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Current Affairs Study PDF – April 2024

Current Affairs for Competitive Exam
Table of Contents
NATIONAL AFFAIRS ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
PARLIAMENT .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION ................................................................................................................................. 8
OTHER NEWS............................................................................................................................................................ 14
STATE NEWS ................................................................................................................................................................. 33
GOVT SCHEMES ............................................................................................................................................................ 34
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ......................................................................................................................................... 35
BANKING & FINANCE NEWS....................................................................................................................................... 39
BANKING NEWS ....................................................................................................................................................... 39
RBI IN NEWS ............................................................................................................................................................. 39
SEBI ............................................................................................................................................................................ 50
LOANS ISSUED BY BANKS....................................................................................................................................... 54
AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED.............................................................................................................................. 55
OTHER BANK NEWS ................................................................................................................................................ 64
FINANCE NEWS......................................................................................................................................................... 72
ECONOMY & BUSINESS NEWS.................................................................................................................................... 86
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 90
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS...................................................................................................................................... 108
SUMMITS, EVENTS & CONFERENCE........................................................................................................................ 109
INDEX ........................................................................................................................................................................... 112
RANKING ................................................................................................................................................................. 112
REPORTS ................................................................................................................................................................. 126
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 143
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 161
ACQUISITION & MERGERS ....................................................................................................................................... 185
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ......................................................................................................................................... 191
DEFENCE...................................................................................................................................................................... 200
EXERCISE ................................................................................................................................................................. 200
TESTING .................................................................................................................................................................. 203
OTHER DEFENCE NEWS ........................................................................................................................................ 204

SPORTS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 208

OBITUARY ................................................................................................................................................................... 220
BOOKS & AUTHORS ................................................................................................................................................... 224
IMPORTANT DAYS ..................................................................................................................................................... 225
APPS & WEB PORTAL ............................................................................................................................................... 272
ENVIRONMENT........................................................................................................................................................... 274

NATIONAL AFFAIRS
PARLIAMENT
Finance Ministry notifies a new FDI limits for satellite related activities under FEMA
The Ministry of Finance notified the amendment to Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt
Instruments) Rules 2019 to operationalise the new foreign direct investment (FDI) limits for satellite-
related activities.
• The new rules will be known as Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) (3rd
Amendment) Rules, 2024.
• The new rules will come into effect from 16th April, 2024.
Background:
i.In February 2024, The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi approved an
amendment in FDI policy for the space sector.
ii.Under the amended FDI Policy, 100% FDI is allowed in the space sector.
iii.As per amended FDI policy, the satellite sub-sector has been categorized into three different activities
with defined limits for foreign investment in each sector.
Details of the notification:
i.For manufacturing of components and systems or sub-systems for satellites, ground segment and user
segment, up to 100% FDI is allowed under the automatic route.
ii.For Satellites-Manufacturing and Operations; Satellite Data Products; and Ground Segment and User
Segment up to 74% FDI is allowed under automatic route and FDI over 74% will
require government approval.
iii.For Launch Vehicles and associated systems or sub-systems and Creation of Spaceports for launching
and receiving spacecraft up to 49% FDI is allowed under automatic route and FDI over 49% will require
government approval.
Click here for the official Gazette notification
Note:
i.This reform policy was developed by the Department of Space in consultation with stakeholders like: IN-
SPACe(Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), ISRO, NSIL(New Space India Limited).
ii.NGEs(Non-Government Entities), developed capabilities and expertise in the areas of satellites and
launch vehicles.
Points to note:
i.Automatic Route: Under automatic route, the non-resident or Indian company does not require nod of
the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) or Government of India(GoI).
• Sectors which come under automatic route are: medical devices, petroleum refining, pension,
insurance etc.
ii.Government Route: The Government’s approval is mandatory under Government route.
• Sectors which come under government route category are: print media, multi-brand retail
training, broadcasting content services etc.
• Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal(FIFP): acts a single-window clearance and processes
applications for FDI .The applications for FDI is approved or rejected in consultation with the
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade(DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce.

LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION

UNICEF India with IIHMR Delhi & IIT Mumbai Launches ‘Digital Health Enterprise Planning
Course’ to Bridge Tech-knowledge Gaps
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) India, International Institute of Health Management
Research (IIHMR) Delhi, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
have jointly launched, ‘Digital Health Enterprise Planning Course’, a comprehensive 10-week health
course.
• Rolling out from 17th April 2024, the course aims to promote digital innovation in the health
system.
Aim:
The course aims to enhance healthcare delivery by utilising digital technologies in line with the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the GIDH.
About Digital Health Enterprise Planning Course:
Significance:
i.The course aligned with UNICEF India’s commitment to
the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), launched
during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023.
ii.Addresses the growing demand for digital health
education.
iii.Bridges the gap in training among healthcare
professionals.
Collaborative Approach:
i.The course curriculum was developed in consultation
with experts from IIHMR Delhi, and IIT Bombay, and
with technical inputs from UNICEF India.
ii.It’s tailored to suit the Indian context, derived from the
global program initiated by the Digital Health Centre of
Excellence (DICE), a multi-agency consortium co-led by
UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
IIT Kanpur’s SIIC Signed CSR Pact with Defence PSU Gliders India Ltd for Innovation in Healthcare
The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at the IIT-Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh-UP), inked a
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agreement with Gliders India Limited, a Public Sector
Undertaking (PSU), under the Ministry of Defence(MoD), to spearhead innovation in the healthcare sector.
• The collaboration underscores SIIC, IIT-K’s dedication to fostering synergies between
educational institutions, industry, and government bodies.
• The MoU exchange ceremony was held at the Gliders India Limited Headquarters at Ordnance
Parachute Factory, Kanpur, UP.
Partnership Overview:
i.Under this CSR collaboration, Gliders India commits financial assistance and mentorship to startups
incubated at SIIC focusing on medical technologies, digital health solutions, telemedicine, and healthcare
infrastructure innovations.
ii.IIT Kanpur will leverage technological expertise combined with Gliders India’s industry experience for
developing impactful solutions, addressing critical healthcare challenges in India.
iii.This synergy will create an ecosystem for startups to translate innovations into real-world impact.
iv.Gliders India will connect startups with access to domain experts, industry resources, and market
networks, facilitating their growth and commercialisation.

About UNICEF India:

UNICEF Representative to India– Cynthia McCaffrey
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Established in– 1949
MoA&FW Introduced ‘CDP-SURAKSHA’, a Digital Platform to Disburse Subsidies to Horticulture

Farmers
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) introduced a digital platform called CDP-
SURAKSHA (Cluster Development Programme – System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge,
and Secure Horticulture Assistance) to disburse subsidies to horticulture farmers under the CDP.
Note: CDP, launched by MoA&FW, is a central sector scheme of the National Horticulture Board (NHB)
which aims to reform agriculture markets and promote the horticulture sector
About CDP-SURAKSHA:
The CDP-SURAKSHA will allow an instant disbursal of subsidies to farmers in their bank account by
utilising the e-RUPI (electronic rupee/e-Rupee) voucher from the National Payments Corporation of India
(NPCI).
Features:
Database integration with PM-KISAN(Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi), cloud-based server space
from NIC(National Informatics Centre), UIDAI(Unique Identification Authority of India) validation, eRUPI
integration, local government directory (LGD), content management system, geotagging, and geo-fencing.
Working:
i.The platform allows access to farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), and cluster development
agencies (CDAs), and officials of the NHB.
ii.Farmers can order planting materials like seeds, seedlings, and plants based on their needs and pay their
share of the cost of planting materials. The subsidy amount paid by the GoI will appear on the screen and
an e-voucher will be generated.
iii.The vendor will receive the voucher and provide the required materials to the farmers.
Note:
i.The e-RUPI voucher is a one-time payment mechanism that can be redeemed without a card, digital
payments app or internet banking access, at the merchants accepting e-RUPI.
ii.The e-RUPI can be shared with the beneficiaries for a specific purpose or activity by organisations or the
government via SMS or QR code.
NexCAR19: President Murmu Launched India’s 1st Indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy
On April 4, 2024, the President of India Droupadi Murmu launched India‘s first home-grown Chimeric
Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy namely ‘NexCAR19 (Actalycabtagene autoleucel)’ for cancer
treatment during the event held at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• India is now one of the first developing countries to have its indigenous CAR-T and gene
therapy platform.
Developers:
i.It developed through collaboration between IIT, Bombay and Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai
in association with industry partner Immunoadoptive Cell Therapy Private Limited (ImmunoACT).
• ImmunoACT is IIT Bombay-incubated company.
ii.Dr Atharva Karulkar, Dr Alka Dwivedi and the team led by Dr Rahul Purwar, Associate Professor at
IIT Bombay designed and developed the NexCAR19.
• Clinical investigations and translational studies were led by Dr Hasmukh Jain and Dr
Gaurav Narula and their teams at TMH.

iii.NexCAR19 has received approval from CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization),
Government of India(GoI), for the treatment of Relapsed-refractory (R/R) B-cell lymphomas and leukemia.
What is CAR-T Cell Therapy?
i.CAR T-cell therapies utilize laboratory modifications of a person’s T cells to selectively target and destroy
cancer cells, primarily focusing on blood cancers.
ii.T-cells are special cells (white blood cells that find and fight illness and infection) whose primary
function is cytotoxic, meaning it can kill other cells.
iii.Offering a one-time treatment alternative to multiple chemotherapy sessions, CAR-T therapy aims for a
lifelong cure and ease of treatment.
iv.Specifically designed for individuals with B-cell lymphomas unresponsive to standard chemotherapy,
thereby preventing cancer r/r.
Key Points:
i.In abroad, CAR T Cell Therapy costs approximately USD 370,000 to USD 530,000, but NexCAR19
treatment is 90% cheaper, priced between USD 30,000 and USD 40,000.
ii.NexCAR19 is hailed as the world’s most affordable CAR-T cell therapy, embodying India’s ‘Make in India’
and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
iii.These therapies first approved in the United States of America (USA) in 2017. CAR T-cell therapies
approved in the USA targets CD19, a protein that is often produced in large amounts on the surface of
leukemia and lymphoma cells.
Participants: Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, IIT Bombay Director Subhasis Chaudhuri, Tata
Memorial Centre (TMC) Director Sudeep Gupta, among others.
Sany India Launches SKT105E, India’s 1st Locally-Made Electric Mining Truck
Sany Heavy Industry India Private Limited(SANY India), a construction and mining equipment
manufacturer, launched the SKT105E, India’s first locally manufactured fully electric opencast mining
truck.
• The SKT105E is intended to withstand the harsh conditions of open-cast mining operations.
• The truck has a unique electric propulsion system that ensures zero emissions and optimal
performance while lowering the carbon footprint. This revolutionary design makes the truck an
eco-friendly vehicle.
• The cost-effective and energy-efficient truck has a payload capacity of ~70 tons.
Note: Pune(Maharashtra) based SANY India is a wholly owned subsidiary of SANY Heavy Industry
Construction., Limited. (SANY Heavy Industry), China. SANY India was incorporated in 2002.
Experimental Licence Module for 100 5G Labs virtually launched at IIT Madras
“Experimental Licence Module for 100 5G Labs” was virtually launched by Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary,
Department of Telecommunication (DoT), Ministry of Communications during a 5G workshop at the
Indian Institute of Technology(IIT)-Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN).
• The initiative aims to simplify the process for experimental licence requirements for academic
institutions in India.
Objective: To foster skills and engagement in 5G technologies among students and start-up communities.
About 100 5G Use Case Labs:
i.DoT has awarded ‘100 5G Use Case Labs‘ to educational institutions across India. The labs will utilise 5G
frequency bands to carry out various experiments and testing use cases.
ii.To ensure interference-free operations to licensed telecommunications service providers (TSPs), these
labs should get an experimental (Non-Radiating) category of license from DoT.

• At present, these certificates are issued in “Self-declaration Mode” from the Saralsanchar portal
of DoT through the National Single Window System (NSWS).
• To get this license, the applicant should provide the necessary details about the experiment,
schematic of the setup, equipment, frequency band of operation etc.
About Experimental Licence for 100 5G Labs:
The DoT has introduced a simplified mechanism for the issuance of licenses through a specific Approval
Type “Experimental Licence for 100 5G Labs” on NSWS portal.
Features:
i.This automates the application process by pre-filling technical specifications and schematic details,
reducing manual effort and time.
ii.The application has been simplified. This requires only basic information like institute address,
authorised personnel and a nominal fee of Rs. 5000.
iii.This will support innovation, cultivate competencies and represent a step towards democratising access
to 5G technology and empowering educational institutions and startups to explore its potential for
transformative applications.
Additional info:
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi awarded the 100 5G Use Case Labs to institutions across India in
October 2023 during the 7th Edition of the India Mobile Congress 2023 (IMC) at Bharat Mandapam in New
Delhi, Delhi.
IIT Madras Launches India’s 1st Mobile Facility for Medical Devices Calibration
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) launched India’s 1st medical devices
calibration facility on wheels, developed by IIT Madras under its ‘Anaivarukkum IITM‘ (IITM for all)
Initiatives.
• The mobile facility aims to provide affordable, quality calibration services nationwide; bridging
the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas;
• It will also help to test and maintain medical devices that are used in a wide range of hospitals
including those in villages at their doorsteps.
• Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities meeting international standards, the mobile unit
guarantees the safety and functionality testing of medical devices.
• Accurate medical device calibration for precise diagnosis and treatment, reducing costs and
time associated with calibration and transportation.
Note: This initiative aligns with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, Good
Health and well-being.
NTPC Launches New Edition of Girl Empowerment Mission

On April 9, 2024, NTPC Limited (formerly National Thermal Power Corporation) launched the latest
edition of the Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM), its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
initiative.
• The new GEM will add around 3000 underprivileged children at 42 locations of NTPC. With this,
the mission will expand to benefit a total of 10,000 girls.
Note: This is in line with Government of India’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, which aims to
empower girls by nurturing their potential and providing opportunities for growth, and tackle gender
inequality.
Key Points:
i.To date, 7,424 girls have benefited from the program, with participation increasing annually.

ii.In 2023, 2,707 girls joined workshops at 40 NTPC locations across 16 states in India.
iii.GEM started as a pilot project in 2018 with three locations and has since expanded nationwide.
• Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, GEM continues to offer holistic skill
development, confidence-building, and mentorship to participants.
iv.The program aims to empower girls as catalysts for change, impacting themselves, their families,
communities, and the nation.
About NTPC Limited:
NTPC Limited is a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of Power.
It received Maharatna status in 2010.
Chairman & Managing Director– Gurdeep Singh
Headquarter– New Delhi, Delhi
Establishment– 1975
ISRO launches ‘START’ Online Training Program for Space Science Enthusiasts
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched ‘Space Science and Technology Awareness
Training (START)’, a new introductory-level online training programme to encourage youngsters to
choose the field of space science and technology.
• The programme targets students doing postgraduate (PG) and final year undergraduate in
physical science and technology.
• START 2024 programme will be conducted during April and May 2024.
• For this programme, ISRO solicits Expressions of Interest to host START 2024 in institutes,
universities and colleges within India.
The programme includes domains like space science, as well as astronomy & astrophysics, heliophysics. It
will be executed by scientists of Indian academic institutes and ISRO centres.
PM Modi Inaugurated 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav on Mahaveer Jayanti

On April 21, 2024, i.e. on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi
inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Delhi.
• PM Modi also released a commemorative stamp and coin to mark the 2550th Bhagwan
Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav.
Key People: The event was attended by Union Minister of State (MoS) Arjun Ram Meghwal, Ministry of
Culture along with other dignitaries and saints from the Jain community.
About the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav:
i.21st April 2024 is the Janma Kalyanak of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami.
• The Government of India commemorated the occasion with the Jain community by organizing a
cultural programme in Bharat Mandapam.
ii.The 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav is being celebrated as a year-long “Ahimsa
Mahotsav”.
iii.The Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav Committee is formed to coordinate and promote the
festival, focusing on spreading the teachings of Bhagwan Mahaveer, particularly emphasizing non-
violence and kindness.
Mahavir Jayanti :
i.Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth of Mahavir as ‘Vardhamana’ in a royal family in 615 BC.
ii.Bhagwan Mahavir, 24th Tirthankar, advocated Jain principles: Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satya
(Truthfulness), Asteya (Non-Stealing), Brahmacharya (Chastity) and Aparigraha (Non-attachment).
iii.Jains commemorate five major events of every Tirthankar: Chyavana/Garbha (Conception) Kalyanak;
Janma (Birth) Kalyanak; Diksha (Renunciation) Kalyanak; Kevaljnana (Omniscience) Kalyanak and

Nirvana (Liberation/Ultimate Salvation) Kalyanak.

About the commemorative coin:
This is the 8th commemorative coin for the year 2024. The Non Circulating type coin is minted at India
Government Mint, Hyderabad in Telangana
Features:
i.The coin with denomination Rs 100 weigh 35 grams.
ii.The reverse of the coin features the image of the Nalanda Pawapuri Jal Mandir and “Bhagwan Mahaveer
2550th Nirvan Kalyanak” in both Devanagari script and English with year 2023 at the bottom
SJVN Limited inaugurates India’s 1st Multipurpose Green Hydrogen Pilot Project
On 23rd April 2024, Geeta Kapur, Chairman and Managing Director(CMD) of SJVN Limited(formerly
known as Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam) inaugurated India’s 1st multipurpose(combined Heat and Power) green
hydrogen pilot project at the 1,500 megawatt (MW) Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Jhakri,
Himachal Pradesh(HP).
• She also inaugurated the first-of-its-kind centralised operation of 1500MW NJPHS and 412 MW
Rampur Hydrogen Power Station(RHPS) by remotely operating Unit-II of RHPS from NJHPS,
Jhakri.
Note: The project in line with the National Green
Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) will accelerate the
development of green hydrogen production
infrastructure in the power sector.
About the green hydrogen pilot project:
i.The state of the art green hydrogen pilot project has the
capability to cater to the high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF)
coating facility of NJHPS to meet its combustion fuel
requirements.
ii.This will also have the capacity to generate electricity
through its 25 kilowatt (kW) capacity fuel cell.
iii.The green hydrogen plant will utilise a alkaline
electrolyzer of 20 Nm^3/Hr (normal meter cubed per
hour) capacity which enables the production of hydrogen
gas by splitting hydrogen and oxygen from water.
• This will use renewable energy supplied from
the 1.31 MW solar power plant of SJVN located in Wadhal, Himachal Pradesh.
Benefits:
i.The project is set to produce 14 kg of green hydrogen per day during 8 hours of operation which will be
stored in 6 storage tanks.
ii.The green hydrogen will be utilized for HVOF coating of turbine underparts. Also, it has the capacity of
generating electricity through its 25KW capacity fuel cell.
About SJVN Limited:
It is a Mini Ratna, Category-I and Schedule ‘A’ Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) under the Ministry
of Power. It is a Joint Venture of Government of India and Government of Himachal Pradesh.
CMD (Additional Charge) – Geeta Kapur
Headquarters- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh(H.P.)
Established in 1988

OTHER NEWS
Adani Group‘s Kutch Copper Limited Commences Phase-1 Operations in Mundra
Kutch Copper Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) led by Gautam Adani,
commissioned the first unit of its greenfield copper refinery project at Mundra, Gujarat, by dispatching
the maiden batch of cathodes to customers.
• This significant venture marks the Adani Group’s entry into the metal industry.
• This move marks a significant step towards reducing India’s reliance on copper imports and
facilitating the energy transition.
Note: The increasing demand for copper is driven by renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), charging
infrastructure, and the development of power transmission and distribution networks.
Investment and Capacity:
i.Adani Enterprises invested nearly USD 1.2 billion to set up a 0.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA)
copper smelter in the first phase.
ii.Upon completion of the second phase, capacity doubles (1 MTPA), making Kutch Copper the world’s
largest single-location custom smelter, adhering to Environmental, social, and governance (ESG)
standards.
• The plant is set to achieve a full-scale capacity (1 MTPA) by Financial Year 2028-29 (FY29)
(March 2029).
iii.It will also leverage state-of-the-art technology and digitalisation.
Byproduct Utilisation:
The plant will produce copper cathodes and rods and valuable byproducts like gold, silver, selenium, and
platinum.
Note: The integrated complex will produce sulphuric acid, reducing India’s reliance on imports.
Forward Integration Strategy:
Kutch Copper plans to establish Kutch Copper Tubes Limited as part of its forward integration strategy for
the production of copper tubes catering to various applications in air conditioning and refrigeration.
Environmental Commitments:
i.Kutch Copper utilises cutting-edge technology engineered to minimise carbon footprint, with measures
like:
• One-third of the plant area is dedicated to green spaces.
• 15% capital allocation for environmental protection.
ii.The plant implements a zero-liquid discharge model and utilises desalinated water and wastewater
recycling to minimize ecological impact.
Vision for Sustainability:
With Kutch Copper commencing operations, the Adani portfolio of companies:
• Emphasises the commitment towards a sustainable and self-reliant future.
• Aims to contribute to India’s carbon neutrality goal by 2070 through innovative green
technology.
GI Tags Awarded to 19 Goods from Assam; 2 from Tripura and 4 from Meghalaya
The Government of India’s (GoI) Geographical Indication Registry granted Geographical Indication (GI)
tags to 19 traditional crafts of Assam, 2 from Tripura, and 4 from Meghalaya.
These 19 GI’s from Assam includes:
i.Assam Bihu Dhol: A two-faced drum integral to Assam’s folk culture; featured prominently in the
Guinness World Record-breaking Bihu dance.

ii.Assam Jaapi: Symbolizing pride, made of bamboo and palm leaves, used traditionally as headgear by
farmers and holds cultural significance in Assam.
iii.Sarthebari Metal Craft: Handmade bell metal utensils with socio-cultural and religious significance,
part of ritual practices in Assam.
iv.Assam Pani Mateka Craft: Utilized for craft-making by Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission,
generating employment from what was once considered waste.
v.Assam Mising Handloom Products: Traditional cloth-making by the Mising indigenous community
includes garments with cultural significance, often woven for special occasions.
vi.Assam Asharikandi Terracotta Craft: Produced by over 100 families in Assam’s Dhubri district, part
of one of North East India’s largest clusters, using clay and sand baked with earthen color.
Thirteen other Assamese items, associated with the Bodo people, the state’s largest indigenous
population, have also been granted GI tags. These include,
• Dokhona (traditional attire), Eri Silk / Indi Silk (fabric of peace), Jwmgra (scarf), and Gamsa
(traditional dress for men).
• Among these 13 items, three are agricultural products viz. Gongar Dunjia, Keradapini – (Plant,
Shrub), and Khardwi while six are musical instruments viz. Kham, Serja, Thorkha, Jotha – Bodo
Musical Instrument, Gongona, and Sifung.
Tripura’s Pachra/Rignai Textile and Tripura Matabari Peda gets GI tag
The Tripura also secured the following two GI tags:
i.The ‘Tripura Pachra/Rignai Textile’, which is a traditional hand-woven attire, meticulously crafted by
skilled artisans using indigenous materials.
ii.The other for the Tripura Matabari Peda (Sweet made of milk and sugar) of Mata Tripura Sundari
Temple.
Meghalaya secured 4 GI tags
Meghalaya also secured 4 GI tags which are as follows:
• Meghalaya Garo Dakmanda Textile, which is linked to socio-cultural and religious rituals
• Meghalaya Lyrnai Pottery
• Meghalaya Chubitchi (Rice Liquor)
• Lakadong Turmeric
List of Goods received GI tags:
State GI Product Goods
Assam Bihu Dhol
Assam Jaapi
Sarthebari Metal Craft
Assam Pani Mateka Craft

Assam Handi Crafts
Assam Asharikandi Terracotta
Craft
Thorka
Sifung

Kham
Serja
Jotha – Bodo Musical

Instrument
Gongona
Assam Mising Handloom

Products
Dokhona
Textiles
Eri Silk / Indi Silk
Jwmgra
Gamsa
Gongar Dunjia
Keradapini – (Plant, Shrub) Agriculture
Khardwi
Tripura Pachra/Rignai Textile Textiles

Tripura
Tripura Matabari Peda (Sweet) Food Stuffs
Meghalaya Garo Dakmanda

Textiles
Textile
Meghalaya Larnai Pottery Handi Crafts

Meghalaya
Meghalaya Chubitchi (Rice
Manufactured Goods
Liquor)
Lakadong Turmeric Agriculture

About GI Tags:
i.A GI tag is a name or sign used on products that corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin
(e.g., a town, region, or country).
ii.International agreements like the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (Articles
1(2) and 10) and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement (Articles
22–24) recognize and govern geographical indications.
iii.India, a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the GI of Goods (Registration and
Protection) Act, 1999, w.e.f. September 15, 2003, and is aimed at registering and safeguarding

geographical indications and preserving the heritage and uniqueness of products linked to specific
geographic regions.
• Note: Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to get a GI tag in the year 2004, the GI tag for
Darjeeling Tea (Agriculture) has been renewed and is valid up to October 26, 2033.
Recent Related News:
i.The Geographical Indications Registry awarded GI tag to Goa Cashew (Kaju Or Caju). The unique identity
and taste of Goa cashews result from the overall climatological impact of Goa and traditional farming
practices followed by Goans.It is the 10th product of the state to get the coveted GI tag.
ii.The Government of Assam has declared Kaji Nemu (Citrus Limon) as the State Fruit of Assam. The
announcement was made by Assam’s Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, following a Cabinet meeting.
Kaji Nemu is also known as the “Queen of all citrus fruits”
About Geographical Indications Registry:
It has been established in Chennai to administer the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registrationand
Protection) Act, 1999 under the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks
(CGPDTM).
Headquarters– Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN)
India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000: Global Forest Watch
According to the Global Forest Watch (GFW) monitoring project data, India has
lost 2.33 million hectares (Mha) of tree cover since 2000 which is equivalent to a 6% decrease in tree
cover during 2001-2023.
Key Findings:
i.The data showed that India lost 4,14,000
hectares(414 Thousand hectares (Kha)) of humid primary
forest(4.1%) from 2001 to 2023 which is 18% of its total tree
cover loss in the same period.
ii.The data mentioned that 95% of the tree cover loss in India
from 2013 to 2023 occurred within natural forests.
iii.According to the data, Total tree cover gained by India is 1.88
Mha which is equivalent to 1.4% of global total.
• Countries with maximum tree cover gain: Russia(37.2 Mha), Canada(17.0 Mha), United States
(14 Mha), Brazil(8.06 Mha) and China(6.69 Mha).
States with maximum tree cover loss:
i.As per the data, 5 states in India accounted for 60% of all tree cover loss from 2001 to 2023.
ii.Assam saw the most tree cover loss at 3,24,000 hectares(324kha) compared to average of 66.6kha,
followed by Mizoram(312kha), Arunachal Pradesh(262kha), Nagaland(259kha) and Manipur(240kha).
States with maximum tree cover:
i.As per the data, 7 states accounted for 55% of all tree cover in India.
6. Arunachal Pradesh had the most tree cover at 6.11million hectares(6.11Mha) compared to an
average of 957 kha, then followed by Assam(2.57Mha), Chhattisgarh(2.28 Mha),
Kerala(2.28Mha) and Odisha(1.92Mha).
Tree Cover Loss due to Fires:
i.India lost about 35.9 kha of tree cover from fires and 2.15 Mha from all other drivers of loss from 2001
to 2022.
ii.As per the data, India saw the most tree cover loss in the year 2008 due to fires, with a loss of 3.0 kha.

iii.The data showed that Odisha had the highest rate of tree cover loss due to fires with an average of 238
hectares lost annually, it is followed by Arunachal Pradesh(198 ha), Nagaland(195 ha), Assam(116 ha) and
Meghalaya(97 ha).
Net Carbon Sink:
i.According to the data, forests in India emitted 51million tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) equivalent to one
year and removed 141 million tons of CO2 equivalent to one year. Thus, net carbon sink is 89.9 million
tons of CO2 equivalent a year.
ii.The data highlighted that due to loss of tree cover in India, an average of 51.0 million tons of CO2
equivalent per year was released into the ecosystem.
About Global Forest Watch:
Global Forest Watch is an initiative of World Resources Institute(WRI) launched in 2014 in partnership
with Google, USAID(United States Agency for International Development), among others.
UP’s 13 Products Including Tirangi Barfi & Banaras Metal Casting Craft Gets GI Tag
The Government of India’s (GoI) Geographical Indication Registry granted Geographical Indication (GI)
tags to 13 new products of Uttar Pradesh (UP). This includes Banaras Tirangi Barfi and Banaras Metal
Casting Craft.
• With this the total number of GI products from UP becomes 75. UP has retained its position as
the state with most number of GI tagged products in India.
Note: Tamil Nadu is the 2nd position with a total of 58 GI tagged products.
List of New GI products of UP:
GI product Goods
Banaras Tirangi Barfi
Banaras Lal Peda (Sweet) Food Stuffs
Jaunpur Imarti (Sweet)
Banaras Metal Casting Craft
Lakhimpur Kheri Tharu Embroidery
Bareilly Furniture
Bareilly Zardoji Craft

Handi Crafts
Pilkhuwa Home Furnishing
Banarasi Tabla (Musical Instrument)
Banaras Shehnai (Musical Instrument)
Banaras Mural Painting
Chiraigaon Karonda of Varanasi

Agriculture
Banaras Lal Bharwamirch (Red Pickel Chilli)

Key Points:
i.Tirangi Barfi, a sweet symbolising the national flag was
regarded as the “sweet weapon” of freedom fighters during
the Quit India Movement.
• The sweet made with cashews and pistachios is
coloured like three stripes of the Indian flag:
saffron, white and green.
• It was 1st introduced in 1942 by Shri Ram Bhandar
of Thatheri Bazar locality in Varanasi.
ii.Banaras Metal Casting Craft is used for making idols and
utensils in Kashi. The vessels will be made using brass and
will have a central band of soldered copper.
iii.The GI tag for Banaras Tirangi Barfi; Banaras Metal Casting
Craft; Lakhimpur Kheri Tharu Embroidery; Bareilly Furniture;
Bareilly Zardoji Craft and Pilkhuwa Home Furnishing were
supported by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Lucknow office, UP.
iv.With a total of 32 products, the Varanasi region houses the highest number of GI products from a single
geographical area.
About Geographical Indications Registry:
GI Registry is a part of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry(MoCI).
Headquarters- Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN)
Maharashtra’s Miraj Tanpura and Miraj Sitar; UP’s Bundelkhand Kathiya Gehu got GI Tag
The Chennai (Tamil Nadu)-headquartered Geographical Indications Registry under the Department for
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry awarded
geographical indication (GI) tags to Miraj Tanpura and Miraj Sitar of Maharashtra and Bundelkhand
Kathiya Gehu (Wheat) of Uttar Pradesh (UP).
List of Goods received GI tags:
S.No GI Product State Goods
1 Miraj Tanpura
Maharashtra Handi Crafts
2 Miraj Sitar
Bundelkhand Kathiya Gehu

3 Uttar Pradesh Agriculture
(Wheat)
Miraj Tanpura:
i.Miraj Tanpura is manufactured from Miraj in the Sangli district in Maharashtra. Since 1850, Miraj City
has been known for producing string instruments, including sitars and tanpuras.
ii.The Tanpura or Tambura, Tanpuri is a long-necked plucked string instrument.

iii.It has four or five (rarely six) metal strings, which are plucked one after another in a regular pattern to
create a harmonic resonance on the basic notes of a key.
Miraj Sitar:
i.The sitar is one of the key instruments in Hindustani music with three strings.
ii.It belongs to the lute family where the strings of the instruments are parallel to its resonator and have
bowed chordophone.
Bundelkhand Kathiya Gehu:
i.“Triticum Durum” is the scientific name of Bundelkhand Kathiya Gehu which is also called Durum wheat,
Dalia, pasta wheat, or macaroni wheat.
ii.It is the second most cultivated variety of wheat after common wheat and it represents 5% to 8% of total
wheat production.
iii.This variety of Wheat is grown in water-scarce, unfriendly, and harsh climatic conditions.
Adani Green Energy Becomes India’s First Company to Surpass 10,000 MW of Renewable
Energy
Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has become the country’s first company to surpass 10,000 megawatts
(MW), or 10 gigawatts (GW), of renewable energy capacity in its operational portfolio.
• AGEL has achieved this feat after it commissioned 2,000 MW of solar capacity at Khavda in
Kutch, Gujarat.
Key Points:
i.AGEL added 2,848 MW to its operational portfolio in Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24) .
ii.AGEL’s 10,934 MW operational portfolio comprises 7,393 MW of solar, 1,401 MW of wind, and 2,140
MW of wind-solar hybrid capacity.
iii.As per AGEL’s statement, its 10,934 MW operational portfolio will power more than 5.8 million homes
and avoid about 21 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
iv.With the aim of building a 45 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, AGEL is building a 30,000 MW
solar plant, the world’s largest renewable energy plant in Khavda, Gujarat.
About Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL):
AGEL develops, owns, and operates utility-scale grid-connected solar, wind, and hybrid renewable power
plants.
Chairman – Gautam Adani
Headquarters – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
MNRE Reimposes ALMM Order on Solar PV Modules from 1st April 2024
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has re-imposed ALMM [Approved List of Models &
Manufacturers] for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules with effect from 1st April 2024.
• This mandates the procurement of solar modules from the manufacturers featured in the list as
a non-tariff barrier to boost domestic manufacturing. This imposes restriction on import of
solar modules.
Background:
i.MNRE issued the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar PV Modules (Requirements for
compulsory Registration) Order(ALMM Order), 2019 on 2 January 2019.
• ALMM consist of list-I, specifying models and manufacturers of solar PV modules and list-II,
specifying models and manufacturers of solar cells.
• ALMM enlistment is subjected to valid Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS) registration.
ii.The ALMM Order mandates that only models and manufacturers featured on the list are eligible for use
in Government Projects/ Government assisted Projects installed in India.

iii.The ALMM Order was held in abeyance (temporary suspension) for one financial year(FY 2023-24).
iv.The projects commissioned by 31st March 2024 will be exempted from the requirement of procuring
solar PV modules from ALMM.
Note: Imports were allowed till 31st March 2024 on the basis of industry demand and noted the lack of
domestic manufacturers to meet the demand.
Applicability of ALMM :
i.ALMM will apply to government-supported schemes and projects from where electricity discoms procure
electricity.
ii.The schemes include the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)
Scheme and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
ii.It will not apply to projects constructed under open access or as captive by private companies, meaning
that ALMM will not apply for those who establish their own capacities.
About Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE):
Union Minister – Raj Kumar Singh (Constituency – Arrah, Bihar)
Minister of State– Bhagwanth Khuba (Constituency- Bidar, Karnataka)
Secretary – Bhupinder Singh Bhalla
Central Coalfields Limited Unveils New Logo

The Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) unveiled its official brand-new logo with the tagline “Fuelling
Sustainable Growth.”
• CCL, formerly National Coal Development Corporation Ltd., is a Category-I Mini-Ratna Central
Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) company situated in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
• CCL is one of the eleven fully owned subsidiary companies of Coal India Limited (CIL).
Note:CCL has produced 86.1 million tonnes (MT) of coal in the 2023-24 financial year.
MCD Extends Deadline for Geo-tagging of Properties Till 30 June 2024

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), a civic body of Delhi, has extended the last date for geo-tagging
of properties until 30th June 2024 to provide taxpayers another opportunity to register their properties
with MCD.
• Technical glitches and other issues prevented many taxpayers from registering their properties
within the initial deadline.
• This marks the 3rd extension granted by the MCD for the geo-tagging initiative.
Note: MCD is one of the largest municipal bodies in the world providing civic services to approximately 20
million citizens of Delhi.
Previous Deadlines:
i.Initially, MCD aimed at geo-tagging 15 lakh homes in Delhi by 31 January 2024.
ii.However, the deadline was subsequently postponed to 29 February 2024 and then to 31 March 2024.
Note: So far, only 3.5 lakh out of the targeted 15 lakh homes in Delhi have been successfully geo-tagged.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
Taxpayers failing to geo-tag their properties by 30 June cannot avail of the rebate on lump-sum tax
payments for the current financial year (2024-25).
What is Geo-tagging of properties?
i.It is a process that involves assigning a unique latitude-longitude coordinate to a property on a
Geographic Information System (GIS) map.
ii.This is done by associating the property’s location with a Unique Property Identification Code (UPIC).
iii.It ensures each property has its location pinpointed with specific Latitude-Longitude coordinates.
iv.By accurately mapping properties, the MCD aims to simplify various civic services, enhance urban

planning, and improve overall governance efficiency.

Note: In December 2023, the MCD made geo-tagging of all kinds of properties mandatory for availing of
property tax exemption.
Importance of Geo-Tagging:
i.Geo-tagging enables precise location identification of individual properties.
ii.It facilitates better service delivery to citizens by MCD.
iii.Geo-tagging exercises for properties will yield benefits to both the corporation as well as residents.
NHAI’s One Vehicle, One FASTag‘ Rules Come into Force on 1 April 2024
The National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI)‘One Vehicle, One FASTag‘ norm to discourage the
practice of using a single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to one vehicle has come
into force from 1 April 2024.
Note: Users with multiple FASTags for one vehicle are unable to utilise them all.
One Vehicle, One FASTag:
NHAI has introduced One Vehicle, One FASTag to streamline the electronic toll-collection process, enhance
the efficiency of the electronic toll-collection system, and alleviate congestion at toll plazas.
Role of FASTag in Toll Collection:
i.FASTag, an electronic toll collection system operated by
NHAI, utilises Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
technology.
ii.Over 8 crore users with a penetration rate of
approximately 98% have revolutionised FASTag in India.
iii.It enables toll payments directly from prepaid or
savings accounts linked to it or directly from the toll
owner.
RBI’s Advice:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) advised customers and
merchants of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) to shift
their accounts to other banks by 15 March 2024.
FASTag Regulations:
i.FASTags with a valid balance but with incomplete Know
Your Customer (KYC) details face deactivation/blocklisting.
ii.Ensure KYC completion for FASTags by updating details as per RBI guidelines by 31 March 2024.
MoRTH to Introduce New Satellite-based Toll Collection System to Replace Toll Plazas in India
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) announced a
new satellite-based toll collection system will be introduced to replace the existing toll collection system
in India.
• The satellite-based toll collection will utilise the Global Positioning System (GPS) and cameras
to deduct money directly from bank accounts based on road usage (distance covered).
• The new system will help reduce toll tax and through this, the time, money, and fuel usage of the
travelers can also be saved.
Note: According to MoRTH, by the end of 2024, India’s road network of National Highways will be the
same as that of the United States of America (USA).
GPS-Based Toll Plaza System:
i.This innovative system revolutionises toll collection by integrating GPS technology into the process.
ii.This system eliminates the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas, as toll charges are automatically
deducted from the bank account.

iii.The amount of toll will depend on the distance traveled by the vehicle. All these data will be gathered
via GPS.
Note: At present, toll fees are fixed at every plaza irrespective of the distance covered by a vehicle.
How Does the System Work?
i.GPS coordinates of vehicles are matched to calculate toll fees.
ii.Toll charges are automatically deducted as vehicles approach collection points.
iii.Vehicles must be equipped with GPS-enabled number plates.
iv.The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras installed on highways identify GPS-enabled
number plates for deduction.
DPE granted Navratna status to National Fertilizers Limited

On 18th April 2024, the Department of Public Enterprise(DPE) under the Ministry of Finance has granted
the Navratna status to National Fertilizers Limited(NFL).
• The upgradation of NFL from Miniratna-I to Navratna status was done under Regulation 30 read
with schedule III of SEBI(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements(LODR))Regulations,
2015.
• NFL is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals
and Fertilizers(MoCF).
Note:
i.NFL has an authorized capital of Rs 1000 crore and paid up capital of Rs490.58 crore.
ii.Government of India(GoI) hold 74.71% share of the total paid up capital and financial institutions has
25.29% share.
Criteria for grant of Navratna status to CPSEs:
i.The Central Public Sector Enterprises(CPSEs) which are Miniratna-I, schedule’A’ have
obtained “excellent” or “very good” Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) ratings in 3 out of the last 5
years.
ii.The CPSEs which have composite score of 60 or above(out of 100) in following 6 selected performance
indicators are eligible to considered for grant of Navratna status.
• Those 6 performance indicators are: Net Profit to Net Worth(25); Manpower cost to total
production cost or services cost(15), Profit Before Depreciation, Interest and Taxes(PBDIT) to
capital employed(15), PBDIT to turnover(15), Earning per share(10), Inter-Sectoral
Performance (20).
iii.Granting of navratna status gives the financial autonomy to CPSEs to invest up to Rs1000
crore without any prior approval from the Central Government.
• To establish financial joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries in India or in Foreign
country with the stipulation that the equity investment of the CPSE should be limited to the
following conditions:
i.Rs1000 crore in 1 project
ii.15% of the net worth of the CPSE in 1 project
iii.30% of the net worth of the CPSE in all joint ventures/ subsidiaries put together
iv.The CPSEs should have 4 independent Board Directors.
Maharatna Scheme:
i.The scheme was introduced on 19th May, 2010 for Central Public Sector Enterprises(CPSEs).
ii.The scheme mainly focuses on empowering specific Navratna CPSEs to facilitate the expansion of their
operations and emerge as global giants by increasing their market share both in domestic and
international markets.

Criteria for grant of Maharatna status to CPSEs:

i.It should be listed on Indian Stock Exchange with a minimum prescribed public shareholding under
Securities and Exchange Board of India(SEBI) regulations.
ii.The company should possess Navratna status.
iii.The CPSEs should have annual net worth of Rs10,000 crore for 3 years or average annual turnover
of RS 20000 crore consecutively for 3 years.
iv.The CPSE should have an average annual net profit after tax of over Rs2500 crore consecutively for 3
years.
vi.CPSE should have significant global presence or international operations.
vii.These companies are free to decide on investments up to 15% of their net worth in a project.
Criteria for grant of Miniratna status to CPSEs:
i.Miniratna Category-I status: The CPSEs which have made profit consecutively for 3 years, pre –tax profit
is Rs 30 crore or more in atleast 1 of 3 years and have positive net worth are eligible to be considered for
grant of Miniratna-I status.
ii.Miniratna Category-II status: The CPSEs which have made profit consecutively for 3 years and have
positive net worth are eligible to be considered for grant of Miniratna-II status.
iii.These CPSEs should have not defaulted in the repayment of loans or interest payment or any loans due
to the Government.
iv.CPSEs shall not depend upon budgetary support or Government Guarantees.
List of Maharatna and Navratna Companies:
Maharatna Companies are:
i.Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited
ii.Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
iii.Coal India Limited
iv.GAIL India Limited
v.Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
vi.Indian Oil Corporation Limited
vii.Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited
viii.Power Finance Corporation
ix.Power Grid Corporation India Limited
x.Steel Authority of India Limited
xi.Rural Electrification Corporation Limited
xii.Oil India Limited
xiii.NTPC Limited
Navratna Companies are:
i.Bharat Electronic Limited
ii.Container Corporation of India Limited
iii.Engineers India Limited
iv.Hidustan Aeronautics Limited
v.Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited
vi.National Aluminium Company Limited
vii.National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited
viii.Neyveli Lignited Corporation Limited
ix.NMDC Limited
x.Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
xi.Shipping Corporation of India Limited
xiiRail Vikas Nigam Limited

xiiiONGC Videsh Limited

xiv.Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited
xv.IRCON International Limited
xvi.RITES Limited
About National Fertilizers Limited (NFL):
NFL is engaged in manufacturing and marketing of Neem coated Urea, Biofertilizers and other allied
industrial products: Nitric Acid, Ammonia and Ammnia Nitrate.
Chairman and Managing Director(CMD)- U Saravanan
Headquarters- Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Incorporated in August 1974
MoHFW Mandates Linking of CGHS Beneficiary ID with Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) mandates the linking of the Central Government
Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiary ID with the Ayushman Bharat Health Account(ABHA) ID, with effect
from 1st April 2024.
• This is aimed at creating digital health identification for CGHS beneficiaries and storing their
digital health records.
• The MoHFW stated that all existing beneficiaries must complete the linking process within 30
days.
About CGHS:
i.CGHS was started in 1954 with the objective of providing comprehensive health care to Central
Government employees, pensioners, and their dependent family members.
ii.According to the MoHFW, approximately 42 lakh beneficiaries are covered under CGHS in 80 cities.
iii.It offers healthcare based on allopathic and homoeopathic medicine, as well as ayurveda, unani, siddha,
and yoga.
About ABHA:
i.The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) was launched under the National Digital Health Mission
(NDHM) in 2021.
ii.It provides a digital health ID, i.e., the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), to people, which will
contain their health records.
• ABHA is a unique health identifier as a random 14-digit number and may be issued digitally or
in the form of a hard copy.
iii.It aims to develop a platform enabling the interoperability of health data within the health ecosystem to
create longitudinal Electronic Health Records (EHR) for every citizen.
iv.As per 24th January 2024 data, a total of 52,50,15,110 АВНА Numbers have been created.
GoI to develop Plant for recycling LIBs & E-waste in Uttarakhand

The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST),
Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Government of India (GoI) entered into an agreement
with Remine India Private Limited to establish a commercial plant for recycling lithium-ion (Li-ion)
batteries (LIBs) and e-waste using indigenous technology in Sitarganj, Uttarakhand, with a total project
cost of Rs 15 crore.
• The new recycling plant will be set up at Eldeco in State Infrastructure & Industrial
Development Corporation Uttarakhand Ltd. (SIIDCUL) Industrial Area in Sitarganj, Udham
Singh Nagar district.
Project Overview:
i.Through the agreement, TDB has committed financial assistance of Rs 7.5 crore out of the total project

cost.
ii.This aims to enhance circularity and reduce India’s reliance on imported critical mineral resources.
iii.The indigenous technology developed by the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET),
Hyderabad, Telangana is used for the efficient recycling of Li-ion batteries.
• This will be a vital source of secondary raw materials for cell manufacturing within India.
iv.Around 78% of e-waste are not being collected in India. E-waste are the secondary raw materials
of gold, silver, copper, and rare earth elements.
Points to note:
i.The escalating imports of e-waste, particularly from spent LIBs, underline the importance of recycling
initiatives to mitigate environmental and safety concerns.
ii.The disposal of LIBs through landfilling and incineration poses environmental and safety hazards.
iii.TDB’s support will facilitate informal recyclers to collaborate with formal recyclers, promoting a
circular economy.
iv.The LIB recycling market is projected to reach USD 14.89 billion by 2030, with a Compound Annual
Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.6%, up from USD 3.79 billion in 2021.
v.Despite the growth, only 5% of LIBs undergo recycling currently, while 95% of LIBs currently end up in
landfills.
Note: India is currently the 3rd-largest generator of e-waste globally.
About Uttarakhand:
Chief Minister– Pushkar Singh Dhami
Governor– Lt Gen Gurmit Singh
National Parks– Nanda Devi National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries– Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (Govind Pashu Vihar), Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
(Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary)
India to Build First Strategic Petroleum Reserve with Private Company by 2029-30
India, the world’s third biggest oil importer and consumer, plans to build its first privately managed
Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) by 2029-30.
• Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd. (ISPRL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), was created
by the government of India under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 2004 to
maintain strategic petroleum reserves in the country.
• It has invited bids for constructing 2.5 million tonnes of underground storage at Padur in
Karnataka.
Background
i.The establishment of Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) was proposed in 1998 by the Atal Bihari
Vajpayee cabinet as a means of addressing the issue of energy insecurity.
ii.It was set up in two phases : The first phase, ISPRL constructed a strategic petroleum reserve in three
locations: Visakhapatnam (1.33 million tonnes)Andhra Pradesh, Mangalore (1.5 million
tonnes)Karnataka, and Padur (2.5 million tonnes) Karnataka. They have fuel storage of a total 5.33 MMT
(Million Metric Tonnes).
Note: The Phase-I storage were built at government expense.
Phase II
i.In the second phase of the programme, the government develops strategic reserves through public-
private partnerships so as to reduce government spending and exploit the commercial potential of the
reserves.
ii.It will involve the construction of SPR in underground unlined rock caverns, along with related above-
ground facilities, such as dedicated SPM and related offshore and onshore pipelines, at an estimated cost

of Rs 5,514 crores, to store 2.5 million tonnes of crude oil at Padur-II.

Note: India has also decided to commercialize its SPRs. As part of this, Abu Dhabi National Oil
Company (ADNOC) stored about 0.8 million tonnes of crude oil in the Mangalore strategic reserve.
RECPDCL Handed Over Kallam Transco Limited SPV to Indigrid & Jalpura Khurja Power
Transmission Limited SPV to Tata Power
On 5 April 2024, REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), a wholly owned
subsidiary of REC Limited, handed over 2 project-specific Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) namely, Kallam
Transco Limited and Jalpura Khurja Power Transmission Limited to their successful bidders.
• These SPVs formed for implementation of two power transmission projects.
Key People:
The handover ceremony took place in the presence of Rajesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
RECPDCL, and senior officials from RECPDCL, REC Limited, Central Transmission Utility of India Limited
(CTUIL), and Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (UPPTCL).
SPV Details:
Kallam Transco Limited:
i.Kallam Transco Limited was formed for the “Western Region Network Expansion Scheme in the Kallam
area of Maharashtra.”
• This is an Interstate Transmission Project of the Ministry of Power, Government of India (GoI).
ii.The SPV was handed over to M/s Indigrid 2 Limited & Indigrid 1 Limited (Consortium).
Jalpura Khurja Power Transmission Limited:
i.SPV was formed for the Construction of 400/220 kilovolt(kV), 2×500 megavolt-amperes (MVA) Gas
Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation Metro Depot (Greater Noida) in Uttar Pradesh(UP) with associated
lines and 400/220 kV, 2×500 MVA GIS substation Jalpura(UP).
• This is an intra-state project of the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
ii.SPV has been handed over to M/s The Tata Power Company Limited.
Note: RECPDCL was the Bid Process Coordinator for both the projects. The process was being executed
through tariff-based bidding process.
About REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL)
RECPDCL was formerly known as REC Power Distribution Company Limited.
Chairman– Vivek Kumar Dewangan
Incorporated in 2007
Headquarters– Gurugram, Haryana
India becomes Net Importer of Finished Steel in FY24: Ministry of Steel’s JPC
According To Provisional Government Data by Ministry of Steel’s Joint Plant Committee (JPC), India was a
net importer of finished steel during the FY24 (April 2023 and March 2024). India imported 8.319 Million
Metric Tons (MnT) of finished steel in FY24, up 38.1% from FY23 when it was 6.022 MnT amid strong
demand from construction and automotive sectors.
• Steel consumption in India jumped 13.4% to 136 million metric tons in FY24, reflecting buoyant
demand for the alloy.
• JPC collects data on the Indian iron and steel industry.
Key Points:
i.India’s steel demand is expected to remain robust with anticipated economic growth outpacing the global
economy in FY25.
ii.Finished steel exports from India increased to 7.48 MnT in FY24, up 11.5% from FY23.

• Finished steel consumption in India increased by 13.40% to 135.95 MnT over 119.89 MnT in
FY23.
iii.India’s crude steel output rose by 12.40% to 138.48 MnT in FY24 from 123.19 MnT in FY23.
iv.India aims to increase annual steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes and per capita steel
consumption to 160 kg by 2030 under the National Steel Policy.
v.Non-alloyed steel imports surged by nearly 70% to 6.2 million tonnes in FY24, while exports grew by
50% to 7 million tonnes.
vi.Alloy and stainless steel trade witnessed a significant decline with imports dropping to 2.1 million
tonnes and exports falling sharply to 0.7 million tonnes in FY24.
MEA Approves Taking Over the Operations of Sittwe Port in Myanmar

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has approved a proposal forIndia Ports Global Limited (IPGL) to
take over the operations of the Sittwe port located on the Kaladan River estuary in Rakhine, Myanmar.
• It was the second foreign port operated by India, following the Chabahar Port in Iran.
• Sittwe Port has been developed as part of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project,
built under Indian financial assistance.
• The Sittwe port connects to Paletwa in Myanmar through an inland waterway and from Paletwa
to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road.
Note: IPGL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sagarmala Development Company Limited(SDCL) under the
Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways(MoPSW).
MoRTH Constructed 12,349 km of National Highways in FY24, the 2nd highest so far
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), a total of 12,349 km of National
Highways(NHs) were constructed in the Financial Year 2023–24 (FY24). This is the 2nd highest figure in
the history of the construction of national highways.
• The Ministry also revealed that it has awarded 8,851 NH projects in FY24.
• FY21 stands in first place with a length of 13,327km of national highways.
Pilot Program for Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims
The Government of India (GoI) launched a pilot program in March 2024 to provide cashless treatment to
the victims of road accidents due to the use of motor vehicles.
Significance: It aims to reduce fatalities due to road accidents by providing timely medical care including
golden hour. It provides legal mandate under section162 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Key Features of the Pilot Program:
i.The program was developed by MoRTH and for initial phase, it will be introduced in Chandigarh.
ii.Victims entitled to get cashless treatment up to maximum of Rs1.5 lakhs per person for a
maximum period of 7 days from date of accident.
iii.Applicable to all road accidents caused by any motor vehicle.
iv.Hospital claims the compensation from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund for treating patients.
v.The packages for trauma and polytrauma offered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan
Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) will also be co-opted under the scheme.
vi.The program will be carried out via an IT platform that combines the features of the National Health
Authority (NHA)’s Transaction Management System (TMS) with the MoRTH e-Detailed Accident Report
(eDAR) application.
About Ministry of Road Transport and Highways(MoRTH):
Union Minister: Nitin Jairam Gadkari(Constituency: Nagpur, Maharashtra)
Minister of State(MoS): Retd. General Vijay Kumar Singh (Constituency: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh)

Govt extends Deadline for Linking ABHA ID with CGHS ID

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has extended the dealine for linking the Ayushman
Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID with the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Beneficiary ID to
120 days with effect from 30th June 2024.
• The deadline for creating ABHA ID has been extended for a time period of 90 days w.e.f. 30th
June 2024.
Objective:
The move to link ABHA-ID with CGHS-ID is aimed at creating a digital health identification of the
beneficiaries and storing their digital health records.
Note:
i.Kiosks will be operational at all wellness centers by June 30, facilitating CGHS beneficiaries.
ii.Beneficiaries can visit wellness centers to update mobile number; correct errors (name, birth year,
gender) and link CGHS beneficiary ID to ABHA number from 1 July 2024.
ABHA ID:
i.It is a unique health ID based on Aadhaar, facilitating access to health records. ABHA acts as a proxy for
Aadhaar in the healthcare domain.
ii.The MoHFW aims to allocate ABHA ID and benefits for all Indians at every health facility.
iii.It facilitates the storage of health records against a unique number, ensuring accessibility to
patients/CGHS beneficiaries.
iv.It is not a replacement of current CGHS services or a replacement of the current CGHS Health
Management Information System (HMIS).
• It is an addition/add-on to the current services offered by CGHS.
Benefits of ABHA Implementation:
i.Prevents repetition of tests by facilitating the availability of health records on mobile phones.
ii.Implementation across various health screenings and examinations, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
iii.ABHA is not linked to any monetary or fiscal scheme but is integrated into various government health
programs.
Three New Archaeological Sites Discovered in Telangana

A team of archaeologists have discovered a unique Iron Age Megalithic site at Ooragutta near Bandala
village in SS Tadvai mandal of Mulugu district, Telangana.
• The team has also discovered two new rock art sites
at Damaratogu Gundala mandal of Bhadradri
Kothagudem district, Telangana.
• One of the sites known as “Devarlabanda Mula” has
only depictions of animals and no humans. It is
believed that the paintings dated back to Mesolithic
age (between 8000-3000 BCE) since no weapons or
domestic animals are shown.
About the Iron Age Megalithic site
i.These new sites have a new type of monuments which were not discovered anywhere in other regions of
India.
ii.The New Archaeological site discovered at Ooragutta has unique features which are in contrary to the
usual type of megalithic monument known as ‘Dolmenoid Cists’ found in this region.
• The side slabs are arranged with slabs following the shape of the cap-stone, therefore the
‘dolmenoid cist’ has a unique shape as dictated by the cap-stone.

iii.These monuments can be dated around 1,000 BCE,

Additional info: Most of the monuments in this region have squarish or rectangular shapes.
About the Archaeologists Team:
The team includes: K.P. Rao, a History Professor at the University of Hyderabad and Ch Praveen Raju, a
Research Scholar at Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa(Andhra Pradesh).
About Telangana:
Chief Minister(CM)- Anumula Revanth Reddy
Governor- C.P. Radhakrishnan
Zoological park– Nehru Zoological Park; Vana Vigyan Kendra Mini Zoo (Kakatiya Zoological Park)
Airport– Rajiv Gandhi International Airport; Begumpet Airport
MoA&FW Notifies Specifications of IFFCO’s Nano Urea Plus

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare(MoA&FW), Government of India notified specifications
of a new product Nano Urea (liquid) 16 (Nano Urea Plus) fertiliser to be manufactured by Indian
Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) in India for a period of 3 years with effect from 15th April
2024.
• Nano Urea Plus is a new version of nano urea meant for meeting crop nitrogen requirements at
critical growth phases.
About Nano Urea (Liquid) 16 /Nano Urea Plus:
i.Nano Urea Plus in liquid form has 16% nitrogen content, pH(Potential of Hydrogen) value of 4-8.5 and
viscosity of 5-30.
ii.Nano Urea Plus’ commercial production will start at IFFCO’s Kalol plant in Gujarat, Aonla and Phulpur in
Uttar Pradesh (UP).
Key Points:
i.Nano Urea Plus is an advanced formulation of Nano Urea, and redefines crop nutrition to meet nitrogen
requirements during crucial growth phases.
ii.It comes in liquid form, providing essential nitrogen to plants for amino acids, enzymes, and genetic
material production. It enhances micronutrient availability and efficiency.
• It acts as a chlorophyll charger, boosts yields, and promotes climate-smart farming.
iii.It replaces conventional urea and nitrogenous fertilizers, and supports soil health, farmer profitability,
and environmental sustainability.
Additional info:
IFFCO introduced the world’s first Nano liquid urea in June 2021, followed by Nano DAP in April 2023.
• Since August 2021, IFFCO has sold 7.5 crore bottles of Nano Urea and 45 lakh bottles of Nano
DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate).
About Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO):
Chairman– Dileep Sanghani
Managing Director and CEO– Dr Udai Shanker Awasthi
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Central Government Expands Committee for Drug and Medical Device Pricing Reforms
As per the official order of Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers,
Government of India (GoI) has approved the expansion of the committee formed to look into pricing
reforms for drugs and medical devices by admitting representatives from various industry bodies.
• Government has invited at least 7 industry associations to the committee.

• The main objective of the committee is to strike a balance between pricing and availability of
essential medicines.
Note:
The committee suggests institutional reforms within the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority
(NPPA).
Special Invitees inducted in the committee are:
Director –General(DG), Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India(OPPI), Managing
Director(MD), United States-India Strategic Partnership Forum(USISPF).
• Representatives from various industries:
Medical Technology Association of India(MTal), Confederation of Indian Industry(CII), Forum
Coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry(AiMed), Federation of Pharma
Entrepreneurs(FOPE), Representative of Advanced Medical Technology
Association( AdvaMed), Representative of Association of Diagnostic Manufacturers of
India (ADMI), Representative of Bulk Drug Manufacturers Association of India(BDMAI) and
Representative of Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
Background:
On 12th March 2024, Department of Pharmaceuticals announced the formation of the committee for
regulating prices of Drugs and Essential medicines.
The committee consists of 3 core members:
Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Chairman, National Pharmaceutical Pricing
Authority(NPPA) and Senior Economic Advisor, Department of Pharmaceuticals.
Apart from them, The committee will have two special invitees from the industry: Secretary-General,
Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance(IPA), Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Indian Drugs Manufacturers
Association(IDMA).
Key Functions of Committee:
i.It will prepare a framework for price moderation for medical devices.
ii.It will also offer incentives to the industry to foster growth and exports.
About National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority(NPPA):
It is an apex regulatory body that controls the prices of pharmaceutical drugs in India.
Chairman: Kamlesh Kumar Pant
Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
Formation: 29th August, 1997
IREDA & HUDCO granted ‘Navratna status’ by Department Of Public Enterprises

The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of Finance has granted Navratna status to Indian
Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA).
• The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) has also granted the Navratna Status to Housing
and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO).
Key Points:
i.IREDA’s net profit rose by 32% year-on-year to Rs 337 crore, remaining steady quarter-on-quarter.
ii.Assets under management (AUM) grew by 26.8% year-on-year to Rs 59,698 crore
iii.IREDA, a government-owned entity with 75% government stake.
• Established in March 1987, it is a ‘miniratna’ public limited company under the Ministry of New
and Renewable Energy.
• It functions as a Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFC), providing financial assistance for
renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

iv.HUDCO is a Public Sector Company, under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
What is a Navratna Status?
Navratna status is granted by the Indian government to top-tier Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs),
allowing them to make investments up to Rs 1,000 crore without central approval. These companies can
invest up to 30% of their net worth annually, provided it remains under Rs 1,000 crore, and can
participate in joint ventures, alliances, and establish foreign subsidiaries.
• To qualify for navratna status, a company must already hold miniratna category I status and be
listed under Schedule A of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
List of Navratna Companies in India:
1. Engineers India Ltd (EIL)
2. Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR)
3. Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL)
4. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
5. Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd (NLC India)
6. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL)
7. Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilisers Ltd (RCF)
8. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL)
9. National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd (NBCC)
10. National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO)
11. National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (NMDC)
12. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL)
13. Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI)
14. ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL)
15. RITES Ltd
16. IRCON International Ltd
17. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA)
18. National Fertilizers Limited(NFL)
19. Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO)
More than 27% of identified Glacial Lakes in Himalayas Expanded since 1984: ISRO
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s long-term satellite imagery covering the catchments of
Indian Himalayan river basins from 1984 to 2023 shows that more than 27% of the identified glacial lakes
in the Himalayas have expanded since 1984.
• Among the 2,431 lakes larger than 10 hectares
identified during 2016-17, around 676 glacial
lakes have notably expanded since 1984.
Points to note:
i.Out of these 676 lakes, 601 have expanded more than twice;
10 lakes have grown between 1.5 to 2 times and 65 lakes have
expanded 1.5 times.
• 130 of these lakes are located within India, with 65
in Indus river basins, 7 in Ganga river basin and 58
in Brahmaputra river basin.
ii.Elevation-based analysis shows that 314 lakes are in the 4,000 to 5,000 meters (m) elevation range,
while 296 lakes are above 5,000 m.
iii.Based on their formation process, the glacier lakes are classified into 4 categories.
• Moraine-dammed (water dammed by moraine)

• Ice-dammed (water dammed by ice)

• Erosion (water dammed in depressions formed by erosion)
• other glacial lakes
Around 307 of the expanding lakes are Moraine-dammed followed by Erosion (265), other (96), and Ice-
dammed (8) glacial lakes.
iv.Case Study: Ghepang Ghat glacial lake (Indus River Basin) at an elevation of 4,068 m in Himachal
Pradesh, increased by 178% in size (from 36.49 to 101.30 hectares) between 1989 and 2022. The annual
growth rate is about 1.96 hectares.
Significance of Glacier Lakes:
i.The water bodies formed by the melting of glaciers are known as glacial lakes. They serve as vital
freshwater sources for Himalayan rivers.
ii.They also pose as a significant risks like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) which occurs when glacial
lakes release large volumes of meltwater due to the failure of natural dams.
Additional info:
The satellite derived analyses provides insights for better understanding about the glacial lake dynamics
which are required for
i.assessing environmental impacts and developing strategies for GLOF risk management
ii.Climate change adaptation in glacial environments
India’s Gem and Jewellery Sector Receives AEO Status from Finance Ministry
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has assigned the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status to the gem
and jewellery sector. The AEO program was introduced as a pilot project in 2011 by the Customs
Department aimed at promoting ease of doing business, saving time, and reducing costs for export-
oriented industries.
• The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) advocated for industry inclusion
• Of the 20 companies that applied for the AEO status, Asian Star, a leading diamond and
diamond jewellery manufacturer, became the 1st recipient of AEO status in the Indian gem
and jewellery industry.
About AEO program:
i.AEO is a program under the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards to secure
and facilitate global trade, enhance international supply chain security, and promote legitimate trade.
ii.It recognises entities compliant with supply chain security standards and grants AEO status and benefits
to approved entities engaged in international trade.
STATE NEWS
Bihar Postal Circle Released a Special Cover to Commemorate 250 years of ‘Copper Ticket’
The Department of Posts in Bihar has released a ‘Special Cover’ to commemorate 250 years of the release
of ‘Copper Ticket’, the world’s first postal ticket from Patna, Bihar.
• It was released by Anil Kumar, Chief Postmaster General of Bihar Postal Circle.
• The Copper ticket is a symbol of adventure and wonder that has captured the hearts and
imaginations of generations. It stands for the ability of storytelling to captivate our attention
and take us to imaginative places.
Note: The Copper ticket was first issued from Azimabad, Patna (Bihar) in March 1774.

Ravi Kota IAS Takes Charge as New Chief Secretary of Assam

Ravi Kota, Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS)Officer took charge as the new Chief Secretary of
Assam, succeeding Paban Kumar Borthakur.
• Dr. Ravi Kota, an IAS officer of the 1993 batch of Assam-Meghalaya cadre, previously served as
the Additional Chief Secretary of Assam’s Finance, Industry, and Trade section, as well as the
Public Institutions Department.
• He will continue to hold charge of Public Enterprises, Industries, and Commerce after assuming
the office of Chief Secretary, even though departed from the Finance Department.
Hinduja Group’s CELERITYX and MAFCOCS Deploys ‘OneX’ to improve Maharashtra’s Bank
Connectivity
On 22nd April 2024, CELERITYX, the enterprise networking solutions business of OneOTT
Intertainment Limited(OIL) announced its collaboration with Maharashtra State Cooperative Credit
Societies Federation(MAFCOCS) for the deployment of OneX platform across 40,000 bank branches in
Maharashtra.
• OneX has the potential to serve over 1lakh branches across the country.
Key Points:
i.The primary objective of this strategic partnership is to address connectivity challenges faced by credit
societies in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where outdated systems lack protection against modern threats.
ii.CELERITYX received its first order from Samata Sahakari Patsanstha for its branches in Maharashtra.
About OneX Platform:
OIL, a subsidiary of Hinduja Global Solutions Limited on 22nd April ,2024, unveiled OneX platform as a
unified network-as-a-service solution covering network management, security and Local Area
Network(LAN)- side control solution.
Benefits of OneX:
i.It will help in simplifying complexity with agility and security, and using various Wide Area
Network(WAN) technologies such as: Mobile SIM, ensures high uptime zero-trust based network and
security across all locations.
ii.It will streamline connectivity through broadband and mobile SIM usage, fortified firewalls and zero-
radius perimeter security solutions guarantees both security and uptime.
iii.The cost-effective structure of OneX ensures accessibility for smallest credit societies. Thus, protecting
them against any cyber attacks.
About Hinduja Global Solutions Limited:
President: Natarajan Radhakrishnan
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
GOVT SCHEMES
CENTRAL GOVT SCHEMES
GoI Introduced new EMPS 2024 scheme from 1st April, after FAME-II
The new Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024(EMPS 2024) under Ministry of Heavy Industries,
Government of India came into effect on 1st April, 2024 and will continue till the end of July 2024.
• Meanwhile, the 2nd phase of FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles
in India) scheme ends on 31st March, 2024.

• Under the FAME scheme, subsidies will be eligible for e-vehicles sold till 31st March or till the
time funds are available.
Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024(EMPS 2024):
i.Ministry of Heavy Industries introduced EMPS 2024 scheme on 13th March, 2024.
ii.The scheme aims to promote the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India, specifically for electric-2
wheelers (e-2w) and electric-3 wheelers(e-3w).
iii.The scheme has set the budget outlay of Rs500 crore and will replace FAME-II scheme.
iv.As of now, the scheme will be implemented for 4 months i.e. from 1st April,2024 to 31st July,2024.
v.It offers subsidies for e-2w and e-3w including registered e-rickshaws and carts, and L5 (e-3w).
Note: L5 category includes electric-3 wheelers with a maximum speed of over 25 Km/h.
Key Points:
i.Government of India(GoI) will provide financial support up to Rs10,000 to per 2- wheeler. It aims to
provide support for about 3.33 lakh 2- wheelers.
ii.Under the EMPS 2024 scheme, financial support of up to Rs25,000 will be given for the purchase of small
3-wheelers including e- rickshaws and e- carts. The scheme will cover more than 41,000 such vehicles.
iii.The financial support will be given up to Rs50,000 in case of large3-wheelers.
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing in India (FAME India):
i.It was introduced in 2015 under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan.
ii.Its primary objective was to promote the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by offering incentives
on purchase.
iii.The scheme was implemented in two phases:
i.FAME-I, started in 2015 and was completed in 2019.
ii.FAME-II was implemented from 1st April,2019 to 31st March, 2024, with total budget outlay
of Rs10,000 crore.
• Under the FAME-II, GoI offers the incentives for e-buses, 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers to be used
for public transportation or any other commercial purposes.
About Ministry of Heavy Industries:
Union Minister: Mahendra Nath Pandey (Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh)
Minister of State (MoS): Krishan Pal Gujjar
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
WHO Launches CoViNet, a Network of Laboratory to Monitor Emerging Coronaviruses
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched the Coronavirus Network (CoViNet), a global
network which will ensure timely detection, monitoring, and assessment of coronaviruses of public health
importance.
About CoViNet:
i.The CoViNet aims to facilitate early and accurate detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and novel
coronaviruses of public health importance.
ii.CoViNet expands on the WHO SARS-CoV-2 Reference Laboratory Network, the first WHO reference lab
network for SARS-CoV-2 established in January 2020.
iii.CoViNet includes 36 laboratories from 21 countries across all 6 WHO regions. This includes 3 Indian
laboratories.
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research
Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

• Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV), Pune,

Maharashtra.
• Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, Haryana.
Key Points:
i.The network now includes animal health and environmental surveillance and timely risk assessment to
feed WHO policies and protective measures
ii.The representatives of the laboratories met in Geneva (Switzerland) on 26 – 27 March 2024 to finalise
an action plan for 2024-2025 to ensure that member states are equipped for early detection, risk
assessment, and response to coronavirus-related health challenges.
iii.The CoViNet data will guide the work of WHO’s Technical Advisory Groups on Viral Evolution (TAG-VE)
and Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) and others to ensure that global health policies and tools are
based on the latest scientific information.
About World Health Organization (WHO):
Director-General – Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
Establishment – 7 April 1948
Romania & Bulgaria Partially Join Europe’s Schengen Travel Zone

As of 31st March 2024, Romania and Bulgaria became the newest Member States to partially join
the Schengen area, the Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone. With this any person crossing the internal air
and sea borders will no longer be subject to checks.
• With this, the Schengen area now has 29 members.
Background:
i.Bulgaria and Romania have successfully accomplished the Schengen evaluation process set out in
their Treaties of Accession, taking all the necessary measures to ensure application of all relevant parts
of the Schengen acquis.
ii.In 2011, the European Commission (EC) confirmed that Romania and Bulgaria have met the technical
criteria for full accession.
iii.In 2022, Austria vetoed the full accession of Romania and Bulgaria to Schengen, but allowed Croatia full
accession. Croatia joined as a 27th Schengen member in January 2023.
Schengen Area:
i.The Schengen Area is a free travel area that includes most of the European Union(EU) members (27
European countries) except Ireland and Cyprus, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member
states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
ii.The Schengen Area was created by the Schengen Agreement, a treaty signed by Belgium, Germany,
France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands , the member states of the European Economic Community (EC)
in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg on June 14, 1985.
Points to note:
i.Both countries have agreed to implement random security screenings at airports and maritime borders
to address illegal migration and cross-border crime.
ii.Bulgaria aims for full Schengen accession by the end of 2024, bolstering efforts to discourage illegal
migration; emphasises Bulgaria’s role in European security.
• Lifting border controls is expected to streamline operations at Bulgaria’s 4 international
airports. Sofia Airport, the major hub, handles 70% of Schengen flights.
iii.Romania is also expected to finish negotiations on land borders in 2024 and express determination for
full Schengen Area accession by the end of the year.

• As per Romania’s government, Schengen rules would apply to 4 seaports and 17 airports, with
Otopeni airport serving the biggest hub for Schengen flights.
About Bulgaria:
Capital– Sofia
President– Rumen Radev
Currency– Bulgarian lev (BGN)
About Romania:
Capital– Bucharest
President– Klaus Iohannis
Currency– Romanian Leu (RON)
Zimbabwe Launches New Gold-Backed Currency “ZiG”; Replaces Zimbabwe dollars

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe(RBZ) has launched the new currency “Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)” backed by
gold and foreign currencies to replace its local currency Zimbabwe dollars(ZW$)– Real Time Gross
Settlement (RTGS) dollar.
Key Points:
i.RBZ has notified that the banks should convert the current Zimbabwe dollar balances into the ZiG with
effect from 5th April 2024.
ii.The ZiG notes and coins will start circulating in the economy on 30th April 2024.
iii.The banks will continue to accept ZW$ deposits for a period of 21 days after 5 April 2024.
About Zimbabwe Gold:
i.ZiG is backed by a composite basket of foreign currency and precious metals, mainly gold.
ii.The initial exchange rate of ZiG is set at 13.56 ZiG per US dollar(USD).
iii.The new ZiG notes and coins will be issued in the denomination of 1ZiG, 2ZiG, 5ZiG, 10ZiG, 20Zig, 50ZiG,
100ZiG, and 200ZiG.
Points to note:
i.Zimbabwe adopted the USD in 2009 to counter hyperinflation.
ii.New Zimbabwe dollar (Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) dollar) was introduced in Zimbabwe in 2019.
iii.RTGS dollar had lost 3-quarters of its value in 2024. The currency has lost almost 100% of its value
against the US greenback in 2023.
About Zimbabwe:
President- Emmerson Mnangagwa
Capital- Harare
Currency- Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
Saudi Arabia Chosen to Chair UN Women’s Rights Commission despite Rights Concerns
The United Nations(UN) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) has unanimously appointed Saudi
Arabia to chair its 69th session in 2025.
• Abdulaziz Alwasil, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the UN, has
been elected as the chair of the CSW, succeeding the outgoing chair, Antonio
Manuel Lagdameo, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN.
Note: Abdulaziz Alwasil becomes the 1st ever permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to chair CSW
since its establishment in 1946.
Key Points:
i.As a Chair, Saudi Arabia, will promote gender equality and empower women worldwide.
ii.Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Arabia’s reform initiative, includes priorities and targets focused on
enhancing women’s participation at all levels and utilizing their capabilities effectively.

Additional info: The unopposed bid for leadership was condemned by human rights groups because of
the Saudi Arabia’s “abysmal” record on women’s rights.
About CSW:
Established in 1946, it is UN’s intergovernmental body that promotes gender equality and women’s
empowerment. It is a functional commission of the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). CSW
membership comprises 45 States elected by ECOSOC on the basis of following equitable geographical
distribution:
• 13 members from Africa
• 11 from Asia
• 9 from Latin America and Caribbean
• 8 from Western Europe and other States
• 4 from Eastern Europe
New members are elected for a four-year term when the term of the incumbent expires.
About Saudi Arabia:
Prime Minister– Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud
Capital– Riyadh
Currency– Saudi Riyal
Sweden Becomes 38th Signatory to the Artemis Accords

On 16th April 2024, Sweden officially became the 38th nation to sign the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration(NASA)’s “Artemis Accords” which establish a practical set of guidelines for peaceful
space exploration and use of outer space.
Signatories: The agreement was signed by Mats Persson, Minister for Education, Sweden and Erik D.
Ramanathan, Ambassador of the United States of America (USA) to the Kingdom of Sweden in Stockholm,
Sweden.
Switzerland became 37th nation to sign Artemis Accords:
On 15th April 2024, Switzerland became the 37th country to sign the Artemis Accords. Swiss Federal
Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education Guy Parmelin on behalf of
Switzerland signed Artemis Accords in the presence of Bill Nelson, NASA administrator at NASA’s
headquarter in Washington D.C., USA.
About Artemis Accord:
i.The Artemis Accords was jointly launched by National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) and US Department of State in 2020 with an aim of advancing bilateral and
multilateral space cooperation between the signatories.
ii.Artemis Accords was formally signed on 13th October 2020 by 8 founder countries: Australia,
Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates(UAE), the United Kingdom(UK) and USA.
• It is a non-binding agreement with no financial commitments.
iii.It laid down the framework for the implementation of key obligations from Outer Space Treaty(1967).
Signatories of Artemis Accord(as of 20th April 2024):
Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic,
Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, UAE, UK, USA, and Uruguay.

UNHCR launches Climate Resilience Fund to Shield Refugees and Displaced People from
Climate Shocks
On April 24, 2024, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) launched the UNHCR
Climate Resilience Fund, aiming to raise USD100 million by 2025 for protecting refugees and displaced
communities from climate change impacts and promoting their inclusion in climate-related measures.
Key Points:
i.Contributions to the Fund will extend UNHCR’s climate action to countries grappling with conflict-related
displacement, including Bangladesh, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique.
• It will also support a range of activities in line with UNHCR’s Focus Area Strategic Plan for
Climate Action 2024-2030.
• Four objectives of the plan are: protection, solutions, resilience, and adaptation
ii.The Fund will invest in climate-resilient shelters, climate-smart livelihoods, and minimizing the
environmental impact of humanitarian responses.
iii.By prioritizing local impact, projects will involve affected communities in design and implementation,
aligning with national climate strategies and development plans.
iv.In 2022, over 70% of refugees fled from highly climate-vulnerable countries. Around 60% of forcibly
displaced people reside in fragile and conflict-affected nations, among the most susceptible to climate
change and least prepared to adapt.
About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR):
High Commissioner– Filippo Grandi
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
BANKING & FINANCE NEWS

BANKING NEWS
RBI IN NEWS
Highlights of RBI’s 1st Bi-monthly Monetary Policy of FY25; India’s real GDP to grow at 7% in
FY25
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on April 3-5, 2024, and released
1st Bi-monthly Monetary Policy of Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) i.e. ‘Monetary Policy Statement, 2024-25
Resolution of the MPC‘ which kept India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 7% for FY25 with
FY25’s Q1 (April-June) at 7.1%, Q2 (July-September) at 6.9%, Q3 (October-December) at 7%, and Q4
(January-March) at 7%.
• The stance is to focus on withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation progressively
aligns with the target, while supporting growth.
RBI’s Policy Rates:
The MPC kept the policy rates unchanged.
Category Rate
Policy Repo Rate 6.50%
Fixed Reverse Repo Rate 3.35%

Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate 6.25%
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate 6.75%
Bank Rate 6.75%
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 4.50%
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 18%

• RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for 7th consecutive time to reduce inflation and
make sure people expect lower prices while ensuring it works effectively. The committee
decided this with a majority of 5:1.
• The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends to commercial banks.
Inflation:
i.Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation or retail inflation is projected at 4.5% (unchanged vis-a-vis
February 2024 projection) for FY25, with FY25’s Q1 at 4.9%, Q2 at 3.8%, Q3 at 4.6%, and Q4 at 4.5%.
• This forecast is on the assumption of normal monsoon.
ii.RBI set an objective of achieving the medium-term target for CPI inflation of 4% within a band of +/- 2%,
while supporting growth.
iii.CPI core disinflation, excluding food and fuel, dropped to 3.4% in February 2024, marking one of the
lowest points in the current CPI series, with both goods and services seeing a decrease in inflation.
• Fuel prices also remained in deflation for the 6th consecutive month in February.
Domestic & Global Economy:
i.With Respect to the domestic economy, real GDP expanded by 7.6% in 2023-24 (FY24) , driven by
robust domestic demand and investment activity, as per the Second Advance Estimates (SAE) of National
Income, 2023-24 by National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation (MoSPI)
• Gross Value Added (GVA) rose by 6.9% in FY24, led by manufacturing and construction.
ii.With Respect to the global economy, steady growth expected in 2024 despite declining inflation, though
stubborn service prices keep it relatively high.
• Central banks’ actions to combat disinflation leading to market shifts, including rising equities,
fluctuating bond yields and USD, and surging gold prices due to safe-haven demand.
India’s Forex Reserves Reached all-time high of USD 645.6bn
India’s Foreign Exchange (Forex) Reserves hit a new high for the third consecutive week, reaching USD
645.58 billion by the end of the week on March 29, 2024, as per RBI data. The reserves increased by USD
2.95 billion, mainly due to a rise in foreign currency assets, which went up by USD 2.3 billion.
RBI to enable Cash Deposit Facility Via UPI
RBI is all set to enable cash deposits via Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Notably, banks’ Cash Deposit
Machines (CDMs) improve customer convenience and ease the cash-handling burden on branches.
Currently, cash deposits require debit cards, but considering UPI’s popularity and success in card-less cash
withdrawals, this proposal has been made.
• CDMs function as ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) enabling direct cash deposits into bank
account, offering convenience without visiting a teller during branch hours.
• UPI is a real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of
India (NPCI) which is being used for peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions, bill payments or peer-to-
merchant (P2M) transactions. Now, RBI proposes to extend it to include cash deposits, too.

