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KL IAS Academy Current Affairs Magazine February 2024
KL IAS Academy Current Affairs Magazine February 2024
KL IAS Academy Current Affairs Magazine February 2024
February 0
TOPIC WISE CURRENT AFFAIRS
150 QUESTION FOR PRACTICE
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTANT EVENTS
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PREFACE
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INDEX
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1: Important Days
Indian Coast Guard Day : 01 February :- Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day : 02 February :-
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will celebrate its 48th Every year, on February 2, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Raising Day on February 1, 2024. It is the world's fourth Awareness Day is recognized. On this day, the
largest Coast Guard and has played an important role in Rheumatoid Patient Foundation launched a campaign to
securing India's coasts and enforcing maritime promote awareness of the auto-immune disease that
legislation. Currently, Indian Coast Guard has 158 ships assaults the joints and produces inflammation, among
and 70 aircraft in its fleet. The Union Cabinet approved other potentially hazardous disorders. In 1858, Alfred B.
the setting up of a 'Coast Guard' in 1977 with two frigates Garrod invented the term "rheumatoid arthritis" to
and five patrol boats transferred from the Indian Navy. describe the ailment. Previously, it was mixed up with
Therefore, the Indian Coast Guard came into being on 1 osteoarthritis. Garrod clarified the name and
February 1977. distinguished between the two. The foundation
established Rheumatoid Awareness Day in 2013 to
increase knowledge and dispel myths about the
condition.
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initiated the first Cancer Day in 1933, which was year on February 10, all states and union territories
commemorated in Geneva, Switzerland. The theme for commemorate National Deworming Day, which is
World Cancer day for the last three years - 2022, 2023 followed by a mop-up day on February 15. Some states
and 2024 - is “Close the Care Gap: Everyone Deserves also conduct a bi-annual round on August 10, depending
Access To Cancer Care”. on the worm prevalence in their state.
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International Day of Women and Girls in Science ideas, works, curiosity to discover new things, quest for
Assembly's main theme is: “Women and Girls in Science truth, and so on. According to his theory, the species
Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability”. Despite survived through a process called natural selection,
significant progress, women and girls remain under- where those are successfully adapted or evolved to meet
represented in STEM fields. This day highlights the need the changing requirements of their natural habitat but
to address gender disparities and promote equal those who failed to evolve and reproduce died.
opportunities for women and girls to pursue STEM
careers.
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broadcasting system had become a global commodity by adolescents, and their families in combating this awful
the 1950s. Nearly 60 years later, in 2011, UNESCO disease. Every year, over 4 lakh children worldwide get
Member States declared February 13 to be World Radio cancer, but only half of them receive a diagnosis. 70% of
Day. It was adopted by the United Nations General low and middle-income countries, and 20% of children in
Assembly in 2013 as an International event. The theme high-income countries are not cured. World Childhood
of World Radio Day 2024 is “Radio: A century informing, Cancer Awareness Day focusses on raising global
entertaining and educating." awareness about childhood cancer.
Sarojini Naidu’s Birth Anniversary : 13 February :- World Day of Social Justice : 20 February :-
The nation celebrates Sarojini Naidu's birth anniversary Every year on February 20, the world celebrates World
on February 13 every year. This year marks the 145th Day of Social Justice. The primary purpose of marking this
birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu. She was a poet and day is to raise awareness about social injustice and to
political activist. Her poetry earned her the nickname bring diverse communities together. The day also raises
'Nightingale of India'. Born in Hyderabad on February 13, awareness about eradicating poverty, gender, physical
1879, she was regarded as one of the most popular inequality, illiteracy, and religious discrimination. In a
women of the twentieth century. A disciple of Mahatma broader aspect of the day, World Day of Social Justice
Gandhi, she was instrumental in the Indian National Day promotes awareness of social injustice and breaking
Movement, which fought for the country's down barriers based on gender, age, race, ethnicity,
independence. In 1925, Sarojini Naidu became the first religion, culture, or handicap. The theme of World Day of
woman to become the President of the Indian National Social Justice 2024 is "Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances".
Congress.
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United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural (WAGGGS). Although it aims to raise funds for the 10
Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999, and has been million girl scouts and guides in over 150 countries, this
commemorated annually since February 2000. Every day also honors sisterhood, solidarity, and women's
year, International Mother Language Day is empowerment. At the 4th World Conference in 1926,
commemorated to promote the preservation and participants determined that February 22nd would be
conservation of all languages, particularly endangered recognized as a special day for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
ones, as well as to urge individuals to speak and promote worldwide. The theme of this year's World Thinking Day
their mother tongue. The theme of International Mother is - Our World, Our Thriving Future.
Language Day celebration 2024 is “Multilingual
education is a pillar of intergenerational learning”.
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designed to govern the manufacture and production of National Science Day : 28 February :-
salt, as well as the imposition of excise duties on other National Science Day commemorates the discovery of
items produced or made in India. The Central Board of the Raman Effect. Every year on February 28, the
Excise and Customs, which is in charge of managing government observes National Science Day to
indirect taxes in India, commemorates this day by commemorate and appreciate scientists' contributions
hosting a variety of events and programs to raise to India's progress. On February 28, 1928, CV Raman
awareness about the necessity of paying taxes and the revealed the discovery of the Raman Effect, for which he
excise department's role in the economy. received the Nobel Prize in 1930. The theme for this
year’s National Science Day celebration is “Indigenous
Technologies for Viksit Bharat.” The government of India
designated February 28 as National Science Day in 1986.
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2: Agreements
in drone piloting, drone data management, and data
analysis. The academy will host a 15-day data analysis,
processing, and mapping training session for NRSC
scientists and drone pilots. Meanwhile, officials from the
aviation academy requested Chief Minister A Revanth
Reddy to allocate land to develop an exclusive facility for
training drone pilots in Hyderabad.
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to conduct instant transactions at a lesser cost between processing and modelling, energy and environment, and
the countries. low carbon steel production and circular economy, Tata
Steel said in a statement.
Tata Steel Partners With IIT Bhubaneswar REP To Drive Fisheries Department Signed MoU With ONDC For
Innovation :- Improved Fisherman Market Access:-
Tata Steel recently inked an MoU with IIT Bhubaneswar Union Minister of Fisheries Parshottam Rupala attended
Research and Entrepreneurship Park (REP) to promote the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
innovation, research, and entrepreneurship in mutually between the Department of Fisheries and the Open
beneficial ventures. According to the agreement, Tata Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in New Delhi. In a
Steel and IIT Bhubaneswar REP, a company promoted by release, Fisheries Ministry said that the collaboration
IIT Bhubaneswar, have joined hands to explore between Department of Fisheries and ONDC will
collaboration in different areas including materials facilitate the implementation of technology-driven
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solutions, improve efficiency, collectivisation and CleanMax And Bangalore International Airport Forge
competitiveness of the small scale producers and Long-Term Partnership For Renewable Power :-
marketers. CleanMax, a renewable power solutions provider, and
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) have
inked a 25-year long-term power purchase deal to
generate and provide renewable energy. According to a
news release, the electricity will be sourced from a 45.9
MW Solar-wind Captive Power Project owned by Clean
Max BIAL Renewable electricity Private Limited, a special
purpose corporation. The captive power project set up in
a solar-wind farm located in Jagaluru, Karnataka, owned
and operated by CleanMax, will have a 36 MW solar
power plant and 9.9 MW wind power plant.
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3: Appointments
position in November 2023, after his two-year term
expired. Lahoti will succeed TRAI member Meenakshi
Gupta, who was temporarily assigned the top position.
Before working in the Railway Board, Lahoti served
under various capacities in Northern, Central, North
Central, Western and West Central Railways.
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Justice Ritu Bahri, a prominent member of the Punjab Naveen Tahilyani Appointed Tata Digital’s New CEO &
and Haryana High Court (HC), has officially assumed the MD :-
role of Chief Justice (CJ) of the Uttarakhand High Court. A big top-deck modification, Tata Digital has appointed
This appointment was made following the collegium's Naveen Tahilyani as CEO and Managing Director of the
endorsement and subsequent approval from the Union Tata Group's Ecommerce Unit, succeeding Pratik Pal.
Law Ministry. Notably, she is the first woman to hold Tahilyani, the present CEO and MD of Tata AIA Life
such a senior position in the hill state's judicial history. Insurance, will take up his new post on February 19.
Justice Bahri, born in Jalandhar in 1962, completed her Sources said Tahilyani was handpicked by Tata Sons
schooling in Chandigarh and earned a law degree from chairman N Chandrasekaran after having demonstrated
Punjab University in 1985. good execution in the insurance, banking and asset
management business of the group.
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Chairman of ICICI Bank after his tenure expires on June Government Appoints A S Rajeev, Former MD And CEO
30, 2024. In preparation for the aforementioned Of Bank Of Maharashtra, As Vigilance Commissioner :-
nomination, the Bank's Board authorized Sinha's President Droupadi Murmu has appointed A S Rajeev as
appointment as an Additional (Independent) Director for Vigilance Commissioner of the Central Vigilance
a five-year term, effective immediately, subject to Commission (CVC). Prior to this appointment, A S Rajeev
shareholder approval. Sinha served as the Cabinet was the Managing Director and CEO of Bank of
Secretary (from June 2015) for more than four years Maharashtra, a public sector bank. Previously, Rajeev
before moving to the Prime Minister’s Office. He retired voluntarily retired from his position as Managing
from there in March 2021. Director and CEO of Bank of Maharashtra. According to a
letter from the Department of Financial Services, the
responsible body has accepted his request. Under the
CVC Act, the Central Vigilance Commission became a
three-member body, with the Central Vigilance
Commissioner and two Vigilance Commissioners.
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4: Awards
was given in recognition of his remarkable contribution
to the public relations field. Wagh, currently serving as
the Public Relations Officer at Goa Shipyard Limited
under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has
had a remarkable career.
PT Usha, the legendary sprinter and president of the Picture Of Polar Bear Falling Asleep On Iceberg Wins
Indian Olympic Association (IOA), received the 'Lifetime Top Photography Prize :-
Achievement' award from the Sports Journalists A breathtaking photograph of a sleeping polar bear has
Federation of India (SJFI) and the Delhi Sports Journalists received the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the
Association (DSJA) at the National Sports Club of India. Year People's Choice Award. According to the BBC, Nima
To commemorate her outstanding athletic career, Usha Sarikhani, a British amateur photographer, captured the
was awarded with a medallion, a citation, and a souvenir. portrait dubbed 'Ice Bed'. His photo was crowned
The ceremony was graced by Guest of Honours, Rajeev champion after a record-breaking 75,000 people voted.
Shukla, Member of Parliament - Rajya Sabha and vice Notably, Mr Sarikhani captured the image after three
president, BCCI and Indian shooting great Jaspal Rana. days of searching for polar bears off the coast of Norway.
The image he took shows a male polar bear having a
peaceful night's sleep.
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5: Banking
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the accumulation of a corpus through Guaranteed RBI Grants Payment Aggregator License To Mswipe
additions at the rate of Rs 80 per thousand basic sum Technologies :-
assured at the end of each policy year from the inception Mswipe Technologies, a merchant-led digital payment
till the end of the Policy term, provided the policy is in provider, announced that the Reserve Bank of India has
force. granted it a payment aggregator (PA) licence. The central
bank had granted the company an in-principle approval
to function as a payment aggregator in August 2022.
According to information available on the RBI's website,
16 firms had previously been granted payment
aggregator licences. Among them are merchant payment
solutions providers Juspay and Razorpay, fintech Stripe,
search behemoth Google, neo-bank Open, software
major Zoho and food-delivery company Zomato.
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occasion because his wife's debut novel was released. He written by journalist P. Vikram. On the occasion, Mr.
stated that the novel's characters are from pre- Gowda stated that Mr. Naidu had made a name for
independence India between 1920 and 1930, as well as himself in politics since his days as a Youth Congress
after independence. Lakshmi Puri's book 'The Swallowing leader in the late 1970s, followed by an exciting tenure
Sun' was launched in the Darbar Hall of Jaipur Literature in the TDP founded by his father-in-law and former Chief
Festival. Minister N.T. Rama Rao.
Odisha CM releases coffee-table book ‘Shree Actress Tisca Chopra launches an inspirational book
Jagannatha, Lord Of The Universe’ :- about a blood cancer survivor's journey :-
At the conclusion of the three-day, first-ever "World Odia On February 13, 2024, Bollywood actress Tisca Chopra
Language Conference" in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief presented latest book, 'Mandeep Meets Mandeep', at an
Minister Naveen Patnaik launched Shree Jagannatha, event in Delhi. The book 'Mandeep Meets Mandeep' is
Lord Of The Universe, a coffee-table book published by based on the true tale of a patient named Mandeep who
The Hindu Group. The book, which depicts traditions and beat blood cancer after his namesake Mandeep stepped
rituals associated with the sibling deities of Lord forward as the perfect match for a stem cell transfusion.
Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra in Puri, Dr. Sona Sharma, a medical expert and writer, wrote the
one of Hinduism's four sacred dhams, was unveiled in the novel 'Mandeep Meets Mandeep'. The story weaves
presence of Raghuvir Srinivasan, Editor of The Hindu through sacrifice, community support, and the delicate
BusinessLine and editor of Shree Jagannatha, Lord of the balance of life, connecting two individuals destined for
Universe. an extraordinary encounter.
A book on former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu Kozhikode school brings out book on English language
titled “Maha Swaapnikudu” launched :- and its impact on society :-
In Vijayawada, former Supreme Court judge V. Gopala A book ‘Anglii’, a collection of 61 articles which shed light
Gowda published the book 'Maha Swaapnikudu' (A Great on the various aspects of English language and its impact
Visionary) about former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu on society was released by the English club of St. Joseph’s
Naidu. It was published by Koduri Venkat, an NRI, and Boys’ Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode recently. E.P.
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Mathew, Provincial of Kerala Jesuits, released the book into the intricate web of South Asian geopolitics via the
by delivering a copy to Bindu Amat, former Head of the lens of a professor thoroughly immersed in the region's
Department of English at Providence Women's College in affairs. The book follows Prof. Muni's extended career at
Kozhikode. The book would be distributed among select major universities such as Jawaharlal Nehru University
public libraries and those attached to schools and and the National University of Singapore. With a focus on
colleges, the club functionaries added. International Relations and South Asian Studies, his
narrative is enriched by firsthand experiences and
interactions with key political figures across Nepal, Sri
Lanka, Bhutan, and Laos.
During the event to launch the Nemmeli desalination actions was published in 1940, while S. Satyamurti was
plant, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin released a coffee table Mayor. Since then, the civic body has released similar
book about the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) titled compilations in 1950 (Mayor Dr. P.V. Cherian), 1952
Caring for Chennai, which was attended by novelist and (Mayor T. Chengalvaroyan), and 1972 (Mayor Kamakshi
historian V. Sriram. The first summary of the GCC's Jayaraman).
7: Defence
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representing a significant step toward self-reliance in Jugnauth, and Sri Lankan President Ranil
defense production. IIT Madras and Munitions India Wickremesinghe. The Prime Minister said digital public
Limited, under the Ministry of Defence, Government of infrastructure has brought about a revolutionary change
India, have embarked on a two-year initiative to develop in India.
advanced smart ammunition.
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octocopter' is a multifunctional drone capable of not just Indian Army’s Rs 57,000 Crore Project To Replace Aging
surveillance missions but also grenade dropping, aerial T-72 Tank Fleet :-
target engagement with weaponry such as the AK-47, In reaction to accounts of tank deaths, the Indian Army,
and logistics operations. Meanwhile, Singh added that which has a strength of 12 lakhs, is prepared to
the ‘multipurpose octocopter’ will prove to be a boon for significantly modernize its present tanks and introduce
the Indian Army. new-generation tanks for future fights. According to a
report, senior officers indicated that the widespread
damage of Russian tanks during the continuing Ukraine
conflict, particularly in the early days, was attributable to
"poor tactics" rather than anything else. The Army
intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) this year for
a mega project worth an estimated Rs 57,000 crores. The
project aims to produce 1,770 Future Ready Combat
Vehicles (FRCVs) in India to replace the old Russian-origin
T-72 tanks starting from 2030.
Visakhapatnam To Host 12th Edition Of MILAN Naval
Exercise :-
The 12th iteration of the MILAN naval exercise will take
place in Visakhapatnam from February 19 to 27, with
participation from more than 50 countries. The exercise,
themed "Forging Naval Alliances for a Secure Maritime
Future," aims to provide a key forum for participating
navies to engage and brainstorm ideas for improving
maritime security. The fundamental goal is to ensure the
safety of marine trade for the benefit of everyone
involved. By boosting confidence and readiness to tackle
common challenges together, this exercise aims to pave
the way for future collaborative missions. HAL, DRDO To Begin Rs 60,000 Crore Sukhoi Fighter Jet
Fleet Upgrade :-
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with help from the
Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO), will participate in the Rs 60,000 crore
modernization of the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft fleet. The
defense ministry has approved the project, which
intends to improve the aircraft's capabilities by installing
new radars, mission control systems, electronic warfare
capabilities, and integrating new armament systems.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director CB
Ananthakrishnan confirmed that there would be
significant private sector involvement, positioning HAL as
the lead integrator for the upgrade.
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8: Economy
Finance Ministry Issues ‘Indian Economy – A Review’ Government Cuts Import Duty On Phone Components
Report Instead Of Economic Survey :- Cut To 10% From 15% :-
The economic survey was not presented on January 31 The government has reduced import charges on a
due to the ongoing disruption of the entire budget number of mobile phone components from 15% to 10%
process caused by elections. Instead, the Centre has in an effort to increase smartphone export
issued a study titled 'Indian Economy-A Review' that competitiveness and eliminate interpretation challenges
examines the country's progress over the last decade. caused by a complex duty structure. The duty reduction
The report also provided peeks into the economic picture on mechanical parts such as battery covers, front covers,
for the following years. The Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) antennas, SIM sockets, and screws, as well as die-cut
V Anantha Nageswaran's office prepared the report. It parts such as conductive cloth and LCD conductive foam,
was mentioned in the report that it is not the Economic among others, is expected to alleviate cost pressures for
Survey of India. The survey will be presented after the ecosystem vendors and boost the country's growing
general elections before the presentation of the full- mobile phone exports.
fledged Budget.
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Hindalco Industries Ltd, which also has a capacity of 0.5 increased by $590 million in the previous week. Foreign
million tonnes. Copper is the third most used industrial exchange reserves also include India's reserve tranche
metal after steel and aluminium. position at the International Monetary Fund. In the week
that the foreign exchange data pertains, the rupee rose
0.2% against the dollar and traded in a range of 82.8225
and 83.1525.
