The Bigger: Picture+

The Ultimate February 2024
The Bigger Picture+

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BUDGET 2024-2025
What is a BUDGET?
As per Article 112 of the Constitution, Budget is known as Annual Financial Statement
of the Government.
The term ‘Budget’ is not mentioned in the Constitution.

It is the statement of estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government in a
financial year.
Union Budget is classified into Revenue Budget(including Tax and Non-Tax revenue
receipts and expenditure of the government) and Capital Budget (including capital
receipts and payments of the government).
Preparation of budget
Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance is the nodal body responsible for
preparing of the Budget.
Budget for a year is prepared by the Budget Division of Department of Economic

Affairs.
It is prepared broadly on the basis of detailed estimates of expenditure and receipts

received from various Departments/Ministries and its own subordinate estimating
authorities.
Budget is prepared on Cash Basis (i.e. whatever is expected to be actually received or

paid under proper sanction during a financial year).
Presentation of budget
President in every financial year cause to be laid before both the Houses of Parliament
the annual financial statement.
In the Parliament, the budget is presented by the Union Finance Minister, in two parts
consisting of Part A and B.
Part A: It is the macroeconomic part of the budget where various schemes and
priorities of government are announced, and allocations are made to several sectors.
Part B: It deals with Finance Bill, which contains taxation proposals
such as income tax revisions and indirect taxes.
Major budget documents:
Apart from the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech, following documents are
presented to Parliament:
> Annual Financial Statement (under Article 112) ,

> Demands for Grants (under Article 113),
> Finance Bill (under article 110)
> Fiscal Policy Statements mandated under FRBM Act -
-Macro-Economic Framework Statement.

-Medium-Term Fiscal Policy cum Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement.
HISTORY OF BUDGET
Pre Independence:
Budget was first introduced on 7th April,

1860, two years after the transfer of Indian
administration from East-India Company to
British Crown.
The first Finance Member, who presented the

Budget, was James Wilson.
Mr Liaquat Ali Khan, member of the interim

Government presented the budget of 1947-
48.
Post-Independence:
India’s first Finance Minister Shri R.K.

Shanmukham Chetty, presented the first
Budget on 26th November, 1947.
Since then, the process of budget has

evolved and emerged as a crucial tool for
Public Finance Management and reflect the
strength of our democratic processes in
shaping our economy.
PART A
Vision of Budget: Viksit Bharat by 2047 “Prosperous Bharat in harmony with

nature, modern infrastructure and opportunities for all”
Development Mantra of Budget: Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka

Vishwas’ whole of nation’ approach of ‘Sabka Prayas’.
Philosophy is to cover all elements of inclusivity.

-Social inclusivity- through coverage of all strata of the society,
-Geographical inclusivity- through development of all regions of the country.
FOCUS AREAS
GARIB (POOR)
MAHILAYEN (WOMEN)
YUVA (YOUTH/AMRIT PEEDHI)
ANNADATA (FARMER)
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN FOCUS AREAS: Sabka saath

Sabka Vikas
Garib (Poor):
>Alleviation of poverty: 25 crore people got freedom

from multi-dimensional poverty.
>Direct Benefit Transfer: 34 lakh crore DBT using PM-

Jan Dhan accounts has led to savings of 2.7 lakh crore Sabka saath
for the Government. Sabka Vikas
Sabka Vishwas
> PM-SVANidhi Credit assistance provided to 78 lakh
street vendors. 2.3 lakh have received credit for the
third time.
> PM-JANMAN Yojana: Helped in reaching out to the Developed India

particularly vulnerable tribal groups. @2047
> PM-Vishwakarma Yojana: Provided end-to-end

support to artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18
trades.
Mahilayen (Women)
Thirty crore Mudra Yojana loans have been given to

women entrepreneurs.
Female enrolment in higher education has gone up

by twenty-eight per cent in ten years. 37.0
In STEM courses, girls and women constitute forty-

23.3
three per cent of enrolment - one of the highest in
the world.
Percent
Enhancement of Women’s dignity by:
-Making ‘Triple Talaq’ illegal
-Reservation of one-third seats for women in the Lok

Sabha and State legislative assemblies
-Giving over 70% houses under PM Awas Yojana in 2017-18 2022-23

rural areas to women as sole or joint owners.
Yuva (Youth or Amrit Peedhi)
The National Education Policy 2020 is ushering in transformational reforms.
PM ScHools for Rising India (PM SHRI) delivering quality teaching, and nurturing holistic
and well-rounded individuals.
The Skill India Mission: Trained 1.4 crore youth, upskilled and reskilled 54 lakh youth, and
established 3000 new ITIs.
New institutions of higher learning: 7 IITs, 16 IIITs, 7 IIMs, 15 AIIMS and 390 universities
have been set up. PM Mudra Yojana- Sanctioned 43 crore loans aggregating to 22.5 lakh
crore.
Fund of Funds, Start Up India, and Start Up Credit Guarantee schemes: Assisting youth
and making them ‘rozgardata’.
Youth in SportsThe highest ever medal tally in Asian Games and Asian Para Games in
2023.
Chess prodigy Praggnanandhaa put up a stiff fight against the reigning World Champion
Magnus Carlsson in 2023.
India has over 80 chess grandmasters compared to little over 20 in 2010.

Annadata (Farmer)
PM-KISAN SAMMAN Yojana: Direct financial assistance is provided to 11.8 crore farmers,
including marginal and small farmers.
PM Fasal Bima Yojana: Crop insurance is given to 4 crore farmers.
Electronic National Agriculture Market: Integrated 1361 mandis, and providing services to 1.8
crore farmers with trading volume of Rs 3 lakh crore.
Other measures like farmer-centric policies, income support, coverage of risks through price
and insurance support, promotion of technologies and innovations through start-ups.
STRATEGY FOR AMRIT KAAL

Sustainable Development
Commitment to meet ‘Net Zero’ by 2070
-Viability gap funding for wind energy

-Setting up of coal gasification and liquefaction capacity
-Phased mandatory blending of CNG, PNG and compressed biogas
-Financial assistance for procurement of biomass aggregation machinery
Rooftop solarization
-Up to 300 units of free electricity per month for 1 crore households
Adoption of e-buses for public transport network
Strengthening e-vehicle ecosystem by supporting manufacturing and charging.
New scheme of biomanufacturing and bio- foundry to be launched to support environment

friendly alternatives.
Achievements till now

10 crore LPG connections released under PMUY
36.9 crore LED bulbs, 72.2 lakh LED Tube lights
23.6 lakh Energy efficient fans distributed under UJALA
1.3 crore LED Street Lights installed under SNLP
Non-Fossil Fuel installed energy capacity increased from 30.4% in 2004 to 43.9% in 2023.
Achievements till now:
Inclusive Development
Aspirational Districts Programme to assist States in faster development and employment generation.
Development of the East To make the eastern region and its people a powerful driver of India’s
growth.
Additional 2 crore houses targeted for next 5 years under PM Awas Yojana (Grameen)
Housing for middle class scheme to be launched to promote middle class to buy/built their own
houses.
More medical colleges will be set up by utilizing the existing hospital infrastructure.
Cervical Cancer Vaccination for girls in age group of 9 to 14 years.
Maternal and child health care- Various schemes to be brought under one comprehensive
programme for synergy in implementation.
Upgradation of anganwadi centres under “Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0” will be expedited for
improved nutrition delivery, early childhood care and development.
U-WIN platform will be rolled out for managing immunization and intensified efforts of Mission
Indradhanush.
Extension of Ayushman Bharat scheme to all ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers and Helpers.
Agriculture and Food Processing
Promoting private and public investment in Post-harvest activities like aggregation,
modern storage, efficient supply chains, primary and secondary processing and
marketing and branding.
Application of Nano DAP on various crops will be expanded in all agro-climatic

zones.
Atmanirbhar Oilseeds Abhiyaan-Strategy to be formulated to achieve atmanirbharta

for oilseeds.
Comprehensive programme for dairy development to be formulated to control foot

and mouth disease and increase productivity of milch aimals.
Stepping up the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsaya Sampada Yojana to

enhance aquaculture productivity, double exports and generate more employment
opportunities
-> 5 Integrated Aquaparks to be set up.
Promoting Blue Economy 2.0: a scheme for restoration and adaptation measures,
and coastal aquaculture and mariculture with integrated and multi-sectoral approach
will be launched

Tourism
States will be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist
centres, branding and marketing them at global scale.
A framework for rating of the centres based on quality of facilities and services will
be established.
Long-term interest free loans will be provided to States for financing such
development on matching basis.
Projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and amenities will be taken
up for islands, including Lakshadweep.
Other Measures
To enhance the target for Lakhpati Didi from 2 crore to 3 crore.
Lakhpati Didi refers to women members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) who earn a
sustainable income of at least Rs 1 lakh per year per household.
Promoting Research and Innovation
A corpus of rupees one lakh crore will be established with fifty-year interest free
loan.
A new scheme will be launched for strengthening deep-tech technologies for

defence purposes and expediting ‘atmanirbharta’.
Reforms in the States for ‘Viksit Bharat’: A provision of seventy-five thousand crore
rupees as fifty-year interest free loan is proposed to support milestone-linked
reforms by the State Governments.
Addressing Societal Challenges: A high-powered committee will be formed to

address challenges due to fast population growth and demographic changes and
achieve the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’
PART B
DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES
Tax Collections more than trebled in last 10 years.
Number of return filers swelled to 2.4 times.
Reduction in average processing time of returns from 93 days in 2013-14 to 10 days

in 2023-24.
New Tax regime resulted in reduced and rationalized tax rates
-> Taxpayers with income up to ₹7 lakh have no tax liability
-> The threshold for presumptive taxation for retail businesses raised from ₹2
crore to ₹3 crore.
-> Corporate tax rate decreased from 30% to 22% for existing companies
and 15% for new manufacturing companies.
Improvement in tax-payer services through Faceless Assessment and Appeal New

Form 26AS and prefilling of tax returns.
Average monthly Gross GST collections doubled to 21.66 lakh crore in FY24.
Increase in tax buoyancy of State revenue from 0.72 (2012-16) to 1.22 in the post-
GST period (2017-23)
Reduction in logistics cost and prices of most goods and services
Decline in import release time since 2019
-> 47 per cent at Inland Container Depots

-> 28 per cent at Air Cargo complexes
-> 27 per cent at Sea Ports
Supply Chain Optimization by eliminating tax arbitrage and octroi.

TAX PROPOSALS
Continuity in taxation: Certain tax benefits to Start-ups and investments made by
sovereign wealth funds/pension funds and tax exemption of some IFSC units extended
up to 31.03.2025.
Withdrawal of outstanding direct tax demand: -
-> Up to ₹25,000 pertaining up to FY10

-> Up to ₹10,000 for FY11-FY15
-> This is expected to benefit approx. 1 crore taxpayers
Retention of same tax rates for direct and indirect taxes, import duties, corporate taxes
PERFORMANCE OF
INDIAN ECONOMY
PERFORMANCE OF
INDIAN ECONOMY
WORDS:
Appropriation Bill It gives power to the government to withdraw
funds from the Consolidated Fund of India for
meeting the expenditure during the financial year.
Octroi It is tax levied by a local municipal authority, on

certain categories of goods as they enter the area.
Sovereign Wealth Funds They are state-owned investment pool that

manages a country's financial reserves, investing in
various assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate,
and other instruments to generate long-term
wealth and achieve economic objectives.
Custom Duty It is a tax imposed on imports and exports of

goods.
Tax arbitrage It is strategically exploiting differences in tax
regulations or rates between jurisdictions to
minimise tax liability or maximise financial gains.
Direct taxes Tax payments made directly to the government by

individuals, including income tax, poll tax, land tax,
and personal property tax.
Taxes imposed on goods and services, collected by

Indirect Taxes intermediaries such as manufacturers or retailers
who pass it on to the final consumer. Examples
include Goods and Services Tax (GST), excise duty,
and customs duty.
Revenue receipts It refers to the money the government receives

without incurring debts or losing valuable assets,
covering items like taxes, profits from public
enterprises, and fees for services.
Corporate tax It is a direct tax imposed by governments on a

company's profits, calculated as a percentage of its
net income, to generate revenue for public
services and infrastructure.
Tax buoyancy
It measures how tax revenues respond to changes
in economic output, reflecting an economy's
attributes, effective collections, and the impact of
policy measures over time.
It provides grants to back economically justified

Viability gap funding
yet financially nonviable projects.
It is a simplified method allowing eligible
Presumptive taxation businesses to declare a prescribed percentage of
turnover as income, streamlining tax compliance
by minimising the need for detailed accounting
records.
Inflation It is the rate of increase in prices over or how much

more expensive a set of goods and services has
become over a given time period.
It is the government's investment in long-term

Capital expenditure development, including machinery, buildings, and
education, as well as acquiring assets like land and
profitable investments for future returns.
Budget estimates They are financial projections presented by the

Union finance minister, outlining allocations for
different sectors in the annual budget. They signify
the government's intended expenditure but are not
exact figures or binding commitment.
Direct Benefit Transfer The aim of DBT is to transfer the benefits and
subsidies of various social welfare schemes directly
in the bank account of the beneficiary on time. This
eliminates the intermediary body, prevent any
frauds and brings efficiency, effectiveness and
transparency.
It is a measure of the proportion of a country's

Labour Force
working-age population that engages actively in
Participation rate
the labour market, either by working or looking for
work.
Defence Ministry ₹6.1 lakh crore
Ministry of road ₹2.78 lakh crore

transport and highways
Ministry of railways ₹2.55 lakh crore
Ministry of consumer
₹2.13 lakh crore
affairs, food & public
distribution
Ministry of home affairs ₹2.03 lakh crore
Ministry of rural ₹1.77 lakh crore

development
Ministry of chemicals ₹1.68 lakh crore

and fertilizers
Ministry of
₹1.37 lakh crore
communications
Ministry of agriculture
1.27 lakh crore
and farmer’s welfare
Ministry of Education ₹1.24 Lakh Crore
Ministry of Health ₹90,171 Crore

Devolution of States I. Actual Devolution (2022-23): ₹9,48,406 crore was
Share in Taxes devolved to states, forming a critical component of
their fiscal resources.
II. Revised Estimates (2023-24): The revised

estimate for 2023-24 is ₹11,04,494 crore, indicating
an increase in the devolution share.
III. Budget Estimates (2024-25): The budget

proposes a further increase, with ₹12,19,783 crore
earmarked for devolution, emphasizing the
government’s commitment to empowering states
financially.
Some Important Items I. Actual Transfer (2022-23): ₹1,20,366 crore was

of Transfer allocated for essential items, supporting various
initiatives at the state level.
II. Revised Estimates (2023-24): The revised estimate

for 2023-24 stands at ₹1,60,986 crore, reflecting
adjustments in response to evolving fiscal needs.
III. Budget Estimates (2024-25): The budget

earmarks ₹1,88,703 crore for important items of
transfer, underscoring the government’s focus on
targeted financial support.
Finance Commission I. Actual Grants (2022-23): Finance Commission Grants

amounted to ₹1,72,760 crore, addressing specific
Grants
developmental needs identified by the Finance
Commission.
II. Revised Estimates (2023-24): The revised estimate

for 2023-24 is ₹1,40,429 crore, reflecting adjustments
based on the Commission’s recommendations and
evolving fiscal priorities.
III. Budget Estimates (2024-25): The budget allocates

₹1,32,378 crore for Finance Commission Grants,
highlighting continued support for state-level
development.
Core of the Core o Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Schemes (A): Guarantee Program: ₹86,000 crore
o National Social Assistance Program: ₹9,652 crore
o Umbrella Programme for Development of

Minorities: ₹913 crore
o Umbrella Programme for Development of Other

Vulnerable Groups: ₹2,150 crore
o Umbrella Programme for Development of

Scheduled Tribes: ₹4,241 crore
o Umbrella Scheme for Development of Schedule

Castes: ₹9,560 crore
Core Schemes (B):

Pradhan Mantri Awas ₹80,671 crore
Yojna (PMAY)
Jal Jeevan ₹70,163 crore

Mission/National Rural
Drinking Water Mission
National Health Mission ₹38,183 crore
Samagra Shiksha ₹37,500 crore
Pradhan Mantri Gram ₹19,000 crore

Sadak Yojna
National Livelihood Ajeevika: ₹15,047 crore

Mission
Pradhan Mantri Poshan

₹12,467 crore
Shakti Nirman
Pradhan Mantri Krishi ₹11,391 crore
Sinchai Yojna
Urban Rejuvenation
Mission (AMRUT and ₹10,400 crore
Smart Cities)
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas ₹7,553 crore

Yojna
Ayushman Bharat- ₹7,500 crore

Pradhan Mantri Jan
Arogya Yojana
Krishionnati Yojana ₹7,447 crore
Swachh Bharat ₹7,192 crore

Mission (Gramin)
Assistance to States
Agencies for Intra- ₹7,075 crore
State Movement of
Foodgrains
PM Schools for Rising

₹6,050 crore
India
Swachh Bharat Mission ₹5,000 crore
Pradhan Mantri ₹4,108 crore

Ayushman Bharat Health
Infrastructure Mission
Modernisation of Police
₹3,720 crore
Forces
Interlinking of Rivers
₹3,500 crore
Mission Shakti ₹3,146 crore
Blue Revolution ₹2,352 crore
Pradhan Mantri
Uchchatar Shiksha ₹1,815 crore
Abhiyan
Mission VATSALYA ₹1,472 crore
Strengthening
Teaching-Learning and ₹1,250 crore
Results for States
Rashtriya Gram ₹1,064 crore

Swaraj Abhiyan
Vibrant Villages
₹1,050 crore
Programme
Infrastructure Facilities ₹1,000 crore

for Judiciary
Prime Minister
Formalisation of Micro ₹880 crore
Food Processing
Enterprises Scheme
Environment, Forestry
₹714 crore
and Wildlife
National River
Conservation Plan – ₹592 crore
Other Basins
Major Central Sector Schemes (C):
Crop Insurance Scheme ₹14,600 crore
Pradhan Mantri Kisan

Samman Nidhi ₹60,000 crore
Formation and
Promotion of 10,000 ₹582 crore
Farmer Producer
Organizations
Modified Interest ₹22,600 crore

Subvention Scheme
Pradhan Mantri Annadata

₹1,738 crore
Aay Sanrakshan Yojna
Agriculture
₹600 crore
Infrastructure Fund
Crop Science for Food ₹930 crore

and Nutritional Security
Research and ₹1,200 crore

Development Project
Nuclear Power Projects ₹2,228 crore
Feedstock ₹1,253 crore
R&D projects of Bhabha

₹1,100 crore
Atomic Research Centre
Fuel Recycle Projects ₹805 crore
Nuclear Fuel
Fabrication Projects ₹764 crore
Urea Subsidy ₹1,19,000 crore
Nutrient Based Subsidy ₹45,000 crore
Development of Industry
₹1,300 crore
(Pharmaceutical)
Production Linked ₹2,143 crore

Incentive Scheme
(Pharmaceutical)
Regional Connectivity ₹502 crore

Scheme
Interest Equalisation ₹1,700 crore

Scheme
Industrial Development ₹567 crore

Scheme for Himachal
Pradesh & Uttarakhand
Fund of Funds ₹1,200 crore
Refund of Central and

Integrated GST to Industrial
Units in North Eastern ₹1,382 crore
Region and Himalayan
States
Compensation to ₹2,000 crore

Service Providers for
creation and
augmentation of
telecom infrastructure
Domestic Industry
₹1,911 crore
Incentivisation Scheme
Pradhan Mantri Garib ₹2,05,250 crore

Kalyan Anna Yojana
Works under Border

₹6,500 crore
Roads Development Board
Other works ₹1,500 crore
Border Area Development

₹2,000 crore
Programme
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya ₹300 crore

Janaushadhi Pariyojana
Solar Rooftop Scheme ₹2,000 crore
Interest Subsidy ₹10,000 crore

Scheme for Housing the
Urban Poor
Pradhan Mantri Awaas

₹9,500 crore
Yojana (Urban)
Subsidy for Interest on

Loans under Atal Bimit
Vyakti Kalyan Yojana ₹408 crore
International Assistance Schemes Allocation
Scheme for Bhutan o Actual 2022-2023: ₹2467 crore

o Budget Estimates 2023-2024: ₹2401 crore
o Revised Estimates 2023-2024: ₹2399 crore
Scheme for Nepal o Actual 2022-2023: ₹434 crore

Maldives Assistance o Actual 2022-2023: ₹183 crore

o Actual 2022-2023: ₹480 crore

Support to International
Training/Programmes
Banking/Economy/Business News
• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a Government of India

enterprise under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy, has taken a remarkable step towards fostering transparency and promoting
renewable energy initiatives. On January 25, 2024, IREDA unveiled ‘Pahal,‘ the
insightful house journal of its Vigilance Department, marking a significant milestone
in its commitment to accountability and sustainability.
• THDC India Limited (THDCIL), a prominent Power Sector PSU, proudly unveiled
India’s Largest Electrolyser End Fuel Cell-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at its
office complex in Rishikesh. The initiative aligns with the “National Green Hydrogen
Mission,” showcasing THDCIL’s commitment to sustainable energy practices.
• Bank of Baroda’s wholly-owned subsidiary for cards, ‘BOB Financial Solutions