Other proposals:
i.With a view to facilitating wider non-resident participation in Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs), a scheme
for investment and trading in these bonds is available at the IFSC (International Financial Services Centre)
in Gandhinagar, Gujarat..
• At present, FPIs registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are allowed
to invest in sovereign green bonds under the various routes available for FPI investment in
government bonds.
ii.RBI would launch a mobile app for accessing the Retail Direct portal to widen the reach of the RBI Retail
Direct Scheme which was launched in November 2021.
• The Scheme enables investors to buy securities in primary auctions as well as buy/sell
securities through the NDS-OM (negotiated dealing system – order matching) platform.
iii.RBI has decided to allow Small Finance Banks (SFBs) to use permissible rupee interest derivative
products. At present, SFBs are permitted to use only Interest Rate Futures (IRFs) for proprietary hedging.
• This will allow further flexibility to SFBs for hedging their interest rate risk and enhance their
resilience
iv.RBI proposed to broaden Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-Retail access by allowing non-bank
payment operators to offer CBDC wallets, facilitating resilience testing for multi-channel transactions.
v.Currently, UPI payments from Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) require using the issuer’s web or
mobile app. It is proposed to allow third-party UPI apps for these payments, aiming to boost convenience
and encourage more digital transactions for small amounts.
vi.RBI will make certain modifications to the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) framework to facilitate better
management of liquidity risk by banks.
• Banks covered under Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) framework are required to maintain a
stock of high quality liquid assets (HQLA) to meet 30 days net outgo under stressed conditions.
They are required to maintain LCR of 100% with effect from January 1, 2019.
Members of MPC:
Dr. Shashanka Bhide; Dr. Ashima Goyal; Prof. Jayanth R. Varma; Dr. Rajiv Ranjan; Dr. Michael
Debabrata Patra; and headed by Shaktikanta Das (RBI Governor).
• The next meeting of the MPC is scheduled during June 5-7, 2024.
Static Points:
i.Under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Act, 1934 (RBI Act, 1934) (as amended in 2016), RBI is entrusted
with the responsibility of conducting monetary policy in India with the primary objective of maintaining
price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth.
ii.Section 45ZB of the amended RBI Act, 1934 provides for an empowered six-member Monetary Policy
Committee (MPC) to be constituted by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette.
• The first such MPC was constituted on September 29, 2016.
RBI raises Minimum Capital Requirements for ARCs to Rs 300cr; Deputy Governor T.
Rabi Sankar gets 1-Year Extension
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued Master Direction – Reserve Bank of India (Asset Reconstruction
Companies) Directions, 2024 in exercise of its powers conferred by Sections 3, 9, 10, 12 and 12A of
the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of
Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002 (54 of 2002) which came into effect from April 24, 2024.
• Under this, RBI raised the Minimum Capital Requirement for ARCs from Rs 100 crore to Rs 300
crore.
• RBI issued this Master Direction to regulate ARCs for investor protection and efficient
functioning.

Applicability:
The provisions of these Directions apply to every ARC registered with the RBI under Section 3 of
SARFAESI Act, 2002.
Highlights:
i.ARCs, in existence since October 11, 2022, have been granted a transition period to achieve the revised
minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) requirement.
ii.As per the directions, ARCs by March 31, 2024, to reach a minimum NOF of Rs 200 crore, and Rs 300
crore by March 31, 2026.
• Failure to comply will result in supervisory action, potentially restricting further business
activities until the required NOF levels are met.
iii.As per the provision of Section 10(2) of the SARFAESI Act, 2002, ARCs with a minimum NOF of Rs 1,000
crore will be eligible to act as Resolution Applicants under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 of
India.
• A resolution applicant refers to any individual or entity willing to submit a plan to address a
company’s financial issues during insolvency proceedings.
• It allows ARCs to restructure acquired loans to recover dues through government securities and
deposits with designated financial entities like scheduled commercial banks, Small Industries
Development Bank of India (SIDBI), and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD).
iv.Now, ARCs can also invest in short-term instruments like money market mutual funds, certificates of
deposit, and corporate bonds/commercial papers with a rating of AA or higher by an eligible credit rating
agency (CRA).
• However, these investments are capped at 10% of the ARC’s NOF.
Key Points:
i.Every ARC must maintain a capital adequacy ratio of at least 15% of its total risk-weighted assets.
ii.Before starting securitisation or asset reconstruction operations, an ARC must apply for registration and
obtain a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank under Section 3 of the SARFAESI Act.
iii.An ARC must commence operations within six months of receiving the CoR. RBI may grant an
extension of up to twelve months upon application from the ARC.
iv.Sections 45-IA, 45-IB, and 45-IC of the RBI Act, 1934, do not apply to an ARC registered with the
Reserve Bank under Section 3 of the SARFAESI Act.
v.Within ninety days of receiving the CoR, every ARC must develop a Board-approved financial asset
acquisition policy.
vi.The ARC should also establish a policy for financial asset realization, ensuring that the realization
period does not exceed 5 years from the acquisition date.
vii.ARCs need RBI approval for the appointment/reappointment of Directors, Managing Directors (MDs),
or Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).
RBI Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar Granted One-Year Extension
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has re-appointed T. Rabi Sankar as Deputy Governor of
RBI for a period of one year w.e.f. May 03, 2024, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• The order for the same was issued by the Department of Personnel & Training under Ministry of
Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPP&P).
About T. Rabi Sankar:
i.He was elevated as from Executive Director to RBI’s Deputy Governor in May 2021 for a period of three
years.

ii.He has been holding charge of the central security cell, and the departments of currency management,
foreign exchange, internal debt management, information technology, payment and settlement systems,
external investments and operations, and government and bank accounts, amongst others.
iii.He was the member of the Board of Directors, Reserve Bank Information Technology Private Limited
(ReBIT); and member of the Governing Council, Institute for Development and Research in Banking
Technology (IDRBT).
iv.Rabi Sankar has served as an International Monetary Fund (IMF) Consultant (2005-11) on developing
Government bond markets and debt management.
Note:
RBI has four Deputy Governors. The other 3 are
– Michael Debabrata Patra (MD) Patra; M Rajeshwar Rao; and Swaminathan Janakiraman (J).
RBI imposes Rs 10 Lakh Monetary Penalty on NABFINS for Non-Compliance
RBI in exercise of its powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of clause (b) of sub-section (1) of
section 58 G read with clause (aa) of sub-section (5) of section 58 B of the RBI Act 1934 imposed a
monetary penalty of Rs 10 Lakh on NABFINS Limited, Bengaluru, Karnataka which is a subsidiary of
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
• NABFINS Limited was non-compliant with certain provisions of the Non-Banking Financial
Company (NBFC) – Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Company and Deposit taking
Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016.
• However, this penalty will not affect any transaction or agreement entered into by the company
with its customers.
Reason:
RBI conducted a statutory inspection of the company’s financial position as of March 31, 2022. After
finding non-compliance with RBI directions, the company was issued a notice to explain why penalties
shouldn’t be imposed. Following the company’s response, RBI found that the company forced customers
to use a specific insurance company for assets financed. This led to a monetary penalty by RBI.
i.In January 2024, ACC had extended the tenure of RBI Deputy Governor Michael Patra for a further period
of one year, w.e.f. January 15, 2024, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. He is in charge of the all-
important monetary policy department and is a member of the rate setting panel.
ii.RBI has issued Guidelines on import of gold by Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) holders under the India-United
Arab Emirates (UAE) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as notified by the
International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
Governor – Shaktikanta Das
Establishment–April 1, 1935
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
RBI: Reserve assets surge by USD34.8 billion, net claims of NRI declined by USD12.2 billion
As per the latest data released by RBI, India’s International Investment Position (IIP) as of December 2023
showed a decline in net claims of Non-Residents on India by USD12.2 billion during the period from
October to December 2023 to USD370.4 billion as the end of December 2023.
• Main reason for the decline is the increase in reserve assets, surging by USD34.8 billion during
Q3 FY24
Key Points:
i.As per the RBI data, decline in net claims was due to an exponential increase in financial assets of
overseas Indian residents which amounts to USD40.7 billion as compared to the increase in foreign-owned

assets in India which is USD28.5 billion.

ii.The increase in reserve assets which accounted for over 85% of increase in foreign assets held by India
residents.
• Thus, increase in reserve assets can help India in consolidating its financial position at the
international levels.
iii.Reserve assets accounted for 63.9% of India’s international financial assets.
iv.The share of debt liabilities in total external liabilities has remained same, maintaining its position at
50.4%.
v.As per RBI data, ratio of India’s international financial assets to international financial liabilities
increased from 70.9%, a quarter ago to 72.4% in December 2023.
About Reserve Bank of India(RBI):
Established: 1 April, 1935
Headquarter: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Governor: Shaktikanta Das(25th Governor of RBI)
RBI to set up Digital India Trust Agency to Check Illegal Lending Apps
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will establish a Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) to combat the
proliferation of illegal lending apps.
Key Points:
i.DIGITA would serve as a crucial checkpoint to tackle the issue of illegal lending apps.
ii.Apps lacking the ‘verified’ mark from DIGITA would be deemed unauthorized for law enforcement
purposes.
iii.The agency aims to vet digital lending apps for compliance and maintain a public register of verified
apps.
iv.The RBI has provided a list of 442 digital lending apps to Google for whitelisting, over 2,200 apps were
removed from the PlayStore.
v.Google now enforces a policy allowing only RBI-regulated entities (REs) or their partners to publish apps
on the PlayStore.
vi.This policy change came in response to requests from the RBI and the Department of Financial Services
(DFS) under the Finance Ministry.
Note – Additionally, actions have been taken to rescue citizens involved in cyber fraud activities,
particularly those ensnared into employment in Cambodia.
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
Governor – Shaktikanta Das
Deputy Governors – Swaminathan Janakiraman, Michael Debabrata Patra, M. Rajeshwar Rao, T. Rabi
Sankar
Establishment – 1st April 1935
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
RBI Cancels CoR of 4 NBFCs; Imposes fine on IDFC First Bank & LIC Housing Finance
The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has cancelled the Certificate of Registration(CoR) of Four Non-Banking
Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of the RBI
Act, 1934.
The 4 NBFCs are,
• Kundles Motor Finance Private Limited (Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh-UP)- CoR cancelled with effect
from 12th March 2024.
• Nithya Finance Limited (Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu-TN) – CoR cancelled w.e.f 14th March 2024.

• Bhatia Hire Purchase Private Limited (Bathinda, Punjab) – CoR cancelled w.e.f 19th March 2024.
• Jiwanjyoti Deposits and Advances Limited (Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh) – CoR cancelled w.e.f
21st March 2024.
Note: Following the cancellation of CoR the NBFCs shall not transact the business of a Non-Banking
Financial Institution(NBFI) as defined in clause (a) of Section 45-I of the RBI Act, 1934.
Five NBFCs surrender their CoR to RBI:
The following five NBFCs have surrendered their CoR granted by RBI,
• Growing Opportunity Finance(India) Private Limited (Chennai, TN)
• Invel Commercial Private Limited(Kolkata, West Bengal-WB)
• Mohan Finance Limited (Kolkata, WB)
• Saraswati Properties Limited, (Bareilly, UP)
• Quick Marketing Private Limited(Rajendra Nagar, Telangana)
In the exercise of powers conferred under Section 45-IA (6) of the RBI Act 1934, RBI cancelled the CoR of
these NBFCs.
RBI imposes monetary penalty on IDFC First Bank & LIC Housing Finance
i.RBI has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1 crore on IDFC First Bank Limited for non-compliance with
certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions’.
• The penalty was imposed in the exercise of the power vested in RBI under the provisions of
section 47 A (1) (c) read with sections 46 (4) (i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2022) of the IDFC First Bank was
conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on 31st March 2022.
ii.RBI has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 49.70 lakhs on LIC Housing Finance Limited for non-
compliance with certain provisions of ‘Non-Banking Financial Company – Housing Finance Company
(Reserve Bank) Directions, 2021’.
• The penalty was imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI conferred under section 52A of
the National Housing Bank Act, 1987.
• The statutory inspection of LIC Housing Finance was conducted by the National Housing Bank
with reference to its financial position as on 31st March 2022.
About IDFC First Bank Limited:
Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO)– V. Vaidyanathan
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established- 1997
PM Modi addresses RBI@90 Programme; RBI marks 90 years

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi addressed the opening ceremony of RBI@90, as the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) marked its 90th year on April 1, 2024. The ceremony took place at National Centre for the
Performing Arts in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
i.PM Modi was accompanied by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Shaktikanta Das,
Governor of RBI.
Prime Minister unveils special Rs 90 coin to commemorate 90 years of RBI
A special Rs 90 coin was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate 90 years of RBI.
Features:
i.The coin is made from pure silver and it weighs about 40 grams.
ii.On the obverse side the RBI emblem is embossed at the centre of the coin, below which “RBI@90” is
inscribed.
• The Reverse Side Showcases the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar with the national motto
“Satyamev Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs) inscribed in Devanagari script below.

iii.The coin signifies RBI’s extensive history and achievements over 90 years.
Key Points:
i.During his address, PM highlighted the pivotal role of RBI in strengthening the economic growth of India.
ii.PM mentioned that more than 1200 crore monthly transactions were made via UPI (Unified Payments
Interface). This makes UPI an internationally recognized platform.
Note: At present, 7 countries have officially accepted UPI system : Sri Lanka, Mauritius, France, United
Arab Emirates(UAE), Singapore, Bhutan and Nepal.
iii.He informed that as of December 2023, women in India hold 56% of total Jan Dhan accounts, and about
51.25 crore bank accounts were opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).
iv.More than 7 crore farmers, fishermen and cattle owners have access to Pradhan Mantri Kisan Credit
Cards.
Background: Reserve Bank of India
i.RBI was established on 1st April,1935, based on the recommendation of Hilton
Young Commission(formed in 1926).
ii.RBI is formed in accordance with the provisions of RBI Act, 1934.
iii.Sir Oborne Smith was the 1st Governor of Reserve Bank. He served as Governor of Reserve Bank from
1st April, 1935 to 30th June, 1937.
iv.RBI was nationalised on 1st January, 1949 under the RBI(Transfer to Public Ownership) Act, 1948.
v.Central Office of the RBI was initially established in Kolkata, West Bengal. In 1937,it was shifted to
Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Functions of RBI:
• Formulating Monetary Policy
• Supervision and Regulation of Financial Institutions
• Issuer of Currency
• Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves
Recently Related:
i.As per RBI report released in December 2023, The Gross Non-Performing Asset (GNPA) ratio of
scheduled commercial banks drops to 3.2% (at end September 2023) from 39%(end-March 2023).
ii.In January 2024, RBI launched a centralised web portal “UDGAM” (Unclaimed Deposits-Gateway to
Access Information). It will help people to search and claim their unclaimed deposits.
Governor: Shaktikanta Das
Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
RBI Delays Currency Derivative Regulations to Curb Speculative Trading to May 3, 2024
On 4th April 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has deferred the implementation of Exchange Traded
Currency Derivatives (ETCD) regulations by a month to May 3, 2024 to curb speculative trading. This is in
view of the feedback received from the market and the recent developments.
Key Points:
i.As per the regulations, only traders with underlying forex exposure are permitted to trade in currency
derivatives, such as futures contracts, aiding companies in hedging against currency risk.
ii.The postponement of the regulations provides short-term relief amid concerns over potential declines in
trading volumes.
iii.The regulatory framework for exchange-traded currency derivatives remains consistent, reflecting the
RBI’s broader foreign exchange management policy.
iv.The revised rules are in line with the RBI’s efforts to stabilize the rupee, particularly ahead of India’s

bond inclusion in global indexes from June.

v.Indian stock exchanges, including the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSE (formerly Bombay Stock
Exchange), have directed member brokers to adhere to RBI notifications, restricting currency derivative
trades to hedging purposes after April 5, 2024.
CAMS Receives RBI’s Nod to Operate as an Online Payment Aggregator

Computer Age Management Services Ltd (CAMS), India’s largest mutual fund transfer agency, has received
a Certificate of Authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an online payment
aggregator.
CAMS obtained in-principle authorisation from RBI in February 2023.
• CAMS applied for the certificate of authorisation following the regulatory guidelines ‘Guidelines
on Regulation of Payment Aggregators and Payment Gateways’ (Guidelines) issued in March
2020.
• CAMSPay, CAMS’s payment business unit, boasts 15 years of experience in the payment
solutions industry.
• It caters to a diverse portfolio of clients, including mutual funds, insurance companies, banks,
and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs).
Note: In March 2024, CAMSPay registered over 1.2 million mandates for the Unified Payment Interface
(UPI) autopay.
RBI Directs all REs to Provide KFS to Borrowers w.e.f 1st October 2024
The Reserve Bank Of India(RBI) has mandated all Regulated entities (REs) (banks and financial
institutions) to provide comprehensive key facts statements (KFS) to all new retail and Micro, Small &
Medium Enterprises (MSME) borrowers with effect from 1st October 2024. This is a part of RBI’s effort
to increase lending practices’ transparency.
Key Points:
i.The statement should offer details about recovery agent policy, contact details for grievances and the
likelihood of the loan being sold to others in simple and easy-to-understand language.
ii.KFS will include a computation sheet of the annual percentage rate (APR) and the loan’s amortisation
schedule over the loan tenor.
• APR will include all charges levied by the RE. APR will also include charges levied on borrowers
by the REs on behalf of third-party service providers on an actual basis, such as insurance
charges and legal charges.
• RBI stated that the REs shall not charge the borrowers any fees that are not mentioned in the
KFS with explicit consent from the borrower.
iii.RBI has mandated REs to set up necessary systems and processes to implement this guideline as early
as possible.
• If the borrower agrees to the KFS, the RE shall be bound by them.
iv.KFS will be provided to borrowers with a unique proposal number with a validity period of at least 3
working days for loans with a tenor of 7 days or more and 1 working day for loans with a tenor of less than
7 days.
• The validity period is the time frame that the borrower has after the RE gives the KFS to accept
the loan terms.
Governor– Shaktikanta Das
Established in – 1st April 1935

RBI lays out Framework for Voluntary Transition of Small Finance Banks(SFBs) to Universal
Banks(UBs)
On 26th April 2024, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) laid out a framework in the form of eligibility conditions
for the voluntary transition of Small Finance Banks(SFBs) to Universal Banks(UBs).
• These conditions are in reference of “Guidelines for ‘on-tap’ Licensing of Small Finance Banks in
Private Sector” issued on 5th December, 2019. These guidelines provide a transition path for
SFBs to convert into UBs.
• RBI issued these instructions in exercise of the power given under Section 22(1) of the
Banking Regulation Act 1949.
Note: In 2015, RBI granted in-principal approval to 10 applicants to set up SFBs in India.
Eligibility Criteria for conversion of SFBs into UBs:
RBI has prescribed 6 eligibility conditions for conversion of SFBs into UBs are:
i.SFBs should have a minimum net worth of Rs1000 crore as at the end of the previous
quarter(audited).
ii.Interested SFBs should have scheduled status with a satisfactory track record of performance for a
minimum period of 5 years.
iii.It should meet the prescribed Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) requirements of 15% of
SFBs.
iv.Shares of the bank should have been listed on a recognized stock exchange.
Note: Among 10 SFBs only North East Small Finance Bank is not listed on any recognised stock exchange.
v.SFB should have a net profit in the last 2 financial years.
vi.SFB should have Gross Non-Performing Asset(GNPA) and Net Non-Performing Asset(NNPA) of less
than or equal to 3% and 1% respectively in the last 2 financial years.
Conditions related to shareholding pattern:
i.There is no mandatory requirement for eligible SFB to have an identified promoter.
• However, the existing promoters of the eligible SFB if any, shall continue as the promoter on the
transition to Universal Bank(UB).
ii.Eligible SFB while transitioning to UB is not permitted for addition of any new promoters or change in
promoters.
iii.There shall be no new mandatory lock-in requirement of minimum shareholding for existing
promoters.
iv.The eligible SFBs which have diversified loan portfolio will be preferred.
v.There shall be no change to the promoter shareholding dilution plan already approved by RBI.
Note: When a SFB transitioned into UB, it will be subjected to Non-Operative Financial Holding
Company (NOFHC) structure (as applicable) as per the said guidelines
Key Points:
i.The eligible SFB shall be required to provide detailed rationale for such transition.
ii.The application for conversion of SFB into UB shall be assessed in accordance with “Guidelines for ‘on-
tap’ Licensing of Small Finance Banks in Private Sector” dated August, 2016
• RBI (Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights in Banking Companies) Directions,
2023 dated 16th January, 2023 as amended from time to time.
Name of the SFBS in India are:
AU Small Finance Bank Limited (Jaipur, Rajasthan), Capital Small Finance Bank Limited(Jalandhar,
Punjab), Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited(Chennai, Tamil Nadu), ESAF Small Finance Bank
Limited(Thrissur, Kerala), Suryoday Small Finance Bank Limited(Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra), Utkarsh
Small Finance Bank Limited(Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh), North East Small Finance Bank Limited(Guwahati,
Assam), Shivalik Small Finance Bank Limited(Noida, Uttar Pradesh), Unity Small Finance Limited(New

Delhi, Delhi), Ujjivan Small FinanceBank Limited(Bengaluru, Karnataka) and Jana Small Finance Bank
Limited(Bengaluru, Karnataka).
Note: On 1st April 2024, RBI approved the merger of Fincare SFB into AU Small Finance Bank Limited.
Now, there are 11 SFBs in India.
About Small Finance Banks(SFBs):
SFBs are financial institutions that will provide financial services to the unserved and unbanked region of
the country. They are established under the Companies Act, 2013 and governed by the provisions of RBI
Act, 1934 and Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Governor: Shaktikanta Das(25th Governor of RBI)
Headquarter: Mumbai, Maharashtra
RBI Kept FPI Investment Limit in G-Sec Unchanged at 6% of Outstanding Stock For FY25
On 26th April 2024, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that the investment limit by Foreign
Portfolio Investors(FPI) in Government Securities(G-Sec) will remain unchanged at 6% of outstanding
security stocks for FY25(2024-25).
• The FPI limits for investment in the state government securities (SGSs) and corporate
bonds are maintained at 2% and 15% respectively, of outstanding security stocks for FY25.
• As of now, all investments by eligible investors in the ‘specified securities’ will be considered
under the Fully Accessible Route(FAR).
Key Points:
i.The allocation of incremental changes in the G-Sec Limit(in absolute terms) classified into two sub-
categories i.e. General and Long Term, and will be retained at 50:50 for 2024-25.
ii.The entire increase in limit for State Development Loans (SDLs) (in absolute terms) has been added to
the general sub-category of State Development Loans.
Additional info:
RBI has also notified that the aggregate limit of the national amount of Credit Default Swaps(CDS) sold by
foreign portfolio investors will be 5% of the outstanding stock of corporate bonds.
• Additional limit of Rs 2,54,000 crore is allocated for FY25.
Governor- Shaktikanta Das (25th Governor of RBI)
Headquarter- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established on 1 April 1935
RBI Directs Talkcharge to Stop PPI, Wallet Issuance & Refund Balances
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed to Gurugram(Haryana)-based fintech firm Talkcharge
Technologies Private Limited(Talkcharge) to stop the issuance and operations of its Prepaid Payment
Instruments(PPIs) or wallets and refund the balances held in the wallets within 45 days (by May 17,
2024).
Background:
RBI has noticed that Talkcharge has been issuing PPIs(Wallets) to its customers through its website and
app ‘TalkCharge’ without receiving required authorisation from RBI under the provisions of the Payment
and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
About Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs):
i.These instruments facilitate the purchase of goods and services, conduct of financial services, enable
remittance facilities etc. against the value stored therein. It can be issued by banks and non-banks.

ii.The cash loading of PPIs is limited to Rs 50,000 per month subject to overall limit of the PPI.
iii.Bank and Non-Bank entities will be allowed to issue PPIs in India after obtaining necessary
approval from RBI under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
Types of PPIs:
i.Small PPIs: issued with minimum details usable at specific merchant locations, no funds transfer or cash
withdrawal. There are 2 types of Small PPIs
• PPIs upto Rs 10,000(with cash loading facility). These PPIs can be converted into full-KYC PPIs
within 24 months.
• PPIs upto Rs 10,000(with no cash loading facility).
ii.Full-KYC PPIs: The PPIs are issued after completing Know Your Customer(KYC) of PPI holder. These can
be used for purchase, funds transfer and cash withdrawal. Its outstanding amount should not exceed Rs2
lakh.
Governor- Shaktikanta Das (25th Governor of RBI)
Headquarter– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established on 1 April 1935
SEBI
SEBI launches SCORES 2.0 to Strengthen Complaint Redressal System
On April 1, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched the new version of
SCORES (SEBI Complaint Redressal System), i.e., SCORES 2.0. This will enhance investor complaint
resolution in the securities market by auto routing and auto escalation, monitoring by designated bodies,
and reducing timelines.
• The website URL for SCORES 2.0 from April 01, 2024 is http://scores.sebi.gov.in
Note –SCORES is an online system where investors in securities market can lodge their complaints
through web URL and an App.
Key Points:
i.This revised version of SCORES enhanced with additional features for improved user experience.
ii.It establishes uniform timelines for complaint resolution across the securities market: 21 calendar
days from complaint receipt.
iii.It incorporates two-level review process; SEBI intervenes at second level if investor remains
dissatisfied.
iv.Non-adherence to prescribed timelines triggers automatic escalation of complaints to SEBI.
v.Integration with KYC (Know Your Customer) registration agency database facilitates seamless investor
registration on SCORES.
vi.In the old SCORES (https://scores.gov.in) platform (discontinued on March 28, 2024), investors can no
longer lodge new complaints.
Click Here for Official Notification
Brickwork Ratings Gets SEBI Nod to Resume Business without Restrictions
Brickwork Ratings (BWR) has resumed its business and client onboarding following SEBI’s order dated
March 26, 2024. Previously, SEBI had restricted BWR from onboarding new clients or accepting fresh
mandates from existing clients until certain conditions were met, such as strengthening the Board and
enhancing systems and processes. With full compliance achieved, SEBI has cleared BWR to resume normal
operations.

SEBI gets ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification for Information Security Management Systems
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has received the International Organization for
Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission(ISO/IEC) 27001:2022 certification for its
• Information Security Management System(ISMS) at the Primary Data Centre,
• ISMS at the Disaster Recovery site, and
• Security Operations Control (SOC) and Network Operations Control (NOC) Operations.
Key Points:
i.Sebi received this certification following an audit by the certification body under the accreditation of the
National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), a member of the International
Accreditation Forum(IAF).
ii.This certification emphasises SEBI’s commitment to ongoing improvement and enhancement of its
systems and controls to achieve the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) of data and operations.
About ISO/IEC 27001:
i.ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard for ISMS which defines the specification for an effective ISMS.
ii.This offers guidance to establish, implement, maintain and continously improve an ISMS to
organisations of all size and across all sectors.
iii.This supports organisations to become risk-aware and proactively identify and address weaknesses.
iv.This promotes holistic approach to information security: vetting people, policies and technology.
v.The ISMS with this standard is a tool for risk management, cyber-resilience and operational excellence.
About ISO:
i.ISO is an independent non-governmental organisation comprised of members from 170 countries’
national standards bodies.
ii.It creates and publishes an array of proprietary, industrial, and commercial standards.
President – Sung Hwan Cho
Established in – 1947
CRISIL ESG Ratings Gets SEBI nod to Offer ESG ratings

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved CRISIL ESG Ratings & Analytics Limited
(CRISIL ESG Ratings), a wholly owned subsidiary of CRISIL Ratings Ltd (CRL), as a Category 1 provider of
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings.
Background:
i.In 2023, SEBI notified the amendment in the SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations, 1999 to include
provisions on ESG Rating Providers (ERPs).
ii.CRISIL ESG Ratings was incorporated in July 2023 to comply with these notification.
iii.CRISIL Limited launched ESG ‘scoring’ business in 2021 and expanded coverage from 225 to around
1,000 companies across 65 sectors. This ESG scoring business will be now transfered to CRISIL ESG
Ratings.
ESG ratings:
ESG ratings process includes the analysis of more than 500 unique data points across ESG aspects for each
company.
It will help the investors to measure and monitor ESG risks and enable them to identify investment
opportunities considering long-term sustainability of business.
SEBI & ESG rating:
i.SEBI established 2 categories for rating entities based on their net worth and functions.
ii.As per SEBI, the rating agency is mandated to publish its evaluation methodology for all ESG ratings on
its official website. This will ensure balance between transparency and the protection of proprietary or

confidential information within these methodologies.

iiiThe rating agency should clearly describe the proportional weight assigned to each category and detail
the significance attributed to overarching themes.
iv.The principal shareholder of an ESG rating agency is mandated to have minimum ownership of 26% in
said agency for minimum 5 years subsequent to receiving regulatory approval.
v.Foreign entities that provide ESG rating service will be required to get SEBI certification if they want to
provide services to entities within India.
About CRISIL Ratings Limited(CRL):
CRL is a subsidiary of CRISIL Limited(formerly Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited).
CRL is registered with the SEBI as a Credit Rating Agency under SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulation,
1999.
Managing Director(MD)– Gurpreet Chhatwal
Groww Mutual Fund receives SEBI approval to launch India’s 1st Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer
Index Fund
Groww Mutual Fund, an asset management company (AMC), has received approval from the Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch India’s inaugural Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index Fund.
• This open-ended scheme, set to launch in the first week of May 2024, will be managed
by Abhishek Jain and bench-marked against the Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index TRI (Total
Return Index), comprising top 30 stocks from sectors like consumer goods and services,
telecom, textiles, entertainment, etc.
Key Points:
Fund Objective: It aims for long-term capital growth by investing in securities mirroring the Nifty Non-
Cyclical Consumer Index’s performance with minimal tracking errors.
• This fund targets stable-demand industries like utilities, healthcare, consumer staples, and
sometimes financial shielding against market volatility.
Investment Strategy: The fund will primarily invest 95-100% in equities and equity-related securities of
companies associated with or expected to benefit from consumption activities, with a small allocation (0-
5%) to debt and money market instruments.
Minimum Investment: Investors can start with a minimum of Rs 500, with additional investments in
multiples of Re 1 for purchases and Re 0.01 for switches.
• SIPs require a minimum investment of Rs 1,200, subject to specific installment criteria.
Redemption and Exit Load: The minimum redemption amount is Rs 500, with an exit load of 1%
applicable for units redeemed within 30 days of allotment. After this period, no exit load is charged.
Fund Options: The scheme offers regular and direct plans, along with growth and IDCW (Income
Distribution Cum Capital Withdrawal) options.
Risk Profile: The scheme carries a “very high” risk profile, and is suitable for those seeking long-term
capital appreciation in equity and equity-related instruments of the Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index.
About Groww Mutual Fund:
Co-founder & CEO– Lalit Keshre
Headquarters– Bengaluru, Karnataka

SEBI allows AIFs to Pledge Equity Shares of Investee Companies in Infrastructure Sector
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has notified a framework for Category I and Category II
Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) in the infrastructure sector to raise debt by pledging the equity of
their investee companies.
• In this regards, SEBI (AIF) Regulations, 2012 has been amended and notified SEBI (AIF)
(second amendment) Regulations, 2024.
• The notification was issued in exercise powers conferred under Section 11(1) of the SEBI Act
1992.
Note:
i.This decision has been taken for easing the way for companies to raise debt, and doing business.
ii.It has also provided additional flexibility to AIFs and their investors to deal with unliquidated
investments of their schemes.
Highlights:
i.Category I and Category II AIFs can create encumbrances on investee companies’ equity in the
infrastructure sector to facilitate debt raising, under Regulation 16(1)(c) and 17(c) of AIF Regulations,
subject to compliance with RBI regulations.
• Infrastructure sector companies include those engaged in development, operation, or
management of projects listed in the Harmonised Master List of Infrastructure sub-sectors by
the Government of India (GoI).
ii.Previously, AIFs were barred from pledging shares for loans due to potential investor losses in case of
default by investee companies.
iii.Allowing infrastructure financing via project finance necessitates protection for lenders through equity
share pledges, enabling lenders to intervene in case of default.
Key Points:
i .Existing Category I or Category II AIFs that haven’t onboarded investors before April 25, 2024, can
create encumbrances on investee company equity for borrowing purposes, but they must disclose this in
their PPMs and detail associated risks.
ii.Any encumbrances already made by these AIFs before April 25, 2024, on investee company securities
for borrowing can continue if they were disclosed in the Private Placement Memorandums (PPMs).
iii.The pilot Standard Setting Forum for AIFs (SFA) with SEBI’s input, will establish implementation
standards ensuring that encumbrances created by these AIFs on investee company equity are solely used
for facilitating debt raising in the infrastructure sector.
Sebi Notified BSE to Pay Regulatory Fee on Options Contract
SEBI has notified BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) to pay regulatory fees based on notional
value rather than premium value for options contracts.
• SEBI has instructed BSE to pay a differential regulatory fee for the past periods with applicable
interest of 15% per annum on the amount remaining unpaid or belatedly paid or short paid for
every month of delay.
Key Points:
SEBI introduced the regulatory fee on recognised stock exchanges under the SEBI (Regulatory Fee on
Stock Exchanges) Regulations 2006.
• Under this, exchanges are required to pay fees within 30 days after the conclusion of each
financial year, based on annual turnover.
• The rate of regulatory fee was based on the annual turnover of the stock exchanges.
ii.BSE, including the United Stock Exchange merger in FY 2014-15, has been paying regulatory fees on
annual turnover to SEBI considering premium value of the contracts instead of notional value.

iii.The computation of the additional amount owed must be certified by a chartered accountant and paid
within a month of receiving SEBI’s notification.
i.Ahmedabad (Gujarat)-based real estate developer Shivalik Group has received regulatory approval from
SEBI for its inaugural fund- Shivalik Investment Fund as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF).
The fund aims to raise Rs.300 crore through private placement including Rs.150 Crore Green Shoe Option.
ii.SEBI introduced a Third (III) Settlement Schemes for entities involved in the Illiquid Stock Options
(ISO)/reversal trades segment of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in terms of Section 15JB of the SEBI Act,
1992 read with Regulation 26 of SEBI (Settlement Proceedings) Regulations 2018.
About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
SEBI is the regulatory authority for the capital market. It was established as a statutory body in 1992.
Chairperson– Madhabi Puri Buch
LOANS ISSUED BY BANKS

REC Limited Secured JPY60.5 Billion Green Loan from SACE, Italian Export Credit Agency
REC Limited(formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited) has secured a green loan of Japanese
Yen (JPY) 60.536 (~Rs 3250 crore) from Servizi Assicurativi del Commercio Estero (SACE), an Italian
export credit agency, to finance green projects in India.
• The green facility benefits from an 80% guarantee by SACE under the “Green Push Strategy”
initiative.
Significance:
i.The loan facility is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Indian entity REC and SACE.
ii.It also marks SACE’s 1st JPY-denominated loan transaction and 1st green loan transaction in India.
iii.This sets a benchmark in the Indian public sector landscape for similar green financing transactions,
highlighting a growing commitment to sustainable financing.
Key Points:
i.The green loan witnessed the participation of various banks across Asia, the United States of
America(USA) and Europe. This includes Bank of America, Citi Bank, and KfW IPEX-bank.
• Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation will act as Mandated Lead Arrangers.
• Credit Agricole and Investment Bank will act as the Export Credit Agency Coordinator, Green
Loan Coordinator, Documentation Bank and Facility agent.
ii.Under this facility, SACE is committed to support projects in renewable energy, green mobility and
energy efficiency which will enable sustainable long-term growth in India.
iii.It is a strategic investment for REC Limited which shows its commitment towards sustainable growth
and is in alignment with its Green Finance Framework.
Additional info:
In January 2024, REC Limited issued its inaugural JPY 61.1 billion 5-year, 5.25-year and 10-year Green
bonds, issued under its USD 10 billion Global Medium Term Notes Programme.
About REC Limited:
REC Limited(formerly known as Rural Electrification Corporation Private Limited) is an
Indian Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Power.
• It is registered with Reserve Bank of India(RBI) as Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), and
Infrastructure Financing Company(IFC).

Chairman and Managing Director(CMD)- Vivek Kumar Dewangan

Headquarter- New Delhi, Delhi
Established in 1969
AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED

Prestige Group signs strategic deal worth Rs 2,001 crore with ADIA & Kotak AIF
Prestige Group through its subsidiaries has entered into a strategic deal worth Rs 2,001 crore with Abu
Dhabi Investment Authority(ADIA) and Kotak AIF(Alternative Investment Fund) to develop residential
projects in prominent locations across 4 cities in India.
Key Points:
i.The deal will help accelerate the growth and expansion of early-stage residential projects.
ii.The investment will be made in developing Greenfield residential projects across cities
like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa and Delhi NCR(National Capital Region) with a combined Gross
Development Value(GDV) of over Rs 18,000 crore.
Note: Greenfield Projects means infrastructure projects on unused land where there is no need to remodel
an existing structure.
Examples: New factories, Power Plants, Airports etc.
About Prestige Group:
Chairman and Managing Director(CMD)– Irfan Razack
Established in 1986
About Abu Dhabi Investment Authority:
Chairman– Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Headquarters– Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates(U.A.E.)
Established in 1976
PhonePe & Star Health Insurance Partners to Offer ‘Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy’
PhonePe has partnered with Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd. (Star Health Insurance),
India’s largest retail health insurance Company, to offer customers health insurance with a monthly and
annual payment option.
• This will enable users to avail ‘Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy’ on the PhonePe app
with coverage up to Rs 1 Crore.
Note: Star Health Insurance is India’s largest retail health insurance company; PhonePe is one of India’s
leading digital payment apps.
Key Features:
i.Users can also choose monthly payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) AutoPay mandate
with a monthly Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) option, making health insurance more accessible.
ii.This end-to-end health insurance policy includes popular features such as Outpatient Department (OPD)
and maternity coverage, with a sum insured up to Rs. 1 Crore.
iii.Coverage includes road and air ambulance expenses, OP medical consultation (up to the limits), OP
coverage for dental and ophthalmic treatment, delivery expenses, organ donor expenses, coverage for
newborn babies, mental illnesses, and more.
iv.Mental illnesses are covered up to the sum insured; No sub-limits for daycare procedures
v.Accidental death and permanent total disablement are covered up to Rs. 1 Crore
Purchase Process: Users can purchase the policy directly through the PhonePe app, selecting desired
coverage and payment options, filling in necessary details, and completing the Know Your Customer (KYC)

form and declarations.

About Star Health and Allied Insurance Co Ltd. (Star Health Insurance):
Star Health Insurance commenced operations in 2006 as India’s first Standalone Health Insurance
Company.
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Anand Roy
Headquarters– Chennai, Tamil Nadu
J&K Bank Partners with Paymart India to Launch Virtual ATM Facility
Jammu & Kashmir Bank Limited (J&K Bank) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Paymart India Pvt Ltd to launch an innovative Virtual Automated Teller
Machine (ATM)(VATM) facility. The collaboration aims to introduce cardless cash withdrawals for the
Bank’s customers through local merchants in the neighbourhood.
Signatories: Amit Narang, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paymart India Pvt Ltd and Imtiyaz Ahmad
Bhat, General Manager (GM) (S&IT) of J&K Bank singed the MoU in the presence of Baldev Prakash,
Managing Director (MD) and CEO of J&K Bank.
Goal:
i.Enhance banking convenience for consumers across the bank’s operations, especially in J&K and Ladakh.
ii.Utilise technology to improve accessibility and convenience for customers.
Procedure for Availing VATM Facility:
i.Customer’s smartphone with the J&K Bank’s mobile app “mPAY – Delight” serves as the Virtual Card and
the merchant’s smartphone with the app acts as the VATM.
ii.The cash withdrawal process is initiated through the bank’s mobile application.
iii.Once the cash withdrawal process is validated by OTP, the cash is dispensed hassle-free.
Note: The current limit for VATM service is set at Rs 2,000 per transaction and Rs 10,000 per month.
About Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd.
MD and CEO– Baldev Prakash
Headquarters– Srinagar, J&K
Tagline– Serving to Empower
SIDBI & Onionlife Partners to Provide Micro-Loans to Gig Workers

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has partnered with the Bengaluru(Karnataka)
based fintech startup Onionlife Private Limited to use its technology platform KarmaLife for a pilot to
offer micro-loans for gig workers.
• This will enhance financial inclusion in India’s gig economy.
Note: KarmaLife, powered by Onionlife is India’s Largest Earned Wage Access Platform.
Gig Workers: Gig workers are people who earn through short-term jobs rather than traditional,
permanent employment. They are often freelancers or independent contractors in the service sector.
Key Points:
i.KarmaLife platform will enable gig workers to access micro-loans through a mobile app, eliminating
extensive paperwork.
ii.This will support gig workers to manage the liquidity needs of their enterprise activities and assess their
credit risk, fostering financial inclusion.
iii.This partnership will help the bank understand and assist the new and emerging enterprise class of gig
workers while developing a mechanism to assess their credit risk.
iv.KarmaLife operates on a B2B2C (Business-to-Business-to-Consumer) model and has partnered with
major organisations, offering early access to pay-outs for employees.

Note: India’s gig economy is expanding rapidly, and there is an urgent requirement to offer affordable
financial support to non-salaried gig workers reliant on gig platform aggregators for their livelihood.
About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):
Chairman and Managing Director– Sivasubramanian Ramann
Headquarters– Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Canara Bank and SINE of IIT Bombay Partners to Empower Start-ups Across India
Canara Bank and the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) at the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) Bombay, Mumbai (Maharashtra) have partnered to empower startups across India.
• Under the Canara Bank’s Start-Up Scheme, financial assistance at an attractive return on
investment (ROI) will be provided for establishment, promotion, and modernization.
• SINE, established in 2004 as an umbrella organization at IIT Bombay, acts as a tech incubator
and offers end-to-end support for startups, ensuring their success.
AMSL Signed Agreements with IFC To Raise Funds worth Rs 330 Crores
Artemis Medicare Services Limited (AMSL) has signed a definitive agreement with the International
Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to raise funds of Rs 330 crores in the
form of Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCDs).
• The IFC’s investment will assist AMSL in enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality by
supporting its growth plans in bed capacity, introducing newer medical treatment specialities,
and building cardiac care centres in Tier 2 and 3 cities.
• This will also encourage women to pursue careers in medicine and advance their professional
growth.
Note: AMSL, founded in 2004 by the promoters of the Apollo Tyres Group, operates a multi-specialty
hospital, Artemis Hospitals, in Gurugram(Haryana).
Air India & BIAL Signed an Agreement to Develop Bengaluru as a Aviation Hub
Tata-Group-owned Air India and Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) have entered into an
agreement to develop Bengaluru (Karnataka) as a premier aviation hub for southern India. This agreement
aims to boost air travel connectivity to and from India over the next few years.
• Air India (along with other Tata Group airlines – Air India Express (AIX), and Vistara) and BIAL
will collaborate to enhance international air connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger
experience, over the next 5 years.
• This includes bolstering the group’s flight network at the Kempegowda International Airport,
Bengaluru (KIAB or BLR airport).
• MoU:
As part of this initiative, Air India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the
Government of Karnataka to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at BLR airport
with an investment of around Rs 1,300 crore.
STB & PhonePe inks MoU to Promote UPI for Indians in Singapore
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), a lead development agency for tourism, Singapore, signed a two-year
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PhonePe to promote Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for
Indians travelling in Singapore.

• The MoU allows customers to instantly make cross border transactions between India and
Singapore directly from their existing Indian bank accounts.
• As part of the agreement, STB and PhonePe would invest in joint marketing campaigns in
Singapore and India to promote the destination’s dynamic options and smooth UPI experiences
across key tourism hotspots.
Signatories: The MoU was signed by Melissa Ow, Chief Executive of STB and Ritesh Pai, Chief Executive
Officer(CEO) of PhonePe’s International Payments Business.
Note: PhonePe Group is India’s leading fintech company. Its flagship product, the PhonePe digital
payments app which was launched in August 2016.
ICICI Lombard Partnered with Policybazaar to Offer its Insurance Products

on Policybazaar Platform
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited has partnered with the insurance
platform Policybazaar to provide a comprehensive product portfolio of ICICI Lombard to the wide user
base of Policybazaar.
• ICICI Lombard offers a range of products that span motor, health, travel, home, and business
insurance.
• Policybazaar will distribute ICICI Lomard’s products across various platforms, including
policybazaar.com for retail audiences, PB for Business for corporates, and PB Partners for
channel partners.
• This partnership aims to enhance insurance distribution, ensuring coverage reaches every
corner of India through a seamless digital platform.
PhonePe Partnered with eSewa and HAN Pokhara To Promote UPI Payments
Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Fintech company PhonePe, has partnered with eSewa, a digital wallet
service of Nepal and the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN)–Pokhara (a regional association of HAN,
Nepal) to promote digital payments through Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on the Nepal payment
processor Fonepay Network.
• This partnership is a part of the 19th Fewa New Year Festival which will be held
in Nepal from 11th to 14th April 2024.
Note: The Fewa New Year Festival is celebrated with a theme of “Tourism, Culture, and Food’’, in three
grand stages showcasing cultural performances, pop shows and culinary delights.
Karnataka Bank Partners with FISDOM to Offer Stock Broking Services & 3-in-1 Accounts
Karnataka Bank Ltd, a leading private sector Bank partnered with FISDOM to offer stock broking
services and 3 in 1 Accounts (Savings, Demat, and Trading accounts) through the “KBL Mobile Plus”, the
mobile banking app of Karnataka Bank.
• The partnership focuses on enhancing the current value proposition of enabling customers by
providing seamless access to stocks and mutual funds.
• It will empower customers to access investment opportunities and trading functionalities
within a single, user-friendly interface.
• The 3-in-1 facility consolidates savings, demat, and trading accounts, simplifying account
management
• It also eliminates the need for multiple platforms, ensuring a smoother investment journey.
Note: FISDOM is a digital wealth management platform of Finwizard Technology Private Limited. It offers
investors a 360-degree wealth management platform for mutual funds and Insurance.

PayU partners with PayPal to enhance cross border payments for Indian merchants
PayU, a leading online payment solution, has announced its partnership with PayPal, an American
multinational fintech company. The strategic partnership aims to improve the cross border payment
experience for Indian merchants.
i.PayU will leverage PayPal ISU2.0 API(Application Programming Interface) to provide customers
access to more personalized , secure and inclusive payment experience.
ii.It will provide a more efficient merchant onboarding process which is directly linked with PayU
dashboard. Also, it will allow Indian merchants to open accounts with PayPal, using an Artificial
intelligence (AI)-driven approach that reduces drop-offs and enables real-time activation.
iii.It will offer customers various payment methods at checkout like: PayPal, PayPal Pay later, and various
local Alternative Payment Methods(APMs).
About PayPal:
Chairman: John J. Donahoe
Headquarters: California, United States of America(U.S.A.)
Established: 1998
Jio Financial and Blackrock form JV to set up Wealth Management & Broking Business
On April 16, 2024, Jio Financial Services (JFS), the financial services arm of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL),
and BlackRock, Inc. and BlackRock Advisors Singapore Pte signed an agreement to form 50:50 Joint
Venture (JV) to set up a wealth management and broking business in India.
• This involves incorporating a wealth management firm and a brokerage company, each
requiring separate licenses from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).”
Key Points:
i.In June 2023, a 50:50 JV was established by the companies to introduce asset management services in
India, with each committing an initial investment of USD 150 million.
ii.India’s high net-worth individuals possess financial assets totaling USD 1-1.2 trillion, managed mainly by
institutional platforms, with banks overseeing a third and Indian wealth managers handling 12-14%.
iii.The newly formed JV compete with bank-led wealth management firms and other key players such as
BNP Paribas Wealth Management, 360 One, Nuvama, and Avendus.
iv.India is now a leading global investment destination, with the number of Demat accounts reaching 15.1
crore by March 2024, including a surge of 31 lakh new accounts in the same month.
About Jio Financial Services:
Incorporated as Reliance Strategic Investments Private Limited on July 22, 1999, and name changed to Jio
Financial Services Limited in July, 2023
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer– Hitesh Kumar Sethia
BOI & IMGC Partners to Offer Mortgage Guarantee-Backed Home Loan Products
Bank of India(BOI), an Indian Public Sector Bank(PSB), has signed an agreement with India Mortgage
Guarantee Corporation(IMGC) to provide mortgage guarantee-backed home loan products in the
affordable housing segment.
• The collaboration will cover salaried and self-employed home loan customers in the affordable
housing segment.
Significance:
i.IMGC’s guarantee will help to reduce the risk of defaults for the bank. This will allow BOI to offer more
favourable loan terms to borrowers.
ii.The agreement aims to promote financial inclusion and make homeownership more accessible for

borrowers in India.
iii.This will help to strengthen the credit delivery system and facilitate the flow of credit to the affordable
housing sector.
iv.Under this partnership IMGC will leverage its guarantee expertise and BoI will leverage its extensive
network of over 5,100 branches across India. This will enable BoI to provide home loan products with
greater flexibility and security to potential homeowners.
About India Mortgage GuaranteeCorporation(IMGC):
IMGC is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 2008 Mortgage Guarantee Company (Reserve
Bank) Guidelines.
Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Mahesh Misra
Established in 2012
Headquarters– Noida, Uttar Pradesh
About Bank of India(BOI):
MD & CEO- Rajneesh Karnatak
Founded in 1906
Tagline- Relationship Beyond Banking
Jana SFB & Kotak Mahindra Life Partners to Offer Insurance Products
Jana Small Finance Bank(SFB) Limited has partnered with Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company
Limited to offer life insurance products to the customers of Jana SFB.
The life insurance products will include long-term savings and retirement solutions.
About Jana Small Finance Bank:
Jana Small Finance Bank started its operations in March, 2018
MD & CEO– Ajay Kanwal
Tagline– Likho Apni Kahani
SIDBI signs MoU with Jeevika Bihar & UMED Maharashtra to extend Prayaas to Rural
Livelihood Missions
The Small Industries Development Bank of India(SIDBI) in association with Women’s World
Banking(WWB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jeevika, Bihar State Rural
Livelihoods Mission(SRLM) and UMED, Maharashtra-SRLM to extend Prayaas scheme to Self-Help
Group(SHG) individual women through Cluster Level Federations(CLFs).
Aim: To develop a market-driven solution that will provide long-term economic stability to women-led
SHG CLFs.
Key Features:
i.During the pilot phase of project, SIDBI will partner with 35 to 40 CLFs across Bihar and Maharashtra
with a target of providing affordable credit up to Rs 2 lakh to 5,000 women entrepreneurs.
ii.The selected CLFs will act as partner institution with SIDBI for this project.
iii.SIDBI has set a budget of Rs 50 crore during the pilot testing phase.
iv.WWB will provide manpower support to CLFs on capacity building and reinforcement of Prayaas
technical.
v.The project will receive financial support from MetLife Foundation.
vi.WWB along with CLFs will identify individual members of SHGs to avail individual loans.
• The loans to borrowers will be sanctioned based on the digital assessment through Straight
Through Process (STP).

About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):

SIDBI is statutory body established under an Act of the Parliament in 1990.
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)– Sivasubramanian Ramann
Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh(U.P.)
Amazon Pay ties up with NPCI to introduce credit services on UPI

As per the report by Financial Express, Amazon Pay in partnership with National Payments Corporation of
India (NPCI) is set to introduce its credit services on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• This initiative aims to improve customer experience and value propositions.
Note: UPI is an Indian instant payment system developed by NPCI in 2012 but was introduced by RBI in
2016.
Key Points:
i.AmazonPay was granted a payment aggregator license by the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) in February
2024. Also, it received permission from RBI for a Prepaid Payment Instrument(PPI).
ii.The report cited reasons which restricted the growth of credit for UPI transactions like: many
uncertainties related to the interchange fee structure around UPI transactions and low adoption among
small merchants.
Amazon Pay partners with different financial entities:
i.AmazonPay collaborated with RBL Bank to enable UPI payments on its platform. It has tied up with ICICI
Bank for the FasTag recharge and the introduction of the Amazon Pay ICICI co-branded credit cards.
ii.Amazon Pay tied up with approximately 8.5 million brick and mortar sellers across 350 urban and rural
areas, along with 10, 000 online merchants.
iii.Amazon Pay has collaborated with entities like: Axio, IDFC FIRST Bank, and Karur Vysya Bank to
offer “Buy Now Pay Later” services.
Note:
i.At present, Amazon Pay has over 100 million customers who uses Amazon Pay UPI for various
transactions. It offers instant credit through its Amazon Pay Later option.
ii.Recently, NPCI has launched 3 new features for UPI- linked RuPay credit cards like: EMI facilities, UPI
Auto Pay for credit cards and increased credit limits. These features will come effective from 31st May,
2024.
About Amazon Pay:
Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA
Founded in: 2007
About National Payments Corporation of India(NPCI):
NPCI is an Indian organisation that regulates the retail payment and settlement system in India. It was
launched as a joint initiative of Reserve Bank of India(RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association(IBA). It was set
up under the provisions of Payment and Settlement Systems Act(2007).
Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO): Dilip Asbe
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established in: 2008
Ashok Leyland Signed MoU with South Indian Bank For Dealer Financing
On April 18 2024, Ashok Leyland Limited, a commercial vehicle maker, signed a Memorandum of
Understanding(MoU) with South Indian Bank for financing dealers under the bank’s dealer finance
program.
• As part of the partnership, the South Indian Bank will provide competitive dealer finance
options to the dealers of Ashok Leyland Limited.

• This arrangement is mutually beneficial for vehicle manufacturers, dealers and South Indian
Bank.
Indian Bank partners with Tata Power Solar to boost solar energy adoption
Indian Bank, an Indian public sector bank(PSB), has announced its partnership with Tata Power Solar
Systems Limited (TPSSL) to promote solar energy adoption by providing financial support to residential
consumers for installations.
• This strategic partnership aims to provide financial support under Pradhan Mantri (PM) Surya
Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for installations of solar rooftop up to 3 KiloWatt (KW) and extend
support for installations ranging from 3 to 10 KW under the regular scheme.
For installations up to 3 KW:
i.Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, residential consumers can avail loans up to Rs. 2 lakh at an
annual interest rate of 7%.
ii.Beneficiaries can avail benefits with a nominal margin cash requirement of 10% and collateral-free
financing.
iii.The repayment tenure is 10 years which offers flexibility and convenience to beneficiaries.
For installations from 3KW to 10KW:
For installations exceeding 3 KW up to 10 KW, TPSSL and Indian Bank offers a customized financing
solution to meet the diverse needs of the beneficiaries.
i.Eligible applicants can avail loans up to Rs. 6 lakh with margin money requirement of 20%.
iii.Interest rates ranges from 8.4% to 10.8% per annum.
About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
i.Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi launched the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in February 2024.
The scheme was approved with a total outlay of Rs.75,021 crore.
ii.The scheme aims to provide free electricity to 1 crore households in India through rooftop solar setups.
About Tata Power Solar Systems Limited(TPSSL):
TPSSL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL).
Chairman(Non-Executive)- Dr. Praveer Sinha
About Indian Bank:
Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO)- Shanti Lal Jain
Headquarters- Chennai, Tamil Nadu(T.N.)
Established- 1907
Tagline- “Your Own Bank” or “Apka Apna Bank”
NABARD Partners with Reserve Bank Innovation Hub to Fast-Track Digital Agri Lending
On April 25, 2024, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) announced its
partnership with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI), to develop a system that will help speed up the process of agricultural loans.
• The agreement was signed by Shaji K.V., Chairman of NABARD and Rajesh Bansal, Chief
Executive Officer(CEO), RBIH.
Significance:
The digitization of agricultural lending will ensure instant delivery of credit to farmers. The collaboration
will simplify the loan process and reduce the turnaround time for loans from 3-4 weeks to 5
minutes for 12 crore farmers in India.

Key Points:
i.According to the agreement, NABARD will integrate its electronic Kisan Credit Card (e-KCC) loan
origination system portal with Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit(PTPFC) of RBIH.
Note: PTPFC was developed by RBIH was launched in 2023.
• PTPFC has seen the implementation in over 10 states by making land records digitally available
to provide the seamless flow of credit information for lenders
ii.The integration will help 35 district and state cooperative banks and 43 Regional Rural
Banks(RRBs) to give access to various range of services such as: digital state land records, satellite data,
Know Your Customer (KYC), credit history and transliteration for effective credit underwriting.
iii.The pilot phase of partnership will be implemented in selected RRBs: Karnataka Gramin Bank,
Maharashtra Gramin Bank and Cooperative Banks in Andhra Pradesh.
iv.Its main objective is to expand digital lending platform to cover about 5 crore Kisan Credit Card(KCC)
loans across all cooperative banks and RRBs in India.
About Reserve Bank Innovation Hub(RBIH):
It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBI, focuses on promoting and facilitating an environment that
accelerates innovation across the financial sector.
CEO: Rajesh Bansal
Established: 2022
HDFC Life Enters into a Corporate Agency Tie-Up with Peerless Financial Products Distribution
Ltd.
HDFC Life, one of India’s leading insurers, and Peerless Financial Products Distribution Ltd. (PFPDL) join
hands in a corporate agency tie-up. This partnership would enable PFPDL to distribute HDFC Life’s life
insurance products to its customers.
• Through this tie-up, PFPDL would offer financial protection to its customers and provide both
digital and physical platforms for customer convenience.
• The partnership aims to strengthen HDFC Life’s presence in eastern India.
• The tie-up would further bolster the reach of HDFC Life in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across the 42
locations of PFPDL.
Note:
i.PFPDL, a subsidiary of the Peerless General Finance & Investment Co. Ltd (PGFI) is one of India’s oldest
and biggest Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in East India.
ii.HDFC Life has secured over 66 million lives with an overall claim settlement ratio of 99.7% in FY 2024.
Ericsson India & IIT Kanpur’s F.I.R.S.T. Partners to Boost Mobile Fintech Innovation
Ericsson India and the Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (F.I.R.S.T) at the
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh(UP) have signed a 2-year partnership to boost
innovation in Mobile Financial Services (MFS) and Fintech solutions.
• This aims to leverage Ericsson’s global expertise and F.I.R.S.T’s innovation ecosystem to create
groundbreaking solutions.
i.IIT Kanpur’s F.I.R.S.T. provides a platform for start-ups by aspiring entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to
convert their innovative ideas into commercially profitable products. It also provides services related to
patenting and commercialization.
ii.Ericsson’s wallet platform supports over 400 million registered mobile wallets, processing 2.8 billion
transactions valued at over USD 40 billion monthly.

SBI partners with HCLSoftware for Digital Transformation

The State Bank of India (SBI) has entered into a five-year agreement with HCLSoftware, the software
business unit of HCLTech, to digitally transform its customer interaction framework by utilising the HCL
Unica platform.
• It will provide hyper-personalised communication across the SBI’s diverse digital marketing
channels while adhering to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA).
• It will also facilitate complex, multi-channel digital marketing campaigns, enhancing customer
engagement, precision, and relevance.
OTHER BANK NEWS

ADB Pledged USD23.6 billion in 2023 to Help Asia and Pacific Progress on Sustainable
Development
Asian Development Bank(ADB) pledged USD 23.6 billion from its own resources in 2023 which also
include USD 9.8 billion for climate action, to help Asia and Pacific progress on sustainable development.
• The amount is raised through loans, grants, equity investments, guarantees and technical
support provided to governments and private sector.
• ADB also raised an additional USD16.4 billion in co-financing through its strong partnerships.
Key Points:
i.These figures are among the financial and operational results published by ADB in its Annual Report
2023 on 25th April, 2024.
ii.The report highlighted the steps taken by ADB which helped its Developing Member
Countries (DMCs) to address the certain challenges such as climate crisis, impacts of conflicts, food
security and increased debt burden, among others.
iii.The investments made by ADB in adaptation and mitigation focused mainly on climate-resilient
agriculture, renewable energy and low-carbon transport.
iv.The report recognised the work done by ADB in addressing gender inequality. Most of its operations in
2023 were focused on mitigating the disproportionate gender impacts of climate change.
Background:
ADB launched a Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and Pacific in December 2023 at 28th
Conference of Parties United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC)(COP28) held
in Dubai, The United Arab Emirates(UAE).
i.It aims to attract USD2 billion into investment programs that include Nature –based solutions.
ii.Through this hub, ADB aims to provide USD100 billion in climate financing from its own resources
from 2019 to2030.
About Asian Development Bank(ADB):
President: Masatsugu Asakawa(Japan)
Headquarters: Mandaluyong City, Manila, The Philippines
Members Nations: 68(49 members nations are from Asia-Pacific region)
Established: 1966
10 Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) Launched new “Global Collaborative Co-Financing”

Platform
On the sidelines of the 2024 International Monetary Fund(IMF) and World Bank Spring meetings which
took place in Washington D.C.(U.S.A.) on 20th April 2024, 10 Multilateral Development
Banks (MDBs) jointly launched the Global Collaborative Co-financing platform.
• This digital initiative aims to transform the development finance landscape.

About Global Collaborative Co-Financing Platform:

Global Collaborative Co-Financing Platform has two components:
i.Co-Financing Portal: It will be a secure platform for registered co-financiers to share their project
pipelines. The portal will be hosted at the World Bank.
ii.Co-Financing Forum: It will provide a platform for various participants to discuss co-financing
opportunities and share their best practices and common issues.
Significance:
i.The new digital platform will help in reducing the administrative burden and transaction costs.
ii.The platform fosters collaboration, promotes transparency, and enables MDBs and partner agencies to
address global challenges more effectively and efficiently.
List of Multilateral Development Banks(MDBs) Joined for new Co-financing Platform:
At the initial stage, 10 MDBs joined the platform to enhance collaboration, streamline their co-financing
processes and provide a centralised platform for project information.
The 10 MDBs are: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(AIIB), World Bank Group(WBG), African
Development Bank(AfDB), Asian Development Bank(ADB), Council of Europe Development
Bank(CEB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment
Bank(EIB), Inter-American Development Bank(IDB), Islamic Development Bank(IsDB), and New
Development Bank(NDB).
The MDB outlines joint action in critical areas:
i.Scaling Up MDB financing capacity: Heads of MDB estimate to generate additionally lending
of USD300-400 billion over the next 10 years.
• i.To offer various set of innovative financial instruments to shareholders, development partners
etc. such as: hybrid-capital and market risk-transfer instruments. Also, they will help in
promoting channeling of Special Drawing Rights(SDRs) of IMF through MDBs.
ii.Promoting joint action on climate change:
It laid down various actions to tackle climate change such as:
• To develop 1st common approach to measure the climate results on adaptation and mitigation.
• To streamline operations with the goals of Paris Agreement and to jointly report on climate
financing.
• To support and enhance Early Warning Systems (EWSs) for natural disasters.
iii.Fostering Country-level collaboration and Co-financing:
MDBs are engaged in discussions and supporting country-owned and country-led platforms in order to
make it convenient for countries to work with Banks. It includes various actions such as:
• To accelerate co-financing of Public Sector Projects through Collaborative Co-financing portal.
iv.Catalyzing Private Sector Mobilization:
MDBs committed to scaling-up private-sector financing for developing goals including by adopting
innovative approaches and financial instruments.
It includes various actions such as:
• To increase local-currency lending and foreign-exchange hedging solutions to boost private
investment.
• To expand the type and disaggregation of the statistics that MDBs and Development Finance
Institutions(DFIs) release through Global Emerging Markets Risk
Database(GEMs) consortium which will help investors to better assess investment risks and
opportunities.
v.Improving Development Effectiveness and Impact:
MDBs agreed to focus on the impact of their work. It includes various actions such as:

• To increase collaboration on joint impact evaluations like: sharing approaches to monitor and
assess impact.
To use various Key Performance Indicators(KPIs) on nature and biodiversity to explore the feasibility of
alignment of some indicators ahead of Conference of Parties(CoP)30 in 2025.
AmpIn Energy Gets 25 million euro Funding from OeEB, Development Bank of Austria
AmpIn Energy Transition Private Limited received 25 million Euro investment from OeEB –
Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG (Development Bank of Austria) in a long term financing to
support the energy expansion plans of AmpIn Energy. This will also support the AmpIn to establish a local
1-Gigawatt(GW) solar cell and module production facility in Odisha.
• AmpIn Energy aims to build a renewable energy portfolio of 10 GW by 2030
About AmpIn Energy Transition Pvt. Ltd:
AmpIn Energy, formerly known as Amp Energy India, is a balanced renewable energy company in India.
Founder, Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Pinaki Bhattacharyya
Established in 2016
Headquarters– New Delhi (Delhi)
Canara Bank launches Loan Products to meet Hospitalization Expenses

On 3rd April 2024, Canara Bank launched a range of innovative products aimed at enhancing financial
inclusivity and addressing healthcare needs.
Details of the New Products:
i.Canara Heal: A healthcare loan product to cover hospitalization expenses beyond insurance limits,
available at competitive interest rates.
ii.Canara Angel: A custom savings account for women with unique features like cancer care policy
iii.Canara ReadyCash, a pre-approved personal loans
iv.Canara MyMoney, an online loan against term deposit product.
Other Launches:
The event also witnessed the launch of
i.Canara UPI 123PAY ASI: A user-friendly payment interface introduced by the bank for convenient
transactions.
ii.Canara HRMS Mobile App for Staff: HR (Human Resource) management solution launched for staff
members to streamline HR processes.
iii.Rajesh Bansal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBHI)
launched Canara SHG e-MONEY, a Digital Self Help Group (SHG) Initiative.
iv.Rajesh Bansal also exchanged a White paper on Digital SHG with K Satyanarayana Raju, Managing
Director (MD) and CEO of Canara Bank.
• It will help the customers to get instant digital credit in their account, according to the
statement.
About Canara Bank:
The Canara Bank, established in 1906, was nationalised in 1969.
MD & CEO– K Satyanarayana Raju
Tagline– Together We Can
Karnataka Bank Raises Rs 600 cr Through Qualified Institutional Placement

Karnataka Bank has approved the allotment of shares pursuant to the Qualified Institutional Placement
(QIP), at a price of Rs 227 per equity share, which includes premium of Rs 217 per share. This amounts to

an aggregate of up to Rs 600 crores.

The QIP opened on 21st March 2024 and closed on 27th March 2024.
• This marks the completion of the planned capital raise program of Rs 1,500 crores announced in
September 2023.
• The capital rise includes QIP of Rs 600 crores, with the preferential issues of Rs 800 crores in
October 2023 allotment and Rs 100 crores in February 2024 allotment.
Note: The proceeds of the Issues will be used to fulfil the requirements of the growing business of
Karnataka Bank.
UBI Raises Rs 4,200 Crore from DIFC To Fund Overseas Business

The Union Bank of India (UBI), has raised USD 500 million (about Rs 4,200 crore) from foreign markets
to fund overseas business growth.
• The fund was arranged by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai Branch, United
Arab Emirates (UAE).
• There would be two tranches of a USD 500 million syndicated term loan with terms of three and
five years each (USD 400 million and USD 100 million for Green Shoe).
Note: The first tranche of USD 100 million was drawn on 3rd April 2024.
SBI & Standard Chartered Bank carried out the First Credit Default Swap Trade under new
RBI Guidelines
The State Bank of India (SBI) and Standard Chartered Bank India carried out the Credit Default Swap
(CDS) trade worth Rs 25 crore. This marks the 1st CDS transaction since the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) issued revised CDS guidelines in 2022.
• The trade involved a 1-year rupee CDS featuring REC.
• This trade marks a pivotal moment in credit risk management and underscores the growing
sophistication of financial instruments in the Indian market.
About Credit Default Swap:
i.Credit Default Swap (CDS) is a credit derivative that offers protection to the buyer against potential
default and also helps manage & transfer credit risk.
ii.Under the agreement, the buyer of a CDS makes periodic payments to the seller until the credit maturity
date.
iii.If the debt issuer defaults, the seller will pay the buyer all premiums and interest that would’ve been
paid up to the date of maturity.
Note: CDS, like an insurance policy, allows purchasers to buy protection against an unlikely event that may
affect the investment.
About the RBI CDS Guidelines:
i.RBI issued a revised CDS Guidelines which was effected on 9th May 2022.
ii.The revised RBI guidelines apply to credit derivatives transactions undertaken in Over-the-Counter
(OTC) markets and on recognised stock exchanges in India.
iii.The eligible participants of the credit derivatives market are Residents and non-residents who are
eligible to invest in corporate bonds and debentures under the Foreign Exchange Management (Debt
Instruments) Regulations 2019.
Click here to view full RBI CDS guidelines
About State Bank of India (SBI):
Chairman– Dinesh Kumar Khara
Establishment – 1955

IPPB Introduces Aadhaar ATM Service for Convenient Cash Withdrawals

The India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has introduced the Aadhaar ATM service facility for its users. It
works on the principle of the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS), which was introduced by the
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
Key Features:
i.This IPPB Online Aadhaar ATM facility will enable customers to avail cash without visiting a bank or an
Automated teller machine (ATM) and simply avail cash at their doorsteps with the help of a
postman/gramin dak sevak.
• This facility is particularly helpful for those with busy schedules or for people living in remote
places, especially rural areas.
ii.NPCI has set a maximum transaction amount of Rs. 10,000 on a single AePS financial transaction.
iii.As the acquiring bank, IPPB does not impose any restrictions on AePS transactions for other bank
clients.
iv.The Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) is a banking service enabling customers to utilize their
Aadhaar identification for accessing associated bank accounts. This can be accessible through designated
Business Correspondents (a verified Bank Agent who provides basic banking service using a MicroATM
(terminal) to any bank customer wishing to avail their BC service)
v.The services provided by the AePS include –
• Balance Enquiry
• Cash Withdrawal
• Cash Deposit (done under IPPB Aadhaar ATM)
• Mini Statement
• Aadhaar to Aadhaar Fund Transfer
vi.There are no transaction charges levied on any user if he or she avails of the facility at any access point
or doorstep. However, the doorstep service charges will be applicable to the customer as per prevailing
fees.
About National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)–
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is an initiative of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian
Banks’ Association (IBA) under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for
developing a robust Payment & Settlement Infrastructure in India.
MD & CEO- Mr.Dilip Asbe
About India Post Payments Bank-
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) – R. Viswesvaran
Tagline – Aapka Bank, Aapke Dwaar
Axis Bank & Shoppers Stop Launched a New Co-branded Credit Card “Axis Bank Shoppers Stop
Credit Card”
Axis Bank Limited collaborated with Shoppers Stop Ltd to launch “Axis Bank Shoppers Stop Credit
Card“, a co-branded Credit Card, to enhance the shopping experience for cardholders, both online and
offline at an event at the Shoppers Stop Malad store, in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Note: Shoppers Stop Ltd is India’s leading Omni-Channel retailer of fashion, beauty, and home products
and one of the largest chains of department stores across India.
Key People: Arjun Chowdhry, Group Executive – Retail Assets, Payments & Affluent Banking, Axis Bank;

and Karunakaran M, Customer Care Associate and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Shoppers Stop were
present during the launch event.
About Axis Bank Shoppers Stop Credit Card:
i.This collaboration leverages Axis Bank’s financial solutions and Shoppers Stop’s expansive network,
promising a blend of convenience and rewards for shoppers.
ii.This card marks the extension of Axis Bank’s credit card portfolio into the omnichannel shopping space.
Key Features:
i.Complimentary ‘Shoppers Stop First Citizen Club Golden Glow’ membership
ii.Up to 20 First Citizen points on Shoppers Stop purchases
iii.Dining Delights with Eazy Diner (15% instant discount up to Rs 500 per month for a minimum
transaction value of Rs 2500)
iv.Exclusive offers via Grab deals
v.1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions.
About Axis Bank Ltd.:
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Amitabh Chaudhry
Started Operations in– 1994
Tagline– Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi
Airtel Payments Bank unveils NCMC Debit and Pre-Paid Cards in Collaboration with NPCI
On April 18, 2024, Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with National Payments Corporation of India
(NPCI) to introduce eco-friendly NCMC (National Common Mobility Cards) debit and prepaid cards.
• These cards are powered by RuPay and are crafted from environmentally sustainable e-PVC
material.
• This is in line with Airtel Payments Bank’s commitment to India’s One Nation, One Card vision.
Key Points:
i.Customers can utilize these cards for seamless contactless payments at merchant establishments, both
online and offline, including NCMC transit transactions at metros, buses, and parking facilities nationwide.
ii.It eliminates the need for ticket queues. Additionally, they facilitate the issuance of concession and
monthly passes, simplifying transit transactions across different transport operators.
ii.Debit cards can be ordered through the Airtel Thanks App or by visiting nearby banking points, while
NCMC-enabled prepaid cards will soon be accessible through online and retail platforms, enhancing
customer convenience.
About Airtel Payments Bank:
MD & CEO– Anubrata Biswas
Headquarters– Gurugram, Haryana
NABARD releases Climate Strategy 2030 to promote green financing

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) released its Climate Strategy 2030
document. The document was released by Shaji K.V., Chairman, NABARD on the occasion of World
Earth Day (22nd April, 2024).
• The main objective of this strategy document is to promote and boost green financing in India.
Key Points:
i.To achieve a cumulative total of over USD 2.5 trillion by 2030, India requires an estimated USD 170
billion annually.
• In current scenario, green finance inflows are not sufficient to achieve this target.

ii.As of 2019-20, India received around USD 49 billion in green financing, which is just a fraction of what
is required.
Only, USD 5 billion was allocated towards adaptation and resilience efforts, showing the limited
engagement of the private sector in these critical areas due to challenges in bankability and commercial
viability.
Key Pillars of Climate Strategy 2030:
The Climate Strategy 2030 is based on four key pillars to address the demand for green financing, and
these key pillars are:
i.Accelerating green lending across sectors
ii.Playing a broader market-making role
iii.Internal green transformation of NABARD
iv.Strategic Resource Mobilisation
About National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development(NABARD):
NABARD was established under NABARD Act, 1981 and works under the jurisdiction of Department of
Financial Services (DFS) (Ministry of Finance).
Chairman: Shaji K.V.
Established: 1982
IndusInd Bank Becomes 1st Bank to Successfully Execute RBI’s Programmable CBDC Pilot
IndusInd Bank Limited became the 1st bank to successfully execute the Reserve Bank of India’s
(RBI) programmable Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot, to compensate farmers for carbon
credits.
• This pilot project is executed in collaboration with Circularity Innovation Hub India Private
Limited (CIH), as an alternate form of CBDC.
• The introduction of programmable CBDC marks a significant milestone in innovative financial
solutions for agriculture.
Innovative CBDC Pilot:
i.The project focuses on programming end use of funds, disbursed to farmers for carbon credit generation.
ii.As part of this pilot, IndusInd Bank initiated the programmable CBDC disbursement to 50 farmers in
Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, and plans to cover 1000 farmers.
Objectives:
This collaborative effort aims to promote Circularity Credits by recycling agricultural waste.
Collaborative Efforts:
i.This project involves crafting digital wallets and managing CBDC transfers by IndusInd Bank.
ii.CIH acts as a Sponsor Agency for this project, promoting circular economy models and generating the
first-of-its-kind Circularity Credits.
iii.Hindustan Agro & Jackfruit King Company spearheads farmer engagement, linking sustainable practices
to additional revenue streams.
iv.Emertech Innovations develops a Blockchain-backed platform for traceability and transparency in
revenue generation and disbursement.
Future Phases:
i.Phase 2 of the project will target the Safai Karmacharis to increase income through plastic waste
recycling.
• Safai Karmachari means a person engaged in or employed for any sanitation work.
ii.CIH’s ‘Planet and People Platform’ ensures transparency in beneficiary disbursements.

Points to Note:
i.The RBI introduced its CBDC in 2022, leveraging distributed-ledger technology, empowering banks to
transact with these tokens.
ii.CBDC is a form of digital currency/e-rupee or fiat currency issued by a country’s central bank.
• Fiat money is a government-issued currency that is not tied to a physical commodity like gold or
silver.
About IndusInd Bank Limited:
MD & CEO– Sumant Kathpalia
Tagline– We Make You Feel Richer
RBI restricts Kotak Mahindra Bank from Adding New Customers Online and Issuing New Credit
Cards
On April 24, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in exercise of its powers under Section 35A of the
Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949, barred Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited from onboarding of new
customers through its online and mobile banking channels and issuing fresh credit cards.
• However, the bank will still serve its current customers, including those with credit cards.
Reason behind this Direction:
The RBI’s Information Technology (IT) examinations for 2022 and 2023 revealed serious deficiencies in
the bank’s IT management, which the bank failed to promptly address. These deficiencies included issues
with IT inventory management, patch and change management, user access management, vendor risk
management, data security and data leak prevention strategy, business continuity and disaster recovery
rigour and drill.
i.Kotak Mahindra Bank’s IT risk and information security governance did not meet regulatory standards
for two consecutive years, despite corrective action plans. As a result, the bank experienced frequent
outages in Core Banking System (CBS) and digital channels, culminating in a disruption on April 15, 2024.
ii.So, to safeguard customer interests, prevent disruption in efficient customer service, and digital banking
and payment systems’, RBI impose business restrictions on the bank.
Key Points:
i.RBI cracks down on regulated entities for non-compliance.
ii.The banks barred by RBI in the last three months included Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL)
from new deposits, IIFL (India Infoline Finance Limited) Finance from new gold loans, and JM
Financial from undertaking any business related to shares or bond funding.
iii.Bank of Baroda (BoB) banned from onboarding customers on Bob World app since October 2023.
PayU gets RBI’s approval to operate as Payments Aggregator

PayU Payments Private Limited(PayU), a leading payments solution provider, has received in-principle
approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a payment aggregator (PA).
• With this approval, PayU can onboard new merchants, offering them seamless digital payment
services.
• It focuses on driving digitisation and financial inclusion, especially for small merchants.
• The approval reflects PayU’s commitment to fostering a robust digital payment infrastructure in
India in alignment with the Government of India’s Digital India initiative and progressive RBI
regulations.

FINANCE NEWS
L&T Finance Holdings Renamed as “ L&T Finance Limited”
L&T Finance Holdings Ltd (LTFH), a subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Limited, has received
approval from Registrar of Companies (RoC) to change its name to “L&T Finance Limited(LTF)” with
effect from 28th March 2024.
• The rebranding reflects LTF’s commitment to create a simplified ‘Single Lending Entity’, housing
all lending businesses under one operating NBFC.
• In December 2023, LTFH(now LTF) completed the merger of its subsidiaries, namely L&T
Finance Ltd., L&T Infra Credit Ltd., and L&T Mutual Fund Trustee Ltd., with itself to creates a
“Single Lending Entity”.
• Post merger, the Certificate of Registration of L&T Finance Ltd. and L&T Infra Credit Ltd. were
surrendered to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Note: L&T Finance Limited is a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC) based in Mumbai,
Maharashtra.
GoI approved Bonus for PLI & RPLI Scheme for FY25
The Government of India (GoI) has approved a simple reversionary bonus for the Postal Life Insurance
(PLI) Scheme and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) Scheme for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) without
changing the bonus rate.
• The rates of bonus for the FY25 will be applicable from 1st April 2024.
Bonus Rate of PLI Scheme:
i.For Whole Life Assurance (WLA/Suraksha), the rate of bonus will be at Rs.76 per thousand of sum
assured.
ii.For Endowment Assurance (EA/Santosh), the bonus rate will be Rs.52 per thousand of sum assured.
iii.Anticipated Endowment Assurance (AEA/Sumangal), will be fletching bonus of Rs.48 per thousand of
sum assured.
iv.In case of Convertible Whole Life Assurance (CWLA/Suvidha), whole life bonus rate would be
applicable whereas endowment assurance bonus rate will be applicable on conversion.
v.The rate of terminal bonus will be Rs.20 per sum assured of Rs.10,000, subject to a maximum of Rs.1,000
(for WLA and EA policies with a term of 20 years or more)
Bonus Rate of RPLI Scheme:
i.The bonus rate for WLA will be Rs.60 per thousand of sum assured and for EA (including children policy)
the rate is fixed at Rs.48 per thousand of sum assured.
ii.Similarly for AEA (including gram priya policies) the rate is Rs45 per thousand of sum assured.
iii.In case of CWLA, whole life bonus rate would be applicable, but on conversion, EA bonus rate will be
applicable.
iv.Similar to terminal bonus rate of PLI scheme, the rate for RPLI Scheme will be Rs.20 per sum assured of
Rs.10,000, subject to maximum of ₹1,000 for WLA and EA policies with term of 20 years or more.
About PLI & RPLI:
i.PLI, the oldest life insurance scheme in India, was introduced in 1884 for postal employees and later
extended to employees of Telegraph Department in 1888.
ii.Based on recommendations of the ‘Official Committee for Reforms in the Insurance Sector’ headed
by ex-Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor RN Malhotra, RPLI was launched in 1995.
Additional Info:
As per the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) for FY22, there were over 47.5 lakh PLI
policyholders and over 57.81 lakh RPLI subscribers.