India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Reach One-Month India’s Retail Inflation Is At 3-Mth Low To 5.1% In Jan,
High To $622.47 Billion :- IIP Witnessed 3.8% Growth In Dec :-
India's foreign exchange reserves grew for the second Retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
week in a row, reaching a one-month high of $622.47 fell to a three-month low of 5.1% in January, aided by
billion on February 2, according to central bank data. The lower food costs and a positive base impact. Another
reserves increased by $5.74 billion during the reporting high-frequency economic indicator, industrial growth
week, the most in over two months. Reserves had based on the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), rose to
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3.8% in December. Retail inflation was 5.7 per cent in loans, and guarantees. The equity commitments rose to
December, while industrial growth rate was 2.4 per cent $760.9 million in January 2024 from $597.4 million in
in November. Based on the trend in inflation number, January 2023.
experts expect rate cut cycle to start during July-
September quarter of FY 2024-25.
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SJVN commissions 50 MW Gujrai Solar Power Station in Finance Ministry asks depts to surrender unspent
Uttar Pradesh :- Budgetary allocation by March 8 :-
SJVN Limited, a CPSU under the Ministry of Power, The Finance Ministry has requested other ministries and
Government of India, has announced the start of departments to return unspent budgetary allocations for
commercial operations at its 50-MW Gujrai Solar Power 2023-24 by March 8. The deadline for accepting the
Station in Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh. This acquisition Surrender of Savings envisaged in the grants for 2023-24
boosts SJVN's total installed power capacity to 2,277 has been set at March 8, 2024, according to an office
MW, with ten operational power plants. SJVN Green memorandum published by the Department of Economic
Energy Limited (SGEL), SJVN's renewable business, built Affairs. It is requested that the details of surrender of
the 50 MW Gujrai Solar Power Station for Rs 281 crores. savings under each unit of appropriation may be sent to
It is anticipated to generate an annual revenue of the Budget Division, Ministry of Finance by the said date
approximately Rs 32 crores and produce 107 million units in a specified format, it said.
in the first year.
9: International
importance has expanded in recent years, causing the
king to exercise rarely utilized discretionary powers to
quiet political unrest. Under a unique system of
monarchy, the heads of Malaysia’s nine royal families
take turns to be the King, known as the “Yang di-Pertuan
Agong” every five years.
Military Regimes Of Niger, Mali, And Burkina Faso France will be the first European country to issue digital
Withdraw From ECOWAS :- Schengen visas to travelers attending the 2016 Paris
The military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Olympics. France has announced plans to completely
Niger have declared their immediate withdrawal from migrate to online procedures for 70,000 French
the Economic Community of West African States Schengen Visas, in line with the EU's digitization
(ECOWAS). The leaders of the three Sahel states issued a objectives. France began operating the "Olympic
statement stating that leaving the Economic Community Consulate" system on January 1, 2024, which is
of West African States was a "sovereign decision" that specialized to processing visa applications for the 2024
should be implemented "without delay." Struggling with Olympic and Paralympic Games. The "Olympic
jihadist violence and poverty, the regimes have had Consulate" is expected to handle applications from
tense ties with ECOWAS since coups took place in Niger 15,000 international athletes, 9,000 journalists, and
last July, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020. delegations from foreign countries participating in the
upcoming sporting events.
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Iran Abolishes Visa Requirements For Indian Tourists UAE Awards ‘Golden Visa’ To Super 30 Founder Anand
From Feb 4, 2024 :- Kumar :-
Iran has removed visa requirements for Indian citizens. Super 30 creator Anand Kumar has joined a select group
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has of Indian celebrities, including Bollywood actors Shah
authorized the removal of visas for Indian citizens, Rukh Khan and Sanjay Dutt, who have been granted the
beginning February 4, 2024. Individuals with ordinary 'Golden Visa' by the UAE government. The coveted
passports will now be able to enter Iran without a visa, Golden Visa, established by the UAE in 2019, provides
subject to certain conditions. This privilege is valid once long-term residency, allowing for independent living,
every six months, and the maximum stay is 15 days. The working, and studying. The UAE Embassy in India
15-day period cannot be extended under this new nominated Kumar for the Golden Visa. Kumar, a
regulation. The visa abolition is exclusively applicable to Mathematics educator, started his Super 30 programme
individuals entering Iran for tourism. in Patna in 2002, known for coaching underprivileged
students for JEE-Main & JEE-Advanced, the entrance
examination for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
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10: Miscellaneous
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lay the foundation of Sivasagar Medical College and resident Gill, popular among sports enthusiasts,
Hospital. especially the youth, has been appointed as a "state
icon" for the polls.
Shubman Gill Designated As Punjab ‘State Icon’ For Lok PhonePe Launches Indus Appstore To Challenge Google
Sabha Polls :- And Apple :-
The Punjab Chief Electoral Officer's office has named Phonepe, a major fintech business, developed Indus
Indian cricketer Shubman Gill a "state icon" for the Appstore, an Android software store in India, to compete
forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. In a statement, Chief with Google Play and Apple software Store. Based on
Electoral Officer Sibin C stated that Gill will engage in Indus OS technology, the app store enables Indian
various voter outreach initiatives to secure a 70% consumers to download over 2 lakh mobile apps and
turnout. The survey panel has set an aim of "Is Vaar 70 games from 45 categories, including Flipkart, Myntra,
Paar". Punjab had a voting turnout of 65.96 in the 2019 Spotify, and Paytm. Users would be able to find these
Lok Sabha elections for 13 seats. The CEO said Punjab- apps easily in 12 Indian languages, providing to 95% of
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Indians' linguistic choices. The app store also offers a The ministry had set a target of 13,800 km of road
brand new short-video-based discovery feature, to make construction for 2023-24.
new app discovery more engaging for consumers.
12,000-13,000 Kilometers Of Highway Construction Anurag Singh Thakur announces Film Certification
Targeted For FY24: Road Secy :- Facilitation Office in Chandigarh:-
According to a senior official at the Ministry of Road Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh
Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the country's total Thakur on 25 February announced to set up of a regional
highway construction will be between 12,000 and 13,000 facilitation office of the Central Board of Film
kilometers by the conclusion of current fiscal year (FY24). Certification (CBFC) in Chandigarh. Aimed to promote
Anurag Jain, secretary MoRTH, stated that while overall ease of doing business for filmmakers of the region, the
construction is lower than expected at the start of the decision was announced by him on the concluding day of
fiscal year, capacity augmentation and widening of the Chitra Bharati Film Festival. The minister also spoke
existing roadways to four lanes would set a new record. about the initiative being taken by the govt to make
cinema halls more accessible for specially-abled viewers.
11: National
stated that these improvements will significantly
improve hospital infrastructure and service quality.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Ashutosh Biswas
expressed appreciation during the event, conveying
heartfelt thanks to Mandaviya for his dedication and
foresight in advancing healthcare.
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Cabinet Approves Telecom Spectrum Auctions: Reserve PM Modi To Inaugurate Fourth Terminal At Cherlapally
Price Set At Rs 96,317.65 Crore :- :-
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Union Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Development of
Modi, has approved auctions in eight spectrum bands for the Northeast Region, G. Kishan Reddy, indicated that
mobile phone services at a base price of Rs 96,317.65 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will open the impending
crore to increase telecom service quality and consumer fourth terminal at Cherlapally by the end of the month or
coverage. The Ministry of Communication has first week of March. He also added that the MMTS Phase-
announced auctions for spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, II suburban railway services would be finished in all
1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz aspects within the next few days, with the final segment
and 26 GHz frequency bands. The Ministry said in a between Sanathnagar and Moula Ali expected to be
statement that spectrum will be offered with a validity ready by the end of the month. Despite the State
period of 20 years. Government not coming forward to pay its share of cost,
few sections were opened last year up to Falaknuma and
Medchal, he claimed.
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in order to protect farmer interests. It also keeps Govt Launches Rs 100 Cr Projects For People With
strategic stocks and distributes food through various Disabilities :-
charity packages. With this infusion of capital, the FCI Union Minister Virendra Kumar Kumar launched several
should also embark upon modernising its storage projects worth more than Rs 100 crore across the
facilities, improving transportation networks, and country as part of the government's efforts to promote
adopting advanced technologies. inclusion and improve rehabilitation facilities for people
with disabilities (PwD). During a virtual inauguration
ceremony, Kumar stated that individuals with disabilities
will play a critical part in making India a developed
country by 2047. The inauguration ceremony saw the
opening of a variety of critical facilities across several
regions. These projects, aimed at enhancing
rehabilitation facilities and fostering inclusivity,
underscore the government's unwavering commitment
to the welfare of every citizen.
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Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged the PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates ISRO’s Second
youth of the nation to make their voices heard. Spaceport In Tamil Nadu :-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lay the groundwork for
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s new
launch site at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu's
Thoothukudi district. The Rs 986 crore facility is designed
to handle 24 launches each year. PM Modi also dedicated
many projects worth more than Rs 17,300 crore, claiming
that Tamil Nadu is beginning a new chapter of progress
in Thoothukudi. PM Modi said increasing connectivity
due to the consistent efforts of the Centre has enhanced
‘ease of living’ in Tamil Nadu.
12: Obituaries
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awards for her unmatched contributions to the Hindi and arrest in Amritsar at the age of 67. She began performing
Maithili languages. Her contributions to literature and in the early 1970s and swiftly rose to become one of
education were further acknowledged when she was India's most recognized actresses. The actress starred in
bestowed with the Padma Shri in 2015, one of India's many films and television shows, including Udaan, Hum
highest civilian awards. Log, and Lalitaji.
Dattajirao Gaekwad, India’s oldest Test cricketer, Iconic Chef Imtiaz Qureshi Passes Away At 93 :-
passes away at 95 :- Imtiaz Qureshi, a legendary chef famed for reviving the
Dattajirao Gaekwad, the former Indian Test captain, died historic Lucknowi practice of dum pukht cuisine, died of
in Vadodara at the age of 95. He was the nation's oldest age-related diseases on February 16 at Mumbai's Lilavati
living Test cricketer. He was the father of former Indian Hospital. He was 93. Throughout a five-decade career,
cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad and a distant member of Qureshi served countless opulent feasts to figures such
Baroda's royal Gaekwad family. Dattajirao first played for as Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi in the 1960s. His
Bombay University before joining the Baroda team. He famous restaurant, Dum Pukht, in Lucknow became a
made his Test debut in 1952, during India's tour of standard-bearer for Indian fine dining. Qureshi received
England. A right-handed batsman, Dattajirao played 11 the Padma Shri in 2016 and founded the restaurant
Tests and scored 350 runs. He captained the Indian team Bukhara, which still operates.
when it toured England in 1959.
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praised. Dangal focuses on amateur wrestler Mahavir attracting audiences with his intelligence, wit, and
Singh Phogat, who trains his daughters Geeta and Babita engaging delivery style. His contributions have left an
Phogat to become India's first world-class female indelible mark on the Indian broadcasting landscape.
wrestlers. Ameen Sayani produced and presented over 54,000
radio programs.
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during its early years, became the first non-Congress Hyderabad in 1977 and 1978, as well as the Madras
Chief Minister in Maharashtra after the united Shiv Sena- Music Academy three years in a row in 1990, 1991, and
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 'Mahayuti' coalition came to 1992. In 1993, The Music Academy presented them the
power in 1995. Mr. Joshi remained as Maharashtra’s CM Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer award for the best
from 1995-99, then serving as the Union Heavy rendering of Thyagaraja kritis.
Industries Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government
at the Centre from 1999-2002.
D Seshachary of the Hyderabad Brothers passes away :- Shafiqur Rahman Barq, India’s Oldest MP And
Vidwan D. Seshachari, the younger of the Hyderabad Samajwadi Party Leader, Dies At 94 :-
brothers and one of the city's most well-known Carnatic Shafiqur Rahman Barq, the Samajwadi Party's leader and
music performers, died at his home in Padmaraonagar. India's oldest Parliamentarian, died at the age of 94 in a
He was 67. The Hyderabad Brothers won the Best Young private hospital in Moradabad. He was a Member of
Talent Award from the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi in Parliament from Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal. Barq was a
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highly regarded Muslim leader in Uttar Pradesh. He Khan, and Janeshwar Mishra. Barq joined the Samajwadi
began his political career over 57 years ago, under the Party in 1995. He won the Lok Sabha election from the
leadership of former Prime Minister Charan Singh. He Moradabad seat in 1996 in the first attempt.
collaborated closely with Mulayam Singh Yadav, Azam
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42 per cent higher in value compared to the same month to 6.1% in FY 2024-25. This slowdown is attributed to
last financial year. adverse weather conditions and a weakening
international economic outlook.
point higher than the previous quarter. The of market dynamics, providing valuable insights of price
unemployment rate in urban areas was lower than the fluctuations.
previous month's level of 6.6%.
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based on the strength of their passports. In 2024, France users in India were targeted by local threats, amounting
leads the list, with its passport granting visa-free access to some 74,385,324 local incidents being blocked by
to 194 countries. Kasperksy products.
UP Leads In Vehicle Sales Oct-Dec 2023: SIAM Report :- India Ratings Forecasts Moderation In GDP Growth To
Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of car sales in 6.5% For FY25 :-
October-December 2023, followed by Maharashtra, India's GDP is predicted to slow to 6.5 percent in fiscal
Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, according to the Society of year 2024-25, down from 7.3 percent in the initial
Indian Automobile Manufacturers. According to figures advance forecasts, according to India Ratings and
from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers Research. The forecast is somewhat below the Reserve
(SIAM), Uttar Pradesh sold a total of 8,22,472 passenger Bank of India's estimate of 7% GDP growth in FY25.
and commercial vehicles, as well as two and three- Furthermore, the rating agency raised its FY24 projection
wheelers. Maharashtra was second with 6,88,192 units to 6.9 percent from 6.7% before, citing a buildup in the
across the four categories followed by Gujarat with economy due to current climatic conditions in north
4,21,026 units and Tamil Nadu 4,19,189 units in the India, which would drive agriculture and consuming
quarter. demand.
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year to slow to 6.4% from 7.6% in the previous quarter NSSO Survey Shows Poverty Down To 5%: NITI Aayog
due to reduced growth in the agriculture and industry CEO :-
sectors. According to the most recent consumer spending survey,
the country's poverty rate has dropped to 5%, and
people are prospering in both rural and urban areas,
according to NITI Aayog CEO B V R Subrahmanyam. The
National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), which is part of
the Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation, has released data on household
consumption expenditure for the fiscal year 2022-23,
revealing that per capita monthly household expenditure
has more than doubled since 2011-12.
Punjab Govt Launches ‘Sadak Surakhya Force’ (SSF), Tamil Nadu Announced ‘Kalaignar Sports Kit’ Initiative
First Of Its Kind To Cut Road Deaths :- In honor of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's
The Punjab government has established the 'Sadak centennial, the State government has announced plans
Surakhya Force' (SSF), the first of its type in the country, to launch the "Kalaignar Sports Kit," an initiative that will
to minimize road fatalities. The State Chief Minister, distribute sporting goods to 12,000 village panchayats.
Bhagwant Singh Mann, launched off high-tech This announcement was made by Minister of Sports
automobiles from Jalandhar. Anyone in the state can Development and Youth Welfare Udhayanidhi Stalin.
request assistance by dialing 112, and a vehicle will arrive Speaking at the sixth edition of Khelo India's closing
within 10 minutes of receiving the call. A Report says that ceremony at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai, Mr.
Indian Hockey team's former captain and AIG traffic Udhayanidhi said that he would launch the program on
Gaganjit Singh will lead this Sadak Surakhya Force. The February 7 in Tiruchi. Mr. Udhayanidhi said Khelo India
vehicles are fitted with specialised equipment to check 2023 had helped identify many sportspersons who can
for drunken driving and overspeeding. compete and win in the international arena.
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Uttarakhand CM Launches “Dhami Against Drugs Uttar Pradesh’s Green Hydrogen Initiative Targets 1
Campaign” :- Million Tonne Capacity And 1.2 Lakh Jobs :-
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami started Uttar Pradesh plans to build a green hydrogen
the "Dhami against drugs campaign" run by the Bharatiya generation capacity of one million tonnes per annum
Janata Yuva Morcha Metropolitan Dehradun from (mtpa). According to A K Sharma, state energy minister,
February 5 to February 10. Earlier, Dhami urged residents the project has the potential to produce 120,000 jobs.
to work together to support the government's goal of The state received Rs 2.73 trillion in investment bids for
making the state drug-free by 2025. He held a high-level green hydrogen plants from 20 firms during the UP
meeting at his official residence and directed the officials Global Investors Summit in February 2023. The policy
to rapidly involve the students and colleges in a being created by the state will offer investment
campaign to achieve the target of a "Drugs Free incentives, including on capital outlay, land availability,
Uttarakhand" by the year 2025. power transmission, etc.
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SWATI Portal Launched To Empower Women In STEMM NITI Aayog Unveils GROW Initiative For Agroforestry
:- Development To Revitalize India’s Wastelands :-
Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the NITI Aayog has released the Greening and Restoration of
Government of India, has launched Science for Women- Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW) report and portal,
A Technology & Innovation (SWATI), a portal dedicated which aims to boost efforts in environmental
to promoting girls' participation in STEMM (Science, conservation and sustainable land use across India. Using
Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine). Prof cutting-edge remote sensing and Geographic
Sood, who launched the portal on the occasion of the Information Systems (GIS) technologies, the research
International Day of Women and Girls in Science at the provides a complete state- and district-level analysis,
Indian National Science Academy (INSA) in New Delhi, providing critical insights to government departments
stated that the SWATI portal's database will be used in and enterprises working on greening and restoration
policymaking to overcome gender gaps. programs. Under the leadership of NITI Aayog, the report
employed remote sensing and GIS techniques to
evaluate the suitability of agroforestry practices across
all districts of India.
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The Central Government will provide ₹10 crore to stands at 3,448 MW, the Ministry of Power said in a
establish semen stations and nucleus breeding farms for statement.
horses, donkeys and camels.
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Mediterranean Sea went into a cycle of partial or nearly ascent, Nasa reported that it had received a signal from
complete desiccation. the satellite, confirming that PACE was functioning
properly. Nasa Administrator Bill Nelson expressed his
congratulations to the PACE team for the flawless launch.
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powered by four battery packs, the S4 boasts a maximum now, this satellite will allow them to be monitored by
range of 161 km and a top speed of 321 km per hour. India and also provide it with full ground control.
