientific research in
energy and environment.
• It is given in three categories-Energy Transition, Energy Frontiers and
Advanced Environmental Solutions
Biologist Sathyabhama Das Biju, known as ‘the Frogman of India’, has been chosen for
Harvard University’s prestigious Radcliffe fellowship
• He had recently won the Kerala Sree award instituted by the Kerala government
for his outstanding contributions in the field of science.
U.S.-Argentine scholar Luis Caffarelli wins Abel Prize for mathematics

• Luis Caffarelli, an expert in “partial differential equations” which can explain
phenomena ranging from how water flows to population growth.
• The Abel Prize is a prize awarded annually by the King of Norway to one or more
outstanding mathematicians.
• It is named after Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802–1829).
• Srinivasa Varadhan, an Indian-American citizen won the Abel Prize in the year 2007 for his valuable
contribution in “probability theory and in particular for creating a unified theory of large deviation”.
• Established: 23 August 2001
• First awarded: 2003
R Vishnu Prasad Honoured as 'Most Eminent Scientist of the Year 2022’

• The award recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions in various fields,
including culture, science, sports, and innovation.
• R Vishnu Prassad, a scientist with 69 patents has been honored with the Indian
Achievers Award at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi by Anurag Thakur.
Hari Balakrishnan wins 2023 Marconi Prize

• Computer scientist Hari Balakrishnan has been awarded the 2023 Marconi Prize.
• Dr. Balakrishnan is a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and
Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
• The award is given in recognition of the broad impact on society of his fundamental
discoveries in wired and wireless networking, mobile sensing and distributed systems.
• The Marconi Prize is an annual award recognizing achievements and advancements
made in field of communications. The prize is awarded by the Marconi Society and it includes a $100,000
honorarium and a work of sculpture
C.R. Rao wins International Prize in Statistics 2023

• Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao, an Indian-American statistician, has won the 2023
International Prize in Statistics.
• This award is regarded as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in statistics.
• It was established in 2016 and is awarded once every two years to an individual or team “for
major achievements using statistics to advance science, technology and human welfare.”
• Rao will be honored with the prize, which carries an $80,000 cash award, at the International
Statistical Institute World Statistics Congress in Ottawa, Canada, in July.
• Other notable awards of C.R. Rao - Padma Bhusan, Padma Vibhushan (2001), SS Bhatnagar Prize, Wilks
Medal, National Medal of Science
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Sports
AIFF Wins AFC President’s Recognition Bronze Award For Grassroots Football
• at the AFC Annual Awards in Doha.
• All India Football Federation has secured its second Grassroots Football award, with
the previous one being earned in 2014.
Asian Football Confederation:
• President: Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa
• Founded: 8 May 1954, Manila, Philippines
AFC President Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football:
• Gold: Football Australia
• Silver: Guam Football Association
• Bronze: All India Football Federation
Serena Williams becomes the first athlete to receive CFDA Fashion Icon Award
Belgian tennis player Justine Henin receives the Philippe Chatrier Award
• The International Tennis Federation (ITF) awarded the highest honor, '
Philippe Chatrier Award 2023', to Belgian tennis player Justine Henin.
• She has won seven Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal
(2004 in Athens) and won the Fed Cup (Billie Jean King Cup) in 2001.
• The award was named after the former ITF President and was introduced
in 1996.
• This award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to
the sport on and off the court.
• 2023 ITF World Champions Awards include singles champions Rafael Nadal (ESP) and Iga Swiatek (POL)
Boxing champion Mary Kom named Global Indian Icon at UK-India Awards
• India’s first-ever Olympic medallist in women’s boxing, Mary Kom, has been honoured
with the Global Indian Icon of the Year award at the annual UK-India Awards in Windsor,
England.
• She accepted the award from Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami
at a gala ceremony
WHO Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus awarded Olympic Order by IOC

• The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros
Ghebreyesus, was presented with the Olympic Order by International Olympic
Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach.
• The award ceremony was held at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland.
• At the same time, the IOC honoured the WHO, as an organisation, with the Olympic
Cup for 2021.
• Dr Tedros played an inspirational role in ensuring the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 took place, and supported
the cooperation agreement between the IOC and the WHO signed in 2020.
The Olympic Cup was established in 1906 by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the IOC.
It is the highest honour an organization can receive for promoting the ideals of the Olympic Movement.
International Olympic Committee:
• Founded - 23 June 1894, Paris, France
• Headquarters - Lausanne, Switzerland
• President - Thomas Bach
• Director General - Christophe De Kepper
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Mirabai Chanu won BBC Indian Sportswoman of The Year for 2022
• She becomes the first athlete to win the award twice in a row after winning for the
year 2021.
• At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she became the first Indian to win a silver medal in
weightlifting.
Other BBC awards for 2022:
• Para Sportswoman: Bhavina Patel (TT Player)
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Pritam Siwach (Women Hockey Player)
• Emerging Player: Nitu Ghanghas (Boxer)
Asian Chess Federation confers D Gukesh with Player of the Year award
• for clinching the gold medal with a record-breaking score of 9/11 in the 44th
Chess Olympiad at Mahabalipuram last year.
• The All India Chess Federation (AICF) bagged the 'Most Active Federation'
award
• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has been conferred with Man-of-the-Year award for his effort in the
successful hosting of the FIDE Chess Olympiad in August last year within a short notice of four months.
Nepalese Wicketkeeper-batsman Aasif Sheikh won 2022 CMJ Spirit of Cricket Award
• CMJ - Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award.
• This award was created in 2013 and is presented every year by Marylebone Cricket Club
(MCC) and the BBC
• In memory of former MCC President and BBC Test Match Special commentator
Christopher Martin-Jenkins (CMJ).
National Sports Awards 2023

• Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced National Sports Awards 2023
• President of India will give away the awards on 09th January 2024
• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2023
S. No. Name of the sportsperson* Discipline
1. Shri Chirag Chandrashekhar Shetty Badminton
2. Shri Rankireddy Satwik Sai Raj Badminton
• ‘Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award’ is given for most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a
sportsperson over the period of the previous four years.
• 26 Sports persons will receive Arjuna Awards for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2023
Name of the sportsperson Discipline

Shri Ojas Pravin Deotale Archery
Ms Aditi Gopichand Swami Archery
Shri Sreeshankar M Athletics
Ms Parul Chaudhary Athletics
Ms Diksha Dagar Golf
Shri Krishan Bahadur Pathak Hockey
Ms R Vaishali Chess
Shri Mohammed Shami Cricket
Shri Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy Blind Cricket
Ms Prachi Yadav Para Canoeing
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Ms Sheetal Devi Para Archery

Shri Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar Shooting
Ms Esha Singh Shooting
Shri Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu Squash
• ‘Dronacharya Award for outstanding coaches in Sports and Games’ is given to coaches for doing outstanding
and meritorious work on a consistent basis
Regular Category:
Name of the Coach Discipline

Shri Lalit Kumar Wrestling
Shri R. B. Ramesh Chess
Shri Mahaveer Prasad Saini Para Athletics
Shri Shivendra Singh Hockey
Shri Ganesh Prabhakar Devrukhkar Mallakhamb
Lifetime Category:
S.No. Name of the Coach Discipline
1. Shri Jaskirat Singh Grewal Golf
2. Shri Bhaskaran E Kabaddi
3. Shri Jayanta Kumar Pushilal Table Tennis
Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime achievement in Sports and Games 2023:
S. No. Name of the sportsperson Discipline
1. Ms Manjusha Kanwar Badminton
2. Shri Vineet Kumar Sharma Hockey
3. Ms Kavitha Selvaraj Kabaddi
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2023:

1. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar Overall winner university
2. Lovely Professional University, Punjab 1st runner up University
3. Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 2nd runner up University
First Divyang Sports Awards

• Javelin thrower Sumit Antil and archer Sheetal Devi won the prestigious
Best Male and Best Female Athlete awards at the first Divyang Sports
Awards.
• The 1st Divyang Sports Awards has been instituted for the first time in the
country exclusively for Divyang athletes
• India's first Paralympic gold medalist and freestyle swimmer Muralikant
Petkar, who won gold at the 1972 Paralympics, was also honoured with
the Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Renowned para-badminton coach Gaurav Khanna - best coach award.
• Gaurav Khanna Excellia Badminton Academy also won the Best Academy Award.
• Major Dhyanchand Team of the Year Award: The Join Indian Blind Chess team
@parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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About Sumit Antil:

• Sonipat, Haryana
• He holds the current world record with a throw of 73.29 meters at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.
• 2021 – Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honour.
• 2022 – Padma Shri Award, the fourth highest civilian award of the Republic of India.
About Sheetal Devi:

• Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Sheetal Devi had won two gold and one silver in the Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China.
• He has been chosen the Best Young Athlete of the Year 2023.
• He has recently been selected for the Arjuna Award 2023.
Olympian M. Sreeshankar Clinches 35th Jimmy George Foundation Award

• Olympian Murali Sreeshankar, the long jump silver medallist in the Commonwealth
Games and Asian Games, has won the 35th Jimmy George Foundation award for the
best sportsperson of Kerala.
Jay Shah Honoured With Sports Business Leader Of The Year Award
• organized by Confederation of Indian Industry.
• Jay Shah - Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary & President of the
Asian Cricket Council.
• Jay Shah is the first person in the Indian sports administration to receive this
honour.
• Sports Franchise of the Year Award: Royal Challenger Bangalore (RCB)
• Best states promoting sports: Tamil Nadu
Banking & Business

RBI wins Business Line’s Changemaker of the Year award
• Amul was crowned iconic changemaker of the year.
• Also, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was recognised with the ‘Changemaker -
Financial Transformation’ award for its significant role in India's economic revolution.
• 5th Edition
Ratan Tata to get Maharashtra govt’s first ‘Udyog Ratna’ award

• The Maharashtra government has decided to confer the first 'Udyog Ratna' award
on veteran industrialist and chairman of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata
• On the lines of Maharashtra Bhushan award, which is the state’s highest award,
that is conferred to eminent people, the Maharashtra government decided to
initiate the prestigious Udyog Ratna Award from this year onward
• The first recipient of this award will be the renowned industrialist, Ratan Tata.
Golden Peacock' Environment Management Award 2023 to Adani Transmission

Limited
• Indian company Adani Transmission Limited (ATL) has been awarded the
'Golden Peacock Environment Management Award' in the 'Power Transmission
Sector’ by the 'Institute of Directors'
• Golden Peacock Environment Management Award:
• MD and CEO of Adani Transmission Limited: Anil Sardana.
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J&K Bank wins award for Best Performance in CASA

Jammu & Kashmir Bank has been felicitated for the Best Performance in CASA-India
(1st Runner up in Small Bank Category) at ICC Emerging Asia Banking Conclave &
Awards 2022.
• CASA - Current Account and Savings Account
• The event was participated by banks from India, Nepal, Bhutan,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & Myanmar.
• The function was organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Goa.
• Indian Chamber of Commerce is a non-governmental trade association and
advocacy group headquartered in Calcutta.
• Founded: 1925
• J&K Bank MD & CEO Baldev Prakash
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das named ‘Governor of the Year 2023’

• The Reserve Bank of India's Governor, Shaktikanta Das was honored with the
title of ‘Governor of the Year 2023' by Central Banking in London.
• Reason: For his role in managing inflation and handling India's banking system
during crises like the COVID pandemic and global turmoils
• He is the second RBI governor after Raghuram Rajan, who was honored with
this title in 2015.
• National Bank of Ukraine was presented with the 2023 Central Bank of the Year.
HDFC Bank’s Sashidhar Jagdishan is ‘Business Standard Banker of the Year 2022
NMDC Receives Two Prestigious Awards at ASSOCHAM Business Excellence Awards 2023
At the ASSOCHAM Business Excellence Awards 2023 in Kolkata, National Mineral
Development Corporation (NMDC) was honored with :
• Mineral Development Award
• Employer Brand of the Year Award
For significant contributions to the mining sector and its exemplary human resources
practices.
• NMDC is the largest producer of iron ore in India and the sixth largest in the
world.
• It is a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise. It comes under the Ministry of Steel.
• Chairman & Managing Director -Sumit Deb
• Headquarters - Hyderabad
Gandhi Peace Prize

Gita Press, Gorakhpur, awarded Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021
• Gita Press, Gorakhpur, will be awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize for
2021 in recognition of its exceptional contribution to social,
economic, and political transformation through non-violent and
Gandhian methods.
• The jury, headed by Prime Minister Modi, unanimously selected Gita
Press as the recipient of the Gandhi Peace Prize.
About Gita Press
• Established in 1923, Gita Press is renowned as one of the world's
largest publishers, having published 41.7 crore books in 14 languages, including 16.21 crore copies of the
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
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Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for 2022 Presented to COVID-19 Warriors

• The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development, 2022,
awarded jointly to the Indian Medical Association and the Trained Nurses
Association of India as representatives of the Covid warriors in the country.
• Former Vice President M Hamid Ansari presented the award to Sharad
Kumar Agarwal - President of the Indian Medical Association, and Roy K
George - President of the Trained Nurses Association of India.
• Chairperson of Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, Sonia Gandhi
• The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development was instituted in the memory of the
former prime minister by a trust (Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust) in her name in 1986.
• It consists of a monetary award of Rs 25 lakh along with a citation.
Activist Ali Abu Awwad and pianist Daniel Barenboim win Indira Gandhi Peace
• The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2023 has been jointly awarded to
Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for their efforts in bringing together the youth and peoples of Israel
and the Arab World for a non-violent resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• The International Jury of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and
Development chaired by former Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur.
• Established: 1986
• Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany (2013)
• Indian Space Research Organisation (2014)
• Former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh (2017)
• Sir David Attenborough (2019)
• Pratham NGO (2021)
Ministry related
National Metallurgist Award 2022
• Presented by Ministry of Steel to recognize excellence & contribution of Metallurgists in Iron & Steel Sector
• Five distinguished metallurgists conferred with coveted NMA 2022 in four categories:
Winners Category
Dr Kamachi Mudali Uthandi Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr Debashish Bhattacharjee National Metallurgist Award
Dr Rameshwar Sah R&D in Iron & Steel Sector
Dr Niloy Kundu Young Metallurgist (Environment) Award
Agilan Muthumanickam Award Young Metallurgist (Metal Science) Award
REC Ltd Honored with Golden Peacock Award in Risk Management

• REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the
Ministry of Power, has received the prestigious Golden Peacock Award
for its outstanding performance in risk management.
• The Golden Peacock Awards, introduced in India, have gained
international recognition as a benchmark for corporate excellence.
• REC CMD: Vivek Kumar Devgan
MRPL Secured ‘Best Innovation In Refinery’ Award For 2022-23

• Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) has once again clinched the
prestigious ‘Best Innovation in Refinery‘ award for the year 2022-23
• Given by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas at the 26th Energy
Technology Meet 2023.
• Headquarters: Mangaluru
• Founded: 7 March 1988
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Off-shore Oil Production In India

Western Coast
• Mumbai High, Bassein, and Aliabet are three main areas in
Mumbai where oil is produced.
Eastern Coast
• The Godawari, Krishna, and Cauvery rivers' basins and delta
regions have a lot of potential for oil and gas production.
• The Rawa field, located in the Krishna- Godavari off-shore
basin, is significant.
Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs organized India Smart Cities Conclave at
Indore
• Two-day India Smart Cities Conclave 2023 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh
• Smart Cities Mission launched on 25 June 2015, is aimed at providing core
infrastructure, clean and sustainable environment and a decent quality of life to
their citizens through the application of ‘smart solutions’.
• President Droupadi Murmu felicitated the winners of the
fourth edition of the India Smart Cities Award Contest
(ISAC) 2022
• The ISAC is being organized since 2018.
• Of the total 845 applications received under the five
awards categories, 66 final winners have been identified
SVAMITVA Yojana of Ministry of Panchayati Raj gets National Award for e-

Governance 2023
• In the 26th National Conference on e-Governance 2023, the
National Award was given to the SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages
Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas)
scheme of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
• The objective of the SVAMITVA scheme is to survey the population
of villages, map rural areas with advanced technology, and provide
ownership rights of property to individuals living in rural areas.
• The National Award for e-Governance was given in the category "Application of emerging technology for
providing citizen-centric services".
• The 26th National Conference on e-Governance 2023 was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and jointly
organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• The theme was "Developing India, Empowering Citizens" with a focus on advanced technologies and
effective e-governance strategies.
• Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department - Giriraj Singh
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Tamil Nadu won best State award for organ and tissue transplantation
• Tamil Nadu bagged the Best Performing State award 2023 in cadaver organ
donation .
• Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presented the Best State Organ
and Tissue Transplant Organisation award to Health Minister Ma
Subramanian at the 13th Indian Organ Donation Day function held in New
Delhi.
• Tamil Nadu was ranked number one for six consecutive years from 2015-2020.
NAFIS gets Gold Award for fool-proof fingerprint identification system

• National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) Team won Gold
Award under Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering for Digital
Transformation Category-1 by the Department of Administrative Reforms and
Public Grievances (DAPRG)
• NAFIS has created a central database of fingerprints of criminals, which can be accessed by users from all
States, Union Territories, and Central Agencies.
About NAFIS
• NAFIS helps in the quick and easy disposal of cases with the help of a centralized fingerprint database.
• It assigns a unique 10-digit National Fingerprint Number (NFN) to each person arrested for a crime.
Draupadi Murmu Conferred National Geoscience Awards – 2022

• The National Geoscience Awards - 2022 were conferred by the
President of India, Draupadi Murmu in New Delhi
• The Award, Instituted in 1966, is given by the Ministry of Mines,
with the aim to honour individuals and teams for achievements
and contributions in various fields of geosciences.
• 22 geoscientists, including 2 women, were awarded
• Ministry of Mines conferred the award in three categories:
• 1. National Geoscience Award for Life Time Achievement (Dr. Om Narain Bhargava)
• 2. National Young Geoscientist Award (Dr. Amiya Kumar Samal, Asst. Professor at Banaras Hindu
University)
• 3. National Geoscience Award in various fields of geosciences.
Vice President conferred 4th National Water Awards

• VP Jagdeep Dhankhar conferred 4th National Water Awards on June 17 in New Delhi.
• Vice President Launches Animated Film On ‘Piku’ - National Water Mission’s Mascot - To Promote Water
Conservation
• The Department Water Resources, River Development, Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar
and Ganga Rejuvenation has announced a total of 41 th
confers 4 National Water Awards
winners.
• Best State - Madhya Pradesh
• Best District - Ganjam District, Odisha.
• Best Village Panchayat: Jagannadhapuram Village Panchayat,
Telangana
• Best Urban Local Body: Chandigarh Municipal Corporation
• Best Media - Advance Water Digest Private Limited Gurugram,
Haryana;
• Best School - Jamiyatpura Primary School, Mehsana, Gujarat
• Best Institution for Campus usage - Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Reasi, J&K
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announces 2nd edition of Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman
• 33 Awards to recognize contribution of Media in spreading message of Yoga in India and abroad
• Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman 2023 given out under three categories viz Print, Television and
Radio in 22 Indian languages and English
• Ministry of I&B had instituted the first Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman (AYDMS) in June, 2019. The
first edition of the awards was conferred on 7th January, 2020.
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• The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on 21 June since 2015. The idea of International
Day of Yoga was first proposed by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, during his address at the
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on 27 September 2014.
RINL wins Ispat Rajbhasha Samman for 2021-22

• Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. (RINL) has bagged Steel Ministry’s "Ispat Rajbhasha
Samman" for the year 2021-22.
• The award was presented by the MoS for Steel and Rural Development Faggan Singh
Kulaste to CMD, RINL Atul Bhatt, in the meeting of Hindi Salahkar Samiti held at
Srinagar.
• Headquarters: Visakhapatnam
• Founded: 18 February 1982
PM Gati Shakti NMP receives PM's Award for Excellence

• The Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration, 2022, in the category 'Innovation-
Central' was conferred by PM Narendra Modi to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade (DPIIT)
• The award was presented at the 16th Civil Services Day Celebration for the successful implementation of the
prestigious ‘PM GatiShakti National Master Plan’ programme.
• PM Gati Shakti initiative
• It was launched on October 2021 to provide multimodal connectivity infrastructure to various economic
zones.
• Its targets are to cut logistic costs, increase cargo handling capacity and reduce the turnaround time.
• Economic zones like Textile Clusters, Pharmaceutical Clusters, Defence Corridor, Electronic Park, Industrial
Corridor, Fishing Clusters, Agri Zone will be covered under this program to improve connectivity.
Que:Who won the Professional Photographer of the Year award at the 8th
National Photography Awards?
Ans: Shashi Kumar Ramachandran
• Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L. Murugan
presented the 8th National Photography awards in New Delhi
• Ms Sipra Das was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award.
• The theme for the Professional category was “Life and Water”
Health Ministry received Porter Prize 2023

• The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry was honored for the
government's strategy in managing COVID-19, its approach, and the
involvement of various stakeholders (involvement of ASHA workers to
create PPE Kits).
• Porter Prize: This award was named after award-winning economist
Michael E. Porter.
• Minister for Health: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
Dr. ABK Prasad selected for PCI’s excellence in journalism award 2020
• The Press Council of India presents awards in the name of Raja Ram Mohan Roy
every year.
• In 2023, the Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award is presented to Journalist A.B.K.
Prasad for his contributions towards journalism.
• The Chairperson of the Press Council of India (PCI), Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
conferred the award.
• Press Council of India. It is a statutory body formed in 1966. It watches the press
and their actions in the country. It was established under the Press Council Act of
1978.
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State Award
Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission bags SKOCH Award 2023
• The Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) has bagged the
SKOCH Award for Gold Category in District Governance under the theme
“State of Governance India 2047”.
• Reason: For its outstanding efforts in creating marketing avenues for Self-Help
Groups (SHGs) in the Union Territory
• The AVSAR scheme, Umeed Women’s Haat, and District Rural Haat, SHG
products available on e-commerce platforms are prime examples of these
initiatives.
FICCI presents award to Mumbai's ‘BEST’ for excellence in smart mobility

• The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has
conferred the award in the 'Smart Mobility' category to the Brihanmumbai
Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking (BEST).
• Reason: Pioneering efforts in adopting green and sustainable practices
• The BEST has been working on its transformation for 2 years, such as 10,000
Electric Buses, Digital Tickets on NCMC and BEST Chalo App, First And Last Mile Services, and Mobility-As-A-
Service (MaaS).
• Founder: Ghanshyam Das Birla
• Founded: 1927
• Headquarters: New Delhi
Global Responsible Tourism Award 2023

• The Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission wins the Global Responsible Tourism
Award 2023 for promoting sustainable and women-inclusive initiatives.
• The Global Responsible Tourism Awards, which cater to Africa, India and Latin
America regions, were given in six categories including Best for Tackling Plastic
Waste; Best for Meaningful Connections; Best for Local Sourcing - Craft and
Food; Addressing Climate Change; Best for Diversity and Inclusion and Best for
Nature-Positive Tourism.
• Kerala received recognition for its 'Best for Local Sourcing - Craft and Food'
category submission in the 2023 Global Responsible Tourism Awards.
Heritage Byculla Railway station received UNESCO's Asia Pacific Cultural Heritage
award 2023
• The Byculla Railway station, a heritage site on the Central line of the Mumbai
Suburban Railway, was awarded by UNESCO after its successful restoration to
its original glory in July 2023.
• The project, launched in July 2019 by Shaina NC, Trustee of 'I Love Mumbai'
and in memory of her father Nana Chudasama, aimed to revive the station's
original architectural splendor.
Byculla Railway station:
• It was originally built in 1853.
• The first train of the country passed through Byculla station almost one-and-a-half centuries ago.
• It has been restored to its original Gothic, heritage, architectural glory.
Bengaluru becomes first Indian city to join World Cities Culture Forum
• Bengaluru joined the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF), in July 2023, and becomes the first Indian city to
achieve the feat.
• Founded by the office of the Mayor of London in 2012, WCCF is a global network
of nearly 40 cities, which provides a way for policy makers in these cities to share
research and intelligence, and explore the vital role of culture for their future
prosperity
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Surat has set a new Guinness World Record in the Yoga event
• Surat has set a Guinness World Record with over 1.53 lakh people participating in a
yoga event at one place on the International Day of Yoga (IDY), organized on 21st
June.
• Guinness officials handed over the certificate to chief minister Bhupendra Patel
42 lakh essays on Assam War hero Lachit Borphukan enter Guinness World Record
• The compilation of over 42 lakh essays on the brave Ahom General Lachit
Borphukan has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the "Largest
Online Photo Album of Handwritten Notes".
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma received a certificate for the Guinness
World Record for the maximum number of essays written on a single person.
Lachit Borphukan
• He was born on November 24, 1622 in Charaideo, the first capital of the Ahom kings.
• He effectively led his army in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, which defeated the Mughal army's attempt to
capture Assam.
• He also fought the Battle of Alaboi on August 5, 1669 in the Alaboi Hills near Dadara in North Guwahati.
• He was inspired to strengthen Indian naval power, revive inland water transport and build infrastructure
related to naval strategy.
• He died on April 25, 1672.
Mumbai Recognised among ‘2022 Tree City of the World’ by FAO

• India’s commercial capital Mumbai has been included in the World Tree City
2022 list, for the second consecutive year, for promoting best practices in
urban forestry.
• The United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Arbor Day
Foundation (ADF) conduct the TCW programme
• The Tree Cities of the World (TCW) recognition began in 2019, to recognise
efforts of cities globally that strive to balance the trees and environment and are included in the TCW list.
• Mumbai was also part of TCW list in 2021, when it shared the honour with Hyderabad.
Odisha wins World Habitat Award 2023 for its JAGA Mission
• Odisha government’s slum improvement and land titling programme, JAGA Mission
has won the UN-Habitat’s World Habitat Awards 2023. This year it was awarded the
bronze medal.
• This is the second time after 2019 that the programme has received the UN-Habitat’s
World Habitat Award.
• This award is given by World Habitat, a United Kingdom -based organization, in partnership with United
Nation (UN)-Habitat, every year, in recognition of innovative, outstanding, and revolutionary ideas, projects,
and programmes from across the world.
• JAGA Mission Plan of the Odisha Government
• The Govt. of Odisha in May 2018 launched JAGA Mission based on the Odisha Land Rights to Slum Dwellers
Act, 2017”.
• It is the world’s largest slum titling and upgradation initiative.
• It aims to make Odisha the first state in India to be slum free by the end of 2023.
• Chief Minister of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik
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Dr. Tapan Saikia to receive Assam highest civilian award ‘Assam Baibhav’
• Assam CM, has selected 21 personalities for the Assam State Civilian
Awards 2022.
• The State’s highest civilian award, ‘Assam Baibhav’
to Dr. Tapan Saikia for his contributions in the field
of cancer care.
• Assam Saurav (Assam second highest civilian award)
was conferred to Krishna Roy; Gilbertson Sangma;
Nayanmoni Saikia; Dr. Binoi Kumar Saikia and Dr.
Shashidhar Phukan (5).
• Asom Gaurav (third highest civilian award) will be conferred to 15
people.
• The Assam State Civilian Award is conferred in 3 categories- Assam
Vaibhav, Assam Saurav and Assam Gaurav. Ratan Tata was given Assam
Vaibhav for 2021.
Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award-2023

Awarded to:
• 1. Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA)
• Established in 1999, OSDMA had worked effectively during various
cyclones like Hudhud (2014), Fani (2019), Amphan (2020) and Odisha
flood (2020).
• 2. Lunglei Fire Station, Mizoram
• Lunglei Fire Station responded efficiently and effectively to a massive

forest fire on 24 April 2021 in the uninhabited forest areas that
surrounded Lunglei town and spread to more than 10 village council
areas.
Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award

• This is an annual award announced on the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (23 January).
• Rs 51 lakh cash and a certificate is given in the institutional category and Rs 5 lakh cash and a certificate in
the individual category.
Aska police station of Odisha's Ganjam district became the country's number one police station
• awarded by Home Minister Amit Shah during the DGSP/IGSP conference 2022 held at National Agricultural
Science Complex, New Delhi.
• Aska police station got this title in the annual ranking of police stations for
the year 2022.
• Gangapur police station in Odisha's Ganjam district awarded second best
• Banbasa police station in Champawat district of Uttarakhand third best
station.
• The rank is decided on the basis of 165 different parameters such as crime
rate, investigation and disposal of cases, infrastructure and public service
delivery.
Appasaheb Dharmadhikari honoured with Maharashtra Bhushan award

• Social worker and reformer ‘Nirupankar’ Dattatreya Narayan Dharmadhikari, popularly
known as Appasaheb Dharmadhikari, has honoured with the Maharashtra Bhushan Award
for the year 2022.
• Maharashtra Bhushan is a highest civilian award presented annually by the Government of
Maharashtra State
• The award comprising a medal, citation and Rs 25 lakh will be conferred on Appasaheb
Dharmadhikari.
• Appasaheb was honoured with Padma Shri in 2017.
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J&K wins best adventure tourism destination award

• Jammu & Kashmir Tourism has been chosen by India Today Tourism Survey for
best adventure tourism award in recognition of its efforts in promoting
'Gulmarg' as an adventure destination of international order.
Karnataka Bags National Award For Fasal Bima Yojana

• Karnataka has bagged the national award for the best implementation of the
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in the country.
• Puducherry, has secured the top rank in the smaller States category
• The Pradhan Mantri fasal bima yojana launched on 18 February 2016 by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi is an insurance service for farmers for their yields.
M T Vasudevan Nair awarded Kerala’s highest civilian honour

• Kerala Governor Arif Muhammad Khan has presented maiden ‘Kerala
Puraskarngal’, the state awards to the eminent personalities who have made an
outstanding contribution in various spheres of social life.
• The awards were given in three categories namely “Kerala Jyothi”, “Kerala
Prabha” and “Kerala Shri”.
• Kerala’s highest civilian honour “Kerala Jyothi” was awarded to writer M T Vasudevan Nair.
• In 2021, the government of Kerala instituted the civilian award “Kerala Puraskarangal” on the model of the
Padma awards.
Central University of Kerala awards its first Honorary D.Litt to P.T. Usha
• Retired Indian track and field athlete, PT Usha has been awarded an Honorary
Doctorate of Letter (D.Litt) by the Central University of Kerala at Sabarmati Hall,
Periya Campus.
• She has won 33 medals including 19 gold in the Asian Games and Asian
Championship
• She was the first Indian athlete to win medals in four consecutive Asian Games
and also won six medals including five gold in the Jakarta Asian Athletic Meet in 1985
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bagged the SKOCH National Award 2023
• KSRTC bags the Award for its innovative Rs 1 Crore accident relief Sarige Suraksha
Insurance Scheme for its staff which is the first in the history of transport
organizations in the country.
• SKOCH Group India is an independent think tank industry based in Delhi established
in 1997,
• SKOCH awards instituted in 2003 for best governance, finance, technology and
inclusive growth.
J&K Adjudged as Best Performing State & UT Under AKAM & MMMD Programme
• PM Modi provided the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Awards to the top three
performing States or Union Territories, as well as Ministries or Departments, at the
closing ceremony of Meri Maati Meta Desh at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.
• Top 3 performing States or Union Territories - 1. Jammu and Kashmir, 2. Gujarat and
3. Haryana and Rajasthan
• Top 3 performing Ministries - 1. Ministry of External Affairs, 2. Ministry of Defence; and Ministry of Railways
and Ministry of Education for joint 3rd position
• The nationwide campaign "Meri Maati Mera Desh" was launched on August 9, 2023 to unite India’s soil and
Valour.
• This initiative marks the conclusion of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,' which commenced on March 12, 2021
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Uttar Pradesh Bags First Prize For Best State In Inland Fisheries
• Uttar Pradesh has secured ‘Best State’ award for inland fisheries (plain areas).
• The state received this prestigious accolade at the two-day Global Fisheries Conference-2023 in Gujarat on
November 21 and 22.
• November 21 is also celebrated as World Fisheries Day.
• The fisheries department reported a remarkable increase in fish production, with this year’s value reaching
9.15 lakh metric tonnes compared to last year’s 8.09 lakh metric tonnes.
'Best Green Military Station' award conferred to Udhampur military station

• Presented by Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande at the Army Commanders'
Conference.
• Dehradun Military Station secured the "Second Best" award.
• Bikaner Military Station got the “Best Transformative Station" award.
• Also, General Manoj Pande presented the ‘COAS Flight Safety Trophy’ for the
year 2022-23 to the ‘671 Army Aviation Squadron (R&O)’
• The Army Aviation Corps is the youngest arm of the Indian Army, being formally designated on 1 November
1986.
Famous Writer T Padmanabhan Awarded Kerala Jyothi Award

• Kerala Jyothi Award - highest civilian honour instituted by the state government
Kerala Prabha Awards (2nd highest):
• Retired Justice M Fathima Beevi – for social service and civil service
• Nataraja Krishnamoorthy, also known as Surya Krishnamoorthy - for arts field
About Kerala Awards

Kerala Awards are divided into 3 categories (on lines of Padma awards):
• Kerala Jyothi: highest, given to only 1 person a year.
• Kerala Prabha: second highest, given to 2 persons a year
• Kerala Sree: third highest, given to 5 persons a year
• The first Kerala Jyothi Award was awarded to writer M T Vasudevan Nair.
ISRO's Dr. Mathavaraj selected for Goa Govt.'s first 'Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award’
• The award comprises Rs 5 lakh and a citation, which is currently the highest cash prize in
science and technology
Social Worker Deenanath Rajput From Bastar Wins Rohini Nayyar Prize
• Deenanath Rajput was honoured with the Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution
to Rural Development in Chhattisgarh.
• Recognized for his exceptional efforts in improving the lives of tribal women, Rajput
established a Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) in 2018.
• The prize comprises a cash award of ₹10 lakh, along with a trophy and a citation.
• This award marks the second edition of the Rohini Nayyar Prize, which was established in
honour of the distinguished economist Rohini Nayyar, who sadly passed away in 2021.
‘Durga Bharat Samman’ Awards

• Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose conferred ‘Durga Bharat Samman’ on Pandit Ajoy
Chakrabarty (Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist and composer), ISRO, Visva-
Bharati and GRSE
• All four were also awarded a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh each, a plaque, and a citation.
• ISRO was recognised for the recent success of the Chandrayaan Mission. The Visva
Bharati was recognised for its contributions to education and the Garden Reach
Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for the organisation’s achievements in shipbuilding,”
• 1st edition
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Karnataka bags National Energy Conservation Award 2023

• Karnataka bagged first place in the State Designated Agency (SDA Group-1)
category at the National Energy Conservation Awards – 2023 (NECA 2022)
held in Delhi.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency organized the awards as part of the National
Energy Conservation Day.
Prashant Agrawal Receives National Award For ‘Best Personality- Empowerment Of

Differently-Abled
• In 2017, the Rajasthan government honored him with the Best Social Worker
Award.
International
Fashion designer Rahul Mishra honored with France's "Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et
des Lettres" award
• Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the Government of France is the
highest recognition in the field of arts and culture.
• For his outstanding achievements in the field of art and design, especially his
dedication to promoting Indian craftsmanship and expertise on a global scale.
• The Order of Arts and Letters is an honor established by the French Minister of
Culture in 1957.
• It is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to music, art, literature, and the cultural
and artistic relations between France and India.
Prime Minister Modi becomes first Foreign Head of Government to be awarded ‘The Grand Cross of the Order of
Honour’ by Greece
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the highest civilian honour Grand Cross of the Order of
Honour by Greek President Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou in Athens
• The award recognizes PM Modi's outstanding contribution to
strengthening bilateral relations between Greece and India.
• PM Modi is the first Indian prime minister to be conferred with the
Grand Cross of the Order of Honour. He is also the first foreign head of
government to be awarded the honour.
About the Grand Cross of the Order of Honor
• It is awarded by the President of Greece.
• Recipients include Prime Ministers and eminent personalities.
• The Order of Honour was established in 1975.
PM Modi receives France's highest award Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
• During the visit to France, PM Modi was honoured with France's highest
civilian and military honour, 'Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour', by French
President Emmanuel Macron.
• With this honour, he also becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to receive
this honour.
• He also joined the French National Day (July 14) celebrations as the Guest of
Honour.
• Other awardees: Nelson Mandela, King Charles, Angela Merkel
Ramanathapuram DFO Jagdish S Bakan bagged UNESCO award 2023

• District Forest Officer (DFO) of Ramanathapuram district, Jagdish Bakan has won the 2023 Michel Batisse
Award for Biosphere Reserve Management from UNESCO.
• He is currently the director of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.
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• The USD 12,000 award is given in memory of Dr. Michel Batisse for outstanding achievement in the
management of biosphere reserves.
• He received the award from UNESCO in Paris on June 14, 2023.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the highest civilian award of Suriname

• Suriname President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi has conferred Suriname's highest civilian honor, The Grand
Order of the Chain of Yellow Star, to President of India Droupadi Murmu.
• She is the first Indian to receive this award.
• During her visit to Suriname, both countries signed MoUs in the fields of
health, agriculture, and capacity building.
• These MoUs include a Joint Work Plan
for Cooperation in the Field of
Agriculture and Allied Sectors for the
period of 2023-2027.
• Capital: Paramaribo
• Official language: Dutch
• Continent: South America
PM Modi conferred with Egypt’s highest state honour 'Order of the Nile'
• Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has conferred the ‘Order of the Nile’, the
highest honour of Egypt to India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The ‘Order of the Nile’ was instituted in 1915, which is conferred upon heads
of state, crown princes, and Vice Presidents who offer Egypt or humanity
invaluable services.
• Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Egypt
since 1997.
Three Indian peacekeepers honored with Dag Hammarskjold Medal

• The Dag Hammarskjold Medal is the highest award given to United Nations peacekeepers.
• The medal is named after Dag Hammarskjold, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations.
• India's Permanent Representative at UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj has received the medal in honor of
three Indian peacekeepers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2022
• BSF Head Constables Shishupal Singh and Sanwala Ram Vishnoi have served
with the Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo
• While Shaber Taher Ali served in a civilian capacity with UNAMI (United
Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq)
• India holds the distinction of being the first country to send an all-women
contingent to the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia in 2007.
Three jailed Iranian women journalists win UN Press Freedom Prizes

• Awarded “for their commitment to truth and accountability.”
• Award winners include Niloufer Hamidi, Elaheh Mohammadi and
Nargis Mohammadi.
• UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize was started in
1997.
• The award is given to a person, organization or institution who, at
the risk of life, has made an outstanding contribution to the defense
and, or promotion of freedom of the press, anywhere in the world.
• Presented by UNESCO on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day
on 3 May.
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Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) recognised as World’s No.1 Public Business Incubator by UBI
Global
• UBI Global World Rankings 2021-2022 event held at the World Incubation Summit in
Belgium
• Earlier, the UBI Global had recognised KSUM as world’s No. 1 public business
accelerator in 2019.
• KSUM CEO Anoop Ambika
• UBI Global is an innovation intelligence company and community. It was founded in 2013. It is based in
Sweden, Stockholm.
Tata Chairman N Chandrasekaran honored with France’s Highest Civilian Award

• Tata Sons Chairman, N Chandrasekaran (59) was conferred with France's highest
civilian honor, 'Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur', by French Minister.
• He was awarded for his role in developing and fostering commercial links
between India and France.
• N Chandrasekaran was appointed the chairman of Tata Sons in 2017 and later,
was given a second term in the role for another five years.
Kiran Nadar conferred with highest French Civilian Award ‘Knight of the Legion of Honour’
• Philanthropist and art collector Kiran Nadar, (wife of Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL
Technologies), has been conferred with the highest French civilian award “Chevalier
de la Légion d’Honneur” (Knight of the Legion of Honour).
• The award was conferred upon Kiran Nadar for her outstanding contribution in the
field of art, her commitment to providing greater access to culture both nationally
and internationally, and her leading role in fostering Indo-French cultural ties.
Que:Who has recently been conferred with the Order of Australia (AO), the highest civil honour of
Australia in 2023?
Ans: Ratan Tata
• Ratan Tata has been awarded with the highest civil honour of Australia, Order of Australia
(AO).
• He has been awarded for his longstanding commitment to Indo-Australian ties specifically in
the areas of trade, investment, and philanthropy.
• Australia’s High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell conferred the honour on Ratan Tata,
the titan of biz, industry and philanthropy.
Ukraine's President awarded Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest honour
• Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was awarded the Order of the White Eagle,
Poland's highest award.
• The award was given to him for his exceptional services to protect security, resilience
and human rights.
• The Order of the White Eagle is a prestigious and highly regarded decoration of the
Republic of Poland, awarded for outstanding civil and military contributions to the country.
• About Ukraine
• Capital - Kyiv
• Official language - Ukrainian
Dalai Lama Receives Ramon Magsaysay Award

• The Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama has received the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay
Award by members of the award foundation personally after 64 years.
• The Ramon Magsaysay Award is often called the Nobel Prize of Asia.
• The award was announced in August 1959 by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation in the Philippines.
• The Dalai Lama's elder brother Gyalo Thonden accepted the Magsaysay Award on his behalf in August 1959
in Manila, Philippines.
• Since his exile from Tibet in 1959, the Dalai Lama has been living in India.
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• The title "Dalai Lama" is a combination of the Mongolian word "Dalai," meaning ocean, and the Tibetan word
"lama," meaning master, teacher, or mentor.
• The award was established in 1957 and is named after the late Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay.
• The award is given in six categories: government service, public service, community leadership, journalism,
creative arts, and peace and international understanding.
India wins GSMA Government Leadership Award 2023

• India has been awarded the prestigious GSM Association (Global
System for Mobile Communications) Government Leadership Award
2023 at Mobile World Congress Barcelona.
• Reason: For implementing best practices in telecom policy and
regulation
British Architect David Chipperfield Wins 2023 Pritzker Prize

• David Chipperfield is the 52nd winner of the award
• Francis Kéré (Germany) was awarded the prize in 2022.
• It is the highest international honor for architects
• The prize was established in 1979 by J. A. Pritzker is funded by the Pritzker family and
sponsored by the Hyatt Foundation.
Dr. Mahendra Mishra received International Mother Language Award 2023

• An eminent linguist, Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra honoured with UNESCO’s International
Mother Language Award 2023.
• Reason: for the promotion of indigenous languages in Odisha
• Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina will present this award to Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra at the
International Mother Language Institute, Dhaka.
• He is the first Indian to receive this prestigious award for the promotion of a language. He is
also the recipient of Odisha Sahitya Akademi.
• The award instituted in 2021 by UNESCO is given in recognition of the extraordinary contribution to the
preservation, revitalization and development of mother languages.
Sajjan Jindal wins EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2022

• Chairman of JSW Group Sajjan Jindal was honored with the EY Entrepreneur
of the Year Award 2022.
• Reason: For his exceptional entrepreneurial journey in scaling the global
conglomerate with a presence in steel, cement, infrastructure, energy, and
paints
• He will now represent India at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Award
(WEOY) at Monte Carlo in June 2023.
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Former German chancellor Angela Merkel receives UNESCO peace prize

• The former German leader received the UN prize for her choice to
accept more than 1,2 million refugees, particularly those from Syria,
Iraq, Afghanistan, and Eritrea, into German territory back in 2015.
Indian peacekeepers honoured with UN Medal for Exemplary Service

• At a special award ceremony in Upper Nile, 1,171 peacekeepers from India
deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan were awarded the
United Nations Medal for their exemplary service.
• For the first time, a woman officer of the Indian Army, Major Jasmine
Chatha, led the parade of the Indian contingent at the award ceremony in
Upper Nile.
• India is one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions
• UN peacekeeping began in 1948 when the UN Security Council authorised the deployment of UN military
observers in the Middle East.
• It deploys soldiers and police from all over the world for peacekeeping.
Manohar International Airport in Goa wins Best Sustainable Greenfield Airport Award
• under Aviation Sustainability and Environment at the ASSOCHAM 14th
International Conference-cum-Awards for Civil Aviation 2023
• The Union Cabinet on 04 December 2022 approved the renaming of the
Greenfield International Airport at Mopa as 'Manohar International Airport -
Mopa' in memory of late Manohar Parrikar, former Défense Minister and four-
time Chief Minister of Goa.
CJI Chandrachud conferred with 'Award for Global Leadership’

• by the Harvard Law School Center.
• Reason: In recognition of his lifetime service to the legal profession in the country
and around the world.
• The award was presented to him at an online event on January 11, 2023.
• He took over as the 50th CJI on November 9, 2022.
• He obtained an LL.M. degree and a Doctorate in Juridical Sciences (SJD) from the
Harvard Law School.
5 buildings and structures from Telangana awarded for International Green

Apple Awards for Beautiful Buildings
• Five buildings and structures from Telangana received the 'International
Green Apple Awards for Beautiful Buildings' in the Urban and Real Estate
Sector category.
• These awards are presented by 'The Green Organisation,' an
independent non-profit organization based in London. Since 2016, they
have been organizing the annual 'Green Apple Awards' in London, UK.
• This is the first time any building or structure in India has received these
prestigious awards.
Awarded buildings and constructions from Telangana:

• Mozzam-Jahi Market (Heritage category)
• Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge (Bridge category)
• B R Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat Building (aesthetically designed office and workspace building
category),
• Integrated Command Control Centre of Telangana Police (unique office category)
• Yadadri Temple - abode of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy (excellent religious structures category).
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Que: Which state road transport corporation has been conferred with UITP Award?
Ans: Kerala
• UITP (Union Internationale des Transports Publics) is the International Association of Public Transport and
sustainable urban mobility.
• UITP award was conferred recently to the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).
• at the global public transport summit held at Barcelona in Spain.
• As the coveted prize in public transport, the UITP Awards showcase the most ambitious and innovative
projects of the last two years in cities and regions around the globe.
ICAI receives UN Award for its contribution to sustainability reporting

• The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) honored
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) during the 8th World
Investment Forum for its contributions to sustainability reporting.
About UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development):

• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Formation: 30 Dec 1964
• Head: Secretary General - Rebeca Grynspan (first woman to serve as
UNCTAD’s secretary-general)
• Part of the United Nations Secretariat dealing with trade, investment, and
development issues
ISRO Scientist V R Lalithambika Conferred Highest French Civilian Award

• V R Lalithambika, the former director of the Directorate of the Human Spaceflight
Programme at ISRO, was honoured with the prestigious Légion d'honneur, the
highest French civilian award
• Lalithambika is the second ISRO scientist after former ISRO Chairman A S Kiran
Kumar to be awarded the Legion d'Honneur of France. Kumar was awarded the
honour in 2019.
Abdullahi Mire Wins 2023 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award

• Abdullahi Mire, a Somali refugee, has been named the 2023 UNHCR Nansen
Refugee Award Global Laureate for his work championing the right to education
for displaced children.
• UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award was established in 1954
• The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a United
Nations agency mandated to protect and assist refugees worldwide. UNHCR
was established in 1950 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Pakistan to be conferred to Dawoodi Bohra head

• Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, head of the Mumbai-based Dawoodi Bohra sect of Islam,
will be honored with Pakistan's highest civilian award 'Nishan-e-Pakistan.
• He will become the fourth Indian to be honored with Pakistan's highest civilian award.
• Morarji Desai was the first Indian to get the Nishan-e-Pakistan in 1990, Dilip Kumar was
given this award in 1998 and Kashmiri separatist leader Ali Geelani received the award in
2020.
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Bhutan’s top honor for former Punjab Cadre IAS Officer Dr Khetrapal
• Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the Regional Director of the World Health
Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia, has been honored with Bhutan’s National
Order of Merit (NOM) Gold Medal.
• Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk
ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Moon Mission Earns Leif Erikson Lunar Prize

• Indian Ambassador Balasubramanian Shyam received this prestigious award
on behalf of ISRO.
• The 'Chandrayaan-3' was launched on 14 July by ISRO
• It was launched by LVM 3 from Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota.
• It included Lander (Vikram) and Rover configuration (Pragyan).
About Leif Erikson Lunar Prize:

• Establishment – 2015
• The Leif Erikson Lunar Prize is provided by the Investigation Museum to celebrate extraordinary
achievements in lunar exploration.
• This award is given every year in his name.
Miscellaneous
Que: In January 2022, who won the first Dr Patangrao Kadam Memorial Award?
Ans: Adar Poonwalla
• Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India has received
Patangrao Kadam award for contribution in the fight against COVID-19.
• Patangrao Kadam was an Indian politician from the state of Maharashtra and the
award has been set up in his memory.
Extra Fact:
• Prabhu Chandra Mishra was awarded Atal Samman Award for his excellence in field
of science & research on 27 December 2022.
Govt names 27 overseas Indians for 2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards
• The awards were conferred by the President Droupadi Murmu at 17th edition
of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention held at Indore in Madhya Pradesh
from January 8-10, 2023.
• President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali was the chief guest this year.
• PBW 2023 theme: Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's Progress in Amrit
Kaal
Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel crowned Miss Universe 2022

• At the 71st Miss Universe pageant organized in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• The crown was presented to her by India’s Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu who
had won in 2021
• Only two Indians before Ms. Sandhu had won the title of Miss Universe -
Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.
• Divita Rai of India reached the top 16, but she was unable to advance
further.
• The first Miss Universe pageant was held in 1952 in Long Beach, California. Armi Kuusela of Finland won the
first Miss Universe title.
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Thiru Nadesan awarded Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023

• for his contribution towards community welfare.
• He actively promotes business and cultural exchanges between India and
Sri Lanka.
• He is the second member of Indian diaspora from Sri Lanka to receive the
honour.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention held in Indore.
Best marching contingents and tableaux of Republic Day Parade 2023

Best Marching Contingent among the three services
• Punjab Regiment Centre Contingent
Best Marching Contingent among CAPF/other auxiliary forces
• CRPF Marching Contingent
Best three Tableaux (States/UTs)
• First - Uttarakhand (Manaskhand)
• Second - Maharashtra
• Third - Uttar Pradesh
Best Tableau (Ministries/Departments)
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Popular Choice Award:

Best Marching Contingent among the three services –
• INDIAN AIR FORCE MARCHING CONTINGENT
Best Marching Contingent among CAPF/other auxiliary forces –
• CRPF MARCHING CONTINGENT
Best three Tableaux (States/UTs):
• First - Gujarat (Clean-Green energy efficient Gujarat)
• Second - Uttar Pradesh
• Third - Maharashtra
Best Tableau (Central Ministries/Departments) –
• CAPF (Ministry of Home Affairs)
Odisha’s VK Pandian honoured with FIH President’s Award 2023

• An IAS officer, and private secretary to Odisha CM, V Karthikeyan Pandian has been
conferred with FIH’s President’s award.
• Pandian was awarded for successfully hosting the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup
2023 in Bhubaneswar and Sundargarh.
Veteran CPI-M Leader TK Rangarajan receives Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Lifetime Achievement Award
• A veteran CPI-M leader, T K Rangarajan has been honored with the Sansad Ratna Lifetime
Achievement Award 2023.
Sansad Ratna Awards:
• It was instituted in 2010 and inspired by the teachings of former President APJ Abdul Kalam.
• It recognizes and felicitates the top-performing MPs based on their work in the apex
legislative body
Indian-American CEO Raj Subramaniam presented with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman

• Subramanian is the president and CEO of FedEx Corporation, one of the
world’s largest transportation companies.
• It is the highest civilian award given by India to persons of Indian origin and
Indian diaspora.
• Subramanian was presented with the award by India’s Ambassador to the US
Taranjit Singh Sandhu at a ceremony at the India House.
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Rajasthan's Nandini Gupta crowned Femina Miss India World 2023

• The first runner-up of the competition was Shreya Poonja from Delhi.
• 59th edition of the Grand Finale of Femina Miss India World 2023 was at
the Indoor Stadium, Khuman Lampak, Imphal, Manipur.
• Nandini Gupta will represent India at the 71st Miss World pageant, to be
held in the United Arab Emirates.
About Femina Miss India
• It is a national beauty pageant held annually in India since 1952. It is organised by Femina, a women's
magazine published by The Times Group.
• The winner represents India in the Miss World pageant.
Synergy Group wins prestigious Tanker Operator Award

• Synergy Group, which operates a fleet of more than 560 vessels, has won
the GREEN4SEA Tanker Operator award for its ‘leadership role in global
tanker management.’
• Synergy Group was recognized for its outstanding performance in the
tanker sector and its commitment to safety, sustainability, and
innovation.
• The award recognizes excellence in the tanker industry and is one of the most prestigious awards in the
maritime sector.
• Synergy Group was founded in 2006 by Captain Rajesh Unni
Que: Who has been awarded the prestigious Santokba Humanitarian Award for his
contributions to society?
Ans: Sonam Wangchuk
• Sonam Wangchuk - a notable engineer, innovator, educationist, sustainable
development reformist, and founder-director of the Students’ Educational and Cultural
Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL).
• The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1 crore and is presented by Shree Ramkrishna
Exports (SRK) and its philanthropic arm Shree Ramkrishna Knowledge Foundation (SRKKF)
• Wangchuk is the inventor of the Ice Stupa technique which creates artificial glaciers used to store winter
water in the form of cone-shaped ice piles and solve the water crisis in Ladakh.
Kumar Mangalam Birla honoured with 'Business Leader of the Decade’

• Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla was honoured with the 'Business
Leader of the Decade Award' at the 13th Management India Awards ceremony organised by
the All India Management Association (AIMA).
• Awarded in recognition of his contribution to Indian industry, especially in strengthening
the operations of the Aditya Birla Group, and his leadership over the last ten years.
• Rahul Kanwal (News Director of India Today and Aaj Tak and Executive Director of Business Today), received
the 'Outstanding Contribution to Media' award at the same event.
• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which operates the retail payment and settlement system in
India, was awarded the 'Outstanding PSU of the Year' award.
Utsa Patnaik selected for Malcolm Adiseshiah Award 2023

• Utsa Patnaik - a renowned economist of national and international repute
• The award is given every year by the Malcolm & Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust for
outstanding contributions to Development Studies.
• It consists of a citation and a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh.
• 2022 winner of the prize was Indian economist Prabhat Patnaik
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Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar gets the first ASI Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement Award
• An eminent astronomer, Prof Jayant V. Narlikar was awarded the first-ever Govind Swarup
Lifetime Achievement Award by the Astronomical Society of India (ASI).
• ASI instituted the award in 2022 to recognize eminent Indian astronomers for their
contributions to the field of astronomy and astrophysics.
• Prof Narlikar is known for his study of the Universe. He is also a founder director of the
Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune
• The award is named in honour of Prof. Govind Swarup (1929-2020) - widely regarded to be the founder of
Indian radio astronomy.
Socialist Pandit Ramkishan Becomes Man of the Century at 97

• Recognising his efforts as a socialist leader, former Lok Sabha MP Pandit
Ramkishan was honoured with the title of Shatabdi Purush (Man of the Century)
in New Delhi
• Ramkishan had actively participated in the movements launched by socialist
leaders Jayaprakash Narayan and Lohia. He was elected once to the Lok Sabha
and four times to Rajasthan Assembly.
• Ramkishan was arrested several times while fighting for tribals, Dalits and the poor.
Chennai based Child rights advocate Lalitha Natarajan wins 2023 Iqbal Masih Award
• Chennai based lawyer-activist Lalitha Natarajan has been awarded the 2023 Iqbal
Masih Award for the Elimination of Child Labour
• US Consul General Judith Ravin presented the award to Natarajan
• It is a US congress mandated non-monetary award, established in 2008 to honour
extraordinary contributions to combat child labour.
• The award commemorates the World Day Against Child Labour that is observed on June 12 every year.
Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan receives honorary doctorate in UK

• Noted singer and music composer, Shankar Mahadevan was conferred with an
honorary doctorate by Birmingham City University (BCU) in London, England.
• Reason: To celebrate his contribution to music and the arts
Rajindar Singh Dhatt honoured with the Points of Light Award 2023
• British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak honored Rajindar Singh Dhatt (101) with a Points of
Light award.
• Rajindar Singh Dhatt had fought with the Allied forces during the British colonial
period.
• He was recognized for his service and work running the 'Undivided Indian Ex-
Servicemen's Association’ to help bring together British Indian war veterans.
IndiGo bags World Aviation Awards 2023

• IndiGo has won a top award as the Best Low-Cost Airline in India and
South Asia at the prestigious 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held
at the Paris Air Show.
• It is the thirteenth time that IndiGo has won this award as the Best
Low-Cost Airline in India and South Asia.
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PM Narendra Modi to be awarded prestigious Lokmanya Tilak Award 2023

• The Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust (Hind Swaraj Sangh) would confer the prestigious
Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2023 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Pune on
August 1, 2023.
• Reason: This award recognizes PM Modi's supreme leadership under which India
has climbed the ladder of progress
• The award will be conferred by the hands of President of the Trust Dr. Deepak Tilak on August 1, the death
anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak.
• Other awardees: Indira Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sharad Pawar, Cyrus Poonawalla, and Manmohan Singh
Anamalai Tiger Reserve : Siena Drone Photo Awards 2023

• An elephant image shot at Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) has emerged as the winner in the Wildlife category
of the Siena Drone Photo Awards 2023.
• Anamalai Tiger Reserve is a protected area located at an altitude of 1400 m in the Anamalai Hills of Pollachi
and Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu.
• It was declared a Tiger reserve in the year 2007.
Priyan Sain Crowned Miss Earth India 2023

• Rajasthan’s Priyan Sain clinched the title of Miss Earth India 2023 during the Miss
Divine Beauty 2023 national final held in New Delhi.
• Praveena Aanjna was named Miss International India 2023.
• The new Divine Miss Earth India and Divine Miss International India, will represent
India on the international stage in Vietnam & Japan respectively.
2023 Ramon Magsaysay award

• The Ramon Magsaysay Award, often called the 'Nobel Prize of Asia’. In this 65th
edition, four Asians were given the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
• The award is presented in a formal ceremony in Manila, the capital of the
Philippines on 31st August each year.
• The Ramon Magsaysay Award was established in 1957 and is considered Asia's
premier prize and highest honour.
• It is named after Ramon Magsaysay, the third president of the Republic of the
Philippines.
• Oncologist Ravi Kannan, a recipient of India’s fourth-highest civilian award Padma
Shri and the director of Assam’s Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre
(CCHRC), has been named one of the four winners of the 2023 Ramon Magsaysay
Award
• Korvi Rakshand from Bangladesh, Eugenio Lemos from Timor-Leste, Miriam
Coronel-Ferrer from the Philippines, and Dr Ravi Kannan R. from India.
• The award carries a certificate, a medallion bearing the likeness of the late
President, and a cash prize of USD 50,000.
• Korvi Rakshand, the founder of the non-profit organisation JAAGO Foundation, is
the 13th Bangladeshi to have received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award.
Shanta Thoutam honored with World Innovation Award at BRICS

• Telangana Chief Innovation Officer Shanta Thoutam received the World Innovation Award at the first BRICS
Innovation Forum hosted in Moscow.
• The award is given for outstanding contribution to Sustainable
Development Goal-4 which ensures inclusive and equitable quality
education and promotes lifelong opportunities for all.
• The World Innovation Award, organized by World Organisation for
Development, an international NGO with Special Consultative Status with
United Nations Economic & Social Council
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Praveena Anjana of Udaipur has been crowned Miss International India 2023
• Earlier Rajasthan’s Priyan Sain clinched the title of Miss Earth India 2023
• The new Divine Miss Earth India and Divine Miss International India, will
represent India on the international stage in Vietnam & Japan respectively.
Sudha Murty Becomes The First Woman To Get Global Indian Award
• Renowned author and philanthropist Sudha Murty Became the First Woman to
honored with the Global Indian Award by the Canada India Foundation.
• The Global Indian Award, worth $50,000, is given annually to prominent Indians who
have excelled in their respective fields.
• She was honoured with Padma Shri in 2006
3 Naga, youngest Naga battalion, gets President’s Colour

• The 3rd Battalion of the Naga Regiment (3 Naga) got the President’s Colour award
from Army chief Gen. Manoj Pande
• Colour presentation parade held at Kumaon Regimental Centre, Ranikhet
(Uttarakhand)
• The 3rd Battalion of the Naga Regiment was established on October 1, 2009, in
Haldwani, situated amidst the Kumaon Hills
• The President’s Colour Award is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any
military unit of India. It is also known as Nishaan
• Presented by: President of India
• Eligibility: Minimum 25 years of service
• First awarded: 27 May 1951
Jina Mahsa Amini wins EU’s Sakharov Prize 2023

• Mahsa Amini, women’s movement in Iran win EU’s 2023 Sakharov freedom
prize, joining the ranks of remarkable past recipients like Malala Yousafzai
and Nelson Mandela.
• It is an honorary award for individuals or groups who have dedicated their
lives to the defense of human rights and freedom of thought.
• Named after Russian scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, the prize was established in December 1988 by
the European Parliament.
• The first prize was awarded jointly to South African Nelson Mandela and Russian Anatoly Marchenko.
Nita Ambani is 2023 USISPF Global Leadership Award, Philanthropy Champion

• Nita Ambani, Founder and Chair of Reliance Foundation, was honored with the
prestigious 2023 USISPF Global Leadership Award for her exceptional philanthropic and
social responsibility work.
• The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) celebrated Nita Ambani’s dedication
to social responsibility, arts, sports, culture, and education.
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Sheynnis Palacios Of Nicaragua Becomes Miss

Universe 2023
• Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua has won
the 72nd Miss Universe 2023 title.
Sheynnis Palacios is the first woman
from Nicaragua to be crowned Miss
Universe.
• Venue: El Salvador.
• This time, 23-year-old Shweta Sharda (resident of Chandigarh)
represented India in the Miss Universe competition on November 19,
2023.
India has won this title three times:
• Sushmita Sen in the year 1994
• Lara Dutta in the year 2000
• Harnaz Sandhu in the year 2021.
Safeena Husain, Founder of Educate Girls, honored with the WISE Prize for Education
• Safeena Husain is the first Indian woman to win the WISE Prize for Education for
her contribution to girls' education in rural India
• The WISE Award by Qatar Foundation recognizes an individual or a team for an
outstanding, world-class contribution to education.
Guinness World Record Under Meri Mati Mera Desh Campaign

• India has set a new world record for the maximum number of selfies under the Central government's 'Meri
Mati Mera Desh' campaign.
• Maharashtra's Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) made it to the Guinness World Records for more than
10 lakh selfies with soil under the 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' campaign
• Previously, China held the Guinness World Record for the most selfies in 2016, with about 1 lakh selfies.
10-Year-Old Bangalore Kid Wins ‘Wildlife Photographer Of The Year’ Award

• Vihaan Talya Vikas won the top prize in the ‘10 years and under‘ category renowned
Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPY) competition.
• This prestigious competition, often hailed as the ‘Oscars of
Photography,’ is organized by the Natural History Museum
and serves as a global platform for showcasing the world’s
most exceptional wildlife photography.
President Droupadi Murmu presents President's Colour to Armed Forces Medical College Pune
• Reason: commendable work in providing medical services in the country and abroad in its glorious history of
75 years.
• Known as the 'Rashtrapati Ka Nishan', this flag is the highest honor given to a military unit.
• She also virtually inaugurated the Armed Forces Centre for Computational Medicine ‘Prajna’.
Ex-UN Secretary-General Gen Ban Ki-moon gets Power of One Award 2023
• Lifetime Achievement Award at the Power of One Award 2023 ceremony, organised
by the Diwali Foundation USA.
• The awards are granted to selfless individuals for their help to form a peaceful and
secure world for all.
• They are hailed as the 'Oscars of diplomacy'.
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Nikhil Dey Named ‘Global Anti-Corruption Champion’ By US
IREDA CMD bags the ‘CMD of the Year’ award for a second consecutive year
• Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director of IREDA, receives the prestigious "CMD of the Year"
award at the 13th PSE Excellence Awards in the Mini-Ratna category.
• hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi
• Founded: 1987
NTPC Kanti receives FICCI Water Award 2023 for industrial water use efficiency
• NTPC Kanti has been awarded the 11th Edition of FICCI Water Award 2023 under the "Industrial Water Use
Efficiency" category.
• The award was presented by the Director General of National Mission for Clean Ganga, Government of India
G Asok Kumar
At COP28: Game-Changing Innovator award for plastic surgeon Dr Atul Shah

• Dr. Atul Shah, a plastic surgeon, has been honored with the 2023 REACH Game Changing Innovator award
for his groundbreaking contribution to leprosy care.
Nyholm Prize:
• Professor Savita Ladage from Mumbai received the Royal Society of Chemistry’s
Nyholm Prize for Education in recognition of her contributions to chemistry
education.
Short News
• Amazon India received the National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for fostering an
inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities awarded by Gol.
Obituaries
Art and culture

Kashmir's first Jnanpith awardee, Prof Rehman Rahi passes away
• He received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his collection of poems ‘Nawroz-i-Saba’
in 1961.
• He was honoured with the country's highest literary award, the Jnanpith, for his
work "Siyah Rood-e-Jaerenn Manz" in 2007.
• He has also awarded Padma Shri in 2000 by the govt of India.
• In 2019, author Amitav Ghosh was felicitated with 54th Jnanpith Award. He became the first English
language writer to become a Jnanpith laureate.
• Assamese poet Nilmani Phookan Jr won the 56th Jnanpith Award and Konkani novelist Damodar Mauzo won
the 57th Jnanpith Award.
• It is sponsored by the cultural organization Bharatiya Jnanpith.
• It was instituted in 1961, and the first award was given in 1965.
Renowned Assamese poet Nilmani Phukan passed away

• Jnanpith awardee (56th Jnanpith award) – awarded in 2022 for the year 2021
• He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1981 for his poetry collection 'Kabita'.
• Padma Shri in 1990.
• Damodar Mauzo recipient of 57th Jnapith Award.
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Bharatanatyam dancer & guru Lakshmi Viswanathan passed away

• Awards - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
• Kalaimamani from the Tamil Nadu government
Additional Fact:
• Subbulakshmi was an Indian Carnatic singer from Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
• She was the first musician ever to be awarded the Bharat Ratna (1998), India's highest
civilian honour.
Noted writer K.V. Tirumalesh passed away

• He got the Sahitya Akademi award in 2016 for his collection of poems – Akshaya Kavya –
along with several other literary awards.
Legendary filmmaker-actor K Viswanath passes away

• He was was born in Andhra Pradesh and gained popularity in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi
films.
• He was awarded the highest recognition in Indian Cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke
award in 2016 and Padma Shri in 1992.
• He also received five National Awards and 10 Filmfare trophies.
Veteran playback singer, Vani Jayaram passes away

• Popular South Indian playback singer
• The Government announced the Padma Bhushan award for her this year.
• She sang in Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, Haryanvi, Assamese, Tulu, and
Bengali languages.
• She had won National Film Awards three times
Popular artist B.K.S. Varma passes away

• Veteran Indian painter
• The subject of his paintings was mainly environmental and social issues presented in a
surreal form.
• He was honoured with the Karnataka Rajya Puruskar (2001), Rajyothsava award (2001),
and Honorary Doctorate by Bangalore University (2011).
Noted painter Lalitha Lajmi passed away

• Noted painter and sister of late actor-filmmaker Guru Dutt
• Lalita Lajmi was born in 1932 in Kolkata.
• She has held several exhibitions in international art galleries in Paris, London and the
Netherlands.
Classical dance legend Kanak Rele passed away

• A world-renowned dancer and Mohiniyattam exponent
• Dr. Rele established the Nalanda Dance Research Centre and the Nalanda Nritya Kala
Mahavidyalaya, which pioneered dance research.
• She established one of the world's best institutions, the Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, in
Juhu, Mumbai, in 1973.
• Dr. Rele has been awarded Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1994), Padma Shri (1989), M. S.
Subbulakshmi Award, Kalidas Samman (2006), Padma Bhushan (2013), and other honours during her nearly
eight-decade-long dance career.
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Sahitya Akademi winner Sarah Thomas passed away

• She is a two-time recipient of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award.
• Her noted work ‘Narmadipudava’ won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award in 1979.
• She was also awarded the academy’s award in 2010 for her overall contribution to Malayalam
literature.
Renowned Bengali author Samaresh Majumdar passed away

• He was best known for his political trilogy – Uttaradhikar, Kalbela, and Kalpurush.
• He has conferred the Sahitya Akademi Award for ‘Kalbela’, which was set against the backdrop
of the Naxalite movement.
• He was awarded ‘Banga Bibhushan’ by the West Bengal government in 2018.
Writer and literary critic G H Nayak passed away

• Writer and literary critic Govindaray H Nayak, who was popularly known as G H Nayak, passed
away at 88 due to a heart attack in Mysuru.
• He won the Sahitya Academy Award for his work ‘Uttaraardha’ in 2014.
• He was also awarded the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award for ‘Nirapeksha’ and V M
Inamdhar Memorial Award for ‘Nijadani’.
• He had also been the recipient of the prestigious Pampa Award.
Award-winning Doordarshan news anchor Gitanjali Aiyar passed away

• Gitanjali Aiyar was one of India's first English female news presenters on Doordarshan.
• Aiyar was awarded the best anchor four times.
• She also won the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Outstanding Women in 1989.
Cormac McCarthy, a renowned novelist from America, passed away

• “All the Pretty Horses,” “The Road” and “No Country for Old Men” were among his acclaimed
books.
• He won Pulitzer Prize in 2007 for 'The Road'.
Noted theatre actor Aamir Raza Husain passed away

• A noted theatre actor and director, Amir Raza Husain has passed away at 66.
• He was honoured with the Padma Shri (2001) for his contribution to theatre.
Veteran actress Sulochana passed away at 94

• She was honoured with Padma Shri in 1999.
Baijnath Aggarwal, Trustee Of Geeta Press Gorakhpur, Passed Away

• Earlier this year, the Centre had conferred the Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2021 on Gita
Press, Gorakhpur.
• Instituted by the Government of India in 1995, the Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award as a
tribute to the ideals espoused by Mahatma Gandhi.
Artist Namboothiri, iconic illustrator passed away

• K M Vasudevan Namboothiri, who was popularly known as Artist Namboothiri, passed away.
• His iconic illustrations gave life to many mythical characters in Malayalam literature.
• He inspired a golden era of painting and sculpture in Kerala through his unique three-dimensional
sketches.
• He had received many honors like Kerala Lalita Kala Akademi's Raja Ravi Varma Award and the
State Institute of Children's Literature award. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
Connect Us - 83
Famous Poet-writer Jayanta Mahapatra passed away

• Eminent littérateur and poet Jayanta Mahapatra passed away at the age of 95.
• He was the first Indian poet to win a Sahitya Akademi award for English poetry.
• He was also conferred with the Padma Shri award in 2009. However, he returned it in
2015 to protest against “rising intolerance in India”.
• He is best known for authoring poems such as “Indian Summer” and “Hunger”, regarded as classics in
modern Indian English literature.
• Born in Cuttack on October 22, 1928
Telugu, Sanskrit scholar Kandlakunta Alaha Singaracharyulu passed away

• Eminent writer and academician Kandlakunta Alaha Singaracharyulu passed away in Hyderabad.
• He was known for his extensive literary works in Telugu and Sanskrit languages.
• He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021 for his contributions to the field of Sanskrit literature
and education.
Marathi poet Namdeo Dhondo Mahanor passed away at 80

• In the field of literature, he was awarded with Padm Shri 1991.
Hindustani classical singer Malini Rajurkar passed away at the age of 82

• Famous Hindustani classical singer Malini Rajurkar has passed away at the age of 82.
• She was an exponent of the Gwalior Gharana and was known for her mastery of the 'Khayal'
and 'Tappa' styles in Hindustani classical music.
Noted Rudra veena exponent, Ustad Ali Zaki Hader passed away at 50
• Ali Zaki Hader was the last exponent of the Khandarbani (Khandaharbani) style of the
Jaipur Beenkar gharana of Dhrupad.
• He was the disciple of Ustad Asad Ali Khan.
BN Goswamy passed away at 90

• Indian art historian and a world authority on miniature paintings, Brijinder Nath Goswamy
passed away
• Padma Shri award in 1998. Padma Bhushan in 2008
• Best known for his path-breaking work on the Pahari style of paintings
Noted historian Ranajit Guha passed away at 100

• Guha was the oldest living historian in the country.
• One of his well-known books is 'Elementary Aspects of Peasant Insurgency in Colonial India’.
Political Member
Congress leader and former Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman passed away
• Veteran Congress leader and former Mizoram Governor Vakkom Purushothaman passed
away at the age of 96.
• He was the longest-served Speaker of the Kerala assembly, from 1982 to 1984 and again
from 2001 to 2004.
• V Purushothaman served as the 6th Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands from 1993 to 1996, the Governor of Mizoram from 2011 to 2014 and Governor of
Tripura for two months in 2014.
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Former Union Minister Sharad Yadav passed away

• Former Union Minister and RJD leader Sharad Yadav passed away.
• Sharad Yadav had represented the Madhepura Lok Sabha constituency (Bihar) four times
(1991, 1996, 1999 and 2009).
• Elected MP twice from Jabalpur(1974,1977) in Madhya Pradesh.
• He was elected as a member of the Lok Sabha from three states
Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf passed away

• at the age of 79 in Dubai.
• He ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008.
• He has been declared a fugitive in the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto murder case
and Red Mosque cleric killing case.
Former Gujarat governor O P Kohli passed away

• He was the 19th Governor of Gujarat between 2014 and 2019 during the term of chief
ministers Anandiben Patel and Vijay Rupani.
• He also held the additional charge as Governor of Madhya Pradesh from 2016 to 2018 and
Goa governor for three weeks in 2014.
Punjab’s ex-Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal passes away at 95

• Mr. Badal had served as the 8th Chief Minister of Punjab.
• He was the CM of Punjab for 5 times
• He was the patron of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), a Sikh-centered regional political party.
• Apart from this, he had served as the 11th Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in the
Morarji Desai ministry from 1977 to 1977.
Former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy passed away

• He served as the Kerala chief minister twice from 2004-06 and 2011-16.
• He represented the Puthupally assembly constituency and was the longest-serving
MLA in the state assembly.
S. Venkitaramanan, Former RBI Governor Passed Away

• S Venkitaramanan served as 18th RBI Governor from 1990 to 1992.
Former governor of Nagaland, P B Acharya passed away at 92

• He had served as the Governor of Nagaland, Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, & Manipur
• Acharya was born in Udupi, Karnataka, in 1931.
Former Karnataka Assembly Speaker D B Chandregowda Passed Away At 87

• D B Chandre Gowda held the unique distinction of representing all four prominent Houses of the
Indian legislature – legislative assembly, council, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
Gujarat's first woman chief secretary Manjula Subramaniam passes away

• She was appointed as the first woman chief secretary of Gujarat in 2007.
• PM Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat then.
Former Chief Justice of India Justice AM Ahmadi passed away

• He was appointed as a judge of the High Court of Gujarat in 1976.
• Some notable judgments Ahmadi was part of include Indra Sawhney v. Union of India and
Ismail Farooqui v. Union of India.
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• Justice Ahmadi served as the Chief Justice of India from 25 October 1994 until his retirement on 24 March
1997.
• Justice Ahmadi was also the third Muslim to serve as CJI.
Former diplomat, Padma Bhushan awardee Chandrashekhar Dasgupta passed away

• Chandrashekhar Dasgupta, a former Indian diplomat and the Padma Bhushan Awardee (2008),
passed away at the age of 82. He was born on 2nd May 1940 in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• Chandrashekhar Dasgupta was awarded the 3rd-highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, for
Civil Service (Delhi) in 2008.
• Between 1981 and 1984, he served as high commissioner to Singapore, then between 1984 and 1986, he
served as Tanzania’s high commissioner.
Former CJ of Calcutta HC T B Radhakrishnan passed away

• Former Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court T B Radhakrishnan passed away in Kochi at
the age of 63.
• He also served as the Chief Justice of Telangana and Chattisgarh HC and was a judge of the
Kerala HC.
India’s First Woman Supreme Court Judge Justice Fathima Beevi Passed Away
• She made history in 1989 by becoming the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court.
• Justice M. Fathima Beevi was also the first Muslim woman to be appointed to the higher
judiciary in the country.
• She was appointed as the Governor of Tamil Nadu in 1997 by President Shankar Dayal
Sharma.
Li Keqiang, former Prime Minister of China, died at the age of 68

• Keqiang served as the Prime Minister of China from 2013 to 2023.
Former CEC Dr. Manohar Singh Gill passed away

• Dr. M.S. Gill was the 11th Chief Election Commissioner of India, between December 1996 and June
2001.
• Gill was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in the year 2000 for his exceptional and distinguished
services as a civil servant.
• He is perhaps the first former CEC to have joined politics.
• Gill entered the Rajya Sabha as a Congress member and was made the Union sports minister in 2008.
SPG chief Arun Kumar Sinha dies in Gurugram

• Arun Kumar Sinha, the director of the Special Protection Group (SPG), passed away at Gurgaon
• The SPG provides the Prime Minister proximate armed security cover.
• Special Protection Group (SPG) was established in 1985
Renowned author Hari Narke passed away in Mumbai

• Renowned author and vice-president of Samata Parishad, Hari Narke passed away at the age
of 70 in Mumbai.
• Narke was the professor of Mahatma Phule chair at Savitribai Phule Pune University and a
former member of the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission.
• He was also a member of the Rangnath Pathare committee which was formed to collect
evidence to prove Marathi as a classical language.
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DMDK founder ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth passed away in Chennai

• He established himself as a versatile actor with a successful career in cinema.
Award Winners
Padma Bhushan awardee and IAS officer N Vittal passed away
• N Vittal, architect of India’s IT sector, no more
• As Chairman of the Telecom Commission, he also initiated the process of liberalisation in the
telecom sector and played a major role in getting the National Telecom Policy 1994 approved.
• As Secretary of the Department of Electronics (1990-1996), he initiated policies for boosting software,
setting up software technology parks and strategic alliance with the industry.
• He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award, in 2012.
Former chairman of the National Commission for Women and Padma Bhushan (2007) awardee Mohini
Giri passed away.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Henry Kissinger passed away

• Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 for his role in the Paris Peace Accords.
Father of laparoscopic surgery Tehemton Udwadia passed away

• He was the 1st surgeon in India to introduce laparoscopy in surgery in 1972, and the 1st to
perform laparoscopic surgery in the developing world in 1990.
• The doctor was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian award, in
2017.
• In 2002, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to the field of medicine.
Padma Shri awardee Prabhaben Sobhagchand Shah passed away

• She was a social worker from the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli,
Daman, and Diu.
• In 2022, she was awarded the Padma Shri.
Pritzker winning Japanese architect, Arata Isozake passes away

• He was awarded the awarded the RIBA Gold Medal in 1986 and the Pritzker
Architecture Prize in 2019.
• Francis Kéré becomes first African to win Pritzker Prize 2022
Noted architect Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi passes away

• Awards - Padma Bhushan (2020), Pritzker Architecture Prize (2018), Padma Shri (1976)
• He was credited with designing some of the most iconic structures in the country such as
IIM Bangalore, NIFT Delhi, and CEPT University in Ahmedabad.
• He also worked under Le Corbusier and also contributed to the planning of Chandigarh
Veteran journalist and Padma Shri awardee (in 2009 ) Abhay Chhajlani passes away
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Freedom fighter, public health pioneer Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury passed away

• Veteran Liberation War fighter and legendary public health activist Dr. Zafrullah
Chowdhury passed away at 81 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• He was a vascular surgeon and a pioneer in public health.
• He won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in the Community Leadership category in 1985
and the Right Livelihood Prize in 1992 for his outstanding work in the public health
sector.
• In 1971, he left his medical studies in the UK to join the liberation war of Bangladesh.
Kerala’s first ‘Ashoka Chakra’ winner Havildar Alby D’Cruz passed away
• Alby D’Cruz, Kerala’s first Ashoka Chakra recipient, passes away at 87
• In 1962 President Dr Rajendra Prasad presented the Ashoka Chakra to Lance Naik Alby for
his extraordinary bravery during the civil strife with the Naga rebels.
• The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime military decoration, awarded for bravery
and courageous action.
• Ashoka Chakra was instituted on 04 Jan 1952.
Padmashree Dr Ved Kumari Ghai passed away

• A noted Sanskrit scholar Dr. Ved Kumari Ghai passed away at 91.
• She was a Sanskrit scholar from J&K, and was head of the Sanskrit department at Jammu
University.
• She was also involved in social work and Government of India awarded her Padma Shri in
2014.
Nobel laureate John Bannister Goodenough passed away

• Co-inventor of lithium-ion batteries and co-winner of the 2019 Nobel Prize in
Chemistry, John Bannister Goodenough passed away at 100.
• He was also instrumental in the invention of computer RAM (Random Access
Memory).
Legendary statistical scientist CR Rao passed away at the age of 103

• C Radhakrishna Rao, one of India’s greatest mathematicians and statisticians of India,
passes away at the age of 103. He had recently received the prestigious “International
Prize in Statistics-2023”, often referred to as the “statistics’ equivalent of the Nobel
Prize”.
• C R Rao was born into a Telugu family in Ballari, which was part of the Madras Presidency and is now in
Karnataka.
• He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan award in 1968 and the Padma Vibhushan award in 2001.
Eminent scientist Padma MRS Rao passed away in Bengaluru at 75

• M. Rangaswamy Satyanarayana Rao, popularly known as MRS Rao, an eminent Indian scientist and Padma
Shri awardee, passed away.
• He was honored with the Padma Shri award in 2010 for his contributions to the field of science and
engineering.
• He was also honoured by the Karnataka state government with the Sir MV
Visvesvaraya Award for his contribution to the field of science and research.
• He was the first scientist to initiate Chromatin Biology research in India.
• He was the President of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific
Research, from 2003-13.
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Former DRDO chief VS Arunachalam passed away

• Former DRDO chief V S Arunachalam, known for his contributions to engineering science
and technology, has passed away at the age of 87
• He was the Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister from 1982-92.
• He was conferred the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1980), Padma Bhushan (1985),
and Padma Vibhushan (1990) for his contribution to engineering science and
technology.
• In 2015, Arunachalam was awarded DRDO's Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to
the field of scientific research and technology.
Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak passed away at 80

• Bindeshwar Pathak the founder of Sulabh International passed away due to a cardiac arrest
• He was a pioneer in building public toilets. The 'Toilet Man of India' built about 1.3 million toilets in Indian
homes and 54 million public lavatories using reasonably priced two-pit technology
• He founded Sulabh International, a social service organization that works to promote human rights,
environmental sanitation, waste management
• In 1991, He was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his work for liberating and rehabilitating manual
scavengers and also for preventing environmental pollution by providing pour-flush toilet technology
• For its contribution to the government’s flagship Swachh Bharat initiative, Sulabh received the Gandhi Peace
Prize in 2016. Pathak was also awarded The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public
Administration, Academics, and Management in 2017.
Renowned physicist Bikash Sinha passed away at 78

• Scientist Bikash Sinha, a former director of Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics and Variable
Energy Cyclotron Centre, died
• Padma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhusan in 2010.
M S Swaminathan, father of India's Green Revolution, passed away at the age of 98

• On 28 September 2023, famous farmer and 'Father of India's Green Revolution'
M.S. Swaminathan passed away.
• Swaminathan received several prestigious awards, including the first World
Food Prize in 1987 for introducing high-yielding wheat and rice varieties into
India.
• He established the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai.
• He was also awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971 and the Albert
Einstein World Science Award in 1986.
• Swaminathan served as the Director General
of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
• He also headed the International Rice
Research Institute.
• In 1979, he became Principal Secretary of the
Ministry of Agriculture.
• In 2004, he was appointed as chair of the
National Commission on Farmers.
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Padma Shri awardee, Dahyabhai Shastri passed away

• Dahyabhai Shastri was an Indian scholar of Sanskrit and the founder of
Brahmarshi Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Nadiad.
• He was actively working towards the expansion and education of Sanskrit
language throughout.
• He was awarded Padma Shri in 2016 for his contributions to Literature and
education.
Founder of Sankara Netralaya Dr.S.S Badrinath passed away in Chennai

• He founded the Sankara Nethralaya as a unit of the Medical Research Foundation in
1978.
• He was a recipient of the Padma Shri in 1983 and Padma Bhushan in 1999.
Bishan Singh Bedi, legendary India spinner, dies at 77

• In the year 1976, Bedi was appointed captain of the Indian team, succeeding Mansoor Ali Khan
Pataudi.
• Bedi also went on to captain India in 22 Tests and played India's first-ever ODI against East
Africa in 1975
• A Padma Shri winner in 1970 and the CK Nayadu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
Tulsidas Balaram, legendary Indian footballer, passes away aged 86

• One of the country's finest footballers and a member of the golden era (1951-1962) of
Indian football
• He played in two Olympics in 1956 and 1960
• He also captained the country's famous football club East Bengal based in Kolkata.
• He was awarded the Arjuna Award
Legendary Indian Test Cricketer Salim Durani passed away at 88

• The former India all-rounder cricket player had played in 29 Test matches for India from
1960 to 1973, scoring 1202 runs.
• He is the only Indian Test cricketer to be born in Afghanistan.
• He was the first cricketer to be honoured with the Arjuna Award. He was given this honour in 1961.
Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, Oberoi Group Chairman passed away

• Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi aka ‘Biki’, Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group passed
away
• Padma Vibhushan (India's second highest civilian honor) in January 2008
• Popularly known as the man who changed the outlook of the hotel business in India.
• Founder of The Oberoi Group - Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi
Miscellaneous
Exposed AIDS epidemic, Dr. Gao Yaojie passed away
• Chinese doctor Gao Yaojie, known for having exposed the AIDS epidemic in the rural part of
the country, died at the age of 95.
South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, widely recognized for his role in the Oscar-winning film
Parasite, has been found dead
Sheikh Nawab AI-Ahmad AI-Sahab, Kuwait Emir, Passed Away At The Age Of 86
• India observing a one-day state mourning
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Shravanabelagola Jain mutt seer passed away

• Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamy of Jain mutt at Shravanabelgola, a popular Jain
pilgrimage centre in Karnataka, passed away.
• During his tenure as head of the mutt, he conducted mahamastakabhisheka, the
grand anointment of the 57-foot tall Gomateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola four times (1982, 1995,
2007 and 2018).
• The ceremony is organized once in 12 years.
Former Mahindra Group chairman, Keshub Mahindra passes away

• Mr. Keshub Mahindra, Chairman Emeritus of the Mahindra & Mahindra Group of
companies passed away at 99 in Mumbai.
• He served as chairman of the conglomerate from 1963 to 2012.
• He was awarded Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Legion d'honneur by the French Government in 1987.
Que:Craig Breen, who passed away recently, was a famous rally driver representing
which country?
Ans: Ireland
• Ireland’s top rally driver Craig Breen has passed away in an accident, due to a crash
while he was driving his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 rally car in a testing session for the
2023 Croatia Rally.
Noted scientist and orator, Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan passesd away at 68

• He was the founder of the Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage (IISH) and former scientist at
the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter Tori Bowie passed away at 32

• Former 100m world champion sprinter from the United States of America, Tori Bowie
passed away at 32 in Orlando, Florida.
• She was crowned world champion in 2017 and won three Olympic medals at the Rio
Games in 2016.
Que:Legendary footballer Antonio Carbajal passed away recently, he was a player of

which country?
Ans: Mexico
• Mexico's legendary former goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal - the first footballer to
feature at five World Cups
Hinduja Group Chairman SP Hinduja passed away

• Srichand Parmanand Hinduja, popularly known as SP Hinduja, was the founder of the
Mumbai-based Hinduja Group and the eldest among his siblings.
• The Hinduja Group operates in various sectors such as truck-making, banking, chemicals,
power, media, and healthcare etc
Amul Girl creator, Sylvester daCunha passed away

• Sylvester daCunha, the man behind the iconic Amul Girl 'utterly butterly' campaign,
passed away.
• He conceived the 'Utterly Butterly' campaign for Amul, the brand owned by Gujarat Co-
operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), in 1966.
• The 'Utterly Butterly' campaign for Amul had celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016.
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Short News
• Alan Arkin, actor who received four Academy Award nominations and won an Oscar in
2007 for "Little Miss Sunshine," has died
• Famed Computer Hacker Kevin Mitnick Passes Away
• Former Australia wicketkeeper Brian Taber dies
Adobe co-founder John Warnock passed away at 82

• John Warnock, who helped invent the PDF and co-founded Adobe Systems passed
away at the age of 82.
• PDF - Portable Document Format
N Valaramathi, the scientist who voiced the countdown of Chandrayaan-3, passed away
Dennis Austin, Software Developer Who Created PowerPoint, Passed Away At 76

• Dennis Austin, along with Robert Gaskins, developed PowerPoint and introduced it in
1987.
Renowned Bangladeshi Scientist Saleemul Huq Passed Away At 71

• Famous climate change expert Professor Saleemul Huq has passed away in Dhaka,
Bangladesh.
• Last year, Dr. Huq was honored with the Order of the British Empire for his efforts to
combat climate change.
Sahara Group Founder Subrata Roy Dies at 75

• Sahara Finance in 1976.
• By 1978, he transformed it into Sahara India Pariwar, which became one of
India's largest conglomerates.
• The Sahara group launched Rashtriya Sahara- a Hindi language newspaper- in
1992 and later entered the television space with Sahara TV which was
renamed Sahara One.
Frank Borman- US Astronaut Who Led First Lunar Mission, Dies At 95

• Frank Borman led Apollo 8, the first crewed mission to orbit the moon and
successfully returned to Earth.
• The crew was also the first people to observe the far side of the Moon
Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady Of US Passed Away At 96

• Rosalynn Carter, the wife of former President Jimmy Carter and ex-First Lady of the
United States, known affectionately as the "Steel Magnolia," passed away
• Jimmy Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981
Former European Commission President Jacques Delors Dies at 98
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Appointments
Govt Appointments
Saugata Gupta new Chairman of ASCI
Saugata Gupta, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Marico Ltd, has been
appointed new Chairman of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).
ASCI is a voluntary self-regulatory organization of the advertising industry in India.
Established in 1985.
Sanjay Kumar Jain appointed CMD of IRCTC

 Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is an Indian public
sector undertaking that provides ticketing, catering, and tourism services for the
Indian Railways.
 Headquarters: New Delhi, Founded: 27 September 1999
EC Appoints Actor Rajkummar Rao as Its ‘National Icon’/

The EC appoints prominent Indians as national icons to motivate voters to
participate in elections.
Earlier, the EC recognised actors Pankaj Tripathi, Aamir Khan, and sportspersons,
such as Sachin Tendulkar, M. S. Dhoni and M. C. Mary Kom, as national icons.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar
Actor Madhavan to head Film & Television Institute of India

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) appointed actor R Madhavan as
the president of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Society and
chairperson of the governing council.
The tenure of former president director Shekhar Kapur ended on 3 March, 2023.
FTII, situated in Pune, Maharashtra, falls under the purview of the Central
Government's Information & Broadcasting Ministry. Established in 1960.
Rahul Navin appointed as Director-in-charge of the Enforcement Directorate of India

Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Rahul Navin has taken over as director-in-charge of
the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He replaced outgoing director Sanjay Kumar Mishra.
He will continue in this post until the appointment of a regular director or until further
orders are issued.
Established: 1 May 1956
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Ministry Affiliation: Part of the Ministry of Finance
Dr Dinesh Dasa takes oath of Office and Secrecy as Member, UPSC

 The Oath was administered by Chairman, UPSC Dr Manoj Soni.
 The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was set up in October 1926. It was set
up under the Government of India Act, 1919 and the strong recommendations
made by the Lee Commission in 1924.
The Department of Personnel and Training appointed Amit Khare as Advisor to

Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Former bureaucrat Amit Khare gets extension as advisor to PM Modi
He was initially appointed for a two-year tenure in October 2021.
Amit Khare, while serving as Education Secretary, played a key role in shaping India's
National Education Policy 2020.
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Pramila Malik becomes the first woman Speaker of Odisha Assembly

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party member Pramila Malik became the first woman
Speaker of the Odisha Assembly.
The post became vacant due to the resignation of Bikram Keshari Arukha in
May 2023. Pramila Malik has been a six-time MLA from the Binjharpur
assembly seat in Jajpur district of Odisha. This seat is reserved for the
Scheduled Caste community.
Notable first females in Indian politics

Amrit Kaur was the first woman cabinet minister of India, from August 16, 1947 to 1957.
Sarojini Naidu was the first woman Governor of India, serving the United Province (now Uttar Pradesh) from August
15, 1947 to March 2, 1949.
The first female Chief Minister of India was Sucheta Kripalani, who led Uttar Pradesh from 1963 to 1967.
Shanno Devi was the first woman Speaker of a state legislative assembly in India, serving in Haryana from December
6, 1966 to March 17, 1967.
 In 1966, Indira Gandhi became the first female Prime Minister of India.
 Pratibha Patil Singh was the first woman President of India, who served from 2007 to 2012.
 Meira Kumar was the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who held the post from 4 June 2009 to 5 June
2014.
Srinivasan K Swamy elected as Chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulation

RK Swamy Hansa Group Executive Chairman Srinivasan K Swamy was elected as the
Chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for 2023-2024.
Srinivasan K Swamy is currently the Chairman of the Asian Federation of Advertising
Associations.
He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Advertising Agencies Association
of India (AAAI).
Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC):-
Established in 1948
Headquartered in Mumbai
Govt extends tenure of Central Board of Direct Taxes Chairman

The Union government has extended the tenure of the incumbent Chairman of the
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Nitin Gupta till June 30, 2024.
 It is a statutory authority functioning under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963.
 The CBDT is a part of the Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance.
 The CBDT is headed by Chairman and also comprises of six members
Suggestions for the tax rates to be changed.
Government Extends tenure of SBI’s Chairman Dinesh Khara till August 2024
About SBI:
 The Imperial Bank of India (which became the State Bank of India after
independence) came into existence on January 27, 1921.
 On July 1, 1955, as per the State Bank of India Act 1955, the State Bank of India
(SBI) was constituted
Jaya Verma appointed as first woman CEO, chairperson of Railway Board

She succeeds Anil Kumar Lahoti. The Railway Board was constituted in 1905 as the
chief administrative and executive body to assist the Minister of Railways. It
consists of a Chairman and seven members from different service departments
such as traffic, civil, mechanical, electrical and signal & telecom.
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Que:Who has taken over as Principal Director General of Akashvani and NSD?
Ans: Dr. Vasudha Gupta
Dr. Vasudha Gupta has assumed charge as the Principal Director General of Akashvani and
News Services Division.
She has also served as Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Manish Desai appointed as Principal Director General of PIB

Manish Desai assumes charge as Principal Director General of the Press Information
Bureau (PIB) with effect from September 1, 2023.
Manish Desai has taken over the post after the retirement of Rajesh Malhotra
Press Information Bureau (PIB):
It was established in June 1919 at Shimla as a small unit under the Ministry of
Home Affairs of the British Government.
K.N. Shanth Kumar Elected Chairman of Press Trust of India (PTI) Board
 Shanth Kumar of Deccan Herald is new PTI Chairman for a one-year term
 Praveen Someshwar, Chief Executive Officer of Hindustan Times, elected Vice-
Chairman
 Mr. Shanth Kumar replaces Aveek Sarkar, who served as Chairman for two
consecutive terms.
 This is the second time that he is serving as the Chairman of the Board of PTI, the last
time being 2013 to 2014.
 Press Trust of India is the country’s largest and oldest private news agency. It was
founded two weeks after Independence in 1947 by a group of newspapers, which also own it.
 PTI was registered in 1947 and started functioning in 1949.
Government appoints Sanjay Kumar Agarwal as new CBIC Chairman

He succeeds Vivek Johri who superannuated on May 31.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC):

CBIC is a statutory body established under the Central Boards of Revenue Act, 1963.
CBIC was formed in 1964 when the Central Board of Revenue was split into the Central
Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Excise and Customs
The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) was renamed as the Central Board of
Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in 2018 after the roll out of Goods and Services Tax
(GST).
Justice Prakash Shrivastava appointed as NGT chairperson

 Justice Prakash Shrivastava, former Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, has
been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT)
 On July 6, 2023, the Centre had appointed Justice Sheo Kumar Singh as the acting
chairperson on the retirement of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel.
 The National Green Tribunal has been established under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
 The Tribunal comprises the Chairperson, the Judicial Members, and Expert Members.
 They shall hold office for a term of 5 years and are not eligible for reappointment.
 The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
 There are to be at least 10 and a maximum of 20 full-time Judicial members and Expert Members in the
tribunal.
Assam’s Kaziranga National Park to get its first woman Field Director
IFS officer Sonali Ghosh would become the first woman to hold charge as the
head of the 118-year-old Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve which was
designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Regarded as one of the world’s conservation success stories, the 1,355 sq. km
tiger reserve is estimated to have 2,613 greater one-horned rhinos (March 2022
census).
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Centre extends Amit Agrawal’s tenure as CEO of UIDAI for one year
The extension is up to 2 November 2024
Neelkanth Mishra, chief economist at Axis Bank, has been appointed as part-time
chairperson of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI):
It is a statutory authority established under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act 2016 by
the Govt. of India under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
Bharat Dynamics appoints A Madhavarao as new CMD

Ministry of Defence has approved the appointment of A Madhavarao as its chairman and
managing director at Bharat Dynamics Limited.
Founded: 1970, Hyderabad
G. Kannabiran appointed as new NAAC Director

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has recently named Prof
Ganesan Kannabiran as its new director.
NAAC is an autonomous body funded by the University Grants Commission and
headquartered in Bangalore.
Founded: 1994
Tushar Mehta reappointed as Solicitor General of India for 3 years

He has been Solicitor General of India since October 2018.
About Solicitor General of India (SGI)
• It is the second highest law officer in the country and assists the Attorney General of
India.
• It is assisted by the Additional Solicitor General of India.
• The roles of SGIs and Additional SGIs are established by the Law Officers (Conditions
of Service) Rules, 1972.
• Formation - 28 January 1950
Aadhav Arjuna Elected as President of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI)

Aadhav Arjuna, the President of the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association (TNBA), secured the
position of President of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI).
It was established in 1950 and is the governing body for basketball in India.
Pankaj Agrawal appointed as new Power Secretary

The government of India has appointed Pankaj Agrawal as the new Power Secretary. Rajat
Mishra will be the new Fertiliser Secretary, Chanchal Kumar to be Civil Aviation Secretary.
Sudhansh Pant will move to Health Ministry as Secretary. Subhas Chandra Lal Das will move
to the Ministry of MSME as Secretary.
Govt appoints Ashwani Kumar as UCO Bank MD & CEO

He has replaced Soma Sankara Prasad, who superannuated on May 31, 2023.
He would lead the bank for a period of three years from June 1, 2023.
UCO Bank, formerly United Commercial Bank, is an Indian public sector bank, established in 1943
in Kolkata.
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R N Jayaprakash re-elected as President of Swimming Federation

Jayaprakash re-elected as President of the Swimming Federation of India (SFI).
About Swimming Federation of India (SFI)
Founded- 1948
Headquarters – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Shirgaonkar re-elected as India Taekwondo Chief

Namdev Shirgaonkar was re-elected as President, India Taekwondo in elections for the executive
committee.
Janardan Prasad appointed as DG of Geological Survey of India

Geological Survey of India (GSI).
Prasad succeeds Dr. S. Raju.
About Geological Survey of India (GSI)
• Founded – 4 March 1851
• Founder – Thomas Oldham
• Headquarters – Kolkata, West Bengal
• Parent Government agency – Ministry of Mines
Government appoints BARC Director A K Mohanty as new Atomic Energy Commission Chairman & Secretary of
Dept of Atomic Energy
Renowned physicist Ajit Kumar Mohanty has been appointed as the Chairman of the
Atomic Energy Commission and the Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy.
Mohanty succeeds K N Vyas.
He has been appointed for a tenure up to the age of 66 years i.e. till October 10, 2025 or
until further orders, whichever is earlier.
He is the Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) since March 2019.
BARC was founded by Homi Jehangir Bhabha as the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay in January 1954
Praveen Kumar Srivastava sworn in as Central Vigilance Commissioner

President of India Droupadi Murmu has administered the oath
PK Srivastava was already working in the capacity of acting CVC, after the completion
of the tenure of incumbent CVC Suresh N Patel in December 2022.
It was established in February 1964 to address governmental corruption on the basis
of the recommendations of the Anti-Corruption Committee constituted under the
chairmanship of K. Santhanam.
In 2003, the Parliament enacted a law conferring statutory status on the CVC
CVC submits its report to the President of India.
Manoj Soni took oath as UPSC chairman

Manoj Soni has taken oath as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The Commission is headed by a chairman and it can have a maximum of 10 members.
Article 315: Constitution of Public Service Commissions (PSC) for the Union and for the
States of India.
Appointment : The Chairman and other members of the UPSC are appointed by the
President.
Term of Office: Any member of the UPSC shall hold office for a term of six years or till the age of 65 years, whichever
is earlier.
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The Supreme Court extended Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director Sanjay Kumar Mishra’s tenure till September
15
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is a multi-disciplinary organization mandated
with investigation of offences of money laundering and violations of foreign
exchange laws.
It functions under the Department of Revenue of the Ministry of Finance.
It was formed on 1st May, 1956, as an ‘Enforcement Unit’ in the Department of
Economic Affairs for handling Exchange Control Laws violations under Foreign
Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1947.
In the year 1957, this Unit was renamed as ‘Enforcement Directorate’.
Govt appoints Ravneet Kaur as CCI Chairperson

Ravneet Kaur has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Competition Commission
of India (CCI) for five years, or till the age of 65 years, whichever is the earliest.
She has replaced CCI Member Sangeeta Verma, who has been serving as an acting
Chairperson since October 2022.
There has been no full-time Chairperson for the competition regulator since Ashok
Kumar Gupta was demitted from office.
CCI is the chief national competition regulator in India. It is a statutory body within the
Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act 2002 to promote competition and
prevent activities that have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India.
Founded: 14 October 2003
Sourav Ganguly appointed brand ambassador of Tripura tourism

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has appointed former BCCI
President Sourav Ganguly as the brand ambassador of Tripura
tourism.
Capital of Tripura: Agartala
Maharashtra govt names Sachin Tendulkar as 'Smile Ambassador’

The Maharashtra govt has named cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar as 'Smile Ambassador'
under the state medical education & drug department’s 'Swachh Mukh Abhiyan.
Aim: To spread awareness about oral health and hygiene
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis signed an MoU with
Sachin Tendulkar.
Siddaramaiah took oath as Chief Minister of Karnataka, D K Shivakumar Deputy

Chief Minister
Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah took the oath of office as the
24th Chief Minister of Karnataka (he won from Varuna constituency)
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Comittee (KPCC) president D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in
as the Deputy Chief Minister
Arjun Ram Meghwal replaced Kiren Rijiju as Law Minister

• In a cabinet reshuffle, Arjun Ram Meghwal, a Minister of State for Parliamentary
Affairs, has been made Minister of State with independent charge of the Law and
Justice Ministry, in addition to his other responsibilities
• He is a retired IAS officer, social worker, and farmer, who later turned politician
from Rajasthan.
• Kiren Rijiju will now handle the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
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Manmeet K Nanda gets an additional charge of MD & CEO of Invest India

She is joint secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
She has replaced Deepak Bagla, who resigned from the post.
Finance Secretary T V Somanathan to head panel on pension schemes

FM Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the government has established a committee to
review the New Pension System (NPS).
The panel is headed by finance secretary TV Somanathan.
From January 2004, the government has opted to move to NPS for all new recruits.
Recently, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, HP, and Punjab have decided to opt out of
NPS.
Govt appoints Deepak Mohanty as PFRDA Chairman

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He replaced Supratim Bandyopadhyay, whose term ended in Jan 2023.
PFRDA was formed in 2003 to promote and develop the pension industry.
SS Dubey takes charge as new Controller General of Accounts

S.S. Dubey, has taken charge as the 28th Controller General of Accounts (CGA) effective from
6th March 2023.
CGA is ‘the Principal Advisor’ on Accounting matters to the Union Government.
CGA is also responsible for exchequer control and internal audits for the Central Government.
Conrad Sangma sworn-in as Meghalaya Chief Minister

National People's Party president, Conrad K Sangma, has taken oath as the
chief minister of Meghalaya for the second consecutive term.
Governor Phagu Chauhan has administered the oath
Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) leader Neiphiu Rio took oath
as the Chief Minister of Nagaland for the fifth term.
Governor La Ganesan administered the oath.
Que:Who has taken oath as the First Woman Minister of Nagaland?

Ans: Salhoutuonou Kruse
• For the first time in the 60-year history of Nagaland assembly elections, a woman
legislator has been elected. A total of 13 assembly elections have been held in
Nagaland so far.
Asia's first woman loco pilot, Surekha Yadav now operates Vande Bharat Express
She operated Vande Bharat Express from Solapur to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal
(CSMT) in Maharashtra.
She hails from Stara, Maharashtra, and become the country's first female train driver in
1988.
• Union Minister of Railway: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Rajesh Rai appointed new CMD of Indian Telephone Industries (ITI)

The Union government has appointed Rajesh Rai as the new Chairman and Managing
Director (CMD) of Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) for a period of five years.
ITI Limited is a government-owned company in the telecommunications technology
segment established as a departmental factory in 1948.
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Aniket Sunil Talati takes over as ICAI President

Talati takes over Debashis Mitra as ICAI President for the 2023-24 tenure
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal elected as Vice President of the institute.
ICAI IS India's largest professional accounting body under the administrative control of Ministry
of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. It was established on 1 July 1949 as a statutory body
under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949
Government appoints BVR Subrahmanyam as the new CEO of Niti Aayog

He would succeed Parameswaran Iyer, who has been appointed as Executive Director of
the World Bank for a period of two years.
Seven new Supreme Court judges took oath

Seven appointed judges took oath by CJI DY Chandrachud:
(1) Pankaj Mithal (CJ of Rajasthan)
(2) Sanjay Karol, (CJ of Patna)
(3) PV Sanjay Kumar, (CJ of Manipur)
(4) Ahsanuddin Amanullah (judge, Patna HC)
(5) Manoj Misra (judge, Allahabad HC)
(6) Rajesh Bindal (CJ,Allahabad HC)
(7) Aravind Kumar (CJ, Gujarat HC)
The Supreme Court has regained its full strength of 34 judges.
Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by the President under Articles 124(2) and 217 of the
Constitution.
President Draupadi Murmu appoints new governors in 13 states

2 Governors resigned: Bhagat Singh Koshyari as Governor of Maharashtra and of
Radha Krishnan Mathur as Lt. Governor of Ladakh
6 fresh appointments:
Lt. General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, (Retired) Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Sikkim
C P Radhakrishnan, Governor of Jharkhand
Shiv Pratap Shukla, Governor of Himachal Pradesh
S. Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh
Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Assam
Change of states of 7 current governors:

Justice (Retd) Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh appointed as Governor of Chhattisgarh.
Anusuiya Uikye, Governor of Chhattisgarh appointed as Governor of Manipur.
La. Ganesan, Governor of Manipur appointed as Governor of Nagaland.
Phagu Chauhan, Governor of Bihar appointed as Governor of Meghalaya.
Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Himachal Pradesh appointed as Governor of Bihar.
Ramesh Bais, Governor of Jharkhand appointed as Governor of Maharashtra.
Brig (Dr) B D Mishra (Retd), Governor of Arunachal Pradesh appointed as Lt. Governor of Ladakh.
How are Governors appointed?

Article 153 of the Constitution says “There shall be a Governor for each State.”
According to Article 155 "the Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand
and seal".
Under Article 156, "the Governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the President", but his term shall be five
years.
Articles 157 and 158 lay down the qualifications and terms of office of the Governor.
The Governor must be a citizen of India and must have completed 35 years of age.
The Governor should not be a member of Parliament or State Legislature, and should not hold any other office of
profit.
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Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi appointed as new DCGI

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).
He replaced Dr. V G Somani, whose extended tenure ended in February 2023.
Que: Who is the head of the Commission for the sub-categorisation of OBCs?
Ans: Justice G. Rohini
The Justice G. Rohini-led commission for the sub-categorisation of other backward
classes (OBCs) has now been given another extension in its tenure by the President.
This was announced by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This is
the 14th extension in tenure that the commission has been given.
The commission was formed in October 2017.
• Background:
• In 1955, the First Backward Classes Commission under Kaka Saheb Kalelkar identified 2,399 backward
classes (BC), of which 837 were classified as ‘most backward’.
• The Second Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission, popularly known as Mandal
Commission, was established in 1979 by the Morarji Desai-led Janata Party government and submitted its
report in 1980.
• The Mandal Commission identified 3,743 castes as backward, which constitute 52 per cent of the population
– this apart from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• National Commission for Backward Classes(Article 338B)
• National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) established on 14th August 1993 is a statutory body
formed under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993.
• 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018 provides constitutional status to the National Commission for
Backward Classes (NCBC).
• The National Commission for Backward Classes consists of five regulatory members which include the
Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and three other members with a tenure period of three years.
Vikram Dev Dutt appointed as Director General of DGCA

with effect from February 28, 2023.
He will be succeeding the incumbent DGCA chief, Arun Kumar.
He was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Air India Ltd in 2022.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
• It is a statutory body and formed under the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
• It investigates aviation accidents and enforces all regulations related to
aviation.
• It registers and provides certificates to civil aircrafts.
Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya was sworn-in as the Chief Information

Commissioner
 Senior bureaucrat and former information commissioner Heeralal Samariya was
sworn in as the Chief of the Central Information Commission (CIC) by President
Droupadi Murmu
 First person from the Dalit community to hold the post.
 Chief Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya also administered the oath of
office to Information Commissioners Anandi Ramalingam and Vinod Kumar Tiwari
 Establishment: The CIC was established by the Central Government in 2005, under the provisions of the
Right to Information Act (2005). It is not a constitutional body.
 Members: It consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and not more than ten Information
Commissioners.
 The members shall hold office for such term as prescribed by the Central Government or until they attain the
age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
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Hitesh Kumar S Makwana appointed Surveyor General of India

 1767, the British established the Survey of India.
 Major James Rennell was appointed as the first Surveyor General of India.
G Kamala Vardhan Rao appointed the chief executive officer of FSSAI

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
 Set up under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
 Set up on 5 September 2008.
 It comes under the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
 Headquarters: New Delhi
Dinesh Kumar Shukla assumes the charge as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
 for a period of three years.
 The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board was constituted on November 15, 1983, by the President
of India under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to carry out certain regulatory and safety
functions.
 Headquarters of AERB: Mumbai
Election Commission appoints Maithili Thakur as Bihar's state icon

• She will create awareness among the voters for their participation in the electoral
process.
• She was recently selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar of the
Sangeet Natak Akademi for her contribution to the folk music of Bihar for 2021.
Que: Who has been appointed as the Director of the National Health Authority?
Ans: Praveen Sharma
For five years
National Health Authority (NHA) is the apex body responsible for implementing India’s
flagship public health insurance/assurance scheme called “Ayushman Bharat Pradhan
Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana” under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Government approves the appointment of Kalikesh Singh Deo as NRAI President

The government of India has approved the appointment of NRAI's senior vice-
president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo as President of the National Rifle Association
of India (NRAI).
He replaced the incumbent president of NRAI, Raninder, who had completed 12 years
as President on December 29, 2022.
According to the Sports Ministry directive, the heads of national sports federations (NSFs) cannot hold office for
more than 12 years as per the National Sports Code.
NRAI Headquarters: New Delhi
Shailesh Pathak appointed FICCI secretary general

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
FICCI President: Shubhrakant panda
Founded: 1927
Headquarters: New Delhi
Founder: Ghanshyam Das Birla
Kanchan Devi first woman DG of Doon-based ICFRE

Kanchan Devi - Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Forestry Research Education
(ICFRE).
ICFRE is under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Indian Council of Forestry Research Education (ICFRE):
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• Established – 1986
• Headquarters – Dehradun
It is an autonomous organization.
Mohan Yadav becomes new Madhya Pradesh chief minister

MLA Jagdish Devda from Mandsaur and MLA Rajendra Shukla from Rewa have been
elected as deputy chief ministers.
Lalduhoma took oath as Mizoram’s next CM

 From Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) Party
Revanth Reddy appointed as Telangana's new chief minister

 From Congress
 Revanth Reddy is the second Chief Minister of Telangana
Vishnu Deo Sai Is New Chhattisgarh Chief Minister

 Vishnu Deo becomes Chhattisgarh's first tribal chief minister
 Vishnu Deo Sai is from the Kanwar tribe.
Bhajan Lal Sharma as new chief minister of Rajasthan

 Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa have been made the Deputy Chief
Ministers of Rajasthan.
SC Collegium Recommends Names Of New Chief Justices For 5 High Courts

 Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud
 The Chief Justice of Allahabad, Rajasthan, Guwahati, Jharkhand, Punjab and
Haryana High Court will be appointed by the Supreme Court Collegium.
 Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava recommended as the Chief Justice of the
Rajasthan High Court.
 Justice Arun Bhansali recommended for Allahabad High Court.
 Justice Vijay Bishnoi recommended for the Gauhati High Court.
 Justice BR Sarangi recommended for the Jharkhand High Court.
 Justice Sheel Nagu recommended for the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Supreme Court Collegium:

 The body appoints and transfers judges in the High Court and the
Supreme Court.
 It is neither a constitutional nor statutory institution, but it was
established through the decisions of the Supreme Court.
 The Collegium of the Supreme Court is headed by the Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court and includes four other senior-most judges.
 Tripura appoints Ganguly as its tourism brand ambassador
Person Position
Saiyam Mehra Chairman of Join
the All India Gem and
@parcham_CA Jewellery
for more Domestic Council (GJC)
free pdfs
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Santosh Kumar Jha CMD of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL)

Sourav Ganguly ‘Brand Ambassador Of Bengal
Person Post
Indra Sena Reddy Nallu Governor of Tripura in place of Satyadev Narayan Arya.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Governor of Odisha in place of Professor Ganeshi Lal.
Raghubar Das
Neeraj Mittal Secretary:Department of Telecommunications
Justice Subhasis Talapatra 33rd Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court
Person Post
Indra Sena Reddy Nallu Governor of Tripura in place of Satyadev Narayan Arya.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Governor of Odisha in place of Professor Ganeshi Lal.
Raghubar Das
Neeraj Mittal Secretary:Department of Telecommunications
Justice Subhasis Talapatra 33rd Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court
Person Position
Justice Alok Aradhe Chief Justice of Telangana High Court
Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court
Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay Chief Justice of Bombay High Court
Ajit Pawar second Deputy CM of Maharashtra
Devendra Fadnavis is also a Deputy Chief Minister in the state.
Former Allahabad High Court judge Umesh Chairman of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC)
Kumar
Person Position
Anil Kumar Jain (retired coal secretary) new Chairman of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board.
Rathendra Raman Chairman of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port
Sanjay Vijaykumar Gangapurwala Chief Justice of Madras High Court
Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and judges of the Supreme Court
Senior Advocate KV Viswanathan
Justice T.S. Sivagnanam Chief Justice
Calcutta High Court
Appointment Position
B. Neeraja Prabhakar Chairperson of Oil Palm Research Advisory Committee was done by
the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for a three-year
period
Justices Ujjal Bhuyan (Chief Justice of the New Supreme Court Judge
Telangana HC)
SV Bhatti (Chief Justice of the Kerala HC) New Supreme Court Judge
Justice M S Ramachandra Rao 28th CJ of Himachal High Court
Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh Chief Justice of Tripura HC
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Justice Sanjiv Khanna nominated NALSA Chairperson

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
NALSA has been constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to
provide free legal services to the weaker sections of society and to organise Lok
Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes.
The prime objective of NALSA is the speedy disposal of cases and reducing the
burden on the judiciary.
PSU
Coal India Limited (CIL) appoints PM Prasad as CMD

About Coal India Limited (CIL)
• It is a Maharatna Company owned by the Ministry of Coal, Government of India.
• It is the world's largest state-owned coal producer.
• Establishment - 1975
Headquarters - Kolkata
Indian Oil Chairman Shrikant Madhav Vaidya’s tenure extended by a year

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the proposal of the
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for re-employment on a contract basis of
Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil Corporation Limited for a period of
one year
This is one of the very rare occasions when a director on the board of a PSU has been
given an extension of service beyond his retirement age.
No chairman of a Maharatna PSU has been given an extension beyond 60 years
Founded: 30 June 1959
BPCL announced Rahul Dravid as brand ambassador

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), the second-largest Indian oil marketing
company (OMC), announced Rahul Dravid, the current Head Coach of the Indian
cricket team, as its latest brand ambassador
BPCL operates three refineries in Bina, Kochi and Mumbai.
Headquarters: Mumbai
Founded: 1952
Parminder Chopra appointed as 1st woman CMD of PFC

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Parminder Chopra as
the first full-time women Chairperson and Managing Director of Power Finance
Corporation (PFC) Limited. Power Finance Corporation Ltd. is an Indian central
public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Power,
Government of India. Established in 1986, it is the financial backbone of Indian
power sector.
Ajay Yadav appointed MD of Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited

SECI is a Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). It was
incorporated in the year 2011. It is the primary implementing agency of the
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for Renewable Energy
schemes/projects towards the fulfilment of India's international commitments.
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Amarendu Prakash takes charge as SAIL Chairman

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
He succeeds Soma Mondal, who retired from the post on April 30, 2023.
SAIL, founder 1973, is one of the largest steel-making companies under the Ministry of
Steel.
It is a Maharatna company of the country’s Central Public Sector Enterprises.
Uttam Lal appointed as Director (Personnel) of NHPC

Uttam Lal has been appointed as Director (Personnel) in National
Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd.
Uttam Lal is known for his expertise and experience in the power sector.
NHPC Limited:
NHPC Limited is India's leading hydropower company operated under the
ownership of the Ministry of Power.
It was incorporated in 1975
It is currently classified as a Mini Ratna Category-I Enterprise
Kamal Kishore Chatiwal takes over as IGL Managing Director

Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL), the largest CNG distribution company.
IGL is a joint venture of GAIL and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) with the Delhi
government holding 5% stake.
PM Prasad to be next Coal India chief

Polavarapu Mallikharjuna Prasad has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director
of Coal India Limited.
Prasad will replace the serving CMD Pramod Agrawal, whose term ends on June 30, 2023.
Coal India Limited Headquarters: Kolkata
Founded: November 1975
Rajib K Mishra appointed as CMD of PTC India

Rajib K Mishra has been appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of Power Trading
Corporation of India (PTC) Limited.
About the Power Trading Corporation of India Limited (PTC)
PTC is a public sector undertaking established in 1999 under the Ministry of Power,
Government of India.
PTC’s primary business is to trade electricity across different regions of India.
Koppu Sadashiv Murthy takes charge as CMD of BHEL

Koppu Sadashiv Murthy has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL).
He will succeed Nalin Shinghal.
BHEL (Maharatna) was founded in 1964.
Ajit Kumar Saxena assume charge as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of MOIL

 Ajit Kumar Saxena will remain in office till his retirement,
31st December 2025 or until further notice.
 MOIL
 MOIL is a Schedule “A” Miniratna Category-I Company under
the Union Ministry of Steel. It was originally incorporated as
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Manganese Ore (India) Limited in 1962 and its name was changed to MOIL Limited during 2010-11.
 The company operates 11 manganese ore mines in India. It has 7 mines located in the Nagpur and Bhandara
districts of Maharashtra and four in the Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh.
 At present the Government of India owns 53.35% shares in the company, Government of Maharashtra
(5.96%), Government of Madhya Pradesh (5.38%) and Public (35.31%).
Headquarters: Nagpur, Maharashtra
NMDC signs up Champion Boxer Nikhat Zareen as its Brand Ambassador

Hyderabad-based Navratna mining PSU NMDC Limited, formerly National Mineral
Development Corporation:
Headquarters: Hyderabad
Founded: 1958
Nikhat Zareen was born in Nizamabad, Telangana.
She became the fifth Indian woman to win a boxing world championships gold medal, after
Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Jenny RL and Lekha KC
Medal won by Nikhat Zareen
Gold medal : World Boxing Championships 2022, Istanbul
Gold medal : Commonwealth Games 2022, Birmingham
Bronze medal : Asian Boxing Championships 2019, Bangkok
G Krishnakumar takes over as the CMD of Bharat Petroleum Corporation

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL).
He succeeded Arun Kumar Singh, who retired as chairman in October 2022.
He will hold the position of chairman and MD till April 2025 or until any further notice,
whichever is earlier
BPCL is an Indian central public sector (CPS) undertaking under the ownership of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas and operates refineries in Bina, Kochi, Mumbai.
Cotton Corporation of India appoints Lalit Kumar Gupta as CMD

For a period of five years.
CCI is a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Textiles.
Establishment - 1970
Headquarters -Mumbai
Uday A Kaole Takes Over as CMD of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd
Security & Defense

Air Marshal Sadhna Saxena Nair Takes Charge As DG Hospital Services
 Air Marshal Sadhna Saxena Nair takes charge as Director General Hospital Services
(Armed Forces); becomes the first lady officer to hold the position
Alok Sharma appointed as New Special Protection Group (SPG) Chief

Alok Sharma - Director of the Special Protection Group (SPG).
SPG is an elite force, raised to safeguard India's Prime Minister.
It was started in 1985, after killing of PM Indira Gandhi in 1984
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Mizoram Governor Appoints Air Force Officer As India’s First Woman Aide De Camp
 Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati appointed Squadron Leader Manisha
Padhi as Aide-De-Camp (ADC) from the armed forces
 ADCs are officers who serve as the personal assistant of top officers including the
Army Chief, Army Commanders, governors, and President of India.
Justice Rajendra Menon re-appointed as Chairman of Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)

for a second consecutive term (initially in 2019).
Justice Menon will serve as Chairman of the Tribunal till he attains the age of 70 years on
June 6, 2027.
He has also served as:
• Welfare Commissioner for the Bhopal Gas Victims Compensation
• Chief Justice of the Patna High Court
• Delhi High Court Chief Justice
Captain Shiva Chauhan becomes the first women officer to be operationally deployed in Siachen
Captain Shiva Chauhan became the first woman officer to be operationally deployed at the
highest battleground in Kumar Post on the Siachen glacier.
The Siachen glacier lies in the Karakoram Range .It is 75 km (47 miles) long, which makes it
the second longest nonpolar glacier in the world, after Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan.
Captain Surbhi Jakhmola, 1st woman officer posted on foreign assignment at BRO
An officer of the 117 Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army
She has been deployed by BRO under Project Dantak in Bhutan.
BRO is entirely under ministry of defence since 2015.
Recently, the Indian Air Force recently deployed Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi, a
woman fighter pilot, to Japan for Veer Guardian 2023 exercise, held from January 12 to
26.
BRO Formation – 7 May 1960

Headquarters – New Delhi
Director General – Rajeev Chaudhary
Former BSF chief Pankaj Kumar Singh appointed as Deputy NSA

Former Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Pankaj Kumar Singh was
appointed as the Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) in National Security Council
Secretariat for two years.
Pankaj Singh is considered the architect of police reforms in the country.
National Security Adviser - Ajit Doval
Air Marshal AP Singh will be the new Vice Chief of the Air Force
Air Marshal Amanpreet Singh has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
He will replace Air Marshal Sandeep Singh.
Indian Air Force
• It was established on 8 October 1932. It comes under the Union Ministry of
Defence.
• The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Air Force.
• Every year October 8 is celebrated as Air Force Day.
Chief of the Air Staff: Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Choudhary
Connect Us - 108
IPS officer Rashmi Shukla appointed Director-General of Sashastra Seema Bal

Rashmi Shukla will be the DG of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) till her superannuation (30.06.2024).
SSB: A border protection force of India deployed along the borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
SSB Founded: 1963; Headquarters: New Delhi
Director General of CRPF - Sujoy Lal Thaosen
Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police – Anish Dayal Singh
Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar takes over as Vice Chief of Army Staff

Vice Chief of Navy - Vice-Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh
Vice Chief of IAF- Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh
Captain Shaliza Dhami becomes first woman to head frontline combat unit in IAF
Group Captain Dhami will be the first woman officer in the IAF to command a missile squadron in
the Western sector facing Pakistan.
DG Rakesh Pal appointed as 25th Director General of Indian Coast Guard

ICG was established in August 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 as an independent
Armed force of India.
P Upadhyay INAS takes over as Director General of Naval Armament

INAS - Indian Naval Armament Service
He replaced KSC lyer, who superannuated on 31 May 2023.
Que: Who has been appointed as the Military Advisor to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)?
Ans: Air Marshal Sandeep Singh (Retd.)
He is a former Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force
Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2013 and Param Vishisht Sewa Medal in
2022.
General Anil Chauhan was the military adviser to the NSCS before being appointed chief of
defence staff in September 2022.
Arun Sinha appointed as new Chairman of NTRO

NTRO - National Technical Research Organization
He was the acting chairman of NTRO before becoming the chairman.
NTRO is a technical intelligence agency based in India.
It works under the National Security Advisor in the Prime Minister's
Office and was established in 2004.
The agency follows the same "norms of conduct" as other intelligence agencies in India such as the Intelligence
Bureau and the Research and Analysis Wing.
The agency also conducts research and development of technology to support its intelligence gathering activities.
Headquarters - New Delhi, India
Connect Us - 109
IPS Officer Praveen Sood appointed as next Director of CBI/IPS

Karnataka DGP, Praveen Sood was appointed as the new CBI director for a period of two years.
He would replace current CBI Director Subodh Jaiswal, who will retire on May 25, 2023.
CBI traces its origin to Special Police Establishment set up in 1941- to investigate cases of
corruption in the procurement during the Second World War.
Later, the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption recommended the
establishment of the CBI.
Central Bureau of Investigation was established in 1963
Indian Army inducts five women officers into its Artillery Regiment
The women officers, including Lt Mehak Saini, Lt Sakshi Dubey, Lt Aditi Yadav, Lt
Pavitra Moudgil and Lt Akanksha, joined major artillery units of the Army after
completing their training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai.
The move is a significant step towards gender equality in the Indian Armed Forces
The Regiment of Artillery is a combat/fighting arm of the Indian Army, which provides massive firepower during all
ground operations of the Indian Army.
Chhattisgarh IPS officer Ravi Sinha selected as new Chief of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
Sinha took over from Samant Kumar Goel, whose term ended on June 30, 2023.
Research and Analysis Wing (RAW): Ravi Sinha the new Chief of
• It is the foreign intelligence agency of India. Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
• RAW's primary function is to gather foreign intelligence.
• RAW advises Indian policy makers on strategic matters.
• Established - 21 September 1968
• Founder - RN Kao, Indira Gandhi
• Headquarters - New Delhi
Centre appoints IPS officer Manoj Yadava as DG Railway Protection Force

He took over from Sanjay Chander, who retired on July 31.
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved Yadava’s appointment as Director
General of the Railway Protection Force until his retirement on July 31, 2025.
Major Dr Payal Chhabra, a surgeon serving at the Army hospital in Ladakh, has become
the first woman surgeon to join the elite Para Special Forces of the Indian Army
Lt General Raghu Srinivasan is New BRO Chief

Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan took over as the 28th Director General Border Roads.
He assumed the charge following the superannuation of Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry.
BRO was conceived and raised in 1960 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for coordinating
the speedy development of a network of roads in the North and the North Eastern
border regions of the country.
It works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
Param Vir Chakra Awardee Captain Bana Singh has been nominated as Ambassador for ‘War Against
Waste’ in Jammu & Kashmir
Aim: to combat sanitation challenges in rural areas of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
Swachh Bharat Diwas (2nd October)
Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS 2023) campaign was celebrated from 15th September to 2nd October
Connect Us - 110
Theme of SHS-2023 - 'Garbage Free India' with focus on visual cleanliness and welfare of SafaiMitras.
Commander P. Deosthalee Becomes The First Woman To Command An

INW(an Indian Naval Warship)
 Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar
The Indian Navy comprises three commands.
 Eastern Naval Command – Headquartered in Visakhapatnam.
 Western Naval Command – Headquartered in Mumbai.
 Southern Naval Command – Headquartered in Kochi.
Padma Bandopadhyay: She was the first woman to be promoted to the rank of Air
Marshal in the Indian Air Force.
Captain Geetika Koul 1st woman medical officer to be deployed at Siachen

 She is from Snow Leopard Brigade of the Indian Army at the world's
highest battlefield, Siachen.
Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi to become India’s new Vice Chief of Navy Staff
Vice Admiral Tripathi is set to assume his new responsibilities on January 4, 2024.
Nina Singh First Woman CISF Chief

 Neena Singh has become the first woman to be appointed to the post of Director
General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
 till 31 July 2024.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF):

 It works under the Union Home Ministry.
 It was established in 1969 by the Indian Parliament under the CISF Act 1968.
 Motto – "Safety and Defense“
 Headquarters – New Delhi
Anish Dayal Singh appointed CRPF chief

 Anish Dayal Singh was appointed as the Director General of Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF)
 Vivek Srivastava, will be Director General of Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home
Guards.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF):

 It is the largest central armed police force under the Union Home Ministry.
 It was established in 1939 as the Crown Representatives Police.
 After Independence, it became the Central Reserve Police Force on 28 December 1949 with the enactment
of the CRPF Act.
 Motto – Service and Loyalty
Headquarters – New Delhi
Rahul Rasgotra ITBP Chief

 IPS officer Rahul Rasgotra was appointed Director General of ITBP.
 till September 30, 2025
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
Connect Us - 111
 It was established in 1962.

 usually deployed in the Himalayan mountains along the border with China.
 Motto - Bravery – Perseverance – Dedication
 Headquarters: New Delhi
Captain Fatima Wasim has become the first woman medical officer to be posted at the
operational post of Siachen Glacier
Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS)
S Paramesh Additional Director General of Indian Coast Guard
Lt Gen MU Nair Head of National Cyber Coordination Centre
Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi Vice Chief of Naval Staff
Banking & Insurance
Ashok Vaswani is next Kotak Mahindra Bank CEO

Ashok Vaswani is set to hold the position of the new CEO and MD of Kotak Mahindra
Bank for a period of three years, likely from January 1, 2024.
Vaswani will succeed Uday Kotak, who has quit as the MD of the bank in September this
year.
Navneet Munot Elected Chairman of the Association of Mutual Funds In India (AMFI)
 Founded: 22 August 1995
 Headquarters: Mumbai
Former SBI Chief Rajnish Kumar appointed Chairman of Mastercard India

 Mastercard President: Michael Miebach
 Mastercard Headquarters: New York, United States
 Mastercard Established: 1966.
NPCI appoints Vishal Kanvaty as CTO

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has roped in Vishal
Kanvaty as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
• NPCI Founded: 2008
• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Founders: Reserve Bank of India, Indian Banks' Association
RBI re-appointed Sanjay Agarwal as Chief of AU SFB for three years

RBI has approved the reappointment of Sanjay Agarwal as Managing Director (MD) &
CEO of AU Small Finance Bank (SFB) for the next three years, till 2026.
Connect Us - 112
Hari Hara Mishra takes charge as CEO of Association of ARC

Hari Hara Mishra has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the
Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
An Asset Reconstruction Company is a specialized financial institution that buys the NPAs or
bad assets from banks and financial institutions so that the latter can clean up their balance
sheets.
Currently, there are 28 ARCs registered with the Reserve Bank of India.
SBI Life appointed Amit Jhingran as MD & CEO

Appointed by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
SBI Life Insurance:
It is a joint venture between the State Bank of India (SBI) and BNP Paribas Cardif.
SBI Life is one of the largest life insurance companies in India, with a market share of over
10%.
K. Rajaraman appointed as new chairperson of IFSCA

K Rajaraman is appointed as the next Chairperson of the International Financial Services
Centres Authority (IFSCA) for three years.
He succeeded the first IFSCA Chairperson Injeti Srinivas, who led the authority since 2020.
IFSCA was set up in April 2020 under the International Financial Services Centres Authority
Act, 2019, at GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
BharatPe appoints Nalin Negi as interim CEO

BharatPe has appointed current chief financial officer (CFO), Nalin Negi as the interim chief
executive officer (CEO).
He has replaced Suhail Sameer, who stepped down from the position.
BharatPe was founded in March 2018.
BharatPe Board Chairman: Rajnish Kumar
Debadatta Chand appointed as new Chief of BoB

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has
approved the appointment of the following for three years:
• Debadatta Chand as MD & CEO of Bank of Baroda
(BoB)
• Rajneesh Karnatak as MD & CEO of Bank of India
(BoI)
Sanjiv Chadha, MD & CEO, BoB, will retire on June 30, 2023.
AK Das as MD & CEO of BoI retired in January 2023.
BOB Founded – 1908
Headquarters – Vadodara, Gujarat
BOI founded - 1906
Headquarter - Mumbai
RBI approves ICICI Bank CEO Sandeep Bakhshi’s re-appointment for 3 year
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Sandeep Bakhshi
as the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of ICICI Bank, for three
years with effect from October 4, 2023.
He was appointed as the MD and CEO of ICICI Bank on October 15, 2018.
Connect Us - 113
Sashidhar Jagdishan Re-appointed as HDFC Bank MD and CEO

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan as
the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Bank.
The re-appointment is for three years, from October 27, 2023 to October 26, 2026
Founded: August 1994, Mumbai
Karnataka Bank appoints Srikrishnan Harihara Sarma as MD and CEO.

Private sector Karnataka Bank announced the appointment of former Jio Payments Bank Head
Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma as Managing Director and CEO for three years.
Founded: 18 February 1924
Headquarters: Mangaluru
Jayakumar S. Pillai appointed as Deputy MD of IDBI Bank

For 3 years.
Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) Bank:
Founded – 1964
Headquarters – Mumbai
MD & CEO - Rakesh Sharma
RBI approved the reappointment of Vijay Shekhar as part-time Chairman

RBI has given its approval to Paytm Payments Bank for the re-appointment
of Paytm CEO, Vijay Shekhar Sharma as part-time Chairman for a year,
effective from May 23, 2023.
At present, One97 Communications owns a 49% stake in Paytm Payments
Bank and Vijay Shekhar Sharma holds the remaining stakes in the entity.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is the promoter of Paytm Payments Bank
Paytm Payments Bank: It was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in
Noida
MD & CEO - Surinder Chawla
AMFI appoints Venkat Nageswar Chalasani as Chief Executive

Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI).
He will succeed NS Venkatesh
AMFI was established in the year 1995, its headquarters is in Mumbai.
Ajay Kumar Srivastava to take over as the MD and CEO of the Indian Overseas Bank
 from 1 January 2023.
 He will replace Partha Pratim Sengupta whose tenure ends on 31 December 2022.
Indian Overseas Bank

 It is a public sector bank owned by the government of India
 The Indian Overseas bank was founded by M. Chidambaram Chettyar in 1937.
 It was nationalized by the government of India in 1969.
 Headquarters: Chennai
 Tagline of the bank: Good People to Grow With
Umesh Revankar is appointed as new chairman of FIDC

Umesh Revankar has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Finance
Industry Development Council (FIDC), the leading Indian NBFC financing body.
Umesh Revankar's two-year term as FIDC Chairman begins on August 23, 2023.
About Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC)
• Establishment: 2004
• Accreditation: Registered with the Reserve Bank ofJoin
India.
Connect Us - 114
• Focus: Advocating NBFCs involved in asset and debt financing.

Govt Appoints Vinay Tonse As MD Of SBI For 2 Years

 Vinay M Tonse - Managing Director of SBI till November 30, 2025
 The post was vacant after Swaminathan Janakiraman was appointed as the
Deputy Governor of RBI
 SBI is operated by four managing directors and one chairman:
 Chairman - Dinesh Kumar Khara
 Other 3 MD: C.S. Setty, Ashwini Kumar Tewari, Alok Kumar
Choudhary
Govt extends RBI Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra tenure by one year
Government appoints Swaminathan Janakiraman as RBI Deputy Governor
The 2 other deputy governors of RBI are M Rajeshwar Rao and T Rabi Sankar.
RBI appoints Manoranjan Mishra as Executive Director
RBI Approves New Directors Of Jio Financial Services

 RBI approves appointment of Isha Ambani, Anshuman Thakur, Hitesh
Sethia as directors of Jio Financial Services
 The approval is valid for six months from the date of the letter.
NPCI appoints Pankaj Tripathi as ‘UPI Safety Ambassador’

strengthen safety awareness on digital payment platforms.
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) was incorporated in 2008 as an
umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in
India.
Federal Bank signs shuttler H S Prannoy for an exclusive collaboration
Canara bank appoints K Satyanarayana Raju as the new MD and CEO

He has replaced L V Prabhakar, who resigned on 31 December 2022.
RBI approves reappointment of Sumant Kathpalia as MD, CEO of IndusInd Bank

for two years from 24 March 2023.
He has been an MD & CEO of the bank since March 2020.
Owners: Life Insurance Corporation, Hinduja Group
Founded: April 1994, Mumbai
Founder: S. P. Hinduja
Connect Us - 115
Que:Who has been appointed as the new Managing

Director of Life Insurance Corporation of India?
Ans: Satpal Bhanoo
There are four Managing Directors in Life Insurance
Corporation in India.
Siddhartha Mohanty has been named as Managing Director (MD) and the first Chief
Executive Officer of LIC.
Siddhartha Mohanty will lead the insurance firm as its Chairman till June 2024, after
which the position will be done away with, and then he will continue as MD & CEO till
June 2025.
Founded: 1 September 1956
Jithesh John Assumes Role As IBBI Executive Director

 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
Max Life Insurance appoints Rajiv Anand as Chairman, Analjit Singh resigns
SEBI approved Pramod Agrawal’s appointment as BSE Chairman

 The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted approval
for the appointment of Pramod Agrawal as the Chairman of BSE Ltd from
January 17, 2024
 term of current chairman S S Mundra ends on January 16
 The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) is India's first and largest stock market
and was founded in 1875 as the Native Equity and Stockbroker Association.
RBI Approves CS Rajan As The Chairman Of Kotak Mahindra Bank/RBI

 for two years w.e.f. January 1, 2024
 Rajan replaces Prakash Apte, whose term expires on December 31, 2023.
 Founder: Uday Kotak
 Founded: 21 November 1985
 Headquarters: Mumbai
HDFC Bank board approves re-appointment of Atanu Chakraborty as Chairman
Connect Us - 116
Shreekant Bhandiwad Chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank

David Malpass step down as World Bank President
Surinder Chawla Paytm Payments Bank CEO
P Vasudevan MD and CEO of Equitas Small Finance Bank
PR Seshadri MD and CEO of South Indian Bank
Neeraj Nigam new Executive Director (ED) RBI
Indian Ambassadors
Ajay Kumar appointed as advisor to USISPF Board
Former Indian Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has been appointed as an advisor to the
board of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF).
Kumar is the longest-serving secretary in the Ministry of Defence (August 2019 and
October 2022).
President and CEO of USISPF – Mukesh Aghi
UNICEF India Names Ayushmann Khurrana As Its National Ambassador For Child Rights
About UNICEF India
• UNICEF India works to promote and protect the rights of children across the country.
• The partnership of UNICEF with India began in 1949.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development is a nodal agency in India.
About UNICEF
• UNICEF is a United Nations agency which was set up on 11 December 1946 as United
Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.
• It was renamed as the United Nations Children's Fund in 1953.
• It provides development and humanitarian assistance to children and mothers.
• Headquarters: New York, United Sates of America.
• Head: Catherine M. Russell
CAG Girish Chandra Murmu selected as External Auditor of ILO in Geneva/CAG

He has been selected for a four-year term from 2024 to 2027.
CAG will take over from the incumbent External Auditor of ILO, the Supreme Audit
Institution of the Philippines.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Founded: 1919
Parent organization: United Nations
Director General: Gilbert F. Houngbo
CAG Girish Chandra Murmu re-elected External Auditor of WHO for four-year/CAG
four-year term (2024-2027).
The CAG is already holding this position in the WHO for a four-year term (2019-2023).
Name Position
Surendra Adhana re-elected to serve on the Advisory Committee on Administrative and
Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) at the United Nations for the term 2024-26.
Nilakshi Saha Sinha new Ambassador of India to the Republic of Armenia
M Sreedharan next Ambassador of India to Azerbaijan.
Prashant Agrawal Ambassador of India to Laos
KR Parvathy appointed as UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan
Name Position
Devesh Uttam next Ambassador ofJoin
India to Lithuania for more free pdfs
@parcham_CA
Connect Us - 117
Brajendra Navnit India’s ambassador to WTO for 9 months

Angshumali Rastogi India's representative to the Council of the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada
Ratan Tata appointed to 'Order of Australia' for bolstering bilateral ties
Eric Garcetti US Ambassador to India
Name Position
Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani member of the International Advisory Committee of COP 28
Ajay Kumar
Private Org
Cognizant India MD Rajesh Nambiar appointed as Nasscom Chairperson
Indian IT and tech trade body Nasscom announced the appointment of Rajesh Nambiar,
Chairman and Managing Director, Cognizant India, as its new Chairperson.
Nambiar is succeeding Anant Maheshwari
The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) is the apex body
for the Indian technology industry. It is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1988.
Founders: Nandan Nilekani, Dewang Mehta
India’s Sindhu Gangadharan Appointed As Nasscom Vice-Chairperson
Krithivasan takes charge as CEO of TCS

K Krithivasan took charge as the CEO for Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
He replaced Rajesh Gopinathan.
TCS is India’s largest information technology (IT) services firm by market
capitalization.
Accenture appoints Ajay Vij as India MD, Rekha Menon to retire

 Accenture, the leading global professional services company, has appointed new
leadership for India.
 Accenture has appointed Ajay Vij as the Country Managing Director
The founder of start-up Dream11, Harsh Jain elected IAMAI Chairperson

Harsh Jain, co-founder, and CEO of Dream Sports, has been elected the Chairman of the
Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) for 2023-25.
He has replaced Sanjay Gupta, Vice President, and Country Manager of Google India.
IAMAI Headquarters: Mumbai
Founded: 2004
Sudha Shivkumar becomes 40th President of FICCI Ladies Organisation

Chennai-based Sudha Shivkumar has assumed the charge as the 40th president of FICCI Ladies
Organisation (FLO) at the 39th annual session.
FLO is the women's wing of the FICCI & is the oldest women-led and women-centric business
chamber in Southeast Asia
Tata Trusts appoints Siddharth Sharma as new CEO

Also, Aparna Uppaluri as the Trust's Chief Operating Officer (COO). Tata Trusts has created
the COO post for the first time.
Their appointment will come into effect from 1 April 2023.
Siddharth Sharma will succeed N Srinath, who stepped down from the CEO's post in 2022.
Connect Us - 118
Tech Mahindra names former Infosys President Mohit Joshi as MD and CEO
Mohit Joshi will take over for a period of five years.
Tech Mahindra was established in 1986.
It provides information technology (IT) services and solutions to the telecommunications sector
across the globe.
HUL appoints Rohit Jawa as CEO, to succeed Sanjiv Mehta

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) - India's largest FMCG company.
Headquartered in Mumbai.
It is a subsidiary of the British company Unilever.
Vita Dani Makes History As First Indian On ITTF Governing Board

 Sports entrepreneur Vita Dani has become the first Indian to be inducted as a
governing board member of the International Table Tennis Federation's (ITTF)
Foundation.
 The Foundation was established in 2018 by the ITTF to attract more people to the
sport.
Lokesh Suji elected to IESF membership committee for three-year term

International Esports Federation (IESF) has elected Lokesh Suji, director of Esports
Federation of India (ESFI) and vice-president of Asian Esports Federation, to its
membership committee on a three-year term.
The election marks the first time that an Indian has become a part of the membership
committee of the International Esports Federation.
Esports is debuting as an official medal sport at the upcoming Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou
The 19th Asian Games 2022 will take place from 23 September to 8 October 2023.
International Esports Federation Founded: 11 August 2008
International Esports Federation Headquarters: Busan, South Korea
Dr Meenesh Shah Elected To Board Of International Dairy Federation

India contributes over 23 percent of the global milk production
International Dairy Federation Brussels, Belgium
Person Company
Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek ambassadors for brand Infosys and its Digital Innovation
SN Subrahmanyan Chairman and MD of L&T
Gopichand Hinduja takes charges as Group chairman
Praveer Sinha CEO and MD of Tata Power for 4 years
Indian-American Neal Mohan appointed as the new CEO of YouTube
Professor Bharat Bhasker Director of IIM Ahmedabad
Miscellaneous
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is Elected Chairman of Shree Somnath Trust for Five-Year Term
Shree Somnath Trust (SST) - the religious charitable trust which owns and manages
the iconic Somnath temple near Veraval
This is the first time in 74-year-long history of Shree Somnath Trust that the chairman
is elected for a five-year term. So far, the term has been one year.
PM Modi has been elected the chairman of the SST board of trustees for the third
time. He was elected chairman for the first time in 2021.
Connect Us - 119
Acko Partners With R Madhavan As Their ‘Voice Of The Customer

This collaboration aims to dispel common misconceptions about insurance and
empower consumers to make informed decisions
BSE appoints Sundararaman Ramamurthy as MD, CEO

 for a five-year term with effect from January 4.
 The post has been vacant since July when the then MD and CEO Ashish Kumar Chauhan
resigned from the post to join the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
 Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
 Established in 1875 as the Native Share and Stock Brokers' Association, the Bombay
Stock Exchange (BSE) is Asia's first exchange and the largest securities market in India.
Hockey India appoints South African Craig Fulton as new Chief Coach of Indian men's
hockey team
Craig Fulton will replace Graham Reid who resigned in January 2023 following India's
poor performance in the World Cup.
Mary Kom, Farhan Akhtar roped in as brand ambassadors of IBA Women's World Championships 2023
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) also unveiled the title
sponsor, Mahindra Automotive for the event.
The championship was scheduled from March 15 to 26 at the
Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi.
India hosted the Women’s World Championships for the third
time and finished on top of the medals tally, fetching four golds.
Prof. Renu Cheema Vig appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Panjab University
Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankhar appointed Prof (Dr.) Renu Cheema Vig as the Vice
Chancellor of Panjab University for a term of three years.
She is also the first woman to hold the position in the varsity’s 141-year history.
Que:Who has been elected as the Vice President of the International Boxing Association (IBA)?
Ans: Ajay Singh
Boxing Federation of India (BFI) Chief Ajay Singh has been elected as the International Boxing
Association (IBA) Vice-President.
Singh will stay in the role till 2026 alongside Volodymyr Prodyvus of Ukraine and Serbia’s
Abdulmutalim Abakarov.
Salima Tete appointed as the AHF Athletes Ambassador

From India for a term of two years between 25th March 2023, to 25th March 2025.
The Asian Hockey Federation is the governing body for the sport of field hockey in Asia.
It now has 33 member associations.
Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Formation: 1958
Que:Who has taken over as the new President of Assocham?

Ans: Ajay Singh
Ajay Singh, the Chief of SpiceJet, has been appointed as the new President of the Associated
Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
He has replaced Sumant Sinha
ASSOCHAM is one of the leading trade associations in India. Established in 1920, it is a non-
government, not-for-profit organization that represents the interests of Indian businesses
and industry.
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Pankaj Singh elected President of Indian Cycling Federation

It is the national governing body for cycling in India and was established in 1946.
R Dinesh Appointed as CII President for 2023-24

The National Council of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), elected R. Dinesh, Executive
Vice Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions as the President of the industry body for 2023-24.
The key positions of leadership in CII are President, President Designate, Vice President. For
2023-24.
Mr. Sanjiv Puri, Chairman & Managing Director, ITC Limited is the President Designate, CII
Mr Rajiv Memani is the Vice President, CII.
Confederation of Indian Industry
Founded: 1895
Senior Men’s Cricket Selection Committee appoints Ajit Agarkar as Chairman

The Selection Committee now consists of Ajit Agarkar, Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto
Banerjee, Salil Ankola, and Sridharan Sharath.
Asics signs actor Shraddha Kapoor as brand ambassador

Recent Brand Ambassador
• Rashmika Mandanna – Printer company Epson India
• Smriti Mandhana – Wrangler brand
• Hrithik Roshan – Zebronics TV
• Sachin Tendulkar – Smile Ambassador by Maharashtra government
Sourav Ganguly – Tripura Tourism
Sunil Gavaskar joins ‘Midwicket Stories’ as principal advisor

Sunil Gavaskar is also known by the nicknames ‘Sunny’ and ‘Little Master’
The concept of ‘Midwicket Stories’ is where former players come together and talk about
their time, talk about things that happened during their time.
Gavaskar is a distinguished member of India’s maiden World Cup winning squad of 1983,
Gavaskar once held the record for scoring the most centuries in Tests.
Sony Sports Ropes In Kartik Aaryan As Brand Ambassador For Football
Bisleri signed Deepika Padukone as it’s Global Brand Ambassador
Premium global smartphone brand TECNO has appointed Indian superstar

Deepika Padukone as its brand ambassador.
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Person Position
Former Indian cricketer Monty New coach of Nepal cricket team
Desai
Dmitry Dmitruk new coach of Indian boxing team
Padma Lakshmi Bar Council of the state as the first transgender lawyer in Kerala
former captain MS Dhoni Viacom18 brand ambassador
cricketer Virat Kohli Luxor Writing Instruments Private Limited brand ambassador
Ranveer Singh brand ambassador of Pepsi co
Alia Bhatt Gucci’s global ambassador. She has become the first Indian to be the face of the
Italian luxury fashion house.
Name Position
Sania Mirza appointed as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network
Nirmala Lakshman new Chairperson of The Hindu Group
Tushar Khandker head coach of the Junior Women’s National team by Hockey India
Nusrat Chowdhry first Muslim Female Federal Judge in US History
Ravindra Banshtu appointed Indian women’s volleyball team new coach
Name Position
Shah Rukh Khan appointed brand ambassador of ICC World Cup 2023
Gokul Subramaniam Intel India President
Neeraj Chopra Laureus Ambassador
Former Indian opener Gautam appointed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as their new 'mentor
Gambhir
Katrina Kaif Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo first brand ambassador in India
L. Kantha Rao new Secretary of the Ministry of Mines.
Nihar Malviya CEO of Penguin Random House
Katrina Kaif Swiss Watchmaker ‘Rado’ Global Brand Ambassador
Virat Kohli Audi's Brand Ambassador in India
Abhijit Chakravorty SBI Card’s CEO
Kameshwar Kodavanti Chief Financial Officer (CFO), SBI Bank
T V Narendran Tata Steel CEO and Managing Director
Sanjiv Puri Chairman and Managing Director of India Tobacco Company Limited (ITC Ltd) for
a period of five years
Short News
 SBI Ropes in Cricket Icon MS Dhoni as Brand Ambassador
 Reliance Retail has appointed Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the brand ambassador of
JioMart, its e-commerce platform.
 Lay’s Announces Mahendra Singh Dhoni As Brand Ambassador
 Rajiv Gauba got a one-year extension in service as Cabinet Secretary, extending
beyond August 30, 2023.
 PayPal appointed Alex Chriss as CEO, replaced its longest-serving chief executive
officer Dan Schulman in August 2023.
 Indian Oil has collaborated with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor as the brand ambassador for
its Indane XTRATEJ LPG brand.
 Senior IPS officer Maheshwar Dayal takes over as Director General of Prisons
 Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has been appointed as the ex-officio Chancellor of Pondicherry
University.
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Union Territories
Jammu & Kashmir
• In 1951, the state constituent assembly was • State Boundaries: Himachal Pradesh, Punjab
elected. It met for the first time in Srinagar on • International Boundaries: Pakistan, China,
31st October 1951 Afghanistan
• In 1952, The Delhi Agreement was signed
between Prime Ministers of India and • Lt. Governor : Shri Manoj Sinha
• Jammu & Kashmir giving special position to • State Animal: Hangul
the state under Indian Constitutional • State Bird: Black-necked crane
framework. • State Tree: Chinar
• On 6th february 1954, the J&K constituent • State Flower: Lotus
assembly ratified the accession of the state to • State Animal: Hangul
the Union of India. • State Bird: Black-necked crane
• Capital :Srinagar (Summer) • State Tree: Chinar
• Jammu (Winter) • State Flower: Lotus
• Date of Formation: 26 October 1947
• Tsomoriri
National Parks
• Dachigam National Park – Srinagar – is best Lakes:
known as the home of the hangul, or Kashmir • Dal Lake
stag (state Animal). • Pangong Tso
• Dachigam National Park (Srinagar) • Tso Moriri
• Kishtwar National Park (Kishtwar) • Manasbal Lake
• Hemis High Altitude National Park (Ladakh) • Sheshnag Lake
• Salim Ali National Park (Srinagar)
• Kazinag National Park (Baramula) Passes
• Zoji La Pass
Ramsar Wetlands • Changla Pass
• Surinsar-Mansar Lakes • Khardung La Pass
• Hokersar • Shingo La
• Wular Lake • Banihal Pass
J&K govt to host its maiden SARAS Fair 2023 from February 4 to 14
• The fair would be organised at Bagh-e-Bahu, Jammu.
• In the fair artisans and women self help groups from across the country will
showcase their crafts, handcrafts, handloom and foods.
• The national level food and cultural fair will showcase unique and famous
indigenous products from different states and union territories of the country.
• It is organised under the guidance of the Ministry of Rural Development.
Asia's longest ever cycle race flagged off from Srinagar, J&K
• Flagged off from Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar (J&K) and will culminate at Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu).
• The race will cover the longest highway, National Highway 44 distance
of 3651 kilometers, passing through twelve major states
• It has been accorded the status of Asian Ultracycling Championship by
the World Ultracycling Association.
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Que:In which district of Jammu and Kashmir the army hoisted the tallest 'Iconic National
Flag’?
Ans: Doda
• In Jammu and Kashmir, Army installed the tallest ‘Iconic National Flag’ in the hilly Doda
district on a 100 feet-high pole
UAE’s Emaar first overseas company to start a mega-mall project in Kashmir

• Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone of the mega Mall of
Srinagar to be built by Dubai’s Emaar Group at Sempora area in Srinagar
• This mega-mall is the first significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Jammu and
Kashmir.
• The mall, a joint venture between Emaar and Delhi-based real estate firm Magna Waves Buildtech, is likely
to be operational by 2026.
Geological Survey of India finds Lithium and Gold Deposits

• For the first time in the country, reserves of 59 lakh tonnes of lithium have
been found in the Reasi district of Jammu division.
• Currently India is dependent on imports for Lithium, Nickel and Cobalt. This
discovery will reduce India's dependence on lithium from other countries.
Lithium (Li):
• It is a soft and silvery white metal.
• It is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element at standard conditions.
• It is alkaline and a rare metal.
• Lithium has anatomic number of 3 and an atomic mass of 6.941u.
• Lithium is one of the key components of rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras
and electric vehicles.
• It is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys, and watches.
• Countries with the largest reserves: Chile > Australia > Argentina
Asia’s largest tulip garden in J&K to opened to public on 19 March

• The Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is Asia’s largest tulip garden in Srinagar
• The garden spread between Dal Lake and Zabarwan Hills.
• Formerly known as Siraj Bagh, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was
opened in 2008 by then chief minister of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state
Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Que: Which state / UTs Agriculture Production Department has launched the Kisan Sampark Abhiyan programme
in the state?
Ans: Jammu and Kashmir
• The Abhiyan has been launched across 3565 panchayats in J&K.
• The programme will be launched across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir and will
focus on providing farmers with information, training, and guidance on various aspects
of agriculture and allied activities.
India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge Anji Khad will be ready in May 2023
• The bridge is a part of a 326-km rail line connecting Udhampur to Baramulla via Srinagar
• It connects Katra and Reasi via tunnels T2 and T3 on the Katra-Banihal section.
• Aim: To connect J&K to the rest of the country with all-weather rail connectivity
• The cables weight 848.7 MT and the total length of cable strands involved is 653km.
• The asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge crosses the deep gorges of Anji river, a tributary of river Chenab.
• Project cost - ₹400 crore
• Total length of the bridge: 725m Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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HM Amit Shah lays foundation stone of ‘Balidan Stambh’ in Srinagar

• In the presence of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj
Sinha.
• The memorial, a project under the Srinagar Smart City, is a tribute to
the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary Constituency among the most developed constituencies: Dr.

Jitendra Singh
• Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary Constituency is among the most developed constituencies
out of 550 Parliamentary Constituencies in India, said Dr. Jitendra Singh
• The only Constituency in India having three medical Colleges & AIIMS
• This constituency is the birthplace of purple revolution in India giving rise to Agri-tech start-
ups not only in J&K but across the country
• The highest railway bridge in the world, the Chenab Bridge; the longest road tunnel, Dr. Shyama Prasad
Mookherjee tunnel, are located in this constituency
In terms of road and highway development in this constituency, Dr. Jitendra Singh said:
• Vande- Bharat Express from Katra to Delhi,
• North India’s first ever Cable-Stayed Bridge - Atal Setu,
• J&K’s first inter-State bridge at Keerian-Gandyal,
• North India’s first Express Road Corridor from Delhi to Katra via Kathua,
• the new National Highway from Lakhanpur-Bani-Basohli-Doda via Chattargala Tunnel has made this
constituency best ever connected leading to its tremendous development compared to the other
Constituencies in the country.
• With the establishment of an Inter Modal Station (IMS) at Katra, a world class state of the art project in this
constituency, will not only improve the travelling experience of the pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi
Shrine but will open numerous opportunities in terms of employment, trade etc. for the people of this
constituency.
Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 : Introduced In Lok Sabha
• The government has introduced the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order
(Amendment) Bill, 2023 in Lok Sabha to include four communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in
Jammu and Kashmir.
• The four communities proposed for ST status are “Gadda Brahmin,” “Koli,” “Paddari Tribe,” and “Pahari
Ethnic Group.”
• Currently, the dominant ST communities in J&K are the Gujjars and Bakerwals, who were given ST status in
1991 along with the smaller groups of Gaddis and Sippis.
• The proposed expansion of the ST list has caused unrest among the Gujjar-Bakerwal community, who fear a
reduction in their share of the quota benefits.
• The Pahari Ethnic Group includes Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, with some Kashmiri-origin settlers in Rajouri
and Poonch districts.
• The Paddari Tribe, residing in the remote Paddar area of Kishtwar district, is also proposed for ST status.
Scheduled Tribes in India (Static)

• Article 366(25) of the Constitution defines Scheduled Tribes as “such tribes or tribal communities or parts of
or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342”.
• Article 342(1) empowers the President to specify an ST in a state or UT, after consultation with the
Governor.
• The ST list is not a nationwide list — it is state/ UT-specific.
• The Constitution does not specify the criteria to determine ST status. However, characteristics such as
“primitive traits, geographical isolation, distinct culture, backwardness and shy of contact” have been well
established.
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• The recommendation of the concerned state/ UT government with full justification, and the concurrence of
the Registrar General of India (RGI) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) are essential
to designate a community as ST.
• There are no notified Scheduled Tribes in Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Puducherry.
Srinagar topped the ‘Jal Jeevan Survekshan 2023’ rankings

• Srinagar district has been given status of the top performing district under Jal Jeevan Survekshan (JJS-2023)
among 114 Har Ghar Jal certified villages across the country.
• Jal Jeevan Mission was announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15th August, 2019.
• Aim - to ensure that every rural household in India receives secure and sufficient drinking water via
individual tap connections by the year 2024.
• India's first post office near LoC has been inaugurated in Kupwara
district of Jammu and Kashmir. This post office is located on the
banks of the Kishanganga River near the Line of Actual Control
(LoC).
J&K launches India’s first chatbot for people in mental distress

• India’s first Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking
Across States) chatbot was launched in Jammu & Kashmir.
• The service was launched by J&K LG Manoj Sinha.
• This chatbot will start an instant conversation with people in distress.
Jammu to pioneer India's first Cannabis Medicine Project

• ‘Cannabis Research Project’ of CSIR-IIIM Jammu is a first of its kind in India under PPP
with a Canadian firm
• This project is important from the perspective of Atma- Nirbhar Bharat as it will be
able to produce export quality drugs meant for different kinds of neuropathies,
diabetic pains etc.
• CSIR-IIIM is the oldest scientific research institute in India with the history of discovering mint way back in
1960s, and is the centre of purple revolution
• IIIM - Aroma Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Cannabis = िांजा
Centre moves Bill to reserve Assembly seats for PoK displaced, Kashmiri ‘migrants’
• The special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 was struck down by
Parliament in August 2019 and the former State was bifurcated into two union
territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the latter without an Assembly.
• Jammu and Kashmir has been under Central rule since 2018 and Assembly
elections are yet to take place.
• The J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aims to amend certain
provisions of the original 2019 Act to provide for the reservation of seats for specific communities in the
Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Reservation of Seats: The bill proposes to reserve 2 seats in the Legislative Assembly for Kashmiri Migrants
and one for displaced persons from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• Of the two seats reserved for the “Kashmiri migrant community”, at least one nominee required to be a
woman.
• L-G's Power to Appoint MLAs: The Bill is likely to empower the L-G to appoint two MLAs from the Kashmiri
migrant community and one migrant from PoK to the Union Territory's Legislative Assembly.
• The bill, in line with the report of the J&K Delimitation Commission, further seeks to increase the number of
seats in the Jammu & Kashmir assembly from 107 to 114.
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• Of these 114 seats, 24 are reserved for Pakistan-occupied J&K (PoJK). Of the remaining 90 seats, nine have
been reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs)— for the first time— and seven others have been reserved for the
Scheduled Castes (SCs).
• Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in Pakistan is the region of Kashmir that came under the control of
Pakistan following the first Indo-Pakistan War of 1947-1948.
Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur railway station officially named 'Captain Tushar
Mahajan Railway Station’
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir inaugurates 'Bangus Valley Festival’/

• Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the 'Bangus Adventure
Festival' in North Kashmir's Kupwara district.
Ranbireshwar temple
• NEWS: In Jammu and Kashmir, amidst two days of incessant rain, a portion of
Ranbireshwar Temple collapsed in Jammu.
• This incident has raised alarm in the community, as the temple has stood as a
symbol of cultural heritage for centuries.
• The Temple is named after its founder Maharaja Ranbir Singh.
• The construction of the temple was started in 1863 A.D and was completed
in 1883 A.D. It is the biggest Shiva temple in North India.
Gyanodaya Express
• Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, flagged off the
Gyanodaya Express from the Katra railway station in Reasi district.
• This unique project, also known as the “College on Wheels,” aims to empower
approximately 700 girl students from universities in the Union Territory.
• The inclusion of visits to renowned institutions like the Indian Navy and ISRO
Que: India’s first-ever Lavender Farm is constructed in which state/UT?

Ans: Jammu and Kashmir
• India’s first-ever Lavender Farm is coming up at Challa village in Jammu and
Kashmir’s Kathua district.
• Owned by the Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare.
• A native of Europe, lavender was introduced by the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in the
temperate regions of the Jammu division under the CSIR-Aroma Mission in 2018, and Doda became the
birthplace of India’s purple revolution.
Anand Marriage Act implemented in J&K, gives recognition to Sikh marriage rituals
• This Act provides statutory recognition to the marriage rituals of Sikhs, addressing
their longstanding demand to separate their marriages from the Hindu Marriage
Act.
• The newly formulated “Jammu and Kashmir Anand Marriage Registration Rules,
2023” outline the procedures for Anand marriages.
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Historical Context of the Anand Marriage Act

• The historical roots of the Anand Marriage Act date back to 1909 when the British Imperial Legislative
Council passed legislation recognizing the Sikh wedding ceremony, Anand Karaj.
• The Act aimed to acknowledge and respect the customs and practices of the Sikh community. In 2012, the
Parliament passed the Anand Marriage (Amendment) Bill, bringing Sikh traditional marriages under legal
recognition.
Jammu & Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023:

• The Lok Sabha has passed two significant bills related to Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at providing rights to
those who faced injustice and were deprived of their rights in the Union Territory.
• Aims to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004.
• Provides reservation in jobs and admission in professional institutions to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled
Tribes (STs), and other socially and educationally backward classes.

• The amendment suggests a change in the nomenclature of a section of people previously described as “weak
and underprivileged classes (social castes)” to “other backward classes.”
• Introduces changes to Section 2 of the 2004 Act.
• The bill provides for the reservation of 7 seats for the Scheduled Castes and 9 seats for the Scheduled Tribes in
the assembly.
Amendment:
• Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 Seeks to amend the Jammu and Kashmir
Reorganisation Act, 2019.
• Provides representation in the Legislative Assembly to Kashmiri migrants and displaced persons from
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• The bill proposes to increase the number of seats in the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly from 107 to
114.
• Out of these 114 seats, 24 seats will be reserved for the people of the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(POK).
• earlier there were 2 nominated members in the Assembly, now there will be 5
• Earlier there were 37 seats in Jammu which have now become 43, there were 46 seats in Kashmir earlier
which have now become 47 and 24 seats have been kept reserved for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Short News
• Jammu & Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated a tulip garden at Sanasar in Ramban district. It is
said to be the Union Territory’s second and Jammu division’s first tulip garden, and will help boost tourism in
the region
• Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju has released the first edition of the Dogri
version of the Constitution of India at University of Jammu.
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Ladakh
• Administratively, Ladakh is divided between Pakistan (northwest), as part of Gilgit-Baltistan, and India
(southeast), as part of Ladakh union territory (until October 31, 2019, part of Jammu and Kashmir state).
• Ladakh has adopted Snow Leopard and Black-Necked Crane, as State animal and State bird.
• Lt. Governor :B. D. Mishra
In Ladakh, the disputed areas include:

• Pangong Tso lake
• Galwan Valley, where Shyok and Galwan rivers meet
• Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), a key northern region close to the Karakoram Pass.
• The Hot Springs-Gogra area of the LAC
• Demchok which is close to the southernmost part of the LAC in Ladakh.
• Chushul , located on the southern bank of Pangong Tso Lake, has an airstrip and is near Rezang La pass on
the LAC.
Tribes (STs) : Festivals

• Balti Beda, Bot (or Boto), Brokpa (or Drokpa, • Hemis Festival
Dard, Shin), Changpa, Garra, Mon and • Thiksey, Karsha and Spituk Gustor
Purigpa. • Dosmochey Festival
• National Park – Hemis High Altitude National • Matho Nagrang Festival
Park • Stok Guru Tsechu Festival
• First GI Tag - Raktsey Karpo Apricot (2022) • Phyang Tsedup Festival
• Ramsar Wetland – Tsomoriri Lake
Hydro Tourism to be developed at NHPC Dam, near Alchi, Leh

• Ladakh Tourism department has collaborated with National Hydroelectric Power
Corporation (NHPC) to develop Hydro tourism at world's highest hydro power project on
the Indus river, near Alchi in Leh.
• Aquatic sports like Jet Skiing, Motorboating, Ice Skating during winter, and boating during
summer season will be rolled out in a phased manner.
• Similarly, tourism department is also introducing border tourism in cooperation with Fire
and Fury Corps of Indian Army.
Lt Governor R K Mathur launched ULPIN in Ladakh

• Ladakh Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur has launched the Unique Land Parcel
Identification Number (ULPIN) in Leh.
• The 14-digit ULPIN would help in the digitization of land records and also reach a
conclusive land titling - including settling and expediting land-related disputes in court
HCHF and Ladakh Tourism Dept organized annual Ethnic Mamani Festival
• The annual Ethnic Mamani Festival was organized at Historical Styangkung Village
and Chiktan Shagaran by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) and
Ladakh Tourism Department.
• The Steyangkung village:
• This village is being developed as one of the well-maintained heritage villages in
Ladakh.
• During Mamani Festival, people would exchange food with their relatives and neighbours and worship a
variety of spirits.
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Yaya Tso to become Ladakh’s first biodiversity heritage site

• Yaya Tso lake has been proposed as Ladakh's first biodiversity heritage site (BHS) under the Biological
Diversity Act.
About Yaya Tso Lake:
• It is known as a bird's paradise.
• Location: at an altitude of 4,820m in Ladakh.
• It is also one of India's highest breeding sites of the black-necked crane.
• The Secure Himalaya project is funded by the Global Environment Facility.
Ladakh hosted India's first frozen-lake marathon at Pangong Tso

• India's first "frozen-lake marathon" organized at the Pangong Tso, Ladakh on
February 20, 2023.
• The 21-kilometer marathon will be participated by 75 selected athletes from India
and abroad.
• The marathon is being called the "Last Run" to highlight the issue of climate change
• It was registered in the Guinness world record as the world’s highest frozen lake half marathon in sub-zero
temperature at 13,862 feet high Pangong Tso.
Cabinet approves construction of Shinku La Tunnel to provide all weather

connectivity in Ladakh
• The Union Cabinet approved the construction of the 4.1-km Shinkun La tunnel
on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road link to provide all-weather connectivity to
the border areas of Ladakh.
• The tunnel will be completed by December 2025 at a cost of Rs 1,681 crore.
• Another Zojila tunnel is also under construction which is on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh
National Highway.
About Shinku La Tunnel
• The Shinku-La tunnel will be constructed over the Shinku La Pass at a height of
16,580 feet.
• Shinku La is a mountain pass on the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
• It connects the Zanskar valley of Leh-Ladakh to Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh.
• It is situated to the north of Rohtang Pass.
• The length of the tunnel will be4.1 km.
• It will be built by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) under Project Yojkar.
Ladakh annual festival 'Monlam Chenmo’ held

• Ladakh celebrated annual five-day-long Great Prayer Festival, "Ladakh
Monlam Chenmo," in Leh (mass prayer camp by Buddhist monks and
nuns for world peace and happiness)
• The event is organized by the All Ladakh Gonpa Association.
• Smonlam Chenmo is a major annual prayer of the Sangha Community
of Ladakh gathered at one platform.
Indian Navy's Outreach Program "Jully Ladakh" (Hello Ladakh)

• The Indian Navy recently has launched an outreach program called "Julley Ladakh" (Hello Ladakh) to
increase awareness about the Navy and engage with the youth and civil society in Ladakh.
Key objectives of the "Julley Ladakh" initiative:
• Motivate the youth to consider joining the Indian Navy.
• Showcase "Nari Shakti," an initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, by including women officers and
spouses in the program.
• Interact with naval veterans and Veer Naris (war widows) in the region.
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Hemis Monastery Festival

• In Ladakh, two -day long annual Hemis Monastery Festival was celebrated.
• The festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padma Sambhava, a
revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
• Grand prayers, sacred mask dances and thanks for mural paintings are performed
on the occasion.
• It holds great cultural and spiritual significance, attracting many foreign tourists to Ladakh.
In Ladakh, construction for world's new highest motorable road

begins
• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has started a ground
breaking project to construct the ‘Likaru-Mig La-Fukche’
road in Ladakh.
• Goal: To establish the world’s highest motorable road,
spanning an altitude of approximately 19,400 feet,
surpassing the previous record held by Umling La Pass.
• The 64-km-long road will provide connectivity to the
military’s farthest outposts in the sensitive sector Fukche.
• Reportedly, an all-woman unit of the BRO began the construction of the Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road.
India launches first hydrogen fuel cell bus service in Leh

• India's first hydrogen fuel cell bus service begins in Leh (Ladakh),
marking the first commercial trial of this futuristic technology on
public roads.
• The venture is being executed by NTPC, India's largest power-
generating company.
• NTPC is supplying five hydrogen fuel cell buses to Leh Administration
for intra-city movement.
• The company has set up a fueling station and a 1.7 MW captive solar plant to generate green hydrogen,
which will be used to power buses.
• Ashok Leyland is the supplier of the buses.
• NTPC is committed to achieve 60 gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2032
India begins construction of world's highest combat airfield at Nyoma in Ladakh

• BRO is building the world's highest combat airfield at Nyoma in Ladakh.
• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone of this project at Devak
Bridge in Jammu on September 12, 2023.
• Nyoma, a major village in southern Ladakh, already hosts an Indian Air Force base
and an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG), established in 1962.
• The altitude of Nyoma reaches 4,180 meters (13,710 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest
altitudes in the region.
South East Asia's First Night Sky Sanctuary

• Ladakh will have South East Asia's first Night Sky Sanctuary at Hanle
• Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the Sanctuary is being
set up with the help of Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bengaluru, which
is affiliated to the Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India.
• The Dark Sky Reserve is being set up at Hanle village in Eastern Ladakh
as a part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. The Dark Sky Reserve will
host a number of optical, infrared, and gamma-ray telescopes.
• Dark Sky Reserve is an area which has minimum or no light pollution. Light pollution refers to the excess
amount of artificial light at night, which endangers the ecosystem by harming the animals whose lives
depend on the dark. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• It is adjacent to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, the second-highest optical telescope in the world, of
the Indian Institute of Astrophysics at Hanle is at an elevation of 4500 metres.
• The World’s highest astronomical observatory is the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory. It is located
at an altitude of 5,640 m
Chandigarh
• Chandigarh is bordered by the state of Haryana to the east.
• Chandigarh is bordered by Punjab to its south, west, and north.
• Chandigarh is famous for its urban design and architecture.
• It was designed by Le-Corbusier, a Swiss-French architect.
• Administrator: Banwarilal Purohit
North India’s largest floating Solar project inaugurated

• The Governor of Punjab, Banwari Lal Purohit inaugurated North India’s largest
floating Solar project of 2000 kWp at Water Works in Chandigarh.
• The project is designed and executed by CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy
and Science & Technology Promotion Society).
• It will generate a minimum of 35 Lac Units (kWh) of Solar Energy per year with
20% module efficiency.
The Government of NCT of Delhi

• The recommendations of S Balakrishnan Committee (1987), gave special status to Delhi.
• It says that the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi will have an Administrator and a Legislative
Assembly.
• Chief Minister : Arvind Kejriwal
• Lt. Governor :Vinai Kumar Saxena
• The Delhi Durbar of 1911 was a coronation ceremony that marked the transfer of India's capital from
Calcutta to Delhi.
Military Tattoo & Tribal Dance Festival-2023

• The Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs jointly organized Military
Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival – Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram Ka at Jawaharlal
Nehru stadium in New Delhi on the 23rd January 2023.
• Aim - to remember the sacrifices of the country’s brave hearts and celebrate the rich
cultural heritage, and to celebrate together the bravery of Netaji Subhas Chandra
Bose.
India’s 1st National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre to be built in Delhi

• A leading infrastructure company in India, GA Infra Pvt Ltd has been awarded
the contract for designing and constructing the country’s first National Metro
Rail Knowledge Centre.
• Near a projected cost of Rs 460 million, the centre will be built under a public-
private partnership (PPP) model and would be located at the Vishwavidyalaya
Metro Station in Delhi.
• The building is intended to serve as a hub for information and innovation for the Indian Metro train
networks. It will give all parties involved a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
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New Delhi World Book Fair 2023

• At Pragati Maidan in New Delhi from 25th
Febraury to 5th March 2023.
• The Union Education Minister Dharmendra
Pradhan inaugurated the fair.
• The 2023 theme of the fair is Azadi Ka Amrit
Mahotsav.
• The Guest of Honour Country: France
• 31st time
• NBT Chairman: Prof. Govind Prasad Sharma
National level Hackathon ‘KAVACH-2023’ launched

• A national-level hackathon, KAVACH-2023 was launched in New Delhi
to identify innovative ideas and technological solutions for addressing
the cybersecurity and cybercrime challenges of the 21st century.
• A 36-hour long event participated by youth from educational
institutions and registered start-ups.
• This Hackathon was jointly conducted by AICTE, the Bureau of Police Research and Development, and the
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
• Chairman, AICTE: T G Sitharam
North India's first Skin Bank inaugurated at New Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital
• This facility serves as a repository where deceased donors can donate their skin, which can be utilized in the
treatment of burns.
• Deceased donors can donate their skin within six hours of death. Once donated, the skin undergoes a
processing procedure and can then be used for treating burns and trauma patients.
• Out of the 16 existing skin banks in India, 7 are in Maharashtra, 4 in Chennai, 3 in Karnataka, and 1 each in
Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
Delhi’s Aurangzeb Lane to be renamed after ex-President APJ Abdul Kalam

• Nearly eight years after the Aurangzeb Road in Lutyens’ Delhi was
renamed Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road in 2015, the New Delhi Municipal
Council (NDMC) announced that the Aurangzeb Lane in the area will
similarly be renamed as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Lane.
• The stretch connects Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road with Prithviraj Road.
• Name changed as per section 231 of New Delhi Municipal Act, 1994.
Delhi launches first 'Water ATM' to provide clean water in water-scarce areas
• Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal recently inaugurated the city's first
'Water ATM', which aims to provide clean water to areas lacking piped
water supply.
• The Delhi government, plans to tackle water scarcity by setting up 500 RO
plants with integrated 'water ATM machines' in areas facing water supply
issues.
• The government will provide the necessary land, and the cost of ₹10 lakh per plant will be borne by the Delhi
Jal Board.
• Beneficiaries of this initiative will receive RFID cards from DJB, which will give them access to a daily free
water quota of 20 litres. Usage beyond this limit will attract a charge of 8 paise per litre.
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Jai Bhim Mukhyamatri Pratibha Vikas Yojna Launched By Delhi Government

• eligible students belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories get free competitive
examinations coaching under the “Jai Bhim Mukhyamatri Pratibha Vikas
Yojna.”
• This scheme was launched in 2018. That year it was launched only for SC & ST
students
New Delhi Hosts 'Space Tech And Aviation 2047' Conference

• A two-day international conference and exhibition on ‘Space Technology and Aviation in 2047’ was
organized by the Aeronautical Society of India (AESI) at New Delhi.
• Chief guest of the program: President Draupadi Murmu
Aeronautical Society of India (AESI):
• AESI was established in the year 1948 to promote the space technology and aviation sector in India
• Chairman: Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy (Former Secretary, Department of Defense Research and Development and
Chairman, DRDO)
Delhi And Fukuoka 'Friendship Agreement' For Strengthening In Culture

• The Delhi government and Japan's Fukuoka Prefecture have extended their 'Friendship Agreement' for
another three years, with an emphasis on collaboration in areas such as the environment, culture, tourism,
heritage, education, and youth exchange.
• The original agreement, which was signed on March 5, 2007, has now been extended until March 31, 2026.
• Japan continues to invest in Northeast India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to strengthen economic
relations.
Lakshadweep
• India’s smallest Union Territory Lakshadweep is an archipelago
consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km.
• The principal islands in the territory are Minicoy and those in
the Amindivi group.
• Administrator: Praful Patel
• Capital – Kavaratti
• Kolkali and Parichakali are the two popular folk art forms in the
Territory.
• As per details from Census 2011, Lakshadweep has population of 64
Thousands of which male and female are 33,123 and 31,350
respectively
PM appreciates ‘Nutri Garden Project’ in Lakshadweep

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has appreciated ‘Nutri Garden Project’ in Lakshadweep.
• The project was launched as a result of the development objective of self-reliant India in which vegetable
seeds were provided to 1000 farmers.
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State News
Himachal Pradesh
• On 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State. Himachal is in the western
Himalayas. Most of the state lies on the foothills of the Dhauladhar Range.
• Chief Minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
• Governor : Shiv Pratap Shukla
• Capital: Shimla
• Winter capital: Dharamshala, declared in 2017
• Date of Formation: 25th January 1971
• State Boundaries: Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh
• International boundaries: China
• Arts & Crafts
• Basholi and Kangra style Pahari paintings
• Kullu Shawls, Woollen caps, Chamba Rumal (Kangra style embroidery cloth)
State Animal: Snow Leopard • Simbalbara National Park

State Bird : Western Tragopan
State Flower : Pink Rhododendron Wildlife sanctuaries
State Tree: Deodar • Sechu Tuan Nalla, Chamba
UNESCO Sites • Rupi Bhaba, Kinnaur
• Kalka-Shimla Railways (Toy Train) • Pong Dam Sanctuary, Kangra
• Great Himalayan National Park • Dhauladhar, Kangra
• Renuka-Sirmaur
Ramsar Wetland Site • Gamgul-Siyabehi-Chamba
• Chandertal • Kibber-Lahaul & Spiti
• Pong dam
• Renuka Passes
• National Park • Rohtang Pass
• Great Himalayan National Park • Bara-Lacha La
• Pin Valley National Park • Shipki La
• Inderkilla National Park • Pin-Parvati Pass
• Khirganga National Park • Kunzum Pass
Himachal Pradesh targets to be first 'green energy state' by 2025

• Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
• The state government would invest in solar plants and will install 500 MW solar projects during the year
2023-24.
Himachal Pradesh govt restores old pension scheme

• The Old Pension Scheme assures life-long income, post-retirement, which is
equivalent to 50% of the last drawn salary. Government bears the pension expense.
• Employees also get the benefit of the revision of Dearness Relief (DR)
• Moreover, under the OPS, there was the provision of the General Provident Fund (GPF). The scheme was
discontinued in 2004.
• The Central Government introduced the National Pension System (NPS) with effect from January 2004
(except for armed forces).
• NPS is being implemented and regulated by PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority) in
the country.
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• The All-Citizens Model of the NPS allows all citizens of India (including NRIs) aged between 18 - 70 years to
join NPS.
• It is a participatory scheme, where employees contribute to their pension corpus from their salaries, with
matching contributions from the government.
• Even private individuals can opt for the scheme.
First State In India To Have Organized Cultivation Of Mulethi : Himachal Pradesh

• Licorice (Mulethi)
• The roots have a sweet taste due to the presence of glycyrrhizin, which is 50
times sweeter than sucrose.
• It has been traditionally known and used as medicine in Ayurveda (known in
Ayurveda as ‘Yashtimadhu’) for rejuvenation.
Uses:
• It is also used in traditional medicines against chest and lung diseases.
• It has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial
• It is known to boost immunity due to the increase in the production of macrophage and lymphocytes.
• It helps in weight loss as it contains flavonoids that help to reduce excessive fats accumulated in the body.
HP signs MoU with French Agency to improve drinking water, sanitation

• Himachal Pradesh signed an MoU with the French Development Agency Agence
Francaise de Development (AFD) for Rs 817.12 crore project.
• Objective: To develop better sewerage facilities in five towns of the state - Manali,
Bilaspur, Palampur, Nahan and Karsog.
• The beneficiaries of the project would receive house service connections in these
five cities
• HP CM: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Que:Which state/UT repealed the ‘Loktantra Prahari Samman Act’ 2021?