IRDAI Announces Final Rules on Surrender Value from April 1 2024

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) announced final rules on surrender
value for traditional endowment policies effective from April 1, 2024.
• The surrender value is expected to remain the same or lower if policies are surrendered within
the initial 3 years.
Surrender value %:
The proposed slabs for the surrender value percentages are:
i.30% of total premiums paid if surrendered during the second year.
ii.35% of total premiums paid if surrendered during the third year
iii.50% of total premiums paid if surrendered between the fourth and seventh years
iv.90% of total premiums paid if surrendered during the last two years
Key Points:
i.Surrendering policies between the 4th and 7th years may result in a marginal increase in surrender
value.
ii.Non-single premium life insurance policies offer a guaranteed surrender value after paying premiums
for at least 2 consecutive years.
Implications for Policyholders:
i.While this benefits insurance companies, policyholders (customers) may not see significant relief,
maintaining the status quo.
ii.Challenges for insurers in balancing various factors, including distributor payouts, shareholder
profitability, etc.
iii.Maintenance of the status quo disappoints policyholders expecting increased surrender values.
iv.Despite hopes raised by a consultation paper in December 2023, surrender values for policyholders
remain modest in the initial years.
About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):
IRDAI is a statutory body under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance.
It was established in 1999, following the recommendations of the Malhotra Committee report. It was
incorporated as a statutory body in April 2000.
Chairman– Mr Debasish Panda
Headquarters– Hyderabad, Telangana
Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors and Coal India among Top 5 Index Performers in FY24
Indian financial markets finished the Financial year 2023-24(FY24) on a positive note with domestic
equity indices: Nifty50 and Sensex achieving their most robust performance in three fiscal years.
• Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors and Coal India Limited emerged as the Top 3 Index Performers in FY24.
Top 5 Index Performers in FY24:
i.Bajaj Group emerged as the top-performing large cap on the Nifty50 in FY24. It shows an exceptional
return of 142.52% on investments made over the last 12 months. Its market cap surged by 120% which
amounts to Rs 2,54,000 crore as of 1st April, 2024.
ii.Tata Motors secured the 2nd spot among top performing index in FY24. It generated a return
of 136.67% on investments over the last one year.
• Jaguar, Land Rover (wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Motors) and expansion in sectors like:
Electric Vehicle (EV), attributed growth of market cap by139.60% in FY24.
iii.Indian Public Sector Unit (PSU) Coal India Limited (CIL) emerged as the 3rd best-performing large cap
on Nifty50 in FY24. It delivered a return of 118.73% on investments made over the past one year. The
growth was driven by increasing power demand and increasing electrification initiatives.
iv.Adani’s Group flagship port company has secured the 4th spot among top performing indexes with a

return of 113.76% on investments generated over last 12 months.

v.Hero MotoCorp emerged as the 5th best performing largecap of FY24 with a return of 107.91% on
investments generated over last 12 months.
Highlights:
i.The 30-share Stock Exchange Sensitive Index (SENSEX) increased by 24.85% in last one year, while
National stock exchange FIFTY (NIFTY50) showed the growth of approximately 29%.
• Equity investors became richer by Rs 128.77 lakh crore in FY24 due to increase in investment
inflows, resilient economy, and excellent corporate earnings.
ii.Both indices cumulatively had shown a return on investment of about 27%-31% between time period
of April 2023 and March 2024.
iii.The top 5 best performers in largecaps for FY24 are,
Zomato, TATA Motors – DVR Ltd, Adani Power, Punjab National Bank & Delhi Land & Finance (DLF
Limited).
• Zomato has emerged as market’s best-performing largecap with growth of 261.86% in the
market.
iv.Dalal-Street(D-Street) top 10 best performing largecap stocks of FY24 saw an increase of 110%-270%
in their market value during fiscal under-review.
TATA AIG General Insurance Company Introduces ‘Travel Guard Plus’ Insurance Product
TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, a leading general insurance provider, has launched
“Travel Guard Plus“, a comprehensive travel insurance product aimed at redefining complete coverage
for travelers.
• This product caters to the diverse travel needs of people, with a wide range of plans, where 41
different types of covers have been packaged ensuring a stress-free experience.
Key Features:
i.Customers can choose from 3 add-on bundles: Cruise Bundle, Travel Plus Bundle, and Accident Bundle,
catering to specific needs.
ii.Travel Guard Plus covers Loss of Personal Baggage, Compassionate Travel/Stay, Accommodation
extension, Upgrade to Business class, Personal Accident in India, and Instant Gratification for flight delays
or cancellations.
iii.The customers can customize the coverage further with optional assistance services including Care at
Home, Baggage tracking, and Lost Passport tracking.
New Features:
i.Annual Multi-Trip cover with up to 180 days per trip duration.
ii.Single Trip option with a policy duration of up to 365 days.
iii.Non-medical coverage plan for students or short-duration travelers.
iv.A separate plan for Schengen geo-scope.
v.New age covers include pandemic coverage and adventure sports.
Special Plans:
i.Senior Plus plan for higher medical sum insured up to USD 100,000 (71-80 years).
ii.Super Senior plan for higher medical sum insured up to USD 50,000 (>80 years).
About Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited:
It is a joint venture (JV) between the Tata Group and the American International Group (AIG)
Chairman– Saurabh Agrawal
MD & CEO– Neelesh Garg
Established on 22nd January 2001

UPI Transactions Volume Increased by 56% in H2 2023: Worldline

According to Worldline India Digital Payments Report H2 2023 the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
transactions volume in the second half (H2) of 2023 (July 2023 – December 2023) increased by 56% to
65.77 billion from 42.09 billion in H2 2022.
• The value of transactions increased by 44% from Rs 69.36 Lakh Crore to Rs 99.68 lakh crore.
Average Ticket Size(ATS):
i.The ATS of UPI transactions reduced by 8% to Rs 1515 from Rs 1648 in H2 2022.
ii.For UPI person-to-person (P2P) transactions, ATS grew by 4% to Rs 2745 in H2 2023 from Rs 2649 in
H2 2022.
iii.For UPI person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions, ATS reduced by 9% to Rs 656 in H2 2023 from Rs 720
in H2 2022.
Payments Acceptance Infrastructure:
i.The payments acceptance infrastructure channels have developed between July 2022 and December
2023, Point of Sale (PoS) terminals grew by 26% to 8.56 million while Bharat QR (BQR)s grew by 32% to
5.96 million and UPI QR transactions grew by 57% to 317 million.
iii.Private Sector banks dominated the space with a 73% market share while Public Sector Banks
accounted for 18%. Payments and foreign banks continued to have a 8% and 1% market share
respectively.
Points to note:
i.Top PoS deployers: As of December 2023, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India (SBI),
RBL Bank, Paytm Payments Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank and Canara Bank,
collectively accounted for 94% PoS terminals deployed.
ii.As of December 2023, PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm collectively accounted for 95.4% of all
transactions in terms of volume and 93% of all transactions in terms of value.
Credit, Debit & Prepaid Cards:
i.The value of card transactions in H2 2023 was Rs 12.66 Lakh crore, an increase of 13% from H2 2022.
ii.The transaction value of credit cards increased by 11% to Rs 9.39 Lakh crore compared to H2 2022
while the value of debit card transactions decreased by 16% to Rs 3.02 lakh crore and the value of prepaid
cards transactions decreased by 30% to Rs 24,100 crore.
iii.In December 2023, the total number of cards was 1.384 billion, this marks a year-on-year (YoY)
increase of 6%.
• This includes 97.9 million, 960.8 million debit cards and 325 million prepaid cards, YoY growth
of 21%, 2% and 13% respectively
iv.The volume of card transactions reduced by 7% to 3.70 billion in H2 2023 compared to H2 2022.
Note:
• Top5 issuers of credit cards: HDFC Bank, SBI, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank
• Top 5 issuers of debit cards: SBI, Bank of Baroda(BoB), Canara Bank, Union Bank of
India(UBI), HDFC Bank
Mobile transactions:
i.The volume of Online transactions via mobile phone apps increased by 38% to 62.95 billion(H2 2023)
from 45.58 billion(H2 2022).
ii.As of December 2023, the number of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags issued grew by 45% i.e.
from 55.94 million (July 2022) to 81.24 million( December 2023).
iii.As per the report, e-commerce, gaming, utilities, government and financial services accounted for nearly
80% of total online transactions in H2 2023.
About Worldline:
Worldline is a multinational payment and transactional services company.

Chief Executive Officer(CEO)– Gilles Grapinet

Headquarters– La Defense, France
Established in 1972
American Express Launches New Metal Corporate Platinum Card

On April 5 2024, American Express launched the new Metal Corporate Platinum Card, designed to
meet the changing needs of business owners and entrepreneurs in India.
• The card offers best-in-class advantages including Taj Epicure Plus Membership and Gold
Elite Status at Marriott Bonvoy.
• The card members can receive up to 5X rewards on purchases made in a few specific
categories, such as Information Technology/ Information Technology Enabled Services
(IT/ITES), e-commerce, and airlines.
The new Metal Card will be subject to 100% payment of annual Card fee (Rs 40,000 + taxes). Click here to
know more
Tata Mutual Fund Introduces 6 Index Funds, 3 are Industry-First

On April 8, 2024, Tata Mutual Fund/Tata Asset Management Private Limited launched six index funds
offering a new investment opportunity with a minimum investment of Rs 5,000 during the New Fund
Offer (NFO) period, which runs from April 8 to April 22, 2024.
Key Points:
i.The new index funds are Tata Nifty Auto Index Fund, Tata Nifty Realty Index Fund, Tata Nifty
Financial Services Index Fund.
ii.The other three are industry first viz. Tata Nifty MidSmall Healthcare Index Fund, Tata Nifty
500 Multicap India Manufacturing 50:30:20 Index Fund, and Tata Nifty
500 Multicap 50:30:20 Infrastructure Index Fund.
iii.Tata Mutual Fund has co-created the benchmarks with Nifty Indices, an index provider and subsidiary
of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE India).
About Index Funds:
i.Tata Nifty MidSmall Healthcare Index Fund: Tracks mid-cap and small-cap healthcare stocks,
comprising up to 30 selections from the Nifty MidSmallcap 400 index, with top constituents like Max
Healthcare Institute and Lupin.
ii.Tata Nifty 500 Multicap India Manufacturing 50:30:20 Index Fund: Follows large-cap, mid-cap, and
small-cap stocks representing the manufacturing theme from the Nifty 500 index, with fixed weightage
distribution.
iii.Tata Nifty 500 Multicap 50:30:20 Infrastructure Index Fund: Tracks large-cap, mid-cap, and small-
cap stocks in the infrastructure theme from the Nifty 500, comprising a total of 75 stocks with fixed
weightage.
iv.Tata Nifty Auto Index Fund: The is designed to reflect the behaviour and performance of the
automobiles sector which includes manufacturers of cars, motorcycles, heavy vehicles, auto ancillaries.
v.Tata Nifty Realty Index Fund: Open-ended scheme replicating the Nifty Realty Index, suitable for long-
term capital appreciation.
vi.Tata Nifty Financial Services Fund: an open-ended scheme tracking the Nifty Financial Services Index,
benchmarked against the NIFTY Financial Services Index (TRI). It is constructed with a maximum of 20
stocks, imposes strict limits on single stock weight, not exceeding 33% of the total weight, and restricts the
cumulative weight of the top 3 stocks to no more than 62%.

About Tata Mutual Fund (Tata Asset Management Private Limited):

Chairman– Rajiv Sabharwal
Established in – 1994
NPS Assets under Management record 30.5% YoY growth in FY24: PFRDA Data
As per the latest data from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the
National Pension System (NPS) Assets Under Management (AUM) experienced 30.5% year-on-year (Y-o-
Y) growth during the Fiscal Year 2023-24 (FY24), reaching Rs 11.73 lakh Crore in FY24 from Rs 8.98 lakh
crore in FY23.
• This is higher than the 27% y-o-y increase seen in NPS assets in FY23.
Highlights:
i.This growth is amid addition of 9.47 lakh new subscribers from non-government sector.
• The number of new government employees onboarded NPS in FY24 stood at 7.10 lakh.
ii.However, this growth is fell slightly short of the PFRDA’s target of one million for FY24, with an internal
target of 13 lakh new subscribers.
iii.As of March 31, 2024 the total number of NPS and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) subscribers increased by
16.28% to 7.36 crore.
Key Points:
i.Non-government sector (corporate and retail) witnessed a 41.67% growth in NSP assets to Rs 2.27 lakh
Crore, while government employees’ assets grew by 28% to Rs 9.05 lakh crore.
ii.Heightened awareness campaigns contributed to NPS asset growth, with equity assets constituting 18%
of the AUM and a higher proportion in the Retail and Corporate Segments.
iii.Over 3,000 additional corporates adopted Corporate NPS for their employees in FY24.
iv.Strong equity markets resulted in Pension Funds achieving an average annual return of 35.42% as of
March 31, surpassing other investment avenues significantly.
About Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA):
Chairperson– Dr. Deepak Mohanty
General Insurance industry grows 12.78% in FY24: GIC Data

According to data released by the General Insurance Council (GIC), the General Insurance industry
experienced a growth of 12.78% in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 (FY24) reaching their Gross direct premium
underwritten to Rs 2,89,731 crore from Rs 2,56,894 crore in FY23.
• Premiums of general insurers grew by 14.24% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 2.45 trillion in FY24.
• But, FY24 growth is lower than when compared with 16% achieved in FY23.
Note: The General Insurance Players include 25 Non-Life Companies, 5 Standalone health firms, and 2
specialized players.
Highlights:
i.In March 2024, gross direct premium of general insurance companies grew by 9.64% Y-o-Y to Rs
21,422.06 crore.
ii.Public sector general insurers held 31.18% of the overall market share in FY24, down from 32.27% in
FY23, while private insurers’ market share increased to 53.52%.
iii.Gross premium of 25 non-life insurance companies grew by about 14% in FY24 to Rs 2,45,424 crore,
and standalone health insurers saw a 26% growth to Rs 33,116 crore.

• Two specialized insurers viz. Agriculture Insurance Co of India Ltd and ECGC Ltd reported a
decline of 29% at Rs 11,190 crore in FY24 (Rs 15,817 crore in FY23).
iv.The non-life industry was primarily driven by health and motor insurance segments, although there was
a marginal decrease in liability, crop insurance, and marine cargo.
Key Points:
i.Public sector general insurers saw a 8.99% growth in premium to Rs 90,344.49 crore, while private
sector counterparts witnessed a 17.53% increase to Rs 1.55 trillion.
ii.The New India Assurance Company registered a 7.4% year-on-year growth in premium to Rs 37,035.19
crore.
iii.Leading private sector players like ICICI Lombard General Insurance and Bajaj Allianz General
Insurance experienced significant premium growth of 17.84% and 33.49% respectively.
iv.HDFC Ergo General Insurance’s premium increased by 11.61% to Rs 18,567.56 crore, and United India
Insurance Company saw a surge of 12.51% to Rs 19,851.71 crore in FY24.
i.Manik Saha, Chief Minister(CM) of Tripura, launched the CM Jan Arogya Yojana (CMJAY), a universal
health insurance scheme for all. With this launch, Tripura became the first Northeastern state to launch a
universal health cover.
ii.The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued guidelines mandating
general and health insurance companies to cover Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa
Rigpa and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) treatments in their health insurance policies with effect from 1st April
2024.
About General Insurance Council (GIC):
It has been constituted under section 64C of the Insurance Act, 1938 since 2001 by the Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
Chairman– Tapan Singhel
Tagline– Together We serve
NIIF Invests USD 200 mn in iBus to Boost Digital Infrastructure in India

National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIF) has invested USD 200 million(about Rs 1660
crores) in iBus Network And Infrastructure Pvt Ltd(iBUS), a Bengaluru(Karnataka)-based Digital
Infrastructure Solutions Company, to support the growth of the digital infrastructure in India.
• The investment, in line with India’s Digital India Mission, was made through NIFF’s Master
Fund.
• The NIIF will hold a significant majority stake in iBUS after the completion of the transaction.
• Part of the funds will be deployed to develop new infrastructure solutions to address evolving
market demands and technological advancements.
• The NIIFL Master Fund, India’s largest infrastructure fund, aims to participate in the Indian
infrastructure story by investing in high-quality businesses and assets across core
infrastructure sectors via operating and greenfield opportunities.
SBI Life Introduces IdeationX to Inspire Insurance Innovations amongst Young Minds
State Bank of India Life Insurance Company Limited (SBILIFE), one of the leading private life
insurance companies in India has launched its 1st edition of IdeationX, a groundbreaking initiative that
aims to transform the future of the insurance industry.
Key Objectives of the Initiative:
i.In alignment with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s (IRDAI) vision of

‘Insurance for All by 2047’, SBI Life’s IdeationX is an innovative platform that aims to encourage and
engage the young aspiring minds from the B-Schools across the country to come up with new ideas and
innovative solutions that would cater to the emerging insurance needs of the people.
ii.The opportunity provided to the future leaders of the country will help in reshaping the insurance sector
and thereby achieving sustainable growth through the new product solutions brought to light by the
aspiring minds.
Highlights of the Initiative:
i.The 1st edition of the IdeationX saw keen involvement of over 1000 aspiring candidates representing
different B-Schools like National Insurance Academy (NIA) in Pune (Maharashtra), NIRMA in Ahmedabad,
South Indian Education Society (SIES) in Mumbai(Maharashtra), KJ Somaiya in Mumbai, International
Management Institute (IMI) in Kolkata (West Bengal), Brij Mohan Lall (BML) Munjal in Gurgaon (
Haryana), Institute of Management Technology (IMT) in Hyderabad (Telangana), and Xavier Institute of
Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME) in Bengaluru (Karnataka).
ii.After the screening test, around 320 students got selected, and the final round had eight finalist teams,
out of which XIME-Bengaluru emerged victorious, clinching the title of SBI Life Ideation X winner.
About SBI Life Insurance –
SBI Life Insurance is a leading insurance company that was incorporated in October 2000 and was
registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in March 2001.
MD & CEO – Amit Jhingran
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tagline – Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye
IFSCA constitutes committee to transform GIFT City into Climate Finance Hub
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) constituted a standing committee to
prepare a framework for launching climate finance products. The committee aims to transform GIFT City
(Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) into a climate finance hub.
• The committee is expected to submit its report to the government by the end of May 2024.
Points to note:
i.IFSCA is set to launch climate finance products from GIFT City. This could be an Alternate Investment
Fund, transition bond, transition insurance, etc.
ii.Apart from banks and the bond market, more climate funds are scheduled to be launched in GIFT City
Additional info:
i.Banks in GIFT City has already set aside 5% of credit for green and sustainable projects.
ii.Out of USD 60 billion of outstanding loans, USD 700 million has been extended as green and sustainable
credit.
iii.Out of USD 55.5 billion worth of bonds raised from GIFT City, bonds worth USD14 billion are green
and sustainable-linked bonds.
Note: India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)was set up in GIFT City, Gandhinagar,
Gujarat.
About International Financial Services Centres Authority(IFSCA):
It is the unified regulator for the development and regulation of financial products, financial services and
financial institutions such as GIFT International Financial Services Centre in India.
It was established under the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) Act, 2019.
Chairman: K. Rajaraman
Headquarters: GIFT City, Gujarat
Established: 2020

IRDAI Celebrates Silver Jubilee on 19th April 2024

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), the statutory body of insurance
companies and intermediaries in India, marked the celebration of its Silver Jubilee(25 year) on 19th
April 2024.
History of IRDAI:
i.In 1993, the Government of India formed a committee under the chairmanship of RN Malhotra, former
Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to propose recommendations for reforms in the insurance
sector.
ii.Following the recommendations of the Malhotra Committee report, IRDAI was constituted as an
autonomous body to regulate and develop the insurance industry in 1999.
iii.IRDAI was formed as a statutory body under the IRDAI Act, 1999 and was incorporated on 19th April
2000.
Insurance for All by 2047:
i.In line with its vision of “Insurance for All by 2047”, IRDAI launched Bima Trinity, an all-in-one insurance
product which covers health, life, property, and accident risks.
ii.IRDAI has set to deploy “Bima Vahaks” in every Gram Panchayat across India by December 31, 2024 to
expand insurance penetration in rural India.
IRDAI Removes Age Limits on Health Insurance Purchase
IRDAI has removed the age cap on buying health insurance policies, effective from 1st April 2024. Now
anyone, regardless of age, is eligible to purchase new health insurance.
• Prior to this, individuals aged above 65 years were restricted from purchasing new insurance
policies.
• This aims to create a more inclusive healthcare ecosystem in India and to encourage insurance
providers to diversify their products.
Key Points:
i.IRDAI has instructed health insurance providers to introduce tailored policies for specific demographics,
like senior citizens, and establish dedicated channels for handling their claims and grievances.
ii.IRDAI has also decreased the health insurance waiting period from 48 months to 36 months.
iii.IRDAI has stated that all pre-existing conditions should be covered after 36 months, regardless of
whether the policyholder disclosed them initially or not.
• IRDAI has prohibited health insurers from rejecting claims based on pre-existing health
conditions after 36 months.
iv.Insurance companies can offer only benefit-based policies, which offering fixed costs upon the
occurrence of a covered disease. They are barred from introducing indemnity-based health policies, which
compensate for hospital expenses.
About the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):
Chairman– Debasish Panda
Headquarters– Hyderabad, Telangana
NBBL and SBI introduce NCMC recharge on Bharat BillPay

NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of
India (NPCI), in association with the State Bank of India (SBI), has onboarded the SBI National Common
Mobility Card (NCMC) on its Bharat BillPay platform for the convenience of travellers.
• The introduction of NCMC Recharge as Bharat BillPay’s biller category will enable customers to
recharge or top up their cards online.
• Customers can top up their NCMC cards with up to Rs. 10,000 online through Bharat BillPay-
enabled platforms, supporting various methods such as prepaid, debit, and credit cards.

• SBI NCMC cardholders can get the instant and secure option of topping up their wallets via SBI
Unipay and all other Bharat BillPay-enabled digital front-end platforms.
Note: SBI launches its NCMC Prepaid Card in September 2023 to facilitate easy digital ticketing fare
payments in metros, buses, water ferries, parking, and more through a single card.
Aegon Life Insurance Renamed as Bandhan Life by BFHL

Bandhan Financial Holdings Limited (BFHL), the promoter of Bandhan Bank, has renamed Aegon Life
Insurance as Bandhan Life.
• The new logo (growing ‘bud’) and the tagline ‘Bharat Ki Udaan, Bandhan Se’ also unveiled.
• BFHL completed the acquisition of Aegon Life Insurance from Aegon India Holding B.V. and
Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited(BCCL) in February 2024.
CRED Receives in-principle Approval from RBI for Payment Aggregator Licence
CRED, a Bengaluru (Karnataka) based fintech unicorn company, has received in-principle approval from
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the payment aggregator (PA) licence.
• It usually takes about six months after the in-principle nod for a company to get the final
approval from the RBI.
• Payment aggregators provide secure online payment systems and solutions to merchants.
Note:Juspay Technologies Private Limited(Juspay), Decfin Tech Private Limited (Decfin), and Zoho
Payment Technologies Private Limited (Zoho) received their final PA license in February 2024.
Revolut India Gets in-principle Nod for PPI Licence from RBI
Revolut India, a neobank backed by Tiger Global and Softbank, has received in-principle approval from
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) including prepaid cards and
prepaid wallets.
• This will allow Revolut India to operate as a domestic player in India’s financial landscape.
Note: Neobanks are digital-only banking platforms that operate solely online without any physical
branches.
Points to note:
i.The new license complements Revolut India’s existing licenses from the RBI, allowing it to function as a
Category-II Authorised Money Exchange Dealer (AD II).
ii.It further enables the provision of multi-currency forex cards and cross-border remittance services.
iii.With this, Revolut will provide Indian customers with both international and domestic payment
solutions through a single platform.
PPIs and Regulatory Developments:
i.PPIs are instruments or payment tools that utilise stored monetary value for transactions, including
digital wallets, smart cards, or vouchers.
ii.On 5 April 2024, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das proposed linking PPIs through third-party Unified
Payments Interface (UPI) apps, similar to bank account holders.
Note: India is the only market where Revolut offers a localised version of its app.
Future Plans:
Revolut plans to introduce digital-first money management services for Indian customers which will allow
the users to manage their finances, including payments, and remittances, both locally and internationally.
About Revolut India:
The London (United Kingdom)-based Revolut, the largest neobank in Europe, entered the Indian market in
2021.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Paroma Chatterjee


Established in 2021
AU SFB launches Suite of Financial Products including Banking Industry’s first ATM Insurance
On 23rd April 2024, AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) introduced a suite of financial products aimed at
enhancing customer satisfaction.
• This included two new credit cards, the AU SPONT Rupay Credit Card and the Secured Credit
Card – NOMO (No Missing Out) and ATM (Automated teller machine) Insurance.
• AU SFB has also launched AU 0101 Business App and AU 0101 Version 2.0.
NOMO Credit Card:
i.The NOMO Credit Card is AU SFB’s first secured credit card, backed by a Fixed Deposit (FD). It was
developed in collaboration with VISA.
ii.This will catering to users who do not meet the criteria for unsecured credit cards due to factors like
limited credit history or absence income proof.
iii.It offers rewards and benefits like airport lounge access and fuel surcharge waivers.
AU SPONT Rupay Credit Card :
i.The AU SPONT Rupay Credit Card was developed in collaboration with NPCI (National Payments
Corporation of India) .
Ii.This facilitates seamless integration with UPI (Unified Payments Interface)-enabled applications for
convenient payments through the UPI Scan and Pay feature.
ATM Insurance:
i.ATM Insurance allows its customers to purchase insurance through ATMs using their debit cards.
ii.This groundbreaking service was patented by AU SFB in March 2024 and further extended to
WhatsApp Insurance, providing instant policy issuance via WhatsApp.
Note: The insurance on ATM is the industry’s 1st innovation. Therefore AU SFB has patented this process
before launching its first ATM insurance in March 2024.
AU 0101 Business App & AU 0101 Version 2.0:
i.AU 0101 Business App will serve as one stop shop for proprietorships and Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs) with comprehensive banking solutions, including account management, deposits,
loans, and credit cards.
ii.It offers features like digital QR onboarding and payment settlements.
iii.AU 0101 Version 2.0 represents a upgrade to the AU SFB’s mobile banking app AU 0101, launched in
June 2021.
About AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB):
AU SFB (erstwhile AU Financiers (India) Ltd) was incorporated in 1996 as an NBFC(Non-Banking
Financial Company) and has been operating as a small finance bank since 19 April 2017.
Managing Director (MD) & CEO– Sanjay Agarwal
Headquartered– Jaipur, Rajasthan
Razorpay launched “UPI Switch” in partnership with Airtel Payments Bank

On 23rd April 2024, Razorpay Software Private Limited (Razorpay), online instant payment company
launched its own Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure with “UPI Switch”, a next-generation
cloud based innovation, in partnership with Airtel Payments Bank.
UPI Switch:
i.UPI Switch is powered by Technology Service Providers (TSPs) for banks.
ii.It is an infrastructure that holds the power to process UPI transactions at scale and enable new UPI
innovations for millions of businesses to access.

Key Features:
i.It is designed to handle up to 10,000 Transactions per Second (TPS) at any given time.
ii.UPI Switch aims to boost success rates by 4-5%, ensuring smoother transactions for businesses.
ii.It will also enable 5 times faster access to UPI innovations for businesses, compared to the industry
standards of 10 months.
iii.It can resolve disputes 7 times faster (i.e. within 24 hour) than conventional industry time of 7 days.
iv.It can process refunds instantly compared to conventional industry standards of up to 3 days.
Note:
i.In March 2024, total UPI transactions in India increased by 55% to 13.44 billion.
ii.UPI is an instant payment system in India developed by National Payments Corporation of India(NPCI)
in 2012. It was formally introduced by Reserve Bank of India(RBI) in 2016.
About Razorpay Software Private Limited:
Razorpay started its UPI innovation in 2017
CEO & Co-Founder– Harshil Mathur
MD & Co-Founder– Shashank Kumar
Headquarters- Bengaluru, Karnataka
Founded in 2014
About Airtel Payments Bank:
Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO)- Anubrata Biswas
Headquarters- Gurugram, Haryana
Established- 2017
Macquarie Launches USD 1.5 bn EV Fleet Financing Platform ‘Vertelo‘ in India

Macquarie Asset Management, part of Australia’s diversified financial giant Macquarie Group has
launched an electric vehicle (EV) financing and end-to-end solution platform ‘Vertelo’. Vertelo pledges a
substantial USD 1.5 billion investment aimed at electrifying fleets of buses and cars in India.
• Vertelo offers a range of solutions including financing, fleet management, and charging
infrastructure.
Strategic Partnerships:
Vertelo has secured partnerships with major players in the Indian EV market:
• Will buy up to 2,000 electric cars from Tata Motors over the next 3 years.
• Plans to buy up to 2,000 buses from electric bus manufacturers JBM Auto and Eka Mobility over
the next 3 to 5 years.
BharatPe Launches India’s first all-in-one Payment Device BharatPe One

BharatPe launched BharatPe One, India’s first all-in-one payment product that integrates POS (point of
sale), QR code, and speaker into one device.
• It is equipped with a high-definition touchscreen display, 4G, and Wi-Fi connectivity, and is
powered by the latest Android operating system.
• It is designed to simplify transactions for merchants, offering payment acceptance options
including dynamic and static QR code, tap-and-pay, and debit and credit cards.
• The fintech platform stated that it is planned to make BharatPe One available in about 100 cities
in the first phase and around 450 cities over the next 6 months.
SBI Card launches its 1st core Travel credit card ‘SBI Card Miles’ with 3 variants
SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited (SBI Card) introduces its first travel-focused credit card, ‘SBI
Card MILES,’ featuring three variants: SBI Card Miles Elite, SBI Card Miles Prime, and SBI Card Miles.

• The cards are available on Mastercard and RuPay networks.

Charges:
The ELITE variant has a joining and annual fee of Rs. 4,999 + taxes, while PRIME and MILES variants cost
Rs 2,999 and Rs 1,499 + taxes, respectively.
Benefits:
i.It will offer benefits like Travel Credits conversion, enhanced rewards on travel bookings, and lounge
access.
ii.The card partners include over 20 leading airlines and hotels brands including Air Vistara, Air India,
SpiceJet, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.
iii.For Elite, Prime and miles variants the Foreign Currency Mark-up Charge on International usage are
1.99%, 2.50% and 3.00% respectively
Travel credits:
SBI Card MILES ELITE SBI Card MILES PRIME SBI Card MILES
6 Travel Credits for every Rs. Earn 4 Travel Credits for every Earn 2 Travel Credits for every
200 that you spend on travel Rs. 200 that you spend on travel Rs. 200 that you spend on travel
2 Travel Credits for every Rs. 2 Travel Credits for every Rs. 1 Travel Credits for every Rs.
200 on all other spends 200 on all other spends 200 on all other spends
The Travel Credits can be converted into Air Miles / Hotel Points of respective partners
About SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited:
It is a joint venture between the State Bank of India (SBI) and GE Capital.
MD and CEO– Abhijit Chakravorty
Headquarters-Gurugram, Haryana
Hitachi Payment Services launches India’s first Upgradable ATM

Hitachi Payment Services Private Ltd, a 100% subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., launched India’s first upgradable
Automated Teller Machine (ATM) that can be converted to a cash recycling machine (CRM) as and when a
bank needs it, eliminating the need for a separate CRM.
• These upgradable machines feature UPI-enabled cash deposits and withdrawals.
CRM enables customers to make cash deposits and withdrawals in the same machine.
Cred Launches Offline QR Code-based ‘Scan and Pay’ Service

Fintech company Cred has launched an offline Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based ‘Scan and Pay’
service that enables users to scan QR codes for payments directly from their bank accounts.
• Cred aims to encourage its users to use the app to scan QR codes at high-end retail stores such
as supermarkets, restaurants, beauty salons, fashion outlets, etc.
• Merchants dealing with substantial transaction values, often credit card-based, are the primary
target.
Merchant Terminals:
i.Merchants can opt for various terminal types, including portable devices, kiosks, or dynamic QR code
displays, powered by Razorpay Point of Sale (POS) and Pine Labs.
ii.Terminals are available in portable ‘pocket’ form or as ‘kiosks’ for high-traffic areas.
iii.‘Kiosk’ facilitates self-service orders and UPI payments, enhancing customer experience.

Note: This retail offline payment initiative follows successful pilots at large format stores, enhancing
convenience for both merchants and customers.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS NEWS

World Bank projects Indian Economy to grow at 7.5% in 2024; EAP is projected to ease to 4.5%
in 2024
World Bank(WB)’s South Asia Development Update April 2024 – Jobs for Resilience, stated that India’s
economy is projected to grow by 7.5% in 2024, a revision of 1.2% from 6.3% estimated in the October
2023 report.
• India’s output growth is forecasted to reach 7.5% in FY 2023-24 (FY24) before moderating to
6.6% in FY25, primarily due to a deceleration in investments.
• South Asia is projected to maintain its status as the fastest-growing Emerging Market and
Developing Economy (EMDE) region globally for the next two years, with growth anticipated
at 6.1% in 2025.
Key Points:
i.Growth in South Asia is expected to be robust at 6% in 2024, driven by strong performances of India’s
economy and the recoveries seen in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
ii.Over the medium term, fiscal deficit and government debt in India are projected to decline, supported by
robust output growth and consolidation efforts.
iii.India’s economic activity in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023 exceeded expectations with
an 8.4% growth compared to the previous year, supported by increased investment and government
consumption.
iv.In February 2024, India’s composite Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) stood at 60.6, well above the
global average of 52.1 (a value above 50 indicates expansion).
v.In India, inflation has remained within the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 2–6% target range since mid-
2023, with unchanged policy rates since February 2023.
vi.Financial conditions have stayed favorable, with domestic credit issuance growing by 14% year-on-year
in December 2023, marking the fastest pace since 2013, and improvements in financial soundness
indicators, including a decrease in the nonperforming-loan ratio to 3.2%.
v.Despite a decrease in FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) as a share of GDP in 2023, a rebound in foreign
portfolio investment inflows in FY2023/24 led to an 8% increase in foreign reserves by January 2024.
East Asia and Pacific’s growth is projected to ease to 4.5% in 2024 from 5.1% in 2023
The WB in its semi-annual economic outlook titled ‘East Asia and Pacific April 2024 Economic Update,
April 2024: Firm Foundations of Growth‘ projected East Asia and Pacific’s (EAP) growth to ease to 4.5% in
2024 from 5.1% in 2023, with developing EAP excluding China expected to pick up to 4.6% from 4.4% in
2023.
Key Points:
i.China’s growth is projected to moderate to 4.5% due to factors like high debt, a weak property sector,
and trade frictions.
ii.Pacific Island countries are anticipated to experience a slowdown in growth, particularly in Fiji.
iii.Concerns persist over debt, trade barriers, and policy uncertainties affecting the region’s economic
dynamism.
iv.The report calls for addressing long-term issues like weak social safety nets and underinvestment in
education.
External Factors Affecting Economic Performance in EAP Region:
i.Global trade recovery, though slowing global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, is projected to
support economic performance, with trade in goods and services expected to grow by 2.3% in 2024 from
0.2% in 2023.

• GDP growth will slow down from 2.6% in 2023 to 2.4% in 2024.
ii.Despite declining inflation in major economies, elevated core inflation and tight labor markets in the
United States (US) and European Union (EU) suggest interest rates will remain higher, impacting economic
conditions.
iii.The imposition of nearly 3,000 new trade-distorting measures in 2023 raises concerns about increasing
protectionism, potentially hindering growth in EAP.
i.Sikkim Chief Minister (CM) Prem Singh Tamang launched Sikkim INSPIRES (Integrated Service Provision
and Innovation for Revising Economics), a World Bank(WB)-assisted program under the Planning and
Development Department of the Government of Sikkim was launched at Chintan Bhavan, Gangtok, Sikkim.
ii.The Government of Goa has announced a partnership with the World Bank (WB) to establish a Blended
Finance Facility (BFF) for climate resilience. This initiative aims to access and mobilise concessional
finance to implement low-carbon and climate-resilient investment in Goa.
About World Bank (WB):
WB Group President– Ajay Banga
Headquarters– Washington, DC, USA
GoI Raises Rs 16,500 Cr by Selling Stakes in Companies in FY23-24

In the fiscal year 2023/24, the Indian government has raised Rs. 16,500 crores through stake sales in
about 10 state-run companies. This amount however fell short by about 9% compared to the internal
target of Rs 18,000 crore.
• The Government of India’s (GoI) ambition of privatising state-run firms faced obstacles due to
the onset of general elections starting on April 19, 2024.
• Despite lower stake sale receipts, the government received higher dividends from state-run
companies, totaling about Rs 63,000 crore in 2023/24, surpassing the target of Rs. 50,000 crore.
Note: The government has not set a target for the current financial year (2024–25) as of April 1, 2024,
marking a departure from usual practice.
NTPC Shuts 220 MW Barauni Thermal Power Station Stage-I Project in Bihar
NTPC Limited (formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation), India’s leading power utility,
officially declared the permanent closure of its Barauni Thermal Power Station Stage-I (2×110
megawatt (MW)) in Bihar from March 31, 2024. The closure encompasses 2 units (Units 6 & 7), along
with all Auxiliary systems except CHP, Switchyard, Ash Dyke, and Township.
• NTPC established in 1975, boasts a total installed capacity of 75,418 MW (including Joint
Ventures (JVs)) and aims to achieve a capacity of 130 gigawatts (GW) by 2032.
• NTPC acquired Barauni Thermal Power Station (720 MW) in Bihar from Bihar State Power
Generation Company in December 2018.
• The coal-based power station comprises Stage-I (2×110 MW) and Stage-II (2×250 MW).
Note: NTPC is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Power.
ADB projected India’s GDP Growth Forecast for FY25 to 7%

On April 11, 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its ‘Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April
2024‘ raised India’s Gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for FY25 (2024-25) to 7% from 6.7%
amid robust growth which will be driven by public and private sector investment demand and gradual
improvement in consumer demand.
• This growth estimate is however; lower than 7.6% projected for the 2023.

Growth Projections:
i.For 2025, the ADB has projected India’s growth at 7.2%.
ii.India’s inflation will be 4.6% in 2024 and 4.5% in 2025.
iii.All data in the outlook were accessed from Feb 1 – 31 March 2024.
Highlights:
i.On Regional Front, developing economies in Asia and the Pacific are forecast to expand by 4.9% on
average in 2024 and 2025 amid robust domestic demand, improving semiconductor exports, and
recovering tourism.
• The inflation will be 3.2% in 2024 and 3% in 2025.
ii.South Asia remains the fastest growing subregion as domestic demand improves on moderating
inflation in most economies.
• Its growth will be 6.3% in 2024 and 6.6% in 2025.
iii.The ADB’s growth forecast for India is in line with the projections made by the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) which projected GDP growth at 7%, driven by a normal monsoon, moderating inflationary
pressures, and sustained momentum in the manufacturing and services sectors.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB):
President– Masatsugu Asakawa
Headquarters– Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Members – 68 members (49 from the region)
Moody’s Analytics forecasts India’s GDP to grow 6.1% in 2024

According to Moody’s Analytics report titled “APAC Outlook: Listening Through the Noise,” India’s
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to decrease to 6.1% in 2024 from 7.7% growth recorded in
2023.
Key Points:
i.The report mentioned that output in India remains 4% lower than it would have been without the
COVID-19 pandemic and its various aftershocks including: supply disruptions and military conflicts
abroad.
ii.As per the report, economies in South and South-East(SE) Asia region will witness some of the strongest
output gains in 2024; but their performance is flattered due to delay in post-pandemic rebound.
iii.The report estimated that overall APAC(Asia-Pacific) region will show a growth of 3.8% in 2024
whereas global economy will show the growth of 2.5%.
iv.The report highlighted that there is more uncertainty for China and India in terms of inflation.
v.As per the report, India’s Consumer Price inflation rate is around 5% which is close to inflation target
range of 2% to 6% set by Reserve Bank of India(RBI). It shows no sign of a trend towards slowing price
pressures.
NIPFP projects India’s FY25 GDP growth at 7.1-7.4%

On April 26, 2024, the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) released its ‘FY 2023-24:
Year End Macroeconomic Review’ during a seminar at its campus in New Delhi, Delhi. It has estimated
India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 7.1-7.4% for FY25 (2024-25), using high-frequency
models.
• This economic growth will be driven by high Capital Expenditure (Capex) and Government
investment in Public Goods.
• The central government is pursuing fiscal consolidation by increasing tax buoyancy and
compressing revenue expenditure.

Key Points:
i.In FY24, states experienced robust capex growth due to substantial transfers from the Centre. However,
central transfers show negligible growth at 0.7%, with declines in nine statesviz. Kerala (-43%), Bihar (-
30%) , Karnataka (-23%), Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal (WB), Uttarakhand, Himachal
Pradesh (HP), and Tamil Nadu (TN).
ii.The share of construction in overall GVA has risen since FY21, when it was 7.85%, to 9.13% in FY24.
iii.The NIPFP highlights downward risks to the forecast, including government consumption expenditure
compression and subdued private consumption growth.
iv.Concerns also persist about global growth slowdown, moderated global inflation, and geopolitical
uncertainties such as rising energy prices.
v.On the other side, there is Optimism about India’s economy because the government is investing heavily,
robust domestic demand, and sustained confidence in business and consumers.’
Note:
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Fitch Ratings forecast India’s growth at 7%, while International
Monetary Fund (IMF), S&P Global Ratings, and Morgan Stanley predict 6.8% growth for FY25.
About National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP)
It is a centre for research in public economics and policies.
Chairman– Dr. Urjit Patel
IREDA setup new office in GIFT City to promote renewable energy projects in foreign
currencies
The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency(IREDA) has established a new office in GIFT City
(Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• This will facilitate the financing of renewable and green hydrogen projects in foreign currencies
and thereby, reducing financial cost for renewable and green hydrogen projects.
Significance:
i.This new initiative will play pivotal role in the implementation of National Green Hydrogen Mission of
India which aims to produce hydrogen of more than 5 million Metric Tonnes Per Annum
(MTPA) by 2030.
ii.It is estimated that India’s storage capacity to around 400 GigaWatts-hour (GWh) by 2030-32 with an
investment of Rs 3.5 lakh crore.
Background :
i.The announcement was made during the panel discussion at the World Future Energy Summit2024 held
in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates(UAE).
ii.In February 2024, IREDA received Reserve Bank of India(RBI) approval to establish its wholly-owned
subsidiary at International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in GIFT City, Gujarat.
About Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency(IREDA):
IREDA is Mini Ratna Category-I company which comes under the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy(MNRE).
Chairman and Managing Director(CMD)- Pradip Kumar Das
Established in 1987

JSW Neo Energy Limited Secures 700-MW Solar Project from NTPC
JSW Neo Energy Limited (JSW Neo), a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSW Energy Limited, one of India’s
leading private sector power-producing companies received a Letter of Award (LoA) for setting
up 700 megawatts (MW) Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS)-connected solar power
project from NTPC Limited.
• The project is part of NTPC’s tariff-based competitive bid initiative for 1,500 MW ISTS-
connected Solar Power Projects (NTPC-ISTS-II).
• With the latest project win, JSW Energy’s total locked-in generation capacity has increased to
13.3 gigawatt (GW) of which 3.1 GW is solar power.
Note:
i.JSW Energy’s current installed generation capacity stands at 7.2 GW, projected to reach 9.8 GW by the
calendar year 2024 (CY24).
ii.JSW Energy aims for a 20 GW generation capacity and 40 gigawatt hours (GWh) energy storage capacity
by 2030. It has an ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS

NASA and Japan Sign Agreement to Advance Sustainable Human Exploration of moon
On 9th April 2024, Bill Nelson, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator, and
Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Masahito Moriyama signed
an agreement to advance sustainable human exploration of the Moon at the NASA Headquarters in
Washington, United States of America(USA).
About the Agreement:
i.Under the agreement, the USA will send two Japanese astronauts to the moon surface on its lunar
mission.
• Out of two Japanese astronauts, one will become the first non-American ever to land on the
moon.
ii.Under the agreement, Japan will design, develop, and operate a pressurized rover for crewed and
uncrewed exploration on the Moon.
iii.NASA will provide the launch and delivery of the rover to the Moon.
• The astronaut from Japan will take part in NASA’s future Artemis mission.
About the Rover:
i.The pressurized rover accommodates two astronauts for up to 30 days as they traverse the area near the
lunar South Pole.
ii.It enables astronauts to travel farther and work for longer periods on the lunar surface.
iii.NASA plans to use the pressurized rover on Artemis VII and subsequent missions over an approximate
10-year lifespan.
Key Points:
i.In addition to lunar surface exploration, the USA will also collaborate with Japan for its future
participation in NASA’s Dragonfly mission and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
ii.USA and Japan also plan to collaborate on JAXA(Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)’s next-generation
Solar-observing Satellite, SOLAR-C (official name “High-sensitivity Solar Ultraviolet Spectroscopic
Satellite”).
iii.SOLAR-C will investigate the mysteries of solar atmospheres by conducting observations of ultraviolet
radiation from the Sun.

About Artemis space Program:

i.The Artemis 1 successfully flew an uncrewed vessel around the Moon in 2022.
ii.Artemis 2 is planned for 2025 and will send four astronauts around the Moon without landing. The crew
members are Christina Koch, a person of colour (African American) astronaut, Victor Glover, Reid
Wiseman, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hanse.
iii.Artemis 3, scheduled for 2026, will be the first crewed mission to land on the Moon.
India’s IFSCA & Kuwait’s CMA signed MoU for Information Sharing
On 23rd April 2024, International Financial Services Centres Authority(IFSCA) of India signed a
Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Kuwait to share
information regarding technologies and innovation within the financial and regulatory ecosystem.
• The MoU was signed on the sidelines India-Kuwait Investment Conference 2.0 held in Kuwait
City, Kuwait.
• This partnership aims to boost the development of financial market in both India and Kuwait.
India-Kuwait Investment Conference 2.0:
The conference was organised by Embassy of India in Kuwait in collaboration with Indian Business and
Professional Council(IBPC), with the support of Union Investment of Companies(UIC) and Kuwait
Chamber of Commerce and Industry(KCCI).
• Ghanem Al Ghenaiman, Managing Director(MD) of Kuwait Investment Authority(KIA) graced
the event as Chief Guest.
Key Participants:
Representatives from Gujarat International Financial Tec-City(GIFT City), National Investment and
Infrastructure Fund(NIIF), Invest India and Confederation of Indian Industry(CII) attended the conference.
About International Financial Services Centres Authority(IFSCA):
It is the unified regulator for the development and regulation of financial products, financial services and
financial institutions such as GIFT International Financial Services Centre in India.
It was established under the International Financial Services Centres Authority(IFSCA) Act, 2019.
Chairman- K. Rajaraman
Headquarters- GIFT City, Gujarat
Established in 2020
About Kuwait:
Emir(Head of State)- Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah
Prime Minister(PM): Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah
Capital- Kuwait City
Currency- Kuwaiti Dinar(KWD)
SIA-India & Brazil’s ABRASAT signed MoU to Boost Advancements in Space Sector
The SatCom Industry Association of India (SIA-India) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU)
with the Brazilian Association of Satellite Telecommunications Companies (ABRASAT -Associação
Brasileira das Empresas de Telecomunicações por Satélite ) to boost advancement in the space sector.
• The MoU aims to foster collaboration and drive innovative ventures and technological
cooperation between India and Brazil.
• The strategic partnership will support enhance connectivity and cooperation, empower critical
operations.
• The MoU will explore new market dynamics, infrastructure development, technological
advancements, entrepreneurship, funding sources, and private investments.

India’s Economy to grow at 8-8.3% in FY25: PHDCCI

PHDCCI (PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry) in its report on ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ projects India’s
economy to grow at 8-8.3% in FY25, with a forecasted Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 34.7
trillion by 2047 and a per capita income of USD 21,000.
• India’s economy to reach USD 7 trillion by 2030.
They aim to achieve this through 10 key enablers outlined in the report which include the following:
• Reduce the cost of doing business.
• Enhance scalability of sectors like fintech, IT, automobile, and renewable energy.
• Focus on semiconductor industry development.
• Support startup ecosystem to become the second largest by 2030.
• Build export capacity with a focus on 75 key products.
• Implement reform measures in agriculture and food processing.
• Fill vacant positions in national and state levels.
• Accelerate digital transformation to rank among the top five in Government AI Readiness Index
by 2047.
• Strengthen renewable energy segment to achieve 1,500 GW installed capacity by 2047.
Key Points:
i.Post-2035, growth rate is projected to average 6.7% over the next 23 years.
ii.By 2047, agriculture’s GDP share to decrease to 12% from 20% in 2023, manufacturing to rise to 25%
from 16% in 2023, and services to remain at 54%.
iii.India’s exports to touch USD 10 trillion by 2047, evenly split between merchandise goods and services.
iv.Food processing sector to grow to USD 2,150 billion by 2047 from USD 307 billion in 2023.
v.Life expectancy increased to 67 years by 2021 from 63 years in the year 2000, and hospital beds
availability to reach 12 per 1,000 people by 2047 from 6 per 1,000 people by 2030.
• It was 1 per thousand people in 2023.
vi.Internet usage expected to reach 82% by 2047 from 42% in 2024.
IIT Kanpur & BFI Partners to Accelerate Healthcare Innovation in India

On April 16 2024, The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh and Blockchain For
Impact (BFI), foundation in Bengaluru (Karnataka), announced a strategic partnership, under the BFI-
Biome Virtual Network Program to nurture innovations and drive advancements in healthcare in India.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at IIT Kanpur by Professor
Kantesh Balani, Dean of Resources and Alumni (DoRA), IIT Kanpur and Dr. Gaurav Singh, Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of BFI.
• As part of this partnership, BFI will support IIT Kanpur in promoting entrepreneurial initiatives
through the Startup Incubation & Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur.
• The BFI will allocate over USD 150,000 across three years to develop programs specifically
tailored to healthcare-focused startups at IIT Kanpur’s SIIC.
Note: BFI-Biome Virtual Network Programme is an initiative bringing together research institutes and
incubators under one umbrella to foster stakeholder collaborations.
EU & India Partners to Promote Start-up Collaboration on Recycling of E-V Batteries under TTC
On 9th April 2024, the European Union(EU) and India launched an Expression of Interest(EOI) for
startups working in Electric Vehicles(EVs) Battery Recycling to take part in the matchmaking event
taking place under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
• This aims to promote cooperation between European and Indian Small and Medium-sized
Enterprises(SMEs) start-ups in the clean and green technologies sector.

About the Joint EU-India matchmaking event:

i.The joint EU-India matchmaking event will enable cooperation and partnerships between solution
providers and adopters from both regions.
ii.The event, scheduled to be held in June 2025, is funded by the EU and supported by the Office of the
Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
iii.The event will provide a platform for 12 startups from Europe and India (6 each) to pitch their ideas.
iv.After pitching presentation, Six finalists (3 from the EU and 3 from India) will be shortlisted. They will
be awarded with a visit to India and the EU respectively, to explore market opportunities with their
counterparts.
Note: Start-ups and SMEs operating in India and Europe are invited to submit their EoI by 30th April
2024.
Key Points:
i.The initiative will play an important role in advancing circular economic practices and achieving the
carbon neutrality goals of India and the EU.
ii.It seeks to facilitate cooperation, and explore potential trade opportunities, customer relations and
investment avenues for the short-listed start-ups.
India-EU TCC:
i.The India-EU TTC was announced by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India and Ursula von der Leyen
President of the European Commission during the meeting held in April 2022 in New Delhi, Delhi.
ii.EU-India TTC is a collaboration platform to address key trade, trusted technology, and security
challenges.
iii.TTC consists of 3 Working Groups:
• Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital governance and Digital connectivity.
• Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technology.
• Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient value chains.
About European Union(EU):
President of European Council: Charles Michel
President of European Commission: Ursula von der Leyen
Headquarters- Brussels, Belgium
Members- 27
Established in 1993
India, Mauritius amends Double Tax Avoidance Agreement

The Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Mauritius have amended the India-
Mauritius Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to focus on preventing tax evasion instead of
promoting bilateral investment flows.
Background:
i.In February 2024, the Mauritius Cabinet of Ministers approved an amendment to the DTAA with India to
align with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s proposal on Base
Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS).
ii.India and Mauritius signed the protocol to amend the India-Mauritius DTAA in March 2023.
iii.India has signed the DTAA with 85 countries to safeguard non-resident Indians (NRI) from double
taxation.
About the Amendment:
Aim: To exclude encouragement of mutual trade and investment and to include the intention of not
providing treaty benefit that creates a situation of reduced taxation or non-taxation.

Highlights:
The expression “encouragement of mutual trade and investment” has been removed from the preamble of
the agreement.
• This highlights the shift in the focus towards preventing tax evasion over promoting bilateral
investment flows.
• This emphasises India’s commitment to international tax cooperation standards while raising
critical considerations for investors leveraging the India-Mauritius corridor.
ii.A Principal Purpose Test (PPT) has been incorporated in the agreement.
• Under this, the tax administration can deny the tax treaty benefit if the principal purpose of the
action undertaken by the taxpayer was to obtain a benefit.
• This aims to reduce tax avoidance by ensuring that treaty benefits are only granted for
transactions with a bona fide purpose.
About India-Mauritius DTAA:
i.The Agreement was signed on 24th August 1982 and came into force on 1st April 1983.
ii.It stated that the capital gains tax had to be paid in the country where the foreign investor was based.
Therefore the rate of capital gains tax in Mauritius was “Zero”.
iii.On 10th May 2016, the DTAA was amended and it was decided that in case of shares purchased after 1st
April 2017, the capital gains arising from an investment in an Indian company will be taxed in India.
Additional info:
Mauritius is the 4th largest source of Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) flows with funds from Mauritius
owning shares worth Rs 4 lakh crore, or 6% of total FPI assets in India.
About Mauritius :
President– Prithvirajsing Roopun
Prime Minister– Pravind Kumar Jugnauth
Capital– Port Louis
Currency– Mauritian Rupee
Tejas Networks and Telecom Egypt Announces Strategic Cooperation Projects in Egypt
Tejas Networks Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Telecom Egypt (TE), ITIDA
(Information Technology Industry Development Agency), and NTI (National Telecom Institute) to
replicate its experience of implementing the Bharatnet (Rural Broadband Project) and NKN (National
Knowledge Network) projects in Egypt.
Key Points of MoU:
i.The MoU underscored various other broad areas of cooperation that includes:
• Capacity building of Egyptian engineers and technicians on the state-of-the-art telecom and
networking technologies.
• Establishing local manufacturing and Research and Development (R&D) facilities for Fibre-to-
the Home (FTTH) products.
• According to the MoU, Tejas Network will set up technical support services in Egypt to facilitate
assistance to customers in the country as well as across the wider Africa and Middle East region.
ii.It is a comprehensive agreement that seeks to promote localization of world-class level communication
products, attracts new investments in Egypt. It will create employment opportunities and provide support
to research expertise in different fields of communication.
Note:
The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) in January 2024 granted license to
Telecom Egypt to operate 5G for a period of 15 years, worth USD 150 million.
Telecom Egypt is the 1st ever telecom operator in Egypt which provides all telecom services to its

customers. The company owns a 45% stake in Vodafone Egypt.

About Tejas Networks Limited:
It is an optical, broadband and data networking company which is a part of Tata Group. It designs and
manufactures high-performance wireline and wireless networking products in over 75 countries.
Chief Executive Officer(CEO) and Managing Director(MD): Anand Athreya
Established: 2000
RVNL-Salasar JV Bags Rs 60 crore Transmission Project in Rwanda

A Joint Venture (JV) between the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Salasar Techno Engineering
Limited (STEL), the private steel manufacturer, has bagged “Rwanda Transmission System
Reinforcement and Last Mile Connectivity project (TSRLMC)”, a transmission project of Rwanda in Central
Africa.
• The project is valued at about Rs 60 crore (USD 7.152 million).
• The order, secured from the Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL), is set to be
executed by the STEL in 18 months.
• Rwanda TSRLMC aims to design, supply, and install 45.8 km of 110 KV double
circuit Rukarara-Huye-Gisagara transmission lines.
Note: RVNL owns 51% stake in the joint venture, while STEL owns the remaining 49%.
NPTI & PTC India Ltd Signed MoU to Set up CoE for R&D in Energy Domain
On 28th March 2024, the National Power Training Institute (NPTI), under the Ministry of Power and PTC
India Ltd. Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for
Research & Development (R&D) in the Energy Domain.
• The collaboration aims to address pressing challenges in the energy domain while aligning with
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
i.CoE will conduct cutting-edge research initiatives addressing emerging challenges in the energy domain.
It will also serve as a hub for research, development, and knowledge dissemination in the energy sector,
and focuses on advancing SDGs and minimizing environmental impact.
ii.This will pioneer innovative solutions leveraging the collective expertise of NPTI and PTC India Ltd. and
focus on propelling India towards a greener and more sustainable energy future.
Signatories: The MoU was signed by Dr Tripta Thakur, Director General of NPTI, and Koel Singhal, Senior
Vice President of PTC India at the office of Ministry of Power in New Delhi, Delhi.
Note:
i.NPTI is a National Apex body for Training and Human Resources Development in the Power Sector.
ii.PTC India Ltd (formerly known as Power Trading Corporation of India Limited) is a power trading
solutions provider that was established in 1999 as a public-private partnership (PPP) between the
Government of India and private sector institutions.
HAL & CSL Signed Contract for Indian Navy’s NGMV Project
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a contract worth Rs 1,173 .42 crore with Cochin
Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi(Kerala), to supply 6 sets of LM2500 gas turbines (GT) and GT Auxiliaries
(GTAE), spares, tools for Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project.
• The domestic contract will be slated for execution between FY26 to FY29.
Note: HAL is a aerospace and defense company headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is a Navratna
Public Sector Undertaking(PSU) under the Ministry of Defence.

Mahindra Aerostructures signs USD100 million deal with Airbus Atlantic for component
production
Mahindra Aerostructures Private Limited (MASPL) has signed multi-year deal worth USD 100
million with an Airbus Atlantic group entity.
Key Points:
i.As per the deal, Mahindra Aerostructures will supply nearly 2300 varieties of metallic components to
Airbus Atlantic in France from its manufacturing unit in India.
ii.MASPL will manufacture and deliver metallic components and small assemblies for the entire Airbus
commercial aircraft family, including the A320 series.
iii.The contract adds to existing MASPL programmes to deliver parts directly to Airbus at their facilities in
France and Germany.
iii.The deal strengthens the existing partnership between MASPL and Airbus, which has been in place
since 2015.
Significance:
The contract between MASPL and Airbus Atlantic aligns with “Make in India” initiative of Government of
India(GoI), which aims to transforms India into a global manufacturing hub.
Note: In January 2024, MASPL signed a contract with Airbus Aerostructures GmBH. According to the
contract, MASPL would supply nearly 5000 varieties of metallic components to Airbus Atlantic in Germany
from its manufacturing unit in India.
About Mahindra Aerostructures Private Limited(MASPL):
It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mahindra Group. It mainly produces metallic parts and assemblies for
leading international aerospace companies.
Chief Executive Officer(CEO) and Managing Director(MD) : Arvind Mehra
Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka
Founded : 2013, but commenced its operation in 2015
Indian Oil & Panasonic Energy Signed Binding Term Sheet for Manufacturing Lithium-ion Cells
State-owned refiner Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and Japan’s Panasonic Energy Co. Ltd., a
Panasonic Group company have signed a binding term sheet for a proposed joint venture (JV) to
manufacture cylindrical lithium-ion cells in India for 2-and 3-wheel vehicles and energy storage systems.
• Both companies are actively engaged in a feasibility study to integrate battery technology into
India’s clean energy transition efforts.
• Beyond meeting domestic needs, local manufacturing investments will establish a robust supply
chain ecosystem, to enhance India’s self-reliance and global competitiveness.
• Through the partnership with Panasonic Energy, IOCL aims to address environmental
challenges, such as reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Signatories: The term sheet was signed by Shrikant Vaidya, Chairman, IOCL; and Kazuo Tadanobu,
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Panasonic Energy Co. Ltd.
Note:
i.IOCL is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) under the Ministry of Petroleum and
Natural Gas (MoPNG).
ii.IOCL is committed to achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2046, aligning with the Government of
India’s (GoI) goal of achieving carbon neutrality for the country by 2070.
IICA & HP India launch ESG Professional Programme

The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) has partnered with HP India to launch the “HP Future
Impact Leaders – IICA Certified Environmental – Social – Governance (ESG) Professional Programme” to

promote sustainability and empower corporate social responsibility (CSR) professionals to emerge as
leaders in navigating the intricacies of ESG frameworks.
• Under this programme, 100% scholarships will be offered to 75 candidates to pursue advanced
education in ESG.
• Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and a minimum of five years of
experience in relevant fields to be eligible for the programme.
Note: IICA is an autonomous Institute under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs(MCA), that serves as a think
tank, capacity-building, and service delivery organization in the field of corporate affairs and corporate
governance.
QCI and LUB Signed MoU to Boost MSME Competitiveness

The Quality Council of India (QCI) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) to enhance the awareness and participation in the Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSME) Competitive Lean Scheme (MCLS) among the members of LUB.
• LUB, founded in 1994, is a registered all India organization of Micro and Small Industries in
India.
Key Points
i.The MoU lays out a roadmap for joint activities, encompassing awareness campaigns, training sessions,
state and district level consultations, with the aim of promoting the implementation of lean concepts and
sustainable practices among LUB members.
ii.A selected nodal officer from each organization will serve as a single point of contact for all MCLS-related
issues in order to facilitate a seamless implementation.
iii.National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) will be serving as one of the
Implementing Agencies for MCLS, will promote registration among LUB members for the scheme and offer
requisite assistance as needed.
• NABET is a constituent board of QCI.
iv.Additionally, it will help LUB members move up the Lean Journey from Lean Basic to Lean
Intermediate and, ultimately, to Lean Advance levels.
Note: The schemes like MCLS and Zero Defect Zero Effect(ZED) assist companies in cutting waste,
increasing productivity, and increasing profitability.
About MCLS:
i.MCLS is an initiative launched by the Ministry of MSME(MoMSME) to enhance the competitiveness of
MSMEs in India.
ii.This involves implementing lean tools and techniques to improve the productivity, efficiency, and
competitiveness of MSMEs.
About Quality Council of India (QCI)
It is the autonomous organization under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
(DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Chairperson – Jaxay Shah
Secretary General- Rajesh Maheshwari
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi.
CAG of India & Bulgarian National Audit Office signed MoU to Enhance Audit Expertise
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) in Sofia, Bulgaria to foster international cooperation.
Key People: The agreement between the Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) of India and Bulgaria was

signed in the presence of Goritsa-Grancharova-Kozhareva, Acting President of the BNAO and Girish
Chandra Murmu is the current CAG of India.
About the MoU:
Aim: To enhance collaboration and exchange of expertise in the field of auditing between India and
Bulgaria.
Significance:
i.Under this MoU, a platform will be established for the exchange of knowledge and experience amongst
auditing professionals and technical teams through collaboration in training programs and mutual
assistance in conducting audit.
ii.The signing of MoU marks a major milestone which will help in bolstering ties and collaboration among
the SAIs of India and Bulgaria.
About Bulgaria:
President- Rumen Radev
Prime Minister (PM)- Dimitar Glavchev
Capital- Sofia
Currency- Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Meta Partners with PTI to Expand its Fact-Checking Program in India

Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook, Inc.) has partnered with Press Trust of India (PTI), India’s
largest news agency, under its third-party fact-checking program in India, to establish a dedicated fact-
checking unit.
• Under this partnership PTI will identify, review, and rate content for misinformation across
Meta platforms.
• With this collaboration, Meta now has 12 fact-checking partners in India, the highest in any
country, covering 16 Indian languages (besides English) through existing fact-checking
partners.
Note:Meta owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, among other.
Purpose: Meta’s fact-checking program in India includes partnerships with independent fact-checking
organisations to prevent the spread of misinformation on its platforms.
Fact-Checking Mechanism:
i.Meta teams up with certified fact-checkers through the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) to
assess and rate viral misinformation across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
ii.Misinformation flagged by fact-checkers results in reduced distribution and includes notifications and
warning labels for users attempting to share such content.
Program Evolution:
i.Meta’s fact-checking initiative began in 2016, to address viral misinformation.
ii.The program focuses on addressing timely and consequential misinformation, particularly clear hoaxes
that have no factual basis.
Global Impact:
i.Since 2016, fact-checking programme of Meta has expanded to include nearly 100 organisations across
the world.
ii.The programme aims to address viral misinformation, particularly clear hoaxes that have no basis in
fact.
About Meta Platforms, Inc.:
Launched in 2004, Facebook was rebranded as Meta in 2021.
Founder and CEO– Mark Zuckerberg
Headquarters– California, The United States of America (USA)

BMW Group and Tata Tech Signed JV Agreement to Develop Automotive Software and IT Hub
The Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) Group, and Tata Technologies Limited, a subsidiary of Tata
Motors Limited, have signed an agreement to form a Joint Venture (JV) to establish an Automotive
Software and Information Technology (IT) development Hub in Pune(Maharashtra), Bengaluru
(Karnataka) and Chennai(Tamil Nadu).
• The JV will supply automotive software, including Software-defined Vehicle (SDV) solutions for
the premium vehicles in the BMW Groups and digital transformation solutions for its business
IT.
• Bengaluru and Pune will be the main centres of operations and development. In Chennai, the
primary focus would be on business IT solutions.
Note: Tata Tech, based in Pune, is a global product engineering and digital services company. Munich,
Germany-based BMW is the world’s leading provider of premium cars and motorcycles
BEML & BEL partners to Develop Indigenous Train Control Management System (i-TCMS)
BEML Limited (formerly Bharat Earth Movers Limited) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Bharat Electronics Limited(BEL) to jointly develop an indigenous Train Control Management System
(i-TCMS).
Key People: The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing
Director(CMD) of BEML, and Manoj Jain, Director (Research and Development-R&D) BEL at BEML
headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Features of the partnership:
i.The partnership between BEML and BEL aims to promote innovation and foster self-reliance in the
domain of train control management systems.
ii.The objective of the MoU is to identify potential areas of cooperation between BEML and BEL, focusing
on exploring the joint development of high-value products and solutions customised to the requirements
of Indian Railways and Metro systems.
iii.The partnership, in line with India’s Make in India initiative, aims to develop TCMS indigenously to meet
the future needs of rail projects in India.
Note: At present, TCMSs are supplied by propulsion suppliers which leads to dependence on imported
technology.
About TCMS:
i.TCMS, known as the “Brain of the train”, plays a major role in coordinating control and monitoring across
various systems.
ii.This includes distributed control system comprising computer devices, software, humanmachine
interfaces, digital and analogue input/output capabilities, and secure data networks.
iii.TCMS ensures efficient and reliable rail operations by facilitating seamless data communication
interfaces with other train-borne and wayside systems.
About BEML Limited:
BEML is a Schedule A public sector undertaking(PSU) under the Ministry of Defence. It received Mini Ratna
status in 2006.
CMD- Shantanu Roy
Established in 1964
About Bharat Electronics Limited(BEL):
BEL is a PSU under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It received Navratna status in 2007.
CMD(Additional charge)- Bhanu Prakash Srivastva


Established in 1954
IFFCO & ACME Signed MoU To Boost Sustainability in Agriculture and Renewable Energy Usage
In India
The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), the world’s largest fertilizer cooperative, has
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ACME Cleantech Solutions Private
Limited (ACME) for the purchase and supply of about 200,000 Metric Ton (MT) of ammonia produced
using renewable energy.
• ACME is India’s leading renewable energy company specialising in developing renewable
energy projects, including green hydrogen and ammonia plants.
About the MoU
i.As per the MoU, the ammonia will be produced using a renewable energy source at ACME’s facility in
Gopalpur, Odisha.
ii.The commercial-grade ammonia delivered under this arrangement will be utilized to manufacture
complex fertilizers at IFFCO’s Paradeep Unit in Odisha and Kandla Unit in Gujarat.
iii.The MoU plays a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and renewable energy usage in India.
iv.This initiative will significantly reduce the nation’s reliance on imports of fossil fuels, decarbonise the
economy, and provide India the opportunity to take the lead in Green Hydrogen Technology and market
share.
v.This will also help India achieve its goal of using clean energy to become Aatmanirbhar Bharat and act as
a model for the global clean energy transition.
vi.It aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission(NGHM). As a result, India will become the
world’s centre for the production, use, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
vii.Under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, the MoU will facilitate the signing of bilateral agreements
between India and other nations.
About Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO):
Managing Director – Dr Udai Shanker Awasthi
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Establishment – 3 November 1967.
SJVN & IIT Patna inks MoU to Use Advanced Geological Models in Tunnelling Projects
SJVN Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology
Patna (IIT Patna), Bihar, to utilise the advanced geological models in tunnelling projects of SJVN.
i.Under this partnership, predictive analytics algorithms leveraging integrated geotechnical data will be
developed. This will predict potential risks and offer early warning systems tailored for tunnelling
projects.
• Integrated geotechnical data and 3D geological models will be used to identify and analyze
potential risks and hazards.
ii.The MoU will focus on developing cutting-edge methodologies to integrate diverse geotechnical data
sources, which includes geological surveys, borehole data, geophysical measurements and monitoring data
from projects of SJVN.
Note: SJVN Limited, formerly known as Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, is a Mini Ratna, Category-I and Schedule –
’A’ Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) under the Ministry of Power.

QCI & MoHFW Partnered to Improve CGHS Healthcare Experience

The Quality Council of India (QCI) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has initiated
a five-year collaboration to transform the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) ecosystem and to
enhance healthcare services for all beneficiaries.
• This aims to deliver a more robust, efficient, and transparent CGHS system through a
comprehensive approach that will address several key areas.
Key Points:
i.Focus areas include enhancing service quality through systematic interventions, supporting CGHS
facilities in accreditation, and capacitating healthcare providers.
ii.Emphasis is placed on leveraging technology for transformation and exploring additional initiatives.
iii.Crucial measures encompass ensuring drug and storage quality, modernizing procurement systems,
and updating infrastructure and processes.
iv.Quality monitoring mechanisms will be established for regular evaluation.
v.The collaboration aims to overhaul CGHS through third-party assessments and expand the network of
qualified healthcare providers and laboratories.
About Quality Council of India (QCI):
Chairperson– Jaxay Shah
Parent Ministry– Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of
Commerce and Industry
KABIL & CSIR-IMMT Signed MoU for Technical and Knowledge Cooperation for Critical
Minerals
Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council
of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) for
bolstering technical and knowledge cooperation for Critical Minerals at the National Aluminium Company
Ltd. (NALCO) Corporate Office in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Signatories: The MoU was signed by Sadashiv Samantaray, Director (Commercial) of NALCO and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) KABIL; and Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, in the presence of
Sridhar Patra, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of NALCO and Chairman, KABIL.
Key Collaborative Initiatives:
i.Under the MoU, KABIL will leverage CSIR-IMMT’s service and technical expertise for:
• Design and Analysis of metallurgical test work plans;
• Development and review of process flowsheets; and
• Process technology selection for mineral processing, beneficiation, and metal extraction.
ii.The MoU will also begin joint research attempts and the exchange of scientific information between the
two entities.
iii.The collaboration will foster an environment conducive to critical mineral exploration.
Note: Scientific research and technological advancements are vital to the growth and sustainability of the
Indian mining sector, ensuring mineral security and meeting domestic requirements.
About Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL):
KABIL is a Joint Venture (JV) of 3 Government Enterprises: NALCO; Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL); and
Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Limited (MECL), in the ratio of 40:30:30, under the aegis of the
Ministry of Mines.
KABIL was Incorporated in 2019 under the Companies Act 2013.
Chairman– Sridhar Patra

CEO– Sadashiv Samantaray

CBDT signs record number of 125 Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) in FY24
In Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), the CBDT set a record by signing 125 Advance Pricing Agreements
(APAs) with Indian taxpayers, comprising 86 Unilateral APAs (UAPAs) and 39 Bilateral APAs (BAPAs).
• This marks a 31% increase from 95 APAs in FY23 and the highest number of APAs signed in
any financial year since its inception, bringing the total to 641 comprising 506 UAPAs and 135
BAPAs.
Key Points:
i.FY24 also saw the highest number of BAPAs signed to date, a result of Mutual Agreements with seven of
India’s treaty partners viz. Australia, Canada, Denmark, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom (UK)
and the United States (US).
ii.Since their inception in August 2012 in India, only 5 APAs were signed by the CBDT in the first full
financial year of 2013-14. Since then, the yearly number of concluded APAs has risen exponentially.
About Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs):
It aims to prevent double taxation for taxpayers, streamline tax procedures and attract foreign investment.
APA scheme is administered by the CBDT to facilitate ease of doing business.
i.APAs ensure predictability and transparency in transfer pricing matters.
ii.In India, it allows taxpayers to determine the arm’s length price of international transactions in advance
for up to five future years, with an option to roll back for four preceding years, providing taxpayers with
certainty for a total of nine years.
iii.Types of APAs include Unilateral (involving only the taxpayer and the tax authority of their country),
Bilateral (involving the taxpayer, the tax authority of their country, the associated enterprise in a foreign
country, and the tax authority of that country), and Multilateral (involving multiple entities).
BEL signs MoU with IIT Mandi for Co-operation in Various Fields
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute
of Technology (IIT), Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, for cooperation in research and technology, product
development in domains such as semiconductors, quantum technologies, and drones.
• The MoU aims to leverage the strengths and capabilities of BEL and IIT-Mandi.
• This aligns with the Government of India’s (GoI) ‘Make in India’ initiative, fostering
indigenisation of products and solutions.
• BEL is actively involved in cutting-edge fields such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud
Computing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Note:
i.BEL is a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
ii.IIT Mandi, a research university is one of the eighth newer second-generation IITs.
Russia-India Signs Agreement to Operate Large Research Hub in New Delhi

HSE University (officially the National Research University Higher School of Economics), a public research
university in St Petersburg, Russia and the University of Delhi (DU) in New Delhi, Delhi (India) have signed
an agreement on strategic cooperation and joint actions.
Under this agreement, a large research hub will begin operating at DU in India.
• The agreement was formalized during the Indo-Russian Education Summit, held in New
Delhi, Delhi from April 11 to 13.

Signatories:
The partnership agreement has been signed by HSE University
Rector Nikita Anisimov and Vice-Chancellor of the University of
Delhi Yogesh Singh.
Note: HSE University has been appointed as the coordinator of
cooperation between the entire HSE University and DU in India.
About the Hub:
i.The hub will become a modern platform for the development
of academic and cultural ties.
ii.The hub also includes a fully equipped HSE University office at the central campus of DU
• This can be by all HSE University’s research groups, teachers and students as part of joint
projects.
• This will also provide a wide range of opportunities for the implementation of mirror
laboratories, educational modules and programmes, as well as academic and scientific exchange
projects.
About Indo-Russian Education Summit:
i.The summit was organized by Rossotrudnichestvo, a Russian State Agency under the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, along with the Russian House in New Delhi and the Russian Embassy in India. This was the biggest
event of its kind in the history of India-Russia bilateral ties.
ii.The summit brought together key stakeholders including university rectors, diplomats, legislators,
scientists, and business leaders from both countries to explore collaboration opportunities in education,
science, creative technologies, and professional training.
ReNew & JERA Partners to Jointly Evaluate Green Ammonia Projects in Odisha
On April 18, 2024, ReNew Energy Global PLC (ReNew) and JERA Co. Inc., Japan’s largest power generation
company, have signed an initial agreement to assess a green ammonia production project in Odisha.
• This is in line with with India’s ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission(NGHM) and Japan’s
clean energy transition goals.
• India aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030.
About the Partnership:
i.ReNew, through its subsidiary ReNew E-Fuels Private Limited, and JERA will jointly evaluate a green
ammonia production project in Paradip, Odisha.
ii.This project will utilize 500 Mega Watt (MW) of high-capacity utilisation factor (CUF) renewable energy
to produce green hydrogen.
iii.The project aims to produce approximately 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2030.
iv.JERA will have the right to import this green ammonia for Japan, supporting its clean energy transition.
Additional info:
i.In 2022, ReNew signed a framework agreement with the Government of Egypt for USD 8 billion
investment in a green hydrogen plant in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
ii.ReNew has a Joint Venture (JV), GH4India Pvt Ltd, with Indian Oil Ltd and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to
establish a green hydrogen business.
About ReNew Energy Global PLC (ReNew):
Founder, Chairman & CEO– Sumant Sinha
Headquarter– Gurugram, Haryana

NGEL & ITL signed MoU to develop Renewable Energy Projects

NTPC Green Energy Limited(NGEL) and Indus Towers Limited (ITL) have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to address the need for pacing green energy objectives and the Indian government’s
efforts towards a carbon-neutral economy.
• This collaboration would look into the combined development of grid-connected renewable
energy-based power projects such as solar, wind, and energy storage, as well as related
solutions.
• The MoU was signed by Soumya Kanti Chowdhuri, Chief General Manager of NGEL, and Vikas
Poddar, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of ITL.
Note:NGEL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited (formerly known as National Thermal Power
Corporation).
CSIR-IICT & BHEL Partnered to Advance Clean Fuel Technology; MoU Signed to Convert CO2 to
DME
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research- Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) and
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) Corporate Research and Development (R&D) have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for developing technology on capturing and converting carbon
dioxide (CO2) to Dimethyl Ether (DME) through direct catalytic conversion.
• This partnership is under the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) initiative on
Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU), which aims to employ innovative technologies to combat
carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy practices.
• Funded by the DST, the project centers on utilising captured CO2 to produce DME, a clean fuel
suitable for blending with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Note:
i.CSIR-IICT was started as the Central Laboratories for Scientific and Industrial Research (CLSIR) in 1944.
It is one of the oldest national laboratories under CSIR.
RVNL Signed MoU with TUMAS India Private Limited for Infrastructure Projects
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Turkish
Engineering Consulting & Contracting – TUMAS India Private Limited for partnership and
collaboration in public transportation projects and infrastructure projects across India.
• RVNL and the Turkish firm aim to collaborate on executing railway infrastructure projects
across various regions in India.
• The partnership seeks to accelerate infrastructure development, enhance operational efficiency,
and improve connectivity within the Indian rail network.
AFMS Signed MoU with IIT-Delhi & IIT Kanpur to Develop Tech for Soldiers’ Health Issues
Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a Memorandum of
Understandings (MoUs) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi (New Delhi, Delhi) and IIT
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP) for collaborative research and training.
• Under these MoUs, AFMS will collaborate with IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur to undertake research
and develop innovative medical devices and focus on addressing the health issues of the
soldiers in diverse terrains.
MoU with IIT Delhi:
Signatories:
The MoU between AMFS and IIT Delhi were signed by Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Daljit Singh, Director
General (DG) of AFMS, and Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi on 22nd April 2024.