Limited’, has undergone a rebranding, emerging as ‘BOBCARD Limited’ with the
tagline “Credit Reimagined.” The transformation includes a distinctive logo named
‘Baroda Sun,’ featuring dual ‘B’ letterforms enveloping the rays of a rising sun. This
initiative signifies a revitalized commitment to reshaping India’s credit landscape by
offering innovative and customer-centric credit solutions.
• GAIL, India’s leading gas company, has made significant strides in enhancing its
liquefied natural gas (LNG) portfolio through a recent partnership with the United
Arab Emirates’ (UAE) ADNOC Gas. Under this deal, GAIL is set to procure 0.5
million tonnes of LNG annually for a decade, marking a crucial step towards meeting
India’s growing demand for natural gas.
• Toyota, the renowned Japanese automaker, has once again secured its position as
the world’s top-selling automaker in 2023. This achievement underscores Toyota’s
continued dominance in the global automotive market and its commitment to
innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction
• In a notable development, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has
revised its GDP growth estimate for India to 6.7% for the current financial
year, marking a 40 basis points increase from its earlier forecast of 6.3%.
This optimistic adjustment is attributed to robust public investment and
favorable labor market outcomes, as highlighted in the latest World
Economic Outlook report.
• In a strategic move to bolster the mobile phone manufacturing industry in India,

the Centre has announced a significant reduction in import duties on mobile phone
components. The import duty on parts used for mobile phone manufacturing has
been slashed to 10% from the earlier 15%. This decision aligns with India’s broader
objectives to enhance its role in global supply chains and increase exports.
• NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL), a subsidiary of NTPC, recently inked a

groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth Rs 80,000 crore with
the Maharashtra government. This strategic collaboration aims to pioneer green
hydrogen projects within the state, aligning closely with the government’s vision
outlined in its Green Investment Plan.
• In a significant move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed major business
restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank, effective from February 29. The regulatory
action comes in response to persistent non-compliances and material supervisory
concerns identified during a comprehensive external audit of the bank’s systems.
• India’s core sector output growth plummeted to a 14- month low of 3.8% YoY in
December, as reported by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This sharp
decline from the previous month’s 7.9% was attributed to a high base and a
slowdown in six constituent sectors. Notably, only fertilizers (5.8%) and cement
(1.3%) sectors saw an output acceleration in December.
• In a commendable financial feat, the Centre reported a 10.4% surge in Goods and
Services Tax (GST) revenue for January, reaching an impressive ₹1,72,129 crore. This
milestone represents the second-highest GST collection ever recorded, with the ₹1.7
lakh crore benchmark surpassed for the third time in the fiscal year 2023-24. The
Ministry of Finance disclosed that the robust growth is indicative of a significant
year-on-year increase, showcasing a notable rise from the ₹1,55,922 crore collected
in January 2023.
• The Reserve Bank of India’s Digital Payments Index (RBIDPI) surged to
418.77 in September 2023, showcasing a robust growth trajectory from
395.57 in March 2023 and 377.46 in September 2022. This remarkable
uptick aligns with a 10.94% annual rise in digital payments by the end of
March 2023, underscoring the increasing adoption of online transactions.
• In response to escalating rice prices, the Government of India has unveiled the
‘Bharat’ brand rice, aiming to address market volatility and ensure affordability for
consumers. he rice will be available in 5- and 10-kg packs at ₹29 per kg through
cooperatives such as Nafed, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar.
• In a strategic move, the Indian government has decided to substantially increase

the issuance of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) for the upcoming fiscal year. The
allocation for SGBs has been more than doubled, rising from ₹1,500 crore in the
financial year ending March 31, 2023, to a significant ₹3,500 crore for the fiscal year
2024-25.
• ESAF Small Finance Bank has officially entered into a bancassurance partnership
with Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance. This collaboration aligns the two organizations
in their commitment to prioritizing customer needs, fostering a culture of growth,
and promoting innovation in the financial sector.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revealed on February 1 that 97.50% of the Rs
2,000 currency notes in circulation as of May 19, 2023, have been successfully
reintegrated into the banking system. This development follows the government’s
decision to withdraw the high-denomination bills as part of the clean note policy
• India has officially introduced the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the iconic
Eiffel Tower in Paris, marking a significant step towards realizing Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s vision of globalizing UPI. This initiative follows the digital
payments sector agreement signed between India and France in July of the
previous year, making France the first European country to adopt India’s UPI for
retail transactions
Economic Survey 2024 (Pre-General
Election), Indian Economic Review 2024
Economic Survey 2024 (Pre-General Election)
In the absence of the traditional Economic Survey for the upcoming interim
budget amid the 2024 general elections, the government has introduced the
“Indian Economy – A Review.”
This document, while not a replacement for the official survey, provides critical
insights into the last decade’s economic performance and future prospects.
Projections indicate India’s potential to become a $5 trillion economy within three
years, with a possible reach of $7 trillion by 2030.
The report emphasizes the positive impact of structural reforms and adopts a
cautious outlook, acknowledging global uncertainties.
Its release strategically navigates the intersection of economic analysis and

political dynamics in this election year.
No Economic Survey Ahead Of Interim Budget 2024
The Economic Survey will not be presented before the Interim Budget 2024
because the budget is a vote-on-account before the Lok Sabha elections.
This is a parliamentary convention, and the task is deferred to the incoming

government.
The Economic Survey is an annual document that outlines India’s economic

status.
It is prepared by the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) and the Finance Minister and
is usually presented a day before the Union Budget announcement.
However, in November 2023, Moneycontrol reported that the finance ministry

would publish a “concise” document detailing the state of the Indian economy.
Why is No Economic Survey in
2024?
The primary reason for the absence of the Economic Survey this year is the
upcoming general elections.
The potential for the survey to become politicized, given the prospect of a change
in government post-elections, could disrupt the regular budget process that
typically follows the survey presentation.
Indian Economy – A Review: A Substitute Perspective:
In place of the Economic Survey, the government has released a report titled
“Indian Economy – A Review.”
While this document does not replace the official Economic Survey, it offers
valuable insights into the past decade of the Indian economy and sheds light on its
future trajectory.
Highlights of Indian Economic Review 2024:
In the recent review of the Indian economy, several key points underscore the
country’s economic trajectory, focusing on achievements, challenges, and future
prospects..
Growth Projections:
India is positioned to become a $5 trillion economy within the next three years,
with a potential to reach $7 trillion by 2030.
The GDP growth rate for FY24 is anticipated to surpass 7.2%, outpacing the
global economy struggling to achieve a growth rate exceeding 3%. This marks
the third consecutive year of India achieving a growth rate exceeding 7%.
Structural Reforms and Positive Impact:
The review emphasizes the positive impact of structural reforms undertaken

over the past decade.
These reforms include a rise in public sector investment, a robust financial

sector, and significant non-food credit growth, all contributing to the moderate
yet consistent growth of the Indian economy.
Fintech and Stock Market Milestones:
India has emerged as the third-largest fintech economy globally, following the
USA and the UK.
Additionally, surpassing Hong Kong, India now holds the fourth position in the
global stock market rankings.
This achievement is attributed to both domestic and global investor interest,

coupled with a continuous flow of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).
Financial Inclusion Impact:
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has played a crucial role in increasing the
percentage of women holding bank accounts.
The report highlights a substantial rise from 53% in 2015-16 to an impressive

78.6% in 2019-21.
Women’s Participation and Empowerment:
Various initiatives, including the Skill India Mission, Start-Up India, and Stand-Up
India, have led to a significant increase in the female labor force participation
rate (LFPR), rising from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23.
The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for females in higher education has seen a
fourfold increase, reaching 27.9% in FY21 from 6.7% in FY01.
Overall GER has more than doubled from 24.5% to 58.2% between FY05 and
FY22.
MSME Dynamism and Economic Efficiency:
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are experiencing heightened

dynamism due to supportive government measures.
The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), along with domestic
market integration and increased incentives for production, has led to improved
economic efficiency and reduced logistics costs.
TAKEAWAYS:
Key Takeaways Details
India’s poised to surpass 7.2% GDP

GDP Growth
growth in FY24, outpacing global
economic struggles for a 3%
growth rate.
Consistent Growth Indian economy set to achieve over

7% growth for the third consecutive
year.
Factors Driving Public sector investment rise, robust

Growth financial sector, and substantial non-
food credit growth over the decade.
Fintech Economy India ranks as the third-largest fintech

economy globally, after the USA and
the UK
Stock Market India becomes the fourth-largest

Ascension stock market globally, surpassing
Hong Kong, due to investor interest
and IPO activity.
Financial Inclusion PM Jan Dhan Yojana contributes to a

significant increase in women holding
bank accounts (53% in 2015-16 to
78.6% in 2019-21).
TAKEAWAYS:
Female LFPR rises from 23.3% in 2017-18

Women’s
to 37% in 2022–23; initiatives like Skill
Participation India, Start-Up India, and Stand-Up India
promote women’s involvement
GER for females in higher education

Higher Education increases fourfold, from 6.7% in FY01
Growth. to 27.9% in FY21; overall GER doubles
from 24.5% to 58.2% (FY05 to FY22).
MSME Dynamism MSMEs experience increased

dynamism due to government
support.
GST implementation, domestic

Economic Efficiency
market integration, and production
incentives lead to improved
economic efficiency and reduced
logistics costs
Grammy Awards 2024
The 66th Annual Grammy Awards, marking a significant milestone in the music
industry, celebrated the most remarkable recordings, compositions, and artists of the
year, from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. Chosen meticulously by the
esteemed members of The Recording Academy, this prestigious ceremony took place
on February 4, 2024. Returning to the iconic Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
for its 21st year, the event was broadcast live on CBS, with streaming options available
on Paramount, ensuring a global audience could partake in the festivities.
Hosting for the fourth consecutive time, Trevor Noah brought his charismatic
presence and sharp wit to the stage, making the night unforgettable for both the
winners and the worldwide viewers. This year’s ceremony not only highlighted the
incredible talent and achievements within the music industry but also continued the
tradition of celebrating the universal language of music in all its diversity and
splendour.
Grammy Awards 2024
RBI’s Analysis Report on Trend and
Progress of Banking in India 2022-23
The annual performance report of the Indian banking sector, compliant with Section
36(2) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, presents a comprehensive analysis of the
sector’s achievements and challenges. It encompasses cooperative banks and Non-
Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), providing insights into their contributions to
the country’s economic framework.
Stability and Strength of the Banking System
The report highlights the robustness of India’s banking system and NBFCs,
underpinned by high capital ratios, improved asset quality, and substantial earnings
growth. This solid foundation has enabled credit expansion in double digits, thereby
supporting domestic economic activities. However, the report emphasizes the
necessity for enhanced governance, risk management, and the creation of additional
financial buffers to sustain progress.
Scheduled Commercial Banks(SCBs)
SCBs have experienced significant growth, with their combined balance sheets
expanding by 12.2% in the fiscal year 2022-23, marking a nine-year high. This growth
is attributed mainly to credit expansion in the retail and services sectors. Additionally,
SCBs have strengthened their capital buffers and asset quality, with the Gross Non-
Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio reaching a ten-year low of 3.9% by March 2023 and
further dropping to 3.2% by September 2023. Remarkably, no bank was under the
prompt corrective action (PCA) framework by March 2023, indicating improved
health of the banking sector.
Capital Adequacy Ratios
The Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR) has seen varying trends across
different bank types:
• Public Sector Banks (PSBs) reported an increase in CRAR from 14.6% in 2022 to
15.5% in 2023.
• Private Sector Banks (PVBs) experienced a slight decrease in CRAR from 18.8% to
18.6%.
• Foreign Banks (FBs) maintained a stable CRAR at 19.8%.
• These figures reflect the banking sector’s efforts to maintain or improve capital
adequacy, essential for absorbing potential losses.
• The report provides a detailed analysis of NPAs, showing an overall
improvement in asset quality. The Gross NPA percentage of Gross
Advances decreased for most bank groups, indicating effective
management of bad loans. Public Sector Banks (PSBs), for instance, saw a
decrease in Gross NPA percentage from 7.3% to 5.0%.
Non-banking Financial Companies(NBFCs)
NBFCs have shown remarkable growth and improvement in asset quality, with their
combined balance sheets growing by 14.8% in 2022-23. The sector has witnessed a
significant credit expansion, particularly in unsecured loans, micro-finance, and MSME
loans. The Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio for NBFCs declined to 4.1%,
showcasing an improvement in asset quality.
Co-operative Banks
Co-operative banks continue to play a vital role in India’s financial landscape,

especially in rural areas. The government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have
taken steps to enhance the regulatory framework and provide these banks with more
autonomy in capital acquisition, ensuring their continued contribution to financial
inclusion.
Contagion Risk and Regulatory Measures
The interconnectedness between NBFCs and banks poses a potential contagion risk,
necessitating careful monitoring. The RBI has introduced macroprudential measures
to maintain financial stability, including increased risk weights for certain types of
consumer credit loans and bank lending to NBFCs.
Customer Service and Financial Inclusion
Despite advancements in banking technology, the RBI has noted that customer
service quality needs to catch up. Efforts are being made to ensure banking solutions
are accessible to all, including seniors and those with special needs. Additionally, the
RBI is focused on mitigating systemic risks by evaluating the over-reliance on specific
IT service providers.
RBI Monetary Policy, Repo Rate Holds
Steady at 6.5%
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has made a
pivotal announcement, maintaining the repo rate at 6.5 per cent. This decision marks
the sixth consecutive time the rate has remained unchanged, following closely on the
heels of the Interim Budget presented on February 1, 2024. The RBI’s stance continues
to focus on the withdrawal of its accommodative monetary policy, aiming to balance
inflation control with economic growth. The next meeting of the MPC is scheduled
during April 3 to 5, 2024.
Repo Rate Decision
In a recent meeting that concluded on February 8, 2024, five out of six MPC members
voted in favour of keeping the repo rate steady. This move was widely anticipated by
financial experts, who expected the rate to remain at 6.5 per cent. RBI Governor
Shaktikanta Das emphasized the importance of a disinflationary stance in monetary
policy to ensure inflation aligns progressively with the target.
RBI Repo Rate are as under
• Policy Repo Rate: 6.50%

• Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 6.25%
• Marginal Standing Facility Rate: 6.75%
• Bank Rate: 6.75% • Fixed Reverse Repo Rate: 3.35%
• CRR: 4.50% • SLR: 18.00%
Inflation and Growth Projections
The RBI has maintained its inflation forecast at 5.4 per cent for the fiscal year 2023-
2024, with a detailed outlook for the following year predicting a Consumer Price
Index (CPI) inflation of 4.5 per cent. This detailed projection includes quarterly
estimates, starting with 5 per cent in the first quarter and gradually adjusting to 4.7
per cent by the fourth quarter of FY 2024-2025.
RBI projects real GDP growth of 7 pc for FY’25 with risks evenly balanced.
Real GDP growth for FY25 is projected at 7%
For FY24Q1 is projected at 7.2%

• For FY24Q2 is projected at 6.8%
• For FY24Q3 is projected at 7%
• For FY24Q4 is projected at 6.9%
Key Announcements and Policy Measures
The MPC’s decision comes with several significant announcements aimed at

strengthening the economy and ensuring financial stability:
• India’s Forex Reserve: Currently standing at $622.5 billion, India’s foreign

exchange reserves are deemed comfortable for meeting all foreign obligations.
• Loan Transparency: Lenders are now required to provide “key fact statements”
for loans to retail and MSME borrowers, enhancing transparency and consumer
protection.
• Inflation and GDP Targets: The RBI remains vigilant, focusing on achieving a
durable inflation target of 4 per cent while projecting a balanced real GDP growth.
Who are members of the RBI MPC?
The RBI MPC is comprised of six members, including both external members and RBI
officials. This includes the RBI Governor, 2 deputy governors, and 3 external members
1. Shaktikanta Das, Governor of RBI

2. Michael Debabrata Patra, Deputy Governor of RBI
3. Rajiv Ranjan, Officer of RBI nominated by the Central Board, Member
4. Prof. Ashima Goyal, Professor, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research,
Member
5. Prof. Jayanth R. Varma, Professor, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad,
Member
6. Dr. Shashanka Bhide, Senior Advisor, National Council of Applied Economic
Research, Member.
Sportstar Aces Awards 2024
In a dazzling ceremony that underscored the indomitable spirit of athletes and their
tireless dedication to sports, the Sportstar Aces Awards 2024 celebrated the best in
the world of sports. Recognizing remarkable achievements across various categories,
the awards brought to the forefront the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines
sportsmanship. Here’s a detailed look at the luminaries who graced the winner’s circle
this year.
Sportstar Aces Awards 2024
AIIMS Launches iOncology.ai for Early
Cancer Detection
In a landmark collaboration between AIIMS, New Delhi, and the Centre for
Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Pune, the groundbreaking AI platform
iOncology.ai has been unveiled. This cutting-edge technology focuses on the early
detection of cancer, particularly targeting breast and ovarian cancers, which are
prevalent among women in India.
Global Cancer Scenario

• Cancer surpasses cardiovascular diseases in high-income and middle-income
countries in terms of fatality rates.
• GLOBOCAN estimates for 2020 show 19.3 million incident cancer cases worldwide,
with India ranking third after China and the United States.
Cancer Statistics in India
• A Lancet study predicts a 57.5% increase in cancer cases in India by 2040, reaching
2.08 million.
• In 2022, over 8 lakh deaths in India were attributed to cancer, mainly due to late
detection, resulting in a mere 20% survival rate.
About iOncology.ai
• Developed in collaboration with CDAC and the Ministry of Electronics & Information
Technology, iOncology.ai utilizes AI to reduce false negatives in manual cancer
diagnosis.
• The platform employs deep learning models and self-learning capabilities to analyze
complex medical data with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.
• Initial focus lies on early detection of breast and ovarian cancers, leveraging a
dataset of approximately half a million radiological and histopathological images from
AIIMS.
AIIMS Launches iOncology.ai for Early
Cancer Detection
Positive Reception and Future Collaborations

• iOncology.ai has been successfully implemented in five district hospitals,
demonstrating its potential for widespread impact.
• It received positive feedback at a Med-Hackathon event during AIIMS Research Day

celebrations and is poised for further partnerships with cancer hospitals and research
centers across India.
MoU between AIIMS and DGE for Rheumatological

Disorders
• The Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS New Delhi has signed an MoU with the
Directorate General of Employment, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of
India.
• This initiative aims to address challenges faced by patients with disabilities due to
rheumatological disorders by providing certifications for employable skills and
promoting economic upliftment and vocational rehabilitation.
Bharat Ratna to Honour PV Narasimha
Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and MS
Swaminathan
India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, is set to honour the indelible
contributions of three distinguished individuals whose efforts have significantly
shaped the nation’s trajectory. Former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and
Chaudhary Charan Singh, alongside renowned agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan,
are the esteemed recipients of this prestigious accolade, acknowledging their
unparalleled dedication to the progress of India.
Bharat Ratna, PV Narasimha Rao
PV Narasimha Rao, often hailed as the Architect of Modern India, played a pivotal role
in ushering in economic liberalization in the early 1990s. His visionary leadership not
only averted a financial crisis but also laid the groundwork for India’s rapid growth
and integration into the global economy. Rao’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked
by bold reforms that transformed the economic landscape, fostering investment,
expansion of the private sector, and enhancing India’s competitiveness worldwide.
Beyond economics, Rao’s impact was profoundly felt in India’s foreign policy, where
he redefined relationships, steering the country through the post-Cold War era with
strategic finesse. His initiatives towards strengthening ties with the East, including the
Look East policy, paved the way for a new era in diplomatic relations and economic
partnerships. Rao’s contributions extended into the realms of language and education,
where he championed the cause of cultural diversity and literacy. His policies aimed at
preserving India’s rich linguistic heritage while promoting education as a means of
empowerment
Bharat Ratna, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Champion of the

Farmers
Swaminathan
Chaudhary Charan Singh revered as a true champion of India’s agrarian community

dedicated his life to the welfare of the farmers. His tenure as Prime Minister, though
brief, was impactful, particularly his advocacy for policies that supported the
agricultural sector and upheld the rights of the farmers. Singh’s legacy is a testament
to his commitment to rural development and his belief in the vital role of agriculture
in India’s economy.
Singh’s initiatives aimed at alleviating farmer distress, improving agricultural

productivity, and ensuring fair prices for crops have left an enduring mark on India’s
agricultural policies. His efforts to reform the agrarian landscape resonate with
millions of farmers across the nation, making him a beloved figure among the rural
populace.
Bharat Ratna, MS Swaminathan, Father ofthe Green

Revolution
Dr. MS Swaminathan’s contributions to India’s agricultural revolution are monumental.

As the architect of the Green Revolution, Swaminathan’s scientific acumen and
innovative approaches to crop improvement significantly increased food production,
thereby mitigating the threat of famine and ensuring food security for millions.
His work not only transformed India from a food-importing country to one of self-
sufficiency but also inspired agricultural reforms worldwide.
Swaminathan’s dedication to sustainable agriculture and his advocacy for the

conservation of biodiversity have shaped the discourse on ecological balance and
responsible farming practices.
His vision extends beyond immediate agricultural gains, focusing on the long-term
well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
Swaminathan
India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, is set to honour the indelible
contributions of three distinguished individuals whose efforts have significantly
shaped the nation’s trajectory. Former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and
Chaudhary Charan Singh, alongside renowned agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan,
are the esteemed recipients of this prestigious accolade, acknowledging their
unparalleled dedication to the progress of India.
Bharat Ratna, PV Narasimha Rao
PV Narasimha Rao, often hailed as the Architect of Modern India, played a pivotal role
in ushering in economic liberalization in the early 1990s. His visionary leadership not
only averted a financial crisis but also laid the groundwork for India’s rapid growth
and integration into the global economy. Rao’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked
by bold reforms that transformed the economic landscape, fostering investment,
expansion of the private sector, and enhancing India’s competitiveness worldwide.
Beyond economics, Rao’s impact was profoundly felt in India’s foreign policy, where
he redefined relationships, steering the country through the post-Cold War era with
strategic finesse. His initiatives towards strengthening ties with the East, including the
Look East policy, paved the way for a new era in diplomatic relations and economic
partnerships. Rao’s contributions extended into the realms of language and education,
where he championed the cause of cultural diversity and literacy. His policies aimed at
preserving India’s rich linguistic heritage while promoting education as a means of
empowerment
Bharat Ratna, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Champion of the

Farmers
Swaminathan
Chaudhary Charan Singh revered as a true champion of India’s agrarian community

dedicated his life to the welfare of the farmers. His tenure as Prime Minister, though
brief, was impactful, particularly his advocacy for policies that supported the
agricultural sector and upheld the rights of the farmers. Singh’s legacy is a testament
to his commitment to rural development and his belief in the vital role of agriculture
in India’s economy.
Singh’s initiatives aimed at alleviating farmer distress, improving agricultural

productivity, and ensuring fair prices for crops have left an enduring mark on India’s
agricultural policies. His efforts to reform the agrarian landscape resonate with
millions of farmers across the nation, making him a beloved figure among the rural
populace.
Bharat Ratna, MS Swaminathan, Father of the Green

Revolution
Dr. MS Swaminathan’s contributions to India’s agricultural revolution are monumental.

As the architect of the Green Revolution, Swaminathan’s scientific acumen and
innovative approaches to crop improvement significantly increased food production,
thereby mitigating the threat of famine and ensuring food security for millions.
His work not only transformed India from a food-importing country to one of
selfsufficiency but also inspired agricultural reforms worldwide. Swaminathan’s
dedication to sustainable agriculture and his advocacy for the conservation of
biodiversity have shaped the discourse on ecological balance and responsible farming
practices.
His vision extends beyond immediate agricultural gains, focusing on the long-term
well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
National Affairs
• Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently spearheaded the inauguration of
cutting-edge healthcare facilities at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, marking a pivotal moment
for healthcare in Odisha. Executive Director Ashutosh Biswas expressed gratitude
towards Minister Mandaviya for his unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare in
the region
• Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal,
along with Chief Minister Assam, laid the foundation stone for the Central Research
Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy (CRIYN) and a 100-bedded Naturopathy hospital at
Dihing Khamtighat in Dibrugarh.
• Building on the resounding success of the 2023 edition, India Energy Week 2024 is
set to take place in Goa from February 6 to 9, 2024. This premier event, inaugurated
by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, is the country’s largest and
sole comprehensive energy exhibition and conference.
• Following the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Indian Railway
Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced a meticulously crafted tour
program, immersing travelers in the spiritual tapestry woven by the Ramayana.
• In a significant development for India’s cultural heritage, Union Culture Minister G.

Kishan Reddy recently laid the foundation stone for the country’s digital National
Museum of Epigraphy at the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad. Spearheaded by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this museum aims to house approximately one
lakh ancient writings spanning various times and languages, preserving them for
future generations.
• The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts India to become the primary driver
of global oil demand growth by 2030, despite a projected decline in domestic
production. This trend, highlighted at the India Energy Week 2024, underscores
India’s emergence as the second-largest crude importer worldwide.
National Affairs
• The Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, recently started the EdCIL Vidyanjali
Scholarship Programme. This new program is all about making it easier for students
who don’t have much money to get a good education. It follows the National
Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s goals to make education available to everyone
• President Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the ‘Vividdhta ka Amrit Mahotsav’ at

Rashtrapati Bhavan, showcasing Northeast India’s cultural richness. Organized by the
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Ministry of Culture, the event
ran from February 8th to 11th, 2024.
States:
• The Uttarakhand Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has greenlit
the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, marking a historic move. The bill, crafted based on
recommendations from a government-appointed committee, will be presented in the
Uttarakhand Assembly on February 6. If passed, Uttarakhand would be the first state
post-Independence to adopt the Uniform Civil Code, aiming to standardize civil laws
for all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations
• Justice Ritu Bahri has become the new Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court.
The Governor, Lt Gen (retd) Gurmit Singh, gave her the oath at a beautiful ceremony
at Raj Bhawan. Many important people, including the Chief Minister Pushkar Singh
Dhami, were there to see this big moment. It shows how important Justice Bahri’s new
job is.
• The Ellora – Ajanta International Festival, held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

concluded marking the end of a three-day musical extravaganza that delighted
audiences with a rich cultural treat. After a seven-year hiatus, the event returned in
2023.
• Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Banwarilal Purohit resigned from his
post, citing “personal reasons.” In his resignation letter, he wrote, “Due to my
personal reasons and certain other commitments, I tender my resignation from the
post of governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh. Please
accept the same and oblige.”
• Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the “Dhami against
drugs campaign,” a pivotal initiative spearheaded by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva
Morcha Metropolitan Dehradun. This campaign, running from February 5 to February
10, marks a significant step in the state government’s resolution to eradicate drug
abuse and cultivate a healthier, drug-free society by the year 2025.
• In the heart of Patna, Bihar, a new landmark has emerged as a monumental tribute to
Mahatma Gandhi, fondly known as the Father of the Nation. The Bapu Tower, located
in Gardanibagh, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and ideals of Mahatma
Gandhi. This tower, the first of its kind in the country dedicated to Gandhi, has been
completed, marking a significant milestone in the architectural and cultural landscape
of Bihar.
States:
• The collaboration between the Maharashtra government and the National Highways
Logistic Management Limited (NHLML) marks a significant step towards advancing
connectivity and tourism development through ropeways under the National Ropeway
Programme ‘Parvatmala’.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently embarked on a day-long visit to Goa, where
he inaugurated several significant infrastructural projects aimed at advancing various
sectors, including sea survival training, energy, education, and waste management.
These projects not only signify India’s progress towards self-reliance but also
underscore the government’s commitment to fostering development and innovation
across different domains.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment in Goa’s educational

landscape as he inaugurated the permanent campus of the National Institute of
Technology Goa. The campus, built at a cost of over ₹1330 crore, is equipped with
state-of-the-art facilities tailored to meet the diverse needs of students, faculty, and
staff.
• Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as Monkey Fever, has emerged as a
significant health concern in Karnataka, India. With two fatalities reported this year
and 49 positive cases, the state’s health department is on high alert. Originating from
the Kyasanur Forest in 1957, KFD is caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus
(KFDV), belonging to the Flaviviridae family. This article delves into the essentials of
KFD, from transmission and symptoms to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
• The Uttar Pradesh government is taking significant steps to promote the

manufacture and use of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state. One of the key initiatives
in this endeavour is the enhancement of the ‘EV Upyog’ portal, which serves as a
platform to facilitate EV-related activities
• Maharashtra government has announced ‘Chief Minister Vayoshree Yojana’ is set to

benefit around 15 lakh senior citizens suffering from physical or mental disabilities.
Under this scheme, eligible citizens above the age of 65 will receive financial
assistance of three thousand rupees, providing much-needed support and relief to
vulnerable members of society.
States:
In response to growing safety concerns among Telangana citizens residing abroad
and recognizing the need for immediate support and assistance for Telangana citizens
facing challenges overseas, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has announced the
establishment of a dedicated help desk.
• Uttarakhand has marked a significant milestone in India’s legislative history by

becoming the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This
groundbreaking move was initiated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, with the
state Assembly passing the UCC Bill. The UCC aims to standardize laws governing
personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and more across all citizens,
irrespective of their religion.
• In a significant move towards bolstering infrastructure and fostering socio-economic

development, Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently spearheaded the
‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ program at Amb-Pathiyar under the Jawalamukhi assembly
constituency. The event served as a platform for the CM to engage with local
residents and gain insight into their concerns, while also unveiling a series of
transformative announcements aimed at propelling the region forward.
• In a collaborative effort between the Assam government and Larsen & Toubro (L&T),
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Construction Skill Training
Centre in Assam. This initiative aims to address unemployment by providing
comprehensive training opportunities to the youth and enhancing their employability
in the construction sector.
International Affairs
• In a groundbreaking move, Michelle O’Neill, an Irish nationalist representing Sinn
Fein, has been appointed as Northern Ireland’s First Minister. This marks a significant
departure from the traditional dominance of pro-British unionists in the region’s
political landscape
• As of January 1, 2024, France has pioneered the issuance of Digital Schengen visas,
marking a significant leap in streamlining visa processes within the European Union.
This groundbreaking initiative precedes the broader digitalization of Schengen visa
procedures scheduled for full implementation in 2026. The move is strategically
aligned with the preparations for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris,
with French authorities aiming to distribute around 70,000 digital visas
• Iran eliminates visa requirements for Indian tourists from February 4, 2024, aiming
to boost tourism and global engagement. Indian ordinary passport holders can visit
every six months for up to 15 days. The move extends to 33 countries, acknowledging
India’s growing outbound tourism market.
• El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele triumphantly secures his reelection, despite

lingering concerns over authoritarian tendencies. Bukele’s landslide victory
underscores his firm stance against gang violence and his vision for democratic
reforms.
• Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has appointed Olzhas Bektenov, his chief
of staff, as the new prime minister. Bektenov, aged 43, previously headed the state
anti-corruption agency and assumed the role of presidential administration head in
April 2023.
• The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), the largest sovereign wealth fund in
the UAE, is establishing a substantial investment fund totaling $4-5 billion through
India’s Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), situated in Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s home state.
International Affairs
• China has inaugurated its newest Antarctic research station, the Qinling facility,
situated on Inexpressible Island in the Ross Sea. This marks China’s fifth research
station in Antarctica and signifies its commitment to advancing scientific exploration
in the region
Agreements/MoUs Signed
• India and Saudi Arabia recently engaged in discussions aimed at bolstering their
bilateral defence and strategic cooperation. These talks, held between Minister of
State for Defence Ajay Bhatt and Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud in Riyadh, highlighted several key areas of
collaboration.
• NITI Aayog and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have collaborated
on energy transition efforts since 2020. Their joint report, released during India
Energy Week on February 6, 2024, focuses on the adoption of LNG as a
transportation fuel in medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCVs) in India.
• India and Russia have strengthened their long-standing nuclear cooperation with the
signing of a protocol amending the 2008 intergovernmental agreement. The
agreement focuses on the construction of additional nuclear reactors at the
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project site and the development of Russia-designed
nuclear power plants at new locations in India.
• In a significant development in the aerospace industry, Brazilian aerospace giant

Embraer and Mahindra announced a strategic partnership aimed at fulfilling the Indian
Air Force’s (IAF) acquisition of the C-390 multi mission transport aircraft. With the
IAF seeking to replace its aging fleets of AN32 planes, this collaboration aligns with
India’s defense modernization efforts under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Books and Authors
• Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar has released the book titled ‘9 Incredible
Years of Haryana Government – Rise of a New and Vibrant Haryana’ at Surajkund
Faridabad.
Banking/Economy/Business
News
• The Gautam Adani-led Adani Group is constructing the world’s largest single-
location copper manufacturing plant in Mundra, Gujarat. This $1.2 billion facility, set to
commence its first phase operations by March-end, aims to reach a full-scale
production capacity of 1 million tonnes by 2029.
• Forty days after an ammonia gas leak from a fertilizer plant owned by Coromandel
International Limited shook Ennore in Tamil Nadu, the Environment, Climate Change
and Forest Department has taken decisive actions against the company.his $1.2 billion
facility, set to commence its first phase operations by March-end, aims to reach a full-
scale production capacity of 1 million tonnes by 2029.
• The department has slapped a significant penalty of Rs 5.92 crore on Coromandel

International Limited for its role in the gas leak incident. This reflects the seriousness
with which authorities are addressing environmental hazards.at. This $1.2 billion
facility, set to commence its first phase operations by March-end, aims to reach a full-
scale production capacity of 1 million tonnes by 2029.
• The RBI’s announcement on January 1, 2024, revealed that a staggering 97.38 per
cent of ₹2,000 notes in circulation had been successfully returned. The deadline for
deposit and exchange at bank branches was October 7, 2023, marking the end of an
era for the vibrant-coloured currency
• REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of
Power and a leading NBFC, has been honored with the prestigious Best Green Bond –
Corporate Award at The Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance. This
recognition underscores REC’s commitment to Sustainable Finance and Environmental
Sustainability
• HDFC Bank and its affiliated companies have obtained approval from the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) to acquire stakes in six prominent banks. This approval, received
on January 5, 2024, grants HDFC Bank and its group entities the authority to acquire
an aggregate stake of up to 9.5% in ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, YES Bank,
Bandhan Bank, and Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SFB). The approval, valid until
February 4, 2025, follows applications submitted by the bank as a promoter or
sponsor of the group on December 18, 2023.
News
• The liquidity deficit in the banking system has significantly reduced to

approximately ₹1.40 lakh crore as of February 4, down from a recent high of ₹3.46
lakh crore on January 24. This decline is attributed to increased government
spending, as per data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Consequently, overnight
money market rates have eased, with the weighted average rate dropping to 6.33 per
cent from last month’s range of 6.50 per cent to 6.75 per cent.
• In its latest interim economic outlook, the Organization for Economic Co-operation
and Development (OECD) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year
2024-25 (FY25) upwards to 6.2%, a marginal increase from the previous estimate of
6.1%.
• Fitch, a global ratings agency, forecasts India’s fiscal deficit to reach 5.4% of GDP in
FY25, surpassing the government’s target of 5.1% announced by Finance Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman. The agency views the government’s adjustment of the FY24
deficit target to 5.8% from 5.9% as modest. Achieving the FY25 target is seen as
critical for reaching the goal of a 4.5% deficit in FY26. However, Fitch believes this
target might be challenging due to potential setbacks, particularly from increased
spending before general elections.
• Tata Group has made history by becoming the first Indian conglomerate to surpass
the ₹30 lakh crore mark in combined market capitalization. This significant
achievement is driven by strong performances from key subsidiaries, including Tata
Consultancy Services (TCS), Tata Motors, Tata Power, and Indian Hotels.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently granted final authorization to fintech
firms Juspay and Decentro, along with software-as-a-service company Zoho, to
operate as payment aggregators. This approval comes in the wake of stringent criteria
set by the regulator and positions these entities alongside other notable players in the
payments aggregator landscape.
News
• In a visionary collaboration with philanthropist Ratan Tata, Tata Trusts proudly

announces the launch of the nation’s foremost Small Animal Hospital in Mahalaxmi,
Mumbai. This groundbreaking initiative is a testament to Mr. Tata’s enduring
commitment to pet healthcare and veterinary care. Spanning an impressive 98,000
square feet across five floors, this state-of-the-art facility epitomizes excellence in pet
healthcare.
• Flywire Corporation, in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI), aims to
modernize and digitize international education payments for Indian students. This
partnership facilitates seamless transactions in Indian Rupees, ensuring compliance
with the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) guidelines.
• India’s foreign exchange reserves have surged to a onemonth high, reaching

$622.47 billion as of February 2, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) on February 9. This marks the second consecutive week of increase, with
reserves climbing by $5.74 billion during the reporting period, the largest rise in
nearly two months. The previous week saw a modest increase of $590 million.
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to enhance
flood and riverbank erosion risk management along the Brahmaputra River in Assam,
India. This project aims to build on previous successful initiatives and address the
persistent challenges of flooding and erosion in the region.
Appointments/Resignations
• Apurva Chandra used to be in charge of the Information and Broadcasting

department, but now he’s going to be the Health Secretary. He’s been working for the
government since 1988, so he has a lot of experience. Sanjay Jaju is going to take
Apurva Chandra’s old job as the Information and Broadcasting Secretary. He used to
work in Telangana and started his government job in 1992.
• Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh has recently invested in the popular lifestyle
brand boAt, becoming not only a stakeholder but also the official face of the brand’s
audio products. This partnership marks a strategic move for boAt, as they welcome
Singh into their illustrious list of brand ambassadors, which already features notable
celebrities and sports personalities
• In a strategic move within the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has
been appointed as the new Army Vice Chief, effective February 15. This transition
signifies a seamless succession plan as Lt Gen Dwivedi steps into the role, succeeding
Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, who is set to assume command at the Northern Army
Command in Udhampur.
• K.R. Mangalam University proudly announces the appointment of the distinguished

former Chief Justice of India, Hon’ble Justice U.U. Lalit, as the Eminent Jurist and
Distinguished Professor at The School of Legal Studies. This significant development
follows closely on the heels of the university securing the 2nd position in Haryana,
according to the BW Legal World Law School Rankings 2022, affirming its
commitment to delivering unparalleled legal education.
• Rajasthan has welcomed Senior Advocate Rajendra Prasad Gupta as its new
Advocate General, following the approval of his appointment by Governor Kalraj
Mishra
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the appointment of Mio Oka as
its new Country Director for India, succeeding Takeo Konishi. Ms. Oka brings nearly
three decades of professional experience, including over 18 years with ADB, to her
new role. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in ADB’s continued
partnership with India in supporting its development goals and economic growth.
Appointments/Resignations
• Justice Vijay Bishnoi has recently been sworn in as the Chief Justice of the esteemed
Gauhati High Court, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious legal career. The
ceremony, graced by dignitaries including the Assam Governor and Chief Minister,
commemorated Justice Bishnoi’s ascension to this esteemed position.
• Tata Digital has announced the appointment of Naveen Tahilyani as the new Chief
Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Group’s e-commerce unit. Tahilyani,
who presently holds the position of CEO and MD at Tata AIA Life Insurance, is set to
transition into his new role on February 19, taking over from Pratik Pal.
• LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management has appointed Ravi Kumar Jha as its Managing
Director and Chief Executive. With over 30 years of experience at LIC, Jha brings a
wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.
• Tata AIA Life Insurance has announced the appointment of its President and Chief
Distribution Officer, Venkatachalam H, as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO), pending regulatory approval. This strategic move marks a
new chapter for the company as Venkatachalam, a veteran in the insurance and
financial services sector, prepares to steer Tata AIA Life towards future growth and
innovation
• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) recently announced the

appointment of Ajay Kumar Choudhary as its new non-executive chairman and
independent director, effective February 8, 2024. Mr Choudhary, a distinguished
central banker with a career spanning over three decades at the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI), brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this crucial role.
• Fit India Movement broke the mold by appointing Narendra Kumar Yadav, an IRS
officer, as its new brand ambassador. This groundbreaking choice highlights the
diverse paths to fitness and challenges us to rethink what it means to be a role model
for a healthier India.
Awards and Recognitions
• Priest Ishwari Prasad Namboodiri, the chief priest (Rawal) of the world-renowned
Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand, was honoured with the Shankar Smriti Award in
Kerala. This recognition marks a significant acknowledgement of his dedication and
service to the spiritual domain, enhancing the rich tapestry of Indian religious
practices.
• Dr. Bina Modi, the esteemed Chairperson of Modi Enterprises, has been honored with
the prestigious ‘Outstanding Business Woman of the Year’ Award. This recognition,
bestowed upon her by Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India, at a distinguished
conference organized by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC),
underscores her exceptional leadership and contributions to the industry.
• Renowned Mathematics educator Anand Kumar, founder of Super 30, achieved a

significant milestone on Tuesday, February 6, as he was granted the prestigious
‘Golden Visa’ by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government. This recognition
catapults Kumar into an elite group, traditionally dominated by Bollywood stars and
sports icons.
• In a celebration of nature’s serene beauty, a photograph depicting a polar bear

asleep on an iceberg has clinched the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year
People’s Choice Award. This enchanting image, titled ‘Ice Bed,’ captured by British
amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani, has emerged victorious in a competition that
saw a record-breaking 75,000 votes from the public
• The second DNPA Conclave & Digital Impact Awards served as a pivotal platform for
discussions on the revenue-sharing disparity between digital news publishers and
major technology platforms. Key stakeholders, including the Minister of State for
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), converged to address this pressing
issue amidst the backdrop of the imminent Digital India Act. The Conclave focuses on
the theme ‘Navigating Digital Transformations and Challenges in the Media Industry.’
• Pyarelal Sharma, one-half of the legendary composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, has

been felicitated with the prestigious Lakshminarayana International Award. This
honour was bestowed upon him as part of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival,
acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the Indian music industry.
Summits and Conferences News
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the prestigious World
Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai on February 14. This marks his second invitation
to the WGS, with the first being in 2018. The WGS, an annual global gathering held in
Dubai since 2013, convenes world leaders, policymakers, and experts to tackle
pressing global issues.
• A North-East Sammelan convened at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New