ISRO’s New Weather Satellite, INSAT-3DS, Launched NASA And JAXA Set To Launch World’s First Wooden
From Sriharikota :- Satellite :-
The GSLV-F14, carrying the INSAT-3D meteorological NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
satellite, was successfully launched from the Satish (JAXA) are looking into launching the LignoSat probe, the
Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The INSAT-3DS world's first wooden satellite, into space in an effort to
satellite is a follow-up mission to the third-generation make spaceflight operations more sustainable. Kyoto
meteorological satellite in geostationary orbit. The University scientists created the mini satellite in
satellite is an exclusive mission meant to improve partnership with Sumitomo Forestry, a forestry firm.
meteorological observations, monitor land and ocean Scientists believe that the satellite's biodegradable
surfaces for weather forecasting, and provide disaster nature will help to protect the Earth's ecosystem.
warnings. The INSAT-3DS satellite will augment Currently, our stratosphere is inundated with metallic
meteorological services along with the presently particles from spacecraft, including satellites, which are
operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR in-orbit satellites. majorly constructed out of aluminium.
India’s First Indigenous Spy Satellite By TASL Set For Reliance Industries Is Set To Launch ‘Hanooman’, A
SpaceX Launch :- ChatGPT-Style AI Service :-
According to a source, the first spy satellite in India built The BharatGPT group, funded by Mukesh Ambani's
by a local private company would be launched in a Reliance Industries Ltd, is planning to launch its first
SpaceX rocket in April and utilized by the armed forces to ChatGPT-style service next month. The model, known as
gather discreet information. Tata Advanced Systems Ltd Hanooman, reflects India's rush to develop potentially
(TASL) manufactured the satellite, which is being breakthrough artificial intelligence technology. The
transferred to Florida for launch, according to the report. model will operate in 11 local languages across four
Earlier, the armed forces had to acquire the required sectors: health care, governance, financial services, and
exact coordinates and timings from foreign vendors. But education. The model is being developed in collaboration
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with Indian Institute of Technology universities and is NVIDIA, a global computer pioneer, has agreed to
backed by Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. partner with the Indian government in order to promote
the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) within India's
Digital Public Infrastructure. Shanker Trivedi, a senior
leader of NVIDIA, met with IT Minister Rajeev
Chandrasekhar at MeitY to discuss potential
contributions to the development of India's Sovereign AI.
Trivedi conveyed NVIDIA’s strong interest in the concept
of Sovereign AI, emphasizing its alignment with the
nation’s expanding digital public infrastructure.
16: Sports
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However, Karnataka (241/1) displayed remarkable Texas, have been designated as the sites for the
resilience, chasing down the target with just 3 balls to semifinals, while a staggering 78 out of 104 games will be
spare, concluding the tournament with a thrilling finish hosted in the United States. The U.S. cities selected will
for visually impaired cricketers. each stage a minimum of six matches.
Abhinav Bindra Selected As Torchbearer For The 2024 Telangana Football Association To Host FIFA World Cup
Paris Olympics :- Qualifiers In Hyderabad :-
Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual gold medalist at The Telangana Football Association (TFA) successfully
the Olympics, has been named a torchbearer for the obtained approval to host the FIFA World Cup qualifying
2024 Paris Olympics. He will take part in the Olympic round between India and Kuwait on June 6 this year in
torch relay, which runs from April 16 to July 26. Bindra, a Hyderabad, according to Dr. K.T. Mahi, TFA Chairman. Dr
member of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Mahi thanked the All India Football Federation President,
Athletes Commission, won the gold medal in the men's Kalyan Chaubey, for entrusting the TFA with "this unique
10m air rifle event at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. The opportunity." Dr Mahi said the World Cup qualifier
torch relay is set to last 68 days, covering 65 territories, marked a historic moment as Telangana prepares to host
including five overseas territories. the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match for the first time.
MetLife Stadium Secures Hosting Rights for FIFA 2026 FIFA To Introduce Blue Cards :-
World Cup Finale :- The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is
FIFA has revealed vital facts about the highly anticipated prepared to introduce a new card, the blue card, as part
2026 World Cup, including a complicated schedule unlike of trials involving sin bins in professional football. In
any other. The tournament will begin in Mexico City and November 2023, the governing board acknowledged the
end in MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the United importance of managing player behavior towards match
States men's national team scheduled to play matches in officials, which resulted in the establishment of
Southern California and Seattle. Atlanta and Arlington, temporary dismissals for dissent and some tactical
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offenses. IFAB proposes adding blue cards to the on 210 from 139 balls, slamming 20 fours and eight sixes
standard yellow and red cards. Blue cards will serve as a in a superb knock that helped Sri Lanka to a gigantic score
disciplinary measure for dissent and cynical fouls, of 381/3. Nissanka's 210* is the fifth-highest individual
resulting in players being temporarily sent to the sin-bin. score in ODI history, and he is the fifth batter to have
carried the bat after scoring a double century.
for the first time in his career. Nardi did not have the his 98th Test match. Ashwin dismissed Zak Crawley in the
greatest of starts and mistakes at crucial moments from fourth session of the second day, joining Anil Kumble as
the Italian helped Nagal go a break up. The shoulder the second Indian to reach 500 wickets in Test history.
injury that had bothered Nagal in his semifinal win Kumble is India's highest wicket-taker in Tests with 619
seemed a thing of the past as the Indian did enough to wickets to his name. Ashwin is only behind the legendary
build on the break. off-spinner in the all-time highest wicket-takers list for
India in Test cricket.
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Stopa at the Burgdorfer Stadthaus Open in Switzerland. Army Tops Khelo India Winter Games 2024:-
With this incredible achievement, he becomes the The Indian Army outshined in the Khelo India Winter
youngest player to defeat a grandmaster in traditional Games 2024, bagging 10 gold medals, followed by first
chess. According to Channel News Asia, Singapore's runner-up Karnataka and second runner-up
Ashwath Kaushik outperformed Stopa, who is nearly five Maharashtra. The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 was
times his age at 37 years old. This incredible feat comes conducted in two phases. The first, from February 2 to 6,
shortly after Serbia's Leonid Ivanovic, who is only a few was held in Leh, Ladakh while the second was scheduled
months older than Ashwath, defeated 60-year-old from February 21 to 25, in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.
Bulgarian grandmaster Milko Popchev at the Belgrade Gulmarg witnessed the concluding ceremony of the 4th
Open. edition of Khelo India. 800 Athletes from around 20
states and union territories participated in these games.
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17: State
made the momentous announcement after his fan
group, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, agreed to the foundation
of the political party during a meeting in Chennai. After
receiving Election Commission approval, the party
intends to hold public meetings and events. During these
gatherings, they will present their policies, principles,
and action plans, as well as introduce a flag and party
symbol.
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Uttarakhand Cabinet approves UCC draft report, Bill Telangana Government will set up a dedicated AI city in
likely to be tabled in assembly on Feb 6 :- 50 acres to 100 acres. The Government will position
The Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the Uniform Civil Hyderabad and Telangana as the AI capital of the country
Code (UCC) report at a meeting held at the house of Chief by inviting the top global and national technology
Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The proposal is companies to set up their AI Centres, said the State
anticipated to be presented to the Uttarakhand Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan. The Government has
Assembly on February 6. The Uniform Civil Code drafting also announced that one of the most significant
team, led by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana forthcoming initiatives would be to introduce internet as
Prakash Desai, handed over the document to Chief basic right. She said that the the focus would not just be
Minister Dhami. Once implemented, Uttarakhand is set to create digital infrastructure, but also to make it
to become the first Indian state post-independence to accessible and affordable to all sections of society.
adopt the UCC.
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RCF Plans To Launch Vande Metro Prototype By April :- India’s First Helicopter Emergency Medical Service
The Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab, plans (HEMS) To Start From Uttarakhand :-
to launch the first prototype of the Vande Metro coach Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has
for intercity travel in April of this year, according to announced that India's first helicopter emergency
general manager S Srinivas. A total of 16 such coaches medical service (HEMS) will begin in Uttarakhand. Scindia
are projected to be ready by the end of the fiscal year on X announced that a helicopter will be positioned at
2024-25, he stated. Vande Metro, based on the concept the All Indian Institute of Medical Science in Rishikesh,
of India's first indigenous semi-high-speed rail, Vande from where it could be despatched anywhere within a
Bharat, will transport intercity passengers up to 250 150-kilometer radius to airlift people to the hospital. He
kilometers. A Vande Metro train will have 16 air- said that HEMS would operate under project
conditioned coaches and can run at a maximum speed of ‘Sanjeevani’. The helicopter is being assembled at
130 km per hour. present and is under the certification process.
Assam Designates Kaji Nemu As The Official State Fruit Haryana Launches ‘Van Mitra’ Scheme To Boost Green
:- Cover:-
The Assam government declared Kaji Nemu (Assam Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has
lemon), the state fruit. Kaji Nemu, known for its scent, launched the 'Van Mitra' scheme and portal to
flavor, and health advantages, has already received the encourage community involvement in tree planting
GI tag. Assam produces 1.58 lakh metric tonnes of Kaji efforts in non-forest areas. Members of families with an
Nemu every year on 15.9 hectares of land, and large annual income of less than Rs 1.80 lakh can apply to
quantities have been sold to London and West Asia become 'Van Mitras'. CM Khattar said that the objective
markets in the last two years. Assam agriculture minister of this scheme is to directly involve the local public in
Atul Bora said the decision to accord state fruit status to increasing forest areas across the state, ensuring an
Kaji Nemu was taken at the cabinet meeting chaired by increase in the survival rate of afforestation, and
chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. promoting tree planting in non-forest areas.
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Tourism Minister Reddy Lays Foundation Stone For AAP Candidate Declared Chandigarh Mayor, Top Court
Komuravelli Railway Station In Siddipet, Telangana :- Cancels Earlier Result:-
Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy and Madhya The Supreme Court made history by crowning Aam
Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav have laid the Aadmi Party candidate Kuldeep Kumar the winner of last
groundwork for Komuravelli Railway Station in Siddipet month's Chandigarh mayoral election, putting an end to
District, Telangana. The well-known Komuravelli weeks of controversy when Returning Officer Anil Masih
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is located in the was caught on camera invalidating and discarding eight
Komuravelli village. Every year, over 25 lakh people from votes in his favor. The order - preceded by the counting
four different states visit the temple town to take of votes, including those erroneously rejected, in the
darshan of the presiding deity. Madhya Pradesh Chief courtroom rather than a counting centre - cancels the
Minister Mohan Yadav said passenger utility has earlier result that saw the Bharatiya Janata Party's Manoj
increased after the introduction of Metro and Vande Sonkar elected Mayor. Delhi Chief Minister and AAP boss
Bharat trains besides other special trains. Arvind Kejriwal has hailed the verdict.
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ADB Funds $23 Million For Fintech Advancement In Haryana CM launches 'Savera' program:-
Gujarat :- Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated
In an important decision to strengthen India's fintech the 'Savera' program initiated by the Medanta
ecosystem, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has Foundation in collaboration with the Health Department
authorized a $23 million loan that will promote fintech in Gurugram, aimed at early detection and prevention of
education, research, and innovation at the Gujarat breast cancer, a growing concern among women. He
International Finance Tec-City (GIFT). This emphasized that this groundbreaking initiative marks the
transformative initiative underscores the growing first of its kind in the country, focusing on detecting
prominence of GIFT City as a hub for fostering financial breast cancer in its early stages among women.
services and nurturing local startups, marking a pivotal Furthermore, he expressed his intention to expand this
step towards catalyzing innovation and program to other districts of the state following its
entrepreneurship in the region. successful implementation.
India’s First Gati Shakti Research Chair Established At PM Modi Inaugurates Sikkim’s First Railway Station In
IIM Shillong :- Rangpo :-
India's first Gati Shakti Research Chair will be established Prime Minister Narendra Modi lay the groundwork for
at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong. An Sikkim's first railway station in Rangpo. It was among the
MoU was signed between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, over 2,000 rail infrastructure projects worth about ₹
and Waterways (MoPSW) and the IIM for the Chair, 41,000 crore unveiled by the prime minister. The Rangpo
which will lead high-quality academic research on railway station's design would be inspired by Sikkim's
multimodal logistics with a North-East focus, building rich culture, heritage, and architecture, the prime
knowledge on multimodal logistics development minister stated in his video conference address. Sikkim
strategies and practice in the North-Eastern region Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya was present at
(NER), and facilitating knowledge and innovation for Khanikola in Rangpo where a function was held. The
logistical capacity building in the region. station will be a part of the under-construction 45-km rail
line from Sevoke near Siliguri in West Bengal to Rangpo
in Sikkim.
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was “Cross-Border Challenges in Justice Delivery”. This Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India’s Biggest Theatre Festival,
conference was aimed on important issues pertaining to Kicks Off In Gujarat :-
law and justice like judicial transition and the ethical Following a spectacular premiere in Mumbai, India's
dimensions of legal practice; executive accountability; largest theatre festival, Bharat Rang Mahotsav, has
and revisiting modern-day legal education, among recently begun in Gujarat's Kachchh district. The Bharat
others. Rang Mahotsav is a 21-day cultural event that includes
more than 150 plays, workshops, and conversations. The
festival will take place in 15 cities across India,
highlighting the country's unique performing arts and
culture. The festival will unfold in parallel venues across
Mumbai, Pune, Bhuj, Vijayawada, Jodhpur, Dibrugarh,
Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ramnagar, and Srinagar, ensuring
a nationwide celebration of the transformative power of
theatre.
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Student ID Card.' The Automated Permanent Academic Sri Lanka To Host Geeta Mahotsav’s 5th Edition From
Account Registry (APAAR) is a transformative program March 1 :-
that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) of The fifth edition of the International Gita Mahotsav
2020 and the National Credit and Qualifications (IGM) on foreign land will take place in Sri Lanka from
Framework (NCrF). Its objective is to streamline and March 1-3. A three-member team, including the
unify the academic journey of students throughout India Kurukshetra Development Board's (KDB) Chief Executive
by issuing a distinct and permanent 12-digit ID to each Officer, Honorary Secretary of the Board, and Chairman
student. of the 48-Kos Tirtha Monitoring Committee, will travel to
Sri Lanka on February 28 to oversee event preparations.
Earlier, the International Gita Mahotsav (IGM) was
organised in Mauritius, London, Canada and Australia.
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PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. Dedicated to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in D) Unity Small Finance Bank
____________, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released 7. Kachchhi Kharek of which of the following state has
six special commemorative postage stamps recently. received geographical indication (GI) tag recently?
A) Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh A) Rajasthan
B) Bhubaneswar, Odisha B) Punjab
C) Nashik, Maharashtra C) Gujarat
D) Orchha, Madhya Pradesh D) Haryana
2. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared 8. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has
which of the following country as a Malaria-free collaborated with which of the following Indian
country? Institute of Management (IIM) to develop ‘Vision 2049’
A) Angola document?
B) Burkina Faso A) IIM Ahmedabad
C) Mozambique B) IIM Bangalore
D) Republic of Cabo Verde C) IIM Kozhikode
3. Which of the following Insurance Company has D) IIM Lucknow
launched a retirement annuity plan with Benefit 9. Which of the following bank became the first Indian
Enhancer recently? bank to execute an export finance transaction on the
A) HDFC Life Insurance International Trade Financing Services Platform (ITFS)
B) Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance of RXIL Global IFSC Limited?
C) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance A) YES Bank
D) Aviva Life Insurance B) State Bank of India
4. Who among the following became the India's No.1 C) ICICI Bank
Chess Player after beating world champion Ding Liren at D) Bank of Baroda
Tata Steel Masters? 10. How many children were awarded the Pradhan
A) Gukesh D Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024 by the President of
B) Pantala Harikrishna India Droupadi Murmu?
C) Rameshbabu Praggnanand A) 10
D) Vidit Gujarati B) 12
5. Which of the following country tested a nuclear- C) 16
capable underwater attack drone ‘Haeil-5-23’ recently? D) 19
A) Iran 11. For cooperation on digital public infrastructure
B) Israel which of the following country has inked an agreement
C) North Korea with India?
D) Russia A) Chile
6. Which of the following small finance bank has B) Cuba
partnered with Uncia Technologies for its supply chain C) France
finance platform ‘Uncia Chain’? D) Peru
A) Au Small Finance Bank 12. Coaching centres in India have been prohibited from
B) Equitas Small Finance Bank enrolling students below the age of _____, according to
C) Ujjivan Small Finance Bank new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education.
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A) 18 B) Aristopharma Limited
B) 16 C) Azure Power Global Limited
C) 12 D) Lodha Group
D) 10 19. Which of the following insurance company has
13. Union Fisheries Minister Parshottam Rupala has launched two new term plans ‘Saral Swadhan Supreme’
launched an artificial reef project in which of the and ‘Smart Swadhan Supreme’ recently?
following state? A) SBI Life Insurance
A) West Bengal B) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance
B) Tamil Nadu C) HDFC Life Insurance
C) Kerala D) Canara HSBC Life Insurance
D) Karnataka 20. Who of the following won the BCCI award for best
14. The 11th India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces women’s international cricketer of 2022-23?
Exercise ‘Khanjar 2024’ was held in which of the A) Deepti Sharma
following state? B) Shafali Verma
A) Gujarat C) Harmanpreet Kaur
B) Himachal Pradesh D) None of the above
C) Madhya Pradesh 21. Indian Air Force (IAF) has conducted 'Exercise Desert
D) Maharashtra Knight' with which of the following country?
15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched which A) France
of the following scheme under which one crore B) Oman
households will get rooftop solar power systems? C) United Arab Emirates
A) Pradhan Mantri Bijli Yojana D) Both A & C
B) Pradhan Mantri Dhamra Urja Yojana 22. The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with
C) Pradhan Mantri Surya Shakti Yojana which of the following defence manufacturing company
D) Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana for acquisition of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the
16. Which of the following company has received Indian Coast Guard (ICG)?
petroleum ministry approval to form green energy A) Cochin Shipyard Limited
subsidiary? B) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited
A) ONGC C) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
B) Indian Oil Corporation D) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
C) Hindustan Petroleum 23. The second State Mining Ministers’ Conference was
D) Bharat Petroleum held in which of the following city?
17. The 9th India International Science Festival (IISF) A) Bhopal
2023 was held in which of the following city? B) Raichur
A) Faridabad, Haryana C) Pune
B) Gandhinagar, Gujarat D) Gandhinagar
C) Kolkata, West Bengal 24. The Indian Army threw open the 'India Selfie Point'
D) Pune, Maharashtra near the Line of Control (LOC) in which of the following
18. Which of the following company has signed a pact state/UT?
with the IHI Corporation to supply green ammonia from A) Sikkim
Odisha, India to Japan? B) Ladakh
A) ACME Group C) Jammu and Kashmir
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50. When was the raising day of Indian Coast Guard A) Thar Deep Rural Development Programme
(ICG) was observed? B) National Rural Support Programme
A) 04 February C) Landesa champions
B) 03 February D) BRAC International
C) 02 February 57. The year 2024 has been declared as the
D) 01 February __________________ by the Indian Navy.