Key Points:
i.Biomedical research ecosystem of IIT-D will provide the technical expertise needed for research in
diverse medical challenges faced in the Armed Force.
ii.Faculty exchange program, joint academic activities and development of joint PhD programmes were
also planned as a part of this MoU.
MoU with IIT Kanpur:
Signatories:
The MoU between AMFS and IIT Kanpur were signed by Lt Gen) Daljit Singh, DG of AMFS and Prof. S.
Ganesh, Officiating Director of IIT Kanpur on 18th April 2024.
Key Points:
i.Under this MoU, IIT Kanpur will provide technical expertise to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI)
diagnostic models, at Armed Forces Centre for Computational Medicine established in Armed Forces
Medical College(AFMC), Pune, Maharashtra.
ii.Faculty exchange program, joint academic activities and development of training modules were also
planned as a part of this MoU.
Note: AFMS’s collaboration with institutes of national importance like IIT is a part of its efforts to provide
highest level of medical care to the soldiers.
NSDC and ISKCON sign MoU to Skill Tribal, Marginalised Youth

On April 22, 2024, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the International Society for
Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish ECO villages
inspired by Govardhan EcoVillage (GEV) in Maharashtra.
• Similar establishments will be set up in Nandurbar, Maharashtra; Jaipur Rural, Rajasthan; and
Mandla, Balaghat, and areas surrounding Kanha National Park, MP.
• Both entities will team up with Skill India Centers for skilling youth, women from tribal and
marginalized communities in Uttar Pradesh (UP), Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat,
and Madhya Pradesh (MP), with future expansion to other regions.
Key Points:
i.The collaboration will focus on training locals, especially women, in Hospitality, Retail, and Logistics in
Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Vrindavan in UP.
ii.ISKCON establishes a Culinary School, empowering tribal youth from regions like Palghar, Gadchiroli in
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
• Trained individuals have employment prospects at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Kitchen in Prayagraj
(Uttar Pradesh), with international mobility facilitated by NSDC International.
iii.They will conduct short-term courses on Skill India Digital Hub platform and offer industry-
recognized certifications, boosting employability.
• Successful participants gain access to domestic job opportunities and international placements
through NSDC International.
About National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC):
It is a not-for-profit public limited company incorporated on July 31, 2008 under section 25 of the
Companies Act, 1956 (corresponding to section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013).
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Ved Mani Tiwari

HAL and CSIR-NAL Signs Transfer of Technology (ToT) Agreement for LCA Tejas Mk1A Engine
Bay Door production
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with the
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) to
manufacture the Bismaleimide (BMI) Engine Bay Door (EBD) for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
Mk1A aircraft.
• Under the agreement, HAL can directly produce these high-temperature resistant composite
parts for the production of LCA Mk1A.
• LCA Tejas Mk1A is an indigenous 4.5-generation, all-weather, and multi-role fighter aircraft for
the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Note: The Tejas Mark (Mk)-1A aircraft successfully completed its first flight on 28th March 2024.
DARPG Signs MoU with Cambodia Ministry of Civil Service for Cooperation in HRD in Civil
Service
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of
Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPPGP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with the Ministry of Civil Service, Cambodia to strengthen bilateral exchange and cooperation in the
field of Human Resource Development (HRD) in Civil Service over the next 5 years.
Signatories:
The MoU was signed by Hun Many, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service, Kingdom of
Cambodia; and Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Government
of India at a ceremony held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Implementation Strategies:
i.The MoU will facilitate a dialogue between India’s Personnel Administration agencies and the agencies of
the Ministry of Civil Service of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
ii.It will be achieved through Exchange visits focused on administrative reforms, webinars, research
publications, institutional exchanges, and capacity-building programs.
Progress and Commitment:
i.In 2023-24, 156 Cambodian Civil Servants attended capacity-building programs at India’s National
Centre of Good Governance.
ii.For 2024-25, 6 capacity-building programs have been scheduled for 240 Cambodian Civil servants.
iii.India’s commitment to adopting next-generation administrative reforms aligns with its policy of
“Maximum Governance – Minimum Government.”
• It aims for “Digitally Empowered Citizen and a Digitally Transformed Institution”.
About Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPPGP):
Union Minister– Narendra Modi (Constituency: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
Minister of State– Dr. Jitendra Singh (Constituency: Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir)
Air India Signs Codeshare Agreement with Japan’s All Nippon Airways
Tata-owned Air India, India’s leading global airline, and All Nippon Airways (ANA), the largest Japanese
carrier, have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks, enhancing flight selections, and
simplifying the travel process between India and Japan.
• Commencing on 23 May 2024, the codeshare agreement will allow passengers of both airlines
to travel to their desired destination by combining flights between India and Japan with a single
ticket.
• Air India will affix its ‘AI’ designator code on ANA flights connecting Tokyo Haneda (Japan)
with Delhi and Tokyo Narita (Japan) with Mumbai, Maharashtra.

ANA will include its ‘NH’ designator code on Air India’s flights linking Tokyo Narita with Delhi.
C-DOT and IIT – Jodhpur Sign Agreement for “Automated Service Management in Network of
5G and Beyond Using AI”
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Jodhpur
(Rajasthan) have signed an agreement for “Automated Service Management in 5G and Beyond Networks
Using AI”.
• The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) of the
Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• The primary objective is to develop artificial intelligence frameworks for automated network
management, fault detection, and detection techniques by utilizing continuous information
generated within the network like 5G.
Note: The TTD fund is designed to fund domestic companies and institutions involved in technology
design, development, commercialization of telecommunication products and solutions to enable affordable
broadband and mobile services in rural and remote areas.
KABIL inks MoU with CSIR-NGRI for advancing Geophysical Investigations

On April 24, 2024, Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-
NGRI) for long-term collaboration in the field of geophysical investigations.
• It will strengthen KABIL’s ongoing projects and activities in critical and strategic minerals.
• This collaboration will focus on surveys, data analysis, scientific knowledge sharing, and
technical support, and advisory services in geophysics, geochemistry, and geology.
The MoU was signed by Sadashiv Samantaray, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), KABIL; and Dr. Prakash
Kumar, Director, CSIR-NGRI; in the presence of Sridhar Patra, Chairman, KABIL, at National Aluminium
Company Limited (NALCO) Corporate Office in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Note: Established in 2019, KABIL is a Joint Venture company of three Public Sector
Undertakings (PSUs)- NALCO, Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) and Mineral Exploration and
Consultancy Limited (MECL), under the aegis of Ministry of Mines.
ADIF and IIT Guwahati TIC Sign MoU to Boost Startup Ecosystem
The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) and the Indian Institutes of Technology Guwahati(Assam)
Technology Incubation Centre (IITG TIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote
entrepreneurship and provide support to technology startups.
• The two-year MOU aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem by facilitating collaboration
between ADIF’s network of startups and entrepreneurs, and IIT Guwahati’s source of
innovators, faculty, and incubation facilities.
• Under the agreement, ADIF will provide alliance membership to IITG TIC’s portfolio startup
companies, giving them access to ADIF’s startup toolkit of discounted services, resources, and
mentorship opportunities.
NTPC Signs MoU with RINL for Supply of Limestone

NTPC Limited (formerly National Thermal Power Corporation) and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)
have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the supply of 9 lakh metric tonnes of limestone
(lime chips – a by-product of the RINL) for the NTPC units across India for five years.

• Limestone is used as a raw material for the flue-gas desulphurisation system that is being
installed at the coal-based thermal plants of the NTPC for the reduction of sulphur dioxide (SO2)
emissions.
• The MoU was signed by Surinder Pal Singh Virk, Chief General Manager (corporate centre-fuel
management) of NTPC, and Rajat Aich, General Manager (marketing) of RINL.
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS

MoL &J Forms 6-Member Committee to Examine Issues of Queer Community
The Ministry of Law and Justice (MoL&J) has constituted a 6-member committee to examine various
issues relating to the queer (LGBTQIA+ – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex,
Queer/Questioning, and Asexual) community. The Committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary, Rajiv
Gauba.
Background:
In October 2023, the Supreme Court of India directed the formation of a six-member committee to
examine issues related to the queer community in the case of Supriyo v Union of India.
Members:
i.Secretary of the Department of Home, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) – Ajay Kumar Bhalla
ii.Secretary of Ministry of Women and Child Development – Anil Malik
iii.Secretary of Department of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Health and Family Development
(MoHFW) – Apurva Chandra
iv.Secretary of Legislative Department, MoL&J – Dr. Rajiv Mani
v.Secretary of Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment (MSJE) – Saurabh Garg
Mandate of the committee:
i.The committee will formulate measures to ensure that the queer community does not face discrimination
in accessing goods, services, and social welfare schemes.
ii.The committee will also examine ways to prevent violence, harassment, or coercion; involuntary medical
treatments/surgeries for the queer community.
iii.This will also retains the flexibility to address pertinent issues as deemed necessary
Other Directives:
i.The committee shall include additional subject matter experts to address the mental health concerns of
persons belonging to the queer community and members of the queer community.
ii.The report of the Committee shall be implemented at the administrative level by the Union Government
and the State Governments and Union Territories (UTs).
Additional info:
i.The 5-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice of India(CJI) D Y Chandrachud
refused legal recognition for same-sex marriages, deferring to Parliament for decision-making.
ii.The Court refused to strike down the Special Marriage Act 1954 for not allowing registration of same-sex
marriages.
iii.The court also emphasised the need to protect LGBTQIA+ couples from harassment.
Government Forms Panel to Promote Laws for Efficient Mining of Critical Minerals
The government has set up a seven-member panel headed by Vijay Kumar Saraswat to propose
legislative measures and promote the commercially viable extraction of critical minerals found in limited
quantities.

Details about the Panel formed:

i.The head of the panel, V.K. Saraswat, is a member of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI)
Aayog.
ii.The main objective of the panel is to provide judicial measures to ensure cost-effective and scientific
mining of deeply embedded mineral deposits like copper, gold and diamond which are typically
developed in the shape of veins and can only be exploited through underground mining.
iii.Moreover, formulating strategies to spread awareness regarding the effects of mining reforms amongst
the states will also be one of the objectives of the panel.
Note
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) in 2023 had discovered around 5.9 million tonnes of lithium deposits
in the Salal-Haimana area of Jammu & Kashmir that play a vital role in manufacturing of electric vehicles.
About Critical Minerals:
i.Critical minerals are those minerals that are essential for economic development and national security.
ii.Government has provided a list of 30 critical minerals for India. These minerals are Antimony,
Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium,
Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, platinum group elements (PGE), Phosphorous, Potash, Rare Earth Elements
(REE), Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium,
Selenium and Cadmium.
SUMMITS, EVENTS & CONFERENCE

‘Meghayan-24’: SNOM & INMAC Organised METOC Seminar at Southern Naval Command
On 28th March 2024, Meghayan-24, the Meteorological and Oceanographic(METOC) seminar was
organised by the School of Naval Oceanology and Meteorology (SNOM) and the Indian Naval
Meteorological Analysis Centre (INMAC) at the Southern Naval Command.
• The seminar, organised as a part of the World
Meteorological Day (WMD) 2024, was based on
the theme “At the Frontline of Climate
Action” (the theme of WMD 2024).
Note: The Southern Naval Command is headquartered at
the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Venduruthy in Kochi, Kerala.
WMD: World Meteorological Day is annually observed on
23rd March to commemorate the formation of the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO) on 23rd March
1950. Click here to know more about WMD 2024
About ‘Meghayan-24’:
i.The seminar offered a platform to share knowledge and insights on weather, climate services and
strategies to face the challenges of climate change.
ii.The seminar also witnessed the panel discussions on topics like ‘Effect of Weather and Climate Change
on Naval Operations’. Specialist officers discussed the latest techniques adopted by the Indian Navy and
Indian scientific organisations to provide METOC inputs/forecasts for operational evolutions.
Launch of INDRA:
The seminar witnessed the launch of INDRA (Indian Naval Dynamic Resource for Weather Analysis),
an indigenous mobile application developed by BISAG (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space
Applications and Geo-informatics).

• The aim will disseminate weather-related information and forecasts empowering optimal &
quick decision making
• The app was developed in coordination with Directorate of Naval Oceanology and Meteorology,
Indian Navy.
Key People:
i.Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), virtually participated in the event and delivered the
inaugural address.
ii.Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command, Cmde Abhinav Barve, Commodore
(NOM), Naval Headquarters and Miren Karamta, Director, BISAG attended the seminar.
Highlights of 26th World Energy Congress held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands

The 26th edition of the World Energy Congress was held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, from April 22–
25, 2024, under the theme ‘Redesigning energy for people and planet‘.
• It was hosted by World Energy Council (WEC) and WEC Netherlands, and Ministry of
Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands, City of Rotterdam, and Port of
Rotterdam.
• The Congress seeks to explore the role of connected energy societies in driving forward global
energy transitions in a world context which is less predictable, more turbulent and faster-
shifting.
Participants:
There were around 5,000 delegates and 18,000 total attendees, including up to 70 Ministers and 250 C-
suite from 150 countries and territories. It should be noted that the Developing Countries Scheme of WEC
facilitates up to 250 delegates from developing nations to engage in discussions for a sustainable energy
future.
• India is also a part of this scheme.
India in WEC 2024:
During a panel discussion on ‘The New Interdependencies: Trust, Security and Climate
Resilience’, Pradip Kumar Das, Chairperson & Managing Director (MD) of Indian Renewable Energy
Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), represented India.
• India’s energy transition insights were shared during the discussions.
• India proposed allocating 4%-5% of domestic pension/insurance funds‘ Assets Under
Management (AUM) into renewable energy bonds to boost bond market depth and attract
more global and local investments.
• India aims for 500 GW (Giga Watt) non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 and Net Zero
emissions by 2070.
• Currently, India ranks 4th globally in renewable energy installed capacity.
Ministerial Round Table Conference:
A Ministerial Round Table Conference was also held, and discussions were made on the transformative
impact of the COP28 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference in Dubai (United Arab Emirates),
energy innovation, collaboration, and managing evolving energy trade-offs. It was attended by Secretary,
Ministry of Power, Government of India (GoI), and Chairman WEC India Pankaj Agarwal; Deputy Prime
Minister (PM) and Minister for Climate and Energy Policy of the Netherlands, H.E. Rob Jetten; and senior
representatives of different countries and organizations.
• Union Power Secretary emphasized India’s pivotal role in 28th Conference of the Parties
(COP28), citing G20 (Group of Twenty) New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration.
• The schemes highlighted during the discussion include India’s Mission LiFE (LiFEStyle For
Environment) that promotes sustainable lifestyles, PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja

Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) is a solar power scheme aimed at ensuring energy security
for farmers in India, and solar rooftop programmes.
India’s Power Secretary and Indian Ambassador to Netherlands inaugurated India Pavilion
The Indian Pavilion at the Congress was inaugurated by Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, Ministry of Power;
and Ambassador of India to the Netherlands Mrs. Reenat Sandhu.
• Through this pavilion, India showcased its innovative technologies and power generation
practices, and reinforced India’s global commitment to environmental conservation.
• Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New &
Renewable Energy, Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas participated in the
India Pavilion.
ADB charts course for sustainable growth with strategy 2030, unveils strategy at World Energy
Congress
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) confirmed its commitment to a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and
sustainable Asia-Pacific through Strategy 2030, focusing on seven
priorities viz. Education, Energy, Finance, Health, Transport, Urban, and Water; and enhancing
private sector involvement, financial resources, and knowledge services.
ADB’s Commitment/Initiatives in 2023:
i.In 2023, ADB provided commitments of USD 23.6 billion, with disbursements totaling USD 17.8 billion.
OCR net income reached USD 938 million, with an allocable net income of USD 1,423 million.
ii.ADB’s Board approved capital management reforms in September 2023, unlocking USD 100 billion in
funding over 10 years to address climate change and other issues.
iii.ADB introduced Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia and the Pacific (IF-CAP), offering
grants and guarantees for climate projects, and launched International Finance Facility for Education
(IFFEd) to encourage up to USD 2 billion in education loans.
iv.Lending operations expanded, with outstanding loans reaching USD 151 billion by 2023-end.
Notes:
i.The 25th WEC was held in St. Petersburg, Russia from October 24–27, 2022.
ii.The 27th World Energy Council will be hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh in 2026.
i.Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) and IIT Bhubaneswar have signed a
MoU to support innovation and research, technology transfer, and cultivate a thriving start-up ecosystem
in the renewable energy sector.
About World Energy Council (WEC):
Secretary General and CEO– Dr Angela Wilkinson
Headquarters– London, United Kingdom
About WEC India:
It is a country member of WEC It joined the Council in 1924. WEC India functions under the patronage of
Ministry of Power, Government of India and with the support of the Ministries of Coal, New & Renewable
Energy, Petroleum & Natural Gas and External Affairs.
Chairman– Pankaj Agarwal

INDEX
RANKING
Bernard Arnault Tops Forbes World’s Billionaires List 2024, Mukesh Ambani Tops in India
On April 2, 2024, Forbes released its 38th annual World’s Billionaires list – ‘Forbes World’s Billionaires
List: The Richest in 2024‘ in partnership with J.P. Morgan Bank. Bernard Arnault (France), Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH ) topped the list with a net worth of
USD 233 Billion.
• He is followed by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors with a net worth of USD 195 Billion and Jeff
Bezos, founder & Former CEO of Amazon with USD 194 Billion at 3rd place.
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman And Managing Director(CMD) of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL),
ranked 9th globally with a net worth of USD 116 Billion, becomes the richest man in India. He is
the only Indian to feature among the top 10.
• He also became the first Asian to break into the USD 100 billion club.
Note: Forbes used stock prices and exchange rates from 8th March 2024, to calculate net worth.
List of World’s Top 10 Billionaires:
Net Worth (USD

Rank Name Country Company
Billion)
Chairman And CEO,

1 Bernard Arnault 233 France
LVMH
The United States

2 Elon Musk 195 CEO, Tesla
of America(USA)
Chairman And
3 Jeff Bezos 194 USA
Founder, Amazon
Cofounder, Meta
4 Mark Zuckerberg 177 USA
Platforms
CTO And Founder,

5 Larry Ellison 141 USA
Oracle
CEO, Berkshire
6 Warren Buffet 133 USA
Hathaway Inc.
Cochair, Bill &

7 Bill Gates 128 USA Melinda Gates
Foundation
former CEO of
8 Steve Ballmer 121 USA
Microsoft,
9 Mukesh Ambani 116 India CMD RIL

Cofounder And
10 Larry Page 114 USA Board Member,
Alphabet
List of India’s Top 5 Billionaires:
Rank Net Worth (USD

Name Company
(Global) Billion)
9 Mukesh Ambani 116 CMD RIL
17 Gautam Adani 84 Chairman of Adani Group
39 Shiv Nadar 36.9 Co-Founder of HCL
Chairperson Emeritus of the O

46 Savitri Jindal 33.5
P Jindal Group
Founder & MD of Sun

69 Dilip Shanghvi 26.7 Pharmaceutical Industries
Limited.
Indian Scenario:
i.Combined wealth of Indian billionaires reaches a record USD 954 billion, a 41% increase from USD 675
billion in 2023.
ii.Gautam Adani became the 2nd richest Indian with a net worth of USD 84 billion followed by Shiv Nadar
as 3rd richest with a net worth of USD 36.9 billion.
iii.Savitri Jindal remains India’s richest woman, rising to the fourth position from sixth.
iv.25 new Indian billionaires made debut in the list, this includes notable figures like Renuka Jagtiani
(chairperson and CEO of Landmark Group), Ramesh Kunhikannan (founder and managing director of
Kaynes Technology), Kabir Mulchandani (proprietor of FIVE Holdings), Ramesh Jaisinghani (Polycab
India), Onkar Kanwar (chairman of Apollo Tyres).
Key Points:
i.There are 2,781 billionaires across the globe in 2024, up by 141 from 2023, with an aggregate worth of
USD 14.2 trillion, a USD 2 trillion increase from 2023.
ii.The USA tops the list of countries with the most number of billionaires with 813, with a total net worth
of USD 5.7 trillion.
• The USA is followed by China with 473 billionaires worth USD 1.7 trillion; and India with 200
billionaires worth USD 954 billion
iii.14 individuals are part of the USD 100 Billion Club, holding USD 2 trillion collectively, representing
0.5% of all billionaires but holding 14% of total billionaire wealth.
iv.Taylor Swift, American songwriter and singer, has joined the billionaire list with a net worth of USD 1.1
billion. She was ranked 2545 globally.
Click here for 14 celebrities who joins World’s Billionaires’ List 2024
v.265 newcomers emerge as billionaires, with Italy’s Andrea Pignataro leading as the richest, with a net
worth of USD 27.5 billion.


i.Forbes India unveiled the 11th edition of Forbes India 30 Under 30 List for 2024 (Class of 2024), which
recognises professionals and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions across diverse fields.
The 2024 list features 37 individuals including
Actress Rashmika Mandana; Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, co-founders of Zepto; Vishnu Acharya of
Razorpay recognised across 19 categories.
ii.The Forbes Asia’s 2023 Heroes of Philanthropy list, the 17th edition of the annual unranked list, features
3 Indians: Kushal Pal Singh (K.P. Singh), Chairman Emeritus of DLF Limited; Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder
and Chairman of Infosys; and Nikhil Kamath, Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer, Zerodha.
About Forbes:
Forbes is a global media company, focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship,
leadership, and lifestyle.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Mike Federle
Headquarters– New Jersey, the United States of America (USA)
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: JNU ranked as India’s Top University for
Development Studies
On April 10, 2024, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) released the 14th edition of the QS World University
Rankings by Subject 2024, which marked Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, Delhi as India’s
highest-ranked institution in Development Studies (20th globally).
• Harvard University of United States (US) topped the 4 broad subjects.
Assessment:
The edition featured 55 individual subjects across five broad subject areas viz. Arts & Humanities,
Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences & Management.
1,559 institutions have been ranked across these subjects with 64 universities debuting in 2024. Music is
the one new subject to be added to 2024 rankings.
Top Ranked Universities in broad subjects:
Rank University
Arts & Humanities
1 Harvard University, US
2 University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (UK)
3 University of Oxford, UK
Engineering and Technology
1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US
2 Stanford University, US
3 University of Oxford

Life Sciences & Medicine
1 Harvard University
3 Johns Hopkins University, US
Natural Sciences
2 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Social Sciences & Management
3 Stanford University
Click Here for full List of Subjects
The Indian Scenario:
Indian Global
Subject University
Rank Rank
Development Studies JNU 1 20
Business & Management IIM (Indian Institute of Management)

1 22
Studies Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Engineering- Mineral & IIT (Indian Institute of Technology)-Bombay,

1 25
Mining Maharashtra
Engineering-Petroleum IIT-Madras, Tamil Nadu (TN) 1 29

• JNU is also India’s top-ranked University in the subjects of Geography, History, Modern
Languages, Politics, Anthropology, English Language & Literature and Linguistics.
• Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (deemed to be university) in Chennai,
TN secured the 24th spot globally in Dentistry and is the only Indian university to achieve a
perfect score (100/100) in one of the QS indicators, namely the H Index, ranking number one in
this metric, within the Dentistry table.
Other Highlights:
i.69 Indian universities featured in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject, with 424 entries,
marking a 19.4% increase from 2023.

• In the broader Asian context, India became the second most represented country in Asia after
China whose 101 institutions were on the list.
• India ranked 5th regionally for the number of entries in the top 200 and 6th for the top 100
entries.
ii.72% of Indian entries this year showed improvement, maintained positions, or were new to the list,
while only 18% experienced a decline, demonstrating a 17% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) improvement.
iii.12 Institutes of Eminence (IoE) contributed 40% of India’s total entries, with 47 of the top 100 Indian
positions and 14 of the 21 positions across 55 academic disciplines and five faculty areas.
iv.University of Delhi (30 entries), IIT Bombay (28 entries) and IIT Kharagpur (West Bengal) (27
entries) were the most represented Indian universities.
v.IIM-Bangalore (Karnataka) and IIM-Calcutta (West Bengal) were among the top 50 globally for business
and management studies.
vi.India experienced a remarkable 54% surge in research output from 2017 to 2022, solidifying its
position as a rapidly expanding research center.
i.According to the 8th edition of India Rankings (India Ranking 2023), prepared by Ministry of Education
(MoE) based on parameters defined by National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), Indian Institute
of Technology (IIT) Madras (IITM), Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN), has topped the list for the 5th consecutive
time.
ii.According to the ‘Times Higher Education(THE) World University Ranking 2024’, the Indian Institute of
Science, Bengaluru (IISc Bengaluru) is Ranked No. 1 among Indian institutions, falling into the 201- 250
band ranking for the first time since 2017. IISc Bengaluru has moved up from 251-300 band in 2023.
About Quacquarelli Symonds (QS):
CEO– Jessica Turner
Headquarters – London, United Kingdom (UK)
Singapore, Denmark and U.S. are the Best Places in the world to Conduct Business: EIU’ BER
2024
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released its Business Environment Rankings (BER) 2024,
assessing 82 countries across 91 crucial indicators across 11 categories to determine the best places for
conducting business.
• Singapore retains its top position for the 16th consecutive year, followed by Denmark and the
United States (US) at 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the world to conduct business.
• India ranked 51 in the list with a score of 1.08.
Assessment:
The report ranked the improvement in the business environment for the period from 2019-2023 to 2024-
28.
List of Top 5 Countries to Conduct Business
Rank Country Score
1 Singapore 8.56
2 Denmark 8.41
3 US 8.40

4 Germany 8.35
5 Switzerland 8.33
51 India 1.08
Big Improvers:
i.Greece, Qatar, and India have made significant strides in providing favorable business environments
globally.
• India ranks third among the most improved business environments globally, projecting strong
economic growth and heightened foreign investment.
ii.Vietnam, Thailand, Belgium, Sweden, India, and Costa Rica are notable improvers.
Biggest Deterioration:
i.China, Bahrain, Chile, and Slovakia have experienced notable declines in their business environments.
ii.China’s substantial drop by 11 spots marks it as the biggest loser globally, reflecting challenges in its
business landscape compared to the previous year.
Key Points:
i.Singapore’s attractiveness stems from its political stability and government support for domestic private-
sector technological advancements.
ii.Denmark boasts solid macroeconomic fundamentals and high-quality infrastructure.
iii.The US offers favorable market opportunities with minimal restrictions on foreign trade and
investment.
iv.Other top-ranked countries include Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, New Zealand, Hong Kong,
and Finland.
v.Australia, Taiwan, and South Korea also rank in the global top 20, influenced by recent regional free
trade agreements.
India ranks 3rd in Hurun’s Global Unicorn Index 2024

According to the 6th edition of “Global Unicorn Index 2024”report published by Hurun Institute, India
is ranked at 3rd position in the index with 67 unicorns(down to 1 compared to 2023).
i.While, Indian Ed-tech giant Byju’s and PharmEasy were dropped out from the index.
ii.United States of America (U.S.A.) continued to be at top position with 703 unicorns which accounted
for 48% of world total number of unicorns.
• China also retained its 2nd position in the index with 340 unicorns.
Top 5 Countries with most number of unicorns:
Up/down
Rank Country Number of Unicorns
compared to 2023
1. U.S.A. 703 +37
2. China 340 +34
3. India 67 -1
4. United Kingdom(U.K.) 53 +4

5. Germany 36 0
Top5 Global Unicorns 2024:
Valuation(USD
Rank Unicorn Country Sector
billion)
1. Byte Dance 220 China Social Media
2. SpaceX 180 U.S.A. Aerospace
3. OpenAI 100 U.S.A. AI
4. Ant Group 80 China Fin tech
5. Shein 65 China E-Commerce

Key Points:
i.The index listed total 1453 unicorns(up by 37% compared to 2023) in the world based in 53 countries.
• The total value of the world’s unicorn reached USD 5 trillion, which is equivalent to the Gross
domestic product (GDP) of Japan.
ii.ByteDance owned by Tik-Tok remained as the world’s most valuable unicorn worth USD220 billion(up
USD20 billion compared to last year).
iii.As per index, 1 unicorn minted every 2 days in last one year. US led this list of new unicorns
with 70 followed by China with 56. Total number of new unicorns in the world, established in past year
is 171.
iv.Fin tech, Software as a service (SaaS) and AI(Artificial Intelligence) accounted for 33% of all unicorns
on the list. AI replaced E-Commerce to 3rd place in the list.
v.The most active city for unicorns outside of the US and China was London(the United Kingdom-UK),
followed by Bengaluru(Karnataka, India), Paris(France) and Berlin(Russia).
vi.As per the Index, for the 1st time ever, Tiger Global(U.S.) named as the “World’s Most Successful
Unicorn Investor ” investing into 205 unicorns.
• Soft Bank(Japan) ranked at 2nd position in terms of most successful unicorn investor investing
into 169 unicorns followed by Hong Shan(China).
• Hong Shan has replaced Sequoia from the list and Sequoia slipped to 4th position.
Cities:
i.San Francisco(U.S.) retained the title of “World Unicorn Capital” with 190 unicorns(up 9) followed by
New York(U.S.) with 133 unicorns(up 7) and Beijing(China) with 78 unicorns(down 1).
ii.While, Indian cities: Bengaluru (Karnataka) and Mumbai (Maharashtra) were ranked at 7th and 19th
position in the list respectively.
India-Specific:
i.India was ranked 3rd with 67 unicorns led by on-demand food delivery start-up Swiggy (USD8
billion) followed by Dream11(USD8 billion) and Razorpay (USD7.5 billion).
ii.The report highlighted about India’s start up ecosystem which has slowed down. The main factors
underscored by the report which attributed to this:
• The lack of investment into start-ups.
• The number of Indian unicorns established outside of India is higher compared to the number
of unicorns based in India.

Note:
i.Out of total 176 unicorns, 109 were established by Indian co-founders based outside India and remaining
67 are based in India.
ii.Unicorns based outside India in other countries: US(95), U.K.(4), Singapore(3) and Germany(2)
Drop Outs:
i.According to the report, 128 unicorns witnessed a drop in their valuation from the last year i.e. losing
USD210 billion in the year.
ii.42 unicorns from 2023 list dropped out from the list, as their valuation fell below USD 1 billion.
About Global Unicorn Index:
i.It is compiled by Hurun Research Institute and includes companies founded in the 2000s with a current
valuation of USD1 billion, not yet list on public exchange.
ii.The data is for January2023 toJanuary2024, compared with January 2022 to January 2023.
iii.Hurun Research has been tracking unicorns since 2017.
Delhi airport Ranked 10th among World’s Top 10 Busiest Airports in 2023: ACI
The Airports Council International (ACI) World released its report on the ‘Top 10 Busiest Airports
Worldwide for 2023‘ with Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport – IGIA) securing the 10th
spot in 2023 (in Passengers category).
• Handling over 7.22 crore passengers in 2023, IGIA experienced a slight drop from its 9th
position in 2022, with Chicago O’Hare Airport, United States (US) surpassing it.
• Despite this, the airport exhibited a steady Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth of 20.36% from 2022,
showcasing the robust recovery of the Indian aviation sector.
• Indira Gandhi International Airport was ranked 9th in 2022, 13th in 2021.
Highlights:
i.Passenger traffic: 2023 global passenger traffic reached close to 8.5 billion, representing an increase of
27.2% from 2022 or a recovery of 93.8% from pre-pandemic results (2019).
ii.The top 10 airports, which account for nearly 10% of global traffic (806 million passengers), saw
a 19.8% increase from 2022 or a 0.7% increase compared to their 2019 performance (801 million
passengers in 2019).
iii.Among the top 10 busiest airports, five are in the US.

iv.Cargo traffic: Air cargo volumes are estimated to have decreased by 3.1% Year-over-Year (-4.6%
versus 2019), too close to 113 million metric tonnes in 2023.
v.Global Aircraft Movements: In 2023, it reached nearly 95 million, marking an 11.8% increase from
2022 and a recovery of 92.7% from pre-pandemic levels.vi.Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Airport is set to host the 2024 ACI World Customer Experience Summit and Exhibition, from
September 23-26, 2024 in Atlanta, US.
vii.In International Passengers: Dubai, United Arab Emirates remained in top followed by London,
United Kingdom (UK) at second and Amsterdam, Netherlands at third place.
viii.In Air Cargo Volumes (Metric Tonnes), Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Hong Kong
remained in top rank followed by Memphis International Airport (MEM), US at 2nd
and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), China at 3rd place.
ix.In Aircraft Movements, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is at the top, followed by
Chicago O’Hare Airport in second, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in third.
x.Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), United States (US) regains title as world’s
busiest with 104.65 million passengers in 2023, yet remains 5% below 2019 levels due to pandemic
recovery.
Passengers*
Rank (2023) Airport Rank (2022)
1 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, US 1
2 Dubai International Airport 5
3 Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, US 2
4 London Heathrow, UK 8
5 Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan 16
New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport,

10 9
India
PASSENGERS* – Total Passengers enplaned and deplaned, passengers in transit counted once.
About Delhi International Airport (DIAL):
DIAL is a joint venture (JV) established by the consortium between GMR Group (54%), Airports Authority
of India (26%), Fraport AG & Eraman Malaysia (10% each).
• In 2006, the consortium was awarded the concession to operate, manage and develop the Indira
Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
i.The Indigenously built state of the art Air Traffic Management Automation System (ATMAS) inaugurated
at the Biju Patnaik International Airport, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The ATMAS was jointly developed by
Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
ii.Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to set up the world’s first green hydrogen plant and fueling
station at the airport premises of Cochin International Airport, Ernakulam, Kerala.

About Airports Council International (ACI)

It is a trade association for airports globally established in 1991 to promote collaboration between its
member airports and other aviation organizations, such as the International Air Transport Association
(IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the Civil Air Navigation Services
Organization (CANSO).
Director General- Luis Felipe de Oliveira
Members– As of January 2024, ACI serves 757 members, operating 2109 airports in 191 countries.
Headquarters– Montreal, Canada
Skytrax World Airport Awards 2024: Hamad International Airport of Doha (Qatar) Named
World’s Best Airport
Doha’s (Qatar) Hamad International Airport (HIA) has been named the World’s Best Airport in
2024 in the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards, held at Passenger Terminal EXPO in Frankfurt,
Germany on 17th April 2024.
• The 2023 Airport of the Year and 12-times previous winner, Singapore Changi
Airport (Singapore) secured 2nd place, winning Best Airport in Asia and the World’s Best
Airport Immigration Service.
• Incheon Airport (Seoul, South Korea) ranked 3rd, winning the World’s Most Family Friendly
Airport for 2024.
Note:
Skytrax is the London, United Kingdom (UK)- based international aviation research organisation.
World’s Top 10 Airports in Skytrax World Airport Awards:
Rank in 2024 Global Airports Rank in 2023
1 Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar 2
2 Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore 1
Incheon International Airport, Seoul, South

3 4
Korea
4 Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan 3
5 Tokyo Narita, International Airport, Japan 9
6 Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France 5
Dubai International Airport, United Arab

7 17
Emirates (UAE)
8 Munich Airport, Germany 7
9 Zurich Airport, Switzerland 8
10 Istanbul Airport, Türkiye 6

Click here for Top 100 Airports

Awards of Japan Airports:

i.Tokyo Haneda Airport has been declared the World’s and Asia’s Cleanest Airport for 2024.
• It also delivers the World’s Best Airport Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) & Accessible
Facilities.
• It is also the Best Airport by passenger numbers in 2024, with over 70 million passengers.
ii.Tokyo Narita International Airport wins the top award for the World’s Best Airport Staff service in 2024.
iii.Japan’s New Chitose International Airport is named the World’s Most Improved Airport in 2024.
iv.Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya, Japan has been named the World’s Best Regional
Airport for the 10th consecutive year.
Key Highlights:
i.HIA also won awards for ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the 2nd consecutive time and “Best Airport
in the Middle East” for the 10th time.
ii.Rome Fiumicino Airport of Italy is named the winner of the 2024 award for the World’s Best Airport
Security Processing.
iii.Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France was declared the World’s Best Low-Cost Terminal; and also
named the Best Airport in Europe for the 2nd successive year.
iv.Cape Town Airport and Durban King Shaka Airport of South Africa were the major award winners in
Africa.
• Cape Town was named Best Airport in Africa and Best Airport Staff Service in Africa.
• Durban King Shaka Airport was named the Best Regional Airport in Africa.
Indian Airports in the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards:
Kempegowda International Airport (KIA):
i.KIA in Bengaluru, Karnataka has been recognised as the Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia
and moved up to 59 from 69 in 2023.
ii.KIA’s Terminal 2 secured the 2nd position globally as the World’s Best New Airport Terminal. Terminal
2, operational since 2023, has garnered numerous awards, including:
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Prix Versailles
World’s Most Beautiful Airport award; and
• The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum certification.
Other Indian Airports:
i.The Delhi International Airport secured 36th place on the list and emerged as the Best Airport in India
and South Asia.
ii.Mumbai International Airport in Maharashtra dropped to 95 from 84 in 2023.
iii.Hyderabad International Airport in Telangana moved up to 61 from 65 in 2023 and was named Best
Airport Staff Service in India & South Asia.
iv.JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity in Delhi was the Best Airport Hotel in India & South Asia.
About World Airport Awards:
i.The Awards are based on the World Airport Survey questionnaires completed by over 100 nationalities
of airport customers during the survey period (August 2023 to March 2024).
• The World Airport Survey is the world’s largest annual Airport Customer Satisfaction survey,
conducted by Skytrax.
ii.The World Airport Awards began in 1999, when Skytrax launched its first global, Airport customer
satisfaction survey.
iii.They are regarded as a quality benchmark for the world airport industry, assessing customer service
and facilities across over 570 airports.
• It is often referred to as “the Oscars of the aviation industry”.

Survey Evaluation:
The survey evaluated the customer experience across airport service and product key performance
indicators, from check-in, arrivals, transfers, shopping, and security/immigration through to departure at
the gate.
Recent related News:
The Airports Council International (ACI) World released its report on the Top 10 Busiest Airports
Worldwide for 2023 with Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport – IGIA) securing the 10th spot
in 2023 (in the Passengers category).
About Skytrax:
Headquarters– London, UK
Skytrax are specialist Research and Quality Advisor to the air transport industry.
Global Military Expenditure recorded All-Time High of USD 2443bn in 2023, US Tops & India
4th: SIPRI Report
On April 22, 2024, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its report titled
‘Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023’. According to the report, the total global military expenditure
increased for the 9th consecutive year to an all-time high of USD 2443 billion in 2023, an increase of 6.8%
in real terms from 2022. This is the steepest year-on-year increase since 2009.
• The top 5 military spenders in 2023 are the United States of America(USA)(1st), China(2nd),
Russia(3rd), India (4th) and Saudi Arabia(5th), which together accounted for 61% of world
military spending.
Reason behind this Increase:
The increase in global military spending in 2023 was mainly due to the Ukraine conflict and rising tensions
in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. All 5 geographical regions saw higher military expenditure,
especially in Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.
Indian Scenario:
i.With a military expenditure of USD 83.6 billion in 2023, India was the 4th largest spender globally.
India’s military spending has increased by 4.2% from 2022 and 44% from 2014.
ii.This increase was mainly due to rising personnel and operations costs, constituting nearly 80% of the
total budget.
iii.Capital outlays for military procurement remained stable at around 22% of the budget.
• 75% of these outlays were allocated to domestically produced equipment, the highest ever and
up from 68% in 2022.
iv.This shift towards domestic procurement aligns with India’s aim of achieving self-reliance in arms
development and production.
Top 5 largest Spenders in 2023:
Rank Rank Spending Share of World Spending (%)

Country
(2023) (2022) (USD/Billion) in 2023
1 1 USA 916 37
2 2 China 296 12
3 3 Russia 109 4.5

4 4 India 83.6 3.4
Saudi
5 5 75.8 3.1
Arabia
• The top largest spenders includes the United Kingdom (UK) (6th),
Germany (7th), Ukraine (8th), France (9th), and Japan (10th).
Highlights:
i.World military burden/Total Military Expenditure rose to 2.3% of global gross domestic product (GDP)
in 2023.
• World military burden is defined as military spending as a percentage of global GDP.
ii.Average military spending as a share of government expenditure increased by 0.4% to 6.9% in 2023.
iii.Global military spending per person reached its highest level since 1990, at USD 306.
iv.On the regional front, countries in the Americas accounted for 41% of the world’s military spending in
2023. It is followed by Asia and Oceania (24%), Europe (24%), the Middle East (8.2%)
and Africa (2.1%).
• Military spending in Asia and Oceania reached USD 595 billion in 2023, up by 4.4% from 2022
and 46% from 2014.
• China and its neighbors, including East Asian countries and India, were the main contributors to
this regional increase.
Key Points:
i.In 2023, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, including the USA, collectively spent
USD 1341 billion. This accounts for around 55% of global military spending.
• The USA’s spending accounted for around 68% of NATO’s total.
ii.Most European NATO members increased their military spending, contributing 28% of the total, the
highest in ten years.
• Canada and Türkiye contributed 4%.
• Poland experienced the largest annual increase in military spending among European
countries, growing by 75% to USD 31.6 billion, ranking 14th globally
iii.The Democratic Republic of the Congo saw the largest percentage increase in military spending
(+105%), followed by South Sudan (+78%), and Ukraine (+51%).
iv.Among the top 10 spenders, Ukraine allocated the highest proportion of government expenditure to
military spending (58%), followed by Saudi Arabia (24%) and Russia (16%).
• Ukraine’s military spending surged by 51% to USD 64.8 billion in 2023, moving from the 11th
to the 8th largest spender globally.
v.Saudi Arabia increased its military spending by 4.3% to an estimated $75.8 billion, maintaining its
position as the Middle East’s largest spender.
vi.China’s military spending continued to rise for the 29th consecutive year, increasing by 6% to an
estimated USD 296 billion.
Note:
The SIPRI Military Expenditure Database offers data on military spending by country from 1949 to 2023. It
includes figures in various formats. The database was last updated on April 22, 2024, superseding all
previous versions.
i.SIPRI released its publication titled ‘Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2023’ stating India as
world’s top arms importer for the period 2019-23 with imports increased by 4.7% compared to the period
2014-18. India accounts for 9.8% of the total global imports in 2019-2023. Russia remains India’s top

arms supplier at 36%, however, it’s the first time since 1960–64 that their deliveries comprised less than
half of India’s imports.
ii.The United States(US) Department of State has approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B Armed Drones and other
related equipments to India. The estimated cost of the deal is around USD 3.99 billion (Rs 33060 crore).
About SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute):
It is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control
and disarmament.
Chair of the SIPRI Governing Board – Stefan Löfven
Director– Dan Smith
Headquarters – Solna, Sweden
S&P Global: 3 Indian Banks Among Top 50 lenders in Asia-Pacific by Assets

Three Indian Banks namely, the State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are featured in the
list of top 50 largest banks in Asia-Pacific Region by Assets – 2024 released by The S&P Global Market
Intelligence.
• The cumulative asset of these 3 Indian Banks surged exponentially by 50.5% year-on-year(y-o-
y) basis to USD1.51 trillion in 2023.
• China’s Industrial and Commercial Bank of China limited retained its position as the largest
bank in Asia pacific as well as in world in 2023.
Ranking of Indian Banks on the list:
Rank Name of the Bank Headquarter
20 SBI Mumbai, Maharashtra
33 HDFC Bank Mumbai, Maharashtra
48 ICICI Bank Mumbai, Maharashtra

Top 4 banks by Assets in Asia-Pacific region in 2023:
Rank Name of the Bank Headquarter
1 Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Beijing, China
2 Agricultural Bank of China Beijing, China
3 China Construction Bank Corporation Beijing, China
4 Bank of China Limited Beijing, China

Points to note:
i.SBI, India’s largest Public Sector Bank(PSB), has improved its ranking to 20th in 2023 from 21 in 2022.
SBI’s assets valuation stands at USD 780.05 billion in 2023.
ii.HDFC Bank’s valuation increased to USD 464.34 billion in 2023, over 51% higher than its value in 2022.
HDFC bank has jumped from 46th rank in 2022 to 33rd rank in 2023.
• The value of HDFC bank increased due to its merger with its parent organisation Housing
Development Finance Corporation(HDFC) Limited in July 2022.

iii.ICICI Bank, 2nd largest private sector bank in India, has made its debut in the top 50 Asia-Pacific lender
list in 2023. It is currently ranked 48th position.
iv.The report outlined various factors which contributed towards the growth of Indian bank’s assets in
recent year are: improvement in financial metrics, coupled with high credit growth in a robust economic
environment.
v.The size of Indian lenders remained far below Chinese and Japanese Banks i.e. total assets of Industrial
and Commercial Bank of China is USD6.30 trillion(2023), which is more than 8 times of Indian PSB, SBI.
vi.The report quoted Reserve Bank of India(RBI) data which mentioned that India, world’s fastest-growing
economy growth rate stood at 15.6%(as of 29th December, 2023).
Key Points:
i.Mainland China-based Banks retained its position among the top banks in Asia-Pacific region. 6 banks of
out of the top 10 banks in the list are based in China.
• The combined total assets of top 4 performing banks of China grew 10.2% year-on-year(y-o-y)
to USD21.91 trillion in 2023, with agricultural bank showed maximum growth at 14.3%.
ii.Lenders based in Japan and South Korea witnessed the biggest declines in their annual ranking.
• The combined assets of Japanese banks decreased 2.5%(y-o-y) in 2023 to USD10.53
trillion whereas South Korean banks had a 0.9% (y-o-y) decline to USD2.66 trillion.
iii.The combined assets of 3 Singaporean banks increased to 3.7% (y-o-y) to USD1.40 trillion.
• The ranking of DBS Group Holdings Limited and United Overseas Bank Limited improved, while
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited ranking fell from three places to 37.
About S&P Global Inc.:
President and Chief Executive Officer(CEO): Douglas L. Peterson
Headquarters: New York, U.S.A
Established: 1917
REPORTS
Asia was the World’s ‘Disaster Capital’ in 2023: State of the Climate 2023 in Asia by WMO
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) unveiled its 4th edition of the ‘State of the Climate in Asia
2023‘, highlighting Asia’s vulnerability to weather and climate-related hazards. Year 2023 was recorded as
the warmest year across six globally averaged datasets, with the years from 2015 to 2023 ranking as the
nine warmest years in all datasets. This made it the disaster capital in 2023.
• In 2023, Asia experienced 79 water hazard-related disasters, predominantly floods and storms,
resulting in over 2,000 fatalities and directly affecting nine million people.

• Throughout 2023, Asia emerged as the world’s most disaster-affected area with the mean
temperature soaring to 0.91 °C [0.84 °C–0.96 °C] above the 1991–2020 reference period,
marking the second-highest on record. It is 1.87 °C [1.81 °C–1.92 °C] above the 1961–1990
average.
• Japan and Kazakhstan registered record-high temperatures.
Assessment:
The following Six datasets were used in the calculation of regional temperature viz.
• The Berkeley Earth Land/Ocean Temperature Record
• ERA5 Monthly Averaged Data on Single Levels from 1940 to Present
• JRA-55 Reanalysis: General Specifications and Basic Characteristics
• GISS Surface Temperature Analysis (GISTEMP) version 4,
• The HadCRUT5 Data Set, National Oceanic and
• Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Global Temperature Analysis
Highlights:
i.Globally, the annual mean near-surface temperature in 2023 surged to 1.45 ± 0.12°C above the 1850–
1900 pre-industrial average, marking it as the warmest year on record
ii.Asia’s warming trend has nearly doubled since 1960–1990, leading to increased casualties and economic
losses from floods, storms, and severe heatwaves.
iii.In 2023, sea-surface temperatures in the northwest Pacific Ocean hit record highs.
iv.India experienced its highest monthly mean temperature in August 2023, coupled with an
unprecedented rainfall deficit for the month.
v.Sea surface temperatures in various Asian areas, including the Arabian Sea and southern Kara Sea, are
warming over three times faster than the global average.
vi.Globally, sea levels are rising due to thermal expansion and melting glaciers, but Asia’s rates are
higher than the global average from 1993–2023.
vii.Despite overall lower precipitation, extreme events occurred, such as heavy rainfall in Myanmar, floods
and storms across India, Pakistan, and Nepal, and record rainfall in Hong Kong.
viii.Glaciers in High-Mountain Asia, including the Tibetan Plateau, are retreating at an accelerating rate
due to record-breaking high temperatures and dry conditions.
ix.From 1970 to 2021, Asia experienced 3,612 weather, climate, and water-related disasters, resulting in
984,263 deaths and USD 1.4 trillion in economic losses, with tropical cyclones as the leading cause of
reported deaths.
x.In 2023, over 80% of reported hydrometeorological hazards in Asia were flood and storm events, with
Yemen experiencing heavy rainfall and widespread floods.
Mitigation:
To mitigate these impacts, the WMO and its partners advocate for strong early warning and disaster risk
reduction systems in Asia. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
(UNESCAP) in partnership with WMO will continue investing in raising climate ambition.
About State of the Climate in Asia Report:
It is an annual State of the Climate in Asia Report. It is collaborative effort of National Meteorological and
Hydrological Services (NMHSs), WMO Regional Climate Centres (RCCs), research institutions, and UN
agencies, and offers comprehensive updates on climate indicators, impacts, risks, and policy tailored to
Asia’s needs in climate monitoring, change, and services.
i.The Bihar government has brought out the ‘Patna Declaration’ to strengthen bird conservation initiatives
and address the challenges posed by illegal hunting in the South Asian region.

ii.The Government of Goa has announced a partnership with the World Bank (WB) to establish a Blended
Finance Facility (BFF) for climate resilience.
About World Meteorological Organization (WMO):
Secretary-General– Celeste Saulo
Report on Energy Transitions to achieve India’s net-zero Targets by IIM-A Launched

On April 3, 2024, a report titled ‘Synchronizing Energy Transitions Toward Possible Net Zero for India:
Affordable and Clean Energy for All‘ prepared by IIM-A (Indian Institute of Management- Ahmedabad)
Gujarat, under the sanction of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (GoI)
was launched during a meeting held in New Delhi, Delhi. It was launched by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood,
Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the GoI.
• The reports part-funding (one-third) is from Nuclear Power Corporation of India
Ltd (NPCIL).
• The report aims to analyze the energy transition necessary for achieving a net-zero energy
basket for India.
Key Points:
i.The report’s study, initiated in November 2021, focuses on minimizing power costs for consumers and
determining an optimal power mix for net-zero emissions.
ii.Led by Prof. Amit Garg, the project team at IIM Ahmedabad collaborated with an expert group chaired
by Dr. R. B. Grover, comprising experts from various power generation sectors.
iii.The report addresses critical questions regarding India’s energy trajectory, energy mix projections, cost
of electricity, carbon emissions, required investments, and challenges and opportunities in achieving net-
zero emissions by 2070.
Conclusions:
i.Substantial nuclear power and renewable energy generation are essential for net-zero by 2070,
necessitating decarbonization of the electricity sector well before then.
ii.India’s emissions in 2070 are estimated between 0.56 btCO2 (billion-tonne of carbon dioxide) and
1.0 btCO2, with the remaining gap offset through sequestration as per Nationally Determined
Contributions (NDCs).
iii.Active policies on critical minerals and carbon dioxide removal technologies are crucial for coal phase-
down.
iv.Clean, affordable electricity can be achieved through a focus on nuclear and renewable power, alongside
widespread electrification of end-use sectors i.e upto 47-52% electricity share in Total Final Electricity
Consumption (TFEC) compared to 18% at present.
v.Financial requirements for 2020-2070 are estimated at Rs 150-200 lakh Crore, with significant
international financial flows necessary.
India Among 12 Nations Responsible for 60% of world’s mismanaged plastic waste: EA Report
According to the EA Earth Action’s 2024 report titled “Plastic Overshoot Day- September 5, 2024” , India is
among the top 12 nations that contribute to around 60% of world’s mismanaged plastic waste.
• The 12 countries are China, India, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt,
Pakistan, the United States of America(USA) and Türkiye.
Note:
• The report was launched ahead of the 4th meeting of the United Nations(UN)’
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) in Ottawa, Canada from April 23-29, 2024.

• UN INC is a committee that develops legally binding instruments on topics related to plastic
pollution.
Points to note:
i.India’s per capita plastic waste production stands at 8 kg per capita per year, one of
the world’s lowest. India’s mismanaged plastic waste is less than one-fifth of China’s and one-third of the
USA.
ii.The report stated that India is estimated to release an average of 3,91,879 tons of microplastics into the
environment and 31,483 tons of chemical additives into waterways in 2024.
iii.The global plastic waste generation has increased by 7.11% since 2021. Globally around 220 million
tons of plastic waste was developed in 2024 and 70 million tons will end up polluting the environment.
iv.Belgium has the highest plastic waste production per person, at 147.7 kg/year, 16 times more than
India.
v.Oman leads in mismanaged plastic waste, with 111 kg per person in 2024, 30 times more than
Norway.
What is Plastic Overshoot Day?
Plastic Overshoot Day marks when plastic waste surpasses waste management capacity, causing
environmental pollution.
• For 2024, Plastic Overshoot Day, globally, is projected to be on September 5th, 2024. India’s
Plastic Overshoot Day is expected on April 23rd, 2024.
i.In 2024, there are 117 days of plastic overshoot, indicating that during this time, the plastic waste
won’t be adequately managed.
ii.Each country contributes to this overshoot based on its mismanaged plastic waste.
• By April 2024, nearly half of the world’s population will live in areas where plastic waste
exceeds management capacity.
Assessment:
The report is based on the baseline year 2024 from municipal solid waste (packaging, textile and
household), with a global plastic production of 220 Mt, that is distributed across different country
archetypes: The Moderate Polluters, The Overloaders, The Low-Waste-Producing Polluters, The Toxic
Waste Producers, The Transactors, The Self-Sustainers’.
i.On February 12, 2024, the first-ever ‘State of the World’s Migratory Species‘ report was launched at the
14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species
of Wild Animals (CMS COP14), also known as Bonn Convention in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from February
12-17, 2024.
ii.On 6th February 2024, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated a 100 TPD (Tonnes Per Day)
Integrated Waste Management Facility in South Goa. It has been developed for the scientific treatment of
60 TPD wet waste and 40 TPD dry waste.
About EA Earth Action:
EA Earth Action is a non-profit organization that provides environmental research, consulting, and
solutions.
Co-CEOs– Julien Boucher and Sarah Perreard
Headquarters– Lausanne, Switzerland
Established in 2013
WHO Global Hepatitis Report 2024; Hepatitis is 2nd Leading Infectious cause of Death Globally
On April 9, 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in its ‘Global Hepatitis Report 2024: Action for
access in low- and middle-income countries‘ during the World Hepatitis Summit (WHS) 2024, organized

by World Hepatitis Alliance with the support of the Ministry of Health of Portugal, in Lisbon, from April
9–11, 2024, on the theme ‘Integrate, Accelerate, Eliminate’.
• As per it, there is alarming increase in deaths caused by viral hepatitis, making it the second
leading infectious cause of death globally, after Tuberculosis (TB), claiming 1.3 million lives
annually.
• This is the first consolidated WHO report on viral hepatitis epidemiology, service coverage
and product access, with improved data for action.
Who Prepared the Report?
It was developed by the WHO Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted
Infection (STI) Programmes (HHS) jointly with the Department of Health Product Policy and Standards
(HPS), Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals and Department of Regulation and
Prequalification.
What is in the report?
The report reveals disparities in pricing, service delivery, and funding challenges, alongside progress and
gaps in diagnosis and treatment from 187 countries covering 6 WHO regions viz. African Region (AFR),
the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), the South-East Asia Region (SEAR), the Region of the Americas
(AMR), the Western Pacific Region (WPR), and the European Region (EUR).
Highlights:
i.Viral hepatitis claims 1.3 million lives annually, with 83% attributed to hepatitis B and 17% to hepatitis
C.
ii.Every day, 3,500 people are dying globally due to hepatitis B and C infections.
iii.The report estimates that in 2022, 254 million had hepatitis B and 50 million had hepatitis C.
• Half of the burden is among those aged 30-54, with 12% in children under 18. Men make up
58% of all cases.
iv.10 Countries viz. Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines,
Russian Federation, and Vietnam collectively account for nearly two-thirds of the global burden of
hepatitis B and C.
• For hepatitis B, three countries – China, India and Indonesia – represent 50% of the global
burden in 2022
• For hepatitis C, six countries – China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan,
Russian Federation, and United States (US)– represent 50% of the global burden
v.Despite a slight decrease in new infections, there were 2.2 million new cases in 2022, with 1.2 million
hepatitis B and nearly 1 million hepatitis C infections.
iv.Only 13% of people with chronic hepatitis B and 36% with hepatitis C have been diagnosed, falling far
below global targets to treat 80% of people living with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C by 2030.
v.Progress in diagnosis and treatment is insufficient, with hepatitis B diagnosis and treatment at 13% and
3%, respectively, and hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment at 36% and 20%, respectively.
Key Points:
i.Despite global prevention efforts, deaths from hepatitis are rising due to inadequate diagnosis and
treatment.
ii.There should be Universal access to prevention by 2025, diagnosis, and treatment is crucial, particularly
in the 10 countries with the highest burden and in the African Region.
iii.Many countries don’t buy affordable generic hepatitis medicines, even though they’re available. Pricing
differences exist worldwide, with some countries paying more than they should, even for generic drugs or
when part of licensing deals.

Recommendations for accelerating hepatitis elimination:

The report outlined a series of actions to advance a public health approach to viral hepatitis, designed to
accelerate progress towards ending the epidemic by 2030.
• Expand access to testing and diagnostics.
• Shift focus from policies to implementation for equitable treatment.
• Strengthen primary care prevention efforts.
• Simplify service delivery and optimize product regulation and supply.
• Develop investment cases in priority countries and mobilize innovative financing.
• Utilize improved data for action and engage affected communities and civil society.
• Advance research for improved diagnostics and potential cures for hepatitis B.
i.WHO has recommended R21/Matrix-M, the new malaria vaccine developed by
Jenner Institute at Oxford University(the United Kingdom -UK) and Serum Institute of India (SII) Private
Limited leveraging Novavax’s adjuvant technology, for the prevention of malaria in children.
ii.World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and WHO had inked a four- year Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) that enables experts from both global organizations to work together and exchange information
concerning areas where the realms of anti-doping and public health intersect.
Director-General– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
India to lose 5.8% of daily working hours amid heat stress in 2030 as UNESCAP report
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) released a report
titled “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2024: Boosting affordable and longer-
term financing for Governments”.
• As per the report, India is expected to lose approximately 5.8% of daily working hours due to
increasing temperatures by 2030. This would lead to decrease in productivity and lower
collection of fiscal revenues.
India-Specific Key Findings:
i.The report highlighted that climate change will contribute to the spread of diseases in India which will
further lower government revenue collection.
• In order to mitigate such adverse effects, government will be required to increase fiscal
expenditures.
ii.The report mentioned that climate change may lead to larger agricultural subsidies, as farm subsidies
account for 20% of total farm incomes in India.
iii.The report noted that the Asia and Pacific region specifically about India which is home to 60
crore youth aged between 15 to 24 years required to frame policies to enhance the productivity of young
labour, if they are to match the regional demand from decreasing labour force in developed economies
which have higher productivity.
• Recommendation: The report suggested that Indian Government need to focus on increasing the
skills of the youth through better and more accessible education.
• Due to rapid digital and green transitions that youth will need flexible, market-oriented skills to
ensure access to the labour market.
6. India emerged as the fastest developing economy in the world with 6.8% in 2023. and formal
unemployment was at a 12-year low of 4.1%.

v.The report underscored opportunities that will help women to use their economic and social talents as
care demands may decrease.
• Women’s role in different sectors such as: manufacturing and tourism are integrated into
macroeconomic analysis to inform appropriate policies the initiate change.
Note: The productivity of non-farm workers in developed economies is about 8 times that of India.
About United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP):
It is one of the 5 regional commissions of United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Executive Secretary: Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana
Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand
Established: 1947
Members – 53 members and 9 associate members
UNDP Report on Small Island Digital States Highlights Digital Transformation for Small Island
Developing States
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a report, ” Small Island Digital States: How
Digital Can Catalyse SIDS Development,” highlighting the transformative potential of digital for Small
Island Developing States (SIDS). The report emphasises the pivotal role of digitalization in the
development of SIDS.
• Digital transformation requires longer-term planning, strategic thinking, and dedicated funding.
• Efforts in the digital direction must continue and accelerate to address challenges faced by the
global island community effectively.
About the Report:
i.The UNDP Global SIDS Team has collaborated with over 30 national country governments to explore,
implement, and scale up digital solutions.
ii.Insights drawn from technical collaborations, implementation of digital projects, UNDP Digital Readiness
Assessments, and primary data from a global survey of SIDS youth inform this report.
• UNDP conducted comprehensive Digital Readiness Assessments in over 15 SIDS to identify key
digital opportunities and priorities.
iii.The report follows the structure of the UNDP Digital Transformation Framework, which comprises 5
core pillars and related sub-pillars namely: Connectivity; Government; Regulation; Economy; and People.
Key Findings from the Report:
i.Geographic isolation and vulnerability to climate change necessitate innovation, particularly in the digital
sphere.
ii.A whole-of-society approach is crucial for leveraging digital tools, and technologies effectively in SIDS.
iii.Insights from the report serve decision-makers, policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and
citizens.
iv.Collaboration among various stakeholders is essential to explore and implement emerging technologies
like Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The Potential of Digital in SIDS:
i.SIDS is strongly positioned to explore the power and potential of digital further, including through
sharing their digital challenges and successes.
ii.Advocating for a just digitisation transition, SIDS emphasises the importance of data utilisation while
safeguarding against digital harms through a proposed data impact hub.
iii.SIDS is at the forefront of shaping global digital efforts, ensuring inclusivity in the digital journey to the
future.
iv.SIDS is actively developing National Digital Strategies, bolstering digital initiatives supported by UNDP,
and embracing innovative digital solutions.

About Small Island Developing States (SIDS):

SIDS is a distinct group of 39 States and 18 Associate Members of the UN regional commissions that face
unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities.
WTO Projects Global Merchandise Trade Volume to Grow by 2.6% in 2024

According to the “Global Trade Outlook and Statistics: April 2024” report released by the World Trade
Organization(WTO), the global merchandise trade volume is projected to grow by 2.6% in 2024 and
3.3% in 2025 as demand for traded goods rebounds following a contraction in 2023.
Note: Regional conflicts, geopolitical tensions and economic policy uncertainty pose downside risks to the
forecast.
Key Findings of Report:
i.In October 2023, WTO projected world merchandise trade volume to grow 0.8% in 2023.
ii.High energy prices and inflation continued to influence the demand for manufactured goods resulting in
a 1.2% decline in world merchandise trade volume for 2023.
iii.In terms of value, world merchandise trade fell 5% in 2023 to USD 24.01 trillion. The decline was offset
by a strong increase in commercial services trade, which rose 9% to USD 7.54 trillion.
iv.The decline in merchandise exports was partly due to falling prices for commodities, such as oil and gas.
Key points:
i.Countries which witnessed a decline in exports in 2023 are Russia(-28%), China(-5%), Japan(-4%) and
the Republic of Korea(-8%).
ii.Other major economies which saw a smaller decline or marginal increase in exports are the United
States of America(USA) (-2%), Germany (+1%) and Mexico (+3%).
iii.Compared to other countries, the European Union (EU)(taken as a whole) saw a growth of 2% while
intra-EU trade was down 1%,
vii.All major economies saw a decline in imports except the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (+7%), Russia
(+10%) and Saudi Arabia (+11%).
India-Specific:
i.As per the report, India’s merchandise export for 2023 was USD 432 billion which is 5% lower than 2022.
India’s imports fell 7% to USD 673 billion.
ii.India clocked USD 451 billion goods export in FY23 and USD 394.99 billion in April-February FY24.
iii.In 2023, India’s share of global goods exports was 1.8% and imports was 2.8%.
iv.India’s share in digitally delivered services increased to 6% in 2023 from 4.4% in 2019.
iv.In global commercial services, India’s share in exports was 4.4% in 2023 at USD 344 billion, up 11% on-
year whereas imports were flat at USD 247 billion.
About World Trade Organization(WTO):
Director-General(DG)- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Member nations- 164
Established in 1995
India sets the target to produce 100GW by 2047: AEC Chairman

On the sidelines of launch of the report titled “Synchronizing energy transitions towards possible Net-
Zero for India: Affordable and Clean Energy for All”, AK Mohanty, Chairman of Atomic Energy
Commission (AEC) mentioned that India aims to produce 100 GigaWatt(GW) of nuclear power by 2047.
Key People: The report was launched in the presence of important dignitaries such as: Dr V.K. Saraswat,
member, NITI(National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog, Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chancellor, Homi
Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)

Key Findings of Report:

i.The Department of Atomic Energy(DAE) is preparing a vision document for “Amrit Kaal” which aims to
achieve a nuclear capacity of about 1 lakh MegaWatt (MW) by 2047.
ii.The breed reactors would help to generate 3GW of nuclear power.
• Light reactors built with international cooperation would generate 17.6 GW of nuclear power
• While, pressurised heavy water reactors would generate about 40 to 45 GW of nuclear power.
iii.The report suggested that if India aimed to phase down coal usage in next 30 years then it
requires building suitable infrastructure for alternative sources such as: nuclear power.
• Also, it requires setting up flexible grid infrastructure and storage to support the integration of
renewable energy.
iv.Electricity consumption of end-users will increase from 18%( at present) to 47-52% electricity share
in Total Final Electricity Consumption(TFEC).
v.India’s emissions would range between 0.56 billion-tonne of carbon dioxide (btCO2 )and 1.0 btCO2 in
2070.
vi.During 2020-2070, Government needs financial funding of about Rs 150 -200 lakh crore i.e. USD 40 to
50 billion per year
About “Synchronizing energy transitions towards possible Net-Zero for India: Affordable and Clean
Energy for All” report:
i.Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India (GoI) released
the report on 3rd April, 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
ii.The report was prepared by Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Note: It was a part of study project, sanctioned by Office of PSA to GoI in November, 2021.
iii.The report is largely funded by Office of Principal Security Advisor(PSA) to GoI and received partly-
funding from Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited(NPCIL).
About Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) of India:
Chairman: Ajit Kumar Mohanty
Established: 1948
USD 4.2 trillion needed in Investments to close Development Financing Gap in SDGs: UN DESA’s
FSDR 2024
On 9th April 2024, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) released the
9th edition of ‘Financing for Sustainable Development Report 2024 (FSDR 2024)-Inter-agency Task Force
on Financing for Development‘ on the theme ‘Financing for Development at a Crossroads’.
• As per it, to overcome or close the development financing gap, an estimated USD 4.2 trillion in
investments are required, as compared to USD 2.5 trillion before the onset of the COVID-19
pandemic.
• The report highlights the necessity of economic transitions for achieving sustainable
development goals (SDGs) which will require investments at unprecedented scale.
Who prepared the report?
i.This report is a joint product of the members of the Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for
Development (IATF), comprised of more than 60 UN agencies and international organizations.
ii.The Financing for Sustainable Development Office of UN DESA serves as the coordinator and substantive
editor of FSDR in close cooperation with the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund (IMF),
the World Trade Organization (WTO), the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN
Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Highlights:
i.The report advocates for a financial system that boosts investment in SDGs and adapts swiftly to crises.
ii.Financing gaps were substantial even before 2020 but grew significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic
and subsequent shocks.
iii.Rising debt burdens and borrowing costs are major contributors, undoing development progress,
especially in the poorest nations.
iv.Debt servicing costs for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are estimated at USD 40 billion between
2023 and 2025, up over 50% i.e. USD 26 billion from 2022.
• The median debt service burden for LDCs surged from 3.1% of revenue in 2010 to 12% in 2023,
the highest since 2000.
v.Notably, about 3.3 billion people, roughly 40% of the world’s population, reside in countries where
government spending on interest payments exceeds that on education or health.
• LDCs spend 12% of their revenues on interest payments.
vi.Climate change-related disasters account for over half of the debt increase in vulnerable nations.
vii.Official Development Assistance (ODA) from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD) countries reached USD 211 billion in 2022, up from USD 185.9 billion in 2021, but still insufficient
for development.
viii.Only four countries viz. Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, and Germany met the 0.7% of gross national
income (GNI) target for aid in 2022.
ix.With six years left to achieve the SDGs, progress is declining, especially in the poorest countries. If
things don’t change, the UN expects almost 600 million people to still live in extreme poverty by 2030,
over half of them women.
Additional info:
i.The report points to the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024 as a crucial opportunity to change
course.
ii.It highlights the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) which will be held
30th June to 3rd July 2025 in Spain, as the critical moment for countries to commit to closing the
development financing gap and invest in achieving the SDGs.
iii.The report forms the basis for discussions at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Forum on
Financing for Development, where Member States discuss measures necessary to mobilize sustainable
financing.
iv.The report also informs the SDG Investment Fair, a platform which brings together government officials
and investors for sustainable investment opportunities that support the achievement of the SDGs.
List of 17 SDGs:
Goal Title
1 No Poverty
2 Zero Hunger
3 Good Health and Well-being
4 Quality Education
5 Gender Equality

6 Clean Water and Sanitation
7 Affordable and Clean Energy
8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
10 Reduced Inequality
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 Responsible Consumption and Production
13 Climate Action
14 Life Below Water
15 Life on Land
16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
17 Partnerships for the Goals

These goals, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development, aim to address global challenges and ensure a better future for all.
i.On 31 January 2024, India contributed USD 32.895 million (approximately Rs. 273 Crore) to the UN
Regular Budget (RB) for 2024 and earned its spot in the “Honour Roll of the UN for 2024.
ii.On February 12, 2024, the first-ever ‘State of the World’s Migratory Species‘ report was launched at the
14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species
of Wild Animals (CMS COP14), also known as Bonn Convention in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from February
12-17, 2024.
About United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA):
The Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Economic and Social Affairs, appointed by the UN Secretary-
General, is the head of UN DESA.
Head– USG Li Junhua
Headquarters– New York, United States (US)
Indian Fintech Startup Funding surges 59% in Q1CY2024: Tracxn report

According to Tracxn Geo Quarterly Report by market intelligence platform Tracxn, in first quarter (Q1) of
Calendar Year (CY) 2024 (Q1CY2024), Indian fintech startups raised USD 550.8 million across 33 deals,
marking a 59% increase from Q4 of 2023’s USD 346.7 million raised in 53 deals.
• Despite this surge, funding declined on a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) basis by 57% compared to Q1 of
2023’s USD 1.3 billion.
• India ranked 3rd globally in fintech funding, behind the United States (US) and China.

Highlights:
i.Alternative lending, RegTech (Regulatory Technology), and Banking Tech were the top-performing
segments in Q1 2024, with alternative lending dominating funding with USD 491 million.
• RegTech, the second-highest funded sector, received funding of USD 107 million
• Banking Tech, the third-highest funded sector, received funding of USD 85.8 million.
ii.Bengaluru, Karnataka led fintech funding in Q1 2024, followed by Mumbai, Maharashtra
and Hyderabad, Telangana showcasing their importance as fintech hubs.
Key Points:
i.Seed-stage fintech funding dropped by 75% to USD 9.9 million in Q1 2024 from USD 39.2 million in Q4
2023.
ii.Early-stage fintech startups raised USD 147 million in Q1 2024, a 35% drop from USD 227 million
raised in Q4 2023.
iii.Late-stage funding surged to USD 394 million in Q1 2024 from USD 80.1 million in Q4 2023, but it still
represents a 60% drop from USD 986 million in Q12023.
iv.Only two funding rounds in Q1 2024 exceeded USD 100 million, compared to four rounds in Q1 2023.
v.Peak XV Partners, Y Combinator, and LetsVenture are prominent investors.
• Saison Capital, Hem Angels, and Capital A led seed investments in Q12024.
• Peak XV Partners, RTP Global, and Asha were notable in early-stage investments
• Elev8, Epiq Capital Advisors, and UC-RNT Fund were active in late-stage investments in Q1
2024.
vi.Notable investments include Credit Saison and Avanse Financial raising significant funds, and Perfios
becoming a unicorn with a valuation exceeding USD 1 billion.
Top fintech funding rounds in Q12024
Company Funding Amount USD/mn)
Credit Saison 144
Avanse 120
Perfios 80
Vivifi India Finance 75
Idfy 27
City-wise Fintech Funding Trends in Q1CY2024
Top 5 cities Funding Percentage
Bengaluru, Karnataka 44%
Mumbai, Maharashtra 35%
Hyderabad, Telangana 13%
Gurugram, Haryana 3%
Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP) 2%


i.According to the CRISIL (formerly Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited) report
titled “Indian Economy: Capital as Growth Driver”, the Indian economy is expected to grow at an average
rate of 6.7% per year between fiscals 2024 and 2031. This is slightly higher than the pre-pandemic decadal
average of 6.6%.
ii.The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Economic Outlook, Interim
Report February 2024 titled “Strengthening the Foundations for Growth” has raised India’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for FY 2024-25 to 6.2%, up from the November 2023 estimate of
6.1%.
About Tracxn:
Chairperson and Managing Director– Neha Singh
Deposits of Senior Citizens surged by 143% to Rs 34 lakh crore in 5 years: SBI Report
As per the State Bank of India (SBI) Economic Research Department (ERD) report, the total amount of
deposits in senior citizen accounts increased by 143% to Rs 34.367 lakh crore at the end of December
2023 from Rs 13.724 lakh crore in 2018.
Key Findings:
i.The report revealed that senior citizens term deposit accounts increased by about 81% to around 7.4
crore in December 2023 from 4.1 crore in 2018.
ii.The report estimated that at least 7.3 crore of these accounts have a balance of over Rs 15 lakh and
fetching interest of 7.5% on these deposits.
• So, the total interest earned by senior citizens through their deposits is around Rs 2.7 lakh
crore in Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24). This includes Rs 2.57 lakh crore from the bank
deposits and the remaining amount of Rs 13,000 crore from the Senior Citizen Saving
Scheme(SCSS).
iii.The report showed that the average amount per senior citizen term deposit account surged by about
39% to Rs 4.63 lakh by the end of December 2023 from 3.34 lakh in 2018.
iv.The report revealed that Government has collected around Rs 27,000 crore in taxes from senior
citizens on the interest they earned on term deposit in FY24.
• Government of India(GoI) has increased the threshold of TDS(Tax Deducted at Source) on
deposits for senior citizens to Rs 50,000.
v.Hike of 50 basis points additional interest rate and higher deposits insurance cover makes it more
attractive to senior citizens to opt for bank deposits.
• Banks deposit insurance cover was increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh with effect from 4th
February, 2020.
About State Bank of India(SBI):
Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara
Founded in: 1st July 1955
Tagline – The Banker to Every Indian
India’s Population Expected to Have Touched 1.44 billion Mark leaving China Behind– UNFPA
Report
According to the report released by the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) State of the World
Population, titled “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and
Reproductive Health and Rights“.

• The report revealed that India’s population is estimated to double in 77 years.