Delhi drawing attention to the region’s progress and collaborative efforts. The event
boasted the presence of distinguished ministers, MPs, MLAs, officers, and students,
accentuating the significance of the occasion.
• In a significant moment for regional sports diplomacy, the first-ever BIMSTEC

Aquatics Championship was officially declared open in New Delhi on February 6th,
2024. The ceremony, graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Anurag Singh Thakur,
Honourable Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports of India, and Shri Dig Bahadur
Limbu, Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports of Nepal, marked the commencement
of a historic sporting event within the BIMSTEC framework.
• The 2024 World Governments Summit, scheduled to be held in Dubai from February
12-14, has designated India, Türkiye, and Qatar as guests of honor. Themed ‘Shaping
Future Governments,’ the summit aims to facilitate discussions among over 25
government and state heads worldwide.
Ranks and Reports
• In a remarkable achievement, Mukesh Ambani, the visionary leader steering Reliance

Industries Limited, secures the first position among Indian executives and an
impressive second globally in the prestigious Brand Guardianship Index 2024 by
Brand Finance. This recognition places Ambani ahead of renowned global leaders
such as Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, Tim Cook, and Elon Musk
• India’s logistics performance has seen remarkable improvements, as indicated by its

rank in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Report by the World Bank. Through
collaborative efforts among various ministries and departments, alongside the
implementation of key policies and initiatives, India is advancing towards enhancing
its competitiveness globally. India has significantly climbed in the Logistics
Performance Index (LPI) ranking, securing the 38th position out of 139 countries,
according to the World Bank’s report.
• TomTom, a leading expert in location technology, has unveiled revealing insights

into the global challenge of traffic congestion. Among the standout findings, London
emerges as a focal point, experiencing the slowest traffic in 2023. This revelation,
based on TomTom’s comprehensive analysis, underscores the pressing need for
innovative solutions to tackle urban mobility challenges. TomTom’s report also sheds
light on the traffic woes plaguing major Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi,
and Mumbai.
Sports News
• The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to take centre stage, promising
football fans a thrilling and expanded 48-team tournament. The United States,
Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting this global spectacle, with MetLife Stadium in New
York selected as the venue for the July 19 final. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the
key details and highlights of the upcoming tournament. MetLife Stadium in New York
emerged victorious in the bid to host the final on July 19, overcoming stiff
competition from Dallas.
• PT Usha, was honoured with the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award. This
accolade was presented to her by the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI)
and Delhi Sports Journalists Association (DSJA), recognizing her extraordinary
contributions to Indian athletics. The award ceremony saw the attendance of notable
personalities, including Rajeev Shukla, Member of Parliament – Rajya Sabha and Vice
President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and former Indian
shooter Jaspal Rana, among the Guests of Honour.
• TomTom, a leading expert in location technology, has unveiled revealing insights

into the global challenge of traffic congestion. Among the standout findings, London
emerges as a focal point, experiencing the slowest traffic in 2023. This revelation,
based on TomTom’s comprehensive analysis, underscores the pressing need for
innovative solutions to tackle urban mobility challenges. TomTom’s report also sheds
light on the traffic woes plaguing major Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi,
and Mumbai.
• Pathum Nissanka etched his name in Sri Lankan cricket history, by becoming the
first-ever player to score a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the
nation. His unbeaten knock of 210 runs against Afghanistan was a masterclass in
batting, shattering records and propelling Sri Lanka to a massive victory.
Schemes and Committees News
• Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. S P Singh Baghel and
Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, virtually launched the Kilkari programme and Mobile
Academy, aimed at strengthening public health infrastructure in Maharashtra and
Gujarat. Kilkari provides timely audio messages on reproductive maternal, neonatal,
and child health, while Mobile Academy offers training for Accredited Social Health
Activists (ASHAs) via mobile phones.
• The Cabinet has given its approval for the upcoming telecom spectrum auctions,
scheduled to take place later this year. The reserve price for the auctions has been
fixed at Rs 96,317 crore. All available spectrum in various bands including 800, 900,
1800, 2100, 2300, 2500, 3300 megahertz (MHz), and 26 gigahertz (GHz) will be up
for auction. The decision aligns with recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India (TRAI) and follows the government’s commitment to holding annual
spectrum auctions, as decided in September 2021.
• Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Arjun Munda introduced several key
initiatives under the Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in New Delhi on 8th
February 2024. These initiatives aim to benefit insured farmers and mitigate their
risks.
• In a significant stride towards fostering entrepreneurship in Tamil Nadu, the MSME

Minister, T M Anbarasan, launched two pivotal initiatives during an event organized by
StartUp TN. These initiatives, the Smartcard scheme and the StartUp Challenge
website, underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing startups
and fostering innovation in the state.
• In a groundbreaking move for the Northeast region, Chief Minister Prem Singh
Tamang of Sikkim announced the revival of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for state
government employees hired on or after April 1, 2006, during the State Level
Temporary Employees’ Convention. This decision underscores the government’s
commitment to the welfare of its workforce.
Important Days News
• February 6th, 2024, marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female
Genital Mutilation (FGM), a pivotal moment for communities worldwide to unite
against a practice that infringes on the rights, health, and well-being of millions of
women and girls.
• Safer Internet Day, celebrated on 6th February each year, serves as a global call to
action for individuals, families, and communities to unite in making the digital world a
safer and more secure environment for all. The theme for Safer Internet Day 2024,
“Inspiring Change. Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change
online,” reflects a proactive approach towards fostering a positive and secure online
experience.
• National Science Day (NSD) is a celebration of scientific achievements and

discoveries that have shaped the world we live in. On this occasion, the Union Minister
of State for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, unveiled the theme for NSD
2024 – “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat” – emphasizing India’s
commitment to innovation and self-reliance in science and technology.
• National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed annually on February 7th, stands
as a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS within African American
communities. This year’s theme is “Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End
HIV/AIDS in Black Communities”.
• The United Nations General Assembly has marked February 10th as the International
Day of the Arabian Leopard. This decision, formalized in resolution 77/295, highlights
the critical status of the Arabian Leopard (Panthera pardus nimr), classified as
Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The rapid decline of this majestic creature
signals a dire need for concerted actions to address the biodiversity crisis threatening
ecosystems globally.
Important Days News
• Every year on February 10th, the global community celebrates World Pulses Day, an
occasion dedicated to recognizing the pivotal role of pulses in promoting food
security, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural practices. This year’s theme, “Pulses:
Nourishing Soils and People,” emphasizes the dual benefits of pulses for enhancing
soil health and providing essential nutrients to humans. It’s a day to appreciate the
humble pulse, not just as a source of food but as a cornerstone of ecological and
human health.
• Every year on February 11th, the world celebrates the International Day of Women
and Girls in Science (IDWGIS). This day serves as a crucial reminder of the immense
contributions women and girls have made, and continue to make, in the fields of
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Yet, the celebration also
highlights the persistent gender gap that remains a reality in these fields.
Obituaries News
• The Divya Kala Mela, an initiative by the Department of Empowerment of Persons

with Disabilities (DEPwD), is set to grace the vibrant city of Agartala, Tripura. This
event, inaugurated on 6th February 2024, aims to celebrate the talents and skills of
Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs from across the country.
• Farooq Nazki, a revered poet, broadcaster, and a distinguished recipient of the

Sahitya Akademi Award. At the age of 83, Nazki’s passing marks the end of an era in
Kashmiri literature, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
(Read the Complete Article)
• Chile’s political landscape was shaken as news broke on February 6th of the tragic
death of former President Sebastian Pinera in a helicopter crash in the south of the
country.
Miscellaneous News
• In a groundbreaking move towards inclusivity and equality, Delhi Chief Minister

Arvind Kejriwal announced a significant government initiative declaring free bus
travel for the transgender community within the national capital. Emphasizing the
long-standing neglect faced by marginalized groups, Kejriwal underscored the
importance of extending equal rights and privileges to all members of society,
regardless of gender identity.
• The New Delhi Book Fair, organized by the National Book Trust in collaboration with
the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), is set to enchant visitors at Pragati
Maidan from February 10 to 18, 2024. This year’s theme, “Multilingual India: A Living
Tradition,” promises a celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural exchange.
Legalisig Minimum Support
Price (MSP)
What is MSP?
The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a minimum price for any crop at which
the government purchases it from farmers, and is based on a calculation of at
least one-and-a-half times the cost of production incurred by the farmers.
MSP does not have any legal basis but has been implemented since the 1960s
with the following objectives:
1. Ensuring food security in the country.

2. Protection from price drop for farmers
3. Incentivise desirable crop production
Importance of MSP:
Safeguard against Price volatility: The system of MSP acts as a tool for the
government to control sharp falls and rises in the prices of any crops
Surety of minimum prices: The MSP is announced before the sowing season
so that farmers can make an informed decision. Hence, supporting farmers
from distress sales.
Control crops short in supply: by offering more price support for these
crops so that more and more farmers are tempted to grow these crops.
Crop Diversification: MSP for crops promotes their diversification and curbs
import-dependence and food inflation (e.g., there was a notable increase in
the MSP of pulses and oilseeds in 2021 in order to incentivise its domestic
production)
Food security: The government can use these crops to be sold at

government fair price shops at a price lower than the market rate to the
below poverty line people at a lower price.
Developmental schemes like PM-POSHAN, ICDS, Anganwadi Services

Scheme, and TPDS rely on grains procured by FCI at MSP.
Limitations of MSP:
Lack of legal guarantee: Farmers cannot demand MSP as a matter of right.

The only crop where MSP payment has some statutory element is
sugarcane.
Issues with the cost of production: Farm activists say that the 1.5-times
MSP formula — originally recommended by the National Commission for
Farmers headed by agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan should have
been applied to the C2 costs.
Lack of effective data: The CACP does not do any field-based cost
estimates itself.
Ineffective coverage: Though government announces MSP for 23 crops

only.
Therefore, the legalization of MSP is needed:
1. Legalizing MSP enables farmers to claim MSP rights, enforceable through

courts.
2. Improved price realization from the private sector could boost the rural
economy.
3. Diversification of any of the MSP crops helps farmers avoid the high input
costs of select crops.
4. Increased production of pulses and millets promotes climate-smart

agriculture.
However, there are major impediments to legalizing it:
It would lead to a heavy subsidy burden on the government.
Ineffective grain management: Legalising MSP will further aggravate the

issues related to grain management in India.
Market distortion as the natural cycle of demand-supply would be disturbed.
It is more of a “One size fits all’ approach; as the ultimate solution for
agricultural stagnation in the country is not MSP.
Conclusion:
Legalizing MSP alone doesn’t ensure financial sustainability in farming.

Income-support schemes like PM-KISAN and price deficiency systems like
PM-AASHA offer more progressive solutions.
As suggested by the Swaminathan Commission the methods of calculation

need to be restructured to make it more profitable for farmers and
encourage crop diversification. But at the same time, other aspects such as
irrigation, soil, irrigation, knowledge input, etc. also need to be considered
to impart holistic development in the agricultural sector of the country.
Legalisig Minimum Support
Price (MSP)
What is MSP?
The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a minimum price for any crop at which
the government purchases it from farmers, and is based on a calculation of at
least one-and-a-half times the cost of production incurred by the farmers.
MSP does not have any legal basis but has been implemented since the 1960s
with the following objectives:
1. Ensuring food security in the country.

2. Protection from price drop for farmers
3. Incentivise desirable crop production
Importance of MSP:
Safeguard against Price volatility: The system of MSP acts as a tool for the
government to control sharp falls and rises in the prices of any crops
SWATI Portal to address
gender imbalance in Indian Science
What are India’s past efforts to address gender imbalance in

Indian science?
2004 INSA Report: The Indian National Science Academy's report was a
pioneering effort, being the first government-supported document to discuss
the gender gap in STEM fields. It highlighted discrimination based on gender
and caste in the workplace.
2008 Initiatives:
2004 INSA Report: The Indian National Science Academy's report was a
pioneering effort, being the first government-supported document to discuss
the gender gap in STEM fields. It highlighted discrimination based on gender
and caste in the workplace.
Lilavati’s Daughters: The Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc) released this

compendium to showcase the achievements of women scientists.
National Conference: Organized by a Department of Science and Technology

task force, it included over a thousand women scientists. Significant promises
were made by then Science Minister Kapil Sibal, including flexible working
hours, in-house creches, and research grants for women scientists. However,
the committee for implementing these measures was not successful.
2010 IASc Report: This report, by a team of sociologists and scientists, focused
on why women scientists leave academia. It revealed that while men mostly
blamed family and sociocultural factors, women pointed to a lack of
opportunities and organizational barriers.
Recent Progressive Policies: The Gender Advancement for Transforming
Institutions (GATI) charter and the draft Science, Technology and
Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020 have adopted more inclusive and progressive
language. These policies consider factors like caste, transgender identity,
and gender-neutral parental leave, showing an evolution in approach.
SWATI Portal Launch in 2024: SWATI, launched on February 11, 2024, is a

portal aimed at listing all women in science in India. It was first announced
in 2021 but only recently became active.
What is the significance of SWATI Portal?
1. Comprehensive Database: SWATI aims to list every woman in Indian

science, creating a unique and extensive database.
2. Inclusivity: It includes all non-male genders, recognizing diversity in the

scientific community.
3. Breaking Barriers: By not limiting to those with PhDs, SWATI

acknowledges various capacities in which women contribute to science.
4. Increased Visibility: The portal can enhance visibility and representation

of women in STEM fields.
5. Step Towards Equality: SWATI represents a significant effort towards

addressing the gender gap in Indian science, promoting more equitable
participation.
A privileged strategic
partnership-India and U.A.E.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay visit to the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) from February 13- 14, 2024, to inaugurate a temple in Abu Dhabi.
What is the status of India-U.A. E relations?
The upcoming visit will be the Prime minister's seventh visit to the UAE
since 2015 and the third in the last eight months. Further, UAE President
was felicitated in a road show when he was in Gandhinagar in January this
year as the chief guest of the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Summit. In this short
duration. India’s relationship with UAE has evolved into becoming one of
the most prominent bilateral relationships for New Delhi.
What are the Areas of cooperation between India-U.A.E. relationship?
1) Strategic cooperation-
a) India is a part of a number of important groupings such as the I2U2 or

the West Asian Quad comprising India, Israel, the United States and the
UAE.
b) The UAE is also part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

(IMEEC) infrastructure project that was signed during the G-20 summit in
Delhi. This is aimed to counter China's Belt and road initiative in the region.
2) Energy cooperation- The UAE is only nation from the gulf region which
has strategic oil reserves stored in India. An agreement was signed by
Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) and the Abu Dhabi
National Oil Company to invest in the strategic crude oil storage facility in
Mangaluru.
3) Economic cooperation-
The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and India’s second-largest

export destination. The bilateral trade between the two countries grew to
$85 billion in 2022-23.
b) The UAE is also the fourth-largest overall investor in India.
c) The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aims

to increase trade in services to $115 billion in five years.
d) The Indian government has also approved the signing and ratification of
a bilateral investment treaty with the UAE.
4) Technical cooperation- India and U.A.E. have a robust financial

technology cooperation. For example
a) The RuPay card, a key component of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure

(DPI), is accepted in the UAE.
b) From July 2023, the rupee was accepted for transactions at Dubai’s
airports.
c) India and the UAE have operationalized a rupee-dirham settlement

system where the Indian Oil Corporation made a rupee payment to the Abu
Dhabi National Oil Company for crude oil imports.
5) Climate change cooperation- PM Modi attended the COP 28 climate

summit held in Dubai. To address the issue of finance, India and the UAE co-
launched the Global Green Credit Initiative.
On the Positive Signs for Indian
Economy – India is well on its way
to becoming Viksit Bharat
What are India’s economic projections as per the Monetary Policy

Committee (MPC)?
1) The forecast for GDP growth in 2024-25 has been kept at 7%.
2) The projection for Headline inflation has been reduced to 4.5%.
What are the development and regulatory policy changes announced by

the MPC?
1) Information Sharing: RBI has extended the requirement of the Key Fact
Statement (which includes information on interest rates and the financial
commitment associated with a loan) to cover all retail and MSME loans and
advances. This will empower customers to make informed decisions about
their borrowing.
2) Technology Initiative for Payment Authentication: A “Framework for

authentication of digital payment transactions” will be explored. Along with
this, enhancing the robustness of the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System
(AePS) will be undertaken. These initiatives will help in preventing digital
frauds.
3) Adoption of CBCD: Changes proposed in the Central Bank Digital

Currency could help people onboard into the CBDC architecture.
What are the positive signs for the Indian economy?
11) Rise in Capital Expenditure: As per the interim budget, the overall
allocation for capital expenditure is equivalent to 5.6% of GDP and implies a
growth of around 13%.
2) Lower Primary Deficit: It is expected to lower by 80 basis points to 1.5%

of the GDP in FY25. In FY21 the primary deficit was more than 5% of the
GDP.
3) Debt Reduction: Public debt as a percentage of the GDP has also

reduced and is expected to decline by 90 basis points in FY25 from its level
of 58.1% in FY24.
4) Reduction in Fiscal Deficit: If growth and inflation move along expected

lines, the fiscal deficit will be lower than the 5.1% target.
What are the positive signs for the Rural economy?
1) Infrastructure Development: Significant improvements in physical

(road/rail) infrastructure is ensuring seamless last mile connectivity. The
integration of cities, urban centres and satellite nodes with far flung rural
areas will have to be accounted for in calculating rural demand.
2) Rising Rural Wages: Median wages of rural labourers during FY14-FY23

(November) have shown a rising trend.
3) Lakhpati Didi Initiative: The target of increasing the lakhpati didi numbers
through the 8.3 million plus self-help groups in the recent budget is also a
positive sign for the rural economy.
Demand for paid Menstrual
leave and Gender Equality
The demand for paid menstrual leave, while aiming to address period-related
challenges, could inadvertently hinder gender equality efforts.
What is Menstrual Leave?
Menstrual leave is a workplace policy that allows employees to take paid time off
during their menstrual cycle to manage period-related symptoms or discomfort.
Argument Description
A survey conducted by the NGO Child Rights

Will raise awareness
and You (CRY) revealed that access to sanitary
against Period Poverty
pads was limited to many girls, with 44% of
girls admitting to using homemade absorbents
or cloth
The social stigma surrounding menstruation,

results in discrimination, embarrassment, and
limited access to resources and information.
Will act against Stigma
and Shame
The CRY report has suggested that over 61% of
girls have accepted that a sense of
embarrassment existed in society with regard
to periods
Improves Workplace By allowing individuals to take time off to

Productivity manage menstrual symptoms, paid leave can
contribute to improved workplace productivity
and overall job satisfaction.
Argument Description
Providing paid leave for menstruation can help

Reduces Absenteeism reduce absenteeism by allowing individuals to
take time off when necessary without fear of
losing income or facing disciplinary action.
It creates a more inclusive and diverse

Fosters Inclusivity and workplace culture by accommodating the
Diversity needs of menstruating individuals, regardless
of gender identity.
Paid menstrual leave helps to address gender

Promotes Gender Equality
disparities by recognizing and accommodating
the unique needs of menstruating individuals in
the workforce.
Will support ‘Right of The bill specified three days of paid leave for
Women to Menstrual women and transwomen during their periods
Leave and Free Access to and additional benefits for students. However,
Menstrual Health Products only two states, Kerala and Bihar, currently
Bill 2022’ have menstrual leave policies for women
Examples from India:
1. Zomato in 2020, announced a 10-day paid period of leave per year, and Swiggy
and Byjus have also followed suit.
Global Examples:
Spain became the first European countryto grant paid menstrual leave to
workers, among a host of other sexual health rights.
Indonesia introduced a policy in 1948, amended in 2003, saying that workers

experiencing menstrual pain are not obliged to work on the first two days of their
cycle.
In the Philippines, workers are permitted two days of menstrual leave a month.
Taiwan has an Act of Gender Equality in Employment in place. Under Article 14 of

the Act, employees have the right to request a day off as period leave every
month, at half their regular wage.
South Korea takes a slightly different route, allowing for monthly physiologic
leave under Article 73 of their labour law, allowing all female workers to get a
day off every month.
Among the African nations, Zambia introduced one day of leave a month without
needing a reason or a medical certificate, calling it Mother’s Day.
Companies across nations, such as Nike and Coexist, have introduced menstrual
leave as an internal policy.
Concerns regarding Paid Menstrual leave:
Concerns Description
Dissuades The gender wage gap and low female participation

Companies From rates in the labour force are already significant issues,
Hiring Women and mandatory paid menstrual leave could further
discourage companies from hiring women.
Ratifying special status for menstruating women could

Validates Social perpetuate the social stigma surrounding
Stigma Around menstruation, reinforcing period shaming and the
Menstruation belief that menstruation is impure, hindering efforts
towards gender equality.
Concerns Description
Concerns Implementing paid menstrual leave poses challenges

Surrounding such as determining legitimate use, preventing
Implementation misuse, and defining acceptable enforcement
methods.
Normal Menstruation is a natural process, and while some

Physiological individuals may experience severe symptoms, most
Phenomenon cases are manageable.
Case Study of Japan:
In Japan, despite the provision of unpaid menstrual leave for painful menstruation,
only about 1% of women in the workforce avail of this benefit. Many women are
reluctant to use it due to fear of sexual harassment when disclosing their period status.
This situation persists despite the policy being in place for over seven decades. Japan’s
gender equality ranking has declined, with women less likely to be employed and often
paid less than men, reflecting ongoing disparities in workforce participation and
gender pay equity.
Effective Menstrual Leave Policies should include:
1. Promote menstrual health literacy

2. Provide adequate rest breaks and facilities
3. Ensure access to effective treatment
4. Offer flexible working conditions
5. Avoid gender-specific policies
6. Address gender wage gaps and job opportunities
7. Improve overall labour standards and working conditions, especially for women
Other Measures needed to improve menstrual health:
Hygienic and accessible toilets:

Providing accessible, safe, and hygienic toilets to all including residents of low-
income slums, pavement dwellers, and in educational institutions and
workplaces.
‘She Toilets’ in Telangana and Tamil Nadu and ‘Pink Toilets’ in Delhi provide
safe, private, clean facilities with essential amenities to manage periods.
Providing dustbins and incinerators in female toilets, which promote waste
segregation at source through initiatives like the ‘Red Dot Campaign’ and
innovations like ‘PadCare Labs.’
Attention to urban areas:
The focus of menstrual hygiene campaigns has often been on India’s rural
population, and for good reasons.
However, India’s large, rapidly growing urban population also calls for attention
as certain groups of urban dwellers face a whole range of limitations that affect
their menstrual health.
Other measures:
-> Awareness about periods must be continued, along with efforts to address harmful
social and gender norms and eradicate the social stigma.
-> Menstrual products, both reusable and disposable, must be more available through
various access channels (retail outlets, social enterprises, government schemes and
NGOs) without any stigma attached.
Government Schemes:
Menstrual hygiene scheme launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram
SABLA programme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development
National Rural Livelihood Mission of the Ministry of Rural Development
Swachh Bharat Mission and Swachh Bharat: Swachh Vidyalaya (SB:SV)
Guidelines for Gender Issues in Sanitation, 2017
The National Guidelines on Menstrual Hygiene Management
Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene among adolescent girls in the age
group of 10-19 years (supported by the National Health Mission)
Conclusion
In all, menstrual health is integral to improving global population health, achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals, and realising gender equality and human rights.
Implementation of menstrual leave policies should guard against misuse, ensuring
privacy and dignity. Persistent disparities underscore the need for nuanced, inclusive
approaches to address menstrual challenges and promote gender equality.
OPENAI: Sora
OpenAI has introduced Sora, a new generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) model
capable of converting text prompts into videos up to a minute long with maintained
visual quality and adherence to user instructions.
Sora can create complex scenes with multiple characters, accurate details, and
vibrant emotions, though it still faces challenges with more complex prompts.
While other companies have ventured into text-to-video technology, Sora is not
yet available for general use as OpenAI is ensuring safety protocols and gathering
feedback from visual artists and filmmakers.
The model has weaknesses, such as struggling with complex physics simulations
and precise temporal descriptions, but OpenAI is continuously working to improve
it.
Buxa Tiger Reserve
The Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal celebrated a significant ecological milestone
as a ‘resident tiger’ was spotted after 40 years, marking a crucial development in
wildlife conservation efforts.
A ‘resident tiger’ refers to a tiger that establishes its territory and habitat within a
specific area for an extended period. This term is often used in wildlife conservation
to denote a tiger that consistently resides and breeds within a particular region,
indicating the presence of a stable population within that ecosystem.
It spans 760 square kilometres in North Bengal’s Alipurduar district and is a vital
component of the larger tiger territory stretching into Bhutan.
It boasts corridor connectivity with forests in Bhutan to the North, Kochugaon and
Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam to the East, and Jaldapara National Park to the
West, facilitating the migration and genetic diversity of Bengal tigers.
The Tiger Augmentation Project launched in 2018 aims to monitor and boost the
tiger population. Other protected areas in West Bengal include Gorumara,
Sundarbans, Neora Valley, Singalila, Jaldapara, Sundarban Tiger Reserve,
Mayurjharna Elephant Reserve, and Eastern Dooars Elephant Reserve.
Fourteenth Meeting of Conference
of Parties (COP14) to Convention
on the Conservation of Migratory
Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
The fourteenth Conference of the Parties (COP14) wrapped up in Samarkand,

Uzbekistan, introducing a range of fresh measures aimed at protecting migratory
species.
Agenda items Key outcomes
Migratory Species Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species for

Conservation 2024-2032.
New Global Guidelines addressing the impacts of

Light Pollution on migratory species.
Species specific Addition of 14 species to CMS Appendices including

mandates Eurasian Lynx, Pallas’s Cat and Sand Tiger Shark.
Conservation
New Concerted Actions for six species, including
Chimpanzee, Straw-colored Fruit Bat, and Blue
Shark.
Three new Action Plans for aquatic species, the

Atlantic Humpback Dolphin, the Hawksbill Turtle and
the Angelshark.
Migratory Birds
Agreement on Central Asian Flyway (CAF) spanning
30 Range States of migratory birds. It includes
establishment of a coordinating unit in India.
Scientific Reports First ever State of the World’s Migratory Species
report.
New Global Initiative New Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity

(GPEC) was launched.
It aims to ensure that ecological connectivity is

maintained, enhanced, and restored in critical areas
for migratory species.
Belgium, France, Monaco, and Uzbekistan are CMS

Parties supporting GPEC.
India was one of the recipients of the Migratory Species Champion Programme
for its contribution to conservation of migratory birds in CAF.
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
Also known as Bonn Convention, it is the only global convention specializing in

the conservation of migratory species.
It has two appendices:
Appendix I: Lists migratory species threatened with extinction.

Appendix II: Lists migratory species that would significantly benefit from
international cooperation.
India is a party to CMS.

Centre Raises Authorised Capital of
FCI from Rs 10,000 crore to Rs
21,000
Authorised capital is the amount of share capital which a company is authorised

to issue by its Memorandum of Association (MoA).
-> The company cannot raise more than the amount of capital as specified in the
MoA.
-> Authorised capital is also called Nominal or Registered capital.
Enhanced authorised capital would help the Food Corporation of India (FCI)
embark upon
-> modernizing storage facilities,

-> improving transportation networks, and
-> adopting advanced technologies.
Enhanced authorised capital and further infusion will also lessen the interest
burden and affect the subsidy of Centre positively
About FCI
-> Public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and
Public Distribution set up under the Food Corporation Act of 1964.
-> Mandates
♦ Undertake procurement of food grains at a minimum support price (MSP) to

protect the interest of farmers.
♦ Distribution of food grains throughout the country for public distribution

system (PDS).
♦ Maintain a satisfactory level of operational and buffer stocks of foodgrains to

ensure National Food Security.
Centre Raises Authorised Capital of
FCI from Rs 10,000 crore to Rs
21,000
Centre provides equity to the FCI for working capital requirements and the
creation of capital assets.
♦ FCI resorts to Cash Credit, short-term Loans, Ways & Means etc. to match the
gap in fund requirements.
Committee on Estimates presented
“PM Mega Integrated Textile Region
and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks
Scheme and Revival Efforts for Sick
Textile Units/ PSUs” Report
Indian textile industry is a key contributor to country’s economy with current

contribution of around 1% of GDP.
It contributes to over 15% of country’s total exports and employs over 45 million
people.
India is 3rd largest exporter of Textiles & Apparel in world.
India targets $250 billion textile production and $100 billion exports by 2030.
Current challenges of Textile Industry Competition from cheaper imports from

countries like Bangladesh, China, and Turkey.
Highly fragmented industry. For instance, fabrics woven in Tamilnadu are

processed in Gujarat, ending up in Bengaluru for garmenting.
High input costs (power and capital), poor access to credit, and declining
exports.
Other: Sickness, Lack of modernization by textile mill owner; technical

obsolescence; unskilled labourers; poor productivity etc.
Recommendations: Framing comprehensive National Textile Policy to enhance

global competitiveness of Indian textile industry.
Prepare a time-bound action plan involving all stakeholders for resolving issues
related to sick textile units.
Revival efforts for non-operational sick textile undertakings should involve

private investment, potentially through establishment of PM MITRA PARKS.
Vertical integration of powerloom sector beyond ambit of PM MITRA Parks to

convert textile industry from fragmented to integrated.
Committee on Estimates presented
“PM Mega Integrated Textile Region
and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks
Scheme and Revival Efforts for Sick
Textile Units/ PSUs” Report
Initiatives taken to boost textile sector
Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) for technology

upgradation and modernization.
Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SAMARTH) to address skilled

manpower requirement across textile sector.
Financial assistance for rubber
sector raised by 23% for FY24-25
and FY25-26: Ministry of Commerce
and Industry (MoCI)
It was provided under ‘Sustainable & Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber

Sector’ Scheme (implemented by Rubber Board under MoCI), which enhances
natural rubber production through
Expanding planted area, accelerating rubber plantation in non-traditional

regions including North-East, intensifying research to evolve technologies for
rubber cultivation etc.
Financial assistance will help in covering increased production cost, and reduce
import dependency.
Under scheme, MoCI will also provide assistance during 2024-25 and 2025-26 to
Form 250 Rubber Producers Societies to empower planters.
Establish three nodal centres of National Institute of Rubber training in Agartala,

Guwahati and Nagaland to promote Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
by imparting training in product manufacture and quality control.
Set-up 18 Group Processing Centres in North East to ensure quality and

standardization of rubber sheets.
Develop rubber clones suitable for different agroclimatic regions to meet rising
demand.
India is third largest producer and fourth largest consumer of natural rubber,
mainly grown in Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya.
Global Distribution: Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Ivory Coast, Malaysia,

Philippines. Natural rubber is produced from plants and is classified as a
polymer. Hevea brasiliensis (Rubber Tree) is native to Amazon region of South
America.
Financial assistance for rubber
sector raised by 23% for FY24-25
and FY25-26: Ministry of Commerce
and Industry (MoCI)
Conditions required for Rubber Tree Plantation
Laterite soil, mostly in slope and undulated land.

Tropical climate with annual rainfall of 2000 – 4500 mm.
Temperature should be ranged from 25 to 34°C with 80 % relative humidity
Initiatives taken to promote Rubber
Rubber Board (statutory body) under Rubber Act 1947.

Indian Natural Rubber Organisation for Assisted Development (INROAD)
project across North-East.
National Rubber Policy, 2019.
Soil Health Card Scheme (SHCS)
completes 9 Years
Launched in 2014-2015, to assist State Governments to issue Soil Health Cards

(SHC’s). Promotes Integrated Nutrient Management (INM).
♦ In INM, judicious use of chemical fertilizers including secondary and micro

nutrients in conjunction with organic manures & bio-fertilizers is done for
improving soil health and its productivity.
Flagship program of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Merged with
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Cafeteria Scheme as Soil Health & Fertility
component in 2022-23.
About SHC:
Provides soil nutrient status of his/her holding to each farmer and advises him
her on the dosage of fertilizers.
It also suggests the soil amendments needed that should be applied to maintain
soil health in the long run. SHC contains the status of soil with respect to 12
parameters- Micro-nutrients, Macro-nutrients, Secondary-nutrients and Physical
parameters.
A farm will get the soil card once in every 3 years. It helps in reducing the cost
of production.
Implementation Strategy:
Implemented through the Department of Agriculture of all the State and Union
Territory Governments.
Integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS) system.
Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) have been set up.
About RKVY (2007-2008)
Objective: To ensure more inclusive and integrated development of agriculture

and allied sectors.
Scheme Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme RKVY has been re-structured as
RKVY Cafeteria Scheme from 2022-23. It Merged some schemes of the
Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare which includes Rainfed Area
Development, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana etc.
Draft Guidelines on Prevention and
Regulation of Greenwashing
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has sought public comments on

the proposed guidelines, which shall be issued under Consumer Protection Act,
2019.
Greenwashing: Means any deceptive or misleading practice, which includes

concealing, omitting, or hiding relevant information, by exaggerating, making
vague, false, or unsubstantiated environmental claims.
Also includes use of misleading words, symbols, or imagery, placing emphasis

on positive environmental aspects while downplaying or concealing harmful
attributes.
Key highlights of the Draft Guidelines
Applicability: On all advertisements regardless of form, format, or medium.

♦ Also applicable on service provider, advertiser, endorser, etc., of the
advertisement.
♦ Excludes advertisement/ communication not specific to any product or

service. Guidelines
Prohibition: No person to whom guidelines apply shall engage in Greenwashing.

Substantiation of Environmental Claims: Generic terms such as ‘clean’, 'green',
'eco-friendly', 'ecoconsciousness', 'carbon neutral', etc., shall not be used
without adequate qualifiers and substantiation. Adequate Disclosure: All
environmental claims in ads or communications shall be fully disclosed.
♦About
Comparative environmental claims that compare one product/ service to
RKVY (2007-2008)
another must be based on verifiable and relevant data that is disclosed to
consumers.
♦ Disclosures should be easily accessible to consumers and not contradict

relevant claims. Aspirational or futuristic environmental claims may be made
only when clear and actionable plans has been developed detailing how those
objectives will be achieved.
WHO launched Global Initiative on
Digital Health (GIDH)
The initiative was earlier announced at the G20 Health Ministers meeting in
India.
The GIDH will be a WHO Managed Network of stakeholders to address

challenges such as duplication of efforts and “products-focused” digital health
transformation. GIDH Secretariat will be hosted in WHO Headquarters (Geneva).
Objective:
Align efforts to support of the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025.
Support quality technical assistance to develop and strengthen standards.
Facilitate the use of digital transformation tools
Foundational Pillars of GIDH
Country Needs Tracker to facilitate digital health investments
Country Resource Portal to identify traditional as well as innovative resource

opportunities
Transformation Toolbox for quality-assured tools to strengthen country

capacity to manage the national digital health transformation.
Convening and Knowledge Exchange to promote strengthened collaboration

and knowledge exchange
WHO launched Global Initiative on
Digital Health (GIDH)
Digital Health initiatives of India
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, launched in 2021
♦ It aims to establish a National Digital Health Ecosystem by creating an online

platform enabling interoperability of health data within the health ecosystem
♦ Through components like Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) Number,

Health Facility Registry, Healthcare Professionals Registry etc.
Country Country Conveying &

Transformation
needs Resource Knowledge
Toolbox
tracker Portal Exchange
Resource optimization and Quality assured digital solutions

alignment with country priorities and strengthened local capacity.
Indian Renewable Energy
Development Agency Limited
(IREDA)
IREDA has indicated plans for establishing a subsidiary to cater to retail

projects, e.g. Rooftop Solar, PM-KUSUM, Electric Vehicles, and other Business-
to-Consumer (B2C) segments.
About IREDA
Mini Ratna (Category – I) Public Limited Government Company established as

a Non-Banking Financial Institution in 1987.
Under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable

Energy (MNRE).
Engaged in promoting, developing and extending financial assistance for

setting up projects relating to new and renewable energy sources and energy
efficiency/conservation.
Motto: “Energy for Ever.” Registered and Corporate office: New Delhi
Henley Passport Index (HPI)
India slipped to 85th position in the recently released Henley Passport Index for
2024.
About HPI
Released by Henley & Partners.
Ranks according to number of destinations holders of a passport can access

without a prior visa.
Based on data from International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Compares visa-free access of 199 different passports to 227 travel

destinations.
6 countries – France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain – are ranked 1st
in 2024.
IBSA facility for poverty and hunger
alleviation (IBSA Fund)
India has contributed $ 1 Mn to the IBSA Fund.
About the IBSA Fund
It was jointly established by India, Brazil and South Africa in 2004 and
became operational in 2006.
Fund-supports projects in Global south to achieve their national priorities, as

well as all other internationally agreed development goals.
About IBSA
Forum comprises India, Brazil and South Africa.

Formalised and named the IBSA Dialogue Forum in 2003.
Blended Finance
State Government of Goa and Power Finance Corporation signed an MoU to

support state’s climate ambitions through subnational Blended Finance Facility
(BFF).
BFF will be utilized to fund key climate projects such as green hydrogen, waste-
to-wealth technology, nature-based solutions, etc.
Blended finance is the strategic use of development finance for mobilisation of

additional finance towards sustainable development.
It uses concessional finance (i.e. a subsidy) to reduce perceived risk of an

investment. Seen as a tool to leverage additional private investment.
PM-USHA Scheme
Uttar Pradesh has secured ₹740 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar
Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) Scheme, the highest amount in the country
About PM-USHA Scheme
In light of the National Education Policy 2020, the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha
Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme has been revamped as PM-USHA.
Scheme Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Education.
Key Objective: Improve the overall quality of existing state higher educational
institutions (HEI).
♦ It ensures Institutions conformity to prescribed norms and standards and

adoption of accreditation as a quality assurance framework.
Govt proposes to hike ministries
reporting limits for financial
expenditure
Why in the news?
Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has recently approved the Finance

Ministry’s proposal to raise financial limits on spending for ‘New Service’ and ‘New
Instruments of Service’.
What are ‘New Service’ and ‘New Instruments of Service’?
New Service (NS)- It refers to expenditure arising out of a new policy decision
that was not brought to the notice of Parliament earlier. This may include a new
activity or a new investment.
New Instrument of Service (NIS)-It refers to relatively large expenditure arising

out of important expansion of an existing policy.
What is the new limit approved by Public Account Committee?
The new policy-related expenditure by ministries/departments can be more than

Rs 50 crore but cannot exceed Rs 100 crore. For exceeding Rs 100 crore limit,
prior approval of Parliament is mandatory.
The panel has fixed the reporting limit for ‘New Instrument of Service’, to up to
20% of the original appropriation or up to Rs 100 crore, whichever is higher. For
exceeding this limit, prior approval of Parliament is mandatory.
Rubber Board of India
Why in the news?
The government has recently increased the allocation for Sustainable and
Inclusive Development of the Natural Rubber Sector by 23% to Rs 708.7 crore for
the next two financial years. The scheme runs parallel with the tenure of the award
of 15th finance commission and is run by the Rubber Board of India.
About Rubber Board of India
Aspect Details
It is a statutory organization constituted under

Description the Rubber Act, 1947.
It functions under the administrative control of the

Concerned ministry
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Headquarters Kottayam, Kerala.
Structure 1) The Board is headed by a Chairman appointed

by the Central Government.
2) It has 28 members representing various

interests of the natural rubber industry.
1) It is responsible for the development of the rubber

industry in the country by assisting and encouraging
research, development, extension and training
activities related to rubber.
Functions
2) It maintains statistical data of rubber. The Board
also takes steps to promote marketing of rubber and
undertake labor welfare activities.
3) It issues licences to rubber producers,

manufacturers, and exporters/traders. This licence is
known as the Rubber Board licence/registration. It is
mandatory for rubber manufacturing and export.
Rubber Board of India
What are the favourable conditions for growth of rubber?
1) Temperature– It requires high temperature throughout the year – ranging

between 20°-35°C or average monthly mean of 27°C.
2) Rainfall– It requires heavy rainfall. The annual average rainfall of not less than
200 cm is optimum. Rubber tree thrives well when the distribution of rainfall is
uniformly high all over the year.
3) Soil– Deep, friable, well-drained soils are ideal for rubber cultivation They
promote root devel-opment, and acidic soils are also suitable
Some important facts about rubber production:
1) Thailand is the leading Rubber producing country in the world. Thailand is

followed Indonesia and China at the second and third place respectively.
2) India stands at fourth position in Rubber production.
3) Traditional rubber-growing states comprising Kerala and Tamil Nadu account

for 81% of production
100% FDI in space
sector
Why in the News?
Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
in the space sector, under the revised FDI policy.
What new changes have been made in foreign direct investment (FDI) norms?
Under the updated FDI policy, the satellite sub-sector has been divided into
three different types, with defined limits for foreign investment in each type.
1. Production of parts, systems, or sub-components for satellites- Under the

Automatic route, FDI of up to 100% will be permitted for the manufacturing of
components, systems, or sub-systems for satellites, ground segments, and user
segments.
2. Satellite production and management– The updated policy allows up to 74%