51. Jay Shah, President of the BCCI, has been A) Year of Naval AI
reappointed as President of the Asian Cricket Council B) Year of Naval Civilians
(ACC) for a ______ consecutive term. C) Year of Naval Technology
A) 2nd D) Year of Naval Weapons
B) 3rd 58. Insurance regulator IRDAI has set _______ as
C) 4th deadline for insurers to include AYUSH treatment under
D) 5th health covers.
52. Who among the following was appointed as a brand A) 01 May 2024
ambassador of BoAt? B) 01 June 2024
A) Arjun Kapoor C) 01 July 2024
B) Ranbir Kapoor D) 01 April 2024
C) Ranveer Singh 59. Which Small Finance Bank has entered into a
D) Vicky Kaushal bancassurance partnership with Edelweiss Tokio Life
53. With 158 medals which of the following state Insurance to extend financial security to a broader
topped the medal tally of 6th edition of Khelo India section of the unbanked and underbanked population?
Youth Games-2023? A) AU Small Finance Bank
A) Haryana B) Capital Small Finance Bank
B) Maharashtra C) Equitas Small Finance Bank
C) Rajasthan D) ESAF Small Finance Bank
D) Tamil Nadu 60. Who among the following was awarded the
54. When the World Wetlands Day was observed? “Outstanding Business Woman of the Year 2023′
A) 02 February Award?
B) 01 February A) Bina Modi
C) 31 January B) Shikha Sharma
D) 29 January C) Vandana Luthra
55. Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary has been D) Vani Kola
designated Tamil Nadu's ______ wildlife sanctuary. 61. Which of the following IIM has secured top rank
A) 14 among the top government MBA colleges in India in
B) 16 Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2024?
C) 18 A) IIM Ahmedabad
D) 20 B) IIM Bangalore
56. National Rural Livelihood Promotion Society C) IIM Calcutta
(NRLPS) has signed an agreement with which of the D) IIM Indore
following organisation for economic inclusion and 62. Which of the following bank has received Rs 9,000
social protection for the poorest of the poor women? crore by the Government of India after decade-plus old
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C) $25.091 million 94. Olzhas Bektenov was elected as the youngest prime
D) $21.098 million minister of which of the following country?
88. Which of the following bank has partnered with A) Uzbekistan
Flywire Corporation to ease Indian student's B) Turkmenistan
international education payments? C) Kyrgyzstan
A) State Bank of India D) Kazakhstan
B) Punjab National Bank 95. Which among the following is the first civil servant
C) Indian Overseas Bank in the history of India to be appointed as the brand
D) Indian Bank ambassador of the Fit India movement?
89. Which of the following bank has launched four new A) Manoj Kumar Sharma
variants of business credit card named BizFirst, B) Krishna Gopal Tiwari
BizGrow, BizPower, and BizBlack? C) Narendra Kumar Yadav
A) Axis Bank D) Abhishek Singh
B) HDFC Bank 96. Google has partnered with which of the following
C) ICICI Bank state government to provide artificial intelligence (AI)-
D) IndusInd Bank led solutions across key sectors in the state?
90. At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards who among the A) Gujarat
following won album of the year award? B) Jharkhand
A) Ariana Grande C) Madhya Pradesh
B) Billie Eilish D) Maharashtra
C) Miley Cyrus 97. Who among the following was elected as the next
D) Taylor Swift President of the International Court of Justice?
91. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) gave nod to which of the A) Nawaf Salam
following fintech company to operate as payment B) Julia Sebutinde
aggregators? C) Joan Donoghue
A) Zoho Payment Technologies Private Limited D) Abdulqawi Yusuf
B) Juspay Technologies Private Limited 98. Bandhan Financial Holdings Limited (BFHL) has
C) Decentro Tech Private Limited received the final approval from IRDAI to acquire the
D) All of the above 100% paid up share capital of which of the following life
92. The Natural History Museum, London, UK has insurance company?
awarded the 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year A) Aegon Life Insurance
People’s Choice Award to ________________. B) Aviva Life insurance
A) Frans Lanting C) Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance
B) Nima Sarikhani D) Max Life Insurance
C) Sandesh Kadur 99. Max Financial Services got IRDAI nod for capital
D) Sascha Fonseca infusion of Rs 1,612 crore by which of the following
93. Who among the following was appointed as the bank into Max Life Insurance?
Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare? A) Axis Bank
A) Vijay Kumar B) ICICI Bank
B) Raj Kumar Goyal C) IndusInd Bank
C) Apurva Chandra D) YES Bank
D) Anil Malik
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100. Chief Minister of which of the following state transactions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
launched the Logo, Anthem, Mascot, Jersey and Torch (MSMEs)?
of Khelo India University Games - 2023? A) Axis Bank
A) Assam B) ICICI Bank
B) Karnataka C) IndusInd Bank
C) Odisha D) YES Bank
D) Uttar Pradesh 106. Which of the following Department of Indian
101. Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) along government has launched the National e-Governance
with ______________ launched DigiReady Certification Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) Way Forward
Portal to empower MSMEs and small retailers. Annual Report 2023?
A) Quality Council of India A) Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
B) National Association of Software and Service B) Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare
Companies C) Department of Justice
C) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & D) Department of Administrative Reforms and Public
Industry Grievances
D) Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of 107. CRISIL's impact assessment report ‘Prabhaav’ was
India launched by which of the following regulatory body?
102. Which of the following ministry launched the A) Small Industries Development Bank of India
Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry B) Securities and Exchange Board of India
(APAAR) in rural regions through Common Service C) Reserve Bank of India
Centres (CSCs) recently? D) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
A) Ministry of Education 108. In February 2024 India’s Unified Payments
B) Ministry of Panchayati Raj Interface (UPI) services were launched in which of the
C) Ministry of Rural Development following country?
D) Ministry of Women and Child Development A) Uganda
103. The World Defence Show 2024 was held in which B) Mauritius
of the following city? C) Sri Lanka
A) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates D) Both B & C
B) Delhi, India 109. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has
C) Doha, Qatar increased its shareholding in SBI Cards & Payments
D) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Services Limited from 4.99% to__________.
104. To facilitate farmers and traders in providing low A) 5.02%
interest rate loans, Warehousing Development B) 5.25%
Regulatory Authority (WDRA) has signed an agreement C) 6.03%
with which of the following bank? D) 6.45%
A) Bank of Baroda 110. Along with Embraer Defense & Security which of
B) Punjab & Sind Bank the following company has announced a collaboration
C) Indian Overseas Bank for a project related to procurement of transport
D) State Bank of India aircraft for the Indian Air Force?
105. Along with LeRemitt which of the following bank A) Alpha Design Technologies Private Limited
has partnered to enable smooth cross-border B) Larsen and Toubro Limited
C) Mahindra Defence Systems Limited
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134. Who among the following won the Special Award A) Bangladesh
for the Maharashtrian of the Year 2024 in an event held B) China
by News 18 Lokmat? C) South Korea
A) Aditi Gupta D) Japan
B) Isha Ambani 141. Which country has been removed from the FATF
C) Leena Nair grey watchlist 2024?
D) Radhika Ghai A) United Arab Emirates
135. Who among the following was elected as the B) South Africa
president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of C) India
India (ICAI)? D) Qatar
A) Aniket Sunil Talati 142. Faleti Teo has been appointed as the Prime
B) Pramod Bhasin Minister of which country?
C) Radhe Shyam Agarwal A) Kenya
D) Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal B) Tuvalu
136. How many astronauts have been nominated for C) Suriname
the Gaganyaan mission? D) Zambia
A) 2 143. Which of these has been elected as the first woman
B) 10 chief minister of a province in Pakistan?
C) 6 A) Muniba Mazari
D) 4 B) Khaleda Zia
137. Which player has recently made the record of the C) Benazir Bhutto
fastest century in men’s T20 International cricket D) Maryam Nawaz
history? 144. What is the name of India’s longest cable-stayed
A) Jan Nicol bridge which is recently opened by PM Modi?
B) Rohit Sharma A) Atal Setu
C) Kushal Malla B) Sardar Setu
D) David Miller C) Sudarshan Setu
138. The world's first Vedic clock has been installed in D) Bandu Setu
which Indian city? 145. India's largest defence equipment exhibition,
A) Lucknow Defence Expo was organized in which state?
A) Varanasi A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Ujjain B) Rajasthan
C) Jamnagar C) Gujarat
139. Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) D) Maharashtra
has successfully commissioned India’s largest Battery 146. Researchers have discovered a new species of
Energy Storage System in which state? damselfly named Cliffside Bambootail (Phylloneura
A) Maharashtra rupestris), in which of the following state?
A) Chhattisgarh A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Karnataka B) Kerala
C) Tamil Nadu C) Odisha
140. The ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ military exercise is D) Tamil Nadu
conducted between India and which country?
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147. Who among the following was appointed as the D) Rs 92,810 crore
Karnataka High Court's next Chief Justice? 149. Where did the Indian Air Force have conducted
A) Arun Bhansali Exercise Vayu-Shakti 2024?
B) NV Anjaria A) Chandipur, Odisha
C) Ramesh Sinha B) Jalandhar, Punjab
D) Sunita Agarwal C) Pokhran, Rajasthan
148. The Acquisition worth of Rs __________ was D) Siliguri, West Bengal
approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for 150. In February 2024, which of the following bank
enhancing the operational capabilities and reach of the marked its 89th Business Commencement Day?
Armed Forces and the Indian Coast Guard. A) Bank of Baroda
A) Rs 62,850 crore B) Bank of India
B) Rs 79,120 crore C) Bank of Maharashtra
C) Rs 84,560 crore D) Indian Bank
ANSWERS
1. Correct Answer: A legendary Viswanathan Anand to claim the top position
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released six in India.
special commemorative postage stamps dedicated to 5. Correct Answer: C
the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, Uttar North Korea has tested a nuclear-capable underwater
Pradesh along with an album carrying similar stamps attack drone in response to joint naval exercises
related to Lord Ram issued earlier in different countries involving South Korea, the United States and Japan.
of the world was also released. Pyongyang tested the Haeil-5-23 in waters off the east
2. Correct Answer: D coast as the US and its allies were “seriously threatening
The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Cabo the security” of the country and “destabilising the
Verde as a malaria-free country, marking a significant regional situation”, North Korea’s Ministry of Defence
achievement in global health. With this announcement, said in a statement.
Cabo Verde joins the ranks of 43 countries and 1 territory 6. Correct Answer: D
that WHO has awarded this certification. Uncia Technologies has announced the go-live of Uncia
3. Correct Answer: C Chain, its state-of-the-art Supply Chain Finance platform,
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance said that it has launched at Unity Small Finance Bank Limited (Unity Bank), a new-
ICICI Prudential Guaranteed Pension Plan Flexi with age, digital-first bank. Unity Bank is a scheduled
Benefit Enhancer. This product is being billed as the Commercial Bank, offering digital first banking solutions.
industry’s first annuity plan that provides customers with 7. Correct Answer: C
the option to receive a 100 per cent refund of premiums Kachchhi Kharek, the indigenous variety of dates of
paid at any time starting from the date of purchase. Kutch, has become the second fruit of Gujarat to get a
4. Correct Answer: C geographical indication (GI) tag from the Controller
Chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa made General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDT) of
headlines by securing the number one spot among India. Jubilant farmers of the semi-arid district have
India's chess players following his impressive victory over hailed the decision.
World champion Ding Liren at the 2024 Tata Steel Chess 8. Correct Answer: A
tournament. The 18-year-old defeated the reigning ICAI Institute, which is the world’s largest accounting
champion with the black pieces, and surpassed the body, has initiated an exercise to develop a ‘Vision 2049’
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document to position itself as a globally recognised The 11th India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise,
leader in the accounting profession. This vision "Khanjar 2024," began on January 22, 2024, at the
document will be prepared in collaboration with IIM Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal
Ahmedabad. Pradesh. The exercise is scheduled from January 22nd to
9. Correct Answer: A February 3rd, 2024.
YES Bank became the first Indian bank to execute an 15. Correct Answer: D
export finance transaction on the International Trade Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22 announced
Financing Services Platform (ITFS) of RXIL Global IFSC the ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’, a government
Limited (RXIL), a leading cross-border fintech company scheme under which one crore households will get
registered under the International Financial Services rooftop solar power systems. The Pradhanmantri
Centres Authority (IFSCA). Suryodaya Yojana intends to supply power household
10. Correct Answer: D through solar rooftop installations while also providing
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has extra money for excess electricity output.
conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, 16. Correct Answer: A
2024 to 19 exceptional children in an award ceremony at The state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Vigyan Bhawan on 22nd January, 2024. Prime Minister, (ONGC) will set up a new unit for gas and clean energy
Shri Narendra Modi interacted with Pradhan Mantri projects, such as green hydrogen, as it looks to fast-track
Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees on 23rd January, 2024. its foray into new areas. "The proposed name of the
11. Correct Answer: B company is 'ONGC Green Limited', subject to the
An MoU was signed between Ministry of Electronics and approval of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs,
Information Technology of the Republic of India and the Government of India," it said.
Ministry of Communications of the Republic of Cuba on 17. Correct Answer: A
Cooperation in the field of Sharing Successful Digital The 9th edition of the India International Science Festival
Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital (IISF) 2023 was held at Faridabad, Haryana from January
Transformation on 19 January 2024 in New Delhi. 17th-20th, 2024. India’s mega Science Fair was held at
12. Correct Answer: B the Campus of Translational Health Science and
Coaching centres cannot enroll students below 16 years Technology Institute (THSTI) and Regional Centre for
of age, make misleading promises and guarantee rank or Biotechnology (RCB) of Department of Biotechnology in
good marks, according to new guidelines announced by Faridabad.
the Ministry of Education. The guidelines for regulating 18. Correct Answer: A
coaching institutes have been framed to address the Leading renewable energy company ACME Group in
need for a legal framework and manage the unregulated India and Japanese integrated heavy industry group IHI
growth of private coaching centres. Corporation have signed an offtake term sheet. The
13. Correct Answer: C agreement, signed by Manoj Upadhyay, Founder and
Union Minister Parshottam Rupala of the Ministry of Chairman of Acme Group, and Hiroshi Ide, President and
Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAHD) CEO of IHI Corporation, paves the way for the supply of
virtually began the project to deposit artificial reefs on 0.4 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA) of green
the seabed in Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. ammonia from Odisha, India, to Japan.
The project intends to boost the fish population in Kerala 19. Correct Answer: A
waters, increasing fishermen's revenue opportunities. SBI Life Insurance, one of most trusted private life
14. Correct Answer: B insurers in the country, recently launched two products-
'SBI Life - Saral Swadhan Supreme' and 'SBI Life - Smart
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Swadhan Supreme', that not only provides a life cover Former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur was
but also benefit of return of premiums at maturity, to awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously, the highest
fulfil customer's financial objectives. civilian honour in India. Popularly known as Jan Nayak
20. Correct Answer: A (people's hero), Thakur was widely respected for his
Shubman Gill and Deepti Sharma have won the BCCI integrity and dedication to the welfare of the common
awards for best men's and women's international people.
cricketers of 2022-23. Gill won the men's award, named 26. Correct Answer: A
after the former India captain Polly Umrigar, for the first Canara HSBC Life Insurance introduced iSelect
time in his career, while Deepti won the women's award Guaranteed Future Plus, a comprehensive plan designed
for the second time - she also won it for the 2019-20 to deliver life insurance and assured benefits, ensuring
season. the safeguarding of goals and providing peace of mind.
21. Correct Answer: D The product encompasses a range of crucial features,
In a display of military cooperation, the Indian Air Force including a life cover serving as a safety net for the
(IAF) successfully conducted Exercise Desert Knight policyholder and their loved ones, ensuring financial
alongside the French Air and Space Force (FASF) and the security during uncertain periods.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force on January 23. The 27. Correct Answer: D
joint exercise was hosted at the Al Dhafra air base in the Online food delivery firm Zomato said its subsidiary
UAE. Zomato Payments Pvt Ltd (ZPPL) has received
22. Correct Answer: D authorisation from RBI to operate as an online payment
The Ministry of Defence has signed contract with aggregator. The company had disclosed on August 4,
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai on 24 2021 about the incorporation of ZPPL, a wholly-owned
January, 2024, for acquisition of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels subsidiary, to carry out the business as a payment
(FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The value of the aggregator and issuer of pre-paid payment instruments.
contract is Rs 1070.47 cr. These multi role FPVs will be 28. Correct Answer: D
indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by The City of London Corporation presented the "Freedom
MDL under Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category and will be of the City of London" Award to Ajit Mishra, an Indian-
delivered in total 63 months. born lawyer in the United Kingdom (UK), for his
23. Correct Answer: A contributions to improving the City of London-India
The 2nd State Mining Ministers’ Conference was held in commercial connection. He received the honors at the
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on 23rd January 2024. Union Chamberlain's Court in Guildhall, London, United
Minister of Mines, Coal and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kingdom.
Pralhad Joshi chaired the function. Dr. Mohan Yadav, 29. Correct Answer: B
Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh was the Chief Guest of VARNI, a premium electronics brand, has named Indian
the Conference. cricketer Ravindra Jadeja as its brand ambassador. VARNI
24. Correct Answer: C was formed in 2009 by Kishan Mali, who also serves as
The Indian Army has opened the 'India Selfie Point' near its Managing Director.
the Line of Control in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, 30. Correct Answer: A
officials said. The 'India Selfie Point' has been gifted by Josh Brown's outstanding half-century and Spencer
acclaimed artist Rouble Nagi, who has set up several such Johnson's four-wicket spell with the ball helped Brisbane
points elsewhere in Jammu and Kashmir, they said. Heat beat Sydney Sixers to the Big Bash League 2023-24
25. Correct Answer: B title. Heat became only the third team to win more than
one championship in BBL history
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31. Correct Answer: D of original PKC with Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project of
The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction Rajasthan), which is the second project under the
and Development, IBRD) has unveiled a groundbreaking national perspective plan of interlinking of rivers (ILR)
seven-year USD 100 million Plastic Waste Reduction- program of Government of India.