• The report also stated that India is the global leader in terms of the population with an
estimated population of 1.44 billion ahead of China at 1.425 billion.
• The last consensus that was conducted in 2011 recorded India’s population at 1.21 billion.
Key Highlights of the Indian population:
i.The UNFPA report highlighted that an estimated 24% of India’s population is aged 0-14 while 17% lies
within the range of 10-19 years.
ii.The 10-24 years age segment is estimated to constitute 26%, with the 15-64 age group comprising of
68%.
iii.Moreover, 7% of India’s population is aged 65 years and above, with men having a life expectancy of 71
years and women 74 years.
iv.The most marginalised communities worldwide have been ignored despite 30 years of progress in
sexual and reproductive health.
v.It also stated the child marriage percentage (by age 18) in India was at 23 between 2006-2023.
Health Specific findings by the report:
i.The report showed that the maternal deaths in India have fallen significantly, accounting for 8% of all
such mortalities worldwide.
ii.India’s success is often the result of improved access to affordable, quality maternal health services as
well as efforts to address the impact of gender discrimination on health outcomes but still there are
loopholes when it comes to maternal health risk.
iii.In relation to the report on “Estimates and Correlates of District-Level Maternal Mortality Ratio in
India” by Public Library of Science (PLOS) Global Public Health, UNFPA highlighted that 640 districts in
India have achieved the sustainable development goal of reducing maternal mortality ratio below 70 per
100,000 live births but still 114 districts have ratios of 210 or more.
iv.The highest ratio of maternal mortality was seen in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, a rural area
with a high proportion of indigenous peoples (1,671 per 100,000 births).
v.The report showed that the women with disabilities tend to experience 10 times more gender-based
violence than their peers without disabilities.
• Women and girls with disabilities, migrants and refugees, ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ people,
people living with HIV and disadvantaged castes face greater sexual and reproductive health
risks and also unequal access to sexual and reproductive health care. This is enhanced by
climate change, humanitarian crises and mass migration.
vi.On the other hand, better healthcare access has mostly helped rich women and people from ethnic
groups who already had good access to healthcare.
Global Outcomes of the report:
i.The report said that 800 women die every day giving birth, unchanged since 2016.
ii.The women’s bodily independence to take decisions is diminishing shown by the 40% of countries with
data.
Despite all the challenges, UNFPA has tried to reduce the unintended pregnancy rate by nearly one-fifth,
lowered the maternal death rate by one-third, and secured laws against domestic violence in more than
160 countries.
About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
UNFPA has been operating in India since 1974.
Executive Director – Natalia Kanem
Headquarters – New York, United States
Founded – 1969

UNCTAD Projected India’s GDP Growth at 6.5% for FY2024-25

According to the report released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD), the Indian economy is expected to grow by 6.5 per cent in 2024 as compared to 6.7 percent
in 2023.
Highlights of the UNCTAD Report:
i.The report highlighted that the Indian economic growth in 2024 will largely be driven by robust public
investment outlays, increasing local demand for consumer services and rising external demand for
country’s business services exports which also contributed to the country’s growth in 2023 as well.
ii.The report also projected that the increasing interest of the multinationals to expand their
manufacturing processes to India so as to diversify their supply chains will also prove to be beneficial for
India’s exports and reducing its import bill.
Global growth projections by UNCTAD:
i.UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report has projected the global economy to
grow at 2.6 percent in 2024 from 2.5 percent projected earlier.
ii.The report states that European countries like Germany and Italy are struggling with weak economic
activity and facing industrial slowdowns and fiscal crisis, impacting their growth projections.
iii.Moreover, the growth is expected to slowdown in America while Argentina is facing severe inflation,
and Brazil’s economic growth is hampered by external pressures and dependence on commodities.
iv.Meanwhile, Africa is projected to grow at 3.0 per cent in 2024, from 2.9 per cent in 2023.The continent’s
largest economies – Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa are unable to perform as expected that is affecting
overall prospects.
v.The South Asian countries particularly Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are currently under IMF
programmes and are in a need of tight monetary and fiscal policies the effects of which are borne by the
low- income households.
vi.The report also showed that China’s economy is projected to grow 4.9 per cent in 2024 and is facing
some difficulties such as external uncertainties, a poorly performing labour market and low consumption.
Additional Information:
Apart from the projections made by the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) regarding the
global economic growth,
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also raised India’s growth projection to 6.8 per cent
from its January forecast of 6.5 per cent for the financial year 2024-25.
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) projected India’s GDP growth forecast for the financial
year (FY) 2024-25 to 7% from its previous estimate of 6.7%.
• The World Bank (WB) has projected India’s GDP growth for the financial year 2024-25 at
6.6%.
• Additionally,Morgan Stanley, an American multinational investment bank, has revised its
forecast for India’s GDP growth forecast for the financial year 2024-25 to 6.8% from its previous
estimate of 6.5%.
About the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):
UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in
1964. It is composed of 195 member states that form a part of the organization.
Secretary General– Rebeca Grynspan

IMF’s World Economic Outlook(WEO) 2024 report raises India’s GDP growth forecast by 30bps
to 6.8% for FY25
On 17th April 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its bi-annual report titled World
Economic Outlook(WEO) – Steady But Slow: Resilience Amid Divergence (April 2024). According to
the report IMF has raised India’s GDP(Gross Domestic Product) growth forecast by 30 basis
points(bps) to 6.8% for fiscal year 2025(FY25) and retained the forecast for FY26 at 6.5%.
• With the increase in domestic demand and a rising working age population, growth in India is
projected to remain at 6.8% in FY25 6.5% in FY26.
Points to note:
i.India’s GDP grew by an impressive 7.8% in FY 2024(2023-2024), higher than the 6.7% predicted in IMF’s
January 2024 report.
ii.The report projected India’s consumer price inflation to decline from an average of 5.4%FY24 to 4.6%
FY25 and will further decrease to 4.2% FY26.
Global Scenario:
i.Global growth, estimated at 3.2% in 2023, is projected to continue at the same pace in 2024 and 2025, up
by 0.1% from the January 2024 WEO Update.
ii.The projection for global growth in 2024 and 2025 is below the historical (2000–19) annual average of
3.8%.
iii.The report estimated that growth in emerging and developing Asia to fall from an estimated 5.6 % in
2023 to 5.2 % in 2024 and 4.9% in 2025, a slight upward revision compared with January 2024 WEO
update.
iv.The report projected that China’s GDP to decrease from 5.2 % in 2023 to 4.6 % in 2024 and 4.1 % in
2025.
India’s Growth Projections by other Organisations/Agencies:
i.Asian Development Bank (ADB) has increased its growth projection to 7% for FY25, compared to 6.7%
(predicted in December, 2023).
ii.The World Bank revised its projection for FY25 to 6.6%, as against its January projection of 6.4%.
iii.In March 2024, S&P Global raised India’s FY25 growth forecast to 6.8%.
About International Monetary Fund(IMF):
Managing Director- Kristalina Georgieva
Member nations- 190
Headquarters- Washington D.C., United States of America(U.S.A.)
Established in 1944
ILO Report: Annually 22.8 million Work Suffer Occupational Injuries, 18,970 Die Due to
Excessive Heat
According to the International Labour Organisation(ILO)’s report titled “Ensuring safety and health at
work in a changing climate”, annually 22.85 million occupational injuries, 18,970 deaths and 2.09
million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are reported due to excessive heat.
Key findings:
i.The report stated that large numbers of workers in hot rural regions of Americas, Africa, the Middle East
and India, are suffering from irreversible kidney failure.
• Epidemics of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) are affecting large numbers
of workers conducting heavy manual labour in hot temperatures.
• In 2020, an estimated 26.2 million people were living with chronic kidney disease due to
exposure to excessive heat at workplace.

ii.The report estimates that over 70% of all workers (~2.41 billion workers) are exposed to excessive
heat. The exposure to excessive heat has increased by 34.7% from 2000 to 2020.
Impact of climate change on workers health globally:
The report highlighted various health conditions in workers that have been linked to climate change such
as: cancer, cardio-vascular disease, respiratory illness, kidney dysfunction, mental health conditions,
among others.
i.Annually around 1.6 billion workers are exposed to solar Ultraviolet(UV) radiation, with more
than 18,960 work-related deaths annually from non-melanoma skin cancer.
ii.Over 1.6 billion outdoor workers are continuously exposed to outdoor air pollution.
iii.Annually, more than 3 lakh worked die due to pesticide poisoning and around 15,170 workers die due
to exposure to parasitic and vector-borne disease.
Key Points:
i.The report cautioned that climate change can induce negative impact on employment such as: job losses,
damage to business assets, decreased labour productivity and forced migration.
ii.At present, around 1.2 billion jobs rely directly on the effective management and sustainability of a
healthy environment, in particular jobs in farming, fishing and forestry
iii.The report suggested that nations need to frame and adopt climate-change- specific Occupational Safety
and Health(OSH) policies and integrate them with public health campaign.
About International Labour Organisation (ILO):
Director-General- Gilbert Houngbo
Headquarter- Geneva, Switzerland
Member nations- 187
Established- 1919
UNCTAD Report: India’s Services Exports Increased By 11.4% in 2023

The fourth quarterly (Q4) report for 2023 of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) states that India’s service exports increased by 11.4% to USD 345 billion in 2023, amid
uncertainty in the global economy.
• Whereas China’s service export decreased by 10.1% to USD 381 billion in2023. But, China
emerged as the top performer among the developing countries in terms of services exports
followed by India.
Key Findings:
i.As per the report, World services export increased at 8.9% to USD 7.9 trillion in 2023.
• The world services exports increased to 8.0% in Q4 2023.
ii.United States of America(USA) is the top performing country (developed economy) with biggest
services exports in the world at USD 999 billion followed by United Kingdom(U.K.) at USD 584 billion
and Germany at USD 440 billion.
ii.Major services exporters among the developing economies are: China, India Singapore, Turkiye, Hong
Kong, Thailand, and Taiwan.
iv.The report cited International Travel receipts as the main driver of the Year-On-Year(Y-O-Y) rise of
services exports in Q4 2023.
• International travel receipts increased by 40% globally while it shows the growth of 70% in
Asia in Post-COVID-19 recovery.
India-Specific
i.The report highlighted the sectors which contributed towards the growth of India’s services export are:
travel, transport, medical and hospitality.

iv.In contrast to India’s positive growth in services export, India’s services imports (developing economy)
decreased marginally by 0.4% to USD 248 billion in 2023.
• United States of America topped the leading importers among developed economies with USD
719 Billion.
Note: According the Government of India (GoI) official data, In FY24(2023-24), the services export
increased by 4.4% YOY basis to USD 339.6 billion.
About United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):
Secretary-General: Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica)
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Member nations: 195
Established: 1964
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Hockey India 6th Annual Awards: Hardik Singh & Salima Tete Wins Balbir Singh Sr. Award for
Player of Year 2023
Indian Field Hockey Player & Vice- captain of the Indian Hockey men’s team, Hardik Singh was honored
with the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2023 (Men) at the Hockey India 6th
Annual Awards 2023 event held in New Delhi, Delhi.
• Indian field hockey player Salima Tete was
honoured with Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr.
Award for the Player of the year 2023 ( women).
• The Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the year
(both men and women) carries a cash prize of Rs
25,00,000.
Note: This marks Hardik Singh 2nd Hockey India Player of
Year award and he previously won the award in 2022.
About Hardik Singh
i.Hardik is the recipient of (Fédération Internationale de Hockey) International Hockey Federation (FIH)
Player of the year Award Men 2023.
ii.He was a part of the bronze medal-winning hockey team at the Tokyo 2023 Olympics and won the gold
medal at Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China.
iii.He also won Arjuna Award in 2021 for his contribution in the field of Hockey.
About Salima Tete

i.Salima Tete was appointed as the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Athletes Ambassador from India
for a term of two years between 25th March 2023, to 25th March 2025.
ii.She was also a part of the squad that won the bronze medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, China.
Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award for the Year – Ashok Kumar
i.Ashok Kumar won the prestigious Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award, with
a cash prize of Rs 30 Lakh and a trophy.
ii.He was the member of Gold-medal winning Indian team of 1975 World Cup, Malaysia.
iii.He was also the part of the Indian teams that won the Bronze medal at the 1971 World Cup, Spain and
the Silver medal at the 1973 World Cup, Netherlands.
iv.He also won Arjuna Award in 1974 for his outstanding performance in Hockey.

Winners of Hockey India 6th Annual Awards:
Awards Winner Cash Prize
Hockey India Balbir Singh

Senior Award for the Player of the Hardik Singh Rs 25 lakhs
Year (Men)
Hockey India Balbir Singh

Senior Award for the Player of the Salima Tete Rs 25 lakhs
Year (Women)
Hockey India Baljit Singh Award

PR Sreejesh Rs 5 lakhs
for Goalkeeper of the Year
Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for

Harmanpreet Singh Rs 5 lakhs
Defender of the Year
Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for

Abhishek Rs 5 lakhs
Forward of the year
Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh award for

Hardik Singh Rs 5 lakhs
Midfielder of the Year
Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand

Ashok Kumar
Lifetime Achievement Award Rs 30 lakhs
Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for

Araijeet Singh
Upcoming Player of the Year (Men- Rs 10 lakhs
Hundal
Under 21)
Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for

Upcoming Player of the Year (Women Deepika Soreng Rs 10 lakhs
– Under 21)
Note: The total prize pool was an unprecedented amount of Rs 7.56 crores.
Milestone Awards 2023
i.Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik, Nilakanta Sharma, Sumit, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Udita, Salima, and Gurjant
Singh recieves a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a trophy each for completing 100 international caps.
ii.Nikki Pradhan, Amit Rohidas, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, and Neha were also given trophies and Rs 1.5 lakh
each for completing 150 international caps.
iii.Harmanpreet received a trophy and Rs 2 lakh for reaching 200 caps for her country, while Savita, the
goalkeeper for the Indian womens hockey team, received a trophy and Rs 2.5 lakh for reaching 250 caps.
Sreejesh received a trophy and Rs 3 lakh for completing 300 international caps.

Goenka among Seven Indians Named in ‘Young Global Leaders Community: The Class 2024’ by
WEF
World Economic Forum (WEF) released the 20th edition of “Young Global Leaders Community: The Class
2024” in Geneva, Switzerland. This year, a total of 11 members were named in the South Asia category, of
which 7 were Indians.
• While, Shashwat Goenka , Vice Chairman of RP Sanjiv
Goenka Group was among the 4 Indians selected from
the business category in list of Young Global
Leaders(YGL).
Other Indians Named in the Young Global Leaders List 2024:
i.Arjun Bhartia, Director,Jubilant Group in the “Business”category.
ii.Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta
Limited, and also the Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, are named in
the “Business Category.”
iii.Adwaita Nayar, Chief Executive Officer(CEO), FSN E-Commerce Ventures Private Limited in the
“Business” category.
• She is CEO of Nykaa Fashion and is Co-Founder of Nykaa.
iv.Sharad Vivek Sagar, Founder and CEO, Dexterity Global in the “Social Entrepreneur” category.
v.Bhumi Pednekar, Actress in the “Arts, Culture and Sports” category.
vi.Richa Bajpai, Founder and CEO, Campus Fund. It is India’s first and only Dorm Room Fund. She was
named under the “Social Entrepreneur” category.
Note:
Renowned community members include: Peace Hyde, Executive Director(Netflix), Margaret Zhang, Former
Editor-in-Chief, Vogue China, Lewis Pugh, Olympian, Sinead Burke, Disability Activist, Victor Ochen, Peace
Activist and will.i.am, Singer and Song-writer.
Forum of Young Global Leaders(YGL):
i.The Forum of Young Global Leaders was established in 2004, is a WEF initiative that selects and
convenes the world’s most promising leaders under the age of 40.
ii.The “Young Global Leaders Class of 2024” features nearly 90 young people under the age of 40 driving
impact across different fields of public health, economic development, technology, sustainability, and
more.
iii.The list categorises Young Global Leaders in seven different categories: Academia/Think-tank, Arts,
Culture and Sports, Business, Civil Society, Media, Public Figure and Social Entrepreneurs.
About World Economic Forum(WEF):
Founder and Executive Chairman: Prof. Klaus Schwab
Managing Director(MD): Saadia Zahidi
Headquarters: Cologny, Geneva Canton, Switzerland
Established: 1971
MoPSW Awarded Sagar Samman Awards on National Maritime Day 2024

On the occasion of the 61st National Maritime Day (5th April 2024), the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
Waterways (MoPSW) awarded the Sagar Samman Awards acknowledging exemplary contributions
within the maritime sector.
• The award was presented during the event organised by the National Maritime Day
Celebrations (NMDC) Central Committee at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Nariman Point,
Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• The observance of National Maritime Day 2024 was centred around the theme “Sustainable
Shipping: Opportunities and Challenges”.
Winners of Sagar Samman Awards:
Category Winner Contribution
Highest honour for outstanding and

Sagar Samman Varun
Dhirendra Kumar Sanyal sustained contributions to the Indian
Award
maritime sector
Sagar Samman Award Captain Kamal Kant Recognises consistently excellent

for Excellence Choudhary contributions to the maritime sector
Honours acts of gallantry by Indian

Sagar Samman Award Captain Subir Saha and
Seafarers, encouraging emulation of their
for Gallantry Captain OM Dutta
exemplary conduct.
NMDC Central Committee Awards (NMDC Awards):
The NMDC Awards for Outstanding Maritime Training Institutes
and Recognitions were also announced during the event.
The award recognises institutions and employers for their
exceptional contributions to the maritime industry
Winners of NMDC Awards:
i.Recognition of Outstanding Indian Employers of Seafarers:
Winner: The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)
ii.Recognition for Outstanding Maritime Training Institutes:
Rank Winner
Pre-sea training institutes conducting courses for Officer Cadets (Nautical & Engineering)
1 Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA), Karjat, Maharashtra
2 Tolani Maritime Institute, Talegaon, Pune, Maharashtra
3 The Great Eastern Institutes of Marine Studies, Lonavala, Maharashtra
Post-sea training institutes conducting Competency Courses
Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training, Tidal Park, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil

1
Nadu
2 Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training, Kilpauk, Chennai, TN
3 FOSMA Maritime Institute And Research Organisations, Kolkata, West Bengal

iii.Recognition of Outstanding Foreign Employers of Indian Seafarers:
Rank Winner
Shipboard berth between 501 to 1000 Gross tonnage (GT)
1 BW Maritime Pvt Ltd.
2 Suntech Crew Management Pvt. Ltd
Shipboard berth above 1000 GT
1 Synergy Maritime Pvt Ltd
2 Anglo Eastern Ship Management Pvt Ltd
3 MSC Crewing Services Private Limited

Key People:
Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, AVSM, NM, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, Indian Navy, Shyam
Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping & Chairman, NMDC (Central) Committee, Dr. Raut Pandurang,
Deputy Director General of Shipping and Member Secretary, NMCDC (Central) Committee delivered the
vote of thanks. were present during the event.
About National Maritime Day:
National Maritime Day is annually observed across India on 5th April to commemorate the maiden voyage
of the first Indian-owned vessel “S S Loyalty” from Mumbai to London in 1919.
click here to know more about National Maritime Day 2024
SJVN Ltd Won 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards 2024 for its CSR Contribution
SJVN Limited, a hydroelectric power generation company, received the Achievement Award for Creating
Social Development and Impact at the 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards (VKA) (2024) instituted by
the Construction Industry Development Council(CIDC).
• The award recognises its contribution towards positive changed through its Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. SJVN Ltd has secured the award for the 3rd consecutive time.
• SJVN also received the CIDC Partners in Progress Trophy 2024.
Baljeet Singh, Chief General Manager (CGM) (Human Resources
(HR)), SJVN Ltd received the awards during a ceremony held at
India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, Delhi.
SJVN’s CSR Initiatives:
i.All CSR initiatives of SJVN are executed through the registered
trust, SJVN Foundation.
ii.SJVN has spent over Rs. 450 crores on various CSR activities,
spanning Education & Skill Development, Health & Hygiene,
Infrastructural Development, etc.
About CIDC Vishwakarma Awards:
i.The CIDC Vishwakarma Awards recognises organisations and individuals contributing to national growth
and sustainable development, particularly in the field of CSR.

• CIDC Vishwakarma Awards for 2008, the inaugural edition of the award were presented in
2009.
ii.The awards are inspired by the spirit of creation and construction embodied by Lord Vishwakarma, a
ruling deity in Indian construction practices.
iii.Hosted annually in March by CIDC, the awards celebrate outstanding achievements within the Indian
Construction Industry.
iv.The Award comprises a total of 12 categories (and a Life Time Achievement Award) and covers the
entire spectrum of the Indian Construction Industry.
v.The CIDC Partners in Progress Trophy is a token of appreciation to honour organisations that have
displayed their utmost commitment, to fostering a dynamic work environment for the construction
fraternity.
Complete list of winners of 15th CIDC VKA (2024) & Complete 15th CIDC VKA – List of Partner In Progress
About SJVN Limited:
SJVN Ltd, formerly known as Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, is a Mini Ratna, Central Public Sector Enterprises
(CPSE) under the Ministry of Power.
SJVN Ltd is a Joint Venture (JV) of the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of Himachal Pradesh
(GoHP).
Chairman & Managing Director(CMD)– Geeta Kapur
Headquarters– Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Renowned Kannada Poet Mamta G. Sagar Won WOW World Literature Prize
A renowned Kannada poet, writer, and an activist Mamta G. Sagar won the WOW World Literary
Prize from the World Organization of Writers (WOW) for her contributions to the world of literature. She
is a facilitator at the Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, Bengaluru (Karnataka).
• The award ceremony was held as part of the VII
World Literary Festival “WOW-LIFFT-2024” held
in Nigeria, Abuja from April 4-6, 2024.
• The award includes a gold medal, a cash prize, and a
book publishing agreement.
About Mamta G. Sagar:
i.Before joining as a Professor at Srishti Manipal Institute of
Arts, Design and Technology in 2016, she taught at Hyderabad
University and Bangalore University.
ii.Her poems and research have been published internationally, and her poems have been translated into
many Indian and foreign languages.
Notable Works:
i.She has 4 collections of poems to her credit.
• Kaada Navilina Hejje (Footsteps of the Wild Peacock, 1992);
• Nadiya Neerina Teva (Dampness of the River Water, 1999);
• Hiige HaaLeya Maile HaaDu (Like This on the Page the Song, 2007);
• Hide & Seek (2014).
ii.Her noted works include Chukki Chukki Chandakki (1999), musical play for children; The Swing of
Desire, the translation of Kannada play Mayye Bhaara Manave Bhaara(2004), etc.,
Awards/Honours:
Sanchi Honnamma Kavya Prashasti (2019); Bhashabharathi Translation Award (2019); and Charles
Wallace India Trust fellowship (2015) at the British Centre for Literary Translation, University of East
Anglia, United Kingdom (UK).

About WOW World Literature Prize:

i.“WOW World Literary Prize” was established by the WOW as the successor to the literary prize “Golden
LIffT” (presented from 2016 to 2023).
• The award aims to encourage authors who can make a significant contribution to world
literature.
ii.Co-founders of the Prize are: Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly; Pan-African Association of Writers (PAWA);
and LIFFT Foundation for the Promotion of Cultural Projects of the Eurasian Peoples.
iii.The WOW Prize accepts works written in Russian, English, Spanish, and Arabic, and their translations.
iv.The award is presented in 2 categories: Poetry and Prose.
ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 team receives 2024 John L. “Jack” Swigert Jr.

Chandrayaan-3 mission team of Indian space agency, ISRO(Indian Space Research Organisation) has
received the 2024 John L “Jack” Swigert Jr. award for Space Exploration.
i.DC Manjunath, Consul General of India(CGI) in Houston, United States of America(U.S.A.), received the
award on the behalf of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 team.
ii.The award ceremony took place on 8th April, 2024 at the Opening Ceremony of the annual Space
Symposium organized by Space Foundations in Colorado, U.S.A.
Note: Space Foundation announced in January 2024, that Chandrayaan-3 mission team as recipient of
2024 John L “Jack” Swigert Jr. award for space exploration.
Other Winners include:
i.American Space Agency,NASA(National Aeronautics Space Administration) and the University of Arizona
OSIRIS-REx team
• OSIRIS-REx stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security,
Regolith Explorer. It was launched by NASA in 2016 to study asteroid Bennu.
ii.Teams of NASA’s Mars Ingenuity Helicopter and Insight-Mars Cube One, NASA Dawn and Cassin were
also honoured with the award.
About Chandrayaan-3:
i.It is the 3rd lunar exploration of India, launched on 14th July, 2023 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh(A.P).
ii.Chandrayaan-3 lander module successfully landed on the moon on 23rd August, 2023.
iii.The mission comprises a lunar lander named “Vikram” and a lunar rover named “Pragyan”.
About John L “Jack” Swigert Jr. award for Space Exploration:
i.The award was established in 2004 in the honor of former astronaut of NASA John L. “Jack” Swigert Jr. by
Space Foundation.
ii.The award is presented annually by Space Foundation at Space Symposium
iii.Space Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in 1983.
About Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO):
Chairman: Sreedhara Panicker Somanath
Established: 1969
INS Sharda Awarded ‘On The Spot Unit Citation 23-24’ For Anti Piracy Operations
On April 8 2024, during his visit to Southern Naval Command(SNC), Kochi(Kerala), Admiral R Hari Kumar,
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), awarded ‘On the Spot Unit Citation 23-24’ to Indian Naval
Ships (INS) Sharda for successful conduct of antipiracy operations.

• The ship was involved in the safe release of all 19 crew members (11 Iranian and 08 Pakistani)
of Iranian fishing vessel Omari which was held hostage by pirates off the East coast of Somalia
on 2nd February 2024.
Note: INS Sharda (P55) is a Sukanya class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy which was commissioned on 27
October 1991.
Harvard Honored Avantika Vandanapu ‘South Asian Person of the Year’

On 9th April 2024, The Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu was honored the ‘South Asian
Person of the Year’ by the South Asian Association (SAA) at Harvard University, Cambridge,
Massachusetts, USA (United States of America).
• She was recognised for her achievements and
significant impact in both the international and Indian
entertainment industries.
About Avantika Vandanapu
i.Avantika was born on 25th January 2005 in California, USA, to an
Indian family hailing from Hyderabad, Telangana.
ii.She made her debut as child artist and starred in Telugu films
like Brahmotsavam and Manamantha.
iii.She has first lead role Disney original movie ‘Spin’ (2021) and later starred in Netflix’s ‘Senior Year’
(2022).
iii.She also made her debut in Indian OTT(Over-the-top) series ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ (2024).
Indian Microbiologist Gagandeep Kang Honoured with John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global
Health Award 2024
On 11th April 2024, The Toronto (Canada) based Gairdner Foundation honoured Indian microbiologist
and virologist Gagandeep Kang with the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award 2024 for
her achievements in global health research. She is the first Indian woman to get this award.
Reason for Award: She was honoured for her extensive cohort-
based epidemiological, environmental and clinical trial research
on enteric diseases in children and their effects on life course, with
a significant impact on vaccine development and health policy in
India and internationally
Note: This was a part of the 2024 Canada Gairdner
Awards which celebrates the world’s best biomedical and global
health researchers.
About Gagandeep Kang:
i.Gagandeep Kang is an adjunct professor at Christian Medical College(CMC), Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
ii.She is also the Director of enteric, diagnostics, genomics and epidemiology at the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation.
iii.She has contributed to the development and introduction of two Indian rotavirus
vaccines: Rotavac and Rotasiil, into the National Immunisation Program.
About John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award:
The John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award is annually awarded to the researchers who used
rational, scientifically based research which has improved the health and well-being of people who face
health inequities across the globe.
About Canada Gairdner Awards:
i.The Gairdner Foundation was established in 1957 with a donation from philanthropist James A Gairdner.

It is a non-profit organization that recognises outstanding achievements in biomedical research

worldwide.
ii.Canada Gairdner Awards has been annually presented by the Gairdner Foundation (Canada) since 1957.
• Recipients also collect Canadian Dollar (CDN) 100,000 each and a medal.
iii.Annually, 8 awards are given: 5 Canada Gairdner International Awards for biomedical research, 1 John
Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award, specifically for impact on global health issues, and 2 Canada
Gairdner Momentum Awards, recognizing mid-career Canadian investigators.
Mathematician Avi Wigderson Wins the 2023 ACM A.M. Turing Award
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) has named Israeli mathematician and computer
scientist Avi Wigderson as the recipient of the 2023 ACM A.M. Turing Award, which is often called the
“Nobel Prize of Computing”.
• He is a Herbert H. Maass Professor in the School of
Mathematics at the Institute for Advanced Study
(IAS) in Princeton, New Jersey, the United States of
America (USA).
Reason for award: He was recognised for foundational
contributions to the theory of computation, including reshaping
the understanding of randomness in computation and
mathematics, and for his intellectual leadership in theoretical
computer science.
• The award carries a cash prize of USD 1 million.
About Avi Wigderson:
i.In 1986, Avi Wigderson was appointed as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the
Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
ii.He was promoted as Associate Professor in 1987 and later promoted as Professor at the Computer
Science Institute of the Hebrew University.
iii.In 1993, he became the Chairman of the Computer Science Institute at Hebrew University.
iv.In 1999, he joined the Faculty as a Professor at IAS in Princeton, New Jersey.
Awards/Honours:
i.In 1994, he won the Rolf Nevanlinna Prize for computer science, which is awarded by the International
Mathematical Union every 4 years.
ii.He also won the Levi L Conant Prize (2008); the Gödel Prize (2009); and the Donald E Knuth Prize
(2019). and the Abel Prize (2021).
iii.In 2021, he received the Abel Prize, an important honor for lifetime achievements in the field of
mathematics. He shared the award with László Lovász of Hungary.
About ACM A.M. Turing Award:
i.The award was named after Alan M. Turing, a British mathematician who is considered the father of
modern computer science.
ii.The award recognises significant contributions to the computing field since its establishment in 1966.
iii.It honours computer scientists and engineers for creating systems and theoretical foundations crucial
to the advancement of Information Technology (IT).
iv.It is ACM’s most prestigious award, acknowledging lasting and substantial technical contributions to the
computing field.
vi.The financial support for the award is provided by Google Inc.

8 Indian Origins Featured in the Annual TIME100: Most Influential People in the World 2024
TIME, the 101-year-old global media brand has revealed the 21st edition of annual “TIME 100 most
influential people 2024” in the world. The list features a total of 8 people of Indian Origins namely Alia
Bhatt, Dev Patel, Sakshi Malik, Satya Nadella, Ajaypal Singh Banga, Jigar Shah, Asma Khan, and Priyamvada
Natarajan.
• The TIME100 list, compiled by the American magazine
TIME, recognises the impact, innovation, and
achievement of the world’s most influential individuals.
About the List:
i.The List includes categories like Artists, Icons, Titans, Leaders,
Innovators, and Pioneers.
ii.Individuals in each category are from diverse fields including
movie stars, athletes, scientists, business leaders, etc who have
made an impact through their work.
iii.The TIME100 list also includes pairings of the list members and the guest contributors, selected by
TIME to write about them.
iv.The List was first published in 1999 as the result of a debate among American academics, politicians,
and journalists.
People of Indian Origins on the List:
1.Alia Bhatt (Artists):
i.She is a famous Bollywood actress in India, who acquired British citizenship.
ii.She won her 1st National Film Award for Best Actress in 2023 for the movie “Gangubai Kathiawadi,”
directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
• She jointly received the award with a Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon for the film Mimi.
She made her international debut with Netflix’s “Heart of Stone” in 2023.
2.Dev Patel (Artists):
i.He is a British actor and filmmaker of Indian descent. His notable movies include Slumdog Millionaire
(2008) and his directorial debut Monkey Man (2024).
ii.In 2017, he won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for Best Supporting
Actor for the film Lion.
3.Sakshi Malik (Icons):
She is one of the most well-known wrestlers in India. She became the first Indian female wrestler to win a
medal in the Olympic Games. She announced her retirement from wrestling in December 2023.
Medals:
i.A Silver Medal in the 58 kg freestyle category in the 2014 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow,
Scotland
ii.A Bronze Medal in the 62kg freestyle category in the 2018 CWG in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
iii.A Gold Medal in the 62kg freestyle category in the 2022 CWG in Birmingham, England
iv.A Bronze Medal in the 58kg category freestyle in the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
National Awards:
i.Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (erstwhile Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratan Award), the highest sporting honour
in India in 2016;
ii.In 2017, she received the Padma Shri award for Sports.
4.Satya Narayana Nadella (Titans):
i.Originally from Hyderabad (Telangana), India, he is an American Business Executive.

ii.He is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Microsoft, an American multinational
technology company.
iii.In 2022, the Indian Government honoured him with the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to the
fields of Trade and Industry.
5.Ajaypal Singh Banga (Leaders):
i.He is an Indian-born American business executive, currently serving as the 14th President of the World
Bank Group, and has held this position since June 2023.
ii.In 2016, the Indian government honoured him with the Padma Shri for his contributions to the fields
of Trade and Industry.
6.Jigar Shah (Leaders):
i.He is an Indian-born American entrepreneur, serving as Director of the Loan Programs Office (LPO) in
the United States of America (US) Department of Energy (DOE).
7.Asma Khan (Pioneers):
i.She is an Indian-born British restaurateur and cookbook author.
ii.She is the Owner of an acclaimed London (United Kingdom, UK) Restaurant Darjeeling Express.
iii.In 2019, she became the 1st British chef to ever be featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, an Emmy-
nominated documentary series.
8.Priyamvada Natarajan (Pioneers):
She is an Indian theoretical astrophysicist, working as a professor in the departments of astronomy and
physics at Yale University, US.
• She has also authored a book, Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas That Reveal the
Cosmos (2016).
Key Highlights:
i.The 2024 list features a total of 51 Women and over a dozen entertainers.
ii.Satya Nadella and Patrick Mahomes (American football quarterback) are both on the list for the 3rd
time, more than any other person in 2024.
iii.Motaz Azaiza (Palestinian photojournalist), 25 years old, is the youngest person on the list;
iv.Joel Habener (American Endocrinologist), 86 years old is the oldest person on the list.
About TIME magazine:
CEO– Jessica Sibley
Headquarters– New York, USA
Created in– 1923
Mitchell Starc, Usman Khawaja, Harry Brook Among Five Wisden Cricketers of the Year 2024
The 2024 edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack has revealed its Five Wisden Cricketers of the Year,
highlighting exceptional performances in the world of cricket. They are
Australia’s Mitchell Starc, Usman Khawaja, and Ash Gardner, and, England’s, Harry Brook and Mark
Wood.
Winners’ feat that resulted in becoming Wisden Cricketers of the Year:
i.Usman Khawaja: His stellar performance in the 2023 Ashes series in England earned him this
recognition. He lead the run charts with 496 runs.
ii.Mitchell Starc: In 2023 Ashes series, he emerge as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets at an
average of 27.08, including a crucial five-wicket haul in the third Test at Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds,
United Kingdom (UK).
iii.Ash Gardner: She attained a remarkable 12-wicket haul in Women’s Ashes at Trent Bridge in
Nottingham, England in June 2023. This marked the second-best match figures ever in a women’s Test

match, securing crucial points for Australia in the multi-format series. Gardner took 23 wickets across the
series
iv.Harry Brook: His notable innings in the men’s Ashes series, particularly his standout performance at
Headingley, where he made 75 runs off 93 balls, earned him recognition.
v.Mark Wood: Despite playing only the final three Ashes Tests, he took 14 wickets, but his most
memorable spell was his first at Headingley when he took five wickets.
About Wisden Cricketers of the Year:
The Cricketer of the Year award, established in 1889, is cricket’s oldest individual honor. Recipients are
chosen primarily for their performances in the preceding English summer, with no player eligible to win
the award more than once.
Other Awards:
Travis Head won 2023 Wisden Trophy
Australian Cricketer Travis Head clinched the trophy for his outstanding 163 against India in the World
Test Championship (WTC) final 2021–2023 at the Oval in London, UK.
• It is awarded every year to the cricketer – man or woman – who has produced the outstanding
Test performance of the previous 12 months.
Pat Cummins and Nat Sciver-Brunt: Leading Cricketers
Australia’s Pat Cummins and England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt named as the top cricketers globally while West
Indies’ Hayley Matthews recognized as the leading T20(Twenty-20) cricketer in the world.
• A criterion for Leading Cricketers Award is selection based on previous year’s performances by
editor and expert panel.
Arjun Singh’s 2023 Wisden Photograph of the Year
Arjun Singh’s photo of players Sanju Samson (India), Shimron Hetmyer (West Indies) and Dhruv Jurel
(India) all competing to take a catch during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between the Rajasthan
Royals and Gujarat Titans emerged as the winner of the 2023 Wisden Photograph of the Year competition.
• Arjun Singh is awarded with 1,000 Pound (£).
Wisden Schools Cricketer
Ollie Sykes (England) named Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year for his exceptional performance in the
2023 season, scoring 935 runs, taking 30 wickets, and achieving three centuries for Tonbridge School, UK.
Note:
Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, known as the ‘Bible of Cricket’, is an annual reference book published in the
United Kingdom (UK) since 1864. It holds the record as the world’s oldest and longest-running sporting
handbook.
i.The Indian women’s hockey team finished as runner-up (Silver Medal) at the Fédération Internationale
de Hockey(FIH) Hockey 5s Women’s World Cup 2024 after losing to the Netherlands in the final. The
inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey 5s Women’s World Cup was held from 24-27 January 2024 in Muscat,
Oman.
ii.Former Indian shooter and India’s first individual Olympic gold medal winner (Beijing Olympics –2008),
Abhinav Bindra has been selected as a torchbearer to take part in the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay.
About United Kingdom (UK):
Prime Minister– Rishi Sunak
Capital– London
Currency– Pound sterling

Ananth Technologies Founder Pavuluri Subba Rao Conferred with ASI’s Aryabhata Award
Pavuluri Subba Rao, former ISRO scientist and Founder and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Ananth
Technologies Limited(ATL) has been conferred the prestigious Aryabhata Award by the Astronautical
Society of India (ASI). He was also presented with the “Distinguished Fellow” title by ASI.
• He received the honor in recognition of his
outstanding lifetime contribution to the promotion of
astronautics in India.
About Pavuluri Subba Rao:
i.He was a former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
scientist. He left ISRO in 1991, when he was division head at
ISRO.
ii.He founded Ananth Technologies Limited(ATL) in 1992 ,
based in Hyderabad, Telangana. The company indigenously
builds some of the sophisticated avionics for ISRO and the Defence sector.
iii.ATL has satellite manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Aryabhata Award:
i.The award was instituted by Astronautical Society of India (ASI).
ii.The award is named in the honour of 5th Century Indian astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata, and
also in commemoration of India’s 1st satellite named Aryabhata, launched in 1975.
iii.The award is presented annually to an individual for his outstanding lifetime contribution for the
promotion of astronautics in India.
iv.The recipient of the award receives a citation and cash prize of Rs 1,00,000.
About Astronautical Society of India(ASI):
It was established in 1990 to foster the development of astronautics in the country.
President: Sreedhara Panicker Somanath
CNS R. Hari Kumar presented Gallantry, Distinguished Service Awards to Naval personnel
On April 14, 2024, Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar, Chief of
the Naval Staff (CNS), presided over a Naval Investiture
Ceremony at INS Hansa (Indian navy’s air station), Goa,
presenting Gallantry and Distinguished Service awards to Naval
personnel on behalf of President of India Droupadi Murmu.
Key Points:
i.35 personnel received awards recognizing bravery, leadership,
professional achievements, and distinguished service.
ii.Notable recipients included commander (Cdr) Manish Singh
Karki, Cdr Kaustab Banerjee, Lieutenant (Lt) Cdr Panneerselvam Vishnu Prasanna, and Lt Cdr Bhaskar,
who were awarded Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry).
iii.The CNS Trophy for Best Green Practices 2023 was awarded to Naval Dockyard, Mumbai,
Maharashtra and INS (Indian Naval Ship) Valsura.
iv.Unit Citations were awarded to various Naval units, including INS Teg, INS Kolkata, INS Karmuk, INS
Sumedha, INS Sumitra, and INS Sharda, submarine INS Sindhukesari, flight squadron INAS 550, and shore
establishments Chilka, Circars, Eksila, Dronacharya, and Naval Ship Repair Yard (Karwar).
v.The CNS also presented the Lt VK Jain Memorial Gold Medal 2024 to Shubham Hira for pioneering
research in weapon improvement and electrical engineering and the Capt Ravi Dhir Memorial Gold Medal
2024 awarded to Tabsheer Ahmed Wani for promoting flight safety.

Puravankara Ltd. won 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards 2024 for Social Development and
Impact
Puravankara Limited, a renowned real estate developer in India, has been honoured with
the Achievement Award for Creating Social Development and Impact at the 15th edition of CIDC
Vishwakarma Awards (VKA) (2024), organised by the Construction Industry Development Council
(CIDC).
• The Award recognises Puravankara’s efforts in driving positive change through its impactful
campaigns, notably the “Million Wells for Bengaluru” in collaboration with Biome
Environmental Trust
Note: This initiative reflects Puravankara’s dedication to environmental sustainability and community
empowerment.
Points to Note:
i.Biome Environmental Trust (Biome) is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in architecture,
water management, and land use.
ii.CIDC was established in 1996 by the Planning Commission (Now National Institution for Transforming
India (NITI Aayog)), along with the Constituents of the Indian Construction Industry.
“Million Wells for Bengaluru” Campaign:
i.This initiative aims to combat water depletion by rejuvenating heritage wells, promoting rainwater
harvesting, and supporting the Manu Vaddar community.
ii.In 2022-2023, 6 open heritage wells and a Kalyani were rejuvenated in Hunsamaranahalli Town
Municipal Council (TMC) limits in Yelahanka Taluk, Bengaluru
About CIDC Vishwakarma Awards:
i.The CIDC VKA recognises organisations and individuals contributing to national growth and sustainable
development, particularly in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
• CIDC Vishwakarma Awards for 2008, the inaugural edition of the award were presented in
2009.
ii.The awards are inspired by the spirit of creation and construction embodied by Lord Vishwakarma, a
ruling deity in Indian construction practices.
iii.Hosted annually in March by CIDC, the awards celebrate outstanding achievements within the Indian
Construction Industry.
iv.The Award comprises a total of 12 categories (and a Life Time Achievement Award) and covers the
entire spectrum of the Indian Construction Industry.
About Puravankara Limited:
Chairman– Ravi Puravankara
Managing Director (MD)– Ashish Ravi Puravankara
Founded in– 1975
25th Laureus World Sports Awards 2024: Novak Djokovic & Aitana Bonmati Win Top Honours
Novak Djokovic, the World No.1 tennis player (as of 22 April 2024) from Serbia, was honoured with
the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year 2024 award at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2024.
• Aitana Bonmatí, a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Barcelona Football club (FC)
and Spain women’s national team won the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year 2024 award.
Award Ceremony:
i.The 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards winners were honoured in a ceremony held at the Palacio de
Cibeles, in the centre of Madrid, Sapin on 22 April 2024.
ii.2024 marks the 25th edition of the annual Laureus World Sports Awards.

iii.The 2024 award honours the greatest sportsmen, sportswomen and teams from 2023.
Points to Note:
i.This is the 5th time that Novak Djokovic has been honoured
with the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award.
• Previously, he won the Laureus World Sportsman of
the Year Award in 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2019.
• In 2023, he won his record 10th Australian Open title,
3rd French Open and 4th US Open.
ii.Aitana Bonmatí became the 1st football player to be named
the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award.
• She was a part of the Spanish Women’s football team that won the FIFA (in (International
Federation of Association Football) Women’s World Cup 2023 held in Australia and New
Zealand.
• She also won the Golden Ball for Best Player at the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
Highlights of Other Laureus Awards:
i.Spain’s Women’s Football team was honoured with the Laureus World Team of the Year, and the
first all-female team to win the Award.
ii.Jude Bellingham, an English Footballer won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award,
becoming the 1st footballer to win this award.
iii.Simone Biles, an American artistic gymnast won the Laureus World Comeback of the Year
Award for her sensational return to gymnastics nearly after a 2-year break.
• She is already a 3-time winner of Sportswoman of the Year (2017, 2019, and 2020).
iv.Diede de Groot, a Wheelchair Tennis player from the Netherlands won the Laureus World Sports
Person of the Year with a Disability.
• He became the 2nd wheelchair tennis player, after Esther Vergeer’s (Dutch) success in 2008 and
2002, to pick up this award.
v.Arisa Trew, a 13-year-old Australian skateboarding star won the Laureus World Action Sportsperson
of the Year Award.
• She became the 1st woman skater to land a 720 (2 full rotations) in vert skateboarding at the
Tony Hawk Vert Alert in Utah.
Laureus Sport for Good Award:
i.The 2024 Laureus Sport for Good Award was presented to Fundación Rafa Nadal, Spain’s multi-sport
organisation.
ii.The organsiation uses sports and education to empower over 1,000 young people in economically
challenged communities in India and Spain.
iii.Rafa Nadal, patron of the program, accepted the award on behalf of the foundation he has developed
since its inception in 2010.
Winner of the Laureus World Sports Awards 2024:
Category Winner Sport
Laureus World Sportsman of

Novak Djokovic (Serbia) Tennis
the Year
Laureus Sportswoman of the

Aitana Bonmatí (Spain) Football
Year

Laureus World Team of the

Spain’s Women’s Football Team Football
Year
Laureus World Breakthrough of Jude Bellingham (United

Football
the Year Kingdom)
Laureus World Comeback of the Simone Biles (United States of

Gymnastics
Year America)
Laureus World Sportsperson of

Diede De Groot (Netherlands) Wheelchair Tennis
the Year with a Disability
Laureus World Action

Arisa Trew (Australia) Skateboarding
Sportsperson of the Year
Laureus Sport for Good Fundación Rafa Nadal (Spain) Global

About Laureus World Sports Awards:
i.It is an annual event initiated in 2000, to celebrate exceptional sporting achievements while highlighting
the impact of Laureus Sport for Good.
• The award is presented in seven categories of the Award are Sportswoman, Sportsman, Team,
Breakthrough, Comeback, Action, and Sport for Good.
ii.Shortlists for the 7 categories are selected through the votes of over 1,000 sports media representatives
from over 70 countries.
iii.Shortlist of the World Athlete of the Year with a Disability provided by the International Paralympic
Committee.
iv.The Laureus World Sports Academy (a unique group of sporting legends), the 69-strong body, votes for
the winners in each shortlisted category.
• The Academy also can grant discretionary awards, such as the Laureus Lifetime Achievement
Award.
Note: Laureus World Sports Awards Limited is a company registered in England and Wales, United
Kingdom (UK).
Recent related News:
Indian Olympian Neeraj Chopra was awarded the Sportstar of the Year (Male) award at the 2024 Sportstar
Aces Awards held at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
World Energy Leadership Awards 2024: Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President, won Global
Energy Transition Impact Award
On 22nd April 2024, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, President of 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to
the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) won the Global Energy Transition Impact
Award for his leadership in advancing energy transition.
• The awards was presented as a part of the inaugural World Energy Leadership
Awards (2024) presented by the World Energy Council (WEC).
• The inaugural Awards were presented ahead of the 26th World Energy Congress (WEC 2024)
which is scheduled to be held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands from 22nd to 25th April 2024
under the theme ‘Redesigning energy for people and planet’.

Note: Dr Al-Jaber is also the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s Special Envoy for Climate Change , and Minister
of Industry and Advanced Technology.
Global Energy Transition Impact Award:
i.The inaugural ‘Global Energy Transition Impact Award’
recognizes visionary leadership in advancing the energy
transition and in uniting the world around the historic UAE
Consensus
ii.Global Energy Transition Impact Award is one of the 4
inaugural World Energy Leadership Awards
iii.The award was given to Dr Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber in honor
of his work on the UAE Consensus, and for launching Net Zero energy transition alliances across multiple
energy sectors.
Other Winners of World Energy Leadership Awards 2024:
i.Energy Systems Luminary Award
Winner– Vaclav Smil, Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Environment at the University of
Manitoba, Canada
• It recognized his significant contributions to advancing energy literacy.
ii.Humanising Energy Award
Winner– Barefoot College International (BCI) headquartered in Miami, Florida
• BCI has empowered diverse groups, including women, workers, and youth, along with
indigenous communities, to play active roles in designing, building, and operating new power
systems globally.
iii.World Energy Visionary Leadership Award
Winner– Bestowed posthumously on Daniel Nicol Dunlop, pioneer of the first World Power Conference
in 1924 and the de-facto founder of the WEC.
• His vision promoted collaboration and innovation for a sustainable energy future. The award
will now be named the Dunlop Award for Energy Leadership.
Ratan Tata Honoured with KISS Humanitarian Award 2021

On April 22, 2024, Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, received the esteemed Kalinga
Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Humanitarian Award for 2021 at his residence in Mumbai,
Maharashtra. This recognition underscores his dedication to social progress and exemplary corporate
leadership.
Key People:
The award was presented to Ratan Tata by Dr. Achyuta Samanta,
the Founder of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT),
and KISS in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in the presence of Tata Group
Chairman N. Chandrasekaran and three-time Grammy Award-
winning Indian musician Ricky Kej.
About KISS Humanitarian Award:
i.KISS Humanitarian Award, initiated in 2008 by Dr. Achyuta
Samanta, is the highest honour of KIIT and KISS.
ii.The award acknowledges individuals and organizations worldwide for their humanitarian contributions,
with past recipients including global leaders and Nobel laureates.
Note:
i.Tata was unable to receive the award in 2021 due to COVID pandemic.

ii.The 2022 award was presented to Rachel Ruto, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and the 2023
award was presented to Bill Gates, Former CEO of Microsoft.
Indian Institutes from Delhi NCR & Mumbai Won NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge
2024 Awards
Indian student teams from the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) area and Mumbai (Maharashtra)
have won awards from NASA‘s (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) 30th Human
Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) 2024.
• The Krishna Institute of Engineering &
Technology (KIET) Group of
Institutions, Delhi-NCR has won the “Crash and
Burn” award;
• The Kanakia International School
from Mumbai won the “Rookie of the Year”
award.
HERC 2024 competition was held at the United States of
America (USA) Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville,
Alabama, near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
Winners:
i.Parish Episcopal School from Dallas, USA secured 1st place in the high school division.
ii.University of Alabama in Huntsville, USA won the college/university category.
Click for full list of winners
Objective of HERC:
The objective of HERC is to provide student teams with the opportunity to design, develop, construct, and
test human-powered rovers that can navigate difficult terrain and a task tool to complete different
mission.
Event Overview:
i.Over 600 students comprising 72 teams from across the globe participated in the NASA HERC 2024.
ii.Teams hailed from 42 colleges/universities and 30 high schools across 24 US states, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 13 other nations worldwide.
Competition Format:
Points were awarded for navigating a half-mile obstacle course, mission-specific tasks, and safety/design
reviews with NASA engineers.
Note: The NASA HERC competition is open to the USA and international students in High School, College,
and University grade levels.
NASA HERC:
i.HERC is one of NASA’s 8 Artemis Student Challenges, reflecting the goals of the Artemis program, aiming
to land the 1st woman and 1st person of colour on the Moon.
ii.HERC has seen over 15,000 participants since its inception in 1994, many of whom have pursued careers
at NASA or within the aerospace industry.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi sworn in as Egypt’s President for the 3rd Term
Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has taken oath as the President of Egypt for the third term in the New Administrative
Capital of the country. The 69-year-old former army chief will continue with his presidential powers until
2030 that followed constitutional amendments that extended presidential terms to six years allowing him
to stand for a third election.
• He has won the election in December 2023 with 89.6% of the votes and with no major
challengers.
Note: The $58 billion New Administrative Capital is located
in the desert east of Cairo and is the largest of the mega
projects, which also include an expansion of the Suez Canal,
extensive road building, and other new cities.
Key Points:
i.The presidency of Al-Sisi first came into power after the
country’s first popularly elected president, Mohamed Morsi
was overthrown in 2013. He was then re-elected in 2018 with
97 percent votes in both the previous elections.
ii.He extended the presidential tenure from four to six years and revised the constitution to increase the
cap on consecutive terms in office from two to three.
About Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi
i.Sisi graduated from the Egyptian Military Academy in 1977 and then he served in the infantry. In 2010 he
was appointed to the post of director of military intelligence.
ii.Sisi became the youngest member of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) in 2011, a body of
senior military officers that took over the governing of Egypt.
iii.He was then promoted to the positions of defense minister and commander of the armed forces in
August 2012.
About Egypt:
President – Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi
Capital – Cairo
Currency – Egyptian Pound
Peter Pellegrini Set to Become the New President of Slovak Republic

Peter Pellegrini, former Prime Minister (PM) of Slovakia, is set to become the President of the Slovak
Republic. He won the Slovakia presidential election 2024 defeating Ivan Korčok, a former diplomat, with
53% of the vote.
• Pellegrini will succeed Zuzana Caputov, the first
female President of Slovakia.
• He will be inaugurated as the 6th president of
Slovakia on 15th June 2024.
About Peter Pellegrini:
i.Peter Pellegrini is the chair of the Social Democracy
party(HLAS). He founded the Voice – Social Democracy in
2020.
• Prior to this he was a member of Direction – Social
Democracy(Smer).

ii.He served as the PM of Slovakia from 2018 to 2020 and Minister of Health from December 2019 to
March 2020.
iii.He has also served as the deputy PM of Slovakia from 2016 to 2018 and as Minister for Education and
Science in 2014.
iv.He also served as the speaker of the National Council from 2014 to 2016.
Note: Pellegrini is in a coalition with PM Robert Fico of the Smer and the far-right Slovak National Party
(SNS).
About Slovak Republic (Slovakia):
Prime Minister– Robert Fico
Capital– Bratislava
Currency– Euro
Sorin Investment Fund Chairman Sanjay Nayar takes over as ASSOCHAM President for 2024-
25
Sanjay Nayar, the Founder and Chairman of Sorin Investment Fund has taken over as President of the
Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), India’s oldest apex Industry
chamber, for 2024-25. Previously, he served as the Vice President of ASSOCHAM.
• Sanjay Nayar replaced Ajay Singh, Chairman &
Managing Director(CMD) of Spicejet, who served as
ASSOCHAM’s President for 2023-24.
About Sanjay Nayar:
i.Sanjay Nayar has previously served as the Chief Executive
Officer(CEO) of Citigroup’s Indian and South Asian operations
and was a member of Citigroup’s Global Management
Committee and Asia Executive Operating Committee.
ii.He established KKR India operations in 2009 after leaving
Citigroup.
iii.After serving as the CEO, Chairman, and Senior Advisor of KKR, he retired in April 2023.
iv.He also served on the Asian investment and portfolio management committees of KKR.
v.He also serves as Non-Executive Director at NYKAA, an Indian e-commerce company.
Affiliations:
i.A non-official member of the Board of Trade, a key advisory body to the Ministry of Commerce and
Industry(MoCI) representing the private sector.
ii.Advisor to the Board of the USA-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).
iii.Member of the Governing Board of the Indian School of Business (ISB).
iv.Advisory Board member of Habitat for Humanity.
v.Chairman of Grameen Impact Investments India (GIII).
vi.Founder and Board Member of the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP).
About Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM):
President– Sanjay Nayar

Axis Capital Limited appoints Atul Mehra as MD & CEO

Axis Capital Limited (Erstwhile ENAM Securities Private Limited) has appointed Atul Mehra as its
Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Salil Pitale, who held the interim
MD & CEO position from 2018-2024.
• Atul Mehra will oversee both the investment banking
and institutional equities businesses of Axis Capital.
Key Points:
i.He has previously served as joint MD at JM Financial.
ii.He has more than 32 years of experience across leading
Indian companies, and spearheaded numerous Equity Capital
Markets (ECM) and mergers and acquisitions transactions in
both domestic and international markets during his career.
Other Appointments
Axis Capital has also appointed Parag Gude as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Institutional Equities
and Dhaval Desai as Head of Cash Equities.
About Axis Capital Limited:
It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axis Bank
Chairperson– Amitabh Chaudhry
Establishment– 1984 as Enam Securities
Rajeev Singhal Appointed as MD of Tata International Limited

On April 1 2024, The Tata International Limited (TIL), the global trading and distribution arm of Tata
Group, appointed Rajeev Singhal as its Managing Director (MD).
• Rajeev Singhal succeeded Anand Sen, who attained
retirement on March 31, 2024.
• Prior to his appointment he was serving as the
Executive Director(ED) and Chief Operating Officer
(COO) at TIL.
About Rajeev Singhal
i.He served as the Managing Director of Tata Steel BSL
Limited (Now Tata Steel, formerly known as Bhushan Steel
Limited).
ii.He also served as the Director of Tata Bluescope Steel Private Limited.
iii.His numerous positions at Tata Steel in the past, such as Vice President for Marketing and Sales for Flat
Products, demonstrated his extensive leadership expertise and knowledge of the business.
• He has managed the mining portfolio of Tata Steel as Vice President, Raw Materials.
About Tata International Limited (TIL)
Chairman – Noel N Tata
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Established – 1962
Paris Olympics: Bilquis Mir Becomes First Woman To Represent India as Jury Member
Bilquis Mir, a Water sports promoter and athlete (canoeist ) from Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), is set to
become the first woman from India to serve as a jury member at the 2024 Summer Olympics which is set
to be held in Paris, France from 26th July to 11th August 2024.

• Bilquis was nominated as a jury member by the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association.
• In 2008, she qualified as a jury member for her exemplary conduct and performance at top
sporting events, including the Asian Games 2023 held in Hangzhou, China.
Judith Tuluka Appointed as First Female Prime Minister of DR Congo

Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), appointed Judith Suminwa
Tuluka as the first woman Prime Minister of the DRC.
• She succeeded Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde who
served as the Prime Minister of DRC since 2021.
About Judith Suminwa Tuluka
i.She also served as the national expert in a Community Support
Project in Eastern DRC at the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP).
ii.She became the third female member of Lukonde’s cabinet when
she was appointed as the Planning Minister in 2023.
iii.She also served as the deputy coordinator of the Presidential Strategic Monitoring Council (CPVS).
iv.She was a member of the ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress party, which won 69 seats in
the 500-member National Assembly in December 2023.
About Democratic Republic of Congo
President – Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo
Capital – Kinshasa
Currency – Congolese Franc
Shiny Wilson Nominated as a Member of Athletic Commission of Asian Athletics Association

Former Indian track and field athlete Shiny Kurisingal Abraham Wilson was nominated as a member of
the Athletic Commission of the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) for four years (2024–2028).
• She was nominated as a member in a virtual meeting
led by the Chairman of the Athletic Commission,
Mohammad Suleiman (Qatar).
About Shiny Wilson:
i.Shiny Wilson won a silver medal in the women’s 400m race
event at the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul, South Korea.
• In the same tournament, she won the gold medal in
the women’s 4x400m relay event, along with P.T.
Usha, M. D. Valsamma, and Vandana Rao.
ii.She clinched the silver medal in the women’s 4x400m relay event along with P.T. Usha, G. V.
Dhanalakshmi, and Kutty Saramma at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan.
• In the same tournament, Shiny also won a bronze medal in the women’s 800m race event.
iii.Shiny represented India at the four Olympic Games, including 1984 Los Angeles (United States of
America – USA), 1988 Seoul(South Korea), 1992 Barcelona(Spain) and 1996 Atlanta(USA).
iv.She became the first Indian woman to be the flagbearer for the Indian contingent at the 1992 Barcelona
Olympics.
Awards:
i.Shiny Wilson was awarded the Padma Shri in 1998 in the field of sports.
ii.She also received the Arjuna Award in 1985.
About Asian Athletics Association:
President – Gen.Dahlan Jaman B. Al-Hamad (Qatar)

Headquarters – Bangkok, Thailand

Ousmane Sonko Appointed as the Prime Minister of Senegal

The Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye appointed Ousmane Sonko as the Prime
Minister(PM) of Senegal in his first act as President.
• Sonko was the opponent of former President Macky Sall in the March 2024 presidential contest
but he was disqualified due to a defamation conviction.
• Ousmane Sonko replaced Sidiki Kaba as the new prime minister. Sidiki Kaba was appointed as
the prime minister by former President Macky Sall in March 2024.
Note: Bassirou Diomaye Faye was newly appointed as the President of Senegal on April 2 2024.
Sheyphali B Sharan Takes Charge as Principal Director General of PIB

On April 1, 2024, Sheyphali B. Sharan took charge as the Principal Director General (PDG) of the Press
Information Bureau (PIB) by succeeding Manish Desai, who attained retirement on March 31, 2024.
• Sheyphali Sharan, an Indian Information Service (IIS) Officer of 1990 batch, became the fifth
woman officer to head PIB.
• She served as the spokesperson of the Election Commission during the 2019 Lok Sabha
elections.
• She has also served as the Director of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Department
of Traditional Systems of Medicine/AYUSH) from 2002 to 2007 and the Ministry of Finance
(Department of Economic Affairs 2013 to 2017).
Astrid Schomaker of Germany Appointed as Executive Secretary of CBD

António Guterres, Secretary-General (SG) of the United Nations (UN),
appointed Astrid Schomaker of Germany as the 8th Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
With this appointment, She becomes the CBD’s first Executive Secretary from Germany.
• David Cooper of the United Kingdom (UK), Acting
Executive Secretary of CBD (since February 2023),
will continue his role until Schomaker assumes her
functions.
• David Cooper succeeded Elizabeth Maruma Mrema,
who was appointed as Deputy Executive Director of
the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Note: Astrid Schomaker is expected to assume her role ahead
of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP 16) summit,
which will take place from 21st October- 1st November 2024 in Cali, Colombia.
Key Tasks:
i.Schomaker’s primary task is to translate the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the
biodiversity plan adopted in 2022, into action.
ii.She will prioritise the 4 goals of the Biodiversity Plan: Protecting and restoring; Prospering with nature;
Sharing benefits fairly; and Investing and collaborating.
iii.She will also lead the CBD Secretariat’s work, and facilitate the Parties’ negotiations, on Access and
benefit sharing (ABS).

About Astrid Schomaker:

i.Astrid Schomaker is a German diplomat and environmental policy expert.
ii.She joined the European Commission(EC) in 1992. She served as Director for Environment Policy
Strategy at EC and headed EC’s divisions for marine and freshwater issues and chemicals.
iii.She has been a co-chair of the steering committee of UNEP’s International Resource Panel since 2015.
iv.She has also served as Director for Global Sustainable Development and for Green Diplomacy and
Multilateralism at the European Commission’s Environment Department since 2017.
Former Deputy Governor of RBI, Rakesh Mohan, Appointed to WBG’s Economic Advisory Panel
World Bank has appointed Rakesh Mohan, Former Deputy Governor (DG) of Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
as a member in Economic Advisory Panel of World Bank Group (WBG).
Key Points:
i.Nicholas Stern, IG Patel Professor of Economics and
Government at the London School of Economics, United
Kingdom (U.K.) will be the chairman of Economic Advisory
Panel of WBG
ii.Indermit Gill, Chief Economist of the World Bank Group
(WBG) and Senior President for Development Economics
will co-chair the panel.
iii.The panel members will have a tenure of two years.
iv.The panel will help and advice WBG regarding their objective, research, agenda and actions.
About Rakesh Mohan:
i.At present, he is the President Emeritus at Centre for Social and Economic Progress(CSEP) in New Delhi,
Delhi.
• He is currently serving as part-time member of Economic Advisory Council of Prime
Minister(EAC-PM).
ii.Earlier, he held the position of Deputy Governor of the RBI from September 2002 to October 2004 and
from July 2005 to June 2009.
iii.He was the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) to Government of India (GoI) from 2001 to 2002.
iv.He was the Vice-Chairman of Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) based in Delhi.
v.He worked as Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., U.S.A.,
from 2012 to 2015.
vi.He joined Nestle India as its executive director in 2010.
Noteworthy Work:
Mohan has authored ‘India Transformed: 25 Years of Economic Reforms’ published in 2017 by Penguin
Random House.
About World Bank Group(WBG):
President: Ajay Banga
Headquarters: Washington D.C. , U.S.A.
Establishment: 1944
Fin Min appoints Justice PS Dinesh Kumar as Presiding Officer of SAT; Dheeraj Bhatnagar as
Technical Member
The Ministry of Finance has appointed Justice Pratinidhi Srinivasacharya (PS) Dinesh Kumar, former
Chief Justice (CJ) of Karnataka High Court(HC) as the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate
Tribunal (SAT) for 4 years, or until he attains the age of 70 years.

• PS Dinesh Kumar succeeds Justice Tarun Agarwala, Who served as the Presiding Officer of SAT
from December 2018 to December 2023.
Dheeraj Bhatnagar, former Principal Chief Commissioner of
Income Tax (Delhi), was appointed as a Technical
Member of SAT for 4 years, or until he attains the age of 60 years.
• Dheeraj Bhatnagar succeeds Justice MT Joshi, who
served as member of SAT from March 2019 to February
2023.
Note: Since December 2023, SAT has been functioning with just
one technical member, Meera Swarup, who joined SAT in 2022.
About Justice PS Dinesh Kumar:
i.He started Practice in the High Court of Karnataka in 1990.
ii.He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Karnataka HC in January 2015 and as Permanent Judge
in December 2016.
iii.He served as the chief justice of the Karnataka HC from 3rd to 24th February 2024.
iv.He has served as a Senior Panel Counsel for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Senior
Standing Counsel for BSNL, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), University Grants Commission
(UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education
(NCTE).
About Dheeraj Bhatnagar:
i.In 2022, he was appointed as Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (CCIT) (OSD) in the office of Principal
CCIT Delhi Region.
ii.He also served as Additional Secretary to the Government of India at the Ministry of Finance.
About SAT:
i.SAT is a statutory body established under the provisions of Section 15K of the SEBI Act, 1992.
ii.SAT hears and disposes of appeals against orders passed by regulatory bodies like SEBI, the Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), and the Pension Fund Regulatory and
Development Authority (PFRDA).
Composition of SAT:
As per section 15 (L) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act, a SAT Bench is supposed to
consist of 3 members:
• A presiding officer, who will be a retired/sitting judge of the Supreme Court or High Court; and
• 2 members – one judicial and one technical.
Note: The Presiding Officer of SAT shall be appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the
Chief Justice of India or his nominee.
CMD of NDDB, Dr. Meenesh Shah Elected as Chairman of NCDFI

Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Dr. Meenesh
kumar Champaklal Shah has been unanimously elected as the Chairman of the National Cooperative
Dairy Federation of India Ltd. (NCDFI) in the Board elections held on 5 April 2024. He represents the
Jharkhand Milk Federation on the board.
• Dr. Meenesh Shah replaced Mangal Jit Rai, who served as Chairman of NCDFI for 2 terms from
2017 to 2024.
Composition of the Board:
i.NCDFI in its General Body meeting held on April 4, 2024, elected 8 directors on the board unopposed
including Meenesh Shah. The other elected members are:
• Dr. Mangal Jit Rai from Sikkim Milk Union;

• Shamalbhai B. Patel from Gujarat Milk Federation;

• Randhir Singh from Haryana Milk Federation;
• K. S. Mani from Kerala Milk Federation;
• Balachandra L Jarkiholi from Karnataka Milk
Federation;
• Narinder Singh Shergill from the Punjab Milk
Federation; and
• Sameer Kumar Parida from West Assam Milk Union.
ii.Additionally, S. Regupathi, Executive Director of NDDB, was
nominated as a director on the NCDFI Board.
• Srinivas Sajja, Managing Director of NCDFI, retains his position as one of the board of directors.
About Meenesh Shah:
i.He brings extensive experience from his Chairman role in prestigious institutions like:
• NDDB Dairy Services (NDS), NDDB Mrida Ltd; and NDDB Calf Ltd;
• Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt Ltd;
• IDMC Ltd;
• Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL);
ii.He is also on the Governing Boards of many premier institutions like Vidya Dairy, Foundation for
Ecological Security (FES), North East Dairy and Foods, etc.
iii.He is the Member Secretary of the Indian National Committee of the International Dairy Federation
(INC-IDF).
iv.He is also a Member of the Standing Committee on Dairy Policies and Economics of IDF.
v.In 2021, he was appointed as Chairman of the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA).
vi.He is also a member of IRMA’s Society and Board of Governors and has been unanimously elected by the
Board as its Chairman.
Membership Structure:
i.NCDFI an apex body of dairy cooperatives comprises 20 regular members and 14 associate members.
ii.NDDB holds institutional membership within NCDFI.
About National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Ltd. (NCDFI):
The Ministry of Cooperation oversees the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Ltd.
In 1984, it started functioning as the apex body of the cooperative dairy industry.
Headquarters– Anand, Gujarat
MCA Appoints Two Part-Time Members to IBBI Governing Board

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has appointed M.P. Ram Mohan, a Professor at the Indian
Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad(Gujarat), and Dinabandhu Mohapatra, a Non-Executive
Independent Director at Indiabulls Housing Limited, as part-time members of the Governing Board of the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).
• The appointment came into effect on 19th February 2024. They will hold the post for a period
of 5 years or until they attain the age of 65 or until further orders.
Note: Dinabandhu Mohapatra is a former Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bank of
India.
IBBI Governing Board:
i.At present, IBBI Governing Board has 3 whole-time members, one Reserve Bank of India (RBI) nominee,
and three other ex-officio members from the Department of Economic Affairs in the Finance Ministry, the
Corporate Affairs Ministry, and the Legislative Department, the Department of Legal Affairs in the Ministry
of Law and Justice.

ii.With these appointments, the composition of IBBI Governing Board is completely in line with the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016.
• IBBI is a statutory body established on 1st October, 2016 in accordance with the provisions of
the Insolvency.
Former IEG Director Manoj Panda Appointed as full time Member of 16th Finance Commission
The Government of India (GoI) has appointed economist Manoj Panda, former Director of the Institute of
Economic Growth (IEG), as a full-time member of the 16th Finance Commission (FC) of India. He will hold
the office with effect from the date he assume office up to the date of submission of Report or 31st
October 2025.
• Panda was appointed to the 16th FC in lieu
of Niranjan Rajadhyaksha, Executive Director at
Artha Global.
• Rajadhyaksha was appointed as full time member of
16th FC in January 2024.
About Manoj Panda
i.Manoj Panda served as the Economist and Senior Economist at
the New Delhi based National Council of Applied Economic
Research (NCAER) from 1982 to 1992.
ii.He also worked as Professor and Associate Professor at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development
Research (IGIDR), Mumbai, Maharashtra from 1992 to 2008.
iii.He has also served as the Director of Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Hyderabad,
Telangana.
iv.He also served as the Director of the IEG, New Delhi, Delhi from 2012 to 2019.
Background:
In December 2023, the GoI has constituted 16th FC with Arvind Panagariya, former Vice-Chairman of
NITI Aayog(National Institution for Transforming India) as its Chairman. In January 2024, GoI appointed
3 full time members and one part-time member to the 16th FC.
• FC of India is a constitutional body responsible for recommending the distribution of federal
taxes among states.
Current Member of 16th FC:
Apart from Manoj Panda the other 2 Full time members are,
• Ajay Narayan Jha, former member, 15th Finance Commission and former Secretary,
Expenditure;
• Annie George Mathew, former Special Secretary, Expenditure and
ii.The Part-time member of the 16th FC is Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Advisor, State
Bank of India
iii.Secretary of the 16th FC: Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey, a 1998-batch IAS officer
Sushil Sharma Selected as CMD of SJVN Limited

Sushil Sharma, Director (Projects), SJVN Limited has been selected for the post of Chairman and
Managing Director (CMD) of SJVN Limited at a Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) selection panel
meeting held on 8 April 2024.
• He replaces Mrs. Geeta Kapur, Director (Personnel) of SJVN Ltd, who assumed the additional
charge of CMD on 1st February 2024 after the relieving of Nand Lal Sharma, the previous CMD
of SJVN Ltd.

Note: Nand Lal Sharma resigned from the post with immediate effect after the Haryana government
appointed him as Chairman of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory
Commission (HERC) in February 2024.
About Sushil Sharma:
i.Sushil Sharma started his career in H.P. State Technical
Education Service in 1990.
ii.He joined SJVN in January 1994 as an Assistant Engineer and
worked in various Departments/Projects.
iii.Initially, he worked in the Design Office of SJVN for about 19
years for Planning and Design of Hydro-Mechanical components of various projects.
iv.Later, he held the post of General Manager (Mechanical) in SJVN at the 1500 megawatt (MW)
Nathpa Jhakri Plant in Himachal Pradesh.
v.He has been serving as Director (Electrical) of SJVN since August 1, 2020.
vi.He was appointed Director (Electrical) in 2020 and the post was re-designated as Director (Projects) in
2023.
About SJVN Ltd:
Headquarters– Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
SJVN Ltd (formerly Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam) is a Mini Ratna Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) under
the Ministry of Power.
It is a Joint Venture (JV) of the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of Himachal Pradesh
(GoHP).
Olympic Champion Valerie Adams Named the Ambassador for TCS World 10k Bengaluru 2024
New Zealand‘s shot putter Dame Valerie Adams, a 4-time World Champion, and 2-time Olympic Gold
medallist has been named the International Event Ambassador for the “16th edition of Tata
Consultancy Services’ (TCS) World 10K Bengaluru (Karnataka)” to be held on 28th April 2024.
About Dame Valerie Adams:
i.Across her 5 appearances in the Olympics, she has won 2 gold medals in the:
• 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in China;
• 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England (United Kingdom)
ii.She also won a silver in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and a bronze medal in the
2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
iii.She is a 3-time Commonwealth Games winner in 2006 (Melbourne, Australia), 2010 (Delhi), and 2014
(Glasgow, Scotland).
iv.She became the 1st woman to win 4 consecutive gold medals in the World Athletics Championships,
claiming shot put crowns in 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2013.
v.In 2014, she was honoured with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World
Athlete of the Year title.
About TCS World 10K Bengaluru:
i.It is recognised with a Gold Label by World Athletics and has a total prize fund of USD 210,000.
Wipro Appoints Srini Pallia as CEO & Managing Director

Srinivas (Srini) Pallia was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of
Wipro Limited, effective from 7th April 2024.
Srinivas Pallia succeeds Thierry Delaporte, who served as the CEO and MD from June 2020 to April 2024.
• He has been working at Wipro for 32 years since he joined as a product manager in 1992.
• He also worked as the CEO of Americas 1, one of the strategic units of Wipro.

• He is also a member of the Wipro Executive Board (WEB).
Simon Harris elected as New Prime Minister of Ireland

Simon Harris(37 years old), leader of Fine Gael party, was elected as the New Taoiseach (Prime Minister
of the Republic of Ireland) by the member of the Dáil (Irish parliament).
• He received the seal of office from President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and was officially
installed as Taoiseach on 9th April 2024.
• He succeeded Leo Varadkar, who resigned as Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach in March 2024.
Note:
i.With this, Harris becomes the youngest PM of the Republic
of Ireland.
ii.He is set to hold the post till general election which is set to be
held in March 2025.
Points to note:
i.The members of Dáil , the Parliament of Ireland, voted 88 to 69 in
favour of Simon Harris becoming Taoiseach.
ii.The 3 party-coalition government (Fine Gael party, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party) has been in power
since 2020.
iii.This is the 3rd time the coalition government has changed the Taoiseach in less than 4 years.
About Simon Harris
i.He became the youngest Teachta Dála(TD), a member of Dáil Éireann (the lower house of the Irish
parliament) in 2011, at the age of 24.
ii.He served as the Minister in the government of Ireland since 2016.
iii.He served as Minister for Health (2016 to 2020) and Minister of Further and Higher Education,
Research, Innovation and Science from 2020 to April 2024.
India’s Jagjit Pavadia Re-elected for a third term to the International Narcotics Control Board
India’s Jagjit Pavadia was re-elected as a member of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for
the third term from 2025 to 2030.
• She previously served as a member of INCB for two
terms: 2015–2020 and 2020–2025. She also served
as President of the INCB for 2021–2022.
Note:
INCB is the independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body for
the implementation of the United Nations(UN) international
drug control conventions.
About Jagjit Pavadia:
i.Jagjit Pavadia, a 1979 batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
officer, held several senior positions in the Government of India (GoI) before her retirement in 2014.
ii.She served as the Narcotics Commissioner of India at the Central Bureau of Narcotics (2006–2012),
Commissioner of Legal Affairs (2001–2005), and Chief Vigilance Officer at the Power Finance Corporation
(1996–2001).
About International Narcotics Control Board:
i.The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) was established in 1968 in accordance with the Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961.
ii.INCB, in cooperation with governments of all countries, ensures that adequate supplies of drugs are
available for medical and scientific uses.

iii.It monitors governments’ control over chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of drugs and assists
them in preventing the diversion of those chemicals into illicit traffic.
Members of INCB:
i.The INCB comprises 13 members elected by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), serving in
their capacity rather than as government representatives.
ii.Among the 13 members, three with medical, pharmacological, or pharmaceutical backgrounds are
elected from a list of nominees by the World Health Organization (WHO).
iii.Additionally, 10 members are elected from a list of nominees by the respective governments.
India was also elected as a member of the following UN bodies:
i.Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) for the term 2025-2029;
ii.Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the term 2025-2027.
iii.Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population
Fund (UNFPA), and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for the term 2025–2027.
iv.Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN
Women) for the term 2025-2027.
v.Executive Board of the World Food Programme (WFP) for the term 2025-2027.
About UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):
i.The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six main organs of the United Nations and
deals with economic, social, cultural, and health matters, as well as human rights and fundamental
freedoms.
ii.ECOSOC oversees functions of UN subsidiary bodies, composed of regional commissions, functional
commissions, expert bodies, standing committees, and ad hoc bodies.
iii.It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.
President – Paula Narváez
Members – 54(including India)
USISPF appoints Former Revenue Secretary Tarun Bajaj as Chair of US-India Tax Forum
Tarun Bajaj, Former Revenue and Economic Affairs Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Government of India,
was appointed as the Chair of the United States (US)-India Tax Forum of the United States-India Strategic
Partnership Forum (USISPF).
i.Tarun Bajaj, a 1988 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who retired from service in
November 2022.
ii.He is also serving as Independent Director on the board of Hindustan Unilever Limited(HUL) since
December 2023.
iii.He joined as an adviser to the Board of Directors of USISPF in January 2024.
Note:
i.USISPF is a not-for-profit institution dedicated to strengthening partnerships between the United States
of America (USA) and India.
ii.The US-India Tax Forum acts as a platform for firms doing business in the US-India corridor to engage
with relevant government officials on tax issues and others.
Belgium’s Ingmar De Vos Elected as New President of ASOIF

On 9 April 2024, Ingmar De Vos from Belgium, the President of the International Equestrian Federation
(FEI), was unanimously elected as the President of the Association of Summer Olympic International
Federations (ASOIF) during the 48th ASOIF General Assembly.
• He was elected for a 4 year term, starting on 1st January 2025.

• He will replace Francesco Ricci Bitti of Italy, whose 3rd term as President of ASOIF is set to
end on 31st December 2024.
Note: 48th ASOIF General Assembly was held during
SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2024 held in
Birmingham, The United Kingdom (UK).
About Ingmar De Vos:
i.Ingmar De Vos began his career as a Belgian Senate Advisor in
1989 and served as the Director General(DG) of the Belgian
Equestrian Federation from 1990 to 1997.
ii.He served as the Secretary General of the Belgian Equestrian Federation from 1997-2011.
iii.He joined the FEI in 2011, where he served as Secretary General until 2014.
iv.He was elected President of FEI on 14 December 2014; re-elected for 2nd 4-year term in 2018; and for
the final 3rd term in 2022.
v.Since 2017, he has been a Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He has served as an
ASOIF Council member since 2019.
Exclusion of International Boxing Association (IBA):
i.The General Assembly excluded the International Boxing Association (IBA) as an ASOIF Member in line
with ASOIF Statutes.
ii.This move follows the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision upholding the IOC’s withdrawal of
IBA’s recognition as the International Federation (IF) for Olympic boxing.
• ASOIF had previously suspended IBA’s Full Member’s rights.
Statute Amendments and New Associate Members:
i.The General Assembly approved Statute amendments to clarify the start and expiry dates for Associate
Membership.
ii.Associate Membership granted to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the International Federation of
American Football (IFAF), World Lacrosse, and World Squash, effective from 1st January 2025.
About Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF):
President– Francesco Ricci Bitti
Executive Director– Andrew Ryan
Headquarters– Lausanne, Switzerland
FSIB selected Manoj Mittal as CMD of SIDBI; Sanjay Shukla named MD of NHB
The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has recommended Manoj Mittal for the post of
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
• He is currently serving as MD and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IFCI Limited (formerly
Industrial Finance Corporation of India).
• He will replace Sivasubramanian Ramann, who has been
serving as CMD of SIDBI since April 2021. Ramann is a
1991 batch of Indian Audit and Accounts Service
(IA&AS) officer.
About Manoj Mittal:
i.Manoj Mittal has served as the Deputy MD of SIDBI from 2016 to
2021.
ii.He played a major role in developing SIDBI Vision 2.0, which
helped SIDBI to emerge as a financially stronger institution.

FSIB Named Sanjay Shukla as MD of NHB

FSIB has appointed Sanjay Shukla as the MD of the National Housing Bank (NHB), the apex regulatory
body for the overall regulation and licensing of housing finance companies in India.
He is currently serving as the MD&CEO of Centrum Housing Finance Limited (CHFL).
• He will succeed Sarada Kumar Hota, who has been serving as MD of NHB since 2019.
About Sanjay Shukla :
i.Sanjay Shukla has also served as the MD and CEO of Cent Bank Home Finance
ii.He has also worked with ING Vysya Bank, Tata Capital Housing Finance Limited, Citi Bank and
Hometrust Housing Finance Limited(later merged into HDFC Limited).
iii.He has an experience of working with various private sector organisations including LIC Housing
Finance.
About Financial Services Institution Bureau (FSIB):
FSIB came into effect on 1st July 2022, replacing the Banks Board Bureau(BBB) for recommending
persons for appointment as whole-time directors and non-executive chairpersons on the Boards of
financial services institutions.
Chairman- Bhanu Pratap Sharma
SC Judge Anirudhha Bose Retired; Appointed as Director of NJA

On 10th April 2024, Justice Anirudhha Bose retired from the Supreme Court (SC) of India. He has been
serving as the SC Judge since 2019.
• He was appointed as Director of the National
Judicial Academy (NJA) which offers training
programmes to aid the judges in their judging role
and in performance of court administration work.
About Justice Anirudhha Bose:
i.He enrolled with the Bar Council of West Bengal as an
advocate in October 1985.
ii.After serving as an advocate for about 19 years in the
Calcutta High Court(HC), he was elevated to the High Court
Bench as a Permanent Judge in 2004.
iii.In 2018, he was appointed as the Chief Justice(CJ) of Jharkhand HC.
iv.He was appointed as a judge of the SC in May 2019.
Additional info:
i.The Director of NJA is appointed by the Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India (CJI)
and Chairman of NJA.
ii.The CJI is the Chairman of the General Body, Governing Council, the Executive Committee, and the
Academic Council of NJA.
About National Judicial Academy (NJA):
NJA is an independent society, established in 1993 under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
NJA is fully funded by the Government of India (GoI) and works under the directions of the Supreme Court
of India.
Chairperson– D Y Chandrachud
Location– Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Central Government Appoints Ashish Kumar Chauhan, Sridhar Vembu as Members of UGC for 3
year
Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education has notified the appointment of Ashish Kumar
Chauhan, Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO), National Stock Exchange (NSE)
and Sridhar Vembu, CEO, Zoho Corporation as members of the University Grants Commission(UGC) for a
period of 3 years.
Other Key appointments:
i.It has also appointed Retd. Professor Sachidananda Mohanty,
Former Vice Chancellor(VC), Central University of Odisha.
ii.Professor Shashikala Gulabrao Wanjari, VC of National
Institute of Educational Planning and Administration(NIEPA), New
Delhi, Delhi as members of UGC for tenure of 3 years or till further
orders
Note: With these appointments, total members in UGC increases
from 4 to 8.
About Ashish Kumar Chauhan:
i.Ashish is the acting Chancellor of University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
ii.In July 2022, SEBI appointed him as MD and CEO of NSE for 5 years.
iii.He was one of the founding members of National Stock Exchange(NSE).
iv.He worked in BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) as Deputy CEO in 2009. Later, he was
appointed as CEO of BSE in 2012.
• During his tenure, BSE got listed in 2016.
v.He played an important role in setting up of India International Exchange(India INX) , India’s 1st
international exchange in 2017 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
About Sridhar Vembu:
i.He started his career as wireless engineer with Qualcomm company in San Diego, California, United
States of America(U.S.A.).
ii.In 1996, he established AdventNet, which subsequently became Zoho Corporation when it was
renamed in 2009.
iii.He was appointed as member of National Security Advisory Board in 2021.
iv.He was honoured with Padma Shri, India’s 4th highest civilian honour in 2021 for Trade and Industry.
About University Grants Commission(UGC):
The Sargent Report of 1944 proposed for the first time to form the national system of education in India.
UGC was established by an Act of Parliament in 1956
Chairman: Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar
Vo Thi Anh Xuan Appointed as Interim President of Vietnam

Vietnam’s Vice-President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (54 years old) was appointed Interim President of
Vietnam on 21st March 2024.
• Vo Thi Anh Xuan succeeds Vo Van Thuong, who resigned from the post of President on 20th
March 2024. He has been serving as the President of Vietnam since March 2023.
• She will serve as the acting president until Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) elects a new
president.
Note: Previously in 2021-2026 term, Vo Thi Anh Xuan held the post of Interim president of Vietnam in
January 2023, before Vo Van Thuong was elected as President replacing Nguyen Xuan Phuc who resigned
from the post on 17th January 2023.