FDI under the automatic route for satellite manufacturing and operation,
satellite data products, and ground/user segment. For investments beyond
74%, government approval is required.
3. Launch vehicles and their components– Up to 49% FDI under the automatic
route will be allowed for launch vehicles, their systems or subsystems, and the
establishment of spaceports for spacecraft launch and reception. Investments
beyond 49% will require government approval.
Pigeon Pea
Why in the News?
According to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
(ICRISAT), a new fastbreeding method will make it easier for scientists to improve
pigeonpea quality more quickly.
What is Pigeon Pea?
Aspect Details
About 1. It serves as a significant legume crop and a

protein-rich food, mainly consumed as dal in India.
2. In India, it is alternatively known as arhar and tur.
Primarily grown in tropical regions, it is

Cultivation predominantly cultivated in the semi-arid areas of
India.
1. Rain– It needs an annual rainfall of 600-650mm,

along with moisture during the initial eight weeks
Climate conditions
and dry conditions during its flowering and pod
development phase.
2. Temperature– It can be grown between 26°C to

30°C during the rainy season and 17°C to 22°C in the
post-rainy season (November to March).
3. Soil– It can be grown in any soil type, but sandy

loam or loam soil is best for its cultivation.
Note– It is highly sensitive to low radiation during

pod development, so flowering in the monsoon or
cloudy weather results in weak pod formation.
Pigeon Pea
Aspect Details
Intercropping It is often grown alongside various crops. In India,

around 80-90% of pigeonpea is intercropped.
1. Long growth cycle– Breeding efforts for

Concern Pigeonpea have been limited due to its long growth
cycle and sensitivity to day length. Only around 250
varieties have been released worldwide in the past
sixty years.
2. Disease– Key diseases of pigeon pea include wilt,

sterility mosaic disease, phytophthora blight,
alternaria blight, and powdery mildew, among
others.
It possesses a low glycemic index and boasts

Health Benefits abundant levels of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin,
vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin A, calcium, zinc, iron,
magnesium, and phosphorus.
Major Pigeon Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar

Pea Producing Pradesh, Gujarat and Jharkhand.
States
Kanha Tiger Reserve
Why in the News?
Recently, a male tiger from the Kanha Tiger Reserve has been transferred to the
Mukundpur Safari located in Satna.
About Kanha Tiger Reserve
Aspect Details
About 1. Kanha Tiger Reserve, also called Kanha–Kisli

National Park, is a major tiger reserve and the
largest national park of the Madhya Pradesh, India.
2. It is also the largest National Park in Central India.
3. Presently, Kanha area is split into two protected

zones: Hallon and Banjar.
Location
1. It is situated within the Mandla and Balaghat
districts of Madhya Pradesh.
2. It lies in the Maikal range of the Satpura

Mountains.
Kanha National Park was established in 1955 and was

History
designated as the Kanha Tiger Reserve in 1973.
Distinct feature It is the first tiger reserve in India to have an official

mascot named ‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha.
Kanha Tiger Reserve
Aspect Details
Vegetation Tropical moist deciduous forests
Flora The park mainly consist of moist Sal and mixed

deciduous forest where Bamboo, Tendu, Sal, Jamun,
Arjun, and Lendia thrive.
Fauna 1. The Park is globally recognized for saving the

Barasingha from extinction and hosting the world’s
last population of this deer species.
2. Other species found include tiger, leopard, dhole,

bear, gaur, Indian python, and more.
Note– Kanha used to be the home of the Baiga tribe, a semi-nomadic group
from central India. They were relocated as part of efforts to protect the critical
tiger habitat.
Melghat Tiger Reserve
Why in the news?
Melghat Tiger Reserve has recently started Kula mama volleyball tournament to
create awarness about significance of protection of tigers.
About Melghat Tiger Reserve
Aspect Details
Introduction It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1967 and

was declared a tiger reserve in 1974. The name
‘Melghat’ means the confluence of various ‘ghats’ or
valleys.
Location It is located on the southern offshoot of the Satpura

Hill Range in Central India, called Gavilgarh Hill in
Maharashtra.
The forest is tropical dry deciduous in nature,

Vegetation
dominated by teak.
The reserve is a catchment area for five major rivers:

the Khandu, Khapra, Sipna, Gadga, and Dolar. These
are tributaries of the river Tapti.
Rivers
The Tapti River and the Gawilgadh ridge of the
Satpura Range form the boundaries of the reserve.
The Korkus are the largest tribal community in

Melghat. Other communities include the Gawli
Major tribes community, the Gond tribe etc.
Melghat Tiger Reserve
Aspect Details
Fauna The prominent animals are Sloth Bear, Indian Gaur,

Sambar deer, Leopard, Nilgais, dhole, hyena, jungle
cat, langur, etc.
It is considered a stronghold of the critically

endangered forest owlet.
1) It was among the first nine tiger reserves notified

Some
in 1973-74 under Project Tiger.
important facts
2) It was the first tiger reserve in Maharashtra.
3) Kula Mama (maternal uncle) is the name

affectionately used by Korku tribal people for tigers.
First Skill India Centre
Why in the news?
Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri

Dharmendra Pradhan has recently inaugurated the first Skill India Centre (SIC) of
the country in Sambalpur.
About First Skill India Centre
Aspect Details
Location It is located in Sambalpur, Odisha.
1) To empower youth with industry-relevant skills.

Objective
2) To democratize access to quality education and
establish a level-playing field for the aspiring youth.
The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

will designate a Centre Manager who will monitor
Implementation the implementation of training programs.
1) The centre is equipped with best-in-class

infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies and
modern facilities.
Salient features
2) The centre will play a pivotal role in designing
curriculum along with industry experts. The
curriculum will be aligned with the changing industry
needs.
3) The centre will offer courses in sectors which are

high in demand.For example-
Media and entertainment, leather, tourism and

hospitality, IT-ITeS, banking etc.
First Skill India Centre
Aspect Details
Significance 1) It will revolutionize the skilling landscape in India

by offering enhanced accessibility, personalized
learning experiences, and improved career guidance
to learners.
2) It will enable learners to acquire relevant skills

and stay updated with industry trends.
3) It will harness the potential of demographic

dividends to promote rural development, nurture
local entrepreneurship and advance socio-economic
growth.
Flood Management and Border
Areas Programme (FMBAP)
Why in the news?
The Cabinet has recently approved the proposal for continuation of centrally
sponsored Scheme- Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP).
About Flood Management and Border Areas Programme
Aspect Details
The Scheme “FMBAP” has been framed by merging

Description the components of two continuing XII Plan schemes
titled “Flood Management Programme (FMP)” and
“River Management Activities and Works related to
Border Areas (RMBA)”.
To assist the State Governments to provide

Objective reasonable degree of protection against floods in
critical areas by adopting optimum combination of
structural and nonstructural measures.
The FMBAP Scheme will be implemented throughout

Coverage the country for effective flood management, erosion
control and anti-sea erosion.
The Scheme has two components:-

Components
1) Flood Management Programme (FMP)– This includes
work related to flood control, anti-erosion, drainage
development and anti-sea erosion.
2) River Management and Border Areas (RMBA)

component-This includes flood control and anti-
erosion works on common border rivers with
neighbouring countries, including hydrological
observations and flood forecasting.
Flood Management and Border
Areas Programme (FMBAP)
Aspect Details
1) Under Flood Management Programme (FMP)-The

Funding pattern pattern of funding that is to be followed is for
Special Category States (8 North-Easter States and
Hilly States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and
UT of Jammu & Kashmir)- 90% (Centre) and 10%
(State) For General/ Non-Special Category States–
60% (Centre) and 40% (State)
2) Under River Management and Border Areas

(RMBA) component- 100% central assistance.
Baal Aadhaar
Context:
The Aadhaar card has become a crucial document in India, and children are no
exception. For kids below 5 years old, a special blue-colored Aadhaar card, called
Baal Aadhaar, is issued.
What is Aadhaar?
 Aadhaar is one of the most vital KYC documents in the country for availing of
government subsidies and benefi ts of various government-run welfare schemes.
 It is considered to be an important identity proof document across sectors as it

includes important details of citizens like full name, permanent address, and date
of birth, linked to a unique 12-digit number issued by the Unique Identifi cation
Authority of India (UIDAI).
What is Baal Aadhaar (Blue Aadhaar card)?
 In 2018, the UIDAI introduced the concept of the ‘Baal Aadhaar’ card specifically
tailored for children under the age of five.
 The Baal Aadhaar card is blue in colour, unlike the regular white Aadhaar card
for adults.
 This card also contains a 12-digit unique identifi cation number for a child below
5 years
Baal Aadhaar
 Features of Blue Aadhaar card:
 Unlike adults, no biometric data of the child is required for issuing the card.
 His/her UID is processed based on the demographic information and facial

photograph linked with the UID of their parents.
 But the child needs to update his/her biometric data of ten fi ngers, iris and
facial photographs, when he/ she turns fi ve and again at the age of 15, otherwise
the card will become invalid.
 The biometric data update for the teen Aadhaar cardholders is free.
What is the significance of Blue Aadhaar card?
 Government schemes: The card opens doors to a plethora of government

assistance programmes.
 Scholarship: It also facilitates the provision of EWS scholarships while aiding the
government in distinguishing between fraudulent and legitimate students.
 Mandatory requirement: Moreover, many schools are now mandating the

presentation of Blue Aadhaar cards during the admission process.
Panama Canal suffering major
disruption
Context:
Drought conditions in the Panama Canal are challenging supply chains that rely on
this important waterway to rethink their strategies to move product as shallower-
than-usual waters have reduced the number of vessels allowed to traverse the
canal per day and restricted maximum ship weights.
What is Panama Canal?
 The Panama Canal was among the defining engineering achievements of the
20th century.
 Completed in: 1914
 Length: 82-kilometre long
 Connecting Points: The Canal connects the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean via
one of the narrowest isthmi in the world.
 Physical features: The Canal’s principal physical features are
 Gatun Lake, and the central man-made lake stretching nearly all the way across
the Isthmus;
 Gaillard Cut, the eight-mile-long excavation through the Continental Divide that
extends Gatun Lake to Pedro Miguel Locks
 the locks on both sides of the Isthmus that raise ships between sea level and the
lake (Gatun Locks on the Atlantic and Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks on the
Pacifi c)
 the ports of Balboa on the Pacific and Cristobal on the Atlantic
Mapping the Traffic
 Since its completion, it has served as one of the world’s most important shipping
routes, providing the fastest way to sail between the Pacifi c and Atlantic oceans.
 More than 14,000 ships crossed the canal in 2022. Container ships are the most
common users of the Panama Canal and transport more than 40% of consumer
goods traded between Northeast Asia and the U.S. East Coast.
Panama Canal suffering major
disruption
 The global waterway handles an estimated 5% of world trade. If the situation

remains the same, there will be expensive freight costs.
Why is it facing issue?
 Low rainfall: there has been 30 percent below average this year, causing water
levels to plunge in the lakes that feed the canal and its mighty locks.
 El Niño: The immediate cause is the El Niño climate phenomenon, which initially
causes hotter and drier weather in Panama.
 Climate change: Climate change may also be prolonging dry spells and raising
temperatures in the region.
Bubonic Plague
Context:
In a recent incident, health officials in Oregon, US confirmed the first case of

bubonic plague in the state since 2005.
What is the bubonic plague?
 Bubonic plague specifi cally refers to cases where bacteria gets into the lymph
nodes.
 Caused by: Yersinia pestis, a zoonotic bacteria, i.e. bacteria that can spread
between animals and people. Y pestis is usually found in small animals and their
fleas.
 Transmission: Humans can be infected in one of three ways —  the bite of infected
vector fleas
 unprotected contact with infectious bodily fluids or contaminated materials
 inhalation of respiratory droplets/small particles from a patient with pneumonic

plague
 Symptoms: It can cause fever, headache, weakness and painful, swollen lymph
nodes, and usually happens from the bite of an infected flea.
Between 1346 and 1353, the bubonic

plague killed as many as 50 million in
Europe in what is known as the Black
Death.
Bubonic Plague
OTHER TYPES OF PLAGUE
Septicemic plague Pneumonic plague
 Septicemic plague happens if the  It happens when the bacteria enters

bacteria enters the bloodstream. the lungs, and adds rapidly
developing pneumonia to the list of
 This often follows untreated bubonic symptoms.
plague, and causes additional, more
serious symptoms.  It is the only form of plague that can
be spread from person to person by
 These include abdominal pain, inhaling infectious droplets — also
shock, bleeding into the skin, and making it the most contagious.
blackening of appendages, most often
fingers, toes or the nose.  Pneumonic plague is the most
dangerous, and according to the
 Source: This form comes either from WHO, “almost always fatal” if
flea bites or from handling an infected untreated.
animal.
Google unveils
‘Gemma’
Context:
Google has unveiled Gemma, a new series of open models designed to support
developers and researchers in responsibly building AI systems.
What is Gemma?
 The name “Gemma” is derived from the Latin word for “precious stone”.
 It is a set of lightweight models inspired by Google’s Gemini models, developed by

Google DeepMind and other teams across the company.
 Performance and Responsible Design: Gemma models, despite their lightweight

design, offer top-tier performance compared to larger models. They can run directly
on developer devices and surpass larger models on key benchmarks while ensuring
safe and responsible outputs.
Key Features of Gemma
 Two Sizes: Gemma 2B and Gemma 7B come with pre-trained and instruction-tuned
variants.
 Responsible AI Toolkit: Google offers tools supporting safer AI applications with

Gemma.
 Framework Support: Inference and supervised fi ne-tuning (SFT) toolchains are

provided for major frameworks like JAX, PyTorch, and TensorFlow.
 Easy Deployment: Gemma models can run on various platforms and integrate
seamlessly with tools like Colab and Kaggle.
 Commercial Usage: Gemma permits responsible commercial usage and distribution

for all organizations.
Cooling Inflation
Context:
Infl ation has cooled signifi cantly in recent months, yet many people are still
paying more for a lot of things.
What is Cooling Inflation?
 Cooling or easing inflation doesn’t actually mean prices are falling.
 It just means prices are rising more slowly
Inflation is a decrease in the purchasing power of money, reflected in a general

increase in the prices of goods and services in an economy.
Fair and Remunerative
Price (FRP) of sugarcane
Context:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Fair and Remunerative
Price (FRP) of sugarcane for Sugar Season 2024-25 at ₹ 340/quintal at sugar
recovery rate of 10.25%.
Sugar Production in India
 India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of sugar. Being on the top, it
is required to produce enough to meet its huge domestic demand.
 The country’s sugar production dipped 2.48 per cent to 22.36 million tonnes till
February 15 of the ongoing 2023-24 marketing year.
Fair and remunerative price (FRP) scheme, which mandates a minimum price that
sugar mills have to pay to sugarcane farmers, ensuring that farmers always get fair
profi ts for their crop.
Static Takeaways
• Etihad Airways Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates;
• Etihad Airways Foundation Year: 2003.
• NPCI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• NPCI Foundation Year: 2008
• NASA Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• NASA Foundation Year: July 29, 1958
• NASA Administrator: Bill Nelson (as of February 10, 2024)
• Switzerland Capital: Bern
• Switzerland Currency: Swiss franc (CHF)
• Switzerland President: Ignazio Cassis (as of February 10, 2024)
• Switzerland Official Languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh
• Switzerland Population: Approximately 8.7 million
• Switzerland Area: 41,285 square kilometres (15,940 square miles)
• Switzerland Government: Federal republic
• UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France;
• UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945, London, United Kingdom;
• UNESCO Head: Audrey Azoulay; (Director-General).
• Press Council of India Headquarters: New Delhi;
• Press Council of India Founder: Parliament of India;
• Press Council of India Founded: 4 July 1966, India.
• Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai is chairman of the council .
• All India Football Federation President: Kalyan Chaubey;
• All India Football Federation Founded: 23 June 1937;
• All India Football Federation HQ: Dwarka, New Delhi.
• Adobe CEO: Shantanu Narayen (1 Dec 2007–);
• Adobe Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States;
• Adobe Founders: Charles Geschke, John Warnock;
• Adobe Founded: December 1982, Mountain View, California, United States.
• Assam’s Industries & Commerce Minister: Chandra Mohan Patowary
• The Chairman and Managing Director of VA Tech Wabag: Rajiv Mittal
• Singapore’s Minister for Education: Mr Chan Chun Sing
• State Bank of India(SBI) Chairman – Dinesh Kumar Khara
• State Bank of India(SBI) Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
• State Bank of India(SBI) Established in – 1955
• State Bank of India(SBI) Tagline – The Banker to Every Indian
• Managing Director & CEO of YES BANK: Mr. Prashant Kumar
• Chief executive officer (CEO) of Jio Financial Services: Hitesh Sethia
• Official currency of Thailand: Thai baht
• Khelo India Programme was launched in the year: 2018
• Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mastercard: Raja Rajamannar
• Chief Executive Officer of ICC: Geoff Allardice
Static Takeaways
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): Shri Mihir
Kanti Mishra
• Wrestling Federation of India President: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh;
• Wrestling Federation of India Founded: 27 January 1967;
• Wrestling Federation of India Headquartered in New Delhi, India.
• Minister of Assam for Environment and Forest: Chandra Mohan Patowary
• Competition Commission of India (CCI) was formed on: October 14, 2003.
• Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI): Ravneet Kaur.
• Minister of Assam for Environment and Forest: Chandra Mohan Patowary
• Competition Commission of India (CCI) was formed on: October 14, 2003.
• Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI): Ravneet Kaur.
• Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE): T G Sitharam
• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Founded: 1 October 2003;
• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Headquarters: Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan

EXPECTED GENERAL AWARENESS MCQs
Which country recently ratified the ILO Convention 190 to combat

workplace violence and harassment, becoming the first in Asia to do so
(1) Japan
(2) China
(3) South Korea
(4) Philippines
(5) Indonesia
Ans. (d)
Sol. The Philippines recently ratified the ILO Convention 190, making it the first Asian
country to do so.
This significant step highlights the country’s commitment to addressing workplace

violence and harassment comprehensively. Japan, China, South Korea, and Indonesia
have yet to ratify this convention.
How does the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revise its forecast for India’s GDP
growth in the current fiscal year
(1) 0.5% decrease

(2) 0.3% increase
(3) 0.2% decrease
(4) 0.4% increase
(5) No change
Ans. 4)
Sol. The IMF upgrades its estimate for India’s GDP growth by 40 basis points to 6.7% for the current
fiscal year, indicating improved economic outlook compared to its previous forecast.
GENERAL AWARENESS MCQs
What is the projected GDP growth rate for India in FY25 according to Bank of Baroda?
(1) 6.75-6.8%
(2) 7.2-7.5%
(3) 6.5-6.7%
(4) 6.2-6.4%
(5) 7.0-7.2%
EXPECTED
GENERAL AWARENESS
GENERAL AWARENESS
MCQs MCQs
Ans. (1)
Sol. Bank of Baroda forecasts India’s GDP growth to be around 6.75-6.8% in FY25, as per their report.
This projection indicates sustained economic momentum, aligning with other estimates by reputable
financial institutions.
Where is the Gujrai Solar Power Station located
(1) Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh

(2) Dehradun, Uttarakhand
(3) Jaipur, Rajasthan
(4) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
(5) Kolkata, West Bengal
Ans. 1)
Sol. SJVN Limited, a Mini Ratna, Category-I and Schedule ‘A’ Central public sector enterprise under
the administrative control of Ministry of Power, Government of India, has marked a significant
milestone in its journey towards sustainable energy solutions. On February 23, 2024, SJVN
announced the commencement of successful commercial operations of its 50 MW Gujrai Solar
Power Station in Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh.
Where is Nokia’s 6G Lab located, where the collaboration with IISc is taking place?
(1) Mumbai
(2) Hyderabad
(3) Delhi
(4) Chennai
(5) Bengaluru
Ans. 5)
Sol. Nokia’s 6G Lab, where the collaboration with IISc is taking place, is located in Bengaluru. This
strategic location enables close collaboration with leading academic institutions and access to a vibrant
technological ecosystem, facilitating innovative research and development in 6G technologies.
Who established India’s first Gati Shakti Research Chair?
(1) Ministry of Commerce and Industry

(2) Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
(3) Ministry of Finance
(4) Ministry of Transport
(5) Ministry of External Affairs
Ans. 2)
Sol. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways partners with IIM Shillong for India’s first Gati
Shakti Research Chair, focusing on multimodal logistics. Goals include academic research,
collaboration with global experts, and supporting the PM Gati Shakti Masterplan for regional
logistical capacity.
Which Prime Minister of Greece recently visited India to bolster bilateral ties?
(1) Alexis Tsipras

(2) Kyriakos Mitsotakis
(3) Antonis Samaras
(4) George Papandreou
(5) Costas Karamanlis
Ans. 2)
Sol. During a two-day visit to India, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi engaged in extensive discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation across various
sectors.
The visit marks the first by a head of state of Greece to India in 15 years.
What is India Ratings’ projected GDP growth rate for the financial year 2024-
25?
(1) 6.5%
(2) 7.0%
(3) 6.9%
(4) 7.3%
(5) None of the above
Ans 1)
Sol. India Ratings forecasts a GDP growth rate of 6.5% for FY25, slightly below the Reserve Bank of
India’s estimate of 7.0%.
What percentage of women’s participation is targeted under the Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas
Pariyojana?
(1) 20%
(2) 30%
(3) 40%
(4) 50%
(5) 60%
Ans 3)
Sol. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the Rashtriya Udyamita

Vikas Pariyojana in Sambalpur, Odisha. Aimed at PM SVANidhi beneficiaries,
the initiative focuses on entrepreneurship training, reskilling, and upskilling.
Partnerships with Flipkart and expert involvement ensure effective

implementation, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship nationwide. The
initiative aims to ensure 40% participation by women, highlighting the focus on
gender inclusivity and empowerment in entrepreneurship.
What is the total allocated budget for the continuation of the Women Safety Scheme until 2025-
26?
(1) Rs 1,000 crore

(2) Rs 1,179.72 crore
(3) Rs 900 crore
(4) Rs 1,500 crore
(5) Rs 800 crore
Ans. 2)
Sol. The Government of India has decided to extend its flagship scheme for women safety until 2025-
26, with an allocated budget of Rs 1,179.72 crore.
This decision comes in response to the alarming rate of crimes against women in the country, as
highlighted by recent statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
Which ministry does the Food Corporation of India come under?
(1) Ministry of Agriculture

(2) Ministry of Food Processing Industries
(3) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
(4) Ministry of Rural Development
(5) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Ans. 3)
Sol. FCI operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution,
Government of India.
Where did Prime Minister Modi lay the foundation stone for the Shri Kalki Dham Temple?
(1) Varanasi
(2) Lucknow
(3) Sambhal
(4) Agra
(5) Kanpur
Ans 3)
Sol. Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal, Uttar
Pradesh, as part of a ceremonial event.
What is the total amount of the loan sanctioned by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to boost
fintech education and research in Gujarat?
(1) $20 million

(2) $27 million
(3) $25 million
(4) $21 million
(5) $23 million
Ans 5)
Sol. ADB has approved a USD 23 million loan to enhance access to quality fintech education, research,
and innovation at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) in India.
What was the trend in job creation in India’s private sector in February 2024?
(1) Continued growth for 20 months

(2) Stagnant, ending a 20-month sequence of job creation
(3) Rapid expansion, setting a record high
(4) Slight decline, but still positiv
(5) Significant contraction, leading to job losses
Ans. 2)
Sol. The report’s finding that private sector job creation in India halted in February 2024, marking the
end of a 20-month streak of continuous job growth.
How many members own the Asian Development Bank (ADB)?
(1) 45
(2) 58
(3) 67
(4) 68
(5) 82
Ans. 4)
Sol. ADB, founded in 1966, functions as a financial institution aimed at economic development in the
Asia-Pacific region. Owned by 68 members, including 49 from the region, the bank plays a crucial role
in fostering economic growth and cooperation in the region.
Who granted the Payment Aggregator license to Mswipe Technologies?
(1) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

(2) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
(3) National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
(4) Ministry of Finance, Government of India
(5) Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)
Ans 1)
Sol. Mswipe Technologies was granted the Payment Aggregator license by the RBI. RBI is the central
banking institution of India, responsible for regulating the country’s financial system and issuing
licenses for various financial activities.
Which entity has installed the highest number of charging stations among private sector entities?
(1) Indian Oil Corporation

(2) Ujoy Technology
(3) Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom)
(4) Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd.
(5) Kerala State Electricity Board
Ans. 2)
Sol. Among private sector entities, Ujoy Technology has established the highest number of charging
stations, with 7,176 stations.
What is the maximum percentage of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) allowed in satellite manufacturing
and operation under India’s amended FDI policy for the space sector?
(1) 49%
(2) 51%
(3) 74%
(4) 100%
Ans. 3)
Sol. Under the amended FDI policy, satellite manufacturing and operation can receive up to 74% FDI
under the automatic route. Beyond this threshold, government approval is required.
This liberalized approach aims to attract foreign investment and enhance the country’s capabilities in
the space sector.
What is the maximum capital subsidy provided under the expanded National Livelihood
Mission (NLM) for establishing horse, donkey, mule, and camel enterprises?
(1) ₹20 lakhs

(2) ₹30 lakhs
(3) ₹40 lakhs
(4) ₹50 lakhs
(5) ₹60 lakhs
Ans 4)
Sol. According to the revised NLM scheme, individuals, FPOs, SHGs, JLGs, FCOs, and Section 8
companies can receive a 50% capital subsidy for establishing horse, donkey, mule, and camel
enterprises, with the maximum subsidy capped at ₹50 lakhs.
What was India’s global ranking for cybercrime targeting in 2023?
(1) 50th
(2) 60th
(3) 70th
(4) 80th
(5) 90th
Ans. 4)
Sol. In 2023, India ranked as the 80th most targeted country for cybercrime globally, as per the report.
This indicates the prevalence of cyber threats in the country relative to others worldwide.
What is the projected GDP growth rate for India in FY25 according to Morgan Stanley
Research?
(1) 6.5%
(2) 6.0%
(3) 6.0%
(4) 7.0%
(5) 7.5%
Ans 1)
Sol. Morgan Stanley Research forecasts India’s GDP growth to moderate to 6.5% in FY25. This
projection reflects a decline from the 6.9% growth projected for FY24.
What are the targeted annual production goals of clean hydrogen outlined in Vietnam’s national
hydrogen strategy by 2030?
(1) 50,000-100,000 tons

(2) 100,000-500,000 tons
(3) 500,000-1,000,000 tons
(4) 1,000,000-2,000,000 tons
(5) 5,000,000-10,000,000 tons
Ans. 2)
Sol. According to Vietnam’s national hydrogen strategy, the targeted annual production of clean
hydrogen by 2030 is in the range of 100,000-500,000 tons.
This aligns with the country’s goals to ramp up renewable energy usage and reduce carbon emissions.
What was the Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for India in February 2024?
(1) 60.4
(2) 61.5
(3) 59.7
(4) 62
(5) 58.3
Ans. 2)
Sol. The composite PMI for India in February 2024, which reached a 7-month high according to the
report. This indicates strong performance in both manufacturing and services sectors.
Among the states, the highest per capita monthly household consumption expenditure in
rural areas in 2022-23 was recorded in:
(1) Maharashtra
(2) Kerala
(3) Tamil Nadu
(4) Sikkim
(5) Gujarat
Ans . 4)
Sol. According to the HCES report, Sikkim recorded the highest per capita monthly household
consumption expenditure in rural areas, amounting to ₹7,787 in 2022-23.
What is the maximum duration of stay permitted under Dubai’s new 5-year multiple-entry visa for
Indian travelers?
(1) 30 days
(2) 60 days
(3) 90 days
(4) 120 days
(5) 160 days
Ans. 3)
Sol. Under the newly introduced 5-year multiple-entry visa for Indian travelers to Dubai, visitors are
permitted to stay for a maximum of 90 days per entry. This duration can be extended once for a similar
period, allowing for a total stay not exceeding 180 days within a year.
When was the UAE added to the FATF’s gray list before its recent removal?
(1) January 2021

(2) March 2022
(3) June 2023
(4) September 2020
(5) December 2021
Ans- 2)
Sol. The UAE was added to the FATF’s gray list in March 2022, indicating concerns regarding its
compliance with global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards. However, the
country’s swift removal from the list highlights its accelerated efforts in addressing these concerns.
How long does it take for balances in savings or current accounts to be classified as unclaimed deposits?
(1) 5 years
(2) 8 years
(3) 10 years
(4) 15 years
(5) 20 years
Ans. 3)
Sol. Balances in savings or current accounts not operated for 10 years, or term deposits not claimed within
10 years from the date of maturity are classified as ‘unclaimed deposits’ according to the revised RBI
guidelines.
What is the total amount of private investment sought by the Indian government to boost its nuclear
energy sector?
(1) $10 billion

(2) $15 billion
(3) $20 billion
(4) $26 billion
(5) $30 billion
Ans 4)
Sol. The government aims to invite approximately $26 billion in private investment into its nuclear energy
sector to enhance electricity production from non-carbon-emitting sources.
Which aircraft carrier is participating in the Milan naval exercise from the Indian Navy?
(1) INS Virat

(2) INS Viral
(3) INS Vikramaditya
(4) INS Chakra
(5) INS Arihant
Ans. 3)
Sol. The Indian Navy contributes nearly 20 ships and around 50 aircraft, including aircraft carriers Vikrant
and Vikramaditya, MiG 29K, Tejas, and P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
What was the percentage increase in India’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments in
January 2024 compared to January 2023, based on RBI data?
(1) 15.7%
(2) 20.7%
(3) 25.7%
(4) 30.7%
(5) 35.7%
Ans- 3)
Sol. The correct percentage increase in India’s outward FDI commitments in January 2024 compared to
January 2023, as per RBI data, is 25.7%.
What is the name of India’s first spy satellite developed by a domestic private player?
(1) ISRO-1
(2) TASS-1
(3) INDOSAT-1
(4) SPY-1
(5) TASL-1
Ans. 5)
Sol. Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) developed India’s first spy satellite, marking a significant
achievement in domestic space technology.
As of 20 Feb 2024, how many new Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) were inaugurated by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi?
(1) 2
(2) 3
(3 4
(4) 5
(5) 6
Ans- 2)
Sol. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) located
in Jammu, Bodh Gaya, and Visakhapatnam, expanding the landscape of premier management education in
India. These institutions are part of India’s effort to enhance access to high-quality management education
across different regions.
What is the new authorized capital of the Food Corporation of India (FCI)?
(1) ₹15,000 crore

(2) ₹18,000 crore
(3) ₹20,000 crore
(4) ₹21,000 crore
(5) ₹25,000 crore
Ans- 4.)
Sol. The government has elevated the authorized capital of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) from
₹10,000 crore to ₹21,000 crore, highlighting its dedication to enhancing FCI’s operational capabilities to
ensure food security and support farmers.
What was the main theme of the seminar held during the Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade
Fair?
(1) Promoting Indigenous Agriculture

(2) Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation
(3) Implementing Climate-Resilient Practice
(4) Advancing Organic Farming Techniques
(5) Neem for Sustainable Development
Ans- 5)
Sol. The Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair, organized in collaboration with ICAR-Central Agroforestry
Research Institute, Jhansi, took place in New Delhi on February 19-20, 2024. Theme: “Neem for Sustainable
Agriculture, Health, and Environment.”
What is the primary objective of the ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines launched by the Indian
government?
(1) To promote eco-friendly practices in Indian ports.

(2) To enhance efficiency and competitiveness of Indian ports.
(3) To establish stricter safety protocols for maritime operations.
(4) To reduce the environmental impact of shipping activities.
Ans- 2)
Sol. The Indian government has introduced the ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines aimed at improving the
efficiency and competitiveness of Indian ports. These guidelines will be implemented across all seaports in
the country.
According to the statement by Minister Piyush Goyal, what is the value of crops procured at MSP by the
government between 2014 and 2024?
(1) Rs. 18 lakh crore

Ans- 1)
Sol. Minister Piyush Goyal mentioned that between the years 2014 and 2024, the government procured
crops worth Rs. 18 lakh crore at Minimum Support Prices (MSP), indicating a significant investment in
supporting agricultural producers during this period.
What is the loan amount provided by the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development
(IBRD) for the Sikkim INSPIRES program?
(1) $50 million

(2) $150 million
(3) $100 million
(4) $200 million
(5) $75 million
Ans 3)
Sol. The IBRD will provide a loan of $100 million for the Sikkim INSPIRES program, as mentioned
in the announcement.
Which cooperative societies are to be involved in the procurement process as per
the proposal?
(1) FCI (Food Corporation of India) and SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited)
(2) NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) and SIDBI (Small
Industries Development Bank of India)
(3) NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers Federation) and NAFED (National

Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India)
(4) SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory
and Development Authority of India)
(5) RBI (Reserve Bank of India) and NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India)
Ans- 3)
Sol. The proposal entails the involvement of cooperative societies such as the National Cooperative
Consumers Federation (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India
(NAFED) in entering into contracts with farmers for the procurement of crops at Minimum Support Prices
(MSP).
Who introduced the Quad bill in the US House of Representatives?
(1) Congressman Gregory Meeks

(2) Congresswoman Ilhan Omar
(3) Senator Kamala Harris
(4) Congressman Kevin McCarthy
(5) Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi
Ans 1)
Sol. Congressman Gregory Meeks introduced the Quad bill in the US House of Representatives.
What is the total worth of the capital acquisition proposals approved by the Defence Acquisition
Council (DAC) on February 16, 2024?
(1) Rs 84,560 crore

(2) Rs 80,000 crore
(3) Rs 90,000 crore
(4) Rs 100,000 crore
(5) Rs 75,000 crore
Ans- 1)
Sol. The DAC approved capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 84,560 crore on February 16, 2024,
aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces and Indian Coast Guard, as per the press
release by PIB Delhi.
How many European Union countries had legalized same-sex marriage before Greece?
(1) 10
(2) 25
(3) 20
(4) 15
(5) 30
Ans- 4)
Sol. Greece became the 16th European Union country to legalize same-sex marriage, joining a
group of nations that had already taken steps towards LGBTQ+ equality.
What is the primary objective of the APAAR ID discussed at the National Conference?
(1) To standardize student identification processes nationwide

(2) To promote international recognition of Indian students
(3) To facilitate access to educational services for students
(4) To establish a single educational authority for all students
(5) To enhance digital literacy among students
Ans 1)
Sol. The APAAR ID aims to standardize student identification processes across the nation, making
it easier for students to access educational services.
What is the total amount invested in unique startups through the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) scheme
as of November 30, 2023?
(1) ₹12,345 crore

(2) ₹17,534 crore
(3) ₹8,765 crore
(4) ₹20,000 crore
(5) ₹15,000 crore
Ans- 2)
Sol. ₹17,534 crore. According to the ‘Prabhaav’ impact study, this amount has been invested in 938 unique
startups as of the specified date, showcasing the substantial impact of the FFS scheme in facilitating capital
flow into the startup ecosystem.
Which bank has launched a self-subscribing journey for enrolment under PMJJBY and PMSBY
schemes?
(1) HDFC Bank

(2) ICICI Bank
(3) State Bank of India (SBI)
(4) Axis Bank
(5) Punjab National Bank
Ans- 3)
Sol. SBI has introduced a digital enrollment process for Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
(PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) schemes, enabling customers to
enroll conveniently without visiting branches or Customer Service Points.
What award did South Indian Bank receive at the 19th IBA Annual Banking Technology
Conference?
(1) Best Customer Service Bank

(2) Best Technology Bank of the Year
(3) Best Retail Banking Solutions Provider
(4) Best Corporate Banking Institution
(5) Best Mobile Banking Innovation
Ans- 2)
Sol. South Indian Bank was honored with the title of Best Technology Bank of the Year Award at the 19th
IBA Annual Banking Technology Conference, recognizing its outstanding performance in adopting modern
digital solutions.
What is the primary purpose of the ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’ initiative launched by the Department of
Telecommunications (DoT)?
(a) To create virtual replicas of physical assets for real-time monitoring and analysis.
(b) To develop advanced communication technologies for future infrastructure projects.
(c) To conduct exploratory research on the potential of AI native 6G.
(d) To establish a platform for sharing industry news and updates.
(e) To promote traditional methods of infrastructure planning.
Ans- 1)
Sol. The ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’ initiative aims to leverage Digital Twin technology to create virtual replicas
of physical assets, enabling real-time monitoring, simulation, and analysis for iterative improvements in
infrastructure planning and design.
Which countries have recently enabled the Indian digital payment system, UPI, apart from Nepal?
(1) Sri Lanka and Mauritius

(2) Sri Lanka and France
(3) Mauritius and France
(4) Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and France
(5) Sri Lanka, Maldives, and France
Ans 3)
Sol. Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and France. These countries have recently enabled the Indian digital payment
system, UPI.
What is the primary objective of the partnership between PayU and NPCI to introduce the ‘Credit
Lines on UPI’ feature?
(1) Enhancing digital payment acceptance for consumers

(2) Providing financial flexibility to merchants
(3) Facilitating cash transactions for small businesses
(4) Introducing cryptocurrency payments on UPI
(5) Offering investment opportunities for retail investors
Ans 2)
Sol. The primary aim of the collaboration between PayU and NPCI to introduce the ‘Credit Lines on UPI’
feature is to offer financial flexibility to merchants. This initiative enables merchants to accept digital
payments via credit lines, thereby expanding avenues for financial security and growth.
Which types of iron ore have been identified in the preliminary explorations conducted in Khoda, Dadaroli,
Todupura, and Liloti areas of Karauli district?
(1) Magnetite only

(2) Hematite only
(3) Both magnetite and hematite
(4) Limonite only
(5) Goethite only
Ans- 3)
Sol. Preliminary explorations have identified both magnetite and hematite iron ore varieties across
different locations in Karauli district, including Khoda, Dadaroli, Todupura, and Liloti areas.
What does SAGAR stand for in the context of the Indian Ocean?
(1) Strategic Alliance for Global Advancement and Resilience

(2) Security and Growth for All in the Region
(3) Sustainable Agriculture and Green Alternatives for the Region
(4) South Asian Group for Advancement and Reconstruction
(5) Support and Guidance for All Regional Initiatives
Ans- 2)
Sol. SAGAR stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, representing the objective of the Indian
Ocean Conference (IOC) to foster security and growth through dialogue and cooperation among
participating states.
What contributed to the recent surge in India’s foreign exchange reserves to a one-month high of $622.47
billion?
(1) Increase in exports

(2) RBI intervention and fluctuations in foreign asset values
(3) Reduction in imports
(4) Foreign aid influx
(5) Stock market gains
Ans- 2)
Sol. India’s foreign exchange reserves hit $622.47 billion, a one-month peak, as of February 2, per RBI data
released on February 9. The reserves surged by $5.74 billion in the latest week, driven by RBI intervention
and fluctuations in foreign asset values.
What is the estimated current demand for hydrogen in Uttar Pradesh?
(1) 500,000 tonnes per annum

(4) 1.1 million tonnes per annum
(5) 1.3 million tonnes per annum
Ans. 3)
Sol. The current hydrogen demand in Uttar Pradesh is estimated at 900,000 tonnes per annum,
particularly in sectors such as fertilizers and refineries. This highlights the existing market size and
potential for growth.
Which countries have been declared as guests of honor at the 2024 World Governments Summit
in Dubai?
(1) India
(2) Türkiye (Turkey)
(3) Qatar
(4) All the above three
Ans- 4)
Sol. The 2024 World Governments Summit, scheduled to be held in Dubai from February 12-14,
has designated India, Türkiye, and Qatar as guests of honor. Themed ‘Shaping Future
Governments,’ the summit aims to facilitate discussions among over 25 government and state
heads worldwide.
What was the total amount of the interim budget approved by the Lok Sabha for the fiscal year
2024-25?
(1) Rs 47.66 lakh crore

Ans- 1)
Sol. The Lok Sabha approved the Rs 47.66-lakh crore interim Budget 2024-25 of the Union
Government.
How many States/UTs is the Kilkari programme currently operational in?
(1) 10
(2) 15
(3) 19
(4) 20
(5) 18
Ans- 5)
Sol. The Kilkari programme is currently operational in 18 States/UTs, including Andhra Pradesh,
Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu &
Kashmir, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh,
and West Bengal.
In 2023, which Indian cities were among the top ten worst cities for traffic congestion globally,
according to TomTom’s report?
(1) Bengaluru and Mumbai

(2) Delhi and Pune
(3) Bengaluru and Pune
(4) Delhi and Mumbai
(5) Bengaluru and Delhi
Ans- 3)
Sol. Bengaluru and Pune were among the top ten worst cities for traffic congestion globally in
2023, as highlighted by TomTom’s report.
Which year does the OECD project to maintain India’s GDP growth at 6.5%?
(1) FY24
(2) FY25
(3) FY26
(4) FY27
(5) FY28
Ans- 3)
Sol. For the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26), the OECD maintains its growth forecast for India at 6.5%.
Which country has Sri Lanka recently signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with, providing access
to a market worth USD 2.2 billion?
(1) China
(2) Thailand
(3) Vietnam
(4) Indonesia
(5) Malaysia
Ans- 2)
Sol. Sri Lanka recently inked an FTA with Thailand, granting access to a significant market worth USD 2.2
billion. This agreement marks a substantial advancement in Sri Lanka’s economic prospects by expanding
its trade opportunities.
What is the maximum aggregate stake that HDFC Bank and its group entities have received RBI
approval to acquire in six banks?
(1) 10%
(2) 8%
(3) 9.5%
(4) 7%
(5) 6.5%
Ans- 3)
Sol. HDFC Bank and its group entities have been granted approval by the RBI to acquire an aggregate stake
of up to 9.5% in six banks, including ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, YES Bank etc.
Which of the following is NOT one of the banks in which HDFC Bank and its group entities have
received RBI approval to acquire stake?
(1) ICICI Bank

(2) Axis Bank
(3) Kotak Mahindra Bank
(4) YES Bank
(5) Bandhan Bank
Ans- 3)
Sol. HDFC Bank and its group entities received RBI approval to acquire stake in ICICI Bank, Axis Bank,
IndusInd Bank, YES Bank, Bandhan Bank, and Suryoday SFB, but there is no mention of Kotak Mahindra
Bank.
How long is the entire Indo-Myanmar border that India plans to fence for enhanced security?
(1) 1343 kilometers