Linked Bond. According to the World Bank, this 37. Correct Answer: B
innovative financial instrument ties investor returns to The inaugural edition of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military
Plastic Waste Collection Credits, Plastic Waste Recycling Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ is being held at Mahajan,
Credits, and Voluntary Carbon Units expected to be Rajasthan. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted
generated by projects in Ghana and Indonesia. from 29th January to 10th February 2024. The Exercise
32. Correct Answer: C will enable both the sides to share their best practices in
In a significant move to bolster renewable energy and the tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting
infrastructure financing in India, REC Limited has entered operations in sub-conventional domain.
into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the 38. Correct Answer: D
National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited Comoros President Azali Assoumani has been re-elected
(NIIFL). This collaboration aims to develop a suite of for a fourth term in a poll disputed by the opposition as
funding solutions for renewable energy projects and "fraudulent". He secured the win with 63% of the vote,
large-scale infrastructure projects across the country. the electoral body said. However, turnout was low amid
33. Correct Answer: A an opposition boycott - just 16% of people voted in the
Bhutanese voters have elected Tshering Tobgay to presidential election.
become Prime Minister for a second time after his party 39. Correct Answer: C
won nearly two-thirds of seats. Mr. Tobgay, head of the President of India Droupadi Murmu has nominated
liberal People's Democratic Party (PDP), who served as educationist and the founder of Chandigarh University
prime minister of the Himalayan kingdom from 2013 to (CU) Satnam Singh Sandhu as a member of the Rajya
2018, won 30 of 47 seats. Sabha. Sandhu, son of a farmer, founded the Chandigarh
34. Correct Answer: D Group of Colleges (CGC) at Landran in Mohali in 2001 and
Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar recently took Chandigarh University in 2012.
oath as Bihar Chief Minister for a record ninth time, 40. Correct Answer: C
returning to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance The first-ever United Nations (UN) International Day of
just 18 months after he left it, in his fifth switch in Clean Energy was held worldwide on January 26, 2024,
political loyalties since 2015. to raise awareness and mobilize action for a fair and
35. Correct Answer: B equitable transition to clean energy for the benefit of
The Reserve Bank of India has approved state-run insurer people and the environment. The International
Life Insurance Corporation of India's (LIC) application to Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was founded on
acquire a 9.99% aggregate holding of paid-up share January 26.
capital in HDFC Bank. According to the RBI's regulations, 41. Correct Answer: A
LIC will have to acquire the 9.99% stake within the year, Union environment minister, Bhupender Yadav released
while ensuring that its holding never crosses the 9.99% the report, Status of Snow Leopards in India during the
mark. National Board for Wildlife meeting held in Delhi. There
36. Correct Answer: C are around 718 snow leopards in the country, the first
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh signed an MoU with ever population estimation exercise of the vulnerable
Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), Government of India for species by the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in
implementation of the 'Modified PKC-ERCP' (integration India (SPAI) Program has found.
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42. Correct Answer: D Sultan Ibrahim, the powerful billionaire ruler of southern
On January 27, 2024, the Chenab River was redirected Johor state, was sworn in as Malaysia's 17th king. Sultan
through the diversion tunnels at Drabshalla in Kishtwar Ibrahim took the reins from Sultan Abdullah Sultan
district, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). This is a significant Ahmad Shah of Pahang state, whose tenure was marked
milestone for the 850 MegaWatt (MW) Ratle by challenging times, navigating through the
Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River in Kishtwar, complexities of Covid-19 lockdowns and a phase of
which is slated to be operational in May 2026. political unrest.
43. Correct Answer: C 48. Correct Answer: B
Dronetech startup Marut Drones said it has delivered A group of researchers from various institutes in India
India’s first mineral exploration drones to state-run iron and overseas discovered a new species of tiny lizards
ore miner NMDC Ltd. The Hyderabad-based startup has known as 'Agasthyagama edge' or the northern kangaroo
supplied two customised Octacopter drones to the lizard in the southern Western Ghats near Kulamavu in
Navratna PSU. Idukki, Kerala. The findings were published in Vertebrate
44. Correct Answer: A Zoology, a scholarly magazine released by the
India's rank in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) Senckenberg Museum in Germany.
2023 has slipped to 93 out of 180 countries, with a score 49. Correct Answer: A
of 39. Transparency International points out that most Grandmaster (GM) Wei Yi of China earned his first
countries, including India, have made little progress in master title by defeating GM Gukesh D of India in the
tackling corruption. finals of the 86th Tata Steel Chess Tournament (2024),
45. Correct Answer: C which took place from January 12-28, 2024 in Wijk aan
The index, which lists countries by their perceived levels Zee, The Netherlands. GM Leon Luke Mendonca (India)
of public sector corruption, ranked Denmark at the top, won the Challengers title by defeating International
followed by Finland, New Zealand and Norway. The index Master (IM) Divya Deshmukh (India) in the final.
uses a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 50. Correct Answer: D
is very clean. While western Europe and the European The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrated its 48th Raising
Union remained the top-scoring regions, its regional Day in New Delhi on 01 February 2024, commemorating
average score dropped to 65 this year, as checks and its remarkable journey from a modest beginning in 1977
balances weakened and political integrity eroded, the to becoming a formidable force in maritime security.
report said. With 152 ships and 78 aircraft in its arsenal, the ICG is on
46. Correct Answer: B track to achieve its targeted force levels of 200 surface
Five more Indian wetlands have been added to the global platforms and 100 aircraft by 2030.
list of wetlands of international importance under the 51. Correct Answer: B
Ramsar Convention, taking the total number of such Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in
highly recognised waterlogged ecosystems in the India (BCCI), was reappointed President of the Asian
country to 80, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Cricket Council (ACC) for a third term. He took over as
Yadav said. Of the five wetlands added to the Ramsar list, President of ACC in January 2021, after Nazmul Hassan,
Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Conservation Reserve, and Aghanashini Estuary are in 52. Correct Answer: C
Karnataka and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has been roped in as the
Shola Reserve Forest are in Tamil Nadu. brand ambassador of audio products brand boAt, the
47. Correct Answer: D company announced through an official statement.
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Ranveer Singh has also made an investment in the The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of
company. India (IRDAI) asked general insurance companies to have
53. Correct Answer: B board-approved policy guidelines for AYUSH coverage
The sixth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games-2023, and give policyholders an option to choose a treatment
which took place over 13 days in four districts of Tamil of their choice. The guidelines will be effective from April
Nadu, concluded on January 31 with Maharashtra 1, 2024.
winning 158 medals and taking first place, while Tamil 59. Correct Answer: D
Nadu, the host state, and Haryana finished second and Taking a substantial step to enrich the array of financial
third. solutions for customers, ESAF Small Finance Bank has
54. Correct Answer: A officially declared a bancassurance collaboration with
Every year on February 2nd, the world celebrates World Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance. The partnership plays a
Wetlands Day, highlighting the crucial role these crucial role in ESAF Small Finance Bank’s strategy to
ecosystems play in human health and well-being. The broaden its range of offerings, demonstrating its
theme of the World Wetlands Day 2024 is ‘Wetlands and commitment to providing financial security to a more
Human Wellbeing’. extensive segment of the unbanked and under-banked
55. Correct Answer: C population.
The Tamil Nadu government has declared 80,114.80 60. Correct Answer: A
hectares of reserve forests in Bargur Hills in Erode Dr. Bina Modi, Chairperson of Modi Enterprises, was
district, as the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This honoured with the 'Outstanding Business Woman of the
stretch of protected forests, links the Nilgiris Biosphere Year - 2023' Award by Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of
Reserve with Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary, and has India. The award, presented to her at a prestigious
been notified as the 18th wildlife sanctuary in the State. conference by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce
56. Correct Answer: D (IACC) on 'Strengthening Indo-US Relationship in
National Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (NRLPS), an Amritkal-Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
autonomous body under the Ministry of Rural 61. Correct Answer: A
Development (MoRD) signed an MOU with BRAC The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad
International, a Global South-led organisation with a (Gujarat), has been ranked as one of the top government
mission to empower people and communities. The MoU MBA colleges in India by the Indian Institutional Ranking
has been signed for inclusion of the poorest of the poor Framework (IIRF) for 2024. Xavier Labour Relations
under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Institute (XLRI), Jamshedpur (Jharkhand), has been
Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), a flagship programme ranked as one of India's best private MBA colleges for
under MoRD. 2024.
57. Correct Answer: B 62. Correct Answer: C
Indian Navy has declared 2024 as 'Year of Naval Civilians' The government has given Exim Bank of India Rs 9,000
to improve administration, efficiency and well-being of crore after some of the loans extended to foreign
Naval Civilians by addressing all facets of Civilian HR countries become non-performing assets (NPAs). The
Management in a time bound manner. Major focus areas bank had to use the government guarantee on these
towards maximising administrative efficiency, digital loans, which were made to some African countries more
initiatives, generic and specific training programmes and than a decade ago.
welfare activities have been identified for 63. Correct Answer: A
implementation in 2024. Indian economy is expected to grow at an average rate
58. Correct Answer: D of 6.7 per cent per annum until the decade's end (from
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2024-2031), according to CRISL global market research, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Veteran Leader of the
analytics and credit rating agency. This forecast Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lal Krishna (LK) Advani will
surpasses the pre-pandemic average of 6.6 per cent receive the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.
positive trajectory for the coming decade. He will be the 50th recipient of the Bharat Ratna since its
64. Correct Answer: B foundation in 1954. Lal Krishna Advani served as India's
Nangolo Mbumba, former Vice President of the Republic Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004.
of Namibia, took office as Namibia's interim President on 70. Correct Answer: C
February 4, 2024, following the death of outgoing Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr has been appointed as a
President Hage Geingob. Nangolo Mbumba will occupy goodwill ambassador for UNESCO's Education for All
the position until the 2024 elections. initiative, UNESCO said. The international player of Brazil
65. Correct Answer: A was appointed at a ceremony at his club's training
A small but powerful Chinese rocket capable of sending centre, becoming the second soccer player from his
payloads at competitive costs delivered nine satellites country to serve as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador after
into orbit on 03 February. The Jielong-3, or Smart Pele.
Dragon-3, blasted off from a floating barge off the coast 71. Correct Answer: A
of Yangjiang in southern Guangdong province. It was the Two more Ramsar sites, Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and
third launch of the rocket, developed by China Rocket Co, Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, have been approved by
a commercial offshoot of a state-owned launch vehicle the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
manufacturer, since December 2022. Change (MOEFCC). With this, the total number of Ramsar
66. Correct Answer: A sites in Tamil Nadu has increased to 16, the highest in the
The quality standards for five spices, small cardamom, country.
turmeric, juniper berry, allpice, and star anise, were 72. Correct Answer: B
finalized during the 7th Codex Committee on Spices and Havildar Preeti Rajak, who is a champion trap shooter,
Culinary Herbs (CCSCH7) meet in Kochi, Kerala. CCSCH7, has become the first woman to hold the rank of Subedar
hosted by the Government of India, took place from in the Indian Army after she was promoted in January
January 29 to February 2, 2024. 2024. Subedar Rajak joined the Army in the Corps of
67. Correct Answer: B Military Police in December 2022.
Private sector lender Federal Bank has launched NCMC- 73. Correct Answer: D
integrated debit cards. National Common Mobility Card In 2024-25, the total receipts other than borrowings are
(NCMC) is a feature introduced on RuPay contactless estimated to be ₹ 30.80 lakh crore and the total
debit card that allows cardholders to make payments expenditure is estimated at ₹ 47.66 lakh crore. The tax
across NCMC-enabled terminals at metro stations, receipts are estimated at ₹ 26.02 lakh crore. Union
buses, etc., in an offline mode within a fraction of a Finance Minister said that, during 2024-25, gross and net
second, just by tapping the card on the card reader. market borrowings through dated securities are
68. Correct Answer: D estimated at ₹ 14.13 lakh crore and ₹ 11.75 lakh crore
REC Limited, a Maharatna Central public sector respectively.
enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a leading 74. Correct Answer: C
NBFC, has been bestowed with the prestigious Best India's first beachside startup fest, Emerge-2024, will be
Green Bond-Corporate Award at The Asset Triple A held from Feb 16 to 18 at Tannirbhavi Beach in
Awards for Sustainable Finance 2024. Mangaluru. Held under the banner of Tapasya beach
69. Correct Answer: D festival (TBF), the event is aimed at fostering and
nurturing emerging startups.
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at IIIT Delhi and delivered the keynote address at the People's Choice Award. As per reports, Nima Sarikhani,
'Digital India FutureLABS Summit 2024,' focused on the winner, captured the image after searching for polar
'Catalyzing the Next-generation Electronics System bears for three days on Norwegian islands.
Design through Digital India FutureLABS.' 93. Correct Answer: C
87. Correct Answer: A Apurva Chandra has been appointed as the Secretary,
India contributed 32.895 million dollars to the 2024 Department of Health and Family Welfare. Currently, Mr.
United Nations Regular Budget and made the payment Chandra is the Secretary in the Ministry of Information
on January 31, 2024. India has consistently been among and Broadcasting. Sanjay Jaju will be the new
the countries to pay its contributions to the UN budget Information and Broadcasting secretary.
on time and in full. 94. Correct Answer: D
88. Correct Answer: A In a significant political reshuffle, Kazakhstan's president,
The country’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI) on Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev, has appointed Olzhas Bektenov
February 2 said it has partnered with Flywire Corporation as the new Prime Minister. Bektenov, who previously
to ease Indian student's international education served as Toqaev's chief of staff and led the Anti-
payments. This partnership integrates Flywire Corruption Agency, succeeds Alikhan Smaiylov.
technology directly into the bank's platform, offering 95. Correct Answer: C
Indian students an advanced digital checkout experience The Fit India movement, a flagship initiative of the
for their international educational payments. Government of India envisioned by Prime Minister
89. Correct Answer: B Narendra Modi, takes a significant leap forward with the
HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank, has appointment of Narendra Kumar Yadav, Additional
announced the expansion of its small and medium-sized Director GST as its newest brand ambassador.
enterprises (SME) payment solutions with the launch of 96. Correct Answer: D
its business range of credit cards. The credit cards are Tech giant Google has signed a Memorandum of
available in four variants — BizFirst, BizGrow, BizPower, Understanding (MoU) with the Government of
and BizBlack. Maharashtra to provide artificial intelligence (AI)-led
90. Correct Answer: D solutions across key sectors in the state. As a part of the
The 66th Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles on collaboration, Google will leverage its AI capabilities to
05 February. Taylor Swift won album of the year for provide solutions in sectors like agriculture, healthcare,
Midnights, which made her the first person to win that sustainability, education, and startups.
category four times. She also won Best Pop Vocal Album. 97. Correct Answer: A
Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus won her first-ever Grammy for Lebanese-born Judge Nawaf Salam has been elected as
Best pop solo performance for Flowers. the new President of the International Court of Justice
91. Correct Answer: D (ICJ). He will hold this prestigious position for a three-
Two fintech startups Juspay and Decentro have received year term, taking over from Judge Joan E. Donoghue of
the final licence to operate as payment aggregators on the United States, who was elected on February 8, 2021.
February 6. Software as a service startup Zoho also got 98. Correct Answer: A
the payment aggregator licence on February 2. Zoho is Bandhan Financial Holdings is in the final stages of taking
the first enterprise Saas player to get the payment control of Aegon Life Insurance. The holding company of
aggregator nod from the RBI. Bandhan Bank has received the final approval on the
92. Correct Answer: B acquisition from the Insurance Regulatory &
An image of a polar bear sleeping on a small iceberg has Development Authority (IRDAI).
bagged the 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year 99. Correct Answer: A
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Max Financial Services has announced that it has Sind Bank (PSB). The MoU was signed with the intent of
received approval from Insurance Regulatory and promoting awareness to fund against e-NWRs (electronic
Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for capital Negotiable Warehouse Receipt).
infusion of Rs 1,612 crore by Axis Bank into the 105. Correct Answer: D
company's material subsidiary, Max Life Insurance. Fintech startup LeRemitt and Yes Bank have partnered to
100. Correct Answer: A introduce a cross-border platform that enables micro,
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on 08 small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to conduct
February 2024 ceremonially launched the Logo, Anthem, international transactions in key currencies, including US
Mascot, Jersey and Torch of Khelo India University dollars and euro, according to an official statement.
Games - 2023, Ashtalakshmi in Guwahati in the presence 106. Correct Answer: D
of Nisith Pramanik, Union MoS for Youth Affairs & Sports The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public
and Home Affairs. Grievances (DARPG) of the Ministry of Personnel, Public
101. Correct Answer: A Grievances, and Pensions has released the National e-
In a significant stride towards fostering digital inclusion Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) Way
in the MSME sector, the Quality Council of India (QCI) Forward Annual Report 2023. In December 2023,
and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has States/UTs delivered a total of 16,487 e-services,
announced the launch of the DigiReady Certification compared to 11,614 in April 2023.
(DRC) portal. For the initiative, QCI, in conjunction with 107. Correct Answer: A
ONDC, aim to assess and certify digital readiness of The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
MSME entities. has unveiled the report ‘Prabhaav’ of the impact
102. Correct Answer: A assessment of the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), a key
The Education Ministry recently launched the component of the startups. The third-party assessment
Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry of the scheme was undertaken by CRISIL, India’s premier
(APAAR) in rural regions through Common Service analytics company and pioneer of AIF benchmarking in
Centres (CSCs). According to a press release by the the country.
Ministry of Education, APAAR has been conceptualised 108. Correct Answer: D
under the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) which India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services were on
mandates all college/university-going students to February 12 rolled out in Sri Lanka and Mauritius. The
register on Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). launching of UPI services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius
103. Correct Answer: D enables the availability of UPI settlement services for
The Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center Indian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka and Mauritius as
hosted the second edition of the World Defence Show well as for Mauritian nationals travelling to India.
(WDS 2024) from February 4th to 8th, 2024. The General 109. Correct Answer: A
Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the regulator, Life Insurance Corporation of India’s (LIC) shareholding in
enabler, and licensor for Saudi Arabia's military sector, SBI Cards and Payments Services crossed 5% with the
organized WDS 2024 with the theme "Equipped for insurer, as an investment function, acquiring recently a
Tomorrow". little more than three lakh shares in the non-banking
104. Correct Answer: B financial company at an average cost of ₹716 per share.
With an objective to facilitate farmers and traders in The shareholding has increased from 4.99% to 5.02%
providing low interest rate loans, Warehousing following the open market purchase, LIC said in a filing.
Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA) signed a 110. Correct Answer: C
memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Punjab &
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Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra announced Telecommunications (DoT) and Indian Institute of
that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding Technology, Roorkee (IIT-R) signed an agreement for
(MoU) with the objective of jointly fulfilling the developing a 140GHz fully integrated transmitter and
acquisition of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission receiver module for 6G and beyond.
aircraft by the Indian Air Force in its upcoming Medium 116. Correct Answer: D
Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project. The MoU Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with
was signed at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi. Agroforestry (GROW) report and portal was launched by
111. Correct Answer: B Prof Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog at NITI Aayog.
India and Russia have signed a protocol on amendments This multi-institutional effort led by NITI Aayog utilized
to the 2008 intergovernmental agreement on remote sensing and GIS to assess agroforestry suitability
cooperation in construction of additional nuclear across all districts in India.
reactors in Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project site in 117. Correct Answer: A
Tamil Nadu and in construction of Russia-designed Mirae Asset Mutual Fund on February 12, 2023, launched
nuclear power plants at new sites in India. "India's first Multi factor-based ETF on Nifty Smallcap250
112. Correct Answer: D Index," called Mirae Asset Nifty Smallcap 250
Aiming to transition all payments to digital mode and Momentum Quality 100 ETF. As a passive fund, it
enhance patient convenience, the All India Institute of replicates the Nifty Smallcap 250 Momentum Quality
Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, launched the AIIMS-SBI 100 Total Return Index.
digital patient care card service. The digital patient care 118. Correct Answer: D
or smart card facility was inaugurated by Union Health REC Ltd., a Maharatna central public sector enterprise,
Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya in the presence of Dr M has signed agreements worth Rs 588 crore with the
Srinivas, Director of AIIMS New Delhi, and SBI General Damodar Valley Corporation to strengthen
Manager Manjeet Singh. infrastructure and energy projects in the region. The
113. Correct Answer: B agreements aim to strengthen their cooperation for the
Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Nidhi Khare development of tubed coal mines and include a term
has rolled out National Generic Document Registration loan agreement, an escrow agreement and
System (NDGRS) throughout Assam along with the hypothecation deeds.
launch of Unique Land Parcel Identification Number 119. Correct Answer: C
(ULPIN) seeding of geo referenced cadastral maps. Sports minister Anurag Thakur has handed over the
Special Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, Syedain Chess Olympiad Torch to Budapest, the Hungarian
Abbasi launched the Blockchain application in land capital, which will host the 45th edition of the prestigious
records in Darrang district as a pilot. tournament this year. During a function at Major
114. Correct Answer: C Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi, Thakur
Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) a premier public sector bank handed over the torch to the FIDE president Arkady
in the country, celebrated its 88th annual Foundation Dvorkovich and representatives of the host city.
Day in Chennai on 10 February 2024. IOB announced the 120. Correct Answer: B
opening of 88 new branches across the country and a 20 World Radio Day is marked annually on 13 February. The
bps increase in interest rates on retail term deposits for theme for the World Radio Day 2024 is "Radio: A century
the 444-day bucket, effective from February 10, 2024. informing, entertaining and educating". The 2024
115. Correct Answer: D observance highlights the history of radio and its
Centre For Development Of Telematics (C-DOT), the powerful impact on news, drama, music and sports.
premier telecom R&D center of the Department of 121. Correct Answer: B
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The Defence Ministry said the Defence Acquisition in 2015, the temple is the biggest in the Middle East and
Council (DAC) approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is made of pink sandstone from Rajasthan, India.
for various capital acquisition proposals amounting to 127. Correct Answer: D
₹84,560 crore. The approvals accorded by the DAC, The World Bank has approved INSPIRES program aimed
which is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, lay at supporting the state of Sikkim in India. The project
special emphasis on the procurement of various aims to train, upskill, and create jobs for 300,500 women
equipment from Indian vendors, the Defence Ministry and youth in high-growth and priority areas. The
said. International Bank of Reconstruction and Development
122. Correct Answer: C (IBRD) will offer a $100 million loan with a 14-year
The UK capital London was the slowest city to drive maturity and a five-and-a-half-year grace period.
through 2023 in the world, with an average speed of 14 128. Correct Answer: D
kmph in rush hour, a report said. Two Indian cities, The State Bank of India, which is the largest public sector
Bengaluru and Pune, were also on the list of cities with bank in the country, has said that users can use the self-
the worst traffic, the report by the Amsterdam-based subscribing route to enroll for the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan
location technology specialist TomTom showed. Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha
123. Correct Answer: A Bima Yojana (PMSBY) schemes.
Uttar Pradesh is looking to construct one million tonne 129. Correct Answer: C
per annum (mtpa) green hydrogen production capacity. India is on its track to have 50% of its installed power
At present, the hydrogen demand in UP is estimated at generation capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030,
900,000 tonnes per annum, especially in the fertiliser Union Minister R K Singh informed the Rajya Sabha. The
and refinery sectors. country's installed power generation capacity from non-
124. Correct Answer: A fossil source is 186.46 gigawatt (GW), which is 43.82 per
Uttar Pradesh is planning to establish two centres of cent of its total installed capacity, the minister for new
excellence (CoE) for research and innovation on green and renewable energy said.
hydrogen. It will be under the ambit of UP New and 130. Correct Answer: A
Renewable Energy Development Agency. Moreover, the The Centre will invite private companies to invest about
policy will lay emphasis on increasing hydrogen blending $26 billion (₹2.16 lakh crore) in nuclear energy to
in regions where green hydrogen is consumed. increase the amount of electricity from sources that
125. Correct Answer: A don't produce carbon dioxide emissions. This is the first
The inaugural edition of “Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav: A time the government is pursuing private investment in
cultural odyssey unveiling the richness of Northeast nuclear power, a non-carbon-emitting energy source
India” was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan from the 8th to the that contributes less than 2% of India's total electricity
11th February, 2024. The Mahotsav features 320+ stalls, generation.
each dedicated to showcasing the unique handicrafts, 131. Correct Answer: D
handlooms, and agro products of the eight culturally rich Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has
states. launched the IIT-Bhubaneswar Research and
126. Correct Answer: A Entrepreneurship Park's '100 Cube Start-up initiative'
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated BAPS that aims at creating 100 startups with a valuation of Rs
Mandir in Abu Dhabi in a festive consecration ceremony 100 crore each by 2036.
attended by Hindu and Muslim leaders and thousands of 132. Correct Answer: A
spectators. Built across 27 acres of land gifted by United To strengthen bird conservation initiatives and to
Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan address the challenges posed by illegal hunting in the
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South Asian region, the Bihar government has brought been installed in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district and is
out the 'Patna Declaration'. As per the Patna Declaration, set for unveiling on March 1. The Vedic clock stands tall
a task force on illegal killing, taking, and trade of on an 85-foot tower within Ujjain's Jantar Mantar.
migratory birds in the South Asian region will be 139. Correct Answer: B
established. SECI, under the aegis of the Ministry of New and
133. Correct Answer: C Renewable Energy, has successfully commissioned
On February 12, 2024, Federal Bank introduced its India's largest BESS in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. The
newest product, the Stellar Savings Account, aiming to energy would be purchased by the state of Chhattisgarh
transform the banking sector by delivering exceptional to meet the peak energy demand of the state.
benefits and innovative features. The Stellar Savings 140. Correct Answer: D
Account is currently accessible to both new and existing India and Japan commenced the 'Dharma Guardian'
customers at all Federal Bank branches. army combat exercise in Rajasthan to enhance bilateral
134. Correct Answer: B military engagements, foster cooperation, develop
Isha Ambani, who heads Reliance Group's retail venture capabilities and promote interoperability, bonhomie,
Reliance Retail and is also a non-executive director on and camaraderie among troops till March 9.
the board of Jio Financial Services, received 141. Correct Answer: A
Maharashtrian of the Year 2024 for her valuable The Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”) has removed
contribution to the business sector. the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) from its “grey”
135. Correct Answer: D watchlist. FATF’s grey list pertains to countries that have
The apex body of chartered accountants, the Institute of deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counter-
Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), announced that terrorism financing systems but are committed to
Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal has been elected as its President actively addressing them.
for the 2024-25 term, succeeding Aniket Talati. Agarwal, 142. Correct Answer: B
the 72nd President of ICAI, previously served as Vice Feleti Teo, who is a Tuvaluan politician and lawyer was
President during the 2023-24 term. appointed as the 14th Prime Minister of Tuvalu. He was
136. Correct Answer: D elected to the Parliament of Tuvalu in the 2024 Tuvaluan
Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group general election after he was elected unopposed by the
Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap and parliament as Prime Minister on 26 February 2024.
wing commander Shubhanshu Shukla have been 143. Correct Answer: D
nominated. All four of them have been training PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz who is also the daughter
extensively for the Gaganyaan mission for the last five of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has become the
years in Russian and Indian facilities. first-ever woman Chief Minister of a province in Pakistan.
137. Correct Answer: A She was elected to head the Punjab province on 26
Namibia's Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton created the record for February 2024.
the fastest century in T20I cricket, taking just 33 balls to 144. Correct Answer: C
reach his 100. He achieved this feat on 27 February 2024 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25 opened
vs Nepal in Kirtipur. The previous record belonged to the Sudarshan Setu which is India's longest cable-stayed
Nepal's Kushal Malla, who scored in 34 balls against bridge connecting Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka
Mongolia last year island. It is the longest cable-stayed bridge in the country
138. Correct Answer: C and is around 2.32 kilometers long.
The world's first Vedic clock, designed to showcase time 145. Correct Answer: D
according to the ancient Indian traditional Panchang, has
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India's largest defence equipment exhibition, Defence 84,560 crore to enhance the capabilities of the Armed
Expo was organized from 24 to 26 February by the Forces and the Indian Coast Guard. Amendments to the
Industries Department of the Maharashtra government Defence Acquisition Procedure, 2020 were also
at the International Exhibition and Convention Center at approved.
Moshi near Pune. More than 1,200 companies presented 149. Correct Answer: C
their capabilities at the Expo. The Indian Air Force (IAF) held the Vayu-Shakti 2024
146. Correct Answer: B demonstration exercise on February 17, 2024, at the
A team of researchers have discovered a new species of Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
damselfly named Cliffside Bambootail (Phylloneura The 2024 Vayu-Shakti exercise included joint
rupestris) at the Ponmudi hills in Thiruvananthapuram operations with the Indian Army, demonstrating the
district of Kerala. The Ponmudi hills are biodiversity-rich, perfect cooperation between the two arms of the
and this is the third species of damselfly discovered from military.
the region. 150. Correct Answer: C
147. Correct Answer: B Bank of Maharashtra (BoM), a premier public sector bank
The Central Government has announced the in the country celebrated its 89th Business
appointment of Justice NV Anjaria of the Gujarat High Commencement Day in Pune on 8th February, 2024. As
Court as the Karnataka High Court's next Chief Justice. He Bank has undertaken Digital transformations in areas of
took over the job upon the retirement of Justice PS digital journey, digital operations & digital compliance,
Dinesh Kumar, the current Chief Justice of the Karnataka accordingly new 89 digital products and services were
High Court, on February 24, 2024. launched marking this occasion as "Maha Parivartan
148. Correct Answer: C Diwas 2.0".
The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Rajnath
Singh, approved capital acquisition proposals worth Rs
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Economics
Nano DAP: Revolutionizing Fertilizers in gains more self-sufficiency and is less dependent
on fertilizer imports.
Indian Agriculture
Government’s Perspective
• Fiscal relief is provided by Nano DAP's cost-
effectiveness, which lessens the government's
reliance on fertilizer subsidies.
• Self-sufficiency: Manufacturing Nano DAP
domestically contributes to the objective of
being self-sufficient in fertilizer production and
minimizing reliance on imports.
• Agricultural Progress: Increased use of Nano DAP
promotes agricultural expansion, boosts food
grain output, and helps farmers.
Introduction
• The interim budget presented by Finance Satellite-Based Toll Collection likely before
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduces the General Elections
expansion of Nano DAP application in
agriculture.
Understanding Nano DAP
• DAP: Di-ammonium phosphate, or DAP, is a
common fertilizer used in India that is high in
phosphorus to support the growth of plant roots.
• The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative
(IFFCO) introduced Nano DAPL, a liquid DAP form
with particles smaller than 100 nanometers,
which increases its effectiveness.
Introduction
Advantages of Nano DAP
• Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari was
• Efficiency: Because of its small particle size, Nano
advised that the Model Code of Conduct for the
DAP is able to enter plant openings and seeds
2024 general election will be implemented prior
more successfully, increasing yields and
to the launch of satellite-based toll collection.
improving crop quality as well as seed vigor,
• FASTags will be replaced by this technology,
chlorophyll, and photosynthetic efficiency.
which will benefit drivers by increasing efficiency
• Affordability: A 500 ml bottle of nano DAP, which
and ease.
is equal to a 50 kilogram bag of DAP, costs just Rs
How Satellite -Based Toll Collection Works?
600, making it more affordable than regular DAP.
• Vehicles with GPS Equipment: In order to collect
• Convenience: Farmers can benefit from the
tolls, each vehicle must have a GPS equipment
liquid form's ease of application, storage, and
installed, which allows for real-time tracking of
transportation.
its movements.
• Decreased Imports: By using domestically made
• Microcontroller Integration: To enable data
Nano DAP from Kalol, Gujarat, India's agriculture
transfer, the government intends to install
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microcontrollers in cars with third-generation Vehicles Act of 1988 and National Highway Fee
(3G) and GPS connectivity. Rules.
• Constant Monitoring: Through the collection of Cameroon adopts Nagoya Protocol
GPS coordinates, officials are able to trace the
utilization of toll roads, keep an eye on vehicle
routes, and compute toll taxes according to the
distance traveled.
• Configuration of Toll Gates: At the moment, toll
gates are located at the conclusion of every road
segment or project. The National Highway
Authority of India sets the rates for toll tax,
which is computed for trips up to 60 km (NHAI).
Why is a GPS-based system preferred over FASTag?
• Infrastructure Elimination: Since GPS-based
systems don't need toll booths, traffic jams and
infrastructure expenses are decreased. Introduction
• Constant Vehicle Tracking: By tracking cars • Cameroon’s recent adoption of the Nagoya
constantly, they make it possible to calculate Protocol marks a significant step towards
tolls accurately based on actual distance harnessing its rich biodiversity for sustainable
traveled. development.
• Flexibility and Scalability: GPS is more flexible Cameroon’s Biodiversity Wealth
and scalable, making it appropriate for a range of • Biodiversity Hotspot: With over 11,000 species,
toll prices and travel times. Cameroon provides a wealth of genetic
• Administration is Reduced: Automation lessens resources for study and advancement.
the need for manual intervention and • Customs: Native American tribes have priceless
administrative work. customs related to biodiversity that support
• Improved User Experience: Passengers travel bioprospecting—the quest for practical items
smoothly and don't have to stop at toll booths. made from bioresources such as plants,
Operational Framework microbes, animals, etc.
• Integration of the Global Navigation Satellite • Prospects for Sustainable Resource Use
System (GNSS): For toll computations and Presented by Bioprospecting: Initiatives
transactions, vehicles will need on-board units centered around organisms like Irvingia
(OBUs) connected to a satellite constellation wombulu offer prospects for sustainable
(e.g., GPS, GLONASS, IRNSS). resource management.
• Barrier-Free Movement: By enabling distance- About Nagoya Protocol
based tolling, OBUs, which are similar to car Details
tracking devices, will promote unimpeded
Implements access and benefit-sharing
highway transportation.
Purpose obligations of the Convention on
• Legal prerequisites: Implementation requires
Biological Diversity (CBD)
geofencing national highways and legal changes
to allow distance-based tolling under the Motor Adoption October 2010
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• The certification process assesses a number of (UPI) connectivity will be established between
digital ready factors, such as online operations India and Mauritius, and between India and Sri
documentation, technology proficiency, Lanka.
workflow integration, and effective order and • The purpose of this project is to promote digital
catalog management. payments between inhabitants of the three
• Significance: Offers vendors more economic nations and further financial integration.
opportunities, empowering them to play a Discussion: Rupee Integration with Neighbours
crucial role in the digital economy. • UPI in Mauritius: While Mauritian tourists can
Quality Council of India (QCI): use the Instant Payment System (IPS) app to
• Establishment: The Indian industry, the Ministry make payments in India, Indian tourists visiting
of Commerce & Industry, and the Department Mauritius can now pay local shops using UPI.
for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade • Adoption of RuPay: RuPay technology will be
(DPIIT) collaborated to form the organization in used by the MauCAS card program in Mauritius,
1997. enabling banks to issue RuPay cards
• Legal Status: In accordance with Societies domestically. In Mauritius and India, these cards
Registration Act XXI of 1860, the organization is are accepted at Point of Sale (PoS) terminals and
registered as a non-profit. ATMs.
• Operational Structure: Overseen by the National • First Adoption: RuPay technology is
Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration implemented in Mauritius, making it the first
Laboratories (NABL) and the National nation outside of Asia to accept Indian RuPay
Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies cards at ATMs and PoS terminals.
(NABCB), which are the main constituent boards. • Payments using QR Codes in Sri Lanka: Indian
• Composition: tourists can use their UPI apps to pay with QR
1. Controlled by a 38-member Council that codes at merchant locations in Sri Lanka.
is equally represented by the About RuPay and UPI
government, business, and consumers. [A] RuPay Debit Cards
2. The Prime Minister appoints the Details
Chairman of QCI based on suggestions Launch Year 2012
made to the government by the
Conceived National Payments Corporation of India
industry.
by (NPCI)
RuPay and UPI rolled out in Mauritius, Sri First global card payment network of
Lanka India
Key Features
Wide acceptance at ATMs, POS devices,
and e-commerce websites
Highly secure network against anti-
Security phishing
Measures Supports electronic payments at all
Indian banks and financial institutions
Introduction NPCI maintains ties with Discover
International
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has declared that Financial, JCB for international
Acceptance
RuPay cards and Unified Payments Interface acceptance
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More than 1100 banks including public Allows reciprocal acceptance of Oman
Issuers sector, private, regional banks, and cards/MPCSS in the networks of NPCI in
cooperatives India.
Core SBI, PNB, Canara Bank, BOB, Union Bank Connectivity allows Indian visitors in
Promoter of India, Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Mauritius to use UPI for local payments, and
Banks Bank, Citibank, HSBC vice versa for Mauritian tourists in India using
[B] Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Mauritius the Instant Payment System (IPS) app.
Enables issuance of RuPay cards by banks in
Details
Mauritius through the MauCAS card
network.
Launch April 11, 2016
Digital payments connectivity enables Indian
Developed National Payments Corporation of India travellers to make QR code-based payments
Sri Lanka
by (NPCI) at merchant locations in Sri Lanka using their
Enables simple, easy, and quick UPI apps.
Key
transactions using Unified Payments Nepali users can make bank transfers to India
Features
Interface (UPI) Nepal using a unified payment interface (UPI) ID
Direct bank payments using UPI ID or QR through mobile banking.
Payment
code scanning UPI service launched at the Eiffel Tower in
Methods
Requesting money from a UPI ID Paris, France this year.
Partnership between NPCI International
Transfers using UPI ID, mobile number, France
Payments Limited (NIPL) and Lyra, a French
QR code, or Virtual Payment Address.
leader in securing e-commerce and proximity
Offers consistent transaction PIN across
payments.
apps, enhancing cross-operability.
Working Agreement signed between NIPL and Liquid
Supports push and pull transactions, over-
the-counter payments, and recurring Group to enable QR-based UPI payments in
Southeast
payments such as utility bills and 10 countries: Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines,
Asia
subscriptions. Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, South Korea,
Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Countries where UPI works
Why such move?