About Vo Thi Anh Xuan :

i.Vo Thi Anh Xuan hails from Tinh Bien District, An Giang
Province, Vietnam.
ii.She is an alternate member of the 11th Party Central
Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) , a member
of the 12th and 13th Party Central Committee, and a delegate to
the 14th and 15th National Assembly.
ii.In April 2021, she was elected as Vice President of Vietnam. At
the age of 51 becoming the youngest Vice President of Vietnam.
About Vietnam:
Prime Minister– Pham Minh Chinh
Capital– Hanoi
Currency– Vietnamese dong
Bjarni Benediktsson Took Office as PM of Iceland; PM Katrín Jakobsdóttir Resigned

Bjarni Benediktsson, chairman of Iceland’s Independence Party took office as Prime Minister (PM)
of Iceland on 9 April 2024. He succeeds Katrín Jakobsdóttir, who resigned as PM of Iceland to run for
President of Iceland.
• He has been serving as the Minister for Foreign
Affairs since October 2023.
• He has previously served as PM of Iceland from
January to November 2017.
Note: Katrín Jakobsdóttir has been serving as the PM of
Iceland since 2017. She also resigned as Chairperson of the
Left-Green Movement.
About Bjarni Benediktsson:
i.Bjarni Benediktsson started his career as a District Court
attorney in 1998.
ii.He was first elected to the Icelandic parliament Althingi as a member of Southwest Iceland in 2003.
iii.He has been serving as the leader of the Independence Party since 2009.
v.He served as the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs from 2013 to 2017 and from 30 November
2017 to 14 October 2023.
About Katrín Jakobsdóttir:
i.Katrín Jakobsdóttir was the 2nd woman to serve as the PM of Iceland after Jóhanna Sigurðardótti.
ii.She has been a Member of Althingi for the Reykjavík North Constituency since 2007.
iii.She has also served as Minister of Education, Science and Culture and Minister of Nordic Cooperation
between 2009 and 2013.
iv.She served as the Chairman of the Left-Green Movement from 2013 till her resignation in 2024.
About Iceland:
President– Guðni Th. Jóhannesson
Capital– Reykjavík
Currency– Icelandic Króna (ISK)
IMF Reappoints Kristalina Georgieva as MD of IMF for 2nd Term

The International Monetary Fund(IMF) Executive Board reappointed Bulgarian Economist Kristalina
Georgieva as Managing Director(MD) of IMF for a 2nd five-year term starting on 1st October 2024.

• She has been serving as the 12th MD of IMF since 2019. Her current tenure is set to end on 30th
September 2024.
About Kristalina Georgieva:
i.Kristalina Georgieva worked as an Assistant Professor at the
University of National and World Economy(UNWE) between
1977 and 1993.
ii.In 1993, she joined the World Bank (WB) as an
environmental economist.
iii.She served as the Vice-President of the European
Commission from November 2014 to December 2016.
• She also served as Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis
Response at the European Commission and as Vice-President for Budget and Human Resources.
iv. She served as the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the World Bank from January 2017 to September
2019.
• She also served as the interim President of WB from February 2019 to April 2019.
v.In September 2019 she was appointed as the MD of the IMF and became the 2nd woman to head the IMF
after Christine Lagarde, who served as MD of the IMF from 2011 to 2019.
Awards:
i.She was named “European of the Year” and “Commissioner of the Year” in 2010 by the European
Voice for her contribution in the EU’s response to humanitarian crises.
ii.She received the Atlantic Council’s Distinguished International Leadership Award in 2020, in
recognition of her exemplary work during her career of public service.
About International Monetary Fund(IMF):
Managing Director- Kristalina Georgieva
Headquarters: Washington D.C., the United States of America (USA)
Established in 1944, formed after the Bretton Woods Conference held in 1944 in USA
Member nations- 190
Kuwait’s Emir Appoints Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as New PM of Kuwait
Kuwait’s Emir, His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has issued an Emiri decree
appointing Kuwaiti Economist Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as Prime Minister (PM)
of Kuwait and authorised him to nominate new cabinet members.
• Sheikh Ahmad replaces former PM Sheikh Dr
Mohammed Sabah Al Salem Al-Sabah, who
submitted his resignation to the Emir, following the
new parliamentary election in April 2024.
Note:
i.Sheikh Dr Mohammed Sabah Al Salem’s resignation was a
procedural move after a new parliament was elected.
ii.According to Article 57 of the constitution of Kuwait, the
current government has to submit its resignation before the legislature’s inauguration.
About Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah:
i.Sheikh Ahmad is a member of the House of Sabah, the ruling family of Kuwait.
ii.He started his career in 1977 as a financial analyst at Kuwait Financial Centre. In 1978, he joined the
Central Bank of Kuwait as a Financial Researcher.
iii.He served as Acting Manager of the Banking Supervision Department, Central Bank of Kuwait from
1984 to 1985 and as a Manager from 1985 to 1987.

iv.He was the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Burgan Bank from 1987 to 1997; and Deputy
CMD of Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait from 1997 to 1999.
v.He started his political career as Minister of Finance and Minister of Communications from 1999 to 2001.
vi.He served as Minister of Communications and Minister of Planning & Minister of State for
Administrative Development from 2001 to 2005.
vii.He also served as Minister of Communications (2005 to 2006); Minister of Health (2005 to 2007);
Minister of Oil; and Minister of Information (2009 to 2011).
viii.He served as the Chief of the Diwan of H.H. The Crown Prince from September 2021 until he was
appointed PM.
About Kuwait:
Capital– Kuwait City
Emir– His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Currency– Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi appointed as 26th Chief of Naval Staff
Government of India (GoI) has announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar (DK) Tripathi
as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff(CNS) of the Indian Navy. He is currently serving as Vice Chief of the
Naval Staff.
• He will take charge from Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari
Kumar, the present CNS who is set to retire on
30th April 2024.
Note: R.Hari was appointed as 25th CNS on 9th November 2021.
About Dinesh Kumar Tripathi:
i.Vice Admiral DK Tripathi was born on 15th May 1964 and
joined the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy on 1st July 1985.
ii.Vice Admiral DK Tripathi, a communication and electronic war
specialist, has had a long distinguished career in Indian Navy
spanning over almost 4 decades.
iii.He has served as the Fleet Operations officer of the Western Fleet, Director of Naval Operations and as
Principal Director, Network Centre Operations and Principal Director, Naval Plans in New Delhi, Delhi.
• He has commanded Indian Naval Ships (INS): Trishul, Vinash and Kirch.
vi.As the Rear Admiral of Indian Navy, he served as the Assistant Chief of Navy Staff (Policy and Plans) and
the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
• He was Director General(DG) of Naval Operations from July 2020 to May 2021.
vii.He also served as Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala.
Awards:
i.He was honoured with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal(AVSM) and Nausena Medal(NM) for his
contributions to the Indian Navy.
ii.During his time at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Tamil Nadu(TN) he was bestowed
with Thimmaiah Medal.
iii.While pursuing Naval Higher Command Course at Naval Command at United States Naval War
College(2007-08), he was awarded with prestigious Robert E Bateman International Prize.

ACC Approves Appointment Nalin Prabhat as DG of NSG & Sapna Tiwari as Special Director of
IB
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Nalin Prabhat as the
Director-General (D-G) of National Security Guard (NSG) till the date of his superannuation (31st August
2028).
• ACC has also approved the appointment of Sapna Tiwari as the Special Director in Intelligence
Bureau(IB) for 2 years from the date of assumption of charge or up to the date of her
superannuation(30th April 2026).
Nalin Prabhat appointed as DG of NSG:
i.He is a 1992 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre.
ii.He is currently serving as Additional Director General (ADG) in Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
iii.He will succeeds Daljit Singh Chaudhary, who has been serving as DG (additional charge) of NSG since
February 2024 upon superannuation of M A Ganapathy.
• Chaudhary is serving as the DG of Sashatra Seema Bal (SSB).
Sapna Tiwari appointed as Special Director in IB:
i.Sapna Tiwari is a 1992 batch IPS officer of Odisha cadre.
ii.She is currently serving as Additional Director General (ADG) of the IB.
iii.She was appointed as Special Director of IB (Level-16 in pay matrix) on an ‘in-situ’ basis by temporarily
upgrading the post of Additional Director
National Security Guard(NSG):
NSG is a counter-terrorism agency of India and also, known as Black Cats. It is under the administrative
control of Ministry of Home Affairs. It is formed under National Security Guard(NSG) Act, 1986.
About Intelligence Bureau(IB):
Director- Tapan Deka
Formed in – 1887
RBI Approves Appointment of Ajith Kumar KK as MD & CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Ajith Kumar KK as the Managing
Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dhanlaxmi Bank for 3 years with effect from the date
of taking charge.
• Ajith Kumar KK is set to succeed J.K.Shivan, whose term was scheduled to conclude on 29
January 2024.
• The RBI had earlier approved the extension of Shivan’s tenure as MD & CEO of the bank until a
suitable successor was appointed.
Note: Dhanlaxmi Bank’s board of directors will convene a meeting in due course to officially approve the
appointment of Ajith Kumar K.K., subject to shareholders approval as per regulatory requirements.
About Ajith Kumar KK:
i.He is a seasoned banker with over 36 years of experience with the Federal Bank Ltd the bank, including
in credit, business, human resources, branch banking, etc.
• Currently, he is the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Federal Bank Ltd in the cadre of
President.
ii.He joined the Federal Bank Ltd in 1987 as a Probationary Agricultural Officer.
iii.He oversees Human Resources (HR), Corporate Services, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at
the Federal Bank.

iv.In 2019, he was appointed as an Additional Director of Federal Operations & Services Limited, a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Federal Bank Ltd.
v.Currently, he is also the Non-Executive Director of Federal Operations & Services Limited.
About Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd:
MD & CEO– J.K.Shivan (As of 20 April 2024)
Headquarters– Thrissur, Kerala
Incorporated in– 1927
Keki M Mistry Took Charge as New Chairman of HDFC Life Insurance

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) approves the appointment of Keki M
Mistry as the new Chairman of the board of HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited (HDFC Life).
• The appointment follows the resignation of Deepak Parekh as the Chairman and Non-
Executive Director of HDFC Life.
• HDFC Life is a leading long-term life insurance solution provider in India.
Note: In 2006, the Government of India (GoI) honoured Deepak S. Parekh with the Padma Bhushan for
the category of Trade and Industry.
Other Appointments:
i.On 18 April 2024, Venkatraman Srinivasan took charge as an Additional – Independent Director of
HDFC Life for a term of 5 years.
• He is eligible to hold the office of Director without
any disqualifications from the Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) or relevant
authorities.
ii.VK Viswanathan and Prasad Chandran will complete their 2
consecutive terms (5 years each) as Independent Directors of
HDFC Life on 24 April 2024.
About Keki M Mistry:
i.In 1981, he joined HDFC Ltd (erstwhile Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited), India’s
premier housing finance company. In 1993 he was appointed as Executive Director.
ii.He was appointed as:
• Managing Director (MD) of HDFC Ltd. in 2000;
• Re-designated as the Vice Chairman & MD in 2007; and
• Vice-Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Corporation in 2010.
iii.With the amalgamation of HDFC Ltd with HDFC Bank, he superannuated from HDFC Ltd and has been
appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of HDFC Bank Ltd.
iv.With his position as Chairman, currently, he is also a Non-Executive Director of HDFC Life.
About HDFC Insurance Company Limited (HDFC Life):
MD & CEO– Ms. Vibha Padalkar
Tagline– Sar Utha Ke Jiyo!
Narpat Singh Appointed as Railway Adviser of India’s High Commission in Bangladesh

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Narpat Singh as the
Railway Adviser in the High Commission of India in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• Narpat Singh is a 2009-batch Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer. He previously served
as Director (Traffic Transpiration) on the Railway Board.

• He was appointed with diplomatic status as a Counsellor for a period of three years from the
date of assumption of charge of the post.
Amitabh Chaudhry re-appointed as MD and CEO of Axis Bank

The board of Axis Bank Limited has approved the re-appointment of Amitabh Singh Chaudhry as its
Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO)for further period of 3 years with effect from 1st
January 2025 up to 31st December 2027.
• This mark’s his 2nd extension of 3 years. His previous
extension came into effect from 1st January 2022.
• He has been serving as the MD & CEO of Axis Bank
since January 2019.
Note: The re-appointment is subject to approval of the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) and approval of the members, in terms of
applicable laws.
About Amitabh Singh Chaudhry:
i.Amitabh Chaudhry started his career with Bank of America in
1987 and later joined Credit Lyonnais Securities in 2001.
ii.Before joining Axis bank in 2019, He served as the MD & CEO of HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company
(HDFC Life) from 2010 to 2019.
iii.He has also served as MD and CEO of Infosys BPO from 2006 to 2010.
Other Appointments:
The board of Axis Bank has also approved the re-appointment of Meena Ganesh and Gopalaraman
Padmanabhan as its Independent Directors for a 2nd term of 4 years with effect from 1st August 2024 up
to 31st July 2028 and 28th October,2024 up to 27th October 2028 respectively.
About Axis Bank Limited:
MD & CEO– Amitabh Singh Chaudhry
Established in 1993
Tagline- Badhti ka Naam Zindagi
India’s Gita Sabharwal Appointed as the UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia

On 22nd April 2024, Gita Sabharwal of India took charge as the United Nations (UN) Resident
Coordinator (UN RC) in the Republic of Indonesia.
She succeeded Valerie Julliand of France, who held the post
since October 2020.
Note: She was appointed as UN RC of Indonesia by the UN
Secretary-General António Guterres with prior approval from
the government of Indonesia(host).
About Gita Sabharwal:
i.Prior to the appointment, Gita Sabharwal was serving as the UN
RC in Thailand (since 2020) and as Peacebuilding and
Development Advisor at the UN in Sri Lanka.
ii.She has an extensive experience of nearly 3 decades in development supporting climate transition,
sustainable peace, governance and social policy.
iii.Before joining the UN, she served as The Asia Foundation’s Deputy Country Representative for the
Maldives and Sri Lanka.
iv.She also worked as the Poverty and Policy Advisor for the United Kingdom’s Department for

International Department in India and VietNam.

About United Nations(UN):
Secretary-General– António Guterres (Portugal)
Headquarter– New York City, the United States of America(USA)
Established in 1945
Member countries- 193
Hardayal Prasad Appointed as MD & CEO of Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited

The board of Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited (SIFL), managed by the National Asset Reconstruction
Company Limited (NARCL), has appointed Hardayal Prasad as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO).
• Previously, he served as MD & CEO of SBI Cards & Payment Services Ltd and PNB Housing
Finance Ltd.
• Under his leadership, SIFL plans to re-enter the Construction & Mining Equipment (CME)
financing industry to enable customer needs of the segment.
Note: In October 2021, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) superseded the board of SIFL and Srei Equipment
Finance Company managed by Kolkata based Kanorias and initiated the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
(IBC) proceedings. NARCL acquired the companies under IBC to resolve their debt of over Rs. 32000
crore.
Usain Bolt named as an Ambassador of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
On April 24, 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) named Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, an eight-
time Olympic gold medallist, as the ambassador of the 9th edition of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 which
will be played in West Indies and the United States of America (USA) from June 1 to 29, 2024.
• As an ambassador he will play a key role in promoting the event.
• Usain Bolt currently holds world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m with times of 9.58
secs, 19.19 secs and 36.84 secs.
Note: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will feature 20 teams competing across 55 games.
Former Wrestler Narsingh Pancham Yadav Elected Chairman of WFI’s 7-

member Athletes’ Commission
Former Indian Wrestler Narsingh Pancham Yadav was elected Chairman of the 7 member Athletes’
Commission of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), the governing body of wrestling in India.
Other Elected Members of Athletes Commission:
i.Sahil (Delhi)
ii.Smitha AS (Kerala)
iii.Bharti Bhaghei (Uttar Pradesh)
iv.Khushboo S Pawar (Gujarat)
v.Sweta Dubey (West Bengal).
vi.Nikki (Haryana) will be the convener of the Athletes
commission.
Election of Athletes Commission:
i.A total of eight candidates contested for the 7 positions in the commission.
ii.The 7 elected members of the commission chose Narsingh Yadav as Chairman of the commission.
iii.The commission members were elected for a term of 2 years.

Background:
i.in August 2023, United World Wrestling, international governing body for Wrestling, suspended the
membership of UWW due to lack of elections.
ii.In February 2024, UWW lifted the suspension on the WFI and mandated WFI to conduct elections of its
athletes’ commission before 1st July 2024 comprising active or retired athletes of no more than 4 years
standing.
About Narsingh Pancham Yadav:
i.He secured the gold medal in the men’s freestyle 74 kg category at the 2010 Commonwealth Games
hosted in New Delhi(India).
ii.He won the silver medal in the 74 kg category at the 2011 Commonwealth Championship held in
Melbourne, Australia.
iii.He also won the Bronze (74kg category ) in the 2014 Asian Games held in Incheon, South Korea; 2015
UWW Asian Championship held in Doha, Qatar; and 2015 World Wrestling Championship 74kg category in
Las Vegas, the United States of America (USA).
iv.In 2016, he was banned for 4 years for failing dope tests by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
v.In 2012, he was honoured with the Arjuna Award in Wrestling.
Former Indian Cricketer Yuvraj Singh Named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
International Cricket Council (ICC) has named former Indian Cricketer Yuvraj Singh as
the ambassador of the ICC Men’s Twenty20 International (T20I) World Cup 2024 which is set to be
hosted by the United States of America(USA) and the West Indies from 1st to 29th June 2024.
Points to note:
i.Yuvraj Singh joins West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle, and
Jamaican Athlete Usain Bolt (8-time Olympic Gold Medallist) as
the first ambassadors of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
ii.As an ambassador, Yuvraj Singh will attend World Cup
promotional events in the USA during the T20 World Cup.
Note: The USA is hosting the ICC T20 World Cup for the first
time. A total of 55 matches will be played by 20 teams across 9
venues.
About Yuvraj Singh:
i.Yuvraj Singh represented India in 40 Tests, 304 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 58 T20 Internationals
(T20Is) between 2000 to 2017.
ii.He became the first player to hit six sixes in one over in T20I.
He achieved the feat in a match against England during the first edition of T20 World Cup held in 2007 in
South Africa.
iii.He was a part of the Indian team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, and ICC T20I World Cup
in 2007.
Awards and honours:
He received the Arjuna Award for Cricket in 2012 and he was honoured with Padma Shri for Sports
in 2014.
Former Pakistani cricketer Sana Mir named as the ambassador of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
Qualifier
Sana Mir, Former Pakistan women’s cricketer, has been named the ambassador of the ICC Women’s T20
World Cup Qualifier 2024, being held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates(UAE) from 25th April to
7th May 2024.

• She has played for Pakistan from 2005 to 2019 and represented the team in 226 international
games, 137 of them as captain (2009-2017).
• She won the joint Player of the Series award for the 2008 ICC Women’s Qualifying Series for the
Women’s Cricket World Cup.
About ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024:
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024 is supported by Dream11.
• The winner & Runner of the qualifier will enter the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which
will be held in Bangladesh later this year.
Note: 10 teams competing in the Qualifier are divided into 2 groups:
Group A: Scotland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, and the USA.
Group B: Ireland, the Netherlands, the UAE, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe.
About International Cricket Council(ICC):
Chairman– Greg Barclay
Headquarters– Dubai, United Arab Emirates(UAE)
A Ganesh Kumar, Debasis Kundu Appointed as Members of National Statistical

Commission (NSC)
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has appointed A Ganesh
Kumar and Debasis Kundu as members of the National Statistical Commission(NSC).
Now, the total strength of members of the commission including chairman is 5.
About A Ganesh Kumar:
i.At present, he is working as Professor at the Indira Gandhi
Institute of Development
Research(IGIDR), Mumbai(Maharashtra).
ii.He previously worked as Regional Advisor at United Nations
Economic Social Commission for Asia-Pacific(UN-ESCAP),
Bangkok(Thailand).
• Also, worked as Research Fellow at International Food
Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), New Delhi(Delhi).
iii.He is a member of the Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics(ACNAS), Central Statistics
Office(CSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation(MoSPI).
iv.He was a member of the Working Group for the 77th Round of the National Sample
Survey(NSS) conducted by National Statistical Office(NSO) during the period 1st January,2019 to 31st
December,2019.
v.He has undertaken various projects for the Government of India(GoI), Reserve Bank of India(RBI) as well
as for international organisations such as: Asian Development Bank(ADB), Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation, World Bank, among others.
Awards:
i.He was awarded the Commonwealth Fellowship by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in 2001-
02 at the University of East Anglia, Norwich(U.K.)
ii.He is the recipient of the D.K. Desai Prize presented by Indian Society of Agricultural Economics in 1999.
About Debasis Kundu:
i.He is currently working as a Professor at The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the Indian
Institute of Technology(IIT), Kanpur(Uttar Pradesh).
ii.He was elected as Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India in 2001.
iii.Later, he was elected as Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, London, United Kingdom(U.K.) in 2003.
Awards:

i.He was awarded with CL Chandana Mathematics Award from Canadian World Education Foundation in
2004.
ii.He was the recipient of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis Distinguished Educator Award presented by
Operation Research Society of India in 2017.
About National Statistical Commision(NSC):

i.It was constituted by Government of India(GoI) through a resolution dated 1st June, 2005 based on the
recommendations of the panel headed by C.Rangarajan (Former RBI Governor).
• The Chief Statistician of India is the secretary of the commission.
Aim: The primary objective of the commission is to provide strategic direction and leadership to national
statistical system in MoSPI.
ii.It act as the country’s nodal agency for core statistical activities, suggest standards for statistical surveys
and ensure coordination with other departments.
iii.In December 2022, Government of India(GoI) had appointed Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar as the part-
time chairman of the NSC of India for a period of 3 years.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Ishaq Dar appointed as Deputy PM

Mohammed Ishaq Dar, who is presently serving as the minister of foreign affairs, was appointed as
the deputy Prime Minister (PM). He was appointed by Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif with immediate effect.
He becomes the first Deputy PM of Pakistan since Pervaiz Elahi, who served as Deputy PM from 2012 to
2013. The post has been vacant since 2013 to 2024.
• He is a chartered accountant by profession and belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
(PML-N) party.
• He served as finance minister from 1998 to 1999, 2013 to 2017, and then from 2022 to 2023.
ACQUISITION & MERGERS

CCI approvals on 2nd April 2024
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the following proposals on 2nd April 2024.
Acquisition of MG Motor India by IndoEdge India Fund- LVF scheme:
CCI has approved the acquisition of up to approximately 8% share capital, 8.70% of the voting and
economic rights, of MG Motor India(Target) along with certain rights by IndoEdge India Fund- Large Value
Fund (LVF) schemes(Acquirer).
About Acquirer:
i.The Acquirer is an LVF for accredited investors and a scheme offered by IndoEdge India Fund.
ii.IndoEdge is a contributory determinate trust registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of
India(SEBI) as a category-II Alternative Investment Fund, under the SEBI(AIF) Regulation, 2012.
About Target:
i.Target is a company incorporated in India that specialises in automobile equipment manufacturing and
after-sale services.
ii.It mainly focuses on the production and sale of passenger cars, including Electric Vehicle (EV) under its
brand “MG”.
Acquisition of CCPS in Northern Arc Capital Limited by IFC:
CCI has approved the acquisition of fully paid Series C Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares(CCPS)
(Subscription shares) in Northern Arc Capital Limited (Target) by the International Finance
Corporation(IFC).

• The subscription shares approximately accounts 6% of the total issued and paid-up share
capital of Target on a fully diluted basis along with certain affirmative voting rights and board
nomination rights.
Points to note:
i.IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is an international organization headquartered at Washington
D.C., The United States of America(USA).
ii.It offers investment, advisory and asset management services to encourage private sector development
in developing countries.
iii.Northern Arc is an un-listed Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in India. It offers efficient and
reliable access to debt capital to under-served households and enterprises.
Acquisition NFCL Assets & 100% shares of ZeroC by AMG India
CCI approved the acquisition of Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited(NFCL) assets and 100%
shareholding of Greenko ZeroC Private Limited (ZeroC) by AMG India using proceeds of investments
received from the AMG Entities, Baker Street Investment Pte. Ltd. (BSI), Gentari International Renewables
Pte. Ltd. (Gentari), and Platinum Rock B 2014 RSC Limited.
Points to note:
i.NFCL is a public listed company engaged in Urea manufacturing and micro-irrigation products. .
ii.It has one manufacturing plant in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh(AP).
iii.NFCL Assets refers to certain assets of NFCL presently used for the urea and micro-irrigation business,
3 micro irrigation manufacturing plants in Nacharam and Sadashivpet (Telangana) and Halol, Gujarat.
Additional info:
i.AMG Entities includes AM Green B.V. (AMG), AM Green Ammonia Holdings B.V. (AMGAH), AM Green
Ammonia B.V. (AMGA), and AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Limited (AMG India). these are newly
incorporated entities and are currently not engaged in any business activities.
ii.BSI is a private limited company based in Singapore. It is a part of the investment holding companies
managed by GIC Special Investments Private Limited.
iii.Gentari, incorporated in November 2022, is a clean energy company controlled by the PETRONAS
Group.
Acquisition of 10.39% shares of Annapurna Finance by Piramal Alternatives Trust
CCI has approved the acquisition of 10.39% shareholding of Annapurna Finance Private Limited (AFPL)
and subscription to its certain debentures by Piramal Alternatives Trust Fund.
Background:
Piramal Alternatives Trust Fund officially signed an agreement with AFPL in January 2024, to acquire a
10.39% stake in AFPL for a cash consideration of Rs 300 crore by purchasing equity shares and
subscription to optionally convertible debentures amounting to Rs 300 crore.
Points to note:
i.Piramal Alternatives Trust belongs to Piramal Enterprises Limited and provides customized financing
solutions to high-quality companies.
ii.AFPL is a non-deposit-taking NBFC registered with the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) under RBI Act,1934.
It ranks among the top 10 Micro Finance Institutions(MFIs) in India. It mainly offers loans to micro
entrepreneurs in India.
Acquisition of Sharekhan Ltd & HVDPL by MACM and MAS
CCI has approved the acquisition of 100% equity stake of Sharekhan Limited(SKL) and Human Value
Developers Private Limited (HVDPL) collectively by Mirae Asset Capital Markets(India) Private Limited
(MACM) and Mirae Asset Securities Co. Limited (MAS) respectively.

Points to note:
i.MAS is a public limited company listed on the Korea Exchange. Its principal business is wealth
management, sales and trading etc.
ii.MACM is 100% subsidiary of MAS and is a financial advisory, brokerage firm. It offers broking, advisory
and investment banking services in India.
iii.Sharekhan Limited is a retail brokerage firm in India. It is currently engaged in the business of stock
brokering, commodities/currency derivatives broking and related products and services.
iv.HVDPL is an investment holding company that holds a certain stake in SKL.
Approved subscription of CCPS of Pritam International Pvt. Limited
Competition Commission of India(CCI) on 2nd April, 2024, approved the subscription compulsorily
convertible preference shares of Pritam Private Ltd.(Target) by India Advantage Fund S5(IAF S5 I), HCL
Corporation Private Limited, Mirabilis Investment Trust(Mirabilis), Aashil Apurva Shah and Ansh Anshit
Shah(collective Acquirers).
Points to note:
i.IAF S5 1 is registered with the Security Board of India (SEBI) as a category II Alternative Investment
Funds (AIF).
ii.HCL Corp, a part of HCL Group, is a registered NBFC.
Approved Subscription to 14.25 crore equity shares of Max Life Insurance by Axis Bank
CCI has approved the subscription to 14,25,79,161 equity shares of Max Life Insurance Company Limited
by Axis Bank Limited.
Points to note:
In August 2023, the board of Axis Bank approved the proposal to infuse Rs 1612 crore in Max Life,
resulting in Axis Bank’s direct state in Max Life increasing to 16.22% and the collective state of Axis
entities to 19.02%.
• This will increase Axis Bank direct stake in Max Life Insurance to 16.22% and the collective
stake of Axis Bank entities will increase to 19.02%.
• The shares were acquired on a preferential basis at a fair market value of Rs 113.06 a share.
About the Competition Commission of India(CCI):
It is a statutory body constituted under the Competition Act,2002.
CCI was established in 2003, although it became fully functional only by 2009.
Chairperson– Ravneet Kaur
F1 owner Liberty Media acquires MotoGP owner Dorna Sports

The Liberty Media Corporation(Liberty Media) has signed an agreement
to acquire approximately 86% of Dorna Sports, S.L.(Dorna), the exclusive commercial and television
rights holder of MotoGP(Grand Prix motorcycle racing), from Bridgepoint and Canada Pension Plan
Investment Board (CPP Investments).
• The equity consideration comprises 65% cash, 21% in shares of Series C Liberty F1 common
stock.
• Dorna management retains ~14% of their equity in the business and the transaction reflects an
enterprise value for MotoGP of 4.2 billion Euro and an equity value of 3.5 billion Euro with
the existing debt balance at MotoGP.
• The acquisition is expected to be completed by year-end 2024 and is subject to the receipt of
clearances and approvals by competition and foreign investment law authorities
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna since 1994, will continue to run Dorna and the headquarters of Dorna will
remain in Madrid, Spain.

Note: Liberty Media is the United States of America(USA) based-media company that owns the Formula
One(F1) Group.
Hinduja Group Firm Gets SEBI Approval for Ownership Change of Reliance Wealth
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has given its approval to Hinduja Group-
owned Asia Enterprises for a change of control in Reliance Wealth Management Limited under SEBI’s
regulations governing investment advisers and portfolio managers.
• SEBI also approved an application for a proposed change in control at Reliance Securities under
regulations governing research analysts and investment advisors.
• IndusInd International Holdings Limited (IIHL), investment holding company of the Hinduja
Group, made a successful bid to get Reliance Capital under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution
Proceedings (CIRP) process of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
• IIHL’s resolution plan for Reliance Capital encompasses Reliance Wealth among other entities. It
involves an upfront cash amount of Rs. 9,650 crore.
Note: The CIRP process against Reliance Capital was initiated in November 2019; IIHL’s bid received
99.6% majority support from creditors.
IndusInd International Holdings Acquires 60% Stake in Invesco Asset Management India
IndusInd International Holdings Limited (IIHL), the Mauritius-based Investment Holding Company of the
Hinduja Group, has acquired a 60% stake in Invesco Asset Management India (IAMI).
• IAMI is the domestic arm of United States of America(USA)-based global investment
management firm Invesco.
• This acquisition is part of the agreement to form a Joint Venture(JV) in which IIHL will hold
60% and IAMI will hold 40% and both will have sponsor status.
Note:IIHL is the promoter entity of IndusInd Bank, the fifth-largest private-sector bank in India.
Larsen & Toubro Concludes Divestment of its Entire Stake 51% in L&T IDPL
On April 11 2024, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has announced the completion of divestment of L&T
Infrastructure Development Projects Limited (L&T IDPL), a joint venture between Larsen & Toubro
Limited and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP
Investments) holding 51% and 49% shares respectively.
• The stakes from L&T and CPP investment were acquired by Epic Concesiones Private Limited,
an investee company of Edelweiss Infrastructure Yield Plus Strategy, managed by Edelweiss
Alternative Asset Advisors Limited (EAAA).
• This is in line with L&T’s strategy to exit non-core businesses for reducing its exposure to the
asset-heavy developmental projects portfolio and enhance its Return on Equity.
• This transaction marks the achievement of a significant milestone towards the execution of our
strategic Lakshya 2026 plan.
• In India, L&T IDPL has been in the forefront of the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model for
developing infrastructure.
Note: Larsen & Toubro is an Indian multinational engaged in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and
Construction) Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing and Services.

Bain Capital Sells 1.08% Stake in Axis Bank for Rs 3,575 crore
The private equity firm Bain Capital sold the remaining 1.08% stake in Axis Bank for Rs 3,575
crores via an open market transaction. The transaction involved the sale of 33.37 million shares at Rs.
1,071 per share on the BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange).
• BofA Securities India Ltd (formerly known as DSP Merrill Lynch Limited) is the exclusive
bookrunner for the transaction.
Subsidiary Sell-offs:
i.Integral Investments South Asia IV, a Bain Capital subsidiary, sold 8.35 million shares.
ii.BC Asia Investments VII and BC Asia Investments III sold 14.5 million and 10.5 million shares,
respectively.
Note: Bain Capital acquired a stake in Axis Bank in November 2017. In December 2023, it sold 1.1% of its
Axis Bank shares for approximately Rs 3,700 Crore in an open market sale.
CCI Approvals on 16th April 2024

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the following proposed combinations on 16th April
2024.
i.Acquisition of stake in PAMP Technologies (India) Private Limited(PAMP Technologies) and MMTC
PAMP India Private Limited(MMTC PAMP) by PAMP Ventures SA (PAMP Switzerland).
ii.Acquisition of shareholding of Thyssenkrupp Industries India Private Limited by Protos Engineering
Company Private Limited (Protos) and Paharpur Cooling Towers Limited (Paharpur).
Acquisition of PAMP Technologies & MMTC PAMP by PAMP Ventures
CCI approved the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of PAMP Technologies and 72.65% of the share
capital on a fully diluted basis of MMTC PAMP by PAMP Switzerland.
Target: PAMP Technologies and MMTC PAMP
Acquirer: PAMP Switzerland
Points to note:
This is an internal group restructuring through which MKS PAMP Group Limited, the parent entity of the
MKS PAMP Group, is transferring its indirect shareholdings in PAMP Technologies and MMTC PAMP to
PAMP Switzerland
Acquisition of Shareholding of Thyssenkrupp Industries by Protos & Paharpur
CCI has approved the acquisition of additional shareholding of Thyssenkrupp Industries by Protos and
Paharpur.
Points to note:
i.Protos the sole selling agent of Thyssenkrupp Industries.
It is acting as an agent for companies that manufacture equipment, machinery and raw materials in
various sectors such as steel, cement, sugar, etc. and other industrial products.
ii.Paharpur is engaged in manufacturing and selling industrial cooling systems and generating power
through wind and non-banking financial services.
iii.Thyssenkrupp Industries is engaged in offering Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)
services to execute turnkey projects in various industries and aftersales services.
BNP Paribas to Buy Fosun’s 9% Stake in Belgian Insurer Ageas for about 730 Million Euros
BNP Paribas, the largest bank in the eurozone, has agreed to acquire 9% shareholding in Belgian
insurer Ageas from China’s Fosun Group for about 730 million Euros . BNP Paribas Cardif, the
insurance division of BNP Paribas financial group, spearheads the acquisition.
With this BNP Paribas will become the biggest shareholder of Ageas.

• BNPP’s acquisition of the initial 4.8% stake in Ageas will lead to the regulatory approvals
required for the full 9% stake purchase.
• Fosun International’s decision to sell an 8.19% stake in Ageas for up to 670 million Euros in
April 2024 reflects its focus on streamlining its portfolio and reducing debt.
• Fosun would still hold 1,952,524 shares in Ageas after the sale, equivalent to a stake of about
1%.
• The BNPP’s USD 16.3 billion sale of its United States of America (US) retail activities in 2023
freed up funds for strategic acquisitions.
Note:
i.BNP Paribas was officially established on 23 May 2000 at the merger between Banque Nationale de Paris
(BNP) France’s leading deposit bank, and Paribas, an international investment bank.
ii.Ageas and BNP Paribas are long-time partners via a joint shareholding in AG Insurance, Belgium’s
leading insurer. Ageas owns 75% and BNP the remaining 25%.
CCI approves Subscription to CCDs of Napino Auto and Electronics by IFC

On 23rd April 2024, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the subscription to Compulsory
Convertible Debentures (CCDs) of Napino Auto and Electronics Limited (Napino) by the International
Finance Corporation (IFC).
Target – Napino
Acquirer – IFC
• IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, was established in 1956. It helps developing countries
achieve sustainable growth by promoting private-sector development.
Napino manufactures electrical and electronic products primarily for 2-wheeler and a small segment of 3-
wheeler and 4-wheeler vehicles.
ATC Telecom Infrastructure Sells Entire 2.87% Stake in Vodafone Idea for Rs 1,840 Cr
ATC Telecom Infrastructure Pvt Ltd sold its entire 2.87% stake in telecom operator Vodafone Idea
Limited (Vi) for Rs. 1,840 crore through an open market transaction.
Key Points:
i.The shares were disposed at an average price of Rs 12.78 per share, totaling 144 crore shares.
ii.ATC Telecom Infrastructure is one of the largest infrastructure service providers for Vi.
iii.In March 2024, ATC converted Vi’s debentures into equity.
Buyers of Vi Shares:
i.Citigroup Global Markets Mauritius acquired over 49.12 crore shares, constituting a 0.98% stake in Vi,
at an average price of Rs 12.70, amounting to Rs 623.88 crore.
ii.Subsequently, Citigroup Global Markets Mauritius offloaded 98.74 lakh shares of Vi at an average price
of Rs 13.47, totaling Rs 13.30 crore.
Other buyers of the shares could not be ascertained.
Vi’s Follow-On Public Offer (FPO):
i.Vi raised Rs 18,000 crore through an FPO, subscribed 6.36 times, with strong global institutional investor
demand.
ii.Vi priced the issue at Rs 10-11 a share, a 26% discount to the recent preferential issue price.
Additional info: In January 2024, Canada’s Brookfield acquired ATC’s India unit in a USD 2.5 billion all-
cash deal. The acquisition is set to close in the second half of 2024.
Note: ATC India is one of the leading independent Passive Telecom Infrastructure Providers in India and is
an indirectly held subsidiary of American Tower Corporation(ATC).

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

WHO’s unveils S.A.R.A.H, its 1st AI-Powered Digital Health Promoter
On 2nd April 2024, The World Health Organization (WHO) unveiled S.A.R.A.H. (Smart AI Resource
Assistant for Health), its first digital health promoter prototype with enhanced empathetic response
powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI).
• The digital health promoter was launched ahead of
World Health Day 2024 (7th April 2024) observance
focused on ‘My Health, My Right’.
Key Points:
i.S.A.R.A.H., also known as Sarah, is supported by Biological AI
technology of Soul Machines Limited.
ii.Sarah utilizes Gen-AI for enhanced empathetic responses and
real-time accuracy, offering dynamic personalized
conversations 24 hours a day in 8 languages across multiple
health topics on any device.
iii.It aims to empower users to optimize their health and well-being journey, providing nuanced,
empathetic responses in a judgment-free environment.
iv.Trained to cover major health topics, including healthy habits and mental health, S.A.R.A.H. assists users
in understanding risk factors for leading causes of death worldwide, offering up-to-date information on
topics such as quitting tobacco, physical activity, and healthy diet.
Note: Previously, WHO used a digital health worker named Florence during the COVID-19 pandemic to
disseminate critical public health messages on the virus, vaccines, tobacco use, healthy eating and physical
activity.
Director-General– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Bandwagon-1: SpaceX Launches First Rideshare Mission

On April 7 2024, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) has launched the ‘Bandwagon-1’,
the first rideshare mission to low-Earth orbit at inclinations of about 45 degrees with a Falcon
9 rocket from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center, Florida,
United States of America(USA).
Key Points
• Bandwagon-1 carries 11 satellites, including KOREA’s
425Sat, HawkEye 360′s Clusters 8 & 9, Tyvak
International’s CENTAURI-6, iQPS’s QPS-Synthetic
Aperture Radar (SAR)-7 TSUKUYOMI-II, Capella
Space’s Capella-14 and Tata Advanced Systems
Limited’s TSAT-1A.
• A ‘425 Project’ satellite for the military of South
Korea was probably the largest of the 11 satellites carried by Bandwagon-1.
Note: The first 425 Project satellite, the one optical/infrared spacecraft was launched with Falcon 9 rocket
in December 2023.

About Falcon 9 rocket

• It is the World’s First Orbital-class reusable rocket, designed and manufactured by SpaceX
which helps in safe transport and reduction of costs for space programs.
Note: India has listed the building of reusable rockets as one of its targets of Decade (2021-30).
About Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)
President & Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Gwynne Shotwell
Founder, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – Elon Musk
Headquarters – Hawthorne, California, USA
Founded in – 2002
NASA Launches 3 Sounding Rockets for APEP Mission from Wallops Flight Facility during Solar
Eclipse
On 8th April 2024, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched 3 Black Brant IX
sounding rockets for the Atmospheric Perturbations around Eclipse Path (APEP) mission from NASA’s
Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, the United States of America (USA).
• This aims to study the disturbances in the ionosphere created during a total solar eclipse.
Note:
i.The ionosphere is a region of Earth’s upper atmosphere between 80 and about 600 km above sea level.
ii.Previously, the sounding rockets were launched and successfully recovered from the White Sands Test
Facility in New Mexico (USA), during the annular solar eclipse in October 2023.
Mission Objective:
i.The mission aims to study how Earth’s upper atmosphere reacts to the temporary dimming of sunlight
during the eclipse.
ii.The mission is led by Aroh Barjatya, a professor of engineering physics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University in Florida, USA.
Launch Timeline:
i.Rockets were launched at 3 different times: 45 minutes before, during, and 45 minutes after the peak
local eclipse.
ii.These crucial intervals are essential to gather data for understanding how the sudden disappearance of
the Sun influences the ionosphere.
• Solar eclipse-induced disturbances may affect communication systems.
Rocket Mission Overview:
i.The APEP rockets reached a maximum altitude of 420 km (260 miles).
ii.Each rockets measure charged and neutral particle density, surrounding electric, and magnetic fields.
iii.Each rocket deploys 4 secondary instruments (the size of a 2-liter soda bottle) for extensive data
collection, equivalent to data from 15 rockets.
iv.3 secondary instruments on each rocket were built by Embry-Riddle, and the 4th one was built at
Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, USA.
Impact of Eclipse on Atmosphere
i.Eclipse creates rapid localised sunset.
ii.Triggers atmospheric waves and disturbances.
iii.Affects various radio communication frequencies.
Significance of Data Collection:
Gathering the data on these disturbances helps scientists validate and enhance predictive models, crucial
for predicting disturbances in high-frequency communication.
Note: With the next total solar eclipse over the contiguous USA not until 2044, the 2024 eclipse presents a
rare research opportunity.

About National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA):

Administrator– Bill Nelson
Headquarters– Washington, D.C., USA
Microsoft and OpenAI forge USD 100bn plan for Stargate Supercomputer
Microsoft and OpenAI announce a joint plan for Stargate, an AI (Artificial
Intelligence) supercomputer data center project in the United States (US), estimated to cost over USD 100
billion and set for launch in 2028.
Key Points:
i. Microsoft and Open AI signed multibillion dollar partnership in 2019 and has steadily expanded as part
of Microsoft’s AI supercomputing collaboration.
ii. Microsoft and OpenAI are currently in the middle of phase 3 of a five-phase plan for supercomputing
development.
iii. Stargate will be the fifth phase of a supercomputer series, a smaller fourth-phase supercomputer is in
development and planned to launch in 2026.
iv.The project’s cost is over 100 times that of current large data centers, with power needs likely
necessitating exploration of alternative sources like nuclear power.
Notes:
i.Frontier, built by the United States (US), is the world’s fastest supercomputer.
ii.PARAM-Siddhi is the fastest supercomputer in India, located at the Center for Development of
Advanced Computers (C-DAC) in Pune, Maharashtra.
‘FLEX’ lunar rover successfully tested in California’s Mojave Desert by Venturi Astrolab Inc
Venturi Astrolab Inc, a Los Angeles, United States (US)-based startup, has successfully tested a
groundbreaking lunar rover prototype, the Flexible Logistics and Exploration (FLEX) rover, in
California’s Mojave Desert.
Key Points:
i.Piloted by retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
aerospace graduate student Michelle Lin, the FLEX rover demonstrated agility and capabilities, including
setting up a vertical solar array.
ii.It is designed for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Artemis program.
• If integrated into the Artemis program, FLEX would mark the return of a passenger-capable
rover to the lunar surface since Apollo 17 in 1972, with efficient navigation capabilities and a
cargo capacity of 3,300 pounds.
iii.FLEX’s solar-powered batteries ensure survival during lunar nights, aligning with NASA’s goal of
establishing a sustainable lunar base and advancing future space exploration missions.
Korea’s ‘Artificial Sun’ Sets Record For Sustaining Plasma At 100 Million Degree Celsius
South Korea’s superconducting fusion device, the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced
Research (KSTAR), also known as the “artificial sun” at the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE), set a
new world record in the nuclear fusion experiment by sustaining a plasma loop to 100 million degrees
Celsius for 48 seconds.
• Tests conducted between December 2023 and February 2024 showcased the sustained high
temperatures, beating the previous record of 30 seconds set in 2021. This is 7 times hotter than
the core of the sun.

• KSTAR maintained the high confinement mode (H-mode), a stable plasma state for over 100
seconds.
• At 100 million degrees Celsius, heavy hydrogen isotopes within the plasma fuse, release energy
that’s similar to the energy generation mechanism at the core of the Sun.
• Nuclear fusion aims to replicate the reaction that makes the sun and other stars shine, by fusing
two atoms to unleash huge amounts of energy.
Note:
• KSTAR aims to sustain plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees for 300 seconds by 2026.
• The temperature of the core of the Sun is 15 million degrees Celsius.
India gets 24 Igla-S Anti-Aircraft Missiles from Russia

The Indian Army has acquired the first batch of 24 Russia-made Igla-S Man Portable Air Defence Systems
(MANPADS) along with 100 missiles, as part of an agreement involving domestic production in India.
• This will bolster the Indian Army’s Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) capabilities.
About Igla-S:
i.It is a hand-held defence system designed to bring down low-flying aircraft, identify and neutralise air
targets such as cruise missiles and drones.
ii.The system comprising the 9M342 missile, 9P522 launching mechanism, 9V866-2 mobile test station,
and 9F719-2 test set, it offers comprehensive air defence capabilities.
iii.Igla-S include a firing range of 500-6000 m, target altitude from 10-3500m, and capability to engage
various types of targets.
iv.Its Target speed is- head-on: up to 400 m/s, and pursuit: up to 400 m/s
Background:
i.India signed a contract with Russia in November 2023 for 120 launchers and 400 missiles. ii.Following
the delivery of the first batch, the remaining systems will be manufactured in India through Transfer of
Technology (ToT) from Russia by an Indian organisation.
iii.The Request for Proposal (RFP) for VSHORADs was issued in 2010 under the United Progressive
Alliance (UPA) government.
iv.In 2018, Russia’s Rosoboronexport-manufactured Igla-S won the bid to replace India’s outdated Igla-1M
systems.
TASL launches TSAT-1A, India’s 1st Private Sector-Built Sub-Metre Resolution Earth
Observation Satellite
Tata Advanced Systems Limited's (TASL) TSAT-1A, India’s first private sector-built sub-meter-resolution
Earth Observation Satellite, was launched on board the Space Exploration Technologies Corporation’s
(SpaceX’s) Falcon 9 rocket from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Kennedy
Space Center in Florida, United States of America (USA), on April 7, 2024.
• This was one of the 11 satellites launched as a part of the ‘Bandwagon-1’ Mission, SpaceX’s
first rideshare mission to LEO at inclinations of about 45 degrees.
• TASL built TSAT-1A at its Vemagal facility (Karnataka) in collaboration with Satellogic, a
leading provider of high-resolution satellite imagery.
Note: TSAT-1A, weighing less than 50 kg, has around 0.5-0.8-meter resolution inherently, which will be
enhanced to 0.5 to 0.6-meter super resolution using software.

Russia Launched 1st Angara-A5 Heavy Lift Space Rocket from Vostochny Cosmodrome
On 11th April 2024, Russian space agency Roscosmos State Corporation for Space
Activities(ROSCOSMOS) successfully launched the 1st Angara-A5 space rocket from the launch pad in
Vostochny Cosmodrome in the far eastern Amur region, Russia.
• This will replace Proton M as Russia’s heavy-lift
rocket, which has been in operation since the mid-
1960s.
Key Points:
i.The rocket was launched into space, reaching more than 25,000
kilometres per hour (Km/hr) in minutes.
ii.The rocket successfully placed the test payload into the low
orbit.
Significance:
Angara-A5 was launched ahead of the celebration of Russia’s Cosmonaut Day on 12th April 2024 which
marks the 63rd anniversary of the day on which Soviet Union’s Yuri Gagarin became the first man in outer
space.
Gagarin onboard the Vostok 3KA-3 (Vostok 1) spacecraft was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome on
12th April 1961.
About Angara-A5:
i.Angara-A5 is a 54.5-metre three-stage heavy lift space rocket weighing about 773 tonnes. It is capable of
carrying payloads up to 24.5 tonnes into lower orbit.
ii.The rocket uses oxygen and kerosene as fuel instead of toxic heptyl making it more environmentally
friendly than its antecedents.
ii.It is a part of the Angara Rocket Series, developed and manufactured by Khrunichev State Research and
Production Space Centre based in Moscow, Russia.
• The Angara rocket family is named after the Angara River, which flows out of Lake Baikal in
Siberia.
Note: The first and second test flights of Angara-A5 took place from the northern Plesetsk Cosmodrome in
2014 and 2020 respectively.
Project Angara:
i.Russia conceptualised the Angara Project in 1991 after the break-up of the Soviet Union.
ii.The project was started to reduce Russia’s dependence on Baikonur Cosmodrome which it has leased
from Kazakhstan (until 2050).
About Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities(ROSCOSMOS):
Director-General(DG)- Yuri Ivanovich Borisov
Headquarters- Moscow, Russia
Established in 1992
Israel Deploys C-Dome Defence System for First time

Israel has deployed its ship-mounted defence system ‘C-Dome’ for the first time in Eilat, the southernmost
city of Israel.
• The C-Dome is a naval version of the Iron Dome air defence system used to shield against rocket
and missile attacks.
• On 8th April 2024, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) successfully intercepted the suspicious aerial
target crossing into Israeli territory using the C-Dome defence system.
Note: The C-Dome Defence System was developed by the state-owned defence company Rafael Advanced
Defence Systems.

Nigeria the 1st Country Globally to Launch Men5CV Meningitis Vaccine Recommended by WHO
Nigeria has become the 1st country to launch a new vaccine called Men5CV, recommended by the World
Health Organization (WHO) to protect people against 5 strains of the meningococcus (Neisseria
meningitidis) bacteria (A, C, W, Y, and X), responsible for meningitis. Men5CV potentially paving the way
for the WHO’s goal of eliminating meningitis by 2030.
• The vaccine and emergency vaccination activities were funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,
which supports the routine vaccination against meningitis in lower-income countries.
• The new vaccine was a collaborative effort between PATH (formerly Program for Appropriate
Technology in Health), and the Serum Institute of India(SII).
• This development was financed by the United Kingdom (UK) government’s Foreign,
Commonwealth, and Development Office.
• The new vaccine offers a broader shield than its predecessors, which is only effective against
the A strain. It uses the same technology as the meningitis A conjugate vaccine (MenAfriVac®).
Note:
Nigeria is one of the 26 meningitis hyper-endemic countries of Africa, situated in the area known as the
African Meningitis Belt.
Meningitis is a serious infection that leads to the inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that
surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
ISRO develops lightweight Carbon-Carbon(C-C) Rocket Engine Nozzle

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) based in
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has developed a light weight Carbon-Carbon(C-C) nozzle for rocket engine.
• This marks a significant development in rocket engine technology.
• It will help in enhancing thrust levels, specific-impulse
and thrust-to-weight ratios, thereby boosting the payload
capacity of launch vehicles.
Key Points:
i.VSSC used advanced materials like C-C composites to create a
nozzle divergent as they exhibit unique properties such as: low
density, high specific strength and high rigidity, capable of
retaining mechanical properties even at increased temperature.
ii.C-C composite has special anti-oxidation coating of Silicon Carbide (SiC) which extends its operational
limits in oxidizing environment. Thus, shows high corrosion resistance.
Significance:
i.At present, ISRO uses PS4 (4th stage) PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) which have twin engines
with nozzles made from Columbium (now, known as Niobium) alloy.
• So, these C-C composites will replace metallic divergent nozzles which will help in reducing
approximately 67% mass of launch vehicle.
ii.It is expected to increase the payload capacity of PSLV by 15 kg.
i.Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Valiamala Nedumangad, Kerala designed and configured the
test and ISRO Propulsion complex (IPRC) conducted the instrumentation.
ii.IPRC conducted 60-second hot test of the system on 19th March 2024 at High-Altitude Test (HAT)
facility in IPRC, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The test confirms the system performance.
iii.Another, 200-second hot test was conducted on 2nd April, 2024 which validated the nozzles capabilities
to withstand temperature about 1216K.

About Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO):

Chairman– Sreedhara Panicker Somanath
Established in 1969
Gopi Thotakura Named Among 6 Crew Members to fly on Blue Origin’s NS-25 Mission
Gopi Thotakura, an entrepreneur and seasoned pilot from Andhra Pradesh has been selected among 6
crew members for Blue Origin’s New Shepard-25 (NS-25) space tourism mission.
About the Mission:
i.This mission will be the 7th human flight for the New Shepard
program and the 25th in its history.
ii.The NS-25 mission will lift off from Blue Origin’s West Texas
site, United States of America (USA).
Other 5 Crew members include:
i.Mason Angel (USA); Sylvain Chiron (France); Kenneth L. Hess
(USA); Carol Schaller (USA); and former USA Air Force Captain Ed
Dwight.
• Ed Dwight was selected by then USA President John F. Kennedy in 1961 as America’s first Black
astronaut candidate.
ii.During the flight, each astronaut will carry a postcard to space on behalf of Blue Origin’s foundation,
Club for the Future.
About Gopi Thotakura:
i.He is now the 1st Indian space tourist and 2nd Indian to travel into space, following Wing Commander
Rakesh Sharma of the Indian Army in 1984.
ii.He is the co-founder of Preserve Life Corp, a global center for holistic wellness and applied health
located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, USA.
About New Shepard:
i.New Shepard, which is named after Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American to go to space, in
a reusable suborbital rocket system.
ii.It is designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Kármán line, the internationally
recognized boundary of space.
iii.Blue Origin was founded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Intel Builds ‘Hala Point’, World’s Largest Neuromorphic System To Enable Sustainable AI
Intel Corporation, an American technology company that manufactures semiconductor computer circuits,
has built the world’s largest neuromorphic system code named ‘Hala Point’ to enable more
sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• It is initially deployed at Sandia National Laboratories, utilizes Intel’s Loihi 2 processor.
• It aims at supporting research for future brain-inspired artificial intelligence (AI), and tackles
challenges related to the efficiency and sustainability of current AI.
• Hala Point advances Intel’s first-generation large-scale research system, Pohoiki Springs, with
architectural improvements to achieve over 10 times more neuron capacity and up to 12
times higher performance.
• It can support up to 20 quadrillion operations per second, with an efficiency exceeding 15
trillion 8-bit operations per second per watt (TOPS/W) when executing conventional deep
neural networks.

India delivers First Batch of BrahMos Supersonic Missiles to Philippines

On April 19, 2024, India delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines.
This delivery marks a significant milestone in defense cooperation between the two nations, following a
USD 375 million deal signed in January 2022.
Key Points:
i.BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles is produced by
BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd which is a joint venture (JV)
between the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) and the Russian Federation’s NPO
Mashinostroyeniya.
ii.The deal made Philippines the first export customer for
the BrahMos missile, as part of its Horizon 2 of the Revised
Armed Forces Modernization Programme.
iii.The agreement includes three batteries of shore-based, anti-ship variant BrahMos missiles, along with
operator training and integrated logistics support.
iv.Its speed is 2.8 Mach, with a flight range of 290 kilometers. The missile’s range has been extended to
450km and efforts are underway to further extend it to 600 Km.
v.The Indian Air Force (IAF) utilized its C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft to transport the BrahMos
missiles to the Philippines.
vi.Operator training for 21 personnel of the Philippine Navy was successfully conducted in February 2023,
in Nagpur, India.
vii.BrahMos missiles uses Transport Launch Canister (TLC) for transportation, storage, and launch.
NASA Confirmed Dragonfly Rotorcraft Mission to Saturn’s Moon Titan

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has confirmed its Dragonfly rotorcraft
mission to Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, with a total lifecycle cost of USD 3.35 billion. The mission is
set to be launched in July 2028.
• This decision allows the mission to advance to
completion of final design, construction and testing of
the entire spacecraft and science instruments.
Note: Titan is the second largest in the solar system after
Ganymede, the moon of Jupiter. As of June 8, 2023, Saturn has 146
moons in its orbit.
About Dragonfly Rotorcraft Mission:
i.The dragonfly rotorcraft is targeted to arrive at Titan in 2034.
ii.It will fly to several promising locations on the Titan exploring
the prebiotic chemical processes common on both Titan and the early Earth before life developed.
iii.This will become the NASA’s first vehicle for science to fly on another planetary body
iv.The rotorcraft has 8 rotors and flies like a large drone.
Points to note:
i.Dragonfly is being designed and built under the direction of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics
Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, United States of America (USA) which manages the mission for
NASA. Elizabeth Turtle of APL leads as principal investigator.
ii.NASA has provided an additional funding for a heavy-lift launch vehicle to reduce the cruise phase of the
mission.
iii.Dragonfly will be the first robot explorer to land on a planetary body other than the Moon or Mars, and
the second drone to explore another planet after NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter on Mars in 2021.

About National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA):

Administrator– Bill Nelson
Headquarters– Washington, D.C., United States of America (USA)
China Launched 3 Member Shenzhou-18 Crew to its Space Station

On 25th April 2024, China launched its Shenzhou-18 spacecraft, also known as the “Divine vessel”,
aboard the Long March 2-F rocket with 3 astronauts to its space station “Tiangong space station”.
• Shenzhou-18 was launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert
in northwestern China.
• China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) held the send off ceremony of Shenzhou-18 crew.
About Shenzhou-18:
Crew:
i.The 3 member crew of Shenzhou-18 are Mission Commander Ye Guangfu(43), and former fighter pilots
Li Cong (34) and Li Guangsu (36).
ii.This marks Ye Guangfu’s 2nd space flight mission. He was a crew member of
Shenzhou-13 mission (October 2021 to April 2022).
Functions:
i.The crew will utilize the scientific experiment cabinets and extravehicular payloads to carry out more
than 90 experiments in the fields of basic physics in microgravity, space material science, space life
science, space medicine and space technology,
ii.They will also conduct space experiments and tests in cutting-edge fields such as aerospace medicine,
basic physics, material science and life science.
iii.Using zebrafish and goldfish algae, China’s first in-orbit aquatic ecological research project will also be
implemented during the mission
Points to note:
i.The Shenzhou-18 crew will relieve the Shenzhou-17 team and spend approximately six months on the
space station.
ii.The Shenzhou-18 crew are scheduled to return to the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner
Mongolia Autonomous Region in October 2024.
Additional info:
i.China built the T-shaped Tiangong space station after being excluded from the International Space
Station (ISS) in 2011.
ii.Tiangong space station has been permanently staffed since June 2022.
Rocket Lab launches NASA’s ACS3 and South Korea’s ‘NEONSAT-1’ into orbit
On 24th April 2024, Rocket Lab USA, Inc.’s (Rocket Lab) ‘Electron’ rocket launched the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) and South
Korea’s ‘NEONSAT-1’ under the ‘Beginning of the Swarm’ mission
from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand.
About NASA’s ACS3:
i.NASA’s ACS3 is a technology demonstration of new materials that
use sunlight to propel a spacecraft.
ii.It has a CubeSat, which deploys a solar sail with booms after
being released from the rocket.
iii.The twelve-unit (12U) CubeSat, measuring 20x20x30
centimeters, was built by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, a United States of America (USA)-based spacecraft

engineering firm.
iv.The mission also plans to test new composite booms that will unfurl the square-shaped solar sail, which
is approximately 30 feet [9 meters] per side.
• The booms are made from flexible polymer and carbon fiber materials.
v.By angling towards or away from the sun, solar sails utilise the pressure of sunlight to propel a
spacecraft forward by bouncing photons off the reflecting sail.
vi.The benefits of the technology eliminate heavy propulsion systems and could enable longer-duration
and lower-cost missions.
About NEONSAT-1:
i.NEONSAT-1, an Earth observation satellite, equipped with a high-resolution optical camera designed
to monitor the natural disasters along the Korean Peninsula by pairing its images with Artificial
Intelligence(AI).
ii.NEONSAT-1 is the first satellite developed under the NEONSAT program by the Satellite Technology
Research Center (SaTReC) at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology(KAIST).
iii.With an aim to build the NEONSAT constellation, other NEONSAT satellites are planned to be launched
in 2026 and 2027.
Additional info:
The previous solar sail missions were Japan’s Ikaros spacecraft (launched in 2010) and the USA-based
Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 (2019).
DEFENCE
EXERCISE
Indian Air Force Begins 10-Day War Exercise “Gagan Shakti 2024” in Pokhran
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched a 10-day war exercise named ‘Gagan Shakti-2024’ from April 1
to April 10, 2024, to display its prowess in executing high-intensity operations across India.
• The Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer,
Rajasthan; Bhuj in Gujarat; Ladakh, Arunachal
Pradesh; and other locations nationwide will host the
exercise.
Key Points:
i.Gagan Shakti involves all air force bases and assets nationwide.
ii.Fighter planes and helicopters will engage pseudo targets at
Pokhran Field Firing Ranges.
iii.It is the biggest IAF war exercise since ‘Vayu Shakti’.
iv.The exercise evaluates the IAF’s readiness for intense operations.
The Indian Army is providing logistical support, including passenger trains named Sanyukta Express.
• It has facilitated a comprehensive pan-India movement of approximately 10,000 IAF personnel
and ammunition in order to validate the Operational Rail Mobilisation Plan (ORMP) aspects of
the IAF
v.Over 11,000 sorties were completed during the previous ‘Gagan Shakti’ in 2018.
About Indian Air Force (IAF):
Chief of the Air Staff– Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari

Sagar Kavach 01/24: Coastal Security Exercise Conducted in Lakshadweep

Sagar Kavach 01/24, a two-day coastal security exercise involving all maritime security agencies was
conducted in the Union Territory (UT) of Lakshadweep from 1st to 2nd April 2024.
• The assets of the Indian Navy(IN), Indian Coast Guard(ICG), Marine Police, Fisheries, Customs
and other security agencies were involved in the exercise.
• The exercise demonstrated improved preparedness, reaction mechanisms, and surveillance
capabilities collaboration among coastal security stakeholders.
Note: The first edition of 2024’s State Level Biannual Coastal Security Exercise Sagar Kavach (01/24) for
Kerala and Mahe (a part of the UT of Pondicherry) was held from 20 to 21 March 2024.
Indian Army Conducts ATGM Training Exercise in Sikkim

The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps conducted a training exercise of Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) at
a super-high altitude area of 17,000 feet in Sikkim.
• The Missile fire Detachments from Eastern Command‘s Mechanised and Infantry Units
participated in the exercise, which emphasised live fire scenarios against both moving and
stationary targets to replicate combat conditions.
• The exercise was conducted with the aim of “Ek Missile Ek Tank” and highlighted the accuracy
and effectiveness of the ATGM system in high-altitude environments.
Note: Trishakti Corps is a key military formation of the Indian Army, which is headquartered at Sukna
in West Bengal and operates along the eastern borders of India.
Exercise “DUSTLIK 2024’’: India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise To Strengthen Bilateral

Relations
The 5th edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise ‘DUSTLIK 2024’, is being conducted
from 15th to 28th April 2024 in Termez District, the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Note:
• Exercise DUSTLIK 2023, 4th edition of the exercise
between India and Uzbekistan was held from 20th
February to 5th March 2023 at the Foreign Training
Node, Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand (India).
• The first edition of Exercise DUSTLIK was held in
Uzbekistan in November 2019.
Exercise DUSTLIK 2024:
Participants:
i.The Indian Armed Forces contingent of 60 personnel is being represented by 45 personnel from the
Indian Army (IA), majorly from a Battalion of the JAT Regiment, and 15 personnel from the Indian Air
Force (IAF).
ii.The Uzbekistan contingent comprising approximately 100 personnel, from the Uzbekistan Army and Air
Force, will be represented by personnel from Southern Operational Command, part of South-West Military
District.
Objective:
• To improve combined capabilities and promote military cooperation in order to carry out joint
operations in semi-urban and hilly terrain.
• The exercise will focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and
basics of special arms skills.
Key Points
i.Exercise DUSTLIK 2024 enables India and Uzbekistan to share their practices in Tactics,Techniques and

Procedures of conducting joint operations.

ii.The exercise will help the military of India and Uzbekistan to build their mutual understanding,
comradery, and interoperability.
iii.The exercise will involve various tactical drills, such as building a Joint Command Post, setting up an
Intelligence & Surveillance Center, securing the landing site, performing Small Team Insertion &
Extraction, practising Special Heliborne Operations, conducting Cordon and Search Operations, practising
Room Intervention Drills, and demolishing Illegal Structures.
CAS General Manoj Pande Inaugurates State-of-the-Art IT Lab
The Chief of Army Staff(CAS) of the Indian Army General Manoj Pande has inaugurated a State-of-the-Art
Information Technology (IT) Laboratory at the Uzbek Academy of Armed Forces during his four-day
visit to Uzbekistan from 15th to 18th April 2024.
About the IT Lab:
i.The establishment of the IT Lab was initially proposed during the Defense Ministers meeting in
September 2018.
ii.A total of Rs 8.5 crore was alloted for the project (this exceeded the envisaged budget of Rs 6.5 crore)
iii.The state-of-the-art IT Laboratory comprises two lecture halls, a cutting-edge cybersecurity lab, a
hardware programming lab, an object-oriented programming lab, a web programming lab, a server room,
a multimedia room, and a virtual reality room.
iv.This collaborative initiative deepens the partnership between India and Uzbekistan, promising
increased cooperation in defence and technology.
About Uzbekistan
Prime Minister (PM) – Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov
Capital – Tashkent
Currency – Uzbekistani Som
Indian Navy conducts mega navy exercise “Poorvi Lehar” on East Coast
On 20th April 2024, Indian Navy conducted Exercise Poorvi Lehar(XPOL) 2024 on East Coast. XPOL aims
to validate procedures and to assess Indian Navy’s preparedness to meet the maritime security
challenges in the region.
• It was conducted under the Operational Control of
Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag officer-
Commanding-in-chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval
Command (ENC) headquartered at Vishakapatnam,
Andhra Pradesh.
About Exercise Poorvi Lehar (XPOL) 2024:
i.The exercise was conducted in multiple phases which include:
• Tactical Phase: Combat training in realistic
situations.
• Weapon Phase: Successful conduct of different firings.
ii.It saw the active participation of Ships, Submarines, Aircrafts and Special Forces.
iii.It also saw the participation of assets from Indian Air Force(IAF), Andaman and Nicobar Command,
Eastern Naval Command and Coast Guard.
• This demonstrates a high degree of interoperability amongst the Services.
iv.An important feature of the exercise was the operation of aircraft from various locations, ensuring near-
continuous Maritime Domain Awareness across the area of operations.
Note:
i.Recently, Government of India(GoI) appointed Dinesh Kumar Tripathi as 26th Chief of Naval Staff. He will

taken charge on 30th April.

ii.Indian Navy Day is observed annually on 4th December
About Indian Navy:
Chief of Naval Staff: Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar (25th ) (Till 29 April 2024)
Headquarter: New Delhi, Delhi
Founded: 1950
Indian Navy Participates in Maritime Partnership Exercise with UK’s Littoral Group
Indian Navy’s indigenous stealth frigate, Indian Naval Ship(INS) Sahyadri participated in Maritime
Partnership Exercise with the United Kingdom(UK) Littoral Response Group South(LRGS) comprising
British Royal Navy’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary(RFA) Argus and RFA Lyme Bay at Sea.
Aim: To improve interoperability and strengthen maritime cooperation between India and U.K.
About the Exercise:
i.The exercise included Tactical manoeuvres, Boarding operations, Surface engagement against simulated
asymmetric threats, Cross-deck visits and Cross-deck helicopter operations.
ii.The exercise offered various opportunities to the Navies of India and U.K. to share best practices.
iii.Through this exercise, both the navies benefited from each others experience and expertise.
iv.This reflects Indian Navy’s commitment to strengthening maritime partnership and promoting regional
stabilities.
About INS Sahyadri:
i.It is the 3rd ship of indigenously designed and built Project-17 class multirole stealth frigates.
ii.It was built at Mazagon Dock Limited at Mumbai , Maharashtra.
iii.It was officially commissioned in Indian Navy on 21st July, 2012 into Eastern Naval Command,
Vishakapatnam.
iv.At present, there are 3 Stealth Frigates under Project-17 class series
namely: INS Shivalik, INS Sahyadri and INS Satpura.
About Indian Navy:
Chief of Naval Staff- Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar
Headquarter- New Delhi, Delhi
TESTING
SFC & DRDO Successfully Flight-Tests New Generation Ballistic Missile “Agni-Prime”
On 3rd April 2024, Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO)successfully conducted the flight test of the New Generation Ballistic missile Agni-Prime (Agni-P)
from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
• The flight test achieved all the trial objectives
validating its reliable performance.
About Agni-Prime (Agni-P):
i.It is a two-stage surface-to-surface, canisterised solid propellant
ballistic missile.
ii.It is equipped with dual redundant navigation and guidance
system.
iii.It has a range between 1000km to 2000km.
iv.It is the 6th variant of Agni series missiles developed under Integrated Guided Missile Development
Program (IGMDP).
Note: Other 5 missiles developed under IGMDP: Prithvi, Trishul, Nag, Agni, and Akash.

v.The Agni-Prime missile is 10.5 metre (m) tall with diameter of 1.2 metre and can carry warheads up to
1.5 tonnes.
In March 2024, DRDO successfully conducted flight test of Agni-5 missile with MIRV (Multiple
Independently-targetable Reentry Vehicle) technology under mission Divyastra.
About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
It is the Research and Development (R&D) wing of Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Chairman: Dr. Samir Vankatpati Kamat
DRDO conducts successful flight-test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) off
Odisha Coast
On 18th April 2024, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted
flight-test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test
Range (ITR) located at Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM):
i.The ITCM is equipped with advanced avionics and software to ensure better and reliable performance.
ii.The missile is developed by DRDO’s laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) based
in Bengaluru, Karnataka, along with contribution from other laboratories and Indian industries.
iii.The successful demonstration of flight-test confirmed the reliable performance of the
indigenous propulsion system developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment(GTRE) based in
Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Key Points:
i.The missile performance was monitored by various Range Sensors like: Radar, Electro Optical
Tracking System (ETOS) and Telemetry deployed by the ITR at various locations to ensure complete
coverage of the flight path.
ii.The flight of the missile was also monitored from the Su-30-Mk-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
About Aeronautical Development Establishment(ADE):
ADE is a laboratory of DRDO and is entrusted with the responsibility of conducting research and
development in the field of military aviation.
Director: Y Dilip
Established: 1959
OTHER DEFENCE NEWS

Defence exports touch record Rs.21,083 crore in FY24: MoD
As per the data released by Ministry of Defence (MoD), Indian defence sector has recorded the highest ever
defence exports of Rs21,083 crore i.e. approximately USD2.63 billion in FY (2023-2024).
• The data shows the growth of 32.5% compared to last fiscal (FY2022-2023), when defence
export was recorded Rs15,920 crore.
Key Points:
i.The latest figures indicate that the defence exports have grown by 31 times in the last decade over
the FY2013-2014.
ii.Both Private sector and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSU) of the defence industry have made
immense efforts to achieve the historic record in defence exports sector.

• Private sector has contributed significantly of about 60% of total defence exports while
remaining 40% was contributed by DPSU.
iii.There has been a rise in the number of export authorisations issued to the defence exporters during
FY24. It saw an increase in export authorisations from 1414(FY23) to 1507(FY24).
iv.A comparative data of last 20 years i.e. between 2004-05 to2013-14 and 2014-15 to 2023-24 reveals
that there has been growth of 21times in the defence exports.
• Total defence exports during 2004-05 to 2013-14 were Rs 4,312 crore, which has gone up to Rs
88,319 crore in the period from 2014-15 to 2023-24.
v.Major defence items being exported have emerged as key contributors to India’s defence export
portfolios are: Personal Protected items, Offshore Patrol Vehicles, ALH Helicopters, SU Avionics, Coastal
Surveillance Systems, Light Engineering Mechanical parts, among others.
• These cutting-edge technologies and equipments have attracted international buyers, bolstering
India’s position as a leading exporter of defence hardware.
vi.Government of India (GoI) led policy reforms, Ease of Doing Business initiatives and end-to-end digital
solutions provided to Indian industries have played significant role in promoting defence exports.
Note:
According to the latest SIPRI(Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) report released in March
2024, 5 largest arms exporters in the world during(2018-22) were: United States, Russia, France, China
and Germany.
• While, India is the top arms importers in the world.
Ministry of Defence(MoD):
Union Minister:Rajnath Singh(Lok Sabha constituency: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
Minister of State(MoS): Ajay Bhatt
HAL Delivers Two Dornier 228 Planes To Guyana Defence Force

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delivers two Dornier 228 planes to Guyana Defence Force (GDF) via
Boeing C-17 Globemaster military transport planes at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
• The delivery follows Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s visit to an HAL facility in India
over a year ago.
• The Dornier 228 aircraft is known for its versatility and reliability. It is suitable for diverse
military and civilian applications such as surveillance, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and
transport operations.
Indian Army begins Induction of Akashteer Control & Reporting Systems

The Indian Army has commenced the induction of the indigenous ‘Akashteer Control & Reporting
Systems’ to enhance its air defence capabilities. this will enable the Indian Army’s defence units to operate
in an integrated manner.
• The project was developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) under the Atmanirbhar
Bharat initiative.
• The initial batch of Control Centers was rolled out from BEL Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh(UP), on
4th April 2024.
Background:
In March 2023, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth Rs 1982 crore with BEL to procure the
Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ for the Indian Army.
Key features:
i.The Akashteer Project is designed to automate air defence control and report the process by digitising
the processes.

ii.It is designed with a special focus on mobility and resilience enhancing operational capabilities even in
challenging communication environments.
iii.It will empower the army to monitor low-level airspace in combat zones and efficiently manage ground-
based air defence weaponry.
iv.The combination of radar and communication systems at all levels into a single network, Akashteer
provides a better understanding of the situation and control. This helps in dealing with enemy threats and
keeping the aircraft safe in dangerous areas.
About Bharat Electronics Limited(BEL):
BEL is a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence.
Chairman & Managing Director(CMD) – Bhanu Prakash Srivastava
Headquarters- Bengaluru, Karnataka
IAF Receives First Indigenous Crash Fire Tender

On 3rd April 2024, The Indian Air Force (IAF) received the delivery of the first indigenously designed and
developed Crash Fire Tender (CFT).
• It was manufactured by a Noida(Uttar Pradesh-UP)-based Indian Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises (MSME) firm, against the contract worth Rs 291 crores. The CFT was delivered
within 14 months of contract.
• The IAF has been steadily advancing toward self-reliance and Atmanirbharat with the goal of
achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• The Indian Air Force is also collaborating with the Defence Research and Development
Organization (DRDO) to create the newest fifth-generation advanced medium combat aircraft
such as the light combat Tejas.
Note: On 28th March 2023, The Tejas Mk1A Aircraft series’ first aircraft, LA5033, flew to the sky from
the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) factory in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
DRDO & Indian Army Successfully Conducted Flight Trials of MPATGM Weapon System
On 13th April 2024, the Indian Army and the Defence Research and Development
Organisation(DRDO) successfully conducted the warhead flight trials of the Man Portable Anti-tank
Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System at the Pokhran Field Firing Range(PFFR) in Jaisalmer district,
Rajasthan.
• The system is now ready for Final User Evaluation Trials before induction into the Indian
Army.
About MPATGM Weapon system:
i.MPATGM Weapon system includes a MPATGM, Launcher, Target Acquisition System(TAS)and Fire
Control Unit(FCU).
ii.MPATGM was indigenously designed and developed by DRDO in partnership with Hyderabad, Telangana
based VEM Technologies Private Limited.
Points to note:
i.The firing trials were conducted towards achieving compliance of complete operational envelope as
stipulated in the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (Infantry, Indian Army)
ii.Penetration trials of the Tandem Warhead System of MPATGM were also conducted successfully.
Features:
i.The missile is around 1.3 meters (m) long and has a diameter of about 0.12 m.
ii.It has a strike range of 2.5km and weighs around 14.5kg.
iii.It is equipped with a modern Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics.

Note: It is set to be manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited(BDL) in Bhanoor, Telangana.

About Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO):
It is the Research and Development(R&D) wing of the Ministry of Defence(MoD).
Chairman- Dr. Samir Vankatpati Kamat
Established in 1958
DRDO Chairman Inaugurates SPACE, a Testing Hub for Sonar Systems for Indian Navy in Kerala
On 17th April 2024, Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence (Research and Development)
and chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated a state-of-the-
art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) at Underwater
Acoustic Research Facility in Kulamavu in Idukki district, Kerala.
• The inauguration of SPACE facility marks a major milestone in naval technology advancement.
About SPACE:
i.The SPACE facility has been designed as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems
specifically for various platforms of Indian Navy such as: ships, submarines and helicopters.
ii.It was established by the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) of DRDO.
iii.The facility will consist of two different assemblages: a platform which floats on the water surface and
submersible platform which can be lowered up to depth of 100m using winch systems.
iv.After the completion of operations, the submersible platform can be winched up and docked with
floating platform.
Applications:
i.The Submersible platform will mainly be used for evaluation of sonar system. It will allow for quick
deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.
ii.It will also be used for survey, sampling and data collection of air, surface, mid-water and reservoir floor
parameters using scientific instrumentation.
iii.It will support data processing and sample analysis in modern, well-equipped scientific laboratories.
About Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO):
It is the Research and Development (R&D) wing of Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Chairman: Dr. Samir Vankatpati Kamat
Formed: 1958
DRDO Hands Over Indigenous Flight Control Systems for HAL’s LCA Tejas Mk1A
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) has handed over the first batch of the indigenous Leading Edge Slat Actuators and Airbrake
Control Module to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for using it in LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft.
• ADA developed these components in collaboration with Research Centre Imarat (RCI),
Hyderabad, Telangana, and Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru,
Karnataka.
• The critical components ‘Leading Edge Actuators’ and ‘Airbrake Control Module’ are part of the
LCA-Tejas’s secondary flight control system and strengthen Servo-Valve based electro-hydraulic
servo actuators and control modules.
Note:In aircraft, actuators are used to control and limit velocity and engine speed by adjusting levers and
flaps.