(2) 1543 kilometers
(3) 1843 kilometers
(4) 1743 kilometers
(5) 1643 kilometers
Ans- 5)
Sol. India plans to fence the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border to strengthen
border security and surveillance capabilities. This initiative aims to curb illegal activities and
enhance control over cross-border movements, particularly amidst concerns of rebel and militant
infiltration.
Where is the FIFA World Cup qualifiers round between India and Kuwait scheduled to take place?
(1) Mumbai
(2) New Delhi
(3) Chennai
(4) Hyderabad
(5) Kolkata
Ans- 4)
Sol. The Telangana Football Association (TFA) has achieved a significant milestone by securing approval to
host the FIFA World Cup qualifiers round between India and Kuwait. The match is scheduled to take place
on June 6th of this year in Hyderabad, announced Dr. K.T. Mahi, Chairman of TFA.
What is Fitch’s forecast for India’s fiscal deficit in FY25?
(1) 4.5%
(2) 5.1%
(3) 5.4%
(4) 6.0%
(5) 5.8%
Ans- 3)
Sol. Fitch predicts India’s fiscal deficit to reach 5.4% of GDP in FY25, exceeding the government’s target of
5.1%. This projection indicates a potential challenge in achieving fiscal consolidation goals, particularly
amidst increased spending before general elections.
What is the primary objective of RBI’s “withdrawal of accommodation” monetary policy stance?
(1) Boosting inflation levels

(2) Lowering economic growth
(3) Tightening liquidity conditions
(4 Increasing government spending
(5) Maintaining stable exchange rates
Ans- 3)
Sol. The “withdrawal of accommodation” monetary policy stance by RBI aims to tighten liquidity conditions
to align inflation progressively with the target while supporting economic growth.
What is the allocated budget for Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) issuance in the upcoming fiscal year
2024-25?
(1) ₹1,000 crore

(2) ₹2,500 crore
(3) ₹3,000 crore
(4) ₹4,000 crore
(5) ₹3,500 crore
Ans. 5)
Sol. The government has more than doubled the allocation for SGB issuance for the fiscal year 2024-25,
increasing it from ₹1,500 crore in the previous financial year to ₹3,500 crore.
In January, what was the percentage change in transaction count for Aadhaar Enabled Payment
System (AePS) compared to December?
(1) -6%
(2) -8%
(3) -10%
(4) -12%
(5) -14%
Ans- 2)
Sol. The transaction count for AePS dropped by 8%, decreasing from 95 million in December to 86 million in
January.
Which company has NPCI International Payments (NIPL) partnered with to enable UPI payments
in France?
(1) Stripe
(2) Square
(3) Lyra
(4) Adyen
(5) PayPal
Ans- 3)
Sol. NPCI International Payments (NIPL) has strategically partnered with French e-commerce and proximity
payments company, Lyra, to ensure the seamless acceptance of UPI payments in France, starting with the
Eiffel Tower.
What is the total enrollment in higher education for the academic year 2021-22, according to the
AISHE report?
(1) 4.33 crore

(2) 3.42 crore
(3) 4.14 crore
(4) 2.01 crore
(5) 91 lakh
Ans- 1)
Sol. The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22, released by the Ministry of Education,
unveils a significant spike in higher education enrollment. The total enrollment soared from 4.14 crore in
the previous session to nearly 4.33 crore in 2021-22, marking a notable uptick of 19 lakh students.
Which countries officially joined the BRICS group, expanding its membership to ten nations?
(1) Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Iran, and Ethiopia

(2) Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
(3) Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, and Iran
(4) Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and Russia
(5) Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, India, and Ethiopia
Ans- 1)
Sol. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Iran, and Ethiopia officially joined the BRICS group, expanding its
membership to ten nations. This development aims to enhance the group’s influence on the global stage
and signals a potential geopolitical shift.
Who has been announced as the next Chief Minister of Jharkhand?
(1) Hemant Soren

(2) Mohan Yadav
(3) Champai Soren
(4) Droupadi Murmu
(5) Preeti Rajak
Ans. 3)
Sol. Champai Soren has been announced as the next Chief Minister of Jharkhand. His long-standing
involvement in Jharkhand politics and dedication to the JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) earned him this
position.
Which state achieved a record with the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India?
(1) Karnataka
(2) Maharashtra
(3) Tamil Nadu
(4) Kerala
(5) Gujarat
Ans. 3)
Sol. Tamil Nadu achieved a record with the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India, securing two more
Ramsar sites, bringing its total to 16.
Which INS vessel will be commissioned at Visakhapatnam’s Naval Dockyard on February 3?
(1) INS Sandeep

(2) INS Sandesh
(3) INS Sandeepa
(4) INS Sandhayak
(5) INS Sandalwood
Ans- 4)
Sol. The commissioning ceremony on February 3 at Visakhapatnam’s Naval Dockyard will be for INS
Sandhayak. The event will mark a significant addition to the Indian Navy’s capabilities.
When is India’s Coast Guard Day celebrated annually?
(1) February 1st

(2) January 26th
(3) December 16th
(4) November 14th
(5) October 2nd
Ans- 1)
Sol. India celebrates the Indian Coast Guard Day on February 1st annually to honor the personnel
safeguarding the country’s maritime interests.
Who among the following scientists is receiving recognition at the prestigious Blavatnik Awards?
(1) Rahul R Nair

(2) Mehul Malik
(3) Tanmay Bharat
(4) All of the above
Ans- 4)
Sol. Rahul R Nair, Mehul Malik, Tanmay Bharat, and other early career scientists are being recognized at the
Blavatnik Awards ceremony in London on February 27.
Whatis ICRA’s revised estimate for bank credit growth in FY24?
(1) 13.0%
(2) 14.9-15.3%
(3) 12.5%
(4) 15.8%
(5) 11.2%
Ans- 2)
Sol. ICRA has upgraded its FY24 bank credit growth estimate to 14.9-15.3%, citing strong retail
and NBFC performance.
Who signed the green ammonia supply agreement on behalf of ACME Group and IHI
Corporation?
(1) Manoj Upadhyay and Hiroshi Ide

(2) R. K. Singh and Bhupinder Singh Bhalla
(3) Ashwani Dudeja and Jun Kobayashi
(4) Hiroshi Suzuki and Bhupinder Singh Bhalla
(5) Manoj Upadhyay and Jun Kobayashi
Ans- 1)
Sol. Manoj Upadhyay, Founder and Chairman of ACME Group, and Hiroshi Ide, President and CEO of IHI
Corporation, signed the green ammonia supply agreement.
What is the planned capacity of the green hydrogen and ammonia project in
Gopalpur, Odisha?
(1) 0.8 MMTP

(2) 1.0 MMTPA
(3) 1.2 MMTPA
(4) 1.4 MMTPA
(5) 1.6 MMTPA
Ans 3)
Sol. The green hydrogen and ammonia project in Gopalpur, Odisha, with a planned capacity of 1.2 MMTPA,
aims to commence production by 2027, contributing to a 54 million-ton reduction in CO2 equivalent
emissions over its lifecycle.
Who has been designated as the nodal agency for the Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana?
(1) NTPC
(2) SECI
(3) NHPC
(4) PowerGrid
(5) REC Ltd
Ans. 5)
Sol. In a significant development, REC Ltd, a Maharatna power finance company, has been
designated as the nodal agency for the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana.
Who released guidelines on the ethical use of Large Multi-Modal Models (LMM) in healthcare?
(1) UNESCO
(2) IBM
(3) FDA
(4) MIT
(5) WHO
Ans. 5)
Sol. WHO, the World Health Organization, released guidelines on the ethical use of Large Multi-Modal
Models in healthcare.
Who recently obtained the payment aggregator license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
(1) Swiggy Payments

(2) Zomato Payments Private Limited
(3) Uber Eats Finance
(4) FoodPanda Transactions
(5) Deliveroo Pay
Ans. (2)
Sol. In a significant development, Zomato Payments Private Limited, the subsidiary of popular food delivery
platform Zomato, has obtained the much-coveted payment aggregator (PA) license from the Reserve Bank
of India (RBI).
Zomato terminated its co-branded credit card partnership with which bank in May last year?
(1) HDFC Bank

(2) Punjab National Bank (PNB)
(3) Axis Bank
(4) State Bank of India (SBI)
(5) ICICI Bank
Ans. 5)
Sol. Zomato had previously tied up with ICICI Bank for co-branded credit cards, but the
partnership was terminated in May last year.
Who has received approval from RBI to acquire a 9.99% stake in HDFC Bank?
(1) SBI
(2) Axis Bank
(3) ICICI Bank
(4) LIC
(5) PNB
Ans. 4)
Sol. LIC has obtained approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to acquire a 9.99% aggregate holding in
HDFC Bank.
Who recently assumed the role of Director General Naval Operations (DGNO)?
(1) Vice Admiral AN Pramod

(2) Rear Admiral Raj Singh
(3) Admiral Kunal Verma
(4) Commodore Amit Kapoor
(5) Captain Ravi Sharma
Ans- 1)
Sol. Vice Admiral AN Pramod recently assumed the position of DGNO, marking a significant development in
the Indian Navy.
What is the constitutional basis for the Indian government’s annual financial statement,
commonly known as the budget?
(1) Article 110

(2) Article 112
(3) Article 266
(4) Article 114
(5) Article 265
Ans 2)
Sol. The Indian government’s annual financial statement, termed the budget, is rooted in constitutional
requirements outlined in Article 112.
How much funding has been allocated for the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for Coal
Gasification Projects?
(1) Rs 3,850 crores

(2) Rs 8,700 crores
(3) Rs 4,050 crores
(4) Rs 8,500 crores
(5) Rs 13,052 crores
Ans. 4)
Sol. The Union Cabinet allocated Rs 8,500 crores for the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for Coal
Gasification Projects.
Who recently became the oldest player to claim the No. 1 spot in the men’s doubles rankings?
(1) Matthew Ebden

(2) Máximo González
(3) Andrés Molteni
(4) Rohan Bopanna
(5) Mike Bryan
Ans. 4)
Sol. Rohan Bopanna achieved this historic feat at the age of 43, securing the No. 1 spot in the men’s
doubles rankings.
In which district of Telangana is the Indian Navy establishing its second VLF communication
station?
(1) Hyderabad
(2) Nalgonda
(3) Warangal
(4) Karimnagar
(5) Vikarabad
Ans. 5)
Sol. Indian Navy plans second VLF station in Telangana’s Vikarabad district for maritime communication.
Who inaugurated Kaushal Bhawan in India?
(1) Prime Minister Narendra Modi

(2) President Droupadi Murmu
(3) Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
(4) Chief Justice of India
(5) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Ans. 2)
Sol. President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Kaushal Bhawan, symbolizing India’s commitment to youth
empowerment through skill development.
Who participated in the ‘Desert Knight’ air exercise held on January 23,
2024?
(1) India, France, and Pakistan

(2) India, USA, and Saudi Arabia
(3) India, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
(4) India, Australia, and Qatar
(5) India, China, and Oman
Ans. 3)
Sol. India, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These three nations conducted the joint air exercise
‘Desert Knight’ over the Arabian Sea on January 23, 2024.
What is the annual rate of people escaping multidimensional poverty, as
mentioned by NITI Aayog?
(1) 3.42 crore

(2) 1.88 crore
(3) 2.75 crore
(4) 4.16 crore
(5) 5.39 crore
Ans. 3)
Sol. According to NITI Aayog, 24.82 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty over nine years
translates to an annual rate of 2.75 crore.
What is the current market share of electric cars in the Indian automobile market, and what is the objective
of the proposed EV policy in this context?
(1) 2.5%; Focusing on exclusive benefits for domestic manufacturers

(2) 1.3%; Striving for a comprehensive increase beyond current levels
(3) 0.8%; Aiming for exclusivity for foreign manufacturers
(4) 3.5%; Prioritizing subsidies for Tesla
(5) 0.5%; Ignoring the growth of the EV market
Ans.(2)
Sol. The market share of electric cars is currently 1.3%, and the objective is to significantly increase this
share beyond the current levels.
Who is collaborating to establish the 4IR Centre in Hyderabad?
(1) World Health Organization (WHO)

(2) Telangana and World Trade Organization (WTO)
(3) World Economic Forum (WEF) and Telangana Government
(4) United Nations (UN) and Telangana
(5) Hyderabad Health and Technology Consortium (HHTC)
Ans. 3)
Sol. The collaboration is between the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Telangana government to
establish the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Hyderabad.
According to the proposed rules, what type of company should an SRO-FT applicant be set up as?
(1) For-profit organization

(2) Government-owned entity
(3) Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013
(4) Limited Liability Company (LLC)
(5) Partnership firm
Ans. 3)
Sol. Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013. The draft framework suggests that the SRO-FT
applicant should be set up as a not-for-profit company.
Who is serving as the Chief Guest at the grand inauguration of the International Purple Fest – Goa
2024?
(1) Dr. Vishwajit Rane

(2) Ramdas Athawale
(3) Shripad Naik
(4) Dr. Pramod Sawant
Ans. 4)
Sol. Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister of Goa, is the Chief Guest at the grand inauguration.
Who implemented the recent change in stumping rules under the Decision Review System (DRS)?
(1) BCCI
(2) ICC
(3) Australian Cricket Board
(4) ECB
Ans. 2)
Sol. The International Cricket Council enforced the alteration in stumping rules under DRS.
Who executed the laying of the undersea cables for the internet connectivity project in Lakshadweep?
(1) BSNL
(2) Airtel
(3) Reliance Jio
(4) Vodafone Idea
(5) Tata Communications
Ans. 1)
Sol. The undersea cables were laid by the state-owned telecom company BSNL, emphasizing government
involvement in critical infrastructure projects.
Which coral atoll is known for its pristine coral reefs and clear blue lagoons
in Lakshadweep?
(1) Kavaratti
(2) Agatti
(3) Bangaram
(4) Kalpeni
(5) Minicoy
Ans. 3)
Sol. Bangaram is renowned for its beautiful coral reefs and clear blue lagoons, making it a popular
destination for tourists.
What does a HSBC India Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of 54.9 in December signify?
(1) Contraction
(2) Fluctuation
(3) Stagnation
4) Recession
(5) Expansion
Ans. 5)
Sol. A PMI above 50 indicates manufacturing expansion. In this case, 54.9 suggests a continued expansion.
Which of the following is the traditional dance form of Lakshadweep?
(1) Bharatanatyam
(2) Mohiniyattam
(3) Kuchipudi
(4) Lava Dance
(5) Kathakali
Ans. 4)
Sol. Lava Dance is a traditional dance form of Lakshadweep, showcasing the cultural richness of the region.
What is the per capita income of Delhi in the current fiscal year, surpassing the national average by 158%?
(1) Rs 3,89,529
(2) Rs 4,44,768
(3) Rs 5,00,000
(4) Rs 3,00,000
(5) Rs 4,00,000
Ans. 2)
Sol. Rs 4,44,768, as per the data released by the Economic and Statistics department of the Delhi
government.
How much financial aid did India announce for the reconstruction of earthquake-affected areas in Nepal?
(1) USD 50 million

(2) USD 100 million
(3) USD 75 million
(4) USD 200 million
(5) USD 150 million
Ans. 3)
Sol. USD 75 million, announced by India for the post-2015 earthquake reconstruction in Nepal.
Who upgraded India’s GDP growth estimate for FY’24, and by how much?
(1) IMF, 7.7%

(2) World Bank, 5.2%
(3) RBI, 8%
(4) Ind-Ra, 6.7%
(5) OECD, 5.5%
Ans. 4)
Sol. Ind-Ra revised India’s GDP growth estimate for FY’24 from 6.2% to 6.7%.
Who unveiled Tamil Nadu’s Vision 2030 for a $1 trillion economy, during the Global Investors Meet in
Chennai?
(1) MK Gandhi
(2) MK Stalin
(3) Jayalalithaa
(4) M. Karunanidhi
(5) Narendra Modi
Ans. 2)
Sol. MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, unveiled the vision document during the Global Investors
Meet.
What is the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) in
September 2023?
(1) 1.5%
(2) 3.6%
(3) 5.0%
(4) 2.8%
3.2%
Ans. 5)
Sol. The Financial Stability Report mentions that the GNPA ratio for SCBs reached a multi-year low of 3.2%
in September 2023.
According to Ind-Ra, what is the impact of a 1% increase in real wages on GDP growth?
(1) 0.5%
(2) 1.12%
(3) 2.5%
(4) 0.1%
(5) 1.5%
Ans. 2)
Sol. Ind-Ra’s computations suggest that a 1% increase in real wages could potentially lead to a 1.12%
growth in real private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) and contribute to a 64 basis point increase in
GDP growth.
According to the Financial Stability Report, what contributes to the ongoing credit and investment cycle,
brightening the prospects of the Indian economy?
(1) Decline in forex reserves

(2) Fragility in the banking system
(3) Unhealthy balance sheets of banks and corporates
(4) Robust financial system and healthy balance sheets
(5) Increasing current account deficit
Ans. 4)
Sol. The report highlights that a robust financial system and healthy balance sheets contribute to a new
credit and investment cycle, positively impacting the Indian economy.
Who is responsible for collecting ‘Mouban’ honey in Sunderbans, and how did they secure the
Geographical Indication (GI) tag?
(1) WBFDCL through a legal battle

(2) Pune-based entity through negotiations
(3) Local community ‘Mouli’ through a competitive process
(4) Central Government through administrative decision
(5) Jalpaiguri district administration through a special request
Ans. 3)
Sol. The ‘Mouli’ community from Sunderbans collected the honey, and WBFDCL applied for the GI tag. They
competed with a Pune-based entity, and the recognition was achieved through this competitive process.
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The Ultimate February 2024

The Bigger Picture+

The term ‘Budget’ is not mentioned in the Constitution.

Budget for a year is prepared by the Budget Division of Department of Economic

It is prepared broadly on the basis of detailed estimates of expenditure and receipts

Budget is prepared on Cash Basis (i.e. whatever is expected to be actually received or

Major budget documents:

> Annual Financial Statement (under Article 112) ,

-Macro-Economic Framework Statement.

Budget was first introduced on 7th April,

The first Finance Member, who presented the

Mr Liaquat Ali Khan, member of the interim

India’s first Finance Minister Shri R.K.

Since then, the process of budget has

Vision of Budget: Viksit Bharat by 2047 “Prosperous Bharat in harmony with

Development Mantra of Budget: Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka

Philosophy is to cover all elements of inclusivity.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN FOCUS AREAS: Sabka saath

>Alleviation of poverty: 25 crore people got freedom

>Direct Benefit Transfer: 34 lakh crore DBT using PM-

> PM-JANMAN Yojana: Helped in reaching out to the Developed India

> PM-Vishwakarma Yojana: Provided end-to-end

Thirty crore Mudra Yojana loans have been given to

Female enrolment in higher education has gone up

In STEM courses, girls and women constitute forty-

-Making ‘Triple Talaq’ illegal

-Reservation of one-third seats for women in the Lok

-Giving over 70% houses under PM Awas Yojana in 2017-18 2022-23

Yuva (Youth or Amrit Peedhi)

The National Education Policy 2020 is ushering in transformational reforms.

India has over 80 chess grandmasters compared to little over 20 in 2010.

PM Fasal Bima Yojana: Crop insurance is given to 4 crore farmers.

STRATEGY FOR AMRIT KAAL

-Viability gap funding for wind energy

Adoption of e-buses for public transport network

Strengthening e-vehicle ecosystem by supporting manufacturing and charging.

New scheme of biomanufacturing and bio- foundry to be launched to support environment

Achievements till now

Application of Nano DAP on various crops will be expanded in all agro-climatic

Atmanirbhar Oilseeds Abhiyaan-Strategy to be formulated to achieve atmanirbharta

Comprehensive programme for dairy development to be formulated to control foot

Stepping up the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsaya Sampada Yojana to

-> 5 Integrated Aquaparks to be set up.

Achievements till now

Promoting Research and Innovation

A new scheme will be launched for strengthening deep-tech technologies for

Addressing Societal Challenges: A high-powered committee will be formed to

Tax Collections more than trebled in last 10 years.

Number of return filers swelled to 2.4 times.

Reduction in average processing time of returns from 93 days in 2013-14 to 10 days

New Tax regime resulted in reduced and rationalized tax rates

-> Taxpayers with income up to ₹7 lakh have no tax liability

Improvement in tax-payer services through Faceless Assessment and Appeal New

Reduction in logistics cost and prices of most goods and services

Decline in import release time since 2019

-> 47 per cent at Inland Container Depots

Supply Chain Optimization by eliminating tax arbitrage and octroi.

Withdrawal of outstanding direct tax demand: -

-> Up to ₹25,000 pertaining up to FY10

Octroi It is tax levied by a local municipal authority, on

Sovereign Wealth Funds They are state-owned investment pool that

Custom Duty It is a tax imposed on imports and exports of

Direct taxes Tax payments made directly to the government by