Details
• Promotion of Tourism: By offering simple
Launched in July 13, 2021.
payment methods, RuPay and UPI facilitate
Partnership between NPCI International
digital payments, which in turn entices Indian
Bhutan Payments Ltd (NIPL) and the Royal Monetary
tourists to travel to Mauritius and Sri Lanka.
Authority (RMA) of Bhutan.
• Financial Integration: By facilitating cross-border
First country to adopt UPI.
transactions and financial services, the
Launched on October 4, 2022. introduction of RuPay and UPI promotes
Enables acceptance of Indian RuPay cards at stronger economic linkages between Mauritius,
Oman
all OmanNet network ATMs, POS & E- Sri Lanka, and India.
commerce sites. • Diversification (apart from the Maldives): By
offering cutting-edge payment methods and
infrastructure that are on par with those found
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in well-known travel hotspots like Mauritius and Open to businesses, organizations, and
Sri Lanka, countries can draw in more visitors individuals involved in the pulse
Membership
and expand their tourism industries. industry, including growers,
Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) held in processors, traders, and researchers.
New Delhi India, being a major producer and
consumer of pulses, actively
India’s
participates in the GPC and holds
Connect
membership status, contributing to the
organization’s objectives.
Key Highlights from Pulses 24 Convention
• Growth in Production: Over the last ten years,
India's production of pulses has climbed by 60%,
from 171 lakh tonnes in 2014 to 270 lakh tonnes
in 2024.
• cooperation Objectives: Mr. Goyal underlined
the NAFED and GPC cooperation, which aims to
Introduction promote pulses as an essential part of diets not
• The Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) has just in India but throughout the world.
initiated the three-day convention — Pulses 24 • Minimum Support Price (MSP): The Center
— in New Delhi, India. makes sure that farmers receive an MSP that is
About Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) 50% more than their actual cost of production,
Description providing them with competitive returns on
investment. It was noted that MSP for a variety
Founded in 2016 through the merger of
of pulses had increased significantly over the
the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC)
Formation previous ten years, rising as high as 117% in
and the International Starch Institute
masoor and 90% in moong.
(ISI).
• India's progress toward self-sufficiency in
Headquarters Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
chickpeas and other pulses by 2027, with an
Represents the global pulse industry, emphasis on attaining self-sufficiency in all
aiming to promote the sustainable pulses by then. New seed kinds are being
Mission
growth of the pulse industry supplied, and tur and black gram cultivation is
worldwide. being expanded.
• Advocating for policies • Global Knowledge Sharing: The president of GPC
supporting the pulse industry’s highlighted how India might gain from the
interests. conference by exchanging technological
• Providing resources and innovations and best practices in pulse
Focus Areas support to pulse industry cultivation with other nations.
stakeholders. • Emphasis on Smallholding Farmers: Pulses are
• Facilitating research and known for their nutritional content and benefits
innovation in pulse production to soil, which are especially helpful for
and utilization. smallholding farmers.
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Discussions to lower CRR on Green Deposits housing finance companies (HFCs), small finance
banks, and scheduled commercial banks.
• Eligibility: Investing in green deposits allows both
business entities and individual customers to
support environmentally friendly activities.
• Allocation: The industries that benefit most from
the money raised by green deposits include
afforestation, waste management, and
renewable energy.
• Limitations: Lenders are not allowed to invest
money from green deposits in industries such as
Introduction nuclear power, fossil fuels, or tobacco.
• State Bank of India (SBI) is in talks with the • Verification: To evaluate the distribution and
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to reduce the cash effects of money raised through green deposits,
reserve ratio (CRR) requirement on green an independent third-party verification is carried
deposits. out once a year.
What are Green Deposits? • Supervision: Every year, lenders must assess the
• Definition: Green deposits are fixed-term effects of the money they've provided for green
financial instruments designed for people and financing initiatives.
organizations that want to contribute to green • Financial institutions are afforded flexibility as
projects. there are no penalties for underutilizing funds
• Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) obtained through green deposits.
investing is reflected in these deposits, which are Distinguishing Green Deposits from Normal Deposits
in line with the expanding trend of sustainable • Project Allocation: Unlike conventional deposits,
financing. green deposits designate money for particular
• Utilization: Initiatives supporting clean ecologically beneficial initiatives.
transportation, renewable energy, pollution • Interest Rates: Lenders set the interest rates on
prevention, green infrastructure, and green deposits, which are currently similar to
sustainable water management are funded using those on conventional deposits.
funds from green deposits. In news: Kiru Hydel Project
RBI Framework for Green Deposits
• Greenwashing is prevented by the RBI's
framework, which guarantees the veracity of
environmental claims made in connection with
green deposits.
• alternatives for Deposits: Banks provide rupee-
denominated green deposits, with the option of
either cumulative or non-cumulative
alternatives.
• Application: This framework is mandatory for
non-banking financial organizations (NBFCs), Introduction
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• The CBI has conducted searches at 12 locations • The Hydropower Plant consists of :
in Delhi and Rajasthan regarding alleged 1. Concrete gravity dam, 135 meters high,
corruption in the award of civil works worth close to Kiru.
₹2,200 crore related to the Kiru hydroelectric 2. 10,225 km^ of catchment land, including
power project. a 1.03 km² reservoir that is 6.5 km long.
About Kiru Hydel Project 3. 700-meter-long diversion tunnel in the
• Location: In the Kishtwar district of Jammu and shape of a horseshoe with two openings
Kashmir (J&K), close to the villages of to redirect river flow so that a dam can
Patharnakki and Kiru, on the Chenab River. be built.
• A 624 MW run-of-river project is its capacity. Run-of-the-River Hydroelectric Systems
• Developers: Power Trading Corporation (PTC, • These systems differ from traditional
2%), Jammu & Kashmir State Power impoundment hydroelectric plants in that they
Development Corporation (JKSPDC, 49%), and use the energy of flowing water to create power
National Hydroelectric Power Corporation without the requirement for a sizable dam and
(NHPC, 49%) jointly own Chenab Valley Power reservoir.
Projects (CVPP). • Run-of-the-river projects make use of a river's
• J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar natural flow, channeling some of the water
Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan, and the union through turbines to produce energy.
territories of Chandigarh and Delhi are the • When compared to conventional dam projects,
beneficiary states. this has a lower environmental impact.
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published by the National Research Centre for Referred to as a marine “living fossil”
Weed Science. Status due to minimal evolutionary changes
• International Law: It is prohibited from entering over time.
25 nations due to its status as a "declared American horseshoe crab: Eastern coast
noxious weed," which includes seeds and plant of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico.
material. It is the only cannabis seed that is illegal Geographic
Indo-Pacific species (Tri-spine, Coastal,
to transport in every state in the union. Range
Mangrove): Mainly in coastal waters of
Horseshoe Crab: Living Fossils of the Sea India, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan.
Habitat in Odisha serves as the largest habitat for
India horseshoe crabs in India.
Conservation Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection
Status Act of 1972.
American horseshoe crab: Vulnerable.
IUCN Status Tri-spine horseshoe crab: Endangered.
Other two are not listed yet.
Collapse of the Gulf Stream System
Introduction
• Environmental organizations have petitioned
the US government to conserve the American
horseshoe crab as an endangered species.
• Often referred to as "living fossils," horseshoe The Gulf Stream System, sometimes referred to as the
crabs have been around since before the time of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), is
the dinosaurs. critically threatened by continuing global carbon
About Horseshoe Crab emissions, according to recent research. This collapse
Description could happen between 2025 and 2095, with a central
Shallow coastal waters with soft sandy estimate of 2050, if nothing is done.
or muddy bottoms; What is Gulf Stream System?
Habitat
Spawns primarily on intertidal beaches Description
during summer-spring high tides. Begins in the Gulf of Mexico, merging
Chelicerata, a division of Arthropoda, Origin warm waters from the Caribbean Sea and
comprising spiders, scorpions, Gulf of Mexico.
Taxonomic
harvestmen, mites, and ticks; Flows northward along the eastern coast
Division Flow
characterized by segmented body and of the United States.
limbs, and a chitinous exoskeleton.
Carries warm waters from the tropics
Current
towards higher latitudes.
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Governance
Nazool Land: Behind the Violence in • Definition: Nazool land is land owned by the
government that is frequently leased to
Haldwani
organizations for certain uses as opposed to
being managed as state property.
• Conditions of Lease: When a Nazool land is
leased, the lessee usually has the option to
extend the lease after the initial term of 15 to 99
years ends.
Historical Context
• Origins: During British control in India, areas
taken from rival kings and kingdoms and
declared state property gave rise to nazool land.
Introduction • Post-Independence: Due to a lack of appropriate
• Violence erupted in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani documents proving previous ownership by the
district after the administration conducted a erstwhile royal families, these territories were
demolition drive at the site allegedly on Nazool given to the different state governments after
Land. Independence.
What is Nazool Land? Governance of Nazool Land
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• Legal Framework: The Nazool Lands (Transfer) publishers can apply online for title
Rules, 1956 are commonly used for adjudication, registration.
even though several states have established o Publishers can gain insight into the
government orders to manage Nazool land. registration process by using the
• Process for Renewal of Lease: Generally, the Probability Meter, which shows the
local development authority's Revenue chance of a title becoming available.
Department is in charge of overseeing the o Real-time tracking: Promotes efficiency
renewal or termination of leases on Nazool land. and transparency by enabling users to
Utilization of Nazool Land monitor the status of their applications
• Public Uses: The government frequently uses via an easy-to-use dashboard.
Nazool property for construction projects o District Magistrate Module: Provides
related to public infrastructure, including Gram District Magistrates with a consolidated
Panchayat buildings, schools, and hospitals. dashboard to manage applications
• Housing Societies: Nazool property is frequently received from publications.
leased for housing societies and other residential • Advantages of Automation: The portal provides
constructions in metropolitan regions. online services for registering titles, e-signing
4 Portals for Modernized Media Landscape documents, paperless processes, integration of a
direct payment gateway, digital certificates
based on QR codes, and a feature that allows
press keepers/owners to notify others online
about printing press activities.
• Impact: Modernizes the registration
environment for publishers, improving efficiency
and transparency, and streamlines the onerous
registration processes that were previously in
place under the antiquated PRB Act, 1867.
[2] Transparent Empanelment Media Planning and
eBilling System:
Introduction • The primary objective of this system is to provide
• Minister of Information and Broadcasting an end-to-end ERP solution for the media
unveiled four groundbreaking portals poised to business, with a focus on the Central Bureau of
reshape India’s media landscape, promising Communication (CBC), while also revolutionizing
efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. media planning processes and improving
[1] Press Sewa Portal: transparency.
• The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, • Key Features:
2023 (PRP Act, 2023) aims to simplify the process o Streamlined Empanelment Process:
of newspaper registration and associated tasks Provides a transparent and effective
through the Press Sewa Portal. online mechanism for empaneling
• Key Features: different media channels, including
o Online Application: Using Aadhar-based newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, and
e-signatures for authentication, digital media.
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o Automated media planning reduces the o Smooth Video Playback & Streaming:
need for manual intervention and Provides a smooth and easy-to-use
preparation time by improving online video playing and streaming experience.
tools and features for media plan o Download and Sharing Options:
production. Facilitates the broad distribution of
o Automated Billing: The incorporation of knowledge by enabling users to
an electronic billing processing system download and share videos via social
to facilitate the easy submission, media networks.
validation, and settlement of bills. • Encouraging Citizens: Encourages citizens by
o Mobile App: Offers partners a feature- offering a centralized location to see real
rich mobile app with geotagging and government videos, encouraging openness, and
timestamp capabilities for systematic raising public awareness of government
monitoring. programs.
• Encouraging Ease of Doing Business: Promotes • Extensive Coverage: Provides extensive
quicker payment processing, automated coverage of government programs, campaigns,
compliance, hassle-free business environments, and initiatives to make sure that no one is left
and quicker empanelment, all of which out in understanding the actions influencing the
contribute to a more convenient business future of the country.
environment in the media sector. [4] National Register for LCOs:
• Reliable Solution: Data-driven decision-making • The goal of the National Register for Local Cable
and effective media planning are made possible Operators (LCOs) is to unify LCOs under a single,
by the portal's integration with the newest centralized registration system by centralizing
technologies, which create real-time analytical the registration procedure.
reports. • Key Features:
[3] NaViGate Bharat Portal: o Web Form: For the National Register, a
• Goal: The NaViGate Bharat portal acts as the web form is used to gather data from
country's National Video Gateway by providing a nearby cable companies.
single, multilingual platform for the hosting of o Online Publication: A more structured
videos about the government's welfare- and method of cable sector registration is
development-related programs. provided by the National Register for
• Key Features: LCOs, which is updated and published
o Dedicated Pages: Provides online on a regular basis.
comprehensive descriptions and • Impact: Offers a more streamlined cable industry
sophisticated search features on pages by providing LCOs with a National Registration
specifically designated for ministries, Number, which will make it easier to create new
sectors, schemes, and campaigns. regulations for responsible service and ease of
o Simple Navigation & Search: Utilizing use for cable operators.
powerful search features, tagging, and • Aligning with goal: The project supports India's
categorization, this feature makes it goal of a prosperous and well-organized cable
simple for viewers to locate pertinent industry that enhances the welfare and general
videos. development of the nation.
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History
390 year old Lamp Post in Nalgonda • Historical Documentation: Early medieval
inscriptions offer important insights into the
dedicated to Kasi Viswanatha
sociocultural and economic climate of the area.
• Cultural Links: The existence of inscriptions adds
to our knowledge of past trade routes by
implying a link between the local community and
larger trading networks.
• Hyderabad Connection: The village's importance
in the regional trade network is suggested by its
close proximity to Hyderabad, which is governed
by the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
• European Accounts: During the same time
period, riverine trade routes may have existed
alongside land routes, as suggested by
references made by European explorers like Jean
Baptiste Tavernier.
Continuity of Trade Routes
Introduction
• Longstanding Trade Links: The settlement has
• New information about early medieval trade
been an important hub for trade for millennia, as
connections in the area is provided by the
evidenced by the finding of an eighth-century
discovery of a Deepastambham (lamp post) and
inscription from the Badami Chalukya era.
other archaeological artifacts along the Krishna
• Trade routes promoted cultural contacts in
River in the Telangana district of Nalgonda.
addition to economic ones, which helped to
Lamp Post and its Structure
shape the region's rich cultural legacy.
• Unusual Discoveries: In Telangana,
archaeologists discovered a modest flat-roofed
In news: Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s
building close to the Krishna River bank and a 20- Tomb
foot-tall lamp post with an inscription.
• Rare Artifacts: This discovery is remarkable
because lamp posts are a rare sight in the
Deccan, yet they are frequent in west coast
temple design.
• Historical Context: The lamp post, which dates to
June 1635, is dedicated to Kasi Viswanatha and
has a multilingual inscription in Tamil and
Telugu.
• Functional Significance: The lamp post's height
probably allowed it to function as a lighthouse Introduction
along the riverine commerce route, aiding in • A digital twin of the Mohammed Quli Qutb
trade and navigation. Shah’s tomb was unveiled by a reality technology
Significance of Inscriptions company, Hexagon in Hyderabad.
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Who was Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah? • Land Selection: Muhammad Quli's plan for
• Parentage: Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali and his Hyderabad's development attempted to reduce
Hindu mother Bhagirathi welcomed Muhammad traffic and encourage expansion, but legend
Quli Qutb Shah into the world on April 4, 1565. presents a romanticized view of the process.
• Literary Talent: He was a talented poet who [C] Architectural Marvels and City Planning
wrote poetry in Urdu, Telugu, and Persian in • Charminar: Constructed under Muhammad
addition to being a capable administrator. Quli's patronage, the architectural centerpiece
Contemporaries of Quli Qutb Shah Charminar represents the magnificence of the
• Mughal Emperor Akbar (1556–1605) is city.
renowned for his administrative innovations • Gridiron-style city planning was used to carefully
and tolerance for other religions. build Hyderabad, which includes important sites
• Rani Durgavati (1550–1564), the courageous including Badshahi Ashurkhana, Mecca Masjid,
queen of central India's Gondwana Kingdom, and Darulshafa.
was well-known for her resistance against [D] Support for Arts and Literature
Mughal expansion. • Calligraphic Art: During Muhammad Quli's
• Maharana Pratap (1572–1597) was a Rajput leadership, calligraphy had a boom, with many
king of Mewar who gained notoriety for his scripts adorning structures like the Mecca
bravery in combat and for standing up to the Masjid.
Mughal Emperor Akbar. • Literary Contributions: Muhammad Quli's poetry
• Chand Bibi (1550–1599) was a regent of the in Dakhni and Urdu revealed his appreciation for
Deccan Sultanate of Ahmednagar, famous for different cultures and a wide range of interests.
her role in preventing the Mughals from • Taraqqi: Writing under the pen name "Taraqqi,"
taking Ahmadnagar. he was a poet in both Persian and Telugu.
• Fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das (1574– [E] Medical and Literary Contributions
1581), founded Amritsar and made a major • Intellectual Hub: Under Muhammad Quli's rule,
contribution to the expansion of Sikhism. Hyderabad developed into a hub for academic
• Sher Shah Suri (1540–1545): renowned for and medical endeavors, with intellectuals
his administrative reforms and building of the creating important works.
Grand Trunk Road, Sher Shah Suri founded Preservation of Culture: The literary legacy of
the Sur Empire in North India. Muhammad Quli, which includes his Diwan, is
Key Accomplishments conserved at establishments such as the Salar
[A] Reign and Accomplishments Jung Museum, demonstrating his role in the
• Ascension to the Throne: At the age of 15, preservation of cultural heritage.
Muhammad Quli took the throne from his father Legacy and Influence
in 1580 and ruled for 31 years. • Cultural Fusion: The Deccan region had a period
• Military Campaigns: In spite of uprisings, he of cultural fusion during Muhammad Quli's
marshaled forces skillfully and put an end to reign, combining Islamic and Hindu customs.
unrest, guaranteeing peace in his domain. • Symbol of Unity: His ongoing attempts to
[B] Foundation of Hyderabad advance peace and harmony serve as evidence
• Urban Planning: Muhammad Quli started of his administration's inclusive philosophy.
building Hyderabad in 1591 because he was
worried about the crowding in Golkonda.
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International Relations
Visa-Free Travel to Iran for Indians • Maximum Duration: Under this program, visitors
are limited to a maximum of 15 days in Iran per
visit.
• Re-entry Provisions: After a six-month break
from the last departure, one may re-enter Iran.
• Long-Term or Multiple Entry: People who wish to
remain longer than six months, visit more than
once during a six-month period, or apply for
other visa categories need to obtain the
necessary visas from the Iranian embassies
located in India.
Visa Trends for Indians beyond Iran
• Currently, 27 countries (Kenya, Indonesia,
Introduction Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka are among the
• The recent announcement of visa-free travel to newest additions) allow Indian residents to enter
Iran for Indian passport holders has garnered without a visa.
significant attention, marking a significant • Global Outreach: In keeping with changing
milestone in bilateral travel facilitation. patterns of international travel, nations such as
Iran’s Visa-Free Regime for India Barbados, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, and
• Travel for tourist: Indian nationals with regular Nepal, as well as its immediate neighbors, let
passports are eligible for visa-free entry into Indian residents admission without a visa.
Iran, but they must plan to visit the country • Top Travel Destinations for Indian Citizens: Many
exclusively for tourist. Indian diasporans travel to the United Arab
• Mode of Entry: Only passengers arriving in Iran Emirates, the United States, Saudi Arabia,
via air are eligible for the relaxation. Singapore, and Thailand, ranking first through
fifth.
Polity
How Political Parties are created in India? interest in the process of registering political
entities in India.
Creating a Political Party
• Legal Framework: The Election Commission is
authorized to establish party registration
guidelines by Section 29A of the Representation
of the People Act, 1951 and Article 324 of the
Indian Constitution.
• Application: Within 30 days after its founding, a
party wishing to register must submit an
Introduction application to the Election Commission.
• Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay’s • Public Notice: The proposed party name must be
announcement of his political party has sparked announced in two daily publications, one
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nationwide and one locally. The Election 3. Win at least 3% of the seats or at least 3
Commission's website also has the notice seats, whichever is more, in an Assembly
posted. General Election.
• Documentation: Within 30 days of the party's 4. Win at least 1 out of every 25 seats from
creation, the application must be submitted to a state in a Lok Sabha General Election.
the Election Commission Secretary in the format 5. Secure at least 8% of the total valid vote
specified. A printed copy of the party's in an Assembly or Lok Sabha General
memorandum, rules, or constitution, the most Election.
recent electoral records for at least 100 party • National Party: To attain national party status, a
members, and a demand draft for Rs. 10,000 registered party must meet any of these three
should also be included. conditions:
• Affidavits: It is necessary to have an affidavit that 1. Secure at least 6% of valid votes in an
has been properly signed by the President or Assembly or Lok Sabha General Election
General Secretary and sworn before a in four or more states and win at least 4
magistrate or notary public. Individual affidavits seats in a Lok Sabha General Election
from each of the 100 members attesting to their from any state.
non-membership in any other legally recognized 2. Win at least 2% of total Lok Sabha seats
political party are also necessary. in a Lok Sabha General Election,
Need for Registration spanning at least 3 states.
• Not Required: In accordance with the 3. The party is recognized as a State Party
Representation of the People Act, 1951, in at least four states.
registration with the Election Commission is not Benefits of Recognition
required, but it does have benefits. • Reserved emblem: National parties are
• Allotment of Symbols: Independent candidates permitted to use the reserved emblem
are not given preference when it comes to the throughout the nation, whereas state parties are
distribution of free symbols; registered party only allowed to use it inside their own state.
candidates do. • Nomination Ease: To submit a nomination, these
• Parties may be recognized as "state parties" or parties simply need one proposer.
"national parties" if they meet the requirements • Free Electoral Rolls: They are eligible to get two
outlined in the 1968 Election Symbols sets of free electoral rolls.
(Reservation and Allotment) Order. • Media Access: During general elections,
Recognition Criteria recognized parties are permitted to broadcast or
• State Party: To be recognized as a state party, a telecast using state-owned
registered party must meet any of these five Akashvani/Doordarshan facilities.
conditions: • Extra Benefits: Parties that have been recognized
1. Secure at least 6% of valid votes and win are eligible for additional benefits, such
at least 2 seats in an Assembly General discounted land for party offices, among other
Election. things.
2. Secure at least 6% of valid votes and win Uttarakhand readies Final UCC draft
at least 1 seat in a Lok Sabha General
Election.
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• The Governor's Position: The CM is chosen by the • Speaker's Vote: The Speaker may cast the
Governor, who usually chooses someone from decisive vote in the event of a tie.
the party that wins the majority of Assembly Challenges with the Floor Test
seats. • Luring of MLAs: The legitimacy and impartiality
• Voting of Confidence: In order to validate the of the floor test may occasionally be
majority among the present and voting compromised by the ruling party MLAs being
members, the Chief Minister must request a vote enticed with gifts or other benefits.
of confidence if the majority is contested or • Constitutional and Moral Implications: Because
questioned. these measures use the legal system to
• Repercussions of Not Success: In the event that orchestrate defections in order to get around the
the floor test fails to yield a majority, the Chief Tenth Schedule, they are viewed as morally
Minister must resign. repugnant and unjust under the constitution.
• Application: State legislative assemblies and the Election Symbols Issue in Maharashtra
Parliament both do floor exams. They are also
applied when there are disagreements among
coalition administrations.
Postponement of Floor Tests
• Legal Precedent: Recent decisions from the
Supreme Court have made it clear that floor
tests do not have to be delayed while the issue
on the disqualification of rebel members is being
considered.
• Case Shivraj Singh Chouhan v. Speaker: This
principle was established in the 2020 case
concerning Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
• Discretion in Special Cases: The Governor may Introduction
exercise discretion to hasten the selection of the • A faction within a political party led by the
Chief Ministerial candidate for a floor test in Maharashtra Deputy CM has been officially
extraordinary circumstances where there is no recognized as the legitimate group by the
clear majority. Election Commission of India retaining its
Composite Floor Test election symbol.
• Multiple Claimants: A Composite Floor Test is Election Symbol and its Significance
carried out when more than one person makes a • Impact on Voting: Election symbols have a
claim to form the government. significant impact on voter perception and
• Majority Determination: A special session is identification, which in turn shapes the electoral
called to determine the majority in situations fortunes of political parties.
where it is unclear. • Transparency Concerns: In order to guarantee
• Counting the Majority: The number of voters justice and transparency in the electoral process,
that are present determines the majority. Voting it is necessary to evaluate the current symbol
can be done with electronic devices, ballots, or allocation mechanism.
slips, and can take the form of division or voice EC’s Powers in Symbol Disputes
voting.
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• Legal Framework: The Symbols Order, 1968, allocating symbols and resolving internal party
Paragraph 15, gives the ECI the authority to conflicts.
resolve conflicts resulting from divisions • Maintaining democratic values and making sure
between political parties. procedures are fair continue to be crucial to
• Test of Majority: In order to identify the building confidence and integrity in the election
legitimate faction, the ECI performs a test of process while the EC negotiates these
majority while taking into account all relevant difficulties.
information and circumstances. In news: Appointment of Election
• Binding Decision: The ruling of the ECI applies to
Commissioner
recognized national and state parties and is
binding on all competing sections or groupings
that arose following the split.
Historical Precedents
• Pre-1968 Period: In accordance with the Conduct
of Election Rules, 1961, the ECI handled disputes
using notifications and executive orders prior to
the Symbols Order, 1968.
• High-profile incidents: Two notable incidents
include the Indian National Congress's initial split
in 1969 and the Communist Party of India's (CPI)
split in 1964.
Introduction
Options for Resolution
• Anup Chandra Pandey, the Election
• Symbol Freeze: Until a final decision is made,
Commissioner, will resign on February 14, which
which usually entails drawn-out hearings, the ECI
will mark a dramatic change in India's election
may freeze the symbol to stop any side from
practices.
using it.
• Under the Chief Election Commissioner and
• Legal Action: In the event that the matter cannot
Other Election Commissioners (Appointment,
be resolved by internal negotiation or EC
Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act,
intervention, the parties may take legal action.
2023, the government would, for the first time,
Alternate Resolution Mechanisms
choose his successor through a consultation
• Majority Test: To ascertain the legitimacy of a
process, breaking with previous practices of
faction, EC mostly depends on assessing support
government discretion.
inside the party structure, especially among
EC Appointments: Judicial Imperative
elected MPs and MLAs.
• Supreme Court Intervention: To close the long-
• Registration as a Separate Party: Splinter groups
standing legislative gap pertaining to the
that are not accepted by the main party may
appointment of Chief Election Commissioners
register as independent organizations and apply
(CECs) and Election Commissioners (ECs), the
for state or national party status in accordance
Supreme Court intervened in March 2023.
with their electoral results after doing so.
• Putting the Focus on Independence The Court
Conclusion
underscored the necessity of an independent
• The Election Commission's acknowledgement of
Election Commission, drawing parallels with
political groups highlights the difficulty in
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pose a threat to the stability of the Indian Judicial Review and Criticism
economy. • The President's judgment is final and not subject
• Declaration and Authority: The President may to court review thanks to the 38th Amendment
issue a proclamation if he is satisfied that there Act of 1975.
is a risk to India's credit or financial stability, or • The 44th Amendment Act of 1978, however,
to any portion of its territory. made judicial review possible.
• CoM recommendation: The statement, which • By ensuring checks and balances within the
reflects the executive branch's collective constitutional structure, this amendment
responsibility, is based on the Council of prevented the executive branch from acting
Ministers' recommendation. without power.
Legislative Approval Historical Context and Usage
• A Financial Emergency may be declared by the • Despite experiencing major financial crises like
President, but it requires the consent of both the one in 1991, India has rarely used the term
Houses of Parliament to be extended beyond "financial emergencies" throughout its history.
two months. • The judicious application of this clause
• When authorized, it is enforceable until the emphasizes how crucial it is to match its
President revokes it, providing for adaptable execution with federalism and democratic
financial crisis management. ideals.
Effects and Implications Conclusion
• During a financial emergency, the Center's • Cooperative federalism is crucial for resolving
executive authority greatly increases, allowing it interstate disputes, as demonstrated by the
to provide states financial directions. Supreme Court's intervention in the Kerala-
• Fiscal policy becomes more centralized, with the Centre financial dispute.
President able to hold up bills approved by state • The next hearings are intended to promote
legislatures for further review. goodwill between the Center and the states by
• To overcome financial difficulties, austerity resolving disagreements and guaranteeing the
measures such as reducing public officials' fair allocation of resources.
salaries and benefits are a viable option.
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system conditions and Earth’s Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD): The Monkey
evolutionary processes.
Fever
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• Progression: Within three to four days, there • This will be in addition to the two recipients—
may be severe muscle pain, vomiting, former Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani and
gastrointestinal problems, and bleeding socialist politician Karpoori Thakur—who were
tendencies. In the third week, a few patients officially named earlier this year.
have neurological symptoms, such as About the Bharat Ratna Laureates
excruciating headaches and blurred vision. [1] Dr. M.S. Swaminathan
Diagnosis and Treatment Aspect Details
• Diagnostic techniques: Viral isolation from blood
• Born on August 7, 1925, in
or molecular detection via PCR are used in early Kumbakonam, Madras
diagnosis. ELISA is used for serologic testing, Presidency.
which is done later. • Pursued higher education in
• Treatment Strategy: Early hospitalization and
Early Life zoology and agricultural
supportive care, such as maintaining hydration, science.
are essential, even if there isn't a specific • Passed away on
treatment for this condition. rd
23 September, 2023 at the age
Prevention Strategies of 98.
• Vaccination: To prevent the disease, a KFD
• Conducted research on
vaccine is available and is given in India's
combating potato crop
endemic areas.
parasites during a UNESCO
• Preventive measures: To reduce the risk of
fellowship (1949-1954).
infection, it is advised to wear protective
• Earned a PhD from the
clothing and apply insect repellent in tick-
University of Cambridge in
infested areas.
Career 1954.
M.S. Swaminathan, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Highlights • Served as Director-General of
Charan Singh to get Bharat Ratna the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (1979-
1982).
• Appointed as Director General
of the International Rice
Research Institute in 1982.
• Pioneered high-yielding variety
seeds and improved irrigation
Green
methods.
Revolution
• Collaborated with Dr. Norman
Contributions
Borlaug to develop high-yielding
wheat varieties (1965-1970).
Introduction
Challenges Advocated for fair Minimum Support
• Former Prime Ministers P. V. Narasimha Rao and
and Prices for farmers and highlighted
Choudhary Charan Singh, along with Green
Advocacy ecological concerns.
Revolution pioneer S. Swaminathan, will receive
the Bharat Ratna.
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independently put forth by Darwin and Alfred ecosystems are informed by our understanding
Russell Wallace, which caused a paradigm of evolution.
change in the field of biology. • Ecological Interactions: Competition, mutualism,
• Scientific Developments: Darwin Day is an and predator-prey relationships are examples of
opportunity to draw attention to current how ecological interactions are influenced by
developments in evolutionary biology and evolutionary dynamics.
encourage public participation in research. Human Evolution and Genetic Diversity
• Darwin's theories continue to influence • Human Origins: Although they have undergone
contemporary biology by offering a framework genetic divergence over millennia, humans have
for comprehending the diversity of life on Earth. a common ancestor with other big apes.
Key Propositions by Darwin • Genetic Variation: The diversity of human
[A] Understanding Genetic Variations populations is influenced by the distinct genetic
• Function in Adaptation: Natural selection has variants that each individual possesses.
shown that genetic diversity within populations • Cultural Evolution: The genetic and cultural
promotes adaptation to shifting environments. evolution of human cultures has added to the
• Example: In warmer regions, genetic variations world's knowledge base.
that impart heat tolerance to a population Promoting Equality and Diversity
become favorable and naturally select for them • Inclusive Society: The significance of equality and
more frequently. inclusivity in all facets of society is highlighted by
• Mechanisms of Variation: Genetic variety within the recognition of genetic variation.
populations is created and maintained in part by • Cultural Diversity: Respecting and valuing
recombination, gene flow, and mutation. differences in people's backgrounds broadens
[B] Mechanisms of Evolution their perspectives and encourages collaboration
• Natural Selection: The theory of natural and understanding.
selection developed by Darwin and Wallace • Reducing Biases: Racial, ethnic, and identity-
describes how favorable features spread related prejudices and stereotypes can be
through populations over time. lessened by having a better understanding of the
• Genetic Drift: Genetic drift is the term for the genetic foundation of features.
random variations in allele frequencies that can Challenges and Conservation
cause major changes in small populations. • Habitat Degradation: Because of the challenges
• Gene Flow: New genetic variations can be that human activity poses to biodiversity,
introduced and genetic divergence can be conservation measures are required to protect
avoided by migration and gene flow between genetic variety.
populations. • Climate Change: Evolutionary resilience is
Universal Principles of Evolution important because rapid environmental
• Biodiversity and Evolution: Over billions of years, changes, including climate change, might affect
evolutionary processes have shaped the a species' capacity for adaptation.
remarkable biodiversity that has been observed • Community Engagement: Sustainable
on Earth. development and biodiversity conservation
• Conservation Implications: Conservation depend on cooperative conservation initiatives
initiatives aiming at protecting species and including stakeholders and local people.
Conclusion
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• Sustained Education: Progress in the field of interactive database that SWATI delivers. This is
evolutionary biology broadens our a groundbreaking endeavor in India.
comprehension of the intricacies of life and • Faculty: Including academics from Indian
directs our endeavors towards a sustainable institutions, independent agencies, and
future. important ministries including MHRD, UGC,
• Honoring Diversity: Accepting and valuing the GATI, KIRAN, CSIR, DBT, DST, and the Ministry of
genetic, cultural, and ecological diversity of our Science and Technology.
world enhances human experience and fosters Objectives
peace in a fast changing global environment. • Scaling Up: The portal aims to include all career
SWATI (Science for Women-A Technology & stages and subjects in both academia and
industry, with the goal of exponentially scaling
Innovation) Portal
up efforts to include every Indian woman in
science (WiS).
• Research Facilitation: SWATI seeks to create an
active search engine and searchable database by
providing dependable and statistically significant
long-term research on equality, diversity, and
inclusion concerns in India.
Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) confirms
Black Hole Shadow
Introduction
• The “Science for Women-A Technology &
Innovation (SWATI)” Portal was recently
launched by the Principal Scientific Advisor to
the Government of India.
About SWATI Portal
• Goal: To highlight the accomplishments of Indian
women and girls in STEM fields—science,
technology, engineering, mathematics, and
medicine—SWATI is intended to be an all-
inclusive web platform.
Introduction
• One portal: The Indian women and girls' online
• Researchers have uncovered fresh information
representation in STEMM sectors is provided by
about a massive black hole 53 million light-years
SWATI.
away that was first observed by the Event
• Database: It houses a database that will support
Horizon Telescope (EHT) in 2017.
the creation of policies to solve issues with
• This ground-breaking accomplishment
gender disparity in STEMM.
confirmed a major prediction of Einstein's theory
• Interactive Platform: The National Institute of
of general relativity by offering the first visual
Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), located in New
proof of black hole existence.
Delhi, develops, hosts, and maintains the
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journal Nature challenges preconceived notions years, it is predicted that Mimas's eccentricity
about the makeup and internal dynamics of the will be cut in half due to surface heat release of
moon by indicating that, beneath Mimas' ice about 25 milliwatts per square meter. Based on
exterior, may be a liquid ocean. simulations, it is possible that the ocean
About Mimas developed between 25 and 25 million years ago
due to hydrothermal activity.cientists analyzed
Description
Mimas’s orbital motion using data from NASA’s
Discovered by William Herschel on Cassini spacecraft, concluding that the moon’s
Discovery
September 17, 1789. oscillations indicate the presence of either an
Smallest and innermost of Saturn’s elongated silicate core or a global ocean.
Characteristics
major moons. • Librational Model: Calculations based on
Diameter of about 396 kilometers (246 Mimas’s librations and orbital changes reached a
miles), making it one of the smallest deadlock, prompting consideration of a
Size
known astronomical bodies that is subsurface ocean. Theoretical models
rounded in shape. incorporating viscoelastic outer layers and
Known for its large Herschel Crater, hydrostatic interior interfaces suggested an ice
Features Called as “Death Star” from the Star shell thickness of 20-30 km.
Wars films. • Surface Heat and Eccentricity: Estimates
Mostly composed of water ice with a indicate surface heat release of approximately
Composition 25 milliwatts per sq. m, expected to reduce
small amount of rock.
Mimas’s eccentricity by half in 4-5 million years.
Orbits Saturn at a distance of about
Orbit Simulations suggest the ocean may have formed
185,520 km (115,220 miles).
2-25 million years ago, with potential
Visited by the Cassini spacecraft, which
hydrothermal activity.
Exploration captured detailed images of its surface
Implications and Findings
during its mission to Saturn.
• Comparative Analysis: Despite surface
Astronomical Insights
variations, Mimas and Enceladus, another moon
of Saturn with a worldwide ocean, share
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similarities that may indicate hydrothermal supported by the viscoelastic nature of the outer
activity. frozen layer of Mimas and the hydrostatic inner
• Ice Shell Composition: The hypothesized ice shell interfaces.
thickness calculated from computations is
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43 2023 28
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