DRDO Develops Lightest Bulletproof Jacket in India

The Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) has developed India’s lightest Bulletproof
Jacket for protection against 7.62 x 54 R API(Armour Piercing Incendiary) ammunition, highest threat
Level 6 of Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS) 17051.
About the Bulletproof Jacket:
i.The bulletproof jacket was developed by Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development
Establishment(DMSRDE), DRDO lab based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh(UP).
ii.It was successfully tested at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory(TBRL), Chandigarh as per BIS
17051:2018.
• BIS 17051:2018 prescribes the minimum performance requirements of bullet resistant jackets
for protection against small arms and ammunition.
Features:
i.The Front Hard Armour Panel (HAP) is made up of monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing which
improves the wearability and comfort during the operation.
• The front HAP stops multiple hits (6 shots) in ICW(In-Conjunction With) design as well as in
Standalone design.
ii.The areal density of ICW HAP and standalone HAP is less than 40kg/meter square and 43kg/meter
square respectively.
IAF Successfully Tests Crystal Maze-2 missile
Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully test fired the new version of an air-launched medium-range ballistic
missile known as ROCKS or Crystal Maze-2 from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet in the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands.
Note: The test was conducted in the area under the tri-services Andaman and Nicobar Command, led by an
Air Force officer.
About Crystal Maze-2 missile:
i.Crystal Maze-2 is capable of hitting targets at a distance of around 250 km.
ii.It is an extended stand-off range air-to-surface missile of Israel’s origin.
iii.It is designed to strike high-value stationary and relocatable targets including long-range radars and air
defense systems in GPS(Global Positioning System)-denied environments.
SPORTS
Badminton: India’s Anupama Upadhyaya Wins Women’s Singles Title at Orlen Polish Open
2024
India’s Anupama Upadhyaya defeats Tanya Hemanth (India) to win the women’s singles title of the Orlen
Polish Open 2024, held from 20th to 24 March 2024 in Wilanow Sports Centre, Warsaw, Poland.
• It was Anupama’s fifth international women’s singles title.
• The Indian pair M.R. Arjun and Dhruv Kapila won the
men’s doubles title by defeating Denmark’s William
Kryger Boe and Christian Faust Kjær in the finals.
Other Winners:
i.Denmark’s Victor Ørding Kauffmann won the men’s singles title by
defeating Jia Heng Jason Teh (Singapore) in the finals.
• India’s Darshan Pujari lost in the semifinals against Jia
Heng Jason Teh.

ii.Yin-Hui Hsu and Jhih Yun Lin (Chinese Taipei) clinched the women’s doubles title by defeating
Denmark’s Amalie Cecilie Kudsk and Signe Schulz in the finals.
iii.Ty Alexander Lindeman and Josephine Wu of Canada won the mixed doubles title by defeating Callum
Hemming and Estelle Van Leeuwen of England.
About Polish Open 2024:
i.The 46th edition of the Polish Open, an International Challenge event was organized by the Polish
Badminton Association with sanctions from Badminton Europe and the Badminton World Federation
(BWF).
ii.It offered a total prize money of USD 15,000.
Indian Contingent Wins 26 Medals at Youth Boxing World Cup 2024

The Indian boxing contingent won 26 medals (5 gold, 9 silver, and 12 bronze) in the Youth World Boxing
Cup 2024 (33rd Adriatic Pearl tournament) held at the Hotel Splendid Conference & Spa Resort in Budva,
Montenegro, from 3rd to 11th March 2024.
• Russia topped the medal tally with eight gold medals.
India finished second with five gold medals, while
Poland was in the third position with three gold medals.
Indian Gold Medal Winners:
i.Chanchal Chaudhary won a gold medal in the Women’s Youth
Light Fly (50kg) category by defeating Valeria Amparan of Mexico.
ii.Nikita Chand clinched a gold medal in the Women’s Youth Light
(60kg) category by defeating Arailym Alimbergen of Kazakhstan.
iii.Parthavi Grewal won the gold medal in the Women’s Youth Welter (66kg) category.
iv.Phalaswal Akansha clinched gold medals for India in the Women’s Youth Light Middle (70kg) category.
v.Brajesh Tamta won a gold medal for India in the 48kg youth men’s category.
Click here to view full list of Indians
Awards:
i.Best male boxer of the tournament: Torekhan Sabyrkhan (Kazakhstan)
ii.Best female boxer of the tournament: Nikita Chand (India)
iii.Trophy for the boxer with the most technical skills: Yurisniel Ardiles Abreu (Cuba)
iv.Best local boxer: Milos Roganovic (Montenegro)
About Youth World Boxing Cup 2024:

i.The Youth World Boxing Cup 2024 was organised by the Montenegro Boxing Association.
ii.The tournament witnessed the participation of 245 boxers from 22 countries. There were 93 women
and 152 men from three continents: Europe, Asia, and America, making it the biggest attended
competition in history.
iii.The tournament was held in 13 weight categories for men and 12 weight categories for women.
Tennis: Italy’s Jannik Sinner won the Men’s Singles title at Miami Open 2024
Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner won the Men’s Singles title at the Association of Tennis
Professionals (ATP) Miami Open 2024 by defeating Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in the finals held at the
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, the United States of America(USA).
• He became the first Italian to win the Miami Open.
• This is his 1st trophy at the hard-court event and his 2nd ATP Masters 1000 title overall.
About Miami Open 2024:
i.The 2024 Miami Open(Aka Miami Masters 2024), presented by Itaú, was held from 17th to 31st March

2024 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida, USA.

ii.Miami Open 2024 is the 39th edition of the combined men’s and
women’s tournament.
iii.The Miami Open is classified as an ATP Masters 1000 event on
the 2024 ATP tour and a Women’s Tennis Association(WTA) 1000
event on the 2024 WTA tour.
Points to note:
i.This marks his 3rd title of 2024 after the Australian Open 2024
(January 2024) and Rotterdam Open 2024 (February 2024).
ii.He has won a total of 13 ATP singles titles, including a Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open.
iii.At present, Jannik Sinner is ranked 2nd in the Men’s Tennis ATP ranking 2024.
iv.Previously, he finished runner-up at the Miami Open 2021 and 2023.
Women’s Singles:
Daniel Collins of the USA won the Miami Open 2024 Women’s singles title by defeating World No. 4
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan. This marks her first career WTA 1000 title and 3rd WTA Tour Singles title.
• In January 2024, Collins announced that she would retire at the end of the 2024 season.
India’s Bopanna & Australia’s Ebden won Men’s Doubles Title:
India’s Rohan Bopanna and Australia’s Matthew Ebden won the 2024 Miami Open men’s doubles
title defeating Croatia’s Ivan Dodig and USA’s Austin Krajicek.
• This marks the pair’s 2nd title in 2024 after winning the 2024 Australian Open.
• Currently, Bopanna & Ebden are ranked 1st and 2nd in the ATP Men’s doubles ranking.
Note:
i.Bopanna (44 years old) surpassed his record & became the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion.
ii.At the age of 43 he became the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion by winning the Indian Wells title in
2023.
Women’s Doubles:
USA’s Sofia Kennin and Bethanie Mattek-Sands won the women’s doubles title by defeating Canada’s
Gabriela Dabrowski and New Zealand’s Erin Routliffe in the Women’s Doubles finals.
• This marks Bethanie’s 30th WTA Doubles title and Sofia’s 4th WTA title.
• This is also the duo’s 2nd win in the 2024 season, after Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2024, and the
3rd as a team, after Beijing 2019.
Winners & Runner-ups of Miami Open 2024:
Category Winner Runner-Up
Men’s Singles Jannik Sinner (Italy) Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria)
Women’s Singles Danielle Collins (USA) Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)
Rohan Machanda Bopanna

Ivan Dodic (Croatia) and Austin
Men’s Doubles (India) and Mathew
Krajicik (USA)
Ebden(Australia)
Sofian Kennis (USA) and Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada) and

Women’s Doubles
Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) Erin Routliffe (New Zealand)

Mirabai Chanu Becomes the Only Indian Weightlifter to Qualify for Paris Olympics
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu became the only Indian weightlifter to qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024 after
finishing third in Group B of the women’s 49kg division and 12th overall with a total lift of 184kg (81kg
snatch + 103kg clean and jerk) at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup 2024.
• The 2024 IWF World Cup is being held from 31st March
to 11th April 2024 in Phuket, Thailand.
• The 2024 IWF World Cup is one of the two compulsory
competitions to qualify for the Paris Olympics, another
is the IWF World Weightlifting Championships 2023
that was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 4th to 17th
September 2023.
Key Points:
i.She has fulfilled the criteria for the Paris Olympics, which includes participating in two mandatory events
and three other qualifiers.
ii.Mirabai is ranked second in the IWF women’s 49kg Olympic Qualification Ranking (OQR). Only the top
10 players from each weight class in OQR will qualify for the Paris Olympics.
About Mirabai Chanu:
i.Mirabai Chanu won the silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo(Japan) Olympics in the women’s 49kg category.
• She was the second Indian weightlifter after Karnam Malleswari to win an Olympic medal.
ii.She was awarded the Padma Sri in 2018 in the field of sports.
iii.She was also honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2018.
Note:The 2024 Paris Olympics is set to be the third Olympic games for Mirabai Chanu after she
participated in Rio 2016(Brazil) and Tokyo 2020(Japan).
India’s Bindyarani Devi wins bronze medal in IWF World Cup 2024
Indian weightlifter Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam won a bronze medal in the non-Olympic women’s 55kg
category at the IWF World Cup 2024.
i.Kang Hyon Gyong(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) won the gold medal while Mihaela Cambei
(Romania) won the silver medal.
ii.She lifted 196kg (83kg snatch + 113kg clean and jerk) to finish third.
Note: Bindyarani Devi and Mirabai Chanu were the only two Indian participants at the IWF World Cup
2024.
India Wins 9 medals in Asian Wrestling Championships 2024

Indian wrestlers won a total of 9 medals (4 silver and 5 bronze) in the Asian Wrestling Championships
(Seniors) 2024 held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from 11th to 16th April 2024.
Indian Medal Winners:
Wrestler Category Medal
Udit men’s freestyle 57kg
Radhika women’s 68kg

Silver
Anju women’s 53kg
Harshita women’s 72kg

Abhimanyou men’s freestyle 70kg
Vicky men’s freestyle 97kg
Shivanee Pawar women’s 50kg Bronze
Antim women’s 65kg
Manisha women’s 62kg

Key Highlights:
i.Udit, the Under-20 Asian champion, won the silver medal in the
57kg men’s freestyle category.
• The 57kg freestyle category in the Asian Wrestling
Championships has been dominated by Indian players
since 2020.
• Ravi Dahiya won the gold medal in 2020, 2021, and
2022, and Aman Sehrawat won the gold in 2023.
ii.In women’s wrestling, Radhika won the silver medal in the 68kg
category, while Anju and Harshita won silver medals in the 53kg and 72kg, respectively.
Team Ranking:
The teams were ranked based on the points in each of three categories: men’s freestyle, Greco-Roman, and
women’s wrestling.
Rank Greco-Roman Men’s Freestyle Women’s wrestling
1 Iran Iran Japan
2 Kyrgyzstan Japan China
3 Japan Kyrgyzstan Mongolia

Note: India was ranked 11th in Greco-Roman; 7th in men’s freestyle and 4th in Women’s wrestling.
About Indian Contingent:
i.The 2024 Asian Wrestling Championships witnessed the participation of 30 Indian wrestlers, 10 in the
men’s Greco-Roman, 10 in the women’s freestyle, and 10 in the men’s freestyle.
ii.This tournament will also mark the first competition with Indian wrestlers competing under India’s
name and flag after United World Wrestling(UWW) lifted the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of
India(WFI) in February 2024.
Note: India bagged 14 medals (1 gold, 3 silvers, and 10 bronze ) in 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships
held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Wins Japanese Grand Prix 2024

Belgian-Dutch driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the Formula 1 (F1) Japanese Grand Prix (GP) 2024
held at the Suzuka International Racing Course in Suzuka, Japan from 5th to 7th April 2024.
• Red Bull’s Sergio Perez (Mexico) and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. (Spain) won the second and third
positions, respectively.

Winners of Japanese GP 2024:
Position Driver Team
1 Max Verstappen Red Bull
2 Sergio Perez Red Bull
3 Carlos Sainz Jr. Ferrari

Highlights of Japanese GP:
i.This victory marks Max Verstappen’s third Japanese GP title
after winning it in 2022 and 2023.
ii.He was also the second person to win three consecutive
Japanese GP titles after Germany’s Michael Schumacher (retired
with Ferrari), who won them in 2000, 2001, and 2002.
iii.The Japanese GP 2024 title marks Verstappen’s third title of
the 2024 season. He previously won the Saudi Arabian GP 2024
and the Bahrain GP 2024.
iv.It marks Verstappen’s 57th win and 101st podium finish in his driving career.
Key Points:
i.As of 8th April 2024, the 2024 Constructors’ Championship standing is topped by the Red Bull Racing-
Honda racing team with 141 points, followed by Ferrari (120 points) in 2nd and McLaren Mercedes (69
points) in 3rd.
ii.The constructors’ standing represents the points earned by finishing in the top position of two drivers of
each team at each Grand Prix.
About Japanese GP:
The Japanese GP 2024 officially known as ‘Formula 1 (F1) MSC Cruises Japanese Grand Prix 2024’ was the
38th edition since its first edition was held in 1976.
Badminton: India’s Anupama and Tharun Win Singles Titles at Kazakhstan International
Challenge 2024
India’s Anupama Upadhyaya and Tharun Mannepalli won the women’s and men’s singles titles,
respectively, at the Kazakhstan International Challenge 2024 Badminton tournament in Uralsk,
Kazakhstan, from 2nd to 6th April 2024.
Indian Winners:
i.Tharun Mannepalli of Telangana defeated Soong Joo Ven
(Malaysia) in the men’s singles final.
• It marks Tharun’s first title on the senior circuit.
• He was the runner-up in the Badminton national
championship in 2023.
ii.Former Junior World No. 1 Anupama Upadhyaya (Uttarakhand)
defeated Isharani Baruah in the all-Indian women’s singles finals.
• It marks her second international title in 2024 after
winning the Polish Open(Poland).
• She has previously won the India International Challenge 2021, the Tajikistan International
Series 2023, and the Polish Open (2022 and 2024).

iii.The Indian pair Sanjai Srivatsa Dhanraj and Maneesha K clinched second place in the mixed doubles
after they lost to Malaysia’s Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien.
Winners of Kazakhstan International Challenge 2024:
Championship Winner Runner
Soong Joo Ven

Men’s Singles Tharun Mannepalli (India)
(Malaysia)
Anupama Upadhyaya Isharani Baruah

Women’s Singles
(India) (India)
Lucas Corvee and Kakeru Kumagai and

Men’s Doubles Ronan Labar Hiroki Nishi
(France) (Japan)
Kaho Osawa and

Polina Buhrova and
Women’s Doubles Mai Tanabe
Yevheniia Kantemyr (Ukraine)
(Japan)
Wong Tien Ci and

Sanjai Srivatsa Dhanraj and
Mixed Doubles Lim Chiew Sien
Maneesha K(India)
(Malaysia)
About Kazakhstan International Challenge:
i.The Kazakhstan International Challenge 2024 (officially known as Condensate Kazakhstan International
Challenge) is the Continental Level (Grade 3) event of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
ii.It was organised by the Kazakhstan National Badminton Federation with sanction from the BWF.
Note: BWF major events come under Grade 1 while BWF world tour events come under Grade 2.
2024 Badminton Asia Championships: Christie and Wang Won men’s and women’s singles
Titles, Respectively
Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie bagged the men’s singles title and China’s Wang Zhi Yi has claimed the
women’s singles title at the Badminton Asia Championships 2024 held in Ningbo, China.
About the Winners :
i.The Indonesian player Jonatan Christie won the gold medal in the
men’s singles category defeating the Chinese shuttler Li Shi Feng.
• This is Christie’s second men’s singles title in a row.
• In March 2024, he bagged his maiden All England Open
Badminton Championships 2024 (United Kingdom) title
by beating fellow Indonesian Anthony Ginting.
ii.World no. 9 Chinese player Wang Zhi Yi won her continental
women’s singles title by defeating the Olympic champion and compatriot Chen Yu Fei.
• This is Wang’s second title of the year and her first victory against Yu Fei.
• Zhi Yi has also bagged the Indonesia Masters Super 500 2024 (Indonesia) title in January 2024.

Note- China has emerged as the most successful country at the Badminton Asia Championships 2024 with
three gold and two silver medals.
List of the Winners at the Badminton Asia Championships 2024:
Championship Winner Runner
Men’s Singles Jonatan Christie (Indonesia) Li Shi Feng (China)
Women’s Singles Wang Zhi Yi (China) Chen Yu Fei (China)
Liang Wei Keng Goh Sze Fei

Men’s Doubles
and Wang Chang (China) and Nur Izzuddin (Malaysia)
Baek Ha-na and Lee So hee Zhang Shu Xian

Women’s Doubles
(South Korea) and Zheng Yu (China)
Feng Yan Zhe Seo Seung-jae

Mixed Doubles and Huang Dong Ping and Chae Yu-jung
(China) (South Korea)
About Badminton Asia Championship :
i.The Badminton Asia Championships is a tournament that is organized by the governing body Badminton
Asia to award the best Asian badminton players.
• Badminton Asia is the governing body of the badminton sport in Asia under the flagship of
Badminton World Federation (BWF)
ii.It was originally known as the “Bank of Ningbo Badminton Asia Championships” organized by the
Chinese Badminton Association with the permission of Badminton Asia.
iii.The tournament commenced in 1962 and has been held annually since 1991.
iv.The 41st edition of the Badminton Asia Championships was held at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center
Gymnasium in Ningbo, China, from April 9 to April 14, 2024.
Indian Athlete Aishwarya Mishra’s 400m Bronze at 2023 Asian Championships to be Upgraded
to Silver
The Indian athlete Aishwarya Mishra’s bronze medal won during the women’s 400 m sprint event of
the Asian Athletics Championships 2023 held in Bangkok, Thailand, is set to be upgraded
to silver medal after the original silver medalist Farida Soliyeva of Uzbekistan failed a dope test.
• Soliyeva tested positive for meldonium, a substance added to the World Anti-doping
Agency (WADA) list of banned substances in 2016.
• The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), which combats doping in athletics, has banned Soliyeva for 3
years starting from 13th September 2023 and all her results from 13th July 2023 have been
disqualified.
Note: Haruna Kuboyama of Japan will hold the bronze medal.
Monte Carlo Masters 2024: Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas won his 3rd Monte-Carlo Singles title
Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas won the Singles title at the Monte Carlo Masters 2024 by defeating
Norway’s Casper Ruud. This marks Stefanos Tsitsipas’ third Monte Carlo Masters title. He previously won
the title in 2021 and 2022.

• Monte Carlo Masters 2024, the 117th edition of Rolex Monte Carlo Masters, was held at the
Monte Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin,
France from 6th to 14th April 2024.
• This is an ATP(Association of Tennis Professionals)
Masters 1000 tournament, on the 2024 ATP Tour.
Note: The Monte-Carlo Masters is an annual tennis tournament for
male professional players since 1896.
About Stefanos Tsitsipas:
i.with this win, Tsitsipas became the 5th player to win 3 or more
Monte-Carlo titles joining Spain’s Rafael Nadal (11), Sweden’s Bjorn Borg (3), Austria’s Thomas Muster (3)
and Romania’s Ilie Nastase (3)
• Rafael Nadal holds the record for winning the most Monte Carlo Masters Singles titles. He won
the title for a record 11 times.
ii.With this win, he is currently (as of 15th April 2024) ranked 7th on the PIF ATP Rankings.
Doubles Winners: Belgium’s Sander Gillé & Joran Vliegen
Belgian professional tennis players Alum Sander Gille and Joran Vliegan won the doubles title at the
Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 2024 by defeating Marcelo Melo of Brazil and Alexander Zverev of Germany.
• This is their first trophy of the 2024 season and their 8th tour-level doubles title as a team.
• They became the first Belgians to win a Masters 1000 doubles title since Xavier Malisse at 2011
Indian Wells Masters.
Sumit Nagal Becomes 1st Indian to record win in main draw match at Monte Carlo
On 9th April 2024, Sumit Nagal, India’s emerging tennis player, defeated Matteo Arnaldi of Italy and
became the 1st ever Indian to win a main draw match at the Monte Carlo Masters.
i.He is the 3rd Indian to feature in the main draw in Monte Carlo after Vijay Amritraj in 1977 and Ramesh
Krishanan in 1982.
ii.With this win, he also became the 1st male Indian singles player to win a Masters 1000 match on clay.
iii.he is currently (as of 15th April 2024) ranked 80th on the ATP ranking.
iv.He has also secured his place in the men’s singles main draw at French Open also known as Roland
Garros. with this he becomes the 1st Indian male player after Prajnesh Gunneswaran (2019) to qualify for
the French Open main draw.
Former World No. 1 Badminton Player Kento Momota announces Retirement

On 18th April 2024, former World No. 1 Badminton player Kento Momota of Japan announced that he
would retire from badminton after featuring in the 2024 Thomas & Uber Cup for Japan.
• The 29-year-old Kento Momota is ranked 52nd in the Badminton World Federation (BWF)
World Rankings as of 18th April 2024.
• He won the World Championships and Asian Championships in 2018 and 2019. He won 67 out
of the 73 matches that he played in 2019, including 11 titles.
• He has also participated in the 2020 Tokyo(Japan) Olympics, held in 2021.
Note: The BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2024 is set to be held in Chengdu, China from 27th April to 5th
May 2024.
Gukesh Wins Candidates Tournament & Qualifies for World Chess Championship 2024
The 17-year-old chess Grandmaster (GM) Dommaraju Gukesh from Chennai (Tamil Nadu) has won
(Open category) the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Candidates 2024 held in Toronto, Canada, by
defeating Hikaru Nakamura of the United States to score 9 points.
• He will now be competing with Ding Liren of China in the World Chess Championship 2024.

• FIDE Candidates 2024 was held from 3 April to 22 April 2024.

• Tan Zhongyi (China) has won the candidates 2024
(Women’s category) and will face her compatriot Ju
Wenjun (China) in the Women’s World Chess
Championship 2024.
About D.Gukesh:
i.Gukesh has thus become the youngest challenger in history to
qualify for the World Chess Championship, breaking the record
created in 1984 by the GM Garry Kasparov (Russia), when he was
22.
• Gukesh has become the second Indian after his mentor Viswanathan Anand to win the
prestigious Candidate Chess Tournament, who won the title in 2014.
ii.Gukesh has been entitled as the third youngest in chess history to earn the Grandmaster title at the age
of 12.
iii.He also clinched a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022, held in China in 2023.
Note – As of April 2024 Gukesh ranks 16 in FIDE Open category.
Top 5 Ranks of Candidates 2024:
Rank Men’s Category Women’s Category
1 D. Gukesh (India) Tan Zhongyi (China)
2 Hikaru Nakamura (USA) Koneru Humpy (India)
3 Ian Nepomniachtchi (Russia) Lei Tingjie (China)
4 Fabiano Caruana (USA) R. Vaishali (India)
5 R. Praggnanandhaa (India) Aleksandra Goryachkina (Russia)

Prize money:
Winner’s Prize: 48,000 euros (Open) & 24,000 euros (Women)
About World Chess Championship:
i.The World Chess Championship is the most prestigious event in the world of chess which is a biennial
tournament that brings together the best chess players from around the world to compete for the title of
World Chess Champion.
ii.The tournament dates back to the19th century and is governed by the International Chess Federation
(FIDE).
iii.The World Championship Match consists of 14 games. The player who scores 7.5 points or more wins
the Match, and no further games are played. If the score after 14 games is equal, the winner is decided on a
tiebreak.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Wins Chinese Grand Prix 2024

Belgian-Dutch driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the Formula 1 (F1) Chinese Grand Prix (GP) 2024
held at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China on 21st April 2024.
• McLaren’s Lando Norris(the United Kingdom(UK)) and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez (Mexico)
finished in the second and third positions, respectively.

Winners of Chinese GP 2024:
Position Driver Team
1 Max Verstappen Red Bull
2 Lando Norris McLaren
3 Sergio Perez Red Bull

Highlights of Chinese GP 2024:
i.The Chinese GP 2024 victory marks Verstappen’s fourth GP
title of the 2024 season.He previously won the Saudi Arabian GP
2024, the Bahrain GP 2024, and the Japanese GP 2024.
ii.It marks Verstappen’s 58th win and 102nd podium finish in his
driving career.
iii.China’s first and only F1 driver, Zhou Guanyu, representing the
Kick Sauber team, finished 14th in the race.
Key Points:
i.With this win, Max Verstappen leads the 2024 Drivers Standings with 110 points, followed by his
teammate Sergio Perez with 85 points and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari with 76 points.
ii.As of 22nd April 2024, the 2024 Constructors’ Championship standing is topped by the Red Bull
Racing-Honda racing team with 195 points, followed by Ferrari (151 points) in 2nd and McLaren
Mercedes (96 points) in 3rd.
iii.The constructors’ standing represents the points earned by finishing in the top position of two drivers
of each team at each Grand Prix.
About Sprint race:
i.Max Verstappen also won the first sprint race of the 2024 season in the Chinese GP 2024. Lewis Hamilton
of Mercedes and Sergio Perez finished second and third respectively.
ii.The F1 sprint is a short race that lasts around 30 minutes and covers 100 km, approximately one-third of
the normal Grand Prix distance. It is a precursor to the main event.
About Chinese Grand Prix:
i.‘Formula 1 (F1) Lenovo Chinese Grand Prix 2024’ is the 17th edition of the of event, and the 5th round of
the 2024 F1 World Championship.
ii.The 1st edition of the Chinese GP was held in 2004. The last edition (16) was held in 2019.
Former Tennis World No. 1 Garbine Muguruza of Spain Announces Retirement

Spanish women’s tennis player Garbiñe Muguruza Blanco, a 2-time Grand Slam champion in singles and
former world No. 1 (in 2017), has announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 30.
• She became the 1st Spanish woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Arantxa Sánchez
Vicario (Spain) won the 1989 French Open in Paris.
Notable Victories:
i.Defeated Serena Williams (United States of America (USA)) at the 2016 French Open held in Paris,
France;
ii.Defeated Venus Williams (USA) at the 2017 Wimbledon held in London, United Kingdom (UK).
• She remains the only player to beat both Venus and Serena in the finals to win a major title.

iii.3 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 1000 titles (2015 Beijing (China), 2017 Cincinnati (USA), 2021
Dubai (United Arab Emirates (UAE)));
iv.She also won the 2021 WTA Finals by defeating Anett Kontaveit (Estonia) held in Guadalajara, Mexico.
India Wins 8 Medals in 2024 Archery World Cup Stage 1 held in Shanghai
India topped the medal tally with 8 medals(5 Golds, 2 Silver,1 Bronze) at the 2024 Hyundai Archery World
Cup Stage 1 held in Shanghai, China from 23rd to 28th April 2024.
• South Korea and Spain finished 2nd and 3rd with 7 medals and 2 medals, respectively.
Top 3 on overall Medal Tally:
Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total Medal
1 India 5 2 1 8
2 South Korea 2 3 2 7
3 Spain 1 1 0 2
Note: It was India’s highest number of Gold medals and the highest Medal tally at a single World Cup stage.
Indian Medal Winners:
Archer Event Medal
Women’s Compound
Jyothi Surekha Vennam
Individual
Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Gopichand Swami and Women’s Compound

Parneet Kaur Team
Abhishek Verma, Priyansh, and Prathamesh Gold

Men’s Compound Team
Bhalchandra Fuge
Tarundeep Rai, Dhiraj Bommadevara, and Pravin

Men’s Recurve Team
Ramesh Jadhav
Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Abhishek Verma Mixed Compound Team
Men’s Compound
Priyansh
Individual
Silver
Silver
women’s individual
Deepika Kumari
recurve
Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara Mixed Recurve Team Bronze

Key Points:
i.Jyothi Surekha Vennam won three gold medals including the individual gold medal in the women’s
compound individual event.

• Jyothi, along with Aditi Gopichand Swami and Parneet Kaur, won the gold in the women’s
compound team event.
• She also won the gold medal in the Mixed Compound Team
event along with Abhishek Verma.
ii.The Indian men’s team of Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and
Pravin Jadhav won the gold medal in the men’s recurve team event.
• It was India’s first World Cup men’s recurve team gold
after 14 years. previously Rahul Banerjee, Jayanta
Talukdar, and Tarundeep Rai of India won gold in 2010 in
Shanghai.
About Archery World Cup 2024:
i.The Archery World Cup 2024 is the 18th edition of the annual event organized by World Archery.
ii.It occurs in four stages; stage -1, Stage -2, Stage -3, and final.
iii.Stage -2 to be held in May 2024 in Yecheon (South Korea), Stage -3 in June ‘24 in Antalya (Türkiye), and
the final in October ‘24 in Tlaxcala (Mexico).
OBITUARY
Oscar Winning American VFX Pioneer Tim McGovern Passed Away
Tim McGovern, the renowned Oscar winning American Visual Effects(VFX) pioneer passed away at the age
of 68 in Washington, the United States of America(USA). He was born on 24th June 1955 in Chicago,
Illinois, USA.
About Tim McGovern:
i.He was a founding member of Sony Pictures Imageworks,
where he served as senior VFX supervisor, senior VP of creative
and technical affairs.
ii.He has been a member of the Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences since 1999.
iii.He also served as the founding co-chairperson of the Visual
Effects Society(VES) Award Committee from 2001 to 2007.
iv.Some of his recent noted works includes Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), Ant-Man and the Wasp
(2018), Dunkirk (2017), The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016), and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
(2015).
Awards:
i.Tim McGovern won the Academy Award (Oscar) – Special Achievement Award (Visual Effects) in 1991
for the film ‘’Total Recall’’. He shared the award with Eric Brevig, Rob Bottin and Alex Funke.
ii.He was named recipient of the 2023 VES Founders Award and he was also honoured with Lifetime VES
memberships.
Golden Globe-winning American actress Barbara Rush Passed Away

Veteran American actress Barbara Rush passed away at the age of 97 in Los Angeles, California, the United
States of America (USA). She was born on 4th January 1927, in Denver, Colorado, USA.
• She won a Golden Globe Award in the ‘New Star of The Year’ (actress) category in 1954 for her
role in ‘It Came from Outer Space’.
• She was known for her roles in movies like ‘The Young Philadelphians’, ‘The Young Lions’,
‘Robin and the 7 Hoods’, and ‘Hombre’.

• She also acted in the television series ‘Peyton Place’, ‘All My Children’, and ‘7th Heaven’.
Former Irish footballer & India Coach Joe Kinnear Passed Away
Former Irish footballer and manager, Joseph Patrick Kinnear (Joe Kinnear) who served as head coach of
the Indian National Men’s Football Team in 1983, passed away at the age of 77. He was born on 27th
December 1946 in Dublin, Ireland.
About Joe Kinner:
i.Joe Kinner started his professional career with Tottenham
Hotspur Football Club (FC) in 1965 and made around 250
appearances for Spurs.
• As a part of Spurs, he won the 1966–67 Football
Association (FA) Challenge Cup, 1971–72 UEFA Cup
(now known as the UEFA (Union of European Football
Associations) Europa League) League Cup 1971 and
1973.
ii.He joined Brighton & Hove Albion FC in 1975 after 12 successful years at Tottenham.
iii.He began his coaching career after his retirement in 1977. He has coached the United Arab
Emirates(UAE) clubs Sharjah and Al-Shabab.
iv.Apart from India, he also managed the football team of Nepal.
v.He served as Manager of Wimbledon Football Club(FC) (1992-1999); Nottm Forest (2004), and
Newcastle United FC (2008 to 2009).
vi.He also served as Director of Football of Newcastle United from 2013-2014.
Nobel Prize Winning Physicist Peter Higgs Passed Away

Nobel prize-winning British Physicist Peter Higgs passed away at the age of 94 in Edinburgh, United
Kingdom (UK). He was born on 29 May 1929 in the Elswick district of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Awards/Honours:
i.In 2015, he won the world’s oldest scientific prize, the Royal
Society’s Copley Medal for his work on the theory of the Higgs
boson or “The god particle”.
ii.In 2013, he was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in
Physics with Belgian Physicist François Englert.
• The award was “for the theoretical discovery of a
mechanism that contributes to our understanding of
the origin of the mass of subatomic particles”.
iii.In recognition of his contributions to science, he was appointed as Companion of Honour in the 2013
New Year Honours List.
iv.In 2013, he received the Edinburgh Medal of the Edinburgh International Science Festival (with
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)); and the Nonino ‘Man of Our Time’ Prize.
vi.In 2004, he was jointly awarded the Wolf Prize in Physics with Robert Brout and François Englert.
vii.In 1997, he was jointly awarded the High Energy and Particle Physics Prize from the European
Physical Society with Robert Brout and François Englert.
About Peter Higgs:
i.Higgs began his teaching career as a Temporary Lecturer in Mathematics at University College London,
UK.
ii.He returned to Edinburgh in 1960, joining the Tait Institute as a Lecturer in Mathematical Physics.
iii.Over the years, he advanced through the ranks, eventually attaining a Personal Chair of Theoretical

Physics in 1980.
iv.He retired in 1996, becoming Professor Emeritus at the University of Edinburgh.
Noted Carnatic Musician and Padma Shri Awardee KG Jayan died at the age of 89
Padma Shri Awardee KG Jayan, a renowned Carnatic musician from Kerala passed away at the age
of 89 in Ernakulam district, Kerala. He was born on 21st November, 1934 in Kottayam, Kerala.
• He was the father of famous Malayalam actor Manoj K. Jayan
About KG Jayan:
i.He started his career in carnatic music at the age of 9 under the
guidance of Carnatic Stalwarts such as: the Alathur Brothers and
Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.
ii.KG Jayan and his brother K.G.Vijayan were popularly known as
“Jaya-Vijaya” in the Malayalam music industry.
iii.KG Jayan composed more than 1,000 songs and composed
music for a few Tamil and Malayalam films.
iv.Both Jaya-Vijaya composed hundreds of devotional songs which were specifically devoted to Lord
Ayappa. Their popular Ayappa devotional songs include: Sreekovil
Nadathurannu and Hariharasuthane.
Noted Work
i.Some of his evergreen compositions include: “Ayyanu Thunayay”, “Mamala Vaazhum”, “Sreekovil
Nada Thurannu”, “Malamukalil Vaazhum Devaa” etc.
ii.Jaya-Vijaya composed music for some of the famous films: Bhoomiyile, Malakhamar,
Dharamasastha, Nirakudam, Sneham, Padhapooja etc.
Awards:
i.K.G. Jayan was honored with Harivarasanam Award, jointly instituted by Kerala Government and the
Travancore Devaswom Board in 2013.
ii.He was honored with Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award, given annually by Kerala
Government in 1991.
iii.K.G. Jayan was honored with Padma Shri, India’s 4th highest civilian award in 2019 in the field of Art.
Bernd Hölzenbein, Former German footballer & 1974 World Cup winner, Passed Away
Former German footballer Bernd Hölzenbein, who won the 1974 World Cup with West Germany, passed
away at the age of 78. He was born on 9 March 1946 in Runkel, Germany.
About Bernd Hölzenbein:
i.Bernd Hölzenbein represented West German national team from
1973 to 1978. He has scored 5 goals in 40 appearances for West
Germany.
ii.He was a part of the West Germany team that won the Federation
Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup in 1974,
held in West Germany.
iii.He was also a part of the West Germany team that finished
second in the 1976 UEFA European Football Championship(UEFA Euros).
Club Career:
i.Bernd Hölzenbein represented Eintracht Frankfurt e.V., a German professional sports club, from 1967
to 1981.
ii.He has scored a total of 215 goals in 532 competitive appearances for the Eintracht Frankfurt club.
iii.As a part of Eintracht Frankfurt, He has also won the DFB Cup in 1974, 1975 and 1981 and the UEFA

Cup in 1980.
iv.He has also played for Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Memphis Americans and Baltimore Blast.
v.He left Eintracht in 1981 and spent a few years in the United States of America (USA) with the Fort
Lauderdale Strikers, Memphis Americans, and Baltimore Blast.
vi.He has also served as Vice-President (1988-94), Sports Manager (1994-96), Chief Scout (2004-2014),
Strategic Advisor (2004-22), and Club Representative (2017-22) at Eintracht Frankfurt.
National Award-winning Tamil Director Durai Passed Away

J F C Durai, National Award winning veteran Tamil director, passed away at the age of 84 at his residence
Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN).
About Durai:
i.Durai has directed around 46 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada,
Malayalam and Hindi Language.
ii.He has worked as scriptwriter, editor and producer in the
Tamil industry and he has also worked as a sound engineer for
the film “Pennin Perumai”.
Noted works: Avalum Penthaane; Pasi; Aasai 60 Naal, Neeya?,
Aayiram Jenmangal and Paavathin Sambalam.
Awards:
i.His film “Pasi” won two National Film Awards in 1979 in the category of Best Feature Film and Best
Actor(Female). The film also won the Tamil Nadu State Award under Best Film category.
ii.He also won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award under Best Director for the
film “Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam”.
iii.He was awarded with Kalaimamani Award by the Tamil Nadu State government in 1982 for his
contribution to art.
MP from Karnataka, Ex-Union Minister V Sreenivasa Prasad Passed Away

Venkataiah Sreenivasa Prasad, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Member of Parliament (MP-Lok Sabha)
from Chamarajanagar constituency (Karnataka) passed away at the age of 76 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He
was born on 6th August 1947, in Ashokapuram, Mysuru, Karnataka.
About Venkataiah Srinivasa Prasad:
i.He first contested as an independent candidate in 1974 in the
Krishnaraja segment by-election for the Karnataka Legislative
Assembly.
ii.He joined erstwhile Janata Party in 1976 and later joined the
Congress in 1979.
iii.Before joining BJP in 2016, He also had a stint with Janata
Dal (Secular)(JD(S), JD(United), and the Samata Party.
Stint as MP and Union Minister:
i.He represented Chamarajanagar constituency as MP for 6 terms (1980,1984,1989,1991,1999, and 2019).
ii.He served as the Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Food and Public
Distribution from 1999 to 2004.
Note: In March 2024, he announced his retirement from electoral politics.
Stint as MLA:
i.Representing congress, he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Nanjangud
(Karnataka) constituency in 2008, and 2013.
ii.He also served as Minister for Revenue and Muzrai in the Government of Karnataka from 2013 to 2016.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Maker of Modern Goa: The Untold Story of Pratap Singh Rane authored by Vijayadevi Rane
A book titled “Maker of Goa: The Untold Story of Pratap Singh Rane” is the biography of Pratap Singh Rane,
the former Chief Minister (CM) of the state of Goa (then UT-Goa, Daman, and Diu), authored
by Vijayadevi Rane (Pratap’s wife) and published by Rupa publications.
About Pratap Singh Rane:
i.Pratap’s political career spanned over 50 years, and he holds the maximum record of winning 11
consecutive elections as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA).
ii.He also holds the record of longest-serving CM of Goa for 6 times.
iii.He was elected as Goa’s first chief minister following the state’s separation from Daman and Diu as a
Union Territory (UT).
iii.He established Goa University in 1984 at Panaji, Goa.
Sam Pitroda launched a new book titled “The Idea of Democracy”

Padma Bhushan awardee, Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda, aka Sam Pitroda, an Indian engineer and
entrepreneur, virtually launched his new book titled “The Idea of Democracy”. The book was published
by Penguin Business, an imprint of Penguin Random House India.
• The book shares the author’s concern about the state of democracy and the potential challenges
in countries like India and the United States of America(USA).
About Sam Pitroda:
i.Sam Pitroda, hailing from Odisha, served the founding Chairman of India’s Telecom Commission and also
the 1st Chairman of Worldtel Initiative of the International Telecommunication Union(1995)
ii.Pitroda launched the Center For The Development Of Telematics (C-DOT) as an autonomous telecom
R&D organisation in 1984.
iii.He also served as Advisor to Prime Minister (PM) on Technology Missions Related to Water, Literacy,
Immunization, Oil Seeds, Telecom, and Dairy
iv.He was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2009 for Science and Engineering.
Salman Rushdie Releases New Memoir ‘Knife’ Recounting Stabbing

On April 16 2024, Salman Rushdie, Indian-born British-American author, released his new
memoir “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder’’.
• The memoir was published by Penguin Random House, which describes how he survived the
terrifying experience of being 12 times stabbed during an Arts gathering in New York, United
States of America (USA) in August 2022.
• The attack left the author with permanent damage, including the loss of sight in right eye.
About Salman Rushdie
Notable works and awards:
i.Rushdie was best known for his novel ‘The Satanic Verses’ which was published in 1988.
ii.He also received the Booker Prize for Midnight’s Children in 1981.The novel subsequently won the
Booker of Bookers (1993) and the Best of the Booker (2008).
iii.He has been awarded The Peace Prize of the German Book Trade for 2023 (the most prestigious in
Germany) for his indomitable spirit, for his affirmation of life and for enriching our world with his love of
storytelling.

PM Narendra Modi Presented with a Book Titled “Sabke Ram”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a book titled “Sabke Ram” by Panchjanya editor
Hitesh Shankar and Managing Director of Bharat Prakashan Arun Goyal.
• The book was published by Prabhat Prakashan, which publishes “Panchjanya,” a Hindi weekly
magazine.
• It narrates the history of Ayodhya and provides details about lord ram’s birthplace and date of
birth.
• The main features of the book is that it can be read and listened to in Hindi and English.
Goa Gov Sreedharan Pillai Released his New Book “Heavenly Islands of Goa”
Goa Governor Sreedharan Pillai’s new (221st) book titled “Heavenly Islands of Goa” was released by
Jagadguru Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Swami, Shankaracharya of Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham,
Sringeri (Karnataka), during a programme held in New Durbar Hall in the Raj Bhavan in Dona Paula, Goa.
• The book provides an overview of Goa’s biodiversity and heritage.
• 57th Jnanpith Award winner Damodar Mauzo received the first copy of the book.
Five other books:
On 21st April 2024, ‘Cuncolim, ‘Kaavi Art’, ‘Icons of My Literature’, ‘Vikshit Bharat’, and ‘Canacona’ books
written/compiled by Goa Governor Sreedharan Pillai were released by Prof. Dr. Kumud Sharma, Vice
President of Sahitya Academy, New Delhi, Delhi.
Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson launches a new book, ‘The Winner’s Mindset’
Former Australian cricketer Shane Robert Watson launched his new book titled ‘The Winner’s
Mindset’, published by HarperCollins Publishers.
• In this self-help book, he shares his mental journey, the lessons he has learned during his career,
and the lessons that he is now passing on to the next generation as a highly sought-after coach.
About Shane Robert Watson :
i.He scored 10,950 runs and took 291 wickets for Australia across formats between 2002 and 2016. He
retired from all forms of cricket in 2020.
ii.He was also part of the Australian team that won the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s One Day
International (ODI) Cricket World in 2007 and 2015.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Transgender Day of Visibility 2024 – March 31
International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is annually observed across the globe on 31 March to
celebrate transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive/gender non-conforming individuals and the
contributions of trans people and the nonbinary community.
• This Day also recognises and raises awareness of the discrimination faced by transgender
people worldwide.
• The Day aims to draw attention toward eliminating poverty, violence, and discrimination based
on gender identity faced by the community.
Transgender Flag:
i.The Transgender Pride Flag was created by American trans woman Monica Helms in 1999.
ii.The flag represents the transgender community and consists of 5 horizontal stripes: 2 light
blue(Represents boys), 2 pink(Represents girls), and 1 white(Represents those who are transitioning) in
the center.

Background:
i.The Day was created by Rachel Crandall Crocker, an American transgender advocate, a licensed
psychotherapist, and the Executive Director and co-founder of Transgender Michigan, in 2009.
ii.The 1st ever International Transgender Day of Visibility was observed on 31 March 2009.
Note: Rachel Crandall Crocker also runs the Transgender Michigan helpline, the first transgender helpline
in the USA.
Transgender:
i.The word “transgender” shortly “trans” – is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is
different from the sex assigned to the person at birth.
• Gender identity: It refers to a person’s internal sense of being male, female, or something else;
different from the sex assigned at birth.
• Gender expression: It refers to the way a person communicates gender identity to others
through behaviour, clothing, hairstyles, voice, or body characteristics.
ii.Challenges faced by trans people includes, Lack of legal protection; Poverty; Stigma, Harassment and
Discrimination; Violence Against Trans People; Lack of Healthcare Coverage; and Lack of accurate Identity
Documents.
Efforts of the Indian Government to Support Trandgeders:
i.The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sabha in 2016.
• The bill defines a transgender person and prohibits discrimination against them in areas such as
education, employment, and healthcare, among others.
ii.The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 seeks to mitigate the stigma, discrimination,
and abuse against the marginalised transgender section and bring them into the mainstream of society.
iii.The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 were formulated and published in the
Gazette of India on September 29, 2020.
iv.The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) introduced the Support for Marginalised
Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme on February 12, 2022.
• This initiative aims to address the needs of marginalised individuals, including the transgender
community and those engaged in begging, by providing comprehensive support measures.
Related Observance:
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR): It is an annual observance on 20 November that honors the
memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
• TDOR was inspired by the brutal death of Rita Hester, a black transgender woman in Boston,
Massachusetts, who was brutally killed in her apartment in 1998.
World Autism Awareness Day 2024 – April 2

The United Nations (UN) World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is annually observed across the globe
on 2 April to raise awareness about Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promote the realisation of
human rights and basic freedoms for autistic individuals on an equal basis with others.
• 2 April 2024 marks the observance of the 17th annual World Autism Awareness Day.
WAAD 2024 event was organised by the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC), in
collaboration with the Switzerland-based Institute of Neurodiversity (ION).
Note: ION is a neurominority-founded and led, volunteer-run inclusive global membership organization.
Global Overview of WAAD 2024:
i. As a part of WAAD 2024, a virtual event on “Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Autistic individuals
share regional perspectives” was conducted on 2nd April 2024.
ii.The 2024 World Autism Awareness Day Observance for the 1st time focuses on the global perspective of
autistic individuals.

iii.The event was co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Italy and Poland to the UN, with support
provided by the Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity (GAIN).
Autism Awareness Ribbon:
i.In 1999, the puzzle ribbon was adopted as the universal sign of autism. A Puzzle Ribbon is to promote
Autism and Aspergers Awareness.
ii.The ribbon is made up of a puzzle piece in bright colours such as red, yellow, and blue.
iii.The puzzle pattern of this ribbon reflects the mystery and complexity of autism.
iv.The colours of the ribbon represent the diversity of the autism spectrum and the hope for a brighter
future for individuals with autism.
Background:
i.On 18 December 2007, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/62/139 and
proclaimed the 2 April of every year as World Autism Awareness Day.
ii.The first-ever World Autism Awareness Day was observed on 2 April 2008.
Significance:
i.WAAD is a day dedicated to raising awareness about autism and improving the quality of life for those
affected.
ii.WAAD aims to integrate individuals with autism into all aspects of society, promoting understanding
and acceptance.
Promoting Inclusion and Rights:
i.The UN has a longstanding commitment to diversity and the rights of persons with disabilities (including
learning differences and developmental disabilities).
ii.The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, effective since 2008, emphasises universal
human rights.
iii.Its goal is to ensure equal enjoyment of rights and freedoms for all individuals, irrespective of
disabilities.
Fostering Inclusivity:
i.The Convention aims to foster inclusivity and respect for the inherent dignity of persons with disabilities.
ii.It plays a crucial role in creating a society where individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives.
Autism:
i.Autism, or ASD is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests in early childhood, regardless of gender
and race.
ii.Autism refers to a broad range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive
behaviours, speech, and nonverbal communication.
About United Nations (UN):
Secretary-General– António Guterres
International Children’s Book Day 2024 – April 2

International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is annually observed across the globe on 2 April, the birth
anniversary of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, known for his fairy tales, to foster a love for
reading among children and highlight the importance of children’s books.
• Hans Christian Andersen is often referred to as the “father of modern fantasy.”
Theme:
International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Japan (JBBY) is the official sponsor of ICBD 2024,
under the theme “Cross the Seas on the Wing of your Imagination“.
• “Imagination” is the keyword for ICBD 2024.

Note: Since 1967, International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) has been celebrated annually.
ICBD Celebration Highlights:
i.Each year, a different National Section of the IBBY sponsors ICBD.
ii.The sponsoring section selects a theme and invites a renowned author from the host country and an
illustrator to contribute a message and design a poster, respectively.
• For ICBD 2024, Eiko Kadono, a prominent Japanese author composed a letter to the children of
the world.
• For ICBD 2024, Nana Furiya, an international-minded Japanese artist (living in Slovakia),
created a poster.
Hans Christian Andersen Award:
i.The Hans Christian Andersen Award is the highest international distinction given to authors and
illustrators of children’s books.
ii.The award presented every 2 years by IBBY, recognises the lifelong achievement of authors and
illustrators, whose complete works have left an important, lasting contribution to children’s literature.
iii.The Author’s Award has been given since 1956 and the Illustrator’s Award since 1966.
iv.The Award consists of a gold medal and a diploma, presented at a festive ceremony during the biennial
IBBY Congress.
v.The Awards are sponsored by Nami Island Inc. Nominations for the Andersen Award are made by the
National Sections of IBBY.
2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award:
i.The 2024 Hans Christian Award received 59 nominations from 33 countries. Of that a total of 12 (6
Authors; 6 Illustrators) candidates have been shortlisted.
ii.The winners of the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award will be announced at the IBBY Press
Conference on 8 April 2024, at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (Italy).
About International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY):
President – Ms Sylvia Vardell (United States)
Headquarters– Basel, Switzerland
Founded in– 1953
IBBY is a non-profit organisation that represents an international network of people from all over the
world who are committed to bringing books and children together.
260th Raising Day of the Army Medical Corps – 3rd April 2024
On 3 April 2024, the Indian Army celebrated the 260th Raising Day of the Army Medical Corps (AMC),
a specialist corps in the Indian Army that provides medical services to all serving and veteran army
personnel, as well as their families.
• The Raising Day of AMC commemorates the founding day of the AMC and pays tribute to the
medical personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
History of Indian Medical Service (IMS):
i.The Indian Medical Service (IMS) has a rich history dating back to 1612, intertwined with the
development of the East India Company and the British presence in India. John Woodall was appointed as
the 1st Surgeon General.
ii.In 1764, the surgeons were made into a regular establishment of the East India Company’s armies.
iii.Bengal Medical Service, Madras Medical Service and Bombay Medical Service were formed in 1764,
1767, and 1779 respectively for the 3 Presidency Armies of Bengal, Madras and Bombay.
iv.IMS was phased out by August 14, 1947, spanning nearly 3 centuries, and made profound contributions
to medical science.

v.The inception of the Medical Corps for Defence Services emerged in 1939 amidst World War II,
culminating in the establishment of the Indian Army Medical Corps (IAMC) in 1943.
vi.IAMC came into existence as a homogeneous Corps on 3 April 1943, through the amalgamation of the
Indian Medical Service (IMS), Indian Medical Department (IMD), and Indian Hospital Corps (IHC).
vii.On the formation of the IAMC, the IHC Headquarters at Poona became the Administrative Headquarters
of the IAMC in May 1943.
viii.IAMC was redesignated as the Army Medical Corps (AMC) with effect from Republic Day (26th January
1950).
Significance of AMC:
i.AMC (including AMC Non-Technical (NT)) is one of the medical services of the Armed Forces Medical
Services (AFMS).
ii.AMC comprises about 6,000 Medical Officers including specialists, 300 Non-Technical Officers, 3,500
Nursing Officers, 50,000 Junior Commissioned Officers/Other Ranks, and 9,000 defence civilian
employees.
Versatility in Healthcare:
i.AMC is renowned for providing healthcare during peacetime and combat situations, ensuring the well-
being of defence forces.
ii.AMC extends medical aid to the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions abroad and actively
participates in disaster management efforts.
Motto of AMC: “Sarve Santu Niramaya,” translates to “Let all be free from disease and disability,”
embodying its mission.
2024 Events:
A walkathon and cyclothon were organised at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune,
Maharashtra on 29 March 2024 to commemorate the 260th Anniversary of the Raising Day of the Army
Medical Corps.
• The event was flagged off by Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief
(GOC-in-C) Southern Command.
Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS):
i.Along with AMC including AMC (NT), AFMS consists of the Army Dental Corps (AD Corps) and Military
Nursing Service (MNS).
ii.The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) is the controlling authority of the
Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS)
DGAFMS: Lieutenant General Daljit Singh (Army).
International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2024 – April 4
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is
annually observed across the globe on 4th April to raise awareness and encourage the establishment and
development of national mine-action capacities in affected countries.
The Day aims to address the persistent threat posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war to the
safety, health, and lives of the civilian population.
• 4th April 2024 marks the observance of the 19th International Day for Mine Awareness and
Assistance in Mine Action.
• The annual observance is led by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS).
Theme:
The theme for International Day for Mine Awareness & Assistance in Mine Action 2024 is ‘Protecting
Lives, Building Peace.’

• The 2024 theme reminds the need to safeguard those at particular risk, including people living
with disabilities.
Background:
i.On 8th December 2005, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/60/97 and
proclaimed the 4th April of every year as International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine
Action.
ii.The 1st ever International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action was observed on 4th
April 2006.
The Role of UNMAS:
i.UNMAS has been pivotal in addressing explosive hazards for over 2 decades.
ii.Their efforts are meticulously tailored to address the diverse threats posed by explosive hazards,
ensuring the safety of civilians, peacekeepers, and humanitarians.
Significance of 2024 Commemoration:
i.The 2024 commemoration centres on disabled survivors of explosive hazards, emphasising the trouble of
all individuals with disabilities affected by conflicts.
ii.UNMAS marks the 2024 commemoration by advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in
conflict and peacebuilding settings.
iii.The 2024 campaign underscores the fifth anniversary of Security Council resolution 2475 (2019).
• The resolution urges Member States and Security Council members to protect persons with
disabilities, provide access to assistance, and include them in conflict prevention and
peacebuilding.
iv.“Nothing About Us Without Us” is the slogan used by disability rights activists to highlight the need to
involve people with disabilities and initiatives that affect them.
UN Action:
i.The UN Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA) ensures system-wide coherence in
mine action efforts.
ii.The UN Mine Action Strategy guides preventive measures and support for affected communities.
iii.The Principals of the IACG-MA endorsed the UN Strategy on 13 December 2023.
iv.As of January 2024, the Strategy operates continuously, subject to biennial review.
2024 Events:
i.On 4th April 2024, UNMAS opened a multi-media exhibition themed “Witnessing a Way Forward:
Protecting Lives. Building Peace” in New York, United States of America (USA).
ii.The National Mine Action Authority (NMAA), in partnership with UNMAS and the Geneva International
Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), observed the International Day for Mine Awareness and
Assistance in Mine Action, themed ‘Protecting Lives, Building Peace.’
• The annual event featured the preliminary launch of the National Mine Action Strategy,
developed in collaboration with GICHD.
About United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS):
UNMAS is based at the UN Headquarters in New York, The United States of America (USA).
Director– Ilene Cohn
61st National Maritime Day – April 5 2024

National Maritime Day (NMD) is annually observed across India on 5 April to highlight the significance
of the national maritime sector in the development of the Indian economy, global trade, and economic
exchange across countries.

• The day also commemorates the maiden voyage of SS Loyalty, India’s first Swadeshi
Ship(owned by Scindia Steam Navigation Company) from Mumbai (Maharashtra) to London
(United Kingdom) on 5th April 1919.
5 April 2024 marks the observance of the 61st National Maritime Day.
• Merchant Navy Week 2024 (National Maritime Week) is celebrated alongside National
Maritime Day 2024 from 30th March 2024 to 5th April 2024.
Theme: The theme of National Maritime Day/Merchant Navy Week 2024 is “Sustainable Shipping:
Challenges and Opportunities.”
Background:
i.National Maritime Day was initiated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW),
Government of India
ii.The 1st ever National Maritime Day was observed on 5 April 1964.
National Maritime Week:
The National Maritime Week (or Merchant Navy Week ) is annually observed to pay tribute to the
invaluable contributions of seafarers
i.Week-long events are annually organised to recognise their services. This includes Merchant Navy Flag
Day, seminars, medical camps, blood donation drives, Wreath Laying Ceremony to honour the sailors who
sacrificed their lives during the 1st and 2nd World Wars, etc.
ii.The events serve as a focal point for commemorating the achievements of the Indian maritime industry
and paying homage to the courageous sailors.
Events 2024:
i.On 29 March 2024, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was honoured with the ‘Merchant Navy Flag’
pinned on his lapel in anticipation of NMD in New Delhi, Delhi.
• Additionally, a memento was presented to the PM.
ii.The PM was honoured by TK Ramachandran, Secretary of the MoPSW in the presence of Shyam
Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, and other senior officials.
Sagar Samman Awards:
Sagar Samman Awards are annually presented by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways to
honour and recognise individuals, organizations and entities that have made outstanding contributions or
demonstrated excellence in the maritime sectors.
Awards:
i.Sagar Samman Varuna Award (highest category): The award includes a statue of the lord Varuna, a
Certificate, and a Citation.
ii.Sagar Samman Award for Excellence (second highest category): The award consists of a Ship Model, a
Certificate, and a Citation.
iii.Sagar Samman Award for Gallantry.
Maritime India Vision 2030:
i.Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to establish India as a premier seafaring nation by enhancing education,
research, and training standards within the maritime sector.
ii.Since 2014, the number of active Indian seafarers has increased by 140%, from 117,090 to 280,000 in
2023.
iii.India is committed to upholding global maritime standards as a signatory to crucial conventions such as
the:
• International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for
Seafarers (STCW); and
• Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

iv.Currently, Indian seafarers hold 12% of international seafaring positions. Maritime Vision 2030 sets a
target for Indian seafarers to occupy 20% of global seafaring roles by 2030.
About Directorate General of Shipping:
Director-General– Shyam Jagannathan
Established in– September 1949
International Day of Conscience 2024 – April 5

The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Conscience (IDC) is annually observed across the globe
on 5 April to raise awareness about the importance of building a culture of peace with love and
conscience, through the customs of the local, national, and regional communities.
• IDC aims to commemorate the value of human conscience and celebrate the aspiration for a
better world.
5 April 2024 marks the observance of the 5th International Day of Conscience.
Significance:
IDC aims to mobilise the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion,
understanding, and solidarity, to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity, and harmony.
Background:
i.On 25th July 2019, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/73/329 titled
“Promoting the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience” and proclaimed the 5 April of every year as the
International Day of Conscience (IDC).
• The resolution was initiated by the Kingdom of Bahrain.
ii.The 1st ever International Day of Conscience was observed on 5 April 2020.
Note: The resolution recognised the need to create conditions of stability and well-being and peaceful and
friendly relations based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction
as to race, sex, language, or religion.
IDC Observance at UNESCO:
i.Bahrain requests the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) at its 209th session, recommending for the adoption of an IDC at UNESCO
Headquarters in Paris, France annually on April 5th.
ii.This initiative aligns with the UN resolution A/RES/73/329 “Promoting the culture of peace with love
and conscience”.
iii.The IDC is annually celebrated at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France on 5 April.
iv.As the sponsor of the IDC resolution and co-organizer of events, Bahrain provides resources for the
celebration of the IDC by UNESCO.
Origins of a Culture of Peace:
i.The concept of a culture of peace originated from the International Congress on Peace in the Minds of
Men, organized by UNESCO in Côte d’Ivoire in July 1989.
ii.Activities promoting a culture of peace have increased across various regions, with active civil society
participation, evolving into a global movement.
UN Involvement:
i.Within the UN system, the concept of Culture of Peace dates back to UNESCO’s Constitution, over 50 years
old.
ii.It emphasises the importance of intellectual and moral solidarity in achieving lasting peace.
The UN and a Culture of Peace:
i.UNESCO and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) are pivotal in fostering intercultural
dialogue.

ii.Their efforts extend to promoting a culture of peace and non-violence through practical projects in the
areas of youth, education, media and migration.
2024 Events:
i.On 4th April 2024, a high-level event to mark the IDC 2024 was held at the UN Headquarters in New
York, United States of America (USA).
• The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) and the Permanent Mission of Kiribati to
the UN jointly hosted celebration activities.
ii.On 5th April 2024, a series of events were organised by the Non-governmental organization (NGO) in
Consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the Mouvement de la Paix at
Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024 – April 6

The United Nations (UN) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is annually
observed across the globe on 6 April, to recognise the positive roles of sport and physical activity in global
communities and the lives of people worldwide.
• 6 April 2024 marks the observance of the 11th edition of the IDSDP.
The global theme for IDSDP 2024 is “Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”.
Background:
i.On 23rd August 2013, The UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/67/296 and
proclaimed the 6 April of every year as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
• The adoption signifies the UN’s acknowledgment of sports’ positive influence on human rights,
social cohesion, and economic development.
ii.The 1st ever International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was observed on 6 April 2014.
Why April 6?
i.The UNGA chose 6 April as the date for the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace,
creating a historical link to the first modern Olympic Games on 6 April 1896.
ii.The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece from April 6–15, 1896.
Role of International Olympic Committee (IOC):
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), serving as the Permanent Observer to the UN, has proposed
and backed an initiative aimed at recognising sports organisations’ pivotal role in driving social change
and human development.
IOC’s Mission: Since its inception in 1894, the IOC has championed the use of sports to promote peace and
development globally.
UN’s Commitment to Sports:
i.The UN recognises sport as a universal tool for uniting people and advancing development goals.
ii.It actively engages in sports for development efforts and supports grassroots initiatives.
iii.It develops campaigns and initiatives centered around sports.
iv.Sport is ideally positioned to contribute towards the UN objectives for development and peace.
Significance:
IDSDP highlights the importance of traditional sports and games inscribed on the lists of the 2003
Convention.
• The 2003 Convention lists numerous elements related to traditional sports and games,
anchoring in our daily lives.
2024 Events:
i.On 4th April 2024, the UN Headquarters in New York, the United States of America (USA) hosted an event
in honour of IDSDP.

• The event convened members from the international sporting community, including
participants from the United Nations Football for the Goals initiative.
ii.To celebrate the IDSDP, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
and Peace and Sport have joined forces to organise a unique event.
• On 4th April 2024, “Athletes Game On for Peace” a UNESCO – Peace and Sport International
Dialogue took place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.
Note: UNESCO is the UN’s lead agency for Physical Education and Sport (PES).
#WhiteCard Campaign:
i.Sports Communities across the globe annually celebrate the IDSDP through the #WhiteCard Campaign.
ii.Initiated by Peace and Sport in 2014, the #WhiteCard Campaign symbolizes the positive impact of sport
on peace and social inclusion.
iii.As a reference to the yellow and the red card in the sporting world, the #WhiteCard invites to promote
peace, especially on the IDSDP.
International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda 2024 – April
7
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in
Rwanda is annually observed across the globe on 7th April to honour the memory of the victims, who
perished during the 1994 genocide.
• The Day serves as a reminder of the profound loss suffered by the Tutsi community, as well as
Hutus and others who opposed the genocide.
7th April 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 in Rwanda.
Background:
i.On 23rd December 2003, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/58/234,
designating 7th April of every year as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda.
ii.The first ever International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda was observed on 7th April
2004, which marked the 10th anniversary of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
Title of the Annual Observance Amended:
i.On 26th January 2018, the UNGA adopted a draft resolution A/72/L.31, designating 7th April as the
International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
ii.On 20th April 2020, the UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/74/273 and:
• Reaffirmed the 7 April as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the
Tutsi in Rwanda;
• Also modified the title of the outreach programme to “outreach programme on the 1994
genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the United Nations.”
1994 Rwandan Genocide:
i.The date, 7 April, marks the beginning of the 1994 genocide which lasted for 100 days till 15th July 1994.
ii.Tragic Events: The genocide saw the systematic murder of over 1 million Tutsi individuals by the Hutu
extremist-led government in just over 100 days.
iii.Victims: The victims were not only Tutsi but also included moderate Hutu and others who opposed the
massacres.
Commemorative Events:
Every year, on or around 7 April, the UN organises commemorative events at its Headquarters in New
York, United States of America (USA) and at UN offices around the world.
UNESCO’s Mission:
i.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is dedicated to fostering
education about genocides.

ii.It aims to sensitise learners about the causes, dynamics, and consequences of such crimes and works to
strengthen resilience against all forms of discrimination.
iii.In 2023, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee recognised 4 genocide memorial sites in Rwanda to the
list of World Heritage Sites: Nyamata, Murambi, Bisesero, and Gisozi, where the Kigali Genocide Memorial
is located.
2024 Events:
i.Marking the 30th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, UNESCO commissioned
an exhibition “Remembering the Genocide of the Tutsi,” from 5 April 2024 to 31 May 2024 at UNESCO
Headquarters, Paris, France.
• The exhibition explores the landscape of each of the 4 sites through individual experiences.
ii.This exhibition created in 2024 by the Aegis Trust, runs the Kigali Genocide Memorial on behalf of
Rwanda’s Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement.
iii.On 7 April 2024, UNESCO organised a ceremony in cooperation with the Permanent Delegation of
Rwanda to UNESCO and Ibuka France in Paris, France.
World Health Day 2024 – April 7

The United Nations (UN) World Health Day is a global health awareness day annually observed across
the globe on 7 April to draw attention to a specific health topic of concern to people worldwide.
• The World Health Day celebration has aimed to create awareness of a specific health theme to
highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization (WHO).
• 7 April 2024 marks the 76th anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.
Theme:
The theme for World Health Day 2024 is ‘My health, my right’.
• The 2024 campaign theme advocates for ensuring universal access to quality health services,
education, information, safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent
working, and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
Background:
i.The 1st World Health Assembly (WHA) in 1948 decided that WHO should sponsor the annual observance
of World Health Day on 22nd July by all States Members.
• Schools and educational institutions were envisioned as important focal points in
commemorating this day.
• On 22nd July, most schools in many countries are closed and ineffective for the observance.
ii.7 April the date of inception of the WHO Constitution in 1948, was chosen as a suitable alternative for
the observance.
iii.The 2nd WHA decided that, beginning from 1950 and each year thereafter the 7 April should
appropriately be observed as World Health Day by all States Members.
Challenges Facing Global Health:
i.Around the world, the right to health of millions is increasingly under threat. Diseases and disasters pose
significant health threats.
ii.Conflicts devastate lives, causing death, pain, hunger, and psychological distress.
iii.Burning fossil fuels contributes to the climate crisis and compromises clean air, with air pollution
(indoor and outdoor) claiming a life every 5 seconds.
Lack of Implementation:
i.Approximately 4.5 billion people (over half of the world’s population) lack full coverage of essential
health services as of 2021.
ii.Approximately 2 billion people face financial hardships due to healthcare costs.

iii.An additional USD 200–328 billion annually is needed globally to scale up primary healthcare in low-
and middle-income countries.
• It is 3.3% of the national forecast Gross domestic product (GDP).
iv.The WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All has found that at least 140 countries recognise
health as a human right in their constitution.
Note: Since 2000, 42 countries improved health service coverage and reduced catastrophic health
spending.
2024 Event:
A high-level dialogue between the WHO Director-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights “Realizing the Right to Health in a World in Turmoil” was organised on 8 April 2024 in Geneva,
Switzerland.
• This dialogue brought together the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,
and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Türk for discussion.
NMC & NTF Launches “My Health, My Rights” Initiative for Medical Students and Professionals
On the occasion of World Health Day 2024 (7 April 2024), the National Medical Commission (NMC) and
the National Task Force on Mental Health and Well-being of Medical Students (NTF) launched an
innovative initiative “My Health, My Rights”. This initiative was coordinated by the NMC Anti-Ragging
Committee.
Note:
• NMC has been constituted by an act of Parliament known as the National Medical Commission
Act, 2019 which came into force on 25 September 2020.
• NMC formed NTF, a task force to tackle mental health-related issues among medical students.
Aim: To address the healthcare issues faced by medical students and professionals.
Points to note:
i.Acknowledging the physical, mental, and emotional toll of the medical profession’s demanding nature,
NMC is committed to establishing a comprehensive support system to ensure access to quality healthcare
and prioritise the well-being of medical students and professionals.
ii.The key components of the initiative are establishment of mental health support services; provision of
confidential counseling and therapy and resources to address stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental
health challenges.
iii.The initiative also introduces wellness programs focusing on physical health and emotional resilience.
iv.Includes yoga, mindfulness meditation, stress management workshops, and nutritional guidance.
About World Health Organisation (WHO):
Director General– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Established in– 7 April 1948
Prevention of Blindness Week 2024 – April 1 – 7

Prevention of Blindness Week is annually observed across India from 1st to 7th April to create
awareness about the factors contributing to blindness and to highlight the importance of lifestyle choices
and regular eye examinations to mitigate the risk of eye ailments.
Prevention of Blindness Week 2024 was observed from 1st to 7th April.
• The annual observance of the Prevention of Blindness Week is led by the National Society for
the Prevention of Blindness(NSPB)-India.
Significance:
i.The observance aims to educate people on various eye injuries, visual impairments, effective preventive
measures, treatment modalities, and potential cures.

ii.The leading causes of vision impairment and blindness include refractive errors; cataracts; diabetic
retinopathy; and glaucoma.
Blindness:
i.Blindness is the inability to see or a lack of vision resulting from infections, accidents, genetic conditions
and other diseases.
ii.Blindness can range from no vision at all to seeing shapes.
Efforts of the Government of India:
i.The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) implemented 3 Blindness Control programmes:
• National Trachoma Control Program -1963,
• National Program for Control of Blindness- 1976,
• National Program for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment-2017.
ii.The government also implements the Mission Mode Cataract Surgery Campaign (Netra Jyoti Abhiyan) –
2022-25 under the Blindness Control program
iii.Bharati Braille Code: GoI has developed and implemented the ‘Bharati Braille Code’ for Indian
languages, used across India to educate children with visual impairments.
Points to note:
i.According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), at least 2.2 billion people across the globe have near
or distant vision impairment. In at least 1 billion of these, vision impairment could have been prevented or
is yet to be addressed.
ii.According to the Census 2011 data, 2,68,14,994 Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) are there in India,
of which 50,33,431 are persons with visual impairments.
About National Society for the Prevention of Blindness(NSPB)-India:
i.The NSPB-India was formed based on the resolution of the National Association for the Blind in 1959. It
was registered on 24th August 1960 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
ii.Then health minister of India, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was elected as the first President of NSPB.
iii.In 1962, then Prime Minister (PM) Jawaharlal Nehru was NSPB’s chief patron.
International Romani Day 2024 – April 8

International Romani Day is annually observed across the globe on 8 April to celebrate Romani culture
and history and raise awareness of the challenges and discrimination issues faced by Europe’s largest
ethnic minority community worldwide.
• The Day commemorates the 1st World Romani Congress, a major international meeting of
Romani representatives held near London (United Kingdom) in the town of Orpington in 1971.
Background:
During the 4th World Romani Congress held in Serock, Poland in 1990, April 8 was officially declared as
International Romani Day.
Why April 8?
On 8th April 1971, the 1st World Romani Congress was held in London, Orpington, Kent, UK. The congress
was organised by members of the Gypsy Council and the Comité International Rom(CIR)..
Points to Note:
i.1st World Romani Congress, the 1st Roma attempt at international cooperation, established the Roma
flag, Roma anthem, and the common name ‘Roma’.
ii.The congress also decided to replace some terms, such as ‘gypsy’, which was being widely used in
Europe despite its negative meaning, with the term ‘Roma’.
About Roma:
i.Roma are Europe’s largest and most discriminated ethnic minority, with 10-12 million Roma living in the
EU and in the enlargement region.

ii.Roma is the general name given to a population that includes other groups, such as the Sinti, the
Manouche, the Romiche, and the Kale, which are scattered worldwide.
iii.Many Roma in Western Europe are migrants from countries such as Poland, Slovakia, the Czech
Republic, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, and the former Yugoslavia.
iv.The Roma originate from the Punjab and Rajasthan areas of India.
• Their ancestors emigrated from India approximately 1000 years ago and traveled through Asia
to Europe and the Americas.
Romani Language:
i.A diaspora language, Romani has traversed through European history since the Middle Ages. It is also
referred to as a ‘non-territorial language,’
ii.It is the only Indo-Aryan variety spoken outside the Indian sub-continent.
iii.Nazi elimination greatly impacted the Roma and Jewish populations in Europe, endangering their
languages.
World Day of Romani Language:
i.In 2015, UNESCO proclaimed 5 November as the World Day of Romani Language at the proposal of the
Republic of Croatia.
ii.The Romani language has about 33,000 words and encompasses 17 dialects, with mutual intelligibility
among speakers.
iii.According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Atlas of the
World’s Languages in Danger:
• Romani is ‘severely endangered’ in Bulgaria and Croatia.
• It is ‘definitely endangered’ in Greece, Italy, France, Poland, and Romania.
EU Roma Strategic Framework 2020-2030:
The EU Roma Strategic Framework 2020-2030 has set targets that include:
i.Reducing the poverty gap between Roma and non-Roma by at least half;
ii.Decreasing the gap in housing deprivation faced by Roma by at least one-third; and
iii.Reducing the proportion of Roma children attending segregated primary schools.
World Homeopathy Day 2024 – April 10

World Homeopathy Day (WHD) is annually observed across the globe on 10 April to raise awareness
about homeopathy, a therapeutic system of Medicine, its principles, and its contributions to global
healthcare.
• WHD also commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr Christian Friedrich Samuel
Hahnemann, a German physician and chemist, who is regarded as the founder of homeopathy.
10th April 2024 marks the 269th birth anniversary of Dr Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann.
• The theme for World Homeopathy Day 2024 is “Homeoparivar: One Health, One Family.”
About Dr Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann:
i.Born on 10 April 1755 in Meissen, Germany, Dr Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann was an acclaimed
scientist, great scholar, and linguist.
ii.In 1790, he translated William Cullen’s A Treatise on the Materia Medica from English to German.
iii.This led him to propose the theory of “Similia similibus curentur” Latin phrase – “law of similarities”
which is the central pillar of homeopathy.
iv.He lectured on homeopathic principles at the University of Leipzig in Germany from 1812-1821.
v.In 1835, he relocated to Paris (France), where he practiced homeopathy until his death in 1843.
About Homeopathy:
i.Homeopathy, also known as homeopathic medicine, is derived from the Greek words homeo, which
means similar, and pathos, which means suffering.

ii.It does not use drugs or surgery. It is based on the principle of “Similia Similibus Curentur” or ‘let likes
be treated by likes.’
• The idea is that a substance that causes certain symptoms in a healthy person can help treat
similar symptoms in someone who is sick.
iii.Homeopathy treatment uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
In India:
i.Homoeopathy came to India as early as 1810 when Dr. Samuel Hahnemann visited India and treated
patients.
ii.The Ayush systems of medicine include Indian systems of medicines like Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy,
Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy.
iii.The Ministry of Ayush was formed on 9 November 2014 with a vision of revitalizing ancient medicinal
wisdom and fostering the growth and dissemination of Ayush systems of healthcare.
Note: The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers Homeopathy as one of the most commonly used
forms of Traditional & Complementary Medicine (T&CM).
2024 Events in India:
i.On 10 April 2024, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a 2-day scientific convention (10 and 11 April
2024) at Yashobhoomi Conventional Centre Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi.
ii.It is organised by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), an autonomous apex
research organization under the Ministry of Ayush.
iii.The theme of the convention is “Empowering Research, Enhancing Proficiency: A Homoeopathic
Symposium”.
Note: During the event, the president felicitated 8 Padma awardees. Further, 17 Central Council for
Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) publications were released.
Objective:
The convention aims to:
• Promote evidence-based scientific treatment in clinical practice and health programs;
• Capacitate the homeopathic community in research-based therapeutics;
• Become a healthcare powerhouse meeting the population’s needs for personalized, safe, and
credible healthcare; and
• Enrich homeopathic medicine with quality diagnostics, therapeutics, and scientific tools for
better patient outcomes.
About Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH):
Union Minister– Sarbananda Sonowal (Rajya Sabha Assam)
Minister of State– Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai (Constituency: Surendranagar, Gujarat)
59th Central Reserve Police Force Valour Day – April 9 2024

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Valour Day also known as Shaurya Diwas is annually
observed across India on 9 April to commemorate the extraordinary valour displayed by the CRPF
soldiers during the Battle of Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, in 1965.
• The Day aims to honour the CRPF personnel and pay tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives
in the line of duty.
9th April 2024 marks the observance of the 59th CRPF Valour Day.
Note: CRPF stands as India’s largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the authority of the
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
History of Valour Day:
i.On April 9, 1965, Operation Desert Hawk was launched by the Pakistani Army, targeting Sardar Post,
with a full-fledged infantry brigade.

ii.In response, a small contingent of 2nd Battalion CRPF successfully fought and repulsed the attack by the
Pakistani brigade on Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
• 34 Pakistani soldiers were killed, and 4 were captured alive during the fierce defence.
• During the conflict, 6 CRPF men attained martyrdom.
iii.As a tribute to the valour of the brave men of the CRPF, 9th April is annually observed as “CRPF Valour
Day” .
Note: The battle of Sardar Post stands as a unique example in military history, where a small contingent of
policemen fought back a full-fledged infantry brigade.
History of CRPF:
i.The CRPF, one of the oldest central paramilitary forces was established on 27th July 1939 as the Crown
Representative Police.
ii.After Independence, this force was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force through an Act of
Parliament on 28th December 1949.
• This legislative action also established the CRPF as an armed entity under the jurisdiction of the
union.
iii.It is the premier central police force for the Union of India for internal security.
Note: With about 2259 supreme sacrifices and 2620 Medals, CRPF remains dedicated to serving the nation
with loyalty and inspiration from past heroic deeds.
2024 Events:
i.The principal event for CRPF Valour Day was observed on 9 April 2024 at the Sardar Post situated right
on the international border in the Great Rann of Kutch.
• The Inspector General of CRPF Western Command Shashikant Upadhyay and Deputy Inspector
General of Police (DIG) Ram Singh paid tributes to the martyred soldiers at Sardar Post in the
Great Rann of Kutch.
• Officers of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) also paid their
respects to the brave souls.
ii.In a solemn ceremony at the National Police Memorial in Chanakya Puri, New Delhi (Delhi), Anish Dayal
Singh, Director General (DG) of CRPF, paid tribute to the fallen heroes.
• He later attended a ceremony at the Shaurya CRPF Officers Institute in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi,
as the Chief Guest.
iii.He graced the ceremony organised to honour 48 Gallantry Medal recipients who were honoured for
their exemplary bravery and 8 other Officers and personnel who were awarded the Asadharan Asuchana
Medal for their commendable service.
Note: Kishan Singh, the lone surviving veteran of the Sardar Post Battle, was felicitated by the DG Anish
Dayal Singh.
About Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF):
Director General– Anish Dayal Singh
National Safe Motherhood Day 2024 – April 11

National Safe Motherhood Day (NSMD) is annually observed across India on 11 April to raise awareness
of the significance of maternal health and wellness, promote maternal health, and reduce maternal
mortality rates in India
• NSMD also assures access to high-quality maternal healthcare services and encourages safe
delivery.
Background:
i.NSMD was initiated by White Ribbon Alliance India (WRA India), a grassroots organization that

advocates for the health and rights of women and newborns.

ii.In 2003, the Government of India (GoI) declared April 11 of every year as the National Safe Motherhood
Day.
• It was declared to emphasise the significance of ensuring that women have access to adequate
care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
iii.The 1st National Safe Motherhood Day was observed on 11 April 2003.
Note: India is supposedly the first country in the world to have officially declared NSMD, dedicated to
promoting maternal health and safety.
Significance of April 11:
i.April 11 commemorates the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi (1869-1944), an Indian political
activist and the wife of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. She was born on 11 April 1869 in Porbandar,
British India (now in Gujarat).
ii.11th April 2024 marks the 155th birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi.
Key Points:
i.According to the United Nations (UN) Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) 2020
report, “Trends in maternal mortality 2000 to 2020”:
• India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined from 384 per 1 lakh live births in 2000 to
103 in 2020.
• Globally, the MMR dropped from 339 in 2000 to 223 in 2020.
• The average annual rate of reduction (ARR) in global MMR from 2000-2020 was 2.07%, while
India saw a decline of 6.36%, which is higher than the global decline.
ii.Maternal deaths in India, as per the Registrar General of India (RGI), decreased steadily from 130 (2014-
16) to 97 (2018-20).
World Parkinson’s Day 2024 – April 11

World Parkinson’s Day (WPD) is annually observed across the globe on 11 April to raise awareness and
advance research toward better therapies and a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD), also known as
“paralysis agitans”
• PD is a chronic degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects both the motor
system and non-motor systems.
• The day commemorates the birth anniversary of English surgeon, Dr James Parkinson (1755 –
1824) who was the first to describe “paralysis agitans”.
Note: He identified Parkinson’s as a as a medical condition and published an article ‘An Essay on the
Shaking Palsy’ in 1817.
Symbol: Red tulip with a fringe of white is the official symbol for Parkinson’s.
Background:
i.The first World Parkinson’s Day (WPD) was held in April 1997.
ii.It was set up by the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (now known as Parkinson’s Europe) and
co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
iii.The 1997 inaugural WPD event marked the launch of the Parkinson’s Europe Charter, uniting people
with Parkinson’s, their families, and healthcare professionals to promote awareness and increase the
profile of Parkinson’s.
Global Impact:
i.WHO formed the working group on Parkinson’s Disease after WPD in 1997, leading to the development
of the first Global Declaration on Parkinson’s Disease.
ii.It was launched in Mumbai, Maharashtra in December 2003 and aimed to change attitudes toward
Parkinson’s.