Ans: Himachal Pradesh
• The Act provides a monthly pension of Rs 20,000 and Rs 12,000 to the people who
lodged in jails during the Emergency from 1975 to 1977.
Que:Which state becomes the first to prepare a DNA database for the identification of
unidentified dead bodies?
• The process of creating this database had started in April 2022. So far, the
database holds records of 150 DNA samples of unidentified bodies.
Himachal Pradesh Sukh Ashraya Bill 2023

• The Himachal Pradesh government proposed to introduce the HP Sukh Ashraya
(Care, Protection and Self Reliance of Children) Bill, 2023 in the State Assembly.
• Aim: To provide proper care protection, development, and self-reliance to
orphans, semi-orphans, and specially-abled children
• The state government will be providing shelter, food, clothing, etc. till the age of
27 years along with higher education, vocational training, skill development, and
coaching facilities.
• Apart from stipends to meet their personal expenses, the government will also provide them with financial
assistance to establish their own start-ups.
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Que: Which state government has launched a new project, ‘Sanjeevani” to ensure that livestock is provided
quality treatment in a time-bound manner?
• The doorstep veterinary services will have curative treatment, vaccination, artificial insemination, preventive
care and all animal husbandry-related information.
• This initiative will serve farmers at 44 blocks located in 12 districts of the state.
• Capital – Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter)
• Chief Minister – Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu
• Governor – Shiv Pratap Shukla
Que:Indira Gandhi Mahila Samman Nidhi was launched in which state/UT?

• The Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to provide Rs.1,500 each month to all
women aged 18 to 60 years in Spiti valley as Indira Gandhi Mahila Samman Nidhi.
• The eligible women include Buddhist nuns.
Himachal CM Sukhu launches 'Him Data Portal'

• 'Him Data Portal’ - a common digital platform to integrate data of all organizations
• For the deliverance of welfare schemes and to better serve the public.
• From July 2023, the HP government would start the Him Parivar project which would
give a special digital identity to the people of the State.
• Information about essential facilities like ration cards, family registers, electricity,
drinking water etc. would be available online
HPCL to set up Rs 500 cr ethanol plant in Una

• An ethanol plant would be set up in Una district by Hindustan Petroleum
Corporation Limited (HPCL) with an outlay of Rs 500 crore.
• The government will invest 50% equity in the project and would extend
cooperation to the company for setting up the plant
• The plant would provide employment and self-employment opportunities to the local people and farmers
from Kangra, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur
• HPCL CMD: Pushp Kumar Joshi
Himachal Pradesh CM launched collateral-free loan scheme - 'Sashakt Mahila Loan

Yojana'
• The ‘Sashakt Mahila Rin Yojna’ is an initiative of Himachal Pradesh State
Cooperative Bank (HPSCB), which will provide loans to women for pursuing their
entrepreneurial dreams, engage in livelihood activities, fulfil their day to day needs and uplift their families
• Thr applicants need not to provide any assets or collateral as security against the loan amount.
• Under the scheme, the bank offers credit of Rs 21,000, Rs 51,000 and Rs 1,01,000 at a relatively low-interest
rate of 8.51 per cent.
• Governor- Shiv Pratap Shukla
• Chief Minister - Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu
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Himachal CM Sukhu launches SABAL Yojna to empower specially-abled children

• Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Mukhya Mantri Sporting Abilities, Rebuilding
Aspirations and Livelihood Scheme (SABAL).
• Objective: To take care of specially-abled children in around 400 schools across Hamirpur, Solan, and
Shimla districts.
• Aim: To improve the lives of specially-abled children in the state.
• The initiative focuses on providing essential facilities and opportunities for them.
Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Department Launches ‘Mobile Van Program’

to Promote Natural Farming
• ‘Mobile Van Program’ as part of the ‘Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan
Yojana’ to advance eco-friendly and natural farming practices.
• The ‘Mobile Van Program’ aims to promote natural farming and eco-
friendly practices by delivering fresh, organic produce to consumers
and encouraging the adoption of chemical-free farming methods.
• Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Launch Date: May 14, 2018
Anurag Thakur inaugurates Synthetic Athletic Tracks

• The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur has inaugurated the newly-built 6-lane 200
Metre Synthetic Athletic Track at the Sports Authority of India High Altitude
Training Centre in Shilaroo, Himachal Pradesh.
• This is the very first track of the country built at an altitude of 8,000 feet. The
SAI centre in Shilaroo also houses the high-altitude Hockey Synthetic Track.
Himachal govt introduces bill to regulate appointment of VCs in State

• The bill seeks to empower Himachal Pradesh government to “aid and advise”
the governor in the appointment of vice-chancellors in two agriculture and horticulture universities in the
state.
• The proposed legislation — The Himachal Pradesh Universities of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry
(Amendment) Bill, 2023 — will be applicable to Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalay, Palampur,
and Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan.
• At present, the VCs are appointed by the governor who is also the chancellor of the state-run universities on
the recommendation of the selection committee consisting of a nominee of the governor, chairman of the
Indian Council of Agricultural Research and chairman of the University Grants Commission or his nominee.
Country’s First Cartography Museum Inaugurated In Mussorie

• To celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27, Satpal Maharaj, the Minister of Tourism and Culture in
Uttarakhand, officially opened India’s First Cartography Museum, which will be known as the Sir George
Everest Museum.
• The museum is situated in Park Estate, which used to be the residence of the
famous surveyor Sir George Everest
• Cartography is the art, science, and technology of making and using maps.
• The minister also named a helipad at the George Everest estate after the
brilliant mathematician Radhanath Sikdar.
• Sikdar achieved the remarkable feat of calculating the height of the world’s
highest peak, Mount Everest, for the first time in history in 1852.
• During the ceremony, Minister Maharaj proudly shared that Sarmoli village in Pithoragarh district had
received the prestigious Best Tourist Village award in the Government of India’s Tourism Village
competition.
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Himachal Pradesh State Launched AI-powered Vidhya Samiksha Kendra

• Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the
'Vidhya Samiksha Kendra' in Shimla, a data repository that will contain
data of all the schemes run by the Ministry of Education (MoE).
• Aim of Vidhya Samiksha Kendra - tracking student enrolment, progress in
their learning levels, Out of School Children mainstreamed, textbook
delivery, support required by teachers and schools, etc.
• It marks a significant step towards achieving excellence in education through technology and data
integration.
Uttarakhand
• Language: Gharwali, Kumaoni, Hindi
• Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
National Park
• Governor: Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh
• Corbett National Park
• Capital: Dehradun (God’s Land – Dev Bhoomi)
• Gangotri National Park
• (In 2007, Uttaranchal was renamed as
Nanda Devi National Park
Uttarakhand)
• Rajaji National Park
• Date of Formation: 09, November 2000
• Valley of Flowers National Park
• International Borders: China (Tibet), Nepal
• Govind National Park
• State Borders: Himachal Pradesh, Uttar
Wildlife Sanctuary
Pradesh
• Govind wildlife sanctuary
• Char-Dhams: Badrinath, Kedarnath,
• Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary
Gangotri, Yamunotri
• State Animal: Himalayan Musk deer
Passes
• State Flower: Brahm Kamal
• Mana Pass
• State Tree: Burans
• Niti Pass
• State Bird: Himalayan Monal
• Lipu Lekh Pass
• Traill’s Pass
• Muling La
Uttarakhand Govt abolishes system of revenue/Patwari police

• All the revenue villages will now be under the regular policing system.
• It was introduced by the British in the hilly state 150 years back. Under the
system the civil officials/patwari of the Revenue department had the power to
investigate and arrest the offenders just like police.
• According to the government the revenue police lacked the necessary skill
required for criminal investigations.
The 'Soul of Steel' challenge launched in Uttarakhand

• launched on January 14, to test endurance at high altitude.
• Location: Nanda Devi National Park.
• The Indian Army has signed an MoU with CLAW (Conquest land air and
water) Global to promote adventure sports in Uttarakhand and promote
tourism in the border states.
• The CLAW Global was set up in January 2019 by Major (retd) Vivek Jacob, a
retired para special forces officer.
• Apart from life skill training and youth development, it will promote adventure tourism in Uttarakhand
globally.
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Uttarakhand passed the Women's Reservation Bill

• Uttarakhand Governor Gurmeet Singh has given assent to a bill providing for 30% horizontal reservation for
domiciled women citizens of the state in public services and posts.
• The bill known as the Uttarakhand Public Services (Horizontal Reservation for Women) Bill 2022 was passed
by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on November 30 during the winter session.
Luminous Power Technologies to build India's first green solar panel factory in Uttarakhand
• The new manufacturing plant located in Rudrapur is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2023.
• The facility will help enable a solar generation capacity of 500 MW per annum,
which can be scaled up to 1 GW.
• The plant has been certified as a green facility by the Indian Green Building Council
(IGBC) and will reduce CO2 emissions by over 70 million tonnes per year.
• CEO and Managing Director of Luminous Power Technologies – Preeti Bajaj
Construction of "Bajrang Setu" to be completed by July 2023

• Asia's second and country's first cable suspension bridge "Bajrang Setu" is being
constructed at Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, and will be completed by July 2023.
• This bridge is coming up next to the famous 90-year-old Laxman Jhula.
• Laxman Jhula was closed in 2022 as it wasn't safe for pedestrians anymore.
• However, it will not be removed and will be preserved as a heritage.
• The construction of the new bridge would cost Rs 67 crores.
Protest Against Bokang-Baling Hydroelectric Project

Bokang-Baling Hydroelectric Project:
• It is a proposed hydroelectric project on river Dhauliganga in the
Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand.
• It has a proposed installed capacity of 165 MW.
• The project involves the construction of a concrete gravity dam of
65 m from river bed level and an underground Power House.
• The project is being implemented by THDC India Limited.
Dhauliganga river:
• Origin: It rises in the vicinity of the Niti Pass in the border regions between Garhwal region of Uttarakhand
and southwestern Tibet.
• It meets the Alaknanda River(the major source stream of the Ganges river) at Vishnuprayag in Uttarakhand.
• It is one of the important tributaries of Alaknanda, the other being the Nandakini, Pindar, Mandakini, and
Bhagirathi.
• Length: The length of this river is about 94 km.
• Tapovan, which is famous for its hot springs, is located on the banks of Dhauliganga.
THDC India Limited:

• THDC India Limited (Formerly Tehri Hydro Development
Corporati on Limited) is a company jointly owned by the
Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
• It was registered as a Public Limited Company in 1988 under
the Companies Act 1956 to operate and maintain the Tehri
Hydro Power Complex and other Hydro Projects.
• It is a Mini Ratna Category-I Enterprise.
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Strict Anti-Copying Law comes into force in Uttarakhand

• The country's strictest Anti-Copying Law has come into force in Uttarakhand and has been approved by
Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh
• It is termed as Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Prevention and Prevention of Unfair
Means in Recruitment) Ordinance 2023.
• This comes after the UKPSC paper leak which led to cancellation of exam for around 1.4 lakh government job
aspirants.
• Under this, a provision to impose a fine of 10 crores rupees along with life imprisonment or 10 years in jail
for the copycat mafia is there.
• If a student leaks paper in the recruitment examinations, or passes the examination by cheating, then that
student will be banned for 10 years.
Uttarakhand govt approves 10 % horizontal reservation for statehood activists in state govt jobs
• The decision assumes significance since the governor had returned the bill granting 10 per cent reservation
to the statehood activists in the past.
• Uttarakhand was formed in November 2000, before that there were
agitations regarding its formation.
About Uttarakhand
• Formation - November 9, 2000 as 27th state of India
• Chief Minister - Pushkar Singh Dhami
• Governor -Gurmit Singh
• Capital – Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer)
• State Animal - Alpine Musk Deer
• State Bird - Himalayan Monal
• State Flower - Brahma Kamal
Asia’s largest 4-metre liquid mirror telescope inaugurated in Uttarakhand

• Union MoS (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra
Singh has inaugurated Asia’s largest 4-meter International Liquid
Mirror Telescope (ILMT) at Devasthal in Uttarakhand.
• It is situated at an altitude of 2450 meters at the observatory,
which lies at the campus of Aryabhatta Research Institute of
Observational Sciences.
• The ILMT employs a 4-meter-diameter rotating mirror, which was
made up of a thin layer of liquid mercury, to collect and focus light.
Uttarakhand becomes 1st state to start insurance scheme for sericulturists

• Uttarakhand has become India's first state to launch the Resham Keet
Bima scheme for sericulturists.
• In the first phase of this pilot project, 200 sericulturists from five blocks of
four districts -- Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital --
have been insured from the ill effects of climate change, scarcity of water,
and other hazards.
• This scheme will be run under Saral Krishi Beema.
Haldwani to get a sports university

• The international stadium of Haldwani will be upgraded into a
sports university.
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Uttarakhand government launched A HELP Program

• Uttarakhand CM, Pushkar Singh Dhami has launched a program named ‘A-
HELP’ (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production).
• Women (Pashu Sakhis) have been chosen to strengthen livestock-related
activities in remote rural areas
• Trained A-HELPs will help to prevent the various infectious diseases of
animals, and artificial insemination under Rashtriya Gokul Mission, tagging of
animals and animal insurance.
• The programme was successfully piloted in State of Madhya Pradesh and J&K (UT).
Mana village on India-China border in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district

declared as ‘India’s first village’ by BRO
• This decision is based on the initiative by PM Modi to declare all
border villages in the country as the first villages and not the last as
they are usually called.
• Mana village is situated near Himalayan temple, Badrinath. Devotees
going to the temple usually go up to the village for sightseeing.
Tungnath Temple delared Monument of National Importance

• The central government recently issued a notification declaring
the ancient temple of Tungnath as a monument of national
importance.
• Tungnath Temple is located in Rudraprayag District,
Uttarakhand.
• It is the highest Shiva temple in the world nestled at an altitude
of 3680 meters.
• It is one of the Panch Kedars and is believed to have belonged to an ancient era almost 1000 years old.
• Panch Kedar is a group of five sacred shrines of Lord Shiva located in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand.
• Panch Kedar - Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar or Madmaheshwar and Kalpeshwar.
• It was built in the North Indian style of architecture and has a dozen shrines of other Gods surrounding the
temple.
Que:Which state launched the ‘Patch Reporting App’ to make the roads in state free of
pot holes?
Ans: Uttarakhand
• Patch Reporting App was launched recently by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister to
make the roads free of potholes in the state.
• It was developed by the state’s Public Works Department.
• This app allows any person to submit a detailed complaint by capturing pictures
of potholes on the nearby roads.
Gangotri National Park : Transfer Of Land To The Army And Indo-Tibetan

Border Police
• Gangotri National Park (GNP) in Uttarakhand, has decided to transfer
approximately 50 hectares of land to the Army and Indo-Tibetan
Border Police (ITBP) for the development of new bunkers and border
outposts near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Gangotri National Park was established in 1989 in Uttarkashi,
Uttarakhand.
• It is located in the upper catchment of the Bhagirathi River and
includes Gaumukh at Gangotri Glacier, the source of the river Ganga,
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• The park serves as a connecting link between Govind National Park and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) ,est. 1962; HQ: New Delhi, is a central paramilitary force responsible
for border guarding duties along the Sino-India Border, covering a distance of 3,488 km from Karakoram Pass
in Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.
Uttarakhand CM honours ‘Loktantra Senani’, increases pension funds

• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami honored the people of
Uttarakhand who fought against the Emergency in 1975.
• The CM announced that the dependents of Loktantra Senani will be given a
pension fund and the honorarium of Loktantra Senani has been increased
from Rs 16,000 to Rs 20,000.
• The Emergency was declared in 1975 by former PM Indira Gandhi and was in
effect for 21 months.
• Chief Minister – Pushkar Singh Dhami
• Governor – Gurmit Singh
Harela Festival 2023 begins in Uttarakhand

• Harela is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in the hill states of Uttarakhand
and some regions of Himachal Pradesh.
• The festival symbolizes happiness, prosperity, peace, environment, and nature
conservation.
• Harela and Bhitauli Festivals are the prominent folk festivals of Uttarakhand,
celebrated in the Kumaon Region.
• Governor – Gurmit Singh
Shelf Cloud : Recently Appeared In Uttarakhand’s Haridwar

A terrifying shelf cloud recently appeared in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar.
What are shelf clouds?
• A “shelf cloud” or “Arcus cloud” generally forms along the leading
edge of thunderstorms.
• Resembling a shelf hanging from the sky, a ‘shelf cloud’ is a wide,
low-lying, horizontal cloud formation characterized by a clearly
defined line of solid clouds.
• Shelf clouds can be scary, but they usually don’t cause tornadoes or extremely dangerous weather on their
own
How are Shelf Clouds formed?
Shelf clouds form when cold and dense air is forced into a warmer air mass by wind.
Shelf clouds produced by thunderstorms are always preceded by a rush of dry and cold air ahead of the cloud, with
rain arriving after the shelf cloud has passed overhead.
Rozgar Prayag Portal’

• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the Rozgar
Prayag Portal and ‘Yuva Uttarakhand App’ in the
‘Uttarakhand Youth Festival-2023’ program organized in
Dehradun.
• The portal has been developed for the youth with the aim
of providing employment opportunities in the state on a
single portal.
• The 'Yuva Uttarakhand App' was also launched to make
government schemes easily accessible to the youth.
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Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project

• Cabinet has approved inclusion of Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project
of Uttarakhand under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-
Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, of Department of Water
Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
• The cabinet has approved central support of Rs.1,557.18 crore to
Uttarakhand for completion of the project with estimated cost of
Rs.2,584.10 crore by March, 2028.
• The project envisages construction of a dam near Jamrani village

across river Gola, a tributary of river Ram Ganga, in Nainital district
of Uttarakhand.
• Hydro power generation of about 63.4 Million Units with installed
capacity of 14 MW power plant
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched during the year 2015-16, with an aim to
enhance physical access of water on farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on-
farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc.
• Government of India has approved implementation of PMKSY during 2021-26 with an overall outlay of
Rs.93,068.56 crore.
Uttarakhand To Become The First State after Goa To Adopt The Uniform Civil Code
• Uttarakhand is reportedly set to become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code
• The Uttarakhand government will convene a special session of its Legislative Assembly, to pass the bill -
granting it legal status
• The UCC is a proposal to formulate and implement personal laws which will apply uniformly to all citizens
regardless of their religion, gender or sexual orientation.
• The code comes under Article 44 of the Constitution, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
• The only state in India that has a UCC is Goa, which retained its common family law known as the Goa Civil
Code after it was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961
• The rest of India follows different personal laws based on their religious or community identity.
Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand

• In NEWS: The under-construction tunnel from the Silkyara side
had collapsed on November 13 trapping 41 workers in the 2 km
stretch towards the Barkot side.
• The Silkyara-Barkot tunnel is part of the ambitious Char Dham all-
weather road project of the Central Government.
• Atal Tunnel: Atal Tunnel (also known as Rohtang Tunnel) is a
highway tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir
Panjal range of the Himalayas on the Leh-Manali Highway in
Himachal Pradesh, India.
• At a length of 9.02 km, it is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet
(3,048 m) in the world.
• Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel: This 11.2 km long tunnel is India's
longest transportation railway tunnel.
• It runs through the Pir Panjal mountain range between Quazigund and Baramulla.
• Jawahar Tunnel: It is also called Banihal Tunnel. The length of the tunnel is 2.85 km.
• The tunnel facilitates round-the-year road connectivity between Srinagar and Jammu.
• Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Road Tunnel: It was previously known as Chenani-Nashri Tunnel and is the
longest road tunnel of India.The length of this road tunnel is 9.3 km.
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PM Modi to inaugurate Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit in Dehradun

• Global Investors Summit 2023’ at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.
• theme : “Peace to Prosperity”.
• ‘Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit 2023’ is a step towards
establishing Uttarakhand as a new investment destination.
Punjab
• The first known documentation of the word ‘Punjab’ is in the writings of Ibn Batuta, who visited the region in
the fourteenth century.
• Chandigarh is common capital of states of Punjab and Haryana.
• It is a Union Territory
Chief Minister: Bhagwant Singh Mann Doabs

Governor : Banwarilal Purohit • Jech (Lies between Jhelum and Chenab River)
Date of Formation: November 01, 1966 • Rechna (Lies between Ravi and Chenab River)
State Border: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, • Bari (Lies between Ravi and Beas River)
Haryana, Rajasthan • Bist (Lies between Beas and Sutlej River)
International Border: Pakistan
State Animal: Blackbug Wildlife Sanctuary
State Bird: BAccipiter Gentills (Baaz) • Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary
State Tree: Shisham • Jhajjar-Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bir Bhadson Wildlife Sanctuary
Dances • Bir Aishwan Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhangra • Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Giddha • Harike Wildlife Sanctuary
Art & Crafts • Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Phulkari or flower embroidery wood inlay of • Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary
Hoshiarpur on black shisham wood. • Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bir Mehas Wildlife Sanctuary
Ramsar Wetlands • Bir Dosanjh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kanjli • Kathlaur Kushlian Wildlife Sanctuary
Harike
Ropar
The first-ever “National Genome Editing & Training Centre” inaugurated at Mohali
• Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated
“National Genome Editing and Training Centre (NGETC)” at National Agri-food
Biotechnology Institute (NABI) Mohali in Punjab.
• He also inaugurated the 4-day International Conference on Food and Nutrition
Security 2023.
National Genome Editing and Training Centre (NGETC)
• The center will help in improving crops in present climate scenarios and making
them more tolerant to changing environmental conditions.
• It will also empower young researchers by providing them training and guidance regarding its application in
crops.
What is Genome Editing?
• Genome editing, also known as gene editing, alters the deoxy-ribonucleic acid (DNA) of an organism.
• These technologies allow genetic material to be added, removed, or changed at particular locations in the
genome.
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First state-level ‘shrimp mela’ in Punjab

• Punjab's first state level 'Prawn Fair' began on February 17 in Muktsar
district.
• This mela is an effort of the state government to create more awareness
about shrimp farming.
• In this, experts will help farmers understand about aquaculture.
• Shrimp farming began in the state in 2016-17.
• Five south-western districts of Punjab, Muktsar, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Bathinda and Faridkot are known for
shrimp farming.
Why was shrimp farming introduced in Punjab?

• South-west Punjab has saline groundwater which is not suitable for agriculture. Waterlogging is a perennial
problem in this belt.
• Therefore, shrimp farming was proposed as a solution for farmers whose land was lying unutilized.
• The project was funded jointly by the central and state government.
• By 2022-23, a total of 1,212 acres of land has been taken up for shrimp farming in southwest Punjab, with a
total production of 2,413 tonnes of shrimp.
Punjab government launched Punjab's 'CM di Yogshala' programme

• The Punjab government has launched the 'CM di Yogshala' program and portal in Punjab.
• Aim: To create a mass movement to carve out a healthy and prosperous Punjab
• The initiative was initially launched for four cities of the state: Patiala, Amritsar, Ludhiana,
and Phagwara
• The formation of these Yogshalas will be under a pilot project.
• Trained Yoga instructors will impart free Yoga training to people in open parks and other public places.
• Punjab CM: Bhagwant Mann
Punjab becomes first state to enforce 'right to walk'

• Punjab has become the first state in India to implement the 'right to walk' by making
it mandatory for all road-owning agencies to provide footpaths and cycle tracks in all
future expansions of roads and construction.
• Reason: Every month more than 10 pedestrians/ bicycle riders are killed in road
accidents due to encroachment on pedestrian footpaths
• Road-owning agencies include NHAI, the public works department, local bodies, and
urban development departments.
Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 : Amendment

• The Punjab Assembly has amended the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 to allow the
broadcast of Gurbani (sacred hymns) from Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
to be accessible to all media outlets free of cost.
• This move aims to break the alleged monopoly of PTC, a television channel
associated with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) party.
• The decision has sparked controversy, with the opposition party questioning the Punjab Assembly’s
authority to amend the Gurdwaras Act without the consent of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak
Committee (SGPC).
• The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee est. 1920; HQ: Amritsar is an organization in India
responsible for the management of Gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship in the states of Punjab and Himachal
Pradesh and the union territory of Chandigarh.
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Punjab Police launches OPS Clean

• Punjab Police has launched a massive state-wide operation named “OPS Clean” to make state drugs free
• The police teams raided & recovered heroin, poppy husk, opium, illicit liquor, etc.
• Capital – Chandigarh
• Chief Minister – Bhagwant Mann
• Governor – Banwarilal Purohit
Punjab sets target of sowing paddy in 5 lakh acres of land through DSR method
• The direct seeded rice (DSR target) for this season is 2.5 times more than the
previous Kharif season (2.12 lakh acres).
• To encourage farmers to adopt the DSR method, the government has provided
subsidy on seed drill, herbicides and weedicides.
• The state government has engaged experts to provide technical guidance and
monitoring to the farmers.
What is the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method?

• Also known as the 'broadcasting seed technique’, it is a water-saving method of sowing paddy in
agriculture.
• In DSR, the paddy seeds are directly drilled into the fields, eliminating the need for transplanting rice
seedlings from a nursery to waterlogged fields.
Advantages of DSR Method
• Helps in conserving groundwater compared to the traditional method, which requires extensive water for
maintaining waterlogged conditions.
• DSR offers reduced labor and time required for transplanting.
• It also minimizes weed growth, DSR provides less opportunity for weed establishment.
• However, implementing DSR requires adequate knowledge and skills in seed selection, sowing depth, and
timing to achieve optimal results.
• DSR contributes to sustainable agriculture by reducing water usage, conserving natural resources, and
improving overall crop productivity.
State Health Minister launches "Mission Intensified IndraDhanush” 5.0

• Punjab state Health Minister Balbir Singh launched "Mission Intensified
Indra Dhanush” 5.0 from Dr BR Ambedkar Medical College in Mohali.
• Aim: To provide vaccination against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
(VPD) i.e. diphtheria, Whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis,
hepatitis B, meningitis and pneumonia.
• The main purpose of the launch of this mission is to cover those pregnant
women who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated as well as children left
out and drop out in the age group of 0-5 years.
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• Mission Indradhanush was launched in 2014 as a special drive to expand full immunization coverage in
India.
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW).
• Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI)
• It was launched in October 2017.
• Under IMI, greater focus was given on urban areas which were one of the gaps of Mission
Indradhanush.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Lays Foundation Stone Of Saragarhi Memorial In Ferozpur

• About 126 years ago, on 12 September 1897, 21 brave soldiers of the 36th
Sikh Regiment of the British-Indian Army gave their martyrdom while fighting
against about 10 thousand Afghani tribesmen.
• The 36th Sikh Regiment is now known as the 4th Sikh Regiment of the Indian
Army.
• These martyrs were honored with the highest Indian military bravery award, Indian Order of Merit at that
time, equal to the Paramvir Chakra presently.
PUSA-44
• Recently, Punjab Chief Minister announced that the state will ban the
cultivation of the PUSA-44 paddy variety from next year onwards.
• It is a paddy variety which was developed in 1993 by the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Farmers claim that PUSA-44 yields nearly 34 to 40 quintals per acre, while
other varieties’ yield average is 28 to 30 quintals per acre.
Concerns
• It is a long-duration variety, taking around 160 days to mature.
• This is around 35 to 40 days more than other varieties, requiring 5-6 extra cycles of irrigation.
• With Punjab facing severe groundwater depletion and the availability of short-duration paddy varieties, the
government aims to conserve one month of irrigation water by banning the variety.
• Moreover, this variety is also known to exacerbate the long-running issue of stubble burning in the state.
• This variety generates around 2 per cent more stubble than short varieties, which becomes a significant
concern when cultivated on a large scale.
Gadkari inaugurates 418-feet national flag at Attari-Wagah border, tallest in country

• Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated a 418-feet national flag, the tallest in
the country, at Attari in Punjab's Amritsar district.
• The Union minister said a surveillance system has been fitted atop the flag
which will help the BSF troops keep track of the activities near the border.
• The Part IV-A of the Constitution (which consists of only one Article 51-A) specifies the eleven Fundamental
Duties.
• According to Article 51A (a), it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to abide by the Constitution and
respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
• The Indian flag was adopted in its present form during a meeting of the Constituent Assembly held on 22nd
July 1947.
‘Hope Initiative’
• In Punjab, efforts to make the state completely drug-free are going at different levels currently.
• The state government also started the mission ‘Hope Initiative’ in this regard from Amritsar.
• This anti-drug ‘Hope Initiative’ has been embarked with a three fold strategy of Pray, Pledge, and Play which
is first of its kind mass movement against drugs to break the backbone of this menace.
IIT Ropar Discovers Rare Metal ‘Tantalum’ In Sutlej River, Join

Punjab
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• A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar, found the presence of tantalum, a
rare metal, in the Sutlej river sand in Punjab.
• Tantalum is a rare metal with the atomic number 73.
• The rare metal has been named after a Greek mythological figure,
Tantalus.
• According to experts, the presence of
tantalum is significant not only for Punjab but
also India as the metal is widely used in
electronics and semiconductors.
• It possesses high corrosion resistance
because, when exposed to air, it forms an
oxide layer that is extremely difficult to remove, even when it interacts with strong and hot acid
environments.
• When pure, tantalum is ductile, meaning it can be stretched, pulled, or drawn into a thin wire or thread
without breaking.
• It is almost completely immune to chemical attack at temperatures below 150°C and is attacked only by
hydrofluoric acid, acidic solutions containing the fluoride ion, and free sulphur trioxide.”
• It also has an extremely high melting point, exceeded only by tungsten
Haryana
• Haryana came into existence on 1st November 1966.
• Haryana is a state in Northern India. The state shares its boundaries with Rajasthan in the south and west,
Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in the north, and the territory of Delhi in the east.
• Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar
• Governor : Bandaru Dattatreya
• Capital Chandigarh
• Date of formation 1st November 1966 Rivers
• State boundary Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, • Yamuna, Saraswati, Ghaggar, Markanda,
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan Tangri, Chautang
• State Animal Black Buck
• State Bird Black Francolin Wildlife Sanctuaries
• State Tree Peepal • Abubshehar Wildlife Sanctuary
• State Flower Lotus • Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bir Shikargarh Wildlife Sanctuary
National Parks • Chinchilla Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sultanpur National Park • Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kalesar National Park • Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary
• Morni Hills (Khol-Hi-Raritan) Wildlife
Dances Sanctuary
• Phag, Dhamal, Ratvai • Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary
North India's first nuclear power plant to be set up in Gorakhpur, Haryana

• Union MoS, Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh announced that
North India's first nuclear power plant would be set up in Gorakhpur
in Fatehabad district, Haryana.
• The plant will be built on 560 hectares of land.
• Aim: To generate 2800 MW
• The first phase will be completed by 2025 and the second by 2028.
• The project will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 20,594 crores.
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36th edition of the Surajkund Crafts Mela held in Faridabad, Haryana

• From February 3 to February 19, 2023.
• It was organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism
in association with the Ministry of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, and
External Affairs.
• It was inaugurated by the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar.
• Theme state 2023: North-East region
• Partner nation: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
New Haryana excise policy: imposes ₹5 cow cess on each liquor bottle sold
• The new excise policy was approved in the cabinet meeting chaired by chief
minister Manohar Lal Khattar
• Under Haryana's new excise policy, buyers will be charged Rs 5 cow cess per
liquor bottle in order to generate funds for the welfare of cows in the state.
• “Currently, there are 650 cow shelters across the state, including 23 in
Gurugram that house around 5,00,000 stray cattle.
India’s first hydrogen-powered train to run from Jind district, Haryana

• The first hydrogen-powered trains in India are expected to start from
the Jind district of Haryana by 2024.
• The officials informed that the plant development has entered the final
phase and hydrogen will be produced from water.
• The Hydrogen fuel-based train of eight bogies will be environment-
friendly.
• Presently, trains are being run on diesel and electricity.
• The officials claimed that hydrogen-powered trains are running only in Germany and China.
Haryana govt planning to build a dam to prevent Yamuna Floods

• The Haryana government is planning to build a dam at a cost of 6,134 crore
rupees.
• It will be built 4.5 km upstream from the Hathnikund Barrage in Yamunanagar
district.
• Once the project is completed, the state will have greater availability of
irrigation water, groundwater recharge, and aquaculture, apart from the
generation of 250 MW of electricity.
• This is likely to prevent floods caused by the Yamuna in Delhi and in adjoining
areas of the river in Haryana. The dam area also shares borders with
Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
• 9 villages will be displaced for its construction, besides shifting an 11-km stretch of NH-73. It will also
submerge a large chunk of forest land, including areas in Kalesar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Que:Which state government has decided to allow all restaurants across the state to remain open 24×7?
Ans: Haryana
• The decision was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala.
• The restaurants will have to register with the Labour Department and follow other terms and conditions
(Section 9 and 10 of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958).”
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CM Khattar Launched expanded Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu Haryana Yojana

• Manohar Lal Khattar, on November 1 2023 (Haryana Divas), launched an expanded
Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu Haryana Yojana
• The Yojana was launched on 21 November 2022. It was basically an extension of the
Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat scheme.
• CHIRAYU stands for "Comprehensive Health Insurance of Antyodaya Units".
• It extended the benefits to eligible families having annual income up to Rs 1.80 lakhs.
• This limit has been now extended to Rs 3 lakhs per annum.
• The beneficiary families can avail treatment for his family of up to Rs. 5 lakh free of cost from any
Government Hospital and Empanelled Private Hospital in State.
• Haryana was founded on November 1, 1966, after partitioning the former state of Punjab into Hindi-
speaking Haryana and Punjabi-speaking Punjab.
Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube:

• The world’s first portable hospital, ‘Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube’, was unveiled recently in
Gurugram.
• Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube is the world’s first portable hospital.
• Designed indigenously under Project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita
and Maitri),
• system is made up of 72 detachable mini-cubes
• It contains medical equipment and supplies such as a mini-ICU, an operation theatre, cooking station, food,
water, a power generator, blood test equipment, an X-ray machine, and more.
• It can treat as many as 200 patients.
• These cubes are light and portable, and can be rapidly deployed anywhere, from airdrops to ground
transportation.
International Gita Mahotsav Inaugurated In Kurukshetra (Haryana)/

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the International Gita Seminar and
Geeta Mahotsav at Brahma Sarovar, Kurukshetra
• The theme of the seminar is – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Srimad Bhagavad Gita and
Universal Unity”.
• Assam is the main state partner in this programme.
History of International Geeta Mahotsav –

• Beginning – Year 1989
• Declared a national festival - year 2002 (by Geeta Jayanti Committee formed in 1992)
• International Status - Year 2016
• In the year 2019, this festival was celebrated outside the country for the first time in Mauritius and London.
• The International Gita Mahotsav was organized in Australia in April 2023. The festival will be held in America
in the year 2024.
Uttar Pradesh
The state celebrates its foundation day on the 24th of January every year. This day is also known as Uttar Pradesh
Day or Uttar Pradesh Diwas.
Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath State Tree: Ashoka
Governor: Anandiben Patel State Flower: Palash
State Animal : Swamp deer State Dance: Kathak
State Bird: Sarus Crane State Sport: Field hockey
• Capital Lucknow Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• Date of Creation : 01, April 1937 (United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, British Rule)
• It was renamed as Uttar Pradesh on 26, January 1950.
• In November 2000, a new state, Uttarakhand, was carved out.
• State Borders: Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh,
Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh
• International Borders: Nepal
• Language: Hindu, Urdu, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhandi, Braj Bhasa
Main Handicrafts
• Chikan work Ramsar Sites
• Zari work • Bakhira Sanctuary
• Wooden toys and furniture • Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary
• Clay toys • Saman Bird Sanctuary
• dari • Sandi Bird Sanctuary
• Carpet • Sur Sarovar
• Silk • Haiderpur Wetland
• brassware • Upper Ganga
Tiger Reserve • Sarsai Nawar Jheel
• Dudhwa National Park • Samaspur Bird Sanctuary
• Pilibhit Tiger reserve • Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary.
• Amangarh Tiger Reserve
Ghaziabad-Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay section becomes the longest fully Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) section of
Indian Railways
• Length 762 KM
• ABS has been commissioned on 268 Route Kilometer (RKM) during 2022-23.
• With the implementation of automatic signalling, there will be an increase in capacity resulting in the
introduction of more train services.
What is Automatic Block Signalling (ABS)?

• Automatic Block Working is a system of train working in which
movement of the trains is controlled by the automatic stop signals.
These signals are operated automatically by the passage of trains
into through and out of the automatic signalling sections.
• ABS makes it possible for trains travelling in the same direction to
safely follow each other without the risk of rear-end collisions. This
makes the use of an ABS system very cost-effective and leads to an
increase in capacity.
Varanasi Cantt Railway Station awarded ‘Eat Right Station’ with a 5-star
rating certification by FSSAI
• ‘Eat Right Station’ certification is provided by FSSAI to railway stations
which set the standard in providing safe and nutritious food to the
passengers.
• Other railway stations with this certification
• The other railway stations with this certification include Anand Vihar
Terminal Railway Station (Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
(Mumbai), Mumbai Central Railway Station (Mumbai), Vadodara
Railway Station, Chandigarh Railway Station, Bhopal Railway Station.
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What is FSSAI?
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous statutory body established under the
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act).
• Formed:2008
• Under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Headquarters: Delhi
• Chairman: Shri Rajesh Bhushan
Que: In which state is the Korwa Ordnance factory situated where the production of
Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles began?
Ans: Uttar Pradesh
• The manufacturing of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles has recently started in
Amethi, Uttar Pradesh by an Indo-Russian joint venture.
• Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited plans to ensure 100 percent production of
AK-203 rifles in India.
• India is the first country to start production of the world famous brand AK-200-series assault rifles.
• The AK-203 assault rifle is considered to be the latest and most advanced version of the AK-47 rifle.
• This variant will replace the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56×45mm assault rifle, which is currently
being used by the Army, Navy and Air Force besides other security forces.
Minister of Power, RK Singh inaugurates 15th edition of

ELECRAMA 2023
• The Union Minister of Power, RK Singh inaugurated the
Power Pavilion, ELECRAMA 2023 at the India Expo Mart,
Greater Noida.
• The event was attended by Vivek Kumar Dewangan
(Chairman & Managing Director, REC Limited) and other
officials from REC.
Theme 2023: Re-imagining the Future: Metamorphosis of the Power Sector in India.
• Vision: To showcase innovation in the power sector such as Smart Meters, Smart Feeder Management
Systems, Methanol production etc
Indian Railways achieves a significant milestone with electrification of entire

Broad Gauge Network in Uttar Pradesh
• This will improve rail connectivity in the region and will improve the
speed of trains in the region.
• With this achievement, Indian Railways has completed electrification of
BG routes in six zonal railways namely, East Coast Railway, North Central
Railway, North Eastern Railway, Eastern Railway, South Eastern Railway,
West Central Railway
UP government launched ‘Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan’ campaign

• to make daughters of the underprivileged classes capable and self-reliant.
• The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan will work under the Aarohini Initiative Training
Programme for the safety and security of girls in 746 Kasturba Gandhi
Residential Girls Schools in the state.
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Indian hockey player Rani Rampal became the first woman in the sport to have a
stadium named after her
• The MCF Rae Bareli (U.P.)has renamed the hockey stadium as ‘Rani’s Girls
Hockey Turf’.
• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2020) - Highest Sporting Honour of India.
• Padma Shri (2020) - fourth Highest Indian National Honour
• Arjuna Award - 2016
UP's Suhelwa sanctuary records first photographic proof of tigers

• The recently released report on the census of tigers in the country
states that Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is a new area where
photographic evidence of tigers has been recorded for the first time.
• The sanctuary, located in Shravasti, Balrampur and Gonda districts of
Uttar Pradesh, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1988.
• It is spread over an area of 452 sq km.
• It is situated on the Indo-Nepal international border and is rich in
natural resources. It is named after King Soheldev.
• Adjacent to the sanctuary area are the Shivalik ranges of the
Himalayas.
• It is one of the important places in the Bhabar-Tarai eco-system
region which is rich in biodiversity.
UP Government to Build First Pharma Park in Lalitpur: Boosting Medical

Industry
• The state government has given green signal to setting up state's first
Pharma Park in Lalitpur district of Bundelkhand.
• The state government will spend Rs 1560 crore for development
works and providing necessary facilities to the investors in Lalitpur
Pharma Park.
• First Medical Device Park in Gautam Buddha Nagar
• The Uttar Pradesh government is setting up a medical device park on
350 acres of land at the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development
Authority (YIDA) in Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Varanasi’s LBSI airport gets India’s first reading lounge

• The Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport has become the
first in India to have a reading lounge
• Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath's advisor Awanish Awasthi has
inaugurated the lounge.
• Apart from books on Kashi, the lounge's library has a collection of
literature and books in many international languages besides books of
youth authors published under Prime Minister Yuva Yojana.
• The lounge has been established with the assistance of National Book Trust (NBT).
Uttar Pradesh becomes first state to make digital health cards for children
• The Uttar Pradesh's Urban Development Department and Lucknow
Smart City launched a “School Health Program”.
• As a pilot, this program is started in three schools in Lucknow.
• A digital health report card for the overall physical and mental well-
being of 1765 municipal school students is also being prepared under
the project. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• It is being prepared by doing desk-to-desk examinations of the child, based on 130 parameters.
• The benefit of health insurance worth Rs 25,000 is also being given to these children.
Lucknow to get new Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Institute

• Uttar Pradesh government will set up a pharmaceutical research and innovation institute in Lucknow.
• The institute will promote research and manufacturing in the pharma sector.
• UP is the sixth-largest state in the nation in terms of the number of
pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
• UP’s contribution to pharma manufacturing in the country is
currently 2%, which needs to be increased to 10-12%.
• Capital – Lucknow
• Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
• Governor – Anandiben Patel
Uttar Pradesh surpasses Maharashtra in sugar production this season

• Uttar Pradesh has overtaken Maharashtra in sugar production in the current season.
• In 2022, Maharashtra had overtaken Uttar Pradesh to become India's top sugar producing state in sugar
production.
• Total sugar produced by Uttar Pradesh in the sugar season 2022-2023 is 107.29 lakh tonnes, while in
Maharashtra it is 105.30 lakh tonnes.
• The area under sugarcane cultivation in Uttar Pradesh is 28.53 lakh hectares (highest in India) as compared
to 14.87 lakh hectares in Maharashtra.
Uttar Pradesh govt launches Nand Baba Milk Mission scheme

• Uttar Pradesh has launched the Nand Baba Milk Mission scheme on
June 6 at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore.
• Aims to facilitate sale of milk at a reasonable price through dairy
co-operative societies in producers’ villages itself through dairy co-
operative societies.
• Under this mission, it is proposed to form a Dairy farmer producer
organization (Dairy FPO) in order to facilitate the sale of milk in
producers' villages itself.
• UP is a leading state in the field of milk development and milk production
UP govt launches 'Elder Line' service to give shelter to elderly homeless

• The 'Elder Line' 14567 service was recently launched by the Uttar Pradesh Social
Welfare Department.
• Objective - to rescue destitute old persons and provide them shelter in old age
homes.
• Citizens can report about destitute elderly persons on roadsides, bus stations,
railway stations, or similar places.
• Uttar Pradesh currently has 75 old age homes, one in each district.
• The social welfare department plans to link the over 6,000 elderly individuals residing in old age homes to
the 'Rashtriya Vridhavastha Pension' scheme.
UP launches 'Operation Conviction' for cow slaughter, child abuse cases

• The Uttar Pradesh Police Department launched 'Operation Conviction' to combat criminals and mafias in the
state.
• The initiative will expedite the prosecution of cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual
Offences (POCSO) Act, cow slaughter, religious conversion, and murder.
• It ensures the immediate arrest of criminals, the collection of strong evidence against them, quality
investigation, and effective representation of casesJoin
in courts.
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• After filing of the chargesheet, charges will be framed within three days and trial will be completed in the
next 30 days to ensure speedy justice for victims.
Que: Which state government has recently declared to establish prisons as

‘Sudhaar Grah’ (Reform Homes)?
Ans: Uttar Pradesh
• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given guidelines for
prison reform to establish prisons as ‘Sudhaar Grah’ (Reform Homes).
• The Model Prison Act – 2023 has recently been prepared by the Govt of
India, which is useful for the reformation and rehabilitation of prisoners.
• The state cabinet has also approved the new jail manual, which is an important effort toward prison
reforms.
Launch of 'Legal Aid Defense Counseling System (LADCS)’ in Uttar

Pradesh
• The Uttar Pradesh government launched the 'Legal Aid Defense
Counseling System (LADCS)'
• This program will be effective for two years & aims to provide
free legal aid to the needy, especially in criminal matters.
• LADCS assists individuals in filing appeals at various stages of
criminal cases.
• It includes pre-arrest, post-arrest, bail, trial and remand phases.
• This assistance is provided under the National Legal Services Authority scheme.
UP government to build country’s largest IT Hub in Lucknow

• The Uttar Pradesh government will set up the country’s largest IT hub in Lucknow.
• The IT hub will be located on 40 acres of land in the Nadarganj Industrial Area of Amausi on Kanpur Road.
• The hub will be divided into three parts: IT Park, Business Park, and International Incubation Facility Center.
Mukhya Mantri Khet Suraksha Yojana to be implemented in Uttar Pradesh

• Primary objective - protecting crops from stray animals
• A solar fence with a current flow of only 12 volts and siren sound will
be installed to protect crops from the animals without causing harm.
• Under this scheme, the government will provide a grant of 60% or
₹1.43 lakh per hectare to small and marginal farmers
• Initially, the plan was to implement the scheme in Bundelkhand
region of the State.
Que:In which state 'One-Tap-One-Tree' campaign has been launched?

Ans: Uttar Pradesh
• Campaign is being launched jointly by the Namami Gange Programme and
Rural Water Supply Department.
• “Under the ‘Har-Ghar-Jal’ scheme, each beneficiary will be provided a
sapling along with tap connection in the state,
Which state government has increased the amount of the Mukhyamantri

Kanya Sumangla Yojana from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 from the financial
year 2024-2025?
Ans: Uttar Pradesh
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Prayagraj Police Launches ‘Savera’ Scheme To Assist Senior Citizens

• ensuring the safety and well-being of senior citizens in their community.
• Aimed at offering essential services during health and other emergencies to senior
citizens residing in seven districts within the Prayagraj zone.
• Under the ‘Savera’ scheme, the Prayagraj police are meticulously maintaining a
comprehensive record of individuals aged 60 and above.
Que:Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for Lord Shiva-
themed Cricket Stadium in which city?
Ans: Varanasi
• Upcoming international cricket stadium in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• An approximate sum of ₹450 crore will be spent on the construction of the
stadium which will be built on a wide campus of about 31 acres and will have seven pitches. The venue is
expected to accommodate 30,000 spectators at a time.
• The entire stadium will have a crescent-shaped roof – that crowns the Indian God, and the floodlights
designed like a trident.
• The entrance and the lounge will resemble Lord Shiva’s damru while the exterior of the arena will feature
huge motifs of wood apple leaves in metallic frames.
The Prime Minister inaugurated 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in Uttar Pradesh

• in Varanasi.
• these schools aim to provide quality education to laborers, children of construction workers, and orphans
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Each school is spread over 10 to 15 acres and has classrooms, sports facilities, a mini auditorium, hostels,
mess halls, and staff accommodation.
• The ultimate goal of each of these Awasiya Vidyalayas is to accommodate 1,000 students.
President inaugurated first Uttar Pradesh international Trade Show

• in India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida.
• The trade show was held from September 21 to 25.
• Aim: To get international exposure and market opportunities.
UP gov launches instant birth certificate for new borns at health facilities
• Newborns at government health facilities of Uttar Pradesh will now be issued birth registration certificates
immediately after delivery without the parents having to apply for same
• Gov has integrated its Maa Navjaat Tracking app (MaNTrA) with the birth registration system as part of its
efforts to provide 'ease of living' to the citizens using digital technology
• UP has become the first state to implement suo motu birth registration for government health institutions
• The Directorate of Census Operations, Lucknow, has partnered with the Uttar Pradesh National Health
Mission (NHM-UP), UNICEF, and the Office of the Registrar General of India, Delhi, to facilitate the
generation of automatic birth registration certificates at government facilities
Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana

• The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced the Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana under the Nand Baba
Mission to enhance cattle breeds and boost milk production in the state.
• The scheme aims to improve cow breeds, particularly Sahiwal, Gir, Tharparkar, and Gangatiri, to increase
milk production and the income of dairy farmers.
• The government will provide a 50% subsidy on the estimated cost of Rs 62.5 lakh for establishing a unit of
25 milch cows, with a maximum subsidy of Rs 31.25 lakh per beneficiary.
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PM Launched India’s First Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)

• PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit
System (RRTS) Corridor and simultaneously launched the RapidX train,
symbolizing the beginning of RRTS operations in India.
• The event took place at the Sahibabad RapidX Station in Uttar Pradesh on
October 20, 2023.
• With a remarkable design speed of 180 kilometers per hour, RRTS aims to
provide high-speed trains for intercity commuting every 15 minutes, with
the potential to increase frequency to
as often as every 5 minutes,
depending on demand.
• Rapid Rail Transit Services (RRTS)

trains to be known as 'Namo Bharat'
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Declared Gangetic Dolphin As State Aquatic Animal
• These dolphins are found in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Ghaghra.
• The estimated population of Gangetic dolphins in Uttar Pradesh is estimated
at around 2000.
• Indus River Dolphin: Now found only in the lower parts of the Indus River in
Pakistan and in River Beas, a tributary of the Indus River in Punjab, India.
• On 1 February 2019, the endangered Indus River dolphin has been declared as Punjab's State aquatic
animal.
• The 'Gangetic River Dolphin' was declared the national aquatic animal of India. The Union Environment
Ministry has designated October 5 as National Dolphin Day
• The Ganges river dolphin was officially discovered in 1801.
Aligarh Muslim University To Launch Its Own Satellite, Gets Nod From IN-SPACe
• The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has initiated work on its own ambitious space programme which has
been approved by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), working under
the Department of Space.
• The project involves the development of 'SS AMU SAT', the first satellite programme named after its
founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
• The SS AMU SAT is a Nanosatellite Project which began in November 2021 under the AMU Robo Club.
• The satellite is a 3U CubeSat with multiple objectives which include the study of economic growth in India's
poorest districts using satellite imagery and the implementation of an in-house developed image
compression technology for faster multimedia transmission.
• SS AMU SAT to its launch into the Lower Earth Orbit.
• The students’ team, which is involved in the development of the project, is led by Poorti Varshney and
mentored by Dr. C. A. Prabhakar (Former Project Director, ISRO)
Statue of freedom fighter Raja Rao Ram baksh Singh

• Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath unveiled the equestrian statue of
freedom fighter Raja Rao Rambaksh Singh in Daundiyakheda village of
UP's Unnao district.
• Unnao has the country's largest leather Export in the UPSIDC.(Uttar
Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation)
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Ayodhya Sets Guinness Record

• More than 22 lakh ‘diyas’ illuminated the banks of the Saryu river in
Ayodhya during the seventh edition of the Deepotsav, setting a new
world record for lighting a large number of lamps simultaneously at one
place.
PM Modi Attended 'Braj Raj Utsav' Of Mathura On 23 Nov

• 14-day Braj Raj Utsav program
• Saint Meera Bai Utsav, marking her 525th birth anniversary, will be prominently
celebrated from 23 to 25 November during the Braj Raj Utsav.
• Regarding the birth of Meera Bai, it is believed that it happened around 1448. Meera
Bai, the only daughter of Rathore Ratan Singh of Jodhpur, was engrossed in devotion
to Krishna since childhood. She was married to Prince Bhojraj of Mewar.
Uttar Pradesh government has banned labelling halal on eatables such as dairy
products, sugar, bakery items, peppermint oil, savouries and edible oil
• NEWS: The Uttar Pradesh government banned production, storage, distribution
and sale of halal certified products in the state with immediate effect.
What is halal certification?
• Halal certification is a guarantee that the product is prepared in accordance with
Islamic law and is unadulterated.
• Halal certification was first introduced in 1974 for slaughtered meat and till 1993
it was applied only to meat products. Then it was extended to other food items and also cosmetics,
medicines etc.
• Meaning: Halal, an Arabic term, translates to ‘permissible’ and is contrasted with ‘haram,’ meaning
‘forbidden’ in the Quran.
UP CM Launches Hot Cooked Meal Scheme In Anganwadi Centers

• aimed to providing nutritious meals to children aged 3 to 6 years at Anganwadis.
• The scheme is modeled after the successful Midday Meals program
• Adityanath laid the foundation stone for 3,401 Anganwadi centers in 35 districts,
with an estimated investment of Rs.403 crore.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme

• The Mid-Day Meal Scheme was started in India on 15th August 1995 as ‘National Programme of Nutritional
Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE)’.
• It was renamed as ‘National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools’ in October 2007, also known as the
Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme.
• Under the scheme, hot cooked meal per day is provided to all children (studying in Class I to VIII) enrolled in
government schools, local body schools, government-aided schools, special training centres (STC) and
madrasas supported under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
India's first 'Telecom Center of Excellence’

• Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has given approval for the establishment of the country’s inaugural
Telecom Center of Excellence in Saharanpur Campus of IIT Roorkee.
• The foundation stone for this is set to be laid on December 5, 2023
• Under this, Rs 30 crore will be spent on 5G-AI research and 6G launch.
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Hardeep Singh Puri launches city’s 2nd floating CNG station in Varanasi
• Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the city’s second floating compressed natural gas (CNG)
mobile refueling unit (MRU) station at Ravidas Ghat in Varanasi
• Earlier, Namo Ghat had a floating station for filling CNG in boats.
• CNG boats not only reduce pollution but also lead to savings as it is more efficient.
• Both the Namo Ghat and Ravidas Ghat floating CNG stations were developed by GAIL (India) Limited, a
Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
Civic body looks to rename Firozabad to Chandra Nagar

• A proposal to rename Firozabad, in Uttar Pradesh, to Chandra Nagar was approved by the municipal
corporation
• The plan seeks to rename the city after Raja Chandra Sen, who ruled the region in the 16th century
• In 1566, Mansabdar Firoz Shah, sent by Akbar, changed its name to Firozabad
PM Modi To Inaugurate Of Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the 402 km Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, connecting
New Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction to New Bhaupur Junction.
• It is part of 402 km-long segment of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC)
• It encompasses a total of 12 stations, including six junction stations and six crossing stations.
Ayodhya Railway Station To Be Renamed As Ayodhya Dham
Ayodhya Airport To Be Renamed Maharishi Valmiki Airport

• The airport currently boasts the lengthy name “Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram
International Airport.”
• The Yogi Adityanath government is reportedly considering renaming it
“Maharishi Valmiki Airport,” honoring the revered poet who authored the epic
Ramayana.
UP CM Yogi Starts Agra-Mathura First Intra-District Helicopter Service

• will fly from Bateshwar in Agra to Goverdhan in Mathura
• Based on the PPP model.It will cover a distance of 65 km between Agra
and Mathura.
• The projects worth ₹100 crore are aimed at bringing new life to
Bateshwar, a historical village located amid the ravines of Chambal
across the borders of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
International Airports in Uttar Pradesh:

• There are 3 operational international airports in UP.
• Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow
• Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi
• Kushinagar International Airport, Kushinagar
• There are many new international airports under construction in the state. These include mainly
• Jewar International Airport, Gautam Buddha Nagar
• Taj International Airport, Greater Noida
• Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport, Ayodhya
• The upcoming airports are expected to begin operations in 2024.
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Sanskriti Utsav 2023

• 'Sanskriti Utsav 2023' will be organized in the state from December 25 to January 26, 2024, to enrich the
cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh and to make folk art famous all over the world including the country.
Theme of Sanskriti Utsav:
• Uttar Pradesh Festival: Our Culture-Our Identity’
• First Chief Minister of the state – Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant
• First woman Chief Minister of the state and country - Sucheta Kripalani
• Current Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
• First woman governor of the state and country - Sarojini Naidu
UP To Build India’s First AI City In Lucknow
Statue of ‘Jatayu’ installed at Ayodhya Mandir complex

• A bronze idol of ‘Jatayu’ has been installed at historic ‘Kuber Tila’
located in the Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to offer his tributes at
the idol on January 22, 2024, before presiding over the
consecration ceremony.
• Treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Trust, Govind
Devagiri
PM Modi inaugurates SwarVed Mahamandir at Umaraha in Varanasi

• It is world's largest meditation center Swaraveda Mahamandir at Umrah
• There is no idol of any deity in this temple. Instead of worship in the temple, yoga practice will be done to
attain the knowledge of Brahma.
• Prime Minister also unveiled a 135 feet tall statue of Saint Sadafal Maharaj.(author of Swarveda)
• The construction work of Swarveda Mahamandir was started in the year 2004. The foundation of the
Mahamandir was laid by Sadguru Acharya Swatantra Dev and Sant Pravar Vigyan Dev.
• This temple has been built by GRC technique of Gujarat.
Madhya Pradesh
• Capital Bhopal
• Date of Formation : November 01, 1956 (Undivided Madhya Pradesh) - November 01, 2000 (Present)
• State Boundaries : Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat.
• Historical sites : Bhimbetka, Adamgarh, Pachmarhi, Raisen, Jaora.
• Important Dynasties : Ashoka, Kushan, Satvahanas
• State Bird : Paradise Flycatcher
• State Animal : Swamp Deer (Barasingha)
• State Tree : Banyan Tree Ramsar Sites : Bhoj wetland
• State Flower : Madonna Lilly Governor. : Mangubhai C. Patel
• State Fish : Mahasheer Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
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World Heritage sites:

• Sanchi stupa
• Rock shelter of Bhimbetka National Parks
• Groups of temples-Khajuraho • Bandhavgarh National Park & Tiger Reserve
Rivers: Narmada, Tapi, Betwa, Son, Chambal, Shipra, • Kanha National Park & Tiger Reserve
Ken, Pench, Wanganga, Wardha • Satpura National Park & Tiger Reserve
• Sanjay National Park & Tiger Reserve
Waterfalls: Dhuandhar Jabalpur, Bee fall, Patalpani, • Madhav National Park
Chachi waterfall • Van Vihar National Park
• Ghughua National Park
Language Spoken • Panna National Park & Tiger Reserve
Hindi (Common language), Telugu, Gondi, Bhilodi, • Pench National Park & Tiger Reserve
Korku, Nihali, Katto
Wildlife Sanctuaries
• Bori Wildlife Sanctuary • Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary • N. Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
• Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary – The Great • Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary
Indian Bustard • Pench Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary • Son Ghariyal Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary- Asiatic lions would • Sanjay Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary
be shifted here. • Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary- famous for
• Karera Wildlife Sanctuary – The Great Indian Kharmour bird
Bustard • Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary
• Ken Ghariyal Wildlife Sanctuary • Veerangna Durgawati Sanctuary
• Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary-1197 Sq.Km
•
Vidisha becomes first Indian district to implement state-of-the-art 5G use cases proposed by
startups
• Vidisha, an aspirational district of Madhya Pradesh became the first ever district in
India for on ground deployment of innovative 5G use cases offered by startups.
• This feat has been achieved through a joint initiative of Vidisha district administration and Center for
Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Department of Telecom (DoT) under the guidance of Additional
Secretary (Telecom) and Administrator USOF.
• This has been accomplished to accelerate digital transformation across socio-economic verticals.
What is 5G technology?
• The fifth generation mobile network is called 5G.
• The 5G network will operate in the millimeter-wave spectrum (30-300 GHz) which can send huge amounts of
data at very high speeds.
• It is the newest upgrade in Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile broadband networks.
• Internet speeds in the high-band spectrum of 5G have been tested to exceed 20 Gbps (gigabit per second).
"Vigyanika — Science Literature Festival" event held in IISF, Bhopal

• organized on 22 - 23 January as a part of the 8th India International Science Festival (IISF).
• The 8th IISF is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Science and Technology
and Vigyan Bharati.
• Theme - “Moving towards Amrit Kaal with Science, Technology and Innovation”.
• Vigyanika is being organized with the objective of promoting science through science poetry, multilingual
scientific literature, science drama and folk art and showcasing the rich heritage of India by inculcating
scientific temper among the masses.
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• IISF is being organized annually since 2015.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister announced Ladli Bahina Scheme
• to provide Rs 1,000 per month to women from financially poor background in the
state, where the Assembly polls are due this year-end.
• A sum of Rs 60,000 crore will be spent on this scheme in five years.
• Poor women from all sections can benefit from this scheme even if they have been
receiving benefits of other welfare programmes.
•
Madhya Pradesh government launched Chief Minister's Residential Land Rights

Scheme
• Mukhyamantri Bhumi Adhikar Yojna launched from Bakpura Panchayat of
Tikamgarh district on 4 January 2023.
• The scheme will be launched in the entire state.
• Each beneficiary family will be given a plot of about 600 square feet for
construction of houses under various schemes including Pradhan Mantri
Awas Yojana.
President inaugurates 7th International Dharma-Dhamma Conference in Bhopal

• On March 3, 2023, and will continue till March 5, 2023.
• Theme: Eastern Humanism for the New Era
• Aim: To bring together religious, political, and thought leaders from Dharma-
Dhamma traditions to ponder over building a philosophical framework for the emerging new world order
• Organized by: India Foundation in collaboration with Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies
• Delegates from Bhutan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, South Korea, Mauritius,
Russia, Spain, France, USA and UK are participating in the conference.
Mauganj to be 53rd district of Madhya Pradesh

• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister announced to make Tehsil Mauganj of
Rewa district the 53rd district of the state.
• The purpose of this move of the government is to end the discontent
against the government regarding the lack of adequate
representation for the politically important Vindhya region in the
state cabinet.
• Mauganj district, bordering Uttar Pradesh, will have four tehsils - Mauganj, Hanumana, Naigarhi and
Devtalab with a population of more than six lakhs.
• There was a long pending demand to make Mauganj a district.
Que:Which state government has recently given OBC status to the transgender
community?
Ans: Madhya Pradesh
• The Madhya Pradesh Government has recently added the transgender
community to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list of the state.
• * The state government has taken this decision following the directions of the Supreme Court.
• * With this, the transgender community will get the benefit of reservation in state government recruitments.
India’s First Solar City

• Sanchi, a world heritage site located in Madhya Pradesh, is all set to become
India’s first solar city.
• It is located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.
• It lies in an upland plateau region just west of the Betwa River.
• Sanchi is a religious place with historical and Archaeological significance.
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• It has India’s best-preserved group of Buddhist monuments, collectively designated a UNESCO World
Heritage site in 1989.
• Sanchi Stupa was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the third century BC.
• FACT - Modhera in Gujarat is India’s first solar powered village - to be powered by solar all day, every day.
Mukhyamantri Sikho Kamao Yojana : Madhya Pradesh

• The Madhya Pradesh state cabinet has given its approval to a new scheme called ‘Mukhyamantri Sikho
Kamao Yojana’ (Chief Minister Learn and Earn Scheme), aimed at providing opportunities for unemployed
youth in the state.
• Under the scheme government plans to offer training in around 700 different types of works across various
sectors.
• These sectors include engineering, hotel management, tourism, travel, hospital services, ITI, software
development, banking, insurance, accounting, chartered accountancy, financial services, industries, and
MSME industry.
• Youth who have completed their 12th grade, ITI, graduation, or post-graduation are eligible to enroll in the
scheme.
• Participants will receive a monthly stipend based on their educational qualifications.
Bhopal becomes 1st city to measure Sustainable Development Goals progress

• Bhopal becomes the first city in India to adopt the localisation of the United Nations-
mandated sustainable development goals (SDG).
Veerangana Rani Durgavati Gaurav Yatra

• Six-day “Veerangana Rani Durgavati Gaurav Yatra” (to honour 16th-century Gondwana kingdom queen Rani
Durgavati) in Madhya Pradesh
• June 24 – when the queen is believed to have died while fighting the
Mughals in the mid-16th century –was marked by the state government as
a day of sacrifice.
• Rani Durgavati is said to have been born in 1524, in Mahoba’s Chandela
dynasty. She was the ruling Queen of Gondwana from 1550 until 1564.
• Defeated Baz bahadur, who took control of the Malwa province in 1556.
• She fought Mughal emperor Akbar and his commander Asaf Khan and gave the ultimate sacrifice.
• University of Jabalpur is renamed as Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya;
• Commemorated with a postal stamp by the Indian government
President of India inaugurated 'UNMESHA' and 'UTKARSH' festivals in Bhopal

• President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the national festival of India's
folk and tribal expressions "Utkarsh" and the international literature
festival "Unmesh" in Bhopal
• Culture Department Madhya Pradesh along with Sangeet Natak
Akademi and Sahitya Akademi of the Ministry of Culture is organized
this event from 3rd to 5th August.
• The international literature festival Unmesh is Asia's largest literary convention
• 15 countries participated in the Unmesh festival.
Madhya Pradesh government and UNFPA launch AI-powered chatbot named 'Just Ask’/
• The Madhya Pradesh government in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has
introduced an AI-powered chatbot named 'Just Ask'.
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• The primary goal of this initiative is to provide accurate and easily accessible information related to social
issues and sexual and reproductive health and rights, targeting adolescents and young adults.
• The interactive nature of a chatbot allows it to engage users in conversation and provide reliable information
at no charge. It is designed to showcase two aspiring role models named Dhruv and Drishti.
United Nations Population Fund:

• It is a subordinate body of the United Nations General Assembly, tasked to act as the responsible agency
for sexual and reproductive health matters. It was created under the United Nations Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC).
About Madhya Pradesh
• It is the second largest state of India by area after Rajasthan.
• Governor - Mangubhai Patel
• Chief Minister - Shivraj Singh Chouhan
• Capital - Bhopal
Narendra Modi lays foundation of Sant Ravidas temple in Madhya Pradesh

• PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a temple-cum-memorial for Sant Ravidas at Badtuma near
Sagar in M.P. and along with that also inaugurated developmental works which are worth Rs 4,000 crore in
Madhya Pradesh in Aug 2023
• The temple will be built in Nagar style in 10,000 square feet and a museum will also be built to display the
work and personality of Sant Ravidas.
• Sant Ravidas was an Indian mystic poet-saint of the bhakti movement and founder of the Ravidassia religion
during the 15th to 16th century CE
M.P. CM announced Shri Hanuman Lok in Chhindwara

• Chief Minister performed the ceremony of the Shri Hanuman Lok
at the Jam Sanwali Hanuman Temple in Madhya Pradesh’s
Chhindwara district.
• He also announced that a new district (Pandhurna), would be
carved out from Chhindwara. It would be the 55th district if
created.
• Earlier, Mauganj became the 53rd district of Madhya Pradesh
• The then CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan had declared the industrial
town Nagda as the 54th district, to be carved out of Ujjain district.
Madhya Pradesh To Get Nagda As Its 54th District

• The then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid the foundation
stone of development works worth Rs 261.14 crore during Vikas Parv
in Tehsil Nagda of Ujjain district and announced to make Nagda a
district.
• After being separated from Ujjain, Nagda will become the 54th district
of the state.
• Before this, Mauganj tehsil of Rewa district was announced to be made a district.
• At present Madhya Pradesh has 52 districts, but with the conversion of Nagda and Mauganj into districts,
there will be 54 districts.
• Nagda is mentioned in the history of the Pandavas. It is told that a huge Yajna was performed at this place by
King Janmejaya, the grandson of the Pandavas, for the cremation of Nagas, hence the name of the city was
Nagda.
Apart from this, the Chief Minister also made many other announcements-
• CM Rise schools will be opened in Nagda, Khachrod, and Alot.
• Along with Kshipra, Narmada water will be divertedJoin to @parcham_CA
Gambhir and Kalisindh rivers.
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India's first online gaming academy launched in Madhya Pradesh

• Madhya Pradesh is launching its first online gaming academy "MP State Esports Academy".
• The Academy aims to provide a platform for aspiring gaming and esports professionals to advance their skills
and reach a professional level.
Inclusive Selection Procedure
• 80% seats in the academy are reserved for gamers from Madhya Pradesh.
• The remaining 20% seats are open to gamers from across India.
• The gaming industry in India is expected to grow four-fold to reach Rs 1,100 crore by 2025.
• Sports minister of Madhya Pradesh: Yashodhara Raje Scindia
Que:Which state government will provide Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the kins of person killed in a mob
lynching incident?
Ans: Madhya Pradesh
• MP’s Mob Lynching Victim Compensation Scheme
• There will be a provision of compensation of Rs 4 to Rs 6 lakh for the injured.
• Under the scheme, mob lynching will be considered in which five or more accused are involved.
PM Modi to lay foundation stone of 49,000 crore Ethylene Cracker Project in MP, 10 other industrial projects
• at Bina Refinery in MP .
• Project will produce poly-ethylene and poly-propylene, used in various sectors like plastics, textiles,
packaging, and pharma.
• Commercial production to start by 2028.
• PM Modi will also lay foundation stone of 10 new industrial projects in MP, worth over Rs 1 lakh crore and
providing 2 crore 37 lakh new jobs.
M.P CM To Inaugurate 108-Feet Tall Statue Of Adi Shankaracharya In Omkareshwar

• 108-foot-tall statue dedicated to the esteemed philosopher Adi
Shankaracharya in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh on September 18.
• This monumental project, named “Eaktmta Ki Pratima” (Statue of Oneness)
• The Madhya Pradesh cabinet has allocated a substantial budget of over Rs
2,141 crore for the construction of the Statue of Oneness project
• Madhya Pradesh government is embarking on a holistic development initiative in Omkareshwar. This
includes the establishment of a museum named “Advaita Lok,” dedicated to the promotion and
preservation of unity and the Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
• Omkareshwar, a temple town which houses one of the 12 Jyotirlings dedicated to Lord Shiva
Madhya Pradesh announces 35 % reservation for women in govt jobs

• The then CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan of the Madhya Pradesh government issued a notification for providing
35 percent reservation for women in recruitment, barring the forest department.
• The government has introduced an amendment to the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Special Provision for
Appointment of Women) Rules, 1997 to provide 35 per cent reservation for women in the state.
• Madhya Pradesh was the first state to introduce 50 percent reservation for women in elections to
panchayats and urban bodies.
• It also has a 30 percent reservation for women in the police.
• The state also offers concessional tariffs for registry of property in case it is in a woman’s name.
PM inaugurated the country’s first high-tech sports training center for Divyangjan
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the country’s first high-tech sports
training center for Divyangjan, named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
• This initiative aims to provide equal opportunities in sports, enhance talent, and
encourage participation in various sports disciplines.
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Bhopal’s Mahila Thana become country’s first to get ISO certification

• The Mahila thana (women police station) of Bhopal became the first women-
centric police station across the entire country to be conferred with the ISO
9001:2015 certificate.
• The ISO certification is a testament to the station’s commitment to improving its
services and facilities, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency.
PM Modi inaugurated Vijaipur-Auraiya-Phulpur gas pipeline project in Jabalpur, MP

• The gas pipeline project, connecting Vijaipur, Auraiya, and Phulpur, is being executed at a cost of ₹1,103
crore.
• The project aims to provide clean and affordable natural gas to both industries and households, contributing
to reduced environmental emissions.
• The pipeline's stretch in Madhya Pradesh spans 256 kilometers
• Veerangana Rani Durgavati Smarak aur Udyaan': This project, set to cost about ₹100 crore
• It will feature 52-foot-high bronze statue of Rani Durgavati. The site will host museum, focusing on the
history of the Gondwana region
MP govt. to set up PM College of Excellence in all districts of the state

• The decision to this effect was taken at the first Cabinet meeting
chaired by new CM Mohan Yadav.
• Madhya Pradesh government will upgrade one college in every
district out of total 570 government colleges as "PM College of
Excellence".
• Govt. also decided to implement a cyber tehsil system in all the
districts and ban on illegal use of loudspeakers at religious and
other places.
• The Cabinet decided to increase the tendu leaf collection rate from
Rs 3,000 per bag to Rs 4,000 per bag.
• The Cabinet decided to ban illegal buying and selling of meat, fish
etc. in the open without licence in the urban areas of the state.
• A decision was taken by the Council of Ministers regarding the cancellation of the bail obtained by the
Honourable Court for serious crimes and habitual criminals in previous crimes as per the provisions of
Section 437, 438, 439 of CrPC.
New Guinness World Record Set in 'City of Music' Gwalior

• Around 1,500 musicians played Vande Mataram on tabla to enter the Guinness World
Record for the “largest table ensemble” during the ongoing 99th International Tansen
Mahotsav in Gwalior.
• Chief Minister Yadav stated that 25 December will be designated as 'Tabla Divas'.
• The city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh has been accepted by UNESCO's Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for
its outstanding commitment to culture and creativity.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has designated Gwalior,
Madhya Pradesh, as the 'Creative City of Music.' Tansen was born in Gwalior.
• Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, one of India's largest yearly music festivals, is held in Gwalior.
• Gwalior Music Gharana flourished under the patronage of Gwalior's former royal houses, such as Raja
Mansingh and Scindias.
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Chhattisgarh
• Chhattisgarh was formed as a state on 1 Nov 2000 .
• The state has 16% of the total coal deposits of India.
• Chief Minister: Vishnu Deo Sai
• Governor: Biswabhusan Harichandan
• Capital: Raipur
• State Boundaries: Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar
Pradesh
• State Animal: Wild Water Buffalo
• State Bird: Hill myna
• State Tree: Sal
• Languages: Hindi, Oriya, Marathi, Chhattisgarhi, Gondi, Korku
National Park • Narmada

• Kanger valley
• Guru Ghasidas Wildlife
• Kankerghati • Badalkhol Sanctuary
• Indravati • Sitanadi wildlife Sanctuary
• Tiger Reserve • Barnawapara Sanctuary
• Indrawati Tiger reserve • Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary
• Achanakmar Tiger reserve • Bhairamgarh wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhoramdeo Sanctuary
Biosphere Reserve • Gomarda Sanctuary
• Achanakmar – Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve • Pamed Sanctuary
Rivers Dances
• Mahanadi • Panthi
• Indravati • Raut Nacha
• Son • Karma
• Pain • Soowa
• Hasdo • Saila
• Sabari
Chhattisgarh celebrates traditional ‘Cherchera’ festival

• at Dudhadhari Math in Raipur.
• This traditional festival is celebrated on the full moon night of ‘Paush’ Hindu
calendar month.
• It is celebrated in the happiness of taking the crops to their homes after
cultivation.
• According to mythological belief, on this day Lord Shankar had begged from Mata Annapurna, so people
donate green vegetables along with paddy on this day.
Que:Which state launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Vriksh Sampada Yojana’?

Ans: Chhattisgarh
• Chhattisgarh Chief Minister recently launched the Mukhyamantri Vriksh Sampada
Yojana (Chief Minister Tree Wealth Scheme) on the occasion of World Forestry
Day.
• This scheme has been launched with the aim of increasing the income of farmers by promoting commercial
plantation in rural areas.
• Under this scheme, the state government will provide full subsidy for tree plantation on up to 5 acres of land
and 50 percent financial subsidy on more than 5 acres.
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Chhattisgarh CM transfers Rs 15 crore as part of Godhan Nyay Yojana

• Chhattisgarh the then Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel transferred in online mode more than Rs 15 crore to
cattle-rearers, women SHGs and ‘gauthan’ committees as a part of his government’s flagship Godhan Nyay
Yojna (GNY)
• The state government had launched GNY scheme in July 2020 under which cow dung is procured at Rs 2 per
kilogram at gauthans and is used to prepare vermicompost.
CM launched new rural housing scheme: Gramin Awaas Nyay Yojana

• Gramin Awas Nyay Yojana, funded by the State, aims to help families which are
facing challenges in getting housing approval due to the eligibility criteria for the
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
• The eligibility rules for Prime Minister’s Rural Housing are based on Socio-
Economic Survey 2011 (officially called Socio-Economic and Caste Census – SECC 2011).
• The Panchayat and Rural Development Department under the Government of Chhattisgarh conducted the
survey.
• The scheme will help over 8 lakh beneficiaries.
Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011

• SECC 2011 was the first caste-based census since 1931 Census of India
• In June 2011, the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was started by the Ministry of Rural
Development.
• The results of SECC 2011 were announced by in July 2015.
• The Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) covered the first-ever census of households in both rural and urban
areas.
• SECC 2011 is also the first paperless census in India.
Que:In which state did PM Modi inaugurate wildlife friendly highway projects?
Ans: Chhattisgarh
• PM Modi inaugurated the construction of three National Highway projects for the Chhattisgarh section of
the 6-lane greenfield Raipur-Vishakhapatnam corridor.
• This project will pass through the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary area.
• A notable aspect of these projects is the inclusion of a 2.8 km long, 6-lane tunnel equipped with 27 animal
passes and 17 monkey canopies in the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary area.
Gutti Koya Tribe:

• Gutti Koya tribes people erect stone memorials in the event of death of their
three most important service providers namely physician, priest and village
leader.
• In Red Corridor along A.P.- Chhattisgarh border, a tribe keeps its customs,
memories alive
• Gutti Koya tribe is concentrated in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
• They speak the Koya, which is a Dravidian language.
• They practice Podu form of shifting cultivation, as practiced by various tribal groups in forest areas.
• They earn a living through animal husbandry and minor forest produce.
Chhattisgarh govt launches own housing scheme for state’s homeless families
• Chhattisgarh the then CM Bhupesh Baghel has launched the “Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Nyay Yojana”
with the aim of providing assistance for constructing houses to eligible beneficiaries of the scheme across
the state.
• The scheme includes beneficiaries who need housing but are not eligible for the scheme as per the survey
list 2011.
• The state government will bear 100 percent cost of the implementation of the scheme.
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Jharkhand
• Chief Minister: Hemant Soren
Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
• Capital : Ranchi
• Dumka (Sub-Capital)
• Date of Formation : 15th November 2000
• State Boundaries: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal
• State Animal: Elephant
• State Bird: Koel
• State Tree: Sal
• State Flower: Palash
Wildlife Sanctuaries Dances

• Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary • Agni dance
• Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary • Jhumar dance
• Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary • Paika dance
• Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary • Chhou dance
• Mahuadand Wildlife Sanctuary
• Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Institutions
• Crocodile breeding Centre (Muta) • Central Fuel Research Institute – Dhanbad.
• Singhbhum Elephant Reserve • Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research
• Topchachi Wildlife Sanctuary (CMRI), Dhanbad.
• Udhuwa Lake Bird Sancutary • National Metallurgical Laboratory,
• National Park Hazaribagh, Betla-Palamu Jamshedpur.
• Institute of Forest Productivity, Ranchi.
• Uranium Corporation of India, Jaduguda
Mines, Jamshedpur
Amit Shah laid foundation of Nano Urea Plant in Jharkhand

• Union HM, Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of a
• ₹ 450-crore nano urea plant and township of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser
Cooperative (IFFCO) in Deoghar, Jharkhand.
• It will be the fifth nano urea plant in India.
• In 2022, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's first nano
urea plant in Gujarat.
• Nano urea improves crop productivity, soil health, and the nutritional
quality of produce.
• Aim: To address the imbalanced and excessive use of conventional urea.
Jharkhand govt launches job portal to ensure 75% local quota in pvt sector
• The Jharkhand government launched ‘Jharniyojan’ portal where all private
establishments have to register themselves.
• Its objective is to fulfill the state government's promise of ensuring 75 percent employment to local
candidates in the private sector of the state.
• Employers using the portal will have to comply with the 'Jharkhand State Employment of Local Candidates in
Private Sector Act, 2021'.
• As per the Act, 75% of jobs in the private sector with a salary of up to Rs 40,000 will be reserved for "locals"
in the state.
• It is applicable to all establishments which are in the private sector and where 10 or more persons are
employed.
• In case local companies face problems in getting skilled manpower locally, a provision has been made under
the Act to provide necessary training to eligible youth.
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• Central or state government undertakings will not be covered under the Act.
President Murmu inaugurates new Jharkhand High Court building

• President Droupadi Murmu has inaugurated the new building of the Jharkhand High Court in Ranchi, built at
a cost of about ₹ 550 crore.
• The 165-acre compound of the new high court is one of
the largest in the country in terms of area. Its campus is
many times bigger than the Supreme Court campus (22
acres)
• About Jharkhand
• Capital – Ranchi
• Chief Minister – Hemant Soren
• Governor – P. Radhakrishnan
Abua Awas Yojna

• On the occasion of Independence Day, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant
Soren announced a new scheme 'Abua Awas Yojana' for the needy people
of the state
• Under the scheme, 3-room houses will be provided to the poor, deprived,
labourers, farmers, tribals, backward and Dalits, from Govt. fund by
spending more than Rs 15,000 crore in the next two years.
Vision Document To Achieve 2070 Net Zero Target : Jharkhand

• Jharkhand’s Department of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change released a
vision document outlining a comprehensive plan to achieve the net-zero target by
2070.
• The document outlines eight thematic areas:Livelihood and energy transitions, Decarbonising pathways,
Green hydrogen mission, Coal transition, Sustainable mobility transition, Investment and finance, and
Institutional framework.
• Being a major source of energy in India, Jharkhand has played a significant role in coal production,
contributing more than 16% of the country’s total output.
The World famous Shravani Mela inaugurated in Deoghar

• Shravani Mela 2023 was inaugurated by offering prayers at Baba
Baidyanathdham temple in Deoghar, Jharkhand.
• Baba Baidyanathdham Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country.
The Olchiki Hul Baisi group demanded a four-point agenda to uplift the
Santali community:
• Official language status for the Santali language,
• A separate Santali academy,
• The printing and reading of Santali language books from Olchiki
script, and
• The restoration of Santali teachers.
The group has accused the Jharkhand government of ignoring their demands
and called for a complete shutdown of Jharkhand
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Jharkhand Cabinet approves 1k pension for transgender community

• Jharkhand Cabinet gave its approval for transgender persons to be provided
benefits of the State Social Security Scheme under which they will be given a
pension of Rs 1,000 per month.
Jharkhand First State To Take Steps To Ensure Minimum Wages For Gig Workers
• Gig workers such as Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, Uber, and Rapido employees
• A committee has been formed under the state’s labor department, to address
this issue.
• The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, provides for fixing minimum rates of wages in
scheduled employments including those in the private sector.
PM Modi's Visit to Ulihatu On The Occasion Of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas

• PM Narendra Modi would be the first PM to visit Ulihatu Village (Jharkhand), the birthplace of Bhagwan
Birsa Munda
• On the occasion on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, PM launched Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra - which aims to ensure
full benefits of the Centre's flagship schemes in 2.7 lakh panchayats by 25 January 2024.
PM Modi Launched PM-PVTG Mission

• On Tribal Pride Day, PM Modi also launch a Rs 24,000 crore scheme
aimed at the overall development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
Groups (PVTGs).
• There are 75 PVTGs in 18 States & UTs living in 22,544 villages (220
districts) having a population of around 28 lakhs.
• basic facilities such as road and telecom connectivity, electricity,
safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access
to education, health and nutrition and sustainable livelihood
opportunities.
• PM also released 15th instalment amount of about Rs. 18,000
crores under PM-KISAN
• Under the scheme, the Centre transfers an amount of Rs 6,000 per
year, in three equal instalments, directly into the bank accounts of
all landholding farmers irrespective of the size of their land
holdings.
• It was launched in February 2019.
Abua Bir Dishom Abhiyan

• Jharkhand government initiated the Abua Bir Dishom Abhiyan to
distribute land title certificates to individuals and communities
in accordance with the Forests Rights Act.
• The Forest Rights Act of 2006, also known as the Scheduled
Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of
Forest Rights) Act, bestows the rights of self-cultivation and
habitation through Individual Forest Rights (IFR) and Community
Forest Rights (CFR).
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Odisha
Odisha Day, also known as Utkal Dibasa, is celebrated on April 1st
• Capital: Cuttack (Till 1948) / Bhubaneshwar (After 1948)
• Date of Formation: August 1947
• State Border: Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bay of
Bengal
Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik

Governor: Raghubar Das Mangrove
State Animal Sambhar • Bhitarkanika
State Bird Blue Jay / Indian Roller • Chilika
State Flower Ashoka • Dharma
State Tree Ashwatha or Peepal • Mahanadi
Language Odiya • Subarnarekha
Wildlife • Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary

• Nandankanan National Park • Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
• Simplipal National Park and Biosphere
Reserve Lakes
• Satkosia Tiger Reserve • Anshupa Lake
• Chandaka Elephant Reserve • Kanjia Lake
• Bhitarkanika National Park • Chillika Lake
• Gahirmatha
President of India inaugurates the 2nd Indian Rice Congress at Cuttack

• at ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack.
• ICAR-NRRI (NATIONAL RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE) has developed India’s first high
protein rice, called CR Dhan 310 and NRRI has also released a high-zinc rice variety,
called CR Dhan 315.
• Rice is a kharif crop in India.
Gandhamardan Hill Range : Biodiversity Heritage Site

• The state government of Odisha declared the Gandhamardan Hill Range in
Bargarh and Balangir district as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).
• This ecologically fragile ecosystem is rich in floral and faunal diversity and is
protected under the Odisha Biodiversity Rules – 2012.
• This hill consists of medicinal plants, the hill system is considered the
‘Ayurvedic paradise’ of Odisha.
• The hills have 2 historical monuments (hill shrines) which are major
pilgrimage sites of Odisha.
• Nrusinghanath temple is located on the northern slope.
• Harishankar temple on the southern side.
Biodiversity heritage sites:
• These are well-defined areas that are unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems with a high diversity of wild and
domesticated species, the presence of rare and threatened species, and keystone species.
• Gandhamardan hills are the home to 1,200 species of plants and 500 species of animals. ‘Biodiversity
heritage site’ recognition will help in the preservation, protection, conservation, and management of the
species that are facing extinction.
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Gold reserves found in three districts: Odisha

• Surveys of the Directorate of Mines and Geological Survey
Of India (GSI) revealed the presence of gold reserves in
the Deogarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts.
• An estimated 1,685 kg of gold ore has been detected by
the GSI experts along with copper.
• Major minerals found in Odisha - iron ore, Manganese,
bauxite, dolomite (mixture of limestone and magnesium)
Odisha CM unveils Dakota aircraft for public viewing in Bhubaneswar

• Odisha's CM, Naveen Patnaik has unveiled the iconic Dakota aircraft of
legendary leader Biju Patnaik for public viewing at the Bhubaneswar
Airport.
• It was unveiled on the 107th birth anniversary of the former CM of
Odisha.
• It was brought from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport,
Kolkata to Bhubaneswar on January 18, 2023.
• Before joining politics, Biju Patnaik was an ace pilot and also established Kalinga Airlines having a fleet of 15
Dakota aircraft.
• The Indonesian government had twice decorated Biju Patnaik with 'Bhumiputra', the highest civilian award
of the country
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has found a 1,300-year-old Buddhist stupa in Odisha’s Jajpur
• at a Khondalite mining site at Parabhadi which is situated near Lalitagiri, a major Buddhist complex, having a
large number of stupas and monasteries.
• Lalitgiri Buddhist site is believed to be the most sacred among the three sites (Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri and
Udayagiri) .
• Khondalite is a type of metamorphic rock that is found in the Eastern Ghats region of India, particularly in
the state of Odisha.
• It is named after the Khondalite Group of rocks, which is believed to have formed around 1.6 billion years
ago during the Proterozoic era.
• Khondalite is primarily composed of feldspar, quartz, and mica, and has a distinct pinkish-grey coloration. It
is commonly used as a decorative stone in construction and is particularly prized for its durability and
resistance to weathering.
• Khondalite stones were widely used in ancient temple complexes.
Issues around the discovery
• The Khondalite stone is used extensively in the ABADHA scheme. ABADHA is the Augmentation of Basic
Amenities and the Development of Heritage and Architecture scheme.
• With the ASI taking over the sites, the ABADHA scheme implementation will be affected.
• The State Government of Odisha has allocated Rs 3,208 crores for the ABADHA scheme.
Odisha CM disburses Rs 877 cr to over 43 lakh farmers under KALIA scheme

• The Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has released Rs 877 crore to 43 lakh farmers through direct benefit transfer
(DBT) mode on the occasion of Utkal Divas (April 1).
• The assistance was provided for agricultural activities in the current kharif season.
• The Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) is Odisha government's flagship
programme for farmers.
About KALIA scheme:
• It was launched in December 2018.
• Aim: To reduce poverty and accelerate agricultural prosperity
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Odisha extends Indian Hockey team sponsorship till 2033

• The Odisha government has decided to further extend its sponsorship for
both the Men and Women Indian Hockey Teams (senior and junior) for
another ten years from 2023 to 2033.
• The decision in this regard was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by
chief minister Naveen Patnaik. As Odisha has been the official sponsor of
both the Men and Women National Hockey Teams since 2018.
Que:Which state/UT launched the ‘Adarsha Colony initiative’?

Ans: Odisha
• As part of the Adarsha Colony initiative, the Odisha government has
sanctioned ₹22.5 crore for setting up India’s first resettlement colony for
people affected by coastal erosion and climate change.
• The colony will be set up for the people of Satbhaya in Kendrapada district.
• The fund will be utilized for the construction of houses, drinking water,
electricity, roads and other facilities for the displaced people.
Naveen Patnaik launches 'Odisha for AI, and AI for Youth' initiative
• Odisha for AI: A free 4-hour course on AI by Intel on its app/site
• In the first phase, the initiative will be implemented in
Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Cuttack.
• AI for youth: It is for students (below 18) of 2000 5T schools of
phase 1 and Odisha Adarsh Vidyalayas
• Aim: To create an ecosystem fostering research, innovation, and
application across sectors
Odisha government announces ‘Mo Ghara’ housing scheme

• The Odisha government has launched a 'Mo Ghara’ (My House) scheme to
provide credit-linked financial assistance to beneficiaries who face a fund
crunch to complete or upgrade their houses.
• The scheme will cover all such families who were left out in the existing
housing schemes.
• Under the Scheme, a beneficiary can avail housing loan up to Rs 3 Lakh which
can be repaid in 10 years excluding a one-year moratorium period in easy
instalments.
Odisha becomes the first state to notify a committee for conservation of seeds preserved by
tribal farmers
• The Odisha government has established a committee called the Landrace Varietal
Release Committee (LVRC) to release traditional millet varieties as a certified seed
• The Committee will advise the State government on all matters relating to mainstreaming
of millet landraces
• Landraces refer to ecotypes that have been cultivated for a long time in their original
habitats.
• Farmers especially tribals in interior pockets of Odisha grow about 62 varieties of millets.
It is crucial to preserve these landraces before they become extinct.
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Rath Yatra in Puri

 Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, also known as Gundicha Yatra or Chariot Festival, is nine-day festival celebrated
in the city of Puri, Odisha. This year it began on June 20.
 According to Hindu mythology, the Lord Jagannath along with his siblings — elder brother Lord Balabhadra
and sister Devi Subhadra — embarks on a nine-day annual sojourn to his birthplace.
 The idols are taken from the 12th century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay till
the ‘Bahuda Yatra’ (returning chariot festival).
 The Rath Yatra takes place on the second day of the Odia month of Ashadha Shukla Tithi every year . The
return festival or Bahuda Yatra is organised on Ashadha Shukla Dasami (10th day)
The three chariots —

 Taladhwaja Rath for Lord Balabhadra,
 Darpadalan Rath for Goddess Subhadra,
 Nandighosa Rath for Lord Jagannath
Odisha celebrates 'Raja' agricultural festival

• Odisha celebrated the Raja festival, an agricultural festival on June 14,
2023.
• First day is observed as ‘Sajabaja’, which means preparations
• Second day is observed as Pahili Raja.
• The third day is observed as ‘Majhi Raja’ or ‘Mithuna Sankranti’
• Fourth day is ‘Bhudaha’ or ‘Sesha Raja’.
• Fifth day is called ‘Basumati Snana’. On this day, ladies give a bath to the grinding stone, considering it as
mother earth.
Odisha cabinet approves Rs 1,000 cr for transforming Puri

• The Odisha cabinet approved an additional outlay of over Rs 1,000 crore
for the ABADHA (Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of
Heritage and Architecture) Yojana.
• When the ABADHA scheme was launched during 2017-18 to develop Puri,
the State Cabinet had a cost outlay of ₹3,208 crore.
• Aim - to transform basic infrastructure in Puri town which is famous for the Lord Jagannath Temple.
• The Cabinet approved the revised cost of the scheme at ₹4,224.22 crore with scheme implementation
period from 2017-18 to 2024-25
• Moreover, the cabinet also gave its nod to recommended inclusion of Saora language in the 8th schedule of
the Constitution of India.
Odisha CM launches Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana

 Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana was started by the Chief
Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik on June 21, 2023
 With a projected outlay of Rs 3354.40 crore
 The yojana is aimed at transforming nutrition outcomes of
adolescent girls (15-19 years), pregnant women & lactating
mothers, and severely underweight children of under 6 years of
age across the state over a period of five years commencing from
FY 2023-24.
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Odisha launched scheme to improve banking penetration in 4,373

panchayats
• The Odisha Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
approved to open banking outlets in 4,373 unbanked gram
panchayats at a cost of Rs 500 crore
• Aim: To improve financial inclusion
• The scheme will be implemented in coordination with six public
sector banks - State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, UCO
Bank, Union Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Bank of India.
• The cabinet also approved a new scheme NUA-Odisha —Nutana
(new), Unnata (developed), Abhilasha (aspirational) — with an
outlay of Rs 385 crore that aims to skill one lakh youth every year
in the state during the next 3 years.
Tampara Lake
• The National Green Tribunal, Eastern Zone,
has directed the Odisha government not to
go ahead with ‘illegal’ construction in and
around Tampara Lake
• Tampara Lake is one of the largest fresh
water lakes in Odisha, and is located
nearby Chilika Lagoon.
• It supports at least 60 species of birds, 46 species of fishes, at least 48
species of phytoplanktons, and more than seven species of terrestrial
plants and macrophytes (an aquatic plant large enough to be seen by the naked eye.)
• It is already placed in the Wetland Atlas prepared by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
in 2010.
National Green Tribunal:

• Established under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
• New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal.
• The Tribunal comprises the Chairperson, the Judicial Members, and Expert Members.
• They shall hold office for a term of 5 years and are not eligible for reappointment.
• The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Odisha is the 1st state to give land rights to slum dwellers

• Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has distributed land right certificates to
the 65,000 poor families living in the slums of five metropolitan cities
including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, and Rourkela.
• Odisha is the only state in the country to give land rights to slum dwellers
• On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that “financial assistance will also be
provided for the construction of houses.
• The second phase of the certificate will be issued next October. This campaign will continue till all the poor
families of the city get land rights.
• The Jaga Mission program, which started in 2018, provides land rights to poor families living in urban
slums. Till now more than two lakh 40 thousand families got land rights in the state.
• With the aim of making slum-free Odisha, all these slums are being given all kinds of basic facilities and are
being converted into Biju model colonies.
• Capital – Bhubaneswar
• Chief Minister – Naveen Patnaik
• Governor – Ganeshi Lal
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Civil Aviation Minister Inaugurates Utkela Airport and Direct Flight between Utkela and Bhubaneswar
• Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
• Utkela Airport, owned by the Government of Odisha, has been set up
as a regional airport under the UDAN scheme of the Ministry of Civil
Aviation with a project cost of Rs 31.07 crore.
• This increases the number of airports in Odisha to five
• Will have economic benefits and development for Kalahandi region
• Odisha formation - April 1, 1936
Tata Steel and ACME Group Join Forces For India’s Largest Green Hydrogen Project
Worth Rs 27,000 Crore In Odisha
• ACME Group, a prominent renewable energy company, has joined forces with
Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Ltd. (TSSEZL) to establish an expansive green
hydrogen and green ammonia project within Odisha’s Gopalpur Industrial
Park.
• This venture is to become the largest facility of its kind in India, marking a significant stride towards
sustainable energy production.
• The green ammonia production facility will have a capacity of nearly 1.3 MTPA (million tonnes per
annum). Green hydrogen, created through the electrolysis process using renewable energy sources, will be
used in the green ammonia facility.
Ol Chiki Script & Hul Diwas:

• The Prime Minister India used Ol Chiki script of Santhali language for saluting the immortal tribal
revolutionaries on Hul Diwas (30 June).
• Ol Chiki script was created in 1925 by Raghunath Murmu (1905-1982), writer
and teacher from Mayurbhanj State (now part of Odisha) as a way to write
Santhali (a Munda language).
• Ol Chiki is also known as Ol Cemet’, Ol Ciki, Ol or the Santhali alphabet.
• It was created as a way to promote Santhali culture.
• The script was first publicized in 1939 at the Mayurbhanj State exhibition.
• Murmu published over 150 books in Santhali in the Ol Chiki script.
• Santhali is also written with the Latin, Odia, Bengali and Devanagari alphabets.
• Santhali language is spoken mainly in Jharkhand and West Bengal states in northern India, and also in north-
western Bangladesh, eastern Nepal and Bhutan.
• Hul Diwas : Revolution – began in 1855 two years before the uprising of 1857.
• It was an “organised war against colonialism” led by the Santals
• It was led by two brothers Sidhu and Kanhu.
• In 2003, the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act added Santhali to Schedule VIII to the Constitution of India,
which lists the official languages of India, along with the Bodo, Dogri and Maithili languages.
Que:Which state/UT is associated with ‘EKAMRA project’?

Ans: Odisha
• Odisha CM lays foundation stone for redevelopment of areas around
11th century Lingaraj Temple
• Launched in 2019, under the Ekamra Kshetra (ancient name of
Bhubaneswar) Amenities and Monuments Revival Action (EKAMRA) plan,
the Naveen Patnaik government has planned to develop around 80 acres
surrounding the ancient shrine of Lord Shiva.
• Rs 280-crore EKAMRA project
• The Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation (OBCC) under the sate works department will be in-charge of
the project.
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Mo Jungle Jami Yojana : Odisha Government

• The Odisha government has introduced the Mo Jungle Jami Yojana, a scheme
aimed at bolstering forest rights among tribals and forest dwellers across the
state’s districts.
• Odisha will become the first state in India to recognize community forest
rights in addition to individual rights offered by the central government.
• The scheme aims to ensure livelihood and food security for the Scheduled Tribe and forest dwelling
population by granting ownership of land and access to forest resources to the beneficiaries in accordance
with their entitlements.
• With 62 different tribes, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), the state’s tribal
population accounts for 22.85% of the overall population.
Odisha govt approved Kui language inclusion in 8th schedule

• Odisha state cabinet approved a proposal to recommend the inclusion of the Kui language in the eighth
schedule of the Constitution of India.
• Aim: Help in the preservation, promotion, and propagation of the language
and culture
Kui Language:
• Kui is a South-Eastern Dravidian language spoken by the Kandha community.
• It is primarily spoken in the state of Odisha.
• Kui is traditionally written using the Odia script, which is also used for writing the Odia language.
• 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution lists the official languages of India.

• Part XVII of the Indian constitution deals with the official languages in Articles 343 to 351.
• The 22 languages now included in the eighth section of the Constitution are, Manipuri, Maithili, Kashmiri,
Hindi, Kannada, Gujarati, Konkani, Malayalam, Assamese, Marathi, Nepali, Bengali, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi,
Telugu, Tamil, Odia, Urdu, Bodo, Dogri, and Santhali.
• Of these languages, 14 were initially included in the Constitution.
• Sindhi language was added by the 21st Amendment Act of 1967.
• Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali were included by the 71st Amendment Act of 1992.
• Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali were added by the 92nd Amendment Act of 2003 which came into force
in 2004.
• Currently there are six languages that enjoy the ‘Classical’ status in India:
• Tamil (declared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia
(2014).
• All the Classical Languages are listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Que: an odia-based news station, odisha TV has unveiled india’s first regional AI news anchor. What is the name
of this AI news anchor?
Ans: Lisa / सलसा
• In a significant milestone for the AI industry, Odisha TV, an Odia-based news
station, has unveiled “Lisa,” India’s first regional AI news anchor.
• Lisa possesses the remarkable ability to speak multiple languages, including
Odia, English, and others.
CM Naveen launches ‘Ama Pokhari’ to rejuvenate water bodies

• Odisha CM, Naveen Patnaik launched ‘Ama Pokhari’ Yojana to rejuvenate around
2,000 large water bodies in all 115 urban local bodies of the state.
• The state government would invest 120 crore rupees in the implementation of
the initiative.
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Odisha cabinet approves Mission Shakti Scooter Yojana

• Under this scheme, an interest subvention on bank loans up to Rs 1 lakh will be
provided to beneficiaries to purchase a scooter.
• The State government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 528.55 crore for
the execution of the scheme over a period of the next five years.
Odisha CM Launches ‘Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana’

• Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the 'Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana' to promote
nutrition.
• The primary objective of the program is to meet the nutritional needs of mothers, adolescent girls, and
children in Odisha.
• Specific provisions of the scheme include supplementary nutrition for adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years,
additional dry food for pregnant women, and complete meals for severely malnourished children.
Moderately malnourished children will get vitamin-rich Chhatua (roasted gram flour) and eggs.
'Pada Pushti Yojana’:-
• Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also launched the 'Pada Pushti Yojana' especially targeting children.
• The initiative aims to provide high-quality cooked food to children, especially those living in remote and
tribal areas of Odisha.
Odisha CM launches LAccMI public transport system

• Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of Odisha launched the Location Accessible
Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI) scheme from Malkangiri to connect panchayat and
block headquarters with district headquarters by bus.
• Scheme will connect farmers with markets, patients to hospitals
Odisha to promote maize cultivation

• The scheme – Mukhyamantri Maka Mission (MMM)
• Odisha Government has decided to launch a programme to enhance the acreage
under maize cultivation, introducing superior varieties of grain.
Jagannath Puri Heritage Corridor Project (JPHCP) Will Be Dedicated To The Devotees On January 17, 2024
• The Puri Heritage Corridor project was first conceived in 2016 and unveiled in
December 2019 with the aim of transforming the pilgrimage town into a heritage
site of international importance.
Jagannath Puri is one of the four Dhams of the country:
• The great reformer and philosopher Shankaracharya (Adi Shankaracharya) created
the original Char Dham - Puri, Dwarka, Badrinath (Vaishnav)and Rameshwaram
(Shaivite).
Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurated the Odisha Research Centre

• Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan along
with Governor of Chhattisgarh, Shri Biswabhusan Harichandan; Governor of Odisha, Shri Raghubar Das
inaugurated the Odisha Research Centre and a one-day Workshop on ‘Knowledge Traditions of Odisha: A
Futuristic Framework’ in Bhubaneswar
• Odisha Research Centre will prepare a roadmap for the development of Odisha, development of Odia, and
provide guidance to the Odia youth and a bright future for the next two decades
• The Odisha Research Centre (ORC) is being established in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social
Science Research (ICSSR); Indian Knowledge Systems Division, Ministry of Education; IIM Sambalpur; IIT
Kharagpur; and IIT Bhubaneswar.
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President Murmu attends Boita Bandana ceremony in Paradip, Odisha

• President Draupadi Murmu participated in the 'Boita Bandana Ceremony' (Boat
Puja) organized by Paradip Port Authority in Paradip (Odisha)
• President Murmu is the first President to visit Paradip Port after its construction.
• The Boita Bandana is a cultural tribute to Odisha's ancient maritime activities and
trade relations with South East Asian countries.
• Paradip Port received the 'Port of Operational Excellence Award' at the Global
Maritime India Summit-2023.
Odisha Government launched scheme AMA BANK to promote banking services

to panchayat level
• Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik introduced ‘Ama Bank’ in Bhubaneswar.
This bank aims to offer banking services in all the villages that don’t
have a single bank.
• The state government will provide free space for the bank for five years,
and there’s a budget of Rs 500 crore for this project.
• ‘Ama Bank’ is like a small, cost-effective bank branch that falls between a
business correspondent and a tiny bank branch, offering many
beneficiary services.
First World Odia Language Conference 2024 to be held in Bhubaneswar

• By hosting the first World Odia Language Conference, the promotion, dissemination and research work of
the Odia language will be enhanced.
• Odia is a language spoken in the state of Odisha. It is also the official language of the state
• As a linguistic family, Odia is an Aryan language.
• The oldest example of written Odia language is found in Madala Panji (register of Jagannath temple of Puri),
which was written on palm leaves.
• Tripura Road Investment Approved by Cabinet
• Approval was granted to upgrade a 135 km Khowai-Harina highway stretch in Tripura for Rs 2,486 crore.
Japan will provide 70% financing
• it will ease travel between Assam and Tripura and also improve connectivity between north and south
Tripura.
• To provide alternative access to Assam and Meghalaya from Tripura, apart from existing NH-8.
Bihar
Bihar Day (Bihar Diwas) is observed every year on March 22, marking the formation of the state of Bihar.
• Capital Patna
• Date of Formation: 26 January 1950
• Languages: Hindi, Urdu, Santhali, Maithali, Bhojpuri
• State Flower: Genda/ Marigold
• State Tree: Peepal
• State Bird: House Sparrow
• State Animal: Bullock
Chief Minister: Nitish Kumar Natural Wetlands

Governor : Rajendra Arlekar • Kanwar Lake
• Baraila Lake
• Kusheswar nath Lake
• Udaypur lake
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Wildlife Sanctuaries and National parks

• Valmiki National Park, Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kanwar Jheel Wildlife Sanctuary (BS) (Ramsar Site)
• Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary
• Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary
World Heritage site

• Mahabodhi temple complex at Bodh Gaya
• Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) at Nalanda
Bihar Government begins caste survey in State

• Started on 7th January and will end on 31 May 2023. About five lakh people have
been employed to carry out this entire process.
• This caste survey will help in taking the required measures for the upliftment of the
deprived sections.
• The state government will spend Rs 500 crore from its contingency fund for this
exercise.
What is caste based census?

• In independent India, data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has been published in every census
from 1951 to 2011, but no data on other castes has been published.
• Every census until 1931 contained caste figures.
• Although, in 1941, caste-based data was collected but not published.
• In the absence of such a census, there is no proper estimate of the population of OBC and others.
• The Mandal Commission estimated the OBC population at 52%.
Thawe Festival organised in Bihar

• The 11th annual Thawe Festival took place on 15th and 16th April in
Gopalganj, Bihar and the festival was jointly organised by the Department
of Tourism and the Department of Art and Culture.
• The objective of the festival is to promote tourism in Gopalganj and invite
visitors to Thawe Durga Temple.
• Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav inaugurated the festival.
• The festival has been organised since 2012.
Other Festivals/Fairs in Bihar:

• Satuani Festival - Traditional harvest festival celebrated in North India mainly in Bihar to mark the start of
the summer season. It includes eating sattu made out of lentil flour. Jur Sital, also known as Maithili new
year is observed on the next day of Satuani.
• Chhath Puja: One of the most important festivals in Bihar and is celebrated to worship the Sun God.
• Sonepur Pashu Fair: It is one of the biggest cattle fairs in Asia and is organised every year in the month of
November.
• Rajgir Festival: It is celebrated every year in the month of October and is a three-day festival which
showcases the cultural heritage of Bihar.
• Sama-Chakeva Bihula: Celebrated every year in the month of November.
• Malmas Fair: It is held every three years in Bihar, and is considered to be one of the biggest fairs in the state.
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World’s largest Ramayan temple in Bihar to be completed by 2025

• The construction work of the ‘world’s largest Ramayan temple' started
on June 20 in the East Champaran district of Bihar
• The construction of the three-storeyed temple will be completed by
the end of 2025 at an estimated cost of ₹500 crore.
• The Virat Ramayan temple is set to surpass the size of the under-
construction Ram Lala temple in Ayodhya.
• The construction of the temple will involve the usage of 250 tons of
Mahabalipuram granite.
• Black granite will be utilized to create a 33-ft-high Shivling (be world’s largest Shivling) as well as a
Sahastra Shivling (a thousand lingams), which have not been constructed in the country since 8th century.
• ‘Ramayan temple’ in Bihar will be taller than current largest temple Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia which
was built in the 12th-century
• The Ramayan temple's architecture is inspired by three temples which include —
• The Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia, Ramanathaswami temple in Rameshwaram, Meenakshi
Sundareshwarar temple in Madurai.
Que:Which Municipal Corporation has started a Cash for Waste scheme for common people at the recently
established Material Recovery Facility (MRF)?
Ans: Patna Municipal Corporation / पटना निर् सनिम
• a Cash for Waste scheme for common people at the recently
established Material Recovery Facility (MRF).
• People are being paid for their dry waste under a prescribed price
list for each item.
• The state-of-the-art facility has a capacity of processing 2 tonne of
dry garbage and 1.5 tonne of wet waste per day. It has been
named Pink MRF as it is run by women workers.
Bihar Caste Based Survey:

• The process of caste-based survey started in
Bihar from January 7, 2023.
• This census will be done in two phases. There
are as many as 214 castes on Bihar
government list.
• The Bihar government spend Rs 500 crore in
this work from its contingency fund (Bihar
Aakasmikta Nidhi)
• The caste demography data obtained from the caste census will help the
Government in allocating optimum social justice resources to different
communities of the state.
• Bihar’s population, according to the survey, is 13,07,25,310, compared to the
10.41 crore recorded in the 2011 census.
• Hindus comprise 81.99% of the population, and Muslims 17.72%.
• The share of OBCs in the total population as per caste census for 1931, was
found to be about 52 percent.
• The Scheduled Caste and Tribe data were published in every Indian census
from 1951 to 2011; however, the data on other castes were not published.
• The last population Census of India was conducted in 2011.
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Bihar Reservation Bill- Bihar Crossed SC Limit By Raising Quota To 75%

• Bihar reservation Bill- Legislature Approval
• The Cabinet led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar approved a proposal to
raise the state's reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS),
backward classes, and severely backward classes to 75% after the
caste survey report was presented to the Bihar Legislature.
• The proposed Bill is likely to lay provision of 18 per cent quota to
OBCs, 25 per cent to EBCs, 20 per cent to scheduled caste and two
per cent to scheduled tribes besides existing 10 per cent EWS quota.
• At present, there had been provision of 50 per cent quota in the
states – 14 per cent to SC, 10 per cent to ST, 12 per cent to EBC, 8 per
cent to OBC and 3 per cent each to women and the poor among
general category people.
• According to the first set of caste survey findings released by the Bihar
government on October 2 this year, backward classes, comprising other backward classes (OBCs) and
extremely backward classes (EBCs), constitute 64% of the state’s population.
Special Category Status To Bihar:

• The Bihar Cabinet has passed a resolution seeking the grant of Special
Category Status (SCS) to Bihar.
• The demand comes in the backdrop of the findings from the “Bihar
Caste-based Survey, 2022”, which revealed that nearly one-third of
Bihar’s population continues to live in poverty.
• Special Category Status is a classification given by the Centre to assist
development of states that face geographical and socio-economic
disadvantages.
• The Constitution does not make a provision for SCS and this
classification was later done on the recommendations of the 5th
Finance Commission in 1969.
• Status was first accorded to Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Nagaland in 1969.
• Five Factors for SCS: (i) hilly and difficult terrain (ii) low population density and/or sizeable share of tribal
population (iii) strategic location along international borders (iv) economic and infrastructural backwardness
and (v) non-viable nature of state finances
• Eleven States including Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal
Pradesh, Mizoram, Uttarakhand and Telangana have been accorded the special category state status.
• Telangana, the newest State of India, was accorded the status as it was carved out of another state Andhra
Pradesh.
Benefits of SCS:
• Financial Benefits: Previously, SCS states received about 30% of
central assistance based on the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula.
However, post the 14th and 15th Finance Commission (FC)
recommendations and the Planning Commission’s abolition,
assistance changed to a shared pool of funds, increasing from
32% to 41% for all states.
• Favorable Funding Ratios: In SCS states, the Centre-State funding
ratio for centrally sponsored schemes is 90:10, more beneficial
than the typical 60:40 or 80:20 for the general category.
• Additional Incentives: SCS states enjoy concessions in customs, excise duties, income tax, and corporate tax
rates to encourage investments and industry setup.
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Cabinet Approves 4.56 km Ganga Bridge In Bihar Connecting Digha-

Sonpur
• This bridge will be a 6-lane cable bridge between Digha and
Sonpur district in Bihar.
• The total cost of the project is Rs 3,064.45 crore
• This project of Bihar is a part of the Buddha Circuit.
• Digha (situated at Patna and the south bank of the Ganga
River) and Sonepur (north bank of the Ganga River in Saran
district) are presently connected by a rail-cum-road bridge for
the movement of light vehicles only, restricting its use for
transportation of goods and commodities.
Bihar Police To Launch ‘Mission Investigation@75 Days’ From January 1, 2024

• Bihar Police have decided to make it binding on investigators to complete investigation of cases within 75
days of registration of FIR from January 1 next year
• The performances of all police stations and district police will also be reviewed on a monthly basis from
January 1, 2024.
Bihar Launches ‘Mission Daksh’ To Aid 25 Lakh Academically Weak Students

• Full name:'Mission Daksh' (Dynamic Approach for Knowledge and Skill)
• Aim:aiding around 25 lakh students facing academic challenges in Classes 3-8 in government-operated
schools.
• Each teacher will mentor only five students, specifically those struggling with fluency in Hindi and English
and facing challenges in basic Mathematics.
• To ensure the effective implementation of ‘Mission Daksh,’ district-wise monitoring committees, led by
district magistrates, will oversee the program’s progress.
• The committees will play a pivotal role in daily supervision starting from December 1.
• Extra classes, held post-lunch with no more than five students at a time, will be conducted by teachers.
• All identified students are expected to take their final examinations in April 2024.
• The Education Department emphasizes that if these students fail, strict departmental action will be taken
against headmasters, principals, and teachers.
West Bengal
• A dispute emerged earlier in 2023 concerning West Bengal's Foundation Day when Raj Bhavan officially
declared June 20 as the State Foundation Day.
• The Chief Minister of West Bengal argued that June 20, which carries associations with the partition, lacks
relevance to the state's establishment.
• Also, the Assembly approved the proposal to make Rabindranath Tagore's 'Banglar Mati Banglar Jol' the
official song of West Bengal.
Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee
Governor: C. V. Ananda Bose
Capital: Kolkata
Date of Formation: 26, January 1950
State boundaries: Sikkim, Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand
International boundaries : Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan
State Animal: Fishing Cat
State Bird: White-throated Kingfisher
State Flower: Night-flowering Jasmine
State Tree: Alstonia scholaris – Chatim tree
State Fruit: Jackfruit
Official Language: Bengali, English Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Wildlife Sanctuaries
• Jaldapara National Park
• Ballavpur • Sundarbans National Park
• Senchal • Singalila National Park
• Bibhutibushan • Gorumara National Park
• Jorepamari • Neora Valley National Park
• Chapramari
• Raiganj Tiger Reserves
• Lothian Island • Sunderbans
• Mahananda • Buxa Tiger reserve
• Ramnabagan
'She Feeds the World' program launched in West Bengal

• launched by PepsiCo and CARE in India - initially in 2 districts of West Bengal.
• Aim - to improve the status of over 48,000 women. More than 1.5 million people of
West Bengal will benefit from this program.
• The main objective of this program is to increase crop yield, increase income of
women of BPL families, ensure access to healthy and balanced diet as well as provide training to women
on sustainable agriculture.
• In developing countries, women make up about half the number of men in agricultural work and work 13
hours more per week than men.
Gangasagar Mela 2023

• Annually held on Sagar Island on the southernmost tip of West Bengal, to
celebrate Makar Sankranti.
• The Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair is the second largest congregation of
mankind after the triennial ritual bathing of Kumbha Mela.
46th International Kolkata Book Fair inaugurated

• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated
• Around 20 countries from all over the world participated in the fair. Spain is
the focal country for the second time this year.
• Thailand participated for the first time.
About International Kolkata Book Fair
• It is the largest book fair in Asia
• It is the world's third largest annual collection of books after the Frankfurt Book Fair and the London Book
Fair.
• The book fair was started in 1976
West Bengal urged Centre to allow poppy cultivation

• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged the Centre to allow
poppy (Posto) cultivation in the state, insisting that delicacies prepared with
its seeds are integral to the Bengali cuisine.
• Delicacies prepared with poppy seeds are integral to Bengali cuisine and
poppy seeds are costly as it is cultivated only in a few States.
• At present, opium poppy cultivation is permitted in Selected Tracts in three States namely Madhya
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
• Capital – Kolkata
• Chief Minister – Mamata Banerjee
• Governor – C V Ananda Bose
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West Bengal CM Banerjee launches flagship road project ‘Pathashree-Rastashree’

• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the flagship
project named ‘Pathashree-Rastashree’ in Singur
• ‘Pathashree-Rastashree’ project aims to strengthen road infrastructure
and enhance connectivity to villages.
• Under this project 12,000 km of roads will be constructed in 22 districts of
the state, using state government’s fund.
Kolkata Metro becomes India's first metro train to run under river
• Kolkata Metro reached Howrah from Kolkata through a river tunnel for the first time
in India, carrying only officers and engineers. This tunnel is built across the Hooghly
River.
• Services on this route of Kolkata Metro will start from this year itself. Once the
services start, Howrah will become the country's deepest metro station (33 meters
below the surface).
520 meter long tunnel:
• The route from Howrah to Esplanade is about 4.8 km long, of which 520 m will be
completed by tunnelling under the Hooghly river.
• The Kolkata Metro tunnel is designed for a service life of 120 years.
• Not even a drop of water can enter the tunnels of the river.
• Tunnel built on the lines of Eurostar
• This tunnel of Kolkata Metro has been built like the Eurostar trains passing through the Channel Tunnel in
Europe between London and Paris.
• The work of digging this tunnel was completed by Afcons in four months (April-July 2017).
• Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC):
• The Kolkata Metro Rail was inaugurated on 24 October 1984 as India's first metro.
• General Manager of Kolkata Metro Railway: P Udaya Kumar Reddy
West Bengal govt launches buses with air purifiers in Kolkata

• The West Bengal Pollution Control Board said that the Bus Roof Mounted Air
Purification System, named ‘Suddha Vayu’, is the first of its kind in India
• As a pilot, 20 such buses have been launched, in collaboration with scientists from
IIT Delhi.
Kolkata becomes the third Indian city to adopt an Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS)
• After Delhi and Pune
• The system, developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, aims to address
rising air pollution levels in urban areas.
• AQEWS in Kolkata uses an advanced sensor network to provide real-time monitoring of the Air Quality
Index (AQI). AQI is a standardized measure of the level of air pollution, with a value ranging from 0 to 500.
• The system focuses on PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller) levels, which is a
major contributor to health problems due to its ability to enter the lungs.
• Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change - Bhupendra Yadav
West Bengal Assembly Resolution On ‘Poila Baisakh’ As State Foundation Day

• The West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed a resolution declaring ‘Poila Baisakh’, the first day of the
Bengali calendar, as ‘Bangla Dibas’ or West Bengal Foundation Day.
• The resolution - under Rule 169 proposing to observe Poila Baisakh as ‘Bangla Diwas’ and Nobel laureate
Rabindranath Tagore's 'Banglar Mat, Banglar Jol' (Bengal's soil, Bengal's Water) as the state song - was
passed
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• West Bengal Assembly has decided to officially commemorate Poila Baisakh, the Bengali New Year's Day, as
the official foundation day of the state on April 15.
Iconic ‘Throne Room’ at Raj Bhavan in Kolkata named after Sardar Patel
• The iconic British-era 'Throne Room' at the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata has been named after Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of Independent India
• The room will henceforth be known as 'Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Unity Room’.
• The 'Throne Room', as the name suggests, has a collection of thrones of iconic historical personalities such as
Lord Wellesley and Tipu Sultan, among others.
• An urn used to carry the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi is also displayed at the 'Throne Room’.
• The Governor has also taken a decision that a new academic chair named after Patel will be set up at the
Calcutta University
• Governor C.V. Ananda Bose: WB
Assam
• Assam became a state in 1950, and since 1996, December 2 has been celebrated as Assam Day.
• Capital : Dispur
• State Boundaries: West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya.
• International Boundaries : Bhutan, Bangladesh
Island: Majuli
Chief Minister :Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor: Shri Gulab Chand Kataria
Animal: One-horned rhinoceros Wildlife Sanctuaries

Bird :White-winged wood duck • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Tree : Hullung tree • Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
Flower : Kopou Phul • Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary
National Parks Tribes: Dimasa, Karbi, Lalung, Bodo, Khampti,

• Nameri National Park Rabha, Deori, Chamka
• Orang National Park
• Dibru Saikhowa National Park Biosphere Reserves: Dibru-Saikhowa
• Kaziranga National Park (Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts)Manas
• Manas National Park
• Raimona National Park
• Dihing Patkai National Park
Assam: Men marrying girls below 14 to be booked under POCSO Act

• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
• POCSO Act of 2012 defines a child as an individual under the age of 18 and
it criminalises sex between an under-age child and an adult.
• The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 will be used to prosecute men
who marry girls between the ages of 14 and 18 and required legal action would be taken against them
• The legal age for marriage is 18 years for women and 21 for men.
• "The Panchayat Secretaries of the villages in the state will also be designated as child marriage prohibition
officers.
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First Bodoland International Knowledge Festival : Assam

• The first Bodoland International Knowledge Festival recently began in
Assam’s Kokrajhar district.
• The festival is being hosted by Bodoland University with support from the
Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) government.
• It aims to draw the best practices from across the world to enhance scientific temperament for the creation
of “Peaceful, Green and Smart Bodoland” in light of the Bodo Peace Accord 2020.
• Bodo Peace Accord 2020 is a tripartite accord signed in 2020 by representatives of Bodo organizations with
the Central and Assam governments.
First SAI 20 Senior Officers Meeting begins in Guwahati

• As part of the G20 summit, the first Supreme Audit Institution 20 (SAI20) Senior
Officers Meeting is being organized in Guwahati on March 13 and will continue
till March 15, 2023.
• Theme 2023: Blue Economy’ and ‘Responsible Artificial Intelligence
• Aim: To bring together an ecosystem wherein SAIs are active partners in
governance, promoting transparency and accountability.
• SAI20 meeting was chaired by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Girish Chandra Murmu.
Ministry of Ayush organized its first ‘Chintan Shivir’ in Assam

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated North East India’s first-ever
compressed biogas plant project at Sonapur in the Kamrup district of Assam
Largest Bihu dance and dhol drum ensemble: Assam CM receives a certificate
from Guinness World Records team
• Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma received the official
certificate from the Guinness World Records team for the record-making
achievement of the "largest Bihu dance and largest dhol drum
ensemble".
• The feat was achieved by 11,304 folk dancers and 2,548 drummers who
performed at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Launching the northeast region’s first All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) near Guwahati.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurate Gaj Utsav at Kaziranga in Assam

• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a two-day 'Gaj Utsav-2023' on
April 7 at the Kaziranga National Park High School’s playground field in
Assam.
• Cultural performances including Bhortal, Jhumur and Bihu dance forms
performed by Assamese artistes.
About Gaj Utsav
• An annual festival held in the national park to promote the conservation
and protection of elephants.
• It is jointly organized by the Forest and Tourism Departments.
• This is being organized to mark the completion of 30 years of Project Elephant.
• The Government of India started Project Elephant in the year 1992 to protect elephants, their migration
routes and natural habitats.
• Assam has the second largest population of elephants in the country after Karnataka.
• The President also flagged off the ‘Mount Kanchenjunga Expedition-2023’.
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• President Murmu attended the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Gauhati High Court as the Chief Guest
and also launched a mobile app "Bhoroxa" designed for the safety of women and the elderly.
• The Gauhati High Court was established on 5th April, 1948 for the seven North Eastern States.
• Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor - Gulab Chand Kataria
• State Animal - Indian Rhinoceros
• 5 National Parks – Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Nameri
National Park, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park
India’s First International Multimodal Logistics Park at Jogighopa, Assam

• India’s first International Multi Modal Logistics park in Jogighopa, Assam is likely
to be completed within this year
• The park is being developed under the ambitious Bharatmala Pariyojana by
NHIDCL (National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited).
• The park is being developed in 317-acre land along the Brahmaputra & will be
connected to road, rail, air and waterways.
• Under the aegis of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, the ministry has
conceptualised the development of 35 such MMLPs across the country
• The MMLP will have all the facilities like, warehouse, railway siding, cold
storage, custom clearance house, yard facility, workshops, petrol pumps,
truck parking, administrative building, boarding lodging, eating joints,
water treatment plant, etc.
• Foundation stone: 20th Oct 2020
Assam CM launches Ayushman Assam Scheme

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the Ayushman
Assam Scheme under the Mukhya Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (MMJAY) in
Guwahati.
• A healthcare scheme, offering cashless medical treatment up to ₹ 5 lakh
per family a year.
• The scheme aims to promote accessible and affordable healthcare,
covering around 26 lakh families.
• 'Ayushman Asom' will cover 1,578 healthcare procedures in over 300 impanelled hospitals in the state
• Capital – Dispur
• Chief Minister –Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor – Gulab Chand Kataria
Guwahati becomes first railway station in Northeast to get FSSAI's 'Eat Right Station'
certification
• The Guwahati Railway Station located in Assam under the North East Frontier
Railway recently received the prestigious 'Eat Right Station' certification from
the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• For its commitment to providing high-quality and nutritious food options to
passengers.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
• A statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• FSSAI was established as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• Established - 5 September 2008
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Assam's first underwater tunnel to be constructed between Numaligarh and Gohpur

• The first underwater tunnel in Assam will be constructed between Numaligarh and Gohpur at an estimated
cost of Rs 6,000 crore.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the project, and once the tunnel is completed, it will bring the
two banks, north and south, of the Brahmaputra river closer together.
• Assam Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Number of Districts - 33
• Lok Sabha seats - 14
• Rajya Sabha seats - 7
Assam CM launches 'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' app

• The 'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' app and web portal was launched by Assam
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
• Aims to plant 1 crore saplings in a single day on 17th September 2023, a
significant milestone in the state's efforts to boost the green economy and
contribute to the fight against global warming.
• Individuals who register on the 'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' app or portal and
upload their geo-tagged photographs planting saplings will receive a
reward of Rs 100 in their bank account, with an aim to encourage more people to participate in the tree
plantation drive.
About Assam:
• Location: It is a state located in the north-eastern region of
India. It is bounded by Bhutan to the north, Arunachal Pradesh,
Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya and West
Bengal.
• National Parks: Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri, Orang, Dibru
Saikhowa, Raimona and Dehing Patkai.
• Formation (as a state) - 26 January 1950
• Capital - Dispur
• Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Official Dance - Bihu Dance
• Official river - Brahmaputra
Guwahati airport becomes first in northeast to get ‘Digi Yatra’ facility

• Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati,
become the first in the northeast to launch Digi Yatra for hassle-free travel.
• Aim: To eliminate the need for verification of tickets and IDs at various
touchpoints.
• The Digi Yatra service will be available in three major areas namely - first entrance, check-in and boarding
areas.
• Passengers will be able to register their documents on the ‘Digi Yatra’ app and enter the airport by scanning
their faces.
Digi Yatra Foundation:

• The project is being implemented by the DigiYatra Foundation — a joint-venture company whose
shareholders are the Airports Authority of India (26% stake) and Bengaluru Airport, Delhi Airport, Hyderabad
Airport, Mumbai Airport and Cochin International Airport.
• Airports Authority of India (AAI) will identify their airports where Digi Yatra would be implemented in a
phased manner. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Assam enforces ban on plastic water bottles of less than 1000ml

• The Assam government implemented a ban on PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) plastic
water bottles of less than 1000 ml capacity with effect from October 2.
• From October 2024, bottles of less than two litres will also be banned in the state
• The primary goal is to tackle the problem of plastic pollution and promote sustainable
behavior.
Project Gajah Kotha Launched in Assam

• In an effort to reduce the growing human-elephant conflict (HEC) issue,
Assam has launched the “Gajahkotha” Campaign, involving over 1,200
individuals.
• Aims to educate residents about the behaviour, ecology and cultural
significance of elephants in the region, emphasizing the importance of conservation.
• Led by Aranyak, a leading Guwahati-based wildlife NGO, in collaboration with the British Asian Trust and the
Assam Forest Department and supported by the Darwin Initiative
Current Data on Elephants in India:

• India is home to approximately around 27,000 Asian Elephants, which is the world’s largest population of the
species.
• As per Elephant Census (2017), Karnataka has the highest number of elephants (6,049), followed by Assam
(5,719) and Kerala (3,054).
• India has 33 Elephant Reserves (ER). Lemru ER (Chhattisgarh), Agsthyamalai ER (Tamil Nadu) and Terai ER
(Uttar Pradesh) were notified in 2022.
Asian Elephants:
• There are three subspecies of Asian elephant which are the Indian, Sumatran and Sri Lankan.
• IUCN Red List: Endangered.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
Assam government forms panel to draft anti-polygamy law

• a three-member committee to draft the proposed anti-polygamy law in the state - to ban polygamy
• CM Sarma said the Assam government had earlier formed a committee headed by former Gauhati High
Court judge, Justice Rumi Phookan (retd.)
• the panel examined the provisions of the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Act, 1937, read with Constitution’s
Article 25 (religious freedom).
Assam Governor launches 'Sarpanch Samvad' app

• Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria unveiled ‘Sarpanch Samvaad’ , a mobile application app
• The app developed by the Quality Council of India (QCI).
• Aim: To connect approximately 2.5 lakh Sarpanchs across India, which serves as a holistic platform for
networking, knowledge dissemination, and collaboration.
• Through this initiative, Sarpanchs can spotlight developmental activities in their villages, learn about best
practices, and foster connections nationwide.
• Quality Council of India, established in 1997 by the Government of India
Assam CM unveils Ahom General Lachit Borphukan’s statue

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated a statue of the
17th-century army commander Lachit Borphukan, renowned for his role in
thwarting a Mughal attempt to capture the erstwhile Ahom kingdom.
• Lachit Borphukan's heroism was prominently displayed during the 1671
'Battle of Saraighat,' where he successfully halted the mighty Mughal
forces' attempt, led by Raja Ramsingh-I, to conquerJoin
the@parcham_CA
kingdom. for more free pdfs
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• In recognition of his valor, the National Defence Academy has been awarding the Lachit Borphukan Gold
Medal to its best cadet annually since 1999.
• Along with the statue, a ‘Shaheed Smarak’ (Martyrs’ Memorial) — a sculpture of an inverted rifle with a
helmet with ‘Amar Jawan’ inscription — was also unveiled at the Bir Lachit Borphukan Park
‘Orunodoi 2.0’, a poverty alleviation scheme

• Orunodoi cards under Orunodoi 2.0, the poverty alleviation scheme adopted
by the Government of Assam, were distributed among the new beneficiaries
of the Lakhimpur district
• Beneficiary will now receive a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,250, with
the amount directly credited to their bank accounts
• The Orunodoi scheme was initially launched on December 1, 2020, and its second edition was announced on
December 14 of the following year.
Indian Army conducted first ever East Tech 2023 in Guwahati

• The Indian Army and the Ministry of Commerce and Industries,
Government of Assam are jointly organised “East Tech 2023” in
Guwahati on October 10 and 11, 2023.
• It is the first of its kind event being organised by the Eastern
Command of the Indian Army in the entire North-eastern region.
• The main purpose of East Tech 2023 is to help the Eastern Command
in addressing its operational challenges by integrating advanced indigenous technology.
S. No. Command Name Headquarters Area of Responsibility

1 Northern Command Udhampur, J&K Jammu and Kashmir, parts of Himachal
Pradesh
2 Western Command Chandimandir, Haryana Punjab, Haryana, parts of Rajasthan
3 Eastern Command Kolkata, West Bengal North-eastern states: Arunachal Pradesh,
Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram,
Meghalaya, Tripura, and parts of Sikkim
4 Southern Command Pune, Maharashtra Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Goa,
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu,
Kerala, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and
Diu
5 Central Command Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Bihar,
Jharkhand
6 Southwestern Command Jaipur, Rajasthan Parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat
7 Training Command Shimla, Himachal Responsible for training and development
Pradesh of soldiers and officers across the Indian
Army
Assam Government Approves Merger Of SEBA And AHSEC

• The Assam Cabinet has given its nod for the merger of the Secondary
Education Board of Assam (SEBA) and the Assam Higher Secondary
Education Council (AHSEC).
• The amalgamated entity will now be known as the ‘Assam State
School Education Board‘ (ASSEB).
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Raas Mahotsav in Majuli

• Raas Mahotsav begins in Assam's Majuli, the world's largest inhabited river island
• Majuli is the core of Assamese Neo-Vaishnavism. The district-size river island over the mighty river
Brahmaputra has dozens of Vaishnavite monasteries, locally called Satras
• Locals perform Bhaona, a traditional form of drama where artists play various mythological characters.
Bhaona was started in the fifteenth or sixteenth century by a social-religious reformer
Amrit Brikshya Andolan: Assam govt creates nine Guinness World Records
Some of the following records that were created in September this year:
• Longest line of Potted Saplings (September 9) (approx. 22km line)
• Largest number of saplings distributed at one venue in 24 hours (September
10)
• Most trees planted by a team in 24 hours (September 13-14)
• Most trees planted by a team in 1 hour (September 15)
• Largest potted saplings mosaic (September 16)
Manipur
Chief Minister: N. Biren Singh
Governor : Anusuiya Uikey
• Capital: Imphal Tribes: Aimol, Angami, Gangte, Koirao, Lamgang,

• Date of Creation: 21st January 1972 Maring, Monsang, Purum, Ralte, Suhte, Thadou, Zou,
• State Language: Manipuri Tarao, Kharam
• State Emblem: Kangla Shaa
• State Bird: Nongyeen Wildlife Sanctuaries
• State Animal: Sangai • Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary
• State Flower : Siroi Lily • Bunning Wildlife Sanctuary
• Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary
Lake: Loktak • Keilam Wildlife Sanctuary
The only Floating lake in the world • Shiroy Community Forest
Largest freshwater lake in North -East India • Zeilad Lake Sanctuary
• Dzukou Valley
Manipur has only one national park, which is called Keibul Lamjao National Park(The world’s only floating park). It is
situated in the Bishnupur district of the Indian state of Manipur. It was established in 1966 as a wildlife sanctuary
before becoming a national park in the year 1977.
Imoinu Iratpa festival celebrated across Manipur

• The Meitei community of Manipur celebrated Imoinu Iratpa festival
every year.
• They regard the Imoinu goddess as a goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Manipur celebrates Gaan Ngai festival

• Zeliangrong community of Manipur celebrated the Gaan Ngai festival on 4th Jauary
2023.
• This festival also marks the end of the year when the farmers have stored their food
grain in their graneries.
• They show their gratitude by offering to the almighty a good harvest and praying for a
better life.
• The Zeliangrong community comprises Rongmei, Liangmei, and Zeme tribes.
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Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates Marjing Polo statue in Manipur

• 122-foot-high Sagol Kangjei Statue at the Ibudhou Marjing complex in
Imphal, Manipur.
• Sagol Kangjei: It is the name of the game of polo played in Manipur.
• Modern polo is said to have originated from Sagol Kangjei, a sport
indigenous to Manipur, in which players ride horses, specifically the
Manipur Ponies, which are referenced in records dating back to the
14th century.
• Marjing is considered the God of polo and features a pony as his carrier.
Union Minister inaugurates International Biotech Conclave in Northeast

• Union Minister, Jitendra Singh has inaugurated International Conference on Biotechnology for the first time
since Independence in North East Region, along with the 22nd Congress of the International Society for
Ethno-pharmacology and the 10th Congress of Society for Ethno-pharmacology (ISE SFEC-2023).
• It was held from February 24-26, 2023 at the
• City Convention Centre, Imphal, Manipur.
• Theme: Reimagine Ethnopharmacology:
• Globalization of Traditional Medicine.
• Ethnopharmacology - The cross-cultural study of medicines derived from
naturally occurring substances like plants and fungi
Yaoshang festival begins in Manipur

• The Yaoshang festival has begun in Manipur on March 7, 2023, and will
continue for five days.
• The festival is celebrated by the Meetei who are predominantly Hindu
and it is celebrated at the same time as Holi.
• However, during the Yaoshang festival, apart from playing with colour,
the festival also witnessed a number of cultural and religious activities
for five days.
Manipur Chief Minister inaugurates Hun-Thadou cultural festival at Kangpokpi.

• The 5th edition of HUN- a Thadou Cultural Festival 2023 kicked off at
Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.
• HUN festival is an annual cultural festival of the Thadous community of
Manipur and it is celebrated at the arrival of the new year according to the
community.
• Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren attended the opening ceremony of the two days festival under the theme
‘Drug-free society’.
SC to Appoint All-Woman Panel to Oversee Relief in Manipur

• Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud has announced the
formation of an all-women panel to help bring healing and relief to
the violence-stricken region in Manipur.
The committee consists of 3 former High Court judges :
• Justice Gita Mittal, (Committee Head), who was a former Chief
Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court.
• Justice Shalini Phansalkar Joshi, a retired Bombay High Court judge.
• Justice Asha Menon, a former Delhi High Court Judge.
• Chief Justice, D.Y. Chandrachud also appointed a retired IPS officer, Dattatray Padsalgikar to monitor the
investigation of the cases that has been arisen from the violence.
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Free Movement Regime:

• Manipur Chief Minister recently said that his government has urged
the Union Home Ministry to cancel the free movement regime
along the India-Myanmar border and complete its fencing.
• Under the FMR, all the hill tribes, whether they are citizens of India
or Myanmar, can travel within 16 km on either side of the Indo-
Myanmar Border (IMB).
• They can cross the border by producing a border pass with a one-
year validity issued by the competent authority and can stay up to two weeks per visit.
• While the majority of Meiteis have accused these illegal migrants and the alleged “narco-terror network”
along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) of fomenting trouble in the state, the Kukis have blamed the Meiteis
and Chief Minister N Biren Singh, a Meitei himself, of using making this a pretext for “ethnic cleansing”.
• The FMR was implemented in 2018 as part of the Central government’s Act East policy.
• FMR is implemented by both governments for the people living along the IMB.
• This helps locals to get more culturally assimilated with trans-border villages through weddings, celebrating
common festivals together and trans-border trade.
• The border between India and Myanmar was demarcated by the British in 1826, without seeking the opinion
of the people living in the region.
• The border effectively splits people of the same ethnicity and culture into two nations without their consent.
• Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB):
• It runs for 1,643 km in the four states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Assam Rifles is tasked with guarding the IMB.
Meghalaya
Meghalaya was formed by carving out two districts from the state of Assam: the United Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills,
and the Garo Hills.
• Capital: Shillong
• Date of Formation: 02, April 1970 (autonomous state)21, January 1972 (full-fledged state)
• State Boundaries: Assam
• International Boundary: BangladeshNumber of
Chief Minister: Conrad Sangma Biosphere Reserve: Norkek Biosphere Reserve

Governor: Phagu Chauhan National Park: Balphakram National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries:
• State Animal Clouded Leopard • Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
• State Bird Hill Myna • Siju Sanctuary
• State Flower Lady Slipper Orchid • Baghmara Sanctuary
• State Tree Gamhar
• Language Khasi, Pnar, Garo & English Tribes: Khasis (largest group) followed by the Garos
then the Jaintias.
India’s First Centre of Excellence in Online Gaming to be set up in Shillong

• Digital India Startup Hub through Software Technology Parks of India
(STPI) will set up India’s first centre of excellence for online gaming in
Shillong by March
• The Center of Excellence in Shillong is expected to catalyse startups and
entrepreneurs from India's Northeast to build the next generation online
gaming ecosystem.
• MeitY will also set up a state-of-the-art facility under the National
Institute of Electronics and IT (NIELIT) in Shillong to impart training on digital skills.
• A 10-acre campus will soon be prepared for this. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Shillong to get largest multipurpose indoor stadium of Northeast

• The state government of Meghalaya, under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma is setting up a multipurpose
indoor stadium in Shillong, which would be the largest multipurpose indoor stadium in the northeastern
region.
• The stadium is being constructed by renovation, upgradation and expansion of the Jawaharlal Nehru
Stadium, locally known as Polo Ground, in Shillong.
• It is expected to be completed by December 2023.
• The seating capacity of the renovated stadium would be 30,000.
• The indoor stadium would have facilities for different disciplines such as basketball, squash, badminton,
table tennis, volleyball among others.
Meghalaya uses AI-enabled tech to clean up tourist hotspot Umiam lake

• The AI-enabled robotic boat was recently deployed in collaboration with Smart
Village Movement and Hong Kong-based technology firm Clearbot
• Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake in Shillong

• It is one of the biggest artificial lakes in Meghalaya, spread over an area of 10 square km.
• The lake was formed after a dam was constructed to generate hydroelectric power in 1965.
• The dam was a part of northeast India’s first hydel power project called the Umiam Umtru Hydroelectric
Power Project.
‘Water Smart Kid Campaign’

• Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma launched the ‘Meghalaya Water Smart Kid Campaign.’
• This initiative, operating under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), aims to educate
children about the vital importance of water conservation.
• JJm launched in 2019- comes under Jal Shakti Ministry.
Mizoram
Mizoram became the 23rd State of the Union in 20th February 1987.
Mizoram is a landlocked state in the northeast of India.
It shares borders with the following states and countries:
• North: Assam and Manipur
• East and South: Myanmar
• West: Bangladesh and Tripura
Chief Minister : PU LALDUHOMA
Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati
Capital: Aizawl Wildlife sanctuary
Date of Formation: Feburary 1987 • Dampa Tiger Reserve
State Border: Assam, Tripura, Manipur • Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary
International Border: Myanmar, Bangladesh • Khawnglung Wildlife sanctuary
State Animal: Serow (Saza) • Lengteng Wildlife sanctuary
State Bird: Hume’s Bartailed Pheaasant (Vavu) • Tawi Wildlife sanctuary
State Flower: Dancing Girl (Aiting) • Thorangtlang Wildlife sanctuary
State Tree: Mesual Ferrea/ Nahar (Herhse) • Pualreng Wildlife sanctuary
• Tokalo Wildlife sanctuary
Tribes
National Park • Chakma
• Murlen National Park • Garo
• Phawngpui National Park • Hajong
• Lakher
• Mikir
• Synteng
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New species of flying gecko found in Mizoram, named as Gecko mizoramensis
• Researchers of Mizoram University and Max Planck Institute for Biology ,
Tubingen, Germany have discovered a new species of flying gecko in Mizoram.
• The new species has been named Gekko mizoramensis
First ABDM Microsite Project by National Health Authority

launched in Aizawl, Mizoram
• The National Health Authority (NHA) announced that
Mizoram has become the first state in India to
operationalize Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’s
(ABDM) microsite project.
• The National Health Authority (NHA) announced 100
microsites project to accelerate the adoption of the
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) nationwide.
• Microsites will be a cluster of all small and medium
scale clinics, nursing homes, hospitals and other healthcare facilities that are ABDM-enabled. Digital health
services will be offered to the patients at these microsites centres
Hmar community : Demand For Separate Administration

• NEWS: Hmar Inpui, the apex tribal body of the Hmar community, recently asked the Centre to expedite the
processes of resolving the demands of the tribal communities for separate administration for the
Kuki/Hmar/Zomi
• Hmar tribe, also called Mhar or Mar, are the dwellers of the North Eastern Part of India.
• They inhibit the north-eastern states of Manipur, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Tripura.
• The Hmars belong to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo group of tribes and are recognised as Scheduled Tribe under the
Constitution of India.
• Hmar Tribes claim their origin from the Singlung, which is located in central or south-west China.
• The ancestors of Hmar belong to the Chinese dynasty.
• The Hmar society is based on clan system.
• Each clan had a dialect of its own, though nowadays a common dialect used by the Hmar People was
developed by Christian missionaries.
• The chief of the village council is called “Lal”. Everybody follows his leadership and directive.
• The society is patrilineal and patriarchal in nature.
• Father is the head of the family. Joint family is common among them.
• Hmars built their villages on hill -tops & houses are constructed on wooden planks.
Mizoram celebrated Anthurium Festival with fervor & enthusiasm

• In Mizoram, a two-day-long Anthurium Festival held with all festivities and enthusiasm in Mamit District
• The festival was organized by the Department of Tourism of
Mizoram
• It is an occasion of joy and a platform to showcase the rich cultural
heritage and traditions of the Mizo people.
• The Anthurium flower is one of the most expensive flowers
cultivated in India & widely used in ceremonies ranging from
birthdays, weddings as well as funeral services
• The formalization of Mizoram State took place on 20th February, 1987 after the 53rd Amendment of the
Indian Constitution, 1986.
• Chapchar Kut is one of the most important spring festival.
• The Anthurium Festival is held to promote farmers, flowers and horticulture in Mizoram.
• Khuado Kut (festival) is celebrated by the Paite community
• Mim Kut: It is a Maize festival that is celebrated during the months of August and September, after the
harvest of maize.
Nagaland
Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio
Governor: La. Ganesan
Date of Formation: December 1st, 1963
Nagaland statehood day also marks the beginning Tribes
of Hornbill festival in Nagaland. • Angami
Capital: Kohima • Khiamniungan
State Border : Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur • Lotha
International Border: Myanmar (Burma) • Sumi
Languages: Nagamese, Cerole, Assamese, English • Ao
• Kuki
State Animal: Mithun • Phom
State Bird: Blyth’s Tragopan • Sangtam
State Tree: Alder
State Flower : Kopou National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
• Ntangki National Park
Dances • Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary
• Aaluyattu • Puliebadze Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sadal Kekai • Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary
• Rangma • Rangapahar Forest Reserve
• Chang Lo & Monyo Asho
Hekani Jakhalu becomes first woman MLA in Nagaland history

• Hekani Jakhalu of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP)
Centre allocates ₹145 crore to Nagaland for Unity Mall

• The Central government has allocated ₹145 crore for the construction
of a Unity Mall in Dimapur, Nagaland.
• Aim: For promoting and showcasing the state’s One District One
Product offerings
• The allocation is part of the Union Budget 2023-24, which has
earmarked ₹5,000 crore for the establishment of Unity Malls.
Sikkim
• In 1950, the Indo-Sikkimese treaty was signed. With this, Sikkim became a protectorate of India.
• The Namgyal dynasty ruled Sikkim till 1975.
• Sikkim joined the Union of India on May 16, 1975.
• Sikkim is the first state in the country to become 100% organic.
Chief Minister: Prem Singh Tamang (Shri PS Golay)

Governor: Lakshman Acharya
• State Animal: Red Panda

• State Bird: Blood Pheasant
• State Tree: Rhododendron
• State Flower: Noble Orchid
• National park: Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
• Kanchenjunga National Park is the first mixed site of UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
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River: Lachung, Rangeet, Tista,

Passes: Nathu La, Jelep La, Dingkia
Tribes: Limboo, Bhutia, Tamang, Lepcha
Borders:
Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and northeast, Bhutan to the southeast, Indian state of West Bengal
to the south and Nepal to the west.
Gurung community in Sikkim celebrates its New Year festival Tamu Lhosar
• The Gurungs are hill people living on the southern slopes of Himalayan
Mountains in central Nepal.
• Their origins are uncertain, although they are of Mongoloid stock and their
ancestors may have migrated to their current location from Tibet around 2,000
years ago.
Ethnic Composition of Sikkim:
• There are three ethnic groups in Sikkim- Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.
• The Lepchas are basically Buddhist and Christian. Bhutias are the people originally from Kham area in Eastern
Tibet who follow Lamanism.
The Bumchu Festival was celebrated in the Tashiding Monastery in Sikkim

• Bumchu means “pot of sacred water” in Tibetan.
• The vase is opened during the event, and the water inside is shared among
the worshippers.
• The water is thought to have healing qualities and to grant luck and riches to
those who drink it.
• The celebration takes place on the 14th and 15th of the first lunar month,
which often falls in February or March.
Arunachal Pradesh
Mizoram, as well as the state of Arunachal Pradesh, came into existence on 20 February 1987.
Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
Governor: Lt. General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
Capital : Itanagar Dances

State Boundaries: Assam, Nagaland • Chham
International boundaries : Myanmar (440Km) , • Mask dance (Mukhauta Nritya)
Bhutan (160Km) and China (1030Km)Separated from • War dance
China by McMohan line, which is disputed. • Buiya
Animal : Blackbuck • Chalo
Bird : Indian Roller • Wancho
Tree : Neem Pasi Kongki
Flower :Water lily • Ponung
Biosphere Reserve: Dehang Bebang (Musk Deer, • Popir
Mishmi Takin) • Bardo
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Wildlife Sanctuary
• Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger reserve Mountain Pass
• Talle Wildlife Sanctuary • Bombdila Pass (India-Tibet)
• Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary • Bum La Pass (India-Tibet)
• Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary • Tunga Pass (India-Tibet)
• Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary • Dihang Pass (India-Tibet)
• Mouling National Park
Defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates steel arch Siyom Bridge

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated the 100-metre, Siyom Bridge
in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• This bridge will open an alternative route to the India-China border.
Parshuram Kund Festival

• to be celebrated from 12 to 16 January 2023.
• in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh
• It is also known as the Kumbh of the Northeast.
• It is dedicated to a mythological figure sage Parshuram.
• The project “Development of Parasuram Kund is sanctioned under the
Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’
(PRASHAD) Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.
Har Shikhar Tiranga (HST) Mission

• Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister flagged off Mission Har Shikhar Tiranga, from NIMAS (National Institute of
Mountaineering and Adventure Sports), Dirang.
• A unique expedition to hoist the national flag on the highest point of every state of India for the first time.
• It is a campaign under the aegis of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to take the tricolour to all the states of the
country and hoist it on the summits to mark the 75th year of independence and to commemorate India’s
G20 presidentship.
• It is the brainchild of Colonel Jamwal - the only Indian to have summited Mount Everest three times and
climbed the Seven Summits, touching the highest points of the seven continents.
• The summit will begin from summiting Mt. Reo Purgyil in Himachal Pradesh and end at Mt Jongsong in
Sikkim.
'Arunpol App'
• Arunachal Pradesh CM launches app called 'Arunpol App' of Arunachal Pradesh Police
• It will facilitate common people to lodge complaints without coming to the police
station.
• Chief Minister Pema Khandu also launched another app called E-Vigilance app for the
state government employees
• It will benefit the state government employees by ensuring timely vigilance clearance.
Que:‘Wihu Kuh festival’ is celebrated by the Tangsa Tribe in which state?

Answer: Arunachal Pradesh
• The Tangsa tribe is a community known for their agricultural customs and
practices.
• Wihu Kuh, means “paddy transplantation festival,” which marks the
beginning of the agricultural season in the region.
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Arunachal Pradesh govt inks MoA with 3 Central govt PSUs

• Arunachal Pradesh government allotted 12 stalled hydropower projects
to three Central Government PSUs by signing a Memorandum of
Agreement (MoA) in Itanagar.
• The projects will be implemented by NHPC Ltd.(National Hydroelectric
Power Corporation), SJVN Ltd.(Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam), and NEEPCO
Ltd.(North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited)
• The MoAs were signed in the presence of Union Power Minister R. K. Singh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu
and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein.
• These projects were initially allotted to independent power developers about 15 years ago but remain
stalled due to various reasons.
Mukhya Mantri Shramik Kalyan Yojana

• Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu announces rollout of ‘Mukhya Mantri Shramik Kalyan Yojana’ for the
welfare of the labour force of the state.
• Under the scheme, maternity benefit for families of workers has been enhanced from 1,000 rupees to 6,000
rupees; natural death compensation from 50,000 rupees to 2 lakhs rupees and accidental death
compensation from 1 lakh rupees to 4 lakh rupees.
• To encourage sports amongst the children of workers, the scheme will have cash incentives of 15,000
rupees for Gold, 10,000 rupees for Silver, and 8,000 rupees
for Bronze in any state-level tournament or competition.
Arunachal Pradesh Approves STPF For 3 Tiger Reserves

• The Arunachal Pradesh State Cabinet approved constitution
of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in State for three
Tiger Reserves of the State namely- Namdapha, Pakke and
Kamlang.
• The cabinet observed that this will lead to protection of
Tigers and their habitats, protection of wildlife habitats and
prevention of other illegal activities in these tiger reserves.
• The STPF will be a dedicated and specialized force with its
own structure and composition as required for tiger
reserves. The force would comprise of one company of 112
personnel each for three tiger reserves
• The cabinet also approved the Amendment of Arunachal
Pradesh State Industrial and Investment Policy 2020, which is expected to make the state a favoured
destination for investment.
• Cabinet further approved “Operation and Maintenance Policy” for rural and urban water supply system
aimed at ensuring sustainable management of water supply system across the state.
Setu Bandhan scheme

• Centre has approved seven bridge projects worth 118 Crore 50 lakh rupees in Arunachal Pradesh under the
Setu Bandhan Scheme.
• These projects will enhance connectivity and boost economic growth across all sectors.
• RCC bridge over Pacha River at Lachang
• 3 bridges on NH-313
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26th National Integration And Youth Leadership Camp At Itanagar

Inaugurated by- Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt. General KT
Parnaik, (Retd.)
Organised by- Central Calcutta Science & Culture Organisation for
Youth (CCSCOY) (Founded in 1996)
Place- Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
Theme- Viksit Yuva, Viksit Bharat
• The Camp is attended by about 1,000 children, including 250 youth from several states in the NorthEast
Region.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” programme.
• On the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 140th birth anniversary, the programme was launched on
October 31, 2015.
• Formation: 20 February 1987
• Before was: North-East Frontier Agency
• Capital: Itanagar (Executive Branch)
• Chief minister: Pema Khandu
• Flower: Foxtail orchid
Tripura
• On 21 January 1972, the states of Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya became full-fledged states under the
North Eastern Region (Re-organisation) Act, 1971.
• The princely states of Tripura and Manipur were merged with India in October 1949.
• Agartala is the capital of Tripura .
• Tripura shares an international boundary with Bangladesh.
• The Indian states bordering Tripura are Assam and Mizoram.
• The official languages of Tripura are Bengali, English, and Kokborok (Tripuri).
Chief Minister : Manik Saha

Governor: Shri Indrasena Reddy Nallu
State Animal: Phayre’s Langur (Trachypithecus National Park and Wildlife sanctuaries
phayrei) • Shepahijala Wildlife sanctuarie
State Bird: Green Imperial Pigeon (Ducula aenea) • Trishna Wildlife sanctuarie
State Tree: Agar (Aquilaria malaccensis) • Rowa Wildlife sanctuarie
State Flower : Nageswar (Mesua Ferrea) • Clouded Leopard National Park
Tribes: Bhil, Bhutia, Riang, Santal, Uchai, Orang, Noatia, Kuki, Khasia, Jamatia, Garoo, Chakma
Kharchi Puja : Tripura

• Prime Minister of India greeted people on occasion of Kharchi Puja
• Kharchi Puja is one of the main festivals of Tripura.
• It is performed during the months of July-August on the eighth day of the new
moon.
• Meaning of Kharchi can be understood by splitting the word into two Tripuri
words “Khar” or Kharta meaning sin and “Chi” or si meaning cleaning. Hence it
signifies the cleansing of our sins.
• 14 Gods are worshipped by the Royal priest, ‘Chantai.
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• It lasts for seven days, and it takes place at old Agartala in the Fourteen Gods temple known as the
‘Chaturdasha Devata’ temple premises.
• The Kharchi Puja deities do not have a full body; they have only heads which are worshipped.
• On the day of the puja, the fourteen Gods are taken from the temple to the river Saidra by the Chantai
members and given bathe with the holy river water, then carried back to the temple.
Tripura to set up pink toilets for women

• The Tripura government has initiated efforts to install pink toilets for women in urban areas.
• The government has also thirty-three percent reservation for women in government jobs.
• 50 percent reservation for them to operate shops in government shopping complexes are some of the steps
taken toward women empowerment.
• Capital – Agartala
• Chief Minister – Manik Saha
Kokborok language in news

• Recently, over 260 people were detained in Tripura during a 12-hour state-wide strike called by the Twipra
Students’ Federation (TSF) to press for the introduction of Roman script for Kokborok.
• Kokborok is the language spoken by the Borok people belonging to the State of Tripura.
• The term kok means "verbal", and borok means "people" or "human".
• The language was officially recognized in 1979, and it is spoken as the first language by many of Tripura's
tribal communities.
• Recent controversies have arisen regarding the imposition of Hindi script and the use of Bengali script in
Kokborok exams, intensifying demands for the Roman script.
• The historical records of Tripuri kings were originally written in Kokborok using the "Koloma" script.
• The dialect belongs to the Tibeto-Burman group of languages, and its root can be traced to the Sino-Tibetan
speech family.
• Kokborok got the written form in the year 1897 as Doulot Ahammad, a Muslim scholar, wrote the first
Kokborok Grammar named “ KOKBOROMA ANG TRIPURA – VYAKARAN GRAMMAR.”
Rajasthan
• March 30 is celebrated across the state to mark the formation of the state of Rajasthan.
• On this day in 1949, the four states, namely Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer, joined with the United
State of Rajasthan, and the region came to be known as Greater Rajasthan.
• Governor: Kalraj Mishra UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Chief Minister: Bhajan Lal Sharma • Keoladev National Park
• Capital: Jaipur • Amer Fort(Amber)
• Ancient name of State: Marukantar, • Ranthambore Fort
Rajputana • The Gagron Fort
• State tree: Khejri
• Jantar Mantar
• State domestic animal: Camel
• Jaisalmer fort
• State animal: Chinkara
• State bird: Godavan
• Chittorgarh fort
• State Sports of Rajasthan – Basketball • Kumbhalgarh Fort
FOLK DANCE AND MUSIC • Ghoomar Dance

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• Gair dance • Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur

• Chari Dance • Gadsisar Lake, Jaisalmer
• Kachhi Ghodi • Jaisamand Lake, Udaipur
• Fire Dance • Kaylana Lake, Jodhpur
• Terah thali • Nakki-Lake-Mount-Abu
• Kathputlis • Pichola Lake, Udaipur
• Pabuji Ki Phach • Pushkar Lake, Pushkar
• Maand • Rajsamand Lake, Rajsamand
• Sambhar Lake, Jaipur
LAKES • Sardar Samand Lake, Pali
National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Main Waterfalls in Rajasthan

• Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur • Waterfalls River Place
• Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur • Chulia Falls Chambal River
• Sariska Tiger Reserve, Alwar Bhainsrodgarh (Kota)
• Tal Chapper Sanctuary,Churu • Bhimtal Falls Mangli River Bhimtal,
• Desert National Park, Jaisalmer Bundi
• Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary • Menal Falls Menal River Begu
• Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, Rajsamand (Chittorgarh)
• Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary • Dir falls Kankur River Torgarh-Rawali
• Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary • Bhil Berry Falls Bhil Berry Waterfall
• Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary Sanctuary (Pali)
• Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary
President Murmu inaugurates Samvidhan Udyan in Jaipur

• President also virtually laid the foundation stone for the 1,000 MW
Bikaner Solar Power Project in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The project is
being implemented by state-owned energy firm SJVN Limited
through its subsidiary.
• The project is expected to be commissioned by March 2024
• The maximum usage charges have been set at Rs. 2.57 per unit,
which will provide cheaper electricity to consumers. In addition to
helping the government achieve its renewable energy target of 500 GW by 2030, the project will also reduce
carbon emissions by 27,85,077 tones.
President Murmu inaugurated the 18th National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides in Rajasthan
• At Rohat in the Pali district of Rajasthan.
• The 7 day event was hosted by Rajasthan after 66 years, last time it was in
1956.
• The first National Scout and Guide Jamboree was held in Andhra Pradesh in
1951.
• Theme - Progress with Peace
• The Jamboree is a National level gathering of the Scouts and Guides conducted
once in 4 years or to mark special occasions.
Founder of the Scout and Guides movement

• The Boy Scout movement was started by Major General Baden Powell of the British Army in 1907.
• The girl’s guide’s movement was started by Major General Powel sister’s Agnes Baden Powell in 1910.
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Bharat Scouts and Guides Movement

• After Independence the Bharat Scouts and Guides was set up in 1950 as a registered society under Societies
Registrations Act 1860.
• It is a totally voluntary, non-political and secular organisation.
• The purpose of the Movement is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full
physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as
members of the local, national and International communities.
Rajasthan CM announced 19 new districts and three new divisions

• The state will now have a total of 50 districts.
• The new districts are- Anupgarh, Balotra, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-Kuchaman City, Dudu, Gangapur City,
Jaipur North, Jaipur South, Jodhpur East, Jodhpur West, Kekri, Kotputli, Khairthal, Neemkathana, Phalodi,
Salumbar, Sanchore, Shahpura (Bhilwara).
• Banswara, Pali, and Sikar were named as new divisions, taking the total number of divisions in the state to
10
Que: ‘Mahila Nidhi’ is the first ever women’s cooperative fund launched by which state/UT?
Ans: Rajasthan
• Rajasthan’s the then CM Ashok Gehlot approved a proposal for giving 8% interest subsidy on loans obtained
by the members of women’s self-help groups (SHGs) from Mahila Nidhi.
• ‘Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi‘ was launched in 2022, and was formed through Rajasthan Rural Livelihood
Development Council (Rajivika), with a sanction of Rs.50 crore grant for the first two years. The scheme
facilitates crediting of loans up to Rs 40,000 within 48 hours, and above Rs 40,000 within 15 days.
• Mahila Nidhi is operated entirely by women and acts as a complementary body with the formal banking
system.
MGNREGA: Rajasthan tops in persondays generation for 4th year

• Rajasthan topped for the fourth year in a row.
• In 2022-23, Rajasthan generated 35.61 crore persondays at a total cost of
Rs 10,175 crore under the scheme.
• Rajasthan is followed by Tamil Nadu (33.45 crore), Uttar Pradesh (31.18
crore), Andhra Pradesh (23.96 crore) and Bihar (23.69 crore) in terms of
persondays generation, according to MGNREGA MIS report.
• Launch year: 2006
Which state/UT launched the ‘Mehngai Rahat Camp’?

Ans: Rajasthan
• The camp will continue till June 30 this year.
• The main objective of the Mehngai Rahat Camp, as stated by the Chief
Minister, is to empower the common people.
• Through the camp, the government aims to provide complete information about rights, schemes, and
eligibility to the general public and deprived sections.
Bishnoi Community : Protest

• People from the Bishnoi community are protesting against the
“widespread” felling of Khejri trees for setting up solar power plants in
Rajasthan.
• Large areas of land in Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bikaner districts have been leased to private companies by the
state governmentfor the development of renewable energy projects, leading to destruction of thousands of
trees, including state tree Khejri.
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• Bishnoi community belong to a Hindu religious sect found in the Western Thar Desert and some northern
states of India.
• They trace their origins to the teachings of Guru Jambhesvara who was born to a Panwar Rajput family in
1451 AD at Peepasar village of Nagore district in Western Rajasthan.
• They strictly forbid the harming of trees and animals.
• They believe in protecting the environment and can die doing it so.
• The person of this community are inspired and gets inspiration from Amrita Devi, a Bishnoi woman who
was killed in 1730 while trying to protect a grove of khejri trees.
• Khejri tree is the state tree & is considered a sacred tree in Rajasthan.
• It is a nitrogen-fixing tree which enhances the fertility of the soil.
Que: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a variety of
development projects worth over ₹5,500 crores in which state?
Ans: Rajasthan / र्ाजस्थान
PM laid the foundation stone for:
• Road construction projects for upgradation to two-lane in Rajsamand and Udaipur.
• Redevelopment of Udaipur railway station, to provide enhanced amenities for the public.
• Gauge conversion project and for setting up a new line from Nathdwara to Nathdwara town in Rajsamand.
Further, the Prime Minister dedicated three national highway projects to the nation.
Jaisamand Wildlife : Jungle Safari

• Rajasthan Chief Minister recently inaugurated ‘Jungle Safari’ at
Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Udaipur district of
Rajasthan surrounding Debar Lake (Jaisamand Lake).
• It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1957.
• The flora of this Sanctuary comprises of thickly wooded forests of
mainly Teak wood.
Debar Lake (Jaisamand Lake):
• In 1685, Maharana Jai Singh built this lake
'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' as a ‘God Bharai' ceremony in

Rajasthan
• In Dausa, Rajasthan 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana’ is
observed as a ‘God Bharai' (Baby Shower) ceremony.
• In this ceremony all the pregnant women of the area come together
and they are provided with 'nutritional kits' for the health of their
babies.
• About 3.5 lakh women have benefited from this scheme during
2022-23 only in Rajasthan.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY):
• PMMVY was launched on January 1, 2017 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• cash incentive of ₹ 5000/- (in three instalments) is provided directly in the bank/post office account of
Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers.
Que: In which state the country's 'first' toy train run on CNG inaugurated?
Ans: Rajasthan (Udaipur)
• Toy train, named Maharana Pratap Express train, in Gulab Bagh of Udaipur
• * According to the engineer of the toy train, this is the country's first CNG-powered toy train.
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Divya Kala Mela will be organised at Jaipur

• The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) is organizing a special event
called 'Divya Kala Mela' from June 29, 2023, to July 5, 2023, at Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• 100 Divyang artisans/artists and entrepreneurs about 20 states/UTs will showcase their products and skills
• The 'Divya Kala Mela' in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is the sixth event in a series that started in 2022, with previous
editions held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Guwahati, and Indore.
Rajasthan CM introduces scheme to provide free smartphones to women in the state -Indira Gandhi Free
Smartphone Yojana 2023
• The government, under the Indira Gandhi smartphone scheme, will transfer Rs 6,800 to the e-wallet of
beneficiary women after the completion of their KYC process in special camps. The beneficiary can then
purchase a mobile phone of their choice
• In the first phase of the scheme, around 40 lakh women and girl students will get smartphones with three
years of free internet connectivity
Rajasthan Cabinet approved formation of 19 districts, 3 divisions in state

• The Rajasthan Cabinet approved the proposal of a high-level committee to form 19 new districts and 3 new
divisions in the State.
• Rajasthan will now have a total of 50 districts and 10 divisional headquarters.
• According to CM formation of new districts will improve governance and bring relief to people who have to
cover long distances to go to the district headquarters.
• The 3 new divisions are Banswara, Pali and Sikar.
Rajasthan State Guru Gorakhnath Board

• Rajasthan government announced the formation of Rajasthan State Guru
Gorakhnath Board, marking a significant step towards addressing the
challenges faced by the Jogi, Yogi, and Nath communities in the state.
• The Board will identify the problems of Jogi, Yogi, Nath castes & give
suggestions to the state government on the basis of authentic survey
report to provide basic facilities to these classes and remove
backwardness.
• The Board will consist of five non-official members, including a chairman, vice-chairman, and three other
members.
CM launches free food packet scheme

• Rajasthan’s the then Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Nishulk Annapurna Food
Packet Scheme’ on the occasion of Independence Day.
• Under the scheme, families covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) will get the Annapurna
food packets every month from the fair price shops (FPS) for free.
• Each packet will contain one kg each of gram pulses, sugar and iodized salt, one litre soybean refined edible
oil, 100 gram each of chili powder and coriander powder.
• government’s resolution of ‘No one should sleep hungry in the state
Rajasthan Assembly passes The Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023
• Aim: To cover adult population of the state with a guarantee of wages or pension
• All families of the state, whether urban or rural, will be able to get an employment guarantee of 125 days
every year and also get a minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month in case of aged/disabled/single women,
etc.
• The rural families will get 25 days of additional employment under the Chief Minister’s Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme after completing 100 days in the Union government’s MGNREGS.
• In the urban areas, the employment of 125 days per family will be given through the Indira Gandhi Urban
Employment Guarantee Scheme. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• The pension will also be automatically increased at the rate of 15% each year.
Urea Gold : New Variety Of Urea

• Prime Minister recently launched “Urea Gold”, a new variety of Urea,
during an event in Rajasthan’s Sikar.
• Urea Gold is a new variety of Urea coated with Sulphur.
• It is being introduced to address the Sulphur deficiency in soil and
save input costs for the farmers.
• Urea Gold surpasses the existing Neem-coated urea in terms of both
economic viability and efficiency.
• Sulphur-coated urea facilitates a gradual release of nitrogen, thereby enhancing its availability and uptake
by crops.
• According to the report, 15 kg of Urea Gold provides comparable benefits to 20 kg of conventional urea,
making it a more efficient and effective choice for farmers.
Pink Bollworm : Damage To Cotton Fields

• The Pink Bollworm (PBW) is causing significant damage to cotton fields
in northern Rajasthan, Haryana, and Southwestern Punjab.
• Farmers have been using Bt cotton seeds, which have lost their
effectiveness against the PBW.
• The situation has led to a drastic reduction in cotton yields, making it
financially unviable for many farmers.
• The pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is an insect that is a pest
in cotton farming.
Udaipur set to become India’s first Wetland City

• The city, known for its numerous lakes, including Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh
Sagar, Lake Doodh Talai, Lake Rang Sagar, and Lake Swaroop Sagar
• Additionally, Udaipur is a participant in the central government’s National
Lakes Conservation Plan, a program aimed at restoring these crucial
water bodies.
• Currently, the city’s nomination is in the process of being submitted to the Ramsar Convention for approval.
• Bhopal is also trying to being recognized as India’s first wetland city.
• Currently, there are 42 wetland cities worldwide.
Rajasthan's First Snake Park Will Open In Kota

• The first snake park in Rajasthan state will soon open in Kota. The Central Zoo
Authority (CZA) has recently approved this.
• 29 Indian and 4 American species of snakes can be kept in Kota Snake Park.
• Budget of Rs 10 crore for snake park in Kota
• CZA is a government body established by law under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,
• The CZA was established in 1992 through an amendment to the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
Free Education Scheme For Girls From Kg To Pg In Rajasthan

• Along with this, the government has decided to provide jobs to 2.5 lakh youth in the next five years.
• The government will provide gas cylinders to poor families for Rs. 450. The government itself will bear the
subsidy amount for this.
• Under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, the amount of financial assistance for farmers will be increased to Rs 12
thousand per year.
• With an investment of Rs 800 crore, regional heritage centres will be established in major cultural areas.
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• Women police stations and women desks will be formed in every police station in every district. Also, anti-
Romeo squads will be formed in all the cities of Rajasthan.
• SIT has already been formed to investigate the paper leak case of recruitment in the previous government.
• chief Minister:Bhajan Lal Sharma, two Deputy Chief Ministers “Diya Kumari” and “Premchand Bairwa”.
Gujarat
• Gujarat has the longest seashore compared to any other Indian state.
• Gujarat is the only home of Asiatic Lions.
• The British East India Company set its first footsteps in Surat in 1818.
• Jamnagar refinery is the largest oil refinery in the world.
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat

• Capital: Gandhinagar
• Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel
• Date of Formation: 1st May 1960
• Largest city : Ahmedabad
• State Animal: Asiatic Lion
• State Bird: Greater Flamingo
• State Tree: Mango
• State Flower: Golgotha
Multi-purpose projects: World Heritage Site:

• Sardar Sarovar Project – Narmada river • Rani-Ki-Vav, Patan
• Kakrapa Project – Tapi river • Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Park
• Mahi Project – Mahi Project • Historic city of Ahmedabad
• Ukai Project – Tapi river
Dances
National Parks • Garba
• Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park • Dandiya Raas
• Gir National Park • Tippani Juriun
• Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) National Park • Bhavai
• Vansda National Park
Biosphere reserve: Great runn of Kuch biosphere reserve
Que: In which state of India did the first IVF unit for animals start?
Ans: Gujarat's Amreli
• India got its first In vitro fertilization (IVF) mobile unit for animals in Gujarat's
Amreli. The mobile IVF lab was inaugurated by union minister Purushottam
Rupala.
• The IVF mobile van was "dedicated in a joint venture of the Government of India and Amar Dairy."
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates 2023 International Kite Festival

• in Ahemdabad, organised from the 8th to 14th January, 2023.
• The theme of this festival was held with the theme of G20 - 'One Earth, One Family,
One Future'.
Gujarat government signs deal with OECD to hold PISA test for govt school students
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test
• The agreement was signed in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and OECD Paris
Director Andreas Schleicher. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• Gujarat is the first state in the country to sign such an agreement.

• PISA measures the ability of 15-year-olds to read and apply math and science skills to meet real-life
challenges.
• It will improve thinking, problem solving and effective communication skills of the students.
• This will help in achieving the objective of ensuring quality learning outcomes in government schools.
Sixth phase of Sujalam-Sufalam Jal Abhiyan begins

• The sixth phase of Sujalam-Sufalam Jal Abhiyan has been started in Gujarat
on 17th February 2023.
• The state-wide campaign was launched by the Gujarat CM, Bhupendra Patel
at Khoraj in Gandhinagar.
• Aim: To raise the groundwater level and maximize the use of rainwater.
• This phase will be held for 104 days and continue till 31st May 2023
Parshottam Rupala launches Sagar Parikrama Phase-III from Hazira Port

• Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Parshottam
Rupala launched the Sagar Parikrama Phase-III from Hazira Port, Gujarat.
• It started towards the coastal line of Maharashtra at Satpati, Vasai,
Versova, and Parikrama and ended at Sasson Dock, Mumbai.
• Aim: To disseminate information on various fisheries-related schemes
and programs being implemented by the government
• It also aimed to promote responsible fisheries and protect marine
ecosystems.
Amit Shah unveils 54 feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman at Gujarat's Sarangpur
temple
• On April 6, 2023 Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a 54 feet tall
statue of Lord Hanuman at Sarangpur temple in Botad district of Gujarat.
• The idol is 54 feet tall, making it one of the tallest idols of Lord Hanuman in
the country.
20th anniversary of SWAGAT initiative

• PM Modi attended the 20th anniversary of the State Wide Attention
on Grievances by Application of Technology (SWAGAT) initiative in
Gujarat via video conferencing on April 27.
• This scheme was started by PM Modi in April 2003 during his tenure
as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
• Aim: To act as a bridge between the citizens and the government
using technology by solving their day-to-day grievances in a quick,
efficient, and time-bound manner
Tata to build India’s first lithium-ion cell manufacturing Gigafactory

• Tata Group has signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to set up a first-ever lithium-ion cell
manufacturing gigafactory in Gujarat.
• This MOU is an outcome of the newly formulated Electronics Policy.
• It will be a 20-gigawatt power plant with an investment of Rs. 13,000 crore in Phase-1
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Gujarat announced 27% reservation for OBCs in local bodies like panchayat
• The Gujarat government announced a 27 percent reservation for Other
Backward Classes in local bodies like panchayats, municipalities, and civic
corporations.
• In the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas notified areas, the
reservation for OBCs will continue to be 10 percent to protect the interest of
tribals.
• The existing quota for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will remain unchanged and there has been no
breach of the 50 percent reservation ceiling.
HM Amit Shah inaugurates ‘Akshar River Cruise’ on Sabarmati Riverfront

• This cruise was developed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)
and Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited.
• It is the first passenger catamaran built in the country under Make in India.
• Impact: It will boost Gujarat’s tourism
• Catamaran - a sailing boat that has two parallel hulls (floating parts)
Amit Shah lays foundation stone of Country’s first cooperative-run Sainik School
• The Sainik School will be established at Boriyavi village, 11 kilometers away from Mehsana city in Gujarat, by
the leading cooperative Dudh Sagar Dairy at the cost of 75 crores rupees.
• Sainik School has been started in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to start 100 new Sainik
Schools on PPP basis in the country.
Gujarat govt doubles insurance cover under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya scheme
• The Gujarat government has doubled the insurance coverage under Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana
from Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs, effective from July 11, 2023.
• PM-JAY is the world’s largest health insurance/ assurance scheme fully financed by the government.
• Launched in February 2018, it offers a sum insured of Rs.5 lakh per family for medical treatment
Gujarat CM launches ‘Antyodaya Shramik Suraksha Yojana’

• Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launched the Antyodaya Shramik Suraksha Accident Insurance Scheme for
labourers, from Kheda.
• The scheme is a collaboration between Department of Posts, India Post Payments Bank, and Ministry of
Labor and Employment.
• The pilot launch of the scheme took place in Nadiad, Gujarat, in coordination with the e-Shram portal in
Kheda district.
• Gujarat has become the first state in the country to introduce this scheme on a pilot basis, aiming to benefit
Shram Yogis.
• Workers can avail benefits for death or partial disability, with premiums ranging from 289 to 499 rupees.
• In case of a worker’s death, their family will receive 10 lakh rupees, while permanent disability due to an
accident will make the workers eligible for a sum of 10 lakh rupees.
• Additionally, the scheme includes education assistance of 1 lakh rupees for the children of deceased
workers.
Gujarat to get country’s 1st ‘Satellite Network Portal Site’

• Aim - to provide affordable, secure and high speed internet access to villages, district panchayats, local
administrative bodies, government departments, and other entities throughout the country.
• OneWeb Company will set up two ‘Satellite Network Portal Site’ and one of them will be in Mehsana District
of Gujarat.
• To set up a ‘Satellite Network Portal Site’, the Department of Science and Technology of Gujarat govt. signed
a MoU with London-Based Company, OneWeb Company.
• This project under Digital India and its estimated cost of over Rs. 100 crores for Phase-1.
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Sarbananda Sonowal launches campaign to transform iconic 75 Lighthouses into Tourism

Spots in India
• Campaign begins with three iconic lighthouses at Dwarka, Gopnath & Veraval in
Gujarat transformed into tourist spots
• During the 75th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister highlighted the
unique appeal of lighthouses as tourist attractions
• Govt’s Ambitious Plan: National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat for
an estimated cost of ₹4,500 Cr.
Union Health Minister inaugurates Amrita Patel Public Health Center in Gujarat
• Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Amrita Patel Public Health Center in Anand,
Gujarat.
• The Amrita Patel Center for Public Health was established in honor of Dr. Amrita Patel, a pioneer in both the
dairy industry and public health.
• Dr. Patel has held key positions in the dairy industry, including as the first woman executive of Amul and
chairperson of NDDB.
• Dr. Patel received prestigious awards like 'Padma Bhushan' for his dairy industry contribution and 'Indira
Gandhi Environment Award' for his environmental work.
Rare metal Vanadium, key for batteries, discovered in India’s Gujarat

• After the discovery of lithium in Kashmir, ‘vanadium’, a rare metal has been discovered in
Gujarat.
• The metal has been found in the sediment samples collected from Gulf of Khambhat,
which opens into the Arabian Sea off Alang in Gujarat
• Earlier in February 2023, the Geological Survey of India (GSI), for the first time, found lithium deposits – 5.9
million tonnes in Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District of Jammu & Kashmir.
• Titanomagnetite Deposits: Vanadium in this region has been found in a mineral called titanomagnetite,
which forms when molten lava cools rapidly.
• Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of vanadium, with Russia and South Africa
rounding out the top three. Brazil alone is responsible for nearly one-quarter of the
metal’s global export market
• China has the highest vanadium reserves in the world with 9.5 million MT as of 2022.
Narendra Modi Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

• at Science City in Ahmedabad.
• The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit was started 20 years ago on 28 September 2003
under the visionary leadership of the then Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra
Modi.
• It has played a significant role in transforming Gujarat into an attractive investment
destination.
• The 10th edition of the Vibrant Summit is scheduled to take place from January 10 to 12, 2024, at the
Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
Conocarpus Trees
• The state government of Gujarat has imposed a ban on the plantation of Conocarpus trees
due to their adverse impacts on the environment and human health.
• after research reports highlighted its adverse effects, including spreading
pollen that can lead to diseases like cold, cough, asthma, and allergies.
• Conocarpus trees have deep roots that can damage telecommunication
lines, drainage systems, and freshwater systems
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• Conocarpus erectus, commonly called buttonwood or button mangrove, is a mangrove shrub that grows on
shorelines in tropical and subtropical regions around the world
• It absorbs more water from soil than other species and is a threat to groundwater.
• It is native to parts of North and South America, as well as parts of Africa.
Ahmedabad becomes second city in India to implement emission trading scheme

• The Gujarat government announced that after Surat, Ahmedabad has become the second city in the country
to implement an emission trading scheme (ETS) for particulate pollution that will help regulate industrial
emissions and reduce the state’s pollution levels.
• Aim: To reduce particulate pollutants PM2.5 and PM10.
• Objective: to ensure a balance between economic development and environment preservation.
• The scheme will cover 118 industries in Ahmedabad.
Gujarat’s Dhordo Awarded UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village 2023

• The Dhordo village in Kutch district of Gujarat was awarded the Best Tourism
Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
• Dhordo is well-known for hosting the annual Rann Utsav, a vibrant cultural
festival showcasing the region's traditional art, music, and crafts.
UNWTO
• The United Nations agency responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable and universally accessible
tourism is known as The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
• It was established on November 1, 1975, and is considered the leading international organization in tourism.
• The UNWTO headquarters are based in Madrid, Spain.
India’s First Liquid Nano DAP Fertiliser Plant

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India’s first liquid nano di-
ammonia phosphate (DAP) plant established by IFFCO at Kalol in
Gandhinagar.
• Unlike the solid DAP and Urea, the liquid nano DAP will not affect the
nutrients in the soil and will have zero harmful metal particles.
“Ghol” Fish Declared State Fish Of Gujarat

• Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel of Gujarat declared the Ghol fish as the state fish during
the two-day Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 in Ahmedabad.
• Ghol fish's prominence in the marine areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
• Jew Fish
• Ghol fish is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region from the Persian Gulf to the
Pacific Ocean.
Surat Diamond Bourse : World’s Largest Corporate Office Hub

• Surat, Gujarat, the gem capital of India, has hosting the world's largest office
building - the 'Surat Diamond Bourse.’
• Surat Diamond Bourse is located in Khajod village, near Surat.
• ‘Surat Diamond Bourse.’ Replacing the iconic Pentagon in the US
• The Surat Diamond Bourse has a platinum ranking from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
• It will also be a global centre for trading both rough and polished diamonds as well as jewellery.
• It is built on 35.54 acres of land at a cost of Rs 3,400 crore.
• It is the world’s largest interconnected building, as it houses over 4,500 interconnected offices.
• The renowned architecture firm, Morphogenesis, based in New Delhi, was responsible for designing the
impressive Surat Diamond Bourse.
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Banni Grassland : Setup Of Cheetah Breeding And Conservation Centre

• Central Government has approved setting up a cheetah breeding and conservation centre in the Banni
Grassland.
• Banni Grassland is located along the northern border of Kachchh district.
• It is one of the largest grasslands in the Indian subcontinent with an area of over 2500
sq. km.
• The region also serves as a breeding ground for the Banni buffalo and the Kankrej cow.
• Chhari Dhand Conservation Reserve are part of the Banni Grasslands.
Cabinet approves declaration of Surat Airport as an International Airport

• The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to declare Surat Airport as an International Airport
UNESCO Adds Gujarat’s 'Garba' Dance To Intangible Cultural Heritage List

• Gujarat’s traditional dance form ‘Garba’ has been included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
• The popular dance form is the 15th cultural item from India to make it to the UNESCO list.
• Kolkata’s Durga Puja was the last one added two years ago.
Order Heritage State Year
1 Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre Kerala 2008
2 Vedic chanting tradition India 2008
3 Ramlila (performance of Ramlila) India 2008
4 Ramman (religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Uttarakhand 2009
Himalayas of India)
5 Chhau dance Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha 2010
6 Kalbelia Rajasthan 2010
7 Mudiyettu Kerala 2010
8 Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh Ladakh, Jammu and 2012
Kashmir
9 Sankirtan (singing, drumming and dancing) Manipur 2013
10 Jandiala Guru (traditional brass and copper craft of pottery making Punjab 2014
by Thathera community)
11 Navroz (Persian New Year) 2016
• India has a total of 42 tangible heritage sites (34 cultural, 7 natural and 1 mixed) and 15 intangible cultural
heritage sites recognised by UNESCO.
12 Yoga India 2016

13 Kumbh Mela Prayagraj 2017
14 Durga Puja Fifth note of musical scale. 2021
Bengal
15 Garba dance Gujarat 2023
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Gujarat To Unveil India’s First Submarine Tourism In Dwarka

• It has joined hands with the Mazgaon Dock Limited (MDL) in a project to explore the marine life surrounding
Bet Dwarka, a small island off the coast of Dwarka city
• The tourism facility is likely to be operationalised before Diwali 2024.
• It will enable tourists to dive 100 metres below the sea in a submarine to experience the marine life around
the island.
Gujarat emerges as India's 'petro capital

• world's largest grassroot oil refinery in Jamnagar and OPaL petrochemical complex at
Dahej in Bharuch district, Gujarat is now recognised as the 'petro capital' of India
• Reliance Industries Ltd's (RIL) Jamnagar refinery is the largest and most complex
single-site refinery in the world with 1.4 million barrels per day (MMBPD) crude
processing capacity
Maharashtra
• Until 1995, Bombay was the official name of Mumbai.
• On May 1st, 1960, the bilingual state of Bombay was divided into two separate states by the Bombay
Reorganisation Act, 1960: Maharashtra for Marathi speaking people and Gujarat for Gujarati speaking
people.
• India's first Gold Refinery is located at Shirpur.
• Governor: Ramesh Bais
• Capital: Mumbai
• Chief Minister: Eknath Shinde
• State Animal: Indian Giant Squirrel
• State Dance: Lavani
• Tribes: Bhil, Gond-Madia, Katkari, Koli, Oraon, Warli
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Chandoli National Park

Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Dances
Elephanta Caves Koli Dance
Ajanta Caves Lavani Dance
Ellora Caves Dhangari Gaja
Povadas Dance
National Park Tamasha Dance
Tadoba National Park Lezim Dance
Navegaon National Park
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru National Park Lakes :
Sanjay Gandhi National Park Lonar Lake
Gugamal National Park Salim Ali Lake
India's deepest metro station to be built at Pune Civil Court

• Pune's Civil Court interchange station will be 108.59 feet deep with a ceiling of 95 feet.
• It will be used as an interchange facility for an underground station on the Pimpri-Chinchwad-Swargate
route.
• The metro will be completed in February 2023 and will start in March.
• The ceiling of the station will be so high that natural sunlight will fall on the floor of the station. Civil Court
Station would be the only station with such a unique feature.
• The headquarters of Pune Metro will also be built at the station.
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Khadi Fest-23 inaugurated in Mumbai

• Manoj Kumar, Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, inaugurated the Khadi Fest- 23 which will
run from January 27 to February 24, 2023 at the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
Headquarters in Mumbai.
• Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
• established in 1957 under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act 1956.
• It is under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
• It is responsible, along with other agencies, for the planning, promotion, organisation
and implementation of programs for the development of Khadi and other village
industries in rural areas.
Ellora -Ajanta International Festival 2023 begins in Maharashtra

• After a gap of seven years, the three-day Ellora-Ajanta International Festival
began at the historic Sonari Palace, located on the campus of Dr Babasaheb
Ambedkar Marathwada University.
• Earlier, all the shows were held at Ellora, in recent times the venue has been
changed to Soneri Mahal in Aurangabad.
India’s first waste-to-hydrogen plant to be set up in Pune

• The Government of India is to set up the first waste-to-hydrogen plant at a cost of Rs
430 crores in Pune.
• The plant will be built by a private company Green Billion Limited.
• The company has signed an agreement with the Pune Municipal Corporation for 30 years.
• The objective of the plant is to treat 350 tonnes of solid waste daily. From this, it will produce ten tonnes of
Hydrogen every day.
• The plant is to be built in Hadapsar Industrial Estate in Pune. The plant is the first of its kind in the country.
Nitin Gadkari lays Foundation Stone of the world's largest and unique Divyang Park
World's largest and unique Divyang Park - Anubhuti Inclusive Park in Nagpur,
Maharashtra.
• This park is being developed keeping in mind the vision of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi to build an inclusive society.
• In 2016, the central government passed the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act
for the rights of persons with disabilities.
• Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
• The park will have adapted facilities for all 21 types of disabilities, including touch and smell gardens,
hydrotherapy units, water therapy, independent rooms for mentally challenged children, etc.
Centre approves renaming Aurangabad to Chatrapati Sambhajinagar & Osmnabad to

Dharashiv in Maharashtra
• After receiving the no-objection letter from the Union Home Ministry, the
Government of Maharashtra immediately issued the notification to change the
name of Aurangabad city to Chatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmnabad city to
Dharashiv.
• Aurangabad derives its name from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, while Osmanabad was named for a 20th
century ruler of the princely state of Hyderabad.
• Chhatrapati Sambhaji, the eldest son of warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was the second ruler of the
Maratha state founded by his father. Sambhaji Maharaj was executed on Aurangzeb's orders in 1689.
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Mumbai's Churchgate railway station to be renamed after India's first RBI Governor
• Recently Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has passed a resolution to
rename the Churchgate railway station in Mumbai after CD Deshmukh, the
first governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• He was knighted by the British government in 1944 and awarded the Bharat
Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1959.
Who is CD Deshmukh?
• CD Deshmukh, a famous economist, was born on 14 January 1896 in a Marathi family in Raigad district of
Maharashtra.
• He became the first Indian governor of the RBI in 1943 under the British Raj.
• Later, as the Union Finance Minister from 1950 to 1956, CD Deshmukh contributed to the economic
development of the country.
• He also played a major role in setting up the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank
for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) after World War II.
• He represented India at the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944, where the IMF and the IBRD were
established.
PM flag off two Vande Bharat trains in Mumbai

• PM Modi first flagged off the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Terminus (CSMT).
• Later, he flagged off the second Vande Bharat Express train connecting Mumbai to
the temple town of Sainagar Shirdi in Ahmednagar.
• With the commissioning of the two trains, the number of Vande Bharat Express
trains running from Mumbai has increased to three, taking the number to 10 in the
country.
• The first Vande Bharat train in Maharashtra connects Mumbai to Gandhinagar in
Gujarat.
Vande Bharat Express Train

• The first Vande Bharat Express was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 February 2019.
• The first Vande Bharat Express was manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.
• It was manufactured under the 'Make in India' program at a cost of around Rs 100 crore.
• These trains can attain a maximum speed of 160 kmph.
• In the Union Budget for 2022-2023, the government has proposed to develop and manufacture 400 new
Vande Bharat trains over the next three years.
Maharashtra government announces V D Savarkar's birth anniversary as 'Swatantraveer

Gaurav Din’
• Maharashtra government declared 28 May, the birth anniversary of Vinayak Damodar
Savarkar, as 'Swatantraveer Gaurav Diwas'.
• Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was an Indian freedom fighter, writer and politician . The day
aims to highlight Savarkar's contribution to India's independence movement, his
ideology and his campaigns for social reforms.
• He was born on May 28, 1883 in Bhagur village of Nashik district, Maharashtra.
• Savarkar is credited with establishing the concept of Hindutva, which aimed to create a Hindu nationalist
identity for India.
• Prominent books by VD Savarkar - "The Indian War of Independence of 1857", "Six Glorious Ages of Indian
History", and "Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?"
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Que:Maharashtra Government has recently announced what percent reservation for Divyang employees in
promotions?
• Ans:4 %
• Maharashtra Government has announced a 4% reservation for Divyang employees in promotions.
• The state cabinet has decided that this reservation will apply for those cadres in which the proportion of
recruitment through direct service is not more than 75 percent.
• The Cabinet has further decided that women belonging to the Open and the backward categories will no
longer be needed to produce the non-creamy layer certificate for posts reserved for them.
Que: Which state has installed AI machine to assess food quality for tribal children?
Ans: Maharashtra
• A unique artificial intelligence-based machine has been installed at Todsa
Ashram School of Etapalli in Maharashtra in a bid to improve the nutrition level
of tribal children of Gadchiroli.
• The initiative was taken under project Bhamragad and eight government schools
are part of it.
• Notably, the machine takes a photo of the student with her/his plate of food and within a few seconds,
without any human intervention, identifies whether the quality of the food is good.
• Capital – Mumbai
• Chief Minister – Eknath Sindhe
• Governor – Ramesh Bais
Que: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has recently unveiled a statue of Maratha warrior
king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in which country?
Ans: Mauritius / मॉर्ीशस
• The sculpture was created in India by a Delhi-based artist.
• Fadnavis also announced a grant of 44 million Mauritius rupees for
building a multi-purpose hall and a scholarship for 10 students.
• Also, an MoU was signed between the Economic Development Board of
Mauritius and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation to establish a platform for investment
between the Western State and the island nation.
• Capital – Port Louis
Coastal Road in Mumbai to be named after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

• Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde
• Governor - Ramesh Bais
• Official Animal -Indian giant squirrel
• Official Dance- Lavani
Maharashtra becomes the first state in the country to approve Good Governance Regulations
• The purpose of the rules is to enhance accountability, accessibility, dynamism and transparency in state
administration.
• A separate cell will be set up to address the effects of climate change.
• The rules also include expanding the scope of 'Aaple Sarkar Seva Kendra' for end-to-end online services to
citizens within the prescribed time limit.
• Citizens' complaints will be redressed at a speedy pace.
• 161 department-wise indices have been prepared to evaluate the performance of good governance.
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Bandra-Versova sea bridge will be named after Veer Savarkar

• Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that Bandra -
Versova sea route in Mumbai will be named as Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Samudra Setu (sea link).
• He was speaking at an event on the 140th birth anniversary of Swatantra
Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in Mumbai.
• Birth anniversary of Savarkar will now be celebrated as a Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Divas
• Savarkar wrote a book titled ‘The History of the War of Indian Independence’ in which he wrote about the
guerilla warfare tricks used in 1857 Sepoy Mutiny.
• He also wrote the book ‘Hindutva: who is Hindu?’.
Maharashtra Government launched Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Yojana

• The Maharashtra government has approved a new financial scheme under which
Rs 6,000 will be paid annually to over one crore farmers in the state.
• On May 30, the 'Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Yojana' was approved in a cabinet
meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai.
• The Central Government's PM Kisan Yojana already offers financial assistance of Rs
6,000 annually to farmers across the country. With the introduction of the state-
level scheme, Maharashtra farmers will now receive a combined total of Rs 12,000
per year.
Maharashtra CM launches Asia's largest cluster development scheme

• Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde has launched Asia's largest, ambitious and historic
cluster development scheme in Thane.
• Objective - collective redevelopment of unauthorized and official dangerous buildings
• Cluster redevelopment programme - in which several buildings in an area are rebuilt
together as one unit
• The redeveloped township plan includes well-equipped health, educational, sports, recreational, parking,
mandi, and civic facilities.
• 10,000 houses will be constructed in the first phase of cluster development in Thane on 1500 acre area.
Warkari community’s Palkhi festival

• The Palkhi festival is an annual pilgrimage (yatra) to Pandharpur, a town in Maharashtra that serves as the
abode of the Hindu god Vithoba.
• The Palkhi festival takes place in the month of Jyeshth (June) & Asadh (July). It lasts for a total of 22 days.
• The Palkhi starts in the month of Jyeshth (June). On the eleventh day of Ashadh (July), the Palkhi reaches
Pandharpur (a pilgrimage town on the banks of Candrabhagā River in Solapur District, Maharashtra)
• During the festival, warkaris carry palkhis or chariots, which contain the paduka or sacred sandals of
various saints, with Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram being the most prominent ones.
India’s first carbon neutral village being developed in Bhiwandi Taluka of Thane.
• Carbon neutrality means having a balance between emitting carbon and
absorbing carbon from the atmosphere in carbon sinks
Ahmednagar to be named after Ahilyabai Holkar

• Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde announced that Ahmednagar district will be
named after warrior queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
• Ahilyabai Holkar, born in 1725, was a famous ruler of the Indore kingdom,
known for her wisdom and compassion.
• Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister had announced that the Bandra-Versova sea-link bridge would be
named 'Veer Savarkar Setu'.
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New Amravati Station Becomes Central Railway’s Third ‘Pink Station’

• Central Railway has inaugurated the New Amravati station as the 1st “Pink
Station” on the Bhusaval Division and the 3rd station on Central Railway to be
fully managed by an all-women staff.
• The examples are set by Matunga station in the Mumbai division and Ajni station
in the Nagpur division.
Navi Mumbai to become country’s first septic tank-free city

• Navi Mumbai is set to become the first city in the country to be septic tank-free
and have toilets in 100% of households soon.
• The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is taking measures by
building household toilets in slums and laying drainage pipe networks, bringing
down the number of septic tanks.
• The NMMC has laid a network of sewage drains all over the city with 7 sewage treatment plants being set up
with the help of Central government funds.
National Institute of Industrial Engineering becomes the 21st IIM of India

• After passing the IIM (Amendment) Bill 2023 in the ongoing Monsoon Session, in
the Parliament, the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) would be
officially renamed the Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai (IIM Mumbai).
• With this, NITIE becomes the 21st IIM of India and second in Maharashtra, after
IIM Nagpur.
• Presently, NITIE ranked 7th in the Management Category by National Institute
Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2023.
Maharashtra Government Launches ‘Bhagwan Birsa Munda Jodaraste Scheme’ to Connect Tribal Villages with
Main Roads
• Aims to enhance road connectivity in tribal areas of the 17 districts of the state.
• The project is estimated to cost Rs 5,000 crore and nearly 6,838 km of roads will be
constructed as part of the scheme.
• Maharashtra Casino Act repealed:
• In another decision, the Maharashtra cabinet also decided to repeal the 45-year-old
Maharashtra Casinos (Control and Tax) Act, 1976, announcing that the state will not have casinos in the
future.
Maharashtra government to organize “Pro Govinda” League on Janmashtami

• The Maharashtra government will host the first-ever Pro Govinda League in
Mumbai on 31 August on the lines of the Pro Kabaddi League.
• The Pro Govinda League would be held at the National Sports Club of India at Worli
in Mumbai.
• The first prize comprises a whopping Rs 11 lakh, second Rs 7 lakh, third Rs 5 lakh, and fourth Rs 3 lakh
• Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recognized Dahi-Handi as a sport in Maharashtra in 2022 on the
occasion of Janmashtami.
Zika Virus : Mumbai Reported First Case

• Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in the Zika Forest of
Uganda in 1947.
• It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes
mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
• It can also spread through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and from an infected mother to her baby during
pregnancy or childbirth.
• Many people infected with this virus do not experience any symptomsfor(asymptomatic
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• When symptoms do occur, they are often mild and include fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain,
headache, and red eyes (conjunctivitis).
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde inaugurates PM MITRA Park in Amravati

• Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde inaugurated the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel Park (PM
MITRA Park) at Amravati.
• The Government of India aims to set up 7 PM MITRA Parks for the Textile industry in Tamil Nadu, Telangana,
Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Maharashtra
• India's first PM MITRA Park (Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Park) was launched
in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu)
• The PM MITRA Parks was inspired by the 5F (Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign) vision of PM
Modi.
• The Parks are aimed at creating world-class industrial infrastructure that would attract large scale
investment including foreign direct investment (FDI) and encourage innovation and job creation
within the sector
Que:The Taiwanese government will establish a Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in which city to
further deepen cooperation with India?
Ans: Mumbai
• At present, Taiwan has TECCs in Delhi and Chennai.
• Taiwanese companies are increasingly looking at relocating their production bases from China to India.
• India is keen on having production facilities of leading Taiwanese chip producers, including Taiwan
Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC), the world’s largest chipmaker whose clients included
Apple.
Maharashtra State to set up a mango board in Konkan

• to support large-scale Hapus cultivation.
• The board will provide support in areas such as insurance, production enhancement, pest control, and
research.
• Almost a decade after demands were first made by mango growers in Konkan, the state government has
decided to establish a mango board in the region to support large-scale Hapus cultivation, especially in
Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts
Indian Green Building Council

• Vijayawada Railway Station was awarded the ‘Green Railway Station’ certification with the highest rating of
Platinum by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
• This is an upgradation of the station’s ratings, from gold in 2019 to platinum in 2023.
• About Indian Green Building Council:
• The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is part of the Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) and was formed in the year 2001.
• It is India's Premier certification body.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Legendary Wagh NakhMaharashtra’s

• Cultural Affairs Minister recently signed an MoU with the Victoria and Albert
Museum in London to bring back Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legendary wagh
nakh (tiger claw) to the state.
• The ‘wagh nakh’ – an iron weapon shaped like tiger claws – was used by the
Maratha leader to kill the Bijapur sultanate's general Afzal Khan.
• The wagh nakh is likely to be housed in south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
upon its return.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India.
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• He was born on February 19, 1630, to Shahaji Bhosle and Jijabai in the fort of Shivneri, near the city of
Junnar in the Pune district, Maharashtra.
• He was known as the Father of the Indian Navy.
• He died on 3rd April 1680.
Maharashtra government approves to establish Independent ST Commission

• Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that approval has been given to establish an Independent
Scheduled Tribes Commission for Maharashtra on the lines of the Central Government.
• The proposal was approved in the State Tribal Advisory Council meeting held in Mumbai.
PM launched 511 Skill Centers in Maharashtra on October 19

• 511 rural skill development centres launched in the name of late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan in 34 rural
districts of Maharashtra.
• Each center will train around 100 youngsters in at least two vocational courses.
• The National Skill Development Mission was officially launched by PM Modi in 2015 on the occasion of
World Youth Skills Day.
• This Mission has been developed to take forward the
skill training activities in the regions and states.
IMD Issues Alert For Cyclone Tej To Mumbai

• The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has
issued a cautionary notice regarding a potential
cyclonic storm forming in the Arabian Sea.
• This impending weather event, likely to be named
‘Cyclone Tej‘, has the potential to impact Mumbai,
Pune, and other regions of Maharashtra and the
Konkan area.
• October to December is among the favorable periods for the development of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal
and the Arabian Sea due to warmer ocean temperatures.
Sir J.J. School of Art Granted De Novo Deemed University Status

• 166-year-old Sir J.J. School of Art in Maharastra declared De Novo Deemed University.
• A de-novo university is an institution devoted to innovations in teaching and research in unique and
'emerging areas of knowledge’
• Emphasis on innovation and excellence
• The goal is to establish the institute as a global center of excellence.
PM Modi Dedicated Nilwande Dam To Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar

• PM Modi inaugurated the Nilwande dam in Ahmednagar district, which has
been completed after a long delay due to lack of funds.
About Nilwande Dam

• The Nilwande Dam consists of two connected gravity dams that use roller-
compacted concrete - the first of its kind in India.
• They are located in Ghatghar village, in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India.
• These dams were built to create a lower and upper reservoir to generate power for the 250 MW pumped-
storage hydroelectric power station.
• The upper Nilwande dam, which is 15 m (49 ft) tall, is situated on the Pravara River, a tributary of the
Godavari River.
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• The lower Nilwande dam, which is 86 m (282 ft) tall, is located on the Shahi Nalla River. This hydro power
project diverts water from the Godavari river basin to a west-flowing river of Western Ghats, which is
outside the basin area.
• The idea of Nilwande Dam was first conceived in 1970 but it was never realised due to public protest.
• Again in 1993 the dam work was started and completed in 2011. But the canal was not developed along with
the dam and again the work got delayed.
• Now the canal and dam are being developed at a cost of about Rs 5177 crore.
Other Projects
• PM Modi inaugurated the new Darshan Queue complex at Shirdi - is equipped with several waiting halls with
a cumulative seating capacity of more than ten thousand devotees.
• The Prime Minister also launched the ‘Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana.
• ‘Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana’ will benefit more than 86 lakh beneficiaries of the Pradhan
Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana in Maharashtra, by providing an additional amount of Rs 6000 per
year to them.
Maharashtra govt approves ‘Lek Ladki’ scheme

• Maharashtra Government has approved the ‘Lek Ladki’ (Beloved Daughter) scheme.
• The scheme will provide a financial aid of one lakh rupees for a girl child of poor family.
• The state government has said that the scheme will effective for girls born post 1st
of April 2023.
Mumbai Street To Be Named In Memory Of Actor Vikram Gokhale

• Maharashtra Government announced to name a street in Andheri West, Mumbai, in the
honor of late National Award-winning actor-director Vikram Chandrakant Gokhale.
• past President of CINTAA(Cine & Television Artistes’ Association) from 2017 to 2022.
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2011)
• National Award (2012)
PM Modi unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort

• Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the Navy Day 2023 celebrations in Sindhudurg
• The event, hosted by Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff
• The fort was built in 1660 by Maratha Ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Sindhudurg Fort boasts of
India's rich maritime history
• The Maratha empire founder's seal inspired the new naval ensign that was adopted last year when PM Modi
commissioned the first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
• PM Modi inaugurated Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2.0 at Namo Ghat.
• He also flagged off the Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express train that is bound to run between Kanyakumari and
Varanasi.
• The second edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam, scheduled from December 17 to 30, 2023, is part of the ‘Ek
Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Yuva Sangam’ program.
Goa
• Goa is located on the western coast of the Indian Peninsula, the state is separated from Maharashtra by the
Terekhol River in the north, Karnataka in the south, the Western Ghats in the east, and the Arabian Sea in
the West.
• On 19 December 1961, the Indian army with Operation Vijay resulted in the annexation of Goa, Daman and
Diu into the Indian union.
• In May 30, 1987, India reorganized its territories, granting Goa the status of its twenty-fifth state while
retaining Daman and Diu as Union Territories.
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• The Portuguese were not only the earliest Europeans to arrive in India in 1498 but also the final ones to
depart from the region in 1961.
Founded: 30 May 1987 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks:

• Capital: Panaji • Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
• Chief Minister: Pramod Sawant • Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
• P.S. Sreedharan Pillai - 22nd Governor of Goa. • Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
• Official Language: Konkani • Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary
State Animal: Gaur • Mollem National Park
State Bird: Flame-throated Bulbul
State Tree: Indian Laurel UNESCO World Heritage Site
Marine Protected Area: Chorao Island • Churches and Convents of Goa
• It was declared as World Heritage Sites in
1986.
Goa Raj Bhavan launches first books under Governor’s scheme to boost local literary talent
• Raj Bhavan’s scheme for new writers titled ‘Nayi Pahal’
• A total five books in Konkani, Marathi and English languages were unveiled by Governor
PS Sreedharan Pillai, in the presence of Jnanpith Award winner Goan writer Damodar
Mauzo
• The Raj Bhavan plans to print and publish 100 books in the next one year, while sponsoring books in all 22
scheduled languages, said the Governor.
In a first in India, Goa to give free IVF treatment in govt hospital

• Goa has become the first Indian state to offer free in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
• Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
and intrauterine insemination (IUI), at the Goa Medical College (GMC) in Bambolim.
About IVF
• During in vitro fertilization, mature eggs are collected from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then a
procedure is done to place one or more of the fertilized eggs, called embryos, in a uterus.
Goa govt launches 'Gramin Mitra' scheme to promote digital empowerment

• Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the flagship scheme "Gramin Mitra" in
August 2023
• Objective: To provide doorstep delivery of government services across the state and
promote digital empowerment in rural areas.
• The program will help us accelerate the delivery of e-governance services to rural areas
across the state.
‘India’s First Village Atlas’ is of Mayem In Goa

• Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant released a biodiversity atlas of Mayem
village in North Goa, which he termed as "India's first village atlas".
• This atlas gives a socio-cultural history of Mayem village that dates back to
12th century, and also details the floral and faunal biodiversity of the village.
• There are huge funds to be tapped for villages that have registered
biodiversity atlases. For every lake, the government of India is ready to give
Rs 10 crore to maintain it.
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• Goa will host the world’s biggest and most respected national male pageant “The Rubaru” Mr. India
competition.
• The event will take place in August with the national finals taking place at the Bogmallo Beach Resort on
August 5.
• The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, will be the chief guest.
• Capital – Panaji
• Governor – S. Sreedharan Pillai
India’s First Lighthouse Festival in Goa

• The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri
Sarbananda Sonowal is going to inaugurate India’s First Lighthouse Festival
from the Fort Aguada Lighthouse in Panjim
• The three days festival, beginning 23rd September and ending on 25th
September(part of an effort to promote the country’s lighthouses as tourist
attractions)
• Shri Sonowal, earlier launched a campaign ‘Lighthouse Heritage Tourism’ to
transform 75 historic lighthouses into Tourism Spots.
• Fort Aguada which was built in the year 1612.
Karnataka
• The name Karnataka is derived from Karunadu means ‘Lofty Land’.
• Bengaluru is also known as Silicon Valley of India
• Karnataka was originally established on November 1, 1956, under the name Mysore, and it underwent a
change in name to Karnataka on the same date in 1973.
• Ugadi is the Kannada New Year’s celebration.
• Kolar Gold Fields (in Kolar District) and Hatti Gold Mines ( in Raichur District) are probably one of the oldest
gold mines in the world.
• Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah

• Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Capital: Bengaluru • Hampi(Located on the shore of the
• State Animal: Asian Elephant Tungabhadra River.)
• State Bird: Indian Roller • Mysore
• State Flower: Lotus • Aihole
• State Tree: Sandalwood • Pattadakal
• Kambla – Buffalo race Monuments
• Ugadi – New Year day • Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and
Somanathapur
National Park:
• Bandipur National Park Dance
• Anshi National Park • Yakshagana
• Kudermukh National Park • Huttari
• Nagarahole National Park • Suggi
• Bannerghatta National Park • Kunitha
• Mudumalai National Park • Karga
• The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a Ramsar site in Karnataka. It is located in the Mandya district on the
banks of the Cauvery river.
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Centre approved Karnataka's Kalasa-Banduri drinking water

project
• The project is aimed at facilitating drinking water in
drought-hit northern Karnataka by diverting water from
Mahadayi river (also known as Mandovi).
• Maharashtra and Goa have opposed the move.
• The Central Water Commission (CWC) has approved the
diversion of 1.72 TMC water from Kalsa Dam and 2.18 TMC
water from Bhandura Dam.
• The project proposes to divert water from two tributaries
of the Mahadayi river (also known as Mandovi) – Kalasa
and Banduri – to the Malaprabha river,
• Water to be provided to regions in Dharwad, Belagavi,
Bagalkote and Gadag among others. These areas together make up the country’s second most arid region
after Rajasthan.
• The Mahadayi river originates in Karnataka and has a basin area of 2,032 sq km. Of the total area, 375 sq km
lies in Karnataka, 77 sq km in Maharashtra and remaining 1580 sq km is in Goa.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah lays the foundation stone of the Central Detective Training Institute (CDTI) at
Devanahalli, Karnataka
• This will be the 6th CDTI of the Bureau of Police Research & Development
under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs
• The objective of the CDIT is to provide training to the police personnel up
to Deputy SSP rank.
• The first CDTI was set up in Calcutta in 1958.
• Others are at Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur and Ghaziabad.
Que:India’s first 3x platform wind turbine generators (WTG) have been installed in which state?
Ans: Karnataka
• ReNew Power has installed India’s first 3x platform wind turbine
generators (WTGs) in Gadag, Karnataka.
• The new wind turbine generators will be a part of the country’s first
‘Round the Clock’ renewable energy project, combining wind, solar and a
battery energy storage system (BESS).
• This project will produce energy to power over 1 million households in
India annually.
• Sumant Sinha, Chairman & CEO, ReNew Power
International Trade Fair on Millets and Organic Products held in Bengaluru

• The 4th International Trade Fair of Millets and Organics Products began on
20 January 2023 at Tripuravasini, Bengaluru.
• This three-day fair is organised by the Department of Agriculture and the
Government of Karnataka.
• Consumption of millets is a solution to malnutrition, which will also benefit
farmers for better livelihood and increased income.
India as the Global Hub for Millets

• In India, millet is primarily a kharif crop, requiring less water and agricultural inputs.
• According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, global millet production in 2020 was 30.464 million
metric tonnes (MMT), of which India accounted for 41 percent of the total millet production.
• The Government of Karnataka has been a pioneer in the promotion of millets.
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• The first millets and organic fair was held in 2017, the second and third editions were held in Bengaluru in
2018 and 2019.
Karnataka's Byndoor to get country's first marina

• Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai has confirmed, that state will get India's first
Marina which will be constructed at Byndoor in the Udupi district.
• Aim: To promote coastal tourism in the state
• The state government has received permission from the Government of India for the
relaxation of Coastal Regulation Zone rules.
• The government also proposed to build a corridor of ancient temples like
Madhukeshwara (Banavasi) and Dattatreya (Ganagapura) and promote Yatra tourism.
• Marina is a specially designed place of pleasure for small boats and yachts.
PM Modi inaugurated Shivamogga airport in Karnataka

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Shivamogga airport in Karnataka.
• The airport has been built on 663 acres of land with an investment of ₹449.22 crore.
• The foundation was laid in June 2020 by former CM B S Yediyurappa.
• Shivamogga is the home district of Yediyurappa, a four-time Chief Minister.
Nitin Gadkari unveiled first methanol run buses in Bengaluru

• The project is aimed at reducing the level of emissions and the Bengaluru
Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) NITI Aayog, Indian Oil Corporation
(IOC) and Ashok Leyland are conducting the project together.
• The concept of the ‘Methanol Economy’ is being actively pursued by China,
Italy, Sweden, Israel, the US, Australia, Japan, and many other European
countries.
• In the pilot project, the BMTC is planning to launch 80 buses that will run on methanol fuel and 20 Ashok
Leyland buses will also be introduced in the initial phases. As part of the project, the Indian Oil Corporation
will provide free diesel and methanol for three months.
• Methanol can be blended with gasoline or used as a standalone fuel in vehicles with modified engines. It has
a high octane rating, which means it can improve engine performance and reduce harmful emissions.
PM Modi unveils world’s longest railway platform in Hubballi-Dharwad

• With the inauguration of the Hubballi railway platform, the city has registered its
name in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest railway
platform in the World at Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji station.
• The 1,507-metre-long platform has been built at a cost of about ₹20 crore.
• The Hubballi station is an important junction in Karnataka and a major hub of
trade and commerce.
PM Modi dedicates various projects to nation in Karnataka

• Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway - Built at a cost of over Rs 8400 crore, 118 km
long, 10-lane Expressway will reduce the travel time between Bengaluru and
Mysuru from three hours to about 75 minutes.
• Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Mysuru-Kushalnagar
Highway.
• New campus of IIT Dharwad – PM dedicated to the nation the new campus of
IIT Dharwad, developed at a cost of Rs 850 crore.
• World's longest railway platform- He also inaugurated the world's longest railway platform at Hubli
station.
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Que:The ‘Vote from Home’ Initiative has been introduced for the first time in the Assembly Elections of which
state?
Ans: Karnataka
• EC first time introduces Vote from Home option in Karnataka Assembly election; 8900 persons above age 80
& people with disability chose the option
• The officials will visit such homes four or five days in advance before the polling day of May 10.
Que: Indian National Congress has won a clear majority in Karnataka Assembly
Elections 2023. How many assembly seats are there in Karnataka?
Ans: 224
• Indian National Congress has won a clear majority in Karnataka Assembly
Elections.
• Formed- 1 November 1956
• Capital- Bangalore
• Governor- Thawar Chand Gehlot
• Total assembly seats- 224
• Rajya Sabha allotted Seats- 12
• Lok Sabha allotted Seats- 28
Karnataka announces free bus travel ‘Shakti’ scheme for women

• Karnataka women can travel inside border states free of cost in buses under 'Shakti' scheme
• Announcement for the launch of 4 other schemes:
• 'Gruha Jyoti' offering 200 free units of electricity to domestic consumers will be launched from Kalaburagi
from July 1.
• The same day, 'Anna Bhagya' scheme offering 10 kg free rice or food grain to the BPL families will be
launched from Mysuru.
• ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ scheme (Providing monthly financial assistance of Rs.2,000 to the head woman of a
house), will be launched on August 16 from Belagavi.
• 'Yuva Nidhi' scheme offering unemployment allowance of Rs 3,000 to the graduates and Rs 1,500 to the
diploma holders, for 24 months if they do not get job within six months of passing their exam.
UAS to open first-of-its-kind agriculture science museum in Bengaluru

• University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) will be opening a first-of-its-kind
museum on its campus in Bengaluru.
• Aim: To introduce the evolution of agricultural practices into the lives of
students and the general public
• The museum will serve as a one-stop solution where they can get
information about agriculture.
India's first 3D-printed post office inaugurated in Bengaluru

• Built in 43 days
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually inaugurated the post office, the
construction of which was carried out by Larsen & Toubro Limited with
technological support from IIT Madras.
• About two years ago, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated
India's first 3D-printed house, constructed on the campus of the Indian
Institute of Ttechnology (IIT) Madras by Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions.
• Contrary to traditional construction methods, 3D printing uses a robotic arm to create layers using a special
concrete mixture fed into the system. The mixture has special adhesives for quick drying and other uses.
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Karnataka government announced Budget for 2023-24

• Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented a budget of Rs 3.27
lakh crore
• The budget now includes a provision for life and accident insurance
of 4 lakhs to e-commerce delivery personnel.
• The government will provide additional financial aid of ₹4,000 to
₹5,000 a month to each household.
• ₹37,587 Crores (11%) allocated for Education, ₹24,166 Crores (7%)
for Women and Child Development.
• This was Siddaramaiah's seventh budget as Chief Minister, having previously presented six budgets during
his tenure from 2013 to 2018.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah launched ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ scheme

• The Karnataka government has launched the ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ women’s
financial aid scheme in Mysuru.
• Under this scheme, about 1.1 crore women heads of family will get Rs 2,000
every month.
• The Karnataka government has earmarked ₹17,500 crore for the ‘Gruha
Lakshmi’ programme in the current financial year.
• Karnataka government has already implemented three of the five
‘guarantees’ (pre-poll promises) — ‘Shakti’, ‘Gruha Jyothi’ and ‘Anna
Bhagya’ — and ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ is the fourth one.
• The fifth one is the ‘Yuva Nidhi’ scheme that promises to provide
unemployment allowance to the state’s youth.
BIAL sets up South Asia’s 1st Aircraft Recovery Training School in BLR Airport
• Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) established South
Asia’s first-of-its-kind Aircraft Recovery Training School on the
premises of Kempegowda International Airport
• The newly set up institution is entirely dedicated to providing
specialised aircraft recovery hands-on training, equipped with state-
of-the-art Disabled Aircraft Recovery Equipment (DARE)
• KUNZ GmbH Aircraft Equipment, Germany, it will offer Disabled Aircraft Recovery Training under the Trainair
Plus programme recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL)
Vajra mushti kalaga

• Vajra mushti kalaga, a martial art form, has gone extinct and takes place
only during Dasara at the Mysuru Palace
• Vajra Mushti, which literally means Thunderbolt Fist, is characterised by the
utilization of a knuckleduster, a small metal weapon.
• The knuckleduster, also known as Vajra Mushti, is usually made of animal
horns and worn on the knuckles of the fighter.
• Whosoever draws blood from the opponent’s head first is declared the winner
• This form of wrestling was popular during the period of the Vijayanagar rulers, who reigned between the
14th and the 17th centuries.
• Mediaeval travellers from Portugal noticed this form of wrestling during the Navaratri celebrations in
Vijayanagar empire and have left detailed accounts of it.
Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK) System Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• The Karnataka Forest Department, along with the Wildlife Trust of India, launched the Hostile Activity Watch
Kernel (HAWK) system.
• HAWK system is Cloud Based Information Management System designed to manage interlinked databases of
wildlife crime, wildlife criminals, and wildlife mortality.
• The system connects the entire state forest department in real-time and the access is restricted through
access levels.
• The development of HAWK started in 2017 in the state of Kerala by a joint team of Kerala Forest Department
& Wildlife Trust of India.
• The system was officially launched in 2019 in Kerala, and since then it has been the official system of the
state forest department.
Bengaluru Hosted Namma Kambala On November 25 And 26

• Karnataka’s capital host the popular coastal region’s cultural sport
‘Kambala’ this weekend
• This is the first time that the buffalo race has been scheduled in Bengaluru
• Kambala is a buffalo race held in Coastal Karnataka districts during the
winter months when farmers harvest their paddy crops.
Bannerghatta’s Sloth Bear Rescue Centre completes 18 years

• World’s Second Largest Sloth Bear Rescue Centre Completes 18 Years
• Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre was established in November 2005 in Karnataka.
• It is home to over 60 sloth bears, with a majority of them rescued from the
cruel ‘dancing’ bear tradition.
• The Agra Bear Rescue Facility (UP) is the largest sloth bear rescue facility in
the world.
KSRTC Launches Namma Cargo Truck Service

• Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has launched 'Namma Cargo' truck service
• Next year, 2024, it will include 500 trucks
• With Namma Cargo, KSRTC aims to disrupt the logistics business dominated by private companies.
• Namma cargo trucks will transport goods across Karnataka.
• The state-owned transport corporation "Namma Cargo Truck Service" is equipped with GPS to transport
goods.
Bengaluru to Get India’s Largest Circular Railway: 287-km Network to Connect Key Towns
• Railway Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw
• It is being implemented by the Rail Infrastructure Development
Company (Karnataka) Ltd. (K-RIDE), a joint venture established
by the Karnataka government (51 percent share) and the
Ministry of Railways (49 percent).
Telangana
On 2nd June, 2014 the northwestern part of Andhra Pradesh was separated and 29th state Telangana was created
with Hyderabad as its capital.
• Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan
• Chief Minister: Revanth Reddy Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
Connect Us - 231
• State Bird - Palapitta (Indian Roller or Blue Jay).

• State Animal - Jinka (Deer).
• State Tree - Jammi Chettu (Prosopis Cineraria).
• State Flower - Tangedu (Tanner’s Cassia).
LAKES:
• Hussain Sagar, UNESCO's World Heritage site
• Osman Sagar, • Ramappa temple is situated in Palampet in
• Himayat Sagar, Telangana.
• Durgam Cheruvu, • It was constructed in 1213 AD during the
• Pakhal Lake, reign of the Kakatiya Empire by Recherla
• Mir Alam Tank Rudra, a general of Kakatiya king Ganapati
Deva.
Dances
• Gussadi National Park:
• Dhimsa Dance • Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park,
• Lambadi Dance • Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park,
• Perini Sivatandavam • Shivaram Wildlife sanctuary,
• Dappu Dance • Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary
•
US to support restoration of Hyderabad's Paigah tombs

• Financial assistance of $250,000 (through the US Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation) will be
provided by the US for the conservation and restoration of 6 Paigah tombs built in the 18th-19th centuries in
Hyderabad.
• The project will be implemented by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
• Paigah Tombs Complex is a protected complex of the Department of
Archaeology, Government of Telangana.
• The Paigah Tomb (or Tomb Shams al-Umra) is a mausoleum belonging to the
nobility of the Paigah family, who served the Nizam of Hyderabad (Asaf Jahi
dynasty).
• The Paigahs claim to be descended from Hazrat Umar bin al-Khattab, the
second Caliph of Islam.
• The construction of this mausoleum was started by Nawab Tegjung Bahadur in 1787 and later his son Amir-
e-Kabir I helped in its construction.
• It is believed that the architectural style of the mausoleum is unique in the whole world.
• The mausoleum is decorated with lime marble and shows a mixture of Greek, Persian, Mughal, Rajasthani,
Asif Jahi and Deccani architecture.
Hyderabad selected to host WEF Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
• The World Economic Forum (WEF) has chosen Hyderabad to set up its Center for the Fourth Industrial
Revolution focused on healthcare and life sciences.
• The announcement was made after the Telangana government and the World Economic Forum signed a
cooperation agreement during the Forum's annual meeting in Davos recently.
• Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Telangana will be an
autonomous, non-profit organisation that will focus on healthcare and life sciences.
What is the fourth industrial revolution?

• The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a fundamental change in the way we
live, work and connect with each other.
• The key technologies involved are cloud computing, big data, cyber security, simulation, additive
manufacturing and Internet of Things (IoT). Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Other industrial revolution

• First Industrial Revolution (in the 1800s): Water and steam power were used to
mechanize production. An example of this is the steam engine.
• Second Industrial Revolution (early 1900s): It used electricity for mass
production. Electricity is an example of this.
• Third Industrial Revolution (late 1900s): Electronics and information
technology were used to automate production. Computers and the Internet
are examples of this.
Samatha Kumbh held at Muchintal, Telangana

• Samatha Kumbh held on the premises of the Statue of Equality from February 2 to February 14.
• Statue of Equality, a statue of Ramanujacharya, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Telangana was inaugurated
by PM Narendra Modi in 2022.
• It is a 216-feet tall statue, which is made of 'panchaloha', a combination
of five metals: gold, silver, copper, brass, and zync.
• It is among one of the tallest metallic statues in sitting position in the
world.
• The statue is mounted on a 54-feet high base building named 'Bhadra
Vedi’.
About Telangana
• Capital – Hyderabad
• Chief Minister – K. Chandrashekar Rao
• Governor – Tamilisai Soundararajan
Singareni Thermal Power Plant to have a Flu Gas Desulphurization (FGD) plant
• Singareni Thermal Power Plant (STPP) in Telangana is set to become the first public sector coal-based power
generating station in the South and first among the State PSUs in the country to have a Flu Gas
Desulphurization (FGD) plant.
• With 100% utilisation of the fly ash generated, the STPP has won the best fly ash utilisation award twice
already
• The FGD plant would process the sulphur and other gases (nitrogen oxides) generated in firing the coal for
power generation.
• The FGD plant removes Sulphur Dioxide from the flue gas before it is released into the atmosphere and
hence reduces its impact on the environment.
Ministry Guidelines:
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has set the deadline for installation of
FGD plants for coal-based power plants as December-end of 2026 for non-retiring plants and as December-
end of 2027 for retiring plants.
Uses:
• The gypsum generated by the FGD plant would be used in fertiliser, cement, paper, textile and construction
industries
What is the Status of the Thermal Power Sector in India?
• The thermal power sector has been a major source of electricity generation in India, accounting for around
75% of the country's total installed power capacity.
• As of May 2022, India has a total Thermal installed capacity of 236.1 GW of which 58.6% of the thermal
power is obtained from coal and the rest from Lignite, Diesel, and Gas.
International Conference on Trade and Marketing of Coconut Products at Hyderabad
• The Coconut Development Board in association with the International Coconut Community (ICC) organised a
two-day International Conference on Trade and Marketing of Coconut Products at Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The theme of the conference is “Global Coconut Industry - Cruising to the Pinnacle”.
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Coconut production in India:

• According to Dr. Vijayalakshmi Nadendla, CEO of the Coconut Development Board, India is currently the
largest coconut producer with a 30.93% share in global production and ranks second in terms of productivity
- 9,346 nuts per hectare after Vietnam at 10,547 nuts per hectare.
• With the increase in coconut production, India has been exporting coconut oil to Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri
Lanka since April 2017, whereas till March 2017, India used to import coconut oil.
• Now for the first time India is also exporting desiccated coconut in large quantities to America and other
European countries.
• In India, coconut is cultivated in states including West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka,
Odisha, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
• World Coconut Day - 2 September
New health programme ‘Arogya Mahila’ launched for women in Telangana

• Under the programme, tests would be conducted for women every Tuesday initially in 100 health centres and
medicines provided to them free of cost.
Telangana announces ‘cool roof’ policy to reduce heat impact on buildings

• Telangana govt has launched India’s first Cool Roof Policy 2023-2028 at the
CDMA office in Telangana.
• It is jointly launched by the state's municipal administration and urban
development department.
• The policy aims to drive state-wide adoption of cool roofs by making it
mandatory to install cool roofing materials, such as solar reflective paints, tiles, or sheets.
• to make them heat resilient, besides reducing the energy consumption.
National Food Conclave organized in Hyderabad

• The Telangana government hosted Food Conclave-2023 on April 28
and 29.
• The event consisted of five thematic tracks covering various aspects
of the agri-food sector - agriculture (green), edible oils (yellow),
dairy (white), meat and poultry (pink), and aquaculture (blue).
About Telangana
• Established – 2 June 2014
125 feet tall Ambedkar statue unveiled in Hyderabad
• Telangana the then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao unveiled a 125-
feet tall bronze statue of Dr B R Ambedkar at the Hussain Sagar lake on
his 132nd birth anniversary.
• It is the tallest of Dr. Ambedkar in the country, made of over 360 tonnes
of steel and 100 tonnes of bronze, and cost nearly Rs 145 crore.
• It was designed by renowned sculptors Ram Vanji Sutar and his son Anil
Ram Sutar of Ram Sutar Art Creations in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, who also
designed several monumental sculptures, including the world’s tallest
statue — the Statue of Unity (597 feet) of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat.
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• Bharat Gaurav Tourist train was flagged off to mark birth anniversary of
Dr B R Ambedkar.
Telangana to introduce Rs 5 lakh insurance scheme for toddy tappers

• The state government of Telangana, led by the then Chief Minister K
Chandrasekhar Rao has announced to introduce a new insurance
scheme for toddy tappers, under the name ‘Geetha Karmikula
Bhima’.
• As per the scheme, an insurance money of Rs 5 lakh would be
deposited directly in the bank account of the respective family
members in case any toddy tapper dies accidentally while collecting
toddy from palm trees in the fields.
• The insurance amount would be disbursed within a week.
Telangana HM Mahmood Ali launches ‘Sahas’

• Telangana Home Minister launched a SAHAS initiative to make
workplaces safer for women.
• Under the initiative, the SAHAS Microsite, SAHAS Sathi Chatbot, SAHAS
Whatsapp Number, Forum, and online support facilities were launched.
• It is the first of its kind initiative in the country.
Telangana CM inaugurates Medha Rail Coach Factory at Sangareddy

• Telangana the then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) inaugurated the
Medha Rail Coach Factory in Sangareddy district.
• Medha signed an MoU with the Government of Telangana in 2017 to set up a
coach factory in the state.
Telangana Launches Gruha Lakshmi Scheme 2023

• The Telangana government is set to launch the Gruha Lakshmi scheme in 2023,
a financial assistance program for women from SC, ST, and BC communities to
help them build or improve their homes.
• The scheme will provide each beneficiary with a one-time grant of Rs. 3 lakh.
• The Gruha Lakshmi scheme is part of the Telangana government’s efforts to
empower women and provide them with access to affordable housing.
• The scheme is being funded by a budget of Rs. 12,000 crore.
Telangana launches India’s first Agricultural Data Exchange

• Telangana has launched India’s first Agricultural Data Exchange (ADeX) and Agriculture Data Management
Framework (ADMF).
• The ADeX is a collaboration between the Telangana Government, the World Economic Forum, and the Indian
Institute of Science.
• Both ADeX and ADMF provide the right platform to ensure fair and efficient usage of agricultural data by
the industry and startups and provide a big boost to the data economy specifically in the agriculture sector.
• In Phase-I of the project, the ADeX Platform is currently deployed in
Khammam district and will be expanded to the entire State over a period.
Mukhra (K) becomes first insured village in Telangana

• Telangana, Mukhra (K), a model village in Adilabad district has become the
first habitation in the State to be insured by 100 percent.
• Mukhra (K) village bagged many national awards which include the National-level Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh
award this year and an incentive of 50 lakh rupees.
• It achieved an open defecation-free tag by constructing toilets in all households.
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• About Telangana:
• Established – 2 June 2014
Annual Bonalu Festival celebrated in Hyderabad

• Bonalu is a Hindu Festival where Goddess Mahakali is worshiped.
• It is an annual festival celebrated in the twin Cities Hyderabad and
sSecunderabad and other parts of Telangana state.
• Bonalu is celebrated usually during Ashada Masam which falls in
July/August.
• Bonam literally means Meal in Telugu, which is an offering to the Mother
Goddess. Women folk prepare rice that is cooked along with Milk,
Jaggery in a New Earthen or Brass Pot, which is adorned with Neem
Leaves, Turmeric and Vermilion.
• During the first and last day of this festival, special poojas are performed
for goddess Yellamma.
India’s First Gorilla Glass plant in India

• US-based multinational technology company Corning has announced
plans to set up a $113m First Gorilla Glass manufacturing facility in
Telangana.
• Telangana accounts for 6% of the electronic production in India, with
more than 250 companies employing over 50,000 people across different industry sub-segments there.
• Importantly it is a strategic investment in manufacturing for smartphones and other electronic devices.
Tabreed to set up Asia's largest district cooling project in Hyderabad

• Abu Dhabi-based cooling-as-a-service provider, Tabreed is ready to invest $200 Million To Set Up Asia’s
Largest District Cooling Project In Hyderabad.
• This investment is directed towards the development of a cutting-edge
cooling infrastructure with a capacity of 125,000 refrigeration tons (RT) for
Hyderabad Pharma City
• Aim: To aid 6,800 GWh of power as well as 41,600 megalitres of water
savings, and has the potential to reduce over 200 MW of peak electricity
demand.
• Additionally, it will contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions by saving 6.2 million tonnes of carbon
dioxide.
• Telangana is set to house Asia's largest district cooling system to establish cooling infrastructure for
industrial parks.
India’s first solar roof cycling track inaugurated in Hyderabad

• India's first solar rooftop cycling track 'Healthway' inaugurated in Hyderabad, paving the way for sustainable
urban mobility.
• A total of 16,000 solar panels have been installed along the track.
Prime Minister dedicates First 800 MW Unit of Telangana Super Thermal Power Project of NTPC to the Nation
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• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first 800 MW unit of the Telangana Super Thermal Power
Project in Nizamabad
• He mentioned that the second unit will soon start operating, and once
completed, the project will have a total capacity of 4000 MW.
• This project is considered the most advanced power plant of NTPC in India.
• It is located on the premises of NTPC’s existing Ramagundam station in
Peddapalli district and will provide 85% of its power to Telangana State.
• NTPC Ltd. is India's largest integrated power utility, contributing 1/4th of
the power requirement of the country.
• With an installed capacity of more than 73 GW and a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind
power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation.
Sarakka Central Tribal University Approved For Telangana

• Union Cabinet approves the setting up of Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in Telangana
• The Central Tribal University in Telangana is being named in honour of the tribal goddesses Sammakka and
Sarakka
• The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi gave its approval for the introduction in Parliament, a Bill,
namely, the Central Universities (Amendment), Bill, 2023 further to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009
Bathukamma Festival : Festival Of Flowers

• The nine-day-long annual festival of flowers Bathukamma began on
a colorful note across Telangana.
• It is a colorful floral festival celebrated by women with exotic local
flowers.
• During the entire preceding week, women make ‘boddemma’ (a
deity of Gowri – mother Durga – made with earthly mud) along with
Batukamma and immerse it in the pond.
• The festival reinforces the bond between humans, the earth, and
water, with rituals aimed at preserving natural resources.
Telangana Unveils The World’s First 3D-Printed Temple

• Telangana has unveiled the world’s first 3D-printed temple, a
groundbreaking structure situated in Siddipet district.
• The temple spans 4,000 square feet and stands at a height of 35.5 feet.
• Modak for Lord Ganesha
• Square Shivalay for Lord Shankar
• Lotus-Shaped Sanctuary for Goddess Parvati
Hyderabad’s Sadar Festival:

• Hyderabad is gearing up for the annual Sadar festival, a lively celebration
centered around buffalo cattle, held every year on the second day after
Diwali.
• This vibrant festival is a cherished tradition of the Yadav community and is also known as Dunnapothula
Panduga.
• While variations of this festival are celebrated
across India with different names, such as Jallikattu
in Tamil Nadu, Sadar Sammelan in Telangana
stands out as the biggest festival for the Yadav
community.
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• Organized by the Yadav community, the Sadar festival traces its beginnings back to 1942.
TSPCB Launched “Janavani– Kalushya Nivarani” Mobile App to Register Complaints Related to Environmental
Pollution
• A public grievance mobile application called “Janavani- Kalushya Nivarani”, developed by the Telangana
State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) for registering various types of complaints related to environmental
pollution
DGCA approves Drone Academy at Telangana Agri University

• The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved the Drone Academy at Professor Jayashankar
Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU).
• Aim:“PJTSAU Drone Academy” for the benefit of the farming community of
Telangana state.
• Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO), which will provide agri-drone pilot
training to farmers, diploma holders, Agri graduates, unemployed rural youth
with the assistance from M/s. Marut Drone tech Private Limited, Hyderabad for
ten years
Telangana Announces Rs 5 Lakh Accident Insurance For GIG Workers

• Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said the state government
will provide Rs 5 lakh accident insurance to gig workers such as those
involved in food delivery, and driving cabs and auto-rickshaws.
• he also assured the gig workers that the government would provide Rs
10 lakh health cover under the Rajiv Arogyasri scheme.
Maha Lakshmi Scheme

• Telangana government has issued guidelines for the implementation of Maha Lakshmi scheme, aimed at
providing free travel to women in TSRTC buses.
• The Maha Lakshmi scheme aims to provide free travel for girls, women of all age
groups, and transgender persons in state-run Palle Velugu and express buses
operated by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) within the
borders of Telangana State.
Praja Palana Program Launched By Telangana Govt To Address Citizens’ Needs

• Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu recently inaugurated
the Government’s Praja Palana programme
• Aim:addressing the needs of the people at the grassroots level.
• The Praja Palana programme is designed to gather comprehensive information
about the needs of the residents, creating a detailed database at the grassroots
level.
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Andhra Pradesh
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh were within the same region, in 2014 Telangana was made into a separate state.
It is also known as the rice bowl of India.
• Governor: Shri S. Abdul Nazeer State Tree Vepa (Neem).
• Chief minister: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy State Dance Kuchipudi
• Founded: 1 November 1956
Classical dance
State Animal Blackbuck (Indian antelope) • Kuchipudi
State Bird Indian Roller • Andhra Natyam
State Flower Lotus • Vilasini Natyam
State Sport Kabaddi
National Parks Rivers

• Papikonda National Park • Krishna
• Rajiv Gandhi (Rameshwaram) National Park • Godavari
• Sri Venkateswara National Park • Penna
• Tungabhadra
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh • Nagavali
• Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary • Vasundhara
• Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary • Kundu
• Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary Lakes
• Nagarjuna Sagar – Srisailam Sanctuary • Pulicat lake
• Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary • Kolleru Lake
Visakhapatnam Railway Station awarded 'Green Railway Station Certificate’

• Visakhapatnam Railway Station under East Coast Railway has been awarded the 'Green Railway Station
Certificate' with the highest Platinum rating by the Indian Green Building Council
(IGBC) for adopting green concepts.
• The Green Railway Station Rating System has been developed by the
Environment Directorate of Indian Railways in collaboration with IGBC.
• The system addresses national priorities such as water conservation, waste
management, energy efficiency, limited use of fossil fuels, minimal reliance on
the use of natural materials, and health and well-being of users.
Vishakhapatnam will be Andhra Pradesh’s new Capital

• In 2015, the then CM N Chandrababu Naidu had declared that Amaravati would
be the new capital.
• In 2020, Andhra Pradesh planned to have three capital cities — Amaravati,
Visakhapatnam and Kurnool.
Andhra Pradesh CM inaugurated tourist police stations at 20 centres

• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has inaugurated Tourist Police
Stations at 20 important religious and tourist places in various districts of the state.
• The purpose of this move is to give boost to tourism security.
• The tourist police stations would be run by specially trained police personnel and
headed by a Sub Inspector or an ASI rank officer.
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Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF):

• IN NEWS - Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in Andhra Pradesh have
yielded more produce than conventional methods.
• Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a method of chemical-free agriculture
drawing from traditional Indian practices.
• It was originally promoted by agriculturist and Padma Shri recipient Subhash
Palekar.
• He developed it in the mid-1990s as an alternative to the Green Revolution’s methods driven by chemical
fertilizers, pesticides and intensive irrigation.
• Objective is to bring down the cost of production to nearly zero and return to a pre-green revolution style of
farming.
• ZBNF is based on the following four pillars defined by Subhash Palekar:

• Bijamrit – It is the microbial coating of seeds with formulations of cow urine and cow dung.
• Jivamrit – it is the enhancement of soil microbes using a mixture of cow dung, cow urine and
jaggery.
• Mulching – It is the covering soil with crops or crops residue.
• Waaphasa – It is the building up of soil humus to increase soil aeration.
• In addition, ZBNF includes three methods of insect and pest management:
• Agniastra, Brahmastra and Neemastra (all different preparations using cow urine, cow dung,
tobacco, fruits, green chilli, garlic and neem).
Andhra Pradesh CM launches Machilipatnam port project for economic growth

• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy formally launched the Machilipatnam port works
worth Rs 5,156 crore recently.
• The port, with an initial cargo capacity of 35 million tonnes, will be completed in two years.
• The capacity will be increased to 116 million tonnes as cargo traffic gradually increases.
• The port will help develop Machilipatnam on the lines of developed port cities like Mumbai and Chennai as it
will be connected by National Highway 216 and Gudivada-Machilipatnam railway line soon.
• This will increase the reach of the port and improve connectivity.
• The project is being implemented by the Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Limited (MPDCL)..
A Mesolithic period rock painting depicting a person tilling a piece of land has
been found in Orvakallu village in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
• The paintings were made with “natural white kaolin and red ochre
pigments”
• Ochre is a pigment composed of clay, sand, and ferric oxide.
• Kaolinite is a soft, earthy, and usually white mineral produced by the chemical weathering of aluminum
silicate minerals like feldspar.
• Mesolithic Age is also called Middle Stone Age which existed between Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) and
Neolithic (New Stone Age).
• Timeframe: This period is generally considered to have occurred between approximately 12,000-10,000
years ago
• Lifestyle: During the Mesolithic period, human societies were predominantly hunter-gatherer communities.
• Stone tools found during this period are generally tiny, and are called microliths.
Que:Which state government has launched the ‘Jagananna Amma Vodi’ scheme?
Ans: Andhra Pradesh
• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched the
‘Jagananna Amma Vodi’ scheme for the fourth year (initially launched on on 9
January 2020).
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• Under the Amma Vodi scheme, eligible mothers who send their children to schools will receive Rs 15,000
financial aid to meet the educational expenses.
PM inaugurates Sai Hira Global Convention Center in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh

• Sai Hira Global Convention Center will become the focal point for
discussions on spirituality and educational programs involving scholars and
experts.
• Sri Sathya Sai Baba was born in Puttaparthi, and has followers all over the
world.
• PM informed that Amrit Kaal - the era leading up to the centenary of India's
independence, has been named the 'Kartavya Kaal', which encompasses
both development and heritage.
Rudragiri hillock
• In News: A fascinating fusion of rock art at Rudragiri hillock discovered
by D. Kanna Babu, former Superintending Archaeologist at
Archaeological Survey of India
• Rudragiri hillock is in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh.
• This site unveils a fascinating combination of prehistoric rock paintings
from the Mesolithic period around 5000 B.C and exquisite artwork from
the Kakatiya dynasty.
• It is nestled amidst the Eastern Ghats, features five naturally formed rock shelters at its foothills, facing
westward.
• Two natural caves at the southern end of the hillock also exhibit exceptional murals from the renowned
Kakatiya kingdom.
Key findings:
• The first cave presents a narrative mural portraying the intense battle between the Vanara brothers, Vali
and Sugriva.
• A Ramayana fresco depicting Hanuman lifting the Sanjeevani hill with his right-hand painted
• In the middle cave, a grand sketch of Hanuman, accompanied by sacred
symbols of the conch (Sankha) and the fire altar (Yagna Vedi).
• The third cave houses the prehistoric rock paintings from the Mesolithic
era. Interestingly, the Kakatiya artist chose the same rock shelter to
superimpose the elegant figure of Hanuman
• The illustrious Ganapati Deva Maharaja (1199-1262 AD), the founder of Muppavaram temple and a
prominent figure of the Kakatiya dynasty, likely patronised the rich ancient mural heritage found at
Rudragiri.
What is the Mesolithic period?

• It is also called Middle Stone Age which existed between the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age) and the Neolithic
(New Stone Age).
• Timeframe: This period is generally considered to have occurred between approximately 12,000-10,000
years ago
• Lifestyle: During the Mesolithic period, human societies were predominantly hunter-gatherer communities.
Kakatiyas:
• Kakatiyas is an Andhra dynasty that flourished in the 12 century CE. The Kakatiya dynasty ruled from
Warangal (Telangana) from CE 1083-1323.
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• They were known for the construction of a network of tanks for irrigation and drinking water and thereby
gave a big boost to the overall development of the region.
• Telangana has launched a massive rejuvenation movement in the form of “Mission Kakatiya” which involves
the restoration of irrigation tanks and lakes/minor irrigation sources built by the Kakatiya dynasty.
There are hundreds of Hindu temples built under the patronage of Kakatiya kings like Ganapati Deva, Rudrama Devi
and Prataparudra of Kakatiya dynasty.
• Eg. - Thousand Pillar Temple or Rudreshwara Swamy Temple, Telangana. It is a star-shaped, triple shrine
(Trikutalayam) dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva and Surya.
• Ramappa Temple, Warangal, Telangana.
• Golconda Fort in Hyderabad (Telangana) was also constructed by the Kakatiya rulers.
Banni festival
• Traditional festival in Andhra Pradesh.
• It is a traditional stick-fight
• It is celebrated on the night of Dussehra celebration (Vijaya Dasami) every year.
• This festival was celebrated by people under the Vijayanagara Empire.
• It is celebrated on account of the victory of Lord Mala Malleswara Swamy and
Goddess Parvati over demonish Mani and Mallasura, who troubled the people
Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam Prequel Event

• The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in association with Ministry of
Culture, Sangeet Natak Academy and State Government of Andhra Pradesh
successfully organised the prequel event of Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam,
a first of its kind festival to celebrate the rich heritage of classical music
• The Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam will be organized from 10th to 12th
December, 2023 in Vijayawada.
NIIF Plans To Invest Up To Rs 675 Crore Bhogapuram airport

• National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) is planning to invest up to Rs 675 crore on the upcoming
greenfield international airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh, which is being developed by the GMR
group.
• This marks NIIF’s second airport investment, after the GMR Goa International Airport Ltd, which operates
Manohar International Airport in Goa.
Tamil Nadu
• Chennai is located on the Coromandel Coast of Tamil Nadu.
• The oldest city corporation in India is the Greater Chennai Corporation. It is also the world’s second oldest
city corporation after London.
• Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Chennai was earlier known as Madras. Madras was the official
name of the city till 1996.
Governor: R. N. Ravi Dances:

Chief Minister: M. K. Stalin • Bharatha
State Animal: Nilgiri tahr • Natyam
State Bird: Emerald dove • Kuchipudi
State Tree: Palmera Palm • Kathakali
State Flower: Gloriosa Lily • Odissi
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National Parks:
• Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary & National UNESCO world heritage Sites:
Park • Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur,
• Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, • Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram,
• Mudumali National Park & Tiger reserve, • Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram,
• Guindy National Park, • Nilgiri Mountain Railways
• Mukurthi National Park
Rivers in Tamil Nadu
Tiger Reserve: • Bhavani River
• Anamalai Tiger Reserve, • Chittar River
• Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, • Ponnaiyar River
• Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve • Thamirabarani River
• Cheyyar River
Biosphere Reserve: • Gundar River
• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – • Noyyal River
• Gulf of Mannar • Suruli River
• Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve • Vaigai River
Kota tribe of the Nilgiris celebrated Aiyanoor Ammanoor festival

• It is celebrated for a week.
• During this festival, this tribe collects clay to make pottery. The pot-making
ceremony is held once every two years.
• After making an earthen pot, they open their temple and then prepare food in
this earthen pot and serve it to the whole village.
Other major tribal festivals

• Medaram Jatra festival - It is the second largest fair in India celebrated for four days by the Koya tribe, the
second largest tribal community of Telangana.
• Bhagoria festival - This is a major tribal festival celebrated in Madhya Pradesh(Bhil Tribe).
• Mim Kut Festival - This festival is celebrated by the Kuki tribe of Mizoram.
• Sarhul festival - This is the biggest nature festival celebrated by the tribal society. Which is celebrated in
Jharkhand.
Tamil Nadu inaugurates Keeladi museum, a testimony to the life of ancient Tamils during
the Sangam Age
• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the Keeladi museum in Sivaganga district
• The museum has been built on 2 acres at Keeladi at a cost of ₹18.43 crore.
• It houses over 15,000 unique artefacts unearthed between the 4th and 8th phases
of excavations undertaken by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology
since 2018.
12-hour duty bill passed in Tamil Nadu assembly

• The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed the Factories (Amendment)
• Act 2023.
• The Bill seeks to increase the daily work shift of factory workers from
the current 8 hours to 12 hours, meaning they can choose to work four
days a week.
• 'The rest three days will be paid leave and the existing rules on leave,
overtime, pay etc. will not change.
• The revised 12 hours of daily work has not been extended to all companies and factories, but will be
implemented 'only where workers prefer it'.
• The Bill will have no impact on the current 48-hourJoinwork-week.
• The law was passed amid strong opposition from various opposition political parties.
• In May 2020, 10 states – Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Assam,
Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh – had amended labor laws to propose 12-hour working hours during
the pandemic.
A celt, belonging to the neolithic period, was discovered in Poothinatham village in

Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu
• A celt, belonging to the neolithic period, was recently discovered in Poothinatham
village in Tamil Nadu.
• Neolithic, also called New Stone Age, is the final stage of cultural evolution or
technological development among prehistoric humans.
• It was characterized by stone tools shaped by polishing or grinding, dependence on domesticated plants or
animals, settlement in permanent villages, and the appearance of such crafts as pottery and weaving.
• The houses were built of mud and reed and rectangular or circular shapes.
• Some of the important Neolithic sites in India include Mehrgarh, the oldest Neolithic site in the province of
Pakistan called Baluchistan, Burzahom in Kashmir, Chiron in Bihar etc
Union Environment Ministry gives final nod for 'Kalaignar Pen Monument' in
Bay of Bengal
• The Union Environment Ministry granted Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
approval to the Tamil Nadu government's proposal to build the ‘Dr
Kalaignar Pen Monument’ in the Bay of Bengal, off Marina beach in
Chennai, with 15 conditions.
• The Dr. Kalaignar Pen Monument is a proposed offshore memorial and is
dedicated to Late M. Karunanidhi, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
• Karunanidhi was a prolific writer, poet and orator, known as Kalaignar (artist). He wrote over 100 books
including novels, short stories, biographies, essays and memoirs.
• The memorial will symbolize his contribution to Tamil literature, culture and his political legacy. The project
was announced in 2022.
India gets first-ever night street racing circuit in Chennai

• Also, it would become the first-ever street circuit in India and South Asia that will be hosting a night race
• The state government has partnered with Racing Promotions Private Limited (RRPL) for the project. RRPL is
also the promoter of the Indian Racing League and F4 Indian Championship.
Nirmala Sitharaman laid foundation stone for Adichanallur museum

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for an
archeological museum at Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu in August 2023
• To showcase 3,000-year-old artefacts from ancient Tamil civilization,
excavated from this archaeological site.
• This is the first onsite archaeological museum in the country
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unearthed burial urns, metal and bronze
products used by ancient Tamils and a gold diadem. Subsequently, the
Union Government decided to set-up an onsite museum at this hotspot of ancient Tamil civilization
• Adichanallur was one of the five archaeological sites declared to be developed as ‘Iconic Sites’ in the Union
Budget 2020-21.
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20-feet tall statue of famous Tamil philosopher “Thiruvalluvar”

• 20-feet tall Thiruvalluvar statue installed at Kurichi tank in Coimbatore
• The sculpture, designed with 1,330 letters of the Tamil language, as a way of
denoting the 1,330 Kurals (couplets) written by the poet, is expected to be a major
attraction
• Thiruvalluvar was a celebrated Tamil poet and scholar, and is best known as the
author of Tirukkural, a collection of couplets on a wide array of subjects such as
politics, economics, ethics and love.
India’s First Drone Common Testing Centre To Be Established In Tamil Nadu

• Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) is set to establish India’s first
Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drone) Common Testing Centre
• This centre will be established on an area of 2.3 acres at the SIPCOT Industrial Park,
Vallam Vadagal near Sriperumbudur.
• The testing centre to be set up at an estimated cost of ₹45 crore
• The testing centre would enable the State to be a significant contributor to the self-reliance of the country in
the aerospace and defence sectors.
Social welfare scheme “Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam” to be launched by Tamil Nadu Government
• Tamil Nadu government will provide monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 to more than 1 crore female family
heads through Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam.
• Chief Minister MK Stalin officially announced the scheme
• Beneficiaries will receive financial assistance through direct bank transfers and will be provided with ATM
cards for easy access.
• Governor - Ravindra Narayan Ravi
Tamil Nadu announced a Samadhan Scheme to help traders settle their dues, penalty and
interest
• With commercial tax dues to the State government touching ₹25,000 crore, Tamil
Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a Samadhan Scheme to help traders settle
their dues, penalty and interest.
• Under the scheme, traders whose dues are between ₹50,000 and ₹10 lakh will need to pay just 20 per cent
of their dues and can end pending cases against them; traders who owe higher amounts can also avail of the
scheme
• The scheme will be in force between October 16, 2023 and February 15, 2024.
A passenger ferry service from Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka is set
to commence
• The ferry will operate between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and
Kankesanthurai in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The transit time is expected to be
three hours.
• The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) will operate the ferry service.
• The vessel to be used as the ferry is called Cheriyapani.
Tamil Nadu’s first Al-based early warning system for elephant

• Tamil Nadu is close to completing its first artificial intelligence (Al)-based early
warning system designed to protect wild elephants from train collisions along the
Ettimadai-Walayar railway section.
• This initiative involves the installation of 12 e-surveillance towers equipped with
thermal imaging cameras to monitor elephant movements.
• Once fully functional, the system will alert forest department staff and railway
authorities to reduce train speed, enhancing elephant safety in the region.
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Urban Flood Mitigation Project

• PM approves the first urban flood mitigation project for the ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management Activities
for Chennai Basin Project (IUFM)‘
• This initiative, under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF), includes Central assistance of Rs. 500
crore and aims to make Chennai flood-resilient.
National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF):
• The NDMF was established by the Central Government on February in 2021.
• IUFM is a holistic approach that stresses the interrelationship between socioeconomic development,
environmental sustainability, and flood-risk management.
Tamil Nadu issues guidelines for implementation of ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam’
(women’s basic income scheme)
• The monthly scheme for women heads of households, Magalir Urimai Thogai
Thittam, will be named after former Chief Minister 'Kalaignar' M Karunanidhi
• The financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to women heads of eligible
households was a poll promise of the DMK
India gets its 36th and Tamil Nadu its first flying training school
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved the EKVI Air Training
Organization Pvt Ltd which will be based at Salem Airport, Tamil Nadu.
• This will be the first flying training organization (FTO) in Tamil Nadu.
• India now has 36 DGCA-approved flying schools.
• Director general in the Directorate of General of Civil Aviation: Vikram Dev Dutt
India’s first ‘Police Drone Unit’ launched in Chennai (TN)

• Greater Chennai Police has established a ‘Drone Police Unit’ to assist cops in
aerial surveillance.
• This will particularly be helpful in case of large gatherings, real-time
checking of vehicle registration data and spotting of suspects.
• These drones equipped with AI technology can accurately estimate crowds
during festivals or other gatherings, thereby enabling police to correctly plan crowd control strategies.
• Also, the drones are equipped with ANPR cameras which are capable of doing real-time checking with the
vehicles registration database and spot suspects, stolen vehicles.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled a statue of late anti-caste activist
Iyothee Thass Pandithar
• Location:Gandhi Mandapam in Chennai.
• He was born on 20 May 1845 in Madras presidency.
• In 1876, Thass established the Advaidananda Sabha and launched a
magazine called Dravida Pandian in collaboration with Rev. John Rathina.
• He established the “Dravida Mahajana Sabha
• He established the Sakya Buddhist Society in Madras, with branches all over South India.
• The Sakya Buddhist Society, also known as the Indian Buddhist Association, was established in 1898.
• To manage and coordinate the functioning of society, he began a weekly magazine, Tamizhan, in 1907.
Pennaiyar River Dispute

• As the three-month deadline set by the Supreme Court for setting up an
Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal for the Pennaiyar river has
expired, Tamil Nadu is awaiting further action from the Centre.
• In 2018, Tamil Nadu filed a lawsuit against Karnataka for building check-
dams and diversion structures on the river.
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• On November 30, 2019, Tamil Nadu formally requested the central government to set up a tribunal to settle
disputes over the waters of the river.
• In mid-December 2022, the Supreme Court gave the Center three months to set up a tribunal to resolve the
dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Based on Article 262, Parliament has enacted Inter-State River Water Disputes Act (1956) & River Boards Act
(1956).
• According to Article 131 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court, in its original jurisdiction, decides a dispute
between the Government of India and one or more States or
between the Government of India and any State or States or
between two or more States on river water disputes.
About Pennaiyar River

• It originates in the Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district of
Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into
the Bay of Bengal.
• The major tributaries are Chinnar, Markanda, Vaniyar and
Pamban.
• It is the second longest river in Tamil Nadu after Cauvery with a
length of 497 km.
• 77% drainage basin of the river lies in Tamil Nadu.
•
Current River Water Disputes in various states
Mahadayi river- Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Mahanadi river- Odisha and Chhattisgarh
Vansadhara Water dispute- Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Krishna Water Disputes- Telangana, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal Project- Haryana and Punjab
Kerala
Kerala is a state situated on the Malabar coast of India. The state was formed on 1st November 1956.
The capital of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram.
Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan
Chief minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
State Animal Elephant
State Bird Great Indian Hornbill
State Flower Kanikonna or Indian laburnum or amaltus
State Tree Coconut
Official Language Malayalam
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• Kerala - first state to be declared as “Complete Digital State

• Kocchi is World’s first airport completely powered by solar energy
• The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first biosphere reserve in India established in the year 1986.
Lakes West-flowing rivers

• Sasthamkotta Lake • Periyar river
• Vembanad Lake • Bharathapuzha River
• Lakes of Alappuzha • Pamba river
• Pookode Lake •
• Ashtamudi Lake East-flowing rivers in Kerala
• Punnamada Lake • Kabani river
• Akkulam Lake • Bhavani river
• Pambar river
Biosphere Reserve
• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Ramsar Sites
• Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve • Ashtamudi Wetland
• Sasthamkotta Lake
National Parks • Vembanad-Kol Wetland
• Silent Valley National Park
• Eravikulam National Park Dances
• Anamudi Shola National Park • Kathakali
• Pampadum Shola National Park • Mohiniyattam
• Mathikettan Shola National Park • Theyyam
• Periyar National Park • Kolkali
• Kalaripayattu
The world's first museum of palm leaf manuscripts established in Thiruvananthapuram,

Kerala
• The museum, which is the world’s first of its kind, contains 187 manuscripts and
other artefacts related to the former Travancore kingdom from 650 AD until the
end of the 19th century.
• The museum gives a glimpse of the administrative, socio-cultural and economic
aspects of the Kingdom of Travancore.
• Apart from manuscripts, the museum also has information about the famous Battle of Colachel, in which the
heroic king Anijam Tirunal Marthanda Varma (1729-58) of Travancore defeated the Dutch East India
Company.
• Dutch expansion in India was halted by the victory of the Raja of Travancore in 1741, and under Marthanda
Varma, Travancore became the first state in Asia to stop the expansionist thinking of a European power
Kerala becomes country’s first fully digital banking state

• Kerala is also the only State in India that has declared ‘the right
to Internet’ as a basic right of its citizens
• The ambitious Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) project of
the state government was announced recently.
• The K-FON will ensure internet facility to everyone in the state
either for a cheaper price or for free-of-cost.
Dangerous ‘Norovirus’ found in Kerala

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• Ernakulam district of Kerala has reported two cases of highly-contagious norovirus

• Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is also called “stomach flu”.
• Norovirus was previously known as Norwalk virus when it was first identified in
Norwalk in 1929.
• Gastroenteritis illness due to this virus had been initially described as “winter vomiting disease” due to its
seasonal emergence in winters.
• As per WHO, an estimated 685 million cases of norovirus has been found each year with 200 million
instances among children under the age of five
Kerala's Kollam becomes first constitution literate district in India

• This achievement is the result of a seven-month long constitutional literacy
campaign
• Under this campaign, more than seven lakh families of the district are being
educated on the basic principles of the Constitution.
Kerala enters Guinness Book of World Records for goals scored

• by taking 4,500 penalty kicks in 12 hours.
• The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs organized the event to set the Guinness record for a Dream Goal
penalty shootout organized in Manjeri, Kerala.
• Many football lovers, students, teachers and others enthusiastically queued
up to take the penalty kicks.
• Capital – Thiruvananthapuram
• Chief Minister – Pinarayi Vijayan
• Governor – Arif Mohammad Khan
Wayanad becomes the first district in the country to provide basic documents to all tribals
• Kerala's Wayanad district has become the first district in India to provide basic
documents and facilities like Aadhaar card, ration card, birth/death certificate,
election ID card, bank accounts and health insurance to all tribals.
• as part of Akshaya Big Campaign for Document Digitization (ABCD) campaign.
• The campaign was launched in November 2021 with the objective of ensuring
basic documents for all citizens of Scheduled Tribe communities from
Thondarandu Gram Panchayat.
Kerala first in other areas too -

• Kerala was declared as the first state to enable digital banking service.
• Dharmadum constituency of Kerala has become the first full library constituency in India.
• Kollam district of Kerala has become the first constitution literate district in the country.
• India's first carbon neutral farm at Aluva in Ernakulam district of Kerala.
• Kerala has become the first state in India to implement a uniform price of gold across the state.
Kerala to setup green hydrogen hubs over next 2 years

• The Kerala government announced a road map for setting up green hydrogen hubs in
Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram in the coming two years.
• The outlay for this scheme: Rs 200 crore
• Aim: To build green hydrogen plants that can produce 60 tonnes of hydrogen per day.
• The Hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water is known as green
hydrogen.
Que: Which is the first district to register 10,000 new MSMEs?

Ans: Ernakulam Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• The Kerala Government launched the Enterprises Campaign during its 2022-23
budget.
• Also, the state government declared the financial year 2022-23 as the Year of
Enterprises.
• This was done to boost the development of the MSME sector in the state.
Kerala launched Monthly Stipend Scheme for Junior Lawyers

• Kerala CM, Pinarayi Vijayan has launched the monthly stipend scheme for
junior lawyers in Kerala.
• Under this scheme, a monthly stipend of Rs. 3,000 will be provided to junior
lawyers in the State.
Eligibility for stipend:
• Lawyers below 30 years of age with less than three years of practice.
• Annual income less than Rs. 1 lakh.
• The scheme will be implemented by the Bar Council of the state.
Kerala HC becomes first to publish judgements in regional language

• The Kerala High Court has become the first high court in the country to publish
judgments in the regional language.
• On February 21 (International Mother Language Day), Kerala published two of
its recent judgments in Malayalam.
• The judgments in Malayalam were uploaded on the court's website just below
the English version.
• The Kerala High Court made use of SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuwad Software ) tool to translate the
judgments.
• CJ of Kerala HC: S. Manikumar
Kerala to become first State to use robotics tech extensively for manhole cleaning
• The Kerala government launched robotic scavenger, Bandicoot, to clean sewages in
temple town of Guruvayur, in Thrissur district, becoming the first state in the country to
use robotic technology to clean all its commissioned manholes.
• Bandicoot, developed by Kerala-based Genrobotics, recently won the 'Kerala Pride' award
at the Huddle Global 2022 Conclave organised by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM).
• Bandicoot will clean all existing sewerage and drains in Kerala.
Kochi Metro becomes first in country to accept e-rupee for parking fee
• In an initiative to promote Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), Kochi Metro has
started accepting digital currency in its parking facilities.
• With this, Kochi Metro is the first Metro in the country to accept CBDC.
• The program was introduced in association with IDFC FIRST Bank partnered with
Anantham Online, a technology startup
Kerala becomes first Indian state to adopt a Water Budget

• CM Pinarayi Vijayan released Public Water Budget as a solution to water scarcity
in certain regions.
• The first phase would cover 94-gram panchayats and 15-block panchayats.
• Though the state has around 44 rivers and several other water bodies, some
parts face severe water shortage during the summer season.
• The Public Water Budget initiative would help in properly utilising the resource and preventing wastage
through proper Management.
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India’s first water metro will be launched in Kerala’s Kochi district

• PM Modi has inaugurated India's first water metro in Kochi (Kerala), which
connects 10 islands around Kochi through battery-operated electric hybrid
boats.
• The metro project will start with eight electric hybrid boats developed under
Cochin Shipyard Limited.
• It was funded by the Kerala govt and the German company KfW.
• Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25th April flagged off Kerala’s first Vande Bharat Express between
Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod at Thiruvananthapuram Central Station.
• He also laid the foundation stone of Digital Science Park in Thiruvananthapuram.
KSINC launches India’s first solar-powered tourist boat

• Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) has launched a solar-powered
tourist boat called Sooryamshu that can produce 27 KW of energy.
• The boat also comes equipped with generators, which will help power passenger lift
systems and air-conditioners.
• The solar panels will provide about 75% of the vessel’s energy needs, while the rest
will be met by the generators.
• The ₹3.95-crore vessel that can carry up to 100 passengers was built at a yard in Sri
Lanka
Que: Which state has become the first state in the country to have a drone
surveillance system in all police districts in the state?
Ans: Kerala
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan distributed the drones to all police districts
and the drone pilot licences to the specially trained drone pilots.
Kerala Assembly passes resolution to rename state as Keralam

• The resolution, moved by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, was passed
unanimously. To change the name of a state, approval from the Union
Ministry of Home Affairs is required.
• Article 3 deals with the formation of new States and alteration of areas,
boundaries or names of existing States.
• The state of Kerala came into being on November 1, 1956. In Malayalam, the state was referred to as
Keralam, while in English it was Kerala.
Origin of the names
• The earliest epigraphic record that mentions Kerala is emperor Asoka’s Rock Edict II of 257 BC. The
inscription refers to the local ruler as Keralaputra (Sanskrit for “son of Kerala”), and also “son of Chera”
referring to the Chera dynasty.
• About ‘Keralam’, scholars believe it could have originated from ‘Cheram’.
What is the process to rename a state in India?

• Unlike in the case of renaming cities, to change the name of a state, approval from the Centre’s Ministry of
Home Affairs (MHA) is required. This means that a Constitutional amendment becomes necessary to affect
this change.
• The proposal has to first come from the state government.
• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) then takes over and gives its consent after it receives No
Objection Certificates (NOCs) from several agencies such as the Ministry of Railways, Intelligence Bureau,
Department of Posts, Survey of India and Registrar General of India.
• If the proposal is accepted, the resolution, introduced as a Bill in the Parliament, becomes a law and the
name of the state is changed thereafter.
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Athidhi Portal : Kerala Govt

• The Kerala government is set to launch the ‘Athidhi Portal’,
which aims to expedite the registration process for migrant
workers in the state.
• In light of recent incidents involving sexual crimes against
children allegedly carried out by migrant workers, the
government is taking measures to enhance the registration of
“guest workers.”
• Also to curb the exploitation of unregistered migrants by contractors and the lack of social security
• The portal will introduce a unique identification system and facilitate the registration of workers by
contractors, employers, and individual workers themselves.
• The goal is to ensure comprehensive registration and provide social security for all migrant workers.
Kerala launches its first AI school in Thiruvananthapuram

• Former (14th) President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated Kerala's first AI (Artificial
intelligence) school at Santhigiri Vidyabhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.
• It is an innovative learning method that ensures international standards and quality
learning opportunities for students with the help of artificial intelligence technology.
• It is designed and molded by one of the world's most advanced educational
platforms iLearning Engines USA in collaboration with Vedhik eSchool.
Seethakali folk art

• The 20-member group is going to perform Seethakali folk art, outside Kerala for the first time as to revive
one of the fading dance forms of Kerala.
• In the early times, Seethakali was performed as part of the harvest festival Onam.
• Dalit Artists: The performance was carried out by Dalit artists belonging to the Veda and Pulaya
communities, focusing on presenting episodes from the Ramayana from Sita’s perspective.
• Instruments: The dance drama is accompanied by instruments such as ganjira, manikatta, chiratta, and
kaimani.
• Character Ensemble: The performance includes key characters such as Sita, Ram, Lakshman, Ravan, and
Hanuman.
Kerala’s first 3D-printed building to be inaugurated

• Named Amaze-28, Kerala’s first building built using 3D printing technology has been inaugurated.
• Designed as a demonstration project, Amaze-28 is a model that was
completed in just 28 days.
Edakkal Caves : New Project

• NEWS: Kerala Tourism launched a 2.9-crore rupee project to improve
civic amenities around the Edakkal Caves in Wayanad.
• These caves are located 3,900 feet above sea level in the majestic
Ambukuthi Hills.
• The name Edakkal itself means “a stone in between”.
• The caves are two natural formations that are believed to have been
formed by a large split in a huge rock.
• The caves sport human and animal figures besides symbols and letters -
carvings date back to the Neolithic and Mesolithic ages, (at least 6,000 BCE)
• The diversity of the engravings suggests that the Edakkal caves were
inhabited several times at different points in history.
• The Muniyaras, or ancient burial sites that have been discovered in these
hills have yielded a rich collection of ancient earthenware and pottery.
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Kerala Govt To Set Up ₹237 Crore Graphene Production Facility

• Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced the establishment of a graphene production facility that will operate
on a public-private partnership model, with an estimated investment of ₹237 crore.
• Implementing agency - Kerala Digital University
• Infrastructure development - Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA)
• Graphene is a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb-like pattern. Graphene is
considered to be the world’s thinnest, strongest and most conductive material – of both electricity and
heat.
Arattu’ festival
• The ‘Arattu’ festival has a rich tradition of being celebrated at the Sree Padmanabha
Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• The uniqueness of the ‘Arattu’ festival is that the head of the royal family of the
erstwhile Travancore kingdom still escorts the idols of deities during the procession in
traditional attire.
• The Aarattu Festival is celebrated twice each year.
Kerala becomes the first State to have hallmarking centres in all districts
• Kerala became the first state in India to have hallmarking centres in all 14 districts.
• Aim: It will make Kerala a hub of gold business and further strengthen its claim to
being the most reliable market in the country to buy gold ornaments
Pauradhwani Program : Kerala State Literacy Mission

• The Kerala State Literacy Mission (KSLM) is launching the ‘Pauradhwani’ program in Ernakulam and eight
other districts to shape informed and independent citizens.
• The program covers topics such as the independence struggle, forest rights, rules for coastal areas, women-
centric rules, and rights and laws governing children, health, and nutrition.
Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission in Global List

• Kerala‘s pioneering Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission has achieved global acclaim by securing a spot on the
prestigious list of Case Studies curated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
• Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve project as the only other Indian representatives on UNWTO’s
global list of Case Studies .
• These two case studies from India stand among seven G20 countries recognized
by UNWTO, which include Mexico, Germany, Mauritius, Turkey, Italy, Brazil, and
Canada.
• Inception and Launch: The Kerala RT Mission was officially launched on October
20, 2017, by Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala.
• United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Headquarters: Madrid,
Spain
• United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Establishment: 1975.
Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates ‘Classic Imperial’ Luxury Cruise In Kerala

• Nitin Gadkari virtually marked the inauguration of ‘Classic Imperial,’ a luxury
cruise vessel, in Kochi. This event was a significant milestone in the efforts to
promote cruise tourism in the region.
• ‘Classic Imperial’ can accommodate 150 people at a time, making it the largest
luxury cruise vessel built in Kerala.
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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to inaugurate the 5th Global Ayurveda

Festival at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala
• theme ‘Emerging Challenges in Healthcare and a Resurgent
Ayurveda’.
One Liner NEWS

• Election Commission launches 'Mission-929' to take voter turnout in Tripura to over 90
• Hyderabad to become India’s first city with 100% sewerage facilities by May 2023
• Jammu and Kashmir becomes the first Indian Union Territory to completely shift to e-governance mode
Assembly Election Results 2023

States Total Seats Elections Held Winning Party (Total Seats) Losing Party (Total Seats)
Madhya Pradesh 230 230 BJP (163) Congress (66)
Rajasthan 200 199 BJP (115) Congress (69)
Telangana 119 119 Congress (64) BRS (39)
Chhattisgarh 90 90 BJP (54) Congress (35)
A Namdapha flying squirrel has resurfaced in Arunachal Pradesh after going missing for 42 years.
Harish Damodaran awarded the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize 2022
• Indian Express journalist, Harish Damodaran was awarded the Gaja Capital
Business Book Prize 2022 for his book 'Broke to Breakthrough’.
• Gaja Capital Business Book Prize: It was instituted in 2019.
State Short News

• J&K LG Manoj Sinha inaugurates SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2023
• The first PM Gati Shakti regional workshop for the Western and Central Zone was held in Goa.
• First meeting of Sustainable Finance Working Group under G20 begins in Guwahati.
• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has launched three online services to digitally empower
people.These online services are Pro-active Divyang Pension Service, ‘Tau se Poochho’ WhatsApp chatbot, and
online booking of government rest houses.
• The Kerala government has launched a project 'One Panchayat, One Playground' project to revive the sports
culture in the State by opening quality playgrounds in every panchayat.
• Bengaluru will soon have India’s first post office constructed using 3D printing technology
• Rajasthan the then Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a proposal to set up three new medical colleges in the
state. The three new medical colleges will be established in Pratapgarh, Jalore, and Rajsamand.
• Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has inaugurated its first dedicated Branch for start-ups in Pune, Maharashtra.
• Science-20 Conference under India’s G20 presidency begins in Agartala (Tripura). The theme of the 3 day
conference is ‘Clean Energy for Greener future’.
• Madhya Pradesh becomes first state to provide air travel for pilgrims under Mukhyamantri Teerthdarshan
Yojana.
• Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah recently laid the foundation stone for the permanent campus
of the National Academy of Coastal Policing in Dwaraka, Gujarat.
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• Kerala Becomes India’s First Fully E-Governed State, Achieving Total E-Governance
• The Odisha Govt’s Higher Education Department has signed an MoU with Infosys and Nasscom to enhance the
skills and employability of students in Higher Education Institutions.
• PM flags off Vande Bharat Express from Dehradun to Delhi. This semi-high-speed train is India's 18th and
Uttarakhand's first Vande Bharat train.
• The first ever Urban Climate Film Festival is going to be held in New Town, Kolkata from June 3 to 5
• Jitendra Singh inaugurates 'Lavender Festival' in J&K
• Srinagar will get a ‘Smart City’ tag by June 2024 under the Srinagar Smart City Project.
• Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan launches Kerala Fibre Optic Network project
• Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has inaugurated the National Training
Centre for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
• Haryana announces monthly pension of Rs. 10,000 for Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan & Padma Vibhushan
awardees of State.
• The Centre has established a Commission of Inquiry, led by Ajai Lamba (former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High
Court), to investigate the recent series of violence in Manipur.
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah addresses the Vitasta Mahotsav organized by the
Ministry of Culture as the Chief Guest in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to plant at least 10,000 trees
within a month in Uttarakhand.
• Madhya Pradesh raised the financial aid given to women in the Ladli Behna Scheme from ₹1,000 to ₹1,250 per
month; 35 percent reservation for women in government jobs.
• A special art exhibition titled "Together We Art" dedicated to G-20 member countries begins at Bihar Museum,
Patna
• Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 5.0 launched. It is a nationwide vaccine catch-up campaign, which
focusses on reaching zero-dose children aged between 0-5 years and pregnant women to ensure that they do
not miss out on any vaccination
• Assam government has signed an MoU with the Badminton Association of India to set up the National Centre of
Excellence for Badminton in the state.
• 9th edition of Malabar River Festival opens in Kerala
• Onam festival celebrated in Kerala, bringing happiness, unity, and a lot of cultural beauty. The festival spans 10
days, commencing on Atham (the first day of Onam) and culminating on Thiruvonam (the final day).
• The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) has secured a grant of ₹10 crore from NITI Aayog to
establish India’s first Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) in fisheries at the University.
• Ladakh's First Women Police Station Inaugurated in Kargil
• Amazon India to open first-ever floating store in Dal Lake
• J&K Govt increases retirement age for university professors from 62 to 65
• J&K launches 'Mobile Dost App’ to provide access to all the Government Services directly
• Startup20 Shikhar summit held in Haryana's Gurugram
• 7th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC), co-hosted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and
Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) will be held from October 27 -29 in New Delhi this year.
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• The Uttar Pradesh government has increased the retirement age of government doctors from 62 years to 65
years to address the shortage of doctors.
• The Uttar Pradesh government approved 800 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power projects in Sonbhadra
district in partnership with NTPC.
• Gujarat will host the 69th edition of the Filmfare Awards in 2024.
• DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)and Government of Gujarat jointly launch 'One
District One Product' wall to promote indigenous crafts and artisans of the state at Garvi Gujarat Bhawan.
• Numaligarh Refinery in Assam upgraded to ‘Schedule A’ category enterprise, unlocks financial autonomy and
expansion opportunities
• Finance Minister inaugurates GST Bhawan at Agartala, Tripura
• The local graziers of the Tawang region near Bumla Pass, Arunachal Pradesh, celebrated the Chachin grazing
festival
• Amit Shah laid foundation stone of 108 feet tall statue of Lord Shri Ram in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
• Tamil Nadu regained the top spot in electronic exports in India followed by Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.
• Nagaland became the first state in the north-eastern region to initiate Aadhaar-linked birth registration
(ALBR).
• Eknath Shinde government gave the cabinet approval to rename Aurangabad and Osmanabad cities as
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv respectively.
• Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde has inaugurated the first Global Turmeric conference in Mumbai.
• Gujarat Assembly has passed the Gujarat Local Authorities Law (Amendment) Bill 2023 by a majority vote to
raise reservation for OBC communities in local self-government bodies to 27 percent from the current 10
percent.
• Marwar International Center was inaugurated by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in Jodhpur.
• Uttarakhand launches India's first polythene waste bank for sustainable waste management.
• Uttar Pradesh achieved 100% ODF Plus status for all 95,767 villages as part of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin)
Phase II.
• In Bihar, the world-famous Pitra Paksha Mela will began in Gaya city. The main inaugural function was
organized at Vishnupad Temple.
• Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri flagged off India’s first green hydrogen fuel
cell bus in Delhi
• Google has launched the Android Earthquake Alerts System in collaboration with the National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the Mukhyamantri Atmanirbhar Asom Scheme:
provide financial assistance for ₹2 lakh each to two lakh youth for making them self-independent.
• According to Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat about 75 per cent of India's villages have achieved
the open defecation free-plus status.
• Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the Griha Aadhaar scheme and Chavath-e-Bazaar to empower
housewives in Goa by providing them with financial assistance.
• Rajasthan government launched the ‘iStart Talent Connect Portal’ at Jaipur’s Techno Hub to boost employment
opportunities in the state.
• PM Modi inaugurated two new train services in Rajasthan, namely the Runicha Express connecting Jaisalmer to
Delhi and a heritage train connecting Marwar Junction to Khambli Ghat.
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• Goa government launched Swayampurna e-bazaar online platform to give market to

different kinds of products made by self-help groups and women.
• Bihar government has announced 10 percent reservation for the Economically Weaker
Sections (EWS) in the judicial services and state-run law colleges and universities.
• ECI to Unveil Assembly Election Schedule for Five States - Rajasthan, Madhya
Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram
• Rajasthan government has issued an order to conduct a caste survey in the state.
It will become the second state in India to carry out such a survey, after Bihar.
• 16th Agricultural Science Congress Inaugurated at Kochi
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated Samau Shaheed Memorial and
Library in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Health Minister inaugurates Nagaland’s first Medical College in Kohima
• Karnataka government is planning to set up a ‘Grama Nyayalaya’ (village court) in each panchayat for resolving
disputes within its jurisdiction.
• The Dr. MGR Chennai Central railway station has been awarded the platinum certificate by the Indian Green
Building Council (IGBC) for developing the railway station into a net zero energy building.
• Basohli Pashmina, a more than 100-year-old traditional craft from Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, has got
the Geographical Indication (GI) tag
• Kashmir Saffron has been cultivated in a Kerala village Kanthallur, for the first time.
• Hornbill Festival 2023 is scheduled to occur from December 1, to December 10, 2023 at the heritage village
of Kisama, Nagaland
• Nagaland Assembly unanimously passed a bill to reserve 33 percent seats for women in urban local bodies
(ULBs).
• Dharmendra Pradhan launched 37 PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalayas and 26 PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas
in Odisha
• Uttarakhand would provide MBBS courses in Hindi. After Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand would be the second
state in the country to launch such a project.
• The Karnataka Health Department has launched Dr Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyoti Yojana to treat people
suffering from sudden heart attacks and cardiac issues.
• Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Gives Nod To Caste Survey
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• The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was installed in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. The statue
was unveiled by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor
Manoj Sinha.
• The statue has been installed in 41 Rashtriya Rifles (Maratha LI) near the India-Pakistan border in Kupwara.
• Uttar Pradesh government has decided to conduct a comprehensive census of cows to find out the actual
number of them and then plan accordingly for their welfare.
• The Uttar Pradesh government has launched the ‘Every Right for Every Child’ campaign to ensure equal
opportunities for students.
• Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University (CSMUJ) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has achieved the highest grading,
A++, from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
• President Draupadi Murmu has launched the National Education Campaign titled "New Education for New India"
in Odisha. It is being organized by Brahma Kumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya, Sambalpur.
• Delhi Airport Launches Sunflower Programme For Invisible Disabilities
• The 2nd edition of the Ganga Pustak Parikrama launched by the National Book Trust (NBT) under its Gyan Ganga
Initiative will conclude at Gangasagar in West Bengal on 11 January 2024. The Ganga Pustak Parikrama was
launched on 7 November at Gangotri, Uttrakhand, the origin place of the river Ganga.
• The 5th Nagaland Honey Bee Day was celebrated under the theme- 'Bee & Honey Trials' at Naga Heritage
Village, Kisama.
• The Tamil Nadu (TN) government has planned to set up a footwear manufacturing park at an outlay of Rs 400
crore on a 250-acre land.
• Tribute to the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a wax statue has been unveiled at
the Jaipur Wax Museum, Nahargarh Fort
• A team of researchers has discovered India's first Early Cretaceous shark fossils, which are approximately "115
million years old", in the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan.
• Jewish Christmas, Hanukkah or Chanukah is a festival celebrated for eight days, usually in the month of
December . It is also known as the “festival of lights.”
• Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal recently launched the
“Bhagwant Mann Sarkar, Tuhade Dwaar” scheme in Ludhiana(providing doorstep delivery of essential services)
• The 29th Kolkata International Film Festival ends, Israeli film ‘Children of Nobody’ won the Best Film Award
• The government of Uttar Pradesh approved the opening of 57 cyber crime police stations in the state.
• Manipur Health Minister Launches SAANS Campaign 2023-24 to Tackle Pneumonia
• Uttar Pradesh Police has taken a significant step towards enhancing public outreach and transparency by
becoming one of the first in the country to launch WhatsApp Channels for its headquarters and all district
units.
• Navratna Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has recently signed a contract worth Rs 445 crore with the Uttar
Pradesh government for the next generation UP 'Dial 112' project.
• Country’s first Himalayan Air Safari was launched from Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand has become the first state in
the country to start Gyrocopter Adventure.
• Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, recently inaugurated the Kerala Public Enterprises (Selection and
Recruitment) Board, a pivotal step toward enhancing transparency and efficiency in the recruitment processes of
public sector units (PSUs)
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National News
Central Govt Schemes
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Union Cabinet approves PM-JANMAN scheme for tribal welfare
• The Union Cabinet has approved the implementation of Pradhan

Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) designed
to provide support to tribal communities with a budget of ₹24,000
crore
• PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan aims at uplifting 75 tribal
communities identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
(PVTGs) across 18 states, 1 Union Territory
• The Prime Minister had announced this campaign from Khunti,
Jharkhand on the occasion of Tribal Pride Day on 15 November.
• The scheme aims to provide crucial interventions such as permanent
housing, road connectivity, piped water supply, mobile medical units,
hostel construction, ‘Anganwadi’ facilities, skill development centres, electricity connections, solar street
lighting, Bandhan Vikas Kendra, and mobile towers.
• Out of the ₹24,100 crore budget for the scheme, ₹15,336 crore will come from the central government while
₹8,768 crore will come from the states.
Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Yojana (PMJVM) : Update

• The government is providing 15 lakh rupees per Van Dhan Vikas Kendra
(VDVK) under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Yojna (PMJVM).
• Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Yojna was launched in 2018.
• It seeks to improve tribal incomes through the value addition of tribal
products.
• The scheme will be implemented through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
as Nodal Department.
• Tribal Co-Operative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) will be the Nodal Agency at
the National Level.
Ministry of Finance
• Government Extends PMGKAY Scheme For 5 More Years, To Cost
11.8 Lakh Crore
• Govt of India extends the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana,
offering 5 kg of free monthly food-grains to 81.35 crore poor for five
more years, effect from 1st January, 2024.
• PMGKAY is a part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package
(PMGKP) to help the poor fight the battle against Covid-19.
• Its nodal Ministry is the Ministry of Finance. (26 March 2020)
Government to launch ‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikar’ GST reward scheme

• Under the invoice incentivization scheme, cash prize of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore monthly/quarterly could be
given to individuals who upload invoice received from retailer or wholesaler on the app.
• The invoice uploaded on the app should have the GSTIN of the seller, invoice number, amount paid and tax
amount.
• An individual would be able to upload a maximum of 25 genuine invoices in a month on the app and the
invoice should have a minimum purchase value of Rs 200.
• Over 500 computerized lucky draws would be conducted every months where prize money could run into
lakhs of rupees. Two lucky draws will be done in a quarter where the prize amount could be Rs 1 crore.
• The scheme is conceptualized in a way so as to incentivise citizens and consumers to ask for genuine invoices
from the seller when making business-to-consumer (B2C) purchase of goods or services, which are under the
purview of Goods and Services Tax.
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Centre approves Rs 56,415 crore for 16 states for Capital Investment under
‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24’ Scheme
• Finance Ministry has approved interest-free and long-term capital
expenditure loans of Rs 56,415 crore to 16 states for the year 2023-24.
• Aim: To boost capital spending by states in several sectors including
health, education, roads, and railways among others.
• It has also included the state share of two projects - Jal Jeevan Mission
and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
‘Vivad se Vishwas I – Relief to MSMEs’ Scheme Launched

• The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has launched the scheme,
“Vivad se Vishwas I – Relief to MSMEs” for providing relief to Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for COVID-19 period.
• The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 by Union Finance
Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.
• Under the scheme, Ministries have been asked to refund performance security,
bid security and liquidated damages forfeited/ deducted during the COVID-19
pandemic. Certain relief has also been provided to MSMEs debarred for default
in execution of contracts during the COVID-19 period.
PMSBY, PMJJBY and APY complete 8 years of inception

• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Atal
Pension Yojana (APY) have completed their 8 years of providing social security cover on May 9.
• PMJJBY, PMSBY and APY were launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 9, 2015.
• PMJJBY: One-year life insurance scheme renewable from year to year offering coverage for death for any
reason.
• PMSBY: is a one-year accidental insurance scheme renewable from year to year offering coverage for death
or disability due to an accident.
• Atal Pension Yojana (APY): was launched to create a universal social security system for all Indians,
especially the poor, the underprivileged and the workers in the unorganised sector.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) - National Mission for Financial
Inclusion, completes nine years of successful implementation
• The PMJDY was launched on 28th August 2014.
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is National Mission for
Financial Inclusion to ensure affordability in access to financial services,
namely,
• Banking/ Savings & Deposit Accounts,
• Remittance,
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• Credit, Insurance,
• Pension
Under the scheme, a basic savings bank deposit account can be opened in any bank branch, by persons not having
any other account.
Over 50 crore individuals have been brought into the formal banking system through Jan Dhan Accounts, with
around 55.5% of these accounts belonging to women.
MUDRA Yojana completes 8 years

• As per the government data, around Rs 23.2 lakh crore has been sanctioned in
40.82 crore loan accounts under this scheme since its inception.
• About 68% of accounts under the scheme belong to Women entrepreneurs.
• 51% of accounts belong to entrepreneurs of SC/ST and OBC categories.
• MUDRA Yojana:
• Launched: 8 April, 2015
• Aim: To facilitate easy collateral-free micro-credit of up to Rs 10 lakh
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

• In NEWS - According to the Mudra portal (as of 27.01.2023), more than 38.58 crore loans have been
extended since the inception of the Scheme
• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana was launched in 2015 aims at providing credit of upto Rs 10 lakh to small
entrepreneurs.
• Mudra targets young educated or skilled workers and entrepreneurs including women entrepreneurs.
• The loans are provided through Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Micro Financial
Institutions (MFIs), and other financial intermediaries.
• 3 types of loans (signify the stage of growth and funding needs)
• Shishu- Loans up to Rs.50,000.
• Kishor - Loans above Rs.50,000 and less than Rs.5 lakh.
• Tarun- Loans above Rs.5 lakh and up to Rs.10 lakh
Culture
Monument Mitra Scheme
• Culture Ministry will launch a new version of the Monument Mitra scheme
by partnering with private industries for the maintenance of one thousand
ASI monuments.
• The private sector will revamp the monuments as a part of their Corporate
Social Responsibility.
• ‘Monument Mitra' is the term coined for an entity partnering with the
government under the 'Adopt A Heritage' project.
• Objective - to develop monuments, heritage and tourist places across India by inviting corporate entities,
public sector companies or individuals to 'adopt' them.
• Recently the Monument Mitra scheme was shifted from Ministry of Tourism to Ministry of Culture.
Education
• On the occasion of Teacher’s Day 2022, the Prime Minister of India
announced a new initiative - PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools for Rising
India).
• It is a centrally sponsored scheme for upgradation and development
of more than 14500 Schools across the country.
• These schools will be equipped with modern infrastructure including
labs, smart classrooms, libraries, sports equipment, art room etc.
which is inclusive and accessible.
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• These schools shall also be developed as green schools with water conservation, waste recycling, energy-
efficient infrastructure and integration of organic lifestyle in curriculum.
PM SHRI scheme
• In NEWS: Education Ministry shortlisted 9000 schools for flagship Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India
(PM SHRI).
• The institutions were selected based on six broad parameters including curriculum, access and
infrastructure, human resources, and gender equity were assessed.
• About PM SHRI:
• PM Modi announced this scheme on 5th September 2022.
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• Aim: To upgrade and develop around 14,500 schools
AYUSH
• Ayush Visa : New Category Of Ayush
• The introduction of Ayush Visa fulfills the proposal for introduction of a special
visa scheme for foreigners visiting India for treatment under Ayush
systems/Indian systems of medicine like therapeutic care, wellness and Yoga.
• A new chapter i.e. chapter 11A – Ayush Visa has been incorporated after
Chapter 11 - Medical visa of the Visa Manual, which deals with treatment under
the Indian systems of medicine and accordingly necessary amendments has been made in various chapters
of the Visa Manual, 2019.
• It will boost Medical Value Travel in India.
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY)
• The new integrated food security scheme has been named as PM Garib Kalyan
Anna Yojana ((PMGKAY) to provide free food grains to Antyodaya Anna Yojana
(AAY) and Primary Household (PHH) beneficiaries.
• This integrated scheme will strengthen the provisions of National Food Security
Act (NFSA), 2013 in terms of access, affordability and availability of food grains to the poor.
• The implementation of this new scheme has started from January 1, 2023, which is benefiting more than 80
crore poor people.
• The central government will spend over Rs 2 lakh crore in 2023 as food subsidy under NFSA and other
welfare schemes to ease the financial burden of the poor.
PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana ((PMGKAY)

• It is a part of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) to help the poor fight the battle against Covid-
19.
• Its nodal Ministry is the Ministry of Finance.
• Under this scheme, the government provides additional free of cost 5 kg per person per month food-grains
(rice/wheat) to around 80 crore beneficiaries of National Food Security Act (NFSA) including the Direct
Benefit Transfer (DBT) beneficiaries.
• The PMGKAY has now been linked with One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) plan where migrant workers
can get the benefit of the scheme through any ration shops in India.
Health & Family Welfare

• Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres, renamed Ayushman
Arogya Mandir
• Union Health Ministry has sent a letter to the states and Union
territories to implement the rebranding exercise by end of this year
• The rebranded AB-HWCs will also have a new tagline -- 'Arogyam
Parmam Dhanam’.
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• The Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres are part of the government of India's flagship
programme, “Ayushman Bharat”.
• The government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat Scheme as per the National Health Policy 2017 to
achieve the goal of Universal Health Coverage in India.
• The Government of India's flagship health programme, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, has been designed to
meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its underlying commitment to "leave
no one behind."
• The National Health Authority, under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is implementing the
Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-
JAY) on 23rd September 2018 in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
• The PM-JAY was earlier called the National Health Protection Scheme.
• In 2018, the government of India merged the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) launched in 2008 with
the National Health Protection scheme and renamed it as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya
Yojana.
PRIP Scheme:
• The Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Minister of Health & Family Welfare, launched the
Scheme for promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP).
• PRIP scheme is to transform Indian pharmaceuticals sector from cost based to innovation-based growth by
strengthening the research infrastructure in the country.
• To promote industry-academia linkage for R&D in priority areas
and to inculcate the culture of quality research and nurture our
pool of scientists.
• Time period: Five years (2023-24 to 2027-28).
The scheme has two components-

• Component A: Strengthening the research infrastructure by
establishment of 7 Centre of Excellence (CoEs) at National
Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs).
• Component B: Promoting research in pharmaceutical sector by encouraging research in six priority areas like
New Chemical Entities, Complex generics including biosimilars, medical devices, stem cell therapy, orphan
drugs, Anti-microbial resistance etc.,
• Financial assistance will be provided for the Industries, MSME, SME, Startups working with government
institutes and for both in- house and academic research.
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY) scam

• The CAG has found glaring loopholes with regards to various aspects of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan
Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) scheme. From patients shown as ‘dead’ getting treatment to multiple
beneficiaries being linked to the same mobile number.
• States that reported the maximum number of such cases are Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala and
Madhya Pradesh.
• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a flagship health protection scheme
launched by the Government of India in 2018.
• It aims to provide universal health coverage to the poor and vulnerable sections of
society by ensuring access to quality healthcare services
• The scheme provides a health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary
and tertiary care hospitalization to more than 12 crore families (bottom 40% of
the population).
• The scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme, which means that it is funded by
both the central and state governments.
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• The funding ratio is 60:40 for most states, 90:10 for north-eastern states and Himalayan states, and 100:0 for
union territories without a legislature.
The Railways Ministry

• One Station One Product scheme
• The “One Station One Product” initiative by the Indian Railways, which provides uniquely designed sale
outlets for locals to sell indigenous products, is now operational at 1,037 stations nationwide.
• It was launched with a vision to promote ‘Vocal for Local’.
• This scheme is designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
• The pilot of the scheme was started on March 25, 2022.
• This scheme is providing welfare of local artisans, potters, weavers, tribals etc.
• The eligible applicant will be allotted a temporary stall or kiosk for a period of 15 days on deposition of Rs
1,000 with Railways.
• The zonal railways will identify the stations, eligible products and the vendors.
Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana:

• Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana is a skill development scheme with a special focus on
providing training for jobs that are relevant to the Railways.
• It is a sub-scheme under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Railway.
Key Features of the scheme:

• The training is imparted in fourteen (14) industry-relevant technical trades such as Electrician, Welder,
Machinist, Fitter etc.
• The training is provided free of cost to the candidates and there is no provision for providing employment
under this scheme.
• Participants will be selected from applications received online, following a transparent mechanism based on
marks in matriculation.
• Eligibility Criteria: Candidates, who had passed class X and are aged between 18 and 35 are eligible to apply.
• After the end of the program, trainees have to pass a standardized assessment followed by a certificate in
the allotted trade by the National Rail and Transportation Institute.
Government identified 1275 railway stations under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
• The government has identified 1275 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station
Scheme for the development of railway stations in India.
• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav gave this information in a written reply to a question
in the Lok Sabha on March 29.
• Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
• Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Railways in
December 2022
Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana 2.0
• What is PMMVY ?
• It is a maternity benefit programme being implemented in all districts of the country
with effect from 1st January, 2017.
• It is a centrally sponsored scheme being executed by the Ministry of Women and Child
Development.
• Cash benefits are provided to pregnant women in their bank account directly to meet
enhanced nutritional needs and partially compensate for wage loss.
• Implementation of the scheme is closely monitored by the central and state
governments through the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana - Common
Application Software (PMMVY-CAS).
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• For women coming from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the PMMVY provides a
maternity benefit of Rs. 5,000/- distributed in two instalments.
• National Event on Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana was held in Mumbai
• One noteworthy aspect of PMMVY 2.0 is its commitment to promote a more positive societal attitude
towards the girl child by offering incentives for the birth of girl child.
• In this revised framework, mothers are eligible to receive an incentive amount of ₹6,000 in a single
instalment following the birth of the second girl child. This will also contribute towards the improvement of
the Sex Ratio at Birth by discouraging female foeticide and increasing labour force participation.
Centre announces scheme for minor rape victims

• The special scheme aims to provide integrated support and assistance to girl child victims under one roof,
including maternity, neo-natal and infant care, psychological and legal support
• The special scheme, announced by the Women and Child Development Ministry,
would operate under the aegis of the Nirbhaya Fund and an amount of ₹74.1
crore has been allocated for the same.
• For this scheme, the administrative structure of 'Mission Vatsalya' has also been
used in collaboration with state governments and child care institutions.
• Along with legal aid, the victim will also be provided safe transportation to attend court hearings.
• To facilitate access to justice for minor victims, the Center has set up 415 POCSO (Protection of Children
from Sexual Offences) fast track courts in the country.
Mission Vatsalya:
• There is an umbrella scheme for women and child protection services in the country.
• Scheme launched: in 2021 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• Implementation of the scheme: 1 April 2022
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

ICAR-CIBA launches Shrimp Crop Insurance Scheme with Chief Guest Parshottam Rupala
• ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) organized the 2nd edition of Shrimp
Farmers Conclave-2023 at Navsari Agricultural University campus in Navsari, Gujarat.
• Shrimp Crop Insurance Scheme: This scheme provides insurance coverage for shrimp farming, thereby
increasing the security of shrimp farmers.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: This initiative has a budget of Rs 20,050 crore and aims to
promote sustainable development in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.(The scheme is being implemented
in all States and UTs for a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25. )
First ever “Credit Guarantee Scheme” for Livestock Sector launched

• Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying is implementing the Credit Guarantee Scheme under Animal
Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) to
strengthen credit delivery system and facilitate smooth flow of
credit to the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSMEs)
engaged in Livestock sector without collateral security.
• Loan up to 90% of the total project cost from any Scheduled
Bank, National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
• Interest Subvention of 3%
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Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana
• PM- AJAY is a merged scheme of 3 Centrally Sponsored Schemes namely
• Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)
• Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan ( SCA to SCSP)
• Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana(BJRCY).
• It has been implemented since 2021-22.
• The scheme was implemented in 28 States/UTs.
• Its aim is to reduce poverty in the SC communities
• The primary objective of this scheme is to reduce poverty among Scheduled Caste (SC) communities. This is
to be achieved by creating additional employment opportunities through skill development, income-
generating initiatives, and other projects.
• The scheme also aims to enhance socio-economic development indicators in SC-dominated villages by
providing essential infrastructure and necessary services.
Not Covered States/UTs:
• Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya & Mizoram
• A & N Islands, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Ladakh& Lakshadweep.
Residential education scheme 'Shreshtha'

• Scheme For Residential Education For Students In High Schools In Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA)
• The Scheme will be beneficial for SC students those who could not reach for higher quality education. It
provides for high quality education for meritorious but poor SC students in CBSE-affiliated reputed residential
schools across the country. (parental annual income up to Rs. 2.5 Lakh)
• National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS), is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for
admission in class 9th and 11th.
• Approximately 3,000 seats are provided each year for admission in class 9th and 11th and the entire cost of
the school fee and residential charges are borne by the Department.
• Selection of schools: Best performing CBSE based private residential schools, having more than 75% pass
percentage for class 10 and 12 for last three years are selected by a Committee for admission of selected
students.
Ministry of Social Justice implements "Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the scheme of
“Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana” in August 2023.
• Objective: To provide the senior citizens, suffering from any of the age related
disability/infirmity, with assisted living devices which can restore near normalcy
in their bodily functions, such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth
and loco-motor disabilities.
• The scheme was launched on 01.04.2017
• Senior citizens belonging to the BPL category and also to the senior citizens with monthly income not more
than Rs.15000/- to be covered.
Ministry of Textiles
Que:‘SAMARTH scheme’, which was seen in the news, is associated with which Ministry?
Ans: Ministry of Textiles
• The SAMARTH (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector) scheme is an umbrella
skilling initiative that aims to provide incentives and create jobs in the textile industry.
• It will be implemented until March 2024.
• This initiative is part of the steps taken by the government to make the textile sector
worth 250 billion USD by the end of this decade from the present 150-155 billion USD.
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National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

• The mission aims to position India as a global leader in Technical Textiles.
• The mission will comprise the following four components:
• Research, Innovation and Development
• Promotion and Market Development
• Export Promotion
• Education, Training, Skill Development
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Textiles
• Implementation: It has been approved with an implementation period of four years , starting from FY 2020-
21 till FY 2023-24.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises

PM Modi launched PM Vishwakarma Scheme on Vishwakarma Jayanti in New Delhi
• “PM Vishwakarma” scheme aims to support traditional artisans and craftsmen.
• The Central Government will fully fund it with an allocation of Rs 13,000 crore.
• Artisans (Vishwakarma) can register free of cost through Common Service Centres.
• They will be given identity through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
• The scheme also includes a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000 along with offering skill upgradation, and primary
and advanced training.
• Eighteen traditional crafts like carpentry, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, and tailoring will be covered.
• Vishwakarma Jayanti:
• It is a Hindu festival dedicated to the divine architect, Vishwakarma.
• Prayers are also offered for the smooth operation of machines and equipment.
• Vishwakarma Jayanti falls on 'Kanya Sankranti' of the Hindu calendar, usually between 16 and 18 September
in the Gregorian calendar.
• The festival is also celebrated in Nepal.
Government to launch Vishwakarma scheme

• The government will launch the Vishwakarma scheme, with an allocation of
₹13,000 crores to ₹15,000 crores for skilled workers like barbers, goldsmiths,
washer men etc.
• The scheme will be launched in September, on the Vishwakarma Jayanti (17
September 2023).
• The government will provide holistic institutional support to every artisan. The
government will ensure easy loans, skilling, technical support, digital
empowerment, brand promotion, marketing and raw material.
• This would result in the economic empowerment of such workers, especially those belonging to the
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Communities, women, transgender and other weaker
sections of the society.
National SC-ST Hub Scheme crossed over 1 lakh beneficiary registration

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the National SC-ST Hub Scheme, which crossed over one lakh
beneficiary registrations.
About National SC-ST Hub Scheme:
• Launched on: October 2016
• It is an initiative of the Union MSME Ministry.
• Aim: To empower and promote entrepreneurs among SC, ST Communities
• It is implemented by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), a public-sector undertaking under the
administrative control of the Ministry of MSME.
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Centre launches MSME Competitive (LEAN) scheme

• Union Minister for MSME Narayan Rane launched the MSME
Competitive (LEAN) Scheme.
• It aims to provide a roadmap to global competitiveness for the
MSMEs of India.
• The scheme will not only strive to improve quality, productivity and
performance, but also change the mindset of manufacturers and
provide them the ability to become world class manufacturers.
• Under this scheme, MSMEs will implement LEAN manufacturing tools
like 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Visual Workplace, Poka Yoka etc. under the
able guidance of trained and competent LEAN consultants to acquire
LEAN levels like Basic, Intermediate and Advanced.
• Lean manufacturing is a production process based on an ideology of maximising productivity while

simultaneously minimising waste within a manufacturing operation.
• Kaizen is a Japanese word that essentially means "change for the better" or "good change.“
• The goal is to provide the customer with a defect free product or service when it is needed and, in quantity,
it is needed.
• Kanban is a popular Lean workflow management method for defining, managing, and improving services
that deliver knowledge work.
• Through this scheme, MSMEs can significantly reduce wastage, increase productivity, improve quality,
expand their markets, operate in a safer manner and ultimately become competitive and profitable.
• There will be an additional contribution of 5% for the MSMEs which are part of SFURTI clusters, owned by
Women/SC/ST and located in Northeast region.
• To assist MSMEs, the government will contribute 90 per cent of the implementation cost and consultancy fee
for providing initial support.
• Nodal Agency of the scheme will be the National Productivity Council (NPC).
Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman: PM – VIKAS

• The scheme was announced by Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman
during the Budget presentation.
• The main objective of the scheme is to improve the status of the craftsmen in
the country, by:
• by increasing the calibre of the artisans
• by increasing the reach of their goods
• provide financial support to the artisans
• Artisans will be taught to use the latest technologies in their workmanship
• will be introduced to paperless payments
About the PM-VIKAS

• The scheme aims to make India self-reliant. Also, it will gain India’s global reputation. Several Indian arts and
crafts have huge demand in the global market even today. For instance, Kashmiri shawls and Rajai are
famous in Turkey, Iran, etc.
• According to Hinduism, Vishwakarma is the god of crafts. He makes chariots, weapons, and palaces for gods.
He built Lanka Palace for Ravan, Dwarka for Lord Krishna, and Indraprastha for the Pandavas.
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Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Cabinet approved the expansion of Ujjwala Yojana

• The Union Cabinet decided to extend the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala
Yojana (PMUY) to 75 lakh more consumers by providing them LPG
connections over three years from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
• This expansion will elevate the total number of PMUY beneficiaries
to 103.5 million.
PM Ujjwala Scheme
• It is a scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for
providing LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
• The scheme was originally launched on May 1, 2016, in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh with a target of releasing 8
crore connections by March 2020.
• During Ujjwala 1.0, a target was set to provide LPG connections to 5 crore women members of BPL
households.
• Subsequently, the scheme was expanded in April 2018 to include women beneficiaries from seven more
categories (SC/ST, PMAY, AAY, Most backward classes, tea garden, forest dwellers, Islands).
• The PMUY 2.0 was launched in the financial year 2021-22 making a provision for the release of additional
one crore connections.
Ujjwala Yojana: Union Cabinet extends subsidy of 200 rupees per cylinder for 12
refills annually for beneficiaries for one year
• PM Ujjwala Scheme
• It is a scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for providing
LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
• The scheme was originally launched on May 1, 2016, in Ballia, Uttar
Pradesh by the Prime Minister of India with a target of releasing 8 crore
connections by March 2020.
Centre hikes LPG Subsidy for Ujjwala Beneficiaries to ₹ 300 from ₹ 200
• The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in 2016
• To ensure the availability of cooking fuel such as LPG to rural and deprived households that relied on
traditional fuels like firewood, coal, cow-dung cakes, etc.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
NESIDS with an approved outlay of Rs.8139.50 crore

• The cabinet approved the continuation of the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme
(NESIDS) with an approved outlay of Rs. 8139.50 crore.
• It was approved by the Government of India as a Central Sector Scheme in 2017.
• Under the scheme guidelines of NESIDS, 100% of the central funding is provided to the State Governments
of North Eastern Region.
• The funding is provided for projects of physical infrastructure relating to water supply, power, and
connectivity, enhancing tourism, and Social infrastructure relating to primary and secondary sectors of
education and health.
• For the period from 2022-23 to 2025-26, Cabinet approved two components, , NESIDS-Road and NESIDS-
Other Than Road Infrastructure (OTRI).
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Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Cabinet approves outlay of Rs 14,903 crore to expand Digital India

• The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the Digital India scheme for a period of five years till 2025-
26 with an outlay of Rs 14,903 crore.
• The Digital India scheme is an umbrella programme launched on 1 July 2015
• It covers plans such as Aadhaar for all, country-wide rural broadband connectivity, common service centres,
Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), Aadhaar-enabled payments systems and MyGov.
• Under the expanded scheme approved, the government will re-skill and upskill 6,25,000 information
technology professionals under the FutureSkills Prime Programme, apart from training about 265,000 people
in information security under the information security and education awareness phase programme.
• The government will also use Digital India funds under to expand the scope of the Bhashini programme to
all 22 languages under Schedule 8 of the Constitution. Currently, Bhashini, an artificial intelligence-enabled
multi-language translation tool is available in 10 Indian languages.
• Apart from the 18 supercomputers already deployed under the National Supercomputer Mission, the
government will add another nine supercomputers. The government also aims to support 1,200 startups in
tier-2 and tier-3 towns.
Ministry of Rural Development
Govt planning skill training for 2 crore women under ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme
• Aims to encourage them to start micro-enterprises.
• Women would be trained in skills like plumbing, LED bulb making and operating and
repairing drones among others.
Govt launches 'Sangathan se Samriddhi' scheme

• ‘Sangathan Se Samriddhi’ campaign to empower marginalized
rural households by bringing all eligible rural women into the
fold of Self Help Groups (SHGs).
• Ministry of Rural Development’s Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-
National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) launched
“Sangathan Se Samridhhi– Leaving no Rural Woman Behind”.
• The govt is targeting to bring 10 crore women under the purview
of SHGs (existing nine crores).
• The govt has also set a target that every woman associated with SHGs should be able to earn 1 lakh rupees
per annum.
MGNREGA wage rates revised by up to 10% for 2023-24

• The Centre has notified a hike in wage rates up to 10%
under the rural job guarantee program, MGNREGA for
2023-24 with Haryana having the highest daily wage at ₹357
per day and Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh the lowest at
₹221.
• The wage hikes, which range from ₹7 to ₹26, will come into
effect from April 1, 2023.
• It is a flagship program aimed at enhancing the livelihood
security of households in rural areas by providing at least
100 days of guaranteed wage employment.
• The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act was passed on 23rd August 2005 and it was officially launched on 2nd February 2006.
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Ministry of Rural Development launches Prajjwala Challenge

• Has been launched under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National
Rural Livelihoods Mission
• Aim: To invite ideas, solutions and actions that can transform rural
economy
• The broad categories: Focus on Women and Marginalized section of
community; Localised Models; Sustainability; Cost Effective solutions; Multi sectoral ideas and solutions
• Top 5 ideas will be rewarded with Rs. 2 Lakh each
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission
• It is a centrally sponsored programme, launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in June 2011.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
‘Naya Savera’ or ‘Free Coaching and Allied’ scheme

• The Ministry of Minority Affairs is implementing the ‘Naya Savera’ scheme also known as the ‘Free Coaching
and Allied’ scheme.
• Objective – To assist students/candidates belonging to the six minority communities namely Sikh, Jain,
Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Parsi by way of special coaching for qualifying examinations.
• The coaching period under the scheme ranged from 3 months to 2 years.
• Preparing for qualifying examinations for admission into technical/professional courses and competitive
examinations for recruitment to Group ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ services.
• Minister of Minority Affairs, Smriti Zubin Irani
• The 'Free Coaching and Allied Scheme' targeting candidates from minority communities was initiated on July
17th, 2007.
• Since its inception, the Naya Savera Scheme (also known as the 'Free Coaching and Allied' scheme) has
benefited over 1.19 lakh beneficiaries.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
PMAY-U scheme extended up to next year

• Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri said the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban
(PMAY-U) scheme has been extended up to next year, to complete all the houses sanctioned during the last
financial year.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)
• It was launched on 25 June 2015
• The scheme aims to provide houses to all the eligible beneficiaries by 2022.
• Around 1.12 crore houses are to be constructed under the scheme.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

SAMUDRA Mobile App:
• The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), a division of the Ministry of Earth
Sciences, has introduced a new mobile application called ‘SAMUDRA’ – Smart Access to Marine Users for
Ocean Data Resources and Advisories.
• This app offers comprehensive ocean-related information, benefiting seafarers and the fishing community. It
provides real-time updates and critical alerts on oceanic disasters like tsunamis, storm surges, high waves,
and swell surge alerts.
• The app is particularly valuable for fishermen as it offers Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories, guiding
them to potential fish aggregation locations.
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The Ministry of Labour and Employment
Government extends Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana for two years
• The government has extended the unemployment scheme, the Atal Beemit Vyakti
Kalyan Yojana, under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation for a period of
two years up to June 30, 2024.
• This is the third extension to the scheme with two extensions given each in 2020 and 2021 to financially
support ESIC beneficiaries who had lost jobs during the pandemic.
• Launched in 2018 on a pilot basis for a period of two years, the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana provides
relief in the form of cash compensation up to 90 days to the insured persons (IPs) under ESIC who have
become unemployed.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Cabinet approves PM-PRANAM

• The Centre has approved a new scheme PM-PRANAM to incentivise
states to promote alternative fertilisers and reduce the use of
chemical fertilisers.
• PM-PRANAM stands for PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness,
Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth.
• The scheme aims to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers by
incentivising state.
Features of the scheme

• The scheme will not have a separate budget.
• It will be financed by the savings of existing fertiliser subsidy under schemes run by the Department of
fertilisers.
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Modi, announced:
• A package of ₹3.68 lakh crore has been committed for urea subsidy for the next three years (2022-23 to
2024-25).
• The CCEA also decided to introduce sulphur-coated urea (Urea Gold) in the country for the first time to
address sulphur deficiency in the soil.
• Sulphur-coated urea is more economical and will increase nitrogen absorption efficiency to 78%.
Increased the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP)

• The Cabinet increased the FRP by Rs 10 to Rs 315 per quintal for the 2023-24 season starting October.
• FRP is the minimum price that mills have to pay to sugarcane growers.
• India is now playing a crucial role in the global sugar economy as it is the second largest exporter of sugar in
the world.
• In sugar season 2021-22, India has also become largest producer of sugar.
• It is expected that India would become third largest ethanol producing country in the world by 2025-
26.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana was
launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry
of Chemicals and Fertilizers in November 2008.
• Under the scheme Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi
Kendras (PMBKs) are set up and PMBKs have increased to
9,082 as on January 31, 2023.
• Objective: To provide quality medicines at affordable prices
for all, particularly the poor, so as to reduce out-of-pocket
expenses in healthcare.
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PM PRANAM (Prime Minister Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother
Earth)
• The program will endeavour to encourage States and Union Territories promoting balanced use of
alternative fertilisers and chemical fertilisers.
• It aims to reduce the subsidy burden of the government, which is estimated to reach Rs 2.25 lakh crore in
2022-23.
• Bhartiya Prakritik Kheti Bio-Input Resource Centres
• To adopt "natural farming", 10,000 bio-input processing centers will be set up.
• These centers will form a nationally distributed micro fertilizer and pesticide manufacturing network.
• This will affect more than 1 crore farmers in the next three years.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Govt extends PM-KUSUM scheme till March 2026

• The government has extended Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha
evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme till March 2026.
• Reason: It could not bear the desired result till now due to the COVID
uncertainty.
• PM-KUSUM was launched in 2019.
• Aim: To add a solar capacity of 30,800 MW by 2022 with a total central financial support of Rs 34,422 crore.
• Minister of New and Renewable Energy: R K Singh
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
MISHTI Scheme
• In News: Mangrove plantation drive organized under MISHTI Scheme to mark World Environment Day
MISHTI:
• It refers to Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes
• The central government had rolled out the MISHTI scheme in budget 2023-
24.
• It aims at intensive afforestation of coastal mangrove forests, across 11
States and 2 Union Territories during five years commencing FY 2023-24
onwards.
MISHTI, Amrit Dharohar, PM PRANAM ecological conservation initiative in the budget

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech launched various schemes and policies aimed at
ecological conservation.
• MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes)
• This is a new scheme which will facilitate mangrove plantation on salt lands along the sea coast of India.
• It aims at intensive afforestation of coastal mangrove forests.
• Mangrove - a tropical tree that grows in wet ground at the edge of rivers and has some roots that are
above ground
Mangroves:
• The Mangroves cover 0.15% of the total Indian Geographical area.
• The state of West Bengal alone has 42.45% of India’s mangroves. Indian mangroves are facing limitations
such as an increase in salinity, lack of oxygen, and diurnal tidal inundations.
• Mangrove forests are spread across AP, WB, Odisha, Andaman and Nicobar, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala,
Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
Amrit Dharohar
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• The scheme will be implemented over the next three years to encourage optimum use of wetlands and
enhance biodiversity, carbon stock, ecotourism opportunities and income generation for local communities.
• It will emphasise on the importance of lakes and their conservation.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Ministry of Civil Aviation Launches UDAN 5.0

• 5th phase of Regional Air Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) to
further enhance connectivity in remote and regional areas of the country and achieve last
mile air connectivity.
• This round of UDAN focuses on Category-2 (20-80 seats) and Category-3 (>80 seats)
aircrafts.
• The 600 km limit has been removed and there is no restriction for the distance between
the origin and destination of the flight.
• Airlines will have to start operations within 4 months of being granted the route. Earlier this time limit was 6
months.
• Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) was launched in 2016 as a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) under the
Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Current Minister of Civil Aviation & Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Centre approves Rs 800 crore to set up 7432 public EV charging stations

• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme
• Phase -2 being implemented and overseen by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and
Public Enterprises (Mahendra Nath Pandey)
• At present, there are about 6,586 charging stations across the country. The new
installation is expected to be completed by March 2024
• This move will boost the electric vehicle ecosystem in India
• The government has formulated FAME India Scheme in 2015.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Revised guidelines for the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)
• The Government of India has launched revised guidelines
for the Members of Parliament Local Area Development
Scheme (MPLADS)
• The Minister of State for Statistics and Programme
Implementation, Rao Inderjit Singh, launched the new
guidelines and the web portal, which will come into effect
from April 1, 2023, according to the Ministry of Statistics &
Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• The focus is on improving the functioning, implementation,
and monitoring of the MPLAD scheme, enabling MPs to recommend developmental works according to the
requirements of their constituency.
• Under the revised guidelines, the entire process of fund flow will operate through the web portal. The portal
will enable real-time monitoring, greater transparency, and accountability in the system, resulting in
improved efficiency and effectiveness of the MPLAD Scheme, as per the ministry's statement.
MPLADS:
• Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme is a scheme formulated by Government of India on
23 December 1993 that enables the members of parliaments to recommend developmental work in their
constituencies with an emphasis on creating durable community assets based on locally felt needs.
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• Launch year: 1993 by prime minister P. V. Narasimha Rao

• Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
• Each year, MPs receive Rs. 5 crore in two instalments of Rs. 2.5 crore each. Funds under MPLADS are non-
lapsable.
• Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend works anywhere in the
country.
Ministry of Shipping, Waterways and Ports

Ministry of Shipping, Waterways and Ports launches 'Bharat Pravah' initiative
• Shipping, Waterways and Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has launched the
initiative ‘Bharat Pravah-India along its Shores’.
• Objective - to highlight the importance of rivers-ports-shipping in the everyday
life of the common man through literature, dialogue and communication.
• It will highlight the challenges, policy issues and future goals relating to the
maritime sector.
• Government is seeking that all ports to prepare a master plan to become mega ports by 2047.
Importance of Ports in India:
• India has 7,500 km of coastline, 14,500 km of navigable potential waterways and strategic locations along
major international maritime trade routes.
• About 95% of India's trade by volume and 65% by value is done through sea transport facilitated by ports.
• India does about 35% containerization, while other developing countries do 62% to 65% containerization.
• Currently, India does more bulk shipping than using containers, although we are making rapid progress
towards containerization.
• India's share in global trade is only 2%. The trade balance is in favor of imports. India ranks 44th in the
Logistics Performance Index.
Ministry of Human Resource Development

SHREYAS Scheme
• Ministry of Human Resource Development had launched the “Scheme for Higher Education Youth in
Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS)”.
• The SHREYAS scheme, comprising four central sub-schemes, has allocated over 2300 crore rupees since 2014
to empower SC and OBC students.
• SHREYAS National Fellowship Scheme benefits more than 21,000 SC students for Higher Education
Ministry of Coal
Cabinet approves continuation of ‘Exploration of Coal and Lignite’ Scheme
• The union cabinet has approved the continuation of the Central
Sector Scheme of “Exploration of Coal and Lignite scheme”.
• It has been approved with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 2980
crore from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• Exploration for Coal and Lignite is required to prove and estimate
coal resources available in the country, which helps in preparing
detailed project reports to start coal mining.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

India-UK Young Professionals Scheme
• The UK Government has launched the Young Professionals Scheme.
Under the scheme, Indian nationals of age 18 years to 30 years can live
and work in Britain for up to two years
• The names UK, England, and Britain are not the same. They denote
different geographical areas.
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• The UK is a country that comprises England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Britain or Great Britain
means England, Scotland, and Wales. It does not include Northern Ireland.
• So the scheme is not applicable to Northern Ireland
Government approved BIND Scheme

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has
approved Central Sector ‘Broadcasting Infrastructure and
Network Development’ (BIND) Scheme with an outlay of
2,539.61 crore rupees up to 2025-26.
• Aim: For the infrastructure development of Prasar Bharati i.e.
All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD).
• The Scheme will increase coverage of AIR FM transmitters in
the country to 66% by geographical area and 80% by
population up from 59% and 68% respectively.
• The scheme is also focusing on development of high-quality
content for both domestic and international audience. To
ensure this DTH capacity will be upgraded.
• All India Radio, officially known since 1957 as Akashvani, is the
national public radio broadcaster of India and is a division of
Prasar Bharati. It was established in 1936.
Summits & conferences in India

First G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group Meeting
• Held in Bengaluru from February 9 to 11, 2023
• Hosted by: MoEFCC
• Chaired by: Leena Nandan (Secretary)
• Theme: LiFE is an "important and cross-cutting"
Focus:
• Arresting land degradation, Accelerating ecosystem restoration, and Enriching biodiversity
• Promoting a sustainable and climate-resilient blue economy
• Encouraging resource efficiency and circular economy
India Mobile Congress 2023

• PM Modi inaugurated 7th Edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC)
2023 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Theme - ‘Global Digital Innovation,’
• Aim - to strengthen India’s role as a technology developer,
manufacturer, and exporter.
• IMC 2023, from October 27 to 29, is Asia’s most extensive
telecommunications, media, and technology forum.
PM Inaugurated Global Maritime India Summit 2023 In Mumbai

• 3rd third edition of the Global Maritime India Summit 2023.
• organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• The Prime Minister said:
• The historic India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will revolutionise
regional and global trade
• India is poised to become one of the top
five ship-building nations in the world in
the coming decades.
• India’s mantra is ‘Make in India, Make for
World’.
• In the last decade, the capacity of major ports in India has doubled, and turnaround time for big vessels has
come down to less than 24 hours as compared to 42 hours
Join in 2014. for more free pdfs
@parcham_CA
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• National Maritime Heritage Complex is also being built in Lothal near Mumbai to preserve this world
heritage
• The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Tuna Tekra all-weather deep draft terminal, to be built at a
cost of more than Rs 4,500 crores at Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat.
• The first Maritime India summit was held in 2016 in Mumbai while the Second Maritime Summit was held
virtually in 2021.
'Costa Serena'
• Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal
launched the domestic sailing of 'Costa Serena', the first international cruise
liner in India, in Mumbai.
• The target of 50 million cruise passengers in India by the year 2047 has also
been discussed in the recently concluded Global Maritime India Summit
2023.
Petroleum Minister Inaugurates 26th Energy Technology Meet At Bharat

Mandapam
• Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and
Housing and Urban Affairs
• Currently, India stands as the world’s :
• Third-largest oil consumer.
• Third-largest LPG consumer.
• Fourth-largest LNG importer
• Fourth-largest refiner.
• Fourth-largest automobile market.
• Shri Hardeep Singh Puri also announced that India has exceeded its
biofuel blending targets. Furthermore, the ambitious target of 20
percent biofuel blending, originally set for 2030, has now been advanced to 2025.
Ministry of Tourism hosted PATA Travel Mart 2023 in New Delhi

• Ministry of Tourism hosted the 46th edition of the Pacific Asia
Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2023 at the International
Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (Bharat Mandapam), Pragati
Maidan, in New Delhi.
• from October 4th to 6th 2023.
• Aim: To bring together tourism professionals and business
stakeholders from across the world
• The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) was founded in
1951, with its Headquarters in Bangkok.
National Intellectual Property Conference 2023 held in New Delhi

• Theme of the National Intellectual Property Conference 2023 : Nurturing Growth of IP for Knowledge
Economy
• World Intellectual Property day is celebrated around the world on 26 April.
• Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal informed that India has improved its ranking in the
global innovation index from 81st position in 2014 to 40th position today and
the goal is to be among the top ten in the world.
India won bid to host 17th International Congress on Chemistry of Cement

• India will host the International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC) in
the year 2027 in New Delhi.
• India won the bid to hold this event on a presentation from the National Council
for Cement and Building Materials along with IIT Delhi.
• The ICCC is regarded as the largest and the most prestigious event in the area of
Cement and Concrete.
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• 16th ICCC in Bangkok, Thailand.

• Since 1918, the congresses have traditionally taken place every four to six years, fostering a strong and
productive relationship between the academic community and the cement industry.
• India is the fifth largest economy today and is likely to become third largest by the next five years and its
cement industry is second largest in the world with installed cement capacity of 600 million tonnes.
PM inaugurated ‘International Lawyers’ Conference 2023

• A two-day International Lawyers Conference in New Delhi.
• Theme - Emerging Challenges in the Justice Delivery System.
• This Conference is being organized for the first time by the Bar
Council of India.
• Objective - to act as a platform for meaningful dialogue and
discussion on various legal topics of national and international
importance.
President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates First Global Symposium on

Farmers’ Rights in New Delhi
• India hosted the GFSR from September 12 to 15, 2023, that is
being attended by more than 700 delegates from 59 countries.
• This first of its kind symposium aims to facilitate implementation
of Farmers' Rights by Contracting Parties of the Treaty through
discussions on innovative approaches, effective policies, best
practices, knowledge, and experience sharing in implementing
Farmers' Rights.
• The Symposium was organised by the Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for
Food and Agriculture (International Treaty) of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome and hosted by
the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in collaboration with Protection of Plant Varieties and
Farmers’ Rights Authority, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Indian Agricultural Research Institute and
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources.
• President Murmu conferred the ‘Plant Genome Saviour Communities’ Award (6) and ‘Plant Genome Saviour
Farmers Reward’ (16) and ‘Plant Genome Saviour Farmers Recognition’ (4) awards to the invited Indian
farmers.
18th G20 Summit 2023

• Formation: 26 September 1999, 2008 (heads-of-state/heads-of-
government summits)
• Aims: It works to address major issues related to the global
economy, such as international financial stability, climate change
mitigation and sustainable development.
• Membership: 21 members (19 sovereign countries, the European
Union (EU), and the African Union (AU))
• Theme 2023: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which translates to “One
Earth. One Family. One Future.
• Latest Member– African Union (AU) 2023
• G 20 Summit 2023 Agenda: ‘Voice of the Global South
G20 Summit 2023 Outcome:

• India’s 112 outcomes and presidency documents, other G20 Presidencies
fared as follows—Indonesia 2022 — 50 outcomes and documents; 65 in
Italy 2021; 30 in Saudi Arabia 2020; 29 in Japan 2019; 33 in Argentina
2018 and 22 in Germany 2017.
• Guest countries G20 Summit 2023: Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius,
Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain, UAE.
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• Additionally, high-ranking officials from international organizations,

including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World
Bank, World Trade Organization, World Health Organization, and
International Labour Organization, also participated.
• G20 Summit 2023 Veune Name: Bharat Mandapam
Some facts about Engagement Groups
Theme/Motto/Priority
S. No Engagement Groups Venue Some Facts
Areas
R.A.I.S.E – Responsible, Established in 2010.
Accelerated, Innovative, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has
1 Business20 New Delhi
Sustainable, Equitable been designated as the Business 20 (B20)
Businesses. Secretariat
Established in 2013,
2 Civil20 Jaipur “You Are The Light”.
Platform for Civil Society Organizations.
‘Universal Social Security’
First summit took place formally during
3 Labour20 Patna and ‘Women and Future
the French Presidency in 2011
of Work’
`VasudhaivaKutumbakam`
Supreme Audit
– the World as ONE Earth, Established during Indonesian Presidency
4 Institutions 20 Goa,
ONE Family and ONE in 2022.
(SAI20)
Future.
Inclusion & Established under G20 India presidency of
5 Startup20 Gurugram,
Sustainability 2023
Bhopal,
Established during 2012 during the
6 Think20 Madhya ‘Inclusive Growth’
Mexican presidency.
Pradesh
PM Modi launches global biofuels alliance at G20 summit in New Delhi

• The Global Biofuel Alliance is an India-led Initiative to develop an
alliance of Governments, International organizations, and Industry to
facilitate the adoption of biofuels.
• Aim: To position biofuels as a key to energy transition and contribute to
jobs and economic growth and reduce the world’s dependency on
traditional fossil fuels. .
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• A total of 19 countries and 12 international organisations have so far agreed to

join the alliance, including both G20 members and non-member countries.
• India, Brazil and the US are the founding members of the alliance.
• India, a major oil importer, is working on building its capacity to produce
biofuels, particularly from sugarcane and agricultural waste. The country aims
to increase the blending of ethanol in petrol to 20% by 2025 and is establishing
compressed biogas (CBG) plants.
• India, the US and Brazil account for a total of 85 percent of the global ethanol production with the US
holding 55 per cent share followed by Brazil 27 per cent and India 3 per cent.
• Global Biofuel Alliance will be the second India led multilateral platform after the International Solar Alliance
(ISA) launched at Paris COP21 in 2015.
What is Biofuel?
• Biofuels are renewable energy sources derived from biomass, such as crop stubble, plant waste, and
municipal solid waste.
• Biofuels may be solid, liquid or gaseous in nature.
• Solid: Wood, dried plant material, and manure
• Liquid: Bioethanol and Biodiesel
• Gaseous: Biogas
India-Middle East-Europe Mega Economic Corridor : Launch

• The Prime Minister of India announced the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe mega economic corridor.
• This corridor will connect Europe, the Middle East, and Asia through a railway and ship-rail transit network
and road transport routes.
• India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project includes India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European
Union, France, Italy, Germany and the US.
• The project will aim to enable greater trade among the involved countries, including energy products.
• The proposed corridor will comprise two separate corridors, the Eastern Corridor, and the Northern Corridor.
• The former will connect India to the Arabian Gulf and the latter will connect the Arabian Gulf to Europe.
• Additionally, the corridor promises to secure supply chains, generate employment opportunities, and
enhance trade facilitation and accessibility.
• The corridor will include a rail link as well as an electricity cable, a hydrogen pipeline and a high-speed data
cable.
• In the coming times, it will be a major medium of economic integration between India, West Asia and
Europe.
• The rail and shipping corridor is part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII)
• The project would help deal with the lack of infrastructure needed for growth in lower- and middle-income
nations. In this project, G-7 countries will come together and make a collaborative effort.
• The PGII project is being seen as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
WTO to have a fully functional dispute settlement system by 2024

• The G20 leadership summit declared it will work towards having in place a fully functional dispute
settlement system at WTO by 2024.
• There are two main ways to settle a dispute once a complaint has been filed in the WTO
• First: The countries find a mutually agreed solution, particularly during the phase of bilateral consultations
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• Second: Through adjudication which includes ruling by a panel and if not satisfied, challenging that ruling at
the appellate body.
• The dispute settlement mechanism of WTO has been derailed due to a non-functional appellate body since
December 2019.
• The appellate body is WTO's highest court. It hears appeals of decisions made by WTO panels.
• The U.S. has blocked the appointment of new appellate body members since 2017, arguing that the body
has become too politicized and has overstepped its authority
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
World’s Largest Nataraja Statue Installed at G20 Summit Venue

• The world's tallest Nataraja statue has been installed at Bharat
Mandapam, the venue of the G20 summit in Delhi. The 28-foot-tall
statue weighing 20 tonnes was made in a record time of seven
months by sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapathy and his team.
• The statue was built in Ashtadhatu (8 metals), the clay sourced from
the Cauvery River in Swamimalai.
• The statue itself measures 22 feet in height, and when placed on a 6-
foot-high pedestal, its total height reaches 28 feet, making it the
tallest Nataraja statue in the world.
• The G20 Leaders’ Summit took place on September 9th and 10th at
the newly-built ‘Bharat Mandapam,’ a convention and exhibition
center located at Pragati Maidan.
• On the opening day of the summit, the Ministry of Culture will unveil
a ‘Culture Corridor’ at Bharat Mandapam
• The ‘Culture Corridor’ showcased a wide array of valuable artifacts
from all 29 participating countries.
• These include manuscripts of the Rig Veda from India, a rare copy of
the Magna Carta from the UK, an anamorphic digital image of the
Mona Lisa from France, certified original copies of the Charters of
Freedom from the US, and a fahua-lidded jar from China, Panini’s
Ashtadhyayi from India Gutenberg Bible from Germany among
others.
• A replica sculpture of the girl from the Sindhu Saraswati Civilisation

rotating on an elevated podium standing in the middle of the hall was
the center of attraction for all.
'Bharat: Mother of Democracy' portal launched at G20 exhibition

• On the eve of the G20 leadership summit, the Ministry of Culture launched
a portal of the mega exhibition—‘Bharat: The Mother of Democracy’.
• “Bharat: The Mother of Democracy” Portal showcases the content on the
history of democracy in India, showcasing 7,000 years of democratic ethos
starting from the Sindhu-Saraswati civilisation to 2019.
• It is available in 16 languages, including German, French, Spanish, Arabic,
Portuguese, Italian, Turkish, and Russian besides English and Hindi.
• The portal is divided into five sections and 22 sub-sections starting from
Sindhu-Saraswati Civilisation (6000-2000BCE), Mahajanapada and
Gantantra (7-8 BCE), Vijaynagar Empire (14-16 century), and Mughal
emperor Akbar reign (1556-1605) to Constitution of India (1947) and
Elections in Modern India (1952 onwards).
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B20 Summit India 2023 held in New Delhi

• The B20 Summit India 2023 has been started in New Delhi on August 25th,
2023.
• The three-day Summit will be attended by Union Ministers Nirmala
Sitharaman, Dr. S Jaishankar, G20 India Sherpa Amitabh Kant, Trade
Ministers of various countries, and several business leaders.
• PM Narendra Modi will attend the special session on the 27th of August as
Chief Guest.
• Theme of B20 India: R.A.I.S.E: Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative,
Sustainable, Equitable Businesses
India to host the first edition of the 'Global IndiaAI 2023' conference in October
• The inaugural edition of 'Global IndiaAI 2023' will be hosted by India in October.
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will be organizing this
program.
• The conference will attract leading figures in the field of AI, such as key players,
researchers, startups, and investors from India and around the world.
• The conference will also discuss future trends in AI research, AI computing
systems, investment prospects and strategies to promote AI
talent.
26th National Conference on e-Governance to begin in Indore

• The 26th National Conference on e-Governance was organized in
Indore to deliberate on providing better facilities to the citizens.
• Theme: 'Developed India: Empowering Citizens’.
• Aim: To focus on 11 subjects including district level initiatives,
emerging technologies for providing citizen-centric facilities and
data governance.
• Organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and Ministry of Electronics
in collaboration with Gov of MP
9th India Region Conference Of The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)/

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the 9th India Region Conference of the Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association (CPA).
• Theme: Strengthening Democracy and Good Governance in the Digital Age.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA):-
• Founded: 1911.
• HQ: London, UK.
• The CPA was founded in 1911 as the Empire Parliamentary Association (EPA).
• It is an association to serve the Parliamentarians of the Commonwealth Countries.
• Objective: to promote closer understanding and cooperation for common purposes between those
engaged in the Parliamentary form of Countries of the Commonwealth.
• Mission: to promote knowledge of the constitutional, legislative, economic, social, and cultural aspects of
parliamentary democracy, with particular reference to the countries of the Commonwealth.
VP Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated International Conference on dam safety

• International Conference on Dam Safety at Jaipur in Rajasthan.
• According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, there are over 6000 dams in India and
it is ranked third globally in terms of large dams.
• Aim: To provide a major platform for experts to come together and debate
cutting-edge topics in dam safety and management.
• Theme - "Safe & Secure Dams Ensure Nation’s Prosperity“
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For the first time in Asia, World Coffee Conference to be held in Bengaluru
• India is all set to host the 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) for the
first time from 25-28 September 2023 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Organized by the International Coffee Organization (ICO)
• Rohan Bopanna would endorse the event as its brand ambassador.
• The theme of the World Coffee Summit 2023 is "Sustainability through
circular economy and regenerative agriculture".
About International Coffee Organization (ICO)

• The International Coffee Organization (ICO), established in 1963 under United Nations
• ICO is headquartered in the UK, and currently has 75 member countries
• The World Coffee Conference is a high-level event held every four to five years, previously held in the United
Kingdom (2001), Brazil (2005), Guatemala (2010) and Ethiopia (2016).
• Its main goal is to facilitate discussion on important issues affecting the global coffee industry.
38th Meeting Of The Committee Of Parliament On Official Language:

• The Union Home Minister chaired the 38th meeting of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language.
• The Committee of Parliament on Official Language was set up in 1976 under Section 4 of The Official
Languages Act, 1963.
• Under the provisions of the 1963 Act, the panel submits its report to the President, who “shall [then] cause
the report to be laid before each House of Parliament, and sent to all the State Governments”.
• The committee consists of 30 members — 20 MPs from Lok Sabha and 10 MPs from Rajya Sabha.
• The mandate of the Committee is to review the progress made in the use of Hindi for official purposes, and
to make recommendations to increase the use of Hindi in official communications.
• The first Report of the Committee was submitted in 1987.
G-20 Global Food Regulatory Summit 2023 for the first time in India
• The Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 was held in Delhi. The summit was
held outside Rome, Italy for the first time.
• The conference was organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India (FSSAI) under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on
July 20 and 21, 2023 at Manekshaw Auditorium, New Delhi.
• Objective:
• To provide a valuable platform to the summit participants to deliberate on food safety
and regulatory aspects in a cohesive network.
India hosted 23rd Summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization

• PM Narendra Modi hosted the 23rd edition of the SCO Summit virtually.
• Theme 2023: Towards a SECURE SCO
• SECURE stands for Security, Economic development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and
territorial integrity, and Environmental protection.
• The summit was attended by SCO Members China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and
Uzbekistan.
• Observer States: Iran, Belarus, and Mongolia
• Guest of the Chair: Turkmenistan
Bhashini Platform:
• Prime Minister recently pitched for sharing India’s AI-based language
platform, Bhashini, with SCO member countries to remove language
barriers within the international grouping.
• BHASHINI stands for Bhasha Interface for India, and is India’s Artificial Intelligence (AI)-led language
translation platform.
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• The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz
Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its permanent members in
2017.
• Currently, the SCO's official languages are Mandarin and Russian.
• India has been pitching for also including English as the official language of the grouping.
8th Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit 2023

• The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) successfully concluded two-day Global
Pharmaceutical Quality Summit at Mumbai on 23 June .
• Theme of Summit - ‘Patient Centricity: New Paradigm of Manufacturing and
Quality’.
• The event was inaugurated by Samir Mehta, Chairman, Torrent
Pharmaceuticals and President, IPA.
• Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health
and Family Welfare addressed the summit.
• Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA):
• IPA was established in the year 1999 in Mumbai.
• IPA represents 24 research-based national pharmaceutical companies.
• They also serve over 60 percent of the domestic market in India.
PM Modi to inaugurate 17th Indian Cooperative Congress in New Delhi

• PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 17th Indian Cooperative Congress (ICC)
on July 1st, 2023 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
• The two days Congress would be organized by the National Cooperative
Union of India.
• Theme 2023: Amrit Kaal: Prosperity through Cooperation for a Vibrant India
• Chaired by: HM Amit Shah
• Aim: To discuss various trends in the cooperative movement, to showcase
the best practices being adopted by the successful cooperatives
India to host IIAS Annual Conference 2025 at Kochi, Kerala

• India will host the 2025 International Institute of Administrative Sciences
(IIAS) Annual Conference at Kochi, Kerala in February 2025.
• Theme: Next Generation Administrative Reforms – Empowering Citizens and Reaching the Last Mile
• IIAS was established in 1930; HQ: Brussels
River-Cities Alliance Global Seminar

• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in association with the
National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) organized the ‘River-Cities
Alliance (RCA) Global Seminar: Partnership for Building International
River-Sensitive Cities’ in New Delhi.
• Purpose of the RCA Global Seminar - to provide a platform for
officials of member cities and international stakeholders to discuss
and learn good practices for managing urban rivers.
• The RCA Global Seminar was presided over by Mr. G. Asok Kumar,
Director General (NMCG).
• River Cities Alliance (RCA) was launched in 2021.
• It is a joint initiative of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation under
the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) & the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• Aim: Managing urban rivers.
• Vision is to connect river cities and focus on sustainable river-centric development.
• Beginning with 30 member cities in November 2021, the Alliance has expanded to 109 river cities across
India and one international member city from Denmark.
• It includes cities from both the Ganga basin and non-Ganga basin states.
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PM Modi Inaugurates 6th One Earth One Health – Advantage Healthcare India –
2023 Conference
• At Pragati Maidan in New Delhi via video conferencing.
• The conference was attended by health ministers from across the world,
as well as delegates from West Asia, SAARC, ASEAN, and African regions.
• Ayushman Bharat Scheme is the world’s largest Government funded
health insurance coverage scheme.
Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists:

• The G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) was held in
Varanasi from 17 to 19 April 2023 which featured MAHARISHI Initiative.
• The theme of the 2023 meeting: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
for Healthy People and Planet.
• The MACS discussed food and nutrition security, resilience to climate
change, One Health approaches, digital agriculture, and public-private partnerships for research, education
and extension.
• MAHARISHI Initiative - Millets And Other Ancient Grains International ReSearcH Initiative.
PM Modi inaugurated first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi

• Theme 2023: Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis
• This two-day summit was hosted by the Ministry of Culture and International
Buddhist Confederation.
• It was attended by scholars, Sangha leaders, and Dharma practitioners from
all over the world.
India to Chair Commonwealth group on Reform of financial architecture

• Finance ministers from various Commonwealth countries have agreed
for India to be the chair of the Finance Ministers Working Group for a
Commonwealth Call for Reform of the Global Financial Architecture.
• While Nigeria has been elected as the deputy chair of the Finance
Ministers Working Group.
• Commonwealth Secretary-General: Patricia Scotland KC
PM Modi addressed 'One World TB Summit' at Varanasi

• Organized by: Health and Family Welfare Ministry and Stop TB Partnership
• International delegates from more than 30 countries participated in the
event.
• Each year, the World TB Day is celebrated on March 24 and the theme of
this year’s World TB Day is ‘Yes! We can end TB!’.
• During the event, PM launched various initiatives including TB-free
Panchayat Initiative
SCO Supreme Courts Chief Justices’ meet held in New Delhi

• 18th meeting of Chief Justices of the Supreme Courts of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States was held in New Delhi.
• It was held under the Presidency of Chief Justice of India, D.Y.
Chandrachud with an aim to foster effective judicial cooperation among
the Member States.
• It was a 2-day session wherein all SCO member states had taken part
• India hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tourism
Ministers’ Meeting (TMM) on 17th -18th March 2023 in Kashi (designated as the first cultural capital of the
SCO).
• India will also host the SCO Food Festival in Mumbai from 13-19 April 2023.
• India is the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
• Founded – 2001
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• Headquarters – Beijing, China

• Secretary General – Zhang Ming (China)
• Member Countries – 9 (Iran, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan & Uzbekistan)
• SCO Summit 2021 – Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
• SCO Summit 2022 – Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
• The founding members (5) of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) were China, Russia, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan. India and Pakistan officially joined this organization in 2017
First meeting of Central Asia JW Group on Afghanistan held in India

• The first meeting of the India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Afghanistan
was held in New Delhi.
• The meeting was attended by the Special Envoys and Senior Officials of India,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, & Uzbekistan.
• During the meeting, discussions were held on the current situation in
Afghanistan, including the political, security, and humanitarian situation.
• Participants also discussed regional threats of terrorism, extremism, radicalization and drug trafficking and
also deliberated on the possibilities to coordinate efforts to counter these threats.
First Anti-Corruption G20 Working Group meeting organized in Gurugram

• The co-chair for the G20 ACWG 2023 is Italy.
PM Narendra Modi chaired the 41st edition PRAGATI Interaction meeting

• Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) Interaction.
• PRAGATI is the ICT-based multi-modal platform involving Centre and State
governments.
• In the meeting, 9 key infrastructure projects were reviewed and PM Modi also
reviewed ‘Mission Amrit Sarovar’.
• PRAGATI Interaction was launched on 25th March 2015 by PM Modi as a part of
the Digital India program.
First G20 Culture Group (CWG) meet organised in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
• The Ministry of Culture is organising the first G20 Culture Group (CWG) meeting from 22 to 25 February
2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
• 'Protection and restitution of cultural heritage’ was the theme for the first G20 Culture Group (CWG)
meeting.
• The overarching theme of G20 is ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’ – One Earth, One Family, One Future.’
DHARA - Annual Meeting of Members of the River Cities Alliance held In Pune
• A first of its kind two-day international conference, DHARA 2023, was organised in
Pune to discuss strategies for managing urban rivers.
• DHARA stands for - Driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers.
• DHARA is the annual meeting of the members of the River Cities Alliance (RCA).
• The meeting was organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in
association with National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) from 13 to 14 February
in Pune.
• Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
River Cities Alliance (RCA)

• It was launched in 2021 as a dedicated platform for river cities of India for discussion and exchange of
information for sustainable management of urban rivers.
• It was started with 30 cities in 2021 and currently has 95 cities as members across India.
• It is formed by the successful partnership of the two Ministries - Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs.
• It focuses on three broad themes - networking, capacity building and technical support.
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CAG's 6th SCO SAI Leaders’ Meeting held in Lucknow

• The 6th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) Leaders’ Meeting is being
hosted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in Lucknow on 6th February 2023.
• The meeting was inaugurated by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel.
• Theme: 'Integrating Emerging Technologies in Audit’
• Discussions topics: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, and concerns of digital technology.
• India currently holds the presidency of the SCO, which rotates annually among the member states.
• India's 2023 theme is 'Towards a Secure SCO’.
• CAG: Girish Chandra Murmu
• Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)
• CAG is the Constitutional Authority in India.
• It was established in accordance with Article 148 of the Constitution of India.
• He is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
• It enjoys the same status as the sitting judge of the Supreme Court.
• Appointment: Appointed by the President of India for period of six years or up to the age of 65 years,
whichever is earlier.
• Constitutional Provision
• Article 148: CAG, his appointment, oath and conditions of service are specified.
• Article 149: It deals with the duties and powers of the CAG.
• Article 150: The accounts of the Union and the States shall be maintained in such form as the President may,
on the advice of the CAG, determine.
First G20 education working group meeting held in Chennai

• The first G20 Education working group meeting was organized in
Chennai on 1st- 2nd Feb 2023
• The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan
inaugurated the session.
• Discussion topic: K-12 education, tech-enabled learning, and skill
development
• A seminar on the ‘Role of Digital Technology in Education’ – a unique
initiative under India’s Presidency was organized at the IIT Madras
Research Park.
Quad cyber group meeting to strengthen cyber security cooperation

• A meeting of the Quad Senior Cyber Group was held in New Delhi to
strengthen cyber security cooperation on 30-31 January.
• The group also discussed cyber security capacity building for Quad members
and for partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Quad or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is a group of four countries US,
Japan, Australia and India.
• The concept of QUAD was given by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007 for maritime
cooperation between these countries after the Indian Ocean Tsunami disaster in 2004.
• The 2022 Quad summit meeting was held in Japan and next will be held in Australia in 2023.
Think-20 group meeting conducted in Bhopal

• On 16-17 January 2023 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
• Think-20 was launched by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj
Singh Chouhan.
• Theme of the meeting - "Global Good Governance with an
Environment-Friendly Lifestyle, Moral Values and Well-Being".
• G20 in News (All Meetings are Under the Presidency of G20 by India)
• Think-20 Meeting – Bhopal (16 – 17 January 2023)
• First G-20 Meeting – Puducherry (31 January 2023)
• First G20 Health Working Group meeting - Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (18-20 January 2023).
• First Meeting of the Youth-20 Group – Guwahati (6 – 8 February 2023)
• First G-20 Environment Meeting – Bengaluru (9 -11Join
February 2023) for more free pdfs
@parcham_CA
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• Business-20 (B-20) Inception Meeting – Gandhinagar (22- 24 January 2023)

• Secretariat for Science 20 (S20) Meeting – IISc Bengaluru
ECI hosted 2nd International Conference in New Delhi

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has hosted the 2nd
International Conference in New Delhi, India from 23-24
January 2023.
• 2023 theme: Use of Technology and Elections Integrity
• Inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar.
• Around 43 Participants from 17 Countries including Angola, Argentina, Australia, Croatia, Indonesia,
Mauritius, Nepal, Philippines, and Suriname have joined the conference.
Tourism Ministry to organize 1st Global Tourism Investors Summit

• from 10th to 12th April 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
• Aim: To bring together global policymakers and business leaders to understand and
explore Tourism Business opportunities in India
• Focus: Promoting India as an investment destination for travel, tourism, and
hospitality
First G-20 meeting to take place in Puducherry on Jan 31

• Representatives of different countries will participate in the meeting and many
important decisions will be taken.
• Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan
• Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy
• Kolkata will host the first meeting on the Global Partnership for Financial
Inclusion.
First Education Group of G-20 countries to meet in Chennai from 31st January to 2nd
February
• 1st Health Working Group Meeting in Thiruvananthapuram (18-20 Jan)
• 1st Education Working Group Meeting in Chennai (31 Jan to 2 Feb)
• 1st Employment Working Group Meeting in Jodhpur (side event) (2-4 Feb)
• 1st Energy Working Group Meeting in Bengaluru (5-7 Feb)
• 1st Environment and Climate Working Group Meeting in Bengaluru (8-10 Feb)
• 1st Tourism Working Group Meeting at Rann Of Kutch (8-10 Feb)
• 1st Agriculture Working Group Meeting in Indore (13-15 Feb)
• 1st Culture Working Group Meeting Khajuraho (side event) (23-25 Feb)
14th edition of the World Spice Congress (WSC) to be held in Mumbai

• The 14th edition of the World Spice Congress (WSC) is to be held in Mumbai
from 16-18 February 2023.
• Objective – To open up newer opportunities to promote the international
trade of Indian spices.
• The theme of the WSC 2023 is VISION 2030: S-P-I-C-E-S (Sustainability,
Productivity, Innovation, Collaboration, Excellence and Safety).
• The WSC is organized by the Spices Board of India.
• Maharashtra is one of the leading states producing spices. It is the largest producer of turmeric in India.
Maharashtra produces two GI-tagged turmeric varieties (Waigaon Turmeric, Sangli Turmeric)and one GI-
tagged chilli variety (Bhiwapur Chilli).
• Coastal areas of Maharashtra are also known for the production of GI-tagged Kokum. The state is one of the
largest exporting hubs for spices.
• The first WSC was held in 1990 and has seen 13 successful editions ever since in the past 3 decades.
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PM Narendra Modi virtually inaugurates Global Investors Summit in Indore

• two-day Global Investors Summit in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• Theme of the Global Investors Summit is ‘Madhya Pradesh - a future-ready state’.
• Environmental protection has been taken care of in this summit that will be
completely based on Carbon Neutral and Zero Waste.
India to host the ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’

• a special virtual Summit on 12th and 13th of January 2023
• The theme of the Summit - 'Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose.
• More than 120 countries were invited for this summit.
• The summit is India's attempt to provide a common platform to discuss
concerns affecting developing countries.
6th Edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’:

• ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ (PPC) - an interactive program that brings together students,
teachers, and parents to discuss anxieties related to exams and life after school
• held on January 27 at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the event
• The Department of School Education and Literacy within the Ministry of Education
has organized the event successfully for the past five years.
Health Minister chairs a high level meeting to eliminate Kala-azar from the country by
2023
• Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting with four states of
Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal governments to review the elimination of Kala-Azar from
the country by the year 2023.
• There has been 98% decline in kala Azar cases from 2007 (44533) till Nov 2022 (834)
• Global status of Kala-Azar
• About 90 percent of global cases of kala-azar in the year 2021 were found in
eight countries – Brazil, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan
and Sudan.
• India accounts for 11.5 per cent of the total cases reported globally.
• Bihar and Jharkhand currently account for more than 90 percent of Kala-azar
cases.
What is Kala-azar?
• It is also known as black fever and Dumdum fever.
• The disease is the second largest parasite killer in the world after Malaria.
• It is a Neglected Tropical Disease affecting about 100 countries including India.
• Symptoms
• Fever, weight loss, fatigue, anaemia, and swelling of the liver and spleen.
• Transmission
• It is caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus.
• It migrates to the internal organs such as the liver, spleen and bone marrow.
• National Kala-azar Eradication Program
• India's National Health Policy, 2002, set a target of eliminating Kala-azar by 2010, which was revised in 2015.
• India signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh and Nepal to eliminate
Kala-azar from the South-East Asia region.
1st All India Annual State Ministers Conference on Water

• held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on 5th & 6th January, 2023.
• The Government is deliberating on the preparation of the Action Plan and Vision
Document of India@2047.
• Theme: Water Vision @ 2047
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PM Modi addressed 108th Indian Science Congress on January 3, 2023

• Theme 2023: Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women
Empowerment
• organised at Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University
• The first session of the Congress was held in 1914.
Projects & Campaign

Amul’s ‘Be More Milk’ campaign goes global at Time Square
• The campaign has gained global recognition with a colourful and animated billboard
displayed at New York’s Time Square.
• The campaign talks about creating a “world that is naturally refreshing in its very
essence." It encouraged of people looking up to milk to integrate its values into their
very lives.
Southern India’s First Industrial Corridor Project in Tumarkuru,

Karnataka
• In 2019, PM Modi launched the Gati Shakti Scheme.
• Under this, the GoI planned on developing 11 industrial
corridors and two defence corridors.
• PM Modi laid foundation stone to South India’s 1st Industrial
Corridor Project, the Tumakuru Industrial Township, as part
of National Industrial Corridor programme
• It will help develop Tumakuru into a prominent industrial hub
of the nation
About the Tumarkuru Industrial Township
• First industrial corridor in South India
• It will generate employment for more than 88,000 people
• Attract investment of Rs 7,000 crores within five to six years
• Contribute inclusive growth of the country, Trigger economic
growth in the region
• Spread over 8,500 acres of land
• In line with the objectives of Atma Nirbhar Bharat
• It will address the issues of multi-modal connectivity
Significance
• It is located at a distance of 300 km from the Mangaluru port. From the Bengaluru International Airport, it is
at a distance of 115 km. Mumbai-Chennai National Highway 48 adjoining the site. The Multi Modal
connectivity ecosystem will ensure a seamless movement of raw material and finished goods.
Target sectors
• The project is to focus on food products, apparel, electronics, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and chemicals.
• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is responsible for the timely execution of national waterways
projects and to ensure improved water transportation in India.
• Launched in October 1986, the Noida-headquartered Authority has regional offices across different cities.
• Under the National Waterways Act, 2016, 111 inland waterways have been declared as ‘national waterways’.
• Out of the 111 national waterways, there are 13 national waterways that are operational for shipping and
navigation.
• The longest national waterway is the National Waterway 1 or the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system,
running from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh to Haldia in West Bengal and covers a length of 1,620 kilometres.
• The Manimutharu River in Tamil Nadu or the National Waterway 69 is the shortest national waterway in
India.
• National Waterway 2: Brahmaputra River (Dhubri – Sadiya)
• National Waterway 73: Narmada river
• National Waterway 100: Tapi river
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Minister of Steel inaugurates Silica Reduction Plant Project at SAIL-Bhilai

Steel Plant’s Dalli Mines
• Union Minister of Steel and Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
virtually inaugurated the Silica Reduction Plant at Dalli Mines of
Bhilai Steel Plant of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
• The iron ore reserves in the 60-year-old mines are depleting
rapidly.
• This enables SAIL to utilize low-grade ore from Dalli mines through beneficiation process.
• The newly inaugurated plant will improve the iron (Fe) content by 62-64 per cent and reduce the silica
content by 2-3 per cent.
SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash
• Bhilai is in Chhattisgarh state.
• Iron ores:
• These are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be economically extracted.
• The ores are usually rich in iron oxides and vary in colour from dark grey, bright yellow, or deep purple to
rusty red.
• The iron is usually found in the form of magnetite (Fe3O4, 72.4% Fe), hematite (Fe
• 2O3, 69.9% Fe), limonite (FeO(OH)·n(H2O), 55% Fe) or siderite (FeCO3, 48.2% Fe).
Third Phase Of The eCourts Projects:

• The Union Cabinet recently approved the third phase of the eCourts Projects with a budget allocation of
₹7,210 crore.
• The Phase III of the project will be of 4 years duration, 2023-2027
• The eCourts Integrated Mission Mode Project is one of the National e- Governance projects being
implemented in District and Subordinate Courts of the country since 2007.
• The eCourts Integrated Mission Mode Project is being jointly implemented by the Department of Justice,
Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India and eCommittee, Supreme Court of India.
Phases of the e Courts Mission Project

Phase 1 of the e Courts Mission Project
• The Phase1 of the e Court mission was launched in 2007 and concluded on 30th March 2015. The District
and Taluka level courts were computerised and judicial staff were trained in the operation of e Courts.
Phase II
• The phase II of the e Court project was approved by the government of India on 4th August 2015. The
project ended in 2023.
• All the remaining courts and newly constructed courts were covered under the second phase. It provided for
connecting the Jails with the courts through video conferencing .
• Union Minister for Law and Justice: Arjun Ram Mehgwal
• Chief Justice of India : Justice D.Y.Chandrachud
Union Minister Anurag Thakur flagged off "Bharat in Paris" campaign

• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) launched the "Bharat in Paris" campaign in New Delhi to create
awareness and promote sports across India ahead of the
Paris Olympics games.
• 2024 Olympics will be held in Paris, France, from July 26
to August 11.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
• Launched in 2014-15, under National Sports Development
Fund (NSDF)
• Objective - identifying and preparing potential medal
prospects for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• It is a flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs
and Sports.
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India has built World’s First Portable Disaster Hospital:

• world’s first portable disaster hospital, called the “Aarogya Maitri Cube”.
• The hospital can be airlifted and assembled into 72 cubes that contain essential medical equipment and
supplies. The cubes can support 200 survivors for 48 hours during natural disasters or crises.
• It has been developed indigenously under the Project BHISHM(Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and
Maitri).
• The hospital includes Operation theatres, mini-ICUs, Ventilators, Blood test equipment, an X-ray machine, a
Cooking station, Food, Water, a Shelter, Power generator.
• The “Aarogya Maitri Cube” is part of “Aarogya Maitri” project.
• The project aims to provide essential medical supplies to any developing country affected by natural
disasters or humanitarian crises.
Que:IFFCO will procure how many agri-drones to promote the use of nano
fertilizers across the country?
Ans:2500
• To promote the use of nano fertilizers across the country, IFFCO will
procure 2,500 agri-drones and train 5,000 rural entrepreneurs as part of its
national campaign launched in July 2023.
• The agri-drones will be used for spraying of its products nano urea and
nano di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), in a phased manner.
• This will also support recently launched scheme PM-PRANAM that aims to reduce chemical fertilizers and
promote alternative fertilizers.
Jal Diwali -“Water For Women, Women For Water Campaign” Launched
• By Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
• under its flagship scheme - Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
Transformation (AMRUT), in partnership with the Ministry's National
Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM).
• from, 7 - 9 November, 2023.
• The campaign aims to provide a platform for inclusion of women in
water governance.
• They will be given first-hand knowledge about water treatment processes through visits to Water Treatment
Plants (WTPs) in their respective cities.
‘Nayi Chetna – 2.0’

• ‘Nayi Chetna – 2.0’ was launched on the International Day for the
Elimination of Violence against Women - 25 November.
• the month-long campaign envisioned as a ‘Jan Andolan‘ (people’s
movement), was launched by Union Minister for Rural
Development Giriraj Singh
• DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural
Livelihoods Mission), Ministry of Rural Development
Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath

• The Ayush Ministry will observe “Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath” under the aegis of the Swachhata Hi Seva
Campaign.
• As per the Ministry, more than 200 events will be organised across
the country to mark the day.
• A national call to action for 1 Hour of citizen-led shramdaan for
swachhata on 1st Oct, 2023 at 10 am
• The Ministry has also requested various States and Union
territories to observe the Shramdaan activity at all Ayush Health
and Wellness Centres.
• The Theme for Swachhata Hi Seva 2023 is ‘Garbage Free India‘.
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NHAI to create around 10,000 km of Digital Highways by FY 2024 – 25

• NHAI is working towards the development of around 10,000 km of Optic Fibre
Cables (OFC) infrastructure across the country by FY 2024-25.
• Under the pilot routes for the Digital Highway development, around 1,367 km on
Delhi - Mumbai Expressway and 512 km on Hyderabad - Bangalore Corridor have
been identified.
• Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav: NHAI Chairman
PM Modi designates new Parliament building as Parliament House of India

• The old parliament building will now be called “Samvidhan Sadan (Constitution House)”.
• As the functioning of Parliament shifts to the new building, PM Modi mentioned the
oldest member of Lok Sabha - 93 years old Samajwadi Party MP Shafiqur Rahman
Barq - and the youngest - 30 years old Chandrani Murmu of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) -
who became an MP at the age of 25.
• He also remembered Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Indrajit Gupta, who
served as a Lok Sabha MP for almost 36 years from 1960 to 2001, except for a short
period from 1977 to 1980.
• This new Parliament Building of India was inaugurated on May 28, 2023, however the
official business of the building began on September 19, 2023 during the Parliament
Special Session.
• The new Parliament building has been designed by renowned architect Bimal Patel.
• The Gujarat-based Bimal Patel is also behind designing of Kashi Vishwanath corridor and the first of its kind
Sabarmati Riverfront project.
• The iconic old building was designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
• It was completed in 1927 means 96 years ago.
• This historic structure will now be conserved as an archaeological asset of the country.
Features of New Parliament Building

• Built at a cost of ₹971 crore, as a part of India’s Central Vista Redevelopment Project.
• The built-up area is approximately 65,000 square meters.
• Triangular shape(Constructed by Tata Projects Ltd)
• Seating capacity of 888, compared to 543 seats in old building.
• Rajya Sabha hall has seating capacity of up to 384 members. The Lok Sabha may accommodate up to 1,272
seats.
• Lok Sabha hall is designed around the peacock theme (India’s national bird).
• Rajya Sabha hall features the lotus theme (India’s national flower).
• Each seats of the MPs will be equipped with multimedia display
New Parliament Building has six gates named after animals and creatures.
• The first three gates of the new Parliament House are named Ashwa,
Gaj and Garuda Gate. These three are formal gates. Their names are
also Gyan Dwar, Shakti Dwar and Karma Dwar. These gates will be
used by the Vice President, Speaker and Prime Minister. Whereas
Makar, Shardul Gate and Hans Gate will be used for MPs and public.
• 6 gates - Gaja Dwar, Ashwa Dwar, Garuda Dwar, Makar Dwar,
Shakdula, Hamsa Dwar
• Out of these six entrances, three are designed as ceremonial entrances, to welcome special guests and to
mark special events. They have been named as Gyan, Shakti and Karma
Gaja Dwar (the Elephant Gate)

• It represents intellect, memory, wealth and wisdom.
• This gate is on the north side of the building.
Ashwa (Horse) Dwar
• It is at the Southern entrance. A horse symbolises power, strength and courage , describing the quality of
governance.
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Garuda (the King of Birds)

• It is believed to be the mount of Lord Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu trinity). It makes Garuda a symbol
of power and dharma (duty).The Garuda gate is the eastern entrance of the new Parliament building.
Makara (the Mythological Aquatic Creature)
• The Makara Dwar faces the entrance to the old Parliament building.
• Shardula (the Mythological Creature)
• It is a mythological creature who has the body of a lion, the head of a horse, elephant or parrot. It
symbolises the power of the people of the country.
Hamsa Dwar (Swan)
• It is named after the swan.
• Hamsa is the mount of Saraswati (the Hindu goddess of knowledge).
President Draupadi Murmu inaugurates the Ayushman Bhava campaign

• President Draupadi Murmu inaugurates the Ayushman Bhava campaign on
September 13, 2023, for universal healthcare access.
• The Ayushman Bhava campaign aims to provide comprehensive health services by
ensuring coverage for every village and town across India.
• Its objective is to ensure that no person is deprived of access to health services.
• The campaign is a collaborative effort led by Gram Panchayats in coordination with the Health Department,
other government departments, and local elected bodies in both rural and urban areas.
The Ayushman Bhava campaign consists of three primary components:
• Ayushman - Apke Dwar 3.0: Bringing health services directly to people's homes.
• Ayushman Melas: Health fairs at health and wellness centers and community health centers.
• Ayushman Sabhas: Community assemblies in each village and panchayat focused on healthcare-related
discussions and initiatives.
Govt of India and Kenya to co-host ‘International Millet Conference’

• India and Kenya will co-host a two-day ‘India-Africa International Millet Conference‘ on 30 – 31 August 2023.
• The event will witness participation from government leaders, researchers, farmers, entrepreneurs and
industry associations from around the globe.
• Aim - to raise public awareness about millet as the world’s emerging smart food.
• India produces all the nine commonly known traditional millets viz. Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Finger Millet,
Foxtail Millet, Proso Millet, Little Millet, Barnyard Millet, Browntop Millet and Kodo Millet.
• Millet is a common term for categorizing small-seeded grasses that are often called Nutri-cereals. Most of
the states in India grow one or more millet crop species.
• Millets are drought-resistant, pest-resilient, climate-friendly crops that can boost income opportunities and
livelihoods of smallholder farmers, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
Project AMBER
• AMBER - Accelerated Mission for Better Employment and Retention
• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration
with (GIF) and Amazon Web Services India Private Limited (AWS India), is providing
‘cloud’ skills training to 1,500 under project AMBER.
• The initiative has been undertaken under the SANKALP programme of MSDE with a
focus on women to improve gender diversification in the tech industry and
underprivileged groups.
• This project aims to train 30,000 youth, 50% of whom will be women.
Cabinet approves ₹1.39 lakh crore for BharatNet project

• BharatNet - the government’s project for last-mile optical fiber-
based connectivity across 6.4 lakh villages in the country in Aug
2023
• It is one of the biggest rural telecom projects in the world,
implemented in a phased manner to all 2.5 lakh gram panchayats in
the country for last-mile broadband connectivity
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• The National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), launched in October 2011, was renamed the Bharat Net Project
in 2015.
• It is an ambitious project of the Government of India to provide broadband connectivity to all village
panchayats in the country.
Meri Maati Mera Desh Campaign:

• The Indian government has initiated the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign as part of
the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebration of 75 years of Independence.
• Soil collected from various parts of the country will be used to develop the Amrit
Vatika Garden along the Kartavya Path in Delhi.
• Shilaphalakam, memorial plaque with the names of bravehearts who made the
supreme sacrifice to be installed.
• Planting 75 saplings of indigenous species in every gram panchayat or village under ‘Vasudha Vandhan’.
• ‘Veeron Ka Vandan’ to felicitate freedom fighters and families of deceased freedom fighters.
Adani Group commissions India’s first transnational power project

• Gautam Adani met Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina for full load commencement
and handover of the 1,600 MW ultra-supercritical Godda power plant.
• Adani Power set up the 1,600 MW thermal power in Jharkhand’s Godda to
supply power generated to Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB)
through a dedicated transmission line.
• The Godda Plant became fully operational in June. The plant was commissioned
in a record time of three-and-a-half years.
• Adani Power Jharkhand Ltd (APJL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Power Ltd, will supply 100 per cent of
the generated electricity from the plant to another nation.
Centre agrees to sanction Rs 12,911 crore for Polavaram Project in Andhra Pradesh
• Central government has agreed to sanction Rs 12,911 crore to Andhra Pradesh
for completing the first phase of Polavaram Project.
• Polavaram Project is an under construction multi-purpose irrigation project
on the Godavari River in the Eluru District and East Godavari District in
Andhra Pradesh.
• The project has been accorded National project status by the Central
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor

(MAHSR):
• National High Speed Rail Corporation
Limited (NHSRCL) has signed an MoU
with Japan Railway Technical Service
(JARTS) to operationalize bullet trains
in the country.
• Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail
Corridor (MAHSR):
• The total length of the corridor
between Ahmedabad and Mumbai is
508 km, of which 348 km falls in
Gujarat and 156 km in Maharashtra.
The remaining four kilometers will fall
in Dadra Nagar Haveli.
• A total of 12 stations will be set up in
the journey between Ahmedabad and
Mumbai, of which eight stations will be in Gujarat and four in Maharashtra.
• Rajendra Prasad, MD, National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited
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Project-SMART for Station Area Development

• Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Ministry of
Railways jointly signed an MoU with Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA) for ‘Station Area Development along Mumbai-
Ahmedabad High Speed Rail’ (Project-SMART).
• MoUs were signed for four high speed rail stations – Sabarmati &
Surat in Gujarat and Virar & Thane in Maharashtra.
• Surat, Virar and Thane are green fields while Sabarmati is a brown
field development.
Project-SMART
• Project-SMART envisages developing areas around Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway (MAHSR)
stations to enhance accessibility and convenience for commuters and other stakeholders.
• MoHUA, Govts of Gujarat, Maharashtra and JICA are organizing a series of Seminars and field visits for the
Project–SMART in Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
Nationwide Animal Husbandry, Dairying, And Fisheries (AHDF) KCC Campaign

• As part of the Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahostav celebrations, the Union Ministry for Fisheries,
Animal husbandry and Dairying has launched the Nationwide Animal Husbandry,
Dairying, and Fisheries (AHDF) KCC Campaign from 1st May 2023 to 31st March 2024.
• The campaign aims to expand the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to all eligible
animal husbandry, dairy, and fishery farmers in the country.
• The campaign will provide credit facilities to small landless farmers engaged in animal
husbandry and fisheries activities.
What is Kisan Credit Card?

• The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was introduced in 1998 to provide timely credit support to farmers.
• It offers credit for cultivation, purchase of agriculture inputs, and other needs.
• The scheme was extended to cover the investment credit requirement of farmers in 2004.
• In 2018-19, the facility was extended to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers.
India's first underwater sea tunnel

• The Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) is a Rs 12,721-crore initiative by the
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to link Marine Drive to the Bandra-
Worli Sea Link.
• The most significant feature of the project is the construction of India’s first
undersea tunnel
• It is set to open by November 2023, and is a 2.07-kilometer twin tunnels,17-20
meters below sea level, connecting Girgaon to Priyadarshini Park.
• The high-speed MCRP aims to reduce the 45-minute peak-time trip from Girgaon
to Worli to only 10 minutes.
Indian Railways to start 'Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train' between Ayodhya to Janakpur
• The train "Shri Ram-Janaki Yatra: Ayodhya to Janakpur", will cover two most
important pilgrimage sites of India and Nepal - Ayodhya and Janakpur.
• The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Nepal and
promote cultural ties between the two countries.
• This train will be operated by Railway's PSU - IRCTC.
• The state-of-the-art Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train will depart from Delhi on
17th February, 2023 for a 7 days all inclusive tour.
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India will be covered by Doppler Weather Radar network by 2025

• Announced by Earth Sciences Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh at the 148th Foundation
Day of the Indian Meteorological Department.
• Aim: To predict extreme weather events more accurately
• It will enhance weather monitoring capabilities and benefit the farmers to
contribute significantly to the economy.
• IMD also commissioned four Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and
Jammu and Kashmir.
• These were installed at Surkanda Devi in Uttarakhand, Jot and Murari Devi in Himachal and Banihal Top in
Jammu and Kashmir.
• Director General of IMD Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra
What is Doppler Weather Radar?
• It is a special type of radar that uses the Doppler effect to generate velocity data about objects at a distance.
It is designed to improve accuracy in long range weather forecasting and monitoring
What is Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging)?
• It is a device that uses electromagnetic waves in the microwave region to detect the location, height,
intensity, and speed of moving and non-moving objects.
What is the Doppler effect?
• It refers to the change in wave frequency during the relative motion between a wave source and its
observer.
• It was discovered by Johann Doppler, who described it as a process of increasing or decreasing the
luminosity of stars depending on the relative motion of the star.
MoPNG Successfully completed Barauni Guwahati pipeline

• The Ministry of Petroleum has successfully completed the Bihar portion of the Barauni Guwahati pipeline
(BGPL) under the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project.
• It will connect six districts in Bihar to the National Gas Grid.
• Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project is also known as Jagdishpur – Haldia & Bokaro – Dhamra Pipeline Project
(JHBDPL) project.
• This project aims to provide uninterrupted supply of environment-friendly and affordable natural gas across
the country.
• Launched: 2016
• Aim: Caters to the energy requirements of five states (UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and WB).
Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign: Aimed At Ending Filariasis Disease

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA)
campaign aimed at ending filariasis disease.
• India aims to eliminate filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target.
• High-burdened areas are Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal,
Karnataka, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
• Filariasis is a parasitic infection caused by microscopic, thread-like worms known as filariae.
• It is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, and it affects millions of people in tropical and subtropical
regions worldwide.
India Is Committed To Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis By 2027

• Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
inaugurated the second phase of the annual Nationwide
Mass Drug Administration initiative for Lymphatic Filariasis
in New Delhi.
• It will cover nine endemic States - Assam, Bihar,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha,
Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• India is committed to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by
2027, 3 years ahead of the global target.
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• He emphasized that efforts must not be limited to taking medicines, but also aid in eliminating the spread of
diseases through mosquitoes.
Ramping Up Border Infrastructure:

• According to India’s External Affairs Minister, the government’s recent border infrastructure projects focus
on the north and east along India’s 3,488 km border with China (or LAC).
• Ramping up infrastructure in Ladakh, HP, UK, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Neighbourhood Pojects:
• Nepal:
• South Asia’s first cross-border petroleum products pipeline Motihari - Amlekhgunj Pipeline .
• The Mahakali motorable bridge over the Mahakali River connecting Dharchula (India) with Darchula (Nepal),
under Indian grant assistance.
Bangladesh:
• Maitri Setu, High Speed Diesel pipeline with Bangladesh that will reduce petrol prices and road congestion.
Myanmar:
• Sittwe port project, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP).
Bhutan:
• Dry port in Pasakha bordering West Bengal is being developed under an Indian government grant.
Bhupender Yadav launches ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’ in Goa

• Union Minister for Environment, Bhupender Yadav launched the ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’ in Goa.
• It is structured on a “whole of society” approach to wetlands conservation.
• He also released two publications - ‘India’s 75 Amrit Dharohar- India’s Ramsar Sites Factbook’ and ‘Managing
Climate Risks in Wetlands – A Practitioner’s Guide.
• Nanda Lake - Goa’s first Ramsar Site
Project ELLORA:
• Microsoft Research is helping preserve ‘rare’ Indian languages with its Project
ELLORA (Enabling Low Resource Languages) in India.
• Microsoft researchers under this project have been working toward creating digital
ecosystems for Indian languages that do not have enough presence online,
• The main goal of the Project is, building technological skills, enhancing education
and preserving local languages and cultures for future generations.
• Microsoft Research (MSR) has chosen to focus on three languages namely; Gondi,
Mundari and Idu Mishmi.
PM announces ‘Aarogya Maitri’ project to provide medical supplies to developing nations

• India will provide essential medical supplies to developing countries affected by natural disasters or
humanitarian crises.
• PM announced it at the Concluding Session of the two-day virtual ‘Voice of Global South Summit’.
• India will also set up a ‘Global South Center of Excellence’ for research on development solutions which can
be scaled up and implemented around the world.
• During the Covid pandemic, India's 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative supplied vaccines made in India to over 100
countries.
Union cabinet approves Rs 2,614.51 crore investment in the 382 MW Sunni

Dam Hydro Electric Project
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• The 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydro Electric Project is being developed by
Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam limited (SJVN) on Sutlej river in the Shimla and
Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh. The project on completion is
expected to generate 1,382 million units of electricity annually.
• He also laid the foundation stone of 210 MW Luhri Stage-1 on river
Sutlej and 66 MW Dhaulasidh project being built on Beas river .All the projects are being developed by SJVN.
• Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVN) Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• It is a Mini Ratna Category-I Central public Sector Enterprises Company under the Union Ministry of Power.
• The company is a joint venture of the Government of India and Himachal Pradesh government with the
government of India holding the majority shares. It was set up in 1988 for hydroelectric power generation
and transmission.
• SJVN is presently implementing or operating power projects in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar,
Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Odisha, Mizoram and
Madhya Pradesh in India besides neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bhutan.
• Chairman and Managing Director: N L Sharma
PM Modi to launch world’s longest river cruise from Varanasi to Assam on 13

January
• Cruise from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Dibrugarh in Assam via
Bangladesh
• This will be the single largest river journey by a single river ship in the
world.
• The cruise, which has been named ‘Ganga Vilas cruise will cover 4000
Kilometers along 27 river systems, including Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly,
Brahmaputra, and West Coast Canal in 50 days.
• The cruise is expected to be run on a public-private partnership (PPP)
model.
• The government’s Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed
an agreement with Antara Luxury River Cruises and JM Baxi River Cruises for the initiative.
• Union Minister for Port, Shipping and Waterways: Sarbananda Sonowal
India’s first underwater metro to be in operation by December 2023

• According to the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation, India’s first
underwater metro service, the East-West Metro Corridor project is
expected to be completed by December 2023.
• The East-West corridor of the Kolkata Metro is 15 Km-long and spans
from Salt Lake Stadium to Howrah.
• First metro in India, Kolkata Metro which started its operation 24
October 1984 between Dum Dam to Tollygunge. It was started with the help of the Soviet Union.
• Largest metro rail in operation in India, Delhi Metro (390.14 km). It started operation on 24 December 2002.
• Smallest Metro- Ahmedabad metro,6 km
• The metro rail systems in operation in India are in the cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi,
Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Noida, and Pune.
India's first hydrogen train will come by Dec 2023 on heritage routes
• Union Railway minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw has informed that
India will receive its first hydrogen train by December 2023.
• It will run on heritage circuits like Kalka-Shimla and later it will be
expanded to other places.
• The Vande Metro (mini version of Vande Bharat Express) is also
being developed
• Vande Metro Aim: To help people living around big cities to
travel to and for in comfort between their place of work and
hometowns.
• Railway Budget (2023-24:) Rs 2.4 lakh crore
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PM Modi inaugurated first phase of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway

• PM Modi has inaugurated the first phase of the 1,400 kilometres long
Delhi-Mumbai expressway in Rajasthan’s Dausa.
• The 246-kilometre Delhi-Dausa-Lalsot stretch of the expressway will
cut down the travel time from Delhi to Jaipur from five hours to
around three and a half hours.
• It is also expected to boost economic opportunities in the entire
region.
• Eight-lane-wide and nearly 1,400 kms long, it is being built at a
staggering cost of over one lakh crore rupees. It is expandable to
accommodate 12 lanes.
‘Vande Metro’ to be rolled out by December 2023

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced
• ‘Vande Metro‘ will operate on a short-distance metro rail network,
connecting major cities within a distance of 100 kilometers or less.
• This new initiative will help ease the congestion pressure on local trains.
Que:What is the name of India’s first semi-high-speed regional rail services,

launched by National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)?
Ans: RAPIDX
• ‘RAPIDX’ will run on the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors.
• RAPIDX is being implemented by NCRTC to connect key urban nodes across
the National Capital Region (NCR).
• It is a joint venture company of the Union government and Delhi, Haryana,
Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
• The NCRTC will commission the entire Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor by 2025.
Mission, Portals And Initiatives

3rd INTERPOL Young Global Police Leaders Programme (YGPLP) held in New Delhi
• from 25 January to 2 February 2023 in New Delhi, India.
• Theme - Building trust in an age of disinformation and deepfakes
• It was virtually addressed by INTERPOL Secretary General, Jurgen Stock
• The major objective of this program is to build trust among the public-police as well as international police
forces.
• It is being organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• CBI Director: Subodh Kumar Jaiswal
International Criminal Police Organisation/Interpol

• established in 1923 with the aim of facilitating criminal investigation across the world.
• Interpol consists of 195 countries including India.
• Headquarters – Lyon, France
• Chairman – Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India is the associate agency of Interpol.
One Sun, One World, One Grid Initiative:

• A day-long conference on “Transnational Grid Interconnections for One Sun, One
World, One Grid (OSOWOG)” was recently held in New Delhi.
• The idea for the OSOWOG initiative was put forth by the Prime Minister of India,
at the First Assembly of the
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International Solar Alliance (ISA) in October 2018.

• The initiative aims at connecting energy supply across borders.
• It aims to connect different regional grids through a common grid that will be used to transfer renewable
energy power and, thus, realise the potential of renewable energy sources, especially solar energy.
• The project is being spearheaded by the governments of India and the UK in partnership with the
International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the World Bank Group.
When will it be completed?
• The grid is expected to be set up over the next few years by the ISA. Once operational, it will transport solar
power to different countries.
International Solar Alliance (ISA):
• The ISA is an intergovernmental organisation that was launched in 2015 by the Prime Minister of India and
the President of France at the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal launched ‘SAGAR SAMRIDDHI’ –
the online dredging monitoring system.
• To bring transparency & efficiency in the dredging process & to minimise human error
• Online Dredging Monitoring System is aimed at accelerating ‘Waste to Wealth’ campaign of MoPSW
(Dredging - to clear the mud, etc. from the bottom of a river, canal, etc. using a special machine)
Capabilities of ‘Sagar Samriddhi’ include:
1. Real time dredging progress report
2. Daily and monthly progress Visualisation
3. Dredger performance and downtime monitoring
4. Easy location track data with snapshot of loading, unloading and idle
time
AGNI – ‘Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative’

• Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ministry of Ayush launched the
Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative (AGNI) for physicians practicing in the field of Ayurveda in New Delhi.
• The initiative aims to promote research for mainstreaming pragmatic Ayurveda practices through scientific
validation and evidence-based appraisal.
Cabinet Approves MSP for Rabi Crops for 2024-25 Season

• Government has approved Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for six Rabi
Crops for Marketing Season 2024-25
• Highest increase of 425 rupees per quintal has been approved for lentil
(masur) followed by increase of 200 rupees per quintal each for
rapeseed and mustard.
S.No Crops MSP RMS MSP RMS Cost* of production Increase in Margin over
2023-24 2024-25 RMS 2024-25 MSP (Absolute) cost (in %)
1 Wheat 2125 2275 1128 150 102
2 Barley 1735 1850 1158 115 60
3 Gram 5335 5440 3400 105 60

4 Lentil (Masur) 6000 6425 3405 425 89
5 Rapeseed & 5450 5650 2855 200 98
Mustard
6 Safflower 5650 5800 3807 150 52
• The Government is actively promoting crop diversification, particularly in oilseeds, pulses, and millet (Shree
anna), with the objectives of enhancing food security, increasing farmers’ income, and reducing the reliance
on imports.
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• MSP is a price fixed by the Government of India to protect the producers – farmers – against excessive falls
in price during bumper production years
• The MSPs are announced by the Government of India at the beginning of the sowing season for certain
crops.
• The MSP is announced for 23 crops, including wheat, rice, pulses, oilseeds, and cotton.
• The government procures these crops at the MSP from farmers through the Food Corporation of India (FCI)
and other agencies.
CCEA approves MSP for Raw Jute at 5,050 rupees per quintal for 2023-24
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Minimum
Support Price (MSP) for Raw Jute at 5,050 rupees per quintal for 2023-24.
• The approval is based on the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
recommendations.
What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)?
• MSP is the rate at which the government buys food grains from farmers.
• This is based on the calculation of at least one and a half times the cost of production incurred by the
farmers.
• The Government of India fixes the MSP for 24 items twice a year.
• When the market price falls below the declared MSP, the government buys food grains from the farmers at
the MSP rate.
Who decides MSP?
• The MSP price is calculated by an expert committee under the ministry of Agriculture.
• The expert committee is called CACP (Commission for Agricultural Costs and Price).
• It recommends the MSP to the Agricultural ministry and the ministry announces the MSP.
• However the Agricultural Ministry is not bound to accept the recommendation of the CACP.
Dharmendra Pradhan and S. Jaishankar launched Study in India Portal

• Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and External Affairs Minister
S. Jaishankar jointly launched Study in India (SII) Portal in New Delhi to
simplify international students academic journey in India
• Aim: To provide comprehensive information about Indian Higher
Education Institutions and to provide an integrated one-stop solution
for the student registration and visa application process
• It will present information about the academic facilities, research
support
One Nation One Student ID Card – APAAR ID

• The Ministry of Education and Government of India has initiated the APAAR ID, known as the "One Nation
One Student ID Card.“
• APAAR ID, is a significant step towards a more organized and accessible academic experience for students in
India.
• Aims to digitally centralize academic data, including degrees, scholarships, rewards, and other student
credits
• Each student is assigned a distinctive 12-digit APAAR number through this card.
• Smooth Transfers: For students transferring from one
school to another, obtaining admission in any part of the
country becomes more straightforward. It will reduce the
hassles associated with administrative processes.
• Digital Record Keeping: Students can digitally store their
exam results, learning outcomes, and co-curricular
achievements, such as rankings in Olympiads or
specialized skill training.
• The government will seek consent from parents before
creating an APAAR ID for their child. Parents can also
withdraw their consent at any time.
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• Teachers will also update students’ blood group, height, and weight, as this information will be used to
create the APAAR ID.
• The government has assured that student data will remain confidential and will only be shared with
government agencies when necessary.
Centre launched ULLAS mobile application to promote basic literacy

• Launched by Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan
• ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) mobile application
was launched
• Slogan - "Jan Jan Sakshar,"
• This app will serve as a digital gateway through the DIKSHA portal of NCERT
• ULLAS will focus on promoting functional literacy, vocational skills and many important life skills like financial
literacy, legal literacy, digital literacy and empowerment of citizens to involve in nation-building of the
country.
Education Ministry launches SATHEE Platform

• Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the SATHEE platform. It is a collaborative effort of
UGC, the Ministry of Education, and IIT Kanpur.
• SATHEE (Self Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Exams)
• It will have preparation materials for students in English, Hindi, and in 12 regional languages of India so that
students can prepare for exams like JEE and NEET for free
Govt To Invest ₹30,000 Crore To Expand Crop Insurance Portal Coverage

• The government plans to earmark ₹30,000 crore to expand the Pradhan
Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) portal into a comprehensive platform that
will extend insurance coverage beyond crops to include assets such as ponds,
tractors, livestock, and palm trees
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a crop insurance scheme
launched in 2016 to provide financial support and risk coverage to farmers against crop losses due to natural
calamities, pests, and diseases.
Agriculture Minister launched SATHI Portal & Mobile App

• Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar launched the SATHI Portal and Mobile
App to deal with the challenges of seed production, quality seed identification, and
seed certification.
• SATHI refers to Seed Traceability, Authentication, and Holistic Inventory.
• It has been developed on the theme of Uttam Beej - Samriddh Kisan.
‘SMART’ program launched for Ayurveda professionals

• The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Central Council for Research in
Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) have launched ‘SMART’ program.
• 'SMART' refers to ‘Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching Professionals’.
• Aim: To boost scientific research in priority healthcare research areas through Ayurveda colleges and
hospitals.
• The program was launched by Vaidya Jayant Deopujari (Chairman, NCISM) and Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya
(DG, CCRAS).
‘Bharat’ Atta (Wheat Flour) : New Initiative

• The Indian government has launched the sale of ‘Bharat’ brand Atta (wheat flour)
with a maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs 27.50 per kilogram which is lower than
the national average price of Rs 35.93 per kg.
• ‘Bharat’ Atta will be available through various outlets, including Kendriya
Bhandar, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited
(NAFED), and National Cooperative Consumer Federation (NCCF), ensuring its
accessibility to a broader consumer base.
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Govt launches sale of subsidised chana dal under brand name 'Bharat Dal’
• Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal has launched the sale of subsidized
Chana Dal under the brand name ‘Bharat Dal’ at the rate of 60 rupees/Kg
• Aim: To make pulses available to consumers at affordable prices
• Chana dal is being sold in Delhi-NCR through the retail outlets of National
Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED).
• Chana has multiple nutritional health benefits as it is rich in fibre, iron, potassium, vitamin B, selenium beta
carotene which are required by human body for controlling anaemia, blood sugar, bone health etc. and even
for mental health.
Arogya Manthan 2023

• The National Health Authority (NHA), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(MoHFW) is organising ‘Arogya Manthan’ celebrated five years of Ayushman
Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and two years of
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
• The two-day event (25th and 26th September ‘23) at Vigyan Bhawan, New
Delhi
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, launched on 23rd September 2018, registered 5.5 Cr
free hospitalizations worth Rs. 69,000 Cr
• The ABDM, launched on 27th September 2021, is a very ambitious scheme of government aimed at creating
a digital highway connecting different stakeholders of healthcare ecosystems.
• NHA acknowledged the best-performing States & Union Territories and health facilities during the event.
• Kerala has received the ‘Arogya Manthan 2023’ award for the third consecutive time for providing free
medical treatment to the highest number of individuals in the country
• In terms of highest number of treatments, the awards were won by Kerala, Meghalaya, and Puducherry in
the category of large state, small state, and Union Territory respectively.
• In Gender Equity in Service Delivery, the awards were won by Karnataka, Meghalaya, and Jammu and
Kashmir in the category of large state, small state, and Union Territory respectively.
PM Modi launches National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

• PM Narendra Modi launched the Mission in the Shahdol district of
Madhya Pradesh.
• Aim: To eradicate anemia by 2047
• Sickle cell genetic status cards were distributed at the event. People
should match Sickle Cell Genetic Status Cards before marriage, so that
the disease is not transferred to the next generation
• Mission targets screening approximately 7.0 crore people under 40 years of age in the next 3 years
• The mission would be implemented in 278 districts of 17 states in India (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan,
MP, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, WB, Odisha, TN, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, UP, Kerala,
Bihar, and UK).
Union Health Ministry launched SAKSHAM, a learning management information system

• Rajesh Bhushan (Union Health Secretary) has launched the Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for
Sustainable Health Management (SAKSHAM).
• It is a Learning Management Information System (LMIS) of MoHFW.
• Developed by: National Institute of Health & Family Welfare (NIHFW), New Delhi
• SAKSHAM is a dedicated and unified platform for providing online training and medical education to all
health professionals in the country.
What is the Gobardhan portal?

• The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation has introduced a Unified Registration Portal for
GOBARdhan to streamline the registration of Compressed Bio-Gas and biogas plants nationwide.
• Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan is a crucial umbrella initiative of the Government of India.
• The government launched the Gobardhan scheme in 2018 as a national priority project under the Swachh
Bharat Mission Grameen-Phase II program.
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• Aim: To generate wealth and energy by converting cattle dung, agricultural residue, and other organic waste
into Biogas, CBG and bio-fertilizers.
• Nodal Ministry: The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Union Minister For Jal Shakti launched portal for GOBARdhan

• Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has launched the Unified Registration Portal for
GOBARdhan.
• Aim: One-stop repository to assess investment and participation in the Biogas/CBG sector at the pan India
level and streamline the process of setting up CBG/Biogas plants
• GOBARdhan refers to Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan.
• To generate wealth and energy by converting cattle dung, agricultural residue, and other organic waste into
Biogas, CBG and bio-fertilizers.
• The government launched the Gobardhan scheme in 2018 as a national priority project under the Swachh
Bharat Mission Grameen-Phase II program.
• Nodal Ministry: Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Namami Gange Mission-II approved with a budgetary outlay of ₹22,500 cr

• The government has approved Namami Gange Mission-II with a budgetary outlay
of Rs.22,500 crore till 2026.
• The Government has released a total of Rs.14,084.72 crore to the NMCG, from
2014-15 till 31st January 2023.
• Out of which, NMCG has released Rs.13,607.18 crore to State Governments to
implement Ganga-related projects.
POSHAN BHI PADHAI BHI

• Union Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched a program named
“Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” for strengthening Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
• ECCE is an important component of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
(Mission Poshan 2.0) and is envisaged under the National Education Policy.
• The aim of the program is to:
• Transform Anganwadi centres into not just nutrition hubs but also education-imparting centers and
• Make these Anganwadi centres a space for pre-school learning and holistic development with special focus
on children aged 3 to 6 to make them school ready for grade 1.
• Nodal Training Institute: The National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) will
provide training for Anganwadi workers.
• The ECCE program will prioritize education in the mother tongue, aligning with the principles of the New
Education Policy.
• Under the program, every child would be provided with at least two hours of high-quality preschool
instruction daily.
• Funding: The Ministry has allocated Rs 600 crore for the training of Anganwadi Workers (AWW) to effectively
implement ECCE.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

• The Gir indigenous cow breed is being promoted under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
• Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been implemented for the development and conservation
of indigenous bovine (an animal of the cattle group) breeds since December 2014.
• It is continued under the umbrella scheme Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana from
2021 to 2026.
• Objectives:
• To enhance the productivity of bovines and increase milk production in a sustainable
manner using advanced technologies.
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Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI) launched on 14th April 2023

• Launched by Union Minister of Fisheries, Parshottam Rupala
• He also launched the World Bank-funded Animal Health System Support for
One Health (AHSSOH) project.
• Aim: To create an ecosystem for a better animal health management system
using the One Health approach
• It will be implemented over five-years as a Central sector scheme with a
financial provision of Rs. 1228.70 Cr.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched the NAPDDR

• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched the National Action Plan for Drug Demand
Reduction.
• Objective: To reach out to the masses and spread awareness about substance use
with a focus on higher educational Institutions, university campuses & schools
• Reaching out & identifying dependent populations, focusing on counseling &
treatment facilities in hospitals, and Capacity building programs for service
providers.
A-HELP Programme
• The Union Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala,
• inaugurated the ‘A-HELP’ (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme
in Gujarat.
• A-HELP programme is part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, fostering livestock enhancement.
• Focuses on critical areas of livestock health, disease management, and animal infertility.
• The ‘A-HELP’ programme enlists trained women agents for disease control, artificial insemination, animal
tagging, and livestock insurance.
Monitoring App for Seamless Inspection-MASI

• Minister of Women and Child Development informed the Rajya Sabha about
MASI Portal.
• Monitoring App for Seamless Inspection (MASI) was developed for synchronous
monitoring of the Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and their inspection
mechanisms across the country.
• The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has developed
this application.
• The effective and efficient functioning of the mechanism for inspection of CCIs provided under the Juvenile
Justice Act, 2015 (as amended in 2021).
• The app is linked to the monitoring Portal where the automatic reports are generated.
• National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
• It is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, the Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(CPCR) Act, 2005.
• It works under the aegis of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Members:
• A chairperson who, is a person of eminence and has done outstanding work for promoting the welfare of
children.
• Six members were appointed by the Central Government out of which at least two are women, who are
having experience in Education, Child Health, Juvenile justice Elimination of child labour, Child psychology or
sociology Laws relating to children.
• The members are appointed by the Central Government for a term of 3 years.
Cabinet approves “Vibrant Villages Programme”

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Centrally Sponsored
Scheme “Vibrant Villages Programme” for the Financial Years
2022-23 to 2025-26 with a financial allocation of Rs. 4800 Crore.
• The scheme will provide funds for the development of essential
infrastructure and the creation of livelihood opportunities.
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• In the first phase, 663 Villages will be taken up in the program.

• Aim: To improve the quality of life of people living in identified border villages.
Que: Which union minister announced schemes worth over Rs 8,000 crore for disaster management?
Ans: Amit Shah
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced 3 major disaster management schemes worth Rs 8,000 crore
that would cover:
• modernisation of fire brigade services in all states (Rs 5,000 crore )
• flood mitigation in seven major cities (Rs 2,500 crore)
• prevention of landslides in 17 states (Rs 825 crore).
• Flood mitigation in seven major cities (Rs 2,500 crore) – Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad,
Hyderabad and Pune
Amit Shah launches Vibrant Village program at Kibithu border village in Arunachal Pradesh
• Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on 10 April launched the 'Vibrant Villages
Programme' at Kibithu, a border village in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Under the programme, 2967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts along the northern border in the states of
Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory
of Ladakh were identified for comprehensive development.
Govt plans 10 'Clean Plant Centres' to boost fruit crop production

• The Program will be launched for fruit crops like apple, walnut,
almond, avocado, mango, pomegranate, among others, with an
outlay of 2,200 crores (in the next 7 years till 2030)
• to boost availability of disease-free, quality planting material for high value horticultural crops.
• The centres will be fully funded by the Centre. It will be implemented in a PPP
mode in partnership as announced by FM Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union
Budget 2023-24.
• These centres will be established for fruit crops with a budget of Rs 2,200 crore
in the next seven years till 2030.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh initiates ‘Captive Employment’ initiative

• ‘Captive Employment’ initiative under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), will pave the
way for greater industry participation in skilling rural poor youth
• Captive employers will train Rural Poor Youth and provide employment to trained youth in their company or
subsidiary.
• 19 Captive Employers signed MoU with Ministry of Rural Development for training and placing more than
31,000 rural youth
• The selected CAPTIVE EMPLOYERS will be providing training to rural poor youth in their respective industries,
namely, hospitality, apparel & textiles, manufacturing, IT/ITeS, telecom, retail, Power etc.
• Shri Giriraj Singh emphasised that the Captive Employer scheme will bridge the gap between job seeker and
job provider.
Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Giriraj Singh inaugurates Mission Antyodaya Survey 2022-
23
• The Department of Rural Development has been conducting the Mission Antyodaya Survey across all Gram
Panchayats in the country since 2017-18.
• The purpose of this survey is to transform lives and livelihoods of people to measurable outcomes through
convergence of various schemes.
• The Survey-2022 Questionnaire has 183 indicators and 216 data points covering 21 areas and has been
translated in 13 regional languages
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CITIIS 2.0 Program:

• Union Cabinet chaired by Indian Prime Minister has approved the
City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0)
programme.
• CITIIS 2.0 is a program conceived by the Ministry of Housing and
Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in partnership with the French
Development Agency (AFD), KfW Development Bank, the European
Union (EU), and National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).
• The program will run for four years, from 2023 to 2027.
• The program envisages supporting competitively selected projects
promoting a circular economy with a focus on integrated waste
management at the city level, climate-oriented reform actions at
the State level, and institutional strengthening and knowledge
dissemination at the National level.
Que:Prime Minster Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi)

Scheme has recently successfully completed how many years?
Ans: 3 Years
• The scheme was launched in June 2020.
• It is a Special Micro-Credit Facility launched by Ministry of Housing and
Urban Affairs, for providing affordable loans to street vendors.
• AAINA Dashboard For Cities:

• The ‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal has been made live by Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• It would serve as a tool for comparing similarly placed Urban Local Bodies
(ULBs ) and promoting peer learning amongst ULBs.
• Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the country can participate in this
pioneering initiative to voluntarily submit their key data on a regular basis
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Govt doubles income slab for EWS under PMAY

• The Centre has recently made a significant change to the income
criteria for individuals falling under the Economically Weaker
Section (EWS) category in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–
Urban (PMAY-U) in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
• The income threshold has been raised from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 6
lakh, aiming to expand eligibility and accessibility to affordable
housing.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) falls under the
Government’s mission - Housing for All, being implemented by
the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• It makes home loans affordable for the urban poor by providing
a subsidy on the Interest Rate of a home loan during repayment
by way of EMI (Equated Monthly Installments).
• It was launched on 25th June 2015
Smart Cities Mission Extended

• The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has extended
the deadline of its Smart Cities Mission to June 2024, giving
all 100 smart cities more time to complete their projects.
• The Smart Cities Mission, which began in 2015, chose 100
cities through a competitive process between January 2016
and June 2018.
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• Originally, the mission was supposed to be completed by June 2023. However, 50 out of the 100 cities have
completed 75% of the projects and should be able to finish the remaining work by June.
• Funds and Budget
• A total of Rs 71,000 crore has been released to the cities, of which Rs 38,000 crore is from the Centre, and
the remaining from states and urban local bodies.
NHAI Launched ‘Rajmargyatra’ Unified Mobile App for National Highway Users
• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
• Aim: To create a seamless, user-friendly experience for highway users
• It provides real-time weather updates, timely broadcast notifications and details about nearby toll plazas,
petrol stations and hospitals
• The ‘Rajmargyatra’ app also integrates FASTag services, making it even more versatile for users.
• FASTags are essential for electronic toll collection, and the app allows users to recharge their FASTags
seamlessly.
‘Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research’ (MAHIR) to be launched

• Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
joined hands to launch a National Mission titled “Mission on Advanced and
High-Impact Research (MAHIR)”.
• Aim: To quickly identify emerging technologies in the power sector and
develop them indigenously, at scale, for deployment within and outside India
• Funded by: Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and
CPSEs under the two Ministries
• Tenure: Five years, 2023-24 to 2027-28
Union Government approves National Green Hydrogen Mission

• with an initial outlay of 19,744 crore rupees.
• Aim: To make India a Global Hub for production, utilisation and export of
Green Hydrogen.
• Main Objective of the National Green Hydrogen Mission
• The aim of the National Hydrogen Mission is to enable India to meet its
climate change target of net zero carbon emission by 2070 and make
India a production and export hub of hydrogen fuel.
• Achieve the capacity to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen per
year by 2030 ,
• Capacity addition of 125 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
• Reduction in carbon dioxide emission of nearly 50 Million Metric Tonne
per annum by 2030.
• Reduction in fossil fuel imports worth Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030.
• To attract investment over Rs.8 lakh crore in the sector.
• Target of creation of over 6 lakh jobs in the sector by 2030.
Union Cabinet launches ₹6,000-crore National Quantum Mission

• Aim - to strengthen India’s research and development in the quantum
arena alongside indigenously building quantum-based (physical qubit)
computers.
• The mission will work on developing quantum supercomputers and
establishing secure quantum communications with other nations.
• The National Quantum Mission has been launched for a eight-year
period, 2023 – 2031. The total budget allocated to the mission is
₹6,003.65 crore.
• Till date only six other nations are doing research and development in
quantum technologies.
• They are the US, Canada, China, Austria, Finland and Scotland.
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Union Tourism minister launches Visit India Year 2023 initiative and its logo
• Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy launched the Visit India Year-2023.
• He also unveiled the logo of the campaign which is inspired by the image of 'Namaste'.
• It imbibes the philosophy of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' along with the heritage of India to the
art of cooking divine food and our rich wildlife.
• The emblem depicts elements of India's heritage and its monuments.
Government launched three initiatives for farmers

• Centre launches three game-changing initiatives for farmers focusing on agri-credit and crop insurance
• It includes the Kisan Rin Portal, Door-to-door KCC Campaign, and Weather Information Network Data
Systems (WINDS) Manual.
• These initiatives will be launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister of Agriculture
& Farmers’ Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar.
• The Kisan Rin Portal (KRP) is poised to revolutionize access to credit services under the Kisan Credit Card
(KCC).
• This digital platform offers a comprehensive view of farmer data, loan disbursement specifics, interest
subvention claims, and efficient agriculture credit.
• The Ghar Ghar Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Abhiyaan is an ambitious campaign to extend the benefits of the
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme to every farmer across India. This campaign aims to achieve universal
financial inclusion, ensuring that every farmer has unhindered access to credit facilities.
• The Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) initiative is an instrumental innovation, that
leverages advanced weather data analytics to provide stakeholders with actionable insights on weather.
Kisan Credit Cards

• The scheme was introduced in 1998 for providing adequate and timely credit support from the banking
system, under a single window with flexible and simplified procedure to the farmers for their cultivation and
other needs like purchase of agriculture inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc.
PM To Launch ‘Sankalp Saptah’ On 30th September

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a unique week-long programme
for Aspirational Blocks in New Delhi
• The programme has been named as Sankalp Saptaah. It is linked to the
effective implementation of the Aspirational Blocks Programme which is
aimed at improving governance at the block level to enhance the quality of
life of citizens.
• ‘Sankalp Saptaah’ to be observed in all 500 Aspirational Blocks of 329 Districts across the country.
• Each day in ‘Sankalp Saptaah’ is dedicated to a specific development theme on which all Aspirational Blocks
will work.
India’s Proposed Global Initiative ‘MIIRA’ to Promote Millets

• MIIRA - ‘Millet International Initiative for Research and Awareness’.
• MIIRA will aim to connect millet research organisations across the
world. It is in line with the UN declaring 2023 as the International Year
of Millets
• India has introduced a draft to launch a global initiative to encourage
the consumption and production of millet
• Jowar is the most widely grown millet crop; its major producers are the
US, China, Australia, India, Argentina, Nigeria, and Sudan.
• Millets - jowar, bajra, ragi/ mandua, some minor millets such as
kangani/ kakun, chena
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has described millets as “Shree
Anna”
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Ministry of Education launched "Yuva Sangam Portal“

• “Yuva Sangam Portal” launched at Indira Gandhi Kala Kendra, Delhi by Education
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
• The Ministry of Education has launched a pilot project with the Yuva Sangam portal
under Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat.
• Under the project, 1000 youth in the age group of 18 to 30 years (300 from North
East, 700 from other states) will be sent to youth exchange programs in the North
East and other states of the country.
• Through Yuva Sangam, the youth of the North East will get an opportunity to know the tradition, culture,
tourist places, food, language and diversity of the eight states of the country and the youth of other states of
the country.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat:

• Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the year 2015 on the
occasion of Sardar Vallabh Patel's 140th birth anniversary and was launched by the Finance Minister in the
budget for the financial year 2016-17.
• It is an initiative of the Ministry of Education.
“U-WIN” platform launched to keep digital records of immunization of women and children in
the country
• Launched by Union Health Ministry
• As a pilot project in two districts of each state and union territory of the country.
• Every pregnant woman will be registered on this digital platform and records of her
vaccination will be maintained. Later a record will be kept of their offspring and their
vaccinations at the time of birth and later.
• The platform is based on Co-WIN, the government's digital infrastructure in India's fight against COVID-19.
• Vaccination appointments can also be booked through U-Win.
• With this, once the entire vaccination program is digitised, the beneficiaries will get the certificates
immediately and they can also download them if they want. These certificates will be kept in Digi-Lockers.
ATMAN (Agri sTartup deMo And fuNding) 2023 program

• ATMAN was organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in
collaboration with four Technology Innovation Hubs.
• In the ATMAN 2023 program, experts have suggested supporting 24 start-ups
with technical and financial aid from a specialized fund of Rs 20 crore, aiming
to enhance the agri-tech sector.
MEA launches 'mPassport Police App'

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched the 'mPassport Police App' to
streamline and expedite the police verification process for passport issuance.
• The App was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah
• The mPassport Police App will cut the verification time period to 5 days.
Income tax dept launches mobile app AIS for Taxpayers

• Aim: To facilitate the taxpayers to view their information as available in the Annual
Information Statement (AIS) and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS)
• In the app, taxpayers can view various information related to TDS, interest, share
transactions, tax payments, Income Tax refunds, and GST Data among others.
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Dugdh Sankalan Sathi Mobile App

• Union Minister of Heavy Industries Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey unveiled the
"Dugdh Sanakalan Sathi Mobile App" at Mussorie, Uttarakhand.
• This innovative application has been developed by Rajasthan Electronics &
Instruments Limited (REIL), located in Jaipur.
• REIL is a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Heavy Industries
and holds "Mini Ratna" status.
Objective of the App
• Main aim is to enhance milk quality, promote transparency among stakeholders, and streamline operations
at the village level, particularly within Milk Cooperative Societies.
• Online monitoring of daily milk kept in milk cooperatives
• Real-time milk price updates from cloud servers, ensuring transparency and eliminating human errors
• Direct transfer of milk payment and government subsidy to the bank accounts of beneficiary milk
producers through the app
• Notifications in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu and other languages on milk producers' app for milk
collection
Center launches 'Dakshta' course suite on iGOT platform for young professionals
• The Central Government has introduced a new collection of courses called
"Dakshata" on the iGOT Karmayogi platform.
• "Dakshta" (Development of Attitude, Knowledge, Skills for Holistic Change in
Administration) aims at enhancing the skills of young professionals.
• iGOT Karmayogi is an online portal to guide government officials in their capacity
building journey.
Minister Parshottam Rupala launched the ‘Report Fish Disease’ App

• Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala has launched the ‘Report
Fish Disease’ App.
• The app has been developed under the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases
(NSPAAD).
• It is funded under Pradhan Mantri Matsya SampadaYojana (which was launched on10th September 2020)
• This will connect the farmers directly to district fisheries officers and scientists for technical assistance and
guidance regarding fish diseases and get instant expert advice and solutions to their problem.
CDB Launches ‘Hello Naariyal’ Call Centre

• Recently, the Coconut Development Board (CDB) launched the ‘Hello
Naariyal’ Friends of Coconut Trees (FoCT) call centre facility to help
farmers with coconut harvesting and plant management operations.
• It is a call centre in Kerala that functions from the headquarters of the
Board in Kochi.
• The services will be available at block and gram panchayat levels in respective districts for carrying out
activities related to coconut cultivation, including coconut tree climbing, plant protection, harvesting, seed
nut procurement, and nursery management.
Coconut Development Board:

• It is a statutory body established by the Government of India. The board came into existence on January 12,
1981.
• It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare,
• Headquarters: Kochi in Kerala
• It has regional offices in Bangalore in Karnataka, Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Guwahati in Assam, and Patna in
Bihar.
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Apna Chandrayaan Web Portal:

• The Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan,
unveiled a web portal named ‘Apna Chandrayaan.’
• Developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) under the Department of
School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education
• Aims to provide activity-based support materials related to Mission Chandrayaan-3.

• The web portal offers a variety of engaging activities for students, including coloring books, online quizzes,
jigsaw puzzles, picture builders, and graphic novels that tell inspiring stories about Chandrayaan 3.
• NCERT is an autonomous organization established in 1961 by the Government of India
• On July 14 2023, ISRO launched Chandrayaan-3 from Sriharikota using a GSLV-Mark III (LVM-3) heavy-lift
rocket.
• On July 22, 2019, ISRO launched Chandrayaan-2 from Satish Dhawan Space Center on Sriharikota Island,
Andhra Pradesh, using Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV-Mark III).
• ISRO's Chandrayaan-I was launched on October 22, 2008, using a PSLV-C11 launch vehicle from the Satish
Dhawan Space Center on Sriharikota island, Andhra Pradesh.
NEST initiative
• Recently, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) launched a rating and certification initiative called ‘Nest’.
• NEST initiative is to promote sustainable and eco-friendly construction in the domestic housing sector.
• It would pave the way to help bring down electricity consumption and water usage and create a healthy
living space.
Indian Green Building Council:
• It is part of the Confederation of Indian Industry(CII) and was formed in 2001.
• It is India’s Premier certification body.
• Headquarters: Hyderabad.
Know Your Candidate Mobile App

• The Election Commission of India has a dedicated mobile application called
Know your Candidate (KYC) to inform the status of Criminal history or record
of candidates.
• It contains information published by candidates.
• The mobile application ‘KYC-ECI’
India Launches UPAg: A Revolutionary Unified Portal For Agricultural Statistics

• Member of NITI Aayog, Professor Ramesh Chand launches Unified Portal www.upag.gov.in for Agricultural
Statistics
• Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg), an online platform for management of agricultural data.
• The UPAg, developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare (DA & FW)
• The platform is designed to generate crop estimates and integrate with other systems generating agriculture
statistics such as price, trade, procurement, stock
• It aims to provide real-time, standardised, and verified data on agricultural commodities, facilitating data-
driven decision-making for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Launches The Malaviya Mission

• Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launches the Malaviya Mission - Teachers Training Programme by University
Grants Commission
• He also announced the renaming of Human Resource Development Centres (HRDCs) as
Madan Mohan Malaviya Teachers’ Training Centre.
• The Malaviya Mission plans to establish 111 centers across India to ensure comprehensive
coverage.
• The program’s reach is extensive, with the goal of building the capacities of 15 lakh
teachers in higher educational institutions.
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Nitin Gadkari launches the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme

• Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari launches the Bharat New Car
Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) to improve road safety through
raising the safety standards of motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes in India.
• Car manufacturers have the option of voluntarily submitting their
vehicles for testing as per the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197.
• The test results will determine star ratings in two categories: Adult Occupant (AOP) and Child Occupant
(COP).
• Potential car buyers can refer to these star ratings to measure and compare the safety standards of different
vehicles.
NIDHI Program:
• In News: The union Minister of State Science & Technology informed the Rajya
Sabha about the NIDHI Program.
• National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing innovations (NIDHI) program
was launched in 2016.
• It is an umbrella programme conceived and developed by the Innovation &
Entrepreneurship division, Department of Science & Technology.
• Aim is to nurture start-ups through scouting, supporting and scaling innovations.
• Various departments and ministries of the central government, state
governments, academic and R & D institutions, mentors, financial institutions,
angel investors, venture capitalists and private sectors.
• Funding: By the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB).
• NIDHI- PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups) program at Proof-
of-Concept level provides mentoring and financial support to innovator for converting their ideas into
prototypes.
• NIDHI Entrepreneurs-In-Residence (EIR) Program provides fellowships to the students opting for
entrepreneurship.
• NIDHI Seed Support Program provisions availability of early-stage seed support funding to startups and the
NIDHI Accelerator program speeds up the investment readiness of the startups.
National and International events

Bharat Tex 2024
• Union Minister of Textiles, Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food &
Public Distribution Shri Piyush Goyal lauded industry bodies of the textile sector
for their initiative in organising Bharat Tex 2024– the world’s biggest ever
textiles event in the world.
• It is envisaged with exhibitors and buyers from over 40 countries.
• Bharat Tex 2024 would be a comprehensive showcase of the entire textile
industry value chain, from India’s rich cultural heritage and textile traditions to
the latest technological innovations.
• Bharat Tex 2024 represents India’s 5F vision, encompassing Farm to Fibre to
Factory to Fashion to Foreign.
• Union Minister Piyush Goyal launches website of “Kasturi Cotton Bharat”
• The Kasturi Cotton Bharat is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Textiles, the Cotton Corporation of India
Ministry of Tourism organised six - day mega event “Bharat Parv”

• at the Lawns and Gyan Path in front of Red Fort, Delhi from 26 to 31 January, 2023, as part of the Republic
Day Celebrations.
• Nodal Ministry for the event - Ministry of Tourism
• The event included display of the best Republic Day parade tableaux at the venue, cultural performances by
States/Uts, an All India Food Court and an All India Crafts Bazaar
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• A total of 23 tableaux – 17 from states and Union territories and six from various ministries and departments
– depicting India's vibrant cultural heritage, and economic and social progress were part of the parade on
the Kartavya Path.
• Bharat Parv was earlier held in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 and 2021 (virtually)
97th India International Science Festival To Be Held In Faridabad In January 2024

• At the Campus of Translational Health Science and Technology Institute
(THSTI) and the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) in Faridabad, Haryana
from 17th January to 20th January 2024.
G20 Film Festival begins in New Delhi

• Veteran actor Victor Banerjee and Amitabh Kant (India's G20 Sherpa) have
inaugurated the G20 Film Festival in New Delhi.
• Aims: To celebrate and showcase a vibrant and collaborative partnership
existing amongst the G20 and invited countries in the field of cinema.
• It is organized by the India International Centre and the G20 Secretariat of
the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Satyajit Ray's "Pather Panchali '' will be the opening film.
Malayalam film ‘2018-Everyone is a Hero’ selected as India’s official entry for Oscars 2024
• As a reflection of the big picture of drawbacks of climate change, Malayalam movie,
2018, based on Kerala floods, is selected as India's official entry to the Academy Awards
2024
• Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph and revolves around the story of survival of people during the devastating
floods in the state.
Kiren Rijiju launched the trailer of the first Tagine language film
• The trailer of 'Love in 90s', the first film made in Tagin language of
Arunachal Pradesh, was launched by Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren
Rijiju on 6th May in New Delhi.
• The film is directed by Tapen Natam
• About Tagine Community
• The Tagin or Ghasi Miri tribe is one of the major tribe of Arunachal
Pradesh, which is a member of the larger designation of Tani Tribes, the
descendants of Abu Tani.
• The most important festival of the Tagins is the Si-Donyi Festival, involves the veneration of the earth (si) and
the sun (donyi). It is celebrated as New Year
Border Haat between India and Bangladesh inaugurated at Bholaganj in Sylhet

• The opening of the border haat at Bholaganj on the border between
Sylhet in Bangladesh and the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya was greeted
with great enthusiasm by people on both sides of the border.
• This is the fourth border haat in Sylhet division, out of which three are
currently functioning. There are plans to open three more border haats
in Sylhet division.
• The Bholaganj Border Haat will have 26 stalls from India and 24 stalls from Bangladesh, where traditional
items from both the countries will be sold duty free.
• The first border haats were inaugurated in 2011 at Kalaichar in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya and
Kurigram in Bangladesh.
5th Poshan Pakhwada celebrations begins

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development organized the fifth Poshan
Pakhwada from 20th March to 3rd April 2023 with various activities
nationwide.
• Theme 2023: "Nutrition for All: Together Towards a Healthy India“
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• Aim: To raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and promote healthy eating habits through Jan
Andolan and Jan Bhagidari
• Poshan Abhiyaan was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 8th March 2018 to improve nutritional outcomes
in a holistic manner.
PM Modi inaugurated National Aadi Mahotsav on Feb 16 in New Delhi

• This 15-day festival was organised at the Major Dhyan Chand National
Stadium in New Delhi.
• The Theme of the event “A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Crafts,
Culture, Cuisine and Commerce”.
About Aadi Mahotsav
• It is a national tribal festival and a joint initiative of the Union Ministry of
Tribal Affairs and the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
• It was started in the year 2017.
• The main objective of this festival is to acquaint people with the rich and diverse crafts and culture of tribal
communities at one place.
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED)

• It came into existence in 1987.
• TRIFED is a national-level organisation functioning under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of
Tribal Affairs.
• Its Head Office is located in New Delhi and has a network of 13 Regional Offices.
• It aims at socio-economic development of tribal people in the country through marketing development of
tribal products.
Film ‘Toolsidas Junior’ screened at SCO Film Festival 2023

• National Award-winning movie “Toolsidas Junior” screened at
the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Film Festival in the
Children Focus Section.
• The festival took place from January 27 to January 31 in Mumbai.
• ‘Toolsidas Junior’ won two National Awards at 68th National Film
Awards 2020 - Best Hindi Film and Special Mention in Child Actor
Category for the leading child actor Varun Buddhadev.
• The film was produced by Ashutosh Gowariker, Sunita Gowariker, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar, and
directed and written by Mridul Toolsidass.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

• Headquarters – Beijing, China
• Secretary General – Zhang Ming (China)
• Member Countries – 9 (Iran, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan & Uzbekistan)
• SCO Summit 2021 – Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
• SCO Summit 2022 – Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
• SCO Summit to be hosted by the Indian side in 2023
• The founding members (5) of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) were China, Russia, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan.
• India and Pakistan officially joined this organization in 2017
Que: In how many districts was Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela,
PMNAM conducted?
Ans:242
• Several local businesses, companies, and organisations were invited to
be part of the mela and provide apprenticeship opportunities to India’s
youth.
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• For candidates who are Class five to Class 12th pass outs and have skill training certificates, or ITI Diploma
holders or graduates
• The government is striving to train 1 million youth per annum through apprenticeship training and to fulfil
this mission PMNAM is being used as a platform to increase the participation of establishments and
students.
26th National Youth Festival -2023

• Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai released the logo and mascot of
the National Youth Festival to be held in Hubballi-Dharwad twin cities from
the 12th to 16th of January in Karnataka.
• The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12th January
2023.
• The theme - Vikasit Yuva-Vikasit Bharat.
Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav, a 75 day-long event to celebrate Indian languages starts in Lucknow
• Padma shree awardees and representatives of different Indian languages are taking part in the program
• The festival will continue from 28 September to 11 December which is birthday of Famous Tamil poet
Subrahmanyam Bharti and celebrated as Indian Languages day.
SUBRAMANIA BHARATI
• Birth: 11th December 1882, in Ettayapuram, Madras Presidency.
• Also known as ‘Mahakavi Bharathiyar’.
• Subramania Bharati Award:
• Background: It was established by Central Institute of Hindi (Kendriya Hindi Sansthan) in 1989 on the name
of Tamil writer Subramania Bharathi.
• Criteria: It is annually awarded by the President of India to a person for his/her
significant services in development of creative/critical areas in Hindi.
50th India International Knit fair held from October 12 to 14

• Held in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu.
• The main theme of the fair was Active and Sportswear, Environmental Social
Governance, Artificial Intelligence and digitalisation.
• The IKFA has tied up with Sourcing Consultants Association, Association of Buying
Agents for Textiles, Brand Sourcing Leaders, and the NIFT Alumni.
Country’s Oldest Think Tank USI Organised Indian Military Heritage Festival
• The country’s oldest think tank, the United Service Institution of India (USI), organized
the first Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF)
• Aim: To enhance our understanding of the country’s rich military heritage and
traditions; contemporary security and strategy concerns; and the push to achieve
self-reliance in military capability.
• Held on October 21 and 22.
• Recently, under Project Udbhav, the Army has taken up an effort to rediscover the “profound Indic heritage
of statecraft and strategic thoughts” derived from ancient Indian texts of “statecraft, warcraft, diplomacy
and grand strategy” in collaboration with the USI and the festival is part of that effort
Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates AMRITPEX 2023

• The Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw
inaugurated AMRITPEX 2023 - National Philatelic Exhibition on 11 February in New
Delhi.
• This five day Mahakumbh of Stamps (11th to 15th February, 2023) in Pragati
Maidan, New Delhi
• The themes of the exhibition include Amrit Mahotsav of Independence and New
India, women power, youth power, nature and wildlife, and culture and history of
India.
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India Post
• India Post is the central postal system of India and was established on 1 April 1854.
• It works under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
• India's postal system is one of the most widely distributed networks in the world.
• India is divided into 23 postal circles headed by the Chief Postmaster.
• Postal Index Number is a 6 digit code of post office introduced on 15 August 1972.
• It is quite popular in rural India as it is one of the oldest institutes in India in terms of better service.
National Youth Parliament Festival 4th edition

• At the Central Hall of Parliament, New Delhi.
• Theme "Ideas for a Better Tomorrow: India for the World".
• Its objective is to strengthen democracy and enable the student community to
understand the working of Parliament.
• More than 2.01 lakh youth from 748 districts of all states and union territories participated in it at 150
locations across the country.
World's largest International Temple Convention and Expo organized in Varanasi

• Organized from 22 to 24 July 2023 at the Rudraksh Convention Center in Varanasi.
• Conceived by Temple Connect (India), it is the world's first event
solely dedicated to the management of temples.
• The conference will focus on nurturing and empowering the
governance, management and operations of the world and
temple ecosystem.
• The conference was inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
on July 22.
• The three-day event is organized as part of the Incredible India
campaign in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Tourism.
Maharashtra Governor inaugurated the 4th Edition of World Trade Expo

• Ramesh Bais inaugurated the 4th edition of the World
Trade Expo, which is India’s biggest business platform for
aiding global trade linkages, especially for MSMEs.
• The event is organized jointly by the World Trade Center
Mumbai and All India Association of Industries (AIAI) with a
view to highlight technology as a key driver of trade and
tourism.
• This trade show will facilitate networking for MSMEs,
women entrepreneurs, startups, and Corporate Houses
with diplomatic missions from more than 25 countries, Chambers of Commerce and Government agencies.
National parks & WLS

White Sambar Deer : Discovery
• Researchers have made a rare discovery of a “white” sambar deer with a
condition called leucism,(ल्यूसिज्म) resulting in white or pale skin, in the
Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, India.
• Leucism is a genetic condition that affects the pigmentation of an
animal’s skin, feathers, scales, or fur.
• Unlike albinism, which causes a complete absence of pigment, leucism
results in a partial loss of pigment, leading to white or pale colouration in
affected areas.
• Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary:
• This sanctuary spans three districts and serves as a crucial connection between Bannerghatta National Park
in the north and Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve and Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
in the south.
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Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest recently issued a draft
notification declaring a one-kilometre area from the boundaries of the
Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kangra district as an eco-sensitive
zone.
• Pong Dam Lake (also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar) is a
manmade reservoir formed due to the construction of Pong Dam on
the Beas River in the wetland zone of Shivalik Hills.
• In 1983, the entire reservoir was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the
Himachal Pradesh government.
• Pong Dam Lake was declared a Ramsar Site in November 2002.
• The climate of the region is subtropical.
National Park located in Himachal Pradesh –

Great Himalayan National Park:
• declared a national park in the year 1999.
• In the year 2014, it was given the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site for its amazing contribution in
biodiversity conservation.
Pin Valley National Park:
• Pin Valley National Park is located in Lahaul and Spiti district.
• Inderkilla National Park
• Kheerganga National Park
Cinereous Vulture
• The Cinereous Vulture, one of the largest raptors in the world, has been sighted
at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Cinereous Vulture is also known as the Eurasian Black Vulture or monk vulture.
• It is one of the heaviest and largest raptors in the world.
• It is mainly found in Spain and inland Portugal, South France, central Asia,
northern India, northern Manchuria, Mongolia and Korea.
• IUCN: Near threatened
• Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary:It is located on the Southern Delhi Ridge of the Aravalli hill range on the Delhi-
Haryana border.
Que: The Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre (JCBC) has been set up as the
world’s first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vulture in which
state of India?
Ans: Uttar Pradesh
• The JCBC is built in Maharajganj district, located in the Gorakhpur Forest
Division of Uttar Pradesh.
• The objective of this centre is to breed king vultures in captivity and
release them in the wild to maintain a sustainable population of the species. The Asian king vulture is
critically endangered and protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.
• The state-of-the-art facility is worth around Rs 15 crore and spread over 1.5 hectares area.
Country’s first Mangrove Pitta Bird census undertaken in Bhitarkanika

• The first-ever census of Mangrove Pitta Bird was conducted by the Odisha
forest officials in the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary.
• In the first census, 179 mangrove pitta birds were sighted.
• The habitats of these beautiful birds are confined to mangrove forest areas in
Odisha’s Bhitarkanika and Sundarban in West Bengal.
• Bhitarkanika National Park was established on September 16, 1998.
• It is also recognized as a Ramsar site on 19 August 2002, is a wetland of international importance
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Que:Burachapori wildlife sanctuary is situated in which state/UT?

Ans: Assam
• Burachapori wildlife sanctuary is a protected area situated in Assam, on the south
bank of the Brahmaputra River, in Sonitpur district.
• The state government recently announced the plan to open the traditional path of
wild animals from the Kaziranga National Park to Orang National Park through this
wildlife sanctuary.
Background:
• The area was declared a Reserved forest in 1974, it became a sanctuary in 1995.
• It is considered to be an ideal habitat for the Bengal florican. Also called the Bengal bustard, is a bustard
species native to the Indian subcontinent, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Gujarat launches ‘Sinh Suchna’ app for tracking lions

• On the occasion of World Lion Day, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel
launched a mobile application that will help the state forest department track
the movement of lions through the information shared by common people using
the app.
• This mobile will help us in locating lions in real time and also help the authorities
in avoiding human-animal conflicts
• Announcement for setting up a lion safari park near Una town in Gir Somnath
district to ease the burden on Gir National Park
• The central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a
budget of Rs 2,900 crore under ‘Project Lion’ for the conservation of Asiatic
Lions, which are found only in Gujarat
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Is Set To Become The Second Home For Asiatic Lions
• After Gir National Park and Sanctuary, the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (BWLS) is set to become the second
home to Asiatic lions.
• The Gujarat Forest Department presented its proposal to make
BWLS the second home to the lions as part of "Project Lion @
2047".
• Project Lion is an initiative launched by the Government of
India in 2021 to conserve and protect the Asiatic Lion and its
habitat.
• Barda, established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1979
• According to the data from 2020, there are 674 lions in India,
which were 523 in 2015.
• The lion is divided into two subspecies: the African lion
(Panthera leo leo) and the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica).
• Every year, World Lion day is observed on 10th August to raise awareness about the conservation of lions.
Que: The first instance of captive breeding of the Himalayan vulture in India at which state?
Ans: Assam
• Assam State Zoo in Guwahati has achieved a ground-breaking victory by successfully
breeding the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in captivity for the first time in
India.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Near Threatened.
• CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora): Appendix II.
• The Himalayan vulture primarily inhabits the Himalayan mountain range.
• It is a common winter migrant to the Indian plains.
• Its range extends across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China, where it thrives in challenging high-altitude
environments.
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Tamil Nadu’s 18th wildlife sanctuary to come up in Erode

• The Tamil Nadu Government will notify Thanthai Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary as the 18th wildlife sanctuary in the state.
• It is spread over 80,567 hectares in the forest areas of Erode
district
• The sanctuary is close to Malai Mahadeshwara wildlife
sanctuary, BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery wildlife sanctuary in
Karnataka
• It also act as a connecting point between Nilgiris Biosphere
Reserve and Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary.
Noble’s Helen Butterfly:

• Extremely rare Noble’s Helen butterfly was recorded for the first time in India
from the Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Noble’s Helen butterfly:
• It is a swallowtail butterfly with a wingspan of 100–120 mm.
• It has an extra white spot in the dorsum of the forewing.
• Scientific name: Papilio noblei
• They are found in Myanmar, Hubai (China), North Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam.
• The species is known to be very rare in occurrence in its previously known ranges.
Namdapha National Park:
• It lies on the international border between India and Myanmar (Burma) within Changlang District in the state
of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Namdapha protected area is located between Dapha Bum ridge of Mishmi Hills, of North Eastern
Himalayas and Patkai Ranges.
'Rare orange coloured bat' spotted in Chhattisgarh's Kanger Ghati National Park
• Known as 'painted bat’ – this species is globally endangered.
• Sscientific name - 'Kerivoula picta’.
• This species is commonly found in Bangladesh, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
• In India, this bat has so far been seen in the Western Ghats, Kerala, Maharashtra,
Odisha and Kanger valley of Chhattisgarh.
• Kanger Valley National Park
• established in 1982.
• The name of this national park is derived from the Kanger River. This park is located in the Bastar district of
Chhattisgarh, which is spread over an area of about 200 square kilometres.
• Due to its high biodiversity it has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve.
• The national park is famous for its limestone caves which also provide a suitable habitat for bats.
• Other 2 National Parks of Chhattisgarh
• Indravati National Park
• Guru Ghasidas National Park
Rajasthan Forest Dept. creates 3 new wildlife conservation reserves taking total number to 26
• The Forest Department of Rajasthan has announced the creation of three new conservation reserves in the
state to protect the rare and endangered wildlife of Rajasthan:
• Sorsan in Baran (great Indian bustard and blackbucks)
• Khichan in Jodhpur (demoiselle cranes/ Kurjan)
• Hamirgarh in Bhilwara
• Kheechan will be the country's first conservation reserve for demoiselle cranes
• With the addition of these 3 new reserves, the total number of wildlife
conservation reserves in Rajasthan has gone up to 26.
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What is a Conservation Reserve?

• Protected areas which typically act as buffer zones to or connectors and migration corridors between
established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved and protected forests of India.
• Such areas are designated as conservation areas if they are uninhabited and completely owned by the
Government of India
• After the forest areas become conservation reserves, it will be mandatory to get clearance under the Forest
Conservation Act, 1990, and approvals of State Board of Wildlife (SBWL) and of National Board for Wildlife
(NBWL) to carry out any development project within the area.
• Conservation Reserve category was first introduced in the amendment in 2002.
Silent Valley bird species increased to 175

• The bird survey was held in the last week of December 2022
• To mark the 30th anniversary of the first bird survey in Silent Valley, which
was held in the last week of December 1990.
• The survey was held in association with the Kerala Natural History Society.
Silent Valley National Park

• The Silent Valley National Park is located in Kerala's Nilgiri hills.
• It was first explored by botanist Robert Wight in 1847.
• The Bhavani River, a tributary of the Kaveri River, and the Kunthipuzha
River, a tributary of the Bharathappuzha river, both have their origins in the
area around Silent Valley.
Eravikulam National Park (ENP) in Kerala becomes the first to house a fernarium
• It was declared a Sanctuary in 1975 with the intention of protecting the
indigenous population of Nilgiri Tahr (highly endangered mountain goat).
• However, in 1978, it was declared as a National Park considering it’s ecological, faunal, geomorphological
and Zoological Significance.
• This is also the land of “Neelakurinji”, the flower that blooms once in twelve years.
What is a Fern?
• Ferns are part of the Epiphytic family. They grow naturally in a soilless condition.
• The plants obtain water and nutrients through leaching from trees.
What are Epiphytes?
• An epiphyte is a plant that does not place roots in the ground to grow but on the surface of other plants.
Indian Mouse Deer And Chousingha

• As part of an animal exchange programme recently executed by the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP)
with Kakatiya Zoological Park in Warangal, IGZP has received two new species, Mouse Deer and Chousingha.
• The Indian Mouse Deer is the smallest deer in India.
• Scientific Name: Moschiola indica
• It is endemic to the Indian Subcontinent.
• It is mainly found in peninsular India, with some old records from Nepal.
• It is small, 25-30 cm at shoulder height, and weighs from two to four kg.
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Tiger & Elephant Reserves

30 Years of Project Elephant
• Project Elephant was launched by the Government of India in
1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with following
objectives:
1. To protect elephants, their habitat & corridors
2. To address issues of man-animal conflict
3. Welfare of captive elephants
• Project elephant (Indian elephant Elephas maximus) is mainly
implemented in 16 States.
• Singhbhum Elephant Reserve in Jharkhand was the first ER.
Total ER – 33 (Source: MoEFCC, New Delhi)
• Conservation status of Asian Elephant
• IUCN: Endangered
Project Tiger merges with Project Elephant

• Project Tiger and Project Elephant have been merged, meaning a
common allocation will fund both beginning this year.
• A new division, ‘Project Tiger and Elephant Division,’ has been
notified under the ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEFCC).
• The administrative setup for the two schemes will continue to exist separately, only funding is to be merged.
• The amalgamated budget of Project Tiger and Project Elephant schemes in 2023-24 stands at Rs 331 crore.
• Project Elephant completed 30 years in 2022 and Project Tiger completed 50 years in 2023.
• A similar proposal was made by the erstwhile Planning Commission in 2011 to merge three centrally
sponsored schemes — Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Integrated Development under Wildlife Habitat
— into one.
Aspect Project Elephant Information

Launch year 1992
Type Centrally-sponsored scheme
To protect elephants and improve their habitat and corridors, reduce human-
Aim
elephant conflict
33 elephant reserves have been notified (Terai ER in Utter Pradesh became 33rd
Elephant reserves
India’s ER); 101 elephant corridors identified
Project Tiger:
Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate
Type
Change (MoEFCC)
Implementing
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) (est. 2005; HQ: New Delhi)
Authority
NTCA was established following a recommendation of the Tiger Task Force). It is a
About NTCA
statutory body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972.
Members of Union Minister of the MoEFCC (as Chairperson)+ the Minister of State in the MoEFCC (as
NTCA Vice-Chairperson)+ 3 MPs, Secretary, MoEFCC
Functions of Supervisory and coordination role and approval of the Tiger Conservation Plan prepared
NTCA by the State Governments.
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Panna Tiger Reserve:

• In NEWS: A delegation from Cambodia came for training at Panna Tiger Reserve
(PTR) and studied India’s tiger reintroduction programme
• Panna Tiger Reserve is a critical tiger habitat located in the Vindhyan mountain
range in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh.
• It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve by the Government of India in 1994
• Ken River flows from south to north through the reserve.
Madhya Pradesh: India’s Largest Tiger Reserve To Be Set Up In Damoh

• The Central government has approved a proposal to merge the two wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh
to create the largest tiger reserve in the country spanning 2,300 square kilometres
• proposal to merge the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary—located in central Madhya Pradesh covering parts of
Sagar, Damoh, Narsinghpur, and Raisen districts—with the Rani Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary in the Damoh
district of the state
• The existing tiger population in Damoh stands at 16.
Five-Day Kuno Forest Festival Inaugurated In MP

• Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the first edition of the Kuno Forest Festival
• Location: village Ranipura in Sheopur district.
• It includes seeing the cheetah during a jungle safari in Kuno.
• In 1952, cheetahs were officially declared extinct in India.
MP’s 7th Tiger Reserve: Nauradehi & Veerangana Durgavati Sanctuaries Merged
• ‘Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve’ becomes Madhya Pradesh’s 7th protected habitat
for big cats
• Location: It is spread across Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• It is spread over an area of 2,339 square kilometres.
• Rivers: Parts of the reserve fall under the Narmada and Yamuna River basins.
• The Singorgarh Fort is located within the reserve.
• Vegetation: Dry deciduous type
• M.P. was home to six tiger reserves – Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Pench, Panna and Sanjay-Dubri.
• As per the report ‘Status of Tigers: Co-predators & Prey in India-2022’, released by the National Tiger
Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India, MP (785) has the highest number of tigers in the
country, followed by Karnataka (563) and Uttarakhand (560).
MP govt to club Nauradehi & Durgavati sanctuaries to create state’s 7 th Tiger Reserve
• The 2,339 square kilometres new tiger reserve, to be called Durgavati Tiger
Reserve, will spread across Narisinghpur, Damoh and Sagar districts.
• A green corridor linking PTR (Panna Tiger Reserve) with Durgavati will be
developed for the natural movement of the tiger to the new reserve
• MP is known for 6 TRs: Kahnha, Bnadhavgarh, Panna, Pench, Sanjay Duvri and
Satpura.
• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has granted preliminary approval for the creation of this new
TR.
Madhya Pradesh's Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary to be second new home of

Cheetahs
• In a meeting with the Wildlife Advisory Board, Madhya Pradesh’s
the then CM, Shivraj Singh Chouhan instructed the development of
the Gandhisagar Sanctuary as a habitat for cheetahs in the next six
months.
• Reason: The experts suggested that Kuno National Park in Sheopur
does not have enough space for all cheetahs, hence it is necessary
to relocate a few
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• Gandhisagar Sanctuary is situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, with one of its boundaries running
along the border of Rajasthan.
• River Chambal flows through the sanctuary, dividing it into two parts.
• The sanctuary was notified in 1974
Rare Jerdon’s Babbler spotted in Uttar Pradesh after 14 years

• A rare and globally endangered bird species named 'Jerdon's Babbler' was spotted
in the buffer zone of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR), in the grasslands of Uttar
Pradesh, after 14 years.
• It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1994
• Geographic Distribution: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan.
• Habitat: It lives all-year-round near riverine grasslands.
• Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR): It is located on the Indo-Nepal border in the district Lakhimpur-Kheri in Uttar
Pradesh.
Pench Tiger Reserve : Introduced Cycle Safaris

• The Pench Tiger Reserve recently introduced cycle safaris, allowing visitors to
experience the beauty of nature on wheels.
• Pench Tiger Reserve located in the southern reaches of the Satpura hills in the
Seoni and Chhindwara districts in Madhya Pradesh and continues in Nagpur
district in Maharashtra as a separate Sanctuary.
• It is named after the Pench River, which flows from north to south through the
Reserve.
• It comprises of the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, the Pench Mowgli Sanctuary and a buffer.
• The area of the Pench Tiger Reserve and the surrounding area is the real story area of Rudyard Kipling’s
famous “The Jungle Book”.
Corbett Tiger Reserve : Bird Survey

• In the recent bird survey at Corbett Tiger Reserve about 275 bird species, including two critically
endangered, four vulnerable ones and two endangered species, were counted.
• As per the report, two species, namely white-rumped vulture and red-headed vulture, considered critically
endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list, have been documented in the
survey
• Corbett Tiger Reserve is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand which encompasses the Patli Dun
valley.
• The Ramganga, Sonanadi, Mandal, and Kosi rivers form the prominent water resource for the Corbett.
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary to be Notified TR soon

• Goa bench of the Bombay High Court has issued a directive to the Goa government to notify the Mhadei
Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding areas as a tiger reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 within
three months
• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has
already recommended the state to notified this area as
TR as per provisions of Section 38V of the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972.
• Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is in the northeast of Goa, in
the taluka of Sattari. Its official declaration as a wildlife
preserve came in 1999.
• The Mhadei River, known downstream as the Mandovi
River, the lifeline of the state of Goa, originates in
Karnataka, passes through the Mhadei Wildlife
Sanctuary and meets the Arabian Sea at Panaji in Goa.
• The whole sanctuary acts as a catchment for the river.
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• Prominent Waterfalls: Vazra Sakla Falls and the Virdi Falls.

• It has been declared an International Bird Area because of the presence of
the Nilgiri wood pigeon, Malabar parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill, Grey-
headed Bulbul, Rufous babblerand Crimson-backed sunbird.
• The three highest peaks in Goa are situated in the hill ranges of the
sanctuary. They are Sonsogod (1027 mts), Talavche Sada (812 mts) and
Vageri (725 mts).
India has 3682 tigers, home to 75 per cent of global numbers: Tiger census data
• The number of tigers in India has increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022, an annual rise of 6 per cent,
according to the latest government data released on the International Tiger Day
• “There are a maximum of 3925 tigers in the country. The average number is 3,682,” a senior official from the
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
• Analysis of data done by the Wildlife Institute of India, from
both camera-trapped and non-camera-trapped tiger presence
areas.
• India currently harbors almost 75 percent of the world’s wild
tiger population.
• The largest population of tigers is found to be in Madhya
Pradesh with 785 in numbers followed by 563 in Karnataka, 560
in Uttarakhand, and 444 tigers in Maharashtra.
• When Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the "Status of Tigers
2022" to mark the completion of 50 years of "Project Tiger" in
April, the government had said there are at least 3167 tigers in
India. This is the population estimated from the camera-trapped
area.
• India, from both camera-trapped and non-camera-trapped tiger
presence areas, the upper limit of the tiger population is estimated
to be 3925 and the average number is 3682 tigers, reflecting a
commendable annual growth rate of 6.1% per annum.
• Some states, including Mizoram, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Goa,
Chhattisgarh, and Arunachal Pradesh, have reported disquieting
trends with small tiger populations.
• As per the report, the tiger abundance within the Tiger Reserves is the highest of 260 tigers in Corbett
followed by 150 in Bandipur and 141 tigers in Nagarhole.
Tiger spotted at Kalesar National Park in Haryana after 110 years

• It was in 1913 that a tiger was seen here last time.
• Kalesar National Park is located in the Yamunanagar district of Haryana.
• It was declared a National Park on 8 December 2003.
• It shares boundary with three States - Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand & U.P.
• It was named after a temple (known as Kalesar Mahadev temple) located inside
the premise of the park.
Tiger Population:
• 5th cycle of India’s Tiger Census 2022, revealed 6.7% in the increase in
the past four years.
• Population has grown by 200 from 2018 to 2022. The current tiger
population in India is 3,167, up from 2,967 in 2018.
• Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I covers endangered
species that need rigorous protection.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List:
Endangered.
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India proposes to launch global alliance for big cats with investment of $100 million
• India has proposed the creation of a new global alliance called the International
Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) to protect seven major big cats, including tigers, lions, and
cheetahs.
• The IBCA will be open to 97 countries and organizations interested in protecting
these animals.
• India has committed to provide funding of 100 million USD over 5 years to support the IBCA. The IBCA will
share information about protecting these animals.
India, South Africa sign MoU to introduce 12 African Cheetahs annually over next eight to
ten years
• As per the agreement, an initial batch of 12 cheetahs will be brought from South Africa
to India during February 2023.
• These cheetahs will be joined by eight cheetahs brought to India from Namibia during
2022.
• The last cheetah of the country was found dead in the year 1947 in Chhattisgarh and in the year 1952 it was
declared extinct in the country.
Bihar to Constitute ‘Rhino Task Force’ for Reintroduction of Rhino Conservation

Scheme
• The Bihar government to constitute ‘Rhino Task Force’ for suggesting measures
for the reintroduction of rhino conservation scheme in ‘Valmiki Tiger Reserve’ in West Champaran district.
• It has been decided to increase the rhino-bearing areas in VTR by five per cent in the next two years
• India plays a crucial role in the conservation of one-horned rhinoceros, with approximately 75% of the world
population of rhino resides in India and more than 93% of the Indian rhino population lives in just one
protected area in Assam- The Kaziranga National Park.
• Valimik Tiger Reserve, located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, was established as the 18th tiger
reserve in 1990
• VTR, the only national park in Bihar, recently recorded a 75 per cent increase in tiger numbers — from 31 in
2018 to 54 in 2022. There has been an increase of 23 tigers in the last four years.
Bihar to get second tiger reserve in Kaimur district

• Bihar is set to get a second tiger reserve in Kaimur district (Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary) by the end of the year
or early 2024.
• The State Forest Department officials are working to obtain the National Tiger Reserve Conservation
Authority’s (NTCA) approval
• NTCA is a statutory body established in 2005 following
the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force.
• The Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran
district, is currently the 1st and only tiger reserve of the
state.
• The total tiger count in the State currently is 54.
• Kaimur Wildlife sanctuary:
• situated in Kaimur District and Rohtas District of Bihar.
It is the largest sanctuary in the state.
• Established in 1979
Dholpur-Karauli to be Rajasthan's 5th tiger reserve & India's 54th

• National Tiger Conservation Authority approved India's 54th tiger reserve in Rajasthan's Karauli and Dholpur
districts
• This will Rajasthan's fifth tiger reserve after Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra Hills, and Ramgarh Vishdhari
• The number of tigers in India has increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022, an annual rise of 6%
• The number of tigers in Rajasthan has increased from 32 in 2006 to 88 in 2022
• Madhya Pradesh has the maximum number of tigers in the country (785)
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World Heritage Sites

Gwalior and Kozhikode join UNESCO Creative Cities Network
• Gwalior and Kozhikode from India are among the 55 new cities which have
joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
• Gwalior of Madhya Pradesh has made it to this prestigious list in the 'Music'
category, while Kozhikode of Kerala has been included in this list in the
'Literature' category.
• The newly designated Creative Cities are invited to participate in the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference (July 1-
5, 2024) in Braga, Portugal, under the theme "Bringing Youth to the table for the next decade"
• UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay
Indian cities included in UCCN:

• Jaipur:- Crafts and Folk Arts (2015).
• Varanasi:- Creative City of Music (2015).
• Chennai:- Creative City of Music (2017).
• Mumbai:- Film (2019).
• Hyderabad:- Gastronomy (2019).
• Srinagar:- Crafts and Folk Arts (2021).
• Gwalior:- Sangeet (2023).
• Kozhikode:- Creative in Literature (2023).
Duties of cities included in UCCN:

• By joining UCCN, cities are committed to sharing their best practices and developing partnerships involving
the public and private sectors as well as civil society.
UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN):

• Established: Started in 2004.
• The objective of Sustainable Development Goal 11 is related to sustainable cities and communities.
• The seven creative areas at UCCN:
• Crafts and folk art,
• media arts,
• Movie,
• design,
• gastronomy,
• literature and
• Music
India's historic Santiniketan received World Heritage status by UNESCO

• Santiniketan is located in West Bengal, India
• This was officially confirmed during the 45th World Heritage
Committee meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Santiniketan is the 41st World Heritage Property in India and the
third in West Bengal, after the Sundarbans National Park and the
Darjeeling Mountain Railways.
Historical Background:
• Santiniketan, the town in West Bengal’s Birbhum district where
Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore spent much of his life
• In 1901, Rabindranath Tagore converted it into a school and art centre, following the traditional Gurukul
system of education.
• A ‘world university’ – Visva Bharati – was established at Santiniketan in 1921.
• Last year, the state’s Durga Puja got space in “Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity” under UNESCO.
• Other sites to find place on the prestigious list include Ancient Jericho in Palestine; the Zarafshan-Karakum
Corridor of Silk Roads in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan; the Gedeo Cultural Landscape in Ethiopia; and
the Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in China’s Pu’er.
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• Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, becoming the first non-European and the first lyricist to
win the honour.
• His notable works include "Gitanjali," "Bharto Bhagyo Bidhata," "Gora," "Jana Gana Mana," "Ravindra
Sangeet," and "Amar Shonar Bangla."
• He was often called the "Bard of Bengal" and was known by nicknames such as Gurudeb, Kobiguru and
Biswokobi.
• About UNESCO
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the
United Nations (UN).
• Headquarters:- Paris, France
• Director General:- Audrey Azoulay
• Founded:- 16 November 1945 in London, United Kingdom
Hoysala Temples now India’s 42nd UNESCO’s World Heritage site

• Hoysala Empire temples are in Karnataka
• The sacred ensembles of the Hoysalas, built in the 12th-13th
centuries and represented by the three components of Belur, Halebid
and Somnathapura in Karnataka.
• Chennakeshava temple in Belur, the Hoysaleshwara temple in
Halebidu, and the Keshava temple of Somnathpur
• All these three Hoysala temples are protected monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Keshava temple at Somanathapur in Mysore district was commissioned by Somanatha Dandanayaka during
the regime of Narasimha III in 1268 CE
• Halebid: Hoysaleshwara Temple
• At the zenith of the Hoysala empire, the capital was shifted from Belur to Halebid that was then known as
Dorasamudhra.
• Built in 1121CE during the reign of the Hoysala King, Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleshwara.
• The temple, dedicated to Shiva, was sponsored and built by wealthy citizens and merchants of Dorasamudra.
• Halebid has a walled complex containing of three Jaina basadi (temples) of the Hoysala period as well as a
stepped well.
Chennakeshava Temple, Belur:

• Construction of the temple commenced in 1117 AD and took 103 years to complete.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Chennakesava, which means beautiful (chenna) Vishnu
(Keshava).
• King Vishnuvardhana: He commissioned the iconic Chennakesava Temple in Belur
• The other heritage sites in Karnataka which got into the UNESCO list are Hampi (1986) and Pattadakal
(1987).
• Lосаtiоn: Раttаdаkаl, Neаr Bаdаmi аnd Аihоle, Kаrnаtаkа
• Built by: Сhаlukyа Rulers
• Built in: During 7th- 8th сentury (Located on the banks of the Malaprabha River)
India’s Biggest Natural Arch

• Geological Survey of India (GSI) recently discovered India’s biggest natural
arch in Odisha’s Sundargarh district.
• GSI has proposed to declare it a Geo Heritage Site.
• A natural arch is a rock formation that has a naturally occurring curved shape.
It could be formed due to fault activities and the nature of lithotype, which
have enhanced the process of sub-aerial weathering over a long period.
• The Sundargarh natural arch, present in the ferruginous sandstone, dates
back to about 184 to 160 million years in the lower to middle Jurassic age.
• It is an oval-shaped arch and has a length of 30 metres at base and is 12 metres high.
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Santiniketan in tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage list

• Rabindranath's Santiniketan is included in tentative list for UNESCO World
Heritage list
• Santiniketan is the town in West Bengal’s Birbhum district where Nobel
laureate Rabindranath Tagore spent much of his life.
• A Tentative List is an inventory of those properties which each State Party
(country) intends to consider for nomination.
Visva-Bharati University : To Get UNESCO Heritage Tag

• Visva-Bharati University will soon get the ‘heritage’ tag from UNESCO to
take the distinction of world’s first living heritage university.
• Visva Bharati university is one of India’s major Central Government funded
autonomous university located in Santiniketan, West Bengal.
• It is well-known as a distinguished centre for Visual Art practice and
research in India.
• The university was established in 1921 by Nobel Prize Laureate,
Rabindranath Tagore.
• It was named after Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore until Visva-Bharati
Society was registered as an organisation in May 1922.
• The institution was given the status of Central University in 1951
• Its first vice-chancellor was Rathindranath Tagore, the son of Rabindranath Tagore, and the second vice-
chancellor was grandfather of another Nobel Laureate economist Amartya Sen.
• The President of India appoints the Vice-chancellor of the University.
• Visva Bharati University is renowned for its cultural festivals called Poush Mela and the Basanta Utsab which
attracts a number of artisans from all across the country.
Centre nominates Assam’s Charaideo Maidams for the UNESCO World Heritage
Site status
• Charaideo Maidams are the burial mounds of Ahom royalty, commonly
known as pyramids of Assam
• The ‘Maidams’ was first listed in the tentative list of UNESCO’s World
Heritage site in April 2014
• The UNESCO team will visit Charaideo in September and it is expected to
be declared a World Heritage site by March 2024.
• ‘Maidams’, the original capital of the Ahom Kings built by Chaolung
Sukhapa the founder of the dynasty in about 1229 CE. Charaideo was the
first capital established by king Sukapha.
• Charaideo is a blend of three Tai words Che-Rai-Doi. Che means Hillock, Rai means Shinning and Doi means
town. It means ‘Shinning City’ on the Hillock.
• Sukhapa changed the capital many times but Charaideo remained the symbolic center as it contains sacred
burial grounds of Ahom kings and queens. It was the place of Ahom worships and subsequently, it became
the place of ancestral Gods.
• 24 tombs (Maidams) of Ahom kings and queens at Charaideo hillocks are usually compared to the Pyramids
of Egypt as both the structures were used for burial purpose, made in a triangular shape and having very
high social as well as historical values
Bengal : Four More Biodiversity Heritage Sites

• West Bengal recently notified four more Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS), taking the tally in the state to
eight (highest number of biodiversity heritage parks in the country)
• The four new sites are :
• Char Balidanga (चार बलीदं गा)and the state Horticulture Research and Development Station campus in
Deypara (डे पारा) — both in Nadia,
• Namthing Pokhar in Darjeeling
• Amkhoi Fossil Park in Birbhum.
• The Amkhoi Fossil Park is the first wood fossil park Join
in West Bengal. for more free pdfs
@parcham_CA
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• In 2007, the Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka, was designated as India’s first BHS.
• Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) are defined areas with unique and ecologically fragile ecosystems with rich
biodiversity.
• Under Section-37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the State Government, in consultation with local
bodies, may notify areas of biodiversity importance as BHS.
• The State Government, in consultation with the Central Government, may frame rules for the management
and conservation of BHS.
• The creation of BHS may not put any restriction on the prevailing practices and usages of the local
communities other than those voluntarily decided by them.
Bills, Act And Amendmends

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023
• The bill seeks to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, of 1957 which regulates
the mining sector.
• The Bill will have provisions for an exploration license. As per the Bill, the exploration license will be released
for 29 deep-seated and critical minerals which include gold, silver, copper, cobalt, nickel, lead, potash, and
rock phosphate.
Key Provisions MMDR Act 1957 MMDR Amendment Bill

Private Sector to The Act allows the only State The Bill allows the private sector to mine six out of 12
Mine Atomic agencies in the exploration atomic minerals such as lithium, beryllium, niobium,
Minerals of the atomic minerals such titanium, tantalum and zirconium.
as lithium, beryllium, When it becomes an Act, Centre will have powers to
niobium, titanium, tantalum auction mining lease and composite licence for critical
and zirconium. minerals such as gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, nickel etc.
The Lok Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths

(Amendment) Bill, 2023.
• The Lok Sabha has recently approved the Registration of Births
and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which introduces a
significant shift towards digital birth certificates.
The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023 seeks to
amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Act,1969.
• The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 provides for the
regulation and registration of births and deaths. The registration of births and deaths falls under the
Concurrent List, giving powers to both Parliament and state legislatures to make laws on the subject.
• Digital Birth Certificates: The bill introduces the concept of digital birth certificates, intended to serve as a
comprehensive document for multiple purposes, reducing the need for multiple documents to prove birth
details.
• Aadhaar Details: The Bill proposes linking Aadhaar details of parents and informants to birth certificates.
• Centralized Database: A centralized database will be established to manage birth and death records,
facilitating efficient service delivery and maintaining accurate and up-to-date information.
• Apart from birth certificates, the centralized database will also update the National Population Register
(NPR), ration cards, and property registrations.
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The Rajya Sabha passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi
(Amendment) Bill in New Delhi in August 2023. Rajya Sabha passes Delhi services bill.
131 votes in favour, 102 against
Aims: To make a corruption-free administration in Delhi
The Bill establishes the National Capital Civil Services Authority to make
recommendations to the LG on certain matters related to services.
• The authority consists of the Delhi Chief minister, the Chief Secretary of Delhi, and the Principal Home
Secretary of Delhi.
• These include: (i) transfers and postings, (ii) matters related to
vigilance, (iii) disciplinary proceedings (iv) prosecution sanctions of
Group A of All India Services (except Indian Police Service)
• The Authority will make recommendations to Delhi Lieutenant

Governor regarding transfers and postings of officials and
disciplinary matters.
• The central government will appoint both the Principal Home
Secretary and Chief Secretary.
• All decisions of the Authority will be based on a majority vote of
the members present and voting.
• The Delhi Administration Act was enacted in 1966. The LG
replaced the Chief Commissioner. On 7 November 1966 Delhi's first LG was appointed.
Background
• Article 239 AA was inserted in the Constitution by the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1991.
• Based on the recommendations of S Balakrishnan Committee (1987), it gave special status to Delhi.
• It says that the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi will have an Administrator and a Legislative
Assembly.
• The Legislative Assembly “shall have power to make laws for the whole or any part of the NCT w.r.t. any of
the matters in the State List or Concurrent List in so far as any such matter is applicable to Union territories”.
• However, the legislative assembly of Delhi cannot legislate on the following three subjects – Police, Public
Order, and Land.
• However, in the past few years, governance in the NCT has often been a subject of conflict between the
Delhi government and the L-G.
Amit Shah tables Bills for major changes to British-era criminal justice system
• Union home minister Amit Shah tabled bills to replace the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of
Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act and to provide for capital punishment for mob
lynching, sexual assaults on minors, 20-year imprisonment for gang rape besides repeal of sedition offence.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill have
been refereed to Standing Committee on Home Affairs will submit report after three months.
• The bills seek to make the visit of forensic teams mandatory in the case of offences that attract a jail term of
over seven years.
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• They also seek to make it mandatory to record the

statement of victims of sexual violence in videographic
mode.
If the bills are passed –
• Police would not be able to delay investigations anymore.
• Charge sheets will have to be filed within 90 days of the
lodging of the complaints.
• The investigation will have to be completed within 180 days
in all cases.
• The judge will have to give verdicts within 30 days of
framing of charges.
• The judgments will have to be uploaded online within seven
days.
Key provisions of the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill:
• The bill makes electronic or digital records admissible as evidence, thereby they will have the same legal
effect as paper documents.
National Manuscripts Bill 2023:

• According to Ministry of Culture, the government is planning to introduce the National Manuscripts Bill
2023, possibly in the Winter Session of Parliament, to protect Indian manuscripts.
• According to the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM), India possesses an estimated 10 million
manuscripts in 80 ancient scripts like Brahmi, Kushan, Gaudi, Lepcha, and Maithili.
The primary aim of the Bill is to -

• Document and catalogue Indian heritage texts wherever they may be, in India or abroad,
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date information about them
• The bill proposes the establishment of a 10-member National Manuscripts Authority (NMA), chaired by the
Culture Minister and including representatives from Culture, Finance, Education, and private agencies.
• The NMA will oversee digitization, conservation, preservation, editing, and publication of manuscripts.
• The NMA will possess civil court powers to regulate manuscript access, investigate thefts, and ensure
protection against damage or theft.
• The NMA can acquire manuscripts from private owners based on content importance, with compensation
determined by an expert committee.
What are Manuscripts?
• There are handwritten composition on materials like palm leaf, paper, cloth, and bark, in Sanskrit and
regional languages, dating back at least 75 years.
• Manuscripts are found in hundreds of different languages and scripts. Often, one language is written in a
number of different scripts.
• For example, Sanskrit is written in Oriya script, Grantha script, Devanagari script and many other scripts.
• An autonomous body under the Culture Ministry, NMM was launched in 2003 with the mandate of
identifying, documenting, conserving and making accessible the manuscript heritage of India.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) adds Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) on the
list of protected plants under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act
• As per the new order, those who uproot or destroy the Neelakurinji plant will invite a fine of ₹25,000 and
three years’ imprisonment.
• Neelakurinji is an endemic plant found in a small stretch in the Western Ghats, from the Mangaladevi hills to
the Nilgiris hills. (blooms once in 12 years)
• The new order will help in protecting the plant and its habitats.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
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Govt introduces bill in Lok Sabha to strengthen tri-services commanders' powers

• The government has introduced the ‘Inter-Services Organizations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill,
2023’ in Lok Sabha to strengthen tri services commenders' power.
• The Bill seeks to empower the Commander-in-Chief or the Officer-in Command of Inter-Services
Organisations in respect of service personnel for the maintenance of discipline and proper discharge of their
duties.
• Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt introduced the Bill.
Cabinet approves Introduction of National Research Foundation Bill, 2023

• The Union Cabinet on 28th June under the leadership of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, has granted approval for the introduction of the National
Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in the Parliament.
• This bill will facilitate the establishment of NRF, which will play a pivotal role in
nurturing and advancing Research and Development (R&D) efforts and
fostering a culture of research and innovation across universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D
laboratories in India.
• The estimated total cost for NRF's operations over a span of five years (2023-28) is projected to be Rs
50,000 crore.
• The administrative responsibilities of NRF will be overseen by the Department of Science and Technology
(DST).
• The Prime Minister will serve as the ex-officio President of the Board,
• Union Minister of Science & Technology and Union Minister of Education will act as the ex-officio Vice-
Presidents.
• Additionally, an Executive Council, chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, will
govern NRF's day-to-day operations.
Lok Sabha passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021; to amend the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 seeks to exempt registered AYUSH medical practitioners
from intimating biodiversity boards before accessing biological resources
• It also aims at easing compliance burden, boosting investment and simplifying patent application processes
• Environmental organisations have raised concerns about potential for “bio piracy” they say amendments
favour industry and there is lack of clarity on benefit sharing with local communities
• The Bill decriminalises a range of offences under the Act and substitutes them with monetary penalties. It
empowers government officials to hold inquiries and determine penalties.
• As per Bhupendra Yadav, Minister for Environment and Forests and Climate Change :
• To ensure that tribes and vulnerable communities benefit from the proceeds of medicinal forest products,
these amendments were necessary.
• By decriminalising certain activities, Govt. is encouraging Ayurveda as well as ease of doing business.
• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was made to give effect to the United Nations Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD), 1992, that strives for sustainable, fair and equitable sharing of biological resources and
associated traditional knowledge.
• To do this, it formulates a three-tier structure consisting of:
• National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) at the national level,
• State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) at the State level and
• Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at local body levels.
• National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in 2003
• NBA has its Headquarters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2023 introduced in Rajya Sabha

• Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur introduced the
Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2023 in the Rajya Sabha to deal with film
piracy.
• In response to alarming piracy rates, the Indian government took action by
proposing amendments to the existing Cinematograph Bill 1952.
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• A report by Ernst & Young states that the Indian film industry suffered a huge loss of around Rs 18,000 crore
in 2019 due to piracy.
• Piracy is the unauthorized copying, distribution or exhibition of films without the consent of the rights
holders
Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023:

• The Bill holds stricter punishment for those responsible for piracy - includes 3 years of imprisonment and a
Rs 10 lakh penalty.
• One of the key provisions of the Bill is to reclassify films on the basis of age groups instead of the existing
system of 'U', 'A' or 'UA'. The proposed classification includes "UA-7+", "UA-13+" and "UA-16+", replacing
the existing "UA-12" category.
Indian Cinematograph Bill 1952:

• The Indian Cinematograph Bill of 1952 established censor boards in various cities, which were later
reorganized as the Central Board of Film Censors and renamed the Central Board of Film Certification in
1983.
• The Cinematograph Bill 1952 also included the screening of film titles. Titles depicting excessive violence,
obscene language, obscenity, contempt of court, insult to national symbols, or misrepresentation of
personality or religion are prohibited.
National Dental Commission Bill, 2023:

• The government recently introduced the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023, in the Lok Sabha.
• National Dental Commission Bill, 2023:
• The Bill seeks to repeal the Dentists Act, of 1948.
• Aims to make dental education affordable and make quality oral healthcare accessible.
• It seeks to replace the Dental Council of India with the National Dental Commission (NDC).
• National Dental Commission (NDC) will draft policies and maintain quality standards in dental education and
the profession.
• The new commission will also regulate fees for 50% seats in private dental colleges.
• The composition of the NDC will be similar to that of the National Medical Commission (NMC), which had
replaced the Medical Council of India.
• The head office of the National Dental Commission shall be at New Delhi and it will consist of a chairperson;
eight ex officio members; and 24 part-time members.
• They will be appointed by the central government.
• Members of NMC, health ministry, AIIMS, New Delhi will be among the eight ex-officio members.
• Out of 24 part-time members, a total of 19 members will be appointed on rotational basis from amongst the
nominees of the states and union territories for two years.
• Other five members who will be appointed for four years will include two dental faculties from any central or
state or autonomous government
Govt. introduces ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ in Lok Sabha

• Making it the first bill to be introduced in the new Parliament building, the
government said it will enable greater participation of women in policy-making at
the State and national levels
• The Women Reservation Bill seeking to guarantee 33% quota for women in Lok
Sabha and state assemblies was introduced in Lok Sabha
• The bill was introduced as the 128th Constitutional Amendment Bill by the Union law minister Arjun Ram
Meghwal.
• As per the amendment, one-third of the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha will be reserved for women.
This move is a bid to ensure greater representation of women in the national legislature.
• The bill specifies that the provisions related to the reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, State
Assemblies, and the Delhi Assembly will come into effect after a delimitation exercise is conducted.
• The bill proposes sub-reservation for SCs, STs and Anglo-Indians within the 33% quota. Reserved seats may
be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in the state or union territory.
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• The reservation of seats for women shall cease to exist 15 years after the commencement of the amendment
act.
Women's Reservation Bill: History
• It was former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi who in May 1989 first planted the seed of women reservation in
elected bodies by introducing the Constitution Amendment Bill to provide one-third reservation for women
in rural and urban local bodies.
• The Bill was passed in Lok Sabha but failed to get passed in Rajya Sabha in September 1989.
• In 1992 and 1993, then prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao reintroduced the Constitution Amendment Bills
72 and 73, which reserved one third (33%) of all seats and chairperson posts for women in rural and urban
local bodies. The Bills were passed by both the houses and became the law of the nation. Now there are
nearly 15 lakh elected women representatives in panchayats and nagarpalikas across the country.
• September 12, 1996, then Deve Gowda-led United Front government for the first time introduced the 81st
Constitution Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha for reservation of women in the Parliament. After the Bill failed to
get approval in Lok Sabha, it was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee chaired by Geeta Mukherjee.
• Two years later, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government pushed the WRB Bill in the 12th Lok Sabha in
1998. However, this time too, the Bill failed to get support, and lapsed again. It was subsequently
reintroduced in 1999, 2002 and 2003 under the Vajpayee government, but with no success.
Miscellaneous
Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Nirmala Sitharaman launch Kuwi
and Desia books at Bhubaneswar
• Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, and Union Minister for Finance & Corporate
Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launched Kuwi and Desia books at
Bhubaneswar.
• NCERT, for the first time, in collaboration with Central University of
Odisha, has prepared two invaluable books: the "Kuwi Primer" and
"Desia Primer", for those children, who are speaking Kuwi and Desia
tribal languages in the undivided Koraput district of Odisha
• These two primers will not only shape a strong educational foundation
of those children but also preserve and foster the cultural, linguistic
heritage and identity of tribal community of Odisha.
• Shri Pradhan mentioned that there are over 62 tribes covering 23% of total population of Odisha
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Indian Air Force Heritage Centre in Chandigarh
• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Indian Air Force Heritage
Center in Chandigarh.
• The Heritage Center aims to inspire the youth of Chandigarh to pursue a
career in the Indian Air Force.
• It will highlight the IAF’s role in various wars.
• It also houses the first IAF-made patent aircraft Air Force ‘Kanpur-1
Vintage Prototype Aircraft’, a single-engine indigenous flying machine
designed and built by the late Air Vice Marshal Harjinder Singh in 1958.
Foreign universities will need UGC nod to set up campuses in India

• The initial approval will be for 10 years.
• Foreign universities with campuses in the country will only be allowed to
offer full-time programmes in physical mode (No online or distance
learning).
• University Grants Commission's (UGC) Chairman, M Jagadesh Kumar
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Union Minister Jitendra Singh releases theme of National Science Day 2023
• Theme 2023: Global Science for Global Wellbeing
• National Science Day is celebrated every year on the 28th February to celebrate
the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian Physicist Sir C V Raman.
• The 12th World Hindi Conference will be organised in Fiji by the Foreign Ministry
in collaboration with the Fiji government from February 15 to 17, 2023.
• World Hindi day Theme 2023: "Hindi – Traditional Knowledge to Artificial
Intelligence"
FSSAI issues regulatory standards for Basmati Rice for first time
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
• As per these standards, Basmati rice shall possess the natural fragrance
characteristics of basmati rice and be free from artificial coloring.
• These standards will be enforced from August 1.
• Basmati rice is a premium variety of rice cultivated in the Himalayan foothills
of the Indian subcontinent and is universally known for its long grain size,
fluffy texture, and unique inherent aroma and flavour.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
• set up under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• Founded – 5 September 2008
• Under – Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
• Chairperson – Rita Teaotia
National Council of Education Research and Training notified India's first

National Assessment Regulator "PARAKH“
• with the aim of setting up assessment guidelines for all boards.
• It will also conduct periodic learning outcome tests like National
Achievement Survey (NAS) and State Achievement Survey.
• PARAKH stands for Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of
Knowledge for Holistic Development.
Objective of PARAKH:
• Uniform Norms and Guidelines: To lay down norms, standards and guidelines for student assessment and
assessment across all recognized school boards in India.
• Improvement in assessment pattern: It will act to encourage school boards to change their assessment
pattern towards meeting the skill requirements of the 21st century.
• Reducing disparity in evaluation: This will bring uniformity across state and central boards that currently
follow different standards of evaluation, leading to wide disparities in marks.
• Benchmark Assessment: This framework will address the issues contained in the National Education Policy
(NEP) 2020.
ASI discovers two 1200-year-old miniature stupas at Nalanda

• Discovered by the Patna Circle of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
near the Sarai Tila mound within the complex of the world heritage site
'Nalanda Mahavihara' in Nalanda district of Bihar.
• The figures of Buddha are shown on the stupa carved out of stone.
About the Stupas
• stupa - hemispherical structure symbolising the burial mound of the Buddha.
• It rose to prominence after the advent of Buddhism and reached its peak during the reign of Ashoka.
• Stupas evolved from chortens in Tibet and pagodas in East Asia.
• Nalanda Mahavihara site complex
• Nalanda was a Mahavihara, a large Buddhist monastery in the ancient kingdom of Magadha (modern Bihar).
• It is considered by historians to be the world's first residential university and one of the largest centres of
learning in the ancient world.
• It was established during the Gupta Empire period.Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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PM Modi releases special Rs 75 coin to mark 75 successful years of NCC

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28 January released a special day cover and a commemorative specially
minted coin of Rs 75 denomination on the occasion of 75 successful years of the National Cadet Corps (NCC).
• NCC rally was organised on the occasion of 75 years commemoration at Cariappa Maidan, Delhi on 28th
January.
• 196 officers and cadets from 19 foreign countries participated in the rally.
• National Cadet Corps (NCC)
• The NCC was formed in 1948 on the recommendation of H N Kunzru
Committee-1946 under National Cadet Corps Act, 1948.
• NCC is the largest uniformed youth organisation in the world.
• It is a voluntary organisation in which cadets are recruited from high schools, colleges and universities across
India.
• The motto of NCC is “Unity and Discipline”.
• The Defence Ministry deals with NCC at the National level and the Education Ministry deals with NCC in all
States.
• Director General - Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh
PM Modi named 21 islands of Andaman & Nicobar after Param Vir Chakra
awardees
• The largest unnamed island will be named after the first Param Vir Chakra
awardee, while the second largest unnamed island will have its name
after the second Param Vir Chakra awardee, and so on.
• Earlier, in 2018 Ross Islands was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra
Bose Dweep;
• Neil Island and Havelock Island were renamed as Shaheed Dweep and
Swaraj Dweep.
1st Param Vir Chakra awardee — Major Somnath Sharma (Hero of 1947 war)
About Gallantry Awards:

• The gallantry awards are announced twice in a year — first on the occasion of the
Republic Day and then on the occasion of the Independence Day.
• Post-Independence, first three gallantry awards namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir
Chakra and Vir Chakra were instituted by the government of India on January 26th
1950 which were deemed to have effect from August 15th,1947.
• Thereafter, other three gallantry awards — the Ashoka Chakra Class-I, the Ashoka
Chakra Class-II and the Ashoka Chakra Class-III — were instituted in 1952, which
were deemed to have effect from August 15, 1947.
• These awards were renamed as Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra
respectively in January 1967.
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Union Petroleum Minister flags off low carbon cruise on Mahabahu Brahmaputra
• Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Housing and Urban Affairs,
Hardeep S Puri inaugurated the demo-run of Inland Water Vessel (named 'SB
Gangadhar’) powered by Methanol blended Diesel (MD15).
• Methanol is a low carbon hydrogen carrier fuel produced from high ash coal,
agricultural residues, CO2 from thermal power plants and natural gas.
• This is the best route to meet India's commitment to COP 21.
• Although slightly lower in energy content than petrol and diesel, methanol can replace both these fuels in
the transport sector, energy sector and retail cooking
• NITI Aayog's 'Methanol Economy' program aims to reduce India's oil import bill, greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions and convert coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol.
• India Energy Week 2023 (IEW 2023) to be held in Bengaluru from 6-8 Feb 2023.
• About India Energy Week
• It is the first major event under India's G20 Presidency, which follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's
pledge at COP26 to cut India's emissions to net-zero by 2070.
• Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas,
• It is officially supported by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI).
Republic Day 2023: This year's parade witnessed multiple events for the first time
• This was the first Republic Day celebrations hosted at the ceremonial
boulevard after Rajpath was renamed to 'Kartavya Path' last year.
• For the first time, during Republic Day Parade, 12 women riders were part of
the Border Security Force's (BSF) camel contingent and 16 march
contingents of the armed forces.
• The old howitzers with 25-pounder guns, which traditionally
thundered during the 21-gun salute during Republic Day
celebrations, were replaced by 105 mm Indian field guns this year.
• A team of "Daredevils" motorcycle riders from the Corps of Signals,
co-led by a woman officer, Lt Dimple Singh Bhati, became part of the
parade for the first time.
• Nine Rafale aircraft and the Navy's IL-38 participated in the air show
for the first time.
• Besides the IL-38 aircraft, the formations like 'Bheem' and 'Vajrang'
showcased over the Kartavya Path for the first time.
• It is the first time that the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel
Fattah el-Sisi, has been invited as the chief guest on the Republic Day.
• A military contingent from the Egyptian Army also participated in the
Republic Day parade for the first time.
• Newly appointed Agniveer was also a part of the parade for the first time.
• The Narcotics Control Bureau also presented a tableau for the first time.
• Garud Special Forces of the Indian Air Force are participating for the first time in the Republic Day parade.
Squadron Leader Pritam Singh Jaitawat led the Garud team as part of the IAF contingent
Govt renames Delhi's Mughal Gardens as 'Amrit Udyan'

• The Central government on 28 January renamed the Mughal
Gardens in New Delhi's Rashtrapati Bhavan as 'Amrit Udyan'.
• On the occasion of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', the President of
India has given a common name to Rashtrapati Bhavan
Gardens as Amrit Udyan.
• The Central Government had last year renamed Delhi’s
Rajpath as “Kartavya Path”.
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About Mughal Gardens

• The Mughal Gardens were designed by Edwin Lutyens in 1917, and the
first saplings were planted in 1928–1929.
• Lutyens brought together two different horticultural traditions, the
Mughal style and the English flower garden, for the gardens.
India welcomes Congo into International Solar Alliance

International Solar Alliance
• It is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization whose primary function is to
promote solar development by reducing the cost of financing and technology.
• It is the nodal agency to implement 'One Sun, One World, One Grid'.
• It was launched by the Prime Minister of India and the President of
France on 30 November 2015 at the Conference of the Parties (COP-
21) to the UNFCCC in France (Paris) along with 121 solar resource
rich nations.
• Its key objectives include achieving a global potential of over 1000
GW of solar power generation capacity and mobilising about $1000
billion to invest in solar energy by 2030.
• Headquarters - Gurugram, India
Democratic Republic of Congo
• It is located in Central Africa. It is the second largest country in
Africa after Algeria.
• Capital : Kinshasa. It is on the bank of River Congo.
• Congo is the only river in the world to cross the equator twice.
• Currency : Congo franc
Operation Dost
• Turkey was hit by a 7.8 Ritcher earthquake recently. To help the people
of Turkey, India launched Operation Dost. The C17 Globemaster aircraft
of the Indian Air Force had been deployed in the operation.
• The aircraft is carrying medicines, relief materials, NDRF teams, etc. The
aircraft started its journey from the Hindon Air Base in India. It operates
under the Western Command and is located in Ghaziabad, UP. It is the
largest air base in Asia.
• India also sent relief materials onboard a C-130J aircraft of the Indian Air Force to Syria.
Centre forms committee for making coastal shipping guidelines

• The Ministry of Shipping has formed a committee to draft revised Guidelines for the operationalization of
Roll-on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) and Roll-on-Passenger (Ro-Pax) ferry service.
• Headed by: Chairman of the Deendayal Port Authority
• Aim: To promote coastal shipping through the PPP route
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Asia's biggest air show Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 14th edition of Aero India show
in Bengaluru
• The 14th edition of Aero India 2023 was organised by the Indian Department of
Defense Production from February 13 to 17 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in
Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• The theme of the five-day event is ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’.
• The main objective of the event is to promote indigenous production
and exports of aerial platforms and attract foreign investment.
• 98 countries are participating in the event and MoUs worth Rs 75,000
crore are expected to be signed during the event.
• Made in India Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter
Dhruv Mark III and IV, Light Combat Helicopter Prachanda participating
in HAL's HTT 40 Trainer Air Show.
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India and Fiji sign MoU on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic
and official passports
• India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Fiji Prime
Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
• Under the Visa Waiver Agreement, holders of diplomatic and
official passports will be able to enter, transit and stay in each
other's territory without a visa for a period of 90 days.
• India and Fiji share close and long-standing relations and the
two countries also reviewed bilateral relations.
• Jaishankar unveils bust of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Fiji's
capital Suva
Republic of Fiji
• It is an archipelago consisting of around 300 islands in the South Pacific
Ocean.
• Capital: Suva
• Currency: Fijian Dollar
• Prime Minister: Sitiveni Rabuka
Cabinet approves the extension of the term of the Twenty-second Law Commission of
India
• The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the tenure of the 22nd Law
Commission of India which has been extended till August 31, 2024.
• The Union Ministry of Law and Justice constituted the 22nd Law Commission on 7
November 2022 and appointed former Karnataka High court chief justice Rituraj
Awasthi as the chairperson of the Law Commission.
• The five member 22nd Law Commission will have a term of three years.
Law Commission of India

• Law commission is a non-statutory body which is set up by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice for
suggesting reform in laws in India.
• Its recommendations are not binding on the government.
• The provision for the Law commission was made in the Charter act 1833 and the first Law commission was
set up in 1834 under the chairmanship of Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay.
• The Indian Penal Code 1860 is based on the recommendation of the Macaulay commission.
• The First Law commission in Independent India was set up in 1955 and M.C Setalvad who was also the first
Attorney General of India was the chairman of the Law Commission.
SC ruling on appointment of CEC, ECs

• Appointments to the Election Commission are currently on the
central government’s choice.
• The SC has now given the Opposition and the judiciary a say in the
matter, ruling that the CEC and ECs must be appointed by the
President on the advice of a committee comprising the PM, Leader of
Opposition in Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India.
• The Bench headed by Justice K M Joseph. The Bench also comprised Justices Ajay Rastogi, Aniruddha Bose,
Hrishikesh Roy and C T Ravikumar.
What was the plea before the Supreme Court?

• The public interest petitions sought a law governing the appointment of the CEC and ECs. A first PIL had been
filed in 2015, and the Supreme Court agreed to hear a second PIL on the issue filed in 2018 by Delhi BJP
leader Ashwini Upadhyaya, and referred the issues to a Constitution Bench.
• The court had heard the case in November last year. On the last day of the hearing, the court had noted that
the appointment of Arun Goel as EC had been carried out with “lightning speed”, with the procedure taking
less than 24 hours on November 18 from start to finish.
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NTPC commissions India’s first Air cooled condenser

• at the North Karanpura supercritical thermal plant in Jharkhand.
• It would help in water conservation.
• This Air Cooled Condenser (ACC) has almost 1/3rd water footprint
as compared to a conventional Water Cooled Condenser (WCC).
• NTPC is currently meeting 24% of country’s demand through coal,
gas, hydro, solar and wind plants.
UIDAI launched 2 factor authentication

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has recently launched
a new security mechanism for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication.
• The new mechanism uses 2-factor authentications - a combination of both
finger minutia and finger image to check the liveliness of the captured
fingerprint - further boosting the system’s security.
• In general, there may be four layers of authentication:
• Knowledge-based: Uses a password or a security question
• Biometric: Retina scanner, fingerprint scanner
• Location-based: detecting the presence of the individual in a specific pre-loaded location
• Possession: Card or key
What is UIDAI?
• The UDAI is a statutory body that was established by the Indian Government in January 2009. It comes under
the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It functions based on the provisions of
the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, benefits and services) Act, 2016.
• What are the objectives of UIDAI?
• The UIDAI aims to provide efficient and transparent governance. It helps the central government to develop
policies for issuing Aadhaar numbers. It creates rules and regulations in accordance with the Aadhaar Act.
NADA and NCERT tie up to strengthen value based sports education

• The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the National Anti-Doping Agency
(NADA) signed an MoU to strengthen value-based sports education among school children and teachers.
• The MoU will help in developing an accessible format on sports values
• and ethics in e-content.
• About NADA
• The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) was established on 24 November 2005 as a registered society
under the Societies Registration Act 1860 with a mandate for dope free sports in India.
• Headquarters -New Delhi
• Director General - Ritu Sain
PM of Italy Giorgia Meloni on 2 day visit to India

• The Italian Prime Minister was the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the
8th Raisina Dialogue, 2023.
• Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier foreign policy conference on geopolitics
and geoeconomics, committed to addressing the most challenging issues
facing the global community.
• It is held annually since 2016 in New Delhi
• India & Italy are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations.
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No sale of gold jewellery without HUID from April 1

• Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number is a unique 6-digit
alphanumeric code consisting of numbers and letters. It is
stamped manually on a piece of jewellery at the Assaying &
Hallmarking centres.
• It ensures the purity and fitness of gold via third-party assurance
to the customers.
• A Hallmark is a certification issued by the Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS), the national standards organisation in India.
• A BIS Hallmark has 3 components- the BIS logo, a symbol
indicating the article’s purity and fineness and the HUID.
• What is hallmarking?
• Hallmarking is verifying the purity of gold. Gold is too soft. So some metals like copper are added to the gold
to make it rigid to wear. The 916 mark on the gold says that the jewellery is made of an alloy that has 91.6%
of gold (22-carat gold).
What are the hallmarks of gold allowed in India?
• There are six different gold hallmarks that are allowed in India by the BIS. They are 14 carats, 18 carats, 20
carats, 22 carats, 23 carats, and 24 carats. 24-carat gold is the purest form. No metals are added to it. 24
carat also means the jewellery has 99.9% of pure gold.
• The 18-carat gold has 75% of gold and 25% of other metals like copper, zinc, etc. The 14-carat gold has
41.7% of gold. There is 9-carat and 10-carat gold in the international market. However, India does not
provide hallmarking to those.
Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Area : CEA Regulations

• The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued Draft Central
Electricity Authority (Construction of Electric Lines in Great Indian
Bustard Area) Regulations, 2023, making mandatory for electric
lines to be underground or overhead through the ‘Great Indian
Bustard (GIB) Area’.
• As per the regulations, all electric lines of 33 kV and below passing
through the ‘Great Indian Bustard Area’ will be underground, while
those above 33KV will be overhead lines installed with bird flight
diverters.
• Aim- improving power line visibility for birds and reducing the risk of collision.
The Great Indian Bustard :
• The State bird of Rajasthan, is considered India’s most critically endangered bird.
• It is considered the flagship grassland species, representing the health of the grassland ecology.
• Its population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Small populations occur in Maharashtra,
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Protection Status:
• IUCN red List: Critically Endangered
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix1
• Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
Solar Energy capacity tripled in last 5 years

• Union Minister of Renewable Energy & Power, R. K. Singh
informed that India's solar capacity has increased from 21,651
MW to 64,380 MW, an increase of 197% in the last 5 years.
• The Government has set a target of achieving 500 GW of
installed capacity from non-fossil fuels (including around 270
GW of solar capacity) by 2030.
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India allows foreign lawyers to practice in India

• The Bar Council of India (BCI) has notified Rules for Registration and Regulation
of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2022, allowing foreign
lawyers and law firms to practice in India, in non-litigious matters, on a
reciprocal basis
• Non-litigious matters means that they cannot appear in court but they can advise clients on foreign law and
work on corporate transactions such as joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, Intellectual
Property matters, drafting of contracts and other related matters.
• Entry of foreign law firms will support the ambition of India to be more visible and valuable in a global
context, especially on international trade and commerce.
Lightning Be Declared a Natural Disaster

• Few States have demanded that “lightning” be declared as a “natural disaster” because
deaths caused by it surpass any other disaster in the country
• Each year, lightning claims the lives of more than 2,500 Indians.
• Presently Cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloudburst,
pest attack, frost, and cold waves are covered under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) which is 75%
funded by the Centre.
• Madhya Pradesh had the highest number of lightning-related deaths (162), followed by Maharashtra (121),
Gujarat (72), Bihar (70), Rajasthan (49), and Chhattisgarh (40).
Government announced the sites for setting up of 7 PM MITRA Parks

• The Central Government has announced plans to set up mega textile parks in
Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and
Maharashtra.
• The PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks for the Textile Industry are a step
towards realizing the vision of making India a global hub for textile manufacturing and exports.
• The step is inspired by the 5F vision which includes - Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign.
• It is expected that these parks will enhance the competitiveness of the textile industry by helping it achieve
economies of scale and attract global players to manufacture in India.
India Post partnered with Shiprocket to benefit Startups and MSMEs

• India Post has signed an MoU with Shiprocket to boost last-mile e-commerce
delivery services across India.
• Shiprocket is a leading logistics aggregator company.
• This partnership between India Post and Shiprocket will provide shipping and
last-mile delivery services to Shiprocket’s three lakh strong seller base which
includes Startups and a large number of small and medium businesses.
• Director General, Postal Services - Alok Sharma
Union Ministry of Tourism participates in FITUR, the world's largest International Travel Exhibition in Madrid
• Feria Internacional del Turismo or FITUR was hosted in Spain from January 18-22.
• India's participation in FITUR is important for promoting tourism.
• The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Dinesh K Patnaik, Indian Ambassador to Spain.
• The Indian delegation, led by Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary in the Tourism Ministry.
• The first Global Tourism Investors Summit will be organised by the Ministry of Tourism in New Delhi from 10
to 12 April.
India invited to attend G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan

• After a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, India was invited to attend the G7
Hiroshima summit.
• The G7 is a group of seven major industrialised countries, including
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the
United States.
• The 48th G7 summit was hosted by Germany in 2022. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Que: Which Indian company got India's first BIS license to make fire-resistant steel?
Ans: Jindal Steel
• Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) will manufacture India's first fire-resistant steel
structures at its unit in Raigarh, Chhatisgarh.
• The BIS 15103 grade structural steels are designed to withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees celsius for 3
hours
• The grade is being imported at present.
The central panel rejects the inclusion of Muslim dynasties in ICHR exhibitions
• An exhibition on Medieval Indian Dynasties was organised by the Indian Council of
Historical Research (ICHR), a division of the Union Ministry of Education and
featured 50 different dynasties in the exhibitions. No Muslim dynasty was shown
in the exhibition.
• The ICHR, organised the exhibition at Lalit Kala Akademi titled ‘Glory of Medieval
India: Manifestation of the unexplored – Indian dynasties, 8th-18th Centuries.
• The exhibits depict Ahom, Chola, Rathor, Yadav, Kakatiya and other dynasties, highlighting their founders,
capital cities, dates and architecture, art, culture of India. Muslim dynasties like Bahmani and Adil Shahi were
not part of the exhibition.
Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)
• It is an autonomous body of the Central Ministry of Education.
• It was established under Societies Registration Act, 1860 in 1972.
• It aims to bring historians together and provide a platform for exchange of views among them.
• Its other objectives are to promote, accelerate and coordinate research in history.
• It publishes a biannual Journal - the Indian Historical Review, and another journal Itihas in Hindi.
‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) App:

• Prime Minister of India launched the ‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) app, to facilitate coordination between
excavation agencies.
• Call Before u Dig (CBuD) app is to prevent damage to underlying assets like optical fibre
cables that occurs because of uncoordinated digging and excavation, leading to losses of
about Rs 3,000 crore every year.
• The CBuD app will connect excavators and asset owners through SMS/Email notifications
and click-to-call so that there are planned excavations in the country while ensuring the
safety of underground assets.
• It is an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.
Govt approves installation of ‘Statue of Knowledge’ dedicated to Dr. Ambedkar

• A 75-feet tall statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar will be unveiled on April 13 in Latur city,
Maharashtra.
• A team of 35 artists, led by Akshay Halke, has been working to construct the statue.
• This is the first statue in the world of Dr. Ambedkar to be created in just 20 days and the first of its kind in the
state of Maharashtra.
Government Will Attempt To Open Corridor To Sharda Peeth In PoK For Devotees: Amit
Shah
• Home Minister, Amit Shah said that the government will move forward to open
Sharda Peeth on the lines of the Kartarpur corridor.
• Sharda Peeth is an abandoned Hindu temple and ancient centre of learning, is
located in Neelum Valley in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) across Teetwal village in Kupwara district of
Jammu and Kashmir, along the Line of Control (LoC).
• As a Centre of Learning: Between the 6th and 12th centuries CE, it was one of the foremost centres of higher
learning, hosting scholars such as Kalhana, Adi Shankara.
• It is also said to be where Paṇini and Hemachandra completed and stored their writings on Sanskrit
grammar.
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Cabinet approves 4% hike in dearness allowance to central government employees

• With a four per cent increase in dearness allowance, the total DA becomes 42 per
cent of the basic pay.
• Dearness Allowance (DA) is compensation given to employees to offset the effects
of inflation and is calculated as a percentage of an employee's basic salary. The rate of inflation varies
depending on the location, job profile and policies of the organisation.
• DA is paid in addition to basic pay and is subject to income tax.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launches Aravalli Green Wall

Project in Gurugram
• Aravalli Green Wall Project inaugurated at Tikli village in Haryana on the
occasion of International Forest Day.
• The project will increase the green cover and biodiversity of Aravallis
through afforestation, reforestation and restoration of water bodies.
• It will also improve soil fertility, water availability and climate resilience of the region.
• The project will benefit the local communities by providing them with employment opportunities, income
generation and ecosystem services.
• The objective of this initiative is to green a buffer zone of about 5 km of Aravalli mountain range spread over
five states.
• 75 water sources will be rejuvenated under the project, starting with five water sources in each district of
the Aravalli landscape on March 25.
• The project will also involve massive tree plantation drive and conservation of water resources in the Aravalli
region.
• The project will cover barren land in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh and Rewari districts of
Haryana.
• The project covers the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi where the Aravalli hills are spread
over an area of 6 million hectares.
India’s First Bauxite Certified Reference Material:

• National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) and Bhabha Atomic Research
Centre (BARC) have jointly developed India’s first Bauxite Certified Reference
Material (CRM) named BARC B1201.
• This is the fifth CRM of its kind in the world.
• A Bauxite Certified Reference Material (CRM) is a standardized sample of bauxite that has been certified to
have a known and consistent composition.
• This new product will act as an import substitution for use by Industries, Research Laboratories and
Academic Institutions
NALCO:
• National Aluminium Company Limited (est. 1981; HQ: Bhubaneshwar) is a Navratna CPSE, under Ministry of
Mines,is country’s leading manufacturer and exporter of alumina
and aluminium
Srinagar-Leh’s Z-Morh tunnel inaugurated

• The crucial Z-Morh tunnel that connects Gagangir and
Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh highway was inaugurated by
Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.
• The Z-Morh tunnel is one of the two tunnels between Srinagar
and Kargil, the other being Zoji La tunnel.
About Z-Morh tunnel:

• It is located in Jammu and Kashmir.
• It is a 6.5 km long tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh highway.
• The tunnel is being constructed at an altitude of 11,578 feet and will provide all-weather connectivity to the
Kashmir Valley.
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• The project is being implemented by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation
Limited (NHIDCL).
• This tunnel will reduce the travel time between Srinagar and Leh by about four hours.
Zojila Tunnel
• Asia's longest tunnel at Zoji la would also be ready by 2024.
• It is a high mountain pass in Jammu and Kashmir, located on
National Highway 1 and connects Srinagar in Kashmir Valley to
Leh in Ladakh region
• Under the Zojila Tunnel project, the main Zojila tunnel of 13,153
meters long. This is known as the 'Icy Storm Pass'.
• It has an elevation of about 3,528 metres (11,575 ft), and is the
second highest pass on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway
after Fotu La.
• The Zojila Tunnel project was started in the year 2018. It is the longest and strategic bi-directional tunnel in
Asia.
Jaipur to get India’s 2nd largest cricket stadium named after Anil Agarwal
• Vedanta’s Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) has signed an MoU with the
Rajasthan Cricket Association for the development of the world’s third-
largest cricket stadium in the village of Chonp in Jaipur.
• Vedanta’s HZL will spend INR 300 crore on the stadium, and it would be
named as Anil Agarwal International Cricket Stadium, Jaipur.
• The stadium facilities will be spread across 100 acres and have a seating capacity of over 75,000. In terms of
the size of the playing field area this stadium would be the largest in the world.
World Biggest Cricket Stadiums:

Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India) – 1,32,000 sitting capacity
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (Australia) – 1,00,024 sitting capacity
Eden Gardens, Kolkata (West Bengal, India) – 68,000 sitting capacity
Naya Raipur International Cricket Stadium, Raipur (Chhattisgarh, India) – 65,400 sitting capacity
Perth Stadium, Perth (Australia) – 61,266 sitting capacity
Piyush Goyal releases dynamic Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023

• The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal
announced the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, which will come into
effect from April 1, 2023.
• Vision of the policy - to take India’s goods and services exports to
$2 trillion by 2030.
• FTP 2023 is also focusing on new sectors such as e-commerce,
providing all benefits to exports through e-commerce.
• It increased the value limit for exports through courier service from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per consignment.
FTP 2023 announced four new Towns of Export Excellence (TEE) –

• Faridabad for apparel,
• Moradabad for handicrafts,
• Mirzapur for handmade carpets,
• Varanasi for handloom and handicrafts
• These are in addition to the already existing 39 towns of export excellence.
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Union Cabinet approves Indian Space Policy, 2023 to increase private sector participation
in space sector
• The Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
approved the Indian Space Policy 2023.
• The policy seeks to institutionalise the private sector participation in the space
sector, and channelise the focus of ISRO on research and development of advanced space technologies.
• The private sector will be able to take part in end-to-end space activities including building satellites,
rockets and launch vehicles, data collection and dissemination.
As per the policy:
• ISRO will not do any operational and production work for the space sector. It shall focus on developing new
technologies, new systems and research and development.
• The strategic activities related to the space sector will be carried out by space sector PSU NewSpace India
Limited (NSIL)
• Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) will be the interface between ISRO
and non-governmental entities
Anjali Sharma conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, wearing Luanchari

• Recently, the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur congratulated Anjali Sharma of
Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh for conquering Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, wearing Luanchari.
• She has become the first girl from India to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in Gaddi costume.
• Lunachari is a traditional dress of Himachal Pradesh.
Mount Kilimanjaro
• Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and the world’s largest free-standing mountain.
• It is located in Tanzania, has an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,340 ft)
• The Kilimanjaro National park was named a (UNESCO) World Heritage site in 1987.
Adani Ports acquires Karaikal Port in Puducherry

• The Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has acquired the Karaikal
Port.
• Karaikal Port is an all-weather deep-water port on the eastern coast of India in
Karaikal District of Puducherry. It was commissioned in 2009.
• The port is around 300 km south of Chennai Port and
around 360 km north of Tuticorin Port.
• APSEZ now operates 14 ports in the country.
• APSEZ is the subsidiary and port unit of Adani Group.
PM Modi invited to France for Bastille Day parade

• France has recently invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra to visit Paris as a guest at the annual Bastille Day
parade.
• The Bastille Day military parade, also known as the 14 July military parade, is
a French military parade that has been held on the morning of 14 July each
year in Paris since 1880.
• It is also one of the oldest regular military parades in the world.
• July 14 is the anniversary of the storming of the infamous Bastille prison in
1789 - a turning point for the success of the French Revolution.
• This day is marked as the National Day of France.
India elected as member of UN Statistical Commission for 4-year term

• India’s term will begin from January 01, 2024.
• The UN Statistical Commission (UNSC) is the highest statistical body of the
United Nations.
• The commission has 24 member countries of the United Nations. The term of
office of members is four years.
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Jal Jeevan Mission Achieves 60% Coverage Milestone

• At the start of the Jal Jeevan Mission, a baseline survey showed that less than
17% households had a tap connection.
• Of India’s total of 190.4 million rural households, 116 million now have a
functioning water tap.
• As on date, Gujarat, Telangana, Goa, Haryana, Punjab and the Union territories of Andaman & Nicobar
Islands, Daman Diu & Dadra Nagar Haveli and Puducherry have achieved 100% coverage.
• The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a flagship program of the Government of India, was launched on 15 August
2019, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The Jal Jeevan Mission is one of the largest infrastructure-building programmes in the country, which
involves installing source-to-household water tap connections.
Govt approves Kirit Parikh panel recommendations on natural gas pricing

• The new guidelines are intended to ensure a stable pricing regime for
domestic gas consumers while providing adequate protection to producers
from adverse market fluctuation with incentives for enhancing production
• Prices of domestic natural gas will now be announced every month, and be
pegged at 10 per cent of the international price of the Indian crude basket.
• The move is expected to reduce the prices of piped natural gas (PNG), supplied to households, and
compressed natural gas (CNG), used as auto fuel and by various industries by 10%.
• The Union Cabinet capped the rates for consumers at $6.5 per MMBTU (metric million British thermal units).
This limit will be applicable for two years till March 31, 2025.
• Accepting all the major recommendations of the Parikh panel, the government has approved a floor price of
$4 per MMBtu (metric million British thermal units) for the next two years, to cover the cost of gas
production by state-run firms Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd.
Que:Union government has recently approved the installation of how many nuclear
reactors in the country?
Ans:10
• In a significant development towards sustainable energy, the Indian government
has approved the installation of 10 nuclear reactors in the country.
• The nuclear reactors will be installed in four different states, namely, Karnataka
(Kaiga), Haryana (Gorakhpur), Madhya Pradesh (Chutka), and Rajasthan (Mahi
Banswara).
• Mahi Banswara will have four reactors, while the other three locations will have two each.
• These reactors are planned to be set up by the year 2031 at a cost of Rs 1,05,000 crores.
Solar Energy Corporation of India gets 'Miniratna Category-I' status

• Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI)
• A Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) set up on 20th Sept, 2011
• under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE),
• It is the only CPSU dedicated to the Solar Energy Sector.
• Managing Director - Suman Sharma
Que: The Government of India aims to achieve nearly 9% share of electricity

generation from nuclear sources by which year?
Ans: 2047
• As per the information by the Union Minister Jitendra Singh
• The rising contribution of nuclear power in India’s energy sector will help
the country to achieve the commitment of net zero target by 2070.
• The other target laid down by the Department of Atomic Energy is
achieving 20 gigawatts (GW) capacity of nuclear power generation by
2030.
• This will make India the third-largest producer of atomic energy in the world after the US and France.
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UIDAI, IIT Bombay join hands to develop touchless biometric capture system
• Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
• The touchless biometric capture system will allow fingerprint authentication
from home alike face authentication.
16th Finance Commission shall be constituted in November 2023

• Aim: To suggest the ratio in which tax is to be divided between the Centre and
states for five years, beginning April 1, 2026.
• Finance Commission is a constitutional body that gives suggestions on Centre-
state financial relations.
• The 15th Commission, under NK Singh, had kept the tax devolution ratio at 42%.
• The Commission is to be formed every five years according to Article 280 of the Constitution. However, the
15th Finance Commission had been given an extended mandate up till 2025-26.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Peerah-Kunfer Tunnel at Ramban in

Jammu and Kashmir
• Four more tunnels on Ramban-Banihal stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar
National Highway will be completed by next March
• With these tunnels the distance between Jammu-Srinagar will be
completed in about 3.5 hours.
• The tunnel is a part of the ongoing four-lane project of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)
between Udhampur and Ramban on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
IIT Madras to set up its first international campus in Tanzania

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras will set up its first International
campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania in October 2023.
• It will be the first IIT campus in Africa and classes are to start from October.
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Government ink deal to end 51-yr old border dispute
• The MoU was signed on April 20, 2023 by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and CM
of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu in presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and
Union minister for law and justice Kiren Rijiju, who represents Arunachal Pradesh in
Lok Sabha.
• Both the states share 804-km long boundary.
• The border dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh was going on since
1972.
• There was dispute related to 123 border villages. Out of the 123 villages claimed by Arunachal Pradesh, 71
have been resolved.
• Of the remaining 52 villages, the village boundary of 49 villages is to be finalised by the regional committees
in the next six months, while three villages situated inside the IAF bombing range will require rehabilitation.
A detailed survey will be carried out by the Survey of India later in the presence of representatives of both the state
governments to determine the boundaries of both the states.
First Waterbodies Census

• The Ministry of Jal Shakti recently released the report of its first-
ever census of water bodies, revealing crucial insights into the
country’s water resources.
• The census of waterbodies was conducted in conjunction with
the 6th Minor Irrigation Census for 2017-18.
• The census enumerated a total of 24,24,540 water bodies
across the country, with West Bengal accounting for the most
(7.47 lakh) and Sikkim the least (134).
• The report highlights that 97.1% of the waterbodies are in rural
areas, with only 2.9% in urban areas.
• 99.7% water bodies are public owned whereas the remaining
0.3% (295) are under private ownership. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• West Bengal - highest number of ponds and reservoirs

• Andhra Pradesh -highest number of tanks
• Tamil Nadu - highest number of lakes
• Maharashtra leads in water conservation schemes
• The top district in terms of waterbodies is South 24 Parganas in West Bengal.
• The census also collected data on the encroachment of waterbodies for the first time, revealing that 1.6% of
all enumerated waterbodies are encroached, with 95.4% of encroachments in rural areas and the remaining
4.6% in urban areas.
India launches Operation Kaveri to evacuate

stranded citizens from war hit Sudan
• Two C-130J heavy-lift aircraft and
the navy ship INS Sumedha were
involved to evacuate Indians.
• Kaveri is one of the major Indian
rivers flowing through Karnataka and
Tamil Nadu.
Hakki Pikki Tribal Community

• More than 181 members of the Hakki Pikki tribal community from Karnataka are stuck in violence-hit Sudan.
• The Hakki Pikki tribe is a semi-nomadic tribe traditionally engaged in bird
catching and hunting, living in forest areas in west and south India.
• It is a Scheduled Tribe in Karnataka - follow Hindu traditions and
celebrate all Hindu festivals.
• The Hakki Pikki tribe is believed to have originated from Gujarat and
Rajasthan and migrated to south India via Andhra Pradesh.
• In recent years, have been travelling to African countries to sell their
products as there is a huge demand for Ayurvedic products in the
continent.
Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates National

Technology Center
• Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal
inaugurated the Discovery Campus of the National Technology Center for
Ports, Waterways and Coasts at IITM, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• The centre was created under the Sagarmala scheme of the Ministry of
Ports, Shipping and Waterways to enable research and development for the
maritime sector in India, including ocean modelling, sediment transport, and port and coastal engineering.
• The concept of Sagarmala was approved by the Union Cabinet on 25th March 2015.
• As part of the programme, a National Perspective Plan (NPP) for the comprehensive development of India’s
7,500 km coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and maritime sector has been prepared
which was released by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, on 14th April, 2016 at the Maritime India Summit 2016.
Ministry of Finance approves Navratna status to Rail Vikas Nigam

• The Government of India upgraded the status of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to
'Navratna' Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE).
• Prior to this upgrade, RVNL was earlier classified as a 'Miniratna' CPSE. RVNL is a
mid-cap company under the Ministry of Railways.
• This upgrade makes RVNL the 13th Navratna company among CPSEs in India.
• The term "Navratna" means "Nine Gems" in Hindi and refers to the original nine CPSEs that were granted
this status in 1997.
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Cabinet approves National Medical Devices Policy, 2023

It will help:
• To reduce India’s heavy import dependence on the medical sector.
• The Cabinet has also approved establishing 157 nursing colleges
• The cabinet is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation
of the Prime Minister.
• The size of the cabinet is determined by the Prime Minister, but it cannot exceed 15% of the total number of
members in the Lok Sabha.
Indian Oil, LanzaJet to set up India's first green aviation fuel

firm
• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is planning to set up a
joint venture with US-based clean energy technology
company LanzaJet Inc and multiple domestic airlines.
• Reason: For the production of sustainable aviation
fuel (SAF)
• The proposed venture will set up a plant to make SAF
with alcohol-to-jet technology at the state-run
company’s Panipat refinery in Haryana at a cost of
Rs 3,000 crore.
• IOC will possess a 50% share, while LanzaJet Inc will hold a 25% share.
Central Government notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023

• The rules aim to address the Supreme Court guidelines in a writ petition by the
Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and People for Elimination of Stray Troubles.
• The Supreme Court has specifically mentioned that transfer of dogs cannot be
allowed.
• Under the new rules, local bodies including municipalities, municipal corporations
and panchayats are responsible for carrying out the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme.
• The ABC program aims to sterilise and vaccinate stray dogs, reduce their population, and address animal
welfare issues.
• The rules provide guidelines on how to handle conflicts between humans and stray dogs without
relocating the dogs.
• ABC programs should be conducted by AWBI accredited organisations specifically recognized for this
purpose.
Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
• It is a statutory advisory body that provides guidance to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying, Government of India.
• AWBI is headquartered in Ballabgarh, Haryana, and was earlier located in Chennai.
• AWBI was established under the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 with the
objective of preventing cruelty to animals and promoting their welfare.
• Founder -Rukmini Devi Arundale
• Established - 1962
WHO issues alert over India-made cough syrup Guaifenesin

• The WHO has issued a red alert due to "unacceptable amounts of diethylene
glycol and ethylene glycol" in the tested samples of Guaifenesin TG syrup
manufactured by Punjab-based QP Pharmachem Ltd.
• The World Health Organization has said that a consignment of this
contaminated cough syrup made in India has been found in the Marshall
Islands and Micronesia.
• Guaifenesin is used to relieve the symptoms of cough and tightness in the
chest. Ingestion of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans,
and can prove fatal.
• India is the world's largest exporter of generic drugs, which meet most of the medical needs of developing
countries. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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India to join international climate action in civil aviation from 2027

• India will join the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme
for International Aviation (CORSIA) and Long-Term Aspirational Goals (LTAG) from 2027.
• ICAO has adopted several key ambitious targets, including a two percent annual fuel efficiency improvement
by 2050, carbon neutral development, and net zero by 2050, all covered under CORSIA and LTAG.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):
• It is a specialised agency of the United Nations and its primary function is to coordinate the principles and
techniques of international air navigation. The organisation is also responsible for promoting the planning
and development of international air transport.
• Established - 7 December 1944
• Headquarters -Montreal, Canada
NTPC, NPCIL ink pact for joint development of nuclear power plants
• NTPC has signed a supplementary joint venture agreement with Nuclear Power
Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) to develop nuclear power
projects.
• Initially the JV company shall develop two pressurized heavy-
water reactors (PHWR) projects, Chutka Madhya Pradesh
Atomic Power Project 2x700 MW and Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power
Project 4x700 MW.
• Presently, NTPC has a total installed power generation capacity of 71.644 GW, of
which 3.01 GW is renewable energy.
• Founded: 7 November 1975
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
India to launch its own heat index next year

• India will launch its own heat index in 2024 to quantify the impact of heat on its
population and generate impact-based heatwave alerts for specific locations.
• IMD started issuing an experimental heat index for different parts of the
country.
• It includes various parameters like wind, temperature, humidity, duration of
exposure, etc.
• Impact of Heat waves: It has an immense impact on human health, causing cramps, exhaustion, stress, and
heat stroke.
• India Meteorological Department is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India.
• Founded: 15 January 1875
India to build Harbour for Maldivian Coast Guard

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Maldivian counterpart Mariya Didi laid the
foundation stone for the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) Coast Guard
‘Ekatha Harbour’.
• The development of the Coast Guard Harbour and repair facility at Sifavaru is one of
the biggest grant-in-aid projects of India
• UTF project
• The UTF project (UTF - Uthuru Thila Falhu atoll), announced during External Affairs
Minister S Jaishankar’s visit in February 2021, has been at the centre of a political
controversy in the Maldives.
• Allegations were that the project was meant for Indian military presence in Maldives & were part of an
"India Out" campaign.
• Last April, Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih banned anti-India protests as a threat to national security.
• Recent gifts of India to Maldives
• India gifted a Dornier aircraft to Maldives in 2020 and a patrol ship in 2019.
• In 2022, India had also given Coastal Radar System to Male.
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Govt sets foodgrain production target of 332 MT for 2023-24

• Union Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated National
Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2023-24.
• He announced that the Ministry of Agriculture has set a target of a record
3,320 lakh tonnes (332 million tonnes) production of foodgrains for the year
2023-24.
• In 2022-23, 3,235 lakh tonnes were produced.
• The target for the production of Pulses is fixed at 292.5 lakh and for oilseeds
at 440 lakh tonnes in 2023-24.
Sarbananda Sonowal received first Indian cargo ship at Sittwe Port in Myanmar on
May 9
• A cargo vessel named MV-ITT LION (V-273) was flagged off recently
from Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, Kolkata to Sittwe Port in
Myanmar, marking the inaugural shipment to operationalize the port.
• The vessel was received by Cabinet Minister Sarbanand Sonowal at the
port.
• Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur
flagged off the inaugural shipment.
• Sittwe Port has been developed under a framework agreement
between India and Myanmar for the construction and
operation of a Multimodal Transit Transport Facility
on the Kaladan River.
• The Kaladan River connects Sittwe Port in Myanmar
with Mizoram in India.
• Sittwe Port has been developed with Indian
assistance as part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit
Transport Project (KMTTP). The port is linked to
Paletwa in Myanmar, which is connected to Zorinpui
in Mizoram by a road section.
• Kolkata Port, officially known as Syama Prasad
Mookerjee Port Trust is the only riverine major port of India, located in the city of Kolkata, West Bengal,
around 203 kilometres from the sea.
• It is the oldest operating port in India and was constructed by the British East India Company in 1870.
• The port has two distinct dock systems — Kolkata Docks at Kolkata and a deep water dock at Haldia Dock
Complex, Haldia.
• Syama Prasad Mukherjee:
• Syama Prasad Mukherjee (1901 – 1953) was an Indian politician, barrister and academician.
• He served as the Minister for Industry and Supply in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet.
• He quit the Union Government because of differences of opinion with the Nehru-led government and
founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the predecessor to the Bharatiya Janata Party, in 1951.
10th Landport between India and Bangladesh inaugurated at Dawki in Meghalaya

• The 10th Landport between India and
Bangladesh was inaugurated at Dawki in
Meghalaya by State Minister for Home Affairs
Nityanand Rai
• The landport will boost trade and facilitate
easier travel between the two countries.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Indian Air Force Heritage Centre in
Chandigarh
• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Indian Air Force Heritage
Center in Chandigarh.
• The Heritage Center aims to inspire the youth of Chandigarh to pursue a
career in the Indian Air Force.
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• It will highlight the IAF’s role in various wars.

• It also houses the first IAF-made patent aircraft Air Force ‘Kanpur-1 Vintage Prototype Aircraft’, a single-
engine indigenous flying machine designed and built by the late Air Vice Marshal Harjinder Singh in 1958.
Ban diesel four-wheelers in cities with 10 lakh population: Panel

• According to a report by Energy Transition Advisory
Committee of India's petroleum ministry, India should
ban the use of diesel-powered four-wheelers in cities
with over 10 lakh population by 2027 and switch to
electric and gas-fuelled vehicles.
• The committee is headed by former Oil Secretary Tarun
Kapoor
• It has also suggested phasing out motorcycles, scooters,
and three-wheelers with internal combustion engines
by 2035
• There should be no diesel city buses addition in urban
areas in about 10 years
• It help India to achieve the goal of cutting emissions to
net zero by 2070
• India is world’s fourth biggest emitter of carbon dioxide
after China, the US and EU.
All India Radio : Known As Akashvani

• The Centre ordered that public broadcaster, previously known as All India Radio (AIR), be exclusively
referred to as Akashvani in all broadcasts and programmes.
• All India Radio (AIR) is the radio vertical of Prasar Bharati.
• It’s motto is ‘Bahujan Hitaya : Bahujan Sukhaya’.
• It is one of the largest broadcasting organisations in the world in terms of the
number of languages of broadcast and the spectrum of socioeconomic and
cultural diversity.
• AIR’s home service comprises 470 Broadcasting centres located across the
country, covering nearly 92% of the country’s area and 99.19 % of the total
population.
• AIR originates programming in 23 languages and 179 dialects.
‘Harit Sagar’ the Green Port Guidelines 2023 launched

• Minister of Ports, Sarbananda Sonowal has launched ‘Harit Sagar’ the Green Port Guidelines 2023.
• Aim: To promote environment-friendly practices across all our Ports
• It provides a comprehensive action plan for achieving targeted outcomes in terms of quantified reduction in
carbon emission over defined timelines and achieving SDG.
• It also aims to minimize waste through reducing, reusing,
repurposing, and recycling to attain zero waste discharge from
port operations.
• The ‘Sagar Shreshtha Samman’ awards were also conferred to
major ports for their exceptional achievements in various
operational parameters
• Paradip Port bags ‘Best Port of the Year’ award for overall
performance based upon cargo handling, average turnaround
time, ship berth day output, and idle time at berth, operating
ratio, pre berthing detention.
• The award for best incremental performance was bagged by
Paradip Port for attaining the highest cargo growth rate of
16.56% last year.
• The award for the best Absolute Performance for the year
2022-23 conferred to the Deendayal Port, Kandla for handling
highest cargo of 137.56 MMT.
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• The Jawaharlal Nehru Port received award for achieving major milestone in Turn Around Time.
• Vessel Turnaround Time is defined as the total time that a vessel spends at a port from its arrival to
departure
BIS introduces 31 Indian standards related to AYUSH

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has
introduced 31 Indian standards related to
Ayush, encompassing 30 herbs and one
product, the stainless steel neti pot.
• BIS has established an additional department
with a dedicated focus on Ayush for strengthening its
standardization framework.
• BIS also initiated efforts to formulate international standards in
collaboration with ISO
• Implementation of these standards will facilitate international
trade by ensuring the quality of Ayush products and services.
About Bureau of Indian Standards
• Bureau of Indian Standards is the national standards body of India under the Department of Consumer
Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
• Headquarter- Manak Bhawan, Old Delhi
• Director General- Pramod Kumar Tiwari
• Established- 23 December 1986
Union Minister flags off maiden International Cruise Vessel, MV Empress

• Union Minister of Ports, Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the
maiden International Cruise Vessel named 'MV Empress' from
Chennai to Sri Lanka on June 5, 2023.
• This marks the beginning of the international cruise tourism
terminal in Chennai.
• For this cruise service, an MoU was signed in 2022 between
Chennai Port and M/S Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd to
start domestic and international cruise services.
AIIMS Nagpur is the first AIIMS to receive NABH accreditation

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Nagpur has become the first of
all AIIMS to receive National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare
Providers (NABH) accreditation.
• The NABH accreditation is a globally recognized standard for healthcare
quality.
• It assesses the performance of hospitals in various areas including patient
care, safety, and organizational efficiency.
• NABH Headquarters: New Delhi
• Founded: 2006
• CEO: Atul Mohan Kochhar
Foucault Pendulum : New Parliament

• A Foucault pendulum has been installed inside the new Parliament.
• It is designed by the National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata.
• Invented by French physicist Léon Foucault in the mid-19th Century, the
pendulum provided the first laboratory
demonstration in history to show that
the Earth rotates on its axis.
• The pendulum in the new Parliament is
meant to symbolise the ‘integration of
the idea of India with that of the
universe’.
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India emerges as the world's second largest producer of crude steel

• According to Union Minister of Steel and Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, India has moved from fourth
largest producer of crude steel to the second largest producer.
• From 2014-15 to 2022-23, India sees a 42% increase in crude steel production. India is a net exporter of
steel.
• China remains the largest exporter of crude steel globally.
• Top 5 steel producing countries in the world by March 2023:
• People's Republic of China: 95.7 million metric tons (MT)
• India: 11.4 MT
• Japan: 7.5 MT
• United States: 6.7 MT
• Russia: 6.6 MT
OTT platforms mandatory to show anti-tobacco warnings

• The Union health ministry has amended the Cigarettes and Other
Tobacco Products Act, 2004, to mandate the display of anti-tobacco
warnings and disclaimers on over-the-top (OTT) platforms.
• India has become the first country to make it mandatory for OTT
platforms
• World No Tobacco Day 2023 (31 May) Theme - “grow food, not tobacco”
India’s First Facility to Produce Rare Earth Permanent Magnets:

• The PM has inaugurated India’s first facility to produce rare
earth permanent magnets in Visakhapatnam.
• A permanent magnet is a type of magnet that can create a
magnetic field without needing any external power source.
• Permanent magnets are usually made from certain types of
metals or alloys, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt.
• Rare earth elements are a group of seventeen chemical
elements in the periodic table, including elements such as
neodymium, samarium, and dysprosium.
• It produces samarium-cobalt (SaCo) rare earth permanent magnet and neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB)
permanent magnets.
Why is the production of rare earth permanent magnets so important?
• These are essential for practically all electronics: Computers, laptops, mobiles, TVs, etc.
• These are also essential in automobiles (and even more so for electric vehicles), solar cells, wind turbines,
defence, aerospace, etc.
• Military applications of permanent magnets include guidance systems for missiles and smart bombs, electric
motors for ships
Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) For World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan:

• The Union Cabinet approved forming an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to create the world’s largest
grain storage plan in the cooperative sector.
• The IMC will be formed under the chairmanship of the Minister of Cooperation, with ministers of
Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Food Processing
Industries, and secretaries as members.
• Ministry of Cooperation will implement a pilot project in at least 10 selected districts.
Benefits of the Plan

• It aims to address the shortage of agricultural storage infrastructure in the country by facilitating
establishment of godowns at the level of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
• would reduce food grain wastage and strengthen food security of the country.
• would prevent distress sale of crops, thus enabling the farmers to realise better prices for their produce.
• It would hugely reduce the cost incurred in transportation of food grains to procurement centres and again
transporting the stocks back from warehouses to FPS.
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Cyclone Biparjoy
• Biparjoy, the first cyclonic storm over Arabian Sea this year, originated
over the southeast Arabian Sea on June 6 and had landfall over
Saurashtra and Kutch on June 15 before weakening into a depression on
June 18.
• As per India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Biparjoy was the
longest-duration cyclonic storm in northern Indian Ocean since 1977.
• The cyclonic storm had a total life of 13 days and three hours (depression to depression), more than double
the average life of severe cyclonic storms of six days and three hours over the Arabian Sea
• The name Biparjoy was given by Bangladesh, which means “Disaster” in Bengali.
Que: Who has inaugurated an exhibition titled “Hamari Bhasha, Hamari Virasat” in New
Delhi under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM)?
Ans: Meenakashi Lekhi
• Recently, the Minister of State for Culture inaugurated an exhibition titled
"Hamari Bhasha, Hamari Virasat” and mentioned about Gilgit Manuscripts to
celebrate 75th International Archives Day at National Archives of India, New
Delhi.
Gilgit Manuscripts:
• It was written between the 5" -6" centuries CE, which is the oldest surviving
manuscript collection in India.
• It was written on the birch bark folios documents written on pieces of inner
layer of the bark of birch trees were found in Kashmir region.
What are Manuscripts?
• A manuscript is a handwritten composition on paper, bark, cloth, metal, palm leaf or any other material
dating back at least seventy-five years that has significant scientific, historical or aesthetic value.
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society renamed as Prime Ministers’

Museum and Library Society
• About Nehru Memorial Museum and Library:
• Established in 1964 in the memory of Jawaharlal Nehru.
• It is an autonomous institute under Ministry of Culture, GoI.
• It is located in Teen Murti House, the official residence of the first Prime
Minister of India.
EPFO set to be ISSA affiliate member, get global recognition

• EPFO will gain access to professional guidelines, expert knowledge, services, and
support from the International Social Security Association (ISSA).
• EPFO had become an associate member of ISSA in
1962.
• Other than EPFO, the Coal Mines Provident Fund
Organisation is the only ISSA affiliate member from
India.
Rajasthan, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu emerge Top Achievers in Wind Energy Adoption.
• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy organised event on Global Wind Day (15 June) in New Delhi with the
theme :“Pawan – Urja: Powering the Future of India”
• India now ranks fourth in wind power capacity in the world.
• Top performers being Rajasthan, Gujarat & Tamil Nadu.
• Wind energy is crucial to India's efforts to achieve its goal of having 50% of its electric power installed
capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 and to achieve Net Zero by 2070.
• India’s target: 500 GW renewable energy capacity by the year 2030
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• Rajasthan - achieving the highest wind capacity addition,

• Gujarat - highest wind capacity addition through open access
• Tamil Nadu – felicitated for initiating repowering of wind turbines.
Jettwings Airways, 1st Airline From Northeast India, Gets Centre's Approval
• Jettwings Airways received the NOC to operate scheduled commuter services. It
will have its base in Guwahati.
• The to-be-launched airline plans to offer regional connectivity to passengers,
leveraging the Centre's UDAN scheme to a number of destinations in the
northeast and eastern region initially.
• Once fully approved for flight operations, Jettwings Airways will be the first ever company from the
northeast India region to operate airline operations in the country.
• Jettwings Airways Co Founder and CEO Sanjay Aditya Singh
• Jettwings Airways Chairperson Sanjiv Narain
Que:Miss World Pageant 2023 will be organized in which country?

Ans: India
• Miss World 2023 pageant returns to India after 27 years.
• India is set to host the 71st Miss World 2023 pageant after a gap of nearly
three decades.
• last hosted the event in the year 1996
• Current Miss World Karolina Bielawska from Poland.
Centre Introduces ‘Y-Break – Yoga at Office Chair’ for Employee Stress Relief
• "Y-Break at workplace was introduced by Ministry of AYUSH with an aim
to make employees de-stressed, refreshed and re-focused at the
workplace.
• The protocol comprises few simple Yoga practices which include 'asanas'
(postures), 'pranayama' (breathing techniques) and 'dhyana' (meditation)
Centre sets up panel to recommend reforms in arbitration law

• Department of Legal Affairs under the Union Law Ministry, has set up a panel to recommend reforms in the
Arbitration and Conciliation Act.
• The committee would be led by former law secretary T K Vishwanathan.
• Aim: To reduce the burden on courts
NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam commissions first solar rooftop project at IIT Jodhpur
• NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN), a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC, has commissioned its first
Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Project at IIT Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
• The 1 MW grid-connected solar project is expected to generate around 14.9 lakh units of electricity annually,
meeting 15% of IIT Jodhpur's electricity requirement.
• The rooftop project will contribute to a reduction of 1,060 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Govt approves $2.7-billion Micron's chip plant

• The Indian cabinet has granted approval for US chipmaker, Micron
Technology to proceed with its $2.7 billion plan for a semiconductor
assembly and testing unit in Gujarat.
• Micron plant to produce first made-in-India chip in December 2024
IFFCO starts exporting world’s first Nano urea invented in India

• IFFCO has started exporting the world’s first Nano urea invented and
manufactured indigenously in India to the US.
• An agreement to export Nano urea was signed between IFFCO and Kapoor
Enterprises Inc of California.
• The nano urea is a revolution in the agriculture sector as it has the
potential to reduce storage space and money. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• A 500 ml bottle of IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid has the capacity to replace at least one bag of conventional Urea.
• Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO):
• Founded: 3 November 1967, New Delhi
Sarbananda Sonowal launches New CSR guidelines ‘Sagar Samajik Sahayog’

• The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, has introduced a set of
new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) guidelines called 'Sagar Samajik Sahayog'
• The purpose of these guidelines is to enable ports to effectively address local community issues in a
collaborative and efficient manner.
• CSR funding guidelines:
• Under the new CSR guidelines, ports in India will allocate a specific percentage of their net annual profit
towards CSR activities.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• Under CSR, companies integrate social and environmental concerns with their business partners with their
stakeholders.
• It is regulated under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
• India is the first country in the world to make CSR mandatory.
• The provision of CSR is applicable to companies whose net worth is more than ₹ 500 crores or turnover is
more than ₹ 1000 crores or net profit is more than ₹ 5 crores.
9 Nano Urea plants to be set up across the country by 2025

• Chemical Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that the country
is aiming to manufacture 44 crore bottles of Nano Urea annually
by the year 2025.
• Merits of Nano Urea - urea absorption rate by crops is 80% in the
case of Nano Urea whereas the traditional urea absorption rate is only 30%.
• Nano Urea is cost-effective and demonstrated an increase in crop yield.
• America and several other countries have evinced interest in Nano Urea.
NADA India, SARADO signs MoU in New Delhi

• National Anti-Doping Agency, India (NADA India) has signed an MoU with
South Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organization (SARADO) to increase
Regional Cooperation in anti-doping in sports.
• SARADO members include anti-doping organizations from Bangladesh,
Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Govt revised Crop Residue Management guidelines

• The Union Government has revised the Crop Residue Management guidelines
enabling efficient ex-situ (off site) management of paddy straw generated in
Punjab, Haryana, UP and Delhi.
• As per the revised guidelines, techno-commercial pilot projects for Paddy Straw
Supply Chain will be established under bilateral agreement between the Beneficiary or Aggregator (Farmers,
rural entrepreneurs, Cooperative Societies of FPOs and Panchayats) and Industries utilizing the paddy straw.
• Govt shall provide financial assistance on the capital cost of machinery and equipment.
PM inaugurates India's grand International Exhibition-cum-

Convention Centre 'Bharat Mandapam'
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the
International Exhibition-cum-Convention Center (IECC)
complex named 'Bharat Mandapam' at Pragati Maidan in
New Delhi
• The name of the complex, 'Bharat Mandapam', takes
inspiration from the idea of Lord Basaveshwara's Anubhava
Mandapam, a pavilion for public festivals.
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• 'Bharat Mandapam' is designed to be India's largest Meetings,

Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.
• It will host international exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences,
conventions and other major events.
• The architectural design of the convention centre is inspired by the
shape of a conch shell, and its façade depicts various elements of the
traditional art and culture of India.
• The 'Bharat Mandapam' has a combined seating capacity of 7,000 people, which is more than the seating
capacity of the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
• The 'Bharat Mandapam' complex is built at a cost of approximately US$329.17 million (Rs 2,700 crore)
Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated International Hostel - Madhumaas at IARI

• Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated an International
Hostel named “Madhumaas” at ICAR-IARI.
• The government is supporting the creation of student-centric hostels with high-quality facilities and
international standards due to the Institute's international education and growing student enrolment.
• Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
• It is also known as Pusa Institute (was initially located in Pusa, Bihar as the Imperial Institute of Agricultural
Research in 1911), and in 1936 the institute was shifted to Delhi.
• The present institute in Delhi is funded and administered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR).
• IARI secured the first position among agricultural and allied universities in the National Institutional Ranking
Framework (NIRF) for 2023.
Government launched the Bharat 6G Alliance

• The Department of Telecommunications has launched Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) to drive innovation and
collaboration in next-generation wireless technology.
• Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) is a collaborative platform consisting of public and
private companies, academia, research institutions, and standards development
organizations.
• Bharat 6G Alliance will forge coalitions and synergies with other 6G Global
Alliances.
• Government aims for 10 per cent of 6G patents by 2030.
World’s largest Museum to be built in Delhi

• The largest museum in the world Yuge Yugeen Bharat National
Museum will be built in Delhi. The museum will express the history of
India spanning over 5,000 years.
• The museum is believed to have eight thematic segments to
showcase India’s civilisational culture spanning over 5,000 years.
• It will be constructed in about 1 lakh square meter in the North and
South Blocks in Delhi.
• There is existing national museum situated at Janpath in Delhi. It will be replaced by the Yuge Yugeen Bharat
Museum.
• Currently, World’s largest museum in ‘the Louvre’ which is based in Paris, France with nearly 73,000 square
meters of exhibition space.
OPPO India set up first PPP-model Atal Tinkering Lab in Kerala

• OPPO India in collaboration with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission
has announced the establishment of the first-ever Atal Tinkering Lab,
based on the Public-Private Partnership model in Kerala.
• Objective: To create an empowered future-ready workforce and
nurture entrepreneurship and technological skills among the youth.
• This programme motivates students to explore, experiment, and
undertake projects involving DIY kits in robotics, electronics, and rapid prototyping.
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• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is the Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of
innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
• It was set up in 2016 under NITI Aayog.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates DGNSS '‘SAGAR SAMPARK’

• Union Minister of Ports Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the
indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS)
‘SAGAR SAMPARK’.
• It would provide more accurate information to the ships for safe
navigation.
About DGNSS:
• It is a terrestrial-based enhancement system.
• It corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
• It will help mariners in safe navigation and will reduce the risk of collisions, and accidents
India's Vizhinjam railway tunnel adopts Austrian

tunneling method
• The third longest railway tunnel in India, the
Vizhinjam railway tunnel will adopt the New
Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) for
undertaking the tunneling works.
• This tunnel connects the under-construction
Vizhinjam International Seaport.
• It is being developed by the Adani Port with the
railway mainline at Balaramapuram near
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala).
• The country’s largest 12.75 km long railway tunnel (T-49) is built as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramula
Rail Link (USBRL) project, surpassing the 11.2-km long Pir Panjal Tunnel on the Banihal-Qazigund section.
Visit of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim, Secretary General of the Muslim World
League to India
• Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa arrived in India on 10 July 2023 on a
five-day visit.
• He is known as a well-known expert on moderate Islam.
• Dr. Al-Issa jointly addressed other religious leaders and academics at an event
organized at the India Islamic Cultural Center on 11 July.
• India is home to the second largest Muslim population in the world. In 2011, the population of Muslims in
India was 172.2 million.
• The Indian Muslim population is almost equal to the combined population of more than 33 member
countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Muslim World League:
• The Muslim World League was established on 18 May 1962 by a resolution adopted during a meeting of the
General Islamic Conference held in Mecca. It has had eight general secretaries since its inception.
• The purpose of the Muslim World League is to promote Islam and the moderate values presented in the
Quran and Sunnah.
Namda Art Products : Export To United Kingdom

• The first batch of Namda Art products exported to the United Kingdom.
• The Namda craft of Kashmir has successfully been revived under Skill India’s
Pilot Project as part of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
• The project has successfully trained individuals across six districts of Kashmir -
Srinagar, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Budgam, and Anantnag
• Namda Art is said to have begun in the 16th century when Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to get a covering
for his horses to protect them from the cold.
• It was introduced by a Sufi saint named Shah-e-Hamdan to Kashmiris.
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• Namda is a type of traditional Kashmiri felted carpet that is created using sheep wool and has colourful hand
embroidery.
• Unique themes and floral patterns provide the themes for these masterpieces
• It is practised as a craft especially in the countries throughout Asia, viz. Iran, Afghanistan and India.
Regional Office of Universal Postal Union gets inaugurated in New Delhi

• Devusinh Chauhan (Minister of State for Communications of India)
and Masahiko Metoki (Director General of Universal Postal Union)
inaugurated the Regional Office of UPU in New Delhi.
• Aims: To support capacity building, infrastructure development,
and other essential activities to strengthen the postal sector in the South Asia region.
• India announced a contribution of USD 2,00,000 for four years towards the UPU’s Development and
Technical Assistance activities.
• UPU Headquarters: Bern, Switzerland
• Founded: 9 October 1874
Indian Building Surpasses Pentagon To Become World's Largest Office

• Surat Diamond Bourse, a building in Surat has surpassed the Pentagon
(headquarters of the US Army) to become the world’s largest office.
• Diamond Bourse was designed by Delhi-based Morphogenesis (designed by
Manit Rastogi) and is based on the concept of Panchtatva, the five elements
of nature – water, fire, air, earth, and sky.
• The building will be officially inaugurated by Narendra Modi in November 2023.
• Surat is known as the world’s diamond capital, where 90% of the precious stones are cut.
• According to the Union Ministry of Finance, 14 out of 15 diamonds in the world are finally cut in Surat.
• The full functioning of the Surat Diamond Bourse will give a boost to the dynamism and growth of the
diamond industry.
Digital Time Vouchers:

• The Election Commission of India has decided to issue digital time vouchers
to National & State political parties for campaigning on Doordarshan & All
India Radio during elections.
• The Election Commission of India has amended the existing scheme for the
use of Government-owned electronic media by political parties.
• The scheme was initially notified on 16th January 1998, holds a statutory
basis under Section 39A of the Representation of People Act, 1951.It aimed at ensuring equitable access to
government-owned electronic media during elections for campaigning.
Tata to set up EV battery factory in UK for £4 billion

• Tata group has announced setting up a factory in the England with an
investment of four billion pounds (Rs 42,500 crore) to make batteries.
• In Britain, the Tata group is working on plans to make batteries for
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) as well as other vehicle companies
• The 40 GWh gigafactory will be the largest in Europe and Tata's first
outside India.
• It will be one of the largest investments in the UK automotive industry.
New guidelines for designation of senior advocates in the SC

• The Supreme Court has issued new guidelines for designating senior advocates, replacing the existing 2017
guidelines.
• These guidelines aim to streamline the process of conferring the prestigious
‘senior advocate’ designation to practicing advocates.
• Led by Justice SK Kaul, a three-judge bench delivered the ruling
• Under the new regulations, lawyers with a minimum of 10 years of standing
and aged 45 years or above are eligible to apply. This age limit may be
relaxed by the Committee. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• The applications will be reviewed by a committee comprising the Chief Justice of India (CJI), two senior most
judges, the Attorney General, and a bar representative, who will meet twice a year to assess the candidates.
• In contrast, the previous guidelines, including those from 2017, did not prescribe a specific minimum age for
designation.
Panel of Vice Chairpersons : Reconstituted

• Rajya Sabha Chairman reconstituted the panel of vice chairpersons of the
Parliament’s Upper House with half of them being women.
• Under the Rules of Rajya Sabha, the Chairman nominates from amongst the
members a panel of vice-chairpersons.
• Any one of them can preside over the House in the absence of the Chairman
or the Deputy Chairman.
• He/she has the same powers as the Chairman when so presiding.
• He/she holds office until a new panel of vice-chairpersons is nominated.
• Among the Rajya Sabha members who are the new vice-chairpersons are P T
Usha, S Phangnon Konyak, Fauzia Khan, Sulata Deo, V Vijaysai Reddy,
Ghanshyam Tiwari, L Hanumanthaiah and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray.
Amended Rules Relating to Retirement Benefits of IAS, IPS, IFoS Pensioners

• The Central government has amended All India Services (Death-cum-
Retirement Benefits) Rules 1958 relating to retirement benefits of IAS,
IPS (Indian Police Service) and IFoS (Indian Forest Service) pensioners.
• The central government empowers itself to act against IAS, IPS and IFoS
and withhold or withdraw their pension even without a reference from
the state government if they are found guilty of grave misconduct or are
convicted of a serious crime.
• Rules added ‘grave misconduct’ includes communication or disclosure of any document or information
mentioned in the Official Secrets Act and a ‘serious crime’ includes any crime involving an offence under the
Official Secrets Act.
• Earlier rule 3(3) in the All-India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, which stated that the
Central government may withhold or withdraw pension or any part of it “on a reference from the State
Government concerned.
‘Tankai method’
• An agreement has been reached between the Ministry of Culture and the Indian
Navy to restore the traditional “Tankai method” of shipbuilding.
• The complete project will be supervised and carried out by the Indian Navy.
• This initiative aims to revive and preserve the 2,000-year-old technique of
shipbuilding known as the ‘stitched shipbuilding method’.
• In traditional shipbuilding techniques, wooden planks are stitched together without
the use of nails.
5th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Summit

• The 5th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Summit was jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation,
Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Limited and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (FICCI) at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh on July 25, 2023.
• The theme of the summit is "Reaching the last mile: Regional connectivity through helicopters and small
aircraft".
• The aim of the summit is to enhance the expansion of the UDAN
scheme in remote and hilly areas.
• It is the second largest state of India by area after Rajasthan.
• Governor -Mangubhai Patel
• Chief Minister -Shivraj Singh Chouhan
• Capital - Bhopal
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China’s Use of Stapled Visas for Indian Athletes from Arunachal Pradesh: A
Matter of Concern
• A ‘stapled visa’ is different from a regular visa that a country gives to
foreign citizens.
• Instead of stamping directly in the passport, a separate piece of paper
attached (stapled) to the visa.
• China's use of stapled visas for Indian athletes from Arunachal Pradesh is
a matter of concern, as it not only challenges India's territorial integrity but also disrupts sports diplomacy.
• India reacted strongly to China issuing stapled visas to 3 women players from Arunachal Pradesh by
withdrawing its wushu (Martial Arts) contingent from the Summer World University Games in Chengdu
Dr. Jitendra Singh unveils the unique 'NAMOH 108' lotus and launches
Lotus Mission along with innovative initiatives
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched a new 'Lotus flower
variety named 'Namoh 108' developed by CSIR-NBRI in Lucknow.
This lotus has an extraordinary 108 petals and holds religious and
symbolic significance.
• The unique 'Namoh 108' lotus variety blooms from March to
December, rich in nutrients.
• Under the Lotus research program, NBRI (The National Botanical
Research Institute (NBRI) is a research institute of the Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh) in collaboration with FFDC,
Kannauj introduced a garment made of lotus fiber and a perfume named 'Frotas' extracted from lotus
flowers.
• He also launched the new variety of Aloe vera named ‘NBRI-Nihar’, having approximately 2.5 times high gel
yield in comparison to Aloe vera
Project Devika : North India’s First River Rejuvenation

• North India’s first River Rejuvenation Project Devika is nearing its completion.
• It was launched under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).
• It was Built at a cost of over Rs 190 crore on the lines of ‘Namami Ganga’, the Project was launched by PM
Modi in 2019.
• Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Project Devika aims to rejuvenate the Devika River.
• The river holds religious significance as it is revered by Hindus, as the sister of the river Ganga.
• Devika River originates from the hilly Suddha Mahadev temple in the Udhampur district of Jammu and
Kashmir and flows down towards western Punjab (now in Pakistan) where it merges with the Ravi River.
• Under the project, bathing “ghats” (places) on the banks of the Devika River will be developed.
• Further, the encroachments will be removed, and natural water bodies will be restored.
• A Solid Waste Management Project is additionally planned to further enhance the river’s restoration.
• The project also includes the construction of three sewage treatment plants, the development of two
cremation ghats, protection fencing and landscaping
What is BHU-VISION?
• Bhu-Vision - a revolutionary automated soil testing and agronomy advisory platform, officially launched at
AICRP (ICAR-IIRR), Hyderabad.
• It is also known as KRISHI-RASTAA Soil Testing System.
• ICAR-IIRR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research -Indian Institute of
Rice Research)
• This system seamlessly conducts 12 key soil parameter tests in just
30 minutes.
• It provides quick and accurate results directly to farmers and
stakeholders through a soil health card on their mobile devices.
• Indian Institute of Rice Research
• Headquarter: Hyderabad.
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• Archaeologists discovered Crystal Quartz Weighing Unit of Sangam period in Keeladi

• Archaeologists found a weighing unit made of crystal quartz measuring two cm in
diameter, 1.5 cm in height and eight grams in weight during the ninth phase of
excavations at Keeladi in the Sivaganga district (Tamil Nadu)
• The crystal quartz from the Sangam period. This is the first such find since the start of the Keeladi
excavations in 2014.
• Furthermore, these recent findings have pushed back the proposed start date of the Sangam Era to 600 BCE.
• Archaeologists also found an earthen snake figurine.
• These weighting units were used for weighing high-value items such as gold, precious and semi-precious
stones.
THAROSAURUS INDICUS
• Scientists from IIT-Roorkee and Geological Survey of India (GSI) have discovered
the oldest fossil remains of dicraeosaurid dinosaur in Jaisalmer.
• Dicraeosaurid dinosaur is a long-necked, plant-eating dinosaur species.
• The remains are 167 million years old and belong to a new species, unknown to
scientists thus far.
• It has been named ‘Tharosaurus indicus’, the first name referring to the ‘Thar desert’ where the fossils were
found, and the second after its country of origin.
• Fossils of dicraeosaurid dinosaurs have been found previously in North and South Americas, Africa and
China, but such fossils were not known from India.
India succeeds in reducing emissions rate by 33% over 14 years

• According to two officials submission made to the United Nations, India’s greenhouse emissions rate
dropped by a faster-than-expected 33% in 14 years.
• Reason: Renewable energy generation rose and forest cover increased
• India is well on the way to meeting a commitment to the UNFCCC(United Nations Convention on Climate
Change), to reduce emissions intensity by 45% from the 2005 level by 2030.
• India’s average rate of reduction in emissions increased to 3% annually during 2016-2019.
• As of 2019, forests and trees covered 24.56%, or 80.73 million hectares, of India.
• Recently, India has also been trying to promote green hydrogen, manufactured by splitting water molecules
using renewable energy.
India announces ‘Green’ Hydrogen standard

• India has announced the definition of Green Hydrogen.
• Defining a green hydrogen standard establishes clear criteria for environmentally friendly hydrogen
production.
• Green hydrogen is defined as hydrogen with well-to-gate emissions not exceeding two kg carbon dioxide
equivalent per kg of hydrogen. This includes emissions from various production stages like electrolysis, gas
purification, and more.
• The guidelines established by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India,
delineate the emission benchmarks that must be fulfilled for hydrogen production to qualify as ‘Green’,
signifying its origin from renewable sources.
• The mission aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, alongside about
125 GW of associated renewable energy capacity.
• Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the nodal authority responsible for accrediting agencies that monitor,
verify, and certify green hydrogen production projects.
• Green hydrogen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-toxic and highly combustible gaseous substance.
This form of hydrogen plays a key factor in transitioning towards a carbon-neutral economy
Justice G. Rohini Commission submits report on sub-categorisation of

OBCs after 6 years
• The Commission set up to examine the sub-categorisation of Other
Backward Classes (OBCs) submitted its report to President
Droupadi Murmu after receiving 13 extensions to its tenure.
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• Headed by: Justice G Rohini, Retd. Chief Justice, Delhi High Court as the Chairperson
• The Rohini Commission was constituted in October 2017 under Article 340 of the Constitution.
• The need for sub-categorisation arises out of the perception that only a few affluent communities among the
over 2,600 included in the Central List of OBCs have secured a major part of this 27% reservation.
• Sub-categorisation would ensure more equitable distribution of opportunities in central government jobs
and educational institutions.
• The Kalelkar Commission, set up in 1953, was the first to identify backward classes other than the
Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) at the national level.The Mandal Commission Report,
1980 estimated the OBC population at 52% and classified 1,257 communities as backward.
Archaeological Significance of Benisagar

• Benisagar included in the list of 100 most prominent archaeological
monuments of the country by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Benisagar, a village located 85 kilometers from Jharkhand's West Singhbhum
district
• The place was named Benisagar because of the construction of a huge pond by a king named Beni or Benu.
• This place was the center of learning from 5th century to 16th-17th century.
• prevalence of Tantrism and Shaivism.
• The script of the inscriptions is Brahmi and the language is Sanskrit.
Oil India Upgraded to Maharatna, ONGC Videsh to Navratna by Finance Ministry

• Oil India Limited the 13th Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE).
• OIL earned the status of Navaratna in 2010.
• It joins the league of BHEL, BPCL, CIL, GAIL, HPCL, IOCL, NTPC, ONGC, PFC,
POWERGRID, RECL(Rural Electrification Corporation Limited) and SAIL.
• To be eligible for the grant of the Maharatna status, the company should
have an average turnover of over ₹25,000 crore, an average annual net
worth of more than ₹15,000 crore, and an average annual net profit of
over ₹5,000 crore during the last three years.
• Oil India Private Limited was incorporated on February 18, 1959
• In 1981, OIL became a wholly owned Government of
India enterprise.
• The Maharatna scheme was introduced for CPSEs, with
effect from May 19, 2010, in order to empower them to
expand operations and emerge as global giants.
• Finance Minister has approved the upgradation of ONGC
Videsh Ltd (OVL) to Navratna CPSE. OVL will be 14th
Navratna amongst the CPSEs.
• ONGC Videsh is a wholly-owned subsidiary and overseas
arm of ONGC.
• A Navratna status imparts enhanced financial and
operational freedom to a company and empowers it to invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15 per cent of its net
worth on a single project without seeking government approval.
Jitendra Singh launched India’s First MRI Scanner

• Union Minister of State Science & Technology Jitendra Singh launched India’s first Indigenously developed,
Affordable Next Generation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner in New Delhi.
• MRI is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the
inside of the body.
MakeMyTrip and Ministry of Tourism jointly launched Traveller's Map

• Online travel company MakeMyTrip(MMT) has joined hands with the
Ministry of Tourism to launch a microsite, 'Traveller’s Map of India
in Aug 2023’
• Aim: To showcases 600 plus destinations beyond the popular travel
spots in the country Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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NCERT’s Textbook Panel for Classes 3-12

• The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has
formed a 19-member committee is set to shape the curriculum and
textbooks for classes 3 to 12.
• This committee, named the National Syllabus and Teaching Learning
Material Committee (NSTC), will be led by MC Pant, the Chancellor of
the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration
(NIEPA).
• Notable figures including Sudha Murty, author and Infosys Foundation chair, singer Shankar Mahadevan, and
economist Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council
Kirti Chakras And Shaurya Chakras:

• President Droupadi Murmu has sanctioned 76 gallantry awards for
armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel on the eve of
India’s 77th Independence Day.
• Among these, the Kirti Chakra, the second-highest peacetime gallantry
award, will be presented to 4 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
members who lost their lives during an anti-Naxal operation in
Chhattisgarh in April 2021.
• Additionally, 11 individuals will receive the Shaurya Chakra, the third-highest peacetime gallantry award,
including personnel from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF.
• 5 of these awardees will be posthumously honoured.
• The approved awards consist of 54 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 3 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), and 4 Vayu Sena
Medals (Gallantry).
Matangini Hazra And Kanaklata Barua

• President Droupadi Murmu, during her address on the eve of
Independence Day, paid tribute to women freedom fighters. She
mentioned two notable figures: Matangini Hazra and Kanaklata Barua
Matangini Hazra:
• Born in 1869 in a village near Tamluk, West Bengal, she was married at a young age and became widowed by
18.
• After her husband’s death, she became deeply involved in the Nationalist movement, supporting Mahatma
Gandhi’s ideals.
• In the ensuing clash with British authorities, she was shot and killed, becoming a martyr for the cause of
Indian independence.
Kanaklata Barua:
• Kanaklata Barua was a young martyr of the Quit
India Movement and a symbol of courage and
determination.
• At just 17 years old, she led the Mrityu Bahini, a
group of freedom fighters, in an attempt to hoist
the Tricolour at the Gohpur police station in
Assam on September 20, 1942.
• During the confrontation with the police, she was
shot and killed while holding onto the flag.
• Her sacrifice inspired many during a time when
women’s involvement in the freedom struggle was
gaining momentum.
• In 2020, a Coast Guard vessel was named after her as a tribute to her bravery.
• During the 77th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, Indigenous 105-mm Light Field
Guns were used for the ceremonial gun salute, replacing the British 25-pounder guns.
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NHAI’s New Design Division

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has established a dedicated Design Division to ensure
effective review and maintenance of bridges, specialized structures, and tunnels on the country’s National
Highways.
• This division is tasked with formulating policies and guidelines for planning, designing, constructing, and
maintaining these critical elements of infrastructure.
Jitendra Singh launches the CSIR Prima ET11, the first indigenous e-Tractor
• The Union Minister of State Science & Technology Jitendra Singh launched
the CSIR Prima ET11, the first indigenous e-Tractor developed by the
Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur.
Government sets up high power committee to review DRDO

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has set up a nine-member
committee, headed by Prof K VijayRaghavan, to review and
redefine the role of the department and submit a report within
three months.
• Prof Vijay Raghavan is a former Principal Scientific Advisor to the
Government of India and one of the key architects of the
National Research Foundation (NRF).
The event has been organized by the Department of Justice in association with CSC e-Governance Services India
Limited.
• Important components of organizing include Screening of a documentary showing the journey of tele-law
from 2017 to 2022.
• Tele-Law programme was launched by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice in 2017.
• This is operating under the DISHA Scheme.
• The programme connects needy and marginalised people in need of legal aid with the Panel Lawyers via
video conferencing/telephonic facilities available at Common Service Centres (CSCs) situated at the
panchayat level.
• Advice is free of Cost to those who are eligible for free legal aid under Section 12 of the LSA Act, 1987.
Nitin Gadkari unveils world's first hundred percent Ethanol fuelled Car
• Union Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled the world's first car that runs
entirely on ethanol in New Delhi.
• The car is the first Stage-II BS-VI electrified flex-fuel vehicle, which
runs entirely on ethanol as a fuel source.
• Currently, India's oil import bill stands at Rs 16 lakh crore, which
highlights the need to curb this expenditure.
• Addressing environmental concerns, Minister Gadkari underlined
the need for sustainable solutions, stressing that 40 percent of
pollution is generated from the transport sector.
• Ethanol blending not only reduces pollution but also has the potential to increase India's agricultural growth
by 12 to 20 percent, thereby creating several employment opportunities.
• Flex-Fuel Technology: The newly introduced flex-fuel technology allows higher levels of ethanol blending in
petrol, over 20 percent. The technology aims to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable mobility, and
reduce dependence on conventional fuel sources.
• Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas - Hardeep Singh Puri
A Chapter On National War Memorial Included In NCERT Curriculum Of Class VII From This Year
• The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has taken a significant step towards
fostering patriotism in school children by introducing a new chapter in the Class 7 English textbook titled “A
Homage to Our Brave Soldiers”.
• The newly incorporated chapter provides an insightful exploration into the history and importance of the
National War Memorial.
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• The National War Memorial, known as Rashtriya Samar Smarak in Hindi, stands as a powerful tribute to the
heroic soldiers who have selflessly laid down their lives to protect the nation. Inaugurated in January 2019,
this national monument holds a special place in the hearts of Indians.
MoU signed by Ministry and National Safai Karamcharis Finance and

Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and National Safai
Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) signed
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the financial years 2023-
24 and 2024-25.
• The collaboration aims to uplift sanitation workers, manual
scavengers, waste pickers and their dependents across India.
• The MoU focuses on inclusive growth and effective fund allocation for targeted welfare programmes.
• The partnership emphasizes initiatives on protection, education, skill development, entrepreneurship and
sustainable employment opportunities for these marginalized communities.
About NSKFDC
• Establishment: Incorporated on 24 January 1997
• Affiliation: Wholly owned by Government of India
• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (M/O SJ&E)
• Legal Status: Registered as a non-profit company under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956
• Function: Active since October 1997, working for the upliftment of sanitation workers, sweepers and their
dependents across India.
• Approach: Provides diverse loan and non-loan schemes for their progress
Govt forms high-level committee to examine One nation, One election

• The Government of India has constituted an eight-member high-level
committee to examine One Nation, One Election.
• Former President Ram Nath Kovind has been appointed as Chairman of
the committee.
• Other members: HM Amit Shah, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury,
Former Rajya Sabha member Ghulam Nabi Azad, Former Chairman 15th Finance Commission N.K. Singh and
others
• Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will attend the meetings of the committee as special invitee.
• The elections to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of States were mostly held
simultaneously from 1951-52 to 1967 after which this cycle got broken.
• The high level committee will examine and make recommendation for holding simultaneous elections of Lok
Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, Municipalities and Panchayats, keeping in view the existing framework
under the Constitution and other statutory provisions.
• The committee will also examine the logistics and manpower required, including EVMs and VVPATs for
holding simultaneous elections.
‘Special Session’ of Parliament from September 18-22

• The government held a ‘Special Session’ of Parliament from September
18-22
• “Special Session of Parliament (13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st
Session of Rajya Sabha)
• This is the first such special session under the nine years of the Modi-led
government which had convened a special joint sitting of Lok Sabha and
Rajya Sabha to mark the midnight GST roll-out on June 30, 2017.
Sessions of Parliament:
• The summoning of Parliament is specified in Article 85 of the Constitution.
• India does not have a fixed parliamentary calendar. By convention (i.e. not provided by the Constitution),
Parliament meets for three sessions in a year.
• The longest, Budget Session (1st session), starts towards the end of January, and concludes by the end of
April or first week of May.
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• The second session is the three-week Monsoon Session, which usually begins in July and finishes in August.
• Winter Session (3rd session), is held from November to December.
NCERT gets Deemed University Status

• National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
• Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan made this announcement during the 63rd
Foundation Day celebrations of NCERT in Delhi.
• Bal Bhavan will be merged with NCERT.
• An Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) laboratory was inaugurated to integrate technology in
education.
• A Vidhya Samiksha Kendra was also inaugurated as part of the celebrations.
• NCERT will include a chapter on the success story and findings of Chandrayaan-3 in 22 recognized languages.
About NCERT
• It is an autonomous organization of the Government of India.
• NCERT was established in 1961 and functions as a literary, scientific, and charitable society under the
Societies Registration Act.
• The headquarters located at Sri Aurobindo Marg in New Delhi.
• Dr. Dinesh Prasad Saklani has been the director of NCERT since 2022.
• In 2023, NCERT constituted a 19-member committee.
• The objective of the committee is to finalize the syllabus, textbooks, and learning material for the students
of classes 3 to 12.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal Unveils Statue of First Finance Minister Of

Independent India
• Union Minister of Textiles, Piyush Goyal unveiled the statue of the First
Finance Minister of the Independent India RK Shanmugam Chetty at the
South Indian Mills Association complex (SIMA) in Coimbatore.
• India’s first budget was presented on November 26, 1947.
Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Gets Navratna Status

• Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (RCF) was conferred 'Navratna
status' by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE).
• The 'Navratna Status' designation empowers RCF as one of the select groups of
Public Sector Enterprises in India with significant financial autonomy.
• These companies can invest up to Rs 1000 crore in projects without approval
from the central government.
• Navratna companies are recognized as pillars of excellence in India's public sector and are known for their
exceptional performance and significant contribution to the country's economy.
• Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (RCF):-
• Ownership: Government-owned enterprise in India
• Headquarters: Mumbai, India
• Primary operations: production of chemicals and fertilizers
• Government Ministry: Comes under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
• Establishment: Established in 1978 after the restructuring of the Fertilizer Corporation of India.
• Ranking: Fourth largest producer of state-owned fertilizers in India
• Urea Production: 4th largest urea producer in India
India to Bharat:
• Rashtrapati Bhawan has sent out an
invite for a G20 dinner on Sept 9th in
the name of 'President of Bharat'
instead of the usual 'President of
India'.
• Article 1 in the Constitution spoke
that “India, that is Bharat, shall be a
Union of States.”
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• If Government of India wants to change the name of the country it has to bring out resolution in parliament
with the bill of changing name of the country to Bharat from India.
• Both the names, India and Bharat, were made official and legal to be used for juridical-political purposes.
• In English, we call our nation India, while in other Indian languages, we call it Bharat. It is Bharata in Tamil,
Bharatam in Malayalam, and Bharat desam in Telugu even in Dravidian languages. The Constitution is known
as “Bharat ka Samvidhan” in Hindi. And Article 1 is, ‘Bharata arthat India, rajyon ka sangha hoga.
• In Hindu works like the Mahabharata and Manusmriti, the term “Bharat” has a long history.
• In the Mahabharata, 'Bharat' refers to the legendary king Bharata, who played a central role in the epic. He
was the son of King Dushyanta and Queen Shakuntala and is considered a symbol of unity and strength.
• The name 'Bharat' is closely associated with the legendary ancient king 'Bharata.' He is considered the
ancestor of the Rig Vedic tribe of the Bharatas.
• Origins in the Term 'Indus'
• The name 'India' has its roots in the term 'Indus,' which refers to the Indus River.
• The term 'Indus' was Persianized into 'Hindu' due to linguistic transformations over time.
• Over time, 'Hindu' evolved into 'Hindustan.' The suffix '-stan' in Persian means 'land of,' so 'Hindustan'
translates to the 'Land of the Hindus.'
OIML Certificates
• India becomes the 13th nation to issue Internationally Accepted OIML certificates
• OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology)
• Domestic manufacturers can now get their weighing & measuring instrument
tested in India and sell in international market.
• It will also create facility for international manufacturers to get their equipment
tested in India which will generate revenue and employment.
• Established in 1955, OIML is an intergovernmental organisation and its certificate is
internationally accepted for selling weights & measures anywhere in the world.
• Bharat became it’s member in 1956. It has 63 Member States and 64 Corresponding Members.
• India now joins an exclusive group of nations, including Australia, Switzerland, China, Czech Republic,
Germany, Denmark, France, UK, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden and Slovakia authorised to issue OIML
approval certificates.
MoU Signed Between Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya Vadodara And Airbus

• Indian Railways’ Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) Vadodara has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Airbus to strengthen the Indian aviation sector.
• The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications,
Electronics, and IT, who is also the First Chancellor of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya.
• Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya is a Central University established through an Act of Parliament in 2022.
• It replaces the National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI) and is sponsored by the Ministry of Railways.
• The Chancellor of GSV is the Union Minister of Railways.
• GSV is the first-of-its-kind university with a mandate to create high-quality talent for the transportation and
logistics sectors.
• Its significance lies in fulfilling the objectives of the National Developmental Plans, including the PM Gati
Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and National Logistics Policy 2022, covering railways, shipping, ports,
highways, roads, waterways, and aviation.
• Airbus:
• It is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial aircraft and a leading producer of helicopters, defence,
and space equipment.
• Airbus has recently partnered with Tata to establish a C295 aircraft facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, focusing on
design, innovation, manufacturing, and development in India.
Amazon India inks pact with 5 states to empower PwDs

• Amazon India has signed a pact till 2026 with five state governments to engage
with employable Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and enable their participation
in the mainstream workforce.
• These states are Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
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Google Cloud partners with MeitY to train government officials

• Google Cloud has partnered with the government’s computer emergency
response unit CERT-In to train 1,000 government officials and provide 1 lakh
cybersecurity certificate scholarships to learners.
• CERT-In is part of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY), which deals with cybersecurity threats, hacking, and other cyber-related issues.
• The ‘cyber force’ of government officials will be trained in cyber defence best practices, including the use of
generative AI, and conducting cybersecurity AI hackathons led by Google Cloud and Mandiant experts.
• Founded: 19 January 2004
PM Modi inaugurated 'Yashobhoomi' convention centre in Delhi on his birthday

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated to India the Phase 1 of India International Convention and
Expo Centre called ‘Yashobhoomi’, at Dwarka, New Delhi
• The Yashobhoom is touted to become one of the world’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences,
and Exhibitions) facility.
• Convention and Expo Centre has been built at a cost of about Rs. 5400 crore. seating capacity of more than
11000 delegates, comprises of 15 convention rooms, the Grand ballroom and 13 meeting rooms.
NMC gets WFME recognition status for 10 years

• National Medical Commission Achieves Prestigious World Federation for
Medical Education (WFME) Recognition Status for 10 Years
• Students who have graduated from medical schools in India can now
practice in foreign countries.
• This recognition by WFME carries profound implications for Indian
medical graduates. It opens doors for them to pursue postgraduate
training and practice medicine in countries that require WFME recognition, including the United States,
Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
• Under this accreditation, all 706 existing medical colleges in India will gain WFME accreditation status.
Additionally, any new medical colleges established in the next decade will automatically receive WFME
accreditation. This development is set to position India as an appealing destination for international students
• WFME is an international organisation working in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO)
and the World Medical Association. Established in 1972, WFME had been accrediting medical colleges
independently.
• National Medical Commission is an Indian regulatory body of 33 members which regulates medical
education and medical professionals. It replaced the Medical Council of India on 25 September 2020.
• MCI was established in 1934 under the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act, 1933
• The government dissolved the MCI in 2018 and replaced it with a Board of Governors (BoG), which was
chaired by a member of NITI Aayog.
TB-Mukt Express
• Dr. Jitendra Singh flagged off SMVD Narayana Healthcare TB Mukt Express at
Udhampur with the slogan ‘Chalo Chale TB Ko Harane’.
• The main objective of the “TB-Mukt Express” is to provide medical services
and raise awareness about tuberculosis in different villages, primarily in the
Udhampur constituency
Railway Board Increases Ex-Gratia Payments for Train Accident Victims

• Indian Railways Increases Compensation for Train Accident Victims from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh
• The revised ex-gratia relief amounts are applicable to passengers involved in train accidents, including
collisions and derailments, as well as individuals affected by accidents at manned railway crossing gates.
They also apply to victims of untoward incidents, including violent attacks, robberies, arson, or accidents
involving passengers falling from trains.
• Those who suffer grievous injuries in train accidents - eligible for Rs. 2.5 lakh in compensation.
• Individuals who sustain simpler injuries - Rs. 50,000.
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Overseas Citizen Of India : Process Of Cancelling The Registration

• In NEWS - India is in the process of cancelling the registration of more
than a dozen Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders for
carrying out pro-Khalistan activities and anti-India propaganda
• Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a special immigration status and
visa category that the Government of India provides to people of Indian
origin who are foreign citizens or foreign nationals.
• OCI Scheme was introduced by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955, in August 2005.
• It provides long-term visa-free travel and stay in India and gives the cardholders a host of privileges normally
not given to a foreign national.
• Eligibility: OCI is typically available to individuals who can prove their Indian origin. This includes people who
were citizens of India on or after January 26, 1950, or who were eligible to become citizens of India at that
time. It also covers their descendants, such as children and grandchildren.
• Benefits: OCI status provides several benefits, including the ability to travel to India without requiring a visa,
the ability to own property in India, and the ability to open bank accounts and make investments in India.
OCI holders are also eligible for certain educational and employment opportunities in India.
• Some restrictions. For example, OCI holders cannot vote in Indian elections, hold certain government
positions, or acquire agricultural land in India. They also do not have the same political rights as full Indian
citizens.
Fatehpur Sikri
• In NEWS: A 61-year-old French tourist recently died inside the Fatehpur Sikri fort after she fell from a nine-
feet-high platform following the collapse of a wooden railing.
• Fatehpur Sikri is a city predominantly in red sandstone, situated at a distance of 37 km from Agra, Uttar
Pradesh.
• It was founded in 1569 by the great Mughal emperor Akbar, and from 1571 to 1585, Fatehpur Sikri was the
capital of the Mughal Empire.
• The Mughal capital was moved to Delhi in 1586 because of Fatehpur Sikri’s inadequate water supply.
• It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.
CRIIIO 4 GOOD
• Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched ‘CRIIIO 4 GOOD’, a new online, life
skills learning modules, to promote gender equality among girls and
boys.
• ‘It consists of series of 8 cricket-based animation films to promote
gender parity, equip girls with life skills and encourage their participation
in sports.
• The programme was launched in association with the International Cricket Council, UNICEF, and the Board of
Control for Cricket in India.
• The programme is in three languages: English, Hindi and Gujarati.
UNICEF
• UNICEF stands for the United Nations Children’s Fund which was established in 1946.
• It is a specialised agency of the United Nations dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental
assistance to children and mothers in developing countries.
• Headquarter: New York City, United States.
Centre notifies establishment of National Turmeric Board with focus on enhancing Turmeric exports to US$ 1
Billion by 2030
• India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
• In the year 2022-23 - over 75% of global turmeric production
• More than 30 varieties of Turmeric are grown in India
• The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana,
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• The leading export markets for Indian Turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia
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• National Turmeric Board Members

• The Board shall have a Chairperson to be appointed by the Central Government.
• Members from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare,
Commerce & Industry of the Union Government
• Senior State Government representatives from three states (on rotation basis)
• Select national/state institutions involved in research, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters
• Secretary to be appointed by the Department of Commerce.
DRI’s ‘Operation Kachchhap’ Rescues 955 Live Baby Gangetic Turtles

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a successful operation
called “Kachchhap,”.
• The DRI caught 6 persons with 955 live baby Gangetic turtles of different
species at Nagpur, Bhopal, and Chennai.
• Intelligence was developed by the officers of DRI about a syndicate involved in
illegal trafficking and trading of ‘’Turtles of Ganges’’
Ircon International Limited & RITES Ltd Granted ‘Navratna’ Status

• Ircon International Limited and RITES Ltd under the Ministry of Railways,
have been announced as the 15th and 16th Navratna among Central Public
Sector Enterprise.
• Conferred Navratna status by the Ministry of Finance
• To get Navratna status, the PSU should be a Miniratna-I, Schedule 'A'
company
• For a company to achieve the Navratna status, it must report a net profit of more than Rs 5,000 crore for
three consecutive years and maintain an average annual turnover of Rs 25,000 crore for three years or have
an annual average net worth of over Rs 15,000 crore for three years.
• IRCON: Indian Railway Construction International Limited, is an Indian engineering & construction
corporation. Founded: 27 April 1976
• RITES: RITES Ltd, formerly known as Rail India Technical and Economic Service Limited. Founded: 1974
Supreme Court Declines To Recognize Same-Sex Marriages

• A five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, issued a unanimous verdict
declining to recognize same-sex marriages and civil unions for non-heterosexual couples.
• The Bench agreed that there is no fundamental right to marry under the Indian Constitution.
• The judgment did not recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions but acknowledged the right to choose
partners and live-in relationships.
•
SC Refers Electoral Bond Case To 5-Judge Constitution Bench

• The Supreme Court of India has referred the challenge to the validity and legality of the electoral bonds
scheme, which allows anonymous donations to political parties, to a Constitution Bench of five judges.
• The electoral bonds system was introduced in 2017 by way of a Finance bill and it was implemented in 2018.
• They serve as a means for individuals and entities to make donations to registered political parties while
maintaining donor anonymity.
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Features:
• SBI is the authorized issuer.
• State Bank of India (SBI) issues the bonds in denominations of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and
Rs 1 crore.
• Purchased by Indian citizens or entities established in India.
• Can be purchased digitally or through cheques.
• Valid for 15 calendar days from the date of issue.
• Only the political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and
have secured not less than 1% of the votes polled in the last general election to the House of the People or
the Legislative Assembly, are eligible to receive electoral bonds
• Encashment only through an authorized bank account of the political party.
• Parties must disclose their bank account with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
• Political parties are obligated to explain the utilization of the funds received.
• The Finance Act, 2016, had also amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010, to allow foreign
companies with subsidiaries in India to fund political parties in India, effectively, “exposing Indian politics
and democracy to international lobbyists
BIS Approves India’s First-ever Indigenous AC & DC Combined Charging Connector Standard
• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standard Body of India, has approved the country’s first
ever indigenously developed AC and DC Combined Charging connector standard for Light Electric Vehicles
(LEVs)
• It is also the world’s 1st charging standard that combines AC and DC charging for small EVs, such as electric
scooters, motorcycles, three-wheelers, and quadricycles, and is designed and engineered in India.
• The Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) Act 2016 establishes the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as the
National Standards Body of India.
• There is a provision for repair or recall, of the products (bearing Standard Mark) that do not conform to the
relevant Indian Standard.
IRCTC partners with Zomato for Delivery of Pre-Booked Meals

• Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)
• In the first phase, Zomato will supply and deliver preordered meals
through IRCTC’s online catering portal at five railway stations – New
Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.
Ethics committee Of Lok Sabha:

• NEWS: Recently, the Lok Sabha Speaker referred the complaint against a
sitting member of parliament to the House Ethics Committee.
• The complaint is based on evidence from an advocate, which he claims
shows the exchange of bribes between the accused and a businessman.
• Each house of the parliament has its own ethics committee.
• The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee examines complaints of unethical
conduct by members of the Lok Sabha.
Ethics committee in Lok Sabha
• It was first constituted in 2000.
• Composition: not more than 15 members and nominated by the Speaker.
• Term: not exceeding one year.
Ethics committee in Rajya Sabha

• It was constituted in 1997.
• Composition: 10 members nominated by the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
• Term: not exceeding one year.
Functions
• To oversee the moral and ethical conduct of the Members
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Someshwara Inscription:
• NEWS: Archaeologists discovered a rare inscription connected to the Alupa dynasty
during a recent archaeological exploration at Someshwara near Mangaluru, Karnataka.
• Someshwara inscription is very significant in the study of Tuluva history and culture.
• inscription written below the panels is in Kannada script and the language of 12th
century characters announcing the death of Alupendra I.
• The human figures shown in the inscription represent Kulashekara Alupendra himself.
NCERT To Replace ‘India’ With ‘Bharat’ In Upcoming Books

• NCERT panel suggests replacing ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’
• The suggestion was made by the 2022 Social Science committee.
• The Article 1(1) of the Constitution already states “India, that is
Bharat, shall 'Reference' Petrol and Diesel - highly specialized fuel
which is used for testing automobiles.
• A strong step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat:
• it will reduce India's dependence on mineral oil imports from
foreign countries.
• India has, for decades, been dependent on imports to meet the demand for these specialty fuels.
• be a Union of States”.
• Bharat is an age-old name. The use of the name Bharat finds its mention in ancient texts such as Vishnu
Purana, which is 7,000 years old
• The name Bharat first appeared officially after the government sent out G20 invites hosted by the President
in the name of ‘President of Bharat’, instead of ‘President of India’.
• “The term India started being used commonly only after the establishment of the East India Company and
the battle of Plassey in 1757
• The panel also recommended introducing ‘classical history’ instead of ‘ancient history’ in the textbooks.
History will also no longer be divided into ancient, medieval and modern.
CBSE develops Vidya Samiksha Software- Saagar se Saraansh

• The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has developed Vidya
Samiksha Software- “Saagar se Saraansh” as part of the Vidya Samiksha
Kendra for amplifying data-based decision-making.
• Vidya Samiksha Software of CBSE aims to leverage data and technology
to bring a big leap in decision-making and governance
• This software covers data from more than 28 thousand CBSE schools,
over 13 lakh teachers, and approximately 3 crore students.
• The data will be used for effective analysis of academic enrichment projects in schools in order to enhance
the overall monitoring of the CBSE education system.
• This software is compliant with the National Digital Education Architecture that was launched by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in 2021. The software provides real-time updates and data processing.
BPRD to conduct 5G Hackathon VIMARSH 2023

• Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) initiated the
hackathon, which is a significant step towards enhancing the
capabilities of police forces.
• A national hackathon named “Vimarsh-2023” has been unveiled
with the goal of identifying innovative tools to ensure the secure
utilization of 5G technology by law enforcement agencies during sensitive operations.
• The grand finale of VIMARSH 2023 will be organised on the 28th of February 2024.
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Tata Group: Becomes 1st Indian Company to Manufacture iPhone

• Tata Group is now going to manufacture iPhone in India for domestic and
global consumers.
• Tata Group has decided to buy the Bangalore plant of iPhone manufacturing
company Wistron in India.
• For this, Tata Group has signed a deal with Wistron for about $ 125 million
(Rs 1,040 crore).
• Wistron Hong Kong Ltd to sign share purchase agreements for the sale of all shares with Tata Electronics Pvt
Ltd (TEPL).
India joins select list of countries, starts producing ‘Reference’ fuel

• 'Reference' Petrol and Diesel - highly specialized fuel which is used
for testing automobiles.
• A strong step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat:
• it will reduce India's dependence on mineral oil imports from
foreign countries.
• India has, for decades, been dependent on imports to meet the
demand for these specialty fuels.
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) developed this technology

• IOC's Paradip Refinery in Odisha will produce 'Reference' grade petrol.
• IOC's Panipat unit in Haryana will produce reference grade diesel
• The imported 'reference' fuel comes at Rs 800-850, compared to Rs 90-96 per liter of regular petrol and
diesel.
• Producing 'reference' fuel domestically would reduce its cost to about Rs 450 per litre.
• The biggest difference between regular and premium fuel is in the octane number. Regular fuel has an
octane number of 87, Premium fuel is 91.
• Reference grade fuel comes with 97 octane number.
• Octane number is a unit to measure the combustion quality of petrol or diesel.
Automatic ‘Status Holder’ Certificates

• Union Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal unveils system based automatic ‘Status Holder’
certificates under Foreign Trade Policy 2023
• This system eliminates the need for exporters to apply to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
for a Status Certificate.
• These certifications will be automatically granted each year in August, based on the annual export figures
available from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), in conjunction with
other risk assessment parameters.
Government approved royalty rates for mining of Lithium, Niobium, and

Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
• The Centre has approved the amendment of the Second Schedule
of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act,
1957 (MMDR Act) for specifying the rate of royalty in respect of 3
critical and strategic minerals, namely, lithium, niobium and Rare
Earth Elements.
• The royalty rate would be three percent of London Metal

Exchange price for Lithium, while the rate would be three percent
of Average Sale Price for Niobium. Rare Earth Elements’ royalty
rate would be one percent of Average Sale Price of Rare Earth
Oxide.
• The MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2023, delisted six minerals, including lithium and niobium, from the list of
atomic minerals, thereby granting concessions for these minerals to the private sector through auction.
• Critical minerals such as Lithium and REEs have gained significance in view of India’s commitment towards
energy transition and achieving net-zero emission by 2070.
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PM Modi Sets Ambitious Space Goals for India

• Moon Landing by 2040: India plans to send its first astronaut to the
moon by 2040 after the successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission.
• ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station): India aims to
establish its own space station by 2035.
• Roadmap for Lunar Exploration: The roadmap includes next-gen launch
vehicles, a new launch pad, and human-centric laboratories for moon
exploration.
• Gaganyaan Mission in 2025: The Gaganyaan mission, set for 2025, will send three crew members into orbit
for three days.
• Another notable milestone was the launch of India’s first space-based solar mission, Aditya L1, by ISRO.
• Private Sector Participation: Over 150 space tech startups have emerged since India opened its space sector
to private companies in 2020, attracting increased foreign investments.
• Interplanetary Missions: PM Modi encourages Indian scientists to explore interplanetary missions, including
a Venus Orbiter Mission and Mars Lander.
• International Collaboration: India signed NASA's Artemis Accords for space exploration, with Indian
astronauts set to visit the International Space Station in 2024 after receiving training.
• Low-Earth Orbit Observatory: ISRO and NASA plan to launch a low-Earth orbit observatory in 2024 to
monitor Earth's ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation, sea level, and natural disasters.
Union Cabinet approves continuation of Fast-track Special Courts up to March

2026
• After the Nirbhaya case in Delhi, in 2018, the Center had decided to set
up 1,023 fast-track special courts.
• Initially commenced in October 2019 for one year, the scheme was
extended for an additional two years until 31.03.2023.
• Now, it has been further extended until 31.03.2026, with a financial
outlay of Rs. 1952.23 crore, with the Central Share funded from the
Nirbhaya Fund.
• The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO for short)
was passed in 2012 to comprehensively deal with the issue of sexual
offences against children.
Cabinet approves Terms of Reference for the 16th Finance Commission

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Terms of Reference
for the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
• Article 280(1) of the Constitution lays down that the modalities for setting up of a Finance Commission to
make recommendation on the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States.
• The Finance Commission generally takes about two years to submit its recommendations. The Sixteenth
Finance Commission would submit its report by October 31, 2025 and its recommendations, upon the
acceptance by the government, would be implemented for the next five years i.e. from April 1, 2026 to March
31, 2031.
• The 15th Finance Commission was constituted on November 27, 2017. It made recommendations covering
the period of six years commencing on 1st April, 2020 through its Interim and Final Reports.
• The recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission are valid up to the financial year 2025-26.
“One Nation, One Registration Platform”

• The National Medical Commission (NMC) is all set to launch its “one
nation, one registration platform” for doctors across India.
• Aim: To eliminate duplication and red tape and allow the public to
access information on any physician working in India.
• The NMR will supersede the current Indian Medical Register (IMR) and
will be publicly accessible through the NMC’s official website.
• It will provide comprehensive information about registered doctors,
including: UID, registration number, name & place of work, qualification, specialization, institute.
• National Medical Commission: Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• It has been constituted by an act of Parliament known as the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.
• It has replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI), which was constituted under the Indian Medical Council
Act, 1956.
• Functions:
• It regulates medical education and medical professionals.
• It consists of 33 members, including the Chairman (medical professionals only), 10 ex-officio members and
22 part-time members.
‘Vision India@2047’ plan

• NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam said the draft of Vision India @2047 will be ready by December 2023
• for India to become a developed economy of about USD 30 trillion by 2047
• ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ document, was first envisaged by PM Modi in December 2021.
• The preliminary results from NITI Aayog’s forecasting also predict that India’s exports will be valued at $8.67
trillion in 2047 while its imports will be valued at $12.12 trillion.
• It also predicts India’s average life expectancy to jump to 71.8 from 67.2 in 2021 and its literacy rate to 89.8
per cent from 77.8 per cent in 2021.
UPSC Tightens Guidelines for Appointment of State DGPs

• Directors General of Police (DGPs).
• The UPSC guidelines now mandate that candidates eligible for the position of DGP must have at least six
months of active service left before their retirement.
• This ensures that the appointed DGP will have a reasonable period to serve in the position, preventing short
tenures and promoting stability in the leadership of state police forces.
• What do the guidelines say?
• It says officers with 25 years of experience to be appointed as a DGP, against the earlier requirement of a
minimum 30 years of service.
• The number of shortlisted officers cannot exceed three, but may consist of less than three officers in
‘exceptional circumstances’.
• An empanelment committee headed by the UPSC chairman, union home secretary, state chief secretary,
state DGP, and the chief of a central police organisation in it, is supposed to select a panel of three officers
“based on merit”.
• The DGP should have a fixed tenure of 2 years in the post, irrespective of the date of retirement. A DGP can
be removed only in exceptional circumstances.
Background:
• The UPSC had first framed guidelines for the preparation of a panel for appointment of State DGPs in 2009,
after the Supreme Court judgement on police reforms in Prakash Singh vs Union of India was followed.
Issues with Appointments

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• Interim Status: The appointed DGP officer spent their entire tenure in interim status which is against the
supreme court order where the SC has said there must be no temporary or ad hoc appointments of police
chiefs.
• Seniority vs Merit issue: The senior officers challenge the appointment of Junior officers as DGP on grounds
of seniority. The UPSC defended its decision in court on the grounds of merit over seniority.
• Extension of Tenure: Sometimes the officers are given an extension of tenure beyond the stipulated term of
2 years.
‘ENCORE’
• The Election Commission of India has designed in-house software for
complete Candidate and election management through ‘ENCORE’ which
stands for ‘Enabling Communications on Real-time Environment’.
• This provides a seamless facility for Returning Officers to process candidate
nomination, affidavit, Voter turnout, counting, results and data
management.
• The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body. It was established on January 25th, 1950, under
the Constitution of India.
ECI signs MoU with the Ministry of Education to bring Electoral Literacy to
Classrooms across the country
• Its objective is to include voter education and electoral literacy in the
curriculum from classes 6th to 12th in all schools.
• Under the MoU, study material on electoral literacy will be included in NCERT
school textbooks and state education boards will also be advised to follow the same.
• The right to vote is not just a privilege, but a basic human right. It is protected by the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights (1948)
• The right to vote in the Constitution of India is guaranteed under Article 326.
• In India, the voting age has been reduced from 21 years to 18 years by the 61st Constitutional Amendment
Act, 1988.
• The bill came into force on 28th March 1989.
India’s First Wifi6 Ready Broadband Network

• Nokia has collaborated with TATA Play Fiber, unveiling the country’s
inaugural WiFi6-ready broadband network.
NMDC Inaugurates its 1st Gold Mine, Mount Celia Gold Operation
• Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, unveiled a foundation stone
laying ceremony for mining operations at Mount Celia Gold Project located in
Western Australia.
• This initiative was taken by Legacy Iron Ore Limited, a government-owned
steel CPSE, a subsidiary of NMDC Limited
• This marks NMDC’s first venture into gold mining.
• The Mt Celia project is located 180km northeast of Kalgoorlie. Kalgoorlie is
famous for its rich gold mining history.
National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC):
• Established: 1958
• Headquarters: Hyderabad
• It is the country's largest iron ore producer, producing about 35 million
tonnes of iron ore.
• NMDC was classified as a 'Navratna' Public Sector Enterprise by the Department of Public Enterprises in
2008.
Bharat Botanics To Open India’s Largest Cold Oil Production Facility In Gujarat
• Bharat Botanics announced the opening of its 16,000 square feet automated
wood-pressed cold oil processing facility in Rajkot, Gujarat
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Krishi 24/7
• Union Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence
(Wadhwani AI), developed Krishi 24/7.
• It is the first-ever AI-powered solution for automated agricultural news monitoring and analysis, with
support from Google.org
• This platform scans news articles in multiple languages, extracts essential information and translates them
into English.
• It addresses the need for an efficient mechanism to identify and manage agricultural news articles of interest
to aid timely decision-making
Ban On Use Of Barium & Other Prohibited Chemicals

• Supreme Court of India emphasized that its directive, issued in the 2021 order, banning the use of barium
and other prohibited chemicals in firecrackers applies not only to the National Capital Region but to the
entire country.
• In October 2018, the Supreme Court took a significant step by imposing a ban
on the production and sale of all crackers except ‘green crackers’ and those
designed to emit reduced emissions, commonly referred to as improved
crackers.
• The court also prohibited the manufacture and sale of ‘joined crackers,’
which are long rows of crackers joined together.
• It was mandated that the noise levels of the crackers should adhere to
permissible limits.
• In 2020, the National Green Tribunal had already banned the sale and
use of all types of firecrackers in the National Capital Region.
Mitti Cafe In Supreme Court

• Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud inaugurated ‘Mitti Cafe‘, a
unique establishment situated within the Supreme Court premises.
• Mitti Cafe was founded by Alina Alam in 2017.
• MITTI Café focuses on training and employing adults with physical,
mental and psychiatric disabilities, especially from economically
deprived backgrounds, in the hospitality sector.
GAIL Completes World’s Inaugural Ship-To-Ship LNG Transfer

• Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), the country’s leading gas firm, has successfully
executed the world’s first ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) transfer.
• In a recent operation, GAIL’s hired vessel, Castillo De Santisteban, performed a ship-to-
ship (STS) transfer mid-way through its journey.
• The LNG cargo was transferred to another chartered vessel, Al Gharrafa of Qatar Gas,
making this the world’s first STS transfer.
• The optimized gain for GAIL in this charter exceeded USD 1 million, marking a win-win situation for both
GAIL and QatarGas
International Event SAMBHAV

• A two day international event ‘Sambhav- 2023’ by Divyang (Physically and Mentally Challenged) Artists has
been organised by A.L.P.A.N.A. (Association for Learning Performing Arts & Normative Action Society) in
Delhi.
• Divyang Artists from Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Iran, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka
and Thailand participated in this event.
India Unveils Biogas Blending Plan To Reduce Natural Gas Imports And Achieve Net
Zero Emissions
• In a significant move towards energy sustainability, the Indian government has
announced a phased introduction of blending compressed biogas with natural
gas.
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• This initiative aims to bolster domestic demand, decrease reliance on natural gas imports, and contribute to
India’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070.
Phase 1: Introduction of Biogas Blending (April 2025):
• Commencing in April 2025, the government will initiate the mandatory blending of compressed biogas with
natural gas at a rate of 1%.
Phase 2: Scaling Up Blending (2028):
• As part of the phased approach, the mandatory blending percentage is set to increase to approximately 5%
by 2028.
• In addition to biogas blending, the government is pushing for the incorporation of sustainable aviation fuel
(SAF) in aircraft turbine fuel. The goal is to achieve 1% SAF in aviation fuel by 2027, with a subsequent
doubling to 2% in 2028.
• National Biofuels Coordination Committee (NBCC) gave its nod to mandatory blending of CBG with
compressed natural gas (CNG) for transportation and piped natural gas (PNG) for households starting 2025-
26 (FY26)
• The compulsory blending obligation will be 1 per cent of total CNG and domestic PNG consumption for FY26,
3 per cent for FY27, and 4 per cent for FY28.
• The obligation mandates 5 per cent blending from FY29. A Central Repository Body (CRB) will be responsible
for monitoring and implementing the blending mandate.
• Biogas is an energy-rich gas produced by anaerobic decomposition of biomass. It is produced from sources
like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste, and sewage treatment
plant waste, among others.
• It can be burned directly as a fuel, or purified and upgraded by removing carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide,
and then compressed to make CBG. The CBG has methane content of more than 90%, which is similar to
commercially available natural gas in composition and energy potential.
• India is a major consumer of natural gas and depends on imports to meet around half of its requirement.
• In October 2018, the government had launched the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable
Transportation (SATAT) scheme, under which 5,000 CBG plants were envisaged by 2023 to produce 15
million tonnes of CBG.
• The scheme’s objective was to encourage entrepreneurs to set up CBG plants across the country and supply
the gas to public sector oil companies.
APEDA facilitated cashew nut export to four countries on NCD

• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA) facilitates Cashew Exports on
National Cashew Day (23 Nov) to Bangladesh, Qatar, Malaysia and USA
• Bangladesh will receive its first ever consignment of cashew from Odisha.
• After Côte d'Ivoire, India is the second largest producer and exporter of cashew nuts with a share of over 15
per cent.
• Vietnam ranks third in cashew nuts export in the world.
India's top cashew export destination is:
• India's top export destinations are UAE, Netherlands, Japan and Saudi Arabia.
• Top Cashew Producing States of India:
• Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the major cashew producing states of
India.
National Cashew Day:
• 'National Cashew Day' is celebrated every year on 23 November to make people aware of cashew and
increase its consumption.
• APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev
Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) Model :

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently awarded two highway
monetisation projects worth Rs 6,584 in the toll, operate, and transfer (TOT) mode.
• TOT model has been developed to encourage private participation in Highway
sector.
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IWAI signs MoU with NRL for export of Petroleum Cargo via NW 2 & IBPR
• An MoU was signed between the Inland Waterways Authority of India and
Numaligarh Refinery Limited to use the National Waterways-2
(Brahmaputra) and Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.
• Reason: For export of petroleum products to Bangladesh and other southeast
Asian countries in Guwahati
• The MoU is aimed at powering PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to boost
India’s Act East Policy.
• NRL will export around 10,000 MT of Petroleum & Petrochemical products per month from IWAI Jogighopa
Multi Modal terminal.
• Aim: To fulfill the ‘Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for Northeast’ by enabling inland waterways transportation via
NW2 and IBPR
Short News
• IIT Kanpur has a quick-fix solution to offer to Delhi and its neighbouring
regions choking in toxic air – it can help the city wash down pollutants
and dust with “artificial rains”.
• Every year, on November 2nd, the festival of Parumala Perunnal is
celebrated in Kerala.
• The 17th edition of Jaipur Literature Festival, from February 1 to February 5, 2024
• Mundra Becomes India’s First Port To Handle 16.1 Million Tonnes Of Cargo, the highest-ever volume by any
port in India.
• Dharmendra Pradhan and Australian Education Minister, Jason Clare announce opening of two Australian
Universities upcoming campuses (Wollongong and Deakin Universities) in GIFT City
• India has approved its first 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the defence sector, permitting Sweden's
Saab to establish a facility for rocket manufacturing.
• India accounted for the highest number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the world in 2022, representing 27
percent of the global burden, as revealed by the new WHO 2023 Global TB report.
• Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) has become India’s largest green energy company as it reached the 8.4
gigawatt (GW) installed capacity mark.
• India will host the second Voice of Global South Summit in a virtual format. The sessions will be hosted by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari addressed the Ministerial Session at the
27th World Road Congress in Prague, Czech Republic, focusing on Road Safety.
• Union MSME Minister Narayan Rane inaugurated 'Khadi Mahotsav' in Mumbai. 'Khadi Mahotsav' is a month-
long event, which was scheduled to run till 31 October 2023 in Mumbai.
• Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has introduced a 15-point ‘Winter Action Plan’
to tackle air pollution in the upcoming winter season.
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• 4th edition of Indo-Latin America Cultural Festival organized by the Indian Council
for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in New Delhi. Total 34 artists of three countries –
Colombia, Ecuador and Chile are participated in the two-day festival.
• I&B Minister Anurag Thakur launches animated series Krish, Trish and Baltiboy –
Bharat Hain Hum to raise awareness amongst the children of India about our glorious Freedom Struggle and
the freedom heroes.
• International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Reliance Foundation sign agreement to

advance Olympic values education across India through the Olympic Values Education
Programme (OVEP)
• The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs inaugurated the Aadi Mahotsav – the National Tribal Festival – on 25th
October, at Ahmedabad, Gujarat - organised by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation
of India Limited (TRIFED).
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned down a Garba song, titled ‘Maadi’, composed by Meet brothers,
Manmeet Singh and Harmeet Singh.
• Union Minister of AYUSH and Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled month long
celebration drive across India regarding 8th National Ayurveda Day, to be celebrated on 10 November 2023 -
on the theme ‘Ayurveda for One Health’ with Tag line ‘Ayurveda for everyone on every day’
• President Draupadi Murmu unveiled a 12-foot tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi and 'Gandhi Vatika' at the
Gandhi Darshan near Rajghat in New Delhi.
• PhonePe enters online stock broking with a new app called ‘Share(dot)Market’
• New Covid variant ‘Pirola’ or BA.2.86
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi conducted the country's first national-scale mapping of soil
erodibility
• Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has represented India at the 8 th Eastern Economic
Forum in the Russian port city of Vladivostok.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered Madhya Pradesh government to stop the operation of cruise
vessels as well as other motor-propelled boats in the Bhoj wetland. It was designated as the Ramsar site in
2002.
• The government will offer up to 8 percent subsidy for loans given to artisans under the PM Vishwakarma
scheme
• India hosted the inaugural United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) South Asia
conference from 14 to 16 September.
• Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan with Lok sabha speaker Om Birla launched the ‘Skills on
Wheels’ initiative with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and IndusInd Bank.
• The Centre-run Dr RML Hospital Delhi, has inaugurated India’s first dedicated OPD for the transgender
community on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.
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• Air India starts Project Abhinandan at 16 airports. The initiative aims to give the travellers a personalized and
hassle-free experience.
• Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has inaugurated India’s first medical technology expo, ‘India
MedTech Expo 2023’, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Foxconn Technology Group, a prominent Taiwanese company and a key supplier to Apple Inc., has pledged
to invest ₹1,600 crore in establishing a manufacturing facility in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu.
• CJI Chandrachud Launches ‘SuSwagatam’ portal to give a QR code-enabled ePass to enter and exit the
esteemed halls of the Supreme Court
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) launched a mobile App
named 'eSARAS', which will add to eCommerce initiatives for products made by the SHGs.
• India’s First Indigenous 700 MW Nuclear Reactor Starts Commercial Operation at the Kakrapar Atomic
Power Project (KAPP) in Gujarat
• 67th Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Conference begins in Colombo
• Ministry of External Affairs announced that the first IIT campus outside India will be set up in Zanzibar,
Tanzania.
• India host ed ASEAN countries conference on traditional medicines on 20th July 2023
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Gujarat's first greenfield airport at Hirasar near Rajkot on 27
July. This airport has been renamed as Rajkot International Airport.
• “Anu Awareness Yatra – 2023” with the theme of ‘Atoms in the service of the nation’ was launched at Indira
Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, TN
• ISRO 'Shukrayaan' mission to planet Venus reportedly shifted to 2031
• The American India Foundation (AIF) has inaugurated India’s first STEM Innovation and Learning Center
(SILC) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• A Rajasthani film "Nanera" directed by Dipankar Prakash was awarded the 'Golden Kailasha' award for the
best film at the Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival.
• PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated ‘Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava’ cultural festival at Talkatora Stadium, New
Delhi, to celebrate Karnataka’s culture, traditions and history
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, has approved the signing MoU between India and Chile for
cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied sectors.
• The Union Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and South Africa
for cooperation in the Disability Sector.
• South Africa President: Cyril Ramaphosa
• The 18th World Security Congress is being organised by the
International Union of Railways (UIC) and Railway Protection Force
(RPF) from 21 to 23 February in Jaipur.
• India Pavilion’ at Gulfood, Dubai was inaugurated by Pashupati Kumar
Paras, Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India in the presence of Sunjay Sudhir,
Ambassador of India to the UAE. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• India Pavilion’ is the largest pavilion at the Gulfood 2023.

• Indian Railways will launch Guru Kirpa Yatra on 5th April 2023, from Lucknow with its Bharat Gaurav Tourist
Train.
• During the eleven-day holy tour, the pilgrims will visit the most prominent revered sites of Sikhism which
includes the five Holy Takhts.
• Bengaluru to host the first G20 Energy Transition Working Group Meeting under India’s Presidency.
• First Employment Working Group meeting under the Indian presidency of G20 to be held in Jodhpur,
Rajasthan.
• Netherlands emerged as India’s third largest exports destination after the US and UAE during April-December
2022.
• Toyota remains top-selling car-maker in World for third straight year.
• National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, US counterpart Jake Sullivan launched the US-India Initiative on Critical
and Emerging Technologies (iCET) in Washington on 31 January.
• Finance Minister announced an initiative called MISHTI ‘Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and
Tangible Incomes’.
• Central assistance of ₹5,300 crores will be given to Upper Bhadra Project of Karnataka, to provide micro
irrigation and filling up of surface tanks for drinking water.
• India will host the Permanent Mission Roundtables at United Nations Head Quarter as Chair of G- 20 and
ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Summit 2023 to be held in New York.
• Theme 2023: Asia and the Emerging World Order
• India, France, and the UAE announced a formal trilateral cooperation initiative in the areas of defence,
nuclear energy, and technology.
• NTPC will host G20 international seminar on Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) on 5 February
2023 in Bengaluru.
• IIT Madras to receive Rs 242 crore over a period of five years to undertake research on Lab Grown Diamonds
(LGD).
• Union HM Amit Shah will present the President’s Colour Award to Haryana Police on February 14 for their
outstanding service to the nation.
• PM Narendra Modi inaugurated NAMO Medical Education and Research Institute in Silvassa, Dadra and
Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Foundation stone laid by the Prime Minister in January 2019.
• India is set to host the 23rd edition of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on July 3-4,
2023 in New Delhi.
• The first edition of the Food Conclave-2023 was hosted by the Telangana government on April 28 and 29,
2023 at Hyderabad.
• UGC launches 'CU-Chayan' portal for faculty recruitment. UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar
• First mining start-up summit held on 29th May in Mumbai to encourage the participation of start-ups in the
mineral and mining sector.
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• PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the three-day-long Uttar Pradesh Global Investors

Summit 2023 in Lucknow on 10th February 2023.
• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Samsung Semiconductor India Research
(SSIR) have joined hands to promote research and development in the field of on-
chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.
• Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Parshottam Rupala launched NANDI (NOC
Approvals for New Drugs & Inoculation System).
• The National Legislators’ Conference Bharat (NLC Bharat) was officially inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker
Om Birla in Mumbai.
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) license will be mandatory for 24 footwear products from July 1, 2023. It
aims to reduce sub-standard imports, especially from countries like China.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first National Training Conclave in New Delhi
• IIT-Madras proposes sports quota with aim to boost diversity
• Two-day national conference of tribal writers held in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The 3rd India-Vietnam Maritime Security Dialogue was held in New Delhi.
• 1,275 Railway Stations to be upgraded under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
• Centre has set the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy sown in the kharif or monsoon season at
₹2,183 per quintal.
Connect Us - 388
Science & Technology

Satellite & Space projects
ISRO
Origin:
• Established in 1962 as the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) by
• the Government of India, envisioned by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. Vikram Sarabhai is
internationally regarded as the Father of the Indian Space Program.
Formation of ISRO:
• On August 15, 1969, ISRO was officially formed, succeeding INCOSPAR, with an
expanded role in space technology.
Headquarters :- Bengaluru, Karnataka
Present Chairman :- S. Somanath
Objective:
• Engaged in scientific, engineering, and technological endeavors to leverage space exploration for India's
benefit and the betterment of humanity.
AstroSat : India’s First Multi-Wavelength Space Telescope

India’s first multi-wavelength space telescope, AstroSat, has successfully detected its 600th
Gamma-ray Burst (GRB), an event named GRB 231122B.
AstroSat is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory aimed at studying
celestial sources in X-ray, optical, and UV spectral bands simultaneously.
AstroSat, with a lift-off mass of 1515 kg, was launched by the Indian launch vehicle PSLV
from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on September 28, 2015, into a 650 km orbit inclined at an angle of 6
degrees to the equator.
Chandrayaan-3 successfully lands on Moon's south pole

 India become the fourth country in the world to
achieve this feat, joining the ranks of the United
States, Russia, and China.
 Chandrayaan-3 is India's third lunar mission and
second attempt at achieving a soft landing on the
moon's surface.
 The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space
Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota on July 14, 2023
Objective - The mission’s main objectives are:

 To demonstrate safe and soft landing on the lunar surface
 To demonstrate rover roving on the moon and
 To conduct in-situ (on-site) scientific experiments.
Modules - Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is a composite of three modules.
 A Propulsion module (PM): Life - 3-6 months
 An indigenous Lander module (LM) - Vikram
 A Rover – Pragyan
Chandrayaan-1: 22 October 2008

 Launch Vehicle: PSLV – C11.
 Chandrayaan-1 made significant discoveries, including the detection of water and
hydroxyl on the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan-2: 22 July 2019
Launch Vehicle: GSLV MkIII-M1
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Chandrayaan 3 touchdown spot named 'Shiv

Shakti', 'Tiranga' for Chandrayaan 2
The spot where Chandrayaan-3’s moon lander
landed, that point will be known as ‘Shivshakti’.
Place where Chandrayaan-2 left its footprint on
the Lunar surface in 2019, that crash-landed site
will be known as ‘Tiranga Point’.
The day the Chandrayaan-3 lander touched down on the lunar surface (August 23), would be celebrated as "National
Space Day".
As the fourth nation globally to make such a landing, India has joined an elite group of countries including the USSR,
the U.S., and China.
Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan rover confirms presence of sulphur in lunar surface

The Indian Space Research Organisation has announced that the Pragyan rover's
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope confirmed the presence of sulphur in
the lunar surface near the south pole, through the first-ever in-situ
measurements.
The rover's spectroscope also detected Aluminium, Calcium, Ferrous (Iron),
Chromium, Titanium, Manganese, Silicon, and Oxygen as expected and the
search for hydrogen is underway.
Ejecta halo : Chandrayaan 3

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) revealed that the “Chandrayaan-3
Lander Module generated a spectacular ‘ejecta halo’ of lunar material.
The Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-3 mission landed near the south pole of
the moon.
During the action of descent stage thrusters and the consequent landing, a
significant amount of lunar surficial epi regolith material got ejected, resulting in
a reflectance anomaly or ejecta halo”,
Scientists from Indian Space Research Organisation estimate that about 2.06 tonnes of lunar epi regolith were
ejected and displaced over an area of 108.4 m² around the landing site
 Ejecta halo is an irregular, bright patch surrounding the lander.
 This discovery sheds light on the behaviour of lunar materials during such events.
 It opens up new avenues for research and understanding lunar geology.
ISRO To Conduct First Test Flight Of Gaganyaan Mission On October 21

ISRO will launch of the "Gaganyaan" Test Vehicle Space flight, that is, the "Gaganyaan" Test
Vehicle Development flight (TV-D1) on 21October
ISRO will also test the efficacy of the Crew Escape System which is the crucial part of
"Gaganyaan" mission, resulting in unmanned and manned missions to outer space by 2024
The test is to be conducted at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota
Crew Module will carry the astronauts during the Gaganyaan mission to outer space
 The test involves launching a crew module to outer space and bringing it back to Earth and recovering it after
touchdown in the Bay of Bengal. Indian Navy personnel have already started mock operations to recover the
module.
 Before the ultimate manned Gaganyaan mission, there will be a test flight next year, which will carry
Vyommitra, the female robot astronaut.”
 The Gaganyaan project envisages to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three
members to an orbit of 400km for a three-day mission and bringing them back safely
India’s 1st Satellite Based Gigabit Broadband Service

Reliance Jio introduces ‘JioSpaceFiber’, India’s first satellite-based gigabit broadband service to extend high-speed
internet access to remote regions in India for nationwide Join coverage.
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This groundbreaking initiative was officially unveiled at the India Mobile Congress and
represents the nation’s first satellite-driven giga fiber service.
The primary goal of this satellite broadband service is to extend high-speed internet
access to previously underserved and remote regions in India.
By enabling this connectivity, Jio aims to bring millions of homes and businesses in India
online, many of which are experiencing broadband internet for the first time.
In an effort to enhance the availability of Jio True5G, even in far-flung areas, the satellite
network is set to add mobile backhaul capacity.
Jio has entered into a collaboration with SES, a global satellite operator, to tap into the latest medium earth orbit
(MEO) satellite technology.
This partnership provides Jio with access to SES’s O3b and O3b mPOWER satellites, positioning the company
uniquely in offering reliable and scalable broadband at competitive rates across India.
India's Aditya-L1 Solar Observatory Mission Launched Successfully

On 2 September 2023, India's first solar observatory mission, Aditya-L1, was
successfully launched from the Sriharikota Space Centre.
setting off on a 125-day journey to study the Sun.
The PSLV C57, an XL version with extended strap-on motors and higher fuel
capacity, was used for this mission.
Aditya L1 will reach the Lagrange 1 point in four months, where unique
gravitational forces are at work.
The primary objective of the Aditya L1 mission is to conduct comprehensive studies of the solar winds and the Sun's
atmosphere.
The satellite carries seven different payloads whose task is to observe different layers of the Sun, including the
photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost corona.
The mission aims to increase our understanding of many solar phenomena, such as coronal heating, coronal mass
ejections (CMEs), pre-flare and flare activities, as well as solar weather dynamics.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO):

It was established on 15 August 1969.
It is the national space agency of India. It launches its space rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in
Headquarters - Bengaluru
Chairman - S Somnath
Nabhmitra Device : ISRO

The ISRO-Space Applications Centre (Ahmedabad) successfully tested the Nabhmitra device at Neendakara.
Nabhmitra device is a satellite-based communication system developed for the safety of fishermen.
It enables two-way messaging services from and to the sea. The weather and cyclone warnings will be
communicated in the local language, the boats can also send distress messages to the authorities.
Apart from providing information about shipping channels and maritime boundaries, the device will also help to
identify fishing fields.
It was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
ISRO transfers satellite bus technology to private firm

The Indian Space Research Organisation announced the transfer of IMS-1 Satellite
Bus technology to Alpha Design Technologies, a Bengaluru-based private company.
The transfer was facilitated by ISRO’s commercial arm NewSpace India Limited
through an agreement. The IMS-1 satellite bus was developed by the UR Rao
Satellite Centre and is a small satellite platform designed to enable low-cost access to
space. This weighs about 100 kilograms and can carry a 30-kg payload.
The bus can serve as a dedicated vehicle for many different payloads, facilitating Earth imaging, ocean and
atmospheric studies, microwave remote sensing and spaceJoin science missions. for more free pdfs
@parcham_CA
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Centre approves establishment of new spaceport in Tamil Nadu

The Centre has approved the establishment of a new spaceport in
Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, for carrying out the launches of the
Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV) developed by Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO)
The Indian Space Policy 2023 has the provision for utilisation of a
spaceport for carrying out launch activities by Non-Government Entities
(NGEs)
The Government had set up the Indian National Space Promotion and
Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) as a single-window agency for
promotion and authorization of space activities.
The budget allocations for IN-SPACe:
2021-22 Rs. 10 Cr
2022-23 Rs. 33 Cr
2023-24 Rs. 95 Cr
Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) : India And Japan

Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) is a
collaborative venture between Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO).
The mission is scheduled to launch in 2025.
LUPEX will use a rover and lander to study the
possibility of establishing a base on the Moon, the availability of water ice, and surface exploration technologies.
JAXA and ISRO are developing the rover and lander, respectively.
Aditya-L1 mission
After the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3, ISRO is working to launch its pioneering mission to study the Sun,
named Aditya L1 on 26th August, 2023.
The Aditya Mission that was conceptualised in 2008, was postponed numerous times due to budget crunch.
The mission is build at a cost of Rs 378.53 crore
Aditya L1 will be launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) with 7 instruments on board, of which the
primary payload is the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), designed and fabricated by the Indian Institute of
Astrophysics, Bengaluru. Aditya L1 will study the Sun’s corona, Sun's photosphere, chromosphere, solar emissions,
solar winds and flares, and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and will carry out round-the-clock imaging of the Sun.
The spacecraft shall be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, which is
about 1.5 million km from the Earth. A satellite placed in the halo orbit around the L1 point has the major advantage
of continuously viewing the Sun without any occultation/eclipses.
ISRO’s PSLV-C56 puts 7 satellites in orbit

The primary satellite DS-SAR was sponsored by the
Government of Singapore
On July 30, ISRO launched the PSLV-C56 rocket from
Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.
Tata Elxsi, ISRO partner to develop Crew Module Recovery Models (CMRM) for
Gaganyaan
Tata Elxsi has partnered with ISRO for the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission.
It has designed and developed the crew module recovery models (CMRM) for the recovery
team training of the space mission.
ISRO's Gaganyaan project envisions a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by
launching the crew into a 400-kilometer orbit for a three-day mission and safely bringing
them to Earth by landing in Indian sea waters.
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XPoSat Mission
X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission
It is a collaborative effort between ISRO and Raman Research Institute (RRI) in
Bengaluru.
XPoSat aims to develop and launch the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) later this
year, to study the polarisation of X-rays emitted by celestial sources.
The study of X-ray polarisation can provide valuable insight into the nature and behaviour of astrophysical sources
such as neutron stars, black holes and active galactic nuclei.
XPoSat is India's first and world's second polarimetry mission.
NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), the only other major mission of its kind.
GAGAN Satellite Technology

NEWS: Prime Minister of India lauded Asia’s first demonstration of
Performance-Based Navigation for helicopters for a flight from Juhu to Pune
using GAGAN satellite technology.
GAGAN is the acronym for GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation.
It is jointly developed by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
It uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentations to the GPS standard positioning service (SPS)
navigation signal.
It is designed to provide the additional accuracy, availability, and integrity necessary to enable users to rely on GPS
for all phases of flight.
In addition, GAGAN will provide benefits beyond aviation to all modes of transportation, including maritime,
highways, and railroads.
There are only four Space-Based augmentation systems available in the world namely India (GAGAN), US (WAAS,)
Europe(EGNOS) and Japan (MSAS).
ISRO successfully commences testing of semi-cryogenic engine

ISRO has successfully commenced testing of its semi-cryogenic engines,
that would power future launch vehicles.
The very first integrated test on an intermediate configuration of the 2000
kN (Kilonewton) semi-cryogenic engine was carried out at the newly-
commissioned Semicryogenic Integrated Engine & Stage Test facility at
Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
The test is a step towards developing a 2000 kN thrust engine, which
works on Liquid Oxygen (LOX)-Kerosene propellant combination.
Que: Which country has launch ‘NVS-01 Navigation Satellite’?

Ans: India
ISRO launched the navigation satellite 'NVS-01' onboard its Geosynchronous Satellite
Launch Vehicle (GSLV) from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh - GSLV-F12/NVS-01 mission.
About NVS-01:
• NVS-01 is the first in the series of five satellites.
• It is a second-generation navigation satellite built by ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.
• Currently India uses its Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) series of satellites for civilian and
defence navigation.
• NVS series of satellites will sustain and augment the NavIC with enhanced features.
ISRO to launch Chandrayaan-3 in July this year

The announcement was made after the successful launch of second generation navigation
satellite NSV-01 from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.
The primary objective of Chandrayaan-3 is to demonstrate India's end-to-end capabilities
in lunar exploration and its ability to safely land on and orbit the Moon.
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Que:‘Proba-3 Mission’, which will be launched aboard ISRO’s PSLV, is associated with
which space agency?
Ans: ESA
The European Space Agency’s Proba-3 Mission will be launched aboard the ISRO’s
PSLV in 2024.
Its two satellites will study the Sun’s faint corona and surrounding atmosphere.
The 340-kilogram spacecraft will be deployed by PSLV in a high Earth orbit
NISAR to map Himalayas’ Seismic Zones

The ISRO and the NASA have jointly developed a forthcoming satellite called NISAR.
It will map the most earthquake-prone regions in the Himalaya.
NISAR stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar.
The mission aims to provide global measurements of the causes and consequences of land
surface changes using advanced radar imaging.
The satellite is equipped with two types of synthetic aperture radars (SAR): L-band and S-band, which will allow for
high-resolution, all-weather imaging of the Earth’s surface.
The NISAR satellite is expected to be launched in January 2024.
ISRO launched Singapore's TeLEOS-2 satellite

PSLV-C55/TeLEOS-2 is launched successfully on
April 22, 2023 from Satish Dhawan Space Center
in Sriharikota.
This is a dedicated commercial mission through
NewSpace India Limited with TeLEOS-2 as
primary satellite and Lumelite-4 as a co-passenger satellite.
Both satellites belong to Singapore.
TeLEOS-1, Singapore's first commercial Earth observation satellite, was launched by ISRO in 2015 and since then,
ISRO has launched nine satellites for Singapore.
ISRO successfully achieves Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV
LEX)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the Reusable Launch
Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX) on April 02, 2023.
The test was conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, in Karnataka.
Under this mission, a winged body was carried to an altitude of 4.5 km by a helicopter and
released for carrying out an autonomous landing of a space vehicle on a runway.
It was the first-of-its-kind mission in the world.
Ground Station of India-Bhutan Satellite Inaugurated

The ground station for India – Bhutan Sat at Thimphu was inaugurated.
This ground station will enable Bhutan to receive data from India-Bhutan SAT, about its territory,
directly from the satellite and process in real-time.
India-Bhutan Satellite is also known as the ISRO Nano Satellite 2 for Bhutan (INS-2B).
It was launched on ISRO’s PSLV C54 rocket on November 26, 2022.
It has been jointly developed by scientists from both countries.
ISRO launched OneWeb India-2 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in
Sriharikota
Under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Ltd, ISRO launched 72
satellites of UK-based Network Access Associates Ltd and place them in low
Earth orbit.
NewSpace is the commercial wing of ISRO.
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The first set of 36 satellites was launched on 23 October 2022 by an LVM3 M2 launch vehicle.
The remaining 36 satellites, each weighing approximately 5805 kg, were placed in a 450 km circular low earth orbit
by the LVM3 M3 launch vehicle on 26 March.
Satellites provide space-based broadband internet services to all corners of the globe.
After launch, Access Associates Ltd will have more than 600 satellites in space offering internet from space services
to various countries.
The Launch Vehicle Mark-3, previously referred as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III, is a three-
stage medium-lift launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation.
CE-20 Cryogenic Engine

ISRO recently conducted a flight test of cryogenic engine for the Chandrayan-3 mission.
CE-20 cryogenic engine has been designed and developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems
Centre (LPSC) , a subsidiary of ISRO.
It is the first Indian cryogenic engine to feature a gas-generator cycle.
It is one of the most powerful upper-stage cryogenic engines in the world.
It uses liquid fuels that are cooled to very low temperatures.
ISRO launches its smallest rocket SSLV - D2

Indian Space Research Organization has launched its smallest rocket SSLV-D2 (Small
Satellite Launch Vehicle) into space from Satish Dhawan Space Center (Sriharikota).
ISRO's SSLV-D2 flew into space carrying three satellites with it.
These include ISRO's satellite EOS-07, Chennai-based space startup Spacekidz's
satellite Azad SAT-2 and American company Antaris's satellite JANUS -1.
ISRO's smallest new rocket SSLV-D2 works on the technology of launch on demand. It
can fly with a load of about 120 tonnes.
It has the capability to cater to the launch of 500 kg satellites into low earth orbits.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO):
• It was established on 15 August 1969.
• It is the national space agency of India. It launches its space rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in
• Headquarters: Bengaluru
Chairman: S Somnath
ISRO plans to develop astronaut training module with IIT Madras

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras.
Reason: To build training modules for Indian Spaceflight Program, using augmented reality (AR), virtual reality
(VR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies.
The modules will be built at IIT Madras’ Experiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC).
It will also be used to train engineers at ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC).
India first hybrid rocket launched in from Tamil Nadu’s Pattipulam

India's first hybrid rocket made by the school students from various states launched as part of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission 2023 from Pattipulam Village in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
The reusable rocket has been made by the selected top 100 students.
The rocket can be used for research into weather, atmospheric conditions and radiation.
What is a Hybrid rocket?
It is a bipropellant rocket engine that uses propellants that are in two different states.
These propellants are usually liquid and solid which react to form exhaust gases suitable for rocket propulsion.
India's first private rocket Vikram-S (Suborbital) was launched on 18 November 2022 from the Satish Dhawan
Space Centre, Sriharikota.
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NASA-ISRO Joint Satellite – NISAR

NISAR is an earth-observing satellite planned to be launched in 2024
NISAR stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar.
NISAR is jointly developed by NASA and ISRO.
Why is NISAR in news?
NISAR is a three-year mission. A part of the NISAR satellite is developed on US
soil. This part payload is now being transported to India’s U R Rao Satellite
center in Bengaluru from JPL in California.
Objectives of the NISAR

• To map the earth
• Monitor water, agriculture, and forest
• Observe land and ice covers
Radar systems in NISAR
• L – Band SAR: Designed and Created by JPL of NASA; Wavelength: 23 cm; Greater penetration to forests
• S-Band SAR: Designed and created by ISRO; Wavelength: 12 cm; Used for heavy weather and bird detection
Studies
• Antarctic cryosphere: Cryosphere is the part of the earth where water is in a solid state
• Ice masses will be monitored at a frequency of four to six times a month
• Measure ecosystem disturbances
• Natural hazards such as volcanoes, tsunamis, landslides, earthquakes, etc.
• Ice sheet collapses
ISRO receives Indo-US jointly developed NISAR satellite

• The US Air Force handed over an earth observation satellite, NASA-ISRO
Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) to ISRO on March 8, 2023.
• It was jointly developed by NASA and ISRO.
• This satellite will be used by ISRO for a variety of purposes including agricultural
mapping, and landslide-prone areas.
• It is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory.
• It will map the entire globe in 12 days.
ISRO carries out controlled re-entry experiment

of decommissioned Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT-1)
satellite
• The final impact region estimated is in the
deep Pacific Ocean within the expected
latitude and longitude boundaries.
• The low Earth satellite was launched on October 12, 2011.
• It is a joint satellite venture of ISRO and the French space agency, CNES for tropical weather and climate studies.
Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos begins integration of its first satellite

Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos has commenced the integration process of its groundbreaking launch vehicle,
Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technological Demonstrator), with its private launchpad situated at the Satish
Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
The rocket is driven by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet engine, which is a 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic
engine.
AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited, an Indian aerospace manufacturer headquartered at the National Center for
Combustion R&D of IIT Madras in Chennai, emerges as a pioneering space technology start-up.
Established in 2017, AgniKul Cosmos aims to create and launch its independent small-lift launch vehicle. CEO of
AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited: Srinath Ravichandran
Agnibaan model is designed to deploy payloads of up to 100 kg into orbits spanning 700 km.
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STARFIRE Algorithm
Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology,
have developed an algorithm called STARFIRE
STARFIRE Algorithm is called as the Simulation of Terrestrial Radio Frequency Interference in orbits around Earth
(STARFIRE) algorithm.
It can estimate the Radio Frequency Interference emitted by FM radio stations, Wi-Fi networks, mobile towers,
radar, satellites, and communication devices, and use this calculation for designing and fine-tuning the antennas.
It is capable of estimating and mapping the unwanted Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
signals in space.
This algorithm can also be handy in orbit selection for future missions.
GalaxEye to launch world’s 1st multi-sensor earth observation satellite

An IIT-Madras-incubated space-tech startup, GalaxEye, is building the world’s first multi-
sensor earth observation satellite.
It will launch its first satellite ‘Drishti Mission’ in 2024.
GalaxEye is working on deploying a satellite constellation to provide the comprehensive
imagery dataset from space.
First test launch of new low-cost star sensor successfully conducted

Recently, researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics have developed a low-cost star sensor, named
StarBerry-Sense.
A star sensor is an instrument that was used by a satellite to help identify its location in space.
The sensor could be used in astronomy and on small CubeSat satellite missions to help the satellites find their
orientation in space.
CubeSats are a class of research spacecraft called nanosatellites.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics
• The IIA was established in 1971 with its headquarters in Bengaluru.
• It is an autonomous Research Institute wholly financed by the Department of Science and Technology of the
Skyroot Aerospace successfully test-fires 3D-printed cryogenic engine

Skyroot Aerospace has successfully test-fired a fully 3D-printed 'Dhawan II'
cryogenic engine.
This engine will be used as the upper stage of the updated version of Vikram-II.
Skyroot's cryogenic rocket engines use two high-performance rocket propellants,
liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen (LOX), which require cryogenic
temperatures (below -150 °C) for storage and operation .
In 2022, Skyroot Aerospace became the first Indian private company to send a rocket into space.
The startup's three launch vehicles - Vikram I, II and III - can carry payloads ranging from 200 kg to 700 kg to low
Earth orbit.
India aims to establish its own permanent space station called ‘Bharatiya Space
Station’ over the next 25 years.
ISRO To Launch India’s First X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite On Jan 1, 2024
ISRO To Launch 50 Satellites In 5 Years To Boost Intelligence Ability
NASA
What is the INFUSE Mission?

 Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched a
sounding rocket as part of its INFUSE mission.
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 The Integral Field Ultraviolet Spectroscope Experiment (INFUSE) was launched from the White Sands Missile
Range in New Mexico.
 It was launched to study the Cygnus Loop, a supernova remnant.
 It will observe how the supernova dumps energy into the Milky Way by catching light given off just as the
blast wave crashes into pockets of cold gas floating around the galaxy.
 It will study the Cygnus Loop and try to understand the life cycle of stars.
What is the Cygnus Loop?

 It is the remnant of a star that was once 20 times the size of our Sun.
 Some 20,000 years ago, that star collapsed under its own gravity and erupted into a supernova.
Lucy Mission : Successfully Completed Its First Flyby Of An Asteroid

NASA’s Lucy spacecraft successfully completed its first flyby of an asteroid named
Dinkinesh.
It is a first-of-its-kind mission of NASA that will explore Jupiter’s elusive Trojan
asteroids.
It was successfully launched on October 16, 2021, from the Kennedy Space Centrein
Florida, US.
Trojan Asteroids occupy a stable Lagrangian point in a planet’s orbit around the
Sun.
 Asteroids that share an orbit with a planet but are located at the leading
(L4) and trailing (L5) Lagrangian points are known as Trojan asteroids.
 They are some of the oldest remnants from the formation of our solar
system5 billion years ago.
 Over its 12-year mission, Lucy will explore a record-breaking number of
asteroids: it will fly by two in the belt of asteroids that circle the Sun
between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, and then 10 Trojans, which includes five asteroid targets and the
satellites of three of those.
Venus Has Oxygen

Scientists have detected atomic oxygen in
the atmosphere of Venus, Earth’s
neighboring planet.
The detection was made using an
instrument aboard the SOFIA airborne
observatory, a modified Boeing 747SP
aircraft carrying an infrared telescope.
This joint project between Nasa and the German Aerospace Center has opened new avenues for understanding the
atmospheric composition of Venus.
The detected atomic oxygen, consisting of a single oxygen atom, differs from molecular oxygen, which consists of
two oxygen atoms and is breathable.
The researchers were able to detect oxygen on both the sun-facing side of Venus, where it is produced, and the side
facing away from the sun.
 The oxygen is produced on the planet’s day side by ultraviolet radiation from the sun that breaks down
atmospheric carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into oxygen atoms and other chemicals. Some of the
oxygen is then transported by winds to the Venusian night side.
NASA’s Roman Space Telescope

 NASA is preparing to embark on a remarkable journey into the depths
of our Milky Way Galaxy using the Nancy Grace Roman Space
Telescope.
 The primary mission of the Roman Space Telescope is to monitor
hundreds of millions of stars in our galaxy. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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 It aims to detect telltale flickers that reveal the presence of various celestial objects, including planets,
distant stars, icy bodies in the outer reaches of our solar system, isolated black holes, and more.
Launching in May 2027
NASA’s Mission Dragonfly

 The Dragonfly Mission is a NASA mission to Saturn's moon Titan, scheduled to launch in 2027 and arrive in
2034.
 NASA testing its Dragonfly rotorcraft to ensure it works as intended on Saturn’s moon Titan. Dragonfly,
NASA’s only mission to the surface of another ocean world, is designed to investigate the complex chemistry
that is the precursor to life.
 It will be the first mission to fly a rotorcraft on another planet. It will use nuclear power to explore Titan's
habitability and search for evidence of past or present life.
 Titan is the only moon in the Solar System with a thick atmosphere, as well as liquids on the surface.
 Instead of water, Titan has hydrocarbon seas, as well as rivers, ponds and lakes made up of methane and
ethane.
 Titan is the largest moon of Saturn and the second largest moon in our solar system.
 Unlike Earth, it has clouds and rain of methane.
NASA’s MOXIE Successfully Generates Oxygen On Mars/NASA

 NASA announced the successful completion of its Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment
(MOXIE) aboard the Perseverance Mars Rover.
 NASA's MOXIE has produced an astonishing 122 grams of oxygen, a quantity sufficient for sustaining a small
dog's breathing for approximately 10 hours.
Perseverance rover:
Perseverance, nicknamed Percy, is a car-sized Mars rover designed to explore
the crater Jezero on Mars as part of NASA's Mars 2020 mission.
Main Job: Seek signs of ancient life and collect samples of rock and regolith
(broken rock and soil) for possible return to Earth.
Launch: It was launched on July 30, 2020 from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Landing: Successfully landed on the surface of Mar's Jezero Crater on Feb. 18,
2021.
Perseverance has been active on Mars for 130 sols (133 Earth days) since
its landing.
Following the rover's arrival, NASA named the landing site Octavia E.
Butler Landing.
Lidar, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing
method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges
(variable distances) to the Earth.
NASA’s CALIPSO mission stops blasting lasers at Earth after 17 years
 NASA announced that its CALIPSO satellite, which takes climate, weather and air quality measurements
using LIDAR, has ended its science mission.
 CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol LIDAR and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations) is a mission dedicated to
studying how clouds and aerosols impact the Earth’s climate.
 It is a joint project between NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and CNES (Centre
National d’Études Spatiales), the French space agency.
 Launched in 2006, CALIPSO is a satellite-based observatory.
 CALIPSO has been part of a constellation of spacecraft called the "A-Train," including Aqua, Aura, and
PARASOL spacecraft, dedicated to studying the Earth’s weather and environment.
 Scientists are using data from CALIPSO to construct 3D models of the atmosphere that improve our ability to
predict future climate change.
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 The lidar emitted pulses of laser light and measured the amount of light that was scattered back by clouds
and aerosols. This information was used to create vertical profiles of cloud and aerosol properties, such as
their height, thickness, and optical depth.
NASA’s first asteroid samples land on earth after release from spacecraft
 NASA’s first asteroid samples land on Earth after release from spacecraft
 NASA’s first asteroid samples fetched from deep space parachuted into the Utah
desert
 In a flyby of Earth, the Osiris-Rex spacecraft released the sample capsule from 63,000
miles (100,000 kilometers) out.
 Scientists estimate the capsule holds at least a cup of rubble from the carbon-rich asteroid known as Bennu,
but won’t know for sure until the container is opened in a day or two.
 Japan, the only other country to bring back samples, gathered about a teaspoon during a pair of asteroid
missions.
 Osiris-Rex, the mothership, rocketed away on the $1 billion mission in 2016. It reached Bennu two years
later and, using a long stick vacuum, grabbed rubble from the small roundish space rock in 2020.
What is Lunar Codex Programme?

• The Lunar Codex programme is an ambitious initiative that seeks to take human to
the moon.
• It was spearheaded by Samuel Peralta.
• Lunar Codex is stored on memory cards or laser etched on NanoFiche, a 21st-
century update on film-based microfiche. These will ensure that the art forms
reach the lunar surface safely.
• The collection of art is gathered from 30,000 artists, writers, filmmakers, and
musicians from 157 countries. The art forms include images, magazines, books,
podcasts, movies, and music, which are divided into four capsules.
• The first such capsule is known as the Orion collection, was launched on the Orion spacecraft as part of
NASA’s Artemis 1 mission last year.
Nasa’s OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft : Back To Earth

Nasa’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, currently on a return journey from asteroid Bennu, recently
made a critical course adjustment to ensure its successful arrival back to Earth.
OSIRIS-REx is a NASA spacecraft mission designed to study the near-Earth asteroid called
Bennu.
The name OSIRIS-REx stands for “Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification,
Security, Regolith Explorer.”
Goal is to collect a sample weighing at least 2.1 ounces (59.5 grams) from asteroid 101955
Bennu (formerly known as 1999 RQ36) and then bring the sample to Earth.
The mission will help scientists investigate how planets formed and how life began, as well as improve our
understanding of asteroids that could impact Earth.
It is the first U.S. spacecraft to collect a sample from an asteroid.
It was launched on Sept. 8, 2016.
It reached its asteroid target in 2018 and is bringing a small sample to Earth
for study. The samples will arrive on Earth in 2023.
NASA, SpaceX launch sends four astronauts from four countries to ISS
NASA and SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft has launched off carrying four astronauts to
the International Space Station (ISS).
The Dragon spacecraft carried by a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch
Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Four astronauts from four countries, including the US, Denmark, Japan, and Russia.
The agency’s SpaceX Crew-7 mission is the seventh commercial crew rotationfor
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more free NASA.
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XRISM Mission And SLIM Lander: Japan

Japan readies to launch a dual-purpose mission from one rocket,
deploying SLIM to showcase precise moon landing techniques and XRISM
for enhanced celestial analysis.
XRISM Mission:
The X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) is a joint mission
of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), involving contributions
from the European Space Agency (ESA) and Canadian Space Agency as well.
Objective of the mission aims to observe X-rays coming from deep space and to identify their wavelengths with
unprecedented precision.
It will use spectroscopy to measure changes in the brightness of celestial objects at different wavelengths.
It detects X-rays with energies ranging from 400 to 12,000 electron volts.
(For comparison, the energy of visible light is 2 to 3 electron volts.)
This range will provide astrophysicists with new information about some of the universe’s hottest regions, largest
structures, and objects with the strongest gravity.
SLIM:
SLIM, or Smart Lander for Investigating Moon, is a compact robotic moon lander with no astronauts aboard.
Called ‘Moon Snipper’ in the Japanese language, it has lightweight equipment for advanced observations.
The most important aim of the lander is to demonstrate accurate lunar landing techniques with a precise
touchdown.
Markarian 421 : Supermassive Black Hole

NASA’s IXPE Mission unveils twisted mysteries of the Supermassive Black Hole Markarian 421.
Markarian 421 is a supermassive black hole firing a jet of high-energy particles aimed directly at Earth.
It is about 400 million light-years away from the earth
It is located in the constellation Ursa Major.
Supermassive black hole have a mass greater than about 50,000 times the mass of our sun.
These are always found at the centre of a galaxy and almost all galaxies have a supermassive black hole at its centre.
Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is an international collaboration between NASA and the Italian Space
Agency.
It is the first satellite dedicated to measuring polarized X-rays from objects, such as neutron stars and supermassive
black holes, to reveal previously hidden details of the universe.
Phosphorous discovered on Saturn’s moon Enceladus

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft discovers ‘phosphorous on Saturn’s moon Enceladus.
It is the second nearest of the major regular moons of Saturn and the brightest of all
its moons.
It was discovered in 1789 by the English astronomer William Herschel and named for
one of the Giants (Gigantes) of Greek mythology.
It is an active moon that hides a global ocean of liquid salty water beneath its crust - the most reflective body in the
solar system.
NASA Launches High-Resolution Air Quality Control Instrument TEMPO onboard

SpaceX rocket
The US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
launched an air-quality monitor called TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions
Monitoring of Pollution instrument) on April 07, 2023, in collaboration with Elon
Musk’s SpaceX.
TEMPO was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
It will be the first space-based instrument to measure air quality over North America hourly during the daytime.
TEMPO slogan is ‘It’s about time,’. It signifies at TEMPO’s ability to provide hourly air pollution data, to help improve
life on Earth by revolutionizing the way scientists observe air quality
Join from space.
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NASA’s Geotail Mission Operations Come to an End After 30 Years

It was the first joint mission operation of the NASA-JAXA
Reason: Failure of the spacecraft’s remaining data recorder.
This mission was launched on July 24, 1992.
While one of Geotail’s two data recorders failed in 2012, the second had continued
to work
It was originally slated for a four-year run, but the mission was extended due to its
high-quality data return.
Geotail gathered an immense dataset on the structure and dynamics of the
magnetosphere, Earth’s protective magnetic bubble.
The mission made important contributions to our understanding of how the solar
wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic field to produce magnetic storms and auroras
NASA, Italian Space Agency join hands to monitor air pollution

NASA has partnered with the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI) to build and launch MAIA (Multi-
Angle Imager for Aerosols) missions.
Aim: To investigate the health impacts of air pollution in the world’s most populated cities.
It is the first mission of the agency whose primary goal is to benefit societal health and will launch before the end of
2024.
It will consist of the PLATiNO-2 satellite (provided by ASI), and a science
instrument (NASA).
OSIRIS-REx, has embarked on a new mission, and NASA has renamed it as
OSIRIS-APEX.
OSIRIS-APEX is a mission to study the physical changes to asteroid Apophis that will
result from its rare close encounter with Earth in April 2029.
watsonx.ai is an Artificial Intelligence tool jointly built by IBM and NASA.
It will help users monitor the Earth from space, measuring environmental changes
that have already happened while also making predictions about the future.
Short News
 NASA has launched a spacecraft called ‘Psyche’ on a six-year mission to study a unique metal-rich asteroid
also named ‘Psyche.”
 NASA will launch Israel’s first space telescope mission, the Ultraviolet Transient Astronomy Satellite
(ULTRASAT) in early 2026.
Miscellaneous
Amazon's Project Kuiper launches prototypes for global Internet access
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN.O) successfully launched its first two prototype
satellites, KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2, into low Earth orbit (LEO) at an
altitude of 500 kilometers (311 miles) as part of the "Protoflight" mission of
Project Kuiper.
The launch was performed using a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V
rocket from Florida, United States.
About Project Kuiper:
Project Kuiper is a satellite system composed of satellites operating in LEO at altitudes between 590 and 630
kilometers (about 367 to 391 miles).
Its primary objective is to provide fast and affordable internet access to over 10 million underserved communities
globally.
The project plans to deploy 3,236 satellites, spaced carefully to minimize overlap.
Amazon has partnered with three commercial space companies - Arianespace, Blue Origin, and United Launch
Alliance - to facilitate satellite launches.
These companies will launch 83 rockets to deploy the Kuiper satellites.
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The project represents the largest commercial procurement of space launch services in history.
Project Kuiper faces competition from SpaceX's Starlink project, which shares the same goal of providing global
Internet coverage through a satellite constellation.
Amazon.com, Inc. Headquartered in Washington, United States, it is led by Chairman and CEO Andy Jassy and was
founded in 1994.
China launches Yaogan-33 04 new remote-sensing satellite

China sent its latest remote-sensing satellite into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch
Center in northwest China.
The satellite, Yaogan-33 04, was launched on a Long March-4C carrier rocket and has
entered its planned orbit successfully.
Objective – To be used for scientific experiments, land resource surveys, crop yield
estimates, and disaster prevention and relief work.
Capital – Beijing
Currency – Yuan
President – Xi Jinping
Europe's first fully private rocket launch takes place from Spain
Spanish aerospace company PLD Space has achieved a significant milestone by
successfully launching its recoverable Miura-1 rocket.
The launch is being viewed as a boost to Europe's stalled space ambitions.
The Miura-1 rocket has been named after a breed of fighting bull. The rocket is as
tall as a three-storey building. It has a 100-kg (220-pound) cargo capacity.
Japan launches ‘moon sniper’ lunar lander SLIM into space

Japan has successfully launched its lunar exploration spacecraft, known as the "Moon
Sniper", using the domestically developed H-IIA rocket.
The achievement will make Japan world's fifth country to land on the moon, with the
landing planned for early next year.
It also successfully deployed the lunar lander, Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM).
Japan's ambitious goal is to land SLIM on the lunar surface within 100 meters of its intended target site. The $100
million mission is expected to reach the moon by February.
Noor-3 Satellite:
 Iran recently launched Noor-3 imaging satellite into space.
 Noor-3 Satellite is an imaging satellite developed by Iran.
 It is a satellite with potential spying capabilities, boosting Iran’s abilities
in space.
 It has been put in an orbit 450 kilometers (280 miles) above the Earth’s
surface.
 The spacecraft’s two predecessors, Noor-1 and Noor-2, launched in April 2020 and March 2022, respectively.
 Noor-1 fell back to Earth in April 2022, but Noor-2 remains operational and may work in concert with Noor 3
when the latter satellite comes online.
Russia’s first lunar mission in decades crashes into the moon

Russia’s first lunar mission in decades has ended in failure with its Luna
25 spacecraft crashing into the moon’s surface.
The Russian lunar mission, Luna-25, was the first
since 1976
The Russian lander had eight payloads mainly to
study the soil composition, dust particles in the
polar exosphere, and most importantly, detect
surface water. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Virgin Galactic completes first manned mission to space

Virgin Galactic, founded by Richard Branson, successfully completed its first manned
mission to the edge of space.
The mission had a research-oriented focus and featured two Italian Air Force
personnel, who were funded by Virgin Galactic.
Euclid Space Telescope launched

The European Space Agency launched the Euclid Space
Telescope on July 1.
Euclid Space Telescope is named after the Greek
mathematician Euclid of Alexandria.
This mission is part of ESA’s Cosmic Vision programme,
which plans to explore the origin and components of
the Universe and the fundamental laws that govern it.
It will look at how quickly the galaxies are moving away
from each other, which will offer scientists insight into
both dark energy and the working of gravity.
The detectors of the near-infrared instruments have
been supplied by NASA, making the American agency an
important part of the Euclid Consortium.
It will be floating 1.5 million kilometres above the Earth,
and the telescope hopes to deliver images that are at
least four times sharper than ground-based ones.
It launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and will remain operational for a minimum of 6 years.
Ghost Particles: New Picture Of Our Galaxy

Scientists have recently revealed a new picture of our galaxy: made up of
invisible “ghost particles” that have not been detected until now.
Neutrinos are tiny subatomic particles, often called ‘ghost particles’
because they barely interact with anything else.
Neutrinos come from all kinds of different sources and are often the product
of heavy particles turning into lighter ones, a process called “decay.”
Neutrinos are denoted by the Greek symbol ν, or nu (pronounced “new”).
They belong to the family of particles known as leptons.
They are the most common particle in the universe. Approximately 100 trillion neutrinos pass completely harmlessly
through the human body every second.
They are extraordinarily difficult to detect, as they rarely collide with atoms.
Of the four fundamental forces in the universe, neutrinos only interact with two — gravity and the weak force.
But not all neutrinos are the same.
They come in different types and can be thought of in terms of flavours, masses, and energies.
Solar Shooting Stars : Discovery

Astronomers have made a stunning discovery of meteor-like streaks
falling on the surface of the Sun, known as coronal rain.
Coronal rain is a condensation process in which some of the Sun’s fiery
material clumps together due to sudden, localised temperature drops and
plummet to the Sun’s surface at incredible speeds.
These play a key role in heating up the corona which is the outermost
part of the Sun’s atmosphere.
The researchers observed these solar shooting stars using the Solar Orbiter spacecraft of the European Space
Agency.
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Solar Flares : Disrupted Radio Communications Over Parts of the United States
Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy from the Sun, and can last for a few minutes or
hours.
Solar flares are a sudden explosion of energy caused by tangling, crossing or reorganizing
of magnetic field lines near sunspots.
Sunspots - ‘dark’ regions on the Sun that are cooler than the surrounding photosphere.
There are five different classes of solar flares (based on their brightness in X-ray
wavelengths): A, B, C, M, and X.
Each class is at least ten times more potent than the one before it.
JUPITER-3 : Largest Private Satellite To Space

SpaceX made history by launching world’s largest private satellite to space on July 27.
JUPITER-3 is the largest commercial communications satellite ever built.
The satellite is named JUPITER-3 and is developed by Maxar Technologies.
SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket carried the JUPITER-3 satellite into space.
JUPITER-3 satellite will cater to various communication needs.
China launches world’s first methane-fuelled space rocket

A private Chinese company has launched the world’s first methane-liquid oxygen space
rocket into orbit.
The Zhuque-2 carrier rocket was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
The rocket successfully delivered a test payload into sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), the first in
the world to make such an achievement.
Methane-powered engines, with their high performance and low operational costs, are
particularly suited for the developing trend of reusable rockets.
China Unveils World’s Most Powerful Hypersonic Wind Tunnel for Advancing Aerospace Ambitions
China has unveiled the JF-22, the world's most powerful hypersonic wind tunnel,
marking a significant milestone in its pursuit of hypersonic technology.
Located in Beijing, the JF-22 wind tunnel can simulate hypersonic flight conditions at
speeds up to Mach 30, providing researchers with valuable insights into the challenges
of hypersonic flight.
It will allow the country to make significant advancements in the development of
hypersonic vehicles.
SpaceX deploys Indonesia's SATRIA-1 communications satellite in orbit

Elon Musk's SpaceX has successfully deployed Indonesia's new communications
satellite into orbit.
The SATRIA-1 telecommunications satellite lifted off on a Falcon 9 rocket from
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
SATRIA-1 (short for "Satellite of the Republic of Indonesia")
Fattah Missile : Iran First-Ever Hypersonic Missile

Iran has recently unveiled its first-ever hypersonic missile, Fattah
Fattah Missile is an intermediate range ballistic missile & has a range of 1,400
km.
It can travel at hypersonic speeds of up to 15 times the speed of sound and
can penetrate missile defence system.
Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, hypersonic ones fly on a trajectory low in
the atmosphere, enabling them to reach their targets more quickly and with
less chance of being intercepted by modern air defences.
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Space startup partners with SpaceX to launch commercial space station

Space startup, Vast is aiming to launch a school bus-sized space station to orbit
by late 2025 in association with Elon Musk’s rocket firm, SpaceX.
The cylindrical spacecraft dubbed Haven-1 is the latest platform planned as a
replacement for the International Space Station (ISS).
ISS is a two-decade-old orbital research laboratory run primarily by the U.S.,
Russia and the European Space Agency.
The ISS is expected to retire in 2030.
South Korea launches first commercial-grade satellite

The satellite was launched from the Naro Space Center in Gohang, South Korea, using
doemstically produced Nuri rocket.
The South Korean launch will likely assist its efforts to develop a space-based
surveillance system.
Its rival, North Korea is also pushing to place its first military spy satellite into orbit.
Capital – Seoul
Currency – South Korean Won
President – Yoon Seok-youl
Himalayan Chandra Telescope

The Himalayan Chandra Telescope in Hanle recently joined hands with 10 other
global observatories to observe the brightening of a blazar.
Blazer is a type of galaxy that is powered by a humongous black hole and is
among one of the brightest and most powerful objects in the universe.
They are known for emitting highly energetic particles and radiation, including
gamma rays, X-rays, and radio waves.
About Himalayan Chandra Telescope
It is a 2 meter optical-infrared telescope named after Nobel laureate Subramaniam Chandrasekhar.
It is at the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle near Leh in Ladakh.
It is currently the tenth highest optical telescope in the world, situated at an elevation of 4,500 meters.
Que: Which space agency had developed the ‘Aeolus Satellite’?

Ans: European Space Agency (ESA)
The Aeolus satellite is currently headed towards Earth.
• Launch Date: 22 August 2018
• Site: Kourou, French Guiana
• Rocket: Vega
Aeolus was the first satellite mission to acquire profiles of Earth’s wind on a
global scale.
These observations are being used to improve weather forecasts and climate models.
Aeolus has outlived its planned three-year life in space by more than 18 months.
Saturn overpowers Jupiter in the "Games of Moon" with total of 145 moons
New research has revealed 62 new moons that orbit Saturn, bringing the total
number to 145
In contrast, Jupiter has 95 moons as confirmed by the International
Astronomical Union (IAU).
Nasa's upcoming Dragonfly mission, scheduled to launch in 2027, has the
potential to allow for close-up observations of at least one of Saturn's smaller
outer moons.
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China launched Fengyun-3 satellite

China successfully launched the Fengyun-3 meteorological satellite using Chang
Zheng-4B carrier rocket from Gansu Province.
The primary objective of the Fengyun-3 satellite is to monitor and provide
information on severe weather conditions, especially heavy rainfall, which can
cause natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
North Korea tests nuclear-capable underwater attack drone ‘Haeil-2’

The underwater nuclear attack drone named “Haeil-2” was tested in Kajin Port, Kumya
Country, South Hamgyong Province.
Haeil-2 is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
Kenya launched its first operational satellite

• The Kenya Space Agency launched the country’s first operational earth
observation satellite on 15 April 2023.
• Taifa-1, or one nation in Swahili, was launched on board the SpaceX Falcon 9
rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
• The observation satellite is “fully designed and developed” by Kenyan
engineers and will be used to provide data on agriculture and food security,
among other areas.
• Egypt was the first African country to send a satellite into space in 1998.
• Capital- Nairobi
• Currency- Kenyan Shilling
• Continent – Africa
• President- William Ruto
Official languages- Swahili, English
ESA successfully launches JUICE mission to study Jupiter’s Icy Moons

The European Space Agency (ESA) launched its flagship JUICE (JUpiter ICy moons
Explorer) mission on April 14, 2023.
The mission was carried by an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou,
French Guiana.
It will take an eight-year journey to reach Jupiter.
Aim: To understand whether there are habitable environments among those icy
moons and around a Jupiter
It will make detailed observations of Jupiter and its three large moons:
Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa
Jupiter beats Saturn to become the planet with most moons

Scott Sheppard, Astronomer of Washington's Carnegie Institution for Science has discovered 12
new moons around Jupiter planet.
Now, Jupiter has 92 moons
Jupiter planet has overtaken Saturn planet, which has 83 moons at present.
JUICE Space Mission of Europe to be launched in April 2023

The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) will be
launched from the agency’s spaceport in French Guiana, on Ariane 5, in April
2023.
The spacecraft is to explore the moons of Jupiter, namely Ganymede, Europe,
and Callisto.
If launched in April 2023, the satellite is expected to enter Jupiter orbit by 2034
and will be deorbited in 2035.
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JUICE is to be the first satellite from the earth to enter the orbit of Ganymede.
The mission will characterise these moons as both planetary objects and possible habitats, explore Jupiter’s complex
environment in depth, and study the wider Jupiter system as an archetype for gas giants across the Universe
It will also study the polar regions and the magnetosphere of the planet
Iran’s navy adds sophisticated cruise missiles ‘Talaeieh and Nasir’ to its armoury
The Talaeieh has a range of more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and called it “fully smart”.
The Nasi has a range of 100 kilometers (62 miles) and can be installed on warships.
Pakistan Successfully Tests Advanced Rocket System Fatah-II
Medicine & Research

Yellow Band Disease : Destroying Corals in Thailand
Corals of eastern Thailand are getting affected by Yellow band disease which
is killing corals over vast stretches of the sea floor. Yellow-band disease
named for the colour it turns corals before destroying them, was first spotted
decades ago and has caused widespread damage to reefs There is no known
cure for this disease and corals will not be restored once they get infected by
this disease. Scientists believe overfishing, pollution and rising water
temperatures because of climate change may be making the reefs more vulnerable to yellow-band disease.
Ixchiq Vaccine For Chikungunya:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States approved the
world’s inaugural vaccine for chikungunya.
This novel vaccine, named Ixchiq and developed by European vaccine
manufacturer Valneva, marks a significant leap in combating the chikungunya
virus (CHIKV).
Ixchiq Vaccine is administered as a single dose via injection into the muscle.
The vaccine has been approved for administration in people who are 18 years or older, and are at increased risk of
exposure to the virus.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease. It was first recognized in 1952 during an outbreak in southern
Tanzania.
It is a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that belongs to the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae.
Symptoms: Chikungunya causes fever and severe joint pain, which is often debilitating and varies in duration.
The term "chikungunya" originates from the Kimakonde language (spoken by the Makonde people, an ethnic group
of Tanzania and Mozambique)
Most commonly, the mosquitoes involved are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Measles & Rubella Vaccine 'Mabella'

Indian Immunologicals launched the 'Mabella' Measles and Rubella Vaccine for
children in Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu, developed in collaboration with Polyvac
Institute of Vietnam.
As part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Human Biologicals Institute
(HBI), a division of the Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL).
Founded in 1998, HBI has been at the forefront of vaccine development in India.
In the same year, the institute achieved a major milestone with the indigenous development of the country’s “first
safe vero-cell rabies vaccine,” named Abhayrab.
E Prime Layer : Outermost Part Of Earth’s Core

A study by an international team of researchers revealed the formation of a new layer –
E prime layer at the outermost part of Earth’s core - between the core and mantle.
formed by surface water penetrating deep into the planet over billions of years.
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What is an E-Prime Layer?

The E-Prime Layer is a distinct layer at the outermost part of Earth’s core, formed by surface water penetrating deep
into the planet over billions of years.
This layer is characterized by a hydrogen-rich, silicon-depleted composition, influenced by a chemical reaction with
the core’s silicon at the core-mantle boundary.
Previous Belief: Previously it was believed that there is a minimal material

exchange between the core and mantle
New findings suggest that tectonic plates have transported surface water
around 1,800 miles below the surface to the core-mantle boundary.
The water undergoes a chemical reaction with the core’s silicon, forming
silica and creating a hydrogen-rich, silicon-depleted layer at the outer core.
Significance: This discovery has significant implications for understanding
Earth’s internal processes, magnetic field, heat generation, and plate
tectonics.
Candolleomyces albosquamosus : A New Species Of Mushroom

Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute
(JNTBGRI) at Palode identified a new mushroom species, which has been named
Candolleomyces albosquamosus
Candolleomyces albosquamosus is a new species belonging to the genus Candolleomyces,
which is relatively small genus with just 35 species recognised worldwide.
It has white woolly scale-like structures on its cap.
It grows to a height of just about 58 mm.
 Habitats of Candolleomyces albosquamosus include dead logs or bamboo culms in the natural forest.
What are mushrooms?
 Mushrooms constitute secondary saprophytic fungi of the forest ecosystem.
 Secondary saprophytic fungi play a very important role in the decomposition of plant litter.
 The Western Ghats region in Kerala is rich in fungi, many of which could also be described as endemic to
the region
IISR-Kozhikode Develops New High-Yielding Pepper Variety

The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) in Kozhikode has achieved a significant
milestone in the field of agriculture with the successful development of a
groundbreaking black pepper variety named ‘IISR Chandra.’
The research team at IISR took a unique approach in developing ‘IISR Chandra’ by
crossing two distinct pepper varieties – Cholamundi and Thommankodi.
NexCAR19 : Gene Therapy

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has granted market
authorisation for NexCAR19, India’s first indigenously-developed Chimeric Antigen
Receptor T cell (CAR-T cell) Therapy.
India is now one of the first developing countries to have its indigenous CAR-T and
gene therapy platform.
NexCar19 is a type of CAR-T and gene therapy developed indigenously in India by
ImmunoACT, which is a company incubated at IIT Bombay.
It is designed to target cancer cells that carry the CD19 protein.
 This protein acts like a flag on cancer cells, which allows CAR-T cells to
recognise and attach themselves to the cancer cells and start the process
of elimination.
 Even some developed nations don’t have their own CAR-T therapies; they
import them from the United States or Europe.
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 NexCAR19 therapy is intended for people with B-cell lymphomas who have not responded to standard
treatments like chemotherapy and have experienced relapse or recurrence of cancer.
 Initially, the therapy is approved for patients aged 15 years and older.
High Levels of Helium-3 Found in Rocks on Baffin Island

 A recent study published in the journal Nature reported evidence of high levels of
helium-3 in rocks on Canada’s Baffin Island, raising the intriguing possibility that
the Earth’s core may be leaking.
 Helium-3 is an isotope of helium, and its presence on Earth’s surface is rare.
 It is considered an ancient isotope that was prevalent during the planet’s
formation and became trapped in the Earth’s core.
 Researchers embarked on a study of helium-3 and helium-4, a common isotope, on Baffin Island, part of the
Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
 Previous research had identified trace elements of helium-3 in lava flows on the island, hinting at the
possibility of core leakage.
 Understanding the composition and dynamics of the Earth’s core is of paramount importance for geophysics
and Earth science.
DANGER : Software Tool For Genome Editing

 A team of researchers recently developed a software tool called DANGER (Deleterious
and ANticipatable Guides Evaluated by RNA-sequencing) analysis that provides a way
for the safer design of genome editing in all organisms.
 DANGER analysis is a new software tool that makes genome editing safer by overcoming limitations in
current CRISPR technology.
 Genome editing:
 It is a method that lets scientists change the DNA of many organisms, including plants, bacteria, and animals.
 Editing DNA can lead to changes in physical traits, like eye colour, and disease risk
Tilapia Parvovirus:
India has witnessed its first encounter with Tilapia Parvovirus (TiPV), in Tamil Nadu causing a
significant impact on the country’s aquaculture.
This virus has been reported in farm-bred tilapia, a freshwater fish species, and has raised
concerns due to its high mortality rates.
TiPV is a viral pathogen that primarily affects tilapia.
It belongs to the Parvoviridae family, known for its small, non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA viruses.
First reported in China in 2019 and Thailand in 2021. India is the third country to report the occurrence of TiPV.
 TiPV has caused mortality rates ranging from 30% to 50% on fish farms.
 TiPV outbreak can also affect the food security and nutrition of the people who depend on tilapia as a source
of protein and income.
 Tilapia farming is carried out in various parts of the country, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.
 Tilapia is a freshwater fish species that is widely cultured and consumed in India. These fish are native to
Africa and have gained popularity as a widely cultivated and harvested food source.
WHO approves R21 malaria vaccine for use

 The R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and the
Serum Institute of India, has been recommended for use by the World Health
Organization (WHO)
 The Serum Institute of India has already established production capacity for 100
million doses per annum, which will be doubled over the next two years
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“Calixcoca” Vaccine
 Scientists in Brazil have developed a groundbreaking treatment for cocaine
and crack addiction in the form of a vaccine named “Calixcoca.”
 This innovative vaccine aims to disrupt the effects of cocaine by triggering
an immune response in the body, preventing the drug from reaching the
brain and providing the pleasurable “high” associated with its use.
 This area of the brain is typically stimulated by cocaine to release dopamine, the pleasure-inducing
neurotransmitter.
Exclusome:
Researchers have recently identified a previously unknown compartment in
mammalian cells named ‘exclusome’
It is a newly discovered organelle in mammalian cells.
It is made up of DNA rings known as plasmids.
It is located within the cell plasma.
This is peculiar because eukaryotic cells (cells with nuclei) usually keep most of their DNA in the cell nucleus, where it
is organized into chromosomes.
This proves that cells are capable of differentiating between DNA that is their own and still needed and DNA that is
foreign
A chromosome is a long, thread-like structure found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, including the cells of animals,
plants, and fungi.
Each chromosome is made up of DNA tightly coiled many times around proteins called histones that support its
structure.
Watermeal : World’s Smallest Flowering Plant

Scientists are conducting research into the potential of watermeal, the world’s
smallest flowering plant, as a source of nutrition and oxygen for astronauts.
Watermeal is an aquatic plant in the Araceae family.
It is the smallest flowering plant in the world and appears as small green seeds.
It is often referred to as “duckweed” because it is a favourite food of ducks.
 It flourishes in temperate, sub-tropical, and tropical locations.
 They grow on the surface of lakes, ponds, and marshes.
 It is a very tiny (less than 1 millimeter) light green, free-floating, rootless plant.
 It is branchless and also has no leaves.
 It also produces the world’s smallest fruit, called a utricle.
 It is a nutritional powerhouse.
 It is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids.
Ozone hole above Antarctica is now three times the size of Brazil
 The ozone hole over Antarctica is one of the biggest on record, roughly three
times the size of Brazil. It's a natural phenomenon, but scientists are
concerned climate change could begin reopening ozone holes.
 Satellite measurements over Antarctica have detected a giant hole in the
ozone layer.
 The hole, which scientists call an “ozone-depleted area” was 26 million square kilometers (10 million square
miles) in size, roughly three times the size of Brazil(The European Space Agency Copernicus Sentinel-5P
satellite made the recordings)
Ozone holes grow and shrink every year

 The ozone layer is a trace gas in the stratosphere, one of the four layers of the Earth’s atmosphere.
 It functions as a protective gas shield that absorbs ultraviolet radiation, protecting humans and ecosystems
from dangerous amounts of UV. Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to high amounts of UV radiation
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 The size of the ozone hole over Antarctica fluctuates each year, opening each year in August and closing
again in November or December.
 ozone hole opens up because of the rotation of the Earth causing specials winds over the closed landmass of
Antarctica. “The winds create a mini climate, creating a shield over Antarctica preventing it from mixing with
surrounding air. When the winds die down, the hole closes,”
 Scientists believe this year’s big ozone hole could be due to the volcanic eruptions at Hunga Tongain Tonga
during December 2022 and January 2023.
 “Under normal conditions, gas released from a volcanic eruption stays below the level of the stratosphere,
but this eruption sent a lot of water vapor into the stratosphere,”
 In 1987,The Montreal Protocol was created to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of
these harmful substances.
ciTRAN : Circular RNA

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISER
Bhopal) identified a specific circular RNA (circRNA) called ‘ciTRAN’, which plays a crucial
role in the multiplication of the AIDS-causing HIV-1 virus within the human body.
Ribonucleic acid is a molecule in living cells that carries genetic information and helps in
the production of proteins.
RNAs are in general straight-chain, free-end structures but these circular RNA (‘circRNA’ )
forms a closed-loop.
The study found that ciTRAN plays a role in modulating HIV-1 transcription, which is the process by which the virus
replicates itself within host cells.
Its role in HIV-1 replication has remained unclear for a long time.
Truenat Test : To Detect Nipah

Kerala has been accorded sanction by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) to use Truenat test to diagnose
Nipah.
Truenat test uses a portable, smart chip-based, battery-operated RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain
reaction) kit to detect the presence of the virus in a sample.
Truenat is the first kit in India to receive Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Drug Controller General of India
(DCGI) for conducting Nipah virus tests.
Truenat can be used in hospitals that have level 2 biosafety facilities, where there are certain strict protocols in place
to prevent contamination of samples.
Truenat can help conduct tests faster, detect if there is an outbreak, and set preventive measures faster.
JALDOST Airboat:
The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) unveiled the JALDOST airboat.
JALDOST is an airboat that operates on water.
It is designed to remove excess aquatic weed and floating waste from water bodies.
According to NAL, it has a hybrid propulsion system, comprising air propulsion and paddle wheel propulsion.
NAL has developed two versions of the airboat — JALDOST Mark-1 and an upgraded version JALDOST Mark-2.
National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)
It is a constituent of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), established in the year 1959.
It is the only government aerospace R&D laboratory in the country’s civilian sector.
CSIR-NAL is a high-technology-oriented institution focusing on advanced disciplines in aerospace.
Ureilite : Rare And Ancient Meteorite

In a recent discovery, a collaborative team of scientists from Allahabad University and the
University of Bern, Switzerland, revealed that the Dhala crater resulted from the collision of an
exceptionally rare and ancient meteorite, known as Ureilite.
Ureilite are a rare class of primitive meteorites that constitute just a tiny fraction of meteorites
on Earth.
It is named after the locality where the first specimen was Join
discovered, the Novo
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pdfsin Russia.
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Ureilites contain less than 10% carbon in the form of diamond or graphite, metal
sulphides, and a few fine-grained silicates.
Future research aims to understand the role of the Dhala crater in bringing water
to Earth and contributing to the development of life on our planet.
India has three meteor impact craters: Ramgarh, Lonar, and Dhala.
The Dhala crater, located in Madhya Pradesh, has recently gained attention as
Asia's largest and the world's seventh-largest impact crater.
Dhala crater has a diameter of 11 kilometers.
The impact occurred approximately 2500-1700 million years ago.
New COVID variant Eris

United Kingdom has witnessed the spread of new COVID variant Eris or EG.5.1 at a faster
rate across the country and become a significant contributor to COVID-19 cases in the UK,
China, US and elsewhere.
The Eris variant is believed to have originated from the Omicron lineage of the COVID-19.
Factors such as the virus’s ability to adapt to different conditions, including human immune responses, might
contribute to its emergence and rapid spread.
Short-Lived Halogens : Contributions To Cooling The

Environment
The recently published report of the Indian Institute of
Tropical Meteorology said that halogens’ contributions
to cooling the environment could increase to 18-31% by
2100.
• Significant Contribution to Cooling: Short-lived
halogens, including chlorine, bromine, and
iodine, released by the oceans currently
contribute contribute 8-10% of cooling
• Depletion of Ozone: Short-lived halogens lead
to the depletion of ozone in the troposphere,
which reduces warming as ozone is a greenhouse gas that traps outgoing radiation.
• Increase in Methane & Water Vapour: Short-lived halogens increase methane's lifetime in the atmosphere
by destroying hydroxyl radicals (OH), which break down methane. They also increase the levels of water
vapour, a greenhouse gas. This leads to a warming effect.
• Net Cooling Effect: Short-lived halogens compensate for warming by destroying ozone, resulting in a net
cooling effect.
• Regional Variations: Halogen emissions from the oceans vary across regions. Emissions are small over
continents, larger in polar regions and in areas with higher ozone levels.
• Anthropogenic Increase: The cooling effect of chlorine, bromine, and iodine since the preindustrial era has
increased by 61% due to human activities.
A recent study suggests the Gulf Stream system could collapse as soon as 2025.
But leading scientists have reservations about the study
and say it is not established science. It estimates AMOC
could collapse between 2025 and 2095.
What is Gulf Stream & AMOC?
 The Gulf Stream is a swift and warm ocean
current which originates in the Gulf of Mexico. It
flows along the eastern coast of North America
and crosses the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe.
The current carries warm water from the tropics (around 25 to 28°C or 77 to 82°F) to higher latitudes
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What is an Ocean Current?

An ocean current is a continuous, directed flow of seawater within the Earth's oceans.
These currents are like rivers within the ocean, moving large volumes of water in specific
patterns and directions.
They are a crucial component of the Earth's climate system and play a vital role in regulating
global climate, distributing heat around the planet, and influencing weather patterns.
Ocean currents can be formed by various factors, including wind, temperature, salinity (salt
content), and the Earth's rotation.
Ocean Circulation: Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC):

Gulf Stream is an essential part of the larger oceanic circulation system
known as AMOC.
It plays a vital role in redistributing heat around the Earth and regulating
global climate patterns.
Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC):

It is a large system of ocean currents operating in the Atlantic, which circulates the waters between the north and
the south.
It is characterized by a northward flow of warm, salty water in the upper layers of the Atlantic, and a southward flow
of colder, deep waters that are part of the thermohaline circulation.
How it operates:
As warm water flows northwards in the Atlantic, it cools, while evaporation increases its salt content.
Low temperature and a high salt content raise the density of the water, causing it to sink deep into the ocean.
The cold, dense water deep below slowly spreads southward. Eventually, it gets pulled back to the surface and
warms again, and the circulation is complete.
But as global temperatures rise with global warming, fresh water is pouring into the AMOC from the melting
Greenland ice cap and other sources.
If it collapses, it could lower temperatures by up to 10 or 15 degrees in Europe and lead to rising sea levels in the
eastern US.
It would also disrupt rain that billions rely on for agriculture.
The last time AMOC stopped and restarted was during the Ice Ages about 115,000 to 12,000 years ago.
Mosaic Viruses : Loss Of Yield

Tomato growers in Maharashtra and Karnataka have blamed two different mosaic viruses
for the loss of yields earlier this year.
Tomato crop in Maharashtra was impacted by attacks of the Cucumber mosaic virus
(CMV), while in Karnataka and other South Indian states the farmers blaming tomato
mosaic virus (T0MV) for crop losses.
The current sharp increase in the price of tomato is due to lower production of the vegetable
Mosaic virus is a parasite that destroys plants, gardens, and crops down to their molecular level.
Once a plant contracts the mosaic virus, the infected plant can then spread the virus to other plants and even affect
an entire harvest if left untreated.
It affects a wide variety of horticultural and vegetable crops — roses, beans, tobacco, tomatoes, potatoes,
cucumbers, pumpkins, melons, and peppers.
The two plant pathogens have similar names and cause similar damage to crops, but they belong to different viral
families, and spread differently.
ToMV belongs to the Virgaviridae family and is closely related to the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV).
It hosts include tomato, tobacco, peppers, and certain ornamental plants.
ToMV spreads mainly through infected seeds, saplings, agricultural tools and often through the hands of nursery
workers who have failed to sanitise themselves properly before entering the fields.
It would require only a few infected saplings for the virus to take over an entire field in a matter of days.
It can remain dormant in weeds and plant remains around the field, and come back later.
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Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV):

It has a much larger host pool that includes cucumber, melon, eggplant, tomato,
carrot, lettuce etc.
It was identified in cucumber in 1934, which gave the virus its name.
It is spread by aphids which are sap-sucking insects.
It can also spread through human touch, but the chances of that are extremely low.
Conditions of high temperature followed by intermittent rain, which allow aphids to multiply, are conducive to the
spread of CMV.
Peste Des Petits Ruminants : Contagious Animal Disease

An outbreak of a highly contagious animal disease, Peste Des Petits
Ruminants, has recently killed 60 sheep and goats and affected around 200
in the highland pastures of the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh
Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of sheep
and goats with high mortality.
It is caused by a virus of the family paramyxoviridae and genus morbillivirus.
PPR is mainly spread during close contact when a susceptible animal inhales the virus from infected animals’
coughing and sneezing, or through contact with infected objects such as feed troughs, bedding etc.
Once introduced, the virus can infect up to 90 percent of an animal herd, and the disease kills anywhere from 30 to
70 percent of infected animals.
The PPR virus does not infect humans. In India, the disease outbreaks have been reported in Himachal Pradesh,
Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh.
PBW RS1 : New Variety of Wheat

The Ludhiana-based institution has developed a new variety of wheat
called PBW RS1.
PBW RS1 contains high amylose starch content.
Resistant starch (RS) won’t cause an immediate and rapid rise in glucose
levels.
Amylose starch content known to reduce risks of type-2 diabetes and
cardiovascular diseases.
Type 2 Diabetes is the condition in which the human body doesn’t use insulin well and can’t keep blood sugar at
normal levels.
Food prepared from its whole grain flour also have lower glycemic index.
Glycemic index is a rating system for foods containing carbohydrates
Transgenic Crops In India : Three States Rejected a Proposal

Three States, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana, have recently rejected a proposal, approved by the Centre’s
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), to test a new kind of transgenic cotton seed.
The seed was developed by Hyderabad-based Bioseed Research India and contains a gene, cry2Ai, that makes cotton
resistant to pink bollworm, a major pest.
Under the current rules, transgenic seeds must be tested in open fields before they can hope to be cleared by the
GEAC for commercial development.
Agriculture being a State subject means that, in most cases, companies interested in testing their seeds need
approvals from the States for conducting such tests.
Of the four States that Bioseed applied to, only Haryana gave permission for such tests.
Genetically Modified (GM) - whose genetic material has been modified to include certain desirable techniques.
In India, only Cotton is currently commercially cultivated as a GM crop. Trials are underway for other crops like
brinjal, tomato, maize, and chickpea using transgenic technology.
Regulation: In India, the regulation of all activities related to GMOs and products are regulated by the Union Ministry
of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act,
1986.
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GM crops can:
• improves production and raise farmer's income;
• can feed a rapidly increasing population as it shows increased yields
• ensures production of more nutritious food
• Disease- and drought-resistant plants that require fewer environmental resources (such as water and
fertilizer)
• Food with more desirable traits
What Is Watermelon Snow?

• Watermelon snow is a captivating natural phenomenon observed in snowy
mountainous regions, including Utah, where the snow takes on a red and pink
hue.
• It is a result of a green algae bloom known as Chlamydomonas nivalis.
• This species of algae thrives in cold, snowy environments, and its presence triggers
the vibrant transformation of the snow’s appearance.
• To protect themselves from the intense solar radiation in their bright surroundings, the algae produce a
secondary red carotenoid pigment (astaxanthin) in addition to chlorophyll.
Foot Rot Disease:

Several farmers raised the concern over “foot rot” disease in the saplings of the
Basmati variety of paddy in the nurseries.
Foot rot disease also known as Bakanae Disease.
It is a soil and seed-borne deadly fungus which is seen only in the Basmati variety
of paddy.
It is caused by ‘Fusarium verticillioides’ fungi.
The infected saplings turn pale yellow and become elongated and later, the saplings start drying and usually die.
India is known for its Basmati rice, with the produce from seven States — Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand — earmarked for Geographical Indication.
Homo Naledi
Recently, a study has been published, which suggests that Homo Naledi, an ancient human
species, may have buried their dead and created meaningful symbols in a cave.
Homo Naledi is a species of human discovered in the Rising Star cave system, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in South Africa in 2013.
The remains of at least 15 individuals, including adults, juveniles, and infants, were found,
making it the largest collection of a single hominin species in Africa. (possibly up to 2 million
years ago).
Researcher: Lee Berger and his team
Berger’s team reported evidence of burials within the Rising Star system.
What is Fish Kill?

Thousands of dead fish washed up on the beaches of southeast
Texas due to a phenomenon called “fish kill,”
Fish Kill is the sudden and unexpected death of fishes or other
aquatic animals over a short period and mostly within a particular
area, due to low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water which
cause suffocation of the fish.
Factors - Warmer oceans lead to less dissolved oxygen levels; calm seas lead to low mixing; cloudy skies lead to low
photosynthesis by phytoplankton
Texas is a state in the South Central region of the United States. It is the second-largest U.S. state by both area and
population.
Connect Us - 416
Que:Remains of a species of herbivorous dinosaur previously unknown in the southern

hemisphere have been discovered in which country?
Ans: Chile / सचली
Remains of new species of duck-billed dinosaur, previously unknown in the southern
hemisphere, have been discovered in Chile.
Measuring up to four meters (13 feet) in length and weighing a ton, Gonkoken nanoi
(name of this new dinosaur species) lived 72 million years ago in the extreme south of
what is now Chilean Patagonia.
It is believed that they may have even reached Antarctica
The discovery demonstrated that Chilean Patagonia served as a refuge for very ancient
species of hadrosaurs, a type of duck-billed dinosaur common in North America, Asia
and Europe during the Cretaceous period, from 145 to 66 million years ago.
Gonkoken nanoi, the fifth species of dinosaur discovered in Chile, was actually found in
2013, kicking off a decade-long investigation.
The name Gonkoken comes from the Tehuelche language, the first inhabitants of the
region, and means “similar to a wild duck or a swan.
Capital- Santiago
Currency – Chilean Peso
Y chromosome : Genes Linked To Ageing And Lifespan Regulation

Researchers have discovered that the Y chromosome possesses genes linked to
ageing and lifespan regulation
Chromosomes are thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and
plant cells. Each chromosome is made of protein and a single molecule of
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Passed from parents to offspring, DNA contains the
specific instructions that make each type of living creature unique.
The term chromosome comes from the Greek words for colour (chroma) and body
(soma). Each species of plant and animal has a set number of chromosomes.
Humans have 22 pairs of numbered chromosomes (autosomes) and one pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY), for a
total of 46. The human X chromosome is about three times larger than the human Y chromosome, containing about
900 genes, while the Y chromosome has about 55 genes.
First Babies Born In Britain Using DNA From 3 People

Recently, Britain’s fertility regulator said the first babies created using an
experimental technique combining DNA from three people have been born, in
an effort to prevent the children from inheriting rare genetic diseases.
The technique, known as mitochondrial donation treatment (MDT), uses
tissue from the eggs of healthy female donors to create IVF embryos that are
free from harmful mutations their mothers carry and are likely to pass on to
their children.
ICMR successfully conducts trial run of blood bag delivery under i-Drone initiative
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under the Union Health Ministry
successfully conducted a trial run of blood bag delivery by drones under its i-Drone
initiative in New Delhi.
The inaugural trial flight carried ten units of blood samples from Government
Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida and Lady Hardinge Medical
College (LHMC), New Delhi.
The project ‘i-DRONE’ (ICMR’s Drone Response and Outreach for North East) assessed the feasibility of using drone
to deliver vaccines and medical supply.
The drone-based delivery of blood will reduce the time for last-mile deliveries within the country.
Director General ICMR Dr. Rajiv Bahl
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IIT Madras researchers develop tool to detect tumours in brain, spinal cord/IIT
IIT-M researchers has developed a machine learning-based computational tool for better
detection of cancer-causing tumors in the brain and spinal cord.
The web server known as ‘GBMDriver’ (GlioBlastoma Mutiforme Drivers) is now publicly
available online.
The GBMDriver was developed specifically to identify driver mutations and passenger
mutations (passenger mutations are neutral mutations) in Glioblastoma.
Glioblastoma is a fast and aggressively growing tumour in the brain and spinal cord.
Cloned Cow-calf:
The National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal has produced cloned
female calves of the desi breed Gir, which can produce more than 15 litres of
milk per day.
Cloned Cow-calf is India’s first cloned Gir female calf named Ganga.
Cloning:
The term cloning describes a number of different processes that can be used
to produce genetically identical copies of a biological entity.
Cloning can be natural or artificial.
H3N2 Outbreak:
Across India, an outbreak of a respiratory illness
with symptoms of cold, sore throat and fever
accompanied by fatigue has been observed since
December 2022 and January 2023.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
confirmed that Influenza Sub-type H3N2 has been
causing this illness.
H3N2 virus is a type of influenza virus called the
influenza A virus. It is a respiratory viral infection
that causes illnesses every year. This subtype of
influenza A virus was discovered in 1968 in
humans.
There are four types of seasonal influenza viruses, types A, B, C and D.
Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics of disease.
Influenza A viruses are the only influenza viruses known to cause flu pandemics (i.e., global epidemics of flu
disease).
MeitY’s R&D Institute SAMEER signs MoU with Siemens Healthineers

SAMEER has signed a memorandum of understanding with Siemens Healthineers to
make available low-cost MRIs, a step towards affordable healthcare, and diagnostic
access for every Indian.
SAMEER is specialized in RF Microwaves Radar and Communication Systems.
It is India's premier R&D Institute of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).
SAMEER is the acronym for Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research.
Union Health Minister unveils world’s first intranasal COVID19 vaccine, iNNCOVACC
 Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has unveiled the world’s first intranasal COVID-19 vaccine
"iNNCOVACC" in New Delhi.
 iNNCOVACC is the world’s first intranasal COVID19 vaccine to receive
approval for the primary 2-dose schedule, and as a heterologous booster
dose.
 It is developed by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) in
collaboration with Biotechnology Industry Research JoinAssistance.
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Bacteria that can eat methane

According to a new study, a strain of bacteria could potentially remove methane from major emission sites such as
landfills, paddy fields, and oil and gas wells,.
Harnessing this bacteria on a large scale can keep 240 million tonnes of methane from reaching the atmosphere by
2050, the study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed.
The bacterial strain Methylotuvimicrobium buryatense 5GB1C consumes methane.
Researchers from the University of Washington explained that the global average temperature rise can be reduced
0.21-0.22 degree Celsius by removing 0.3-1 petagrams of methane by 2050.
Methane-eating bacteria (methanotrophs) can be an attractive option.
A team of researchers from Kolkata’s
Visva-Bharati has identified a new
species of bacteria which has been
named Pantoea Tagorei in homage to
Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
Bacteria is discovered from soil
samples collected in the Jharia coal
mines.
 A concerning brain illness nicknamed “zombie deer disease” is

spreading rapidly among wildlife in parts of the United States
 Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological illness that
affects cervids – a group of animals including deer, elk and moose.
New discovery
Pontus Tectonic plate
A long-lost tectonic plate dubbed ‘Pontus’ was recently discovered by chance

by scientists studying ancient rocks in Borneo.
It is a long-lost tectonic plate recently discovered in the west Pacific Ocean.
Discovered by Suzanna van de Lagemaat, a doctoral candidate Netherlands,
and her colleagues.
The Pontus plate was a significant tectonic plate, about a quarter of the size of
the Pacific Ocean.
It can be traced back as far as 160 million years, and even more recently to around 20 million years back.
 It once underpinned the region now known as the South China Sea.
 Named the ‘Pontus plate’ due to its association with the ancient Pontus Ocean.
 Over time, it gradually diminished in size before being pushed under the Australian plate to the south and
China to the north, ultimately disappearing 20 million years ago.
 A tectonic plate (also called lithospheric plate) is a massive, irregularly shaped slab of solid rock, generally
composed of both continental and oceanic lithosphere.
 Plate size can vary greatly, from a few hundred to thousands of kilometers across; the Pacific and Antarctic
Plates are among the largest.
 Plate thickness also varies greatly, ranging from less than 15 km for young oceanic lithosphere to about 200
km or more for ancient continental lithosphere
How the discovery was made?
 The subducting plate is actually denser than the surrounding mantle, so gravity basically pulls the plate down
into the mantle.
 A subducted plate leaves behind traces when it 'sinks' into Earth's mantle – namely, fragments of rock
hidden in mountain belts.
 During the process of subduction, however, the upper parts of the subducting plate are sometimes scraped
off. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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 The researchers used geological data to reconstruct the movements of the current plates with computer
modelling, which hinted at a wide area potentially vacated by a subducted plate.
 Using magnetic techniques, researchers determined the basalt from Borneo were relics of Pontus that were
left behind when this part of the plate subducted, some 85 million years ago.
Polyethylene Terephthalate
Researchers have recently discovered a new deep-sea enzyme that can degrade
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). The new enzyme: PET46
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is the most commonly used thermoplastic polymer in
the world.
It belongs to the family of polyesters.
PET is produced by the polymerization of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
When heated together under the influence of chemical catalysts, ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid produce PET
in the form of a molten, viscous mass that can be spun directly to fibres or solidified for later processing as plastic.
Demon Particle : Massless Particles

Scientists recently discovered a 'demon particle' that could lead to superconductors that conduct electricity at
room temperature.
Superconductors, which can conduct electricity without resistance, currently require extremely low temperatures.
This new discovery could potentially lead to the creation of superconductors that work at room temperature,
revolutionizing various fields, including computing and medical imaging.
Demon Particle:
The prediction of the demon particle was first made by theoretical physicist David Pines in 1956.
They are massless, chargeless, and transparent to light.
They are also able to form plasmons, which are collective units of electrons that behave like waves.
Plasmons are important in superconductivity.
What is Superconductivity?
It is a phenomenon whereby a charge moves through a material without resistance.
It was first discovered in 1911 by Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes when he observed the sudden drop in
electrical resistance of mercury at extremely low temperatures.
Superconductivity is generally observed at very low temperatures, often close to absolute zero (0 Kelvin or -
273.15°C).
A new Uranium Isotope 'Uranium-241' discovered

• A team of nuclear physicists of Japan discovered a previously unknown uranium isotope with atomic number
92 and mass 241.
• The new isotope has been named Uranium-241.
Uranium is a naturally occurring chemical element with symbol U and atomic number 92.
It is a heavy metal that is radioactive and is found in small amounts in rocks and soil around the world.
Isotopes are atoms that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
Uranium has three isotopes in its natural state, U-234, U-235 and U-238.
Other isotopes - not found in natural uranium are U-232, U-233, U-236, and U-237.
GJ 1002 b and c: Two New Planets

An international group of researchers has recently discovered the presence of
two planets with masses comparable to that of the Earth in orbit around the
star GJ 1002.
The two new planets are named, GJ 1002 b and GJ 1002 c.
These planets lie in so-called habitable zones, within which water could be found in liquid form, and which is located
in the immediate vicinity of the star due to its low luminosity.
The two planets were discovered using the radial velocity (RV) method.
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NASA's James Webb Space Telescope discovers new exoplanet named LHS 475b
LHS 475b is roughly the same size as Earth, with a diameter of 99% that of Earth.
It is a celestial, rocky planet located approximately 41 light-years away from Earth
in the constellation Octane.
It differs from Earth in two respects - it completes one orbit in only two days and it
is hundreds of degrees hotter than Earth.
Exoplanet:
Exoplanets are planets that orbit other stars and are away from our solar system. The first confirmation of the
detection of an exoplanet was in the year 1992.
According to NASA, more than 5,000 exoplanets have been discovered so far.
Scientists believe that there are more planets than stars because at least one planet orbits each star.
 A new reptile species was recently discovered in China and has been called Wang’s Garden Lizard.
Short News
Researchers in Manipur recently discovered a new flowering plant species and have
named the new species Curcuma kakchingense
Technology
IndiGo’s Chat Assistant “6Eskai”
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, announced launch of its Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered chat
assistant named “6Eskai.”
Recently Air India introduced its own AI-powered chat assistant, “Maharaja”
Samsung Gauss
Samsung launches ‘Gauss’ its own generative AI model
Named after the renowned mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss.
World’s First AI Human Like Robot CEO

Hanson Robotics and Dictador, a Polish run company, have appointed the world’s first humanoid
robot CEO named Mika.
Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope (Trident)

A Chinese research group has initiated the construction of an enormous neutrino telescope in the
South China Sea called Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope (Trident), which is named Hailing
(Ocean Bell) in Chinese. This telescope is poised to become the world’s most extensive “ghost
particle” detector and will be positioned at a depth of 3,500 meters beneath the ocean’s surface.
completed in 2030
 The instrument will scan the surrounding seawater for the flashes of light generated when
cosmic neutrinos collide with water molecules.
 China working on world's largest deep sea telescope to explore cosmic rays origin
NavIC : Mandatory For Smartphones

The Indian government has announced its
intention to make it mandatory for smartphones to
integrate with India’s homegrown navigation
system, NavIC
The devices must either provide support for NavIC-
powered chips or use NavIC chipsets.
For 5G phones, mandatory NavIC support is required by January 1, 2025, while all other phones operating in the L1
band, currently using the Global Positioning System (GPS), must provide mandatory NavIC support by December
2025 Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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This move comes after Apple agreed to support NavIC in some of its newly launched iPhone 15 models. While
NavIC will be encouraged for use in mobile devices, it won’t be the sole mandated navigation system, as cost and
performance competitiveness will also be considered.
NavIC is India’s indigenous alternative to GPS and currently has seven satellites in orbit, with plans to expand to 12 in
the future.
NPCI Launches India’s Own Blockchain-Backed Open-Source Project ‘Falcon’

National Payments Corporation of India announced the launch of Falcon, an open-source project that aims to
simplify the management and use of blockchains based on ‘Hyperledger Fabric' and supported on Kubernetes
clusters.
Objective: To help blockchain developers use distributed ledger technology to facilitate efficient, reliable, and
automated deployment of network as well as Web3 solutions.
What is Hyperledger?
Hyperledger fabric is an enterprise-level permission blockchain network. The framework serves as a foundation for
creating blockchain-based products and solutions.
Falcon will combine the elements of Kubernetes and Hyperledger to simplify the creation and maintenance of
advanced grade blockchain solutions.
Back in 2020, the NPCI designed ‘Vajra', a blockchain-based system for automating payment clearing and settlement
processes for NPCI products.
AG-365S of Marut Drones becomes first DGCA-certified drone for dual usage
AG-365S kisan drone is India’s first Multi-utility Agriculture small Category Drone to receive the prestigious DGCA
(Directorate General of Civil Aviation)approved type certificate.
AG-365S has highest endurance of 22 minutes, equipped with high end sensors for smooth operations
Under the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules-2021, drones equipped with a Unique Identification Number (UIN)
are permitted to operate in Indian airspace.
By obtaining this certification, Marut Drones is now able to offer its agricultural drone technology to farmers across
the country.
AG 365S is a multi-utility agricultural drone in the small category (less than 25kg).
It has been designed and developed by Marut Drones; an Indian drone technology company based in Hyderabad.
The made-in-India kisan drone – AG 365 has been developed particularly for agricultural purposes to reduce crop
loss, lower agrochemical usage, and better yield and profits to the farmers.
IIT Jodhpur scientists develop ‘CODE’ device for good air quality
Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur researchers have developed a novel Cold-
plasma Detergent in Environment (CODE) device for good indoor air quality.
The CODE device consumes less power, deactivates bacteria, moulds and viruses,
captures dust and pollen, and also removes odours and provides quality indoor air.
iPhone 15 Series To Feature ISRO-Certified GPS Technology

 Apple has added support for India’s homegrown GPS alternative, NavIC, to the new
iPhone 15 Pro models.
 NavIC is a regional navigation satellite system developed by the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO). It consists of seven satellites in geostationary and
inclined geosynchronous orbits, providing coverage over India and a region
extending 1,500 kilometers beyond its borders.
 It offers two services: Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users and
Restricted Service (RS) catering to strategic users.
 NavIC signals boast remarkable precision, delivering user position accuracy better
than 20 meters and timing accuracy better than 50 nanoseconds
 Apple has integrated precision dual-frequency GPS, including support for GLONASS,
Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou, and NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), developed
by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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 iPhone 15 Pro series is the introduction of a brushed titanium frame, replacing the glossy stainless-steel
frame
Pibot : Humanoid Robot

Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) is currently developing a
humanoid robot named ‘Pibot’ that can fly aircraft without needing to modify the
cockpit.
Pibot is the world’s first humanoid pilot.
It combines artificial intelligence and robotics technologies, can process the natural
language of the flight manual and control the flight’s operation in real-time.
It is capable of memorizing global flight charts to conduct mistake-free flight missions on
any air route.
The humanoid robot can also communicate with air traffic controllers and humans in
the cockpit using voice synthesis, allowing it to act as a pilot or a first officer.
Belle Robot:
Researchers in Switzerland recently developed a new, autonomous fish robot named
Belle.
Belle Robot is an autonomous underwater robot designed to collect DNA samples and
film underwater to better understand the impact of human activities on marine life
and develop targeted conservation strategies.
Belle is silent, moves like a fish and doesn’t create a disruptive wake as she moves
through her environment.
IIT Kanpur successfully conducts test flight for cloud seeding

Cloud seeding involves the utilisation of various chemical agents such as silver iodide,
dry ice, common salt, and other elements with the aim of enhancing the probability of
rains.
The flight went up to an approximate height of 5,000 feet. It landed on the IIT Kanpur
lab airstrip after successfully completing the test ride.
The experiment was conducted with due approval from the Directorate General of
Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Paper Based Supercapacitor : Rapid Device Charging

Scientists at the Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) have
achieved a breakthrough in energy storage technology with the development of a
paper-based supercapacitor.
Using cellulose nanofibers derived from seaweed, is lightweight, biodegradable, and
capable of fully charging a device within a mere 10 seconds.
It exhibits exceptional tensile strength, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
Que:Which company has launched a new generative AI-driven chatbot called

‘Jugalbandi’, designed for farmers and rural India?
Ans: Microsoft
Developed in collaboration with AI4Bharat and IIT Madras,
Jugalbandi aims to provide personalized assistance by understanding user
queries in multiple languages, whether spoken or typed.
The chatbot will operate over the WhatsApp messaging service and it aims to
make information on government schemes accessible in multiple languages.
Jugalbandi covers 10 of India’s 22 official languages
Connect Us - 423
India to have new supercomputer for weather forecasting

Union Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that India will unveil its new 18
petaFLOP supercomputer for weather forecasting institutes later this year.
The new supercomputer will be bought at a cost of Rs 900 crore.
National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) in Noida houses
‘Mihir’, a 2.8 petaflop supercomputer,
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, is home to ‘Pratyush’, a 4.0
petaflop supercomputer.
These were launched in 2018.
First test launch of new low-cost star sensor successfully conducted

Recently, researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics have developed a low-cost star sensor, named
StarBerry-Sense.
A star sensor is an instrument that was used by a satellite to help identify its location in space.
The sensor could be used in astronomy and on small CubeSat satellite missions to help the satellites find their
orientation in space.
CubeSats are a class of research spacecraft called nanosatellites.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics
• The IIA was established in 1971 with its headquarters in Bengaluru.
• It is an autonomous Research Institute wholly financed by the Department of Science and Technology of the
Russia’s Sberbank launches Al to compete with ChatGPT

Russia’s largest banking institution Sberbank launched its own Al chatbot
GigaChat to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
GigaChat is claimed to be able to communicate more intelligently in Russian
than foreign languages.
Capital – Moscow
Currency – Rubel
President – Vladimir Putin
IIT Madras, DRDO develop sensor technology for underwater communications

IIT Madras and DRDO have developed cutting-edge sensor technology for underwater
communications.
The Indigenous technology will enable the fabrication of devices at a relatively lower cost.
IIT Madras researchers develop pocket-friendly device to detect adulteration in milk

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers have developed a three-dimensional (3D) paper-
based portable device that can detect adulteration in milk within 30 seconds.
This new technology can be used at home and only one milliliter of liquid sample is required to test for adulteration.
The device can detect various commonly used adulterant agents such as detergent, soap, hydrogen peroxide, urea,
starch, salt, and sodium-hydrogen-carbonate.
ISRO, Andhra University set up equipment to predict rip currents at sea

Indian Space and Research Organization, National Centre for Earth Sciences (NCES), and the Andhra University (AU)
have researched and concluded that constant rip current zones at Rushikonda beach and RK Beach have become a
danger to the beach visitors.
Over 200 people have drowned in sea at various beaches in and around Visakhapatnam during 2012 to 2022
Majority of the death has been due to the presence of rip currents.
The equipment will be used to alert the local marine and local police in the coastal areas.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water which moves from shore towards sea. The rip
currents are so powerful that they pull people away from the shorelines towards sea.
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Skye Air launches India’s first traffic management system for drones
Skye Air launched a drone-based traffic management system named 'Skye
UTM' in India.
It was unveiled by the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin
Gadkari.
Skye UTM is a Cloud-based aerial traffic management system.
The software will allow drone operators to plan routes, make flight plans and
assess risks before running drone-based operations in the country.
Cabinet approves LIGO-India, gravitational-wave detector

LIGO - Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatories
The Union Cabinet approved a project to build an advanced gravitational-
wave detector in Maharashtra at an estimated cost of Rs 2,600 crore. The
facility’s construction is expected to be completed by 2030.
LIGO-India will be built by the Department of Atomic Energy and the
Department of Science and Technology, with a MoU with the U.S. National
Science Foundation and several national and international research
institutions. The U.S. will provide key components for the lab worth around Rs 560 crore.
What are Gravitational Waves?

Gravitational waves are emitted by very massive objects in the universe in extreme environments, such as when
black holes collide. gravitational waves can be used to probe the gravitational features of the source.
Significance of LIGO-India
The observatory will be the third of its kind, made to the exact specifications of the twin LIGO, in Louisiana and
Washington.
It will significantly enhance global capabilities in the field of
gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics.
It will provide opportunities for Indian youth to pursue research
careers in cutting-edge areas of science and technology.
World’s First Sand Battery

Finland has installed the world’s first sand battery that can store
heat from renewable energy sources for months
Sand Battery made of sand collected from construction sites,
can solve the problem of round-the-year energy supply.
Sand can be heated up to 600°C. It also has low heat
conductivity, which reduces energy loss.
Startup firm IG Drones develops India's first 5G-enabled drone

This drone has been named Skyhawk.
The Skyhawk can fly for about five hours with a payload of 10 kg, as this drone is also
equipped with capabilities like artificial intelligence and thermal imaging.
This drone can travel 100 km in 12 to 15 minutes
IG Drones is an India-based tech company providing drone survey, mapping and inspection services.
Its headquarter is located in New Delhi.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) research company OpenAI announced ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a prototype dialogue-based AI chatbot capable of understanding
natural human language and generating impressively detailed human-like
written text.
It is based on GPT-3.5 – a deep-learning language model that produces
human-like text. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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The technology produces different answers for the same question in the future since it improves over time and
understands queries better through machine
GPT stands for Generative Pre-
learning. The organization was founded in San Francisco in 2015 by Sam Altman, trained Transformer
Reid Hoffman, Jessica Livingston, Elon Musk and others.
Google introduces AI chatbot 'Bard’

Google launched its conversational artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot named ‘Bard’.
It will be directly competing with Microsoft-backed firm OpenAI's ChatGPT.
Bard is based on LaMDA, the firm's Language Model for the Dialogue
Applications system.
It helps to draw information from the web to provide high-quality responses.
Google CEO: Sundar Pichai
IIT Madras develops BharOS - India's Indigenous Mobile Operating System

• BharOS can be installed on commercial off-the-shelf handsets.
• It provides access to trusted apps from organization-specific Private App Store
Services (PASS).
• It comes with No Default Apps (NDA), which means that users are not forced to
use apps that they may not be familiar with or that they may not trust.
• Developed by: JandK Operations Private Limited
Technology for Air Quality Monitoring System launched by MeitY

The Secretary, MeitY, Alkesh Kumar Sharma has launched the Technology for Air Quality Monitoring System (AI-
AQMS v1.0) developed under MeitY supported projects in New Delhi.
Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Kolkata has developed an outdoor air quality monitoring
station in collaboration with TeXMIN, ISM, Dhanbad.
It has been developed under the 'National Program on Electronics and ICT Applications in Agriculture and
Environment (AgriEnIcs)'.
It will monitor environmental pollutants which include parameters like PM 1.0, PM 2.5, PM 10.0, SO2, NO2, CO, O2,
relative humidity etc. for continuous air quality analysis of the environment.
Scientists discovered fifth inner core layer of the earth

The recent frequent earthquakes have helped scientists discover a new core. This fifth
inner core is a solid ball of nickel and iron and is the innermost layer.
Australian National University's researchers are trying to reveal the fifth layer of the Earth.
What is the new discovery?
So far scientists believed that there are only four layers in the earth - crust, middle layer called mantle, innermost
layer called the core. The core is divided into two parts namely the inner core and the outer core. Recently, scientists
discovered that there is another layer in the core.
About the new fifth layer
Unlike the inner core and outer core, this new fifth layer is solid. It may be 650 km in diameter. Scientists believed
that the inner core of the earth is 2,440 km in diameter. It is about 70% of the moon’s size.
Also, scientists discovered that the inner core slowed down its spin recently with respect to the mantle. In a while,
the inner core will reverse its direction of spinning. Because of these changes, there will be changes in the magnetic
field of the earth.
Aero India: Solar-powered drone SURAJ unveiled

Drone startup Garuda Aerospace has unveiled its solar-powered drone
“SURAJ”, designed specifically for surveillance operations, at Aero India 2023.
SURAJ is an ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) high-altitude drone
designed specifically for surveillance operations
Recently, Garuda Aerospace had raised USD 22 Million, the “largest ever”
Series A funding in the drone sector. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Miscellaneous
BHEL develops India's first catalyst set to curb NOx emissions in power plants
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a government engineering firm successfully
produced the first indigenous Selective Catalytic Reactor (SCR) to control NOx emissions
from thermal power plants.
SCR Catalysts were earlier imported.
The initial batch of indigenous SCR Catalyst was manufactured for 5x800 MW Yadadri
Thermal Power Station in Telangana.
BHEL achieved indigenization of technology in collaboration with NANO, a leading
company of the Republic of Korea for the development of SCR technology.
Burning coal converts its nitrogen content into nitrogen oxides (NOx), a major air pollutant that includes substances
such as NO, NO2, and N2O.
India to send three person to 6,000 meter below sea level under Samudrayaan Mission
A vehicle named MATSYA 6000 will carry three people to search for mineral
resources
Earth Sciences Minister Dr Jitendra Singh
The vehicle is being designed and developed by the National Institute of Ocean
Technology, Chennai.
It can bear 12 hours under normal operation and 96 hours under emergency for
human safety.
Samudrayaan Mission
It is a part of the Deep Ocean Mission.
It was announced by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)
It aims to develop a self-propelled manned submersible to carry 3 humans to a depth of 6000 meters in the ocean
with scientific sensors and equipment for deep sea exploration.
What is the Deep Ocean Mission?
It was approved by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in June 2021.
It aims to explore deep sea marine resources, develop deep sea technology for sustainable utilization of ocean
resources and support the blue economy initiatives of the Government of India.
The cost of the mission is about Rs 4,077 crore over a period of five years and will be implemented in phases.
Que: Which company has been approved as the first Indian company to supply critical
rotating parts for nuclear turbines?
Ans: Azad Engineering Private Limited (Hyderabad-based)
Azad engineering is India’s 1st supplier of parts for nuclear turbine
The company has delivered its first set of critical parts. These will now be assembled
on nuclear turbines manufactured in Belfort, France.
Que:Medium-density Amorphous Ice, which was seen in the news, was created
in a container filled with which material?
Ans: Stainless Steel
Medium-density Amorphous (MDA) Ice is a new form of ice that was recently
discovered by scientists. This ice has same density and structure as water.
The ice was created by scientists in a container with stainless steel balls at a -
200°C. The MDA ice does not have any ordered structure. It will provide the
opportunity to improve the understanding of the properties of water.
World’s first ‘Super’ magnets for testing in nuclear plant developed

• World’s first ‘Super’ magnets for testing in nuclear fusion plant developed
by UK’s Tokamak Energy.
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• Tokamak Energy announced that the Demo4 magnet has a magnetic field strength that is nearly a million
times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field, making it capable of confining and controlling the extremely
hot plasma created during the nuclear fusion process.
• Tokamak Energy is aiming to be the first private company to produce commercial fusion energy, with the
goal of demonstrating grid-ready fusion in the early 2030s.
• Capital – London
• Currency – Pound sterling
• Prime Minister – Rishi Sunak
DCPCR launches WhatsApp chatbot 'Bal Mitra' for children

The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) launched its WhatsApp chatbot
named 'Bal Mitra’.
It is an initiative to enable two-way communication between people and the child rights panel.
It will help citizens and the commission to interact more effectively.
Features of the chatbot: Complaint registration, searching information and tracking complaint status
DCPCR chairperson: Anurag Kundu
ICAR develops wheat variety to beat the heat

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed a new wheat
variety called HD-3385.
It can overcome the challenges due to changes in weather patterns and rising
heat levels.
It is suitable to early sowing, escaping the impact of heat spikes, and can be
harvested before March end.
Recently, the Centre announced to set up of a committee to monitor the situation arising from the increase in
temperatures and its impact on the current wheat crop.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
It is an autonomous body formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
Headquarters -New Delhi
Established - 1929
The Union Minister of Agriculture serves as its President.
Meta Launches #DigitalSuraksha campaign in partnership with MeitY for the

G20 campaign
The resources will cover themes like:
 Tackling online frauds
 How to report harmful content
 Safety tips while interacting online and more
ISRO to conduct young scientist programme in Bengaluru

• ISRO is set to organize its annual special programme for school children called Young Scientist Programme
— ‘Yuva Vigyani Karyakram’ (YUVIKA).
• Objective – To impart basic knowledge on space technology, space science, and space applications to young
students in emerging trends in space science and technology.
• The YUVIKA programme was first announced on January 18, 2019, by the then ISRO Chief K Sivan and was
inaugurated four months later on May 17, 2019.
• Founded – 15 August 1969
• Headquarters – Bangalore, Karnataka
• Founder / 1st Chairman – Vikram Sarabhai
• 10th Chairman – S Somanath
• Aryabhata India’s first satellites Launched on 19 April 1975
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GAIL signs MoU with Shell Energy India on ethane sourcing

GAIL (India) has signed MoU with Shell Energy India Private Ltd to explore
prospects of importing and handling of ethane and other hydrocarbons.
GAIL is planning to import ethane from the US to replace natural gas and
naphtha as feedstock at petrochemical plants.
GAIL is India’s largest natural gas company. It owns and operates a network
of around 14,830 kilometres of natural gas pipelines spread across the
length and breadth of the country. It commands around 68 per cent market share in gas transmission and sells 53
per cent of all gas sold in the country.
Que:What is ‘Raccoon Stealer’ which was seen in the news?

Ans: Malware
Raccoon Stealer is an information stealing malware that is usually delivered via email.
It was used to target 8 central government entities of India, including the IT Department
and central paramilitary forces.
It is a classic example of information-stealing malware, which is commonly used by hackers to obtain access to
sensitive data stored in users' browsers and cryptocurrency wallets.
National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), a specialised intelligence agency under the National Security
Advisor, wrote to the affected agencies informing them of the attack.
LockBit Ransomware:
IN NEWS - LockBit ransomware was found to be targeting Mac devices.
A ransomware is a type of malware that hijacks computer data and then
demands payment (usually in bitcoins) in order to restore it.
LockBit, formerly known as “ABCD” ransomware, is a type of computer virus
that enters someone’s computer and encrypts important files so they can’t be
accessed. The virus first appeared in September 2019 and is called a “crypto
virus”, because it asks for payment in cryptocurrency to unlock the files.
LockBit has been used to target companies in many different countries,
including the U.S., China, India, Ukraine, and Europe.
Beware of ‘bluebugging’, Andhra Pradesh police cautions smartphone users

Bluebugging is a form of hacking that lets attackers access a device through
its discoverable Bluetooth connection.
Once a device or phone is bluebugged, a hacker can listen to the calls, read
and send messages and steal and modify contacts.
This attack is often limited due to the range of Bluetooth connections, which goes up to only 10 meters.
Process:
• Bluebugging attacks work by exploiting Bluetooth-enabled devices.
• The device’s Bluetooth must be in discoverable mode, which is the default setting on most devices.
• The hacker then tries to pair with the device via Bluetooth.
• Once a connection is established, hackers can use brute force attacks to bypass authentication.
• They can install malware in the compromised device to gain unauthorised access to it.
GRSE’s launched ‘GAINS’ Startup Challenge

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd launched GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme
(GAINS) 2023 in Kolkata.
Aim: To identify and encourage the development of innovative solutions toward technological advances in
shipbuilding by Startups
Focus: AI, Renewable/Green Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Efficiency Enhancement
GRSE was established as a Category 1 Mini Ratna Company.
It has a rich history dating back to its inception as a DPSU (Defence Public Sector Undertaking) in 1960. In 1961, GRSE
achieved a remarkable milestone by delivering the first indigenous warship, INS
Join @parcham_CA forAjay,
more to
freethe Indian Navy.
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Google and MeitY join hands for 'G20-Stay Safe Online'

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Google have joined
hands to drive citizen awareness campaign 'G20-Stay Safe Online' in the
country.
Aim: To foster citizen awareness about online safety and cyber security
Google will raise awareness on the fundamentals of online safety through the
'Be Internet Awesome' programme.
Indian airline company Indigo has placed an order for 500 A320 family aircraft
with Airbus
IndiGo, the low-cost carrier, has placed a historic order for 500 Airbus A320 family
aircraft, the largest-ever single aircraft purchase by any airline from Airbus.
The partnership with Airbus will expand India's air connectivity and make
affordable air travel accessible to millions in a rapidly growing aviation market.
Coal Gasification: New Target

The Ministry of Coal has set a target to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by FY 2030
in line with its energy transition plans.
The Coal Ministry is considering a comprehensive scheme to promote coal
gasification projects for both government and the private sector with an outlay of
Rs 6,000 crores.
Coal gasification is the process of producing syngas, a mixture consisting primarily
of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapour (H2O) – from coal
and water, air and/or oxygen.
During gasification, coal is blown with oxygen and steam while also being heated under high pressure.
In this reaction, oxygen and water molecules oxidize the coal and produce syngas.
Coal gasification can help address local pollution problems.
It is considered a cleaner option compared to the burning of coal.
It will help in reducing reliance on imports of natural gas, methanol, ammonia and other essential product
China’s OpenKylin : Open-Source Desktop Operating System

China recently released its first open-source desktop operating system, named OpenKylin.
OpenKylin is China’s first open-source desktop operating system (OS).
It is a Linux-based operating system.
An Open-source OS is the OS in which source code is visible publicly and editable.
The generally known Operating Systems like Microsoft’s Windows, Apple’s iOS and Mac OS,
are closed OS.
CERT-In issues alert on 'Akira' ransomware

CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team), issued a warning about a
new Internet ransomware named 'Akira'.
Ransomware is designed to steal sensitive personal information and encrypt the
data, forcing victims to pay a ransom.
The 'Akira' ransomware targets both Windows and Linux-based systems.
Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (ICERT)
• It functions as a division within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the
• ICERT is primarily tasked with dealing with and combating various cyber security threats including hacking
and phishing.
Director General - Sanjay Behl
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MeitY Secretary AK Sharma launches the ‘Graphene-Aurora Program’

The ‘Graphene-Aurora program’ was launched by the MeitY Secretary Alkesh Kumar
Sharma in Kochi, Kerala.
The program will be implemented by Digital University Kerala and has a total budget outlay
of Rs 94.85 Crore.
A section 8 (not for profit) company called ‘India Graphene Engineering and Innovation
Centre (I-GEIC)’ will be set up to nurture the emerging Graphene technology ecosystem.
Graphene stands out for being tough, flexible, light, and with a high resistance. It's
calculated that this material is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter
than aluminum. With these properties, graphene has applications in the energy, construction, health, and
electronics sectors.
What is Hurriquake?
Hurricane Hilary, a major tropical cyclone, struck Southern California, marking an
unusual event of a hurricane and an earthquake occurring simultaneously.
Originating from a disturbance off Mexico’s coast, the cyclone made landfall in Mexico’s
Baja California peninsula before affecting California.
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake also hit Southern California, though no immediate damage
was reported. The term “hurriquake” trended on social media due to this rare
occurrence. Experts link Hurricane Hilary to climate change, which has caused increased
natural calamities.
Smishing : New Scam

The Indian government recently warned against a new scam called ‘Smishing’.
The term “smishing” is a combination of “SMS” (Short Message Service) and
“phishing.”
A type of phishing attack, smishing, often involves
sending fraudulent text messages to individuals with
the aim of getting sensitive personal information, such
as passwords, credit card numbers, or other confidential
data.
Smishing simply uses text messages instead of email.
Smishing attacks often involve messages that appear to
be from legitimate sources, such as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies.
Once the victim opens and clicks on the link or dials the phone number listed in the message, they’re taken to a
fraudulent website or a mobile phone line that’s designed to resemble a legitimate source.
ISRO in collaboration with VIBHA organizes exhibition Space on Wheels

 In Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in
collaboration with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) is organizing an exhibition called
"Space on Wheels" program in East Siang District.
 The programme which features a mobile exhibition vehicle showcasing
sophisticated models of satellites, launching vehicles, and communication
systems aims to bring the wonders of space exploration to the doorstep of students and enthusiasts across
the region.
Indian Army’s new Thal Sena Bhawan will conform to GRIHA-IV green norms
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone of the Army headquarters
Thal Sena Bhawan's new building in Delhi Cantonment conforming with GRIHA-IV
(Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) norms. The Army headquarters
(AH) is currently housed in the iconic South Block at Raisina Hill in Lutyens' Delhi
On completion of the new building, it will not only cut down carbon footprint but is expected to get together all the
different pockets of AH. GRIHA is an acronym for Green Rating for Integrated for
Join @parcham_CA Habitat
more Assessment.
free pdfs
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Artificial Reef (AR):

To promote sustainable practises, the Department of Fisheries has sanctioned
732 artificial reef units for 10 coastal states as a sub-activity under the
“Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages” of Pradhan Mantri Matsya
Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Artificial Reefs (AR) is a manmade structure that may mimic some of the
characteristics of a natural reef.
These are engineering technology interventions used to rehabilitate and/or improve natural habitats, increase
productivity, and manage aquatic resources, including habitat enhancement (FAO, 2015).
Materials used to construct artificial reefs have included rocks, cinder blocks, and even wood and old tyres, which
come in an infinite number of shapes and styles.
The projects are being implemented with the technical support of the Fisheries Survey of India (FSI) and ICAR-
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
Advantages of AR:
• It boosts marine biodiversity.
• It encourages fish population growth.
• It reduces pressure on natural reefs.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana:
It is a flagship scheme for focused and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the country, with an
estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores for its implementation during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY
2024-25 in all States/Union Territories.
It aims at enhancing fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonnes by 2024-25.
Doubling the incomes of fishers and fish farmers, reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25%.
International Scientists Make Refined Map Of World’s ‘8th Continent’

Zealandia
 A Team Of Seismologists And Geologists Have Discovered A
Continent That Was Hidden For Around 375 Years. The Small
Team Has Created A Newly Refined Map Of Zealandia Or Te Riu-
a- Maui, Which Is Considered As The ‘Eighth Continent Of The
World’ That Is Beneath The Pacific Ocean.
 The Updated Map Has Shown The Location Of The Magmatic
Arc Axis That Forms The Zealandia Continent As Well As A
Number Of Important Geological Features. The Researchers
Found It Using The Data Obtained From Dredged Rock
Samples Recovered From The Ocean Floor.
 Zealandia Is A Long, Narrow Landmass That Is Mostly
Submerged In The South Pacific Ocean. Measuring 4.9 Million
Square Kilometres In Size, It Is More Than Six Times The Size
Of Madagascar And Roughly Half Of Australia.
 The First Evidence Of Its Presence Was In 1642 When Abel
Tasman, A Dutch Sailor, Went On A Mission To Discover A
Huge Continent Situated In The Southern Hemisphere.
 Then It Was First Discovered By A Group Of Geologists In 2017 And
It Formerly Belonged To The Ancient Supercontinent Of
Gondwana, Which Was Formed About 550 Million Years Ago.
 Currently, 94% Of The Continent Is Underwater, With Just A
Handful Of Islands, Like New Zealand, Thrusting Out From Its
Oceanic Depths. Zealandia Broke Off From Antarctica About 100
Million Years Ago And Then From Australia About 80 Million Years Ago.
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Thallium Poisoning:
Cases of Thallium poisoning have been rising in India, particularly in the Maharashtra
Thallium is a toxic metal element (symbol Tl) with atomic number 81, known for its extreme toxicity. It does not
freely occur in nature.
Thallium has no colour, odour or taste. Its use is regulated in India. Thallium is also called the
“poisoner’s poison”.
Historically used in low-temperature thermometers.
Radioactive isotopes are used in medical imaging.
Extremely toxic when ingested or inhaled.
 Can cause severe health issues, including nerve and kidney damage.
 contact with thallium can cause poisoning as it is highly soluble in water and can easily pass through the skin.
 Antidote Prussian blue is used to remove thallium from the body.
 Interesting Fact Thallium is known for its high toxicity and was historically used as a rat poison
 Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, is alleged to have used it to murder his political opponents.
Cyclone ‘Hamoon’
Cyclone Hamoon, a severe weather phenomenon, struck the southeastern
coast of Bangladesh, causing widespread concern and necessitating the
evacuation of thousands of people.
Cyclone ‘Hamoon’ was named by Iran. ‘Hamoon’ is a Persian term signifying
temporary desert lakes and marshlands that naturally form in region near
the Helmand basin. These areas serve as seasonal water reservoirs.
Short News
 Nokia launches first-of-its-kind 6G Lab in Bengaluru in contributing to the
‘Bharat 6G Vision.
 The Indian Navy and the State Bank of India launched ‘Nav-eCash’ card, a
unique e-cash card that can work in both online and offline mode.
 Google and HP have partnered to produce budget-friendly Chromebook
laptops in India under the Make in India initiative.
 Production is set to commence on October 2 at HP's manufacturing facility in Chennai.
 Govt to Build Research Parks at 8 IITs, IISc Bangalore
 India’s Ministry of Defence has taken a decisive step by opting to replace the Microsoft operating system
with a domestically developed alternative named the ‘Maya‘ operating system, due to increasing cyber and
malware attacks on defence as well as critical infrastructure across the country
 CH3+ (also known as methyl cation) A Life-Giving Molecule Detected in Space has been detected for the first
time by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It has been found in the Orion Nebula
 Elon Musk launches artificial intelligence firm xAI
 Meta collaborates with Microsoft to launch Llama 2 AI language model
 Indian Railways completes 100% electrification of Broad Gauge Rail Network of Haryana (1701 route Kms)
 The first quantum computing-based telecom network link has been activated in India and is located
between Sanchar Bhawan and National Informatics Center (NIC) office at CGO Complex in New Delhi.
 Using quantum computing, the telecommunications sector will benefit from faster and more secure
communications, which can lead to improved network reliability and better
user experiences.
 7th ferry craft ‘Manjula’ (Yard 786) has been handed over to the Indian Navy
 IIT Madras partners with General Insurance Corporation of India to develop
Urine-based TB diagnosis.
 Researchers from Kerala has been discovered a new species of cuckoo bee from
the Kole wetlands and named it Thyreus narendrani.
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Defence
Military Exercises
Indian Navy
Bilateral Exercise BONGOSAGAR-23 and Coordinated Patrol CORPAT-23
• The 4th edition of the bilateral exercise Bongosagar-23 between the Indian Navy and the Bangladesh Navy
and the 5th edition of the Coordinated Patrol (Coordinated Patrol-Corporate) by the navies of both the
countries was conducted in the North Bay of Bengal from 07 to 09 November 2023.
• Indian Navy ships Kuthar, Kiltan and maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) Dornier participated in the exercise along
with Bangladesh Navy ships Abu Bakr, Abu Ubaida and MPA.
• CORPAT-23 also saw the first Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise between the two
navies, in which a search and rescue scenario at sea was practiced.
Milan 24 Exercise:
• The Mid Planning Conference (MPC) of MILAN 24 Exercise is to be
hosted by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam from 19 – 27 February
2024.
• Milan Exercise is a biennial multilateral naval exercise.
• It was incepted by the Indian Navy in 1995.
• Originally conceived in consonance with India’s ‘Look East Policy,
MILAN expanded in ensuing years with the Government of India’s
‘Act East Policy’ and Security And Growth for All in the Region
(SAGAR) initiative to include participation from other Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
• largest participation ever, with over 50 countries invited.
EU and India Carry Out Maiden Joint Naval Exercise

• India and the European Union (EU) carried out their maiden naval exercise in the
Gulf of Guinea off the west African coast
• The exercise followed the third meeting of the EU-India Maritime Security
Dialogue on October 5 in Brussels. Four warships took part in the drills.
• “During the exercise, INS Sumedha, an offshore patrol vessel, was joined by
three EU member states’ ships– Italian Navy Ship ITS Foscari, French Navy Ship
FS Ventôse, and Spanish Navy Ship Tornado.
INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS REACH SINGAPORE TO PARTICIPATE IN SIMBEX 23

• Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay and Kavaratti and submarine INS Sindhukesari arrived in Singapore to participate
in the 30th edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).
• SIMBEX holds the distinction of being the longest continuous naval exercise that the Indian Navy has with
any other country.
• SIMBEX-2023 is being conducted in two phases - a Harbour Phase at Singapore from 21 to 24 September
2023, followed by a Sea Phase.
• which has been held annually since 1994 between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy
Exercise Malabar 2023

• 31st edition of the Malabar multilateral exercise was held off Sydney
from August 11-21.
• It was started in 1992 as a bilateral naval exercise between India and
US navy.
• It was expanded into a trilateral format with the inclusion of Japan
in 2015.
• In 2020, the Australian Navy joined, making it a quadrilateral naval
exercise.
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• The aim of the Malabar Exercise is to coordinate for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
• It takes place annually in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Oceans alternatively.
• The Indian Navy sent destroyer INS Kolkata and multi-role stealth frigate INS Sahyadri.
Quad
• It is a four-nation alliance of India, Australia, USA and Japan which was established in 2007.
• The idea of Quad was first mooted by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Other Exercises with Quad Countries:
• India- Japan: JIMEX (naval exercise), SHINYUU Maitri (air force exercise), and Dharma Guardian (military
exercise).
• India-US: Yudha Abhyas (Army), Vajra Prahar (Military), Spitting Cobra, SANGAM, RED FLAG, COPE INDIA.
• India-Australia: AUSINDEX (Maritime), AUSTRA HIND, Pitch Black
INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand arrive in Dubai for a bilateral exercise
• Two Indian Navy ships named INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand arrived at Port
Rashid in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
• For a bilateral exercise 'Zayed Talwar 2023' with the UAE Navy
• Ffrom August 8 to 11, 2023.
• Aim: To share best practices and increase synergies between the two navies
INS Chennai engages in Passex Exercise with Royal Saudi Naval Ship
• INS Chennai Mission Deployed in the Red Sea Undertook Passage Exercise (Passex) with Royal Saudi Naval
Ship HMS Al Jubail in Aug 2023.
• INS Chennai is Indian Navy's indigenously designed and constructed guided missile
destroyer.
• It is the third and last ship of the Kolkata-class stealth-
guided missile destroyers (Project 15A).
• It was constructed by the Mazagon Dock Limited
(MDL) at Mumbai. INS Chennai was commissioned
into the Indian Navy on November 21, 2016.
INS Sunayna participated in CMF Ex 'Op Southern Readiness-2023’

• INS Sunayna has participated in the 'Op Southern Readiness 2023' exercise
conducted by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Seychelles.
• Participating Navies: USA, Italy, UK, Seychelles Defence Forces & Marine Police,
EUNAVFOR members
7th bilateral Japan-India Maritime Exercise, JIMEX 23 held at Visakhapatnam

• Indian Navy hosted the seventh edition of the bilateral Japan-India
Maritime Exercise 2023, 'JIMEX 23' at Visakhapatnam from 5 to 10 July
2023.
• Indian Navy participated with the INS Delhi (India's first indigenously built
Guided Missile Destroyer) INS Kamorta (an indigenously designed and
built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette), fleet tanker INS Shakti, etc.
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7th edition of SALVEX exercise conducted in Kochi

• The Seventh edition of the Indian Navy and US Navy ‘Salvage and Explosive
Ordnance Disposal Exercise’, SALVEX was conducted from 26 Jun – 06 Jul 23 at
Kochi.
• Both the navies have participated with their ships – INS Nireekshak and USNS
Salvor in addition to Specialist Diving and EOD teams.
• Aim: To enhance the skill sets of the Diving teams in a number of diverse disciplines such as mine detection
and neutralization, wreck location, and salvage.
• since 2005
India, France, UAE conducted maiden joint maritime exercise in the Gulf of Oman
• Navies of India, France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held the maiden
trilateral maritime partnership exercise on June 7 and June 8 in the Gulf of Oman.
• The Indian Navy deployed stealth frigate INS Tarkash for the exercise.
Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2023:

• The Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) was hosted by Indonesia from June 4 to 8, 2023, in
Makassar, Indonesia.
• This was the 4th edition of the exercise since its inception in 2014.
• Indian Naval Ship Satpura participated
• This year’s MNEK theme was “Partnership to recover and to rise
stronger.”
Exercise Ekatha:
• Annual exercise between the navies of India and Maldives.
• Indian Navy divers and Marine Commandos participated in the sixth edition
of Exercise Ekatha.
• India was among the first to recognise Maldives after its independence in
1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country.
• Maldives opened a full fledged High Commission in New Delhi in November
2004
Inaugural ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) in South China Sea

• This inaugural edition of AIME is co-hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy and Indian Navy and
witnessed participation of ships and personnel from other ASEAN countries.
• India has participated with its two frontline warships- INS Satpura and INS Delhi.
• The harbor phase of the exercise held at the Changi Naval Base (Singapore) from May 2-4, while the sea
phase conducted from May 7-8 in the South China Sea
• INS Delhi is India's first indigenously-built guided missile destroyer, while INS Satpura is an indigenously-built
guided missile stealth frigate.
21st edition of naval exercise VARUNA between India and France Joint Exercise Variant
• organized on the Western Seaboard from 16 -20 January 2023. Varuna Naval
• It is the Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France.
Garuda Air
• It was initiated in 1993 and was christened ‘VARUNA’ in 2001.
Shakti Army
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Indian Navy conducts “AMPHEX 2023” mega exercise in Andhra Pradesh

• a six-day-long mega biennial tri-services amphibious exercise 'AMPHEX 2023'
near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh from January 17 to 22, 2023.
• The military exercise was organized between the Indian Navy, Army, and IAF.
• It took place amid growing concerns over China’s increasing military forays
into the Indian Ocean
• The last edition of the exercise was conducted off Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 21 to 25 January 2021.
India-Indonesia bilateral exercise 'Samudra Shakti-23’ held

• The 4th edition of the India-Indonesia bilateral exercise Samudra Shakti-23 was organized in Batam,
Indonesia from 14-19 May 2023.
• Aim: To enhance interoperability, jointness, and mutual cooperation between both navies
• India Navy has participated with INS Kavaratti, Indian Navy Dornier Maritime Patrol aircraft, and Chetak
helicopter.
AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 Naval Exercise

• 2nd edition of the bilateral naval exercise 'Al-Mohad Al-Hindi
2023’ between Indian Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Force
(RSNF) from 21 to 25 May 2023
• Indian Navy ships INS TARKASH and INS SUBHADRA
participated.
• The inaugural edition of the exercise was successfully
conducted in 2021.
• The decision on this bilateral exercise between India and Saudi Arabia was taken at the Riyadh summit held
in 2019.
• It aims to strengthen the defense ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
10th Bilateral Maritime exercise SLINEX-2023 conducted in Colombo

• The 10th Edition of the annual Indian – Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime exercise,
SLINEX-2023 was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• The exercise was conducted in two phases of three days each, the Harbour
Phase followed by Sea Phase.
• The Indian Navy represented by INS Kiltan and INS Savitri while Sri Lanka
Navy - SLNS Vijayabahu and SLNS Samudura.
Multilateral Naval Exercise La Perouse 2023

• The third edition multi-lateral maritime exercise La Pérouse 2023 held
between the navies of India, Australia, French, Japan, and the United States
in the Indian Ocean Region on 13-14 March 2023.
• It is a biennial exercise, conducted by the French Navy.
• India's INS Sahyadri and fleet tanker INS Jyoti have participated.
• The first edition of this joint exercise was initiated by France in 2019.
INS Trikand participates in International Maritime Exercise

• INS Trikand has participated in the International Maritime Exercise/ Cutlass Express 2023 (IMX/CE-23), which
was held in the Gulf region from 26 Feb to 16 Mar 23.
• INS exercised with participants from over 50 nations and international maritime
agencies.
• IMX/CE-23 is one of the largest multinational maritime exercises in the world.
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India, UK hold joint maritime exercise 'Konkan' in Arabian Sea

• The annual bilateral maritime exercise 'Konkan' between the Indian Navy and UK's Royal Navy was held off
the Konkan coast in the Arabian Sea from March 20-22.
• INS Trishul, a Guided Missile Frigate, and HMS Lancaster, a Type 23
Guided Missile Frigate, participated in 'Konkan 2023’
• The Konkan series of exercises was started in 2004.
Other Exercises between India and UK
• Exercise ‘Indradhanush’ (Air Force Exercise)
• 'Ajeya Warrior' (Joint Military Exercise)
India joined Sea Dragon exercise 2023

• The third edition of the Sea Dragon exercises held in the USA (host) from
March 15-30, 2023.
• It is a coordinated multilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise
• In this exercise, Indian Navy participated with its P8I aircraft
• Apart from India, US Navy with P8A, Japan with P1, Canada with CP 140, and
South Korea with P3C participated.
Indian Army
India-USA Joint Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR 2023
• 14th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023” commenced at the Joint
Training Node, Umroi
• It aims at sharing best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational
tactics.
• The first edition was conducted in the year 2010 in India and the 13th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special
Forces exercise was conducted at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh (HP).
• The current edition is being conducted in Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya from 21st November to 11th
December 2023.
Joint military exercise 'Austra hind-2023'

• Joint military exercise 'Austrahind-2023' is being conducted between the armed
forces of India and Australia.
• The second edition of 'Austrahind-2023' is being organized in Perth, Australia from
22 November to 06 December 2023.
• The joint military exercise 'Austrahind' was started in the year 2022. Its first edition was held in Mahajan,
Rajasthan.
India- Nepal joint military exercise Surya Kiran- XVII commences at Pithoragarh
• The 17th joint military exercise Surya Kiran between the armies of India and Nepal is
being organized in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
• The Indian Army contingent is being led by a Battalion from the KUMAON Regiment. The
Nepal Army contingent is represented by Tara Dal Battalion.
• It is an annual military exercise and is organized by rotation in both the countries.
Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023

• Indian & Malaysian Army commenced “Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023” a
joint bilateral training exercise on October 23 in Umroi Cantonment, India.
• The Malaysian Army contingent comprises troops from the 5th Royal
Battalion of the Malaysian Army. The Indian contingent is being
represented by a battalion of the Rajput Regiment.
• Since 2012
• Last edition of the Exercise was conducted in Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia in November 2022.
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19th Edition Of YUDH ABHYAS To Be Conducted In Alaska

• The 19th edition of “EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS” will be conducted from
25th September to 8th October 2023 in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA.
• It is an annual exercise conducted jointly by the Indian Army and the
United States Army.
• MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment.
• The theme is ‘Employment of an Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/
Extreme Climatic Conditions’ under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate.
• In the previous iteration, the exercise was held in Auli, Uttarakhand, in November 2022.
• Since 2004
Other Exercises between India and USA
• Army: Vajra Prahar
• Navy: MALABAR (Multilateral)
• Air Force: Cope India, Red Flag (Multilateral)
Indian Army wins gold medal in Cambrian Patrol 2023 military exercise
• The Indian Army has won a gold medal at the Cambrian Patrol Competition 2023
International Military Exercise in Wales, UK.
• A team from 3/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) represented the Indian Army at the
prestigious Cambrian Patrol Exercise in Wales, UK.
• The Indian Army team participated in the event and competed against a total of 111
teams.
• In the year 2021, the Indian Army also won a gold medal at the Cambrian Patrol Exercise
Indian, Bangladesh armies commence joint military exercise SAMPRITI

• India and Bangladesh commenced the 11th edition of an annual joint
military exercise, SAMPRITI on 03rd October 2023 in Umroi, Meghalaya.
• Aim: To enhance interoperability between the two armies, sharing tactical
drills, and promoting best practices.
• SAMPRITI-XI, scheduled for 14 days, will engage approximately 350
personnel from both sides.
• SAMPRITI, initiated in 2009
Army Day Parade 2024

• The Army has decided to host the next Army Day Parade, set for January 15, 2024,
in Lucknow
• Traditionally, the annual Army Day Parade had been held in Delhi. This long-
standing practice saw a shift in January this year when the parade was conducted
in Bengaluru.
• A decision has been made to rotate the Army Day Parade venue across different
cities in India.
• After the Bengaluru event, the Army has planned to ensure that each of its six operational commands gets a
chance to host the parade
ADMM PLUS EWG On Counter Terrorism Field Training Exercise

• Indian Army Contingent consisting of 32 personnel from a Battalion affiliated to the RAJPUTANA RIFLES
departed for ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus Expert Working Group on Counter Terrorism Field
Training Exercise 2023 scheduled to be conducted from 25th to 30th September 2023 in Russia.
• It is a multinational joint military exercise being hosted by Russia as a co-chair of the EWG along with
Myanmar.
• It was preceded by Tabletop Exercise of the ADMM Plus EWG on Counter Terrorism at Nay Pyi Taw,
Myanmar from 2nd to 4th August 2023.
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• Since 2017, the ADMM Plus meets annually to allow dialogue and cooperation among ASEAN and Plus
countries. This year ASEAN member states along with Plus Group will be participating in the exercise.
'Nomadic Elephant 2023’ between Indian and Mongolian armies

• The 15th edition of the joint military exercise between India and Mongolia,
'Nomadic Elephant 2023’, held at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 17 to 31 July
2023.
• Indian Army soldiers from the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment
and Soldiers of the Mongolian Armed Forces Unit 084 participated in the
exercise
• Aim: Counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain under United Nations mandate
10th edition of 'Talisman Sabre' military exercise held in Australia

• 10th edition of Massive 'Talisman Sabre' military exercise, a
multilateral biennial exercise predominantly involving Australia and
the United States (US), was held at HMAS Canberra in Townsville
with 11 partner nations.
• 'Talisman Sabre is the largest military exercise of its kind, with over
30,000 military personnel participating.
• Germany took in the 'Talisman Sabre' exercise for the first time, adding to the international collaboration.
• India, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand participated as observers.
Indo-Maldives joint military exercise “Ekuverin” commenced in Uttarakhand

• 12th edition of a joint military exercise between the Indian Army & the Maldives National Defence Force,
'Ex Ekuverin’ was held at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand from 11 to 24 June 2023.
• Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’, is a bilateral annual exercise conducted alternatively in India and Maldives.
• Aim: To enhance the interoperability in Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism Operations under the UN
mandate
• The 11th edition of the exercise was held in Maldives in 2021.
Indian Army participates in Joint Exercise 'Ex Khaan Quest 2023'

• The Indian Army Contingent has participated in the multinational
peacekeeping Joint Exercise Ex Khaan Quest 2023, organized in
Mongolia.
• This exercise was participated by Military contingents and observers
from over 20 countries.
• A contingent from the Garhwal Rifles represented the Indian Army.
• The exercise is jointly sponsored by the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and the United States Army Pacific
Command (USARPAC).
India, UK joint military exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior 2023’ commenced in the UK

• 7th edition of a joint military exercise between India and the UK, 'Ajeya Warrior 2023' started in the Salisbury
Plains, UK.
• The biennial training event started on 27 April and continues till May 11.
• The Indian Army has participated with indigenous weapons and equipment.
• Last edition (October 2021): Chaubatia, Uttarakhand
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13th edition of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra

• The 13th edition of a bilateral armour exercise, EX Bold Kurukshetra, between India
and Singapore was held from 5 to13 March, 2023, at Jodhpur Military Station, India.
• It involved soldiers from the 42nd Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment and
Armoured Brigade of the Indian Army.
Maiden joint Indo-French military exercise FRINJEX-23 in Kerala

• A maiden joint military exercise between the Indian and French armies
conducted at the Pangode Military Station.
• The theme for the exercise is based on "Humanitarian Assistance and
Disaster Relief Operations in a Contested Environment"
• The exercise is unique in its concept and participation with the largest ever
contingent being fielded by the Thiruvananthapuram based Indian Army troops and the French 6th Light
Armoured Brigade
India-Uzbekistan biennial military Ex-DUSTLIK 2023 begins in Uttarakhand

• The 4th edition of the biennial training Ex DUSTLIK 2023, between the Indian Army
and Uzbekistan Army is being conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from 20th
February to 5th March 2023
• The 14th Battalion, the GARHWAL RIFLES, part of Western Command represented the Indian contingent
India Japan joint training exercise "Dharma Guardian" to begin at Camp Imazu in Shiga
Prefecture, Japan
• The 4th edition of the joint military exercise between India and Japan, "X Dharma
Guardians" at Camp Imazu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
• Soldiers from the Garhwal Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army and an infantry
regiment from the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) are participating in the
exercise this year.
• The training will mainly focus on high level of physical fitness and sharing of exercises at tactical level.
Indo-US exercise TARKASH

• The 6th edition of joint exercise Tarkash was recently concluded in Chennai by the
National Security Guard (NSG) and the US Special Operations Force (SOF).
• “Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Terror Response” has been
included in this exercise for the first time.
• An exercise to deal with chemical and biological attacks by terrorists was also
included in the exercise.
What is Exercise Dharma Guardian?

• It is an annual joint military exercise conducted between India and Japan since 2018.
Indian military conducted joint training exercise Trishakti Prahar

• The Indian military has conducted the joint training exercise Trishakti
Prahar, in North Bengal from January 21-31, 2023.
• Aim: To practice battle preparedness of the security forces, using the
latest weapons and equipment in a networked, integrated environment.
• This exercise was participated by the Army, the Indian Air Force, and
CAPFs.
• The exercise concluded with an Integrated Fire Power Exercise at the Teesta Field Firing Ranges.
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Africa-India field training exercise, AFINDEX-23 held in Pune, India

• The 10-day Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX 2023) organized in
Pune, India from March 21-30, 2023 to strengthen the military ties between the
countries.
• The exercise will promote the idea of Africa-India Militaries for Regional Unity
(AMRUT).
• A comprehensive validation exercise on the theme “Humanitarian Mine Actions and Peace Keeping
Operations”.
Coast Guard
Indian Coast Guard conducts coastal security drill 'Operation Sajag’
• Coastal security drill 'Operation Sajag' was conducted by the Indian Coast
Guard off the west coast.
• Operation Sajag aims to re-validate the coastal security mechanism and
raise awareness among fishermen living at sea.
• During the drill, comprehensive checking and verification of documents and crew passes of all fishing boats
and crafts at sea was carried out.
• A total of 118 ships took part in the drill. These included customs, maritime police, ports, and Indian Navy
ships.
Air Force
LCA-Tejas Deployed In Eastern Sector During Exercise Poorvi
Akash
• The Eastern Air Command (EAC) of the Indian Air Force
(IAF) is conducting its annual command-level exercise,
'Exercise Poorvi Akash' from October 30 to November
5.
• Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas deployed in eastern
region:
• This year's exercise holds special significance as it
marks the first time the indigenously developed Light
Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has been deployed in the
eastern region of India.
Air Force Day Parade and Flypast to be held at Prayagraj

• The Indian Air Force will be celebrating its 91st anniversary on 08 October 2023.
• Keeping with the new tradition of hosting the Air Force Day celebrations in
different parts of the country, this year’s Air Force Day parade and Air Display
will be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
• The IAF was officially established on October 8, 1932.
Veer Guardian 2023

• It is a maiden joint air exercise between India and Japan
• held from 12-26 January 2023 at Hyakuri Air Base in Omitama, and the Iruma Air Base
in Sayama.
• The participating IAF contingent will include four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 & one IL-78
aircraft.
• Sukhoi-30MKI Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi, the country’s first woman fighter
pilot, who was a part of the Indian contingent in this aerial wargame, becomes 1st
woman pilot to take part in war games abroad
• Avani was declared as the first woman combat pilot along with two of her cohorts, Mohana Singh Jitarwal,
and Bhawana Kanth.
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• In 2018, Avani became the first Indian woman pilot undertake solo flight in MiG-21 aircraft at the Jamnagar
airbase.
• Avani was also awarded with the Nari Shakti Purashkar by President Ram Nath Kovind in March 2020.
Additional Facts:
• Shivangi Singh : first women Rafale jet pilot
• Bhawana Kanth: First woman fighter pilot to take part in republic Day parade (2021)
IAF’s training exercise Trishul begins

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has kicked off its annual mega training exercise,
Trishul, which is a crucial event aimed at bolstering its operational readiness
and capabilities.
• This extensive exercise is organized by the Western Air Command (WAC) and
spans a vast geographical area, from Leh in Kashmir to Nal in Rajasthan.
• Trishul, scheduled from September 4th to 14th
• This includes various fighter aircraft such as the Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Su-30MKIs
• The WAC, headquartered at Subroto Park in Delhi, is the IAF’s largest operational command, responsible for
safeguarding India’s interests in regions including Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Haryana.
Exercise Bright Star-23

• Indian Air Force participates in Egypt's Exercise Bright Star-23 for the
first time
• The biennial multilateral tri-services exercise Bright Star-23 held at
Cairo Air Base in Egypt.
• From 27 August to 16 September 2023.
• The participating countries include the United States, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Qatar, and India.
The IAF Contingent Included:
• Five MiG-29 aircraft
• Two IL-78 tanker aircraft
• Two C-130 transport aircraft
• Two C-17 transport aircraft
• The Garuda Special Forces and personnel from Squadrons 28, 77, 78, and 81 of the Indian Air Force are part
of the contingent.
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Exercise Shinyuu Maitri

• It is a bilateral military exercise between Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self
Defence Force (JASDF).
• The IAF contingent participated in the exercise with one C-17 Globemaster III
• The exercise is being organised on 1 to 2 March on the side-lines of the Indo-Japan
Joint Army Exercise, Dharma Guardian (conducted from 13 February 2023 to 02
March 2023 at Komatsu, Japan).
Indian Air Force contingent reaches in UAE to participate in Exercise Desert Flag VIII
• An Indian Air Force contingent of 110 Air Warriors reached Al Dahfra airbase of United Arab Emirates on
25 February for participating in Exercise 'Desert Flag VIII'.
• Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) made in India, will make its first appearance at a multinational exercise
in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• The IAF would be participating with five LCA Tejas and two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
• About Exercise Desert Flag
• It is a multilateral air exercise in which air forces from the United Arab Emirates, France, Kuwait, Australia,
United Kingdom, Bahrain, Morocco, Spain, Republic of Korea and the United States will also participate.
• This exercise will run from 27 February to 17 March.
Miscellaneous
Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC) Conducts Large Scale Joint Military Exercise ‘KAVACH’
• EX-KAVACH began on February 23, 2023, concluded on April 07, 2023.
• EX-KAVACH aimed to fine-tune the joint-warfighting capabilities and
operational synergy among the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
• The ANC is the first integrated theatre command in India. Its headquarter
is in Port Blair.
Trishakti Prahar:
• joint exercise ‘Trishakti Prahar’ conducted near the western border of
Rajasthan in Jaisalmer.
• Trishakti Prahar is a joint military exercise involving the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air
Force.
• Fighter aircraft, Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavy lift helicopters, and various Navy aircraft
contribute to the multifaceted nature of the exercise.
Indian Army, IAF participate in India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise

• Indian Army and Indian Air Force contingent comprising 120 personnel departed for Kazakhstan to take part
in the 7th edition of Joint Military ‘Exercise KAZIND-2023’.
• The Exercise will be conducted at Otar in Kazakhstan from 30th October to 11th November.
• The Joint Exercise between India and Kazakhstan was instituted as ‘Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK’ in 2016.
• After the second edition, the Exercise was upgraded to a company-level exercise and renamed as ‘Exercise
KAZIND(2018)’.
• 2022: last Edition ,Meghalaya
Navy hosts Annual Joint HADR Exercise 'Chakravat' 2023

• The annual joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise
(AJHE-23) ‘Chakravat’ started in Goa.
• The 2023 edition of the exercise is being hosted by the Indian Navy from 9 to
11 October.
• The exercise has been conducted by Indian Army, Indian Navy (IN) and Indian
Air Force (IAF) in rotation since 2016.
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• The 2023 edition would synergise efforts at the national level as well as witness participation from eight
countries of the Indian Ocean Region.
Sea Guardian-3
• China and Pakistan are conducted the third edition of the Sea
Guardian-3 bilateral naval exercise in the northern Arabian Sea.
• Theme - "Joint Response to Maritime Security Threats",
Indonesia Kicks Off ASEAN Joint Military Drills

• Indonesia kicked off the first joint military drills by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc
on Batam island on September 19 amid rising maritime tension with China in the South China Sea region.
• The five-day ASEAN Solidarity Exercise-01 Natuna (ASEX-01N) exercise, held at Indonesia’s Natuna Islands
near the South China Sea. Military personnel from all ASEAN member countries, including East Timor will
participate.
China, UAE air forces to conduct first joint training FALCON Shield-2023
• Air forces of China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will conduct a
joint training exercise in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur
autonomous region
• According to the ministry, the exercise, Falcon Shield-2023, will be
the first joint training between the two nation's air forces.
South Korea and the US hold the ‘Freedom Shield’ and ‘Warrior Shield’ joint
exercises, the largest in 5 years
• U.S. flew a long-range B-1B bomber to the Korean Peninsula in a show of
force against North Korea.
• The two countries last conducted Foal Eagle in 2018.
• Recently, both countries have been expanding their joint military exercises in
the face of an evolving North Korean nuclear threat.
• It was conducted from March 13 to 23, 2023.
Exercise Cobra Warrior

• The Cobra Warrior Exercise held at Waddington Air Force Base in the UK in
March 2023.
• It is a multinational exercise. Countries like Singapore, Finland, the USA,
South Africa, and Sweden participated in the exercise. India also participated
in the exercise from 06 Mar 23 to 24 Mar 23.
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• The IAF participated in the exercise this year with five Mirage 2000 fighters, two C-17 Globemaster III and an
IL-78 mid air refueller aircraft.
• The aim of the exercise is to participate in diverse fighter aircraft engagements and learn from the best
practices of various Air Forces.
Exercise Name Edition Countries Name Location Remark

MITRA SHAKTI 2023 9th India – Sri Lanka Joint Aundh, Pune Participant :Maratha
Exercise Light Infantry
Regiment
Sagar Kavach coastal Indian Coast Guard Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
security Nadu and Union Territory
exercise of Puducherry
National Pollution 9th Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Vadinar in Gulf of Kutch,
Response Exercise Gujarat
Cold War: Steadfast Defender NATO drills carried out on the territory of Germany, Poland, and the Baltic
countries
'Tarang Shakti’(1st Edition) Host:Indian Air Force (IAF) in India
Participant Country:US, the UK, France and Australia
Russia: Exercise Ocean Shield 2023 Baltic Sea
SEACAT exercises Led By USA Navy
Host country:Singapore
Participant:Indian Naval Ship Kulish and 19 other countries
“Air Defender 2023” NATO’s biggest ever air exercise
Host:Germany
Exercise Ranvijay Indian Air Force
The exercise was carried out from various air bases under the Central Air
Command, which is headquartered in Prayagraj.
Exercise 'Tarang Shakti' India’s Largest Air Exercise
Participant:12 nations
Buland Bharat Exercise Indian Army conducted exercise in the longest high-altitude Artillery Ranges
of the eastern theatre located in Arunachal Pradesh.
35th edition of India-Thailand concluded in the Andaman Sea
Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai
CORPAT)
Flood Relief Exercise 'Jal Rahat' on Manas River in Assam
Conducted by:Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps
'Sudarshan Shakti 2023' Conducted by:Indian Army
along the western borders in Rajasthan and Punjab.
Soaring Eagle Exercise South Korea Air Force
at the Cheongju air base, situated 112 kilometers south of Seoul.
‘Tiger Shark 40’ Bangladesh-US Joint Naval Exercise held in Chattogram
largest-ever joint military drills, Between United States and the Philippines
Balikatan Held:South China Sea and Taiwan Strait
‘Operation Joint Sword’ around Taiwan Island by Chinese military
Prasthan exercise held every 6 months under Indian Navy

off Mumbai Coast
Exercise Vayu Prahar exercise jointly conducted by the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
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Exercise Aman biannual exercise organised by the Pakistan Navy
Africa-Indian Field Training Exercise 2nd Edition

(AFINDEX 2023) at Aundh Military Station
The biennial joint military exercise was held for the first time in 2019 at the
same location
'Ops Alert' exercise Conducted by Border Security Force (BSF) along the India-Pakistan border in
the Kutch district of Gujarat and Barmer in Rajasthan.
‘PRALAY’ exercise Indian Air Force to conduct ‘PRALAY’ exercise in Northeast
Indo-Egypt Joint Training Exercise 1st Edition

‘Cyclone-I Jaisalmer, Rajasthan for 14 days
Theatre Level Operational Readiness held once every two years
Exercise (Tropex-23) It is Indian Navy's flagship maritime exercise
The first exercise was held in January 2019.
'Northern Interaction-2023' between Chinese and Russian naval and air forces conducted in the central
region of the Sea of Japan.
Operation Trinetra II launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, to neutralise
hiding terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch.
DRDO
• DRDO(Defence Research and Development Organisation) It was established in 1958 by the Government of
India, under the Ministry of Defence.
• It was instituted by combining three major defence organisations namely:
✓ Defence Science Organisation (DSO)
✓ Defence Technical Development Establishment (DTDE)
✓ Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP)
• With a project in 1960 on Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM), the Project Indigo was the
DRDO’s first major defence project.
• Secretary DDR&D and Chairman Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) - Dr. Samir V Kamat
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
India Successfully Tests Short-Range 'Pralay' Ballistic Missile

• India successfully test fired surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) 'Pralay' from Abdul Kalam
Island off Odisha coast
• This Pralay missile has been developed by the Defense Research and
Development Organization (DRDO).
• Pralay is a short-range, surface-to-surface missile with a range of 350-
500 km.
• The load capacity of the catacombs is 500–1,000 kg.
• The Pralay missile, derived from the Prithvi Defense Vehicle, is a solid-
fuel battlefield missile designed for deployment on the LAC and LOC.
• The Pralay missile can be compared with China's 'Dong Feng 12' and Russia's 'Iskander', which was used in
the ongoing war with Ukraine.
• India is going to buy 250 more Pralay ballistic missiles for the services to strengthen them on the northern
borders.
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Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range:

• The Indian Navy, in association with DRDO, successfully undertook Guided
Flight Trials of Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR).
• Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR) is the first indigenous air-
launched anti-ship cruise missile developed for the Indian Navy.
• It can be launched from attack helicopters.
• This missile will replace the Sea Eagle missiles, which are currently in use with the Navy.
• With a strike range of around 60 km, the air-launched anti-ship missile can travel at a speed of Mach 0.8.
• It can have a warhead of 100kg and is capable of sinking patrol boats and damaging larger warships.
Nirbhay Cruise Missile:

• The Indian armed forces will be inducting the long-range attack cruise
missile Nirbhay into their inventory to strike targets at ranges over
1,000 km.
• Nirbhay Cruise Missile is a long-range sub-sonic cruise missile.
• It is India’s first indigenously-produced cruise missile.
• The missile was developed by the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical
Development Establishment, a lab under India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• It can be armed with a 200-300 kilogram warhead. It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
• It can be launched from multiple platforms.
• It is guided by INS/GPS with an active-radar terminal seeker.
LCA Tejas successfully test-fires ASTRA air-to-air missile

• Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has successfully fired the ASTRA
indigenous Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missile off the coast of Goa.
• ASTRA, air-to-air missile to engage and destroy highly manoeuvring
supersonic aerial targets
• Aim: To enhance the combat power of Tejas and reduce the
dependency on imported weapons.
• It is designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Research Centre Imarat
and other laboratories of DRDO.
Indian Navy successfully carries out underwater test of 'Varunastra'

• The Indian Navy and Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) have successfully tested 'Varunastra' Heavy Weight Torpedo
(HWT).
• 'Varunastra’ is an advanced Heavy Weight anti-submarine torpedo. It is
named after a legendary weapon created by the Hindu god of the oceans, Varuna.
• Recently Navy tested an advanced missile known as 'Sea Skimming', from the destroyer INS Mormugao.
The missile is capable of hitting its target up to a distance of 300 km.
‘Agni Prime’ ballistic missile successfully flight-tested by DRDO

• New Generation Ballistic Missile ‘Agni Prime’ was successfully flight-tested by Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off
the coast of Odisha.
About 'Agni Prime' Missile:
• The missile is a two-stage canisterised missile.
• It is the latest and sixth variant of the Agni series missiles, developed
under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
• It has a range of 1,000 - 2,000 km.
• It has a payload capacity of up to 1.5 tonnes for carrying warheads.
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DRDO & Indian Navy conduct successful of Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’
• DRDO and Indian Navy conducted the successful maiden test trial of ‘ADC-
150’ from IL 38SD aircraft, Goa.
• It is an indigenously designed and developed Air Droppable Container with
a 150 kg payload capacity.
• The trial was conducted to enhance the naval operational logistics
capabilities.
• It reduces the requirement for ships to come close to the coast to collect spares and stores.
Amogha-III Missile:
• The Bharat Dynamics (BDL) has successfully conducted a field firing test of its latest 3rd
generation man-portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), Amogha-III.
• Amogha-III is an indigenous missile which has been developed under Integrated Guided
Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
• It has a fire-and-forget capability and does not require external intervention after the
launch.
• The missile also features dual-mode Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker systems with a range
of 200 to 2500 meters.
DRDO and Indian Navy successfully tests sea-based BMD interceptor missile
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully conducted a maiden
flight trial of a sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile off the coast of
Odisha in the Bay of Bengal.
• (Endo-atmospheric missiles operate within the earth's atmosphere at altitudes
below 100 kilometres, while exo-atmospheric missiles can complete missions in the
uppermost region of the earth's atmosphere.)
• With this successful test, India has entered an elite club of nations which have the
capability to fire a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) interceptor from a naval platform.
• Only a few countries like the US, Russia, Israel and China have fully-operational BMD system.
India successfully carries out test launch of Prithvi-II ballistic missile

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully launched Short-Range Ballistic
Missile (SRBM), Prithvi-II from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha coast.
• Range: 350 km
• The Prithvi-II class is a single-stage liquid-fueled missile with a payload of 500–1000
kg. has warhead mounting capability.
• The missile system is capable of hitting targets with a very high degree of accuracy.
• Prithvi was the first missile developed under the Integrated Guided Missile
Development Programme (IGMDP).
• The 5 missiles (P-A-T-N-A) developed under this program are:
• Prithvi: Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
• Agni: Surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile i.e. Agni (1,2,3,4,5).
• Trishul: Short-range surface-to-air missile.
• Nag: Third generation anti-tank missile.
• Akash: Medium-range surface-to-air missile.
Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) Missile System

• The Indian defence establishment initiated a tender for the
procurement of 30 units of the indigenous Very Short-Range Air
Defence (VSHORAD) missile system.
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• Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missile system is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD)
specially designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats over short distances.
• These are short-range, lightweight, and portable surface-to-air missiles that can be fired by individuals or
small groups.
• It has been designed and developed indigenously by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in
collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
• The use of VSHORAD missiles in India is primarily by the Indian Army.
• DRDO's first project for the Indian military was in surface-to-air missiles (SAM) known as Project Indigo.
However, it received little success and was therefore discontinued.
Other News Related To Drdo

Zorawar Light Tank : Ready For Trials
• India’s indigenously designed and developed light tank, tentatively
named Zorawar, is likely to be ready for trials soon.
• It was developed by the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro
Limited.
• It is designed to operate in varying terrains, from high-altitude areas and marginal terrains to island
territories.
• It will be equipped with all the modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, drone integration, a high
degree of situational awareness, and amphibious operation capability.
• Zorawar was a military general, Zorawar Singh Kahluria, and had served under Jammu’s Raja Gulab Singh in
the 19th Century.
Project Kusha
• India is on track to operationally deploy its own long-range air defense system by 2028-29.
• This indigenous system is designed to detect and destroy a wide array of threats, including stealth fighters,
aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions at ranges of up to 350 km.
• The ambitious project, known as Project Kusha, is under the purview of the Defense Research and
Development Organization (DRDO).
• India Aims to Deploy Indigenous ‘Iron Dome’ by 2028: India is working on its own manufactured long-range
air defense system, aiming to deploy it by 2028-2029. This indigenous surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system
is being developed under ‘Project Kusha’ by DRDO, promising to possess capabilities similar to the Russian S-
400.
DAC Approves Proposals Worth Rs 45,000 Crore, Including Procurement Of 12 Su-

30MKIs
• The Government of India gave a significant boost to the "Atmanirbhar Bharat"
initiative by approving defense acquisitions worth Rs 45 thousand crore from
domestic vendors.
• The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Approval of
Requirement (AoN) for nine capital acquisition proposals.
• 12 Su-30MKIs for the Indian Air Force, which would be manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited under licence from Sukhoi Aviation Company, Russia
• These Aircrafts will be the most modern Su-30 MKI aircraft in India and will be equipped with a number of
Indian weapons and sensors. According to the government these newly manufactured Su-30MKIs will have
to be equipped with more than 60 percent indigenous content.
• The Air force will also get Short Range Air-to-Surface Missile, Dhruvastra as a potent indigenous precision-
guided weapon for indigenously built ALH Mk-IV helicopters.
• Dhruvastra is a helicopter launched variant of anti tank missile Nag. It has been developed by the Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
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DRDO develops P7 Heavy Drop System for Indian Army Special Forces
• DRDO has developed the P7 Heavy Drop System which is capable of
para-dropping military stores up to 7-ton weight class from IL 76 aircraft.
• The P-7 Heavy Drop Parachute System, entirely designed and developed
in India, is set to enhance the paradropping capabilities of the Armed
Forces on the battlefield
• The system has been manufactured with 100 percent indigenous
Ferrous/Non-Ferrous Materials.
• Engineering textiles for Parachutes have been developed with the latest combination of Fluorocarbon and
Silicon
• The system would be a force multiplier for armed forces while enabling the rapid delivery of combat stores
in far-flung inaccessible areas.
Vibhav Anti-Tank Munition

• Six hundred indigenously manufactured self-neutralising anti-tank mines, known as “Vibhav”, have been
recently inducted into the Indian Army.
• Vibhav Anti-Tank Munition is a self-neutralising anti-tank mine.
• Designed and developed completely indigenously in a joint venture with the
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in India, “Vibhav”
is a point-attack anti-tank munition.
• It is designed to provide mobility kill against all enemy armoured vehicles.
• The munition is under production by the Kalyani Group for the Indian Army.
• The munition can be laid both mechanically or manually.
• The integrated explosive, mechanical and electronic safety features ensure utmost operator safety.
• The munition also incorporates an electronic anti-handling and anti-lift device (EAHALD) that stays active for
120 days once armed.
• It has mechanical timers. Due to this, after 120 days, it will be self-neutralised.
• It has a storage life of 10 years with no special storage requirements.
Other Countries Missile & Test

Igla-S: Hand-Held Anti-Aircraft Missiles
• Russia recently signed a contract to supply Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft
missiles to India and has allowed the production of the Igla under license.
• Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) developed by
Russia.
• It is known in the West as SA-24 Grinch.
• It entered service with the Russian Army in 2004.
• It has the capability of bringing down low-flying aircraft. It can also identify and neutralise air targets, such as
cruise missiles and drones.
• It has an effective range upto 6 km.
• The warhead is a high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) and weighs 2.5 kg.
Storm Shadow Missile:

• British-made Storm Shadow missiles were recently used in a Ukrainian strike
that damaged a Russian submarine and ship at a major naval port in Crimea.
• Storm Shadow Missile is a long-range cruise missile with stealth capabilities
jointly developed by the UK and France.
• The Storm Shadow is also in service with the air forces of Egypt, India, Italy,
Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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“David’s Sling” Anti-Missile Defence System

• Israel approves USD 344 million sale of 'David's Sling’ Defense System to
Finland
• David’s Sling is a highly sophisticated anti-missile defense system.
• The system is designed to intercept various types of missiles that may be fired
towards Israel by hostile countries, like Iran and Syria.
Spike Non Line Of Sight (NLOS) Anti-Tank Guided Missiles:

• Indian Air Force recently received Israel’s Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS)
anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).
• It is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a defence
technology company based in Israel.
• It is available in man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-
launched variants.
• Spike missiles are being used by the defence forces of Israel and another 38 countries, including India.
• It can hit targets from distances of up to 30 kilometres.
• It can be armed with different types of warheads suited to destroy tanks, air defence systems or for use in
urban combat.
Iran successfully launched ballistic missile 'Kheibar

• Iran has successfully test-launched a ballistic missile with a range of around 2,000-km
• The liquid-fuel missile had been named the Kheibar.
• The missiles are capable of carrying 1,500 kg of warheads.
PALM-400 Drones : Tested Successfully

• The Indian army has recently tested the prototype version of the PALM-400 drones
successfully.
• The PALM 400 – acronym for ‘Precision Attack Loitering Munition’ is a long-range, high-
precision loitering munition system.
• It is the result of a joint venture between AVision Systems (Israel),
UVision Air Ltd, and Aditya Precitech Private Ltd (APPL).
• Each PALM 400 selects its targets when armored vehicles enter the
kill zone and launch an armor-piercing projectile, penetrating it from
the top where there is least protection.
• It can be discharged from a canister and fly 3000-4000 feet above a
kill zone for up to 120 minutes.
• It has a range of more than 100 km and travels at a speed of 50 to
140 knots (90 to 260 km/h).
• It uses electro-optical/infrared stabilized cameras to detect and
engage targets both during the day and at night.
Pakistan successfully tests medium-range ‘Ababeel Weapon System’/

• Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Pakistan Army informed that Pakistan conducted a successful
flight test of the ‘Ababeel Weapon System’
• Ababeel is Pakistan's surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile. The Ababeel missile has a maximum
range of 2,200 kilometers
• The primary objective of the Ababeel weapon system is to circumvent India's S-400 missile defence.
• Pakistan currently has 6 operational ballistic missile systems with nuclear capability.
• These include short-range missiles Abdali , Ghaznavi , Shaheen-1/A and Nasr .
• Whereas Gauri and Shaheen-2 with medium-range firepower are included.
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Defense Procurement & MoU

Defense Minister unveils Project 15B destroyer 'Imphal' crest at Yard 12706
• The crest of Yard 12706 (Imphal), the third amongst the four Project 15B
stealth-guided missile destroyers, was unveiled by Raksha Mantri Shri
Rajnath Singh in New Delhi
• It is the third in the Visakhapatnam-class stealth-guided missile
destroyers.
• It is among the largest destroyers constructed in India, with an overall length of 164 metres and a
displacement of over 7500 tonnes.
• Speed: Over 30 knots (approximately 55 kmph).
• It is the first capital warship to be named after a city in the northeast, Imphal, the capital of Manipur.
• crest design depicts the Kangla Palace on the left and ‘Kangla-Sa’ on the right.
• The Kangla Palace is an important historical and archaeological site of Manipur. The ‘Kangla-Sa’ is a mythical
being from Manipur history, with a dragon’s head and lion’s body. It is symbolic of the protector of its people
and is the state emblem of Manipur.
Indian Navy Launches 4th Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft, Named ‘Amini

• The fourth of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) projects is called "Amini." In
Tamil Nadu's Kattupalli, it was introduced.
What is Amini?
• Amini was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE)
for the Indian Navy.
• The name 'Amini' refers to the strategic maritime importance of the island of
Amini in Lakshadweep, which is located roughly 400 km west of Kochi.
Hermes 900 Starliner Drones :

• India is set to acquire additional Israeli-made Hermes Starliner 900 drones that
will enhance the Indian Army’s surveillance capabilities along its northern
borders.
• Hermes 900 Starliner is an Israeli-made medium-altitude, long-endurance
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
• The aircraft has a service ceiling of 30,000ft and offers a flight endurance of up to 36 hours.
IAF’s No. 4 Squadron Replaces MiG-21 Bison with Sukhoi-30 MKI

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has retired one of its three remaining
squadrons of the aging MiG-21 fighters. The No. 4 Squadron based at
Uttarlai in Rajasthan has phased out the latest MiG-21 Bisons.
• The ageing MiG-21 fighters will gradually be replaced by the
indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A aircraft
• All MIG 21 Bison planes will be phased out by 2025
• The Soviet Union designed the MiG series of fighter jets, which India inducted in 1963, for a total of 874
planes.
• LCA Mk-1As Will Replace the MiG-21
• The LCA Mk-1As, which will replace the MiG-21s, will be inducted by the IAF next year onwards. Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has the capacity to build 16 LCA Mk-1As every year in Bengaluru, and a new
production line in Nashik will help the firm ramp up production to a total of 24 jets.
• The first Mk-1A will be delivered to the IAF in February 2024, and the last of the 83 on order by 2027-28.
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Light Combat Helicopter Prachand:

• The Indian Army’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand successfully carried
out the inaugural firing of 70 mm rockets and 20 mm turret guns both day and
night.
• Light Combat Helicopter Prachand is India’s first indigenous multi-role combat
helicopter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• It is designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces operating in deserts and mountainous areas.
• The helicopter is fitted with Shakti Engine, which is co-developed by HAL and France’s Safran.
• The helicopter received operational clearance in 2017.
• It can fly at a maximum speed of 288 kmph and has a combat radius of 500 km, which can go up to a service
ceiling of 21,000 feet.
• The helicopter will be equipped with Helina missiles, the air force version of which is called Dhruvastra.
IAF Receives First LCA Trainer From HAL, Seven More To Come By March 2024
• State-run plane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the first
trainer version of the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas to Indian Air Force (IAF) at
a ceremony in Bengaluru
• with the twin seater set to fill a key training role in the air force and double as a
fighter if needed
• The IAF, ranked as the world’s fourth-largest air force, plans to operate over 350
LCAs, including Mk-1, Mk-1A, and Mk-2 versions.
• The LCA Tejas project was initiated in 1983 as a replacement for the aging Soviet-origin MiG-21 fighter fleet.
• The Mk-1 and Mk-1A variants will replace the IAF’s MiG-21 fighters, while the Mk-2 aircraft is planned as a
replacement for the MiG-29s, Mirage-2000s, and Jaguar fighters, which are set to retire in the coming
decade.
Ministry of Defence Signs Contract With CSL

• Ministry of Defence signed a contract in New Delhi for Mid Life Upgrade and Re-Powering of “INS Beas” with
Kochi-based M/S Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) at an overall cost of Rs. 313.42 Cr.
• INS Beas is the first of Brahmaputra Class Frigate to be re-powered from Steam to Diesel Propulsion. After
completion of Mid Life Upgrade and Re- Powering in 2026, INS Beas will join the active fleet of the Indian
Navy with a modernized weapon suite and upgraded combat capability.
• The project will be a proud flag bearer of Atmanirbhar Bharat in consonance with the Make-in-India initiative
of the Government of India.
• INS Beas
• After completion of Mid Life Upgrade and Re-Powering in 2026, INS Beas will join the active fleet of the
Indian Navy
• INS Beas (F37) is a Brahmaputra-class frigate of the Indian Navy.
• It was built at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• It was commissioned on 11th July, 2005.
India Likely To Sign Deal With US For 31 MQ-9B Drones By Feb 2024
• India and the US are closing an agreement for India to purchase 31 MQ-9B
drones.
• Delivery of the agreement is scheduled to start in February 2027, at an
estimated cost of $3.072 billion.
• The Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy will each receive three of the thirty-
one drones.
• They can communicate via satellite for up to 40 hours.
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Indian Army’s First Vertical Wind Tunnel

• The Indian Army inaugurated its first Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT) at the
Special Forces Training School in Himachal Pradesh, enhancing military
training capabilities by simulating real-life free-fall conditions.
Indian Navy Launches 25T Bollard Pull Tug ‘MAHABALI’ In Gujarat

• Indian Navy recently commissioned Mahabali Tug Shoft Shipyard Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat.
• ‘Mahabali’ will play a vital role in towing, berthing, and salvage operations,
enhancing the Navy’s operational efficiency.
• It is a 25-ton Bollard Pull (BP) Tug.
• Navy continues to invest in advanced technology to maintain its superiority in the
Indian Ocean Region.
• The Indian Army will get Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicles (LAMV) and Integrated Surveillance and
Targeting System (ISAT-S), and High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) Gun Towing Vehicles for swift mobilisation and
deployment of Artillery Guns and Radars.
• Defence Acquisition Council

• It was set up on the recommendation of the Group of Ministers on Reforming the National Security System
in February 2001.
• The DAC is the highest decision-making body in the Defence Ministry for deciding on new policies and capital
acquisitions for the Army, Navy ,Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard.
• The Union Defence Minister is the Chairman of the Council.
India unveils the world's first AI-powered anti-drone system – Indrajal by Grene
Robotics
• Hyderabad-based robotics company Grene Robotics developed Indrajal, an
innovative autonomous anti-drone system powered by artificial intelligence
(AI).
• The Indrajal system is the first of its kind in India and is designed to protect critical facilities such as nuclear
installations and oil rigs, as well as large areas, potentially entire cities, from various drone threats.
• Key Features of Indrajal - Autonomous Drone Defense Dome:
• It offers an impressive coverage range of up to 4,000 square km per unit, providing comprehensive
protection against a variety of drones.
• Indrajal has been completely developed in India, showcasing the country's capabilities in technology and
defense.
• It provides 360-degree protection with real-time capabilities to detect, identify, classify, track, and
neutralize threats.
• Systems can respond to threats in a very short time frame, with threat lifetimes ranging from 30 seconds to
a few minutes.
Indian Air Force Receives First C-295 Transport Plane in Spain

• The Indian Air Force received the first C-295MW transport aircraft from Airbus
in Seville, Spain.
• C-295 MW aircraft is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity.
• It will replace the legacy Avro aircraft in the Indian Air Force (IAF) procured in
the 1960s.
• Under the contract, 16 aircraft will come in fly-away condition from Seville,
while 40 will be manufactured by Airbus jointly with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL).
• The aircraft, with a flight endurance of up to 11 hours, can carry out multi-role operations under all weather
conditions.
• In September 2021, the Defence Ministry signed a ₹22,000 crore deal with Airbus and Space S.A., Spain for
procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft to replace the Avro aircraft in service with the IAF.
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• The C-295 can be transformed into a powerful water bomber that can put out forest fires with up to 7,000
litres of water due to a flexible roll-on/roll-off system.
• First Indian unit in 2026
• Production of components for the aircraft to be made in India has already started in the Main Constituent
Assembly (MCA) facility in Hyderabad and these parts will be shipped to Vadovara FAL, which is expected to
be operational by November 2024.
India inducts new Heron Mark-2 drones

• The IAF inducted new four strike-capable Heron Mark 2 drones at a forward air base in the northern sector.
• Heron Mark 2 drones, which have strike capability and can carry out surveillance along the borders with
both China and Pakistan
• The drones can operate at very long distances for close to 36 hours at a stretch and can also laser illuminate
enemy targets from very long ranges to help fighter aircraft destroy them using their long-range weapons.
• The four new Heron Mark-2 drones can be equipped with long-range missiles and other weapons systems
Neerakshi : Underwater Vehicle For Mine Detection

• India recently launched ‘Neerakshi’- Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for mine
detection.
• Named “Neerakshi” meaning “Eyes in the Water” is first of its kind in the country and
is expected to undergo user trials by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Army before a
commercial launch.
• It is a collaboration of Kolkata-based warship maker Garden Reach Shipbuilders and
Engineers (GRSE) Ltd and MSME entity Aerospace Engineering Private Ltd (AEPL).
• It can be used for a variety of functions ranging from mine detection to mine disposal
to underwater survey.
• It is a 2.1-metre long cylindrical unmanned vehicle about a foot in diameter and weighing around 45 kg. It
has an endurance of nearly 4 hours, and is capable of operating up to a depth of 300m.
Swathi Mountains: Weapon Locating Radar

• Indian Army inducted the lighter and more compact version of the
indigenously developed Weapon Locating Radar (WLR-M) called “Swathi
Mountains.”
• Swathi Mountains WLR is an advanced electronically scanned phased array
radar.
• It is specifically designed for operations in mountainous and high-altitude
areas.
• It was developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru.
• Weapon Locating Radar employs advanced signal processing techniques to autonomously detect and track
hostile artillery, mortars, and rocket launchers.
• It even tracks friendly fire trajectories, enabling precise calculations for more accurate artillery strikes.
Vindhyagiri frigate:
• President of India launched Indian Navy’s 6th Nilgiri-Class P17A
Frigate at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited,
Kolkata, on August 17.
• Vindhyagiri frigate is named after a mountain range in Karnataka.
• It is the sixth ship of the Project 17A frigates.
• Under the Project 17A programme, four ships by Mumbai-based
Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and three by Garden
Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) are being built.
• The project’s first five ships were launched by MDL and GRSE, between 2019-2022.
• These ships have been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
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• The P-17A frigates were named after the former-Nilgiri-class frigates, which served in the IN between 1972
and 2013
• The first six ships of the series were allotted the names utilised by the older class, namely – Nilgiri,
Himgiri, Taragiri, Udaygiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri.
Mahendragiri, India’s New Warship, to be launched in Mumbai on September 1

• India’s latest warship, Mahendragiri, is set to be launched on September 1 at the
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai.
• The launch of Mahendragiri, the seventh and final stealth frigate of Project 17A,
symbolizes the remarkable progress India has made in constructing a self-sufficient
naval force.
• Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu launched Vindhyagiri, the sixth warship of Project
17A, at GRSE on August 17.
• The first stealth ship launched under Project 17A was the Nilgiri, which was launched in 2019.
• Udaygiri, the second ship, was launched in May 2022, and are likely be commissioned in 2024.
• Project 17 Alpha frigates (P-17A) were launched by the Indian Navy in 2019 to construct a series of stealth
guided-missile frigates.
Goa Shipyard and Kenya Shipyard sign MoU for ship design and building cooperation
• Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and Kenya Shipyard Limited (KSL) signed an MoU for
cooperation in ship design and construction.
• The MoU was formalized during a meeting between India's Defense Minister
Rajnath Singh and Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Defense Aden Bare Duale on August
29, 2023.
• The signing event took place in New Delhi, Delhi.
Highlights of the bilateral meeting between India and Kenya:

• Discussion Strengthening defense industry ties and cooperation in equipment development.
Symbolic gifts and technical assistance:
• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh presented 15 pairs of Glider India Limited parachutes for the Kenyan forces.
• India offered assistance in setting up an advanced CT scan facility in Kenya.
Expanded participation in various fields:
• Cooperation commitment for maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) was expanded.
• It was agreed upon for intensive cooperation in counter-insurgency training.
• Reciprocated commitment to an expanded partnership in UN peacekeeping efforts.
About Goa Shipyard Limited:
• GSL is a Miniratna Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) operating under the Ministry of Defense (MoD)
of India.
• Establishment - 1957
• Headquarters - Vasco da Gama, Goa
C295 Transport Aircraft

• C295 Transport Aircraft is a new-generation tactical airlifter in the light and medium segment that will
replace the ageing Avro aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
• It was designed and built by Airbus, a European multinational aerospace corporation.
• 16 aircraft would come in fly away condition, manufactured at the Airbus facility in Seville, Spain, and 40
would be manufactured in India by Airbus jointly with Tata
• In September, the Indian Air Force will receive the first C-295 transport aircraft.
• A fully operational factory will be in place in Vadodara in Gujarat by November
2024, from where the first Indian-made C295 military transport aircraft will start
rolling out 2026 onward.
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DAC Approves procurement of 26 Rafale Marine Aircraft from France

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, approved various proposals:
• Procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft from France to boost Indian Navy’s operational capabilities
• The procurement of three additional Scorpene submarines under the Buy (Indian) category (constructed by
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL))
Army signs pact for procurement of 'tactical LAN radio'

• Indian Army has sealed a deal with a Bengaluru-based company, M/s Astrome Tech Pvt Ltd to procure the
indigenously-developed "tactical LAN radio".
• Tactical LAN radio: It is a high-bandwidth backhaul wireless radio equipment for the provisioning of reliable
communication.(One such feature is its embedded frequency hopping mechanism, which helps prevent
interception and ensure secure communication channels. )
• It is the second contract that the Army has firmed up under the framework of Innovations for Defence
Excellence (iDEX).
• iDEX was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. iDEX aims to foster innovation and
technological development in the defence and aerospace sector.
Launch of 'Anjadip' Third Ship of ASW SWC (GRSE)

• Anjadip’, the 3rd of eight ships of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (SWC)
Project being built by M/s GRSE for Indian Navy was launched on 13 Jun at M/s L&T,
Kattupalli, Chennai.
• The ship has been named Anjadip to signify the strategic maritime importance
accorded to the island of Anjadip, located off Karwar. The island is connected to the
mainland by a breakwater and is part of INS Kadamba.
• The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between MoD and Garden
Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata on 29 Apr 2019.
Indian Army takes delivery of Mahindra Armado armoured vehicle

• Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS), a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra has
started delivering Armado to the Indian armed forces.
• It is an Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle, which is designed by and developed by
Mahindra.
• It can be utilised in counter-terrorist operations by facilitating patrolling in conflict-
hit areas.
Fourth Ship of SVL Project 'Sanshodhak' Launched

• The fourth Survey Vessel Large (SVL) of the Indian Navy, named 'Sanshodhak', was launched at Kattupalli,
Chennai.
• Chief Guest of launch ceremony - Adhir Arora, Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India
About 'Sanshodhak’:
• Sanshodhak means 'Researcher’ - primary role as a Survey Vessel.
• In their secondary role, the ships are capable of providing limited defence, HADR, and can serve as Hospital
ship during emergencies.
• The SVL ships are designed to replace the existing Sandhayak Class survey ships and are equipped with new-
generation hydrographic equipment to collect oceanographic data.
• Survey Vessels Large will have over 80% indigenous content by cost
Construction and launch timeline

• Contract for building four SVL ships was signed between the MoD and Garden
Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, on October 30, 2018.
• As per the build strategy, the first ship was built at GRSE, Kolkata, while the
construction of the remaining three ships was sub-contracted to L&T Shipbuilding,
Kattupalli. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• The first three ships, named Sandhayak, Nirdeshak, and Ikshak, were launched on December 5, 2021, May
26, 2022, and November 26, 2022, respectively.
GE Aerospace, HAL signs MoU to produce fighter jet engines for Tejas Mk2
• US-based GE Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding with
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian
Air Force.
• Aerospace's F414 engines will be co-produced in India to power the Tejas
Light Combat Aircraft Mk2.
• It is part of an effort to improve defense- and technology-sharing between the India and US.
INS Vagsheer commenced Sea Trial

• The sixth Scorpene Submarine of Project-75, Indian Navy’s Kalvari class,
‘Vaghsheer’ recently commenced her sea trials.
• INS Vagsheer (S26) is the sixth submarine of the first batch of six Kalvari-
class submarines for the Indian Navy.
• It is named after the sand fish, a deadly deep-sea predator of the Indian
Ocean.
• 5 Submarines- INS Kalvari, Khanderi , Karanj, Vela and Vagir have already INS Vagsheer commenced Sea
been commissioned. Trial
• The submarines are designed by French naval defence and energy
company DCNS and are being manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.
Defence Ministry signs contract for 11 next generation OPVs

• The contract for the acquisition of 11 OPVs under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category
was signed with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and
Engineers (GRSE) of Kolkata for a total of Rs 9,781 crore.
• These ships will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured. Delivery
of the vessels will begin in September 2026.
• Out of 11 next generation offshore patrol vessels, 7 vessels will be built by GSL and 4 vessels by GRSE.
• The acquisition of these ships will enable the Indian Navy to maintain its combat capability and meet various
operational requirements.
• Indian Navy's anti-piracy, counter-infiltration, anti-poaching, anti-trafficking, non-combatant evacuation
operations, search and rescue (SAR), security of offshore assets etc. will be strengthened.
• A contract was also signed with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the acquisition of six Next Generation
Missile Ships (NGMVs) at a cost of Rs 9,805 crore. The deliveries of these ships will commence from March
2027.
Que: Indian Army has tied up with which university to impart Chinese language training to
military personnel?
Ans: Tezpur University Assam
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Army and
Tezpur University for training the Indian Army personnel in the Chinese language.
• Tezpur University established in 1994 by an act of parliament as a central university is one the pioneers in
the North East in the teaching of foreign languages including Chinese
Solar Industries Nagpur to Supply UAV ‘Nagastra’ To Indian Army

• Solar Industries Nagpur has recently bagged an order to supply the Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
• 'Nagastra' to the Indian Army, beating competitors from Israel and Poland.
• Nagastra is India's first indigenous loitering munition which can strike enemy
targets with precision.
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• It has been designed and developed by Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries
Nagpur, in association with Z-Motion, Bangalore.
• It has an indigenous content of more than 75%
• The Nagastra can loiter around in the air and strike when the target reaches the spot.
• It hits in a kamikaze mode (suicidal attack), destroying the target and itself.
Que: With whom did the Indian Navy sign an agreement to develop secure maritime communication?
Ans: Raman Research Institute
• Quantum technologies will soon be used to develop secure maritime communications
in a joint effort by the Raman Research Institute (RRI) and the Indian Navy.
• RRI is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• Professor Tarun Souradeep, Director, RRI
• Under this agreement, RRI’s Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab will lead
the research efforts towards developing quantum key distribution techniques that the Indian Navy could
leverage in the nation's efforts towards securing free space communications.
GRSE, Rolls Royce sign MoU for manufacturing marine engines in India
• Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has signed an MoU with Rolls
Royce Solutions of Germany for the manufacture of high-quality marine diesel
engines at the GRSE's plant in Ranchi.
• The MoU deals with the transfer of technology related to engine assembly,
painting, parts sourcing, and after-sales service for these engines
• Both will co-operate in the license production and localization of the technologically advanced MTU S4000
governmental marine engines
GRSE launched the 'Most Silent Ship' INS Androth

• Indian Navy launched INS Androth, the second in a series of eight indigenous ships built by
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) at a Kidderpore yard, Kolkata.
• It is an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASWSWC).
• The primary role of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) is to conduct
anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low-Intensity maritime operations (LIMO) and
mine-laying operations
• It is a 77.6-meter-long and 10.5-meter-wide vessel, propelled by three diesel-driven water jets
• The ship is capable of a maximum 25 knots speed and will carry lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and
mines.
Centre signs Rs 934 crore deal with HSL to Refit INS Sindhukirti Submarine in Visakhapatnam
• In a further boost to achieve 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', the Ministry of Defense signed a
contract for General Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL),
Visakhapatnam at a total cost of Rs 934 crore .
• Sindhukirti is the third Kilo class Diesel Electric Submarine.
INS Sindhukirti Submarine

• It is a diesel-electric submarine.
• It was commissioned on June 7, 1990 and since then has been serving the nation in various capacities.
• It has a displacement of 1860 tonnes when submerged and is 67.5 metres in length.
• The submarine has a maximum speed of 20 knots (about 37 km per hour) when submerged and can dive to a
depth of 300 metres.
• It is armed with six 533 mm torpedo tubes and can carry up to 18 torpedoes or missiles.
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)
• The shipyard 'Hindustan Shipyard Limited' is located in Visakhapatnam.
• It is the country's first shipbuilding yard.
• Establishment - 21 June 1941 Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Defence Ministry, BEL sign MoU to enhance operational capabilities of IAF

• The Defence Ministry signed two separate contracts with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
at a total cost of over Rs 3,700 crore.
• First contract: Worth over Rs 2,800 crore, pertains to the supply of Medium Power Radars (MPR) ‘Arudhra’
for the IAF.
• Second contract: Worth over Rs 950 crore, relates to 129 DR-118 Radar Warning Receivers (RWR)
• Both projects are under Buy Indian- IDMM category (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)
• MPR (Arudhra), radar has been indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be manufactured by BEL.
• the DR-118 Radar Warning Receiver will considerably enhance the Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities of Su-
30 MKI aircraft.
• Bharat Electronics Limited is an Indian Government-owned aerospace and defence electronics company.
• Founded: 1954, Bengaluru
Five S-400 regiments expected to be delivered by early-2024

• Deliveries of 5 regiments of S-400 Triumf are expected to be completed by the
end of 2023 or early 2024. The delivery of the third regiment was completed
recently. These missile defence systems are delivered as part of the India-Russia
5.43 billion USD deal.
• The S-400 Triumf is a surface-to-air missile system that was developed in Russia
in the 1990s as an upgrade to the S-300 family. It is a mobile system that was initially known as the S-300
PMU-3. The system was first put into service on April 2007. The S-400 Triumf has advanced features such as
a long-range, high-altitude interception capability, and the ability to track multiple targets simultaneously. It
has a range of up to 400 km.
• Countries having the S400 - Belarus, China, India, Turkey, and Russia.
Air India signs 470 aircraft deal with Airbus, Boeing

• Of the 470 new aircraft ordered by Air India, 250 are from Airbus and 220 from Boeing.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed confidence that India will emerge as the third largest global
market in the aviation sector in the coming years.
• This deal reflects the strength of the US-India and France-India strategic partnership.
• The Indian aviation sector will need more than 2,000 aircrafts in the next 15 years.
Indian Army gets 'World's First' fully operational SWARM Drone System
• Bengaluru-based start-up, NewSpace Research has delivered SWARM drones to Indian
Army.
• These drone systems will make the Army the first major armed force in the world to
operationalize with these high-density SWARM drones.
• The swarm of 100 drones is capable of hitting targets at least 50 km away into enemy territory.
• It is a part of the Aatmanirbhar effort to indigenize critical and disruptive military technologies.
Fifth Kalvari class submarine “Vagir” inducted into Navy

• The fifth Kalvari class submarine "Vagir" commissioned by the Indian Navy on 23
January 2023.
• Formerly Vagir was commissioned on 01 November 1973 and decommissioned on 07
January 2001 after three decades of service.
• Again 'Vagir' submarine which was launched on 12 Nov 2020 has the distinction of being completed in the
shortest construction time among all indigenously built submarines so far.
• It is capable of attacking underwater or on the surface with torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles.
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Project-75
• Aimed at indigenous construction of 6 Kalvari (or Scorpene) class diesel-electric attack submarines through
technology transfer from Naval Group of France.
• The submarines are being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai.
• 4 Submarines- INS Kalvari, Khanderi , Karanj and Vela have already been commissioned.
• The 6th Submarine INS Vagsheer is undergoing sea trials since April 2022.
Government starts process to buy 100 more K9-Vajra

• The Défense Ministry has initiated the process to procure 100 more K-9 Vajra self-
propelled howitzers, which are made in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) using
technology transferred from South Korean defence major Hanwha Defence.
• The K-9 Vajra is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer built by L&T
(based on its K-9 Thunder).
• The 100th gun was delivered to the Army in February 2021, the contract for which was signed in May 2017.
BEL & Israel Aerospace Industries to form joint venture

• Bharat Electronics Limited and Israel Aerospace Industries have concluded an MoU to form a JV aiming at a
single point of contact for extending long-term product support services for India's defense forces.
• The JV will provide support to the missile defence system of the country.
• The new JV is being established to provide life cycle support for MRSAM (Medium
Range Surface to Air Missile) air defense systems.
• MRSAM is an advanced air and missile defence system.
• The IAF, Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Israeli Defence Forces use it.
INS Imphal, the third warship of Project 15B forming the Visakhapatnam class stealth-
guided missile destroyers, is set to be commissioned into the Indian Navy.
• fourth Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer ‘Surat’ will be commissioned
in 2024.
• The Royal Thai Navy hosted the 8th edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) 2023 in Bangkok,
Thailand.
• India will take over as the Chair of IONS (2025-2027) during the convening of the 9th Symposium.
Miscellaneous
ICG ship ‘Kamla Devi’, last vessel of FPV series, commissioned
• Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICG ship 'Kamala Devi' was commissioned in Kolkata
• Designed, built and delivered by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE)
Ltd
• ICGS Kamla Devi will patrol the seas and undertake anti-smuggling, anti-poaching
and search and rescue operations when required.
• A passenger-cum-cargo ocean going ferry 'MV Ma Lisha' built by the shipyard for
the Republic of Guyana was also flagged off.
• This is the first such ship built by a Défense Public Sector Shipyard for export to a
Latin American country
Indian Army inaugurated first-ever two-storey 3-D printed dwelling unit at Ahmedabad
Cantt.
• The dwelling unit has been constructed by the Military Engineering Services (MES) in
collaboration with MiCoB Pvt. Ltd. incorporating the latest 3D Rapid Construction
Technology.
• The disaster-resilient structures comply with Zone-3 earthquake specifications and green building norms.
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Ministry of Defense becomes the largest buyer of MSME goods in 2022

• In 2022, the Ministry of Defense envisages procurement of goods and services worth Rs 16,747 crore from
the MSME sector. This was 250% more than the purchases made in 2021.
• Among the states, Uttar Pradesh procured the maximum. Uttar Pradesh procured goods and services worth
Rs 9,642 crore through GeM.
INS Nireekshak awarded ‘on-the-spot’ Navy chief Unit Citation for salvage ops
• In a first for the Indian Navy, Chief of Navy awarded an ‘on the spot’ Unit Citation to INS
Nireekshak in Kochi.
• Reason: For deep sea diving and undertaking salvage operations under the most
challenging circumstances
• INS Nireekshak:
• It is a Dive Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of the Indian Navy.
• It was built in 1985 by Mazgaon Shipbuilders.
D4 Drone System : To Be Showcased At Aero India 2023

• The D4 anti-drone system which was used for security during the Republic Day
parade is one of the products to be showcased at Aero India 2023.
• The Drone Detect, Deter and Destroy system (D4S) is the first indigenously
developed anti-drone system to be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces.
• It is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat
Electronics Limited (BEL).
• Purpose is to detect rogue drones that are likely to attack most vulnerable places.
• It can detect and jam micro-drones at a distance of up to 3 km.
Aero India:
• It is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition held in Bengaluru, India at the Yelahanka Air Force Station.
• It is organised by the Defence Exhibition Organisation, Ministry of Defence.
Aero India: HAL received approval from DGCA for indigenously developed ‘black boxes
• In Aero India, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has received the Indian Technical
Standard Order (ITSO) authorisation from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
for its indigenously developed Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder
(FDR). CVR and FDR are popularly known as ‘black boxes’.
• These recorders are painted in orange colour to help in their recovery following an aircraft accident.
INS Sumedha reaches Abu Dhabi to participate in IDEX and NAVDEX

• Indian Naval Ship Sumedha has reached Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to
participate in Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2023 and International Defence
Exhibition(IDEX) 2023.
• Agenda: To showcase the strengths of India's indigenous shipbuilding and underscore
the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.
INS Sumedha:
• It is the third ship of the indigenously built Saryu class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels.
• It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2014.
For the first time, Indian submarine INS Sindhukesari docks Indonesia amid South China
Sea conflict
• Indian submarine INS SindhuKesari docks Jakarta, Indonesia for the first time
amid the conflict between China and Indonesia in the South China Sea.
• Indonesia is among the countries involved in a naval dispute with Beijing in the
South China Sea.
• It is about strengthening the maritime partnership between India and Indonesia towards a secure Indo-
Pacific. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• Indian warships frequently visit Indonesia and other ASEAN countries. This is the first time the submarine
has been deployed for long distances.
• INS Sindhukesari is the 3,000-tonne diesel-electric submarine.
PM unveils India's biggest helicopter manufacturing facility in Tumakuru district of

Karnataka
• PM Modi inaugurated the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's helicopter factory —
the country's largest chopper manufacturing facility — in Tumakuru district of
Karnataka.
• Bengaluru-headquartered HAL plans to produce more than 1,000 helicopters in the range of 3-15 tonne with
a total business of more than ₹4 lakh crore over a period of 20 years at this facility
First edition of Naval Commanders’ Conference of 2023 began onboard India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS
Vikrant
• The first edition of the 2023 Naval Commanders' Conference started on March 6,
2023, onboard INS Vikrant, in the Arabian Sea off Goa.
• Rajnath Singh addressed the Naval Commanders onboard INS Vikrant.
• This conference serves as a platform for Naval Commanders to discuss important
security issues at the military-strategic level and interact with senior government
functionaries
INS Magar : Decommissioned

• INS Magar, the lead ship of Magar-class amphibious warfare vessels of the Indian
Navy, was recently decommissioned after 36 years of service.
• INS Magar is the oldest Landing Ship Tank (Large) of the Indian Navy.
• The ship was indigenously built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd,
Kolkata.
• It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 18 July 1987 by late Admiral R H
Tahiliani.
• It has been named after a species of crocodile.
What is GBU-57?
• The US Military recently posted pictures of a powerful bomb
called the GBU-57, designed to penetrate deep into the earth
and destroy underground facilities.
• It is known as the “Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)”.
• It is a GPS-guided, earth-penetrating strike weapon
• MOP is one of the most powerful non-nuclear bombs in the
world.
Integrated Simulator Complex 'Dhruv' inaugurated by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh

• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex
(ISC) 'Dhruv' at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi on June 21, 2023.
• Simulators greatly enhance practical training in the
Indian Navy.
• The simulators provide real-time experience on
navigation, fleet operations and naval tactics.
• Simulators will be used for training personnel from
friendly countries.
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Sagar Nidhi
• In News - Scientists from Bangladesh and Mauritius recently embarked onboard India’s research vessel
Sagar Nidhi to participate in a joint ocean expedition.
• The event took place under the framework of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) between the nations of
the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Sagar Nidhi:
• Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) Sagar Nidhi is a multidisciplinary vessel operated
by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• It was built in 2007 by Italy.
• It is India’s third research vessel after Sagar Purvi and Sagar Paschimi.
• It is powered by fully automatic diesel-electric propulsion.
• It is equipped to launch submersible capsules capable of taking scientists to a depth of six km below sea
level.
• The vessel is capable of carrying out geo-scientific, meteorological and oceanographic research.
• The vessel would be used for launching tsunami monitoring systems.
CRPF switches to indigenous software COPSYSS

• The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) recently switched to indigenously developed software for
psychological screening of personnel prior to their induction in dignitary protection teams.
• Computerized Psychological Screening System (COPSYSS) is a software designed and developed by the
Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) of DRDO.
• Recently, DRDO Chairman, handed over the software to the Director General of CRPF, Sujoy Lal Thaosen, for
implementation in the force.
• The force has a tough system in place for physical fitness but this test will ensure sharp mental fitness.
India’s first long-range revolver ‘Prabal’ launched on August 18

• The revolver is manufactured by the state-owned enterprise Advanced Weapons and
Equipment India (AWEIL), based in Kanpur.
• Prabal revolver has an impressive firing range of up to 50 meters, more than twice the
reach of other revolvers in India.
• Weighing merely 700 grams (excluding cartridges), it boasts a barrel length of 76 mm and an overall length
of 177.6 mm.
Indian Army Dedicates “Bhagat Bridge” on 77th Independence Day

• On India’s 77th Independence Day, the Indian Army inaugurated the “Bhagat
Bridge” in Danna Village, the last village on the Line of Control in the Machhal
Sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
• This 115-feet long bridge is named in memory of Late Major Bhagat Singh,
Veer Chakra awardee, who valiantly defended the sector during the 1965
war.
• Indian Army engineers worked tirelessly for two months to build the bridge. It would improve education,
healthcare access, and tourism prospects in the region.
Taiwan Unveils ‘Haikun’, Its First Domestically Built Submarine

• Taiwan has unveiled its first domestically developed submarine. The vessel was officially named “Narwhal”
in English and “Hai Kun” in Mandarin after a mythical massive fish that
can also fly.
• The accomplishment has been hailed as a significant milestone as Taipei
works to boost its military deterrence in the face of a growing threat
from China.
• Narwhal is expected to enter service in 2025, joining two existing
submarines purchased from the Netherlands in the 1980s.
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• The $1.54 billion diesel-electric powered Haikun submarine represents a significant step in Taiwan’s efforts
to enhance its defense capabilities.
• Taiwan’s goal is to operate a fleet of 10 submarines, which includes two older Dutch-made boats, and equip
them with missiles.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved 23 new Sainik Schools in partnership mode
• Defence minister Rajnath Singh approved the setting up 23 new Sainik Schools in
partnership mode, aiming for 100 new schools in total.
• Sainik School Society signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) with 19
new proposed Sainik Schools located across the country.
• Further evaluation of the applications has led to the approval of 23 additional new Sainik Schools under the
partnership mode, taking the total number of such schools to 42, in addition to the existing 33 Sainik Schools
operating under the previous model.
Objective and operational details

• The objectives of this initiative envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi include providing quality
education in line with the National Education Policy and enhancing career opportunities for students,
including the option to join the armed forces.
• These new Sainik Schools, with affiliation to the respective education boards, will operate under the
guidance of the Sainik School Society and will follow the rules and regulations prescribed for new Sainik
Schools operating in partnership mode.
• Apart from the regular curriculum affiliated with the education boards, these schools will offer an academic
plus curriculum following the Sainik School pattern.
Samudra Prahari : Indian Coast Guard Ship

• The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Prahari is presently deployed on an overseas mission
encompassing ASEAN nations.
• Samudra Prahari is an Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) specially designed for pollution control.
• It is the first pollution control vessel of its kind in Southeast Asia.
• It is equipped with the most advanced pollution Response and Control equipment for mitigating oil spills in
the Exclusive Economic Zone.
• It has tanks and inflatable barges for storage of oil spills.
• The vessel is designed to operate a twin-engine Advanced Light Helicopter and to operate and embark
Chetak helicopter.
Raksha Mantri Inaugurates 90 BRO Infrastructure Projects Valued At More Than Rs

2,900 Crore
• Raksha Mantri dedicates to the nation 90 BRO infrastructure projects, built
at a cost of over Rs 2,900 crore, across 11 States/Union Territories
• These include Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh; two airfields in West
Bengal; two helipads; 22 roads and 63 bridges.
Nechiphu tunnel connecting Tawang with Assam’s Balipara.(12th oct 2020:Foundation

Stone)
• 500 meter Length
• Situated at an altitude of 5,700 feet, the Nechiphu tunnel on the Balipara-
Charduar-Tawang road in West Kameng district is a unique D-shaped single-tube
double-lane tunnel that will provide all-weather connectivity to the strategic
Tawang region and will be beneficial for both armed forces and tourists
• Of these 90 projects, 36 are in Arunachal Pradesh; 26 in Ladakh; 11 in Jammu & Kashmir; five in Mizoram;
three in Himachal Pradesh; two each in Sikkim, Uttarakhand & West Bengal and one each in Nagaland,
Rajasthan and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
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• In his address, the Raksha Mantri described the BRO as the ‘brother‘ of the Armed Forces, emphasizing that
through its infrastructure projects, the BRO is not only securing
India’s borders but also playing a key role in the socio-economic
development of remote areas.
Devak Bridge
• The event took place at Devak Bridge on Bishnah-Kaulpur-
Phulpur Road, which was inaugurated by the Raksha Mantri. The
state-of-the-art 422.9-meter-long Class 70 RCC Devak bridge
Bagdogra and Barrackpore Airfields

• The revamped Bagdogra and Barrackpore Airfields in West Bengal were also dedicated to the nation. These
airfields, reconstructed at a cost of over Rs 500 crore
Nyoma Airfield
• Additionally, Shri Rajnath Singh virtually laid the foundation stone of Nyoma Airfield in Eastern Ladakh. This
airfield, to be developed at a cost of approximately Rs 200 crore, will enhance the air infrastructure in
Ladakh
Shinkun La Tunnel – A Unique Record Ahead
• The Raksha Mantri also expressed hope that the BRO would soon set another unique record with the
construction of Shinkun La Tunnel, the world’s highest tunnel at an altitude of 15,855 feet. This tunnel will
connect Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal to the Zaskar Valley in Ladakh, providing all-weather connectivity.
Indian Air Force Host Bharat Drone Shakti 2023

• Indian Air Force (IAF) and Drone Federation of India will co-host Bharat Drone
Shakti - 2023 at the Indian Air Force airbase in Hindan Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
, scheduled for September 25th and 26th.
• The two-day Bharat Drone Shakti will present the prowess of the Indian drone
industry at full capacity hosting over 50 live aerial demonstrations. It will showcase survey drones,
agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, and tactical surveillance drones and witness participation from
more than 75 drone start-ups and corporates.
• Defence Ministry said, the usage of drones in India is seeing an increase - both, in the military, as well as in
the civil domain.
• Importantly, ‘Bharat Drone Shakti 2023’ aligns with India’s commitment to establish itself as a global drone
hub by 2030.
Japan Becomes First Nation To Launch An Electromagnetic Railgun

• The Japanese Ministry of Defense has successfully executed the world's first
electromagnetic railgun fire test from a ship.
• It is conducted in coordination with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
(JMSDF)
• A railgun is a cutting-edge electromagnetic weapon designed to launch
projectiles at incredibly high velocities, reaching speeds of approximately
Mach 7, which is seven times the speed of sound.
Project Naman:
• The Project will entail establishing facilitation and grievance redressal centres for veterans and the kin of
personnel who have lost their lives.
• The first such centre will be established in Delhi Cantonment.
• 'Naman' will house a Common Service Centre, which will facilitate the veterans and their relatives.
• It will offer all government-to-customer services and also facilitate the updating of pensioners' accounts on
the SPARSH portal of veterans, next of kin and dependents.
• SPARSH portal
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• It is being implemented by the Ministry of Defence to meet the pension sanction and disbursement
requirements for Armed Forces viz. Army, Navy, Air Force and Defence Civilians.
Phase-Out Of Cheetah and Chetak Helicopters

• Indian Army will begin phase-out of Cheetah, Chetak helicopters from 2027.
• The Army will start phasing out the first lot of the vintage Cheetah and Chetak
helicopters from 2027 onwards on completion of their Total Technical Life (TTL)
while it looks to induct the indigenous Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) in numbers to
replace them.
• The Army is expected to receive six LUH between December 2024 and June 2025.
• Cheetah helicopter Operated by: both the Indian Air Force and the Army Aviation Corps.
What is Chetak Helicopter?
• The Chetak Helicopter is a two ton class helicopter.It is a versatile, multi role, multi purpose and spacious
helicopter.
• It is designed for seven seaters (two pilots and five passengers).
• Manufactured by: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
What is a Cheetah?
• Cheetah is a five seater helicopter.It is a high performance helicopter designed for operation over a very
wide range of weight, center of gravity and altitude conditions.
• It holds the world record in high altitude flying among all categories of Helicopters.
• Manufactured by: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
What is Indigenous light utility helicopters(LUHs)?

• LCH is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter.
• Designed and developed by: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Specifications:
• Maximum take-off weight: 3,100 kg.
• Can carry a useful load of 1,500 kg.
• Maximum speed: 220 km/h, cruise speed: 200 km/h.
• Service ceiling (maximum altitude it can reach): 6,500 meters.
• Range: Approximately 500 km
David’s Sling Air-Defense System:

• Israel recently confirmed using its David’s Sling air-defense system to intercept a
Hamas rocket.
• David’s Sling is an Israeli medium-range air defense system designed to defeat
short-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.
• Co-developed with the United States, it occupies middle part of Israel’s
sophisticated and multi-layer air-defense network, between the point-defense Iron Dome and upper-tier
Arrow systems.
• Each firing unit can hold up to 12 missiles.
• It is designed to intercept ballistic and cruise missiles at ranges of 40 to 300 km.
• David's Sling, also formerly known as Magic Wand
Project Udbhav:
• The Indian Army in partnership with the United Service Institution of India (USI),
wrapped up a hybrid-panel discussion as part of Project Udbhav.
• The discussion focused on "The Evolution of Indian Military Systems, Warfare, and
Strategic Thinking: Current Research and Future Directions.“
• Project Udbhav is an initiative set in motion by the Indian Army to rediscover the profound Indic heritage of
statecraft and strategic thoughts derived from ancient Indian texts of statecraft, warcraft, diplomacy and
grand strategy.
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• It focuses on a broad spectrum including Indigenous Military Systems, Historical Texts, Regional Texts and
Kingdoms, Thematic Studies, and intricate Kautilya Studies.
• At its core, Project Udbhav seeks to bridge the historical and the contemporary.
• In connection with Project Udbhav, the USI will conduct a Military Heritage Festival on 21st and 22nd
October, 2023.
United Service Institution of India

• USI is a national security and defense services think tank based in New Delhi, India.
• It describes its aim as the "furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the
defense services".
• It was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor.
IAF Chief unveils new Ensign as the force marks 91st anniversary
• Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief recently unveiled a new Ensign for
the force.
• This crest prominently features the national symbol, the Ashoka Lion, at
the top, with the words “Satyamev Jayate” in Devanagari script below it.
• Beneath the Ashoka Lion is a Himalayan eagle with outstretched wings,
symbolising the fighting spirit of the IAF.
• A ring in light blue colour encircles the Himalayan eagle with the words “Indian Air Force”.
• The IAF motto, derived from the Bhagavad Gita, “Nabha Sparsham Deeptam”, meaning “touching the sky
with glory,” is inscribed below the Himalayan eagle in golden Devanagari.
GP Captain Shaliza Dhami

• Group Captain Shaliza Dhami command the Indian Air Force Day parade for
the first time in Prayagraj to mark the service’s 91st anniversary.
• A helicopter pilot, Dhami was also the first woman to assume command of a
frontline IAF combat unit in March. She heads a missile squadron in the
western sector. Commissioned into the IAF in 2003
Indian Army Plans To Start ‘Chanakya Defence Dialogue’ Talk Series

• Seeking to start a forum for discussion on important security matters, the Indian Army is planning to start a
dialogue series named the Chanakya Defence Dialogue.
• As per sources, the curtain raiser of the event is planned for October 25 or 26, where Chief of Army Staff
General Manoj Pande is likely to participate in a talk.
• The first edition of the dialogue series is tentatively scheduled for the first or second week of November.
• The Army is collaborating with the prominent think tank, Centre for Land and Warfare Studies (CLAWS), for
the conduct of this event.
• It will be a congregation of participants from a vast array of nations, including Australia, France, Japan, and
the US.
Operation Chakra-II
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out searches against cyber criminals, involved in financial
crimes, at 76 locations across multiple states under 'Operation Chakra 2.’
• Searches were conducted in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Haryana,
Punjab, Delhi-NCR and Himachal Pradesh," the official informed.
• The purpose of this operation was to combat and eliminate financial enables crime. The searches were
conducted using information provided by several national and international investigation agencies.
• The CBI will share the details of the cases with international law enforcement agencies including the FBI,
INTERPOL, NCA in UK, Singapore Police and BKA of Germany to combat organized crime.
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‘Surat’ Becomes The First Navy Warship To Be Named After A City in Gujarat
• The crest of the Indian Navy's latest warship 'Surat' will be unveiled by Gujarat
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
• This is the first warship to be named after a city of Gujarat and this is also the first
time the unveiling of the crest of a warship is being undertaken in the very city
after which it has been named
• This tribute is significant because Surat has a remarkable maritime heritage. During the 16th to the 18th
century, Surat was a thriving center for maritime trade and shipbuilding activities.
• ‘Surat’ is part of the ‘Project 15B‘ program, which involves the construction of four next-generation stealth
guided missile destroyers. It is the fourth and final ship in this program.
• In 2011, the deal to build four warships -- Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, and Surat -- was signed under
the Project-15B programme
• These ships are equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range Surface-to-Air Missiles
(SAM).
Coast Guard ship ICGS Sangram decommissioned after 26 years of service

• Recently, Indian Coast Guard's ship Sangram was decommissioned during a
program organized at Mormugao Port Authority, Goa.
• ICGS Sangram was commissioned on March 29, 1997, at Goa by, then Chief of
Naval Staff and former Prime Minister of India PV Narasimha Rao and was
stationed at Mumbai under the operational command of Commander Coast
Guard Area (West).
Short News
• Three S-400 Missile Units Are Deployed by the IAF Along Pakistani And Chinese
Borders
• In 2018-19, India agreed with Russia to procure S-400 missiles worth ₹35,000 crore
(approx).
• The United States military recently conducted a Minuteman III missile launch, developed by
Boeing Co
• The Indian Army has installed a mobile tower in collaboration with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited for the
first time at Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield.
• IAF To Stop Flying MiG-21 By 2025, replace them with the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A.:
Air Chief
• The Indian Air Force is celebrating its 91st anniversary on October 8 with the theme-"IAF-airpower beyond
boundaries"
• Indian Air Force and Drone Federation of India will co-host Bharat Drone Shakti- 2023 at the Indian Air Force
airbase at Hindon in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
• Indian Navy's INS Sumedha arrived at Port Alexandria, Egypt, to take part in 'Exercise Bright Star-23.’
• The Ministry of Defence signs a contract of Rs. 2725 Cr with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd for Medium
Refit with Life Certification of Submarine INS Shankush
• North Korea recently tested its latest Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
• Voyager Space has signed an MoU with New Space India Limited (NSIL) to foster collaboration in spacecraft
launch and deployment opportunities onboard NSIL’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and Polar Satellite
Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
• INS Sunayna visited Mombasa, Kenya from 20-23 Jun 23 towards strengthening bilateral ties with maritime
neighbours on the theme of the Ocean Ring of Yoga.
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GI Tags
Ladakh
Ladakh Secures 4th GI Tag For ‘Sea-buckthorn’
‘Ladakh Seabuckthorn’ Becomes The 4th Product From Ladakh To Receive The
Coveted GI Tag After Ladakh Pashmina Wool, Ladakh Apricot (Raktsey Karpo),
And Ladakhi Wood Carving.
J&K
Saffron of Kishtwar district receives GI tag from Geographical Indications Registry
This type of saffron is cultivated and harvested in high altitude areas.
The famous most expensive variety of saffron is known as 'Kumkum'. It is the main cash
crop of Kishtwar district.
Kishtwar's saffron production area is called locally as Mandal.
Rajouri’s chikri wood craft, Anantnag’s Mushqbudji rice receive GI tag

Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft from Rajouri district and Mushqbudji Rice of
Anantnag district in Jammu & Kashmir have been officially awarded the
prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort involving NABARD, the
Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, and the Department of Agriculture,
with their joint initiative dating back to December 2020.
Earlier this year in March, Basohli Painting of Kathua and Ladakh Wood
Carving of Ladakh were also bestowed with GI Tags under NABARD's support.
Bhaderwah Rajma and Ramban Sulai honey get GI tag in Jammu and Kashmir
Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Jammu started the GI tagging
process for these products.
This recognition is expected to increase exports, increase brand presence
internationally and prevent misuse.
Jammu and Kashmir was a state of India until August 2019, when it was
bifurcated as two union territories named Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on 31 August 2019.
Capital- Srinagar (May-October), Jammu (November-April)
Lieutenant Governor - Manoj Sinha
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand’s Unique Products Gets Geographical Indication Tags
 Recently, more than 15 products from Uttarakhand were given the Geographical
Indicator (GI) tag.
 Almora Lakhori mirchis: It is an indigenous chili variant that was first grown in a village
called Lakhora in Uttarakhand.
 Bichhu Buti Fabrics: made from Himalayan nettle fibers. These fabrics, known for
their natural insulation properties, are ideal for clothing in both winter and summer.
 Uttarakhand mandua - a finger millet grown in Garhwal and Kumaon that is part of
the staple diet in many parts of the State
 Chamoli wooden Ramman masks: Mask making or Mukhota
is a traditional craft of carving masks out of wood.
 Nainital mombatti (candles) - Candles produced in the
Nainital region, possibly featuring specific designs or scents.
 Rangwali pichhoda of Kumaon - Traditional fabric with
colourful designs, representing Kumaon’s artistic heritage
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 Ramnagar Nainital litchis and Ramgarh Nainital peaches: They are distinctly
flavored fruits grown in the Nainital district in Uttarakhand.
 Likhai: It is an ancient wood carving tradition of the Kumaon region of
Uttarakhand.
 Pahari toor dal
 Malta fruit: Also known as the Himalayan Sweet Orange, it is grown in the
Himalayan valleys
 Buransh juice: It is obtained from the red flowers of the Buransh tree
(Rhododendron arboreum).
 Uttarakhand lal chawal
 Uttarakhand kala bhat: It is a black soybean that is grown at an altitude of
1000-1700m
 Gahat: An important pulse that grows in the dry regions of the State. It has
been used by practitioners of Ayurveda and traditional medicine due to its
medicinal properties.
 Jhangora: It is a homegrown millet commonly cultivated in the rain-fed areas
of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
 Berinag tea
 Chaulai (Ramdana): It is a grain consumed when fasting due to its nutritional value. It is also known as Rajgira
and Amaranth.
Himachal Pradesh
Kangra Tea from Himachal Pradesh gets European Geographical Indication tag
This will help promote the sale of the product in the European market.
Kangra tea is renowned for its distinctive taste and colour.
In India, Kangra tea received the Geographical Indication designation in 2005.
This tea is grown at an altitude of 900 to 1400 metres above sea level. Tea requires
annual rainfall of 270 to 350 cm.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Gets 10 New GI Tags
Uttar Pradesh gets 3 more GI tags

Uttar Pradesh has received the Geographical Indications (GI)
tags for three more One District-One Product (ODOP) crafts -
Mainpuri tarkashi, Mahoba Gaura stone craft, and Sambhal
horn craft.
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Uttar Pradesh has now 48 GI tags.

Among the 48 GI goods of UP, 36 products belong to the handicraft category.
Tamil Nadu has a maximum of 55 GI-tagged goods while UP and Karnataka have 48 and 46 GI products respectively.
Tarkashi is a technique of inlaying brass, copper, or silver wires in wood.
Uttar Pradesh to gift GI-tagged Gulabi meenakari handicrafts to G20 guests

Uttar Pradesh government has decided to gift GI-tagged Gulabi meenakari handicrafts for the
visiting delegates from G20 nations.
Gulabi meenakari is one of the rarest crafts in India that is practised in the by lanes of
Varanasi, near Gai Ghat.
This craft can be found popularly in three forms:
• Ek Rang Khula Meena - only gold outlines are exposed and a single transparent colour
is used.
• Panch Rangi Meena - five colours of red, white, green, light blue and dark blue are
used
• Gulabi Meena - pink is the dominant colour.
Four more ODOP products from Uttar Pradesh in GI club, UP’s tally reaches 52
Four products are: Amroha Dholak, Baghpat Home Furnishings, Barabanki Handloom Product,
and Kalpi Handmade Paper
The Amroha Dholak is a musical instrument made of natural wood. Mango, jackfruit, and
teakwood are preferred for making the dholak.
Kalpi has historically been a centre of handmade paper manufacturing.
The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years
Jalesar Dhatu Shilp: In Jalesar, Uttar Pradesh's Etah district, the Thatheras community in the locality of Hathuras
make 'Jalesar Dhatu Shilp,' which includes anklets, bells, and other decorative metal craft and brassware.
Bihar
Bihar’s West Champaran ‘Marcha’ rice gets GI tag
The size and shape of the grain appear like that of black pepper, hence it is known as
Mircha or Marcha Rice.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh gets 9 GI Tags
• Gond Painting of Madhya Pradesh (handicraft)
• Wrought iron crafts of Dindori (handicraft)
• Ujjain Batik Print (handicraft)
• Gwalior Handmade carpet (handicraft)
• Jabalpur Stone craft of Bhedaghat (handicraft)
• Waraseoni Handloom sarees and fabrics (handicraft)
• Sharbati Gehu (agriculture)
• Rewa Sunderja mango (agriculture)
• Morena gajak (food stuffs)
Sehore's Sharbati Gehu (wheat)

While Sehore district is the largest producer of Sharbati wheat in the country,
Madhya Pradesh is its largest producer and exporter.
Flour made from Sharbati wheat is considered to be of the highest quality in the
country.
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As the name suggests, Sharbati variety wheat is slightly sweeter in taste probably due to the presence of slightly
more amount of simple sugars like glucose and sucrose as compared to other wheat varieties.
Sundarja mango of Rewa and Gajak of Morena got GI tag

Sundarja mango is found in abundance in Govindgarh town of Rewa district of Madhya
Pradesh.
The specialty of Sundarja mango is that it is fiber-free and the type of sugar found in it is
such that it can be consumed even by sugar patients.
Morena's Gajak is a type of sweet. Gazak making is the main industry of Morena. When
it comes to sweets made of jaggery and sesame, Gajak is considered the best.
'GI Tag' i.e. Geographical Indicator (Geographical Indicator) are issued as per the Geographical Indications of Goods
(Registration and Protection) Act,1999.
The process of certification of a specific product of a sector was started in the year 2003. The first GI tag in India
was given to Darjeeling Tea of West Bengal in 2004.
The GI tag is issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, which operates under the
Ministry of Commerce.
Once a product gets a GI tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name. This tag is valid for
a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
The other benefits of GI registration include legal protection for the item, prevention against unauthorised use by
others, and promotion of exports.
Chhattisgarh
Nagari Dubraj got GI Tag
'Nagri Dubraj' variety of Nagari paddy of Dhamtari development block of Chhattisgarh has
got GI tag.
'Nagri Dubraj' is the second crop of the Chhattisgarh, which has got GI Tag. Prior to this, the
state has got GI tag for Jeera Phool paddy variety.
Nagari Dubraj is also called Basmati in Chhattisgarh, as this rice is used as a flavored rice in traditional feasts of
Chhattisgarh.
Rajasthan
Crafts from Rajasthan gets GI tags
Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft: Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft involves
exquisitely ornamenting weapons through a complex process.
Bikaner Kashidakari Craft: It is traditionally made on cotton, silk or velvet with a variety of
fine stitches and mirror-work, mainly for objects associated with marriage, especially gift
items. The mirrors used in this craft are believed to protect against the 'evil eye' due to
their reflective surfaces.
The Meghwal community in Bikaner and nearby districts traditionally weaved fabrics by
hand for this craft.
Jodhpur Bandhej Craft: It is a Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing.

GPT
Bandhej is a renowned textile art form in Rajasthan, using fabrics
like muslin, silk, and voile. Cotton thread is used for tying the
fabric.
Bikaner Usta Kala Craft: The 'Bikaner Usta Kala Craft,' also
known as gold nakashi or gold manauti work, is famous for its long-lasting golden color. The craft involves
processing and molding untreated raw camel hide by the skilled leather craftspeople of the Dapgar community to
meet the requirements of the Usta
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Odisha
Sweet dish 'Rasabali' of Kendrapara, Odisha gets GI Tag
'Kendrapara Rasabali’ owes its origin to the 262-year-old Sree Baladevjew temple here.
The presiding deity of the shrine is offered Rasabali as ‘bhog’.
Koraput Kalajeera Rice Gets GI Tag

Odisha’s ‘Koraput Kalajeera Rice’, which is famous for its unique aroma and
nutritional value, was granted the Geographical Indications (GI) status.
It is also called the ‘Prince of Rice’. This highly aromatic rice looks like coriander
seeds.
It is believed that the medicinal quality of this rice enhances memory, controls
diabetes, increases hemoglobin levels and the body’s metabolism.
Odisha: GI Tags For Rayagada Shawls Soon

The handwoven Rayagada Shawls crafted by the Dongria Kondhs of Odisha are
poised to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag
In a significant development for the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
Dongria Kondhs of Rayagada district in Odisha, their exquisite handwoven shawls,
known as Kapdaganda
The critical next step in this process involves a three-month period during which objections can be raised. Once this
period passes without objections, Kapdaganda will proudly bear the GI tag, securing its authenticity and uniqueness.
Assam
Chokuwa Rice
Chokuwa rice had earned a GI (Geographical Indication) tag in 2020 for its
exquisiteness.
Chokuwa rice is also known as Magic rice cultivated in Assam.
It is a part of Assam’s culinary heritage; and is cultivated around the
Brahmaputra River area
It is basically semi-glutinous winter rice, known as Sali rice.
The low amylase Chokuwa rice variants are used to make soft rice, which is known as Komal Chaul or soft rice.
This whole grain can be consumed after soaking the rice in cold or lukewarm water. This rice variety is widely
consumed for its convenience of preparation and nutritional value.
Mizoram
Mizoram would export ‘Bird’s eye chilli’ of the state to the United States for the first time
7.5 metric tons of organic bird’s eye chilli would be sent to the US
Mizoram has obtained geographical identification (GI) tag for bird’s eye chilli or ‘Mizo chilli’.
Meghalaya
Meghalaya’s Lakadong Turmeric gets Geographical Indication tag
 It is considered to be one of the world's best varieties of turmeric
 It is darker in colour and is grown organically without the use of fertilisers.
 It is found in Lakadong area of Jaintia Hills, has high curcumin content.
Arunachal Pradesh
Khamti rice and Tangsa textile
Arunachal Pradesh has been awarded the geographical indication (GI) tag for
Khamti rice, Yak churpi from Tawang and Tangsa textile by the GI Registry in
Chennai.
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Khamti rice is a variety of sticky rice produced in Namsai district. It is known for its taste.
Tangsa textile: Textile products of the Tangsa tribe of Changlang district are famous for their exotic designs and
colors
The first product in India to be accorded with GI tag was Darjeeling tea in the year 2004-05.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Yak Churpi’ Receives GI Tag

 Yak Churpi, a naturally fermented milk product made from yak milk, has been
given recognition as a Geographical Indication (GI) of Arunachal Pradesh.
 First ever yak milk product to get GI tag
 Arunachali yak is a unique yak breed found in West Kameng and Tawang
districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
 Arunachali yak breed is reared by tribal yak pastoralists known as Brokpas
who migrate along with their yaks to higher reaches (at an altitude of 10,000
ft and higher) during summers.
Mithun
 Northeast’s Mithun gets a ‘food animal’ tag from the Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI).
 The Mithun or gayal (Bos frontalis) is considered a descendant of the Indian Gaur
or bison.
 Consumed for generations across many regions of the Northeast, work is on to
help mithun farmers and tribal village communities benefit commercially from the sale and processing of
mithun meat
 It plays an important role in the socio-economic and cultural life of tribes such as the Nyishi, Apatani, Galo
and Adi in Arunachal Pradesh.
 It is distributed in Northeast India, Bangladesh, northern Myanmar and in Yunnan, China.
 It is known as the ‘cattle of the mountain’.
 The gayal is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
 It has a lot of business potential and the potential to provide nutritional, livelihood and financial security.
 The Indian Council of Agricultural Research launched the M-ANITRA app to register Mithun farmers as
“buyers” and “sellers” with the aim of helping them do business at competitive prices.
Goa
Goa Cashew:
 Recently, Goan cashew (kernel) got the geographical indication (GI) tag.
 Cashew is one of the most important plantation crops in India
 Cashew was native to northeast Brazil in Latin America and was introduced to
Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century (1570).
 Temperature: In the range of 20 to 380C, relative humidity in the range of 60
to 95%.
 Rain fall: Annual precipitation in the range of 2000 to 3500mm.
Goa
Mankurad mango: The mango variety is known by several names, including malcorada,
cardozo mankurad, corado, and Goa mankur. The Portuguese originally named it
malcorada, meaning 'poor colored'. Over time, it evolved into mankurad aamo (mango) in
Konkani, the local language.
Karnataka
KARI ISHAD MANGO gets GI Tag
Kari Ishad mango of Ankola in Karnataka gets GI tag
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Varieties: The mango has two variants — Kari Ishad, which has thin skin, more pulp and is sweeter, and Bili Ishad,
which has thick skin and has less pulp and sweetness.
Harvesting season: The mango is harvested from mid-May.
Demand of Pulp: The mango has a short shelf life of not more than two or three days. But its pulp lasts more than a
year. The pulp of Ishad Mango has been extracted for over a century for making value-added products.
Tamil Nadu
Cumbum Grapes
Cumbum Panneer Thratchai, also known as Cumbum grapes
A variety of grapes grown in the Cumbum Valley located at the Western Ghats in
Tamil Nadu, India.
Introduced in Tamil Nadu in 1832 by a French priest, these grapes are rich in
vitamins, tartaric acid, and antioxidants, and reduce the risk of some chronic
diseases.
GI Tag To Three Famous Products : Tamil Nadu

Geographical Indications Registry granted GI tag to:
Jaderi namakatti:
• Clay sticks with white colour, finger-like shape, and smooth texture.
• Made by Jaderi Tiruman (Namakatti)
Chedibutta saree:
• Handloom saree made from art silk and cotton mix fabric, featuring the iconic “plant and flower” motif on
the border and pallu.
• Woven by skilled Sowrashtra weavers.
• Veeravanallur town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
Kanniyakumari Matti banana:

• Traditional table banana with medicinal value, highly fragrant, sweet with a sub-acid flavour, and powdery
nature.
• Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu
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Udangudi Panangkarupatti : GI Tag

Udangudi ‘Panangkarupatti’ (palm jaggery/ gur) from Tamil Nadu has received a
Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
The palm jaggery preparation procedure in this area is traditional till date without
inclusion of any additional modern strategies.
No chemical additives like Triple super phosphate and phosphoric acid are used in
its preparation.
The moisture content in the atmosphere is less because of the dry climatic condition, which leads to high sucrose
content, in turn adding taste.
Tamil Nadu's Salem Sago gets GI tag

Sago, derived from raw tapiocas, is in the form of small hard globules or pearls and
is pearl white in colour.
Tamil Nadu accounts for 40% of the total production.
Salem holds the leading position in sago production in Tamil Nadu.
Salem district of Tamil Nadu has previously received the GI tag for raw silk and
Malgova mango, thereby contributing to the recognition of the region.
Goan bebinca: Bebinca is also known as the ‘queen of Goan desserts’, is a traditional
Indo-Portuguese pudding made with egg yolks, sugar, coconut milk, and flour.
Andhra Pradesh
Araku coffee and black pepper get organic certification
Araku Valley coffee and black pepper from Andhra Pradesh have received organic
certification.
The organic certification was granted by the Agricultural and Processed Food
Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), a central government sector
organisation.
Organic certification will enable tribal farmers to command higher prices for their
coffee and black pepper.
About APEDA
It is an Indian apex-export trade promotion active government body.
It works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
It acts as the apex body for promotion and development of export trade of agricultural and processed food products.
Establishment - 13 February 1986
Andhra Pradesh's 'Atreyapuram Putharekula' receives coveted Geographical

Indication (GI) tag for traditional sweet
Putharekula is a sweet dish originating from Atreyapuram village of Andhra Pradesh.
It is made of a paper-thin layer of paper-like rice starch and filled with a mixture of
sugar, dried fruits, and nuts.
The name "Putharekula" is derived from Telugu, where "putha" means "coating" and
"reku" (plural "rekulu") means "sheet".
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Index & Ranking

National Index & Reports
NHAI’s first ‘Sustainability Report for FY 2021-22’
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has released NHAI’s first ‘Sustainability Report for FY 2021-
22’, which covers NHAI’s governance structure, stakeholders, environment, and social
responsibility initiatives.
From FY2019-20 to 2021-22, direct emissions were reduced by 18.44% and 9.49% due to
less fuel consumption Green House Gas Emissions saw a decline of 9.7% in FY2020-21 and 2% in FY2021-22
Similarly in operations, energy intensity in Giga Joules/km reduced by 27% in FY2021-22
Apart from this, NHAI has been using recycled materials for National Highway construction. Use of fly-ash and
plastic waste in construction has increased over the last three years. NHAI has been encouraging use of Recycled
Asphalt (RAP) and Recycled Aggregates (RA) in the National Highway construction.
In order to ensure sustainable environmental growth, more than 100 Wildlife Crossings were created in three years
across 20 States as a measure for wildlife protection and conservation to reduce man-animal conflict.
Over the years, NHAI has been undertaking plantation drives to develop eco-friendly National Highways.
Around 2.74 crore saplings were planted till 2021-22 to offset direct emissions from the vehicles.
PM Modi releases Tiger Census figures: Number grows to 3,167 in 2022

PM inaugurates program ‘Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger’ in Mysuru,
Karnataka. Launches International Big Cats Alliance
“The focus of the International big cat alliance will be on the conservation of the
world's 7 major big cats”– tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, pumas, jaguars
and cheetahs.
5th cycle of India’s Tiger Census revealed that tiger numbers have once again
increased in the country and now stands at 3,167 in the wild as of 2022.
The 2018 Tiger Census, released in July 2019, had established the presence of
2,967 tigers in India.
The animal’s population in the country has increased by 200 or 6.7 per cent in the
past four years.
75 per cent of the world’s tiger population can now be found in India and tiger reserves in the country span 75,000
square kilometres.
“With only 2.4 per cent of global land area, India contributes to 8 per cent of wildlife diversity. India is the largest
tiger range country in the world.
With nearly 30,000 elephants, we are the largest Asiatic Elephant range in the world
Project Tiger-an initiative to save tigers, was first initiated in the year April 1, 1973 in Jim Corbett National Park,
Uttarakhand.
The first Tiger assessment based on this scientific methodology was done in 2006 and subsequently in 2010, 2014,
2018, 2022.
Best-maintained of all tiger reserves in the country - The Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala - according to the 5th cycle
of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) carried out by the Centre and released alongside the Tiger Census.
While Periyar reserve has obtained an MEE score of 94.3%, it is followed closely by the Satpura Tiger Reserve in
Madhya Pradesh, Bandipur in Karnataka and Nagarhole in Karnataka.
The government has been using the MEE to assess tiger reserves across the country since its inception in 2006.
At present, the country has 998 Protected Areas – including 106 National Parks, 567 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 105
Conservation Reserves
About Project Tiger:
Feature Description
To ensure the maintenance of a viable population of tigers in India for scientific, economic,
Objective
aesthetic, cultural and ecological values.
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Centrally Sponsered Scheme under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
Type
(MoEFCC)
Implementing
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) (est. 2005; HQ: New Delhi)
Authority
NTCA was established following a recommendation of the Tiger Task Force). It is
About NTCA
a statutory body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972.
Members of Union Minister of the MoEFCC (as Chairperson)+ the Minister of State in the MoEFCC (as Vice-
NTCA Chairperson)+ 3 MPs, Secretary, MoEFCC
Annual Death Penalty Report, 2022

Project 39A, a group associated with the National Law University recently released a report
called the Annual Death Penalty Report, 2022.
The National Law University was established under the NLUA Act of 2007.
According to the report, the number of death penalty prisoners in India increased to 539 in 2022.
It was 490 in 2021.
India has 539 death-sentenced prisoners as of 2022.
This is a 40% increase as compared to the numbers in 2015
UP had the highest death sentences followed by Gujarat and Jharkhand
Ministry of Defense becomes the largest buyer of MSME goods in 2022

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) informed that in 2022, the Ministry of Defense emerged as the largest buyer
through MSME sellers.
In 2022, the Ministry of Defense envisages procurement of goods and services worth Rs 16,747 crore from the
MSME sector. This was 250% more than the purchases made in 2021.
Among the states, Uttar Pradesh procured the maximum.
Compared to 2016, when GeM was first launched, its business has grown
17 times.
Government-e-Marketplace (GeM) Platform
Launch - 9 August 2016
Objective - To bring transparency and efficiency in the government
procurement process
Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Commerce and Industry
50 ASI-protected monuments disappear

According to the Ministry of Culture report titled ‘Issues relating to Untraceable Monuments and Protection of
Monuments in India’ submit to the Parliamentary Standing Committee, 50 of India’s 3,693 centrally protected
monuments have gone missing.
The rapid urbanisation has engulfed 14 monuments.
As many as 12 monuments have been submerged by the constructions of reservoirs and dams, while 24 have gone
missing.
Only 248 monuments are protected by security guards.
ONGC top profit making public sector enterprises in 2021-22/2021-22

According to the government of India’s Public Enterprise survey 2021-22, ONGC
was the top profit making central public sector enterprises (CPSE) in 2021-22.
After ONGC the other most profit making CPSE were Indian Oil Corporation, Power
Grid, NTPC and SAIL.
The net profit of operating public sector enterprises jumped 50.87 per cent to Rs
2.49 lakh crore during 2021-22. It was Rs 1.65 lakh crore in 2020-21.
Major loss-making CPSEs were Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Ltd (MTNL), Air India
Assets Holding Ltd, and Eastern Coalfields Ltd.
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Uttar Pradesh tops charts for mobile gaming destination in India

Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the top destination for mobile gamers, followed by
Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, and West Bengal, according to India Mobile Gaming
Report 2022 by gaming platform Mobile Premier League.
India’s gaming market was worth $USD 2.6 billion in the financial year 2022 and it
will reach $8.6 billion by 2027 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27
percent.
17th Annual Education Report (ASER), 2022

Released by NGO Pratham- highlights the impact on education during pandemic.
ASER has been conducted every year since 2005 in all rural districts of India. It is the
largest citizen-led survey in India.
Key Findings of the Report:
• Government schools saw a sharp rise in enrolment for the first time in 16 years
• Basic literacy levels of children have taken a big hit, with their reading ability dropping to pre-2012 levels
• Number of children enrolled in government schools increased from 65.6% in 2018 to 72.9% in 2022.
• Percentage of girls in the age group of 11-14 years who were out of school declined from 4.1% to 2%
• The decrease is even sharper among older girls in 15-16 years age group, from 13.5% in 2018 to 7.9% in 2022
• According to the report, the average teacher attendance has increased from 85.4% in 2018 to 87.1% in 2022.
• The number of schools with girls' toilet facilities has increased from 66.4% in 2018 to 68.4% in 2022.
• There has been an increase in the number of schools having drinking water availability.
All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-2021

The Ministry of Education (MoE) released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)
2020-2021, covering all higher educational institutions located in Indian Territory and
imparting higher education in the country.
Highlights:
The total enrollment of students in higher education has increased to nearly 4.14 crore in
2020-21 from 3.85 crores in 2019-20.
Female enrolment has increased to 2.01 crore from 1.88 crores in 2019-20.
UP has the highest number of colleges in the country: AISHE 2020-21 report
The Union Ministry of Education has released the All India Survey on
Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-2021.
According to the report Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of
colleges in the country, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka.
There are 8,114 colleges in Uttar Pradesh and 32 colleges per one lakh
population.
Most of the colleges offer undergraduate level programs only.
Only 2.9 percent colleges offer PhD level programs and 55.2 percent offer
postgraduate level programmes.
Gender Parity Index (GPI)

The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for the age group 18-23 years has
increased from 25.6% in 2019-20 to 27.3% in 2020-21.
Gender Parity Index (GPI), the ratio of female GER to male GER, has increased from 1 in 2017-18 to 1.05 in 2020-
21.
The female enrollment in North East states in 2020-21 is 6.14 lakh, which is higher than the male enrollment of 5.92
lakh, for every 100 male students, there are 104 female students in the North East region.
The report shows a nationwide increase of 7.5% in student enrollment in 2020-21 as compared to 2019-20.
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About AISHE Survey

The Ministry of Education has been conducting this survey since 2011, it includes higher educational institutions
located in India.
The survey collects information on various parameters such as student enrolment, teacher data, infrastructural,
financial etc.
In AISHE 2020-21, for the first time data collection has been done using a completely online data collection platform
developed by the Department of Higher Education through National Informatics Center (NIC).
Status Of India’s Nuclear Energy:

India’s nuclear power capacity experienced a significant increase. By 2021-22, it had risen to 47,112 Million Units.
In 2017, the government gave simultaneous approval for 11 indigenous pressurised heavy water reactors with a total
capacity of 7,000 MegaWatts.
Nuclear energy is the fifth-largest source of electricity for India which contributes about 3% of the total electricity
generation in the country.
India has over 22 nuclear reactors in 7 power plants across the country which produces 6780 MW of nuclear
power. In addition, one reactor, Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-3) has also been connected to the grid in
January- 2021.
18 reactors are Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and 4 are Light Water Reactors (LWRs).
KAPP-3 is the India’s first 700 MWe unit, and the biggest indigenously developed variant of the PHWR.
Government has also allowed Joint Ventures with PSUs to enhance India’s nuclear program.
As a result, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is now in two joint ventures with the National
Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) and the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
In the past, India’s nuclear installations were mostly located in South India or in Maharashtra and Gujarat in the
west.
However, the government is now promoting its expansion to other parts of the country. As an example, the
upcoming nuclear power plant in Gorakhpur town of Haryana, which will become operational in the near future.
The world’s first thorium-based nuclear plant, “Bhavini,” using Uranium-233, is being set up at Kalpakkam in Tamil
Nadu.
This plant will be entirely indigenous and will be the first of its kind. The experimental thorium plant “Kamini”
already exists in Kalpakkam.
Que: Which institution releases the ‘Twenty Point Programme (TPP) progress report’?
Ans: National Statistical Office
The National Statistical Office, NSO, recently released a progress report on TPP. According to the report, only 41% of
the fixed target was completed in 2022-23. The aim was to build 125,000 km of road. But only 45,945 km has been
completed.
The Government of India launched the TPP in 1975. It has been revised twice since its launch, once in 1982 and then
in 1986. The main objective of the program is to eradicate poverty and improve the lives of rural people using 20
points.
Performance of a programme is considered ‘poor’ by the NSO if the level of targets achieved is below 80 per cent.
Bihar and Chattisgarh among States that allocated more towards education
According to the government data, the States/UTs - Delhi, Assam, and
Himachal Pradesh - allocated a higher portion of their budget expenditure on
education.
Delhi spent 22% of its budget, while Assam spent
20% and HP spent 19%.
Among the big States, such as Chhattisgarh and
Bihar allocate 18.82% and 18.3% respectively, of
the State’s estimated net budget expenditure to
education.
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Dr Bibek Debroy released the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Report

• Dr. Bibek Debroy, Chairman of EAC-PM, released the Foundational Literacy and
Numeracy report.
• 2nd edition
• Prepared by: Institute for Competitiveness
• Punjab has emerged as the top-performing state on education and health-related indicators.
• Delhi, Goa, Maharashtra, J&K, Kerala, Rajasthan, Sikkim, TN, and Puducherry were ranked as high-
performing states and UTs.
• Meghalaya, D&N Haveli, Nagaland, Telangana, UP, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh were among
underperformed
Clean Energy Transition : Report

Prepared by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial
Analysis (IEEFA) along with EMBER.
The report — ‘Indian States’ Energy Transition’ —has analysed 16
states, which together account for 90% of India’s annual power
requirement.
Karnataka and Gujarat have emerged as India’s frontrunners in
the transition to clean electricity.
Gujarat was a little behind Karnataka in terms of decarbonising its
electricity sector.
States like West Bengal, Bihar and UP are lagging far behind in the field.
Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag, Tehri top landslide index: ISRO report

According to 'Landslide Atlas' report of ISRO's Hyderabad-based National Remote Sensing
Center (NRSC), the two hilly districts of Uttarakhand, Rudraprayag and Tehri, are most
prone to landslides.
The National Remote Sensing Center has released a list of 147 districts prone to landslides
across the country, in which Rudraprayag is at number one and Tehri at number two.
'Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2022' released

Union Minister Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Parshottam Rupala unveiled the
department’s annual publication, the ‘Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2022’.
Total milk production in the country during 2021-22 is 221.06 million tonnes.
In the current year 2021-22, the milk production has registered an annual growth rate of
5.29%.
Top 5 Producing States:
Milk: Rajasthan (15.05%), UP (14.93%), MP (8.06%), Gujarat (7.56%) and Andhra Pradesh (6.97%).
Egg: Andhra Pradesh (20.41%), TN (16.08%), Telangana (12.86%), WB (8.84%) and Karnataka (6.38%)
The total five major meat producing States are Maharashtra (12.25%), Uttar Pradesh (12.14%), West Bengal
(11.63%), Andhra Pradesh (11.04%), and Telangana (10.82%).
The top five major wool producing States are Rajasthan (45.91%), Jammu and Kashmir (23.19%), Gujarat (6.12%),
Maharashtra (4.78%) and Himachal Pradesh (4.33%).
Missing Antiquities In India : ASI

According to an RTI, only 486 antiquities have been reported as missing (since
Independence) from the 3,696 monuments protected and maintained by the ASI.
The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act of 1972, which came into effect on April 1, 1976,
defines an “antiquity” as any object or work of art that has been in existence for at least
100 years.
For “manuscript, record or other document which is of scientific, historical, literary or aesthetic value”, this duration
is “not less than 75 years.”
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Protection Initiative:
Indian:
In India, Item-67 of the Union List, Item-12 of the State List, and Item-40 of the Concurrent List of the Constitution
deal with the country’s heritage.
Before Independence, the Antiquities (Export Control) Act was passed in April 1947 to ensure that no antiquity could
be exported without a license.
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act was enacted in 1958 to protect ancient
monuments and archaeological sites from destruction and misuse.
Literacy rate in India

Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India at 94%, followed by Lakshadweep at 91.85% and Mizoram at 91.33%.
According to the Ministry of Education, Bihar has the lowest literacy rate in India at 61.8%, followed by Arunachal
Pradesh at 65.3% and Rajasthan at 66.1%.
The literacy rate in rural India is 67.77 percent as compared to 84.11 percent in urban India.
women's literacy rate has jumped to 77% while India's male literacy rate stands at 84.7%.
India Justice Report 2022 : Karnataka tops states

According to the India Justice Report 2022 released in New Delhi, Karnataka tops the list of states and Union
Territories in providing access to justice.
Parameters- This study relies on overall statistics from four pillars of justice delivery:
• Police
• Judiciary
• Prisons
• Legal aid
Shortage of Judges
According to the report, as of December 2022, the high courts were functioning with only 778 judges as against the
sanctioned strength of 1,108.
The subordinate courts were functioning with 19,288 judges as against the sanctioned strength of 24,631 judges.
Case Clearance Rate (CCR)
As per reports, the High Courts are settling more cases than the subordinate courts.
The High Courts of Kerala and Odisha have the highest case disposal rates – 156% and 131%, respectively – while
the High Courts of Rajasthan (65%) and Bombay (72%) have the lowest, respectively.
Performance of States
Karnataka ranks first among 18 large and medium-sized states with a population of over one crore in terms of
delivery of justice.
Tamil Nadu is second and Telangana is third. Uttar Pradesh is at the 18th position, which is at the bottom.
Among small states, Sikkim topped the list of seven small states with less than one crore population, followed by
Arunachal Pradesh. Goa is at the bottom, at seventh position.
About India Justice Report
Tata Trusts launched the India Justice Report (IJR) in 2019.
This is the third edition.
India’s Forest cover increases by 1,540 sqkm between ISFR 2019 and ISFR
2021: FSI Report
• As per latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the total forest
cover in the country is 7,13,789 square kilometer. This is 21.71% of the
geographical area of India.
• The ISFR report is released by the Forest Survey of India (FSI),
Dehradun, biennially, since 1987 based on forest cover.
• The last survey was done in 2019.
• As per the report, between ISFR 2019 and ISFR 2021, the forest cover has increased by 1,540 square
kilometer. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• FSI is an organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, founded in June 1981.
State with largest forest cover in the country – Madhya Pradesh (77,493 sqkm)
State with largest Percentage of Geographical area under forest – Mizoram (84.53)
Maximum increase in forest cover witnessed in Andhra Pradesh (647 sq km)
State Energy Efficiency Index 2021-22 released

Developed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in collaboration with
Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).
SEEI 2021-22 consists of 50 indicators spanning 7 sectors – buildings,
industry, municipal services, transport, agriculture, DISCOMs, and cross-
sector.
36 states and union territories have been assessed for their energy
efficiency progress in FY 2020- 21 and FY 2021-22 in SEEI 2021-22.
Based on their efforts and achievements, states have been classified into
four categories: Front runner, Achiever, Contender, and Aspirant.
Front Runners (score >60)- Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan,
and Telangana
Achiever category (score between 50-60): Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Punjab
This report was released by Power Minister R. K. Singh in New Delhi.
BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) was established by the Government of India on 1st March 2002 under the
provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
Best utilization of MPLADS funds in Gujarat in FY23

• In FY23, Gujarat had the highest utilization-to-released fund ratio of MPLADS funds.
• This is according to the data that the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation presented in the
parliament.
• The other major states with the highest utilization-to-released fund ratio include Jharkhand, Karnataka,
Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
• MPLADS is a central government scheme under which MPs can
recommend development programmes of expenditure of ₹5
crore every year in their constituencies.
Who gets more money?

• Data shows that funds received from the Centre by each State
are proportional to the number of MPs that the State elects.
• For instance, Uttar Pradesh received ₹427.5 crore. The State has
80 Lok Sabha MPs.
• Uttar Pradesh is followed by Maharashtra, Bihar and West
Bengal..
Que:Which country was the highest source of foreign portfolio investor

(FPI) in India in FY23, as per National Securities Depository?
Ans: United States
• As per the data released by the National Securities Depository,
the overseas FPI inflow into Indian capital markets from
Mauritius witnessed the sharpest decline in FY23.
• The total assets under custody (AUC) from Mauritius declined
nearly 42 percent to Rs 3.25 trillion as of March 2023. This was Rs
5.55 trillion in 2022.
• Overall, FPI AUC fell 4.44 percent in FY23.
• The US was the biggest source for foreign portfolio investor (FPI)
flows in India in FY23, with total AUC of Rs 19.19 trillion.
• Singapore witnessed highest growth in FPI AUC inJoin FY23.
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The US emerges as largest trading partner of India in FY23: Commerce Ministry

According to the provisional data, released by the commerce ministry, the bilateral trade
between India and the US increased by 7.65% to USD 128.55 in 2022-23 as against USD
119.5 billion in 2021-22.
The US has emerged as India's biggest trading partner in 2022-23.
During 2022-23, India's two-way commerce with China declined by about 1.5% to USD 113.83 billion.
In 2022-23, the UAE (USD 76.16 billion) was the third largest trading partner, followed by Saudi Arabia.
ODF Plus Ranking Report

Wayanad district in Kerala has become the first district in the country to be declared ODF (open defecation-free)
Plus.
The ODF programme is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which was launched on October 2, 2014, to achieve
cleanliness and sanitation across the country.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is a national effort launched by the Government of India in 2014 to eliminate open
defecation and improve solid waste management. It is a reformed version of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan, which was
started in 2009.
• The top performing states in terms of percentage of ODF Plus villages are - Telangana (100%),
Karnataka (99.5%), Tamil Nadu (97.8%) & Uttar Pradesh (95.2%) among the big states and Goa
(95.3%) and Sikkim (69.2%) among small states, are the top performer.
• Among UTs – Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra Nagar Havelli & Daman Diu and Lakshadweep have
100% ODF Plus Model villages.
• An ODF Plus village is one which has sustained its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status along with
implementing either solid or liquid waste management systems.
Karnataka Ranked The Most ‘Innovative’ State By The National Manufacturing

Innovation Survey
Recently, the National Manufacturing Innovation Survey 2021-22 was released by the
Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The survey found that Karnataka, overall, is the most “innovative” State, followed by
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu had the highest share of innovative firms at 46.18% ,39.10% and 31.90%,
respectively
Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand reporting the lowest share of such firms at 12.78%, 13.47% and 13.71%, respectively.
The latest survey is a follow-up to DST’s first National Innovation Survey held in 2011.
Survey Report on ‘Data Governance Quality Index’

Data Governance Quality Index for 2022-2023 Q3, conducted by Development
Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) under NITI Aayog.
This survey conducted by DMEO, NITI Ayog to assess different Ministries /Departments'
performance on the implementation of Central Sector Schemes (CS) and Centrally
Sponsored Schemes (CSS)
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has secured the second position among
66 ministries.
The Ministry has achieved an impressive score of 4.7 out of 5.
The DGQI assessment covers six key areas, which are Data Generation, Data Quality,
Technology Utilization, Data Analysis, Utilization and Distribution, Data Security and HR
Capability, and Case Studies.
Mumbai Ranks Sixth in Annual Housing Price Growth Among Global Cities
Mumbai ranks 6th among 46 cities globally in terms of annual price growth of high-end
residential properties
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According to real estate consultant Knight Frank India report 'Prime Global Cities Index Q1 2023’, Mumbai had an
appreciation of 5.5% in January-March 2023.
Dubai clinched the top position globally with an increase of 44.2 % in prime residential properties values.
NITI Aayog’s Annual Health Index 2020-21:

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana emerged as the top performers among the ‘larger states’
in the NITI Aayog’s annual ‘health index’ for the Covid year of 2020-21.
NITI Aayog’s Annual Health Index:
In 2017, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) in collaboration with the
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the World Bank initiated an annual Health
Index for tracking Overall Performance and Incremental Performance across all states and
Union Territories (UTs).
Based on Overall Performance:
Larger States:
Among the 19 ‘larger states’, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana have occupied first, second and third place
respectively, in terms of overall performance.
Bihar (19th), Uttar Pradesh (18th) and Madhya Pradesh (17th) are at the bottom of the list.
Smaller States:
Among the eight smaller states, Tripura has recorded the best overall performance, followed by Sikkim and Goa;
Arunachal Pradesh (6th), Nagaland (7th) and Manipur (8th) are at the bottom.
Union Territories(UT):
And among the eight UTs, Lakshadweep has been ranked as the top performer in terms of overall performance,
while Delhi ranked at the bottom.
Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Odisha emerged as the top three performers in 2020-21, as compared to their
performance in 2019-20.
Performance Indicators:
Iindicators like neonatal mortality rate, total fertility rate, sex ratio at birth, immunization coverage, proportion of
institutional deliveries, total case notification rate of tuberculosis
Measure of health infrastructure available, including the proportion of functional 24X7 primary healthcare centers
Proportion of institutional deliveries, average occupancy (in months) of three key posts at state level, average
occupancy (in months) of the chief medical officer
Telangana ranks top on overall environmental performance: CSE Report

A non-profit Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released its annual compendium,
titled 'State of India's Environment 2023’.
It is based on four parameters i.e. environment, agriculture, public health, and infrastructure.
Telangana was ranked at the top in terms of overall environmental performance and in terms of increasing forest
cover.
In agriculture, MP takes the top slot
Delhi leads in public health.
Gujarat leads in public infrastructure.
Kerala topped the 5th State Food Safety Index among the large states
Union Helath Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled 5th State Food Safety
Index on the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2023.
Among larger states, Kerala secured the top ranking, followed by Punjab and Tamil
Nadu.
Smaller states: Goa, Manipur and Sikkim
UTs: J&K, Delhi and Chandigarh
The index has evaluated the performance of states and UTs across six different
aspects of food safety.
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The State Food Safety Index (SFSI) is an annual evaluation published by FSSAI, designed to encourage states and
union territories to improve their performance and establish strong food safety systems within their jurisdictions.
Introduced in 2018-19
Grievance Redressal Assessment And Index (GRAI) 2022:

The Union Minister of Public Grievances, and Pensions, launched the Grievance
Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2022.
Conceptualised and designed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and
Public Grievances (DARPG), Govt. of India.
Objective is to present an organisation-wise comparative picture and provide valuable insights about strengths and
areas of improvement regarding the grievance redressal mechanism.
89 Central Ministries and Departments were assessed and ranked based on a comprehensive index in the
dimensions of (1) Efficiency, (2) Feedback, (3) Domain and (4) Organisational Commitment and corresponding 12
indicators.
To compute the index, data between January and December 2022 was used from the Centralised Public Grievance
Redressal and Management System (CPGRAMS).
CPGRAMS is an online platform available to the citizens 24×7 to lodge their grievances to the public authorities on
any subject related to service delivery.
Akashvani and Doordarshan emerge as most trusted

electronic media organization in country
According to Reuters Institute's Digital News Report 2023, DD
India and All India Radio have been recognized as the most
trusted electronic media organizations in the country.
The report highlights that although overall trust in news has
decreased marginally by 3 percentage points, public
broadcasters and print brands have managed to maintain a
relatively high level of trust among the public.
Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases In India:

A recent study conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Council of
Medical Research (ICMR) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has shed light on the growing burden of non-
communicable diseases (NCDs) in India.
The study included participants from 31 states and Union Territories.
Findings:
• Goa, Puducherry, and Kerala have the highest prevalence of diabetes, with rates approaching 25-26.4%.
• Diabetes: India now has 101 million individuals with diabetes.
• Prediabetes: The study identified 136 million people with prediabetes.
• High blood pressure: 315 million individuals were found to have hypertension.
• Obesity: 254 million people were classified as generally obese
• High LDL Cholesterol: 185 million individuals had elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
• LDL is the “bad cholesterol” because too much of it in blood can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
• Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called “lipoproteins.
UAE emerges as 4th largest investor in India during FY23

• United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the fourth largest investor in India
during 2022-23, according to government data.
• UAE had signed a comprehensive free trade agreement with India in May last
year.
• Singapore was the largest investor in India with USD 17.2 billion investment in
FY23, followed by Mauritius (USD 6.1 billion) and the US (USD 6 billion).
• UAE’s investments in India are mainly in sectors like services, sea transport,
power, and construction activities. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Union Minister Pralhad Joshi unveils List of “Critical Minerals for India”.
Union Minister of Mines, Pralhad Joshi, has unveiled India's first-ever report on Critical
Minerals for India. The report identifies 30 critical minerals essential for sectors including
defense, agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, and telecom.
This comprehensive list marks a milestone in India's pursuit of self-reliance and security in
mineral resources, aligning with the vision of achieving 'Net Zero' targets.
Those critical minerals are Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium,
Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium,
Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium, and Cadmium.
National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2023 released

MoS for Education and External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh
released the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
Rankings 2023 on June 5, 2023.
IIT Madras has emerged as the top college under the overall
category for the fifth consecutive year and the best engineering
institute for the eighth consecutive year.
Top in Research category: IISc Bengaluru
Agriculture and Allied Sectors: IARI, New Delhi
Top management college: IIM-Ahmedabad
Medical category: AIIMS Delhi
Under the best university category, IISc Bangalore has topped the university rankings followed by JNU and Jamia
Millia Islamia.
Export Preparedness Index (EPI) Report, 2022

NITI Aayog released 3rd edition of Export Preparedness Index (EPI) for States/UTs of India for the year 2022
EPI assess the performance of the States and UTs across four pillars – Policy, Business Ecosystem, Export
Ecosystem, and Export Performance.
Ranking of coastal states - Tamil Nadu topped, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka
Among hilly/Himalayan states, Uttarakhand has ranked at the top position.
Haryana topped the chart among the landlocked regions, followed by Telangana, Uttar Pradesh.
In the category of union territories/small states, Goa was ranked first followed by Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi.
Floral And Faunal Database

The details of new discoveries and new records were released by Union Minister for
Environment, Forest and Climate Change adding:
• 664 animal species to its faunal (animal) database in 2022
• 339 taxa to its flora in India.
The faunal discoveries are compiled in a publication by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
titled Animal Discoveries – New Species and New Records 2023,
The floral discoveries are contained in Plant Discoveries 2022 published by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI).
The new discoveries:

About 21% of the total discoveries were made from the western Himalayas followed by 16%
from the Western Ghats.
The 664 discoveries of animal species contain 467 comprise new species and 197 new
records i.e species found in India for the first time.
The Plant Discoveries 2022, include 125 angiosperms, one gymnosperm, 5 pteridophytes, 19
bryophytes, 55 lichens, 99 fungi, 27 algae and 9 microbes.
Among the new records in orchid species, Calanthe lamellosa, earlier recorded in China and
Myanmar, was found for the first time in India in the Japfu mountain range in Kohima,
Nagaland.
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India’s first Farmers Distress Index

Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) in India has developed a unique early warning system
known as the “farmers’ distress index”.
The purpose of this index is to minimize agrarian distress, including crop loss, failure, and income shocks, which have
led to an increase in farmer suicides.
The index’s methodology involves monitoring local newspapers, news platforms, and social media for reports of
distress, followed by telephonic interviews with small and marginal farmers to assess early signs of distress using
standardized questions.
The responses are then mapped against seven indicators,

• Exposure to risks
• Debt
• Adaptive capacity
• Landholding
• Irrigation facilities
• Mitigation strategies
• Immediate triggers
• Socio-psychological factors.
Interpretation of the Index:

Based on the collected data and responses, the index will assign a value between 0 and 1 to indicate the level of
distress.
• 0 to 0.5: Low distress,
• 0.5 to 0.7: Moderate" distress
• Above 0.7: Severe" distress.
Different agencies can then carry out interventions to prevent income shocks to farmers depending on the severity
of distress.
Ministry of Education releases report on Performance Grading Index 2.0

• Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L),
Ministry of Education released the Performance Grading
Index for Districts (PGI-D) combined report for 2020-21 &
2021-22
• DoSE&L devised Performance Grading Index (PGI) for States
and released report for the reference years 2017-18 to
2020-21.
• PGI-D grades the districts into ten grades viz:
o Highest grade: Daksh (scoring more than 90% of the total points in that category or overall)
o Lowest grade: Akanshi-3 (Scores upto 10% of the total points)
No state has been found in the top-5 category of PGI.

Punjab and Chandigarh have been placed at the top position (Prachesta – 2
grade)
While on the parameters of learning outcome and quality, Rajasthan has also
topped with Punjab and Chandigarh with the highest marks.
12 states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand have made it
to the ninth category i.e. Akankshi-2.
Akanshi 3 – Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh
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IMD launches Heat Index

Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of Earth Sciences
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recently introduced the Heat Index on an
experimental basis across the entire country.
The experimental Heat Index has been launched by IMD to provide general guidance
for the regions within India where, the apparent temperature/feel like temperature
(considering the impact of humidity along with the temperature) are on the higher
side causing discomfort for the people.
Colour-coded system: The Heat Index uses a colour-coded system to indicate the
severity of weather conditions:
Green: Experimental heat index below 35 °C.
Yellow: Experimental heat index in the range of 36–45 °C.
Orange: Experimental heat index in the range of 46–55 °C.
Red: Experimental heat index above 55 °C.
Indian Meteorological Department:15 January 1875 and operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Fisheries Survey of India (FSI)

Fisheries Survey of India (FSI) surveys reveal good number of dolphins, whales on the
East Coast.
In all, 2,703 dolphins and four whales have been sighted in the coast covering Andhra
Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, (12 to 200 nautical miles).
The survey had commenced in July 2021, and would continue up to June 2024
The larger marine mammal sighting survey was conducted by various FSI zonal bases
on the East and West coasts, and the one in Port Blair, using the FSI fleet, all along the
Indian EEZ, under the guidance of R. Jeyabhaskaran, Director-General, FSI, Mumbai.
Total 10,416 dolphins of 16 species and 27 whales of four species, were sighted in the
survey
The survey was conducted as part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
PMMSY was launched on September 10, 2020, with the objective of bringing in the ‘Blue Revolution’ through
sustainable development of the fisheries sector for five years from 2020 to 2025, with a total outlay of 20,050 crore.
The Fishery Survey of India, founded in 1983 by the Government of India's Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare, for the fisheries studies, research and survey
Centre’s Report Says India Has 150 Elephant Corridors

• India has at least 150 elephant corridors spanning 15 range-
states across four elephant-bearing regions, with West
Bengal topping the list with 26 such land strips, according to
a new Union Environment Ministry report.
• The central government’s 2010 Elephant Task Force report
(Gajah report) listed 88 corridors in the country.
• An elephant corridor is a land strip facilitating the
movement of elephants between two or more viable
habitat patches.
• According to the last estimation conducted in 2017, there are
around 30,000 elephants in India, which accounts for 60 per cent of the animal’s global population.
• The latest report is an outcome of a collaborative effort between the Union Environment Ministry’s Project
Elephant and state forest departments, with technical support from the Wildlife Institute of India. Ground
validation of the 150 elephant corridors across 15 states took nearly two years to complete.
• West Bengal leads with the highest number of elephant corridors in India
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• Among the four elephant-bearing regions in India, the east-central region reported the highest number of
elephant corridors at 52, followed by the northeast region with 48 and the southern region with 32. The
northern region has the lowest number of elephant corridors at 18.
• Of the 150 reported elephant corridors, 126 are within the political boundaries of states while 19 are located
across two states. There are also six transnational corridors between India and Nepal, primarily in Uttar
Pradesh.
• Conservation Status (Asian Elephant):
• IUCN Red List: Endangered
• CITES: Appendix I.
The State Of The Rhino Report, 2023:

The greater one-horned rhino population in India and
Nepal is growing, as highlighted in the State of the Rhino
Report, 2023, by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF).
Every year, World Rhino Day is observed on 22th
September to spread awareness for all five species of rhino
and work being done to save them.
It was first announced by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) -
South Africa in 2010.
While poaching and habitat loss remain significant threats to rhinos globally, climate change is also impacting their
survival.
The collaboration among India, Bhutan, and Nepal, along with strict government protection and management, has
led to a 20 per cent increase in their population over the past decade. India is estimated to be home to 3,262 rhinos.
Female Labour Force Participation Rate Jumps to 37.0%

• Periodic Labour Force Survey Report 2022-23 released by the
Ministry of Statistics and Programme
• Female Labour Force Participation Rate in the country has
improved significantly by 4.2 percentage points to 37.0% in
2023
Sex Ratio at Birth improved from 904 in 2017-19 to 907 in 2018-20

• Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya convenes 29th Meeting of the Central Supervisory Board to reiterate the
nation’s commitment to addressing gender inequality
• Three-point improvement achieved in Sex Ratio at Birth from 904 in 2017-19 to 907 in 2018-20: Dr
Mansukh Mandaviya
• The primary concern discussed at the meeting was the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and Sex Ratio
at Birth (SRB) in the country
State Food Safety Index

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) recently released the State Food Safety Index
(SFSI) 2022-2023, which assesses the performance
of Indian states and union territories in ensuring
food safety.
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The latest index introduced a new parameter, ‘Improvement in SFSI Rank,’ altering the weights of existing
parameters and shedding light on states’ progress
over the previous year.
SFSI was started in 2018-19 to create a
competitive and positive change in the food safety
ecosystem in the country.
• Tamil Nadu emerged as the leading
state in consumer empowering
initiatives, followed by Kerala and
Madhya Pradesh.
• Gujarat and Kerala were the top
performers in Food testing category, while Andhra Pradesh performed the worst.
• In the new parameter 'Improvement in SFSI Rank,' only Punjab showed significant improvement.
System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR)
The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) is a national initiative to measure the air
quality of a metropolitan city.
Invented by - Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
SAFAR is an essential component of India's first operational Air Quality Early Warning System in Delhi.
It was created by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, India Meteorological Department (IMD),
and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF).
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act gives the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) the authority to
set air quality standards.
Alarming Rise in Road Accidents and Fatalities: India’s Road Safety Crisis
The number of road accidents in India went up by an alarming 12% to over 4.6 lakh in 2022, resulting in death of 19
persons every hour, according to a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
53 road accidents take place every hour in the country.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has set a target to reduce the number of accidents in the country and the resulting
deaths by half by 2024.
The severity of road crashes, measured by the number of people killed per 100 accidents, rose significantly from
28.2% in 2012 to 36.5% in 2022.
• Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest share of deaths at 13.4%, followed by Tamil Nadu at 10.6% and
Maharashtra at 9%. Over speeding was identified as the leading cause, accounting for a staggering
72.3% of accidents and 71.2% of deaths.
Highest Number Of Patents Granted By Indian Government In 2023-24/

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has remarked that the number of patents
awarded in 2023-24 is the greatest ever.
What is a Patent?
A patent is a government-granted exclusive right that allows the inventor to prevent
others from using, producing, or selling an invention for a certain length of time.
A patent is also attainable for further development of their prior invention.
The primary goal of enacting patent legislation is to encourage innovators to contribute
more in their profession by providing them with exclusive rights to their ideas.
Term of Patent: Every patent in India has a term of twenty years from the date of
filing
Patents Act
Patents Act, 1970 is a primary statute governing India's patenting system that went into effect in 1972. It took place
under the Indian Patents & Designs Act of 1911.
The Patents (Amendment) Act of 2005 creates a framework for product patents for food, chemicals, and
pharmaceuticals.
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Number of Patents Per Country 2023

China tops the list of patents by country, with over 695,400 international (PCT) patent applications filed every year,
followed by the United States and Japan, respectively.
Indore Ranked No 1 In Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan-2023

In the category of cities with a population of more than 10 lakhs in the Swachh
Vayu Sarvekshan -2023 conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board,
Indore has secured the first position, Agra 2nd, Thane 3rd, Srinagar 4th and
Bhopal 5th.
Parwanoo or Parwanu is a municipal council in Solan district of Himachal
Pradesh.
India Smart Cities Award Contest, 2022:

The awards are organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under
the Smart Cities Mission.
Indore has been named the best Smart City and Madhya Pradesh as the top State
for their outstanding performance in the Smart Cities Mission.
President Droupadi Murmu will felicitate the winners on 27th of September in
Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Smart Cities Mission launched on 25 June 2015, is aimed at providing core
infrastructure, clean and sustainable environment and a decent quality of life to
their citizens through the application of ‘smart solutions’
The Ministry of Jal Shakti released the report on the sixth census on minor irrigation
schemes
As per the report, 23.14 million minor irrigation (MI) schemes have been reported in
the country, out of which 21.93 million are Ground Water (GW) and 1.21 million are
Surface Water (SW) schemes.
For the first time, the information about gender of the owner of MI scheme was also
collected in case of individual ownership.
Out of all the individually owned schemes, 18.1 per cent are owned by women.
Uttar Pradesh possesses the largest number of MI schemes in the country followed by
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The same ranking of states follows for
the GW schemes.
Maharashtra leads in Surface Water schemes followed by Karnataka, Telangana,
Odisha and Jharkhand.
The report also revealed that there has been an increase of about 1.42 million in MI
schemes as compared to the previous census.
Out of 23.14 million MI schemes, 94.8% are Ground Water and (5.2% are Surface
Water Schemes
The census was conducted under the centrally sponsored scheme “Irrigation Census”.
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Detailed information on various parameters like irrigation sources, irrigation potential created, potential utilized,
ownership, holding size of land by owner, devices used for lifting water, sources of energy, energy conserving
devices, use of non-conventional energy sources such as solar pumps, wind mills etc was collected.
This report will be useful for planners, policy makers, researcher scholars, agricultural and ground water scientists &
administrators
5% of birds in India are endemic, says Zoological Survey of India publication.

Recently, the publication, titled "75 Endemic Birds of India," was released by the Zoological Survey
of India (ZSI).
According to a recent release, approximately 5% of bird species discovered in India are endemic
and do not exist in any other regions globally.
Endemic Bird Diversity in India: India is home to 1,353 bird species, which represents
approximately 12.40% of global bird diversity. Out of these 1,353 bird species, 78 (5%) are endemic to the country.
Species with no record: It was highlighted that three species have not been recorded in the last few decades. They
are the:
Manipur Bush Quail listed as ‘Endangered’ by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with its last recorded sighting
in 1907;
Himalayan Quail listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ with its last recorded sighting in 1876;
Jerdon’s Courser listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ with its last confirmed sighting in 2009.
Geographical Distribution: The Western Ghats have the highest number of endemic species (28), followed by the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands (25). The Eastern Himalayas, Southern Deccan plateau, and central Indian forest each
have a few endemic species.
Zoological Survey of India was founded on 1 July 1916 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Director - Dhriti Banerjee, Headquarter - Kolkata
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve: High Court Order To Relocate All Residents

The Madras High Court recently directed the Central government to release funds to
relocate all 495 residents of the Thengumarahada village in Tamil Nadu (TN), as the
village falls within the protected area of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, spread over
321 sq. km. at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
It is part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, the first Biosphere Reserve in India.
The name Mudumalai means “the ancient hill range”. Indeed, it is as old as
65 million years when the Western Ghats were formed.
A variety of habitats ranging from tropical evergreen forest, moist
deciduous forest, moist teak forest, dry teak forest, secondary grasslands,
and swamps are found here.
It has tall grasses, commonly referred to as “Elephant Grass”, bamboo of
the giant variety, and valuable timber species like Teak, Rosewood, etc.
The recent Oscar-winning ‘Elephant Whisperers’ was filmed at the
Theppakadu Elephant Camp, located inside the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
Punjab emerged as the top state in Nutrition Awareness Index 2023

The ‘Right To Protein’ campaign released the ‘Nutrition Awareness Index 2023’, a state-wise index assessing
awareness, affordability, and accessibility of nutrition in India as perceived by end-consumers (citizens).
Punjab emerged as the top state, scoring 11% above the national average
Bihar ranked at the bottom, scoring 10% below the national average.
The Index also found that majority Indians are unaware of vegetarian protein sources.
Haryana’s Nuh district ranks 2nd in Niti Aayog’s delta ranking

Nuh secures second place in NITI Aayog’s ‘Delta ranking’ under aspirational districts programme
Nuh tops in parameters of agriculture and water resources while in health and nutrition parameters, it comes in
second place. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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The Delta rankings for the aspirational districts measure the incremental progress made by them across the
developmental areas of health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion and
basic infrastructure.
Aspirational District Program launched in 2018
The programme aims at uplifting and developing the most socio-economically challenged districts in India
Maharashtra scored top position in fiscal health report

Based on the FY23 revised budget estimates Maharashtra secured the top position as the best state in overall fiscal
health in a report conducted by a foreign brokerage firm
The report, penned by Kaushik Das, chief economist at the Deutsche Bank, was conducted to survey the fiscal health
of 17 major states across the country
Maharashtra is followed by Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Telangana and Jharkhand.
Bottom 3 are Bengal, Punjab, and Kerala
The report is based on the four key fiscal parameters--fiscal deficit; own tax revenue, state debt levels, all as a
percentage of their individual gross state domestic product; and finally the interest payment to revenue receipts.
First delta ranking of Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) by NITI Aayog

• Tiriyani Block of Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district in Telangana has emerged as the frontrunner in the
first delta ranking of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) unveiled by NITI Aayog
• The second position was secured by Kaushambi Block in Kaushambi District, Uttar Pradesh
• Launched on January 7, 2023, the ABP aims to enhance governance and improve the quality of life for
citizens in the most challenging and relatively underdeveloped blocks across India.
• Approximately 500 blocks from 329 districts across 27 states and 4 Union Territories are part of this
programme.
• The rankings were determined based on the performance and progress of the blocks in achieving key
performance indicators (KPIs).
• also revealed the rankings for the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) for October 2023. Rayagada in Odisha
secured the first position, with Jamui in Bihar coming in second.
• NITI Aayog Vice Chairman :Shri Suman Bery
• NITI Aayog. Members NITI Aayog, Prof. Ramesh Chand, Dr. V.K. Paul and Dr. Arvind Virmani and CEO NITI Aayog,
Shri BVR Subrahmanyam
National Crime Records Bureau : Data

Delhi logged the highest rate of FIRs linked to crimes against women in the country in 2022,
the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data revealed.
After Delhi, 6,176 cases were reported in Mumbai and 3,924 in Bengaluru.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) was established in 1986 to act as a repository of
information on crime and criminals.
It comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA), Government of India.
It was set up based on the recommendations of the Tandon Committee, the National Police Commission (1977-1981)
and the Task Force of the Home Ministry.
Criminal Incidents:
In criminal cases, Uttar Pradesh is first in the entire country, Maharashtra is second, while Madhya Pradesh is third.
The highest number of murder cases, 3491, have been registered in Uttar Pradesh, followed by 2930 cases in Bihar
and 2295 cases in Maharashtra.
In a recent report published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Kolkata has emerged as the safest city in
India for the third consecutive year.
Maximum cases of Pasco:

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According to the report, a maximum of 20 thousand 762 cases of child exploitation (POCSO) has been registered in
Maharashtra.
After this, 20415 crimes were registered in Madhya Pradesh and 18682 crimes were registered in Uttar Pradesh.
Cases related to financial fraud increased by 11.1 %.
Cyber crime increased by 24.4 %.
Logistics Performance Index 2023

• Logistics Ease in Various States (LEADS) Report 2023 has been released by Commerce and Industry
Minister Piyush Goyal
• LEADS is an indigenous data-driven index to assess logistics infrastructure, services and human
resources across all 36 states and union territories.
• The logistics sector will play an important role in taking the country's economy to approximately US$
35 trillion by 2047.
• The country's logistics costs are estimated to rise between 7.8% and 8.9%.
• The first logistics report was released in 2018.
• The fifth LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different
States) 2023 report ranks states based on their
logistics ecosystem.
• Three performance categories:
• Achievers Category: States/UTs achieving 90%
or more
• Fast Movers Category: States/UTs scoring
between 80-90%
• Aspirers Category: States/UTs scoring less than
80 % marks have been placed in this category.
• Coastal Group
• Achievers- Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu
• Fast Movers- Kerala, Maharashtra
• Aspirers- Goa, Odisha, West Bengal
• Landlocked Group
• Achievers- Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, Uttar
Pradesh
• Fast Movers- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
Uttarakhand
• Aspirers- Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand
• North-East Group
• Achievers- Assam, Sikkim, Tripura
• Fast Movers- Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland
• Aspirers- Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram
• Union Territories
• Achievers- Chandigarh, Delhi
• Fast Movers- Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Puducherry
• Aspirers- Daman & Diu/ Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh
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International Index & Reports

Henley Passport Index 2023
Japan retained top position as the most favourable passport in the world - visa-free
entry to 193 global destinations.
Japan is at the top for the fifth year in a row.
Singapore and South Korea are joint second in the ranking, followed by Germany and
Spain.
Compared to last year India's position has improved by two points. India is at 85th
position in the ranking.
An Indian passport holder can travel visa-free to 59 countries, although in 2022 the number was 60.
QS World University Rankings 2024: Chandigarh University ranked number 1 in India

45 Indian universities have featured in the 20th edition of the QS rankings
All-India rank of Chandigarh University is 20 – among all public and private institutes.
The university also stood at 233rd spot in Asia.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has emerged as the number one ranked
Indian public institute
Last year, Chandigarh University became the Youngest University to feature in the Top
200 QS Asia University Rankings 2023.
QS Asia University Rankings 2024
India surpassed China with the highest number of universities listed in the QS Asia University Rankings 2024
released.
The rankings show the highest number of 37 new entrants from India with seven Indian universities ranked among
the top 100 Asian universities.
India is now the most represented higher education system with 148 featured universities, according to the QS Asia
University Rankings 2024. Compared to 148 Indian institutions, the number from China is 133 and Japan is 96.
Peking University From China (Mainland) Retains Its Top-most Position. The University Of Hong Kong In The Second
Position And The National University Of Singapore In The Third Place.
• The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, continues to retain its top ranking in India.
Times Higher Education (THE) Releases World University Rankings 2024

• Times Higher Education has unveiled its World University Rankings for 2024, encompassing 1,904
universities from across 108 countries and regions.(20th edition)
• A total of 91 Indian universities have secured spots in the World University Rankings 2024
• The most prominent Indian university in these rankings is the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Bangalore, which has secured the top spot for the first time since 2017.
• However, the top Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) have continued their boycott of the rankings for
the fourth consecutive year.
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• India has also risen to become the fourth most well-represented nation in the 2024 rankings, moving
up from sixth place last year.
• The University of Oxford has clinched the top spot for an eighth consecutive year.
Bloomberg annual ranking of B-Schools 2023-24 released

The Bloomberg Businessweek Best B-Schools Ranking 2023-24 which was released includes India B-schools among
the top five ranks.
Hong Kong HKUST bagged the top rank in the Asia Pacific B-School rankings category,
Shanghai University of Finance and Economics secured second position and CIEBS at third rank.
In the overall Asia Pacific B-school rankings category, IIM Bangalore clinched 4th position followed by the Indian
School of Business (ISB) at 5th position.
Financial Times global ranking puts IIMK among top four schools in India
According to the Financial Times Ranking 2023, IIM Kozhikode has been placed among the
top 4 schools in India and among the top 75 schools worldwide for its Open Enrolment
Executive Education Programme.
IIM Kozhikode has been ranked 72 among the top 75 providers of open-enrolment
executive programs globally.
While IIM Ahmedabad ranked 45, IIM Bangalore at 47, and Indian School of Business at 65.
Topped by: Iese Business School, Spain, followed by HEC Paris.
Internet Resilience Index

According to the global non-profit organisation Internet Society
India achieved an overall score of 43% in the Internet Resilience Index (IRI), ranking
sixth in the South Asian region.
Counties like Bhutan (58 percent), Bangladesh (51 percent), Maldives (50 percent), Sri
Lanka (47 percent), and Nepal (43 percent) are ahead of India in the IRI ranking.
According to the four pillars that make up the IRI, India scores 31 per cent in infrastructure, 40 per cent in
performance, 66 per cent in security, and 35 per cent in market readiness.
India Ranks Third In Global Unicorn Rankings With 72 Unicorns

India ranks third in global unicorn rankings with 72 unicorn companies, while the United States is on top with 668
unicorn companies, and China follows as the second with 172 unicorn companies.
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India’s unicorns play a pivotal role in the global unicorn landscape, contributing a
substantial 5% to the total valuation of unicorn companies worldwide.
The first Indian company to make an appearance in global rankings is BYJU’s, which stands
at 36th place with a valuation of $11.50 billion.
Bengaluru Tops In Women Led Startups

India’s startup landscape has witnessed remarkable growth, emerging as the third-largest
hub in the world, following the United States and China.
According to the data of Traxon, Bengaluru is at the forefront of women-led startups, with
1,783 ventures, followed by Mumbai (1,480) and Delhi (1,195).
It became the first state in India to provide a grant-in-aid of Rs. 50 lakh to encourage
innovators in need of early-stage funding, without taking equity in return.
The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023:

Released by Startup Genome, a policy advisory and research organization.
The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023 (GSER 2023) is an in-depth analysis
of startup ecosystems worldwide.
It provides insights into leading ecosystems, emerging trends, and challenges
faced by entrepreneurs.
Silicon Valley (1st), New York City and London (both 2nd) maintain their top
positions in the global startup ecosystem rankings.
Chinese ecosystems have experienced a decline in rankings.
India has become the 3rd largest start-up ecosystem in the world after
the US and China.
Indian ecosystems, particularly Mumbai, Bengaluru-Karnataka, and Delhi,
have shown positive growth in the rankings.
Mumbai move 5 places up at ranked 31.while Bengaluru & Delhi moved 2
placed up were ranked 20th and 24th resp. in terms of Startups
India is home to as many as 75,000 Startups.
India has moved up from 81st (2015) to 46th in 2021 among 130 economies of the world.
In terms of fintech unicorns, the US leads the world, with India coming
in third.
With 17 such businesses, India now ranks third in the world for the
quantity of financial technology (fintech) unicorns.
Taking the top two spots in terms of quantity and overall value,
respectively, the United States and the United Kingdom continue to
dominate the fintech industry.
There are 134 fintech unicorns in the U.S., compared to 27 in the UK.
Additionally, the Silicon Valley is still a major finance hub.
Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), 2023:

The Global Talent Competitiveness Index has seen India fall sharply from rank 83 ten years ago to rank 103 in its
latest report out recently. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) measures how countries grow, attract, and retain talent.
It is an annual benchmarking report published by the prestigious chain of business schools, INSEAD.
The 10th edition of the report covers 134 countries around the world across all income groups.
Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States are among the top three countries on the index.
India is ranked 103, the worst among that of the BRICS countries. China remains at the top of the BRICS group of
countries at rank 40.
India ranks 2nd in employee well-being, Japan lowest

The survey was conducted by McKinsey Health Institute, and it assessed employees’
physical, mental, social and spiritual health before arriving at the conclusions.
A recent global survey has ranked Turkey at the top and India at second spot while
keeping Japan at lowest for employees.
Turkey scored highest at 78%, followed by India at 76% and China at 75 %, way higher
than the global average of 57 per cent.
Japan scored a mere 25 per cent in the poll.
India ranked 117th among 129 nations in inclusiveness index by US varsity

India is ranked 117th in the list of 129 countries in the world in the inclusiveness index published by the Othering and
Belonging Institute (OBI) at California University, United States.
New Zealand finished first in the index for the second consecutive year.
Portugal recorded its best showing by securing second place followed by the Netherlands in third place.
The index examines inclusivity in terms of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and the general
population using several measures.
• India was ranked last (129) in religion inclusiveness, 121st in gender, 108th in disability, 87th in race,
40th in the general population, and 39th in LGBTQ.
• Iran was placed at the bottom of the global list.
• OBI has been publishing the inclusiveness index from 2016 ranking the countries by their levels of
inclusion using a number of indicators.
• Recent index
• Global Pension Index 2023 – India ranked 45; Topped by Netherland
• Global Hunger Index 2023 – India ranked 111th
• Global Innovation Index 2023 -India at 40th; topped by Switzerland
• World Talent Ranking 2023 – India ranked 56th; topped by Switzerland
• World’s Freest Economy Report – Rank 1. Singapore, 2. Hong Kong, 3. Switzerland, 4. New Zealand, 5. US
Global Tiger Recovery Program 2.0 : Report

As per the report submitted under the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP)
2.0 overall tiger population increased 60%.
Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) was launched in 2010 under the Global
Tiger Initiative (GTI) by the World Bank to save wild tigers.
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This initiative set up the ambitious target of reversing the rapid decline of wild tigers across their range and doubling
their population numbers by 2022.
• The first GTRP helped to pull focus to wild tiger conservation and secure a
collective commitment from TRCs.
• It was endorsed in the St Petersburg Declaration in 2010 which saw 13 tiger range
countries committing to reverse the decline of the species population.
• The 13 tiger range countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China,India,
Indonesia, Lao PDR Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• It aims to pave the way for tiger conservation from 2023-2034.
Kempegowda International Airport Tops Global On-Time Performance Rankings

• The Bengaluru International Airport has been recognised for its on
time departures in the latest report published by aviation analytics
firm Cirium.
• In the report, titled ‘The On-Time Performance Monthly Report’, the
firm noted that the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in
Bengaluru has been the “world's most punctual airport” for the past
three months consecutively.
• Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport was the only other Indian airport among the top five,
and in the overall list.
India’s rank on Global Pension Index falls to 45 out of 47 countries

India dropped from the 41st position out of 44 countries in the 2022 Global Pension Index to the 45th spot out of 47
countries in 2023.
Recently, the 15th edition of the Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index (MCGPI) unveiled the worldwide
rankings of retirement income systems.
The Netherlands had the highest overall index value (85.0), closely
followed by Iceland (83.5) and Denmark (81.3). Argentina had the lowest
index value (42.3).
Mumbai second most polluted major global city as air quality worsens
Mumbai was the second most polluted city among 109 places tracked by
IQAir, a Swiss technology company measuring air quality in real-time.
Beijing, meanwhile, took the top spot.
The air quality index (AQI) score is based on the US system where a score of between 0-50 is good, 51-100 is
moderate, 101-150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 is unhealthy, 201-300 is very unhealthy and >301 is
hazardous.
The concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Mumbai was
14.7 times the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline .In Delhi,
it was 9.8 times the guideline value.
The top 5 Cities in the world are:
Beijing
Mumbai
Karachi
Jerusalem
Shenyang
Mumbai Secures 19th Spot, Bengaluru 22nd And New Delhi 25th In The Knight Frank Index
• Indian cities Mumbai and Bengaluru jumped from 95th and 77th positions to 19th and 22nd positions,
respectively, on a global index measuring housingJoin
price appreciation
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• The firm analysed the inflation in housing prices across several cities in the world in a report called the
‘Global Residential Cities Index Q2 2023’
• Chennai and Kolkata were placed in the 39th and 40th position, respectively
• Turkish capital Ankara leads Knight Frank’s Global Residential Cities Index Q2 2023 with the highest
growth rate of 105.9 percent, followed by Istanbul at 85.1 percent. Stockholm ranked the lowest in
terms of price appreciation (-14.3.0%) on the Global Residential Cities Index.
Delhi emerges as India’s most air polluted city, Aizawl has cleanest air: Respirer Living Sciences
• The analysis conducted by independent think tank Climate Trends and tech firm Respirer Living
Sciences, that manufactures real-time IoT-based air quality monitoring devices, showed that Aizawl
and Mizoram have India's cleanest air with a PM2.5 level of only 11.1 micrograms per cubic metre.
• Delhi's PM2.5 concentration stood at a staggering 100.1 micrograms per cubic meter, which is three
times higher than the government's established safe limit.
• Patna was the second-most polluted city, followed by Muzaffarpur, Faridabad, Noida
• The report's focus was on cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme, which is aimed at
achieving a 40 percent reduction in particulate matter concentration by 2026.
India surpasses Japan and UK in global mobile speed ranking

India has been ranked 47th out of 145 countries in the global mobile internet
speed rankings by Ookla, the US based company behind Speedtest of internet
connection.
Here are top-5 countries with fastest mobile speed as per Ookla:
UAE
Qatar
Kuwait
Norway
Denmark
Bhiwandi, Kolkata, Arrah among world’s 10 cities with slowest traffic

• Three of the world's 10 slowest cities in terms of traffic speeds are in India,
according to the findings by a US-based private non-profit research
organisation.
• As per the report, Bhiwandi in Maharashtra, Kolkata, and Bihar's Arrah are
among the 10 slowest cities in the world on the speed index.
• The study, conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER),
covered over 1,200 cities in 152 countries.
• According to the report — ‘The Fast, the Slow and the Congested: Urban Transportation in Rich And
Poor Countries’ — the average travel speed of motor vehicles throughout the day is the highest in Flint
(US), slowest in Bangladesh capital Dhaka, and is the most congested in Bogota (Colombia).
• Bhiwandi ranked 5th in the world’s 20 slowest cities on the speed index, followed by Kolkata (6th)
Arrah (7th), Bihar Sharif (11th) , Mumbai (13th), Aizawl (18th), Bengaluru (19th) and Shillong (20th).
India ranks 111th on Global Hunger Index 2023

• India has been placed at the 111th position out of 125 countries in the
Global Hunger Index (GHI) for 2023
• The Global Hunger Index released by Concern Worldwide and Welt
Hunger Hilfe, non-government organisations from Ireland and Germany
respectively
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• India even below its neighbouring countries Pakistan (102th), Bangladesh (81st), Nepal (69th) and Sri
Lanka (60th)
• This year's index showed a four-place slip as in 2022 India ranked 107th out of 121
• With a score of 28.7 on the Global Hunger Index-2023, India has a serious level of serious hunger
• As per the index, India also has the highest child wasting rate in the world at 18.7 percent, reflecting
acute undernutrition. Wasting is measured based on children’s weight relative to their height.
• While the rate of undernourishment in India stood at 16.6 percent and under-five mortality at 3.1
percent, the prevalence of anaemia in women aged between 15 and 24 years stood at 58.1 percent.
• The Women and Child Development Ministry said the index suffers from “serious methodological issues and
shows a malafide intent”.
• Three out of the four indicators used for calculation of the index are related to the health of children and
cannot be representative of the entire population.
• Belarus, Bosnia, Chile, China and Croatia are the top five countries in GHI 2023.
• Chad, Niger, Lesotho, Congo, Yemen, Madagascar, and Central African Republic are the countries ranked at the
bottom of the index.
Hurun report: India retains third spot as a unicorn hub.

In business, a unicorn is a privately held startup company valued at over US$1
billion. The term was first published in 2013, coined by venture capitalist Aileen
Lee
India has retained its 3rd spot as the country with the highest number of unicorns
worldwide after the US and China.
With 68 new unicorns, India lags behind the US and China, which have 666 and
316 unicorns, respectively.
According to the report, BYJU’s is the top-most unicorn in India, with a valuation
of $22 billion, followed by Swiggy and Dream11, valued at $8 billion each.
India's total tally of new unicorns in 2023 increased by 47% since pre-Covid.
A further 70 unicorns were started by Indian co-founders outside of India, taking
the total to 138 unicorns founded by Indians around the world.
The Hurun unicorn list found 1,361 unicorns in the world, up by 29% in the last year
Hurun Global Rich List 2023 released

According to the 2023 M3M Hurun Global Rich List, released by Hurun India and M3M India, the Chairman of
Reliance, Mukesh Ambani is the only Indian in the world's top 10 billionaires list (rank 9).
The list is topped by Elon Musk, followed by Jeff Bezos, Bernard Arnault, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Sergey Brin.
Indian billionaires list:
• Gautam Adani and family (Rank 23)
• Cyrus S Poonawalla (Rank 46)
• Shiv Nadar and family (Rank 50)
• Lakshmi N Mittal (Rank 76)
Shiv Nadar Tops The Hurun India Philanthropy List 2023
• HCLTech founder Shiv Nadar retained the title for the
third time in five years, having donated Rs 2,042 crore.
Richest Indian according to Hurun India Rich List 2023:
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Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani overtook Gautam Adani and reclaimed the title of the richest Indian,
according to Hurun India Rich List 2023.
Adani's wealth fell significantly due to the effect of the
Hindenburg report on the group’s shares.
Cyrus S Poonawalla and family remained in third position.
Industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and family and Niraj
Bajaj and family re-entered the top 10.
Forbes World’s Best Employers list 2023

NTPC shines as the only Indian PSU to feature in Forbes “World’s Best Employers 2023” List in the Forbes World’s
Best Employers list 2023
It ranked 261st out of top 700 companies in the World ranking and is the only Indian PSU to figure in the list.
Samsung’s repeat No. 1 ranking
2nd:Microsoft
3rd:Alphabet
India Ageing Report 2023

• UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) India, in collaboration with the
International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), unveiled the highly
anticipated "India Ageing Report 2023."
• This report sheds light on the challenges, opportunities and institutional
responses surrounding elderly care in India, as India navigates a demographic
shift towards an ageing population.
• Estimated a decadal growth rate of 41% for the elderly
population in India and by 2050, the elderly population will
make up over 20% of India’s total population.
• More than 40% of India’s elderly population is in the poorest
wealth quintile, and around 18.7% of them live without any
income such levels of poverty may affect their quality of life
and healthcare utilisation.
• The report projected that by 2046, the size of the elderly
population in India will be higher than that of children aged
0–14.
• The ageing index measures the number of elderly (60+
years) per 100 children population (below 15 years)
TIME’s ‘The World’s Best Companies Of 2023’ List

• Infosys, the Bengaluru-headquartered IT services provider, has found a place in TIME's ‘The World’s
Best Companies of 2023' list, and is the only Indian firm to rank in top 100.
• It was founded in 1981 by four engineers, including NR Narayana Murthy; the billionaire's son-in-law is
Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of the United Kingdom.
• India's second-largest IT company in terms of revenue
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Rank Company Country Overall score
1. Microsoft United States 96.46
2. Apple United States 96.36
3. Alphabet United States 95.18
4. Meta Platforms United States 94.85
5. Accenture Ireland 94.43
Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani top the Fortune India Rich List for 2023
Mukesh Ambani, the patriarch of Reliance Industries (RIL), have secured the top position on the
Fortune India Rich List 2023, with wealth of $99.7 billion
Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group of companies, secured second position with a
wealth of $63.71 billion.
With a wealth of $34.6 billion, the Mistry family of Shapoorji Pallonji Group holds the third position
on the list
The Poonawalla family with a wealth of $32.9 billion, stands fourth.
Switzerland ranked No. 1 in the World Best Countries Report 2023

Switzerland has once again claimed the title of the world's best country in 2023, according to the
latest World Report's annual Best Countries rankings.
This marks Switzerland's second consecutive year at the pinnacle and its sixth time overall as the
No. 1 nation on the list.
The rankings are Canada at No. 2, Sweden at No. 3, Australia at No. 4, the United States at No. 5,
and India at No. 30
The United States has slipped one spot compared to its 2022 ranking.
India Ranked 52nd in Digital Quality of Life Index

India has been ranked 52nd out of 121 countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index
Survey 2023.
The annual survey by the Netherlands-based firm has ranked 121 countries on five
factors: internet quality, internet affordability, e-infrastructure, e-government, and
e-security.
In Asia, India takes 13th place, with Singapore the leader in the region.
5th annual Digital Quality of Life Index shows an increase of seven ranks from 59th to 52nd. France hits the top
position, followed by Finland, Denmark, and Germany. Singapore tops the list in terms of Asia.
India ranks first in 2023 Global Crypto Adoption Index

India has been ranked first in the 2023 Global Crypto Adoption Index, released annually by crypto analysis firm
Chainalysis.
India’s rank has jumped from 4th place in 2022 to 1st in 2023.
Overall 154 nations were ranked in grassroots crypto adoption.
The ranking shows how average people in a country are adopting and using crypto in their daily lives.
Top 5 Countries in Crypto Adoption:
India
Nigeria
Vietnam
United States
Ukraine
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India Ranks 40th In Global Innovation Index 2023

• India has maintained its 40th rank in the latest Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023 released by the
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), making it a leading position holder among the lower
middle-income country group.
• The country ranked first among the 37 lower-middle group income and first among the 10 economies
in Central and South America.
• The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has also been collaborating in India's journey towards an
innovation-driven economy. This year, the NITI Aayog, in partnership with the CII and the World
Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), is hosting, virtually, the India Launch of the GII 2023 on 29th
September 2023.
• For the 13th year in a row, Switzerland is the most innovative economy in 2023 followed by Sweden, the United
States, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
• The launch session will be graced by many senior dignitaries including :
• Shri Suman Bery, Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog
• Shri BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog
• Mr. Daren Tang, Director General, WIPO
• Dr. Nausad Forbes, Chairman, CII National Committee on Technology, Innovation & Research
India Slips Four Spots To 56th Position In 2023 World Talent Ranking
• Out of 64 economies, India has slipped four spots to 56th position, compared to
its 52nd position in 2022, in the 2023 World Talent Ranking, according to the
International Institute for Management Development (IMD) release.
• The IMD World Talent Ranking considers various factors, including quality of
life, statutory minimum wage, and primary and secondary education.
• In the IMD World Talent Ranking 2023, Switzerland ranked on top, while Luxembourg
was in second place, followed by Iceland, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
• The United States is ranked 15th, while China is at 41st place, and the UK ranks 35th.
Brazil (63rd) and Mongolia (64th) occupy the bottom two spots.
world's freest economy

Hong Kong's 53-year reign as the most open economy in the world has come to an end as Singapore has surpassed
Hong Kong to take the top spot, according to a report published by the Canadian think tank Fraser Institute,
Hong Kong ranked second for the first time in the Economic Freedom of the World Index, which has been measuring
economic freedom since 1970.
The ease of international trade is one of the many elements the index considers when rating economic freedom.
Rankings of other major countries
Taiwan (11th), Japan (20th), Germany (23rd), Korea (42nd), France (47th), Italy (53rd), Mexico (68th), India (87th),
Russia (104th), Brazil (90th), and China (111th).
The ten lowest-rated countries
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Republic of Congo, Algeria, Argentina, Libya, Iran, Yemen, Sudan,

Syria, Zimbabwe, and, lastly, Venezuela.
• Top 5 Freest Economies:
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• United States
• Venezuela’s Ranking: Venezuela ranked at the bottom of
the index, once again, indicating its lack of economic freedom.
India loses 1.5 million lives every year: FICCI-EY report

According to a FICCI-EY report - 1st rank in road fatalities is held by India (11 percent share in the world). Every
year India loses 1.5 million lives in road crashes.
Globally, at least one life is lost every 24 seconds due to road traffic injury, according to report.
As per WHO, road crash is the 8th leading cause of death with more than 1.3 billion deaths and 50 million serious
injuries. It is the leading cause of death amongst youth and kids aged 5 to 29 years.
India is a signatory to the Brasilia Declaration which aims to half the number of global deaths and injuries from
road traffic crashes by 2030.
135 mn Indians came out of poverty trap in five years: Niti Aayog report
NITI Aayog released the 'National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A
Progress of Review 2023' in New Delhi.
As per the report, India witnessed 13.5 crore people moving out of
multidimensional poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21 with the fastest
reduction in UP, Bihar, MP, Odisha, and Rajasthan.
The National MPI measures deprivations across three equally weighted
dimensions of health, education, and standard of living that are
represented by 12 SDG-aligned indicators.
Shift In Snowfall To Rainfall : Study

According to a recent study, the Himalayas Mountains and other mountains
across the Northern Hemisphere are likely to see 15% more rain for every 1-
degree Celsius rise.
This switch from snowfall to rainfall could increase the risk of disasters such as
floods, landslides, and soil erosion.
The Himalayas and the North American Pacific Mountain ranges, including the
Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and coastal ranges from Canada to Southern
California are more threatened than the Rockies or the Alps.
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United States has world’s most powerful military

The US has the strongest military force in the world, with Russia and
China in second and third and India in fourth place, according to
Global Firepower’s (a data website that tracks global defense-related
information), 2023 Military Strength list.
5 nations with the most powerful militaries in the world-
United States (most), Russia, China, India, United Kingdom
5 nations with the least powerful militaries in the world-
Bhutan (least), Benin, Moldova, Somalia, Liberia
IMO sets 2050 as net zero target

International Maritime Organisation (IMO) agreed on a “flexible” net zero target of
2050 for the global shipping industry.
The IMO also agreed to reduce emissions by at least 20% by 2030, and by at least
70% by 2040.
The International Maritime Organization is a specialised agency of the United Nations
responsible for regulating shipping.
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Founded: 17 March 1958
'Ozone UV Bulletin' released by WMO

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issues Ozone and UV
bulletins at an interval of seven years. According to which the ozone
layer is continuously improving.
According to the information given by WMO, with the help of Montreal
Protocol and amendments made from time to time, the use of substances
that damage the ozone layer has been limited by 99 percent.
The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty on the prevention of
substances that deplete the ozone layer.
International Initiative for the Protection of the Ozone Layer:
The 1985 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer provided a framework for international
cooperation on ozone protection.
The Montreal Protocol which was adopted in the year 1987 is a worldwide agreement to stop the production of
ozone-depleting substances.
The Montreal Protocol has been signed by 197 parties of the world.
Four Indian Women Shine In BBC 100 Women 2023 List

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) recently unveiled its 11th edition of
the BBC 100 Women list for 2023, featuring inspiring and influential women
from various fields around the world.
BBC 100 Women 2023 includes four Indian women viz. Actress Dia Mirza,
Cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, Photographer Arati Kumar Rao, and Tibetan
Buddhist nun Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.
Nirmala Sitharaman And Three Other Indians Secure Spots On Forbes’ “World’s
100 Most Powerful Women” Of 2023
• Nirmala Sitharaman (32nd), HCL's Roshni Nadar Malhotra (60th), SAIL's
Soma Mondal (70th) and Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-
Shaw (76th)
• Politicians topped the list, occupying the first four spots, with Ursula von
der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the number 1
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position. She is followed by European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, US Vice President
Kamala Harris and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
4 Indian-origin among 100 richest American women: Forbes
In July 2023, 4 Indian-origin women have found a place in America's 100 richest
women released by Forbes:
Jayshree Ullal (15th position): President and CEO of computer networking firm
Arista Networks
Neerja Sethi (25th rank): IT consulting and outsourcing firm Synte
Neha Narkhede (ranked 50): co-founder and former CTO of Confluent, a streaming
data technology company
Indra Nooyi (77th position): Former PepsiCo chairperson.
415 million people exited poverty in India in 15 years: UN report

According to the latest Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), by UNDP, around 415 million people exited
poverty within a span of just 15 years between 2005 and 2021 in India.
The report noted that deprivation in all indicators declined in India and “the poorest States and groups, including
children and people in disadvantaged caste groups, had the fastest absolute progress.
It monitors both poverty reduction and how people experience poverty in different aspects of their daily lives
WHO: Unsafe WASH behind 395,000 deaths of children under 5 in 2019

As per the WHO report, Unsafe drinking Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) were
responsible for 395,000 deaths among children under the age of five in 2019.
Report title: Burden of Disease Attributable to unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and
Hygiene: 2019 Update
Out of these, 273,000 deaths are attributed to diarrhea, while 112,000 deaths are from
acute respiratory infections.
Half of the world’s population still does not have adequate access to WASH.
QS ranking on world’s best cities for students: No Indian city in top 100, Mumbai 118th
Mumbai has been ranked as the best Indian city for students in the QS Best Student Cities
2024 ranking. However, its global ranking dropped to 118, indicating a decline from the
previous year’s position.
Mumbai was followed by Delhi (132), Bangalore at (147)
The QS Best Student Cities ranking compares 160 premier educational destinations
Cities must have a minimum population of 250,000 and at least two universities in the QS World University rankings
to be considered for the QS city ranks.
India doubles its share of global commercial services exports from 2005 to 2022 : Report
According to a World Bank and WTO report, India has doubled its share of global
commercial services exports to 4.4% in 2022 from 2% in 2005.
Report title: Trade in services for development
China has also improved its share from from 3% in 2005 to 5.4% in 2022,
According to the report, foreign patients from developed countries such as the
United Kingdom and the United States, as well as from developing countries such
as Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka visit India in search of less costly, high-quality
treatment.
World Investment Report 2023: FDI in Developing Asia Remains Flat at $662 Billion in 2022
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United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

(UNCTAD) recently released its World Investment Report 2023,
providing insights into foreign direct investment (FDI) trends in
developing countries.
In 2022, FDI in developing countries in Asia reached a total of
$662 billion, representing no change compared to the previous
year.
The report also highlighted a global decline of 12% in FDI to
$1.3 trillion in 2022.
Among the developing countries in Asia, 80% incoming FDI was
highly concentrated in a few countries, namely, China (and Hong Kong), Singapore, India, and UAE
During 2022, FDI inflows to India rose by 10% on an annual basis to $49 billion, while China registered a 5% yearly
growth to $189 billion.
‘Global Peace Index 2023’ : India stands at 126

‘Global Peace Index 2023’ report released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
Afghanistan is the least peaceful country in the world for the fifth consecutive year, followed
by Yemen, Syria, Russia, and South Sudan
Iceland is most peaceful country followed by Denamrk, Ireland.
Recent index
India stands at 126 ranks out of 163 countries.
Other Indices:
• Global Competitiveness Index 2023: India ranked 40; topped by Denmark
• Global Gender Gap Index 2023: India ranked 127; topped by Iceland
SIPRI : Annual Assessment

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released its annual assessment,
highlighting the increase in nuclear weapons as countries pursue force modernization and
expansion plans.
Findings :
Nine nuclear-armed states USA, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North
Korea, Israel. USA and Russia possess almost 90% of all nuclear weapons
Deployed Nuclear Warheads: USA (Largest number)> Russia> France > UK
Total Inventory of Nuclear Warheads Russia is (Highest total inventory)> USA>
China
Countries with No Deployed Nuclear Warheads are India, China, Pakistan, North
Korea and Isreal
India’s Nuclear Warhead Stockpiles is 164
SIPRI is an independent international institute based in Stockholm.
The number of refugees globally stood at 35.3 million by the end of 2022
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
report, the number of refugees globally stood at 35.3 million by the end of
2022.
It also shows an increase in the number of more than 8 million from the
year before.
Around 52% of all refugees came from Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.
According to international law, refugees are people who are forced to flee their home countries to escape
persecution or a serious threat to their life or freedom.
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Report On Children And Armed Conflict:

• First time since 2010, the United Nations Secretary-General has removed India
from the 2023 report on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) in view of measures
taken by the Indian government to protect children.
• India was previously accused of recruiting and using boys in armed groups in J&K.
• In 2022, a higher number of violations against children were confirmed in J&K.
• Countries recording the highest number of violations -Democratic Republic of
the Congo (DRC), Israel, the State of Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Yemen.
Report on Children And Armed Conflict (CAAC):

• 25 years ago, in December 1996, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) took the unprecedented decision to create
a mandate to protect children from hostilities and adopted resolution 51/77 which created the CAAC mandate.
• Objective - Strengthen the protection of children affected by armed conflict, raised awareness, promote the
collection of information about the plight of children affected by war and foster international cooperation to
improve their protection.
• The report also mentioned the detention, killing, and injuring of children by security forces
India ranks first in LEED Zero-certified green building projects

According to the Green Business Certification Inc. India ranks first globally in LEED Zero-certified green building
projects surpassing the US and China.
LEED Certification:
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is the world’s most widely used green building rating
system in the world.
• This certification provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which
offer environmental, social and governance benefits.
• It is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.
• Projects are awarded points: Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points) and Platinum
(80+ points).
India ranks 127 in Gender Gap Index 2023

According to a Gender Gap Index 2023, released by World Economic Forum, India has been ranked 127 out of 146
countries, up by 8 positions from 135 in 2022.
India's neighbouring countries rank: Bangladesh (59), Bhutan (103), China (107), and Pakistan (142)
For the 14th year running, Iceland (91.2%) takes the top position.
While Norway ranked 2nd, followed by Finland, and Sweden.
India ranks 67th on WEF’s Energy Transition Index

According to World Economic Forum's 2023 report, India & Singapore are only
major economies showing transition momentum by advancing sustainability,
energy security & equity in balanced way.
India jumped 20 places to the 67th position among 120 countries in the ‘Energy
Transition Index’ (ETI)
In 2021, India was at the 87th position among 115 countries.
Sweden topped the list and was followed by Denmark, Norway, Finland and
Switzerland in the top five.
Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) 2023 released

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released the Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) 2023, which
covered 85% of the global population.
It seeks to comprehend the systematic disadvantages and discrimination faced by girls and women worldwide.
It tracked people’s attitudes towards women in four dimensions: political, educational, economic and physical
integrity.
The index has revealed that close to 9 out of 10 men and women hold fundamental
Join @parcham_CA for morebiases against women.
free pdfs
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The report reveals a shocking stagnation in the GSNI score over the past decade, despite numerous movements
advocating for gender empowerment and representation.
UNDP report says around 92.39 per cent of people in India justify intimate partner violence in some way or believe
women should not have reproductive rights.
Around 75.09 per cent of the population in India holds an economic bias against women’s right to work and their
rank in the workplace
The report emphasises that gender biases are deeply ingrained in society and hinder gender equality.
India ranks 122nd out of 191 countries in the Gender Inequality Index, which reflects the inequality between men
and women
Pakistan, Afghanistan among global hunger hotspots: UN report
Report titled: UN's Hunger Hotspots – FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity (June to November 2023
outlook)
Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar, are among the hunger hotspots in the world.
Highest Concern Nations: Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen
Very High Concern Nations: Pakistan, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Congo, and Syria
The World Food Programme is an international organization within the United Nations that provides food assistance
worldwide. It is the world's largest humanitarian organization and the leading provider of school meals. Founded in
1961, WFP is headquartered in Rome.
Que:What is the rank of Reliance Industries Limited in Forbes Global 2000 Top
Companies list?
Ans:45th
Forbes Global 2000 ranks the largest companies in the world using four metrics:
sales, profits, assets, and market value.
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries climbs 8 spots to 45th rank on Forbes’ Global
2000 list
JPMorgan, America’s biggest bank is at the top of the list for the first time since
2011
In all, 55 Indian firms figured on the list.
TIME's 100 most influential companies: Two Indian firms in the list
Two Indian companies, Meesho and National Payments Corporation of India
NPCI, made it to this year's TIME's 100 most influential companies under the
‘pioneer’ category.
The list is divided into five categories titled: Leaders, Disruptors, Innovators,
Titans, and Pioneers. Each category has 20 companies listed under it.
“Bangalore-based Meesho, the most-downloaded shopping app in the world.
Vidit Aatrey, founder & CEO of Meesho
NPCI, launched in 2008 by RBI and the Indian Bank's Association (IBA), has played a big role in adopting digital
payments in the country.
Global Slavery Index 2023 released

For 160 countries. Modern slavery, as defined for the report, is comprised of two principal components – forced
labour and forced marriage.
Produced by: ILO, Walk Free, and International Organisation for Migration
49.6 million people are in modern slavery, out of which, India is home to 11 million.
An alarming 25% rise in the past five years.
Highest prevalence: North Korea, Eritrea, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey
Lowest prevalence: Switzerland, Norway, and Germany
India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Turkey, and the U.S. are among the top G20 countries with the highest number of
forced labourers.
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Global Liveability Index 2023 released

Published by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU)
Vienna in Austria topped the ranking of the most liveable cities.
Copenhagen in Denmark placed second, followed by Melbourne and Sydney.
Damascus in Syria and Tripoli in Libya remained at the bottom.
From India, New Delhi and Mumbai are at 141st position and Chennai at
144th. Ahmedabad and Bengaluru are ranked 147 and 148, respectively, in the
EIU list
Healthcare, education, culture and stability were used as parameters in the ranking.
TIMES Asia Rankings 2023: IISc best among Indian universities
18 Indian universities featured in the top 200 positions on the Times Higher
Education’s (THE) annual Asia university rankings 2023
Overall, India has only one university in the top 50
Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, secured the 48th rank this year, becoming
the best among Indian higher education institutions.
China’s Tsinghua University topped the rankings followed by Peking University
and the National University of Singapore.
THE Impact Ranking 2023 released

THE Impact Rankings are the first and only global performance tables that assess universities against the UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2023 Impact Rankings includes 1,591 universities from 112 countries/regions.
According to the 'Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023', Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore has
emerged as India’s highest-placed university.
The university is ranked at 52nd rank globally out of 1,591 universities.
Topped by: Western Sydney University followed by the University of Manchester (UK), Queen’s University (Canada),
University Sains Malaysia, and the University of Tasmania
Mumbai most expensive city for expats in India

According to the Mercer's Cost of Living survey 2023, Mumbai has ranked the most expensive city in India for
expatriates (a person who lives outside their native country)
After Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru fall on the second and third place in the most expensive list for expats list
in India.
In global ranking, Mumbai is positioned at 147, New Delhi (169), Chennai (184), Bengaluru (189), and Pune (213).
Hong Kong and Singapore are the most expensive cities for international employees this year.
Tata Group in the Top 50 innovative companies by BCG

Tata Group is the only Indian company to feature in the Top 50 innovative companies
2023 list, released by Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Tata Group was ranked 20th
Top 5: Apple, Tesla, Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft
India's AI supercomputer 'AIRAWAT' ranked 75th in Global Supercomputing list

The AI Supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’, installed at Center for Development of
Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune has been ranked 75th in the top 500 Global
Supercomputing List.
The announcement was made during the 61st edition of the International
Supercomputing Conference (ISC 2023) held in Germany.
It has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including weather forecasting,

drug discovery, climate modelling, and artificial intelligence research.
AIRAWAT's manufacturer is Netweb Technologies.
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Airawat PSAI, stands as India’s largest and fastest AI supercomputing system, with a remarkable speed of 13,170
teraflops.
There are three other supercomputers in the top 500 list:

• PARAM Siddhi-AI supercomputer ranked at No. 131 –installed at C-DAC, Pune.
• Pratyush supercomputer ranked at No. 169 – installed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
• Mihir supercomputer at No. 316 – installed at National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting
National Supercomputing Mission

• Launched In 2015.
• Aim - to enhance the research capacities in the country to form a Supercomputing grid.
• It supports the government's vision of 'Digital India' and 'Make in India' initiatives.
• The mission is being jointly operated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• It is implemented by Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune and IISc, Bengaluru.
Some important facts about supercomputer:

• China has the maximum number of supercomputers followed by the
US, Japan, France, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland and the United
Kingdom.
• C-DAC build India’s first indigenously built supercomputer Param
8000 in 1991.
• PARAM Shakti, PARAM Brahma, PARAM Yukti, PARAM Sanganak are
some name of india's supercomputers.
• Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
The Hanke’s Annual Misery Index (HAMI) 2022: India ranked 103
Among the 157 countries analyzed, Zimbabwe has been ranked 1st ‘most miserable country’ in the Hanke’s Annual
Misery Index (HAMI) 2022.
Most miserable country: Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan.
India is placed at the 103rd spot, with unemployment identified as the primary contributing factor to the country’s
relative level of misery.
Grappling with economic and political challenges, Pakistan secured the 35th position on the list of the world’s most
miserable countries.
Switzerland emerged as the least miserable, occupying the top position (157) on the list.
Other countries with the least misery levels include Kuwait (156), Ireland (155), Japan (154), Malaysia (153), Taiwan
(152).
Finland, constantly ranked as the world’s happiest country for six consecutive years according to the World
Happiness Report, secured the 109th position on the misery index.
The index is the sum of the year-end unemployment, inflation, and bank-lending rates, minus the annual percentage
change in real GDP per capita.
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World Press Freedom Index 2023

Released by global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, India’s ranking in
the 2023 World Press Freedom Index has slipped to 161 out of 180 countries (21st
Edition).
In 2022, India was ranked at 150.
Norway is ranked first for the seventh consecutive year, followed by Ireland,
Denmark, Sweden, and Finland
Last three: North Korea (180th), China, and Vietnam
It is based on five indicators-Political, Economic, Legal Framework, Sociocultural, and
Safety
APAC to overtake US, become world’s top fintech market by 2030

According to a report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and QED Investors, Asia-Pacific
(APAC) region is set to overtake the United States as the world's largest financial technology
(fintech) market by 2030.
Report title: Global Fintech 2023: Reimagining the Future of Finance
The growth will be driven by emerging APAC countries such as China, India, and Indonesia.
India among top 5 countries where babies are born pre-term: UN Report
Report title: Born Too Soon: Decade of Action on Pre-term Birth
It is jointly produced by the WHO, UNICEF, and Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child
Health (PMNCH).
According to a report released by the UN, an estimated 13.4 million babies were born pre-
term (babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy) in 2020
Preterm birth is the single largest killer of children under 5 years of age, accounting for more
than one in three of all neonatal deaths (first month of life)
• 45% of them being born in just five countries, including India, Pakistan, Nigeria,
China, and Ethiopia.
• The global pre-term birth rate increased to 9.9% in 2020, compared to 9.8% in
2010.
• This indicates a “silent emergency” for children’s survival and health.
World Bank’s Logistic Performance Index 2023: India ranks 38th, Singapore tops
India has been ranked at 38th among 139 countries
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World Bank’s Logistic Performance Index 2023 is a measure of countries’ ability to move goods across borders with
speed and reliability.
India has improved its ranking by 6 places - previous rank 44 in 2018.
Singapore has topped the index. It is followed by Finland at second position.
SIPRI report on Trends in World Military Expenditure 2022

Published by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
Total global military expenditure increased by 3.7% in real terms in 2022 to reach a new high of $2240 billion
The three largest spenders in 2022 are the USA, China, and Russia, accounting for 56% of the total world
India’s spending of $81.4 billion was the fourth highest in the world.
World's Wealthiest Cities Report 2023 released

Published by Henley & Partners and New World Wealth
New York City has emerged as the wealthiest city in the world, with
340,000 resident millionaires.
Tokyo ranked second, followed by The Bay Area, London, and Singapore.
Country-wise, US has topped the list with 10 out of the top 50 cities in the
world wealthy cities, followed by China, and Australia.
China to be top contributor to global GDP in next five years, India second: IMF
As per the data by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), China will be the top contributor to global growth over
the next five years, and its share is set to be double than that of the US.
The report by Bloomberg, based on the data of World Economic Outlook of IMF, reveals that China share in the
global GDP expansion over the next five years, through 2028, is expected to represent 22.6% of total world growth.
India is on second spot, representing 12.9% of the total growth.
The US will contribute 11.3%, which is half than that of China.
US, China, India, Germany and Russia makes top 5 countries resp. with highest billionaires: 2023 Forbes Ranking
The Forbes Billionaire List 2023 reveals that 2,640 billionaires of the world listed in the ranking hails from 77
countries or territories.
According to Forbes, the United States has topped the list for having the highest number of billionaire. The US has
735 billionaires in the ranking
China stood second in terms of the number of billionaires, at 495
India is on third spot in the rankings with 169 billionaires.
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Germany is on 4th place with 126 billionaires, while Russia with 105
billionaires has 5th highest billionaires.
Stanford University’s annual AI Index report: India rank ed fifth in

terms of investments received by startups offering artificial
intelligence (AI)-based products and services last year.
India ranked fifth in terms of investments received by startups
offering artificial intelligence (AI)-based products and services last
year, according to Stanford University’s annual AI Index report.
AI startups in India received a total investment of $3.24 billion,
surpassing countries such as South Korea, Germany, Canada, and
Australia.
Tibet ranked as world's least free country by Freedom House Index

Global watchdog Freedom House has released its 'Freedom in the World Index' for 2023,
ranking Tibet as the "world's least free country" along with South Sudan and Syria.
This is the third annual report after the 2021 and 2022 Freedom House reports.
According to the report, both Chinese and Tibetans living in Tibet lack basic rights.
The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights raised the issue of
serious human rights violations in Tibet in its third Periodic Review Report.
The Communist Party of China (CPC) is forcefully destroying Buddhism and culture in Tibet
Mumbai is only Indian city on list of world’s best cities for public transport
• India’s financial capital Mumbai is the only Indian city among the list of the world’s 19 best cities for public
transport, as per the report by Time Out.
• Mumbai claimed the last spot, that means 19th spot on the list for great public transit, due to its wide-reaching
suburban rail network.
• The Time Out’s world’s best city for public transport went to Berlin in Germany.
• Second position went to Prague in Czech Republic while Tokyo in
Japan ranked third.
Delhi IGI Airport ranked 9th busiest airports globally in 2022: ACI Report
• The Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi ha s been ranked
among the world’s top 10 busiest airports by passengers traffic, as
per Airports Council International (ACI).
• It is the only airport from South and Southeast Asia to feature in ACI’s
list of the 10 busiest airports for 2022.
• The global rank of the Delhi airport is at the ninth spot for 2022.
• In 2021, the airport was ranked at 13th and in 2019, at 17th.
• Top airport – The United States-based Atlanta airport has retained its
position as the world’s busiest airport. It handled 9.37 crore
passengers in 2022.
India could become world's second-largest solar manufacturer by 2026

According to the new joint report from the Institute for Energy Economics
and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and JMK Research and Analytics, India
could become the world’s second-largest solar photovoltaic manufacturer
by 2026, after China.
India’s cumulative module manufacturing nameplate capacity more than
doubled from 18GW in March 2022 to 38GW in March 2023.
In terms of upcoming PV manufacturing installations, Gujarat would be
the leading state in India. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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National Contribution To Warming : India Ranking

The research published in the journal “Scientific Data’ ranked India fifth among the top 10 contributors to global
warming.
Top Contributor: United States topped the list with its emissions causing 0.28°C (17.3%) of rise in temperature.
China stood second and Russia took third place.
India’s Position: Since 2005, India climbed to the fifth spot from the 10th.
India is responsible for 0.08 degrees Celsius of warming from the 1850s through 2021.
India’s emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from 1851-2021 have resulted in
0.04°C, 0.03°C and 0.006°C of global warming over pre-industrial levels, respectively.
Reliance Jio second-strongest telecom brand in world, says Brand Finance

report
Brand Finance – a UK-based leading brand valuation company
Reliance Jio has climbed up to number two rank — up from fifth place last
year — in a list of the top 10 strongest telecom brands in the world.
World Bank Women, Business and the Law 2023 report released
According to the 9th Women, Business and the Law 2023 report, released by World Bank, Belgium,
Canada, and Denmark topped all eight indicators
UAE has topped the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region with 82.5 scores out of 100
India scored 74.4 out of 100.
Indicators: Mobility, Workplace, Pay, Marriage, Parenthood, Entrepreneurship, Assets, and Pension
Delhi airport adjudged best airport in South Asia: Skytrax
Skytrax, a UK-based consultancy, awards airports worldwide with the prestigious
World Airport Awards based on customer surveys.
For the fifth year in a row, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has
been declared the best airport in the South Asian region.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the national capital has also
moved up to the 36th position this year from 37th in 2022.
According to the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2023, Singapore's Changi Airport has pushed Doha's Hamad
International Airport to the second spot, and Japan's capital Tokyo's Haneda Airport is third.
World off-track to cut 30 per cent sodium intake by 2025: WHO

According to the WHO Global Report on Sodium Intake Reduction, two million deaths can
be prevented by 2025 and seven million by 2030 if policies recommended by WHO to
reduce sodium intake are implemented.
The world is off-track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30% by
2025.
The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day (more than double the WHO recommendation
of fewer than 5 grams of salt per day (one teaspoon)).
It is an important component of action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing deaths
from noncommunicable diseases.
This report shows that most countries are yet to adopt any mandatory sodium reduction policies, leaving their
people at risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems,”
India remains world’s largest arms importer: SIPRI Data

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, despite an 11% drop in arms
import between 2013-17 and 2018-22, India remained the world’s largest arms importer for the five-year period
between 2018 and 2022, followed by Saudi Arabia.
Russia accounted for 45% of India’s imports followed by France (29%) and the U.S. (11%).
But Russia's share of arms imports to India fell from 64% to 45%.
India was the biggest arms export market to three countries —@parcham_CA
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India 8th in worst air quality, Lahore most polluted city in subcontinent
The annual World Air Quality report was published by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir.
India was ranked 8th out of 131, dropping three places from the previous year,
Five most polluted countries in 2022 - Chad, Iraq, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Bangladesh
India’s annual average PM2.5 level in 2022 was 53.3 μg/m3, more than 10 times the safe limit
118 (90%) out of 131 countries and regions exceeded the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline value of 5 µg/m3.
Just six countries – Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland and New Zealand – met the WHO's safe limit
• Rajasthan's Bhiwadi was the most polluted city in India, with annual PM2.5 levels of 92.7 μg/m3.
• Lahore was the most polluted city in the world, followed by Hotan in China, and Bhiwadi in Rajasthan.
• New Delhi is the second most polluted
capital city in the world, with N’Djamena
in Chad topping the list.
• A total of 39 Indian cities (including ‘Delhi’ and
‘New Delhi’) are on the list of 50 of the world’s
most polluted cities based on annual
average PM2.5 levels in 2022.
• The region of Central and South Asia was home
to eight of the world’s ten cities with the worst
air pollution.
World Happiness Report 2023

Finland world’s happiest country for the sixth year running
India ranked 126 (out of 137). Last year India’s position was at the 136th spot on the list.
India is still behind close neighbours like Sri Lanka (112), Pakistan (108) and Nepal (78).
Afghanistan at the 137th spot (bottom most).
This is the 10th year of the World Happiness Report which is published by the United Nations Sustainable
Development Solutions Network.
For the World Happiness Report, countries are ranked on the basis of life evaluations from the last three years
Six different factors go into determining a country’s happiness quotient - GDP per capita, social support, healthy life
expectancy, freedom, generosity and low corruption.
India ranks 108th on V-dem Electoral Democracy Index 2023

Data of V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy) Institute at Sweden’s University shows
that democratic values in India have eroded significantly in recent years.
Electoral Democracy Index: Evaluates election cleanliness and lack of fraud.
• India’s ranking dipped from the 100 in 2022 to 108th in 2023 in this Index.
Liberal Democracy Index (LDI): Protection of individual and minority rights against State tyranny. It uses 71
indicators such as free and fair elections, political and civil rights. Denmark ranked 1st. India ranked 97th in LDI.
Global Terrorism Index – India ranked 13th, topped by Afghanistan

Tenth Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report produced by the Institute for
Economics & Peace (IEP).
Afghanistan remains the country most impacted by terrorism for the fourth
consecutive year
India ranked 13th on the index, marking only a marginal decrease from the
previous year.
Pakistan has climbed four spots to rank sixth on the index.
Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates were the deadliest terror group globally for the eighth consecutive year
Globally, deaths from terrorism fell by 9% since 2015
South Asia remains the region with the worst average GTI score Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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NTPC ranked as the top Independent Power Producers

NTPC Limited has topped the ranking of Independent Power Producers and Energy
Traders Globally in the S&P Global Commodity Insights Top 250 Global Energy
Company Rankings 2022.
These rankings are based on four key metrics: Asset worth, Revenues, Profits, and
Return on Investment (ROI).
Presently, NTPC contributes 24% of the total electricity produced in India.
NTPC is targeting non-fossil fuel-based capacity to make up nearly 50% of the company’s portfolio by 2032.
NTPC has also set a target of producing 60GW of renewable energy by 2032.
NTPC is one of the pioneer partners of NITI Aayog in its Net Energy Zero Effort
Bengaluru city center ranked second slowest to drive in the world

According to the latest report, released by TomTom, Bengaluru’s traffic has made it the
second slowest place to drive through in the world in 2022 with about half an hour of travel
time by road to cover 10 km.
While London ranks first with an average of 36 minutes and 20 seconds to travel 10 km in
2022.
India ranks 47th in OECD's services trade restrictiveness index

• According to the services trade restrictiveness index (STRI), conducted by
the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),
India ranked 47 out of 50 countries.
• As per the report, India had been progressively introducing reforms over
the past years, contributing to a slight liberalization of services trade in
some sectors.
• Top 3: Japan (1), UK, Netherlands
• Bottom: Indonesia (50), Thailand(49), and Russia (48)
Que:Which state/UT is expected to be the most climate-vulnerable region in India, as per a recent report?
Ans: Bihar
As per the XDI’s Gross Domestic Climate Risk report, the economies of India, China and the US
will witness the worst impact of the climate change.
This report revealed that 14 Indian states will remain within the top 100 most climate-risk
prone territories among more than 2,600 regions in the world by 2050.
for damage risk all share flooding as their main hazard – Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam,
Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal,
Haryana, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Most vulnerable states:

• Bihar, with a global ranking of 22, is expected to be the most climate-vulnerable region in India by 2050.
• It is followed by Uttar Pradesh and Assam with 25th and 28th ranks respectively.
• However, Assam is the global topper within the top 50 vulnerable regions in terms of increase of climatic
impacts during 1990-2050, a whopping 330 per cent.
Most vulnerable countries:

• China has the highest number of provinces in the top 50 most climate risk-prone territories of the world.
• After China, the US has the most high-risk states with 18 states in the top 100.
• Together, China, India and the US make up over half the@parcham_CA
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• Most vulnerable region: South East Asia experiences the greatest escalation in damage from 1990 to 2050
anywhere in the world.
India slips to 42nd rank in US Intellectual Property Rights Index

India has slipped to the 42nd position in the International Intellectual Property
Rights Index 2023 out of 55 countries for 2022.
It was launched by the US Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Centre
and is monitored by the Indian government.
It evaluates the protection of IP rights in 55 of the world's leading economies,
together representing approximately 90% of global GDP.
The United States ranks first in the 2023 index, followed by the UK and France.
Global Labour Resilience Index 2023

The White Shield is a policy advisory firm. The company released the Global
Labour Resilience Index during World Government Summit.
The index measures the capacity of the economy to withstand employment
fluctuations and the ability to fight back. The index is the first of its kind.
White Shield ranked 136 countries based on parameters such as technological
disruptions, pandemics, green economy transition, etc.
Denmark was ranked first followed by Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, in second and third places respectively.
India ranked 65th. All the other countries in South Asia ranked below 80. Pakistan secured 97th
Regional positions
North America secured the top rank in the world followed by Europe at the second position, East Asia and Pacific in
the third position, Central Asia in the fourth position, and the Middle East and North America in the fifth position
IEA Report: India’s ‘LiFE’ initiative can save $440 bn globally in 2030
According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the 'LiFE' (Lifestyle
for Environment) initiative of India for the adoption of energy-efficient behaviour
can save the world $440 billion in 2030.
About 1/5th of the emission cut is required by 2030 to put the world on a pathway
to net zero emissions.
PM Modi introduced the LiFE initiative at COP26 in Glasgow in Nov 2021.
Aim: To tackle the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change.
India ranks first with 24 percent contribution to global milk production

India is the world's largest milk producer, contributing 24 per cent to global milk
production in the year 2021-22, according to production data from the Food and
Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistics Database (FAOSTAT).
India's milk production has registered a growth of 51 per cent during the last eight
years - 2014-15 and 2021-22
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying runs various schemes to benefit the economically weaker
farmers in the dairy sector.
The National Program for Dairy Development aims to enhance the quality of milk and milk products and increase
the share of organised procurement, processing, value addition and marketing.
National Programme for Dairy Development

It was launched in February 2014 by merging three existing schemes- Intensive Dairy Development Programme,
Strengthening Infrastructure for Quality and Clean Milk Production and Assistance to Cooperatives.
Government Initiatives to the Dairy sector
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Rashtriya Gokul Mission - launched in December 2014 with an outlay of Rs 2025 crore for the development and
conservation of indigenous breeds through selective breeding.
National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) - It is a flagship scheme launched in September 2019 for
control of Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis by vaccinating 100% cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population.
Indian Dairy Sector (milk capital of the world)

top milk-producing state is: Uttar Pradesh
Dairy is the single largest agricultural commodity contributing 5% of the
national ec onomy, witnessing 6.4% in the past 5 years.
About 80 million people are directly or indirectly employed in the dairy
industry.
Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying
India Jumps to 55th place in ICAO Aviation Safety Oversight Ranking

According to the DGCA, India's aviation safety oversight ranking has jumped
to 55th position from 112th place in the country's score under the ICAO's
coordinated validation mission.
International Civil Aviation Organization
• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
• Founded: 7 December 1944
• Parent organization: United Nations
India's accreditation system ranked 5th globally
According to the recent Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII)
2021, the national accreditation system of India under the Quality
Council of India (QCI) has been ranked 5th in the world and overall
quality infrastructure system is in the Top 10
The GQII ranks the 184 economies in the world on the basis of
quality infrastructure (QI).
The accreditation helps establish the competence and credibility of
conformity assessment bodies which perform testing, certification and
inspection.
Chairperson, Quality Council of India Jaxay Shah has said the government is committed to make Made in India a
globally trusted brand on the foundations of quality and credibility.
Passport Index 2023: India ranks at 144th; topped by UAE

India fell six places to the 144th position in the annual passport index for 2023, from 138th a
year ago.
The Passport Index 2023 has been published by financial advisory services firm Arton Capital
that ranks passports of 199 countries.
Calculated on provisions like visa-free visit, visa on arrival, an eVisa (if used within three days)
and electronic travel authorisation.
According to the report, Indians can only travel to 59 countries without needing a visa.
China too ranked relatively lower compared to other large economies
at 118th in the Passport Index individual rankings.
Highest in Asia - South Korea, which is 12th in the individual rankings and has a mobility score of 174
Topper - United Arab Emirates with a mobility score of 181.
It is followed by Sweden, Germany, Finland, Luxembourg, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Austria with a
joint mobility score of 174.
Henley Passport Index 2023 : India ranked 85; topped by Japan
World Happiness Index 2023: India ranked 126th; topped by Finland; Last Afghanistan
Global Terrorism Index 2023 – India ranked 13th, topped byJoin Afghanistan
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India Surpasses Japan to become 3rd Largest Auto Market Globally

In a major development, India has surpassed Japan in terms of auto sales last year to
become the third-largest auto market globally for the first time.
India’s total sales of new vehicles stood at around 4.25 million units, based on preliminary
results, topping the 4.2 million sold in Japan.
Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker
China continued to lead the global auto market, while US remained second
Bangalore, Delhi one of the Top-Performing Global Airports of 2022

• Cirium issued a list of the top-performing global airports of 2022
• Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport stood 2nd, whereas Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International
Airport acquired the 7th spot.
The top 7 Rankings :
1. Tokyo, Japan – Haneda Airport
2. Bengaluru, India – Kempegowda International Airport
3. Salt Lake City, USA – Salt Lake City International Airport
4. Detroit, USA – Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
5. Philadelphia, USA – Philadelphia International Airport
6. USA – Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
7. Delhi, India – Indira Gandhi International Airport
Global Fire Power Index 2023

India ranked as the 4th most powerful army in the world out of 145 countries
Ranking based on troop strength, national resources, financial status, logistics
and geographic scale.
Top - United States of America, followed by Russia and China
Turkey most powerful country in the Middle East and North African region
Egypt most powerful Arab country in terms of its military power.
TCS, Infosys rank among the most valuable IT services brands globally
According to Brand Finance’s rankings for 2023, four Indian companies have
featured in the list of the world’s top 10 most valuable IT service brands.
Four Indian companies are TCS (2), Infosys (3), HCLTech (8), and Wipro (9).
Accenture has succeeded in retaining its position as the most valuable IT
services brand for the fifth consecutive year.
WEF’s Gender Gap Reports : Changes

The World Economic Forum (WEF) will take into account the participation of women at the panchayat level to rank
countries in its future Global Gender Gap reports.
This will improve India’s position at the global level. Currently India ranks 135 out of 146 in the 2022 Gender Gap
report
Global Gender Gap Index is the longest-standing index which tracks progress towards closing Gender gaps over time
since its inception in 2006
The World Economic Forum is an international non-governmental organisation based in Switzerland.
It was founded on 24 January 1971 by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab.
Survival of the Richest Report : Oxfam

According to a new study by Oxfam International, the richest 1% of people
in India now own more than 40% of the country’s total wealth, while the
bottom half of the population together share just 3% of wealth.
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The study, titled “Survival of the Richest,” was released on the first day of the World Economic Forum Annual
Meeting.
The report also highlights the impact of gender inequality on earnings.
It states that female workers earned only 63 paise for every 1 rupee a male worker earned.
India surpasses China to become most populous country in the world

According to World Population Review (WPR), India has surpassed China as the world’s
most populous nation.
According to official announcements, India's population is a little over 5 million,
compared to 141.2 million declared by China on 17 January.
India, with 50 percent of its population below the age of 30, is poised to be the fastest
growing major economy in the world.
India, the third largest economy in Asia, is currently self-sufficient in food production.
India ranks second in terms of production of rice, wheat and sugar.
Apart from being a major importer of edible oils, India is also the largest consumer of sugar.
India is the third largest market for the purchase of crude oil, the second largest consumer of steel and gold.
In addition, India is the third largest domestic aviation market in the world.
Reliance Jio is India’s strongest brand, ranked 9th globally: Brand Finance Report
According to the report ‘Global 500 – 2023’ published by Brand Finance.
Jio was placed ahead of brands like EY, Coca-Cola, Accenture and Porsche
The report titled ‘Global 500 – 2023’ is published annually and ranks the world’s
most valuable and strongest brands.
India Climbs to 7th Place in Global Climate Performance Index

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The announcement came during the global COP-28 held in Dubai.

Published by:
Germanwatch, the New Climate Institute and the Climate Action Network annually since 2005.
The first three overall positions therefore remain empty.
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) tracks countries’ efforts to combat climate change.
Google's top 10 trending athletes in the year 2023

• American Football superstar Damar Hamlin was the most-searched athlete
on Google in 2023
• Indian cricket megastar Shubman Gill was among the most-searched
athletes in the year 2023
Here are the top searched News events of 2023 that India Googled:
1) Chandrayaan-3
2) Karnataka Election Results
3) Israel News
4) Satish Kaushik
5) Budget 2023
Myanmar is world's biggest opium producer

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its
Southeast Asia Opium Survey 2023.
The report states that Myanmar is the world's biggest opium producer.
Opium is dried latex obtained from the seed capsules of the opium poppy
Papaver somniferum.
World’s Most Popular Leader
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi retained his position as the
world's most popular leader with an approval rating of 76
per cent, as per the data released by US-based
consultancy firm ‘Morning Consult’
• Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is ranked
second on the list with an approval rating of 66 per cent.
• Alain Berset, the President of the Swiss Confederation,
bagged the third spot with a 58 per cent approval rating. Brazil's Lula da Silva and Australia's Anthony
Albanese are in fourth and fifth positions respectively
• While US President Joe Biden was at the eighth spot with an approval rating of 37 per cent
LIC Ranks Fourth Globally In S&P Global’s 2022 Insurance Report

LIC secures the fourth global position in 2022, per S&P Global. Top three
insurers are Allianz SE, China Life Insurance, and Nippon Life Insurance.
LIC's reserves reach $503.7 billion.
Quality of Living Index 2023
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Hyderabad ranked 153rd in Mercer’s Quality of Living City Index 2023, while
Pune scored the 154th position and Bengaluru attained the 156th spot
Pune has the second best ‘quality of life’ in India after Hyderabad.
Vienna (Austria), Zurich (Switzerland), and Vancouver (Canada) are the top
three cities in that order, according to the 2023 index.
Khartoum (Sudan) at the bottom-most position (241st spot).
This index evaluates the quality of life for employees working abroad,
especially with families, and relies on data from over 500 cities all over the
world.
The ranking is based on factors like climate, schools and education, disease
and sanitation standards, violence and crime and ease of communications,
and socio-political environment.
Adani Green Energy ranked 2nd-largest solar PV developer: Mercom

Adani Green Energy Ltd. with its total solar capacity of 18.1 GW
ranked second after France-based Total Energies, which holds a total
capacity of 41.3 GW.
Mercom Capital Group is a clean energy communications and
research firm.
This achievement aligns with their ambitious target of achieving 45
GW of renewable energy capacity by the year 2030.
Forbes Asia Heroes Of Philanthropy List

Three prominent Indian business leaders – Nandan Nilekani, KP Singh and Nikhil Kamath, have earned a coveted spot
on the 17th edition of Forbes Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy list.
Nadan Nilekani, co-founder and chairman of the renowned tech giant Infosys
KP Singh, chairman emeritus at DLF
Nikhil kamat, co-founder of Zerodha, is another notable name on the list.
Lancet report
• India's success in eliminating child marriage is crucial to the achievement of the Sustainable
Development Goal target 5.3
• Child marriage was defined as marriage in individuals younger than 18 years for men and women.
• Child marriage declined during 1993 to 2021. The all-India prevalence of child marriage in girls
declined from 49·4% in 1993 to 22·3% in 2021.
• 1 in 5 girls, 1 in 6 boys are married
• The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 5.3 aims to end child marriage in girls by 2030 as part of a
global commitment to “eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage
• Girl child marriages increased in six states, including Manipur, Punjab, Tripura, and West Bengal, while eight
states, including Chhattisgarh, Goa, Manipur, and Punjab, witnessed a rise in boy child marriages
• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act passed in 2006. The Act set the legal age of marriage for men to 21 years and
women to 18 years.
India Leads World Bank's Global Remittance Charts For 2023

• In 2023, overseas Indians sent an estimated $ 125 billion to India.
• In overall, South Asia saw an increase of 7.2 percent in 2023.
• Top five countries in terms of money received from migrants:
• India,Mexico,China,Philippines,Egypt
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India Skills Report 2024

Recently, Wheebox in association with various agencies including All India Council
for Technical Education (AICTE), Confederation of Indian Industry and Association
of Indian Universities has published India Skills Report 2024
Theme: Impact of AI on the Future of Work, Skilling & Mobility.
State of Employability in India: It has improved with 51.25% of the assessed
youths found to be employable with the required skills.
• State with Maximum Employability: Telangana has the highest concentration of employable talent in
the age group of 18-21 where 85.45% were found employable.
• Gujarat has the highest availability of employable resources in the age group of 26-29 with 78.24% in
this age group found employable.
• Kerala, and Telangana demonstrate a high concentration of highly employable youth.
• As of August 2023, there were 4.16 lakh AI professionals, poised to meet the increasing demand
expected to reach 1 million by 2026.
• CIties with Employable Talent:
• Among top cities with employable talent in the age group of 18-21, Pune came first with 80.82% of
candidates found highly employable, followed by Bengaluru, and then Trivandrum.
• For employability in the age group of 22-25 among top cities, Lucknow comes first at 88.89%, followed
by Mumbai and then Bengaluru.
• Most Preferred State to Work:
• Kerala is the most preferred state to work for both male and female employable talent, with Cochin
being the most preferred area to work for female test takers.
World Bank Released International Debt Report

The International Debt Report (IDR), formerly International Debt Statistics (IDS), is a
longstanding annual publication of the World Bank featuring external debt statistics and
analysis for the 122 low- and middle-income countries
It provides a comprehensive picture of external borrowing and sources of lending by type of
borrower and creditor.
Since 1973
Developing countries faced an unprecedented financial challenge in 2022, as they spent a
staggering $443.5 billion to service their external public and publicly guaranteed debt.
PM Modi Becomes World's No.1 Leader In Terms Of Subscribers On YT

• 20 million subscribers on YouTube.
• The world leader with the second most followers is former
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonora, who has just 6.4 million
subscribers.
• PM Modi is one of the leaders who added the most new
subscribers in India, achieving the figure of 63 lakh subscribers in 2023.
• At second place, Rahul Gandhi's YouTube channel has gained 22.5 lakh subscribers in 2023.
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World Digital Competitiveness Index 2023

The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has released the
World Digital Competitiveness Index 2023 to measure the ranking of countries across
the world in the field of digital environment.
India Ranks 49th in world digital competitiveness index 2023 and this index is topped
by the United States of America.
Netherlands and Singapore secured 2nd and 3rd ranking in the World Digital
Competitiveness Index 2023
Global competitiveness index 2023 released
Published by International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
India slipped 3 spots & ranked 40 out of 64 economies
India witnessed improvements in government efficiency but slightly underperformed in business efficiency,
infrastructure, and economic performance.
Denmark, Ireland, and Switzerland took the top three places.
Rankings based on 336 competitiveness criteria across four major categories:
Economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, infrastructure
Short News
• Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, referred to as the King Khan of the Indian film industry, has
topped a UK list of the ‘Top 50 Asian Celebrities in the World’.
• Second:Alia Bhatt
• Third: Priyanka Chopra Jonas
• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data pointed out that Hyderabad topped the nation in food
adulteration cases in 2022.
• Tamil Nadu ranks fourth in attracting FDI in the period between Oct 2019 and September 2023, after
Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat
• Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the second largest economy of India after Maharashtra in terms of
gross domestic product (GDP) share.
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Banking & Finance

India’s real GDP is expected to grow 7% in 2022-23, as per the First Advance Estimates of National Income
released by National Statistical Office (NSO).
• Released by National Statistical Office, Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation
• The RBI and the World Bank have projected 6.8 per cent and 6.9
percent GDP growth, respectively, in FY23.
• The Asian Development Bank has kept India growth forecast
unchanged at 7% for 2022-23.
• The IMF too had reduced India’s growth prediction for FY23 to 6.8%
from 7.4% projected in July 2022.
Que:Which Indian public sector bank got the approval from RBI to hold special rupee Vostro accounts of three
banks from Sri Lanka?
Ans: Indian Bank
A vostro account in local currency would allow Sri Lanka to import from India without dipping into its declining dollar
supply. The INR vostro facility is part of the special trade settlement mechanism finalised by the RBI in July 2022.
The arrangement allows Indian importers to deposit rupees in vostro accounts that overseas banks open with banks
in India and clearing of dues to Indian exporters from the surplus balances in the vostro accounts.
India and ADB sign loan agreements to boost infrastructure sector in India
• India has signed various loan agreements with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to boost the
infrastructure sector in the country.
• A loan agreement of 350 million US dollars was signed to improve connectivity in Maharashtra.
Govt also signed agreement worth 300 million US dollars to upgrade over 300 Km of State highways and
district roads in Assam.
• A 220 million dollar loan agreement was signed to improve energy security, and resilience of the power
sector in Tripura.
• $350 million loan to expand metro rail network in Chennai
States’ gross fiscal deficit set to fall in 2022-23: RBI

• According to the RBI report, the Gross fiscal deficit (GFD) of states is budgeted
to narrow to 3.4 % of GDP in 2022-23 from 4.1% in 2020-21.
What is Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD)?

• GFD measures the overall financial health of the state government and is
calculated by subtracting total revenue from total expenditure.
• A decrease in GFD is generally considered a positive sign as it indicates that the state government is able to
balance its revenue and expenditure more effectively.
India to become $26 trillion economy by 2047: EY report

• The report also pointed out that India’s per capita income would cross $15,000, making it
among the top developed economies.
• According to the report certain factors have contributed to bring India to a position of
high and sustainable growth – including accelerated pace of economic reforms in critical
areas such as social inclusion, financial inclusion, fiscal, physical and digital
infrastructure.
• It is important to note that according to figures from the IMF - a decade ago Indian GDP
was the 11th largest globally. And recently India’s economy had overtaken that of United
Kingdom to become the 5th biggest in the world (in terms of size)
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Government’s efforts
• Government's focus on increasing the country's digital infrastructure
Efforts towards e-governance
A strong digital payment ecosystem
Introduction of digital services in almost all domains
Large telecom subscriber base of 1.2 billion
837 million internet users, etc.
Focus Areas
• macroeconomic stability,
more energy independence,
ease of doing business,
power sector reform
What is EY report?
Launched in 2011, EY Reporting is EY Global Assurance’s insights hub.
UN predicts India’s growth to moderate to 5.8% in 2023, in its World Economic Situation and Prospects 2023
report.
• The United Nations has slashed India’s growth forecast by 20 basis
points to 5.8 percent for the 2023 calendar year.
• Reason: Higher interest rates and recession risks in the developed world
weighing on investment and exports.
• The report has projected that global trade will contract 0.4 percent and
the world economy will grow at 1.9 percent in 2023.
• For the fiscal year 2023-24, the agency kept its growth forecast
unchanged for India at 6 percent.
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launches “Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0”
• “Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0”- A District Outreach Program for expanding its presence in more than 685 districts of
the country.
• The objective of this program is to reach all the districts of the country on the same day i.e. 27th of every
month.
About EPFO
• Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory organisation set up under the Union ministry
of Labour and Employment was set up in 1951 by an Ordinance issued by the President.
Later Parliament passed the Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, act 1952.
It is the country’s largest social security organisation.
NSE becomes world's largest derivatives exchange for 4th straight year
• According to the Futures Industry Association (FIA), the National Stock
Exchange of India (NSE) emerged as the world's largest derivatives exchange in
2022, in terms of the number of contracts traded.
• In 2022, the daily average turnover of the exchange reached Rs 470 crores. This
is the fourth consecutive year when the exchange earned the top spot.
• In addition, the exchange was ranked third in the equity segment by the
number of trades (electronic order book) in 2022.
• NSE HQ: Mumbai.
RBI to issue green bonds in two tranches of Rs 8,000 crore each

• The Reserve Bank of India said that maiden Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs)
would be issued in two tranches of Rs 8,000 crore each on January 25 and
February 9.
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• The central government is issuing these sovereign green bonds as part of its total market borrowing. These
bonds are being issued to promote green infrastructure.
• The Central Government had released the framework of Sovereign Green Bond on 9
November 2022.
What are Sovereign Green Bonds?
• These are bonds that are used by the government to finance projects that have a
positive impact on the environment.
• The Green Bond was launched in 2007 by the European Investment Bank and the
World Bank.
A Green Bond is an instrument that helps in raising funds for green projects.
• Funds from these bonds will be invested in public sector projects that help reduce
carbon intensity.
• These bonds fall into 9 broad categories. Some of these are projects like renewable energy, energy
efficiency, clean transportation, green building.
• The government aims to attract foreign investors through these bonds.
Indore becomes the first civic body in the country to launch green bonds
• Indore Municipal Corporation has become the first civic body in the country to issue green bonds.
• The corporation plans to raise Rs 244 crore through green bonds.
• This amount will be used to set up a 60 MW solar plant at Juladh Pumping Station in Hum Samraj and
Ashukhedi villages on the banks of river Narmada falling in Khargone district with an investment of about Rs
305 crore.
• A green bond is issued by an organisation for the purpose of financing or refinancing projects that make a
positive contribution to the environment and/or climate.
• Green bonds were first announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the
budget for the financial year 2022-23.
SEBI notifies Blue and Yellow bonds

• SEBI strengthened the framework for green bonds by introducing the concept of 'blue' and 'yellow' bonds as
new modes of sustainable finance.
• Blue bonds: related to water management, and marine sector
• Yellow bonds: pertaining to solar energy
Adani Group acquires Haifa port for $1.2 bn

• The Adani Group has acquired the strategic Israeli port of Haifa for USD
1.2 billion.
• The deal was signed by Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani in presence
of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
• The Haifa Port is the second largest port in Israel in terms of shipping
containers and the biggest in shipping tourist cruise ships.
• The Adani group will also develop real estate at the port to transform the
Haifa skyline.
• Israel Capital: Jerusalem
T+1 Settlement to start in India

• After China, India will become the second country in the world to start
the ‘trade-plus-one’ (T+1) settlement cycle in top-listed securities.
• In simple terms, T+1 settlement means that securities transactions will
reflect in the de-mat account after a day instead of two days now under
the T+2 cycle.
• If an investor buys a stock on Thursday, it would be shown in the demat account on Friday.
• It Reduces risks and frees up capital required to collateralise the risk and reduces the number of outstanding
unsettled trades at any point in time
• The United States, United Kingdom and Eurozone markets are yet to move to the T+1 system
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What is Angel Tax?

• The Section 56 (2) (vii b) in the Income Tax Act is referred to as Angel
tax.
These taxes are imposed on startups.
Why is Angel Tax in News?
• During Union Budget 2023, Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sita Raman
proposed to amend the Angel tax. Now, the equity amount received by
the startups will be subjected to income taxes and not angel taxes.
Government approves conversion of Rs 16,133 crore interest dues of Vodafone Idea into equity
• The government has approved the conversion of debt-ridden
Vodafone Idea's interest dues of over Rs 16,133 crore into equity.
• The government said Aditya Birla Group, one of the promoters, has
committed to bring in additional funds.
• With this conversion, the government is expected to become the
largest shareholder in the loss-making telecom company with 33.14
per cent stake.
• Vodafone Idea will issue equity shares at a face value of Rs 10 each to
the government.
• This relief for the company comes as part of the reform package announced by the government in
September 2021.
Merger of Vodafone and Idea

• Kumar Mangalam Birla's telecom company Idea Cellular agreed to merge with Vodafone in March
2017.
Largest mobile subscriber companies in India
• Reliance Jio is a leading wireless telecom company with more than 411 million customers across India.
Bharti Airtel (21.5 crore), Vodafone Idea (12.2 crore) are in second and third place respectively.
Vodafone Idea
• It is a joint venture of Vodafone (United Kingdom) and Aditya Birla Group.
• Headquarters: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
• Corporate Headquarters: Mumbai
• Chairman: Ravinder Takkar
• Chief Executive Officer: Akshay Moondra
ADB approves $130 million loan to promote horticulture in Himachal

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $130 million (over Rs 1,072
crore) loan to enhance agricultural productivity and farmers' income in Himachal
Pradesh and promote horticulture agribusiness.
• ADB aims to benefit Himachal Pradesh, where more than half of its land area is
mountainous and 90 percent of its population lives in rural areas dependent on
agriculture.
Asian Development Bank (ADB):
• It is a regional multilateral financial institution focused on countries in the Asia
and Pacific region.
It currently has 68 members – of which 49 are from the Asia and Pacific region
and 19 from outside.
ADB President: Masatsugu Asakawa
Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
• Horticulture is the branch of agriculture that deals with the art, science,
technology, and business of plant cultivation. It includes the cultivation of
fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, algae, flowers,
seaweeds and non-food crops such as grass and ornamental trees and plants.
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National Stock Exchange (NSE) launches India’s first municipal bond index, the India Municipal Bond Index (IBMX)
• NSE’s index services subsidiary, NSE Indices Limited launched India’s first-ever
Municipal Bond Index, Nifty India Municipal Bond Index at a SEBI workshop on
Municipal Debt Securities in Bengaluru.
• The Nifty India Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds
issued by Indian municipal corporations across maturities and has investment-grade
credit ratings.
• Presently, the index has 28 municipal bonds issued by 10 issuers all having credit
ratings in the AA rating category.
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
Saptarishi priorities (seven priorities) enlisted in the 2023-24 budget:
• Inclusive Development
• Reaching the Last Mile
• Infrastructure and Investment
• Unleashing the Potential
• Green Growth
• Youth Power
• Financial Sector
Union Budget 2023: Agriculture Accelerator Fund

• In Union Budget 2023-24, Finance Minister allocated Rs 1.25 lakh crores for agriculture. Agriculture was one
of the seven major priorities of the budget.
• Finance Minister announced that GoI will set up Agriculture Accelerator Fund.
• What is Agriculture Accelerator Fund?
• This fund is to be setup to increase the number of agricultural startups in the rural areas
• The main aim of the fund is to provide innovative and affordable solutions
• It will focus only on farmers and the challenges faced by them
• More young entrepreneurs will be encouraged to begin agri startups using these funds
There are more than 2000 agriculture startups in the country. The Government of India is trying to increase
this number to 10000. Agriculture is the Backbone of the Indian Economy contributing 53.89% GVA (Gross
Value Added) of India.
Union Budget 2023: Funds allocated (in lakh crore rupees)

• Defence Ministry: 5.94
• Road and highways Ministry: 2.7
• Railways: 2.41
• Consumer Affairs and Food Public Distribution: 2.06
• Home Affairs: 1.96
• Chemicals and Fertilizers: 1.78
• Agriculture and Farmer Welfare: 1.25
• Communications: 1.23
Union Budget 2023: Funds allocated for major schemes (in crore rupees)
• Jal Jeevan Mission: 70,000
• Pharmaceutical industry: 1,250
• Eklavya Model Residential schools: 5,943
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: 79,590
• FAME: 5,172
• North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme: 2,491
Union Budget 2023: Finance

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• National Financial Information Registry to be established

• A central Data processing center is to be created
• Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSME: Rs 2 lakh crores
• Mahila Samman Bachat Patra to be launched: One-time small savings scheme
• Increase the maximum deposit limit of senior citizens’ savings scheme to Rs 30 lakhs. Before it was Rs 15
lakhs
Union Budget 2023: Mission For The Welfare Of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG)
• Union Finance Minister recently announced a mission for the welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
Groups (PVTGs) in the 2023-24 Union Budget.
• Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development mission will be launched as part of ‘Reaching The Last Mile’, one of the
seven Saptarishi priorities enlisted in this year’s Budget.
• The mission will saturate the particularly vulnerable tribal groups with safe housing, clean drinking water,
education, nutrition, road and telecom connection and livelihood.
• A Budget of Rs 15,000 crore will be dedicated to this mission in the next three years.
• The scheme will benefit 3.5 lakh tribals.
PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups):

• PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal groups who are in need of greater support and development.
• Out of the 705 Scheduled Tribes in India, 75 have been identified as PVTGs and are spread across 17 states
and one Union Territory.
Government of India follows the following criteria for identification of PVTGs:
• Pre-agricultural level of technology
• Low level of literacy
• Economic backwardness
• A declining or stagnant population.
NAMASTE (National Action Plan for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) Scheme: Union Budget 2023
• In the Union Budget 2023, the Government of India allocated Rs 100 crores for the NAMASTE scheme.
• The GoI aims to mechanize septic tank cleaning and sewer cleaning in towns and
cities.
• The scheme aims to provide an alternate livelihood to sanitation workers.
Objective of the scheme
• To achieve zero fatalities in the sanitation sector
• No sanitation worker will come in direct contact with the faecal matter
• The sanitation workers will be encouraged to form Self Help Groups
• Ensure the workers have access to alternative livelihoods as mechanization may
bring loss of jobs to few in the industry
• In phase 1, 500 cities are taken. GoI is planning on choosing AMRUT cities first.
• Also, the first target will be cities whose population is more than one lakh.
• Ten cities from islands, hilly regions, and tourist destinations will be picked.
Union Budget 2023: Unity Malls to be set up in states

• What is a unity mall?
• The main objective behind setting up Unity Mall is to promote ODOP (One District, One Product) of the
states.
• These products may be depicted as having a Geographical Indication tag. Other handicraft products will also
be sold in these malls.
• The Center will also request the states to sell such products from other states as well.
• Currently, there is a Unity Mall operating near the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat.
One District, One Product (ODOP)
• Under the scheme, the state identifies the main product for a district, and then provides assistance for its
processing, storage and marketing.
What is GI?
• Geographical Indication (GI) tags are usually given to well-known products coming from a particular region.
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• These products also include agricultural products, manufactured goods or other food items including
prepared dishes.
• For example, the GI tag for Darjeeling tea has been given to Darjeeling.
RBI initiates 75 digital villages programme

• The RBI Governor, Shaktikanta Das has launched the Mission ‘Har Payment Digital’ during the Digital
Payments Awareness Week 2023, which was observed from March 6 to 12, 2023.
• Campaign theme: Digital Payment Apnao, Auron ko bhi Sikhao (Adopt digital payments
and Also teach others)
• RBI has launched a program to adopt 75 villages and convert them into digital payment-
enabled villages.
• Payment system operators (PSOs) will adopt these villages across the country.
IREDA received ‘Infrastructure Finance Company’ status from RBI

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted an ‘Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC)’ status to Indian
Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA).
• Earlier, it was classified as an Investment and Credit Company (ICC).
• With IFC status, IREDA will be able to take higher exposure in renewable energy
financing.
• The IFC status will help the company access a wider investor base to raise funds,
resulting in competitive rates for raising funds.
• This will boost investor confidence, enhance brand value and create a positive
outlook in the market.
• With IFC status, IREDA will contribute to the government's target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel installed
capacity by 2030.
• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
• It was incorporated as a Public Limited Company in the year 1987 as a 'Non-Banking Financial Institution'.
• It is a Miniratna (Category 1) type company functioning under the administrative control of 'Ministry of New
and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
• Its function is to encourage projects related to new and renewable energy sources and to provide them
financial assistance for their development.
• It has been notified as a 'Public Financial Institution' under section 4'A' of the 'Companies Act, 1956'.
• Chairman and Managing Director - Pradip Kumar Das
New India Assurance becomes second company to offer surety bonds

• New India Assurance has become the second domestic insurance company to launch surety insurance
bonds, after Bajaj Allianz.
• Surety bond insurance acts as a security arrangement for infrastructure projects and will
insulate the contractor as well as the principal.
• These bonds are legally enforceable tripartite contracts that guarantee compliance,
payment, and performance.
• The issuing insurer provides a guarantee, for a premium, in case of a default in the
execution of a project.
• The IRDAI (Surety Insurance Contracts) Guidelines, 2022 will come into effect from 1st
April , 2022.
What is a Surety Bond?
• A surety bond is a legally binding contract entered into by three parties—the
principal, the obligee, and the surety.
• The obligee, usually a government entity, requires the principal, typically a
business owner or contractor, to obtain a surety bond as a guarantee against
future work performance.
• Surety bonds are mainly aimed at infrastructure development, mainly to
reduce indirect cost for suppliers and work-contractors thereby diversifying their options and acting as a
substitute for bank guarantee.
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• Surety bond is provided by the insurance company on behalf of the contractor to the entity which is
awarding the project.
India’s per capita income doubles since 2014-15: NSO

• According to National Statistical Office (NSO), the estimated annual per
capita (net national income) at current prices for 2022-23 is Rs 1,72,000,
showing a growth of around 99% from Rs 86,647 in 2014-15.
• However, after adjusting for inflation (constant prices), the per capita
income has risen by approximately 35% from Rs 72,805 in 2014-15 to Rs
98,118 in 2022-23.
• The average growth of India’s per-capita income in real terms from 2014 to
2019 was 5.6 percent per annum.
• According to IMF projections, India has overtaken the UK to become the world’s fifth-largest economy and is
now behind only the US, China, Japan, and Germany.
Year Per Capita Income(Nominal Terms) Per Capita Income (Real Terms)
2014-15 Rs 86,647 Rs 72,805
2022-23 Rs 1,72,000 Rs 98,118
World Bank to lend $1 billion to support India’s health sector

• The lending will be divided into two complementary loans of $500 million each.
• The bank will support India’s flagship Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-
ABHIM) which was launched in October 2021.
• The loans will prioritize health service delivery in seven States - Andhra
Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar
Pradesh.
• The World Bank is an international financial institution that lends and
grants to governments in low- and middle-income countries to fund capital
projects.
• The World Bank is the umbrella term for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
and the International Development Association (IDA)
India and World Bank signs loan agreement for Green NH Corridors project
• India and the World Bank have signed a loan agreement to construct the Green National Highway Corridors
Project in four States.
• Four states: HP, Rajasthan, UP, and Andhra Pradesh
The agreement has been signed to construct 781 kilometers, with loan
assistance of 500 million dollars.
• The total project cost is over 7,662 crore rupees.
• Objective: To demonstrate safe and green highways keeping in view
climate resilience and the use of green technologies
CCI approves Reliance’s acquisition of METRO Cash & Carry India

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Reliance Industries Ltd to acquire the German firm
Metro AG's wholesale operations in India for ₹2,850 crore.
• German company METRO AG is an international food wholesaler, also
owning retail and department stores, and Reliance Retail has now acquired
the Indian arm of the company, known for its ‘Cash and Carry’ model.
• Metro started operations in India in 2003 as the first company to introduce
a cash-and-carry business format in the country.
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Govt withdraws windfall gains tax on crude oil production

• The government has removed the windfall tax on crude oil production to nil
from 3,500 rupees ($42.56) per tonne and on diesel has been slashed to Rs 0.5
per litre from Re 1 per litre, effective from April 4, 2023.
• Windfall tax: It is levied by governments when an industry unexpectedly
earns large profits.
• The tax was levied in July 2022 as high energy prices led to soaring profits
for oil producers.
• The decision comes at a time when OPEC+ decided to cut production.
• OPEC+ is a group of 23 oil-exporting countries which meets regularly to

decide how much crude oil to sell on the world market.
• At the core of this group are the 13 members of OPEC (the Organization of the Oil Exporting Countries),
which are mainly Middle Eastern and African countries.
World Bank announces $100 million as loan for Odisha

• Reason: To robust its early forecasting systems for improved response to disasters and enhance its social
protection coverage for poor and vulnerable households through digital platforms
• Odisha is vulnerable to natural disasters with cyclones hitting the state every 15 months on average.
• The Program has a maturity of 12.5 years with a grace period of 3 years.
Indian economy to grow at 6.5% in next decade: Chief Economic Advisor
• Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran.

• The Finance Ministry’s Economic Survey has projected the economic growth
to be 6.5 percent in 2023-24.
• While the RBI has projected India’s economic growth to slow down to 6.4
percent in Financial Year 2024.
Anti-Dumping Duty on Imported Optical Fiber from China, Korea, Indonesia

• Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), an arm of the Ministry of
Commerce, has recommended imposition of anti-dumping duty on imports of a
certain type of optical fiber from
• China, Korea and Indonesia to protect the domestic industry from cheap
inbound shipments.
The DGTR has recommended the duty after examination on dumped imports
of 'Dispersion Unshifted Single-Mode Optical Fiber' from these countries.
What is Dumping?
• According to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), if a company exports a
product at a price lower than the price it normally charges on its own home
market, it is said to be “dumping” the product.
• This is done by companies to grab market share in other countries from the local companies.
What is Anti- Dumping?
• Anti-dumping duties are taxes imposed on imported goods to compensate for the difference between their
export price and their normal value.
• It is imposed to protect producers of competing products in the importing country from harm.
Reserve Bank gold reserves rose 4.5% to 794.64 tonnes in 2022-23
• RBI has added 34.22 metric tonnes of gold in the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2023, taking the total gold
reserves to 794.64 metric tonnes.
• The latest World Gold Council (WGC) report showed that the Monetary Authority of Singapore was the
largest single buyer of gold (69 metric tonnes) during January-March 2023.
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No TCS on LRS transactions upto Rs 7 lakh via international debit, credit cards from
July 1, 2023
• The Indian government has recently announced a relaxation in the Tax Collected
At Source (TCS) rules for international transactions made using debit or credit
cards.
• Starting from July 1, 2023, individuals conducting international transactions up
to Rs 7 lakh will be exempt from the 20 percent TCS levy.
• This exemption will also exclude these transactions from the Liberalised
Remittance Scheme (LRS) limits of $250,000 per annum.
i) Private visits to any country (except Nepal and Bhutan)
ii) Gift or donation
iii) Going abroad for employment
iv) Emigration
v) Maintenance of close relatives abroad
vi) Travel for business, attending a conference or specialised training or for meeting expenses for meeting
medical expenses, or check-up abroad, or for accompanying as an attendant to a patient going abroad for
medical treatment/ check-up etc
Leave encashment tax-free till ₹25 lakh for private sector employees upon retirement
• As was announced in the union budget 2023, Central Board of Direct Taxes has raised the tax exemption on
leave encashment on the retirement of non-government salaried employees from ₹3 lakh to ₹25 lakh,
effective from 1 April 2023.
• So far, the tax exemption on leave encashment for non-government employees was ₹3 lakh which was fixed
in 2002.
• In the case of government employees, the entire leave encashment amount received is tax-exempt.
Government approves over Rs 89,000 crore revival package for BSNL

• Union Cabinet has approved the third revival package for BSNL with a total outlay of 89,047 crore rupees,
includes an allotment of 4G/5G spectrum through equity infusion.
• The authorised capital of BSNL will be increased from 1,50,000 crore rupees to 2,10,000 crore rupees.
• BSNL will emerge as a stable telecom service provider focused on providing connectivity to the remotest
parts of India.
• First revival package approved in 2019.
SIDBI launches EVOLVE mission with NITI Aayog

• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) launched the Electric
Vehicle Operations and Lending for Vibrant Ecosystem (EVOLVE) mission.
• The mission has been launched in collaboration with NITI Aayog, World Bank,
Korean-World Bank and Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund
(EDCF).
• Under the initiative, SIDBI will give MSMEs access to affordable commercial financing for EV loans
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):
• Apex regulatory body for micro, small and medium enterprise finance companies in India.
Under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• The headquarters is located in Lucknow.
• Established on 2nd April, 1990 by the Government of India.
World Bank launches its first road safety project in South Asia
• The World Bank (WB) launched its first dedicated road safety project in South
Asia with a USD 358 million financing agreement signed in Dhaka with the
government of Bangladesh.
• The project seeks to improve road safety and reduce fatalities and injuries from road crashes in selected
cities, high-risk highways, and district roads
• The project will focus on two national highways in Bangladesh.
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• The aim is to achieve a substantial reduction of over 30 percent in road traffic deaths on these two highways.
Ministry of Culture and Canara Bank signed an MoU

• The Ministry of Culture and Canara Bank signed an MoU for the disbursal of
financial assistance to veteran artists under the “Scheme for Financial Assistance
for Veteran Artists”.
• Ministry of Culture has administered a Scheme under which financial assistance of
Rs. 6000 per month is provided to artists and scholars above 60 years
• Eligibility: Contributed in their specialized fields of performing arts and culture in
their active age or are still contributing
Government brings Goods & Services Tax Network under PMLA

• The Central Government issued a notification to bring the Goods & Services Tax
Network (GSTN) under the purview of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• Information stored on GSTN can be now shared under PMLA Act.
• Due to this, it will be possible to take strict action against those involved in tax evasion and manipulation of
documents.
• Due to this, crimes under GST like fake input tax credits, fake invoices, etc. will be included in the PMLA Act.
The 50th GST Council meeting concluded in New Delhi

• The 50th GST Council meeting, headed by the Finance Minister, Nirmala
Sitharaman, concluded in New Delhi.
• Highlights:
• 28% GST rate has been levied on the full value of gaming, horse racing, and
casino
Exempted GST on pharma products like cancer drug Dinutuximab, and Food
for Special Medical Purposes
• Reduced GST on Uncooked, unfried & extruded snack palettes to 5%
• Reduced GST on Fish soluble paste to 5%
Indore Municipal Corporation 1st urban body in India to get EPR credit
• Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has become the first urban body in the country to get the Extended
Producers Responsibility (EPR) credit by recycling the banned single-use plastic items after seizing them.
• IMC earned its first instalment of EPR credit against seizing and recycling of 8 metric tonnes banned
plastics. Single-use plastic is completely banned in the city.
• Notably, Indore was adjudged India’s cleanest city for the sixth time in a row last year in the central
government’s annual cleanliness survey.
• This waste is collected under different categories from every doorstep in the city by civic vehicles and
disposed of the same day in the plant being run under the PPP model.
Lavasa, India's first private hill station, sold to Darwin Platform Infrastructure for Rs 1.8 thousand crore
• India's first private hill station Lavasa was sold to Darwin Platform Infrastructure for Rs 1.8
thousand crore after the approval of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
Lavasa Hill Station:
• It is situated in the Mulshi Valley within the Western Ghats near Pune.
It was established in 2000 by the Hindustan Construction Company, becoming India's first private hill town.
• Some of the prominent financial lenders in Lavasa include Union Bank of India, L&T Finance, Arcil, Bank of
India and Axis Bank.
• Covering an extensive area of 25,000 acres, Lavasa displays impressive infrastructure and mesmerising
natural beauty.
India poised to become world’s 2nd-largest economy by 2075: Goldman Sachs

• According to the Investment Bank Goldman Sachs, India is poised to become the world’s second-largest
economy by 2075.
• As per the report, India would cross Japan, Germany, and the US With a population of 1.4 billion people.
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• India’s GDP is estimated to expand remarkably, reaching 52.5 trillion dollars surpassing the US GDP
projection.
• The labour force participation is set to make India the second-largest economy in the world by 2075.
1st crude oil transaction in local currency undertaken between India-UAE

• The first-ever crude oil transaction under the newly implemented Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system
took place between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Indian Oil Corporation Limited.
• Both Indian Rupees and UAE Dirhams were used for the transaction,
India and UAE have a strong oil and gas relationship and the UAE is a key partner for India's energy security.
• The transaction involved the sale of about 1 million barrels of crude oil.
• UAE is the fourth largest source of crude oil and the second largest source of LNG and LPG for India.
• Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Que: Which is the first African country to initiate a debt-for-nature swap?

Ans: Gabon
• Gabon becomes the first African country to initiate the debt-for-nature swap,
for up to $450 million
• These so-called swaps can be useful for countries that are most vulnerable to
climate change and often unable to afford investment to strengthen climate
change-related resilience.
Sebi halves listing timeline to 3 days post

IPO closure
• The Securities and Exchange
Board of India reduced the timeline for listing of securities after the closing of an initial
public offering to three days from the present requirement of six working days
• The reduction in timelines will benefit both issuers as well as investors
India’s
per capita
income to
jump 70% by 2030: Standard Chartered Bank
• According to a research report by Standard Chartered Bank, the per capita
income of India is likely to grow around 70% by 2030 and is expected to reach $4,000 from current levels of
$2,450.
• Telangana currently takes the top spot in the per capita income rankings
with ₹2,75,443, following closely are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and
Andhra Pradesh.
Discontinuation Of I-CRR : RBI

• RBI announced that it would discontinue the Incremental Cash Reserve
Ratio (I-CRR) in a phased manner.
• The central bank will release the amount that banks have maintained
under I-CRR in stages.
• The discontinuation of the I-CRR will be implemented in stages to ensure
a smooth transition and prevent sudden shocks to the system’s liquidity.
• In the first and second stages of the I-CRR reversal, 25% of each of the Banks’ impounded funds will be
released. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• The remaining 50% of the balance will be released in the third stage.
• This measured approach aims to ensure that banks have sufficient liquidity to
meet increased credit demand during the upcoming festival season.
I-CRR:
• On 10th August 2023, following the announcement of the monetary policy
and the demonetization of Rs 2000 notes, the RBI declared that banks would
be required to maintain an Incremental Cash Reserve Ratio (I-CRR) of 10% on the increase in their Net
Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL).
• NDTL is the difference between the sum of demand and time liabilities (deposits) of a bank (with the public
or the other bank) and the deposits in the form of assets held by the other banks.
• The RBI introduced the I-CRR as a temporary measure to manage excess Liquidity in the banking system.
CCI Clears Air India-Vistara Merger

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has recently given the green light to the merger of Tata SIA
Airlines, which operates under the Vistara brand, with Air India, a subsidiary of Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd.
• TSAL (Tata SIA Airlines Limited) is a joint venture between the Tata Group and the Singapore Airlines with
the former holding 51% and the latter 49%.
• The Competition Commission of India is the chief national competition
regulator in India. It is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Founded: 14 October 2003
Hitachi Payment Services launches India's first-ever UPI-ATM with NPCI

• Hitachi Payment Services, a subsidiary of Japan-based Hitachi Ltd, announced
the launch of India's first-ever UPI-ATM as a White Label ATM (WLA) named
Hitachi Money Spot UPI ATM, with the 22National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• The ATM will offer cardless cash withdrawals, eliminating the need for physical cards.
A UPI-ATM allows users to withdraw cash from multiple accounts using the United Payments Interface app.
What are White Label ATMs (WLAs)?

• ATMs set up, owned and operated by non-banks are called WLAs.Non-bank ATM operators are authorised
under the Payment & Settlement Systems Act, 2007 by the RBI.
• They provide banking services to customers using debit/credit/prepaid cards issued by
banks.
• Green Label ATM
• ATMs are provided for agricultural transactions.
• They are mainly used by farmers and rural customers for various banking needs.
GST Council hikes age limit for Appellate Tribunals’ president

• The superannuation age of the President of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) has been
increased to 70 years from 67 years earlier
• Members can hold their post till the age of 67 years as opposed to 65 years earlier.
• The minimum age for the President and members is set to 50 years
• Advocates should have a minimum experience of 10 years to become judicial members.
• Nirmala Sitharaman said that there will be no GST on millet flour where millets account for 70% of the
product by weight if sold loose, and a 5% tax will be levied where these are sold in a pre-packaged and
labelled form.
India To Surpass Japan In 2030 To Become 2nd Largest Economy Of Asia, Says S&P
Global
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• India, the world’s fifth largest economy in the world, is likely to overtake Japan to become the world’s third-
largest economy with a GDP of $ 7.3 trillion by 2030, S&P Global Market Intelligence.
• India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow 6.2-6.3 percent in the fiscal year ending in March
2024, being the fastest-growing major economy this fiscal year.
• Current top 5 - US, China, Japan, Germany, India
RBI Allows NRI’s To Buy Sovereign Green Bonds

• RBI has granted Non-Resident Indians unrestricted investment access to the
Government’s Sovereign Green Bonds for the fiscal year 2023-24.
• The government aims to raise Rs 20,000 crore through green bonds in the
current financial year.
• This aligns with its commitment to sustainable financing, emphasizing projects
with positive impacts on climate and the environment.
• Green bonds are financial instruments dedicated to funding projects with direct environmental benefits.
• These projects encompass renewable energy, clean transportation, and
green buildings.
RBI Includes PM Vishwakarma Under PIDF Scheme

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the Payments Infrastructure
Development Fund (PIDF) scheme for an additional two years, now effective
until December 31, 2025.
• The PIDF scheme’s scope is broadened to include beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma scheme.
Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) Scheme:
• It was first launched by the RBI in January 2021 for a period of three years.
• Objective: Increasing the number of payment acceptance devices multi-fold in the country.
• PIDF is a fund set up by the RBI, in consultation with major authorised card networks, to facilitate
the development of payment acceptance infrastructure in tier-3 to tier-6 cities and the north-
eastern states of India.
PM Vishwakarma scheme?
• It is a Central Sector Scheme launched on 17th September, 2023, with a financial outlay of Rs.13,000 crore.
• Time period: Five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28).
• Aim:
• This initiative supports small businesses, focusing on traditional artists and craftspeople.
It provides small workers and craftsmen with financial help, training, improved methods, and skill mentoring.
SIDBI launches ‘Sumpoorn’ MSME Economic Activity Index with Jocata

• A digital lending transformation platform, Jocata has collaborated with SIDBI to launch a one-of-its-kind
MSME Economic Activity Index Sumpoorn.
• It will capture the state of India’s MSMEs, which contribute more than a quarter of the country’s overall
Gross Value Added (GVA) and more than 40 percent of its total.
• Sivasubramanian Ramann - Chairman & Managing Director at SIDBI.
• About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
• Founded – 2 April 1990
• Headquarters – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
IMF executive board approved a 50% quota increase

• The executive board has approved a proposal to make a 50% increase in the
quota allocated to members in proportion to their current quotas.
• Presently, India has a quota of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) of 13,114.4 million. This means India has a share
of 2.75%.
• The proposal will be effective only after consideration and voting by the Board of Governors.
• About International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• Founded – 1945 Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• Headquarters- Washington, D.C.

• Managing Director – Kristalina Georgieva (Bulgaria)
• First Deputy MD – Gita Gopinath
• Chief Economist – Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas (France)
Sebi Reduces Minimum Issue Size For Social Stock Exchange To Rs 50 Lakh
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted approval for Not for Profit Organisations
(NPOs) to enhance their fundraising capabilities through the social stock exchange.
• To support NPOs on the social stock exchange, SEBI has decided to decrease the minimum issue size for
public issuance of Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instruments (ZCZP) from Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh.
• The minimum investment amount for the investors has also been reduced from two lakh rupees to 10
thousand rupees.
• This reduction aims to make fundraising more accessible for NPOs, fostering a conducive environment for
social impact initiatives.
penny drop’ verification

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has made ‘penny drop’ verification
mandatory for the withdrawal of funds by subscribers of the National Pension System (NPS), Atal Pension
Yojana and NPS Lite as well as modifications in bank account details.
• Under the process, Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRA) check the active status of the savings bank
account and match the name in the bank account number with the name in the PAN or according to the
documents submitted.
• Atal Pension Yojana, formerly known as Swavalamban Yojana is a government-backed pension scheme in
India, primarily targeted at the unorganised sector. It was mentioned in the year 2015 Budget speech by the
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 May 2015 in Kolkata.
SEBI proposes two-phase transition to instant settlement in Indian stock market

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a phase-wise transition to instant settlement
of trades in the equity cash market.
• An optional T+0 settlement cycle for trades till 1:30 pm may be introduced in the first phase, with settlement
of funds and securities to be completed on the same day by 4:30 p.m.
• To begin with, a T+0 settlement will be made available in the top 500 listed equity shares in three tranches,
from the lowest to the highest market capitalization.
• In the second phase, an optional immediate trade-by-trade settlement will be carried out for trades till 3.30
p.m.
Govt approves incentive scheme for promotion of RuPay Debit Cards

• The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the incentive scheme for the promotion of RuPay Debit Cards
and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions.
• The scheme has a financial outlay of 2,600 crore rupees.
• Aim: To help in building a robust digital payment system.
• Besides, the Cabinet has also given its approval to rename the National Centre for Drinking Water,
Sanitation, and Quality at Joka, Kolkata as Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institution of Water and
Sanitation.
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for the current financial year
2022-23 has been increased by RBI from 6.8 percent to 7 percent.
• At the same time, in the next financial year 2023-24, the growth rate in
gross domestic product (GDP) has been estimated to be 6.4 percent.
• RBI has estimated retail inflation to be 6.5 per cent in the current
financial year and 5.3 per cent in the next financial year.
Repo rate:
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• Repo rate is the interest rate at which commercial banks borrow money from the central bank to
meet their immediate needs.
• An increase in this means that borrowing from banks and financial
institutions will be costlier and the monthly instalment (EMI) of
existing loans will increase.
Bank of Maharashtra launched its own private cloud platform 'MAHABANK

NAKSHATRA’
• Aim: To facilitate the High-Performance Cloud Capabilities for Digital Infrastructure and hosting applications
of the Bank
• The bank has also launched a portal named Suvidha.
• Suvidha is an automated Decease Claim Settlement System (DCSS)
• Aim: To simplify the deceased claim settlement process
Bank of Maharashtra tops list of public sector lenders in loan growth

• The latest financial results of public sector banks (PSBs) showed that the
Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has emerged as the top performer in terms of
loan growth percentage during the third quarter of 2022-23.
• The BoM recorded a 21.67% increase in gross advances on a year-on-year
basis.
• BoM was followed by the Union Bank of India (19.80%) growth.
• While the State Bank of India (SBI) ranked fourth with 16.91% rise in advances growth.
PM Modi, Singapore counterpart launch real-time payment systems linkage

• Indian PM Narendra Modi and Singapore's PM Lee Hsien Loong witnessed the launch of the cross-border
linkage between UPI and PayNow.
• The launch was done by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and MD of the Monetary Authority of Singapore Ravi
Menon.
• It enables residents of both countries to transfer cross-border remittances
faster and more cost-efficient.
Paytm launched G20-theme QR Code to celebrate India’s G20 presidency

• It was launched by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the ‘Digital
Payments Utsav’ 2023.
• Paytm has played an important role in the mobile payments revolution in
India, as the pioneer of QR code payments.
• The special commemorative QR Code features logos of MeitY’s ‘DigiDhan Mission’, along
with those of the G20 2023 and the 75th year of India’s independence.
• Founded – August 2010
• Headquarters – Noida, Uttar Pradesh
• Owner – One97 Communications Ltd.
• Founder(s) – Vijay Shekhar Sharma
EbixCash becomes first Indian entity to enable UPI for foreign nationals
• It will offer UPI services to international delegates attending the G-20 summit, being held in
India.
• This facility will be enabled across all other entry points in the country.
• It can be extended to foreign travellers after physical verification of the Passport
and Visa of the customers at the point of issuance.
IRCTC partners with HDFC Bank to launch India’s most rewarding co-branded travel
credit card
• Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC)
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• Known as the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card, the newly launched co-branded card is in a single variant and is
available exclusively on NPCI’s Rupay network.
• It will provide exclusive benefits and maximum savings on bookings of train tickets booked through the
IRCTC’s ticketing website and through IRCTC Rail Connect app.
• CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan
• Founded: August 1994, Mumbai
Bank of Baroda board approves 49% stake divestment in BFSL

• In an exchange filing, the Bank of Baroda has informed that the bank's board has approved divesting up to
49% stake in subsidiary BoB Financial Solutions Ltd.
• Currently, BOB holds 100% of the total equity share capital of BFSL.
• BFSL, a registered non-banking financial institution, is primarily involved in credit cards and merchant-
acquiring businesses.
• Bank of Baroda
• MD & CEO: Sanjiv Chadha;
• Chairman: Hasmukh Adhia
• BoB HQ: Vadodara
IDFC Mutual Fund rebrands itself as Bandhan Mutual Fund

• Its schemes will reflect the new name with effect from March 13,
2023.
• IDFC Mutual Fund has also unveiled a new logo as the company was
acquired by Bandhan Financial Holdings-led consortium in April 2022
Government imposes surcharge for Google Pay and other payment apps
• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued a circular suggesting "Prepaid Payment
Instruments (PPI)" charges on merchant transactions on Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• NPCI has introduced an interchange charge of up to 1.1 per cent on merchant UPI transactions done using
prepaid payment instruments from April 1.
• It will be levied on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 made to online merchants, large merchants and small
merchants.
• NPCI has clarified that there will be no charges for UPI payment from bank account to bank account or
normal UPI payment.
Commercial Bank 'first in Qatar' to launch UPI remittance service to India

• Commercial Bank, a digital Bank in Qatar has announced to launch of Unified
Payment Interface (UPI) remittance service to India.
• With this decision, this bank becomes the first bank in Qatar to offer this
service.
• UPI is a convenient payment system that allows customers to transfer
money in real time.
NCLT approved HDFC, HDFC Bank merger

• The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the merger of HDFC & HDFC Bank.
• HDFC Ltd has already received approvals from the Reserve Bank of India, Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), PFRDA and Competition Commission of India
(CCI) as well as from India’s stock exchanges – BSE and NSE
• Termed as the biggest transaction in India's corporate history, HDFC Bank agreed to
take over the biggest domestic mortgage lender HDFC in a deal valued at about USD
40 billion.
HDFC Bank
• Founded – August 1994
• Founder – Hasmukhbhai Parekh Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra

• MD & CEO – Sashidhar Jagdishan
• Chairman – Atanu Chakraborty
• Tagline – We understand your world
Troubled Silicon Valley Bank acquired by First Citizens Bank

• The First Citizens Bank acquired Silicon Valley Bank and assumed control of all its
deposits and loans.
• As part of the deal, North Carolina-based First Citizens Bank has agreed to purchase
$72 billion worth of SVB’s assets at a $16.5 billion discount.
Sri Lanka’s Seylan Bank opens INR denominated Nostro A/c in Indian Bank
• Sri Lanka’s Seylan Bank has opened an Indian rupee-denominated Nostro account in
Indian Bank in Mumbai.
• Aim: To help in setting cross-border transactions using the Indian rupee
• It enables local customers to enter into transactions denominated in the Indian
Rupee and eliminates the need to conduct Trade and Remittance transactions in US dollars.
• Nostro account: It is a bank account held in a foreign country by a domestic bank, denominated in the
currency of that country.
ICICI Lombard introduces country's first 'anywhere cashless' facility

• ICICI Lombard General Insurance has introduced an industry-first feature for health
insurance policyholders called 'Anywhere Cashless,’
• It allows them to receive cashless facilities at any hospital, regardless of whether or
not it is currently part of ICICI Lombard's hospital network.
• However, the hospital must agree to accept the cashless facility for this feature to
apply.
About ICICI Lombard General Insurance
• It is a subsidiary of ICICI Bank Limited, a general insurance company.
• ICICI Lombard is headquartered in Mumbai, India.
RBI has allowed banks from 18 countries to trade in rupee

• RBI has granted approval to foreign banks in 18 countries to open Vostro accounts
to settle international trade in rupees.
• 18 Countries: Botswana, Fiji, Germany, Guyana, Israel, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius,
Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania,
Uganda, and UK
• In July 2022, govt informed that it would set up a mechanism to settle
international trade in rupees.
Que: RBI has decided to launch a secured web-based centralised portal to simplify and streamline application
processes. What is the name given to the portal?
Ans: PRAVAAH
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has planned to launch a secured web-based
centralised portal named ‘PRAVAAH’ to simplify and streamline application process
for license / authorisation or regulatory approvals from the Reserve Bank.
• PRAVAAH stands for Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation And Authorisation.
• The portal will show time limits for deciding on the applications/approvals sought.
• Currently, the application and approval processes for the same take place in varied online and off-line
modes.
• The new system will bring greater efficiencies into regulatory processes and facilitate ease of doing business
for the regulated entities of RBI.
• The facility will be extended to all types of applications made to RBI across
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Visa introduces CVV-free payments for tokenized cards in India

• Card payments company Visa has launched a feature that allows users to carry
out online transactions without the need to punch in the cardholder verification
value (CVV), if the card has been tokenised.
• Aimed at making the online transaction process smoother & protect sensitive
data from cyber attacks and frauds.
• This facility is applicable on tokenized credit and debit cards and is available only for domestic transactions in
India.
• The card is tokenized by securing it with a unique code and transactions are completed using a two-factor
authentication process that does not require the 16-digit card number or any other card details.
• Tokenization is a security process that replaces sensitive data with unique codes called tokens.
AIBEA to launch ‘Bank Clinic’ to help retail customers

• The All-India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) plans to set up an online ‘Bank Clinic’ to assist bank
customers with grievance redress.
• TBank Clinic will assist customers with their complaints.
• It will provide feedback to banks on areas where there are service
deficiencies.
• Bank Clinic will assist banks in improving their services and customer
satisfaction.
• It will improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• AIBEA General Secretary CH Venkatachalam
Google Pay launches RuPay credit cards

• Google Pay users in India can now make Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments with RuPay credit cards.
• The users can now link their RuPay credit cards with Google Pay to pay at all online and
offline merchants where RuPay credit cards are accepted.
• It is now available to RuPay credit card holders of Axis Bank, BoB, Canara Bank, HDFC
Bank, Indian Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, PNB, and Union Bank of India.
Axis Bank launches a digital onboarding platform ‘Sarathi’

Axis Bank has launched ‘Sarathi’ a digital onboarding journey to enable Electronic Data Capture or Point of Sale (POS)
for merchants.
This platform provides a seamless and hassle-free experience for merchants.
Onboarding process:
• Realtime database checks for faster application processing
• Live video verification to authenticate merchant information
• Eliminates the field verification process which helps in instant decision-
making
• Instant installation of POS
• CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry (1 Jan 2019–)
• Founded: 1993
RBI sanctions merger of Maratha Co-op Bank with Cosmos Co-op Bank.
RBI launches ‘100 Days 100 Pays’ campaign

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a campaign ‘100 Days
100 Pays’ for banks to trace and settle the top 100 unclaimed deposits of every bank in every district of the
country within 100 days.
• Aim: To reduce the quantum of unclaimed deposits in the banking system and return such deposits to their
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• An unclaimed deposit is one which does not see any activity for 10 years or more and is deemed as an
inactive deposit.
HDFC Mutual Fund launches India's first defence fund

• HDFC AMC Ltd has launched India's first mutual fund focussed on the defence
sector.
• Aim: To provide investors with an opportunity to participate in the growth
potential of this space
• The fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in defence and allied sector companies including stocks
forming part of aerospace and defence.
Under "Clean Note Policy" RBI decided to withdraw Rs 2000 note from circulation
• RBI has decided to withdraw Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes from circulation
under the "Clean Note Policy".
• Rs 2,000 notes will continue to be legal tender.
• From May 23 till September 30, 2023, Rs 2,000 notes can be exchanged for other
denominations up to a limit of Rs 20,000 at a time at any bank branch.
• ₹2000 denomination banknote was introduced in November 2016 under Section 24(1) of RBI Act, 1934.
• The printing of ₹2,000 notes was stopped in 2018-19. The RBI said about 89% of the ₹2,000 notes were
issued prior to March 2017 and are at the end of their estimated life span of 4-5 years.
Clean Note Policy:
• The clean note policy was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 1999 to address the issue of soiled
and mutilated notes.
• Banks are instructed not to give soiled, torn and mutilated notes to customers and instead deposit them
with RBI.
• The objective of the Clean Note Policy is to provide good quality currency notes and coins to the customers.
• Soiled and mutilated currency notes can be easily exchanged at teller counters under the RBI's note refund
rules of 2009.
Patna becomes first municipal corporation to use CBDC

• Patna Municipal Corporation in Bihar has become the first municipal corporation in India to adopt Central
Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
• The digital currency called e-Rupee generated by the RBI will be used in the entire Patna Municipal
Corporation area.
• A workshop was organised for the corporators to educate them about the benefits and applications of digital
e-Rupee currency.
• Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are a form of digital currency issued by a country's central bank. They
are similar to cryptocurrencies, except that their value is fixed by the central bank and equivalent to the
country's fiat currency.
About Reserve Bank of India
• RBI was established on April 1, 1935 as per the provisions of the Reserve
Bank of India Act, 1934.
• It started functioning from 1 April 1935 and Sir Osborne Smith was made the
first Governor of RBI.
• The central office of the Reserve Bank was established in Kolkata which was permanently shifted to Mumbai
in the year 1937.
• It was nationalised in 1949 and now the Government of India owns the RBI.
UPI to account for 90% of retail digital payments by 2026-27
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• According to PwC report 'The Indian Payments Handbook - 2022-27, UPI transactions are likely to reach 1
billion per day by 2026-27, accounting for 90% of the retail digital payments
• UPI is driving the digital payments revolution, accounting for about 75% of the total transaction volume in
the retail segment during 2022-23
• UPI Introduced: 11 April 2016
BoB launches facility for cash withdrawals using UPI on its ATMs
• Bank of Baroda has launched Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal (ICCW) facility,
in which a customer can withdraw cash using UPI from the bank's ATMs, without
using their debit card.
• It would be the first public sector bank to launch this service.
RBI, IIT Madras to launch voice-banking solution

• Reserve Bank Innovation Hub has partnered with IIT Madras Research Park and Incubation Cell to launch
voice-banking solutions to eliminate language barriers
• It will assist the illiterate and the visually impaired in their banking needs.
• Aim: To conduct the basic banking transactions through voice controls in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English, in
the initial stage
Indian Overseas Bank Introduces “MY ACCOUNT MY NAME”

• Indian Overseas Bank has introduced “MY ACCOUNT MY NAME” for Savings
Bank account customers.
• This is the first time such a feature has been introduced in the banking industry.
• In ‘My Account My Name’ customer can choose any name (alias) for his/her
account in addition to the account name. This ‘Alias Name’ name can be shared
by customers to others instead of sharing the 15-digit account numbers.
• The account name can be a combination of seven letters/ numbers/ alphanumeric
• Ajay Kumar Srivastava, MD&CEO, Indian Overseas Bank
Apple to launch its credit card in India

• Apple Inc is planning to introduce its credit card, known as Apple Card, in India to take
advantage of the growing opportunities in the country's financial sector.
• Apple intends to collaborate with HDFC Bank to offer Apple Card to Indian customers.
• Apple CEO Tim Cook met HDFC Bank CEO and MD Shashidhar Jagadishan during the launch of
the Apple Store in India in April.
Axis Bank launches 'One-View' feature

• Axis Bank has launched its latest feature ‘One-View’, on Axis Mobile Application.
• It also becomes the first private sector Bank to introduce this new-age banking feature leveraging the
Account Aggregator ecosystem.
• Aim: To create a seamless banking experience for its customers
• It helps in managing finances for customers, by providing them access to multiple bank accounts on a single
platform
• It also enables them to track their balances and spending on a real-time basis
State Bank of India launches ‘Transaction Banking Hubs’

• State Bank of India launched 34 Transaction Banking Hubs at 21 district centers across
the country.
• Aim: To provide quick and efficient Transaction Banking solutions to customers
• Dinesh Khara, the chairman of the SBI, inaugurated the hubs, on the occasion of the
68th foundation day of the bank.
• Founded: 1 July 1955
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PNB launches its virtual branch in the Metaverse

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched its virtual branch, PNB
Metaverse.
• With the help of this, customers can explore the bank's products and
services and government flagship schemes.
• The bank will offer an immersive 3D experience to the customers.
Inclusion of NongHyup Bank in Second Schedule: RBI Notification

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed all banks about the addition of
"NongHyup Bank" to the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934.
• It is an agricultural bank headquartered in South Korea.
• The bank was established in 2012 and owned by the NACF.
• Nonghyup Bank entered India in 2016.
Bank of India becomes first bank to offer Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC)
Scheme
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced this flagship scheme during the
Budget speech FY 2023-2024 on February 1, 2023.
• Under the scheme, individual girls or women can open a MSSC account, or a guardian can open an account
on behalf of a minor girl.
• The minimum investment required is Rs 1000, up to a maximum limit of Rs 200,000.
• The account will mature after two years from the date of opening, an interest rate of 7.5% per annum,
compounded quarterly.
India hosted Banking On World Heritage Exhibition

• The exhibition was inaugurated by Minister of Culture and External Affairs,
Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi.
• The exhibition, held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, highlights
the cultural significance of currency.
• It displayed banknotes of G20 member nations, depicting world heritage sites
listed by UNESCO
• It features Indian currency notes, including the ₹10 note with the Sun Temple, the ₹20 note with the Ellora
caves, the ₹500 note with the Red Fort, and two ₹100 notes depicting the Kanchenjunga mountains and
Gujarat’s “Rani Ki Vav” stepwell.
• The G-20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union, with each member featuring their UNESCO world
heritage sites on their currency notes.
PhonePe launches India’s first Health Insurance platform with monthly subscription
• Walmart-owned fintech firm PhonePe’s subsidiary PhonePe Insurance Broking
Services has launched its health insurance vertical, offering plans in partnership
with multiple insurers.
• PhonePe users can set up monthly payments for the premium via its UPI platform.
Banknotes with a Star (*) symbol identical to any other legal banknotes: RBI
• In fact, the RBI had introduced the star (*) mark in new Rs 500 denomination
banknotes back in December 2016.
• Additionally, the ‘star’ banknotes in denominations of Rs 10, 20, 50, and 100 have
been in circulation since 2006.
• With this clarification, the RBI aims to put to rest any concerns or doubts surrounding the ‘Star Series’
banknotes and assure the public that they hold the same value as any other legal tender without any
compromise in quality or usability.
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Reserve Bank of India launched a centralized Web portal, UDGAM

• RBI launched a Centralised Web Portal UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway
to Access inforMation).
• To facilitate and make it easier for public to search their unclaimed deposits
across multiple banks in one place
• The launch of the web portal will aid users to identify their unclaimed deposits/
accounts and enable them to either claim the deposit amount or make their
deposit accounts operative at their respective banks
• To begin with, users would be able to access the details of their unclaimed deposits in respect of seven
banks (State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Central Bank of India, Dhanlaxmi Bank, South Indian Bank,
DBS Bank India, and Citibank N.A.) presently available on the portal.
Airtel Payments Bank Launched India’s 1st Eco-Friendly Debit Card

• The debit cards will come in r-PVC material, a certified eco-friendly material,
compared to the conventional PVC cards commonly used in the market.
• The r-PVC cards' production will result in a 43% decrease of hydrocarbon
usage
Indian Bank becomes the first PSB to extend on-line Locker Agreement
• Indian Bank became the First Public Sector Bank to extend facility of
execution of on-line locker agreement through Digital Document
Execution (DDE) Platform of National E-Governance Services Limited
(NeSL).
• DDE is a fully automated contract execution platform with paperless e-stamp and e-Sign facility.
Canara Bank Pioneers UPI-Interoperable Digital Rupee Mobile App for CBDC Transactions
• Canara Bank has taken a monumental step by introducing the UPI interoperable
digital rupee mobile application.
• This places Canara Bank as the first bank across both the public and commercial
sectors to offer this pioneering feature.
• The app, named the Canara Digital Rupee app, marks a significant milestone as a
part of RBI’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot project.
• With the Canara Digital Rupee app, customers can effortlessly scan merchant UPI QR codes, facilitating
payments using the digital currency.
Bima Sugam
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is set to introduce a groundbreaking
online platform called Bima Sugam, which aims to become the world’s largest online market for insurance
products and services.
• This platform will offer customers a user-friendly interface to explore
and choose insurance schemes from various companies, covering life,
health, and general insurance, including motor and travel insurance.
• It will streamline claim settlements, offering paperless processing based
on policy numbers. IRDAI has allocated a budget of Rs 200 crore for
Bima Sugam.
• The launch of the platform scheduled for June 2024.
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Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

• It is an autonomous and statutory body established under the IRDA Act 1999.
• It is the apex body that supervises and regulates the insurance sector in India.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Finance
• Head Office: Hyderabad.
• Composition: IRDAI is a 10-member body- a Chairman, five full-time
members, and four part-time members appointed by the Government
of India.
Kotak Mutual Fund launches investor education program in partnership with

CBSE
• The program ‘Seekho Paiso ki Bhasha’ is aimed at empowering teachers
across India.
• The investor education and awareness programmes will be held in over
100 locations
• By the end of the programme, Kotak Mutual Fund intends to reach
around 75,000 plus CBSE teachers, out of which 50% are expected to be women educators.
India launches 'Hello UPI' and 'Bharat BillPay Connect' for voice-activated conversational
payments
• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched two conversational
payments initiatives: 'Hello UPI' and 'Bharat BillPay Connect.’
• These initiatives were unveiled at the Global Fintech Fest
• NPCI's 'Hello UPI' supports voice-enabled UPI payments in both Hindi and English.
• There are plans to expand language support to include other regional languages, ensuring inclusivity for a
wider user base.
Collaborative Development:
• NPCI collaborated with the Bhashini Program at IIT Madras and AI4India to jointly develop a payment
language model in Hindi and English.
SBI launches 'Nation First Transit Card’

• State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest bank, launched the 'Nation First
Transit Card' to improve commuting experiences and encourage the use of
digital payments.
• The innovative 'Nation First Transit Card' aims to simplify digital ticket fare payments within a single card for
various transport modes including metro, buses, water ferries, parking, and more.
• Apart from transport payments, the card can also be used for retail and e-commerce transactions.
• The 'Nation First Transit Card' is powered by RuPay and National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) technology,
making it a potential game-changer for millions of Indians in their daily commute.
NCMC Facility of SBI:
• NCMC was proposed by the Nandan Nilekani Committee constituted by RBI.
• It aims to promote cashless transactions and integrate commuter payments.
• NCMC was officially launched on March 4, 2019.
• NCMC operates on the RuPay platform, which was developed by the National Payments Corporation of India
(NPCI).
• It allows payments for metro, bus, and suburban railways.
• Chairman of SBI - Dinesh Kumar Khara
IRDAI to Deploy Bima Vahak in every Gram Panchayat by December 31, 2024
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
• Bima Vahaks, both corporate and individual, are authorized to undertake various activities, including the
collection of proposal information and Know Your Customer (KYC) documents.
• They will also coordinate services related to insurance
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• IRDAI has introduced the ‘Bima Vahaks (BV)’ initiative to expand insurance coverage and accessibility.
Yes Bank becomes first bank to offer ‘ONDC Network Gift Card’
• ONDC = Open Network for Digital Commerce
• Is a government of India initiative to connect all the e-commerce players into one network.
• The gift card can be utilized for purchasing products from any brand and any seller across a wide array of
segments.
• This includes food, fashion, handicrafts, electronics, home essentials, health, and wellbeing.
Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) Sets New Directive For Private Banks: Two Whole-Time Directors Mandatory
• The RBI mandates private banks and foreign-owned subsidiaries to appoint a
minimum of two Whole-Time Directors (WTDs) on their boards, including
the MD & CEO, for improved senior management.
HDFC Life’s ‘Insure India’ Campaign Sets Guinness World Record

• for creating the largest online selfie mosaic made from 19,097 photos
clicked by individuals for the ‘Insure India’ campaign.
• HDFC Life launched the ‘Insure India’ campaign with the aim of raising
awareness about the significance of life insurance among the Indian population.
• HDFC Life’s larger industry vision, aiming to ensure ‘Life insurance for all‘ by the year 2047.
RBL Bank Introduced Electronic Bank Guarantee on NeSL Platform

• RBL Bank has launched the Electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG), signalling a significant step forward in trade
finance digital transformation.
• The e-BG product builds on the framework enabled by NeSL, incorporating their expertise in e-Stamping and
e-Sign.
• This integration eliminates the traditional physical signing and stamping
processes, seamlessly transitioning into a secure and efficient digital
format.
• NeSL’s e-BG substantially transforms the trade finance space and marks a
milestone in the digitization of banking services.
Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance introduces the unveiling of T.U.L.I.P.

• new insurance product known as T.U.L.I.P – Term with Unit Linked Insurance Plan.
• This is a unit-linked term insurance plan designed to provide life coverage up to 100 times the annual
premium.
• In addition to life coverage, it offers extra protection against critical illnesses and accidental death
• It is aimed at taking care of our customer’s core financial needs.
• MD of Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company – Mahesh Balasubramanian
eSvarna: The First Corporate RuPay Credit Card with UPI

• IndusInd Bank has launched a pathbreaking new corporate credit card – eSvarna – on the RuPay network.
• It is India’s first corporate credit card that allows linking with UPI apps for payments.
• The eSvarna Rupay corporate credit card enables smooth transactions at merchant outlets, both physical
and digital.
• The card is designed keeping in mind premium business travellers who seek exclusive privileges and value-
added benefits. It offers complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access up to 10 times
annually to relax and unwind during travels.
• Additionally, it provides comprehensive travel insurance covering passport, baggage delays, flight
cancellations and accidents.It also provides business-focused rewards on daily transactions.
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RBI Identifies SBI, HDFC Bank, And ICICI Bank As Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)/
• Established in 2014, the D-SIB framework mandates the RBI to disclose the names of designated banks
annually.
• Bucket 5: No Designation
• Bucket 4: State Bank of India (SBI) – Additional CET1 requirement of 0.80%.
• Bucket 3: No Designation
• Bucket 2: HDFC Bank – Additional CET1 requirement of 0.40%.
• Bucket 1: ICICI Bank – Additional CET1 requirement of 0.20%.
• The classification of HDFC Bank considers its increased systemic importance post the merger of HDFC Ltd
into the bank on July 1, 2023
• SBI and HDFC Bank move to higher buckets – SBI shifts from bucket 3 to bucket 4 and HDFC Bank shifts from
bucket 1 to bucket 2
• 2015 SBI
• 2016 ICICI
• 2017 HDFC
Changes In Interest Rates Of Small Savings Schemes: January-March 2024

• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana has been increased by 0.20% and 3-year time deposit rates have been increased
by 0.10%.
• Earlier, the interest rate of the Sukanya Scheme was 8% and the interest rate of a three-year time deposit
was 7%.
• Kisan Vikas Patra: 7.5 percent (mature in 115 months)
• Public Provident Fund (PPF): 7.1 percent
• Sukanya Samriddhi Account: 8.2 percent (earlier 8.0 percent)
• Senior Citizens Savings Scheme: 8.2 percent
Small savings instruments can be divided into three parts:
• Postal Deposit: Saving Account, Recurring Deposit, Time Deposit and Monthly Income Scheme
• Saving Certificate: National Small Savings Certificate (NSC), Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP)
• Social Security Schemes: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Senior Citizens Savings
Scheme (SCSS)
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana:

• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 January 2015 as a part of
the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign.
• This scheme aims to promote the welfare of the girl child in India.
• The minimum investment in this is ₹250 per year. The maximum investment is ₹1,50,000 per year.
Card-On-File Tokenization : Reserve Bank Of India

• In order to make digital payments more secure, safe and sound the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has now
enabled card-on-file tokenization (CoFT) through card issuing banks and institutions.
• Tokenization refers to replacement of actual credit and debit card details with an alternate code called the
“token”.
• It is a combination of card, token requestor and device.
• The card detail when stored with a merchant is known as card-on-file (CoF).
• This token is a randomly generated string of characters that has no intrinsic value and is meaningless outside
of the context of a specific transaction.
• The token is used as a surrogate for the actual card details, making it more secure to store and transmit.
• Generation of CoFT tokens for a card can be enabled through mobile banking and internet banking channels.
• The token can be generated only on explicit customer consent and with AFA (additional factor
authentication) validation.
• The cardholder may tokenize the card at any time of their convenience, either on receipt of the new card or
at a later stage.
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RBI keep key policy rates unchanged; Projects FY24 GDP at 6.5%
• The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.50 percent.
• Other policy rates have also been also kept unchanged.
• The inflation forecast for FY24 has been lowered to 5.2% from 5.3%
Policy Repo Rate : 6.50%
Standing Deposit Facility Rate : 6.25%
Marginal Standing Facility Rate : 6.75%
Bank Rate : 5.15 %
Fixed Reverse Repo Rate : 3.35%
CRR : 4.50%
SLR : 18.00%
Short News
• The World Bank has recently provided assistance of $ 1.34 billion to Ukraine under public expenditure.
• Ola Electric files IPO papers with Sebi; first by auto company in 20 years
• Federal Bank, a prominent financial institution, has been awarded the prestigious title of “Bank of the Year
(India)” by The Banker, a renowned publication under the Financial Times umbrella.
• IDFC FIRST Bank has introduced the “FIRST SWYP” credit card, a youth-centric offering designed to cater to
the unique demands of the new-age customer.
• Bank of India has launched Nari Shakti Savings Account, aimed at catering to women aged 18 and above with
an independent source of income.
• Poonawalla HF gets a new name, rebrands as Grihum Housing Finance
• RBI Grants Authorization To Bandhan Bank For Pension Disbursement To Retired Railway Employees
• State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a Line of Credit (LOC) of Euro 70 million (about Rs 630 crore) with
German development bank KfW to promote solar projects in the country.
• The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank have signed a loan of 37 billion Japanese Yen for
the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System Corridor.
• India has emerged as a star performer and is projected to contribute more than 16 percent of the global
growth: Stated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• The Reserve Bank announced its second global hackathon -- 'HARBINGER 2023 - Innovation for
Transformation'. Theme: Inclusive Digital Services
• Muthoot FinCorp has introduced ‘Vyapar Mitra Business Loans’ to provide working capital and business
loans to micro and small businesses like traders.
• The SEBI has proposed that the listed entities should take approval from shareholders at least once in 5
years for the appointment of directors to serve on their boards.
1. Reason: To curb the practice of occupying permanent directorship in a company
• HDFC Bank has signed an MoU with the UAE-based Lulu Exchange to strengthen the cross-border payments
between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
• Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology and

Communications, Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the ‘Digital Payments Utsav’ in
New Delhi on February 9, 2023.
• Aim: To promote Digital Payments across the nation
• Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri flagged off India’s first green hydrogen fuel
cell bus in Delhi
• Google has launched the Android Earthquake Alerts System in collaboration with the National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Connect Us - 556
• Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the Mukhyamantri Atmanirbhar Asom Scheme:
provide financial assistance for ₹2 lakh each to two lakh youth for making them self-independent.
• According to Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat about 4.4 lakh or 75 per cent of India's villages
have achieved the open defecation free-plus status.
• State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) has enabled the UPI ATM facility at over 6,000 ATMs across the country.
It is the first public sector bank to launch UPI ATMs, in coordination with the National Payments Corporation
of India (NPCI) and powered by NCR Corporation.
• Managing Director & CEO of YES BANK is Prashant Kumar.
• Finance Ministry's Chintan Shivir at Statue of Unity Discusses Roadmap for India to Become Developed
Nation by 2047.
• Finance Ministry has imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty on certain optical fibre imports from China,
South Korea and Indonesia.
• AU Small Finance Bank has launched 24×7 for 365 days of Video Banking, providing customers with real-time
video calls for banking services.
• ADB Approves USD 40.5 Million Loan to Enhance Childhood Development and Maternal Mental Health in
Meghalaya
• Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif invites Turkey to join China-Pakistan Economic Corridor again
• PhonePe announced the launch of Indus Appstore developer platform, as a Made-in-India app store. At
present, the app developers work with only the Google Playstore. For startups and new app launches, Indus
Appstore will have a dedicated destination called ‘Launch Pad’ to provide these new apps with better
visibility.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Mumbai-based The Kapol Co-operative Bank Limited.
• To enhance the economic and financial sustainability of MSMEs, Small Industries Development Bank of India
(SIDBI) is going to launch an app-based 'invoice financing' loans platform 'GST Sahay’.
• ‘Toto Shabda Sangraha’ Dictionary is set to be released to save Toto, a Sino-Tibetan language from
extinction.
• Infosys has bagged a $454-million deal for the digital transformation of Denmark’s Danske Bank.
• RBI has cancelled the banking license of the Karnataka-based Mahalaxmi Cooperative Bank, Dharwad, and
allowed function only as a non-banking institution.
• World Bank’s approved $391 million loan for two Indian states, Assam and Tripura.
• Lloyds Banking Group, one of the UK’s largest financial services providers, would set up a technology center
in Hyderabad.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has banned India Infoline Ltd (IIFL) Securities from
onboarding any new clients for two years.
• MRF became the first Indian stock to touch the one lakh rupee per share mark on June 13, 2023.
• RBI opens sub-office at Kohima, to increase presence in north east
• RBI Governor launches Financial Inclusion Dashboard 'ANTARDRIHSTI’
• The Federal Bank has launched a campaign named 'I am Adyar, Adyar is me’ in Chennai to celebrate people
and their culture by transforming an entire bank branch into a museum of local stories.
• InterGlobe Aviation Ltd (Indigo) has become India's leading airline to cross ₹1 trillion in market capitalization.
• IDFC First Bank and IDFC Ltd have announced their merger plans, with a share exchange ratio of 155 equity
shares of IDFC First Bank for every 100 equity shares of IDFC.
• Deepak Parekh has announced his decision to step down as HDFC chairperson after serving as the chairman
for 46 years.
• 4th edition of the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting to held in Bengaluru
• Razorpay launches first international payment gateway in Malaysia
• Govt approves 8.15% interest rate on Employees’ Provident Fund for FY23
• PhonePe has launched an ‘Income Tax Payment’ feature on its app.
• HDFC Bank overtakes SBI in CRISIL's corporate banking ranking for 2023
• Bangladesh and India launched a trade transaction in rupees to reduce the dependence on the US dollar and
strengthen regional currency and trade. This is the first time Bangladesh has done bilateral trade with a
foreign country in addition to the US dollar.
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• RBI Report: India could become a developed country by 2047 with an average annual real GDP growth of
7.6% over the next 25 years.
• The Asian Development Bank retained India's economic growth forecast at 6.4 per cent for the current FY
(2023-24) and 6.7 per cent for the next FY (2024-25)
• India has donated $1 million to the United Nations to support the promotion of the Hindi language.
• HDFC Bank has introduced XpressWay, a digital platform that offers various banking products and services,
providing customers with a swift and convenient banking experience.
• Fincare Small Finance Bank (Fincare SFB) is set to merge with AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) in 2024.
• IDFC-IDFC First Bank Merger Receives Competition Commission of India (CCI) Approval
• ICICI Bank has launched ‘iFinance’, which will enable customers, both retail and sole proprietors, to get a
consolidated view of their savings and current accounts in one place.
• RBI has granted approval to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to acquire a 9.7% stake in Federal
Bank.
• Google invests $1 million to IIT-Madras Al research centre
• RBI allows SBI Funds Management to acquire up to 9.99% stake in HDFC Bank
• According to Morgan Stanley, India is expected to contribute 16% of the global gross domestic product (GDP)
growth over 2023-24.
• RRVL (Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd ), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd, has acquired all 31 wholesale
stores operated by METRO Cash & Carry India
• World Bank Approves $82 Million Loan to Control Zoonotic Diseases (Disease Transmitted from Animals to
Humans) in India
Sports
ICC World Cup 2023
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to be co-hosted by USA and West Indies.
 Dallas, Florida and New York have been confirmed as the three major
USA cities
 Notably, the previous edition of the tournament i.e, ICC Men's T20
World Cup 2022 was hosted by Australia. The final was played between
Pakistan and England.
ICC released official Anthem ‘Dil Jashn Bole’ for Men's Cricket World Cup
it features Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh and other popular social media
influencers.
The Cricket World Cup 2023 is being held in India after 12 years.
The music for the anthem has been prepared by Pritam, and the singers are
Pritam, Nakash Aziz, Sreerama Chandra and Amit Mishra
The final match of the ODI World Cup 2023 played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad
World Cup ‘Golden Ticket’ Given To Indian Celebrities

Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has
handed out “Golden Tickets” to several iconic figures
Recipients of these exclusive tickets will not only have the privilege to witness all
World Cup matches from the ground zero but will also be treated to VIP services.
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Some of the recipients of this ticket are legendary Amitabh Bachchan, followed by
cricketing maestro Sachin Tendulkar and most recently, the enigmatic superstar of
Indian cinema, Rajinikanth
BCCI Announces SBI Life As Official Partner For 2023-26 Season
Mastercard inks brand partnership with ICC for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023
The ICC has announced that ‘Blaze’ and ‘Tonk’ mascot duo for world cup 2023.
‘Blaze’ is a female mascot, bowling at rapid pace.

‘Tonk’ is a male mascot, with icy-cool composure, making him a batting champion.
Ajay Jadeja Appointed As Mentor For Afghanistan Cricket Team In ICC Cricket World
Cup 2023
 In the World Cup 2023 match played against Afghanistan at Arun Jaitley
Stadium in Delhi, Rohit broke the record of most sixes in international cricket.
 556 sixes in 473 innings.
Australia Wins The 6th Men’s ICC Cricket ODI World Cup 2023
A total of 10 teams participated in the 13th ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The Australian cricket team led by Pat Cummins defeated India
The Australian team has appeared in 8 finals of the Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup and has
won it six times: 1987,1999, 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2023.
Records:
 Virat Kohli has made history by breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s world record, achieving his 50th ODI century.
 Rohit Sharma Now First Batsman To Hit 50 Sixes In World Cup
 Mohammed Shami has become India’s highest wicket-taker in ODI World Cup history during the India versus
Sri Lanka 2023 World Cup match
 Angelo Mathews, a senior Sri Lanka all-rounder, has been the first player in men's or women's international
cricket to be removed using the "timed out" rule.
Virat Kohli - ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 Player of the Tournament.
In 1992, the tournament has introduced the prestigious “Player of the Tournament” award
Mohammed Shami - leading wicket taker of the World Cup 2023.
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History of Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup

• The first 3 Men’s Cricket ODI World Cups (1975,1979 and 1983)
played in England were called Prudential Cup.
• The fourth World Cup co-hosted by India and Pakistan in 1987 was
called the Reliance Cup. The cup was named after the sponsors.
• The fifth World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand jointly was
called the ICC Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup.
Final
Team Winners Runners Years Won Years Runners
Appearances
Australia 8 6 2 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, 2023 1975, 1996
England 4 1 3 2019 1979, 1987, 1992
India 3 2 2 1983, 2011 2003, 2023
New Zealand 2 0 2 - 2015, 2019
Pakistan 2 1 1 1992 1999
Sri Lanka 3 1 2 1996 2007, 2011
West Indies 3 2 1 1975, 1979 1983
ICC Moves Men’s U-19 World Cup From Sri Lanka To South Africa
 South Africa hosted the U19 WC in 2020.
ICC implements stop-clock system:
 The ICC, during its meeting in Ahmedabad on November 21, has
implemented a stop-clock system on trial basis from December 1 to April
2024.
 A penalty of five runs will be imposed on the bowling side if they fail three times in an innings to start the
new over within a minute.
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India wins the inaugural Women’s U19 T20 World Cup title
India defeated England by 7 wickets in the final to win the first-ever ICC
Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023
1st Edition - held in South Africa.
BCCI secretary, Jay Shah announced a cash reward of ₹5 crores for the
entire India squad.
Player of the Tournament - England captain Grace Scrivens
Player of the Match: Titas Sadhu (India)
India's Captain for U-19 Women’s T20: Shafali Verma
Australia beat South Africa to lift ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Trophy 2023
at Newlands, Cricket Ground in Cape Town, South Africa.
Australian women’s cricket team has won this title for the sixth time.
Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner - ICC Player of the Tournament
Beth Mooney - Player of the Match
Cricket
DEXA: BCCI introduces new selection criteria for Team India

The new criteria have been brought in to ensure the fitness of players before their
selection as the team has been facing a serious injury crisis for the last one year.
What are the new selection criteria?
• Yo-Yo test
• 'DEXA’
What is a Yo-Yo test?
• The Yo-Yo test is an aerobic endurance fitness test that involves running
between markers placed 20 metres apart at increasing speed.
What is Dexa?
• DEXA, also called 'bone density test', is an X-ray technique used to measure
bone strength.
Surya Kumar Yadav becomes fastest player to reach 1,500 runs in T20I
Fastest in terms of balls faced. He took only 843 balls to reach this
landmark.
ICC awards 2022

Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (cricketer of the year):
Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (Women's Cricketer of the Year):
Natalie Sciver (England)
Men's Test Cricketer of the Year: Ben Stokes (England)
Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year: Babar Azam
Men's T20 International Cricketer of the Year: Suryakumar Yadav (India)
Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year: Natalie Sciver
Women's T20 International Cricketer of the Year: Tahlia McGrath (Australia)
Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year: Marco Jansen (South Africa)
Women's Emerging Cricketer of the Year: Renuka Singh (India)
David Shepherd Trophy (Umpire of the Year): Richard Illingworth (England)
Spirit of Cricket Award: Aasif Sheikh (Nepal)
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Shubman Gill broke records of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar

Shubman Gill has become the fifth Indian player to score a double-hundred in
the One Day International (ODI)
Shubman has also become the youngest player (23) in the world to score a
double century in ODIs.
He also broke the records of Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, and became the
fastest Indian batsman to score 1000 ODI runs in 19 innings.
Que:The former captain of the women's Australian cricket team, Belinda

Clark bronze statue is unveiled in which stadium?
Ans: Sydney Cricket Ground
Clark became the first cricketer to score a double-hundred in one-day
internationals when she made an unbeaten 229 against Denmark in 1997
Viacom18 bags Women's IPL media rights

The inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 held in Mumbai
(Maharashtra) from 4 - 26 March.
All the tournament matches held in the Brabourne Stadium and the DY Patil Stadium.
Indian Women's cricket player, Smriti Mandhana became the most expensive women’s
pick in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction.
She has been bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for 3.40 Cr.
TATA Group has bagged the title rights for the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023.
Five teams: Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore & UP Warrior
Mumbai Indians lift inaugural Women's Premier League trophy beating Delhi Capitals
Awards of Women's Premier League (WPL)
Purple Cap Winner: Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians)
Orange Cap Winner: Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals)
Most Valuable Award: Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians)
Fairplay Award: Mumbai Indians & Delhi Capitals
Saurashtra defeated Bengal to win its second Ranji Trophy title 2023
organized at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Saurashtra captain Jaydev Unadkat was declared Man of the Match
Most runs: Mayank Agarwal (Karnataka) (990)
Most wickets: Jalaj Saxena (Kerala) (50)
Saurashtra won their first title in 2019-20 after beating Bengal.
Ranji Trophy Tournament

The Ranji Trophy tournament has been played since 1934.
The first match was played between Madras and Mysore at the Chepauk Ground from 4 November 1934.
Mumbai has won this tournament 41 times.
For the first time in 86 years, the 2020/21 season Ranji Trophy had to be cancelled due to Corona.
Number of teams- 37
Most runs - Wasim Jaffer (10665)
Most wickets - Rajinder Goyal (640)
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Usman Khawaja wins Shane Warne Men’s Test Player of the Year award 2023
Australia's opening batter, Usman Khawaja has claimed the inaugural Shane Warne Award as
the men’s Test player of the year in 2023.
Other winners:
Belinda Clark Award (Women's): Beth Mooney
Allan Border Medal (Men's): Steve Smith
Men's ODI Player of the Year: David Warner
Women’s ODI Player of the Year: Beth Mooney
Que: Which Indian Cricketer statue installed inside the iconic Wankhede stadium where he played his last game for
India?
Ans: Sachin Tendulkar
Arjuna Award in 1994, Khel Ratna in 1997, Padma Shri in 1998 and Padma Vibhushan
(2008) honours.
He is the only sportsperson to be conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2014.
His autobiography - 'Playing it My Way'
Irani Cup 2023

The 2022–23 Irani Cup, also known as Mastercard Irani Trophy due to
sponsorship reasons, was the 59th edition of the Irani Cup, a first-class cricket
competition in India.
Rest of India Beat Madhya Pradesh To Win Cup
At the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior
Player of the match: Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rest of India)
The first match, played between the Ranji Trophy champions and the Rest of
India was played in 1959–60
Five Indian cricketers bestowed with Honorary Life Membership of MCC

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the owner of the famous Lord’s cricket
stadium in England, gives honorary membership to the finest men and women
who have contributed to the game.
Five Indian players are among 17 new members in the list.
They are Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami.
Suryakumar Yadav named Wisden’s leading T20I cricketer; Harmanpreet Kaur bags top
honour
Wisden Cricketers Almanack has released the list of top-5 cricketers of the year 2022. It also
includes India's women's team captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Harmanpreet Kaur has become the first woman cricketer from India to make it to this
esteemed list.
Apart from Kaur, the list also includes the names of Tom Blundell (New Zealand), Ben
Foakes (England), Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) and Matthew Potts (England).
Suryakumar Yadav has been selected as the T20 Cricketer of the Year.
Apart from this, Ben Stokes of England has been selected as the best cricketer in the world
for the year 2022-23 among male players.
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Chennai to host the second edition of the ‘Street Child Cricket World Cup’.
partnership with Shree Dayaa Foundation
The tournament take place at Amir Mahal, the official residence of the Nawab of Arcot
from September 20 to 30.
BCCI ropes in Adidas as new kit sponsor of Indian cricket team

Replacing interim sponsor Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited.
Adidas is a German multinational corporation & is the largest sportswear
manufacturer globally
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI):
Established -December 1928
President - Roger Binny
Chennai Super Kings beat Gujarat Titans to win fifth IPL title
The final held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on May 29, 2023.
IPL 2023 awards:
• Orange Cap (Highest Run-Scorer): Shubman Gill (GT) 890 runs
• Purple Cap (Leading Wicket-taker): Mohammed Shami (GT) 28 wickets
• Most Valuable Player: Shubman Gill
• Emerging Players: Yashasvi Jaiswal
Fairplay Award: Delhi Capital
Australia beat India by 209 runs to clinch maiden World Test Championship
title
At the Kennington Oval in London.
Player of the Match: Travis Head
Australia became the first team to win all ICC titles (Test, T20, And ODI)
formats
IPL version of Impact Player rule in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy
BCCI Apex Council approved.
Like IPL, the teams will be allowed to name four substitutes besides the playing
eleven before the toss. Out of the four substitutes, can be used as an Impact
Player. It is, however, not compulsory.
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Launched in the year 2006-07, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a domestic T20 cricket tournament held every year.
India shines in blind cricket at IBSA World Games:

• India's blind women's cricket team emerged victorious in the T20 final of the IBSA World Games held in
Birmingham. They defeated Australia.
• The Indian men's blind cricket team earned a silver medal after losing to Pakistan in the men's T20 cricket
final
• IBSA World Championships and the games are organized by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA)
every four years.
India beats Sri Lanka by 10 Wickets in Colombo to win Asia Cup 2023 title
Mohammed Siraj was declared player of the match and Kuldeep Yadav player of
the series.
Cricket Asia Cup 2023 played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka
The first edition of the Asia Cup was held in Sharjah in 1984
16th Edition
ICC Bans Transgender Players From International Women’s Cricket

 Male to Female participants who have been through any form of male puberty
will not be eligible to participate in the international women's game regardless
of any surgery or gender reassignment treatment
 With this new ICC rule, Canada's Danielle McGahee, who became the first
transgender player to play in international cricket earlier this year, will no longer
be eligible to play women's cricket.
Rest of India won the 2023 Irani Cup by 175 runs

This was Rest of India’s 31st Irani Cup title.
The match took place at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, Gujarat
The Irani Cup marks the beginning of the Indian domestic cricket season.
It shows the match between the Ranji Trophy champions and the Rest of India team.
Hanuma Vihari led Rest of India, while Jaydev Unadkat captained Saurashtra.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy:

 Introduced in the year 2008-09, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a Twenty20 cricket domestic championship,
organized by BCCI
Deodhar Trophy:
 The Deodhar Trophy is a List-A domestic fifty-over competition annually conducted in India, having first
started in the 1973-74 season
Duleep Trophy:
 Named after Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji of Nawanagar, the Duleep Trophy is a domestic first-class cricket
competition in India whose first edition was played in 1961-62.
ICC Announced The Inclusion Of Three Cricket Maestros In The ICC Hall Of Fame
 The new names - India's legendary opener Virender Sehwag, former Indian
Women Test skipper Diana Edulji and Sri Lanka's iconic star Aravinda de
Silva.
 With these 3 more additions, there will now be 112 cricketers to be on the ICC Hall of Fame list.
 Now 8 Indian cricketers hold the prestigious honour for their achievements.
 They include: Sunil Gavaskar, Bishan Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar,
Vinoo Mankad, Diana Edulji, Virendra Sehwag.
 Edulji has become the 1st Indian female inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
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Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023

sixteenth edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a Twenty20 cricket
competition. Viacom18 has secured the rights to broadcast all local matches in
India from 2023 through 2028. Punjab cricket team has won the Syed Mushtaq
Ali Trophy title for the first time by defeating Baroda team.
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023:

 Haryana won the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023 title by defeating Rajasthan
by 30 runs.
 Final match played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in
Rajkot
 Haryana team was successful in winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the
first time.
 Haryana's Sumit Kumar was chosen player of the match in the final match.
 Vijay Hazare Trophy is known as Ranji One Day Trophy.
 This tournament started as a limited overs tournament in the year 2002-03.
 In 2007, it was renamed in honor of the famous Indian cricketer Vijay Hazare.
 This competition is organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI).
 Most Successful Team – TN, Tamil Nadu (5 titles)
 2022-23 Winner – Saurashtra
Bangladesh Clinches First U-19 Asia Cup 2023, Beating UAE

 The Under-19 Asia Cup is being organized since 1989.
IPL Auction 2024: Mitchell Starc becomes most expensive player

 Mitchell Starc was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 24.75
crore
 The player auction for IPL 2024 took place at the Coca-Cola Arena in
Dubai.
 History of IPL:
 First Edition - Year 2008
 Most successful teams – Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings (5 titles)
 Most runs – Virat Kohli (7263 runs)
 Most wickets – Yuzvendra Chahal (187 wickets)
Amitabh Bachchan Becomes Owner Of Mumbai Team In Indian Street Premier League
 The ISPL is India's first tennis ball T10 cricket tournament
 six teams – Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Srinagar
 Recently, actors Akshay Kumar and Hrithik Roshan were announced as the team owners of Srinagar and
Bengaluru, respectively.
Amazon acquires ICC cricket rights for Australia till 2027

The partnership will see Prime Video Australia exclusively stream all men’s and
women’s events, including the Men’s and Women’s Cricket World Cups, T20 World
Cups, Champions Trophy, U19s, and the World Test Championship Final
Short News
Indian woman cricketer Jhulan Goswami has joined England women's team captain Heather Knight and Eoin Morgan
to become a member of the MCC World Cricket Committee (WCC).
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IDFC First ,the Title Sponsor for all international matches (both women and men), domestic cricket matches like the
Irani Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Ranji Trophy organized by the BCCI as also all junior cricket (Under 19 and 23)
matches, held in India.
Sachin Tendulkar's Statue Unveiled at Wankhede Stadium
Shubman Gill to be Gujarat Titans Captain For IPL 2024
Rahul Dravid to Continue as India’s Head Coach until at least the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.
Cricketer In news
Hashim Amla announced retirement from all forms of cricket

Country:South Africa
Yuzvendra Chahal highest wicket-taker for team India in T20I history
New Zealand’s Kim first female umpire in a Men’s T20 International

Cotton
Sachin Tendulkar The West Stand at the Sharjah cricket stadium has been renamed after Sachin
Tendulkar
Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia has unveiled a gate named after him.
Mark Nicholls new president of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)
Amol Muzumdar head coach of the Indian women's cricket team
Marlon Samuels ex-West Indies batsman, received a six-year cricket ban from the International Cricket
Council (ICC)
 Former England captain Alastair Cook announced his

retirement from cricket.
 Australian Women’s captain Meg Lanning has
announced her retirement from international cricket.
 ICC Names Sachin Tendulkar As ‘Global Ambassador’
For ODI World Cup 2023
Asad Shafiq AnnouncesdRetirement From All Forms Of Cricket

 set to become Pakistan selector
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South Africa’s Dean Elgar Announced Retirement From International Cricket
Short News
 Mahindra & Mahindra will be an associate sponsor with Star
Sports for the ICC Cricket World Cup which starts next month.
 Cricketer Deepak Chahar Launches New Brand ‘DNINE Sports’
 Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj re-grabbed the number one
position among bowlers in the ICC Men’s ODI player rankings
2023.
 India’s Virat Kohli became the fastest batter to reach 13,000
ODI runs during the Asia Cup
 MS Dhoni Appointed as the Brand Ambassador of Swaraj Tractors
 Danielle McGahey of Canada will become the first transgender cricketer to play in an international match
 Sue Redfern became the first woman to stand as an umpire in a men’s first-class cricket match in England
and Wales.
 Shreyanka Patil becomes first Indian cricketer to be part of Caribbean Premier League
International Cricket Council (ICC) announces equal prize money for men and women at its global events
➢ Hardik Pandya to captain Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024
➢ BCCI Likely To Launch IPL-Like T10 League In 2024: Report
➢ Former West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich (32-year) has
retired from international cricket.
➢ Royal Challengers Bangalore appoints Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza as
the mentor of its Women’s Premier League (WPL) team.
➢ Dream11 replaces Byju’s to be the principal jersey sponsor of Indian cricket team
➢ Kashvee Gautam became the most expensive uncapped player in the WPL Auction 2024 as the Gujarat
Giants bought her for ₹2 crore.
➢ Kolkata Knight Riders have appointed experienced Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer as their captain for the
upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Nitish Rana has been made the vice-captain.
➢ The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to retire the iconic number 7 jersey worn by
former captain MS Dhoni. BCCI has taken this decision to honor Dhoni's achievements. Earlier, BCCI had
retired the jersey number 10 of the great Sachin Tendulkar
Tennis
Carlos Alcaraz wins Indian Wells 2023 to reclaim his World No.1 spot
Spanish tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz (19) has won his maiden 2023 Indian Wells title after
defeating Russian Daniil Medvedev in the final.
With this feat, he has also dethroned Novak Djokovic to reclaim World No.1 spot.
He also become the youngest world number one ever after his triumph and claimed his
third Masters 1000 title.
Yuki Bhambri wins maiden ATP doubles title in Spain

Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri in partnership with South African player Lloyd Harris,
won his maiden ATP doubles title in Spain.
Yuki Bhambri is the first Indian to win the Junior Australian Open title.
Andrea Gaudenzi is the current president of the Association of Tennis Professionals
(ATP).
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Italy beats Australia, reclaims Davis Cup title after 47 years

 Davis Cup 2023 edition in Malaga, Spain
 The Italians, who had never won the title other than in 1976
 The United States is the most successful nation in Davis Cup history, having won
the title a record 32 times.
 Australia is second with 28 titles
 The Davis Cup is an international men’s tennis tournament between national
teams.
Canada won its first Billie Jean King Cup

 Canada beats Italy to win Billie Jean King Cup for first time
Cup/Trophy Sport Year
Davis Cup Tennis (Men) 1900

Lord Derby Cup Rugby 1934
Billi Jean King Cup Tennis (Women) 1963
Holker Trophy Bridge 1936
Sania Mirza announces her retirement from professional Tennis

In 2005 she became the first Indian to win a WTA singles title
 She won 3 Mixed Doubles Grand Slams:
 Australian Open in 2009, and the French Open in 2012 Mahesh Bhupati
 2014 US Open with Brazilian tennis player Bruno Soares
 She won three Grand Slam doubles titles with Swiss legend Martina Hingis - Wimbledon in 2015, US Open in
2015 and Australian Open in 2016
 Sania Mirza achieved World no.1 ranking in doubles category
Leander Paes, Vijay Amritraj become first Asian men to be elected to

Tennis Hall of Fame
 They are the first Asian male tennis players to achieve such a feat
 They will be formally included in the Tennis Hall of Fame in July
2024.
 Leander Paes has won 18 Grand Slam titles in men's doubles or mixed doubles. Vijay
Amritraj is a former player, broadcaster and promoter.
 Amritraj helped India reach the Davis Cup finals in 1974 and 1987.
 Apart from Amritraj, British journalist Richard Evans has also been included in the
contributor category.
 Chinese player 'Li Na', who has won two Grand Slam titles, is the first Asian player to
join the women's category.
 She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) in the year 2019.
 International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF):
 Established: 1880
 Founder: James J. Van Alen
Iga Swiatek becomes the first woman since Serena Williams to win WTA Player of the Year twice
Williams, who retired last year, was the WTA Player of the Year every season from
2012-15
Iga Natalia Świątek is a Polish professional tennis player.
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name Achievement
Indian pair of Yuki Bhambri, Saketh Myneni Bangkok Open2023 tennis title
Carlos Alcaraz Argentina Open title 2023

Madrid Open 2023
Prajnesh Gunneswaran ITF men’s tennis tournament in Al Zahra,

Kuwait
Wu Yibing first Chinese man to win ATP Tour title
name Achievement
Rohan Bopanna oldest tennis player to win ATP Masters 1000 title
Daniil Medvedev (Russia) Italian Open 2023

Qatar Open Finals 2023
Qatar Open 2023 tennis: Rohan Bopanna-Matthew Ebden win doubles title
Aryna Sabalenka from Women's singles title at Madrid Open 2023

Belarus
Elena Andreyevna Rybakina Italian Open 2023 Women's Single Title

(Kazakhstani)
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Indonesia Open Men's Double Title, in Jakarta

Chirag Shetty They became the first doubles pair from India to claim a Super 1000 event.
Wimbledon title in 2023

World number one tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz (Spanish professional tennis player) has
won his first 2023 Wimbledon Men's Single title, held in London.
In the final, he defeated Novak Djokovic.
Women's Single: Markéta Vondroušová (Czech Republic)
Wimbledon is relatively older than the rest (1877), followed by the US (1881), French
(1891) and the Australian (1905).
Played on a grass court.
Novak Djokovic won French Open 2023 Men's Singles Final

defeated Casper Rudd
He becomes the first man to win 23 Grand Slam title.
The win gives Djokovic his third French Open title.
He overtook Rafael Nadal as the oldest Roland Garros champion at the age of 36 years
and 20 days.
He also became the first person to win all four Grand Slam events at least three times.
Women's Singles Winner: Iga Świątek (Poland)
Runner-up: Karolina Muchova
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Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open 2023 title

Novak Djokovic (Serbia) won the Australian Open title for the 10th time by defeating Stefanos
Tsitsipas in the first Grand Slam Australia Open of 2023.
Australian Open 2023 Women's singles winner

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus defeated Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.
Sabalenka has won a Grand title for the first time.
Novak Djokovic wins 24th Grand Slam title at US Open 2023

Serbian tennis star Djokovic defeated Russia's Daniil Medvedev.
With this win, 36-year-old Novak Djokovic is now tied with Margaret Court for the most
Grand Slam tennis titles in history, with 24 titles to her name.
American teenager Coco Gauff has won the US Open 2023, clinching her first Grand Slam title with a battling win
over Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.
Badminton
Yonex- Sunrise India Open 2023

The India Open, officially known as Yonex- Sunrise India Open 2023 held in New Delhi
from 17th - 22nd January 2023.
Organized at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall.
Winners:
Men’s - Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand) defeated Viktor Axelsen (Denmark)
Women’s - An Seyoung (Korean) defeated Akane Yamaguchi (Japan).
India secured bronze in the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship 2023
held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 14 to 19
February 2023.
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won the Women’s Doubles.
While team China won the Gold medal, South Korea won the Silver medal.
Indian Duo of Satwik-Chirag wins Swiss Open Super 300 title 2023
held in Basel, Switzerland.
They beat China
Other winners:
Men's singles: Koki Watanabe (Japan)
Women's singles: Pornpawee Chochuwong (Thailand)
India’s Priyanshu Rajawat won his maiden men’s single

title at 2023 Orleans Masters badminton tournament
Priyanshu Rajawat defeated Magnus Johannesen of Denmark, to win men’s
single title at the 2023 Orleans Masters in France.
The 21-year-old Priyanshu Rajawat from Madhya Pradesh was a part of the
Indian team that registered an epic win at the 2022 ThomasJoin
Cup.
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Winners of 2023 Orléans Masters

Men’s Single – Priyanshu Rajawat (India)
Women’s single – Carolina Marín (Spain)
In badminton, HS Prannoy won bronze medal at BWF World Championships

• China is the most successful team in the tournament's history, with 196 medals
• HS Prannoy became the fifth Indian men's singles player to win a medal at the
BWF World Badminton Championships.
• The 28th edition of BWF World Badminton Championships 2023, was held at
Copenhagen, Denmark from 21st to 27th August.
Satwik-Chirag pair wins gold medal at Badminton Asia Championships

becoming the first-ever Indian men’s doubles pair to win gold medal at the Badminton
Asia Championships.
They beat Malaysian pair in the final in Dubai. Overall, this is India’s second gold medal
at the event. Dinesh Khanna won the men’s singles gold in Lucknow in 1965
India's ace shuttler HS Prannoy won Malaysia Masters Badminton Championship 2023
title
Played in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Prannoy won the final by defeating China's Wang Hongyang .
Prannoy became the third Indian after Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu to win the Malaysia
Masters Championship.
Also became the first Indian to win in the men's singles category.
Women's singles: Akane Yamaguchi
Viktor Axelsen, An Se-Young win Japan Open finals 2023

• Olympic badminton champion Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen beat Indonesia to bag
the men’s singles title
• Korean An Se-young win the women’s singles crown at the Japan Open 2023 in
Tokyo.
Star badminton men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty
has secured the first position in the recently released BWF rankings
 They are the first Indian duo and fourth Indians after legendary Prakash
Padukone, Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth to achieve this feat
 Prakash Padukone was the first when he became the top ranked men’s
singles shuttler in 1980.
 In 2023, they won the Swiss Open, Indonesia Open and Korea Open.
 Satwiksairaj and Chirag brought home Commonwealth Games gold in the
men's doubles category at Birmingham last year
India's Ayush Shetty wins bronze medal at BWF World Junior Championships 2023
 23rd edition of the BWF World Junior Championships was held in Spokane,
United States of America (USA).
 India has won 11 medals at the BWF World Junior Championships since 1992,
including 1 gold, 4 silver and 6 bronze medals.
 Saina Nehwal's gold medal win in 2008 remains India's best achievement at the
BWF World Junior Championships, and she also earned a silver medal in 2006.
Unnati Hooda captures women's singles title at Abu Dhabi Masters 2023
She became the youngest Indian to clinch a BWF title last year at 14 years of age.
The Badminton World Federation was founded in 1934 Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Syed Modi India International Badminton Tournament 2023

Location:Babu Banarasi Das Badminton Academy, Lucknow.
Syed Modi India International 2023 Badminton Winner:
Men's Singles: Chi Yu Jen (Chinese Taipei)
Women's Singles: Nojomi Okuhara (Japan)
Anmol Kharb wins women’s singles title at National Badminton Championships

in Guwahati
 In Badminton, Anmol Kharb has won the women’s singles title at the
National Badminton Championships 2023 in Guwahati.
 men’s singles title :Chirag Sen
name Achievement
Lakshya Sen Men’s Singles Canada Open Badminton title 2023
Star Indian Shuttler set the Guinness world record for the fastest shot by a male player in
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy badminton, recording a 565 kilometres per hour
H.S. Prannoy won Silver medal in Australian Open Super 500 badminton 2023
Kiran George men's singles title at Indonesia Masters 2023
name Achievement
Olympic champion Victor Malaysia Open Badminton title(men’s)

Axelsen (Denmark)
Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) Malaysia Open Badminton title(women’s)
Pramod Bhagat silver medal in Spanish Para-Badminton International Tournament

Pramod Bhagat, Sukant Kadam win gold in men’s doubles event
Anupama Upadhyay Women's Singles Title in National Badminton Championship
Mithun Manjunath men’s singles title at the 84th Senior National Badminton Championship
at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune
Hockey
Germany beat Belgium in the finals to lift the Hockey World Cup 2023 title
held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India.
With this win, Germany became the fourth team to have won three or more
hockey World Cup titles, after Pakistan, Netherlands, and Australia.
List of the winners:
Best Player: Niklas Wellen (Germany)
Best Goalkeeper:Vincent Vanasch (Belgium)
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Fair Play Award: Belgium
ITBP won the title of National Ice Hockey Championship 2023

The12th edition of the competition has been organized in Ladakh, Leh.
The championship was organized by the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI).
The ITBP team won the title for the third consecutive time by defeating
Ladakh Scouts in the final with a score of 1-0.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
It was established in 1962, after the Indo-China War of 1962. It is usually
deployed in the Himalayan mountains along the border with China.
Motto: Bravery – Perseverance – Dedication
Madhya Pradesh women's team wins maiden National Hockey title 2023
13th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2023 held in
Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
MP defeated Maharashtra by 5-1 in the final.
Madhya Pradesh’s Pratibha Arya awarded the player of the match title.
Sportstar ACES 2023 award

PR Sreejesh - Sportsman of the Year (Team Sports)
Savita - Sportswoman of the Year (Team Sports).
Odisha - ‘Best State for Sports Promotion’.
Shyam Thapa (one of India’s finest football strikers) -
‘Lifetime Achievement Award’.
Guinness Book of World Records certifies Birsa Munda as world’s largest hockey stadium
The stadium can seat 20,011 with uninterrupted viewing experience and boasts of a world-class infrastructure.
Hockey Cups Trivia:
• Agha Khan Cup
• Beighton Cup
• Bombay Gold Cup
• Dhyan Chand Trophy
• Indira Gold Cup
• Kuppuswamy Naidu Trophy
• Lady Ratan Tata Trophy
• Rangaswami Cup
• Ranjit Singh Gold Cup
Scindia Gold Cup
India defeated Pakistan to win Men's Junior Asia Cup Hockey in 2023
Men's Junior Asia Cup 2023 held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex
Stadium in Salalah, Oman.
This was India’s fourth title after winning in 2004, 2008, and 2015.
India has become the most successful country in the history of the Men's
Junior Asia Cup.
Indian Women's hockey team defeated Republic of Korea to win the
Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 title, held in Japan.
FIH Hockey Pro League 2022/23 season; India Finishes 4th

The tournament began in October 2022 and finished in July 2023
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Indian Men's Hockey Team bagged Asian hockey Championship trophy 2023
• The Indian hockey team defeated Malaysia and won for the fourth time at the Asian Champions Trophy
2023
• Final at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai.
• With four Asian Champions Trophy titles, India is in the first spot in the history of the tournament.
• Pakistan, with three titles, is in the second spot now.
Hardik Singh and Xan de Waard named FIH Players of the Year 2023
FIH Awards for 2023:
 Player of the Year (Men): Hardik Singh (India)
 Player of the Year (Women): Xan de Waard (Netherlands)
 Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): Pirmin Black (Dutch)
 Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Savita (India)
 Coach of the Year (Men): Andre Henning, Germany (Head Coach of the German
Men's Team)
 Coach of the Year (Women): Alison Annan, Australia (Chief Women's Team
Head Coach)
 Savita is currently the captain of the Indian women's team. Savita has received
the FIH Women's Goalkeeper of the Year Award for the third consecutive
year.
International Hockey Federation (FIH):
 Established: 1924
 Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland.
 FIH is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the sole governing body for hockey worldwide.
Short News
Hockey Punjab Wins 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023
The Indian Hockey team beat Pakistan in a penalty shootout in the final and won the
inaugural Men’s Hockey 5s Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman.
India beats Pakistan to win bronze at 11th Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 held in Johor,
Malaysia
 FIH Pro League 2023: India beat Argentina in final match in Netherlands
 Indian women beat Spain 3-0 to win Spanish Federation hockey tournament.
 Tamil Nadu unveils ‘Bomman’, the mascot for 2023 Men's Asian Champions Trophy : hockey tournament to
be held at Chennai
Football
Barcelona won the Spanish Super Cup for 14th time

Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-1 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)
Real Madrid has won the Super cup 12 times so far.
This competition is being played since 1982.
Real Madrid beat Al Hilal to win record fifth Club World Cup
final held in the Abdellah stadium, Rabat, Morocco.
Real Madrid has defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal by 5-3.
Real Madrid last won the tournament in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Madrid also won three Intercontinental Cups in 1960, 1998, and 2002.
Lionel Messi wins Best Men's Player 2022 at the FIFA awards
Alexia Putellas (Spain) was awarded the best women's player for a second straight year.
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Other awardees:
Best men's coach: Lionel Scaloni (Argentina)
Best women's coach: Sarina Wiegman
Karnataka won the Santosh Trophy after 54 years by defeating Meghalaya

Santosh Trophy - National Football Championship
Finals held at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Most successful team: West Bengal (32 titles)
Santosh Trophy was founded in 1941 and organized by the All India Football Federation
(AIFF).
Barcelona claimed its 27th LaLiga title and first for four years.
 They defeated Espanyol
 LaLiga is the first-division football league that is played in Spain
Odisha’s Bhubaneswar to host 2023 Intercontinental Cup in June

This will be the third edition of the Hero Intercontinental Cup, with the previous
two being held in Mumbai (2018) and Ahmedabad (2019).
Indian Men's Senior Football Team wins Intercontinental Cup 2023 Defeated
Lebanon
Indian captain, Sunil Chhetri
Chhetri is third highest goal-scorer among active players in international football,
trailing behind Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Lionel Messi of Argentina.
India to host 2023 SAFF Championship in Bengaluru

India defeated Kuwait to lift the SAFF Championships trophy 2023 held at Sree
Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
India hosting the tournament for the fourth time. Last in 2015 it was held in
Thiruvananthapuram.
India are the most successful team in this competition - have won 9 times
SAFF (South Asian Football Federation Championship)

• This tournament is held every two years.
• The inaugural edition took place in 1993 in Lahore, Pakistan. India
defeated Pakistan in the final.
Argentina becomes number one football team in the world in FIFA rankings 2023
Argentina topped the FIFA rankings for the first time in six years.
FIFA is the governing body for association football.
It was established in 1904.FIFA is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
The current President of FIFA is Gianni Infantino, who was elected to the position in 2016.
India ranked 100th in FIFA men's football rankings
the AIFF Men’s and Women’s Footballer of the Year for 2022-23
Indian football team midfielder Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mizoram) has been
named the AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year for 2022-23.
While Manisha Kalyan (Punjab) won her second consecutive Women’s
Footballer of the Year award.
• AIFF Men’s Emerging Footballer of the Year 2022-23: Akash Mishra
• AIFF Women’s Emerging Footballer of the Year 2022-23: Shilji Shaji
• Men’s Coach of the Year award: Clifford Miranda
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• Women Coach of the Year (currently the head coach of the India women's U-17
team): Priya Parathi Valappil was named
AIFF President: Kalyan Chaubey
Minerva Academy becomes first Indian club to win Gothia Cup
The Gothia Cup, an international youth football tournament organized has been held
annually at Gothenburg in Sweden.
The Indian team defeated Brazil.
The tournament is the world’s largest international youth football tournament with
1700 teams.
Spain beat England and won first FIFA Women's World Cup
• Final:Sydney
• Most successful team: United States (4 titles)
• The competition has been held every four years and one year after the
men's FIFA World Cup since 1991
• The 2023 competition was hosted by Australia and New Zealand, making it the first edition to be held in the
Southern Hemisphere, the first Women's World Cup to be hosted by two countries
132nd edition of Durand Cup

Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third oldest football tournament, in which top
Indian football clubs from across the country participate.
• A total of 24 teams, including two foreign teams from Nepal and Bangladesh
• Mohun Bagan team beat East Bengal in final to win record 17th title
• Final:Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata.
Foreign teams are participating in the tournament after a gap of 27 years.
Organised by the Indian Armed Forces, the inaugural edition took place in Shimla in 1888
The Durand Cup tournament is unique where in the winning team walks away with three trophies:
• Durand Cup (a rolling trophy and the original prize),
• Shimla Trophy (also a rolling trophy and first given by the residents of Shimla in 1904)
• President's Cup (for permanent keep and first presented by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, in 1956).
Imp Points
Saudi Arabia to host 2027 Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup
2023 AFC Asian Cup: Qatar (from June 26 to July 16, 2023)
DD Sports secures broadcasting right for 9th edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Sultan of Johor Cup

• Uttam Singh was appointed captain
• The 11th edition of the tournament feature eight teams.
• The Sultan of Johor Cup is an annual, international
under-21 men’s field hockey tournament held in
Malaysia.
• The first edition held in 2011.
• Germany won their second title by defeating Australia 3–1
• India secure bronze medal in 11th Sultan of Johor Cup.
Saudi Arabia To Host 2034 FIFA World Cup

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 Men’s FIFA World Cup.
Three countries from the continent of North America - the United
States of America, Mexico and Canada will host the FIFA World Cup
2026.
Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host the World Cup 2030 and matches will be held also in Argentina, Paraguay and
Uruguay. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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President of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Gianni Infantino
Lionel Messi Wins Eighth Ballon D’Or 2023

Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati have been honored as the 2023 Ballon d’Or recipients.
Messi, who won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 and claimed four in a row until 2012.
 Aitana Bonmati, who won her first Ballon d’Or Feminin in 2023
 In other awards, Manchester City and FC Barcelona Femeni won the Men’s and
Women’s Club of the Season award.
 67th annual ceremony of the Ballon d'Or, presented by France Football magazine,
recognising the best footballers in the world in the 2022–23 season.
AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy

 The All India Football Federation (AIFF) established a world-class football academy in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
 The AIFF-FIFA academy, initiated under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS),
was inaugurated on November 21, 2023 by Mr. Arsene Wenger, Chief of Global
Football Development at FIFA.
 FIFA Talent Development Scheme focuses on developing the football
ecosystem by fostering talent at grassroots levels.
Germany won the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time
 Runner up:France
 Agustin Ruberto of Argentina wins Golden Boot
name Achievement
France captain Hugo retires from international football

Lloris
Lionel Messi best player for 2022 by International Football Federation History and Statistics
(IFFHS)
 In Football, India won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-19 Championship after defeating
Pakistan in the finals in Kathmandu.
 Tamil Nadu beat Haryana in the final to clinch the senior women’s National
football championship at the Guru Nanak stadium in Amritsar
Short News
 IndiGo has become the global partner and official airline for the Indian
football team.
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 South Korea’s Ann Se-young wins Thailand Open badminton tournament

 Manchester City has become the most valuable football club in Europe after replacing
Real Madrid.
Chess
Koneru Humpy wins Silver at the World Chess Blitz championship

 held in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
 The men’s section was won by Magnus Carlsen.
 He became the first player in chess history to hold the Classical chess world
championship, Rapid world championship and the Blitz world Championship at the
same time
World Rapid Chess Championship

 Men’s title was won by No.1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway. It was the 4th time that Carlsen has won the Rapid
title.
 The women's title was won by the Chinese Grand Master Tan Zhongyi.
 Savitha Shri of India won the Bronze medal in the world Rapid section.
Only three Indian’s Viswanathan Anand, Koneru Humpy and Savitha Shri have won medals at the FIDE World Rapid
and Blitz chess championship.
Viswanathan Anand won the Gold medal in World Rapid and Bronze medal in World Blitz Championship 2017.
FIDE
 The International Chess Federation or French acronym FIDE is an international organization that was set up
on 20 July 1924 in Paris, France.
 It is the international body which governs world chess championships.
 President of FIDE: Arkady Dvorkovich,
 Headquarters of FIDE: Lausanne, Switzerland
Vignesh and Visakh NR become India’s first brothers to become Grandmasters

India’s chess player Vignesh NR has become India’s 80th Grandmaster
Vignesh’s elder brother Visakh NR had become India’s 59th GM in 2019.
Thus, Visakh and Vignesh become India’s first brothers who are Grandmasters.
Gukesh D becomes India's number one chess player

• India's Grandmaster Gukesh D has become as the country's top chess player,
surpassing Viswanathan Anand in Aug 2023.
Dubai to host the inaugural edition of the Global Chess League

The world's largest and first franchise-based chess league held in Dubai in association
with Dubai Sports Council
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feature six teams with six players each, including a minimum of two female players and one icon player per team.
GCL is a joint venture of FIDE and Tech Mahindra
R Praggnanandhaa first Indian after Anand to reach semi-finals of FIDE 2023

• FIDE World Cup 2023, held in in Baku, Azerbaijan
• Praggnanandhaa (L) defeated Arjun Erigaisi to enter the 2023 FIDE Chess World Cup
semi-final
• It is the 10th edition of the Chess World Cup.
• Magnus Carlsen wins the Chess World Cup Final 2023
• R Praggnanandhaa (18) was the youngest World Cup finalist ever and the youngest
World Cup winner.
Alexander Grischuk wins 2023 Tata Steel Chess India Open Blitz
Three time World Blitz chess champion Alexander Grischuk of Russia won the Open Blitz title of
the Tata Steel Chess India 2023 held in Kolkata , West Bengal
Amongst the India players R Praggnanandhaa was the best performer in the Open Blitz section
of the tournament . He finished in third place ,Arjun Egrashi came fourth but India’s No.1 D
Gukesh finished at the eight place .
The first edition of the Tata Steel Chess India was held in 2018.
Winners of the Tata Steel Chess India 2023

Rapid Event Winners Runners up
Women Divya Deshmukh(India) Ju Wenjun (China )
Men Maxime Vachier-Lagrave Teimour Radjabov(Azerbaijan)

(France)
Blitz Event Winner Runners up
Women Ju Wenjun(China) Koneru Humpy(India)
Men Alexander Grischuk(Russia) Nodirbek Abdusattorov(Uzbekistan)
Vaishali and Vidit Gujrathi win FIDE Grand Swiss women’s and open titles resp in UK.
 Vaishali became the first Indian to win the Grand Swiss
Chennai Grand Masters 2023:

Indian chess player D Gukesh won the Chennai Grand Masters 2023 tournament.
Whereas, Arjun Erigaisi secured the second position in this tournament.
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R Vaishali becomes India’s third female chess Grandmaster

She is the third female player to attain the grandmaster title, besides Koneru Humpy and Harika
Dronavalli.
With this achievement, Vaishali and her younger brother, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, have
become the first-ever Grandmaster siblings pair in history.
 Chennai's Vaishali Rameshbabu has become India's 84th Grandmaster
 Viswanathan Anand is the first Indian player to become a chess grandmaster.
Tamil Nadu is the Indian state with the most number of Grandmaster titles.
 83rd Grandmaster – Aditya Samant
 82nd Grandmaster – Vuppala Praneeth
 81st Grandmaster – Sayantan Das
80th Grandmaster – Vignesh NR
International Chess Federation (FIDE) –

 It was started in 1924 in Paris.
 It was recognized as a global sports organization by the International Olympic Committee in 1999.
 Headquarters – Lausanne (Switzerland)
 Chairman – Arkady Dvorkovich
 Vice President – Vishwanathan Anand
Magnus Carlsen Won The 2023 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship
 Magnus Carlsen captures world rapid chess crown for record fifth time.
 Magnus Carlsen has won a total 16 World Championship titles including 5 Rapid
titles, 6 Blitz titles and 5 Classical titles.
 In August 2023, Magnus Carlsen won the FIDE World Cup title by defeating Indian
Grandmaster Ramesh Babu Praggnanandhaa.
 The World Rapid Chess Championship was started in 2012.
 Eight-year-old A.S. Sharvaanica has become the champion in two formats of the
Asian Youth Chess Championships at Al Ain in the UAE. Gold in the U-8 rapid
and blitz categories, and silver in the U-8 classical category
name Achievement
78th grandmaster of India Koustav Chatterjee (west Bengal)
79th grandmaster of India Pranesh from Tamil Nadu
becoming the youngest National Divya Deshmukh

women’s chess champion
won Tata Steel Masters 2023 Dutch player Anish Giri

85th Edition
India’s 81st Grandmaster Sayantan Das
becomes China's first male world chess Ding Liren

champion
Vantika Agrawal 11th Indian women to achieve International Master title in Chess
She received the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title in 2021
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Telangana's Prraneeth Vuppala 82nd Grandmaster of India
Norwegian chess GM, Magnus Carlsen won Superbet Rapid and Blitz Poland 2023
Aditya Samant India's 83rd chess Grandmaster
Raunak Sadhwani won FIDE World Junior Rapid Chess Championship

Venue: Italy
Short News
Indian GM Praggnanandhaa wins Super GM chess tournament in Hungary.
Aravindh Chithambaram wins 23rd Dubai Open 2023
Shooting
International Shooting Sport Federation Junior World Cup 2023

India finished on top of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup
Junior in Suhl, Germany,
with 15 medals, including six gold, six silver and three bronze medals.
Shooting World Cup in Rio

India finished joint fifth with Germany and France with a gold and
silver.
Italy was on top with two gold and a bronze.
China was second with a gold, four silver and three bronze.
name Achievement
Rudrankksh Patil gold in the men’s 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo, Egypt.
Sarabjot Singh gold in the men’s 10m air pistol.

ISSF Shooting World Cup in Bhopal
Mairaj Ahmad Khan gold medal in ISSF World Cup Shotgun 2023, held in Cairo, Egypt
Rhythm Sangwan bronze medal in Women’s 10 metre air pistol event in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Hriday Hazarika and Nancy silver medals in the men’s and women’s 10-meter air rifle events at ISSF
Mandhotra World
Cup 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
In the overall medals tally, India finished its campaign second behind China
Indian shooter Anish Bhanwala won the bronze medal in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event at the ISSF
World Cup Final 2023 in Doha, Qatar
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Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar wins gold medal in men’s individual 50m rifle competition at ISSF World Cup at
Cairo.
Archery
Indian women’s compound team wins historic gold medal
• The team comprising of Jyoti Surekha Vennam, Parneet Kaur and Aditi
Gopichand Swami secured the nation’s first-ever gold medal in this
competition.
• The Indian women defeated the Mexican team .
• World Archery Championship 2023 was held in Berlin, Germany.
• The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Archery World Cup 2023: India won four medals in Antalya Turkey
India ended the competition with four medals, including two gold, one silver and
one bronze.
Name of medal winners of India
Jyothi Surekha Vennam - Women's Individual Compound - Gold Medal
Jyoti Surekha Vennam and Ojas Praveen Deotale- Compound Mixed Team -Gold
Medal
Indian men's recurve team won the silver medal
Dheeraj Bommadevra- Men's Individual Recurve -Bronze Medal
India claims nine medals and tops standings at the 23rd Asian Para Archery Championships in
Bangkok
The Indian Para Asian Archery contingent gave their best ever performance at the the Para Asian
Archery Championship 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand- with a total of 9 Medals, including 4 Gold
Medals, 4 silver and 1 bronze.
South Korea finished second
Bangladesh to host 24th Asian Archery Championships in 2025
Short news
 Former World No. 1 archer Deepika Kumari was the standout
performer, securing two gold medals and a silver at National
game 2023.
 Senior National Archery Championship held in Ayodhya,
Uttar Pradesh from 25 to 30 November 2023
 Indian archer, Aditi Swami has become the first-ever Indian to clinch the individual World Title at the
World Archery Championships final 2023 in Berlin.
Boxing
Men’s World Boxing Championships 2023: India finished with 3 Bronze Medals
held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
India finished with three bronze medals - Deepak Bhoria (48-51kg), Mohammed
Hussamuddin (54-57kg) and Nishant Dev (67-71kg)
IBA Women's World Boxing Championship 2023

Held at the K.D. Jadhav Hall IG Stadium New Delhi.
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Indian boxers won 4 gold medals

Neetu Ghangash gold medal 45-48 kg category.
Sweety Boora gold medal 75-81 kg category.
Nikhat Zareen gold medal in the 48-50 kg category.
Lovlina Borgohain gold medal in the 70-75 kg category
International Boxing Association (IBA) Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
President: Umar Kremlev
Founded: 1946
IBA Junior World Boxing Championship 2023

26-member squad secured 17 medals including three gold, nine silver and five bronze
medals.
Venue: MIKA Sports Arena, Yerevan, Armenia
Akansha won gold in the 70 kg category, Pari clinched the gold medal in the 48 kg
weight category.
Nisha won gold in the 52 kg category.
Wrestling
India won total 14 medals in Asian Wrestling Championship 2023

36th edition of Asian Wrestling Championship held in Astana, Kazakhstan
Indian wrestlers won 14 medals in the championship - one gold, three silver and ten bronze
medals.
Aman Sehrawat won gold in 57kg freestyle category.
India secured the 7th position in the medal tally.
The top three nations in the medal table based on gold medals were Kazakhstan, Japan and
Iran.
Antim Panghal won bronze medal in wrestling at World Championships 2023

Indian wrestler Antim Panghal secured a bronze medal in the women's 53 kg
category at the wrestling World Championships 2023 in Serbia.
She also secured the Paris Olympics 2024 quota for India.
Reetika Became First U23 Women World Wrestling Champion

India's Reetika Hooda won a gold medal at the U23 Wrestling World Championships under 76
Kg category.
second Indian to win a gold medal at the U23 Wrestling World Championships.
Aman Sehrawat became the first Indian wrestler to win a Gold medal at U-23 World Wrestling
Championships in Spain.
Achievements:
Bronze medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023.
 Two-time World under-20 champion and senior Worlds bronze medallist Antim
Panghal (53kg) was named as United World Wrestling (UWW) Rising Star of the Year
2023 in the women’s section.
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Weightlifting
Asian Weightlifting Championships 2023

Indian weightlifters finished the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2023 in Jinju, South
Korea, with three silver medals.
Medal winners of India:
Bindiarani Devi (Women's 55kg) - Silver Medal in Overall (Combining Clean & Jerk and
Snatch)
Bindiarani Devi (Women's 55kg) - Silver Medal in Clean and Jerk
Jeremy Lalrinnunga (Men's 67kg) - Silver medal in snatch
F1 Racing
name Achievement
Red Bull's Max Verstappen Bahrain Grand Prix 2023

Miami Formula One Grand Prix title
Monaco Grand Prix 2023
2023 Australian Grand Prix
Hungarian GP
Canadian GP
Spanish GP
British GP
Belgium GP
Las Vegas Grand Prix
Dutch Grand Prix 2023
Austrian Grand Prix 2023
Sergio Perez Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023

Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023
Humaira First Female Indian Car Racer in British Endurance Championship

Hailing from Jammu & Kashmir, Mushtaq also secured the distinction of being the first
woman from South Asia to obtain an ITCCC license, granting her the opportunity to compete
at this championship in London.
The series was established in 1997
Jean-Eric Vergne wins Hyderabad E-Prix

This is the first Formula E race held in India.
The Hyderabad E-Prix was held on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake and India's
first street circuit built near NTR Garden.
 Indian Oil has taken on the title sponsorship of the edition of MotoGP
Bharat, the first-ever grand prix in India, which will be held at the Buddh
International Circuit in Greater Noida from September 22 to 24.
 Marco Bezzecchi won inaugural race in India Grand Prix 2023.
 Ferrari's Carlos Sainz won the Singapore Grand Prix 2023
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Athletics
India’s athlete Bhagwani Devi Dagar wins three gold medals at 2023 World Masters Athletics Indoor
Championship in Poland
9th World Masters Athletics Indoor Championship at Torun in Poland.
The veteran athlete from Haryana won the three gold medals in 60m running,
shot put and discus throw categories in the 95-99 age division.
Bhagwani Devi Dagar is nicknamed as “Sprinter Dadi”. Her athletic career began
at the age of 94.
Neeraj Chopra becomes World Number 1 in Men's Javelin Throw rankings

Anderson Peters from Grenada ranked second.
Neeraj Chopra also became the first Indian to win a gold medal in a track and field event at
the Tokyo Olympics.
In 2023, he won the Diamond League in Doha with a world-leading effort of 88.67m.
Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra topped the Lausanne Diamond League 2023.
Neeraj Chopra achieved the best throw of 87.66m during the competition.
India finishes ‘Special Olympics 2023’ campaign with 202 medals

India has finished its Special Olympics World Games 2023 campaign by winning 202 medals
(76 gold, 75 silver, and 51 bronze).
The motto for this year’s Special Olympics and World Games was “unbeatable together”
Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023, held in Berlin.
Indian sprinter Amlan Borgohain bags two gold medals in Flanders Cup 2023
two gold medals in the men's 100 and 200-meter races category at the Flanders Cup 2023
athletics in Merksem, Belgium.
He holds the 100-meter national record of 10.25 seconds.
Neeraj Chopra makes history by winning India’s first-ever gold medal at World Athletics Championships
• Neeraj Chopra won India’s first gold medal in the men's javelin throw event at the World Athletics
Championships held in Budapest, Hungary.
• Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan secured the second position
Extra Info:
Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finished second in the men’s event at the Diamond League Final 2023 in USA.
The Indian's best throw of 83.80 meter came in his second attempt.
Short News:
Australia withdraws from hosting Commonwealth Games 2026
Kenyan Kiptum Breaks Marathon World Record clocking a time of two hours and 35 seconds, to claim victory at the
Chicago Marathon
name Achievement
Tajinderpal Singh Toor won gold in the shot put event at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships held in
Astana, Kazakhstan
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes Forbes' highest-paid athlete for 2023

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Praveen Chithravel sets national record in triple jump in Cuba
Annu Rani gold medal in the javelin throwing Federation Cup 2023 athletics event at the Birsa
Munda Stadium in Ranchi.
Murali Sreeshankar gold at International Jumping Meeting, Greece
 Indian athlete Ajit Singh won the gold medal in the final of men's javelin throw F46 at the Para Athletics
Championships in Paris.
 Ace Indian long jumper, Murali Sreeshankar has secured a third place in the 2023 Diamond League Meet at
Paris, France.
Asian Games
Amul is named as the official sponsor of the Indian Contingent for the 19th
Asian Games 2022 to be held in Hangzhou
Men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and Tokyo Olympics bronze
medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain ,India's flag-bearers at the opening ceremony
of the 19th Asian Games
This is the first time that the Asian Games will have two flag-bearers in the push
for gender parity
At the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, the Indian contingent was led by Neeraj Chopra at the opening
ceremony
Asian Games 2023 Medal List

Iss baar 100 paar” with a record haul of 107 medals comprised of 28 gold, 38 silver,
and 41 bronze.
This outstanding feat surpassed India’s previous best of 70 medals at the Jakarta Asian
Games in 2018.
This is the second time India has won more than 100 medals in any of the three major
Games – the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, and the Asian Games.
They had won 101 medals in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
India ranked at fourth place on the scoreboard in the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou.
Other Winners:
• Ranked 1st scored by People's Republic of China with 383 medals
• Ranked 2nd scored by Japan with 188 medals
• Ranked 3rd scored by Republic of Korea with 190 medals
• The Indian women's kabaddi team won gold by defeating Chinese Taipei
• The Indian men's cricket team was awarded gold against Afghanistan.
• In hockey, the Indian women's team defeated Japan and won a bronze medal
• Indian Men’s Hockey Team Clinches Gold At Asian Games 2023
• Badminton: Chirag Shetty, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy win GOLD in men's doubles
• Wrestling: Deepak Punia wins silver in men's freestyle 86kg
• Chess: Men's team and women's team bag silver.
Gold Silver Bronze Total

India 28 38 41 107
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For the first time, India has won a gold medal in athletics. The medal was won by Avinash Sable in the Men's 3000m
steeplechase.
Parul Choudhary gold medal after winning in the Women's 500 metres category, becoming the first Indian female
athlete to do so.
ASIAN GAMES
 Annu Rani won the first gold medal for India in the women's javelin throw
event at the Asian Games (62.92 meters)
 Shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor wins gold
 Indian Equestrian Dressage Team Wins Gold after 41 Years at Asian
Games 2023
 The Indian equestrian team, comprised of Anush Agarwal, Hriday Vipul Kheda,
Sudipati Hazel, and Divyakriti Singh
 last won gold in horse riding during its inaugural participation in the Asian
Games back in 1982.
 India’s Murali Sreeshankar won a silver medal in the men’s long jump with a
best jump of 8.19 meters.
 Neeraj Chopra secured the gold medal and
Kishore Kumar Jena clinched the silver in the
Men’s Javelin Throw competition
Lovlina Borgohain won silver in women's 75 kg boxing
final.
 Indian archers Jyoti Vennam, Aditi Swamy,

Preneet Kaur won gold medal in women's
compound archery team.
 Kiran Baliyan became the first Indian woman to

win an Asian Games medal in shot put event in
72 years as she picked up a bronze.(17.36m)
4th Asian Para Games

held at China's Hangzhou.
Taekwondo and Para-Canoe to make their Games debuts.
Famous para shuttler Parul Parmar was the Indian flag bearer at the opening ceremony.
While para-club thrower Amit Saroha joined Parul Parmar as co-flagbearer.
 The design of ‘Feifei’ is inspired by the motif of the ‘Divine Bird’ in the
Liangzhu Culture.
 The Emblem: Ever Forward
India Finishes With 111 Medals in Asian Para Games 2023

India finishes fifth with 29 gold, 111 medals in total; China ends campaign with 521 medals
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Deepthi Jeevanji won Gold in Women’s 400m-T20 event at Asian Para Games
Prachi Yadav has won gold in the women’s Para Canoe KL2 event at the Asian
Para Games 2023
India's Neeraj Yadav won the gold medal in the men's discus throw of the Asian
Para Games. Sumit Antil wins gold in men’s javelin
Sheetal Devi
Indian para archer Sheetal Devi emerged victorious at the fourth edition of the
Asian Awards in Riyadh securing the prestigious title of Best Youth Athlete.
The Asian Awards, organized by the Asian Paralympic Committee
Devi’s remarkable performance at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games in
October ,gold in both the individual and team compound events.
 Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games gold medallist Asila Mirzayorova from
Uzbekistan :Best Female Athlete
 Peng Zheng :Best Male Athlete
 Nishad Kumar bagged a gold medal for India with a new Asian Games record
in the Men’s High Jump
 Siddharth Babu won gold medal in 50 meter rifles
 India's Roshibina Devi Naorem wins silver medal in women's Wushu at Asian
Games 2023
 Russia and Belarus omitted from Paris Olympics invitees.
 Racewalker Akshdeep Singh became the first Indian to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
National Games
Khelo India Youth Games 2022
5th Khelo India Youth Games to be hosted by Madhya Pradesh from 31 January 2023 to
11 February 2023.
The mascot is 'Asha'. While the theme song is 'Hindustan Ka Dil Dhadka Do...' sung by
singer Shaan. The torch of Khelo India Youth Games was named Amarkantak, on which
the figure of Maa Narmada is also engraved.
 For the first time water sports namely Kayaking Canoeing, Canoe Salaam and
Fencing are added to Khelo India Games.
 Maharashtra topped the medal tally by winning 161 medals including 56 gold.
While Haryana stood second, host Madhya Pradesh finished third
Edition Host City Winner Runner-up

2018 New Delhi Haryana Maharashtra
2019 Pune Maharashtra Haryana
2020 Guwahati Maharashtra Haryana
2021 Panchkula Haryana Maharashtra
2022 Bhopal Maharashtra Haryana
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3rd Khelo India Winter Games

The Winter Games held from 10-14 February 2023 at Gulmarg, J&K.
Mascot: Snow Leopard (depicts the vibrant heritage of the Himalayas)
The first edition of the Khelo India Winter Games took place in 2020.
J&K tops medal tally, bagging 26 Gold, 25 Silver, 25 Bronze medals
followed by Maharashtra with 13 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze medals. The third
position was achieved by Himachal Pradesh 10 Gold, 14 Silver and 7 Bronze
Asmita Women's League

 Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur has
announced Khelo India Women’s League will officially be known as
Asmita Women's League.
 ASMITA refers to Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women
Through Action.
 Khelo India Programme was launched in the year: 2018
37th National Games

National Games anthem, sung by legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan.
The anthem featured the traditional Goan instrument, the Ghumat, and featured a
collaboration between Goan singers and other talented artists.
Maharashtra secured the first position in the National Games 2023 and bagged 228
medals including 80 gold.
Maharashtra won the Raja Bhalindra Singh Trophy, which is given to the team that wins most number of gold
medals at the National Games.
Maharashtra last topped the National Games medals table back in 1994.
Goa hosted the event for the first time in its history.
mascot named 'Moga'

'MOGA’ - a bison representing the distinct identity of Goa
36th edition of National Games was held in Gujarat
The National Games were first held in Lahore, undivided India, in 1924
Gatka Martial Art to feature in 37th National Games

Gatka is a Punjab-based martial art
Harjeet Singh Grewal, the President of the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI)
Best woman athlete trophy was given to Pranati Naik and Sanyukta Kate while best
man athlete trophy was given to Shrihari Natraj.
The torch for national games was handed over to Uttarakhand as 38th National
Games will be organized there.
Rank State/Union Territory/Team Gold Silver Bronze Total
1 Maharashtra 80 69 79 228
2 Services 66 27 33 126
3 Haryana 62 55 75 192
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4 Madhya Pradesh 37 36 39 112
5 Kerala 36 24 27 87
First Khelo India Para Games

 This first Khelo India Para Games held in New Delhi from 10 December to 17
December 2023.
 The official mascot of Khelo India Para Games 2023 is ‘Ujjwala,’ represented by a
sparrow.
 Haryana came first with a total of 105 medals while Uttar Pradesh finished
second and Tamil Nadu came third.
Khelo India University Games 2022

3rd edition held in Uttar Pradesh
‘Jitu’ the Barasingha, the exotic vibrant state animal was launched by UP Chief Minister
Yogi Adityanath
‘Shakti’, the official torch of the Khelo India University Games
Water Sports made its debut at the Games, featuring Rowing
First-ever Khelo India Para Games conclude in New Delhi

Haryana won the inaugural title by securing 105 medals including 40 gold, 39 silver, and 26
bronze.
Uttar Pradesh came second with 62 medals.
Tamil Nadu finished third with 20 gold.
National Sqay Championship

 The 23rd National Sqay Championship was organized
by the SQAY Federation of India and hosted by Jammu
and Kashmir SQAY Association
 J&K got 1st place in over all medal tally, Andhra
Pradesh remained 2nd and Odisha clinched 3rd place
in the championship.
 Sqay is an ancient traditional martial art of Kashmir
Kerala won first National Beach Soccer Championship 2023

held at Dumas Beach, Surat.
Kerala’s goalkeeper Santhosh Kasmeer was awarded the best goalkeeper of the tournament
India third with 27 medals in Asian Athletics Championships 2023

India won a total of 27 medals and secured the
third position in the competition.
including 6 gold, 12 silver and 9 bronze medals
Athlete Jyoti Yaraji won India's first gold medal in
women's 100m race
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Lord Hanuman is official mascot of 25th Asian Athletics

Championships 2023 in Thailand
India ends World University Games campaign with record 26 medals.

• India finished at seventh spot with 11 gold, 5 silver and 10 bronze, the best
ever standing in the medal tally.
• Host China topped the standings with a whopping 178 medals, followed by
Japan and Korea
India lifts Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023 title over Japan
In Hockey, the Indian women’s team dethroned Japan to crown themselves
Asian Champions Trophy 2023 winners.
India won their maiden Asian Champions Trophy title in 2016 in Singapore
Asian Games champions China beat South Korea to secure third place.
Venue Ranchi
Savita Punia lead the Indian Women’s Hockey Team as Captain
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren unveild mascot ‘Juhi’ for Women’s Asian
Champions Trophy 2023
World Wushu Championship

16th World Wushu Championship in the USA.
India finished 18th in the medal table in this competition, winning a total of three medals with
one silver and two bronze medals.
First held in 1991
Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
1 China 15 0 0 15
2 Vietnam 5 3 3 11
3 Macau 5 2 4 11
2023 FIBA World Cup

Germany won the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup title by beating Serbia 83-77 in Manila.
This is their first-ever FIBA Basketball World Cup victory.
Qatar will host the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The 19th edition of FIBA’s flagship event, co-hosted by the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan, on a
high note.
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Anahat Singh Becomes Second Youngest To Win National Squash Championship Title
 Velavan Senthilkumar (Tamil Nadu) and Anahat Singh (Delhi) won their maiden men’s and
women’s titles, respectively in the 79th National squash championships at the Indian Squash
and Triathlon Academy (ISTA)
 The 15-year-old Anahat is the second youngest ever to have won the women’s title. Joshna
Chinappa was 14 when she won the first title in 2000.
India clinches title of CAVA Women’s Challenge Cup 2023

India has won the title of the NSC-CAVA Women’s Volleyball Challenge Cup held in
Kathmandu, Nepal.
India won the title by defeating Kazakhstan .
The tournament was organised by the Nepal Volleyball Association.
Egypt won World Squash Championship, after defeating Malaysia

Third place (bronze) was shared jointly by hosts India and Japan.
The championship was held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu with eight countries as participants from June 13 to 17.
World Cup Squash championship was organized after a gap of 12 years.
Egypt won the World Cup when it was last held here in 2011.
Short News:
India wins both men's and women's Asian Kho Kho Championship title 2023
Indian golf player, Aditi Ashok wins Kenya Ladies Open title 2023
The Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 is scheduled to be held in Busan, South Korea
from June 27 to 30.
Maharashtra wins 5th National Wheelchair Rugby Championship 2023 victory over
Karnataka.
Bhavani Devi becomes first Indian to win bronze medal at Asian Fencing
Championships in China
Indian Team won bronze medal at Asian Surfing Championship 2023

Asian Surfing Championship 2023 held in Maldives
Arun Vasu: The President of the Surfing Federation of India
IBSF Billiards Championship 2023

Indian Billiards star Pankaj Advani has won the World Billiards Championship for the 26th
time.
IBSF Billiards Championship 2023 held in Doha, Qatar
Defeated Saurav Kothari
 Khelo India Games will be held in Tamil Nadu in January 2024. The State
Government said that the games will be held in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and
Trichy from 19th to 31st January, 2024.
 For the first time, squash will be included in Khelo India games.
 India won the title by defeating Iran in the Asian Kabaddi Championship, held in Busan, Korea
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Miscellaneous
Goa Challengers won India’s Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) tournament
held at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune from July 13 to 27, 2023.
It is being organized under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India, after
a gap of four years.
The Ultimate Table Tennis league consists of six teams.
Goa Challengers crowned UTT Season 4 champs, defeating Chennai Lions
Indian Olympic Association forms three-member ad hoc committee to run affairs of suspended WFI
Wushu Association of India president Bhupinder Singh Bajwa will be the chairman of the panel with hockey
Olympian M. M. Somaya and former international shuttler Manjusha Kanwar being the other two members.
The Sports Ministry suspended the WFI, three days after it elected new office bearers with Brij Bhushan Singh
loyalist Sanjay Singh as president, and also asked IOA to constitute an ad-hoc panel to manage the affairs of the
sports body.
Indian men’s team won bronze medal at Asian Table Tennis Championships 2023
Venue:Republic of Korea.
Indian men’s team comprising Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai and Sathiyan
Gnanasekaran lost in their final four match.
The gold medal was won by the Chinese team by defeating Chinese Taipei in the
final . Chinese Taipei got silver medal and the third place team was South Korea
 Women team event
 In the women's section the gold medal was won by the Chinese women's team. They defeated the South
Korean team in the final.
 The Indian women’s team consisting of Manika Batra, Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee lost 0-3 to
Thailand to finish sixth.
 India has so far won only five bronze medals in the history of the Asian Table Tennis Championships. All
medals have come in the team event.
 The Indian women's doubles pair of Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Mukherjee won the 2023 World Table
Tennis (WTT) Contender tournament in Tunis.
 India has won a gold medal in men’s squash team event after beating Pakistan at the Asian Games.
First Indian To Complete The Golden Globe Race

Commander Abhilash Tomy (retd.) created history as the first Indian to complete the
Golden Globe Race, in his sail boat named Bayanat.
South African sailor Kirsten Neuschafer scripted maritime history as the first women
to win the race
Kolkata Team wins First Women's Kabaddi League Final

 The inaugural edition of first-ever Women's Kabaddi League (WKL) was held at the
'Shabab Al-Ahli' sports club in Dubai from 16 June to 27 June.
 ‘Uma Kolkata’ team emerged as champions, securing a grand prize of ₹10,000,000.
The Punjab team stood second
44th Ryder Cup

 European men's golf team won the 2023 Ryder Cup, defeating their American opponents. The 44th Ryder
Cup was played at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy.
 The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held in New York, the United States of America.
 Ryder Cup is a biennial men's golf competition between Europe and the United States of America teams.
 The Ryder Cup started in 1927, and it was hosted by the United States.
Connect Us - 594
Bollywood actor Rahul Bose gets Odisha’s Rugby Stadium named after him
• Rahul Bose currently serves as the President of the Indian Rugby
Football Union (Rugby India).
• Rugby India is the governing body for sport of rugby union in India. Its
headquarter is situated in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Rahul had been rugby player and represented India in 17 internationals
rugby matches.
Saudi Arabia receives flag to host FEI World Cup Finals 2024
• Riyadh will host FEI World Cup Finals in April 2024.
• It is the first time the event will be held in the Middle East.
• Founded in 1921, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) is the world
governing body for Jumping, Dressage & Para Dressage, Eventing, Driving & Para
Driving, Endurance and Vaulting.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi wins Laureus Sportsman of the Year 2023

• Sportswoman of the Year: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica) Athletics
• Team of the Year: Argentina Men’s Football Team
Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav:

Held at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar.
Witnessed participation of 5,000 tribal athletes, from across India.
• Odisha emerged as overall champions.
• Karnataka - 1st runners up
Jharkhand - 2nd runners up in the overall.
Short News:
Muthamizh Selvi has become the first woman from Tamil Nadu to climb the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest
Belgium’s Luca Brecel has become the first European player to win 2023 World Snooker Championship.
Nepali sherpa becomes world's second person to scale Everest 26 times
Kami Rita Sherpa was the first person who climbed Mount Everest 26 times.
Indian golf player, Diksha Dagar has secured her second Ladies European Tour (LET) at the Tipsport Czech Ladies
Open 2023.
Indian team secures 2 Gold medals at 64th International Mathematical Olympiad

64th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2023, which was held in Japan’s Chiba city.
The team finished 9th out of the 112 countries that competed.
Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education – TIFR is the nodal Centre for training and selecting the students for the
International Olympiads (in physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and mathematical).
India Tops Medals Tally in 34th International Biology Olympiad, Secures Four Gold Medals
India secures Second Rank at 16th IOAA in Poland

• India has secured Second Rank at the 16th International Olympiad 2023 on
Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) in Poland With Four Gold and One Silver
Medal.
• The United Kingdom clinched the lead with five Golds.
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Anshuman Jhingran: Youngest person to cross the North Channel

The North Channel is a challenging strait located between Northern
Ireland and Scotland
First Indian to cross the North Channel: Elvis Ali Hazarika
First Indian to swim across the English Channel: Mihir Sen
Kerala to host the inaugural Zayed Charity Marathon in 2024

The primary objective of the Zayed Charity Marathon is to raise funds for
charitable causes.
The event has sponsorship and support from various entities including the UAE
Government, Government of Kerala, and the Indian community in the UAE.
Zayed Charity Marathon
It was launched in Abu Dhabi in 2001 to promote humanitarian and charitable
messages in line with Sheikh Zayed's philanthropic legacy.
Minho & Lee Dong Wook chosen as Global Ambassadors for the Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has chosen Minho and K-drama star Lee
Dong Wook to serve as the first Global Ambassadors for ‘OlympicTM Friends.’
The Republic of Korea's Gangwon province will host the 4th Winter Youth Olympic
Games.
Pawan Kumar Sehrawat became the costliest player in Pro Kabaddi League
(PKL)
 Pawan Kumar Sehrawat to Telugu Titans - INR 2.605 crore
 Iranian Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh became the most expensive
overseas player at the auction and was brought by Puneri Paltan for Rs
2.35 crore
AI named Collins Dictionary word of the year; ‘Bazball’ included in the dictionary
AI has been crowned the Collins Word of the Year for 2023.
Recently the word 'Bazball' related to cricket has been included in the prestigious
Collins Dictionary.
Shital Mahajan become First Woman to Skydive from Mt Everest

She became the first woman to do so.
Mahajan is a well-known Indian skydiver who holds several skydiving records and is the
recipient of the fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri in 2001
BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023: Mary Earps wins award
England goalkeeper Mary Earps has been named the BBC's Sports Personality of the
Year for 2023.
Cricketer Stuart Broad was the runner-up. These winners were decided by the public
vote.
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Mary Earps is the second consecutive female footballer to win the BBC award.
Beth Mead was awarded BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2022. Beth Mead lifted
England's first major women's football trophy by defeating Germany.
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi named Time’s Athlete of the Year for 2023
 The news comes after Messi won the 2023 Ballon d'Or for a record-extending eighth
time
Taylor Swift named Time Magazine's person of the year

The award goes to an event or person deemed to have had the most influence on global events
over the past year.
Time Magazine has named OpenAI founder Sam Altman as 'CEO of the Year’.
Sam Altman is the co-founder of ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, which was launched in
November 2022.
 This is the 70th edition of the BBC's annual awards ceremony.

 Other winners of BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023:
 Helen Rollason Award: Fatima Whitbread
 Coach of the Year: Pep Guardiola
 Team of the Year: Manchester City
 Youth Sports Personality of the Year: Mia Brooks
 Lifetime Achievement: Sir Kenny Dalgleish
 Unsung Hero: Des Smith
 World Sports Star: Erling Haaland
Shaikh Hassan Khan Climbed Mount Vinson

Kerala government employee Shaikh Hassan Khan has climbed Mount Vinson.
Mount Vinson is the highest mountain in Antarctica.
Height:4,892 metres (16,050 feet) above sea level.
Apart from Mount Vinson, Shaikh Hassan Khan has climbed four other highest peaks
– Mount Everest (Asia), Mount Denali (North America), Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa),
and Mount Elbrus (Europe).
Short News
 Shalini Singh has become the first female NCC cadet in India to complete the advanced mountaineering
course in the Himalayan region of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand.
 China's Ruoning Yin is the new No. 1 in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings 2023
 Men's Volleyball Club World Championship to begin in Bengaluru
 Italy won Admiral’s Cup 2023 held at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
Connect Us - 597
International News
International Appointments
Amit S Telang appointed as Indian envoy to the Caribbean Community
Amit S Telang has been concurrently accredited as the Indian Ambassador to the
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and High Commissioner to the Federation of St Kitts
and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda.
Anil Kumar Rai has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Robert Shetkintong Appointed As The Next High Commissioner Of India To The

Republic Of Mozambique
 He is currently serving as the Ambassador of India to Ethiopia since 2020.
Pedro Sanchez Re-Elected As Spanish Prime Minister
Luc Frieden Takes Charge As Prime Minister Of Luxembourg
Christopher Luxon swears in as New Zealand’s Prime Minister
CAG GC Murmu appointed as Vice-Chair of UN External Auditors' Panel

Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Girish Chandra Murmu has been
elected as the Vice-Chairman of the United Nations Auditor Panel for 2024.
The panel of external auditors comprises the heads of 12 Supreme Audit Institutions
(SAIs) globally.
Connect Us - 598
Girish Chandra Murmu was elected the external auditor of the World Health Organization (WHO) for four years in
May 2023.
Murmu has been the first Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir:
Article 148 broadly deals with the CAG appointment, oath and conditions of service.
Article 149 deals with Duties and Powers of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
India Re-elected as President of AIBD for a Third Successive Term

 Previously, India had already served two terms as President, Asia- Pacific Institute for Broadcasting
Development (AIBD) General Conference (GC) from 2018 – 2021 and 2021 – 2023, .
 India is one of the founding members of AIBD and Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster is the
representative body of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India at AIBD.
 The 21st General Conference & Associated Meetings 2023 (GC 2023) of Asia- Pacific Institute for
Broadcasting Development (AIBD) was chaired by its President Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO Prasar Bharati and
concluded successfully from 02-04 October, 2023 in Port Louis, Mauritius.
 AIBD, established in 1977
Mohamed Muizzu was elected President of the Maldives
Arindam Bagchi Appointed as India’s Ambassador to UN in Geneva

Arindam Bagchi has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador/Permanent
Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva.
Arindam Bagchi, presently holding the position of Additional Secretary in the Ministry of
External Affairs.
Bagchi will be taking over from the current Indian representative to the UN in Geneva,
Indra Mani Pandey, who assumed the position in July 2020.
Daniel Noboa becomes Ecuador’s youngest-ever President
Former businessman Christopher Luxon to be New Zealand’s next Prime Minister
 Robert Fico has been appointed as prime minister of Slovakia for the fourth
time.
Connect Us - 599
Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar

 Malaysia has announced that its next and 17th king will be Sultan
Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. He will take over from outgoing King Al-Sultan
Abdullah on January 31 next year.
 Malaysia has a unique tradition in which the heads of its nine royal
families become kings on a rotating basis for a five-year term.
Shri Indra Mani Pandey will be the next Secretary General BIMSTEC
 Indra Mani Pandey will be the first Indian official to hold the post of secretary
general of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
 BIMSTEC is a regional organisation established in June 1997. Its secretariat was
established in the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka
 The member states of BIMSTEC are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal,
Sri Lanka and Thailand.
ISB Prof Sarang Deo Appointed By WHO On Its TB Advisory Group

Professor Sarang Deo has been appointed as a member of the Strategic and Technical
Advisory Group (STAG) for Tuberculosis by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Indian-origin Tharman Shanmugaratnam wins Singapore presidential election

Capital - Singapore
Official languages - English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil
Currency - Singapore Dollar
Senior diplomat Gopal Baglay has been appointed as the new High Commissioner of India to
Australia
Shri Gopal Baglay, presently High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, has been appointed as
the next High Commissioner of India to Australia.
Baglay will succeed Manpreet Vohra as Indian High Commissioner to Australia.
He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
Ministry of External Affairs has appointed Madan Lal Raigar as the next
Indian Ambassador to the Republic of Congo
Madan Lal Raigar, who is currently serving as the Director in the Ministry
has been given the new responsibility of Indian envoy in the African nation.
Connect Us - 600
Parliament of Vanuatu elects Sato Kilman as the new Prime Minister

It is an archipelago consisting of 83 islands, 16 of which are inhabited.
Its capital is Port Vila, located on the island of Efate.
Vanuatu has three official languages: Bislama, English and French.
The official currency used in Vanuatu is the vatu (VUV)
Former CJI NV Ramana appointed as member of International Mediation Panel

Former CJI NV Ramana appointed to International Mediator Panel of Singapore
International Mediation Centre
Singapore International Mediation Centre is an independent not-for-profit organisation in
Singapore providing mediation services, through its panel of international mediators, to
parties wishing to resolve their cross-border commercial disputes amicably.
AFI chief Adille Sumariwalla elected to World Athletics Executive Board

AFI president Adille Sumariwalla becomes first Indian elected to World Athletics
Executive Board
Adille Sumariwalla has been elected as one of the four vice presidents of World
Athletics, the highest post ever held by an Indian in the global track and field governing
body.
Sumariwalla, president of Athletics Federation of India since 2012
Athletics Federation of India Founded: 1946
Indian-origin Vaibhav Taneja: The new CFO of TESLA

CFO - Chief Financial Officer
Tesla Founded: 1 July 2003, California, United States
Tesla CEO: Elon Musk
Microsoft appoints Puneet Chandok to lead India operations

Puneet Chandok was appointed as the Corporate Vice President of Microsoft India and South
Asia by the company in Aug 2023.
Connect Us - 601
Que:Who has been elected as the caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan?

प्रश्न: पादकस्तान के कायावाहक प्रधान मंत्री के रूप में दकसे चुना िया है ?
Ans: Anwarul Haque Kakar ( interim)
His appointment came after the dissolution of Pakistan’s Parliament (August 9) – three days
before the legislative body would have completed its five-year tenure.
Then Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and opposition leader agreed to name Senator Kakar as the
caretaker premier.
Que:Who has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of Nepal?

प्रश्न: नेपाल के नए मुयय न्यायाधीश के रूप में दकसे सनयुक्त दकया िया है ?
Ans: Bishombhar Prasad Shrestha
Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha as
the Chief Justice of Nepal.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'
Geetika Srivastava becomes India’s First Woman Charge d’Affaires In Pakistan

Indian government has appointed Geetika Srivastava, joint secretary (Indo-Pacific) in the external affairs ministry, to
head the post of chargé d’affaires in the Indian high commission in Islamabad
She will be the first woman diplomat to hold this post in the Indian high commission in Islamabad.
She will replace Suresh Kumar
Emmerson Mnangagwa was re-elected as the President of

Zimbabwe for a second and final five-year term
Capital - Harare
Currency - United States Dollar
Que:Who has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Syria?

प्रश्न: सीरर्या में भार्त के अिले र्ाजित
ू के रूप में दकसे सनयुक्त दकया िया है ?
Ans: Irshad Ahmed
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Admiral Lisa Franchetti to become the first woman to lead the US Navy
James Skea elected new IPCC chair in Nairobi

James Ferguson ‘Jim’ Skea of the United Kingdom was elected as the new chair of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a United Nations body
established in 1988
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Thani Al Zeyoudi elected as chair of WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference

Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, has been elected as the Chair of the
13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation, to take place in Abu
Dhabi.
WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
China’s Qu-Dongyu re-elected unopposed as head of FAO

The head of the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization, Qu Dongyu, was re-
elected for a second term as head of the U.N. agency.
FAO directors can hold the role for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts
to defeat hunger.
World Food Day is celebrated on 16th October, to mark the anniversary of the
founding of the FAO in 1945.
It is based in Rome (Italy). Its sister bodies are the World Food Programme and
the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Jens Stoltenberg to stay as NATO chief for another year

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an
intergovernmental military alliance between 31 member states – 29 European and 2
North American, who agree to help one another if they come under attack.
The alliance approved its 31st member - Finland - last year. Sweden has also applied to
join, but Turkey and Hungary have not yet approved its entry.
Nato was formed in 1949 by 12 countries and its original goal was to challenge Soviet
expansion in Europe after World War Two.
Egypt, Turkey appoint ambassadors for first time in decade

Egypt and Turkey have appointed ambassadors to each other’s capitals for
the first time in a decade to restore normal diplomatic relations
Amr Elhamamy will become Egypt’s ambassador in Ankara while Turkey
nominated Salih Mutlu Sen to become its ambassador in Cairo
The two countries have not had ambassadors since 2013
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Preeti Aghalayam to become first woman director of IIT, to led

IIT Zanzibar
Preeti Aghalayam has been named director-in-charge of the
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Zanzibar campus in Tanzania.
Recently, India and Tanzania inked an MoU, which facilitated IIT
Madras to launch its first international campus in Zanzibar,
Tanzania’.
OCA elects Sheikh Talal as the new President

Kuwait’s Sheikh Talal Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah has been elected as the
new President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
He replaced his older brother Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who led
the OCA for 30 years until 2021.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is a governing body of sports in Asia,
currently with 45 member National Olympic Committees.
The OCA was founded in 1982 by his father Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-
Sabah, who led it until 1990.
Headquarters: Kuwait City, Kuwait
Founded: 16 November 1982, New Delhi
Motto: Ever Onward
Edgars Rinkevics elected as the new President of Latvia

Latvia: a country on the Baltic Sea, situated between
Lithuania and Estonia.
Capital - Riga.
Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Sabah becomes Kuwait's new prime minister
Petteri Orpo elected as new PM of Finland
Connect Us - 604
Kyriakos Mitsotakis sworn in as Prime Minister of Greece for a second term
IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra elected 3rd VP of World Meteorological

Organisation
India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra
elected as one of the three Vice-Presidents of the World Meteorological
Organisation,
WMO - UN agency for monitoring climate change, early warnings, and disaster
preparedness.
Abdulla Al Mandous, Director of UAE National Center of Meteorology, was elected
President of WMO for a four-year term.
Argentina's Celeste Saulo becomes first female Secretary-General of World

Meteorological Organization
Australia appoints Philip Green as country's new High Commissioner to India
UK appoints Jane Marriott as first woman envoy to Pakistan

United Kingdom government has appointed Jane Marriott as the next British High Commissioner
to Pakistan.
She also become the first female British envoy to Islamabad.
Que:Who has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to

Panama?
प्रश्न: पनामा में भार्त के अिले र्ाजित
ू के रूप में दकसे सनयुक्त दकया िया है ?
Ans: Sumit Seth
Dr Vanessa Kerry appointed as WHO DG Special Envoy for Climate Change

WHO has appointed Dr Vanessa Kerry as the first-ever WHO Director-General Special Envoy
for Climate Change and Health.
Connect Us - 605
Dennis Francis elected 78th UNGA President

Dennis Francis created history by becoming the first Trinidad and
Tobago citizen to be elected as the President of the UN General
Assembly (UNGA).
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
It is the United Nation’s chief policy-making and representative
organ and was created in 1945.
It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN).
It serves as the main deliberative, policy making and representative organ of the United Nations.
Que:Who has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone?

Que:वोडािोन के मुयय कायाकार्ी असधकार्ी के रूप में दकसे सनयुक्त दकया िया है ?
Ans: Margherita Della Valle / मािेरर्टा डे ला वैले
Santiago Pena wins Paraguay Presidential Election
Elon Musk appoints Linda Yaccarino as Twitter CEO
Amy Pope elected next Director General of IOM

• International Organization For Migration: Established in 1951.
• IOM was granted Permanent Observer status to the UN General Assembly in
1992
• IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit
of all.
• India is a member of IOM.
Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wins

Presidential election
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won the
presidential election In Turkiye, extending his rule
to a third decade.
Türkiye capital: Ankara and Currency: Turkish lira
Connect Us - 606
Bola Ahmed Tinubu sworn in as the 16th President of Nigeria

The swearing ceremony was attended by the Indian defense minister, Rajnath
Singh, who is on a three-day visit to Nigeria.
Agenda of visit: To strengthen the India-Nigeria
bilateral relations
This is the first-ever visit of an Indian Defence
Minister to Nigeria.
Que:Who was appointed as the first chief of NASA's ‘Moon to Mars

Program’?
Que:नासा के 'चंद्रमा से मंिल कायाक्रम' के पहले प्रमुख के रूप में दकसे सनयुक्त
दकया िया था?
Ans: Amit Kshatriya
NASA has appointed Amit Kshatriya to head its new Moon to Mars
Program Office.
Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel wins second term in

polls
He took over the reins in 2018 as the first civilian leader of
Cuba.
Cuba Capital: Havana; Currency: Cuban Peso
Aleksander Ceferin re-elected President of UEFA for 4 years

The Slovenian football administrator Aleksander Ceferin has been re-elected as the
president of UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) for a four-year term, until
2027
He was first elected as UEFA’s seventh president in 2016,
Md. Sahabuddin takes oath as the 22nd President of Bangladesh.

Md. Sahabuddin takes oath as the 22nd President of Bangladesh on 24 April 2023 in
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
He is a Veteran freedom fighter, jurist and politician
Israel's former envoy to India Ron Malka appointed as Haifa Port Chairman
Adani Group has appointed the former envoy of Israel to India, Ron Malka as the
Executive Chairman of the Haifa Port Company.
He served as the ambassador of Israel to India from 2018-2021.
It is the second-largest port in Israel in terms of shipping containers.
The Adani Group officially took over this port in January 2023.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone and Israel's Gadot Group won the tender in July
2022 to privatize the Port of Haifa for USD 1.18 billion.
Bola Tinubu elected as the new President of Nigeria

Nigeria: Capital: Abuja
Currency: Nigerian naira
Connect Us - 607
Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff elected as new President of NDB

The board of the New Development Bank (NDB) has appointed former Brazilian
President, Dilma Vana Rousseff as the new President of the Bank, with immediate
effect.
She has replaced Marcus Troyjo.
NDB is a multilateral financial institution set up by the five BRICS countries.
Pakistan PM appoints first Ambassador for Kartarpur Corridor

• Pakistan Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora as the
Ambassador-at-Large for Kartarpur Corridor.
• This corridor links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan with the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in
Gurdaspur district, Punjab, India.
Vo Van Thuong elected as new President of Vietnam
Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Sabah re-appointed as Prime Minister of Kuwait

Crown prince, Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Sabah has been re-appointed as the
Prime Minister of Kuwait.
Ram Chandra Poudel elected as the new President of Nepal

The tenure of Bidya Devi Bhandari as Nepal's President ended on March 12.
Que:Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has become the new Prime
Minister of which country?
Que:शेख मोहम्मि द्धबन अब्िल
ु र्हमान अल-थानी दकस िे श के नए प्रधानमंत्री बने हैं ?
Ans: Qatar
Capital – Doha
Currency – Qatari riyal
Que:Which Indian-American has been appointed as the Assistant Secretary of the US Air
Force?
प्रश्नः दकस भार्तीय-अमेरर्की को अमेरर्की वायु सेना का सहायक ससचव सनयुक्त दकया िया है ?
Ans: Ravi Chaudhary
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United States Senate confirmed Ravi Chaudhary, an Indian-American, as the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for
Energy, Installations, and the Environment.
He is the first Indian-American to serve in this position.
Manuela Roka Botey appointed as the first female PM of Equatorial Guinea

• Equatorial Guinea Capital: Malabo
Nikos Christodoulides elected as next President of

Cyprus
Republic of Cyprus
• It is an island European country in the eastern
Mediterranean Sea.
• It gained its Independence from Britain in 1960.
• Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 and created a Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus in 1983.
• Except Turkey no country recognises Turkish Cyprus.
• India also recognises the Cyprus government.
• Capital: Nicosia
• Currency: Euro
Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu elected as the 22nd President of Bangladesh

• He became President by default as there was no rival candidate.
• He will replace President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, whose tenure will be
ended on April 23, 2023.
• Abdul Hamid(longest-serving president of Bangladesh)served as President for
two consecutive terms of five years.
• The Bangladesh constitution does not allow any person to hold the
President's post beyond two terms.
Chris Hipkins replaced Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister of New Zealand

Jacinda Ardern had announced her resignation
New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is the sixth-
largest island country by area.
Capital: Wellington
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sworn in as 39th president of Brazil

He is the first Brazilian president to have been elected to a third term
in office.
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world area wise after Russia,
Canada, China, and the United States.
It covers almost half of the South American Continent.
60% of the Amazon rainforest which is considered the lung of the
earth lies in Brazil.
Capital: Brasilia
Currency: Brazilian Real
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Petr Pavel, former chairman of the NATO Military

Committee, became the President of the Czech
Republic
Pavel has repeatedly expressed his support for
providing military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine
during the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
Prime Minister - Petr Fiala
Capital - Prague
Currency - Czech koruna.
Que: Nguyen Xuan Phuc has announced his resignation recently. He is the president of which country?
Que:िुयेन जुआन िुक ने हाल ही में अपने इस्तीिे की घोषणा की है । वह दकस िे श के र्ाष्ट्रपसत
हैं ?
Ans: Vietnam / द्धवयतनाम
• He announced his resignation amid the ongoing anti-corruption drive.
• He had served as Prime Minister of Vietnam from 2016 until April 2021.
• Capital- Hanoi
• Currency- Vietnamese dong
Clare Lombardelli appointed as OECD Chief Economist

with effect from 2 May 2023
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
OECD HQ: Paris, France
Indian-American Raja J. Chari nominated as US Air Force brigadier general

US President Joe Biden has nominated Indian-American astronaut Raja J. Chari for the
appointment to the grade of Air Force brigadier general.
His appointment will have to be confirmed by the Senate, which approves all senior
civilian and military appointments
Currently, he is working as the Crew-3 commander and astronaut at Johnson Space
Center, NASA
Santosh Jha Assumes Role As India’s New Envoy To Sri Lanka
UN chief appoints Sigrid Kaag as senior humanitarian coordinator for Gaza

 United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres
 she will facilitate, coordinate, monitor, and verify humanitarian relief
consignments to Gaza.
 Ms. Kaag is expected to begin her assignment on 8 January 2024.
Abdel Fattah El-Sisi wins third term as president of Egypt
Connect Us - 610
India's Uma Sekhar Elected To The Governing Council Of UNIDROIT

 International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT).
International Institute for the Unification of Private Law:

 It is an independent intergovernmental Organisation.
 UNIDROIT was initially established in 1926 as a part of the League of Nations.
 The institute was later re-established under the UNIDROIT statute in 1940 after the dissolution of the League
of Nations.
 Members: It consists of 65 Member States are drawn from the five continents
 Languages: The official languages are English, French, German, Italian and Spanish; its working languages are
English and French.
 India has been a member of this organisation since 1950.
Donald Tusk elected as new Prime Minister of Poland

 British-Indian composer Nitin Sawhney has been announced as a
member of the 2024 Booker Prize judging panel. He is best known for the
screen
adaptation of
Salman Rushdie's
1981 Booker
Prize-winning
Midnight's
Children.
Javier Milei was sworn in as Argentina’s President
Samir Shah Picked as New Chairman of the BBC

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
He will replace Richard Sharp.
Samir Shah has worked in television for more than 40 years and has held a number
of roles at the BBC, including as head of current affairs.
Israel Appoints Reuven Azar As New Ambassador To India
Kuwait's Sheikh Meshal named as successor of Emir Sheikh Nawaf

 After the death of Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Sabah, his brother
Sheikh Meshal has been declared the new Emir.
 Sheikh Meshal was the Deputy Chief of the National Guard from 2004-2020.
Projects & Agreements

Isthmus of Kra Land Bridge Project
 Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is trying to revive a plan for a land bridge that would give international
shippers a shortcut between the Pacific and Indian oceans without having to pass through the Malacca Strait
at Singapore
 The initial idea was of a 90-km canal joining the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
Connect Us - 611
 The project could take away the critical value of

the Strait of Malacca.
 Location: Southern Thailand, separating the
Malay Peninsula
 Width: Approximately 44 km
 Geographic Features: Connects Andaman Sea
(west) to South China Sea (east)
 Strategic Importance: Historical trade route;
potential shortcut for maritime trade
Which country has pulled out of the ‘Treaty of Conventional Armed Forces in Europe’?
 Ans: Russia
Russia has officially pulled out of an international security pact that restricts the use of conventional weapons, saying
NATO’s expansion has made such cooperation impossible.
NATO announced the formal suspension of a key Cold War-era security treaty in response to Russia’s pull out from
the deal.
Most of NATO’s 31 allies signed the Treaty of Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, which was aimed at preventing
Cold War rivals from massing forces at or near mutual borders. It was signed in November 1990.
India, Bangladesh PMs to Inaugurate Three

Development Projects
On November 1, 2023, the Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh,
H.E. Sheikh Hasina, jointly launch three Indian-assisted
development projects:
• Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link,
• Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line,
• Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant Unit II.
These projects will improve regional connectivity and energy security.
Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link project

This rail link is 15 kilometers long, with 5 kilometers in India and 10 kilometers in Bangladesh.
The project was carried out with a grant of INR 392.52 crore from the Government of India to Bangladesh.
Connect Us - 612
The train link will promote cross-border trade and reduce travel time between
Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka significantly.
Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line Project

The Khulna-Mongla rail line project has received 69.18 percent of its finance
from Indian Lines of Credit (LoC).
The project was included in India's first Line of Credit given to Bangladesh in
2010.
The Khulna-Mongla rail line project comprises the building of roughly 65
kilometers of wide gauge rail connecting Mongla Port and the existing Khulna
rail network.
Maitree Super Thermal Power Project

The Maitree Super Thermal Power Project construction was started in April 2017.
It is a 1320 MW Super Thermal Power Plant (MSTPP) in Rampal, Bangladesh's Khulna Division.
BIFCL is a 50:50 joint venture between NTPC Ltd of India and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).
Unit I of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant was launched by Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh in
September 2022, while Unit II launched on November 1, 2023.
The completion of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant improve energy security in Bangladesh.
Global Declaration For River Dolphins:

In a ground-breaking development, 11 Asian and South American countries
recently signed a global declaration, the “Global Declaration for River Dolphins,”
aimed at preserving the world’s six remaining river dolphin species.
Global Declaration for River Dolphins is designed to guide 14 nations where
river dolphins inhabit, with a focus on responsible freshwater dolphin
conservation.
It aims to halt the decline of all river dolphin species and increase the most
vulnerable populations.
Countries that adopted the declaration include Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil,
Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, and Venezuela.
 The countries involved agreed to improve water quality in the dolphins’
habitat, create protected areas, tackle overfishing, and involve Indigenous communities in the affected
regions in protecting the animals.
 River dolphins:
 River dolphins are any of six species of small, usually freshwater aquatic mammals that are related to whales
(Order Cetacea).
 A seventh river dolphin species, the Chinese river dolphin, or baiji, was declared extinct in 2007.
 The six surviving species of river dolphins are the Amazon, Indus, Ganges, Irrawaddy, Tucuxi, and Yangtze
NIIF unveils $600 mn India-Japan Fund

 National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) & JBIC launches
$600 million India-Japan Fund (IJF) to focus on environmental
sustainability and low carbon emission strategies
 National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited is an Government
owned company which maintains infrastructure investments funds for
international and Indian investors anchored by the Government of
India.(Founded: February 2015)
India, Tanzania sign MoUs in maritime sector, Navy to share shipping info
India and Tanzania signed multiple MoUs ranging in various sectors including digital transformation, maritime sector
and sports aiming to enhance cooperation between the two nations.
The Six MoU was signed in the field of: Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• Sports.
• Maritime Industry.
• Cultural Exchange.
• Setting up an Industrial Park in Tanzania.
• Sharing successful digital solutions implemented at
population scale for digital transformation.
• sharing White Shipping Information.
 Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu

Hassan was conferred an honorary
doctorate by Jawaharlal Nehru
University (JNU) on October 10,
becoming the first woman to be
bestowed with the honour.
 for her pivotal role in fostering stronger
India-Tanzania relations, promoting economic diplomacy and achieving success in regional integration and
multilateralism.
ALLIANCE OF SAHEL STATES

 Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have signed a mutual defence pact, known as the Alliance of Sahel States.
 Through this pact, the three Sahel countries aim to help each other against possible threats of armed
rebellion or external aggression.
 This alliance will be a combination of military and economic efforts between the three countries.
Need of the Alliance

 The Liptako-Gourma region – where the Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger borders meet – has been ravaged by
armed rebellion in recent years.
 All three states were members of the France-supported G5 Sahel alliance joint force with Chad and
Mauritania, launched in 2017 to tackle armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) groups.
 They have undergone coups since 2020, most recently Niger, where soldiers in July overthrew President
Mohamed Bazoum, who cooperated with the West in the fight against Sahel-based armed groups.
India, Bangladesh sign 3 MoUs after bilateral meet ahead of G20 summit
India and Bangladesh signed three MoUs.
First MoU was signed between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and
Bangladesh Bank on cooperation in Digital Payment mechanism
Second MoU focused on the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Program for 2023-2025.
The third MoU was signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the
Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council.
West Coast Refinery Project:

India and Saudi Arabia recently agreed to speed up the implementation of the $50 billion West Coast refinery
project. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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West Coast Refinery Project first conceptualised in 2014, the West Coast refinery project, also known as the
Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. (RRPCL), was envisioned as India’s largest greenfield refinery with a
capacity of 60 million tonnes per annum and is touted to become the largest integrated refinery and petrochemical
facility in the world.
The project is supposed to be set up on India’s western coast, specifically in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
The refinery is expected to produce around 1.2 million barrels of oil a day when completed, alongside the various
petroleum products that will be produced by attached petrochemical plants.
 RRPCL is a 50:25:25 joint venture formed in 2017 by India’s three national oil companies, Indian Oil
Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum
Corporation Limited (HPCL).
 In 2019, Saudi Aramco and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) decided to get involved as well,
collectively acquiring a 50 percent stake in the project, which is estimated to be worth around Rs 3 lakh
crore purely in set-up costs.
Kampala Declaration On Climate Change:

A significant step has been taken by 48 African countries to adopt the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration,
Environment, and Climate Change (KDMECC) to address the interconnection between human mobility and climate
change on the continent.
The decision was discussed at a Conference of States co-hosted by Kenya and Uganda.
The initiative was supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change’s impacts, leading to increased migration due to extreme weather
events.
KDMECC Originally signed by 15 African states in Kampala, Uganda, in July 2022.
The Declaration calls for enhanced cooperation and action to

address five areas of concern:
• Progressive desertification and land degradation
creating forced mobility of people and livestock
• Unsustainable use of ecosystems and the impact of
frequent and intense extreme weather events on
people and livestock
• Unplanned migration of people from rural to urban
centres as a result of climate change and disasters
• Paucity of data and statistics on the impact of climate change on human and livestock mobility in the region
• Limitations of partnerships and financing to respond to the climate crisis adversely affecting the mobility of
our people and livestock in the region
India and Trinidad and Tobago have signed a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) on sharing of INDIA STACK
Both sides have agreed to cooperate in the areas of digital transformation by
means of capacity building, training
programmes, exchange of best practices,
exchange of public officials and experts,
development of pilot or demo solutions,
among others.
With the help of India Stack, these
countries can climb up the digitalisation
ladder rapidly and transform their
economies and governance.
Meanwhile, UPI which is also a part of India Stack, has been accepted in France, UAE, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
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Six Year Of Minamata Convention:

The Minamata Convention on Mercury, which marks its sixth anniversary, is
a significant global agreement aimed at safeguarding people and the
environment from the harmful impacts of mercury exposure.
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil.
It may have toxic effects on the nervous system, thyroid, kidneys, lungs,
immune system, eyes, gums and skin.
It was agreed at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating
Committee in Geneva, Switzerland 2013. It entered into force in 2017.
India has ratified the Convention.
Minamata convention on mercury is the most recent global agreement that aims to protect human health and the
environment from the harmful effects of mercury and its compounds.
Minamata Convention year: The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international environmental treaty,
adopted in 2013
Minamata is named after the bay in Japan where, in the mid-20th century, mercury-tainted industrial wastewater
poisoned thousands of people, leading to severe health damage that became known as the “Minamata disease.”
The Minamata Convention entered into force on 16 August 2017
Minamata convention is the world’s first legally binding treaty, to phase out this highly toxic substance
Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) : Belem Declaration

Eight South American countries have united in an effort to combat
deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
Assembling in the Brazilian city of Belem, the members of ACTO sought to
chart a common course on how to combat climate change.
Member countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru,
Suriname, and Venezuela.
ACTO is the only socio-environmental block in Latin America.
The proposed goal, put forth by Colombia, was to protect 80% of the Amazon
from deforestation and degradation by 2025.
The Belem Declaration recognizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge
for biodiversity conservation and calls for the full and effective participation
of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making.
Argentina signs letter of intent with HAL to buy helicopters

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the MoD of The Republic of Argentina
have signed a Letter of Intent on productive cooperation and acquisition of
Light and Medium Utility Helicopters for the armed forces of the Argentine
Republic.
Argentina is the first Latin
American nation to show interest
in acquiring Tejas for its air force.
India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway

The India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Highway is a regional connectivity project covering approximately 1,360 km (845
mi) that aims to connect India, Myanmar and Thailand.
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The project was proposed by former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and approved in 2002. Its
construction began in 2012 and is being implemented in several phases.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India, in collaboration with Myanmar and Thailand, is responsible for project
implementation.
The highway starts from Moreh in Manipur, India, passes through Myanmar and ends at Mae Sot in Thailand.
UK signs treaty to join Trans-Pacific free trade bloc

The United Kingdom formally signed the Comprehensive and
Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade
bloc.
The UK also become the first European country to join the CPTPP.
Aim: To grow the country's economy and provide access for British
businesses to a market of over 500 million people
CPTPP: It is a free trade agreement between 11 nations (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico,
New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam).
Senegal becomes the 4th Country to Sign JET-P Deal:

• Senegal signed the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JET-P) deal.
• Just Energy Transition Partnership (JET-P) is a mechanism for
multilateral financing by developed countries to support an energy
transition in developing countries.
• It aims to reduce emissions in the energy sector and accelerate the
coal phase-out.
• It was launched at the COP26 in Glasgow with the support of the
United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), France, Germany, and
the European Union (EU).
• Senegal has become the fourth country after South Africa, Indonesia
and Vietnam to sign the JET-P deal
• India refused to give its consent, saying that coal cannot be singled out as a polluting fuel and that energy
transition talks need to take place on equal terms.
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India, US sign global Artemis accord

India has signed the Artemis Accords with USA with the ultimate goal of expanding space exploration to Mars and
beyond.
Artemis Accord is a US-led effort to send humans to the moon again by 2025.
India-US will develop a framework for joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024.
Aim: To build a permanent presence in lunar orbit and on the surface after the Apollo missions ended
President Biden and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the decision of NASA and ISRO to develop a strategic framework
for human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023.
India has become the 27th signatory of the Artemis Accords.
The Artemis Accords was signed on October 13, 2020 by eight founder nations - Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan,
Luxembourg, UAE, UK and the United States.
The Artemis Accord is a non-binding agreement with no financial commitments.
China inks deal with Pakistan to set up nuclear power plant

China and Pakistan signed an agreement to set up nuclear power plants worth $4.8 billion in Punjab province.
The agreement covers the construction of the 1,200 MW Chashma-5 nuclear plant in
Punjab's Mianwali district.
Independence - 14 August 1947
Capital - Islamabad
President - Arif Alvi
Prime Minister - Shahbaz Sharif
US, UK back new 'Atlantic Declaration' for economic cooperation

Britain and the United States have backed a new "Atlantic Declaration" or greater
cooperation in areas like clean energy, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.
The joint declaration described the partnership covering the broad spectrum of the
two countries' economic, technological, commercial and trade relations.
NHPC, VUCL sign MoU for Phukot Karnali Hydroelectric Project

NHPC Limited and Vidhyut Utpadan Company Limited (VUCL), Nepal signed an MoU for the development of the
Phukot Karnali Hydro Electric Project (480MW) in Nepal.
The MoU was signed in the presence of PM Modi and Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
The project will use the flow from the Karnali River for power generation and the generated power will be fed into
the integrated power system of Nepal.
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Rasht-Astara Railway:
Russia and Iran have signed a deal to build an Iranian railway line, the
Rasht-Astara railway as part of an International North–South Transport
Corridor (INSTC).
The Rasht-Astara railway is seen as an important link in the corridor,
intended to connect India, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and other countries
via railways and sea – a route that Russia says can rival the Suez Canal
as a major global trade route.
Rash Astra Railway is a 162-kilometer railway that will connect the city
of Rasht (Iran) near the Caspian Sea, to Astara (Azerbaijan) on the
border with Azerbaijan.
The new connection will save four days off that traveling time frame.
The railway along the Caspian Sea coast would help to connect Russian ports on the Baltic Sea with Iranian ports in
the Indian Ocean and the Gulf.
What is the International North–South Transport Corridor?
• It is a 7,200-kilometer Multi-Mode Transit System that
connects ship, rail, and road routes for moving cargo
between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and
Europe.
• It was launched on 12th September 2000 in St. Petersburg,
by Iran, Russia and India for the purpose of promoting
transportation cooperation among the Member States.
• Since then, International North–South Transport Corridor
(INSTC) membership has expanded to include 10 more countries – Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Syria, Belarus, and Oman.
• Bulgaria has been included as an observer state. The Baltic countries like Latvia and Estonia have also expressed
willingness to join.
The Washington Declaration

 Recently, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the
United States on the 70th anniversary of bilateral
relationship of the U.S.- Republic of Korea.
 The President of South Korea and the US President recently
signed the Washington Declaration
• The declaration outlines the cooperation towards nuclear
deterrence.
• Purpose: Protect the Korean Peninsula from a nuclear attack.
• According to the declaration:
• A US nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine would be deployed in the Korean peninsula;
• a joint Nuclear Consultative Group will be created to share tactical intelligence, conduct joint
training, and coordinate military reactions in the case of potentially hostile moves by North Korea.
• The declaration reaffirmed the non-proliferation Treaty implying that South Korea would not venture into
the creation of its own independent nuclear capabilities and would instead focus on deterrence measures
through an alliance-based approach.
• It also mandates the US President as the only ‘sole authority’ to use the nuclear arsenal of the US in the
event of a nuclear confrontation.
What is Policy of non-proliferation?
• The United States has a long-standing policy of non-proliferation, which means that it seeks to prevent the
spread of nuclear weapons to countries that do not currently possess them.
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Pakistan and China agree to extend CPEC to Afghanistan

Pakistan, China and Afghanistan have agreed to forge closer economic ties by
extending the Beijing-backed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to
Afghanistan to fully exploit the country's potential as a hub of regional connectivity.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, his Chinese counterpart Qin
Gang and Taliban-appointed Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Maulvi Amir
Khan Muttaki held the 5th China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Talks.
About China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Launched in 2015, CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by
Chinese President Xi Jinping.
It aims to increase Beijing's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects.
The 3,000 km long China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) comprises highways, railways and pipelines.
The CPEC aims to eventually link the city of Gwadar in southwest Pakistan with Xinjiang, the north-western region of
China, through a vast network of highways and railways.
The proposed project will be financed by heavily subsidized loans.
India has objected to the CPEC as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
US seeks to add India in NATO Plus

A US Congressional Committee recently recommended strengthening Nato Plus
by including India in the five-member grouping.
Nato Plus is a grouping of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and five
countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.
The group works toward boosting global defence cooperation.
India would gain access to seamless intelligence sharing between these countries.
It would further strengthen India’s defence partnership with the United States.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):
• It is a transatlantic alliance of 31 like-minded North American and European countries.
• It was established by the North Atlantic Treaty (also called the Washington Treaty) on April 4, 1949.
• Aim is to protect peace and to guarantee the territorial integrity, political independence and security of the
member states.
India and Australia sign agreement in the field of Green Hydrogen

During the final leg of PM Modi's three-nation tour (Japan, Papua New Guinea, and
Australia) India and Australia signed agreements in the field of migration and mobility
partnership and on the Green Hydrogen task force.
The MoUs were exchanged after a bilateral meeting between PM Narendra Modi and
his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.
He also announced the establishment of a new Australian Consulate General in Bengaluru saying it will help connect
Australian businesses to India's booming digital and innovation ecosystem.
India gets approval to set up second hydroelectric project in Nepal

The Government of Nepal has approved India's Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVN) to develop the second
hydroelectric project in the country.
SJVN is currently involved in the development of the Arun-III Hydroelectric Project in eastern Nepal with a capacity
of 900 MW.
About Nepal
• The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.
• It is a landlocked country in South Asia.
• Prime Minister - Pushpa Kamal Dahal
• President - Ram Chandra Paudel
• Capital - Kathmandu
• Currency - Nepalese Rupee Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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AIIB to open its first overseas office in Abu Dhabi

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) signed an agreement to set up its
first overseas office in Abu Dhabi Global Market.
The strategic location of the office in the Middle East will enable AIIB to make a
global impact in achieving its goals.
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB):
• Was established in 2016
• Mission - to promote sustainable economic growth, create wealth and improve infrastructure connectivity in
Asia by investing in productive sectors.
• Headquartered - Beijing, China
• 100+ member countries, including major economies such as the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.
Mongolia refinery to be built by India by 2025

The first oil refinery of Mongolia, which is built and funded with Indian assistance,
will be completed by 2025.
The first stage of the Mongol Oil Refinery will be built
with a $1.2 billion Indian soft loan.
The development comes with strategic implications as
Mongolia is entirely dependent on Russia for its energy
imports.
It would help Mongolia meet 70% of its demand
domestically.
Que:India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar has inaugurated the Buzi Bridge, constructed as part of 132 km
Tica-Buzi-Nova-Sofala Road project in which country?
Que:भार्त के द्धविे श मंत्री डॉ जयशंकर् ने दकस िे श में 132 दकमी दटका–बुजी–नोवा–सोिाला
र्ोड परर्योजना के दहस्से के रूप में सनसमात बुजी द्धिज का उद्घाटन दकया है ?
Ans: Mozambique / मोजाक्म्बक
• The bridge has been by built by India.
• The Buzi Bridge connects the towns of Chibabava and Mafambisse.
• The project was executed by the National Highways Authority of
India (NHAI) in collaboration with the Mozambique government.
Mozambique is located in south-eastern Africa, with the Indian Ocean to the

east.
The Portuguese arrived in 1498 and colonised Mozambique for four centuries
before the country gained independence in 1975.
Capital - Maputo
Official language - Portuguese
Currency - Mozambican metical
Under the defence deal, America and Britain will help Australia
deploy nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific region
A future generation of submarines will be built in the U.K. and in
Australia with U.S. technology and support.
Known as “SSN-AUKUS” after the strategic partnership among the
three countries, they will be built and used by both the U.K. and
Australia.
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Denmark, the first country to import CO2 and bury it undersea

Denmark inaugurates a project to store carbon dioxide 1,800 metres beneath the North Sea, the first country in the
world to bury CO2 imported from abroad.
The CO2 graveyard, where the carbon is injected to prevent further warming of the atmosphere, is on the site of an
old oil field.
Led by British chemical giant Ineos and German oil company Wintershall Dea, the “Greensand” project is expected to
store up to eight million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030
The North Sea is particularly suitable for this type of project, as the region already has pipelines and potential
storage sites after decades of oil and gas production.
UN inks first ‘High Seas Treaty’ in a bid to protect ocean bodies of the world
For the first time in history, the United Nations signed the 'High Seas Treaty' to
protect the world's oceans located outside national boundaries.
The treaty is the result of nearly a decade of negotiations on environmental concerns.
The last international agreement on ocean conservation was signed 40 years ago in
1982.
What is the UN High Seas Treaty?

The treaty will create a new body to manage the conservation of marine life and establish marine protected areas in
the high seas.
The treaty brings 30 percent of the world's oceans into a protected area, spends more on marine conservation,
and sets new rules for ocean mining.
The treaty aims to protect against potential impacts such as deep-sea mining.
The treaty would put restrictions on how much fish could be caught in the high seas.
What are High Seas?

International water bodies that cross the boundaries of nations are considered high seas.
They cover about two-thirds of the world's oceans.
These are water bodies where all countries have the right to fish, sail and conduct research.
But so far only about 1% of this water – known as the high seas – has been protected.
These are also important areas for exploration of valuable minerals, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas reserves.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), about 10% of marine species are at risk of
extinction.
In addition, 41% of threatened species are affected by climate change.
The Windsor framework: The deal between UK and EU

The ‘Windsor Framework’ will replace the Northern Ireland Protocol.
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What is the Northern Ireland Protocol?

After the UK left the European Union, Northern Ireland remained its only constituent that shared a land border with
a EU-member, the Republic of Ireland.
Since the EU and the UK have different product standards, border checks would be necessary before goods could
move from Northern Ireland to Ireland.
However, the two Irelands have had a long history of conflict, with a hard-fought peace secured only in 1998 under
the Belfast Agreement, also called the Good Friday agreement.
Fiddling with this border was thus considered too dangerous, and it was decided the checks would be conducted
between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
This was called the Northern Ireland Protocol.
What does the Windsor Framework propose?

The Windsor Framework Deal proposes two crucial aspects. The first aspect is the introduction of a green lane and
red lane system for goods.
The green lane system will be for goods that will stay in Northern Ireland.
The red lane system will be for goods that will go to the EU.
It allows Northern Ireland lawmakers and London to veto any EU regulation.
The veto is applicable if they believe that the regulation affects the region adversely.
New START : Russia Has Announced To Suspend Its Participation

Recently, Russia has announced to suspend its participation in the New START, the last remaining major military
agreement with the United States.
The name START comes from the original “Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty”, known as START-I, which was signed
between the US and the erstwhile USSR in 1991, and came into force in 1994.
START-I, which capped the numbers of nuclear warheads and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that each
side could deploy at 6,000 and 1,600 respectively, lapsed in 2009, and was replaced first by the SORT, also known as
the Treaty of Moscow), and then by the New START treaty.
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The New START, the “Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the
Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms”, entered into force on 5th February 2011, and placed
new verifiable limits on intercontinental-range nuclear weapons.
The US and Russia Federation subsequently agreed to extend the treaty through February 2026.
A suspension of the treaty may mean that it will be harder for the US to monitor compliance.
Russia has already suspended mutual inspections of nuclear weapons sites and participation in a bilateral
consultative commission
Egypt plans to allot land to Indian industries in Suez Canal Special Economic
Zone
The trade between India and Egypt currently exceeds $3.15 billion.
Egypt welcomes the flow of more Indian investments and promises to
provide incentives and facilities in accordance with applicable regulations
and framework.
PM Modi and President of Egypt agreed to encourage businesses to explore
mutually emerging economic and investment opportunities.
Egyptian President El-Sisi, who arrived in Delhi on a three-day visit to India,
attended the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest.
The Suez Canal

It is an artificial sea-level waterway running north to south from the Isthmus of Suez in Egypt to connect the
Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
This canal separates the continent of Africa from Asia.
It provides the shortest sea route between Europe and the lands surrounding the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans.
The Suez Canal is one of the busiest trade routes in the world. About 12% of the world's total trade passes through
this canal daily.
India signed an agreement with Austria for migration and mobility

• India and Austria have signed five agreements
• There is an agreement on ‘Migration and Mobility’ for people who want to work
in Austria and who want to come to India for business, or who come here as
students and professionals.
• Another agreement is on the ‘Working Holiday’ program that will enable Indian
students in Austria to work for 6 months.
• This is the first India-Austria EAM-level visit in the last 27 years which took place in
2023 against the backdrop of 75 years of diplomatic relations.
• Capital- Vienna
• Currency- Euro
• President – Alexander Van der Bellen
India signs MoU with Panama to enhance cooperation in training of

diplomats
• The agreement was signed by EAM, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
and Panama's Foreign Minister
• Both countries have also discussed the opportunities for greater
economic, health, finance and people to people linkages.
• Panamanian Minister has also joined the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Convention in Indore.
• Panama is the southernmost nation in Central America.
• The country is known for the Panama Canal, a man-made waterway
that opened in 1914. This canal passes through the country,
connecting the Caribbean Sea (Atlantic) with the Pacific Ocean.
• Currency - Balboa Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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India-Egypt signed MoU between Prasar Bharati and National Media Authority of Egypt
Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur and Foreign Minister Sameh Hassan Shoukry,
Government of Egypt signed the MoU.
Under this MoU, broadcasters of both the countries will exchange their programs on bilateral basis in different
genres of sports, news, culture, entertainment and many other fields and these programs will be broadcast on their
radio and television platforms.
The validity of this MoU will be for three years.
Currency: Egyptian pound
China building dam on Yarlung Zangbo river near Indian border

Recently it has been revealed through a satellite picture that China is building a new dam on the Yarlung Zangbo
(Brahmaputra) river in Tibet near the tri-junction of India, Nepal and Tibet, which remains a matter of concern for
India.
By increasing the construction activities in the areas adjacent to
the Indian border, China is installing military equipment and its
related equipment there.
Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) River:

Origin Source:- Mansarovar Lake
Total length 2,880 km.
Tibet:- 1,700 km.
Arunachal Pradesh and Assam :- 920 kms.
Bangladesh:- 260 km.
Que: Which country inaugurated the Pokhara Regional International Airport

(PRIA), with the support of China?
Que:दकस िे श ने चीन के समथान से पोखर्ा क्षेत्रीय अंतर्र्ाष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डे (द्धप्रया) का
उद्घाटन दकया?
Ans: Nepal
• Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachand inaugurated the
country’s third international airport in Pokhara built with Chinese
assistance.
• The Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA), a flagship project of Nepal-China Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI) cooperation, was constructed with Chinese loan assistance.
Maitri Setu: India-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge Set To be Operational

From September
Maitri Setu has been built over the Feni River, which flows between the
Indian boundary in Tripura and Bangladesh.
It spans 1.9 kilometres joining Sabroom (in Tripura) with Ramgarh in
Bangladesh.
The name ‘Maitri Setu’ symbolises growing bilateral relations and friendly
ties between India and Bangladesh.
The construction of the bridge has been overseen by National Highways and Infrastructure Development
Corporation Ltd.
It has a single-span structure that allows for the smooth flow of traffic and cargo.
Feni River:
 It forms part of the India-Bangladesh border.
 It originates in the South Tripura district, passes through Sabroom town on the Indian side, and meets the
Bay of Bengal after it flows into Bangladesh.
 It is 116 kilometres in length from its source to theJoin
Bay @parcham_CA
of Bengal. for more free pdfs
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 Some of the notable tributaries of the Feni River include the Muhuri River, Raidak River, Chandkhira River,
Ryang River and Kushiyara River.
Five Eyes Alliance:

The recent India-Canada standoff regarding allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of a
separatist leader in Canada has brought attention to the role of the Five Eyes Alliance.
Five Eyes Alliance refers to an intelligence-sharing partnership among five countries: the United States, the United
Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
These nations collaborate closely on intelligence matters, sharing information to protect their shared national
interests.
The alliance traces its origins back to World War II when the UK and the US decided to share intelligence after
successfully breaking German and Japanese codes.
It began as the Britain-USA (BRUSA) agreement, later evolving into the UK-USA (UKUSA) agreement, with Canada
joining in 1949 and New Zealand and Australia in 1956.
G4 Countries:
 The G4 countries - India, Brazil, Japan and Germany, have reiterated that expansion of UN Security Council in
both permanent and non-permanent categories is essential to make the body more representative,
legitimate, effective and efficient at 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
 Established by the United Nations charter in 1945, the Security Council has primary responsibility of
maintaining international peace and security.
 The Security Council has 15 members. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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 There are five permanent members: the United States, the Russian Federation, France, China and the United
Kingdom.
 The non-permanent members of the Security Council are elected for a term of two years.
I2U2 takes partnership forward, announces joint space venture

 India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, or I2U2 have announced a new joint space
venture on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to take forward their
partnership.
 New joint space venture which aims to create a "unique space-based tool" for policymakers, institutions, and
entrepreneurs.
 The group was initially formed in October 2021 to deal with issues concerning infrastructure, transport, and
maritime security in the region.
 Originally named the "International Forum for Economic Cooperation," it was also known as the "West Asian
Quad" at the time.
 First virtual summit: The group held their first virtual summit in July 2022.
India and UN launch joint capacity building initiative for Global South
India and the United Nations recently launched a joint capacity-building initiative
called the “India-UN Capacity Building Initiative,” designed to foster growth and
development in the Global South.
The goal is to share India’s development experiences, best practices, and expertise
through capacity-building and training programs.
The India-UN initiative also complements the India-UN
partnership in the form of “India-UN Development Partnership
Fund” which has developed a portfolio of 75 development
projects in 61 countries in the last 6 years.
 As part of this initiative, the UN India team and the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation will “partner to leverage
India’s Technical and Economic Cooperation platform to
share India’s development experiences and best practices
across the world.
Bangladesh inaugurated the 82-km Padma Bridge Rail Link, the country’s largest infrastructure project built under
China’s Belt and Road Initiative
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UAE Inaugurates World’s Largest Single-Site Solar Power Plant

 The 2-gigawatt Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Independent Power Project (IPP)
is located 35 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city and will generate enough
electricity to power almost 200,000 homes.
 The plant is expected to displace 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions
annually.
 The project also aligns with the UAE's Net Zero 2050
goal
 UAE will host the United Nations Climate Change
Conference from November 30th to December 12
this year.
India To Acquire Five Lithium Blocks In Argentina

 In a significant development, India is poised to secure
exploration and development rights for five lithium
blocks in Argentina, marking its second international
foray into critical minerals after a partnership with
Australia in 2022.
 The deal is on the verge of finalization between
Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) and Catamarca
Minera Y Energética Sociedad Del Estado (CAMYEN),
an Argentine state-owned mining and energy company.
 KABIL JV
 KABIL is a joint venture between the National Aluminium Company
(NALCO), Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. (MECL), and Hindustan
Copper Ltd. (HCL).
 It was formed for the identification, acquisition, development, and
processing of strategic minerals overseas for use in India.
 Lithium triangle
 Argentina, together with Chile and Bolivia, form the so-called “Lithium
Triangle” and is currently the fourth largest producer. It has the world’s
third-largest lithium reserve.
Project PRAYAS:
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) launched Project PRAYAS to help
Indian workers and students migrate in a secure, orderly, and regular manner.
Promoting Regular Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals (PRAYAS)
was launched in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
It is one of the first attempts to consolidate all the state-level initiatives for safe,
orderly, and well-managed international migration.
India-Russia Signed Kudankulam Plant Agreement for Future Power Supply

 India and Russia signed agreements related to the construction of future power generation units of the
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu
 KNPP is being built in Tamil Nadu with technical assistance from Russia.
 Its construction started in March 2002. The initial power unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant has
been consistently operational since February 2016, generating 1,000 MW of capacity.
 KNPP will be India's largest nuclear power station.
 Once the six units of KNPP are commissioned, the total capacity of the power plant will be 6,000MW.
 All units of KNPP will be completed in 2027
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Green City On Assam Border

Bhutan, announced its ambitious “Gelephu Smartcity Project.”
The Bhutanese King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, revealed the plans for a
massive “international city” spanning over 1,000 sq. km. on the border with
Assam.
It is an “economic corridor connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia via India’s
northeastern States.”
 Infrastructure Development: Includes India-Bhutan railway line to Gelephu, linking roadways, trading points,
and connections to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Singapore.
 India has committed to improving roads, connecting border towns with railways, and supporting Bhutan’s
development.
 Gelephu would be a “Special Administrative Region,” governed by distinct laws to facilitate international
investment.
 It will mark Bhutan’s international presence.
Int. Summits & Conferences

World Climate Action Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two day visit to Dubai, UAE from 30th
November to attend the World Climate Action Summit.
The Summit is the High-Level Segment of the 28th Conference of Parties ,
COP28 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,
UNFCCC.
COP-28 is being held from 28th November to 12th December under the
Presidency of the UAE.
During COP-26 in Glasgow, Prime Minister had announced five specific targets,
titled "Panchamrit”, as India’s unprecedented contribution to climate action.
 Prime Minister had also announced Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) on that occasion.
 He had also announced New Delhi’s plan to attain net-zero status by 2070.
 Climate change has been an important priority area of India’s G20 Presidency
 COP-28 will provide an opportunity to take forward these successes.
NMCG Launched Global River Cities Alliance at the United Nations Climate Change
Conference in Dubai
GRCA is a unique alliance covering 275+ global river-cities in 11 countries,
international funding agencies and knowledge management partners and is first of its
kind in the world.
River Cities Alliance (RCA), launched in 2021 to foster the sustainable development of
river cities.
National Mission for Clean Ganga

 On 12th August 2011, the NMCG was listed as a society under
the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
 It acted as the implementation arm of the National Ganga River
Basin Authority (NGRBA) which was constituted under the
provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986.
 NGRBA was dissolved in 2016 and replaced by the National
Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga.
PM Modi Proposes To Host COP33 In India In 2028

This offer was made during his address at the inaugural session of the World Climate Action Summit at COP28 in
Dubai.
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“India's goal is to bring down emissions intensify by 45% till 2030. We have decided to increase the share of non-
fossil fuel to 50%. We will also keep going ahead towards our goal of net zero by 2070,”
Launching The Loss And Damage Fund At COP28

loss and damage fund to help vulnerable countries cope with the impact
of climate change was officially launched.
Loss and Damage Fund was first announced during COP27 in Sharm el-
Sheikh, Egypt.
The term refers to the compensation that rich nations, whose industrial
growth has resulted in global warming and driven the planet into a
climate crisis, must pay to poor nations, whose carbon footprint is low but
are facing the brunt of rising sea levels, floods, crippling droughts, and
intense cyclones, among others.
 The initial corpus of the fund will be over $400 million, well short of the $400 billion estimates suggest will
be needed every year.
 On the opening day of COP28, 196 parties adopted the decision to operationalise the Loss and Damage fund
 The UAE, the COP28 presidency, pledged $100 million to the fund
Green Credit Initiative

Prime Minister Narendra modi launched the Green Credit Initiative at the COP28
climate conference in Dubai.
This is an important event jointly hosted by India and the UAE at COP28.
The Green Credits Programme, launched by the Environment Ministry in October
this year, is an effort to create a market-based incentive for different kinds of
environment-positive actions, not just for carbon emission reductions.
In its initial phase, the Green Credit Program gives priority to two essential activities: water conservation and
afforestation.
Under this scheme, green credits will be assigned to specific environmental activities, and will be treated as tradable
commodities. These green credits will be able to be sold on domestic market platforms.
ALTÉRRA Fund : COP28 Climate Summit

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the COP28 climate summit in
Dubai, announced the creation of a $30 billion climate fund named ALTÉRRA.
The fund aims to attract $250 billion in investment by the end of the decade, with $25
billion allocated to climate strategies and $5 billion to incentivize investment in the Global
South.
The term “Alterra” typically refers to a Latin word that is often used in various contexts to
signify alteration, transformation, or variation.
India Refuses to Sign COP28

 India has refused to sign the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health
 At COP28, India was absent from a list of 118 countries signed on to a pledge to triple installed renewable
energy capacity by 2030.
 India has said that it would not be possible to fulfil the same within a short term.
 India is not preparing to propose that a decision to phase out fossil fuels be included in the outcome of the
COP28 climate meeting.
 India argued that coal must not be singled out for a phase-down and that the use of all fossil fuels must be
progressively reduced.
 More than 50 per cent of India’s electricity generation comes from coal-fired power plants
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Climate Club : COP28

The Climate Club was formally launched at the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change.
Climate Club is led by Germany and Chile, the Club has garnered support from 36 member countries including Kenya,
the European Union, Switzerland and others.
It aims to make decarbonisation of industries successful for climate and businesses, through ambitious policies,
alignment of methodologies and standards and improving finance and assistance for emerging and developed
economies.
Two co-chairs will be elected for two-year terms for the Club. Currently, Germany and Chile serve as the co-chairs.
 A secretariat will be formed to implement the work program.
 Furthermore, a steering group will be formed to support the body of members when the Club reaches 40
members.
 Currently, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and International Energy Agency are
the joint interim heads of secretariat.
President of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto arrived in New Delhi

 Kenya has decided to join the Global Biofuels Alliance and the
International Solar Alliance.
 Five Memorandums of Understanding were exchanged following
the discussions in a number of areas, including sports, IT, and
education.
 Prime Minister Modi announced that India has decided to provide
a line of credit of USD 250 million to Kenya for modernizing its agricutural sector.
 Kenyans and Indians are ‘one people’ situated in two different geographical region: Dr William Ruto
 India is the 3rd largest trading partner of Kenya, after China and the UAE.
Sri Lanka to take over as Chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association.

Sri Lanka is set to take over the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) during the 23rd Council of
Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo.
Sri Lanka will hold the chairmanship of the association from 2023 to 2025, with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh
ceremoniously handing over the chairmanship to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry.
The IORA, an intergovernmental organization established in 1997, comprises 23 member states and 11 dialogue
partners hailing from regions surrounding the Indian Ocean.
Indian Ocean Rim Association

 The Indian Ocean Rim Association is aimed at strengthening
sustainable development amongst nations. It was formed in the
year 1997. It will focus on around 6 areas of development. Includes
right from Maritime security to promotion of tourism and cultural
exchanges.
 The IORA Secretariat is based in Mauritius.
Asia Pacific Forum On Human Rights : Conference

The President of India inaugurated Annual General Meeting and Biennial
Conference of the Asia Pacific Forum on Human Rights in New Delhi.
Asia Pacific Forum was founded in 1996.
It has created a strong and united platform that brings together National Human
Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from all corners of the Asia Pacific.
It addresses some of the most serious human rights challenges in Asia Pacific region.
It has 17 full members and eight associate members.
India has been a full time member since 1996.
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Climate Ambition Summit (CAS)

 The Climate Ambition Summit (CAS) has been conducted at the United
Nations General Assembly which China, United States and India failed
to participate.
 China, the U.S., and India are among the top three emitters of
greenhouse gases globally, collectively responsible for approximately
42% of global emissions. Their actions and commitments are crucial in
the efforts to combat climate change.
 Purpose of the Summit: The CAS was organized by the United Nations to showcase leaders who have
credible actions, policies, and plans to address climate change and to uphold the goal of limiting global
warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
 India's Climate Pledges: India updated its climate pledges in 2022, aiming to reduce emissions intensity by
45% from 2005 levels by 2030. The government also committed to sourcing 50% of its electric power from
renewable, non-fossil fuel sources and increasing carbon sinks through afforestation.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070
G20 Expansion: The arrival of G21 with the African Union

The G20 Summit is poised to make history by transforming into the G21 with the inclusion of the African Union (AU).
This move, proposed by India, reflects a growing recognition of the importance of representing the global south.
AU consisting of 55 diverse member countries, is set to join the ranks of the world’s 20 largest economies later this
week.
AU also comprises eight regional economic committees each with its own structure and role.
AU becoming a member of G20 and converting it into G21 is set to happen on September 9, 2023.
 What is G20(establishment in 1999)
 G20 comprises 19 countries, namely Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India,
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, the United
Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.
 In addition to these member countries, the G20 each year invites guest countries and international
organisations such as the United Nations, World Bank, IMF, OECD, ASEAN, etc., to participate in its meetings.
 The G20 membership comprises a mix of the world’s largest advanced and emerging economies, Together,
the G20 members represent more than 80% of world GDP, 75% of international trade and 60% of the world
population.
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43rd ASEAN summit in Jakarta held from 5th to 7th September

This summit is taking place in the context of increased tension in the South China
Sea. Some ASEAN member countries have expressed protest over China's recent
release of a new map claiming disputed areas.
During the summit, ASEAN leaders will also discuss the crisis in Myanmar among
other pressing regional issues.
The leaders will also discuss strengthening ASEAN integration and expanding
collaboration in key areas such as the digital and green economies.
About ASEAN
 ASEAN was officially established on August 8, 1967, through the signing of the ASEAN Declaration by the
foreign ministers of five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
 Brunei joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984.
 Vietnam became a member on 28 July 1995.
 Myanmar joined on 23 July 1997.
 Cambodia became a member on 30 April 1999.
 ASEAN currently consists of ten member states.
India hand over B20 presidency to Brazil to host G20 in 2024

According to B20 India Chair N Chandrasekaran India's B20 Presidency
under the its G20 Presidency worked under the theme of Vasaudeva
Katumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future).
15th BRICS Summit:

During his visit to Johannesburg in South Africa from 22nd to 24th August 2023,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 15th BRICS Summit.
BRICS Establishment: 2009.
Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
First BRICS Summit: 2009, Russian Federation.
Previous BRICS summit/14th BRICS Summit: 2022, China.
15th BRICS Summit: 2023, South Africa.
The British Economist Jim O’Neill coined the term “BRIC” in 2001 to describe the
four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
Together, BRICS accounts for about 40% of the world’s population and about 30%
of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product), 16% of the global trade.
This trip marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between India
and South Africa.
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6 Countries Invited To Become New BRICS Members

South African President and BRICS Chair Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the group has invited Argentina,
Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to become full members of the bloc from January 1, 2024.
Argentina later refuse to join.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 15th BRICS Summit held under South Africa’s
chairship, in Johannesburg.
Nagaland shawl to Gond painting: PM Modi's special gifts for BRICS leaders
PM Modi presented a pair of Bidri work Pair of Surahi to South African President Cyril
Ramaphosa, and Nagaland shawl to his wife and the first lady
Bidri work is GI Tagged from Karnataka
Algeria applies to Join BRICS Bank

Algerian President, Abdelmadjid informed that the nation has applied to join the
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) group.
Algeria has also submitted a request to become a shareholder member of the BRICS
Bank.
The North African country is rich in oil and gas resources and seeking to diversify its
economy.
BRICS nations account for more than 40% of the world's population and about 26%
of the global economy.
Egypt officially becomes member of BRICS New Development Bank

Egypt joined the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) as an official member.
Egypt is the latest country to join the NDB, following Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay.
About NDB:
BRICS' New Development bank was established in July 2014, after an intergovernmental agreement was signed by
the partner nations at the sixth BRICS summit in Fortaleza.
NDB bank includes India, Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa as member countries.
The bank is headquartered in Shanghai, China, and has received observer status in the United Nations General
Assembly in 2018.
11th Meeting Of The Executive Board Of The Association Of World Election Bodies:
Chief Election Commissioner of India led a three-member Election Commission of India (ECI) delegation to
Cartagena, Colombia to attend the 11th meeting of the Executive Board of the Association of World Election Bodies
(A-WEB).
Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB) is the largest association of Election Management Bodies (EMBs)
worldwide.
It was founded in October, 2013 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Theme of 2023 meeting: “A global view on the challenges of regional elections
2023”.
The shared vision among its members of achieving sustainable democracy around
the world through the strengthening of the processes of election management in
member countries.
Que:In which country 'International Defense Exhibition 2023' will be organized?

प्रश्न: 'अंतर्ााष्ट्रीय र्क्षा प्रिशानी 2023' दकस िे श में आयोक्जत की जाएिी?
Ans: South Korea
The International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2023 will be organized in Seoul, the capital of South
Korea.
550 companies from 35 countries will participate in this defense exhibition.
This six-day defense exhibition will start on 17 October 2023.
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Jaishankar co-chairs 12th Mekong Ganga Cooperation meeting

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar co-chaired the 12th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC)
meeting in Bangkok with his Laos counterpart
The implementation of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway was prioritized, and a
Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Business Council was established.
The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) is an initiative by six countries – India and five
ASEAN countries – Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam – for cooperation
in tourism, culture, education, as well as transport and communications.
Both the Ganga and the Mekong are civilizational rivers, and the MGC initiative aims to
facilitate closer contacts among the people inhabiting these two major river basins.
Mekong River, is a trans-boundary river in Southeast Asia. It is the world's

twelfth longest river and the seventh longest in Asia.
The Mekong flows from China to Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and
Vietnam.
64th Global Environment Facility council meeting held in Brazil

At the 64th Global Environment Facility (GEF) council meeting in Brazil, the
governing body approved the disbursement of $1.4 billion to accelerate
efforts to tackle the climate, biodiversity and pollution crises.
Latin America and the Caribbean region receive the most funding,
followed by Africa.
UNDP, UNEP, and FAO are among the 18 implementing agencies for GEF.
Global Environment Facility (GEF):
• It was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit of UNFCC to help tackle our planet’s most
pressing environmental problems.
• It has 184 member countries, including India.
• Its secretariat is based in Washington, D.C.
UAE to Host World's Largest IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025

The next International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World
Conservation Congress will be held from 9 to 15 October 2025 in Abu
Dhabi, UAE.
The IUCN Congress is the world's largest conservation event, held
every four years.
Purpose - to determine the world's most pressing environmental and
development challenges and develop actions to address them.
The previous IUCN World Conservation Congress was held in 2021 in
France.
IUCN was established in 1948 and is the world's largest and most
diverse environmental network.
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Que: ISRO along with which country hosted the International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations
(SMOPS-2023)?
Ans: Italy
• ISRO, along with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the International Academy
of Astronautics (IAA), hosted the International Conference on Spacecraft
Mission Operations (SMOPS-2023).
• The conference aims to facilitate discussions among space agencies, industry
partners, start-ups, and academia regarding advancements in space mission operations and ground
segment automation.
Laos will host ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024

• The annual ASEAN Tourism Forum will be hosted by Laos in January 2024.
• The theme of the forum will be "Quality and Responsible Tourism -- Sustaining
ASEAN Future".
• Previously, Laos hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2004 and 2013.
• The Lao government is working to promote the country’s potential as a nature-based tourism destination.
Sixth edition of the Indian Ocean Conference held in Dhaka, Bangladesh

• The sixth edition of the two-day International Indian Ocean Conference started in
Dhaka, Bangladesh on May 12, 2023.
• Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the conference.
• The conference was organized by Delhi-based think tank India Foundation in
association with the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• 2023 theme -'Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership for a Resilient Future’.
• Delegates from over 25 countries to discuss ways to promote economic development while maintaining
peace and stability in the region.
About Indian Ocean Conference
• It has been launched by India Foundation along with its partners from Singapore, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
• Indian Ocean Conference is a flagship consultative forum of the Indian Ocean countries to deliberate upon
the prospects of regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in Region (SAGAR).
• The first edition of the Indian Ocean conference was held in Singapore in 2016 and fifth in 2021 in Abu
Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Arab League Summit in Jeddah adopts Jeddah Declaration

• The 32nd Arab League Summit has been concluded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with the
adoption of the Jeddah Declaration
• This declaration focuses on fostering Arab unity and addressing various regional
challenges.
Highlights:
• The unanimous decision to readmit Syria to the Arab League
• The declaration emphasizes the need for increased pan-Arab efforts to assist Syria in resolving its ongoing
crisis
• It also proclaims the Arab League's commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Dialogue Partners

• SCO added Kuwait, UAE, Myanmar and Maldives as dialogue
partners.
• The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organization.
• It’s a Eurasian political, economic and military organization aiming to
maintain peace, security and stability in the region.
• It was created in 2001.
• The SCO Charter was signed in 2002 and entered into force in 2003.
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• The SCO’s official languages are Russian and Chinese.

• Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were members of
the Shanghai Five.
• India and Pakistan became members in 2017.
The 42nd ASEAN Summit begins in Indonesia

• The 42nd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) started in Indonesia.
• 2023 theme: ASEAN Affairs: Epicenter of Growth
• ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok,
Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration
(Bangkok Declaration)
• Founding Fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
• Aim: To promote economic growth in the Southeast
Asian region
14th Petersberg Dialogue On Climate Change

• Hosted in Berlin, Germany from May 2-3, 2023, by Germany and the United Arab Emirates
• UAE would be hosting the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• The Petersberg Climate Dialogue is an annual high-level political and international
forum held before the United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP).
• United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised the need for
“cleaning up economies of the developed countries by breaking their fossil fuel
addiction and driving decarbonisation in every sector to achieve a 1.5-degree global warming pathway.
2023 is the year for the Global Stocktake.
• Global Stocktake: a periodic review of global climate action.
• It aims to assess whether current efforts will enable us to reach the objectives set out in the Paris
Agreement.
• This is the first Global Stocktake year since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015.
• The report is set to be released in September of 2023.
PM Modi conferred with the highest honours of Fiji and Papua New Guinea
• He was conferred with the "The Companion of the Order of Fiji" by his Fijian PM, Sitiveni Rabuka for his
global leadership.
• While Papua New Guinea conferred its highest civilian order, ‘Grand
Companion of the Order of Logohu’ for championing the cause of unity of
Pacific Island countries.
• PM Modi is on a visit to Papua New Guinea to attend the third India-
Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit.
• 3rd Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit was held
in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on May 22, 2023.
• It was co-chaired by Indian and Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister
• Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was launched during PM Modi's visit to Fiji in November
2014 and includes 14 island countries.
The first meeting of India-EU Trade, Technology Council at Brussels

• The first ministerial-level meeting of the India-European Union Trade and
Technology Council held on May 16, 2023.
• Aim: To discuss ways to increase cooperation in strategic technologies, digital
connectivity, clean energy, trade, and investments
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• Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal co-chaired the meeting along with EAM S Jaishankar and MoS, Electronics
and information technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
• Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a policy tool introduced
by the EU to reduce carbon emissions by imposing a carbon tax on
imported products, ensuring that they are subject to the same carbon
costs as products produced within the EU.
• It is part of the EU's "Fit for 55 in 2030 package" to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
• In order to implement CBAM, importers will need to declare the quantity of goods imported and their
greenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis.
• The E.U. is India’s second-largest trading partner (after the U.S.) and India’s second-largest export market
therefore the E.U carbon tax will immensely impact Indian export
Australia will host QUAD leadership summit in Sydney in May 2023

• Australia will be hosting the Quad Leadership Summit for the first time on
May 24, 2023 in Sydney.
• The meeting will be attended by Indian PM Narendra Modi, US President
Joe Biden, PM Kishida Fumio of Japan and Australian PM Anthony Albanese.
• The Australia Summit will be the fourth Quad leaders’ summit and the third
held in person meet. The previous in-person meeting was hosted by Japan
in Tokyo in 2022.
• QUAD stands for the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.
• It was set up in 2017 by the US, Australia, India and Japan to develop a strategy to keep critical sea routes in
the Indo-Pacific region free of any influence.
AUKUS Meet 2023:

• Australia, United States, and United Kingdom (AUKUS) Alliance is a
trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific, between Australia,
the UK, and the US (AUKUS).
• It is based on a shared commitment of its three members to deepen
diplomatic, security, and defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
• Australia is all set to get its own nuclear-powered submarine. The plan was finalised after a year and a half of
negotiations with the United States and the United Kingdom.
Japan, U.S., South Korea, Taiwan launch ‘Chip 4’ talks for supply chain
• The “Chip 4” semiconductor alliance recently held its first meeting of
senior officials.
• The “Chip 4” or “Fab 4” alliance includes four of the world’s top
producers of semiconductors: the U.S., Japan, Taiwan, and Korea.
• It represents more than 70 percent of the value of the global
semiconductor industry.
• It was first proposed by the US in March 2022 as part of wider plans
aimed at enhancing the "security" and "resilience" of semiconductor
supply chains, including by reducing the world's reliance on chips made in China.
19th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting

• Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh participated in the 19th
BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting hosted by Chair Thailand virtually from Bangkok
• The meeting also approved a draft agreement on the establishment of the BIMSTEC Center for Weather and
Climate in India.
• BIMSTEC whose full form is 'Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation'
is an international organization of seven South Asian and South East Asian countries.
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• It was established in 1997 to advance mutual trade, connectivity and cultural, technological and economic
development in the region.
• Out of its 7 member countries, 5 members – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka are from South
Asia and two countries – Myanmar and Thailand are from South-East Asia.
• Secretariat: Dhaka, Bangladesh
First I2U2 Vice-Ministerial Meeting : UAE Hosted

• I2U2 is a joint initiative of India, Israel, the USA, and the UAE.
• The main objective of the initiative is security cooperation, technological hubs, food
security, and other different energy fields.
• The UAE recently hosted the vice-ministerial meeting of I2U2. It was held in Abu
Dabi.
• It was attended by the Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment secretary of the USA, the Prime Minister
of Israel, PM Modi, and the UAE President.
• I2U2 Vice-Ministerial meeting:
• During the meeting, the leaders discussed regional cooperation opportunities and investment opportunities
among the countries.
• They also discussed food insecurity and energy crisis issues.
• The first summit of the initiative was held in 2022.
World Government Summit 2023 held in Dubai

• The World Government Summit 2023 began on 13th February 2023 in Dubai.
• Theme - “Shaping Future Governments”
• The World Government Summit is a global forum held annually in Dubai, that brings together leaders in
government, business, technology, and civil society to discuss pressing issues facing humanity and to shape
the future of governments worldwide.
World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 organized in Davos

• The five-day annual meeting of 53rd edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF)
from16-20 January 2023 in Davos, Switzerland.
• Theme - ‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World’.
• Aim: To address the pressing issues the world is facing and promote innovative
solutions
World Economic Forum (WEF)
• WEF is a Swiss non-profit organisation.
• Establishment: 1971
• Headquarters: Cologny (Switzerland).
• Founder and Executive Chairman: Klaus Schwab.
Major reports published by WEF
• Global Gender Gap Report
• Global Risk Report
• Global Travel and Tourism Report
• Energy Transition Index (ETI)
• Global Competitiveness Report
South Africa to host 15th BRICS summit in August 2023

• The 15th annual BRICS summit will be held in Durban, South Africa
• BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• BRIC was founded in 2006 and later, in 2010, South Africa was included and
it became BRICS.
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United Nations Forum On Forests

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is organising a
Country-Led Initiative (CLI) event as part of the United Nations Forum on
Forests (UNFF) from 26-28 October, 2023 at the Forest Research Institute
(FRI), Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
• The United Nations Forum on Forests promotes the management, Conservation, and sustainable
development of all types of forests.
• India holds the distinction of being a founding member of UNFF.
• The UN General Assembly adopted the first-ever UN Strategic Plan for Forests for the period of 2017-2030.
• Founded: 18 October 2000
Three Basins Summit’

• Three Basins Summit was hosted in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo to
strengthen South-South governance for three ecosystems — Amazon,
Congo, Borneo-Mekong and Southeast Asia.
• Three Basins Threat Report, which was released during the Summit,
highlighted the challenges faced by the world’s remaining tropical forest
basins.
• The first Summit of the Three Tropical Forest Basins was held in Brazzaville in 2011
• The Amazon basin in South America, the Congo basin in Central Africa, and the Borneo-Mekong basin in
Southeast Asia collectively constitute 80 percent of the world’s rainforests and contain approximately two-
thirds of its biodiversity.
• The purpose of the Summit is to implement, within the framework of the United Nations Decade for
Ecosystem Restoration, the first global coalition to restore 350 million hectares of terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems.
First Australia India Education & Skill Council(AIESC) meeting held at IIT Gujarat
• held at IIT Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• AIESC is a bi-national body established in 2011 to guide the strategic
direction of the education and research partnerships between the two
countries.
2nd World Local Production Forum:

• The Indian delegation led by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers participated in the 2nd
World Local Production Forum at the Hague.
• World Local Production Forum is an initiative of WHO
• The first WLPF was organised virtually in 2021.
• Aim is to Increasing access to medicines and other health
technologies.
Que: Which country announced the Indo-Pacific tech envoy?

Ans: UK
• India and UK launched the India-Britain exchange scheme during the G20 Foreign
Ministers’ meeting.
• British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly also announced the creation of the UK’s
first Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific region, which will boost ties with India as a
priority.
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BRICS Virtual Summit

• External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will represent India at the BRICS virtual summit hosted by South
Africa, where the leaders of Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa, will discuss the situation of West Asia,
including the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
• hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to draw up a common response and adopt a joint
statement on the more than six-week long conflict.
• UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who’s been calling for an immediate ceasefire, will also join the
meeting.
• Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates – who are all due to join the
BRICS group in January 2024 – will also attend the meeting
Angola to quit OPEC

• Angola is leaving the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
(OPEC) with effect from 1 January 2024, after exits from Ecuador in 2020 and
Qatar in 2019.
• Angola, which joined OPEC in 2007, produces about 1.1 million barrels per
day
• OPEC was founded in 1960 by Saudi
Arabia, Kuwait, Venezuela, Iran and Iraq.
• Since 2017, OPEC has worked with Russia
and other non-members as part of the
OPEC+ group to manage the market
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
UP Pavilion Will Be Displayed For The First Time In the WEF Meeting
• World Economic Forum meeting to be held in Davos (Switzerland) from 14 -20 January.
• Through the Uttar Pradesh Pavilion, people from all over the world will be able to get a glimpse of the
industrial development and culture of this place.
• Efforts will be made to attract investors from all over the world to invest in Uttar Pradesh through the
pavilion.
• One District-One Product (ODOP) will be presented in the Uttar Pradesh Pavilion.
World Economic Forum:
• It was established in the year 1971 in Geneva (Switzerland).
Major reports published by the World Economic Forum:
• Global Competitiveness Report
• Global Information Technology Report
• Global Gender Gap report
• Global Risk Report
• Global Travel and Tourism Report
Asian Ranger Forum

• The 1st Asian Ranger Forum began in Guwahati with the aim to provide a unique
opportunity to the rangers and organisations from the Asian region to collaborate
on the issues affecting rangers globally and to provide solutions.
• The ‘Exploring Womanhood Foundation Van Durga Conservation Award 2023’ was
presented to women rangers, Smt. Heena Patel of Gujarat, Smt. Martina Sangma of
Meghalaya and Deepika Vashisht of Rajasthan.
• The theme of the forum is “Asia's biodiversity guardians for 30X30”.
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India Re-Elected To The International Maritime Organization Council

• The 33rd Assembly of the IMO Council is being held from 27 November to 6 December
2023 at the IMO Headquarters in London.
• India comes in the category of ten countries with the greatest interest in international
maritime trade.
International Maritime Organization (IMO):

• Established: 17 March 1948 (made by an agreement during the Geneva Conference).
• Headquarters: London
• At present the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has a total of 175 members and 3 associate
members.
• India joined IMO only in the year 1959.
Indian Named the Chair of International Sugar Organisation for 2024

• The International Sugar Organization (ISO) announced during its 63rd Council meeting at its London
headquarters that India will be the Chair of the organization for the year 2024.
• India was led by Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra at the 63rd Council Meeting of ISO.
• India has been the largest consumer and second largest producer of sugar in the world. With about 15 per
cent share in global sugar consumption and about 20 percent of sugar production
• Brazil is the leading country in the Western Hemisphere and India is the leading country in the Eastern
Hemisphere.
• Top Sugarcane Producing States in India: Uttar Pradesh > Maharashtra > Karnataka
Nepal became a founding member of the International Big Cat Alliance

• The alliance was launched under India's initiative.
• The International Big Cats Alliance aims to conserve seven big cat species including tigers, lions, leopards,
snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars and pumas.
• Nepal's tiger population has seen a significant increase, increasing from 121 in 2010 to 335 in 2022.
• Nepal successfully achieved its target of doubling the tiger population by 2022, as done during the first Tiger
Summit in 2010 in St. Petersburg.
• The alliance aims to reach 97 range countries covering the natural habitats of these big cats and strengthen
global cooperation and efforts for their conservation.
Five new countries elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council

• Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and
Slovenia were elected non-permanent members of the UN
Security Council for a two-year term.
• The new members will take up their new responsibilities on
January 1, 2024 and serve till December 31, 2025.
• These new members will replace Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana
and UAE at present when their two-year term ends on 31
December 2023.
• Election of non-permanent members
• In all, 192 countries voted to fill five seats on the council allocated
to the Africa and Asia-Pacific groups, and one each to Eastern
Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean.
About United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
• It was established in 1945 by the United Nations Charter.
• It is one of the six major organs of the United Nations.
• The other 5 organs of the United Nations are - the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the
Trusteeship Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice and the Secretariat.
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• It has five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States,
collectively known as the P5.
• Any one of them can veto a resolution.
• Headquarters - New York
U.S. Will Rejoin UNESCO in July

• The United States will rejoin UNESCO in July 2023, nearly five years after the country withdrew from the
UN's culture agency in 2018 under former president Donald Trump over allegations of anti-Israel bias.
• In addition, the US will also pay an outstanding balance of over $600 million.
• US had exited UNESCO primarily due to the induction of Palestine as a member in 2011.
• The US and Israel stopped funding UNESCO after it voted to include Palestine as a member state in 2011.
• Palestine is not recognized as a sovereign state by the United Nations.
• While Palestine was granted non-member observer state status in 2012, enabling its participation in General
Assembly proceedings, it did not possess voting rights.
Why USA rejoining UNESCO?
• The absence of the United States from UNESCO allowed China to gain greater influence within the
organization.
• By rejoining, the US is seeking to regain its role in shaping and influencing UNESCO's policies.
African Union a Permanent Member Of The G-20: India’s proposal

• India’s G-20 Sherpa recently said that the Indian Prime Minister’s proposal to make the African Union a
permanent member of the G-20 has received an overwhelming
response from the grouping.
• The African Union (AU) is a continental
body consisting of the 55 member states
that make up the countries of the African
Continent.
• It was officially launched in 2002
• Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
About UNESCO
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the
United Nations (UN).
• Headquarters:- Paris, France
• Director General: - Audrey Azoulay
• Founded:-16 November 1945 in London, United Kingdom
• The organisation has -193 members and 11 associate members.
141st International Olympic Committee Session : Inauguration

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session
on 14th October 2023.
• The 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session, will be held at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai.
• IOC session is being held in India after a gap of about 40 years.
• India is hosting the IOC Session for the second time.
• 86th IOC session was held in New Delhi in 1983.
• International Olympic Committee (IOC) approves T20 cricket for men and women, for 2028 Los Angeles
Olympics. Baseball-softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes) and squash also gets nod.
International Olympic Committee (IOC):-
• Establishment: 1894.
• HQ: Lausanne, Switzerland.
• Objective: to promote the Olympic movement and uphold the Olympic values, which include friendship,
respect, and excellence, globally.
• They are responsible for organizing and managing the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
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CCI Becomes A Member Of International Competition Network Committee

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has achieved a significant milestone by
becoming a part of the prestigious 18-member steering committee of the International
Competition Network (ICN).
International Competition Network (ICN):
• The concept for the ICN originated from recommendations made by the International Competition Policy
Advisory Committee (ICPAC), a group formed in 1997.
• It was established in October 2001 by officials of 15 competition agencies from around the world.
• The steering committee is the ICN's apex body.
• The ICN, comprising 140 competition agencies
• The Steering Group members shall elect a Chair from among Steering Group representatives at the ICN
Annual Conference in odd-numbered years.
• It is the only global body devoted exclusively to competition law enforcement and its members represent
national and multinational competition authorities.
• It has no formal Secretariat or premises.
• CCI
• It is a statutory body of the Government of India and was established in March 2009 under the Competition
Act, 2002.
FATF Removes Cayman Islands From Its ‘Grey List’

• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has removed Cayman Islands
from its ‘grey list’.
• Besides Cayman, Panama, Jordan, and Albania have been removed
from the list.
• FATF has added Bulgaria in the grey list.
• Cayman was added to the grey list in 2021.
• FATF is an inter-governmental body responsible for setting
international standards to combat money laundering, terrorist
financing, and proliferation financing.
• The FATF maintains a ‘grey list,’ which consists of jurisdictions that do
not meet the organization’s anti-money laundering (AML), counter-
terrorism financing (CFT), and proliferation financing standards.
• Countries placed on this list are subject to increased monitoring until
identified deficiencies in their regulatory frameworks are resolved.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
• Headquarters – Paris, France
• Membership – 39
• President – T Raja Kumar (Singapore)
Finland became the 31st member of NATO

• Finland has become the 31st member of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) and Turkey's unanimous vote played a key role in
Finland's acceptance as a NATO member.
• Finland shares a border of more than 1,300 kilometres with Russia, and their
decision to join NATO was based on security concerns following Russia's
invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
• Sweden's application to join NATO has been rejected by Turkey and
Hungary.
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO), is a military alliance between
North American and European countries formed in 1949 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
• NATO Secretary General- Jens Stoltenberg Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Philippines Announces Exit From China’s BRI

• The full termination of major infrastructure projects under the Belt and
Road Initiative has been announced by the Philippine Department of
Transportation in favour of competitors from the West and Japan.
• The Belt and Road Initiative, known within China as the One Belt One Road
is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese
government in 2013 to invest in more than 150 countries and
international organizations.
Miscellaneous
ASEAN India Millet Festival 2023
• ASEAN-India Millet Festival was held in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta from
November 22-26, 2023, as part of the 'International Year of Millets 2023’.
• Raise awareness and create a market for millets and millets-based products
among the ASEAN Member states i.e. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
French company Alstom to make 100 Vande Bharat trains

• French railway major Alstom has emerged as the lowest bidder for
manufacture and maintenance of 100 aluminium Vande Bharat trainsets,
valued at Rs 30,000 crore.
• The train is pegged to have a speed capability of 200 km per hour.
Japan gets a new Island after an undersea volcano eruption

• The world’s newest island has been formed off the coast of
the Japanese island of Iwo Jima in the Pacific Ocean following
an undersea volcanic eruption around 1,200 km south of
Tokyo.
• It located about 1 km off the southern coast of Iwo Jima,
started its latest series of eruptions on October 21.
• The unnamed island was formed after it rose from the ocean
• Iwoto island was previously known as Iwo Jima but was
renamed by Japanese authorities in 2007.
Dnieper River:
• In NEWS: Russia’s military recently said that its forces had failed a
Ukrainian attempt to forge a bridgehead on the eastern bank of the
Dnieper River.
• Dnieper River is the fourth-longest river in Europe (after the Volga, the
Danube, and the Ural).
• In Russian, the river’s name is Dnepr. In Ukrainian, it is Dnipro, and in
Belarusian, it is Dnyapro.
• Located in Eastern Europe, the Dnieper River and its tributaries drain
much of Belarus and Ukraine.
• Historically, the river was an important barrier dividing Ukraine into
right and left banks.
• It originates in Russia, in the low Valday Hills west of Moscow.
• It has as many as 32,000 tributaries, including the Sozh, Desna, Trubizh, Bilozerka, Drut, Berezina, and
Prypiat Rivers.
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Seismic Activity In Iceland

• The state of emergency in Iceland was declared in response to a seismic swarm, with 800 earthquakes
hitting the Reykjanes peninsula in a short span, indicating the potential for a volcanic eruption
• Iceland’s unique geological setting is influenced by the divergence of the North
American and
Eurasian tectonic
plates along the mid-
Atlantic ridge,
resulting in frequent
seismic activity.
Dominica Creates World’s First Marine Protected Area

for Sperm Whales
CBSE to open new administrative Office in UAE

• for the Indian expatriate community in the United Arab Emirates
• Capital – Abu Dhabi
• Currency – Dirham
• President – Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Sulina Channel
• Russia, in overnight drone strikes on August 16, targeted ports and grain
storage facilities along the Danube River in Ukraine.
• The Danube delta has provided Ukraine with an alternative passage for its
grain after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea grain deal
• Sulina is situated at the mouth of the Danube. This channel is a
distributary of the Danube River
Sulina Channel:-
• The Sulina Channel is situated in the eastern part of Romania, near the
town of Sulina.
• It connects the Danube River to the Black Sea, providing a direct passage
for ships traveling to and from the river and the sea.
• The Danube is the second largest and the longest non-Russian river in Europe.
• The river originates from the Black Forest Mountains, and after covering a
length of 2850 km, it empties
itself into the Black Sea.
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Last survivors of the Amazon rainforest tribe Piripkura found in Brazil

• Three remaining survivors of the Amazon rainforest tribe - Piripkura found in Brazil
• Piripkura Tribe:
• The Piripkura tribe comes from the Mato Grosso region of Brazil and leads a nomadic lifestyle.
• The tribe is known for its isolation and efforts to maintain its traditional way of life.
India deploys a platoon of women peacekeepers to the UN Mission in Sudan

• In the Abyei region of Sudan as part of the Indian battalion in the United Nations
Interim Security Force (UNISFA).
• It is India's largest single contingent of women
peacekeepers in a UN mission since it deployed its first
all-women contingent to Liberia in 2007.
• In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an
entirely women contingent for a UN peacekeeping
mission.
About UN Peacekeeping
• UN peacekeeping began in 1948 when the UN Security Council authorised the deployment of UN military
observers in the Middle East.
• It helps to bring countries from conflict to a difficult path of peace.
• It deploys soldiers and police from all over the world for peacekeeping.
• India is one of the largest military and police contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.
• There are currently more than 5,700 Indian peacekeepers deployed in nine of the 12 UN peacekeeping
missions.
China’s population drops for first time since 1961/

• The biggest decline in the population of China has been
recorded after the year 1961.
• Negative population growth has now started in China. The
death toll in China is more than the number of children
born.
• According to the China’s National Bureau of Statistics
China’s population declined by roughly 8,50,000 to
1.41175 billion at the end of 2022.
• In China, 9.56 million people were born in 2022, while
10.41 million people died.
• China's birth rate last year was 6.77 births per 1,000 people, down from 7.52 births in 2021, the lowest ever.
• The number of Chinese women of childbearing age, which the government defines as 25 to 35, has declined
by nearly 4 million.
• This has caused domestic demographers to worry that China will grow old before it gets rich, slowing the
economy as revenues decline and increasing government debt as health and welfare costs rise.
• The main reason for China's population decline is the one-child policy implemented between 1980 and 2015.
• Additionally, higher education in China is very expensive, which has prohibited many Chinese people from
having more than one child.
• Local governments have introduced measures to encourage people to have more children from 2021,
including tax cuts, longer maternity leave and housing subsidies.
Que: Which country will introduce its stamp with Jawaharlal Nehru’s portrait on its
75th Independence Day?
Ans: Sri Lanka
• 4 February commemorates the country’s political independence from British
rule in 1948.
• Current Sri Lanka’s President Ranil WickremesingheJoin @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Indian High Commission to establish Hindi Chair at Sabaragamuwa University

• The Indian High Commission has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to
establish a Hindi Chair at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
• The Hindi chair will help in familiarizing students with India, its history, and culture as
well as pave way for popularising Hindi by deputing Indian faculties.
Brazil declares medical emergency in Yanomami territory

• Due to the reports of children dying of malnutrition and other diseases caused
by illegal gold mining.
• Reason: To restore health services to the Yanomami people
• Yanomami territory is the country's largest indigenous reservation bordering
Venezuela. The government announced food packages that will be flown to the
territory where some 26,000 Yanomamis live in a region of rainforest and
tropical savanna the size of Portugal. Yanomami has been invaded by illegal gold miners for decades.
Croatia adopts euro, entered borderless Europe club

• Croatia has adopted the euro as its currency with effect from 1 January
2023 and become the 20th member of the eurozone.
• Croatia entered the EU in 2013.
• It becomes 27th country to join Schengen area.
• Schengen Area: comprises 27 European countries that have abolished all
passports and border control at their
respective mutual borders
• Eurozone: It is officially called the euro
area.
• Croatia located in Balkan Peninsula.
• Capital: Zagreb
• Currency :euro
EU Inaugurates First Mainland Satellite Launch Port

• European officials and Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf inaugurated the EU's first
mainland orbital launch complex
• The European Union is looking to boost its ability to launch small satellites into
space with a new launchpad in arctic Sweden.
• The new facility inaugurated at the Esrange Space Center near the city of Kiruna, Sweden, will complement
the EU's current launching capabilities in French Guiana.
European Union (EU)
• It is an international organisation made up of European countries, which was
formed in 1993.
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
• European Commission President: Ursula Von der Leyen
UNESCO designates Ukraine’s Odesa a World Heritage in Danger site

• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) had designated the historic center
of Odesa, a strategic port city on Ukraine’s Black Sea coast as a World Heritage
in Danger site.
• The status was awarded by a UNESCO panel meeting in Paris.
• This status will help to protect Odesa’s cultural heritage, which has been
under threat since Russia’s invasion and enable access to financial and
technical international aid.
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Que: Recently, India has announced the donation of 12,500 doses of pentavalent vaccines to which country?
Ans: Cuba
• The pentavalent vaccine provides protection to a child from five life-
threatening diseases Diphtheria, whooping cough (Pertussis), Tetanus,
Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
• Capital- Havana
• Currency- Cuban Peso
• President– Miguel Diaz-Canel
• Official language– Spanish
World’s first vaccine for bees in the US

• Bees play a very important role in pollination of plants, and currently
bees are most affected by foulbrood, a disease caused by bacteria.
• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted a
conditional license to a vaccine, developed by US-based biotech
company Talon Animal Health.
• Also this is the world’s first disease prevention drug introduced for
bees.
Saudi Arabia to send its 1st female astronaut to space this year
• Saudi female astronaut Rayna Barnawi will join Saudi Ali Al-Qarni on a
10-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) this year.
• aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of a mission by American
privately funded space infrastructure developer private space company
Axiom Space .
• will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in
Florida, America.
Que:‘Eagle 44 (Oghab 44)’ is the first underground air force base of which country?
Ans: Iran
• It is capable of housing fighter jets equipped with cruise missiles.
• The unveiling of the Oghab 44 is seen as a
display of Iran’s aerial military strength in
response to a joint drill conducted by the
US and Israel.
• It will host jets and drones equipped with
long-range cruise missiles to destroy
adversary targets in case of attack.
Australia removes British Monarchy from its banknotes

• The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced that it will remove the portrait of the
British monarchy, Queen Elizabeth II from its A$5 banknotes.
• The new currency notes of the $5 would feature an Indigenous design rather than an
image of King Charles III.
• The other side of the note will continue to feature the Australian Parliament.
• King Charles III, who became British monarch, is the head of state in Australia, NZ, and 12 other
Commonwealth realms outside the UK.
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US opened an embassy in the Solomon Islands to counter China’s push into the
Pacific
• The embassy is in the capital, Honiara
• The US previously operated an embassy in the Solomon Islands for five years
before closing it in 1993 as part of a global reduction in diplomatic posts after
the end of the Cold War.
What are the Key Highlights about Solomon Island?

• The Solomon Islands is part of the ethnically Melanesian group of islands
in the Pacific and lies between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
• The islands were initially controlled by the British Empire during the
colonial era.
• It went through the hands of Germany and Japan and then back to the
U.K., after the Americans took over the islands from the Japanese during
World War II.
• The islands became independent in 1978 to become a constitutional
monarchy under the British Crown, with a parliamentary system of
government.
• Still, the country, a member of the Commonwealth, is independent, and
the governor-general is appointed on the advice of the unicameral National Parliament.
Que: Which country’s Chief Justice is the chief guest of the 73rd foundation day of
the Supreme Court of India?
Ans: Singapore
• Singapore Chief Justice Sunadresh Menon attends as chief guest of the 73rd
foundation day of the Supreme Court of India.
• On January 28, 1950, two days after India became the Sovereign
Democratic Republic, the Supreme Court of India was established.
New Zealand declares national emergency after Cyclone Gabrielle hit North
Island
• Cyclone Gabrielle causes widespread flooding, landslides and huge
ocean swells across the North Island.
• A national state of emergency has been declared in New Zealand on
two previous occasions – the first in 2011 after a magnitude 6.3
earthquake in Christchurch and the second in the early days of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Marburg Virus Disease : First-Ever Outbreak

• The World Health Organization recently said that Equatorial Guinea had confirmed
its first-ever outbreak of Marburg disease.
• Marburg virus disease (MVD) earlier known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is a
rare but severe hemorrhagic fever that affects both people and non-human
primates.
• MVD is caused by the Marburg virus, a genetically unique zoonotic (animal-borne) RNA virus.
• Marburg and Ebola viruses are both members of the Filoviridae family (filovirus).
• Marburg virus was first recognized in 1967
• The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through human-to-
human transmission.
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Spanish government passes law providing 'menstrual leave' for the first time in Europe
• Spain's government approved a law providing paid medical leave for women suffering from severe
menstrual pain, a first in any European country.
• Such facilities are currently available in Japan, Indonesia and Zambia.
Sea ice cover reaches lowest level in Antarctica

• According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center in the United States,
Antarctica's sea ice extent was recorded at 2.2 million square kilometres
last week.
• This is the lowest since records began in 1979.
• According to scientists, this is the second consecutive year when snow has
melted up to 20 lakh square km in a day.
• The coldest region on Earth, 99 percent of Antarctica is covered with ice.
• According to scientists, due to the hot winds, the snow is melting rapidly,
this year the temperature of the hot winds has been 1.5 degrees above the average.
• About Antarctica
• It is the southernmost continent and the fifth largest continent on Earth.
• Antarctica is uninhabited except for about 40 permanent stations set up by many countries including India
for scientific research.
• India has two research centres on the Antarctic continent - 'Maitri' and 'Bharati'.
FATF suspends Russia's membership over Ukraine war

• Global anti-money laundering watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
suspended Russia's membership over the Ukraine war.
• The FATF has suspended Russia's membership for its "illegal, unprovoked and
unjustified" full-scale military invasion of Ukraine.
• Russia's actions "run unacceptably" against the FATF's core principles, which aim to protect, safeguard and
promote the integrity of the global financial system.
• The FATF is also concerned about information on arms trade between Russia and UN-sanctioned
jurisdictions, and Russia's malicious cyber activities.
• South Africa and Nigeria have been placed on FATF's gray list, indicating deficiencies in the handling of
financial flows to the nations.
• Morocco and Cambodia have been removed from the list after reforming their controls.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
• It was formed in the year 1989 at the meeting of G-7 countries held in Paris.
• It works to generate the necessary political will to bring about legislative and regulatory reforms in the world
on issues like money laundering, terror funding.
• Headquarters - Paris.
• Member Countries - 39 member countries including India and 2 regional organisations (European
Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council).
• India became a member of FATF in the year 2010.
• Its sessions are held three times a year.
• Financial Action Task Force (FATF) President – T.Raja Kumar
Indonesia's Mount Merapi volcano erupts, covering villages in

ash
• Indonesia, which has about 130 active volcanoes, lies
on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where the meeting of
continental plates causes high volcanic and seismic
activity.
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• Mount Merapi is a volcanic mountain on the island of Java in Indonesia and is the most active volcano in
Indonesia.
• It was discovered by Mr. Morris in 1754 and is also known as the 'Mountain of Fire' because of its explosive
nature.
Operation Interflex:
• Operation Interflex is the British-led multinational military operation.
• Objective is to train and support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
• It aims to teach weapon handling, range activity, marksmanship, fieldcraft basics, field
tactics, battle casualty drills, counter explosives, the laws of armed conflict, first aid, and cyber security
awareness.
• The operation is a part of the U.K.’s commitment of £2.3 billion for military aid and support to Ukraine.
• It is a successor to Operation Orbital (2015–2022).
• Operation Orbital was a British military operation to train and support the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2015.
Cyclone Freddy:
• Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit the coast of
Southern Africa, bringing its total death toll to
more than 220 people in Malawi, Mozambique
and Madagascar.
• It originated off the northern coast of Australia
• It crossed the entire South Indian Ocean and
traveled more than 8,000 kilometers
• Freddy was the first tropical cyclone in the Southern Hemisphere to undergo six separate rounds of rapid
intensification.
• It also holds the record for all-time accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) (storm strength during its lifetime) for
the Southern Hemisphere.
• Freddy is fuelled by the energy provided by the warm ocean surface, consistently sourcing heat and moisture
throughout its lifetime.
Bhutan’s graduation from the UN list of Least Developed Countries

• United Nations Least Developed Countries (LDC) Summit concluded on in Doha, Qatar
• Bhutan will no longer be on the list of LDCs and will become only the seventh country to
graduate from the list.
• Bhutan was included in the first group of LDCs in 1971. However, over the last few decades, it has made
remarkable progress on a variety of socio-economic metrics.
• Bhutan first fulfilled the requirements for graduation in 2015, and then again in 2018. Bhutan was therefore
scheduled to graduate in 2021.
• Bhutan, a landlocked country in South Asia, is set to be removed from the LDC list on December 13, 2023
• The UN in the 1960s began to recognise some of

the most vulnerable and disadvantaged countries
in the international community, considering
factors such as development capacity, socio-
economic parameters, lack of domestic financing,
and geographical location.
• In 1971, the UN officially established the category
of LDCs to attract particular support for them.
• Currently, 46 countries across Africa, Asia,
Caribbean and the Pacific are categorised as LDCs.
• The LDCs host about 40% of the world’s poor.
They account for 13% of the world population but Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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for only about 1.3% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and less than 1% of global trade and Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI). Nepal and Bangladesh are also on LDC list.
NASA astronaut Christina Koch becomes the first woman to go around the moon
• The American space agency, NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
announced the names of four astronauts, who will venture around the Moon for
science and exploration under Artemis II mission.
• The Artemis II mission is the first crewed voyage around the moon in more than 50 years. The previous
human flight to lunar surface was the Apollo program in 1972.
• The Artemis II crew members consists of three from NASA and one from CSA.
• They are Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Hammock Koch, from NASA and Jeremy Hansen from
CSA.
• Out of these four, Christina Hammock Koch is the first ever female, Victor Glover is the first ever African
American and Jeremy Hansen is the first ever Canadian and first non- American to be sent on a lunar
mission.
Bahrain launches Golden Licence to attract large-scale investment projects

• Bahrain's government has launched a new initiative called 'Golden Licence' to incentivize
investments and the creation of jobs.
• It is designed to provide streamlined services and benefits to local and foreign businesses
with large-scale investment projects in Bahrain.
• Eligibility for the Licence: Companies with significant strategic projects and investments
exceeding US$50 million or those creating more than 500 jobs in Bahrain.
Que: What is ‘Magnaporthe oryzae’ which was seen in the news recently?
Ans: Fungus
• Magnaporthe oryzae’ is a fungus that causes ‘wheat blast’.
• It is currently destroying wheat crops in South America, threatening its food security in
a major scale.
• Magnaporthe oryzae infects wild and cultivated grasses, most notably rice and wheat.
• Scientists have warned that the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae could spread worldwide. Cases of infection
have earlier been reported in Asia in 2016 and Africa in 2018.
Que: World Health Organisation (WHO) certified which countries as Malaria-free recently?
Ans: Azerbaijan and Tajikistan
• A total of 42 countries or territories have reached the malaria-free milestone.
• In Tajikistan and Azerbaijan, the last cases of regional spread of Plasmodium vivax
malaria were discovered in 2012 and 2014.
Que: Which country has become the first country in the world to approve a new malaria vaccine from Oxford
University, with children under the age of three in line to benefit?
Ans: Ghana
• The mosquito-borne disease kills more than 6,00,000 people each year, most of them children in Africa, and
scientists have been trying for years to develop vaccines.
• This is the first time a major vaccine has been approved first in an
African country before rich nations.
• Capital- Accra
• Currency- Ghanaian Cedi
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Que:In which country the first death case of H3N8 bird flu has been found?
Ans. China
• World Health Organisation reported that a very rare type of bird flu in humans had been detected for the
first time in China since last year.
• A Chinese woman died from a type of bird flu called H3N8 but the strain has not seen to spread between
people.
• The first two cases of H3N8 bird flu were reported in China last year.
H3N8 bird flu:
• H3N8 bird flu is believed to have been circulating with its first case in North American waterfowl since 2002.
• It infects horses, dogs and seals.
• H3N8 is common in birds but it causes no disease.
• H3N8 bird flu infects other mammals also.
• It is rare in humans and has no history before two years.
Que:Which country has recently launched an initiative to license crypto firms?

Ans: El Salvador
• Central American country El Salvador has started an initiative to license
crypto firms.
• * Cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex has become the first cryptocurrency
company to receive an official license in El Salvador.
• * El Salvador became the first country in the world to accept Bitcoin as a payment option in 2021.
Zimbabwe to Introduce Gold-Backed Digital Currency

• The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe will launch a gold-pegged digital currency and
legalize them in the country.
• It is believed that the government took this step for stabilizing the local currency
after its continuous devaluation in comparison to the U.S. dollar.
• This initiative taken by Zimbabwe will allow the exchange of Zimbabwean dollars with digital gold tokens and
secure Zimbabweans against currency volatility.
• Zimbabwe Capital: Harare; President: Emmerson Mnangagwa
Syria becomes world's largest 'narco-state'

• According to the Collins Dictionary, "narco-state" refers to a nation where a significant
portion of the economy is reliant on the illicit trade of narcotic drugs.
• Syria has become the world's foremost narco-state, as its economic survival now
depends heavily on the production and export of Captagon.
• Captagon is a banned illicit drug recognized by the UNODC (2021) and is a synthetic stimulant that combines
amphetamine and caffeine.
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):1997
• HQ - Vienna
Taam Ja Blue Hole Discovered:

• Scientists have discovered a massive blue hole off
the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
• It is a type of underwater sinkhole or vertical cave
that is typically found in low-lying coastal karst
platform regions.
• These are formed when limestone or other carbonate rock is dissolved
by slightly acidic groundwater over a long period.
• Taam Ja Blue hole is around 900 feet deep and scientists have dubbed it the second-deepest blue hole found
on the planet.
• There is variation in salinity and temperature insideJoin
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• Yucatan Peninsula is a North-eastern projection of Central America which is lying between the Gulf of
Mexico to the west and north and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
• The deepest blue hole in the world at 300.89 meters (987 feet) deep is in the South China Sea and is named
the Dragon Hole
Que:The ‘Study in India Pavilion’ at the Global Education & Training Exhibition (GETEX) has been inaugurated in
which city?
Ans: Dubai
• The ‘Study in India Pavilion’ at the Global Education & Training
Exhibition (GETEX) in Dubai has been inaugurated by the Consul
General of India in Dubai, Dr. Aman Puri.
• It was organized by the Services Export Promotion Council with the
support of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce &
Industry.
• The pavilion, spanning over 200 sqm, features more than 30 universities and edtech stakeholders of Indian
higher education.
• The GETEX is a leading education fair in the region for over 30 years.
Dubai's airline Emirates unveils world's first robotic check-in assistant

• Dubai-based airline Emirates has unveiled the world's first robotic check-in
assistant named 'Sara'.
• 'SARA' will match customers' faces with scanned passports, check in passengers
and guide them to the baggage drop area.
• The robot is equipped with facial recognition technology and can print boarding passes to make the check-in
process more efficient. Sara is also portable and can move around to help those in need.
• This facility allows customers to drop off their luggage at the airport up to 24 hours in advance and up to 4
hours before their flight.
PRET Initiative:
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the PRET
initiative to be better prepared for future outbreaks of a
similar scale and devastation as the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET)
Initiative is aimed at providing “guidance on integrated
planning for responding to any respiratory pathogen such as
influenza or coronaviruses”.
• It was announced at the Global Meeting for Future
Respiratory Pathogen Pandemics held on 24-26 April 2023 in
Geneva, Switzerland.
Cyclone Ilsa: Powerful storm hits Western Australia
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India launches 'Operation Karuna' to provide aid to Myanmar

• India launches ‘Operation Karuna’ to assist cyclone-hit Myanmar (Cyclone Mocha)
• Indian Naval Ships Shivalik, Kamorta and Savitri were the first Naval ships to arrive at
Yangon with relief material.
Que:Which country is now India’s 3rd largest exporter as per Commerce Ministry’s survey?
Ans: Netherlands
• The Netherlands has emerged as India's third largest exports destination after the US and UAE during 2022-
23, showed commerce ministry's data
• India's exports to the Netherlands rose by about 48 % to USD 18.52 billion during 2022-23 as against USD
12.5 billion in 2021-22.
• Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai said the Netherlands has
emerged as a hub for Europe with efficient port and connectivity with the EU through road, railways and
waterways.
• According to economic think tank GTRI (Global Trade Research Initiative), ATF (aviation turbine fuel) and
diesel were the key petroleum products exported from India to that country.
PM Modi releases Tamil classic 'Thirukkural' in Tok Pisin language

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Papua New Guinea counterpart
James Marape released the Tamil classic 'Thirukkural' in the Tok Pisin language.
• Aim: To bring Indian thought and culture closer to the people of this
southwestern Pacific nation.
• Tok Pisin is the official language of Papua New Guinea.
• Thirukkural is a collection of couplets on ethics, political and economic matters,
and love, is written by Poet Thiruvalluvar.
Republic of Fiji
• It is an archipelago consisting of around 300 islands in the South Pacific
Ocean.
• Capital: Suva
• Currency: Fijian Dollar
• Prime Minister: Sitiveni Rabuka
• Papua New Guinea
• Prime Minister: James Marape
• Capital: Port Moresby
• Currency: kina (K)
Prime Minister Modi unveils Mahatma Gandhi Bust in Hiroshima

• During the visit to Japan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled
the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan on 20 May 2023.
• The Mahatma Gandhi bust has been gifted by the Government of
India to the city of Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and
goodwill between India and Japan.
• The 42 inches tall bronze bust has been sculpted by Padma
Bhushan awardee Ram Vanji Sutar.
• The bust site, adjacent to the Motoyasu River, is close to the iconic A-Bomb Dome.
Syria’s Return to Arab League

• Recently, the Arab League has re-admitted Syria into the organization, after a
suspension over a decade.
• Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011 after it violently cracked
down on anti-government protests.
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• The Arab League accused Syria of not complying with a peace plan that called for a withdrawal of military
forces, the release of political prisoners, and the start of a dialogue with opposition groups.
• The move signifies softness in relations between Syria and other Arab governments and is seen as the start
of a gradual process to resolve the crisis in Syria.
• The Crisis in Syria has killed nearly a half million people since March 2011 and displaced half of the country’s
pre-war population of 23 million.
• A committee involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq will be established to help Syria
achieve overcoming refugee and drug smuggling crises, which were a result of Syria's civil war.
About:
• Arab League, also called League of Arab States (LAS), is an intergovernmental pan-Arab organisation of all
Arab states in the Middle East and North Africa.
• It was formed in Cairo, Egypt on 22nd March 1945, following the adoption of the Alexandria Protocol in
1944.
• Currently, there are 22 Arab countries - Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait,
Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria*, Tunisia,
the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen
Que: Which US Company purchased resources of First Republic Bank?

Ans: JP Morgan Chase & Co.
• The assets of First Republic Bank have been bought by American multinational
company JP Morgan Chase & Co.
• The US financial regulators seized First Republic Bank, a California-based financial institution.
• The deal has been made to save the economic turbulences.
Cyclone Fabien over Indian Ocean
Que:Which country’s police has recently launched a traffic campaign, “stay in your lane” to curb road lane
violations?
Ans: UAE / यूएई
• UAE’s Sharjah Police launched a traffic campaign, “stay in your lane” in May to curb road lane violations.
• Capital – Abu Dhabi
• Currency – Dirham
• President – Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
• Prime Minister – Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
• Official language -Arabic
UK announces sanctions on Russian diamonds and metals ahead of the G7 meeting in Japan
• The United Kingdom has announced sanctions on the military-industrial
complex and metals as well as Russian diamonds in a new round of sanctions
ahead of the G7 meeting in Japan.
• The ban specifically covers imports of copper, aluminium and nickel of
Russian origin. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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About G7:
• It is an intergovernmental political forum.
• It consists of seven member states: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the
United States.
• Formation - 25 March 1973
Next five years expected to be hottest on record: UN

• The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned
that the next five years will be the warmest period on record due to the
combined effects of El Niño and greenhouse gases.
• WMO predicts a 98 percent chance of setting new heat records in at least one of the next five years.
• The hottest eight years ever recorded were all between 2015 and 2022 -- but temperatures are forecast to
increase further as climate change accelerates.
• The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to "well below" two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial
levels, preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• The global average temperature in 2022 was 1.15°C higher than the average measured between 1850 and
1900.
• El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern equatorial
Pacific Ocean. Trade winds and atmosphere are also impacted by El Niño.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
• It is a specialised agency of the United Nations
• It supports research and development in atmospheric science, which includes the study of Earth's
atmosphere and its properties.
• WMO focuses on understanding long-term weather patterns and climate variability.
• Formation - 23 March 1950
• Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland
• WMO Secretary General - Peteri Talas
UNEP suggests measures to reduce 80% of world’s plastic pollution by 2040

• According to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s “Turning Off The
Tap” report, Plastic pollution across the world can see a reduction of up to 80
percent by 2040 if companies and countries make policy and market shifts using
existing technologies.
• Plastic pollution undermines marine ecosystems and contaminates oceans.
• The presence of microplastics – tiny fragments resulting from the disposal and
breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste – are increasingly found in
the human food chain.
• According to the report, one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute while up to five trillion
plastic bags are used worldwide every year.
• About 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated every year.
• To reduce the problem of unnecessary plastics, the report suggests tackling the problem with the approach
of ‘reuse, recycle and reorient and diversify products.’
2025 to be observed as 'special tourism year' in Nepal

• The decade of the 2080s of Bikram Samvat will be marked as 'the Visit
Nepal decade' and 2025 as the special year for tourism
• This was announced by the President of Nepal Ram Chandra Paudel
• President announced that a special honor called the ‘Samarmatha Special
Honour’ will be conferred on foreign nationals who contribute to
promoting Nepal’s cultural values. This effort will be undertaken in
partnership with the private sector.
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SpaceX sends Saudi astronauts, including first Arab woman, to ISS

• Saudi Arabia’s Rayyanah Barnawi has made history as the first Arab woman astronaut to
travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the private Ax-2 mission.
• The Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) crew took off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy
Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Que:A 5,000-year-old tree named Patagonian cypress has been officially recognized as the world’s oldest. It is
located in which country?
Ans: Chile
• The tree is located in the Alerce Costero National Park and is nicknamed “Great
Grandfather.”
• The Great Grandfather tree is a massive specimen, measuring 28 meters tall and
4 meters (13 Feet) in diameter.
• It is believed to have survived several major climate changes over the centuries, including the Little Ice Age.
The tree is also a popular tourist destination, with thousands of visitors coming to see it each year.
• Chile Capital- Santiago; Currency – Peso
Ireland become first country to introduce health warnings on alcohol

• Ireland is the first country in the European Union (EU) to ensure that,
from 2026, all alcohol products will have comprehensive labelling about
health risks from consumption, including warnings about the risks of
developing cancers.
About Republic of Ireland
• Currency – Euro
• Capital – Dublin
• President – Michael D. Higgins
Que:Which country has banned domestic flights on short routes that can be
covered by train?
Ans: France
• France has banned domestic flights on short routes that can be covered
by train in less than two-and-a-half hours — a move aimed at reducing
airline emissions. By doing so, the country plans to reduce its emissions by
40 per cent in 2030.
Kakhovka Dam
• A huge Soviet-era dam on the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine, known as the Kakhovka Dam, was breached,
resulting in flooding across the war zone.
• The dam was an important part of the Kakhovka
hydroelectric power plant, supplying water to
the Crimean Peninsula and the Zaporizhzhia
nuclear plant.
• Crimea is a peninsula in Eastern Europe, on the
northern coast of the Black Sea, almost entirely
surrounded by the Black Sea and the smaller Sea
of Azov.
• It came under Russian rule in 2014.
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Lab Grown Diamonds

• In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond to
U.S. First Lady Jill Biden during his state visit.
• The diamond was manufactured in a Surat factory in Gujarat, using a process that
replicates the formation of natural diamonds beneath the earth’s surface.
• India is a leading player in growing lab-grown diamonds, with exports reaching over $1.67 billion.
• Lab-grown diamonds offer a more affordable alternative to natural diamonds and are considered eco-
friendly.
• They are around 20% cheaper than their naturally-formed equivalent
• India is the largest producer of lab-grown diamonds and contributes to nearly 25% of global LGD production.
India gifts missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam

• India will gift Missile Corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam as a friendly gesture and to expand military ties
between the nations.
• INS Kirpan is a Khukri-class warship commissioned in 1991.
BIMSTEC Centre for energy cooperation will be inaugurated in India this year: Secretary General Tenzin Lekphell
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupts
Philippines’ most active Mayon Volcano erupts Mount Mayon last violently erupted in 2018
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Canary Islands in News

• More than 30 migrants are feared dead after a small boat headed for Spain’s
Canary Islands sank.
Canary Islands:
• Located in Atlantic Ocean.
• It is about 1300 km South of mainland Spain and 115 km West of the African
coast (Morocco).
• These Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.
Japan raises age of consent from 13 to 16 after over a century

• Now in Japan consent sexual intercourse with someone below age 16 will be considered rape.
• In India the age of consent is 18, while in China it is 14.
• Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven leading industrialised nations which does not have LGTBQ
legal protections.
Que:Which country returned remains of Indigenous Maori and Moriori people to New Zealand?
Ans: Germany
• The remains of 95 Indigenous New Zealanders as well as artefacts and cultural treasures
have been returned to New Zealand from museums and universities in Germany.
Titanic Tourist Submersible : Imploded In North Atlantic With Five Passengers

• The company, OceanGate Expeditions, had launched the Titan submersible trip to the
wreckage of the Titanic
• OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush also died in implosion
• A submersible is a small boat or other craft, designed
especially for research and exploration.
• It is more limited in its movement and how long it can
stay underwater.
• A submersible needs a mother ship that can launch and recover it.
• Submarine is a watercraft that is capable of independent operation under the sea.
• It does not require support ships because submarines can renew their air and power supplies independently.
Ancient Mayan City : Discovered in the Jungles of Southern Mexico

• An ancient Maya city full of pyramids and complexes has been uncovered by
archaeologists.
• The discovery in the remote jungle of Balamku ecological reserve in eastern
Mexico may shed light on how the ancient civilization mysteriously collapsed
in 900 A.D.
Heliopolis Memorial: PM of India Visit

• Prime Minister of India pay his respects at the Heliopolis (Port Tewfik) Memorial in the Heliopolis War
Cemetery in Cairo, Egypt.
• This memorial commemorates the memory of 3,727 Indian soldiers who died
fighting in various campaigns in Egypt and Palestine in the First World War.
• The original Port Tewfik memorial was unveiled in 1926 and was situated at the
entrance to the Suez Canal.
• The memorial was destroyed in the Israeli-Egyptian War of 1967, and a new memorial was erected in
Heliopolis Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery in 1980.
• The Indian troops played a key role in securing the Suez Canal in Egypt and in Palestine, where Indian cavalry
participated in the Battle of Haifa and also played a key role in Mesopotamia in the First World War.
• Port Tewfik is now known as Port Suez
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US agrees to provide market access to India's steel and aluminium products

• According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the US Department of
Commerce will clear 70 percent of steel and 80 percent of aluminium
applications for products originating in India.
• The decision was made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the
United States.
• The US had restricted market access for Indian steel and aluminium products since June 14, 2018, under
the exclusion process of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act 1962.
• The Ministry of Commerce and Industry expects this agreement to boost India's steel and aluminium
exports by approximately 35 percent.
Indian Mango Festival ‘Aamrus’ in Russia

• Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Uttar Pradesh Government, Dinesh
Pratap Singh and Ambassador of India to Russia Pavan Kapoor have in the
inauguration of the Indian Mango Festival ‘Aamrus’ in Moscow.
• Russian audience got to enjoy five samples of Mango varieties from Uttar Pradesh
– Dasheri, Langra, Chausa, Amrapali and Mallika.
• The festival was organized by the Embassy of India with the support of the Uttar Pradesh Government,
APEDA, and DISHA.
India, Tanzania begin trade settlements in local currencies

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed that India and Tanzania
have started trade settlements in local currencies.
• This new initiative will help in promoting commerce between the two
countries.
• India-Tanzania bilateral trade has seen very strong growth and stood at
USD 6.4 billion in 2022-23.
• Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Canara Bank have operations in Tanzania.
• About 18 countries have already opened special vostro accounts with Indian banks.
'Guillain-Barre’ syndrome
• Peru has declared a state of national emergency amid a surge in patient
suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body’s
immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves.
• It is more common in adults and males, but it can affect people of all
ages.
• The first symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome include weakness or tingling sensations.
• For some people, these symptoms can lead to paralysis of the legs, arms, or muscles in the face.
• It is often preceded by bacterial or viral infection. There is no known cure for this syndrome.
Ubinas Volcano : Ongoing Activity

• Peru recently announced a state of emergency in the Moquegua region due to the
ongoing activity of the Ubinas volcano.
• Ubinas Volcano is a stratovolcano (a volcano built up of alternate layers of lava and
ash.) located in Andes.
• It is one of the most active volcanoes in Peru.
• The upper portion of the volcano is made from lava flows from the Pleistocene.
• Stratovolcano is a tall, steep, and cone-shaped type of volcano.
• Unlike flat shield volcanoes, they have higher peaks.
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US’s largest reptile sanctuary wants to import gharials from India

• The United States’ largest reptile bank based in Arizona has applied to the
federal government to import six gharials (Gavialis gangeticus
Maputo Protocol : Contributed Towards Africa’s Progress In Gender Equality

• There has been some progress on gender equality in African countries due to the
Maputo Protocol, but it has been uneven, according to a new report.
• The Protocol has a target of universal ratification in Africa by 2028.
Maputo Protocol:-
• It is an International human rights document for the protection of women and girls in Africa.
• Adopted in July 2003, in Mozambique, by: African Union (AU).
• Of the 55 member states, 44 have ratified or acceded to the Protocol.
• Objective of the Protocol requires the African States to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence
against women in Africa and to promote equality between men and women.
India's Only Ape Species: The Hoolock Gibbon

• In News: The conservation status of the hoolock gibbon, India’s only ape species,
has become a matter of concern globally.
• The Global Gibbon Network (GGN) recently convened its inaugural meeting
in Haikou, China, shedding light on the critical situation faced by these primates.
• Gibbons is the smallest and fastest ape and is found in tropical and subtropical
forests in Southeast Asia.
• The hoolock gibbon, unique to India’s northeast, is one of the 20 gibbon species on Earth, with an estimated
population of 12,000.
• They are found in forested areas of Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Southern China.
• All 20 gibbon species, including the hoolock gibbon, are at a high risk of extinction due to dramatic declines
in their distribution and populations since 1900, leaving only small populations in tropical rainforests.
• The primary threat to the hoolock gibbon in India is the felling of trees for infrastructure projects.
• The Global Gibbon Network (GGN) aims to protect and conserve gibbons and their habitats by promoting
participatory conservation policies and actions.
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List classifies the western hoolock gibbon as
endangered and the eastern hoolock gibbon as vulnerable, which adds complexity to their conservation
status.
Cambodia PM Hun Sen steps down and hands over power to son
• Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders
(almost 4 decades), resigned and handed power to his eldest son Hun Manet.
• Cambodia’s authoritarian leader, Hun Sen has ruled
Cambodia since 1985
• Cambodia ranks 150th out of 180 in Transparency
International's corruption perception index.
• Capital: Phnom Penh
• Currency: Cambodian riel
India hands over missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam

• INS Kirpan — which is an indigenously-built missile corvette — was
decommissioned after completing 32 years of service to be gifted to Vietnam. It
was handed over to Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) with a complete weapon
complement.
• The frontline warship was handed over to Vietnam, during an official visit of
Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar.
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• It is for the first time that India gifted a fully operational corvette to any
friendly foreign country.
• INS Kirpan was an indigenously built Khukri-class missile corvette,
commissioned in 1991.
Strategic military port of Cam Ranh Bay:

• Cam Ranh Bay is a deep-water bay located in Vietnam, on the South China Sea.
• The bay is up to 164 feet (50 m) deep, making it one of the deepest natural
harbours in Southeast Asia.
• It is a major refuelling and repair station for ships in the South China Sea.
• During the colonial era, it was controlled by the Champa Kingdom and later
became part of the Vietnamese territories.
WHO identifies first case of MERS-CoV in UAE this year

• WHO has identified a case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a 28-year-old
male from United Arab Emirates
• MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory infection caused by a coronavirus known as MERS
• The infection is transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with dromedary
camels, which are the natural host and zoonotic source of the MERS-CoV infection.
• The symptoms include: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath
World's biggest permafrost crater in Russia’s Far East thaws as planet warms
• Russia’s Batagaika crater, the world’s largest 1km-long permafrost crater, expands
due to global warming and thawing permafrost.
• Deforestation triggered underground permafrost melting, causing the crater’s
growth in the Sakha Republic, Russia.
• The soil beneath the slump contains an "enormous quantity" of organic carbon
that will release into the atmosphere as the permafrost thaws, further fuelling
the planet's warming.
• Russia is warming is occurring at an alarming rate, approximately 2.5 times
faster than the global average.
• As a result, large areas of the country’s long-frozen tundra, covering about
65% of its landmass, are experiencing significant thawing, releasing potent
greenhouse gases like methane.
• Permafrost is any ground that remains completely frozen—32°F (0°C) or
colder—for at least two years straight.
• These permanently frozen grounds are most common in regions with high
mountains and in Earth’s higher latitudes: near the North and South Poles.
India to support clean water project at school in Tuvalu with 700,000 USD
• India will contribute 700,000 USD from the India-UN Development
Partnership Fund to the Tuvalu project in August 2023
• Aim: To store and supply clean water to students, teachers, and
school staff, fostering good hygiene and lowering the incidence of
water-borne illnesses.
• In May 2023, PM Narendra Modi announced the “Sagar Amrut
Scholarship” scheme for the Pacific Island countries, at the Summit of
the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation.
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Vaquita Porpoise : Extinction Alert

• The International Whaling Commission (IWC)
issued its first ‘extinction alert’ on the vaquita
porpoise.
• Vaquita Porpoise is the world’s smallest cetacean
(aquatic mammal).
• The name vaquita means “little cow” in Spanish.
• It has the smallest range of any whale, dolphin or porpoise, and only lives in a
small 1,500 square-mile area in Mexico’s upper Gulf of California, near the town
of San Felipe.
• It only measures up to five feet in size.
• The vaquita population has been declining precipitously for decades due to bycatch in gillnet set to catch
shrimp and fish.
• Conservation status
• IUCN: Critically Endangered
• CITES: Appendix I
What is the Arash-Dorra Gas Field Dispute?

• Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have recently asserted their sole
ownership of the disputed Arash-Dorra gas field, a resource-rich
offshore area also claimed by Iran.
• Known as Arash in Iran and Dorra in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the
field holds significant natural gas reserves, making it a highly
valuable resource for all involved parties.
• Located on the eastern maritime border of Kuwait, the Dorra gas field
was discovered in 1967.
• The roots of the dispute can be traced back to the 1960s when Iran and
Kuwait granted offshore concessions to different companies.
• The concessions overlapped in the northern part of the Arash-Dorra
field, leading to conflicting claims and disagreements over ownership
and exploitation rights.
• Saudi, Kuwait reject Iran claims to disputed gas field
Chhaupadi : Period Hut Ritual Of Nepal

• Although chhaupadi was outlawed in 2005, implementation remains weak.
• Chhaupadi is an ancient practice in Nepal that deems women and girls
unclean and untouchable during menstruation.
Lake Titicaca : Threat From Climate Changes

• Lake Titicaca is facing a serious threat from climate change and
drought.
• It is the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest of
the world’s largest lakes.
• The lake, which lies on the border between Bolivia and Peru, has
seen its water levels drop to near-record lows.
• The lack of rainfall and the increased evaporation due to rising
temperatures have reduced the inflow and volume of the lake.
• The lake is also home to more than 500 species of plants and
animals, some of which are endemic and endangered.
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Asia – Lake Baikal
Africa - Lake Victoria
Europe – Lake Ladoga
North America – Lake Michigan-Huron/Lake Superior
South America – Lake Titicaca
Australia/Oceania - Lake Eyre
Antarctica – Lake Vostok
China releases new map showing territorial claims with the

entire State of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region
within China’s borders
• China has released the 2023 edition of its “standard
map”, staking a claim over Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin
region, Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea.
• Hours after the release of map, India lodged a strong
protest through diplomatic channels.
• Western Sector (Disputed sector) –
• This comprises the Aksai Chin sector. A region that originally was a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is
claimed by China as part of its autonomous Xinjiang region.
• After the 1962 war, it is administered by China. It is the second largest Indo-China border area covering over
38000 sq. km. However, it is an uninhabited land.
• While India claims the entire Aksai Chin territory as well as the Shaksgam valley (Indian territory gifted to
China by Pakistan), China contests Indian control over Daulat Beg Oldi (a tehsil in Leh, south of Aksai China -
it is believed to host the world’s highest airstrip).
Border Dispute in Eastern Sector: McMahon Line

• The disputed boundary in the Eastern Sector of the India-China border is
over the McMahon Line.
• Representatives of China, India and Tibet in 1913-14 met in Shimla to
settle the boundary between Tibet and India, and Tibet and China.
• During the Shimla conference, Sir Henry McMahon, the then foreign
secretary of British India, drew up the 550 mile (890 km) McMahon Line
as the border between British India and Tibet.
• China accuses India of occupying areas in Arunachal, which it calls part of
Southern Tibet.
• The Arunachal Pradesh border, that China claims to be its own territory, is
the largest disputed area, covering around 90000 sq. km.
• The map showed Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as South Tibet, and Aksai Chin occupied by it in the
1962 war.
• The map also incorporated Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory though the island sees itself as
a sovereign nation, and the nine-dash line, claiming a large part of the South China Sea.
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Sri Lanka hosts its very first Karnataka cultural festival

• Sri Lanka hosted its very first Karnataka cultural festival organized by the
International Cultural Council of India in collaboration with Swami Vivekananda
Cultural Centre and M.E Global Peace Foundation
• Aim: To celebrate cultural diversity and mark a significant moment in the shared
cultural heritage of India and Sri Lanka
• The event showcased performances by over 30 artists from Karnataka including dances, folk songs, multi-
lingual poems, and captivating puppet shows
Que:The World’s first ‘Spotless giraffe’ was born in which country?

Ans: USA
• A spotless baby giraffe was born at The Brights Zoo, U.S and is believed to be the only
singularly coloured giraffe in the world.
• The female giraffe is uniformly brown in colour and lacks the distinctive patched
pattern commonly found in giraffes and also the exceptionally long necks, they are
famous for.
Jais, the World’s Most Advanced Arabic Large Language Model, has been released.
• Inception, a unit of Abu Dhabi AI company G42, has released 'Jais', the world's most
advanced Arabic large language model .
• Jais is a bilingual Arabic-English model that has been trained on a massive dataset of
text and code. It can be used for a variety of tasks, such as machine translation, text
summarization, and question answering.
• It is also open-source, which means that anyone can use it or contribute to its development.
• The release of Jais is a significant step forward for the development of AI in the Arabic world. Potential
applications of Jais include, Machine translation , which can be used to translate text from Arabic to English
and vice versa.
PM Modi’s visit to Jakarta, Indonesia

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jakarta, Indonesia on 06-07 September
2023 at the invitation of H.E. Joko Widodo (President of the Republic of
Indonesia).
• During his visit, PM Modi attended the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th
East Asia Summit being hosted by Indonesia as current Chair of ASEAN.
• The ASEAN-India Summit is the first Summit since the elevation of India-ASEAN relations to a Comprehensive
Strategic Partnership in 2022.
India will open embassy in Timor Leste

• At the ASEAN-India summit, the prime minister announced the decision
to establish an Indian Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste.
• Timor Leste joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in
2022 as an Observer, before becoming its full member.
• ASEAN is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region,
and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan, and
Australia are its dialogue partners.
• ASEAN agrees to admit Timor- Leste as its 11th member
• Timor- Leste applied for membership of the ASEAN in 2011.
• It was officially recognised as an independent country by the United Nations in 2022, making it Asia's
youngest country.
• Capital – Dili
• Currency – US Dollar
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Germany's largest Hindu temple set to open in Berlin

• Vilwanathan Krishnamurthy can be described as a happy person. Almost 20
years ago, the 70-year-old began his voluntary work to build a Hindu temple
in Berlin.
• The association to build the Sri-Ganesha Hindu Temple has been active since
2004.
• Krishnamurthy explains the expert work of the people in India who craft them, painstakingly making the
figures from solid stone according to 5,000-year-old specifications.
• In November, near the time of the Diwali festival of lights, he wants to be finished, then the six-day
Kumbhabhishekham consecration ceremony can begin.
Typhoon Haikui causes destruction in coastal Taitung, Taiwan.
Indonesia has granted its first golden visa to Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, a
pioneering firm in artificial intelligence
• The Golden Visa system offers long-term residency to people belonging to certain
groups.
World’s Second Largest Hindu Temple Outside India To Be Inaugurated In US

• New Jersey in the US is set to host the world's second-largest Hindu temple
outside India, to be formally inaugurated on October 8.
• The Akshardham temple has been built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham
organisation.
• spans over 183 acres
• In its construction, four types of stone including limestone, pink sandstone, marble, and granite were used to
give it lasting strength. These were sources from around the world including limestone from Bulgaria and
Turkey; Marble from Greece, Turkey and Italy; Granite from India and China; Sandstone from India.
• The temple premises also have a ‘Brahma Kund’, a traditional Indian stepwell. It contains water from more
than 300 water bodies from around the world, including the holy rivers of India and all 50 states of the US.
• The 12th-century Angkor Wat Temple Complex, the largest Hindu temple in the World, is spread over 500
acres and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Quebec Independence Movement:

• The history of colonisation in Canada began back in the 1530s. Canada was, in
fact, the first French colony.
• The permanent French settlement began in Canada in 1608. The main aim of the
settlement was the fur trade. For almost 150 years, Canada remained a French
colony.
• In the 1760s, the British attacked Canada and defeated France in a French and
Indian War. As a result, Canada was divided into Upper Canada (British) and
Lower Canada (French).
• The Lower Canada is now called Quebec. In 1867, Canada was united with the
British North America Act.
• For decades, the residents of Quebec have been asking for a separate nation. Most of Quebec is
predominately French, and there have been two referendums already, the second of which Canada won only
by a margin of around 54,000 votes. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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Karachi-born Erica Robin, the first-ever Miss Universe Pakistan 2023

• She will now represent Pakistan at the 72nd Global Miss Universe Pageant, in El Salvador in
November this year.
India to unveil largest BR Ambedkar statue in

Maryland, USA
• India will unveil the largest statue of BR
Ambedkar outside India in Maryland,
North America on October 14.
• This project is organized by the Ambedkar
International Center (AIC).
• The 19-foot statue, known as the "Statue of Equality", was created by renowned artist and sculptor Ram
Sutar, who also created the statue of Sardar Patel in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• The 132nd birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti in India on
April 14, 2023.
• He was the first Minister of Law and Justice of independent India and Chairman of the Drafting Committee of
the Constituent Assembly.
• Some of his notable books: Annihilation of Caste, Buddha and His Dhamma, Who Were the Shudras?,
Pakistan or Partition of India, Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Origin and Development, Development of
Provincial Finance in British India, Hindu Riddles in religion, and the untouchables: who were they and why
did they become untouchables?
Russia Delivers Uranium For Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

• Russia has supplied the first batch of nuclear fuel to Bangladesh for the
Rooppur nuclear power project being constructed by Moscow, with
President Vladimir Putin pledging to provide aid throughout the life
cycle of the plant.
• The Rooppur nuclear plant will produce 2,400 MW and power about 15 million households when its two
reactors go fully online. The first unit is expected to become operational in 2024.
• Russia has funded the construction of the plant with a $11.38-billion loan, to be repaid over two decades
from 2027
• The plant is located on the eastern bank of the Ganges river, about 160 km northwest of Dhaka.
• The life cycle of these reactors is 60 years, with the possibility of extending service life by another 20 years.
• Bangladesh will become the 33rd nuclear power-producing country in the world once the Rooppur plant is
commissioned.
• Uranium (U) is a radioactive chemical element of the actinide series of the periodic table, atomic number 92.
• Naturally occurring uranium consists of 99% uranium-238 and 1% uranium-235.
• Over two-thirds of the world’s production of uranium from mines is from Kazakhstan, Canada and Australia.
• Scientists have developed the lightest form of Uranium, called Uranium-214. It was created at the Heavy Ion
Research Facility in Lanzhou, China.
Minings In India
• Jaduguda in Singhbhum Thrust Belt (in the state of Jharkhand) is the first uranium deposit to be discovered
in the country in 1951.
• Apart from discoveries in the Singhbhum Thrust Belt, several uranium occurrences have also been found in
the Cuddapah basin of Andhra Pradesh.
• largest source of uranium comprise the monazite sands.
• Monazite sands occur on east and west coasts and in some places in Bihar. But the largest concentration of
monazite sand is on the Kerala coast.
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Southeast Asia’s First High-Speed Railway ‘whoosh’, Launched in Indonesia
“Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• The Israel-Palestine conflict has escalated with the armed wing of
Hamas launching "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," firing over 5,000 rockets
into Israel.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war.
India launched ‘Operation Ajay’ for Indians in

Israel
• Operation Kaveri was an operation
conducted by the Indian Armed Forces
to evacuate Indian citizens and foreign
nationals from Sudan during the 2023
Sudan conflict.
Sayeret Matkal : Israel Operation

• Israel’s most elite special operations force, Sayeret Matkal, is being prepped for extremely
dangerous hostage-rescue missions in the Gaza Strip.
• Sayeret Matkal, also called General Staff Reconnaissance Unit 269, is an elite commando
unit of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF).
Swaminarayan Akshardham, largest Hindu temple outside India inaugurated

• The first Akshardham was created in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat,
India, in 1992, followed by Akshardham in New Delhi in 2005
Lymphatic Filariasis
• According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Lao People’s
Democratic Republic becomes second country in 2023 after Bangladesh to
eliminate lymphatic filariasis.
• Lymphatic Filariasis commonly known as elephantiasis, and it is a neglected
tropical disease.
• Infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through
mosquitoes.
• This impairs the lymphatic system and can lead to the abnormal
enlargement of body parts, causing pain, severe disability.
• It’s caused by infection with parasites classified roundworms of the family
Filariodidea. There are thread-like filarial worms
• WHO’s road map 2021−2030:Sets global targets and milestones to prevent, control, eliminate or eradicate
20 diseases. Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs
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• According to the WHO progress report on the disease, Nineteen countries have been able to eliminate it.
• Of the 19 countries, 11 belong to the WHO Western Pacific Region (WPR). Lao PDR is 11th country in the
WPR region to successfully eliminate LF.
• South-East Asia region: Bangladesh, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
• Africa region: Malawi and Togo
China becomes the first country in Asia and second in the world to launch Hydrogen powered Train
• Germany was the first country to introduce hydrogen powered trains in September 2022.
• Chinese company CRRC Corporations ltd built a train that has a top speed of 160
KM per hour and can run without refuelling for 600 Km .
• Hydrogen powered Trains
• Hydrogen is considered to be the green fuel of the future.
• The hydrogen fuel cell uses hydrogen and air to generate electricity. The
combination of air and hydrogen will produce water as a by-product which is released by the Train.
• India is committed to achieve zero net carbon emission by 2070.
• Hydrogen Train in India
• As per Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, India will most likely get its first-ever indigenous Hydrogen trains
by December 2023.
Egypt 1st Country To Achieve Gold Tier Status-Hepatitis C

• The Arab Republic of Egypt has become the first country to achieve the “gold tier” status on the path to
elimination of hepatitis C as per WHO criteria.
• This means that Egypt has fulfilled WHO’s programmatic coverage
targets that will set the country up to achieve the reduced incidence
and mortality targets of full elimination before 2030.
• Egypt met WHO criteria for eliminating hepatitis C, ensuring safe
blood and injections, diagnosing 87% of cases, and treating 93% of
diagnosed individuals.
• Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver.
Montreux Convention:
• The Turkish Ministry of National Defence recently announced that it will
impose restrictions on the passage of warships belonging to countries not
bordering the Black Sea within the framework of the Montreux
Convention.
• It is an agreement concerning the Dardanelles Strait and the Bosporus
Strait, also known as the Turkish straits or the Black Sea straits.
• The Turkish straits are the only maritime passage between the Black Sea
and the Mediterranean Sea.
• According to the 1936 Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits, often referred to simply as
the Montreux Convention, Turkey has control over the Turkish Straits.
• In the event of a war, the pact gives Turkey the right to regulate the transit of naval warships and to block
the straits for warships belonging to the countries involved in the conflict.
• Merchant vessels enjoy freedom of passage through the Turkish Straits, while passages of vessels of war are
subject to some restrictions that vary depending on whether these vessels belong to the Black Sea littoral
States or not.
• Only submarines belonging to littoral States can pass through the Turkish Straits for the purpose of rejoining
their base in the Black Sea for the first time after their construction or purchase, or for the purpose of repair
in dockyards outside the Black Sea.
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UNGA Adopted Gaza Resolution, India Abstained from Voting

• India abstained from voting in the UN General Assembly for a resolution titled
'Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations', which
Jordan drafted.
• The resolution urged for an immediate humanitarian truce on the ongoing Israel-
Hamas conflict and for unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip.
About Jordanian-drafted Resolution
• The resolution was drafted by Jordan and co-sponsored by over 40 countries, including Bangladesh,
Maldives, Pakistan, Russia and South Africa.
• The Jordanian-created resolution neglected to mention the militant group Hamas, which led to the US
expressing outrage at the "omission of evil".
• The 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution, which called for an immediate, long-lasting and
consistent humanitarian truce that would result in a cessation of hostilities.
• The resolution received 120 votes in favour, 45 abstentions (including India), and 14 member states voted
against it. The resolution also demanded the immediate, continuous, sufficient and unrestricted provision of
vital goods and services to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip.
Que: India is set to start supplying diesel to which country through a Friendship pipeline?
Ans: Bangladesh
• The India-Bangladesh Friendship pipeline (IBFPL) will start supplying diesel to Bangladesh on an experimental
basis for June this year.
• About 131.5 kilometre long pipeline is funded by India. Out of this,
126.5 kilometre pipeline is in Bangladesh and 5 kilometre line is in
India.
• The international pipeline will carry diesel from the Siliguri based
marketing terminal of the Numaligarh Refinery Limited to Parbatipur
depot of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC).
North America's first Gandhi Museum opens in Houston
Cambodia’s Crown Jewel, Angkor Wat Named The Eighth

Wonder Of The World
• Ancient Hindu Temple of Cambodia named the 8th
Wonder of the World.
• Angkor Wat has surpassed Italy's Pompeii to become
the eighth Wonder of The World.
• Angkor Wat, one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture in Cambodia
• Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, the complex includes not only Angkor Wat but also
Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple, known for their intricate carvings and magnificent sculptures.
• Built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to the Hindu god
Vishnu, but became a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12th century.
Nepal becomes first South Asian nation to register same-sex marriage

• Nepal has become the first South Asian country to formally register same-sex marriage after the Supreme
Court legalized it.
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• Taiwan is the only other country to legalise same-sex marriage in Asia, where societies remain largely
conservative.
• Same-sex marriage was permitted by the Supreme Court of Nepal in 2007.
• In this regard, the Constitution of Nepal, adopted in 2015, also clearly states that there can be no
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Cyclone ‘Michaung’ To Hit Bay Of Bengal, The Fourth Storm This Year
• The Bay of Bengal is on high alert for a potential cyclonic storm named 'Michaung.’ It would be the fourth in
the Bay of Bengal and the sixth in Indian waters this year.
• Name suggested by Myanmar.
Cambridge’s Word Of The Year : Hallucinate

• The original definition of “hallucinate” is to seem to sense something that doesn’t exist,
usually because of a health condition or drugs.
• Cambridge Dictionary’s expanded definition of “hallucinate” includes the production of
false information by AI.
• Cyclone ‘Midhili’ Makes Landfall On Bangladesh’s Coast. Meanwhile, the first day of the three-day
Meghalaya’s Cherry Blossom Festival was cancelled due to bad weather conditions.
• The name ‘Midhili’ was given by the Maldives. Countries affected by the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
cyclones rotationally give names of cyclones in a sequence.
• Afghanistan Closes Its Embassy In India Permanently
• Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil and gas company, Saudi Aramco, has discovered two new natural gas fields in
the Empty Quarter region of the Eastern Province: Al-Hiran, Al-Mahakik.
Noma added to WHO list of Neglected Tropical Diseases

• Recently, World Health Organization (WHO) added noma to its list
of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) underscoring the urgent
need to address this health challenge and allocate resources for
prevention and treatment.
• Noma, also known as cancrum oris
• affecting children aged 3-10 in poor
communities.
• Evidence indicates that noma is
caused by bacteria found in the
mouth.
• blood flow to a large area of tissue is cut off.
Essequibo region
• The Essequibo region is a 159,500 KM² area west of the Essequibo River. The
region is disputed by Guyana and Venezuela.
• The territory is controlled by Guyana based on the 1899 Paris Arbitral Award, but
is also claimed by Venezuela.
• In December 2023, Guyana and Venezuela agreed not to use force to settle their dispute over the oil-rich
region.
Fault Line : Discovered On Canada’s Vancouver Island

• A team of geologists, mineralogists, and Earth and ocean scientists
affiliated with institutions in Canada, the U.S., and France recently
discovered a 72-kilometer fault line on Canada’s Vancouver Island.
• Fault Line is a line determined by the intersection of a geological
fault and the earth’s surface.
• A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock.
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World’s Oldest Known Fort:

• An international team of archaeologists has uncovered is believed to be the world’s
oldest-known fort in a remote region of Siberia.
• The fortified settlement, named Amnya, is located along the Amnya River in
western Siberia.
• It features around 20 scattered pit-house depressions divided into two sections,
Amnya I and Amnya II.
• Radiocarbon dating of samples collected at the site places the fort’s construction
around 8,000 years ago, making it the oldest-known fort in the world.
Saiga Antelope : IUCN Category

The Saiga (Saiga tatarica) species category was changed from Critically Endangered to
Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• Saiga Antelope is a large migratory herbivore.
• This antelope has an extremely unusual appearance with an oversized and
flexible nose, the internal structure of which acts like a filter.
• It inhabits open dry steppe grasslands and semi-arid deserts.
• It is found in fragmented populations within Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Russian
Federation and Uzbekistan.
Akshata Krishnamurthy Becomes First Indian To Operate Mars Rover

• Dr Akshata Krishnamurthy works on multiple cool space missions, including the
Perseverance rover, collecting samples to bring back to Earth.
• NASA Administrator Bill Nelson
• NASA Founded: 29 July 1958, United States
Short News
• Statue Of Tamil Icon ‘Thiruvalluvar’ Unveiled In France
• Argentina elected Javier Milei as its new President.
• IIT Madras opens offshore campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
• Bangladesh’s Saima Wazed, daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to
be the next World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for
South-East Asia, From 1 February 2024.
• The highest active volcano in Eurasia, Klyuchevskaya Sopka,(क्लुचव्से स्काया
सोपका) recently erupted on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia
US Announces $553 Million Investment in Adani’s Sri Lanka Port Terminal

Project
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the branch of

State Bank of India in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. India's High
Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay and SBI Chairman Dinesh
Khara were present on the occasion.
• The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in India an eight-day official visit.
• Omegle, the online chat platform officially closed
• Russia plans to boost defense spending by nearly 70% in 2024 amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict, allocating
approximately $111.15 billion, surpassing social policy spending.
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• Apple’s ‘Mother Nature’ campaign is an environmental initiative launched by Apple, showcasing the
company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) agreed to provide $338 million to Bangladesh for manufacturing vaccines
against various diseases.
• World Health Summit 2023:The event takes place in Berlin, Germany and online from 15–17 October under
the theme "A Defining Year for Global Health Action".
Saudi Arabia wins bid for 2030 world fair

• Riyadh, the capital of the Gulf country Saudi Arabia, has won the right to host the Expo 2030 world fair.
• This expo will be organized in Riyadh between October 2030 and March 2031.
• North Korea has launched its first operational “tactical nuclear attack submarine”, Submarine No 841 –
named Hero Kim Kun Ok after a prominent North Korean historical figure
• Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh will lead a delegation of Parliament to the 9th BRICS
Parliamentary Forum in Johannesburg from 27-29 September. Its main focus is to use parliamentary
diplomacy to enhance BRICS and African partnerships. The first BRICS Parliamentary Forum was held under
the chairmanship of Russia in Moscow on 8 June 2015.
• International Coffee Organization (ICO), in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India, Ministry of
Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Government of Karnataka is
hosting the 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) at Bengaluru.
• World Trade Statistical Review 2023,the annual flagship publication of the
WTO, India is ranked 18th among the Leading exporters in world merchandise
trade (2022).
• Iraq has now joined the league of 17 other countries that have eliminated
trachoma, which is world’s leading infectious cause of blindness in Aug 2023.
• Experts from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have stated in a
new report that the Italian city of Venice should be added to a list of world heritage sites in danger.
• India has signed five MoUs with Laos for Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in education, health, water facility, and
IT.
• Typhoon Lan Hits Japan, Causing Flooding and Power Outages
• The 19th session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) was held in
Rome, Italy.
• Japan becomes second Quad partner to sign semiconductor pact with India after the United States.
• Typhoon Talim Disrupts Hong Kong
• China appointed Wang Yi as its new Foreign Minister
• American Bald Eagle : Removed From The Endangered Species List
• Iran has become the new permanent member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at an India-
hosted virtual summit of the grouping.
• India experiences its warmest June since 1901, says India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law that deals with the LGBTQ+ community in the
country. Under this, sex change and transgender marriage have been banned.
• Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has informed that IIT Delhi will open its international
campus in Abu Dhabi (UAE).
• Third World Hindu Conference 2023 to be organized in Bangkok, Thailand from November 24-26
• UAE becomes first Arab country to get observer status on Asia Pacific Group (APG) on Money Laundering
• Twitter changes logo to ‘X’, replacing blue bird symbol
• UN adopt first-ever treaty to protect marine life in high seas
• UN Secretary-General recently appointed Indian-origin Aarti Holla-Maini as Director of the United Nations
Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban
Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) joined hands to empower women and provide them with better career
opportunities in entrepreneurship.
• Minister Dharmendra Pradhan flags off Gabon’s first Agri-SEZ Project
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• India, Serbia agreed to set a target for bilateral trade of one billion euros
• Canada has become the first country in the world to stipulate that individual cigarettes carry mandatory
health warnings.
• Diwali to be school holiday in New York City
• Estonia's parliament passed a law legalising same-sex marriage, making it the first central European nation
to do so.
• Israel to release world’s first digital government bond
• Turkmenistan unveils 'Arkadag', a smart city in honor of former national leader Gurbanguly
Berdymukhamedov
• Dubai set goals for Zero-Emissions Public Transportation by 2050
• The UAE government launched the 'Machines Can See 2023' summit in Dubai, one of the first international
conferences in Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the region.
• India and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance industrial research and
development cooperation in high-tech areas such as AI, quantum, semiconductors, healthcare, aerospace,
sustainable energy and agriculture.
• India and Spain agree to collaborate on digital infrastructure, climate action and sustainable development
• EU formally bans gas, diesel car sales from 2035
• Sri Lanka celebrated its 75 years of Independence from British rule on 4th February 2023.
• Theme: Namo Namo Matha - A step towards a century.
• Myanmar and Russia sign pact on developing nuclear power
• The government has allocated a budget of Rs. 9023 Crore towards achieving the objectives of Gaganyaan
mission. Scope of Gaganyaan program: To demonstrate human spaceflight capability to Low Earth Orbit and
safe return
• ISRO: Chandrayaan 3 and the first solar mission Aditya L1 likely to be launched
in mid-2023.
• NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is on the final leg of its two-year journey back to
Earth after collecting samples from the rocky surface of the asteroid Bennu
which will touch down in a desert in Utah on September 24, 2023.
• Sri Lanka will host the 37th session of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) of
the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in February 2024.
• The United Nations mission in Mali has officially ended a 10-year deployment in the
country.
• Indonesia’s Ibu volcano erupts, ash up to 1,200m
• Tropical Cyclone Jasper, the first named storm of the 2023–24 Australian region
cyclone season
• Google announced the launch of its latest, most powerful AI model, Gemini.
• Italy withdraws from China's Belt and Road Initiative
• Merriam Webster announced ‘Authentic’ is the word of 2023.
• Andry Rajoelina is again elected as the president of Madagascar.
• Rizz Crowned Oxford Word of the Year 2023
• The United Nations declared 2024 the International Year of Camelids.
• Denmark impose a tax on air passengers to help finance the airline industry’s transition to greener practices,
which will be gradually phased in from 2025.
• The G7 nations will ban imports of rough diamonds directly from Russia starting January 1, 2024.
• The carbon tax that the UK plans to levy from 2027 on imports of carbon-intensive materials is the Carbon
Border Tax. It will apply to items like iron, steel, aluminum, ceramics and cement.
• Indonesia’s Mount Marapi in West Sumatra province erupted
• China Adopts ‘One Province, One Policy’ Approach to Financial Risk Management
• Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the 'Migration and Movement'
Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Italy.
• Argentine President Javier Milei has officially declined the invitation to join the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India,
China, South Africa) grouping of major emerging economies
Connect Us - 676

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Current Affairs Yearbook 2024 Edition www.parchamclasses.

Important Days & Theme ........................................ 5 Obituaries ............................................................ 81

Sikkim ................................................................... 199 Ministry of Coal ....................................................... 275

Madhya Pradesh .................................................. 473 Badminton ........................................................... 571

Important Days & Theme

World Customs Organization (WCO) was established on January 26,

DATE DAY THEME/ REMARK

Which day is observed as ‘National Women's Day’? 4 February is observed as:

12 February is observed as: What is the theme of ‘World Pulses Day’?

Which day is observed as ‘National Science Day’?

Join @parcham_CA for more free pdfs

22 March is observed as ? 30th March is observed as?

This day was started by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and

World Parkinson’s Day is observed on? National Civil Services Day

• In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was passed, which is

Which day is observed on 16th May? When is International Museum Day?

What was the theme of World Athletics Day 2023?

Date Day Theme

Telangana Formation Day (तेलंिाना स्थापना दिवस) c) 3 June

23 June is observed as:

22nd July National Mango Day

19 Aug World Humanitarian Day Theme 2023 – No matter what"

14 Sept Hindi Day (र्ाष्ट्रीय दहं िी दिवस)

3 Nov International Day For

19 Nov World Toilet Day Theme 2023,’Accelerating Change’.

Books & Authors

Shashi Tharoor’s latest book Ambedkar: A Life launched

Dhoni releases autobiography of Prof. K.K. Abdul Gaffar

Biography Title and Author Remark

Ruskin Bond wrote a new book titled 'The Golden Years’

Author Shantanu Gupta launched novel ‘Ajay to Yogi Adityanath’

“NTR: A Political Biography" by Ramachandra Murthy Kondubhatla

‘Through the Broken Glass: An Autobiography’ authored by T.N. Seshan

Vivek Agnihotri launches his latest book ‘The Book of Life’

The Reverse Swing: Colonialism To Cooperation

Rishi Raj’s New Book “Kargil: Ek Yatri Ki Jubani” Released

Historian David Hardiman’s new book released

Historian Sanjeev Sanyal released his new book ‘Revolutionaries’

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi released two books

A book “India’s Struggle for Independence – Gandhian Era” released

Book titled "War and Women" written by Dr. MA Hasan released

A new book "Gandhi: Siasat Aur Sampradaya" written by Piyush Babele

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Amitav Ghosh's new book 'Smoke and Ashes' to released

PM Modi released three books at Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, MP

Assam Governor released book ‘Partitioned Freedom’

Tennis legend Jaidip Mukerjea launches his autobiography “Crosscourt”

Naye Bharat Ka Samveda

Major books written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

A new book ‘India’s Knowledge Supremacy: The New Dawn” released

Hindi version of Uttarakhand DGP's book 'Cyber Encounters' released

‘Supreme Court On Commercial Arbitration’ book By Dr. Manoj Kumar

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The Book, Titled ‘Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers’ By Sharmishtha Mukherjee

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A new book ‘The Poverty of Political Economy’ by Meghnad Desai released

A.K. Bhattacharya wrote a new book titled "Finance Minister of India"

The primary objective of the book is to enhance

ECI launched “Chacha Chaudhary aur Chunavi Dangal,” To Educate And

Short Stories collection “The Book of Bihari Literature” by Abhay K

A new book ‘Prism: The Ancestral Abode of Rainbow’ released

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