What is Parkinson’s?
i.It is a neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, the chemical crucial for
movement control.
ii.There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but the quality of life can be improved with various medications,
surgery, and lifestyle choices.
International Day of Human Space Flight 2024 – April 12

The United Nations (UN) International Day of Human Space Flight is annually observed across the globe
on 12 April to celebrate the beginning of the space era for mankind and underscores the pivotal role of
space science and technology in advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) and enhancing the
welfare of nations and individuals.
• It also emphasises the commitment to preserving outer space for peaceful purposes.
Background:
i.On 7 April 2011, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/65/271 and declared
April 12 of every year International Day of Human Space Flight.
ii.The 1st ever International Day of Human Space Flight was observed on 12 April 2011.
Note: The year 2011 marked the 50th anniversary of the first-ever human spaceflight and the 50th
anniversary of the 1st session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
Why April 12?
i.It was on 12 April 1961, the first human space flight was carried out by the Russian cosmonaut Yuri
Gagarin of the Soviet Union.
ii.Yuri Gagarin orbited the Earth once on a Vostok-1 space capsule, the first-ever crewed spacecraft in 108
minutes, and landed near the Russian city of Saratov.
Commemorative Stamp:
On 12 April 2011, the UN Postal Administration issued a series of special commemorative stamps at each
of its offices in New York, United States of America (USA), Geneva (Switzerland), and Vienna (Austria),
including a stamp featuring an iconic image of Yuri Gagarin.
Some Key Milestones in Space Exploration:
i.Sputnik I, the first human-made Earth satellite, launched into outer space in 1957.
ii.Russia’s Valentina Tereshkova became the 1st woman to orbit the Earth in 1963.
iii.American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the 1st human to set foot upon the surface of the Moon
in 1969.
iv.Apollo-Soyuz spacecraft docked on 17 July 1975, the first international human mission in space.
v.The first piece of the International Space Station (ISS) was launched in November 1998. A Russian
proton rocket launched the Russian Zarya control module.
UN and Space Exploration:
i.Since the beginning of the Space Age, the UN recognised the significance of outer space for humanity’s
progress.
ii.The UN aims to leverage outer space’s unique advantages for the collective welfare of humanity.
Early Resolutions and Treaties:
i.In 1958, the UNGA adopted its 1st resolution 1348 (XIII) entitled “Question of the Peaceful Use of Outer
Space” addressing the Peaceful Use of Outer Space.
ii.The pivotal “Magna Carta of Space” or the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the
Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, came into effect on 10
October 1967.

Role of UNOOSA:
i.The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is the UN office that spearheads
international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space.
ii.It serves as the secretariat for the UNGA’s only Committee, the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of
Outer Space (COPUOS), dealing exclusively with international cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer
Space.
iii.Additionally, UNOOSA implements the Secretary-General’s duties under international space law and
maintains the UN Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space.
About United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA):
Director– Aarti Holla-Maini
Headquarters– Vienna, Austria
International Day for Street Children 2024 – April 12

The International Day for Street Children (IDSC) is annually observed across the globe on 12 April to
raise awareness about the challenges faced by millions of children living on the streets worldwide.
• The observance of IDSC is led by the Consortium for Street Children (CSC). Each year the CSC
decides on a theme for IDSC to promote the needs of street children globally.
Note: CSC is the only global network that raises the voices of street children and creates long-term change
to ensure they are not overlooked.
Theme:
The theme of International Day for Street Children 2024 is, “Belonging.”
• The 2024 theme centers on fostering a sense of belonging for street-connected children within
their communities, countries, and cultures.
• It emphasises the responsibility of governments and communities to safeguard the rights of
these children in both policy and practice.
Significance:
i.IDSC provides an opportunity to amplify the voices of street-connected children and their champions,
ensuring their rights and well-being are protected.
ii.IDSC commemorates the strength and resilience of millions of street-connected children globally.
Background:
i.The 1st-ever International Day for Street Children was launched by CSC on 12th April 2011.
ii.Since 2012, the Day has been celebrated globally to acknowledge the humanity, dignity, and defiance
exhibited by street children in the face of trouble.
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC):
i.In 1989, world leaders made a historic commitment to the world’s children by adopting the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), an international agreement on childhood.
ii.Entered into force on 2 September 1990, the Convention defines everyone under the age of 18 as a child.
iii.It became the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history and has helped transform the lives of
children around the world.
iv.It explains who children are, all their rights, and the responsibilities of governments.
Campaign for Equality:
i.Since 2018, CSC’s global advocacy campaign, known as “The 4 Steps to Equality”, has provided a
framework for governments to ensure that street children can access all their rights under the CRC.
ii.The 4 Steps to Equality urges governments to implement the UN General Comment No. 21 on Children in
Street Situations fully, ensuring equality and protection for street-connected children.
iii.The 4 Steps to Equality are:

• Commit to Equality
• Protect Every Child
• Provide Access to Services
• Create Specialised Solutions
40th Siachen Day – 13 April 2024

Siachen Day is annually observed by the Indian Army on 13 April to
commemorate Operation Meghdoot launched by the Indian Army on 13 April 1984.
• The Day honours the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Army soldiers serving at the highest
and coldest battlefield in the world, the Siachen Glacier, a part of the Union Territory (UT)
Ladakh, located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas.
13th April 2024 marks the 40th year of Indian Army’s presence at Siachen Glacier.
Operation Meghdoot:
i.Operation Meghdoot was an Indian military operation launched to secure control of the entire Siachen
Glacier in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) (now in the northern Ladakh region).
ii.It marked the first assault on the world’s highest battlefield, resulting in Indian troops gaining control of
the entire Siachen Glacier.
iii.The escalation of Pakistan’s activities in Ladakh prompted India to take action to safeguard its interests.
iv.The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a pivotal role in this operation.
• The operation involved airlifting Indian Army soldiers, with IAF helicopters operating in the
area.
Points to note:
i.Both India and Pakistan maintain a permanent military presence in the region at a height of over 6,000
meters (20,000 feet).
ii.IAF helicopters has been operating in the Siachen Glacier since 1978, flying the Chetak helicopters, the
1st IAF helicopter to land in the Glacier in October 1978.
Operation Meghdoot:
The permission for Operation Meghdoot was given by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
ii.Major R S Sandhu and Captain Sanjay Kulkarni of 4 Kumaon, along with one platoon, were deployed via
helicopter near Bilafond La on 13 April 1984.
iii.Sia La was occupied by 17 April 1984, marking a significant milestone in the operation.
iv.Colonel Narendra Kumar(known as Bull), Indian soldier and mountaineer, played a major role in the
launch of Operation Meghdoot to secure the Siachen Heights.
v.The operation resulted in India gaining 70 kilometers long Siachen Glacier and all of its tributary
glaciers, as well as 3 main passes of the Saltoro Ridge immediately west of the glacier, Sia La, Bilafond La,
and Gyong La.
vi.Currently, the Indian Army remains the first and only army in the world to have taken tanks and other
heavy ordnance up to an altitude range of over 5000 meters.
105th Anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre – 13 April 2024

13th April 2024 marks the 105th Anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (also known as
the Amritsar Massacre), held on 13 April 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab, British India (now in Punjab).
• The Day aims to honour the victims of the massacre and this tragic event also served as a pivotal
moment in India’s fight for independence.
About the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre:
i.On 13 April 1919, on the day of Baisakhi, thousands of people gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh Garden in
Amritsar for a political meeting to protest against the Rowlatt Act; and the arrest of pro-independence

activists Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew.

ii.In response, the acting Brigadier-General, Colonel Reginald Edward Harry Dyer deployed his 50
troopers, blocked the exits, and opened fire on unarmed civilians attending a peaceful gathering.
iii.He opened fire on the gathering, to strictly enforce the Martial Law prevailing that was in effect at
Amritsar during the time.
iv.The firing continued for approximately 10 minutes; in all 1650 rounds were fired.
• It killed an estimated 379 people including men, women, and children, and injured over a
thousand more.
Rowlatt Act:
i.The British colonial government passed the Rowlatt Act, officially known as the Anarchical and
Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, based on the recommendations of the Sedition Committee, under Mr
Justice Rowlatt.
• The Act was passed to suppress the increasing nationalist movement in India.
ii.It was a highly controversial piece of legislation that granted the government the power to arrest and
detain Indian citizens without trial for 2 years.
About Jallianwala Bagh Memorial:
i.The Jallianwala Bagh public garden in Amritsar houses a memorial of national importance, established by
the Government of India in 1951 to commemorate the massacre.
ii.The memorial is managed by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust.
Monuments and Structures:
i.The garden houses a Flame of Liberty Memorial, inaugurated by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra
Prasad, on April 13, 1961.
• It comprises a 30-foot-high central pylon standing in the middle of a shallow tank.
• Designed by American architect Benjamin Polk, it was built out of red sandstone, its structure
has been made from 300 slabs, with the Ashok Chakra etched on them
ii.The memorial also features a Gallery, Museum, and Memorial Monuments that provide insights into the
historical context and significance of the massacre.
Formation of the Hunters Commission:
i.On 14 October 1919, the Government of India established the Disorders Inquiry Committee, commonly
known as the Hunter Commission.
• It was established after orders issued by the Secretary of State for India, Edwin Montagu.
ii.Named after its chairman, Lord William Hunter, former Solicitor-General for Scotland, the commission
was tasked to investigate the Jallianwala Bagh shootings.
iv.The Hunter Commission’s final report was released in March 1920. The report unanimously condemned
Dyer, but no punitive action was taken.
World Chagas Disease Day 2024 – April 14

World Chagas Disease Day (WCDD) is annually observed across the globe on 14 April to raise awareness
about Chagas Disease (also known as American trypanosomiasis), a neglected tropical disease (NTD)
that can cause serious heart and digestive issues.
• WCDD also aims to improve early detection, expand diagnostic coverage, and provide equitable
access to clinical care for Chagas Disease.
Theme:
The theme for WCDD 2024 is “Tackling Chagas Disease: Detect Early and Care for Life.”
• The theme focuses on increasing public awareness of Chagas disease, securing funding,
supporting early diagnosis, and lifelong follow-up of people affected by the disease.

Background:
i.In 2019, the 72nd World Health Assembly declared the 14 April of every year as World Chagas Disease
Day.
ii.The first-ever World Chagas Disease Day was observed on 14 April 2020.
Why April 14?
On 14 April 1909, a Brazilian physician and researcher Carlos Justiniano Ribeiro Chagas diagnosed
the 1st human case of the disease in a 2-year-old child, Berenice Soares de Moura of Brazil.
• The disease is named after Carlos Justiniano Ribeiro Chagas.
Chagas Disease:
i.Chagas disease is an infectious and potentially life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan
parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). It is also known as a “silent or silenced disease” due to often mild
or absent symptoms.
ii.Chagas disease, prevalent in continental Latin America, is increasingly detected globally.
iii.The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised Chagas disease as an NTD in 2005.
Note: According to WHO, approximately 6-7 million people are infected with Chagas disease globally with
about 12,000 deaths annually; and 30,000 to 40,000 new cases every year.
Transmission and Endemic Areas:
i.Chagas disease is found mainly in endemic areas of 21 continental Latin American countries.
ii.It has been primarily transmitted to humans by contact with feces or urine of triatomine bugs (vector-
borne), known as ‘kissing bugs‘.
iii.It can also be transmitted orally (food-borne), during pregnancy or birth (congenital), through
blood/blood products, organ transplantation, and laboratory accidents.
Challenges:
i.Chagas disease is curable if antiparasitic treatment is initiated early, in the acute phase.
ii.Chronic infection requires ongoing treatment and follow-up to prevent disease progression and
transmission.
iii.Chronic Chagas disease can cause serious heart or digestive complications.
iv.Up to a third of people with chronic infection develop cardiac alterations and 1 in 10 develop digestive,
neurological or mixed alterations
Preventive Strategies:
i.Vector control in Latin America.
ii.Blood screening before transfusion and transplantation.
iii.Testing and treating girls, women of reproductive age, newborns, and siblings of infected mothers.
iv.Information, education, and communication for communities and health professionals.
Medications for Treatment:
i.Benznidazole and Nifurtimox: Kill the parasite and are most effective in the acute phase.
ii.Efficacy diminishes with prolonged infection; Adverse reactions are more frequent in older age.
Treatment Considerations:
i.Not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with kidney/liver failure.
ii.Nifurtimox is contraindicated for those with neurological or psychiatric disorders.
About World Health Organisation (WHO):
Director General– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Established on– 7 April 1948

National Fire Service Day 2024 – April 14

National Fire Service Day is annually observed across India on 14th April and the National Fire Service
Week is annually observed from 14th to 20th April to honour the firefighters who lost their lives in the
line of duty and to educate the public and students about fire safety practices.
• The observance pays homage to the martyrs who lost their lives during the Bombay Dock
explosion on 14th April 1944 at the Victoria Dock in Bombay Port(now Mumbai, Maharashtra).
The theme of National Fire Service Day 2024/National Fire Service Week 2024 is “Ensure Fire
Safety, Contribute towards Nation Building”.
Note: 14th April 2024 marks the 80th Anniversary of the dock explosion.
Background:
In 1965, during its 11th meeting, Standing Fire Advisory Council (SFAC) designated 14th April of every
year as the National Fire Service Day and the week following the day as “National Fire Service Week to
commemorate the 1944 Dock Explosion.
About 1944 Bombay Dock explosion:
i.On 14th April 1944, the ship “SS Fort Stikins” stocked with a cargo of explosives docked at No 1 Victoria
Dock, Bombay Port exploded.
ii.The explosion killed around 231 people and around 476 were injured. This includes around 66 firemen.
World Quantum Day 2024 – 14 April

World Quantum Day is annually observed across the globe on 14 April to raise public awareness and
understanding of quantum science and technology around the world.
14 April 2024 marks the observance of the 3rd World Quantum Day.
Background:
i.The World Quantum Day was launched on 14 April 2021, as an initiative from quantum scientists from
over 65 countries around the World.
ii.The first-ever global World Quantum Day was observed on 14 April 2022.
Why April 14?
i.The World Quantum Day falls on April 14 (4/14 in month/day format), a reference to 4.14,
the rounded first digits of Planck’s constant.
ii.Planck’s constant, 4.1356677×10^−15 electron volt second (eV.s) = 0.000 000 000 000 004 1356677
eV.s.
iii.It is a fundamental constant in quantum physics, representing the product of energy and time.
Note: On 2 May 2023, the United States of America (USA) Senate passed a bipartisan resolution introduced
by Senators Todd Young and Maggie Hassan to commemorate and support the goals of World Quantum
Day.
Significance:
i.World Quantum Day is decentralised and bottom-up initiative, involving scientists, engineers, educators,
communicators, entrepreneurs, etc, and encourages participation from various fields.
ii.It is a day to celebrate the language of the universe, the language of quantum mechanics.
iii.Quantum mechanics is the fundamental theory in physics, describing the behaviour of elementary
particles, the building blocks of the world.
Objectives:
i.Foster public engagement in Quantum Science and Technology.
ii.Illuminate its role in understanding nature and technological advancements.
iii.Anticipate future scientific, and technological revolutions and societal impacts.
2024 Event in India:
i.India commemorated World Quantum Day 2024 on April 14, 2024, showcasing its commitment to

becoming a global leader in Quantum Science and Technology.

ii.Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, underscored the
transformative potential of quantum technology.
The National Quantum Mission (NQM):
i.NQM, conceptualised and propelled by the Prime Minister Science Technology Advisory Council (PM-
STIAC), received Cabinet approval on 19 April 2023 with a total outlay of Rs 6003.65 crore for 8 years.
ii.NQM aims to catalyse scientific and industrial Research and Development (R&D), fostering a robust
ecosystem for Quantum Technology (QT) in India.
World Art Day 2024 – April 15

World Art Day (WAD) is annually observed across the globe on 15 April to raise awareness of the variety
of artistic expressions, acknowledge the role of artists in sustainable development, and strengthen the
bond between artistic creations and society.
• The celebration of WAD focuses on the promotion, development, diffusion, and enjoyment of
art.
The day is annually led by the International Association of Art/Association Internationale des Arts
Plastiques (IAA/AIAP), in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO).
Note: IAA/AIAP is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) working in official partnership with UNESCO.
Background:
i.In April 2011, the IAA/AIAP during its 17th General Assembly in Guadalajara, Mexico, unanimously
adopted the initiative presented by the Turkish National Committee to proclaim 15 April, as World Art
Day.
ii.The first World Art Day was observed on 15 April 2012.
iii.World Art Day was also proclaimed at the 40th session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 2019.
iv.Artists for A Better World (AFABW) International member, Becky Mate founded World Art Day locally
in 1998 and has championed the celebration every year since.
Note:
i.The Day has been made official in Los Angeles (LA), United States of America (USA) by a proclamation of
the LA City Council.
ii.LA is one of the world’s greatest centers of art education and is home to the first USA chapter of
IAA/AIAP.
Why April 15?
i.The date of April 15 was chosen to commemorate and honour the birth anniversary of world-famous
artist Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian polymath.
ii.Born on 15th April 1452, Leonardo da Vinci was recognised as a champion of freedom of expression,
tolerance, and brotherhood.
• Some of his notable works include Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, Lady with an Ermine, Portrait of
Ginevra Benci, etc.
UNESCO works of art collection:
i.UNESCO’s art collection traces back to the 1950s with the construction of its Headquarters in Paris
(France), designed by Marcel Breuer, Luigi Nervi, and Bernard Zehrfuss.
ii.Notable contemporary artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Henry Moore were commissioned to
decorate the building.
iii.The collection expanded through purchases until the 1980s. Artists like Alberto Giacometti, Carlos Cruz-
Diez, and Jesus Rafael Soto contributed.

iv.Currently, UNESCO boasts the largest art collection within the United Nations (UN) system, with over
700 works (old and modern) of artistic diversity from around the world.
2024 Event:
i.UNESCO organised an online World Art Day Forum “Art and Human Dignity” on 15 April 2024, in
partnership with Global Peace Education Network.
ii.The online forum was directed and hosted by Dr Guila Clara Kessous, UNESCO Artist for Peace,
Ambassador for Peace of the Universal Circle of Ambassadors of Peace (Geneva, Switzerland).
About International Association of Art (IAA/AIAP):
It was established in Beirut, Lebanon in 1948 at the 3rd General Conference of UNESCO. It became an
independent organization in 1954 and was declared a UNESCO partner.
President– Kwang Soo Lee (Korea)
Headquarters– Paris, France
World Voice Day 2024 – April 16

World Voice Day (WVD) is a global campaign annually observed across the globe on 16th April to
celebrate the phenomenon of voice. WVD also aims to spread awareness of the importance of the human
voice and the preventive care it requires.
• WVD is a special day of awareness, recognition, and celebration of the human voice.
World Voice Day 2024 campaign was observed under the motto/theme, “Resonate. Educate.
Celebrate!”
• The theme was chosen by the Voice Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-
Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) to emphasise various aspects of voice care and
rehabilitation.
Note: AAO-HNS is one of the world’s largest organisations representing specialists who treat the ears,
nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.
Background:
i.The concept of dedicating a day to celebrate the voice began in Brazil in 1999 by the Brazilian Society of
Laryngology and Voice (SBLV).
ii.A multidisciplinary group, comprised of physicians, speech-language pathologists, and singing voice
therapists, established the Brazilian National Voice Day on 16th April 1999.
iii.In 2002, Professor Mario Andrea, a Portuguese laryngologist and the then President of the European
Laryngological Society proposed the idea of celebrating the Day as a global event.
iv.The celebration officially became “World Voice Day” in 2002 with the recognition of the event by AAO-
HNS, spearheaded by the Speech, Voice, and Swallowing Disorders Committee.
Note: AAO-HNS has sponsored the United States of America (US) observance of WVD since its inception in
2002.
Significance:
i.WVD aims to demonstrate the huge significance of the voice in our daily lives.
• The voice serves as a vital tool for communication and intersects with various disciplines such
as physics, psychology, phonetics, art, and biology.
ii.WVD encourages everyone (young and old), to assess their vocal health and take action to improve or
maintain good voice habits.
Objectives of WVD:
• Global awareness regarding voice problem prevention.
• Training and maintaining the artistic voice.
• Raise awareness about voice-related professions on voice care.
• Highlight the role of otolaryngology in the diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders.

• Educate about risk factors for laryngeal cancer.

About American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS):
President– Douglas D. Backous
President-elect– Troy D. Woodard
Headquarters– Alexandria, Virginia (USA)
World Hemophilia Day 2024 – April 17

World Hemophilia Day (WHD) is annually observed across the globe on 17 April to raise awareness
about Hemophilia, an inherited bleeding disorder, and other bleeding disorders that prevent blood from
clotting properly.
• WHD also serves as a platform to advocate for improved treatment and support globally.
• The annual observance of WHD is organised by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH).
Theme:
The theme of World Hemophilia Day 2024 is “Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding
disorders”.
i.The 2024 theme emphasises recognising all bleeding disorders and promoting equitable access to care.
ii.The WFH envisions “Treatment for All,” ensuring universal access to care for people with bleeding
disorders (PWBDs) irrespective of gender, age, or geographical location.
Objective:
i.Promote the crucial need for coordinated and concerted efforts towards achieving the WFH vision of
“Treatment for all.”
ii.Draw attention to the key issues surrounding hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
Background:
i.World Hemophilia Day was started in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH).
ii.The 1st ever World Haemophilia Day was observed on 17 April 1989.
Why April 17?
i.The day marks the birth anniversary of Frank Schnabel, the founder of WFH.
ii.Frank Schnabel is a Canadian businessman born with severe hemophilia A.
Light it Up Red! Campaign:
i.Light It Up Red is a campaign championed by the WFH to help raise awareness of hemophilia.
ii.Lighting up a building or landmark in red in cities across the world will help bring attention to those
affected by inherited bleeding disorders.
What is Hemophilia?
i.Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder characterised by an insufficient clotting factor in the blood. It is
considered a rare disease.
• A clotting factor is a protein in blood that controls bleeding.
ii.People with hemophilia (PWH) do not bleed faster than normal, but their bleeding lasts longer.
Note: The WFH estimates that over 75% of expected people living with hemophilia worldwide have not
yet been identified and diagnosed.
Types of Hemophilia:
Hemophilia A (Classic Hemophilia): Lack of clotting factor VIII (factor eight). Incidence: about 21 in
100,000 males.
Hemophilia B (Christmas Disease): Lack of clotting factor IX (factor nine). Incidence: about 4 in 100,000
males. It is named after Stephen Christmas, the 1st person diagnosed with the condition in 1952.
Note: Hemophilia B is a less common type but the result is the same for people with hemophilia A.

Causes:
i.Hemophilia is usually inherited and results from mutations in clotting factor genes. Mutations prevent
proper clotting protein function or result in its absence.
ii.The hemophilia gene is passed down from parent to child. The genes for hemophilia A and B are on the X
chromosome.
• Hence hemophilia is called an X-linked disorder.
WFH 2024 World Congress:
i.WFH and La Federación Española de Hemofilia (Fedhemo) announced the WFH 2024 World Congress at
the IFEMA Convention Centre in Madrid, Spain from April 21 to 24 2024.
ii.This event will be the most comprehensive international event on bleeding disorders in 2024.
• It will bring together the global bleeding disorders community, PWBDs, and other stakeholders
in one place.
About World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH):
WFH is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving and sustaining care for people with inherited
bleeding disorders around the world.
President– Cesar Garrido (Venezuela)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Alain Baumann
Headquarters– Québec, Canada
Established in 1963
International Day For Monuments and Sites 2024 – April 18

International Day For Monuments and Sites (IDMS) also known as World Heritage Day is annually
observed across the globe on 18 April to encourage local communities and individuals across the world to
recognise the significance of cultural heritage in their lives, identities, and communities.
Theme:
The theme for International Day for Monuments and Sites 2024 is “Disasters & Conflicts Through the
Lens of the Venice Charter.”
• The theme for IDMS is annually proposed by the International Council for Monuments and Sites
(ICOMOS).
• The theme has been chosen to mark the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter (31 May
2024).
Venice Charter: The Venice Charter was established in 1964 by the 2nd International Congress of
Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments. It is an international charter with a set of guidelines for
the conservation and restoration of historic monuments and sites worldwide.
Background:
i.The International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS) was first established in 1982 by the International
Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
ii.ICOMOS’ establishment of IDMS was approved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) at its 22nd General Conference in 1983.
iii.IDMS was first observed in 1983 by UNESCO.
ICOMOS Scientific Symposium 2024:
i.The 2024 ICOMOS Annual General Assembly, Advisory Committee meetings (Scientific Council, National
Committees, and Advisory Committee), and Scientific Symposium will take place in Ouro Preto, Brazil,
from 10 to 17 November 2024,
ii.ICOMOS will launch its new Triennial Scientific Plan (TSP) 2024-2027 during the 2024 Annual General
Assembly.

• ICOMOS set the theme “Disaster and Conflict Resilient Heritage – Preparedness, Response,
and Recovery” for its TSP (TSP) 2024-2027.
iii.The 2024 Scientific Symposium of the ICOMOS General Assembly, provides a platform to transition
from the current TSP 2021-2024 (Climate Change Reboot) to TSP 2024-2026.
iv.The Symposium will explore the theme “Revisiting the Venice Charter: Critical Perspectives and
Contemporary Challenges.”
Objective:
i.The Symposium aims to revisit the Venice Charter in a contemporary context, focusing on 5 key sub-
themes:
• Historical Context and Heritage Concepts;
• A Cross-Cutting Approach Between Conventions;
• Universalism and diversity: Rereading the Doctrinal Documents from Diverse Perspectives;
• Contemporary Challenges in Heritage Discourse; and
• Disaster and Conflict Resilient Heritage
ii.The Symposium will also emphasise the Eurocentric origins of the Venice Charter and advocate for a
critical rereading.
Key Points:
i.At present, there are 42 World Heritage sites in India, out of which 34 are cultural sites, 7 are natural
sites and 1 is mixed sites.
ii.The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (Karnataka) and Santiniketan(West Bengal) were added to
UNESCO’s World Heritage list of 2023.
• It consists of the shrines in Beluru and Halebidu in the Hassan district, and Somnathapura in the
Mysuru district of Karnataka.
• The 3 temples on the list were enlisted as the ‘The Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas’
iii.The “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” will be India’s nomination for recognition on the UNESCO
World Heritage List for the year 2024-25.
iv.The 12 parts of this nomination are:
• Salher fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg,
Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra; and
• Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu
About International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS):
ICOMOS, a non-governmental organisation, was founded in 1965 after the adoption of the Charter of
Venice.
President– Teresa Patricio (Belgium)
Secretary General– Jurn Buisman (Netherlands)
Treasurer General– Cyrill von Planta (Austria)
Headquarters– Paris, France
World Liver Day 2024 – April 19

World Liver Day (WLD) is annually observed across the globe on 19 April to raise awareness about the
importance of liver health and to prevent and manage liver diseases.
• WLD aims to encourage a healthier lifestyle, proper diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful
substances to maintain liver health.
The theme of World Liver Day 2024 is ‘Be Vigilant, Get Regular Liver Check-Ups and Prevent Fatty
Liver Diseases.’
Note: The 2024 theme emphasises the urgency for combined action in mitigating the impact of liver
diseases, particularly fatty liver diseases, a growing health concern globally.

Global Impact:
i.In 2019, India launched WLD to raise awareness about liver-related diseases. In 2023 the major liver
associations expand this initiative worldwide.
ii.Prominent liver health organisations worldwide jointly urging the World Health Organization (WHO) to
officially recognise April 19th as World Liver Day.
iii.The collaboration of the organisations are as follows:
• The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL);
• The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL);
• The American Association for the Study of the Liver Diseases (AASLD);
• The Asociacion Latinoamericana para el Estudio del Higado (ALEH); and
• The Society on Liver Disease in Africa (SOLDA)
Liver:
i.The liver is the second largest organ in the human body. It weighs about 1,200–1,500 grams.
ii.It is a critical organ located in the upper right part of the belly (abdomen), beneath the diaphragm, and
on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines.
iii.It is capable of regenerating itself with just 25% of healthy liver tissue.
iv.The liver performs over 500 vital functions including Metabolism, Immunity, Digestion, Detoxification,
and Vitamin storage.
Key Facts:
i.Each year, thousands of people are affected by liver disease. 1.5 billion people live with chronic liver
disease, and 2 million lives are lost yearly.
ii.In 2020, 905,700 individuals were diagnosed with liver cancer, and 830,200 lost their lives to this
disease.
iii.Liver cancer ranked among the top 3 causes of cancer-related deaths in 46 countries. Without action,
cases could rise by 55% from 2020 to 2040.
UN Chinese Language Day 2024 – April 20

The United Nations (UN) Chinese Language Day is annually observed across the globe on 20 April to
promote and celebrate the Chinese language, one of the 6 official languages of the UN.
• On 20 April 2024, the UN celebrated the 15th annual Chinese Language Day.
Goals of UN Chinese Language Day:
i.Showcase Chinese characters’ beauty in traditional and contemporary art forms.
ii.Promote dialogue and cultural exchange among civilizations through the sharing of ideas.
Background:
i.In 2010, the UN Department of Public Information (now the Department of Global Communications)
announced the launch of the UN Language Day to commemorate multilingualism and cultural diversity
while advocating for the equal usage of all 6 official languages within the Organisation.
ii.The 1st ever UN Chinese Day was observed on 12 November 2010 and since 2011, the day has been
observed on 20th April.
Why April 20?
i.The date April 20 was selected from Guyu (“Rain of Millet”), which is the 6th of 24 solar terms in the
traditional East Asian calendars, to pay tribute to Cangjie. In the Gregorian calendar, it usually begins
around April 20.
ii.Cangjie is an ancient figure and the ancestor of Chinese characters. He was claimed to be an official
historian of the Yellow Emperor and credited with inventing Chinese characters.

Chinese at the UN:

i.Chinese became the official language of the UN in 1946 but was initially not commonly used in the work
of the UN.
ii.Its usage increased after restoring the People’s Republic of China’s rights in the UN in 1971.
iii.The UN General Assembly (UNGA) recognised Chinese as a working language in 1973, followed by the
Security Council in 1974.
iv.Today, Chinese is increasingly utilised by UN offices and staff members.
Key Facts:
i.When the UN was established in 1945, Chinese was identified as one of its official language.
ii.Chinese is widely recognised as the most spoken language globally.
iii.Among the 6 official languages of the UN, Chinese is the only language that has study activities in its
native country China.
iv.In 2009, UNESCO included Chinese calligraphy, a tradition spanning over 3,000 years in the
Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
2024 Events:
The Permanent Mission of China to the UN, the Chinese Translation Service of the UN Headquarters, and
the UN Staff Cultural and Entertainment Council Chinese Book Club organized some events to promote the
Chinese language in the UN multilateral diplomacy.
i.On April 18, 2024, the UN China Book Club organised an event “Conversation and Joy, Harmony and
Coexistence” to celebrate the 15th UN Chinese Language Day.
• This event was divided into 3 parts: Chinese music, language lectures, and round-table
discussions.
ii.An Exhibition titled, “Chinese Characters: A Journey of Creation, Connection And Harmony“, has
been organised from 19th – 26th April 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York.
• It is co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of China to the UN, the Nanjing Municipal People’s
Government, the Chinese Language Section of the UNGA Department, and the UN China
Calligraphy Society.
iii.The Documentation Division presents an Exhibition titled, “The 24 Solar Terms: Fifth Great
Invention of Ancient China” sponsored by the Chinese Translation Service from April 8th – April 19th,
2024 at Albano Building Hall, in New York.
iv.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organised an exhibition
celebrating UN Chinese Language Day from 15-19 April 2024 in Paris, France.
Note: In addition, the UN offices in Geneva (Switzerland), Bangkok (Thailand), Nairobi (Kenya), Vienna
(Austria), and other UN agencies also hold events to celebrate the UN Chinese Language Day.
Other UN Language Days:
• Arabic Language Day: December 18
• English Language Day: April 23
• Russian Language Day: June 6
• Spanish Language Day: April 23
• French Language Day: March 20
National Civil Services Day 2024 – April 21

National Civil Services Day is annually observed across India on 21 April to recognise and acknowledge the
crucial role that civil servants play in the nation’s development.
• National Civil Services Day is an occasion for civil servants to recommit themselves to serving
the nation excellently.
• 21 April 2024 marks the observance of the 17th National Civil Services Day.

Background:
i.In 2006, India’s then Prime Minister (PM), Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated an event to mark the ‘Civil
Services Day.’
• The 61 All India and Central Civil Services, including 15 non-technical and 20 technical services,
were collectively observing the day.
ii.The 1st National Civil Services Day celebrations were held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi (Delhi) on 21
April 2006.
Why April 21?
The government of India has decided to mark the 21st April as the National Civil Services Day to
commemorate the day on which India’s first home minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel addressed the
newly formed and newly appointed Administrative Service Officers at the Metcalfe House, Delhi in 1947.
• During his address, he referred to the civil service officers as the “steel frame of India“.
Prime Minister’s Awards Scheme:
i.Civil Services Day provides an opportunity to express gratitude to civil officials for their contributions to
society.
ii.On this occasion, the PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are conferred on
Districts/Implementing Units for their outstanding performance in priority programs and innovation.
iii.These awards scheme, initiated in 2006, acknowledge, recognize, and reward the extraordinary and
innovative work done by Districts/ Organizations of the Central and State Governments.
Evolution of the Award Scheme:
i.The scheme was restructured in 2014 to highlight District Collectors’ performance in Priority Programs,
Innovations, and Aspirational Districts.
ii.The scheme was further revamped in 2020, to recognise District Collectors’ performance toward the
District’s economic development.
iii.It was redesigned in 2021 to foster constructive competition, innovation, and replication of best
practices.
Current Restructuring:
i.The scheme is now being restructured to recognise the performance of the District Collector,
emphasising individual beneficiaries and saturation implementation.
ii.Evaluation criteria include Good Governance, Qualitative, and Quantitative parameters.
PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration Scheme 2023:
i.For the year 2023, the award scheme aims to recognise the contribution of civil servants in 2 categories:
• Category -1: Holistic Development of Districts under 12 priority sector programs. Under this
category, 10 awards would be conferred.
• Category 2: Innovations for Central Ministries/Departments States, Districts. Under this
category, 6 awards would be conferred.
ii.The contribution of civil servants in the holistic development of the District is under the following
schemes:
• Har Ghar Jal Yojana
• Pradhan Mantri (PM) Awas Yojana (Gramin)
• PM Awas Yojana (Urban)
• Mission Indradhanush
• PM-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
• PM Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
• PM SVANidhi
• PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
• PM Vishvakarma Yojana

• PM MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)

• PM Poshan Yojana
• Kisan Credit Card Scheme for Farmers, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries
iii.The total number of Awards under the PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2023 would
be 16.
iv.The PM of India confers the PM’s Awards on Civil Services Day.
Note: Between 2019-2023, 62 Awards were conferred.
The PM’s Awards, 2023 Components:
• Trophy
• Scroll
• Incentive of Rs. 20 lakh to the District/organization.
Purpose of the Incentive:
Utilisation for implementation of project/program or bridging resource gaps in public welfare areas.
World Creativity and Innovation Day 2024 – April 21

The United Nations (UN) World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) is annually observed across the
globe on 21 April to raise awareness about the role of creativity and innovation in all aspects of human
development.
• Every year, WCID champions the importance of a creative mindset in advancing the
17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN.
Purpose of the Day:
i.WCID encourages individuals to leverage their creativity for societal and personal betterment.
ii.It emphasises the significance of innovative thinking in fostering sustainability and improving quality of
life.
Background:
i.Citizens and organisations in more than 50 countries across the world observe 21 April of every year as
World Creativity and Innovation Day. WCID was first commemorated on 21 April 2002.
ii.On 27 April 2017, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/71/284 and
proclaimed the 21 April of every year as World Creativity and Innovation Day.
iii.The 1st UN-recognised WCID was observed on 21st April 2018.
Reshaping Policies for Creativity:
i.According to the 3rd edition of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s
(UNESCO) Global Report, ” Re|Shaping Policies for Creativity – Addressing Culture as a global public good
(2022):”
• Culture and creativity account for 3.1% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 6.2% of
employment.
• Exports of cultural goods and services doubled in value, but the creative economy remains
vulnerable.
ii.The report offers data and policy recommendations for fostering creative ecosystems that contribute to
a sustainable world by 2030 and beyond.
Green Innovation for Sustainable Future:
Green technologies are crucial for achieving SDGs by reducing carbon footprints.
• It offers economic opportunities but requires decisive action, especially in developing countries.
World Creativity & Innovation Week (WCIW):
i.WCIW is a week-long celebration of creativity and innovation that takes place annually across the globe
from April 15 to 21.

ii.The observance begins with the birth anniversary of Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci (April 15)
(1452-1519) and ends on WCID (April 21), which is dedicated to the 17 SDGs.
iii.WCIW 2024 was observed from 15 to 21 April 2024.
International Mother Earth Day 2024 – April 22

The United Nations (UN) International Mother Earth Day (or Earth Day) is annually observed across
the globe on 22nd April to recognise the relationship between humans and nature in the ecosystems.
• The day highlights the need to protect and enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate
change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity.
Theme:
According to Earthday.org, the theme of Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics.
• The theme underlines the need for collective action to repair and heal the Earth’s ecosystems,
combat climate change, and preserve biodiversity.
Significance:
This marks the third Mother Earth Day celebrated within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021 –
2030 which offers a platform to revive the natural world amidst the ongoing environmental crisis.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/63/278 on 22nd April
2009 and proclaimed the 22nd April of every year as International Mother Earth Day.
• This proposal was initiated by the ‘Plurinational State of Bolivia’.
ii.The first-ever International Mother Earth Day was observed on 22nd April 2009.
iii.The term “Mother Earth” reflects the interdependence between humans, other living species, and the
planet.
History of the observance:
i.The American Peace Activist John McConnell proposed the observance Earth Day to celebrate the beauty
and life of Earth during the 1969 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) conference held in San Francisco, the United States of America(USA).
ii.The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, marking the birth of the modern environmental
movement
Points to note:
i.According to the UN, Earth is losing around 10 million hectares of forest annually. It is also estimated that
around 1 million flora and fauna species are now threatened with extinction.
ii.The observance highlights the need to protect the earth and enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract
climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity.
iii.Deforestation, land-use change, intensified agriculture and livestock production or the growing illegal
wildlife trade, the crimes that disrupt biodiversity, will increase the speed of destruction of the planet.
UN English Language Day 2024 – April 23

The United Nations (UN) English Language Day is annually observed across the globe on 23 April to
promote the global significance of the English language, one of the 6 official languages of the UN
• The day 23 April also commemorates the birth and death anniversary of
the English Playwright and Poet William Shakespeare.
English as a Global Tool:
i.English serves as a vital means of international communication.
ii.Despite diverse linguistic backgrounds, people worldwide utilise English for global cooperation and
diplomacy.

Background:
i.The 1st ever UN English Language Day was observed in 2010 by the UN’s Department of Global
Communications (DGC) as part of its initiative to establish language days for each of the 6 UN official
languages.
Note: The 6 official languages are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
Purpose of the UN Language Days:
The primary objective is to promote multilingualism and cultural understanding while advocating for the
equal usage of all 6 official languages across the UN.
Other UN Language Days:
• Arabic Language Day: 18 December
• Chinese Language Day: 20 April
• French Language Day: 20 March
• Russian Language Day: 6 June
• Spanish Language Day: 23 April
English at the UN:
i.At the UN, English is one of the 2 working languages, along with French.
• The other official languages may also be working languages in the Regional Commissions.
ii.On 1 February 1946, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution 2 (I) established Chinese, French,
English, Russian, and Spanish as official languages, and English and French as working languages.
Significance of Multilingualism at the UN:
i.Multilingualism fosters tolerance and enhances participation, which is crucial for effective
communication within the UN.
ii.The DGC has set minimum standards for UN Web multilingualism to eliminate the “disparity between
the use of English and the use of the other 5 official languages.”
• It also aims to ensure the full and equitable treatment of all the official languages.
iii.The UNGA in its resolution of 6 December 1999 (A/RES/54/64) invited the appointment of a senior
Secretariat official to serve as coordinator of multilingualism-related matters within the Secretariat.
2024 Event:
The UN Movie Society presented a global virtual launch event, “Shakespeare at the UN,” commemorating
the English language day on 23 April 2024.
Headquarters– New York, United States of America (USA)
UN Spanish Language Day – April 23 2024

The United Nations (UN)’s Spanish Language Day is annually celebrated across the world on 23rd April to
raise awareness among the UN staff about the history, culture and use of Spanish as an official language.
• The Spanish Language Day observed on 23rd April marks the death anniversary of Spanish
writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.
• He is known for his novel Don Quixote, which is often cited as both the first modern novel and
“the first great novel of world literature”.
Note: 23rd April is also observed as the UN’s English Language Day.
Background:
i.In 2010, the United Nations Department of Global Communications established 6 language days
(including Spanish) to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity and to promote equal use of all 6
official languages of the UN.

ii.The UN Spanish Language Day was originally observed on October 12, coinciding with the National Day
of Spain, which commemorates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival to the Americas tracing
the beginning of the spread of the Spanish language and culture.
iii.Later, the day was changed to 23 April, to pay tribute to Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra,
who was thought to have died in 1616 on 23 April.
Spanish as UN’s official language:
i.On 1 February 1946, UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution 2 (I) established Chinese, French, English,
Russian and Spanish as official languages, and English and French as working languages.
ii.In 1948 UNGA added Spanish as a working language and in 1969, Spanish was added as the working
languages of the UN Security Council.
Significance of Spanish:
i.Spanish is the 2nd most spoken language in the world by number of native speakers after Mandarin
Chinese.
ii.Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking country on the planet.
iii.As of 2023, 21 countries includes Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, the United States of
America(USA), Peru, Spain etc.,have Spanish as their official language.
World Book And Copyright Day 2024 – April 23

World Book And Copyright Day is annually observed across the globe on 23 April to promote the love of
reading and the significance of books.
• The Day serves as a reminder of the importance of literature in connecting the past, present,
and future generations across diverse cultures.
• The annual observance of the Day is led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
According to the various news sites, the theme of World Book and Copyright Day 2024 is “Read Your
Way”.
Background:
i.UNESCO during the 28th session of its General Conference held in Paris, France from 25 October to 16
November 1995, unanimously declared 23 April to be World Book and Copyright Day.
ii.The declaration gave international recognition to a tradition started by the Official Book Chamber in
Catalonia, Spain, which began celebrating the day in 1923.
iii.The 1st ever World Book And Copyright Day was observed on 23 April 1996.
Note: In 1993, a royal decree proclaimed 23 April as Book and Reading Day for the Spanish State.
Why April 23rd?
i.April 23rd marks the death anniversary of renowned authors such as English Poet William
Shakespeare, Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, and Peru-born Spanish Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
ii.UNESCO chose the date to honour the contributions of these literary figures and promote global access
to books.
World Book Capital:
Following the evaluation of the World Book Capital (WBC) Advisory Committee, the Director-General of
UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay has designated Strasbourg (France) as the World Book Capital for 2024.
i.Since 2001, UNESCO and international organizations representing the 3 sectors of the book industry
(publishers, booksellers, and libraries) unite to select the WBC each year.
ii.WBC emphasises reinforcing literacy education, protecting copyright, and promoting freedom of
expression.

Administrative Professionals Day 2024 – April 24

Administrative Professionals Day is annually observed across the globe on the Wednesday of the last
full week in April to celebrate and recognise the important role of secretaries, assistants, receptionists,
and other administrative support professionals.
• The day is also known as Secretaries Day or Admin Day or Administrative Assistant Day.
Administrative Professionals Day 2024 was observed on 24th April 2024.
• Administrative Professionals Day 2023 was observed on 26th April 2023.
• Administrative Professionals Day 2025 will be observed on 23rd April 2025.
The observance of Administrative Professionals Day is led by the International Association of
Administrative Professionals (IAAP), a non-profit professional association serving the administrative
profession.
Administrative Professionals Week:
Administrative Professionals Day coincides with Administrative Professionals Week (APW), a week-
long celebration dedicated to secretaries and administrative professionals in recognition of their
contributions to business and industries.
• APW is celebrated annually every last full week in April.
APW 2024 is observed from 21 to 27 April 2024.
• APW 2023 was observed from 23rd to 29th April 2023.
• APW 2025 will be observed from 20th to 26th April 2025.
Origin and Evolution of the Observance:
i.The origin of the observance of Administrative Professionals Day/Week dates back to 1952.
ii.In 1952, then United States (US) Secretary of Commerce, Charles Sawyer proclaimed 1st to 7th June
1952 as National Secretaries Week. He also designated 4 June 1952(Wednesday) as 1st National
Secretaries Day.
iii.In 1955, the National Secretaries Association (NSA) changed the observance dates to the last full week
of April and designated Wednesday of the week as Administrative Professionals Day.
Name Changes:
i.The name of the observance was changed to Professional Secretaries Day/Week in 1981 when the NSA
became Professional Secretaries International (PSI).
ii.In 1998, PSI was renamed as International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).
iii.In 2000, the observance was again renamed as Administrative Professionals Day/Week.
iv.The name change of the observance reflects the expanding roles and responsibilities and wide-ranging
job titles of administrative professionals.
About International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP):
Chair of the Board– Katie Mercier
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Melissa Mahoney
Headquarters– Missouri, the United States of America(USA)
15th National Panchayati Raj Day – April 24, 2024

National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD), (also known as National Local Self-Government Day) is annually
observed across India on 24 April to recognise and honour the establishment of the Panchayati Raj
System and its pivotal role in decentralised governance at the grassroots.
• 24 April 2024 marks the observance of the 15th National Panchayati Raj Day.
The observance of NPRD is led by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).
Significance:
i.NPRD underscores the significance of decentralised governance in promoting inclusive and sustainable
development.

ii.The day marks the establishment of the 1st Panchayati Raj system with constitutional status in India in
1993.
Background:
i.In consultation with the States, the Government of India (GoI) has decided to celebrate 24th April as
National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD).
ii.In 2010, then Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh declared the 24th April of every year as National
Panchayati Raj Day.
iii.The first ever NPRD was observed on 24th April 2010.
Why April 24?
i.The day commemorates the institutionalisation of the Panchayati Raj in India through the Constitution
(73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, which came into force on 24 April 1993.
ii.The Constitution Amendment Act added a new Part IX to the Indian Constitution titled “The Panchayats.”
• It accorded Panchayat a constitutional status, as an institution of self-government constituted
under Article 243B, for the rural areas.
Panchayati Raj System in India:
i.It is a system of local self-government for villages in rural India.
ii.The Panchayati Raj system is known as India’s three-tiered administrative structure.
iii.It is a decentralised governance, where local bodies or Gram Panchayats are empowered through self-
governance and independence in decision-making.
iv.The MoPR created in May 2004 oversees all matters relating to the Panchayati Raj and Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRIs).
v.MoPR is dedicated to empowering grassroots governance and accelerating progress on the Localization
of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) across rural India.
National Panchayat Awards:
i.The MoPR launched the National Panchayat Awards in 2011 to recognise and incentivise the exemplary
performance of Panchayats across India.
• The awards are given on National Panchayati Raj Day celebrated on the 24th of April every year.
ii.These awards, revamped in 2022, aligned with 9 LSDG themes, aggregating 17 SDGs.
Categories of Awards:
Awards at the National Level will be given to Gram, Block, and District Panchayats under 2 categories:
i.Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP): For individual theme-wise
performance.
ii.Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar: For aggregate performance under all
themes.
2024 Event:
MoPR organised a National Colloquium on “Governance at the Grassroots after Three Decades of the 73rd
Constitutional Amendment” on 24th April 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Delhi in observance of
NPRD 2024.
Key People:
Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of MoPR and Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department of Rural
Development(MoRD) inaugurated the event in the presence of Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Additional
Secretary of MoPR, among others.
Objective: To facilitate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, including officials, the National
Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD & PR), State Institute for Rural Development and
Panchayati Raj (SIRD & PR), etc.

Purpose and Focus:

i.The Colloquium offered a platform for assessing achievements, identifying challenges, and exploring
opportunities for enhancing grassroots governance.
ii.Discussions focused on the evolution of principles of Good Governance in rural areas and strengthening
PRIs for effective public service delivery.
About Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR):
Union Minister– Giriraj Singh (Constituency: Begusarai, Bihar)
Minister of State– Kapil Moreshwar Patil (Constituency: Bhiwandi, Maharashtra)
World Day for Laboratory Animals 2024 – April 24

World Day for Laboratory Animals is annually observed across the globe on 24th April as a movement to
end the suffering of the animals used for testing in laboratories.
• The day also advocates replacing animal testing with advanced non-animal scientific
techniques.
• The observance supports the mission of the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS).
World Day for Animals in Laboratories 2024 was observed on 24th April 2024.
Background:
In 1979, NAVS established 24th April of every year as World Day for Laboratory Animals, also known
as Lab Animal Day.
• NAVS is a campaign partner of the Animal Defenders International (ADI) in the United
Kingdom(UK).
• ADI founded in 1990, is an education and public awareness campaign to protect animals in
captivity and wild animals and their environments.
Why April 24?
24th April marks the birth anniversary of Lord Hugh Dowding, a British Air Chief Marshal who was an
anti-vivisectionist and a former president of NAVS.
What is animal testing?
i.Animal testing or animal experimentation or in vivo testing, is the use of non-human animals in scientific
experiments to study biological systems and behaviors.
ii.Most of these procedures cause the animals physical and psychological distress and suffering.
Animal welfare and rights in India:
i.The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act of 1960 is India’s first national animal welfare law, which
regulates animal experimentation.
ii.The government of India banned the use of live animals in medical education in 2013 and the testing of
cosmetics on animals in 2014.
International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2024- April 24

The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is annually
observed across the globe on 24th April to promote the values of multilateralism and international
cooperation, which are fundamental principles of the UN Charter, and to achieve the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development.
• The Day acknowledges the role of multilateral decision-making and diplomacy in achieving
peaceful resolutions to conflicts among nations.
Significance:
i.This Day emphasises the importance of diplomatic engagement and multilateral action in addressing
global issues like climate change, poverty, and conflict.

ii.The Day also aims to support and advance the 3 pillars of the UN – Peace and Security, development, and
Human rights.
Background:
i.On 12 December 2018, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution
A/RES/73/127 proclaiming the 24th April of every year as the International Day of Multilateralism and
Diplomacy for Peace, with effect from the 73rd session of the General Assembly.
ii.The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace was 1st observed on 24th April
2019.
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:
i.It is a roadmap for world leaders to achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets by 2030
to end poverty, protect the planet, and address inequalities
ii.SDGs also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the UN in 2015 as a universal call to action and
came into effect on 1 January 2016.
UN Charter:
UN Charter is a multilateral international treaty that establishes the UN as an international organization.
It states that the purposes and principles is the commitment to settle disputes through peaceful means.
Global Commitment to Peace:
i.World leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and international peace and security
during the 2018 General Debate.
ii.This commitment was strengthened during the High-level Dialogue on Renewing the Commitment to
Multilateralism held on 31 October 2018.
What is Multilateralism?
i.Multilateralism defined in contrast to bilateralism and unilateralism, signifies cooperation involving at
least 3 states.
ii.Multilateralism is based on founding principles such as consultation, inclusion, and solidarity.
iii.It operates through collectively developed rules for sustainable and effective cooperation.
iv.It serves as a cooperative approach and a form of organisation in the international system.
UN Summit of the Future:
i.The UN will convene a Summit of the Future: Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow from 22-23
September 2024.
ii.It is a high-level event bringing together UN Member States, UN agencies, and other organizations to
reassert their commitments to peace, sustainable development, and human rights.
iii.The Summit seeks to establish a fresh global consensus on the vision for our future and the actions
needed to realise it.
International Girls in ICT Day 2024 – April 25

The International Girls in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Day is annually observed
across the globe on the 4th Thursday of April to inspire and encourage girls and women to pursue
studies and careers in ICT and promote bridging the gender digital divide.
The International Girls in ICT Day 2024 was observed on 25 April 2024.
• The International Girls in ICT Day 2023 was observed on 27th April 2023 and the
International Girls in ICT Day 2025 will be observed on 24th April 2025.
The Day is annually observed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations
(UN) specialised agency for ICTs.
Theme:
The theme for International Girls in ICT Day 2024 is “Leadership”.

• The 2024 theme underscores the critical need for strong female role models in ICT and Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers.
Objectives:
i.To inspire a global movement to increase the representation of girls and women in technology.
ii.To cultivate the presence and digital skills of young women and girls (aged 12-24) in the career field of
STEM, particularly ICT.
Background:
i.On 8th April 2011, ITU announced the establishment of an international Girls in ICT Day”, which will be
held every year on the 4th Thursday in April.
ii.The “Girls in ICT Day” is the direct result of the adoption of Resolution 70 by ITU’s Plenipotentiary
Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico, in October 2010.
• The resolution emphasises gender mainstreaming and promoting gender equality in ICT and
aims to incorporate a gender perspective into all ITU programs and initiatives.
iii.The 1st annual International Girls in ICT Day was observed on 28 April 2011.
2024 Events:
i.Every year, the ITU and its partners join forces to inspire and empower girls to explore opportunities in
ICTs, aiming to bridge the gender digital divide.
ii.In 2024, the global Girls in ICT event was held at the FEU Tech Innovation Center, Far Eastern University
(FEU), Manila, Philippines in coordination and collaboration with the Department of Information and
Communications Technology (DICT).
Challenges in ICT for Women:
i.Despite women occupying 40% of high-skill jobs globally, their representation in ICT remains low.
ii.Women are notably absent from software development, engineering, academia, and policy-making roles.
iii.They often leave STEM careers at higher rates than men.
Leadership Gender Gap in STEM:
i.Women in ICT primarily hold junior or support roles, lacking opportunities for advancement.
ii.They are underrepresented in managerial and executive positions, as well as in entrepreneurship and
policymaking.
About International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
ITU was established in Paris (France) in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union. ITU became a
specialized agency of the United Nations on January 1, 1949.
Secretary-General– Doreen Bogdan-Martin
World Malaria Day 2024 – April 25

World Malaria Day (WMD) is annually observed across the globe on 25 April to raise awareness of the
global efforts to control and eradicate malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites.
• WMD is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political
commitment to prevent and control malaria.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) leads the annual observance of WMD
Theme:
The theme of WMD 2024 is “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world”.
• The 2024 theme focused on ensuring equitable access to malaria interventions and information.
Background:
i.World Malaria Day was instituted by WHO member states during the World Health Assembly (WHA) of
2007.
ii.The 1st World Malaria Day was observed on 25 April 2008.

Roots of WMD:
i.The concept of WMD stems from Africa Malaria Day, initiated in 2001 by African countries.
ii.It originated after the Abuja Declaration in 2001, signed by 44 malaria-endemic countries at the African
Summit on Malaria.
New Operational Strategy:
i.Ahead of WMD 2024, the WHO GMP released a new operational strategy, “Global Malaria Programme
Operational Strategy 2024-2030“, to reshape the trajectory of malaria trends worldwide up to 2030.
ii.Strategic objectives:
• Develop and disseminate norms and standards;
• Stimulate the development and timely introduction of new tools and innovation;
• Promote the use of strategic information for impact;
• Provide technical leadership in the global malaria response
2024 Observance:
i.On WMD 2024, WHO joined the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and other partners in addressing
barriers to health equity, gender equality, and human rights in malaria responses worldwide.
ii.In response to the ongoing challenge, the RBM Partnership to End Malaria has chosen the theme for
WMD 2024: Gender, Health Equity, and Human Rights.
About Malaria:
i.Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through
the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
ii.Malaria is a life-threatening disease primarily found in tropical countries and it is both preventable and
curable.
Transmission:
i.Malaria isn’t contagious and cannot spread from one person to another.
ii.5 species of parasites can cause malaria in humans. 2 of these species – Plasmodium falciparum and
Plasmodium vivax – pose the greatest threat
iii.Around 40 out of the 400 Anopheles species are known to transmit the Malaria.
Vaccine:
As of 2 October 2023, both RTS,S/AS01, and R21/Matrix-M vaccines are recommended by WHO to
prevent malaria in children.
• RTS,S is the 1st malaria vaccine recommended by the WHO in October 2021 for children living
in areas with moderate and high transmission of malaria.
Points to note:
i.In 2022, there were 249 million malaria cases globally that led to 608,000 deaths in total. Around 76% of
this are children under 5 years of age.
• WHO African Region accounts for 94% of malaria cases and 95% of deaths.
ii.The WHO Global Malaria Programme (GMP) spearheads global efforts to control and eliminate malaria.
Its work is guided by the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria (GST) 2016–2030 adopted by the WHA in
May 2015 and updated in 2021.
iii.The GTS aims to reduce malaria case incidence and mortality rates by 75% by 2025 and by 90% by
2030 from the 2015 baseline.
• Despite progress since 2000, current trends indicate potential setbacks, and the GTS 2025
targets will not be achieved globally.
Director-General (DG)- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Established on– 7 April 1948

International Delegate’s Day 2024 – April 25

The United Nations (UN)’s International Delegate’s Day is annually observed across the globe on 25th
April to raise awareness about the role of the representatives and delegates of the Member States to the
UN.
• The Day recognises the delegates’ role in fulfilling the UN’s main goals like maintaining
international peace and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
• 25 April 2024 marks the observance of the 5th International Delegate’s Day.
Background:
i.On 2nd April 2019, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/73/286
and proclaimed the 25th April of every year as International Delegate’s Day.
ii.The 1st ever International Delegate’s Day was observed on 25 April 2020.
Why April 25?
i.The day marks the anniversary of the 1st day of the San Francisco Conference, also known as the UN
Conference on International Organisations.
The San Francisco Conference:
i.Around 850 delegates from 50 nations convened for the 1st time in San Francisco, California, the United
States of America (USA) from April 25 to June 26, 1945, after World War II.
• Purpose: To establish an organisation dedicated to global peace.
ii.Based on the Dumbarton Oaks proposals, the Yalta Agreement, and amendments proposed by various
governments, the Conference unanimously adopted the Charter of the UN and the Statute of the new
International Court of Justice on 25 June 1945.
iii.On 26th June 1945, the UN Charter was signed at the Herbst Theatre auditorium of the Veterans War
Memorial Building, San Francisco.
Roles of Delegates:
i.Delegates, the UN’s cornerstone, negotiate agreements, coordinate with their home countries, and
integrate multilateralism, which is crucial to the UN’s mission.
ii.Delegates speak and vote on behalf of their countries at the UNGA and other forums.
iii.Appointed by their governments, the delegates serve the interests of their nations.
International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2024 – April 26

The United Nations (UN)’s International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is annually observed
across the globe on 26th April to commemorate the anniversary of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear
disaster.
• The Day aims to remember the victims and survivors of the worst nuclear accident and create
awareness about the long term effects of the Chernobyl disaster.
26th April 2024 marks the 38th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which took place on 26th
April 1986.
Background:
i.On 8th December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution
A/RES/71/125 and proclaimed the 26 April of every year as International Chernobyl Disaster
Remembrance Day.
ii.The 1st ever International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day was observed on 26th April 2017.

The Chernobyl Disaster:

On April 26, 1986, a routine 20-second shutdown at the Number 4 reactor at Chernobyl Nuclear Power
Plant in, Ukraine, in the former Soviet Union (now the territories of Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia) resulted
in a catastrophic explosion, releasing 520 radionuclides.
Extent of Contamination:
i.Approximately 8.4 million people were exposed across Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine.
ii.155,000 square kilometers (sq. km) of land contaminated, equivalent to half of Italy’s total territory.
iii.52,000 sq. km of agricultural land affected, larger than the size of Denmark, were contaminated with
cesium-137 and strontium-90, with 30-year and 28-year half-lives respectively.
iv.The Chernobyl disaster is one of the 2 nuclear accidents graded 7 (major accident) on the
International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES).
• The other accident was the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in Japan in 2011.
Note: A level 7 event is the most serious, representing a major release of radioactive material to the
environment resulting in widespread environmental effects
UN’s Involvement:
i.In 1990, the Soviet Government acknowledged the need for international assistance.
ii.As a result, the UNGA adopted a resolution A/RES/45/190, calling for international cooperation to
address and mitigate the consequences at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
• An Inter-Agency Task Force was also established to coordinate the Chernobyl cooperation.
iii.In 1991 the UN created the Chernobyl Trust Fund under the UN Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Shift in Strategy:
i.In 2002, the UN announced a strategic shift towards long-term development, focusing on sustainable
recovery efforts.
ii.The UN Development Programme (UNDP) took the lead in implementing the new strategy, working
closely with regional offices in the 3 affected countries.
iii.In 2009, the UN launched the International Chernobyl Research and Information Network (ICRIN),
facilitating collaboration and support for sustainable development programs in the affected regions.
World Penguin Day 2024 – April 25

World Penguin Day is annually observed across the globe on 25 April to raise awareness about Penguin
and promote the preservation of these flightless birds and habitats.
• According to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC), April 25th coincides with the
annual northern migration of Adélie penguins living in Antarctica.
Note: ASOC is a global coalition of environmental groups, and the only organisation working full-time on
Antarctic and Southern Ocean conservation.
Background:
i.World Penguin Day was established at McMurdo Station, an American research facility on Ross Island,
Antarctica where the researchers discovered that the Adélie penguins began their annual migration
around 25th April.
ii.Researchers were interested in this migration pattern, which led to the declaration of 25th April of every
year World Penguin Day.
ii.In 2020, the Adélie penguin was assessed for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Red List of Threatened Species and is listed as Least Concern.
Related observance:
Every year January 20th is observed as Penguin Awareness Day across the world. The day aims to raise
awareness about penguins and their struggle for survival.

Penguins:
i.Penguins are aquatic, flightless birds from the family Spheniscidae living almost exclusively in the
southern hemisphere.
ii.There are 18 species in the penguin family, of which 11 are listed by the IUCN Red List as Globally
Threatened.
iii.Penguins face threats such as climate change, habitat loss, and overfishing,
Legal Protection:
i.All 18 species of penguins are legally protected from hunting and egg collecting.
ii.The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and reauthorized in 1991, safeguards Antarctica and its living
resources, making it illegal to harm penguins or their eggs.
iii.Collection of penguin specimens requires permits approved by the Scientific Committee for Antarctic
Research (SCAR).
iv.The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an
international treaty developed in 1973, regulates wildlife trade, including penguins.
World Intellectual Property Day 2024 – April 26

World Intellectual Property Day (World IP Day) is annually observed across the globe on 26 April to
raise awareness and understanding of intellectual property (IP) and the significance of IP in fostering
innovation and creativity globally.
The day also marks the anniversary of the establishment of World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO).
• The theme of World IP Day 2024 is, “IP and the SDGs: building our common future with
innovation and creativity“.
Significance:
i.The Day is an opportunity to highlight the role of IP rights, including patents, trademarks, industrial
designs, and copyrights, foundation for encouraging innovation and creativity.
ii.The 2024 observance honours individuals worldwide driving innovation and creativity in achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), building a sustainable future for all.
Background:
i.In 2000, WIPO’s member states designated April 26 of every year as World IP Day, to increase general
awareness and understanding of IP.
ii.The 1st ever World IP Day was observed on 26 April 2001.
Why April 26?
i.26 April marks the day on which the WIPO Convention came into force in 1970.
ii.WIPO Convention is the constituent instrument of WIPO, signed in Stockholm, Sweden on July 14, 1967,
entered into force in 1970, and was amended in 1979.
Points to Note:
i.WIPO is the United Nations (UN) agency that serves the world’s innovators and creators, offering robust
protection and support for their ideas.
ii.As the specialised UN agency for IP, innovation, and creativity, WIPO has a unique role in supporting the
achievement of the SDGs.
What is Intellectual Property (IP)?
i.IP encompasses creations of the mind, including inventions, literary and artistic works, designs,
commercial symbols, names, and images.
ii.IP is safeguarded in law, allowing creators to derive recognition or financial rewards from their
innovations.

iii.The IP system aims to strike a balance between the rights of innovators and the broader public interest,
fostering an environment conducive to creativity and innovation.
Types of IP:
Patent: Patents are territorial rights. It is an exclusive right granted for an invention. It can be a product
or a process offering a new solution.
Copyright: Copyright, or author’s right, is a legal term used to describe the creator’s rights over their
literary and artistic works.
Trademark: It is a sign that distinguishes the goods or services of one business from another. It’s a form
of intellectual property protection.
Geographical Indication (GI): It is used on products indicating a specific geographical origin. The
product’s qualities or reputation stem from its origin.
Trade Secrets: Trade Secrets are IP rights on confidential information that may be sold or licensed.
Key Points:
According to the WIPO report titled “Mapping Innovations Patents and the Sustainable Development
Goals”,
• There are over 15.2 million active patent families globally, of these over 4.7 million (31.4%)
relate to the UN SDGs.
• Patent-filing activity is particularly high for inventions aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation
& Infrastructure), constituting 19% of active patents.
2024 Event in India:
As a part of the celebration of World IP Day 2024, The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research –
National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) organised a national
workshop at the seminar hall of CSIR-NIScPR S.V. Marg campus, New Delhi, Delhi.
• The theme of the workshop was “IP and SDGs: Innovating for a Shared Future.”
• Prof. Unnat Pandit, Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademark (CGPDTM), graced the
event as the Chief Guest.
Note:NIScPR is a constituent laboratory under CSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology, dedicated to
science communication, policy research, and promoting scientific awareness.
About World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO):
Director General– Daren Tang (Singapore)
World Veterinary Day 2024 – April 27

World Veterinary Day (WVD) is annually observed across the globe on the last Saturday of April to
raise awareness about veterinarians and recognise and celebrate the contributions of veterinarians to the
health of animals, welfare, people, and the environment
World Veterinary Day 2024 is observed on 27th April 2024.
• World Veterinary Day 2023 was observed on 29th April 2023.
• World Veterinary Day 2025 will be observed on 26th April 2025.
The annual observance of WVD is led by the World Veterinary Association (WVA), a federation of
veterinary associations.
Theme:
The theme of World Veterinary Day 2024 is “Veterinarians are essential health workers“.
• The 2024 theme highlights veterinarians’ pivotal role in safeguarding animal health and
contributing significantly to human well-being.

Background:
i.The Congress of Thessaloniki 1975 was attended by some 4000 participants. July 9 was proclaimed the
first World Veterinarian’s Day.
ii.The World Veterinary Association (WVA) established the WVD in 2000 to be celebrated annually on the
last Saturday of April.
iii.The first ever WVD by WVA was celebrated on 29th April 2000.
Note:WVD is celebrated annually with a topic chosen by the WVA Councillors.
The WVD Award 2024:
i.The WVD Award 2024 recognizes the efforts of a WVA Member Association in alignment with the 2024
theme.
ii.The World Veterinary Association and HealthforAnimals provide the award. The award is open to all
WVA Member Associations.
The Award value of USD 5000 will be provided directly to the WVA, which may use it for activities, reward
hard-working staff, provide scholarships, support their community, etc.
About World Veterinary Association (WVA):
President– Dr. Rafael Laguens
Headquarters– Brussels, Belgium
Manipur observes 133rd Khongjom Day – 23 April 2024

Khongjom Day is annually observed in Manipur on 23 April to pay homage to the martyrs of the 1891
Anglo-Manipur War, the last battle fought between the erstwhile Kingdom of Manipur and the British
Empire.
• The Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 was a significant armed conflict lasting from March 31 to April
27, 1891.
23 April 2024 marks the 133rd observance of Khongjom Day.
Note: Khongjom is a village in Manipur.
Cause of Conflict:
i.Manipuri people resisted British interference in internal affairs, sparking the conflict.
ii.The attempted arrest of Crown Prince Jubaraj Tikendrajit at Kangla on March 24, 1891, escalated
conflicts.
Escalation and British Actions:
i.The British Army fired the first shot at Kangla, attacked the palace of Manipur, and killed many innocent
Manipuris.
ii.Subsequently, those British officials were murdered leading to the declaration of war on 31st March
1891 against Manipur.
The Battle of Khongjom:
i.The war erupted when Manipuri soldiers resisted British forces marching from Tamu (present-day on
the border between Manipur and Myanmar).
ii.400 Manipuri sepoys, led by commander Paona Brajabasi and others, resisted British advances at the
Manipur valley at Khongjom.
• The hero of the battle, Major Paona Brajabashi, who died in the battle is being honoured by the
Manipuris as the epitome of patriotism and bravery.
Other Gallant Fighters
Others who fought gallantly in the battle were Major Chongtham Mia, Chinglen Sana, Khumbong Major,
Loitongba Jamadar, Keisa Jamadar, Heirang Kongja, and many more.
Khongjom War Memorial Complex:
i.It is located at Khongjom in the Thoubal district of Manipur.

ii.The memorial was built as a tribute to the brave Manipuri soldiers who fought in the Anglo-Manipuri
War of 1891.
State Observance:
i.On 23 April 2024, Manipur observed Khongjom Day at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex,
Khebaching in Khongjom Thoubal district.
ii.The observance was attended by the Governor of Manipur Anusuiya Uikey and the Chief Minister (CM)
of Manipur N Biren Singh as the Chief Guest.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024 – April 28

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is annually observed across the globe on 28 April to raise
awareness about creating safe and healthy work environments and promote the prevention of
occupational accidents and diseases globally.
• The observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024 on 28th April 2024 focus
on “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate”.
• The annual observance of the Day is led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), a
United Nations (UN) agency to promote social justice and internationally recognised human and
labour rights.
Significance:
i.It is an awareness-raising campaign focusing on emerging global OSH trends and highlights the
prevalence of work-related injuries, diseases, and fatalities on a global scale.
ii.The Day aims to stimulate workplace safety and health dialogue and highlights the significance of
investing in safety measures during emergencies.
iii.The Day also aims to promote and maintain the highest degree of workers’ physical, mental, and social
well-being in all countries.
Background:
i.World Day for Safety and Health at Work was initiated by the ILO in 2003, capitalising on the ILO’s
principles of tripartism and social dialogue.
ii.This observance aligns with the ILO’s Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH),
documented in the Conclusions of the International Labour Conference in June 2003.
• Advocacy, as one of the main pillars of the Global Strategy, the World Day serves as a vital
advocacy tool to promote safe and healthy work environments.
iii.The 1st ever World Day for Safety and Health at Work was observed on 28 April 2003.
Note:
April 28th is also the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers also known
as Workers’ Memorial Day organised worldwide by the Trade Union Movement since 1996 and
coordinated by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU).
Recognition of Essential Conventions:
i.In June 2022, the International Labour Conference decided to incorporate “a safe and healthy working
environment” within the ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work.
ii.The Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981, and the Promotional Framework for Occupational
Safety and Health Convention, 2006, have been designated as fundamental Conventions.
2024 Event:
On 25 April 2024, a global event was organised to commemorate the World Day for Safety and Health at
Work 2024 at the ILO Headquarters Auditorium in Geneva, Switzerland.
ILO’s New Report:
i.ILO launched its report, “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate” in the context of
the commemoration of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024.

ii.The report reveals new data on the impact of climate change on workers’ safety and health. Click here to
know more
About International Labour Organization (ILO):
Director-General– Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo
International Dance Day 2024 – April 29

International Dance Day or World Dance Day is annually observed across the globe on 29 April to
celebrate the art of dance, and its universal appeal, transcending political, cultural, and ethnic boundaries,
and uniting people through the universal language of dance.
• The Day also commemorates the birth anniversary of the French dancer, and ballet
master Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810). He is considered the inventor of ballet d’action or
dramatic ballet.
The annual observance of World Dance Day is led by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), the world’s
largest organisation for the performing arts.
Background:
In 1982, the International Dance Committee (IDC) of ITI established International Dance Day to be
celebrated every year on 29 April, the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre.
• The Dance Committee of ITI is the main partner for the performing arts of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Note: Jean-Georges Noverre is also known as “the Grandfather of the Ballet” and “the pioneer of modern
ballet”.
Goals of World Dance Day:
i.To promote Dance in all its forms worldwide;
ii.To raise awareness of dance’s value;
iii.To enable the dance community to advocate and support their work on a broad scale;
iv.To enjoy dance in all its forms and share the joy of dance.
2024 Message:
Argentine dancer Marianela Núñez, a Principal of The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House in London,
United Kingdom is the author of the message of World Dance Day 2024.
• Her notable performances include “Swan Lake,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and
“Giselle.”
Note: Since 1982, the IDC of ITI, the Executive Council of ITI, and the World Dance Alliance have selected
an outstanding dance personality to write a message for World Dance Day annually.
APPS & WEB PORTAL

NMDC Launches “Samman” Portal for Former Employees
NMDC Limited launched “Samman” a portal for its former employees to manage medical claims, view
personal profiles, dependent details and application status online.
• The portal was launched by Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)
(Additional Charge) at the event organised at NMDC headquarters in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The portal is designed to ensure on-time reimbursements and easy access to all services,
bringing comfort and convenience to the former employees,

Note: NMDC Limited, formerly National Mineral Development Corporation, is a Navratna Public Sector
Enterprise(PSE) under the Ministry of Steel.
MoHFW Launched myCGHS iOS app for CGHS Beneficiaries

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched the myCGHS app for the iPhone Operating
System (iOS) devices to advance in healthcare accessibility for Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
beneficiaries.
• The app was launched by Apurva Chandra, Secretary of the MoHFW in an event held in New
Delhi, Delhi.
• The app is designed to enhance access to Electronic Health Records, information, and resources
for CGHS beneficiaries.
About MyCGHS App:
i.The myCGHS app signifies a pivotal moment in digital healthcare service within the Department of CGHS,
aligning with the government’s technology-driven vision for enhanced quality and accessibility of
healthcare services.
ii.The myCGHS iOS app is developed by the technical teams of the National Informatics Centre (NIC)
Himachal Pradesh and the NIC Health Team.
iii.This easy-to-access mobile application offers features aimed at enhancing information and accessibility
for CGHS beneficiaries.
iv.The range of services offered by the app includes online appointment booking and cancellation;
downloading CGHS card and index card; accessing lab reports from CGHS labs, checking medical
reimbursement claim status and referral details, etc.,.
v.The app incorporates 2-factor authentication and mPIN functionality to safeguard user data integrity
and confidentiality.
Note: The myCGHS app will be available for free download on both iOS and Android platforms, leading to a
new era of digital healthcare services.
About Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoFHW):
Union Minister– Mansukh Mandaviya (Rajya Sabha- Gujarat)
Minister of State– Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar (Constituency- Dindori, Maharashtra)
Aditya Birla Capital Launches ‘ABCD’ Fintech App

Aditya Birla Capital Limited, the financial services arm of Aditya Birla Group, has launched the
omnichannel Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Fintech App ‘Aditya Birla Capital Digital (ABCD)’, offering
various financial products on a single digital platform..
• This platform is housed under Aditya Birla Capital Digital Limited (ABCDL), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL).
• The D2C platform has 22 products and services that includes Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
payments, multi-account payments, loans, insurance, and spend analysis tools.
DoPPW launched Integrated Pensioners’ Portal of Bank of India

On 26th April 2024, The Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DoPPW) under the Ministry of
Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, launched the “Integrated Pensioners Portal of Bank of India”.
• This is in line with the efforts of DoPPW to integrate the Pension Portals of all 17 Pension
Disbursing Banks with the Integrated Pensioners’ Portal of DoPPW to ensure Ease of Living of
Pensioners.
Points to note:
i.With this integration, the pensioners of Bank of India(BOI) will have one stop services such as: pension

slip, status of submission of life certificate, due and drawn statement, and Form-16 through the integrated
pensioners portal.
ii.With this launch, a total of five Banks stand integrated to provide services from a single window.
• So far, the task of Integration of Pension Portal of State Bank of India(SBI), Bank of
Baroda(BOB), Punjab National Bank(PNB) and Canara Bank with Bhavishya portal has been
completed.
About Bhavishya Portal:
i.The ‘Bhavishya’ platform, an integrated online Pension Sanction & Payment Tracking system, was made
mandatory for all central government departments with effect from 1st January 2017.
Aim: To ensure payment of all retirement dues and delivery of Pension Payment Order (PPO) to retiring
employees on the day of retirement.
ii.Centralized Pension Grievances Redress And Monitoring System(CPENGRAMS), ANUBHAV, ANUDAAN,
Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion(SANKALP) and pension dashboard
were merged with BHAVISHYA.
Note: As per National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment(NeSDA) 2021, BHAVISHYA was ranked
3rd among all Central Government e-Governance Service Delivery Portals.
About Bank of India(BOI):
Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO)- Rajneesh Karnatak
Founded in 1906
Tagline- “Relationship Beyond Banking”
ENVIRONMENT
Impatiens neo-uncinata: New species of Balsam Discovered in Kerala
Researchers discovered a new species of genus Impatiens (family Balsaminaceae) named “Impatiens
neo-uncinata” during a floristic survey in the Agasthyamala biosphere reserve, in Thiruvananthapuram
district, Kerala.
The paper on the discovery of the new species was published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa.
• Impatiens neo-uncinata bears morphological resemblances to Impatiens uncinata(Hook-Tail
Balsam), but differs with respect to size of the flowers, basal and distal lobes, the dorsal petal
and pollen.
• The new species was distinguished by the snowy white flowers with red stripes and
comparatively large flowers.
Note:
i.Impatiens neo-uncinata has been reported only from a single locality at an elevation ranging from 1,000
to 1,250 meters. It is assessed as Endangered based on the categories and criteria of the International
Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) criteria.
ii.The genus Impatiens has over 1000 species distributed in the tropics and sub-tropics.
Rare Butterfly Species ‘Neptis philyra’ Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

A group of butterfly enthusiasts from Assam and other states discovered a rare butterfly species
named Neptis philyra, also known as a long-streak sailor, at Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal
Pradesh. The species was documented for the 1st time in India, representing a new record for India.
Features:
i.The species has serrated wings with rich brownish-black on the upper side and yellow-brown on the

underside.
ii.The fore wing features a white cell streak forming a “hockey stick” marking, accompanied by spots in
space.
iii.The newly discovered species has been formally published in the journal “Tropical Lepidoptera
Research”.
• Neptis (Sailers) is an Old World genus of more than 160 recognised species, widely distributed
across Africa to Australasia. It belongs to the family Nymphalidae.
• Neptis philyra was first described by M. Ménétriés in 1859 from the Amur region, Russia
(Ménétriés, 1859).
• This species has been found across East Asia, including eastern Siberia, Korea, Japan, Taiwan,
Central and Southeast China, etc.
Note: In Greek mythology, Philyra was a nymph who was the daughter of Oceanus and Tethys.
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Current Affairs Study PDF – April 2024

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SPORTS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 208

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LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION

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About UNICEF India:

MoA&FW Introduced ‘CDP-SURAKSHA’, a Digital Platform to Disburse Subsidies to Horticulture

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NTPC Launches New Edition of Girl Empowerment Mission

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PM Modi Inaugurated 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav on Mahaveer Jayanti

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Nirvana (Liberation/Ultimate Salvation) Kalyanak.

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State GI Product Goods

Assam Bihu Dhol

Sarthebari Metal Craft

Assam Pani Mateka Craft

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Jotha – Bodo Musical

Assam Mising Handloom

Keradapini – (Plant, Shrub) Agriculture

Tripura Pachra/Rignai Textile Textiles

Meghalaya Garo Dakmanda

Meghalaya Larnai Pottery Handi Crafts

Lakadong Turmeric Agriculture

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Banaras Tirangi Barfi

Banaras Lal Peda (Sweet) Food Stuffs

Jaunpur Imarti (Sweet)

Banaras Metal Casting Craft

Lakhimpur Kheri Tharu Embroidery

Bareilly Zardoji Craft

Banarasi Tabla (Musical Instrument)

Banaras Shehnai (Musical Instrument)

Banaras Mural Painting

Chiraigaon Karonda of Varanasi

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S.No GI Product State Goods

Bundelkhand Kathiya Gehu

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Central Coalfields Limited Unveils New Logo

MCD Extends Deadline for Geo-tagging of Properties Till 30 June 2024

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planning, and improve overall governance efficiency.

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DPE granted Navratna status to National Fertilizers Limited

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Criteria for grant of Maharatna status to CPSEs: