Monthly BeePedia

December 2023

INDEX

RBI, Banking and Economy ___________________________________________ 2

SEBI and Financial Awareness _________________________________________ 15

NABARD and Agriculture ___________________________________________ 22

National __________________________________________________________ 26

International _____________________________________________________ 34

States____________________________________________________________ 39

Reports and Indexes _______________________________________________ 50

Science and Technology ___________________________________________ 57

Defence __________________________________________________________ 63

Events ___________________________________________________________ 68

Awards & Rewards ___________________________________________________ 74

Appointments _____________________________________________________ 73

Sports ___________________________________________________ 81

Obituaries________________________________________________________ 83

Books ___________________________________________________________ 84

Important Days _________________________________________________________85

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December 2023

RBI, Banking and Economy

RBI in News:

Topic Summary
 RBI imposes Rs 10,000 penalties each on Bank of America, N.A., and HDFC
Bank Ltd.
 Bank of America violated FEMA 1999 reporting requirements, while HDFC
Bank breached directions on accepting deposits from non-residents.
 Following Five cooperative banks, including those in Bihar and Gujarat, face
penalties for non-compliance.
1. The Patliputra Central Cooperative Bank (Bihar),
2. The Balasore Bhadrak Central Co-operative Bank (Odisha),
3. Dhrangadhra People's Co-operative Bank (Gujarat),
4. Patan Nagarik Sahakari Bank Ltd. (Patan, Gujarat),
5. The Mandal Nagarik Sahakari Bank (Gujarat).

 Berar Finance Limited and ECL Finance Limited also penalized for KYC
non-compliance. Total penalties amount to ₹10.54 lakh and ₹4.90 lakh,
RBI Penalties respectively.
 RBI and Bank of England sign MoU for information exchange on Clearing
Corporation of India Ltd.
 BoE to rely on RBI's regulatory activities, emphasizing cross-border
cooperation.
 MoU allows BoE to assess CCIL for recognition as a third-country Central
RBI-BoE MoU Counterparty.
 RBI cancels Shankarrao Pujari Bank's license in Maharashtra and Urban
Co-operative Bank's license in UP due to inadequate funds and non-
RBI License
Cancellations compliance with regulations. Depositors entitled to insurance claims.

 RBI MPC maintains repo rate at 6.5%, with a unanimous decision on the
"withdrawal of accommodation" stance.
 GDP forecast for FY24 raised to 7%, with inflation projections unchanged.
Policy rates include Repo Rate at 6.50%, Standing Deposit Facility Rate at
6.25%, Marginal Standing Facility Rate at 6.75%, Bank Rate at 6.75%, and
RBI Monetary
Policy Fixed Reverse Repo Rate at 3.35%.

States' Fiscal  States' gross fiscal deficit below Budget Estimate for the second year at
Deficit 2.8% of GDP in 2022-23.

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Topic Summary
 LIC becomes the fourth-largest global insurer, achieving deficit reduction
through lower revenue deficit and sustained capital outlays.

 RBI authorizes Bandhan Bank for e-PPO pension disbursement for retired
railway employees, covering around 50,000 retirees annually.
Bandhan Bank
Authorization  Integration with the Ministry of Railways for efficient pension disbursement.

 Indian banks increase overseas subsidiaries to 417 in FY23, up from 399.

Employee strength for foreign branches rises, while branches and employees
of foreign banks in India decrease.
 Overseas business expansion reported by RBI survey on International
Indian Banks
Overseas Presence Trade in Banking Services.
 RBI approves HDFC Bank's offline digital payments product for adoption
by regulated entities. The product, named 'Offline Retail Payments,'
developed with Crunchfish AB, facilitates offline transactions, addressing
challenges in areas with limited network capacities. Approval indicates exit
RBI Approval for
Offline Payments from Regulatory Sandbox.
 RBI increases UPI payment limits for healthcare and education, sets rules
for online loan aggregators.
 RBI increased UPI payment limits for healthcare and education to ₹5 lakh
from ₹1 lakh.
 Recurring e-payment mandates raised; regulatory framework introduced for
RBI UPI Limits and loan aggregators. Fintech Repository proposed for better policy approaches,
Online Loan
Aggregators aiming to enhance trust in digital lending.

 RBI releases draft omnibus framework for Self-Regulatory Organizations

(SROs) to regulate Regulated Entities (REs).
RBI Draft Omnibus
Framework for  Aims to address challenges posed by innovative technologies in the
SROs financial sector.

 RBI introduces Card-on-File (CoF) token facility at the bank level for
RBI Card enhanced card security. CoFT generated through card-issuing banks for
Tokenisation
Facility multiple merchants with explicit customer consent.

 RBI extends Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) scheme

till December 31, 2025. PIDF focuses on increasing payment acceptance
RBI Extends PIDF
Scheme devices, especially in tier-3 to tier-6 cities and northeastern states.
 RBI grants final approval to Razorpay and Cashfree Payments to operate as
RBI Approval for payment aggregators. Ban on onboarding new merchants lifted after nearly a
Razorpay and
Cashfree year.

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December 2023

Topic Summary
 RBI imposes monetary penalties on four Gujarat-based co-operative banks
for non-compliance. Penalties range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 7 lakh.
1. Mercantile Co-operative Bank Ltd., Ahmedabad, Gujarat (Rs 7 lakh),
2. The Kutch Mercantile Co-operative Bank Ltd., Rapar, Dist. Kachchh,
Gujarat (Rs 3 lakh),
RBI Monetary 3. Shree Morbi Nagarik Sahakari Bank Ltd., Morbi, Gujarat (Rs 50,000),
Penalties on Co-op 4. Bhabhar Vibhag Nagarik Sahakari Bank Limited, Bhabhar, District
Banks in Gujarat Banaskantha, Gujarat (Rs 50,000).
 RBI releases State of the Economy Bulletin, indicating potential global
interest rate reduction in 2024 due to disinflation. Indian economy remains
fastest-growing major economy.
 RBI's Economic Activity Index (EAI) projects Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) growth of 6.7% for Q3 2023-24.
 Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rose to 5.6% in November 2023,
RBI State of the
Economy Bulletin driven by food price spikes.

 RBI imposes Rs 2 lakh penalty on Thane District Central Co-operative

Bank for violating banking regulations. Allegations include sanctioning a loan
RBI Penalty on
TDCC Bank to one of the directors.
 RBI gives approval for reverse merger of IDFC Ltd with its banking subsidiary
RBI Approves IDFC-
IDFC First Bank. IDFC and IDFC First Bank boards had approved the merger
IDFC First Bank
Merger in July.
 RBI introduces Forex Correspondent Scheme to facilitate money changers
RBI Forex conducting forex business through agency models. Enhances ease of
Correspondent
Scheme doing business and increases forex acceptance infrastructure.
RBI Permits ICICI
Pru Mutual Fund  RBI permits ICICI Prudential Asset Management to acquire stakes in Federal
Stake Acquisition Bank and RBL Bank. Approval subject to compliance with relevant regulations.

 RBI designates State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as
RBI Identifies SBI,
HDFC Bank, ICICI Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs). Higher buffer
Bank as D-SIBs requirements for SBI and HDFC Bank effective from April 1, 2025.
RBI Grants  RBI grants final approval for at least six payment aggregator licences,
Payment including Razorpay, Cashfree Payments, Google Pay, and others. Lifting the
Aggregator
Licences ban on acquiring new merchants.

Some Important Keywords to know from Abouve Information:

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December 2023

About RBI
Founded: 1 April 1935 Headquarters: Mumbai Governor: Shaktikanta Das
About HDFC
 CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan Founded: August 1994 Headquarters: Mumbai

About FEMA
 The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, is an Act of the Parliament of India "to consolidate and amend
the law relating to foreign exchange with the objective of facilitating external trade and payments and for
promoting the orderly development and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India".

About RBI Monetary Policy

 Under the Reserve Bank of India, 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.
 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.
 The present MPC members, as notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette of October 5, 2020, are
as under:

1.Governor of the Reserve Bank of India—Chairperson, ex officio;

2.Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in charge of Monetary Policy—Member, ex officio
3.One officer of the Reserve Bank of India to be nominated by the Central Board—Member, ex officio;
4.Prof. Ashima Goyal, Professor, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research —Member;
5.Prof. Jayanth R. Varma, Professor, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad—Member; and
6.Dr. Shashanka Bhide, Senior Advisor, National Council of Applied Economic Research, Delhi—Member.
 Members referred to at 4 to 6 above, will hold office for a period of four years or until further orders, whichever
is earlier)
 The MPC determines the policy repo rate required to achieve the inflation target.
 The MPC is required to meet at least four times in a year.
 The quorum for the meeting of the MPC is four members.
 Each member of the MPC has one vote, and in the event of an equality of votes, the Governor has a second or
casting vote.

About HDFC Bank

CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan Founded: August 1994 Headquarters: Mumbai

About UPI
 Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application
(of any participating bank), merging several banking features, seamless fund routing & merchant payments
into one hood.
 It also caters to the “Peer to Peer” collect request which can be scheduled and paid as per requirement and
convenience.
 NPCI conducted a pilot launch with 21 member banks. The pilot launch was on 11th April 2016 by Dr. Raghuram
G Rajan, Governor, RBI at Mumbai.
 Evergreening of loans is a process whereby a lender tries to revive a loan that is on the verge of default or in default
by extending more loans to the same borrower.
 Downstream investments refer to the actual investments made by AIFs in companies using raised funds from
investors.

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December 2023

 Alternative Investment Fund: An AIF refers to a fund established or formed in India, serving as a privately pooled
investment mechanism.
 It gathers funds from sophisticated investors, whether domestic or international, with the aim of investing
according to a specific investment policy, ultimately benefiting its investors.
 These investment vehicles adhere to the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.
 As of December, 2023, 1,220 AIFs were registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

 The RBI defines Payment Aggregators as entities facilitating e-commerce sites and merchants to accept
various payment instruments from customers.

Withdrawal of ₹2000 Denomination Banknotes  GST Compensation Cess inflows were

₹12,274 crore, with ₹1,036 crore collected on
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had imported goods.
announced the withdrawal of ₹2000  From April to November 2023, GST revenues
denomination banknotes from circulation witnessed an 11.9% increase compared to the
vide Press Release 2023-2024/257 dated May same period in 2022-23.
19, 2023.  Among the states, Manipur recorded negative
revenue growth with a 21% fall, while the Union
 The total value of ₹2000 banknotes in
circulation, which amounted to ₹3.56 lakh Territory of Lakshadweep experienced a 15%
crore as at the close of business on May 19, drop.
2023 when the withdrawal of ₹2000 banknotes  Revenues in 13 states grew at or above the
was announced, has declined to ₹9,760 crore 20% national average pace from domestic
as at the close of business on November 30, transactions, with Nagaland (99%), Arunachal
2023. Pradesh (48%), and Haryana (44%) leading the
 Thus, 97.26% of the ₹2000 banknotes in way.
Learn Along:
circulation as on May 19, 2023, has since been
About GST
returned.  The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a value-added
tax levied on most goods and services sold for
GST revenues rise to ₹1.68 lakh cr. in November; domestic consumption.
fastest growth this fiscal  The GST is paid by consumers, but it is remitted to
the government by the businesses selling the goods
 India's GST revenues for November surged by and services.
15.1% to reach nearly ₹1.68 lakh crore, marking  In India, GST Bill was first introduced in 2014 as The
the third-highest monthly collection in 2023. Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill.
 This got an approval in 2016 and was renumbered
 This growth rate is the fastest in the current in the statute by Rajya Sabha as The Constitution
fiscal year, surpassing the 10-month high of (101st Amendment) Act, 2016.
13.4% in October.
 Taxes from domestic transactions and UPI transaction value hits new high at ₹17.4 lakh
services imports experienced a growth of over crore in November
20%, marking the sixth instance in the fiscal
year where revenues crossed ₹1.6 lakh crore.  UPI platform processes transactions worth
 November's GST revenues comprised Central ₹17.40 lakh crore, a new record surpassing
GST of ₹30,420 crore, State GST of ₹38,226 October's ₹17.16 lakh crore.
crore, and Integrated IGST of ₹87,009 crore,  According to NPCI data, Transaction value
including ₹39,198 crore from the import of increases by 1.4% month-on-month and 46% year-
goods. on-year.

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December 2023

 Number of UPI transactions falls slightly by  The enhancement increases the outlay for
1.5% to 1,124 crore from the previous month FAME-II from Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 11,500
but increases by 54% on a yearly basis. crore to address potential fund exhaustion before
 Year-on-year growth in UPI transactions the scheme's deadline in March 2024.
remains over 40% for the value of transactions  The MHI was allocated Rs 5,127 crore for the
and above 50% for the volume of UPI trades in current financial year, the highest since the Rs
FY24. 10,000-crore scheme launch in 2019.
 In FY23, UPI processed 8,376 crore  The government has raised its vehicle support
transactions worth ₹139 lakh crore, compared objectives, targeting 1.74 million vehicles,
to 4,597 crore transactions worth ₹84 lakh crore indicating a 56% surge. Targets for e2Ws,
in FY22.
e3Ws, and e4Ws were increased by 60%, 23%,
 UPI transactions projected to exceed 100
crore per day by FY27, dominating the retail and 177%, respectively.
digital payments landscape.  MHI's updated objectives aim to support 1.5
Learn Along: million e2Ws, 155,536 e3Ws, and 30,461 e4Ws,
About UPI with the bus target reduced to 7,062 units.
 UPI, or Unified Payments Interface, is a digital Learn Along:
payments system that allows users to transfer
About FAME Scheme Phase-II
money between bank accounts instantly.
 Launched in India in 2017, UPI has since gained  Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &)
tremendous popularity and is now used by millions of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme
people for fast and convenient money transfers. Phase-II is being implemented by the Ministry of
 UPI is operated by NPCI (National Payments Heavy Industries for a period of five years
Corporation of India) and is linked to various bank commencing from 1st April,2019 with a total
accounts, credit/debit cards, and digital wallets. budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crore.
 With UPI, users can make payments for goods and  This phase mainly focuses on supporting
services, pay bills, and transfer money to friends electrification of public & shared transportation,
and family members. and aims to support through demand incentive
7090 eBuses, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, 55000 e-4
UBS fined nearly $400 mn over Credit Wheeler Passenger Cars and 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers. In
Suisse's relationship with Archegos addition, creation of charging infrastructure is also
supported under the Scheme.
 Swiss banking giant UBS to pay nearly $400
million in fines to US, Swiss, and UK banking India’s ReNew signs pact with Asian
authorities for management failures related to Development Bank for $5.3 billion
Credit Suisse's handling of collapsed hedge
fund Archegos Capital Management.
 India’s ReNew Energy Global signed a pact
 Archegos' failure in 2021 led to significant
worth more than $5.3 billion with Asian
losses for Wall Street banks, with Credit Suisse
bearing the brunt, incurring over $5 billion in Development Bank to collaborate on projects
losses. related to tackling climate change.
Govt to pump in additional Rs 1,500 crore  The memorandum of understanding, signed at
for FAME-II subsidy scheme the COP28 conference in Dubai, comes as
demand for clean energy is booming.
 The Centre has sanctioned an additional Rs  ReNew added the pact covers projects
1,500 crore for the second phase of the Faster between 2023 and 2028 with a total investment
Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric value of more than $5.3 billion and is also
Vehicles in India (FAME-II) programme. expected to draw interest from international
investors.

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December 2023

 With a portfolio of almost 14 GW of clean energy  The survey conducted in 22 states, showed that
capacity, ReNew has already invested $8 the lowest unemployment rate was 7.1 per
billion in the clean energy space and the pact cent in Gujarat followed by Delhi at 8.4 per cent
will enable it to raise further funds for renewable
in the July-September quarter among persons of
energy projects.
the age group of 15-29 per cent.
 India is targeting net zero by 2070 and is
 Joblessness, or unemployment rate, is defined
looking to increase its non-fossil fuel power as the percentage of unemployed people in
capacity to 500 GW by 2030, from 186 GW now. the labour force.
Learn Along:
 The NSSO launched PLFS in April 2017.
About Asian Development Bank
Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines
Founded: 19 December 1966 President: Masatsugu
COP28: Adani Green Energy to invest $22 billion
Asakawa toward India's 2030 goal

Himachal Pradesh tops unemployment chart in  Adani Green Energy Ltd. will invest an
July-Sept: Labour Survey additional $22 billion to expand capacity by over
five times by 2030, focusing on India's steadily
 According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey growing electricity demand.
(PLFS), Himachal Pradesh has witnessed the  India's electricity demand is growing at 7%
highest overall unemployment rate of 33.9 per annually, surpassing expansion rates in other
cent, followed by Rajasthan at 30.2 per cent, economies, leading the government to
mandate additional renewable and thermal
among the age group of 15 to 29 years in cities
during July-September 2023. capacity to prevent blackouts.
 The PLFS data of the National Sample Survey  India aims to reduce its reliance on coal by
reaching 500 gigawatts of clean capacity by
Office (NSSO) also revealed that unemployment
2030, supported by business tycoons like Adani
among the 15-29 age group in urban areas
and Mukesh Ambani.
was high among females at 49.2 per cent in
 Adani Green plans to spend $4.5 billion to add
the July-September quarter of this fiscal year as
8 gigawatts of installed capacity by March 2025,
compared to 25.3 per cent among males in aiming for 45 gigawatts by the end of the decade.
Himachal Pradesh.
 in the case of Rajasthan, the joblessness in iVIS partners with ICICI Bank to Boost Security
females in cities was high at 39.4 per cent in with Advanced E-Surveillance Services
the quarter as against 27.2 per cent in males.
 Jammu & Kashmir also reported a high rate of  iVIS, a subsidiary of Magellanic Cloud, recently
joblessness at 29.8 per cent in the age group in officially partnered with ICICI Bank for the
cities. distribution of cutting-edge e-surveillance services
 In the case of Jammu & Kashmir, across its branches.
unemployment was high among females at  This collaboration will see iVIS deploying
51.8 per cent in the quarter compared to 19.8 per state-of-the-art AI/ML and IoT technology to
cent among males in the period in cities. deliver services such as real-time video
 The overall unemployment was high among monitoring, facial recognition, incident
22.9 per cent in cities in the country in the 15- detection, reporting, and data analytics.
29 age group compared to 15.5 per cent  The strategic alliance aims to fortify ICICI
among females in the July-September quarter Bank’s branch-level security operations,
2023, showed the data. specifically targeting areas like ATMs and cash
counter operations.

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 iVIS will implement real-time threat IDFC First Bank unveils UPI-based digital RuPay
mitigations, remote security management, credit card
and automated response systems to ensure a
comprehensive security infrastructure.  IDFC First Bank introduces a digital RuPay
Learn Along: Credit Card powered for UPI for its customers.
About ICICI  The digital card complements existing IDFC First
Founded: 1994 Bank Credit Cards, combining UPI transaction
Headquarters: Mumbai CEO: Sandeep benefits with core credit card offerings.
Bakhshi  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) formally
approves linking RuPay credit cards to UPI for
SBI MF gets RBI nod to buy 9.99% stake in Karur
seamless credit card-based payment
Vysya Bank
experiences.
 The Reserve Bank has given its approval to  The integration enhances flexibility and
showcases the bank's commitment to
SBI Mutual Fund (SBI MF) for acquiring up to
continuous innovation in empowering
9.99% of the paid-up share capital or voting
customers throughout their financial journey.
rights of Karur Vysya Bank Ltd (KVB). Learn Along:
 KVB, meanwhile, announced the opening of About IDFC First Bank
four branches, of which three are in Tamil Nadu  IDFC FIRST Bank was founded by the merger of
and one in Bengaluru. With this, the total number Erstwhile IDFC Bank and Erstwhile Capital First on
of branches has increased to 831. December 18, 2018.
Learn Along:  Managing Director & CEO: Mr. V. Vaidyanathan
About Karur Vysya Bank
Founded: 1916 Headquarters: Karur Automatic payment limit through UPI raised to
Chairperson: Dr Meena Hemchandra Rs 1 lakh

HDFC Bank launches Tata Neu Credit  The Reserve Bank of India increased the limit
Cards for automatic payments through UPI to Rs 1
lakh per transaction from the existing Rs 15,000
 Tata Neu is a popular super app offering access for certain categories, including subscription
to Tata Group services, deals, and NeuCoins. to mutual funds.
 After the RBI lifted the ban, HDFC Bank kept  As of now, relaxation in Additional Factor of
adding credit cards. With Tata Neu, HDFC has Authentication (AFA) is permitted while
released Tata Neu HDFC Bank Infinity Credit processing e-mandates/standing instructions
Card and Tata Neu HDFC Plus Credit Card, on cards, prepaid payment instruments and UPI
offering diverse rewards and benefits. With (Unified Payments Interface), for subsequent
features like cashback, travel perks, and robust recurring transactions with values up to Rs
security measures, it caters to various lifestyles. 15,000.
 The launch reflects Tata's expansion into  UPI has emerged a preferred mode of
financial services, aiming to provide customers payment for a large section of the population
with a seamless and rewarding payment with over 11.23 billion transactions recorded in
experience. November.
Learn Along:
About HDFC Bank SBI Mutual Fund buys 1.5% stake Karur
Founded: August 1994, Mumbai Headquarters: Vysya Bank for Rs 190 crore
Mumbai Chairman: Mr. Atanu Chakraborty

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December 2023

 SBI Mutual Fund acquired shares of scheduled  RBI will implement the scheme through
commercial bank Karur Vysya Bank for Rs 190 various banks, jointly monitored by DGFT and
crore through open market transactions. RBI.
 According to the bulk deal data available with the  The scheme aims to enhance international
BSE and NSE, SBI Mutual Fund (MF) competitiveness by providing competitive
rates for pre and post-shipment packing credit.
purchased a total of 1,20,00,000 shares,
 The additional outlay of Rs 2,500 Crore
amounting to a 1.5 per cent stake in Karur
bridges the funding gap to continue the scheme
Vysya Bank. until June 30, 2024, with an estimated annual
 The shares were picked at an average price of expenditure of approximately Rs 2,500 Crore.
Rs 162 apiece on both bourses, taking the  Target beneficiaries include MSME
combined aggregate deal size to Rs 194.40 manufacturer exporters and non-MSME
crore. exporters of identified sectors belonging to 410
Learn Along: tariff lines.
About SBI MF  The scheme, initiated in 2015, has been
CEO: Shamsher Singh Founded: 1987 extended multiple times, and the latest
Headquarters: Mumbai modification introduces fund limitations and
About Karur Vysya Bank caps benefits at Rs 10 Cr per annum per IEC for
Non-executive Independent (Part-time) Chairperson: individual exporters.
Dr Meena Hemchandra  Banks lending at rates above Repo + 4% would
Headquarters: Karur Founded: 1916 be debarred under the scheme.

SBI to sign Rs 630 crore LoC with Germany's Coca-Cola set to invest Rs 3,000 crore to install
KfW for solar projects new plant in Sanand

 State Bank of India (SBI) will sign 70 million  American beverage manufacturer, The Coca-
euro (about Rs 630 crore) Line of Credit (LoC) Cola Company (TCCC) is set to invest Rs 3,000
with German Development Bank KfW for crore to set up a beverage bases and
promoting solar project in the country. concentrates plant in Sanand, 22 km away from
 The agreement will be signed on December 14 Ahmedabad.
at the bank's IFSC Gift City Branch in  The company will make the Foreign Direct
Ahmedabad. Investment (FDI) through International
 The bank reported a total income of over Rs Refreshments (India) Private Limited (IRIPL),
1.12 lakh crore for the quarter under review, up which is a subsidiary of TCCC.
from Rs 88,733 crore in the year-ago period.  Coca-Cola has already made two large
Learn Along: investments through its bottling partners in
About SBI Gujarat.
Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara Founded:
About Coca Cola
1 July 1955 Headquarters: Mumbai Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Founded: 1892 President: John Murphy
Union Cabinet approves Rs 2,500 crore for
Interest Equalisation Scheme REC signs 200 million euro loan with
German Bank KfW to propel distribution
 The Union Cabinet approves an additional sector reforms
allocation of Rs 2,500 crore for the Interest
Equalisation Scheme till June 30, 2024.
 REC Limited, a Maharatna CPSE under the
 The scheme benefits exporters from identified Ministry of Power, has signed a 200 million
sectors and all MSME manufacturer exporters,
Euro loan agreement with the German bank
providing competitive rates for pre and post-
KfW on December 8, 2023.
shipment Rupee export credit.

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December 2023

 This marks REC's sixth line of credit under the agility across branches, contact centers, and
Indo-German Development Cooperation and digital channels.
demonstrates the corporation’s commitment to  The initiative will support informed decision-
enhance the distribution infrastructure of making and identify new data-led
DISCOMs in line with the Revamped Distribution opportunities across corporate, retail, and
Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the Government of MSME banking, as well as risk management,
India. treasury, customer service, and operations.
Learn Along:  Accenture will collaborate to build AI and
About REC Ltd machine learning models for actionable
 REC Limited, a Maharatna CPSE established in insights, improved business forecasting,
1969, under Ministry of Power, provides long term personalized customer offers, and intelligence for
loans and other finance products for Power- fraud detection.
Infrastructure sector comprising of Generation, Learn Along:
Transmission, Distribution, Renewable Energy and
new technologies like Electric Vehicles, Battery
 Union Bank of India, established in 1919, is one of
the largest public sector banks in India with a total
Storage, Green Hydrogen etc.
business of ₹19.84 trillion as of September 30, 2023.
 REC is the nodal agency to implement the RDSS
 Accenture is a leading global professional services
scheme.
company with a focus on digital core, operations
 The government launched the Revamped optimization, revenue growth acceleration, and citizen
Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to help services.
DISCOMs improve their operational efficiencies
and financial sustainability by providing result-linked
Federal Bank Awarded Bank of the Year 2023 by
financial assistance to DISCOMs to strengthen
The Banker – Recognizing Excellence in Indian
supply infrastructure based on meeting pre-
qualifying criterial and achieving basis minimum
Banking Sector
benchmarks.
 The Federal Bank of India has been conferred
Union Bank of India Collaborates with Accenture with the prestigious title of “Bank of the Year
to Accelerate Data-Driven Transformation 2023” by The Banker, a globally recognized
financial intelligence magazine.
 Union Bank of India is partnering with  This remarkable accolade recognizes the
Accenture to develop an enterprise data lake bank’s exceptional performance, resilience,
platform with advanced analytics and reporting and significant contributions to the banking
capabilities. sector amidst challenging economic landscapes.
 The collaboration aims to enhance operational  The Banker’s decision to award this esteemed
efficiency and provide customer-centric banking title to the Federal Bank is a testament to the
services while managing risk. bank’s unwavering commitment to excellence,
 The platform will leverage predictive innovation, and customer-centric services.
analytics, machine learning, and AI to analyze Learn Along:
structured and unstructured data from internal About Federal Bank of India
and external sources.  The Federal Bank of India, established in 1931, has
 The program will enable the bank to build a rich legacy of over nine decades in the Indian
robust data visualization and reporting banking sector.
capabilities, including interactive dashboards  Initially known as the Travancore Federal Bank, it
and reports. commenced its operations in the erstwhile princely
state of Travancore, now Kerala.
 Employees will access business intelligence
 Over the years, the bank expanded its presence
for improved customer service and operational
and services across the country, catering to a
diverse range of customers.

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December 2023

Learn Along:
India will be world's third-largest economy by About IOCL
2030 Chairperson: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya
Headquarters: New Delhi Founded: 30 June
 According to S&P Global Ratings, India will be 1959
the world's third-largest economy by 2030, but
a major test for the country would be to unlock Bank Of India Launches Nari Shakti Savings
the 'immense opportunity' and become the Account
next big global manufacturing hub.
 Bank of India introduces the Nari Shakti
 The US-based rating agency expects India to be Savings Account targeting women aged 18
the fastest growing major economy in the next and above with independent income.
three years, with GDP growth reaching 7 per
 The account aims to support working women
cent by 2026, from 6.4 per cent projected
in achieving financial independence and
expansion in the current fiscal. freedom.
 Indian economy grew 7.2 per cent in 2022-23  The bank will contribute Rs. 10/- to the CSR
fiscal ended March 2023. fund for each new Nari Shakti Account
 India's GDP expanded 7.8 per cent and 7.6 per opened, focusing on the socio-economic
cent in the June and September quarters, development of underprivileged women and girls.
respectively.  Features include a Personal Accident Insurance
Learn Along: cover of up to Rs 1 crore, discounted Health
About S&P Global Ratings Insurance & Wellness products, and attractive
 S&P Global Ratings is a leading provider of credit rebates on locker facilities for Gold & Diamond
ratings, research, and analytics to markets
SB A/C holders.
worldwide.
Learn Along:
 It is a division of S&P Global, a company that
About BoI
provides information, analytics, and solutions to
Founded: 7th September, 1906 MD and CEO:
help organizations make informed decisions and
navigate risks. Rajneesh Karnataka Headquarters: Mumbai

Tata Power EV, IOCL to jointly set up ADB raises India FY24 growth forecast to
over 500 charging points 6.7%, cites industry performance

 Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Ltd. and  The Asian Development Bank (ADB) increased
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) have signed India's economic growth forecast for FY23-24
a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to roll from 6.3% to 6.7%.
out fast and ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV)  The revision is based on India's higher-than-
charging points across the country. expected GDP growth of 7.6% in the second
 Tata Power would install more than 500 EV quarter of FY24, particularly in the industrial
charging points across multiple IOCL retail sector.
outlets to help alleviate range anxiety for EV  ADB expects fixed investments to
owners travelling betwen cities. compensate for lower growth in private
 Tata Power will set up fast and superfast consumption expenditure and weaker-than-
charging points in multiple regions, expected exports in FY24.
contributing to accessibility and inclusivity for a  The growth forecast for FY25 remains
sustainable electric mobility future. unchanged at 6.7%.
 IOCL envisages to provide 10,000 EV charging  ADB maintained India's inflation forecast at
stations by 2024. 5.5% for FY24.

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December 2023

 Developing Asia's growth projection for MD and CEO: Amitabh Chaudhary

calendar year 2023 was revised to 4.9%, up from Founded: 1993 Headquarters: Mumbai
4.7%, with upward adjustments to China's and
India's growth projections.
Reliance Industries Limited and DBS Bank India
 China's growth projection for 2023 increased
collaborate to promote Compressed Biogas
to 5.2%, up from the previous forecast of 4.9%,
project
while it is expected to slow down to 4.5% in 2024.
 Inflation in Developing Asia is forecasted to  Reliance Industries and DBS Bank India have
decline from 4.4% in the previous year to 3.5% come together to launch a financing program
in 2023, rising slightly to 3.6% in 2024. to facilitate compressed biogas (CBG) plant
Learn Along: projects.
About ADB  This will promote the creation of an ecosystem
Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines Founded: where vendor partners can gather agricultural
19 December 1966 President: Masatsugu Asakawa residue to serve as raw material for Reliance's
CBG production plants across India.
India's GDP growth may slow down to 6.5% in
 Reliance Industries views this initiative as a
FY25: Axis Bank report
crucial element in its net-zero roadmap.
 Despite advancements in CBG technology, the
 According to a report by Axis Bank, India's GDP
process of commercialization requires the
growth is expected to slow down to 6.5% in FY
development of new infrastructure and active
2025 due to escalating global challenge. involvement in the value chain, engaging
 The current financial year's GDP growth is farmers across different states, according to a
revised to 7% from the earlier projection of 6.5%. company statement.
 The report highlights the crucial role of fiscal  In the next five years, Reliance aims to set up
discipline, infrastructure development, and around 100 CBG plants, with the help of more
capital expenditure in sustaining growth. than 5.5 million tonnes annually of agricultural
 The United States' growth is supported by a residue and organic waste.
fiscal deficit, and a much-feared recession is  Reliance has set up a flagship CBG production
seen as delayed, not deferred. facility in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, which is
 Food inflation poses a threat to the RBI's expected to cut down CO2 emissions by 40,000
commitment to align headline inflation with the 4% tonnes annually.
target. Learn Along:
 The CPI inflation fell to 4.87% in October, the About DBS Bank India
 DBS Bank India is a subsidiary of DBS Bank
lowest since June, but the food price index Limited, a leading financial services provider in
exhibited a sequential increase. Southeast Asia.
 The RBI's 'State of the Economy' report  Established :2001
anticipates upticks in inflation readings for
November and December, with potential Ladli behna scheme lifts women's
disruptions in progress achieved in the last two spending by Rs 9,302 each: SBI report
months.
 Vegetable prices, particularly onion prices,  Madhya Pradesh’s Ladli Behna Scheme (LBS)
contributed to a 3.4% sequential rise in the
beneficiaries increased spending at merchant
food price index in October. outlets by at least Rs 9,302 each compared to
Learn Along: non-beneficiaries, according to SBI research.
About Axis Bank

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December 2023

 LBS involves the government depositing Rs  The Oman-India Joint Investment Fund, a 50-50
1,250 per month in the Aadhaar-linked bank joint venture between the State Bank of India
accounts of eligible women aged 21-60, with and the Oman Investment Authority, aims to
plans to increase it to Rs 3,000 per month. bolster economic ties by directing investments
 The study analyzed data from at least 4 million into the fastest-growing sectors of the Indian
LBS beneficiaries, with 94% of women covered economy.
being above 25 years old.  The fund is worth $300 million, and the
 87% of beneficiary accounts have less than Rs announcement signifies a substantial financial
commitment to deepen economic and cultural
7,500 average balance, and 1% spend the ties between the two nations.
money in other states.
 The earlier two tranches of the fund, valued at
 LBS recipients with PM Jan Dhan Yojana $100 million and $200 million, laid the
(PMJDY) accounts spent Rs 13,034 each, while groundwork for a strong economic alliance.
non-recipients spent Rs 3,732.
 Spending by non-beneficiaries is mainly IndusInd Bank Launches Community Banking
towards basic amenities, while beneficiaries Program for Diamond Cohorts with ‘Indus
spend more on consumerist avenues. Solitaire Program’
 Ladli Behnas with a PMJDY account spend
around Rs 3,352 at POS terminals, withdraw Rs  IndusInd Bank launches the 'Indus Solitaire
8,809 each through ATMs, and spend Rs 41,915 Program,' a community banking initiative
through UPI. tailored for the diamond industry.
Learn Along:  The program offers exclusive benefits such as
About SBI 24/7 locker access, add-on family accounts,
Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara Founded: 1
premium debit and credit cards, concierge
July 1955 Headquarters: Mumbai services, golf lessons, movie tickets, zero
About Ladali Behna Scheme cross-currency mark-up fees on foreign
 Keeping in view the above scenario, for the
exchange, complimentary lounge access, and an
economic independence of women in the state,
continuous improvement in the health and attractive rewards structure.
nutritional level of their dependent children and to  The program, focused on Mumbai and Surat,
strengthen their decisive role in the family, the includes a dedicated relationship, service, and
Honorable Chief Minister, Government of Madhya wealth manager to assist customers with diverse
Pradesh, on 28 January 2023, in the entire Madhya financial needs.
Pradesh announced the implementation of
 IndusInd Bank inaugurates its flagship branch
"Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana" under which Rs
at the Surat Diamond Bourse, providing elite
1000 per month will be given to women.
banking services to the diamond community in
 The implementation of the scheme not only reflects
improvement in the health and nutritional status of Surat.
women and their dependent children, but women will  The branch aims to cater to both business and
also be more financially free than before to spend individual financial needs of the diamond
as per their preferences. industry.
Learn Along:
India, Oman adopt vision document to expand About IndusInd Bank
bilateral cooperation  Established in 1994 by a platform conceived and
promoted by Srichand P Hinduja along with members
 The third tranche of the Oman-India Joint of Indian diaspora, the name ‘IndusInd Bank' was
Investment Fund has been announced, marking inspired by the Indus Valley Civilization - one of the
a significant development in the India-Oman greatest cultural example of a combination of

economic partnership.

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December 2023

innovation with sound business and trade

practices. Karur Vysya Bank, HDFC Life enter into
 Chairman: Mr. Sunil Mehta corporate agency tie-up
Headquarters: Mumbai
 Karur Vysya Bank and HDFC Life have entered
Pension funds sizzle with a 16.94% 1-year equity a corporate agency agreement for life
return on NPS monies insurance products.
 The agreement allows Karur Vysya Bank
 Pension funds recorded a robust average customers access to HDFC Life's range of life
annual return of 16.94% in equities as of insurance solutions.
December 8, outperforming Corporate Bonds  The life insurance products cover protection,
(7%), Government Securities (7.10%), and Central savings, investment, retirement, and critical
and State Government Schemes (8.2%). illness.
 Over the last three-year period, pension funds  Karur Vysya Bank's customers can benefit
achieved an average return of 18.27% in from HDFC Life's online claim intimation
process without leaving their homes.
equities.
 The partnership aims to provide additional
 The total National Pension System (NPS) assets,
insurance options for Karur Vysya Bank
including Atal Pension Yojana, surpassed
customers.
₹10.5 lakh crore, reaching ₹10.7 lakh crore as
Learn Along:
of December 9, marking a 25.95% YoY About Karur Vysya Bank
increase. Founded: 1916
 NPS assets stood at ₹8.5 lakh crore on Headquarters: Karur
December 9 last year. MD and CEO: B Ramesh Babu.
 Equities contributed approximately ₹1.9 lakh Chairperson: Dr Meena Hemchandra

crore to the total NPS AUM.

India tops remittances table with $125 bn
 Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) injected
inflows: World Bank report
₹43,000 crore into Indian equities in the first
two weeks of December 2023, with a net inflow
 According to a World Bank report, India is
of ₹1.5 lakh crore for the calendar year.
expected to be the top recipient of
 The total number of NPS and APY subscribers remittances in 2023 as inflows increase 12.4 per
as of December 9 reached 6.92 crore, a 16%
cent to $125 billion in 2023 from a historic peak of
increase YoY. 24.4 per cent in 2022.
 PFRDA expects at least 13 lakh new  Mexico will come next by receiving $67 billion
subscribers this fiscal year from both and China will follow it at $50 billion.
Corporate and all citizen categories.  The key drivers for remittance growth in 2023 are
 NPS AUM doubled to ₹10 lakh crore in August a tight labour market in the United States,
2023 in just 2 years and ten months. high employment growth in Europe reflecting
Learn Along: extensive leveraging of worker retention
About PFRDA programs, and a dampening of inflation in high-
 The Pension Fund Regulatory & Development
income countries.
Authority Act was passed on 19th September, 2013
and the same was notified on 1st February, 2014.  India’s share in South Asian remittances,
 PFRDA is regulating NPS, subscribed by however, is expected to increase to 66 per cent
employees of Govt. of India, State Governments and in 2023 from 63 per cent in 2022.
by employees of private institutions/organizations &
unorganized sectors.

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 According to The World Bank, Remittance while state governments' debt accounts for 24.4%
growth is expected to moderate to 8 per cent at $604 billion (Rs 50.18 trillion).
in 2024, taking levels to $135 billion.  Treasury bills worth $111 billion (Rs 9.25
 In 2024, economic growth is projected to trillion) make up 4.51% of the total debt.
recover in the GCC and inflation to drop even
 Corporate bonds hold a 21.52% share of the
further from its already low level.
total debt, amounting to $531 billion (Rs 44.16
World Bank sets up task force on MDB reform trillion) in the second quarter of the current fiscal
plan year.

 The World Bank has set up a task force to Kotak Mahindra Bank partners with IITK to
study the recommendations for strengthening launch Kotak School of Sustainability through
multilateral development banks (MDBs) laid its CSR program
out by an independent experts’ group formed
during India’s G20 presidency.  Kotak School of Sustainability, India's first fully
integrated school of sustainability, is launched
Learn Along:
at IIT Kanpur through funding from Kotak
About World Bank
Mahindra Bank Limited's CSR program.
 The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest
sources of funding and knowledge for developing  The initiative is a collaboration between IIT
countries. Kanpur and Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited to
 Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing address global warming challenges and promote
poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and education, research, and outreach in
promoting sustainable development. sustainability.
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States  The school aims to provide leadership
Founded: July 1944 President:Ajay Banga solutions for sustainability actions and prepare
future generations to lead in sustainable
India's total debt rises to Rs 205 trillion in development.
September quarter: Report  The initiative aligns with the National
Research Foundation's goal to boost research
 Indiabonds.com, a Sebi-registered online bond and innovation through industry and government
platform, collated the data from the RBI, funding.
Clearing Corporation of India, and SEBI for the Learn Along:
report. About Kotak Mahindra Bank
Founder: Uday Kotak Founded: 21
 The country's total debt, represented by
November 1985 Headquarters: Mumbai
outstanding bonds in the market, increased to
$2.47 trillion (Rs 205 trillion) in the September
quarter. Core sector output growth slowed to a six-
 In the March quarter of the previous fiscal year, month low of 7.8% in Nov
the total debt amount was $2.34 trillion (Rs 200
trillion).  Output of eight key infrastructure industries,
 The central government's debt in the the core sector, slowed to a six-month low of
September quarter rose to $1.34 trillion (Rs 7.8% in November.
161.1 trillion) from $1.06 trillion (Rs 150.4 trillion) in
 October Index of Industrial Production (11.7%) and
the March quarter.
November core sector data will influence the
 The central government's debt constitutes the
first Advance Estimates of GDP for 2023-24, to
highest share of 46.04% at Rs 161.1 trillion,
be released on January 5.

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 Refinery products' output growth accelerated  The Union government signs a $100 million
(12.4%) in September, while crude oil (-0.4%) loan agreement with Asian Development Bank
and cement (-3.6%) contracted. (ADB) for the Tripura Urban and Tourism
 Output growth decelerated in coal (10.9%), Development Project.
 The project aims to improve municipal
natural gas (7.6%), fertilizers (3.4%), steel
infrastructure, public services, and tourism
(9.1%), and electricity (5.6%) sectors.
facilities in Tripura's Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
 Slight moderation attributed to base effects, with
and along national highways.
cement production turning negative and
 The focus is on upgrading key tourism sites to
power growth lower due to base effects. position Tripura as a gateway to the northeast
 Economists predict Indian economy to grow at region.
least by 6.5%, while RBI projects 7% growth in  ADB support to enhance urban governance,
FY24; ADB raised its growth forecast to 6.7%. financial sustainability, and capacity building
of ULBs for integrated planning.
Central Bank of India partners with Kisetsu  Project includes the installation of 42 km of
Saison Finance, shares rise new transmission and distribution pipes for
urban water supply systems.
 The Central Bank of India Ltd’s shares rose  Four new water treatment plants and
3.26 per cent after the company established a improvement of 55 km of stormwater drains
Co-Lending Partnership with Kisetsu Saison are part of the initiative.
Finance (India) Private Limited, focusing on  Upgradation of 21 km of urban roads with
features catering to the needs of the elderly,
providing competitive MSME Loans.
women, children, and differently-abled.
 This collaboration aims to foster the expansion Learn Along:
of portfolios for both entities. About ADB
 Under the agreement, Kisetsu Saison Finance Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines
will originate and process MSME loan Founded: 19 December 1966 President: Masatsugu
proposals, with the Central Bank of India Asakawa
acquiring 80 per cent of these loans under
mutually agreed terms. Odisha govt approves seven industrial projects
 The partnership is anticipated to enhance worth Rs 1482.53 crore
customer experience and broaden their
collective presence across India.  The Odisha government approved seven
 Kisetsu Saison Finance (India) Private Limited, an industrial projects with a total investment of Rs
RBI-registered NBFC headquartered in 1482.53 crore.
Bengaluru, specialises in financing individuals,  The State Level Single Window Clearance
MSMEs, and corporations across India with AUM Authority (SLSWCA) led by Chief Secretary
exceeding ₹8,200 crore as of September 30, Pradeep Kumar Jena granted approval for
2023. projects in various districts.
Learn Along:  Tech AIC DRI Pellets Pvt Ltd received
About Central Bank of India approval for a Rs 800 crore steel
Headquarters: Mumbai MD & CEO: M. manufacturing plant in Keonjhar district.
V. Rao Founded: 21 December 1911  MAS Udyat India Pvt Ltd got the nod for an
integrated textile facility with a Rs 214.40 crore
Govt, ADB sign $100 mn loan agreement
investment in Khurda district.
for development projects in Tripura
 Alenn Steel Industries Pvt Ltd will invest Rs
178 crore in establishing a cold rolled

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

precision pipes manufacturing unit in

Kalinganagar, Jajpur district.
 Reliance Bio Energy Ltd's Rs 121.21 crore
proposal for a compressed biogas and
fermented organic manure plant in Balasore
district was approved.
 Other approved proposals include Vinner Labs
Pvt Ltd (Rs 52 crore), MR Unicast Pvt Ltd (Rs
56.32 crore), and Terrestrial Food Processors Pvt
Ltd (Rs 60.6 crore).

Arunachal govt inks pact for Rs 13k cr

hydropower project in Lohit basin

 Arunachal Pradesh government signed an  India is in the final stages of negotiations to

acquire five lithium blocks in Argentina for
agreement with THDCIL for the 1,200-MW Kalai-
exploration and development.
II hydroelectric project in the Lohit river basin.
 The deal involves a partnership between Khanij
 Agreement signed by State Hydropower Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) and Catamarca
Commissioner Ankur Garg and THDCIL's
Minera Y Energética Sociedad Del Estado
director (technical) Bhupender Gupta. (CAMYEN), a state-owned company in
 The project, costing Rs 13,000 crore, was initially Argentina's Catamarca province.
allotted in 2009 but didn't take off until now.  The Centre plans to invest around Rs 200 crore
 With the Kalai-II project, the government over five years for exploration and development,
concluded agreements for 13 projects with a with a proposal submitted to the Cabinet
total capacity of 12,717 MW in 2023. Committee on Economic Affairs.
 The project is expected to bring over Rs 13,000  This marks India's second attempt to secure
crore investment during construction and foreign partnerships for critical minerals after a
generate over Rs 300 crore annually in free power memorandum of understanding with Australia in
2022.
for the state.
 Argentina holds 21% of the world's lithium
Learn Along:
About Arunachal Pradesh
reserves, concentrated in salt flats in provinces
Chief minister: Pema Khandu Capital: like Catamarca.
Itanagar Governor: Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik  India aims to set up KABIL's offshore office in
Catamarca for streamlined coordination with
India set to acquire five lithium blocks in regulatory authorities.
Argentina spotted by KABIL  Argentina's salt-lake lithium offers a cost-
effective extraction method, making it
commercially appealing for India's self-reliance in
clean energy production.
 Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir is
estimated to hold approximately 5.9 million
tonnes of lithium reserves.
 India aims to reduce dependence on imports,
with lithium imports in FY23 reaching $3 billion, a
58% increase from FY22.

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December 2023

 The exploration and development agreement  With this, Adani Green now has tied up PPAs
aligns with India's goal of achieving net-zero of 19.8 GW and balance is merchant capacity
emissions by 2070 and becoming a in its 20.6 GW locked-in portfolio.
manufacturing hub for electric vehicles. Learn Along:
 Lithium is crucial for lithium-ion batteries used in About Solar Energy Corporation of India
devices like smartphones, laptops, electric  "Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd" (SECI) is a
vehicles, and renewable energy storage CPSU under the administrative control of the
systems. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE),
set up on 20th Sept, 2011 to facilitate the
implementation of National Solar Mission (NSM) and
Domestic Coal Based Power Generation
achievement of targets set therein.
increases by 8.38 % during April-Nov 2023
 It is the only CPSU dedicated to the renewable
energy sector.
 India has witnessed a remarkable 7.71 percent
 It was originally incorporated as a section-25 (not
surge in power generation and 11.19 percent in for profit) company under the Companies Act, 1956.
Coal-based power generation from April to  Chairman & Managing Director: R P Gupta
November this year, as compared to the
corresponding period of the previous year. SIDBI grants Rs 12.45 crore to deploy 300
 According to The Coal Ministry the Electric 3-wheelers in Delhi and Hyderabad
unprecedented rise showed because of
temperature, delayed monsoons in the Northern
 SIDBI has granted INR 12.45 CR to ETO
region of the country coupled with the resumption
Motors for deploying 300 Electric 3-Wheelers
of full commercial activities post-Covid.
(E3W) in Hyderabad and Delhi for first and last-
 The domestic coal-based power generation up
mile passenger connectivity over the next three
to November 2023 reached 779.1 Billion Units
months.
(BU), reflecting an increase of 8.38 percent over
 ETO Motors will build an EV Charging
the power generated in the corresponding period
Infrastructure with the financial support to
of last year. facilitate the deployment of 300 E3Ws in
 India is ranked third-largest consumer of Hyderabad and Delhi.
energy in the world, with an annual electricity  The financial support is part of SIDBI’s Mission
demand increase of about 4.7 percent. 50K-EV4ECO, focusing on strengthening the EV
ecosystem in India, including financing for two,
Adani Green signs 1,799 MW solar power
three, and four-wheelers, and developing
PPA with SECI
charging infrastructure.
 Adani Green Energy Ltd. (AGEL), a renewable  As part of the funding, ETO Motors will set up
energy company, has executed a power 180 charging points in the two cities to support
purchase agreement (PPA) with the Solar the deployment of E3Ws.
 ETO Motors is one of the few EV players
Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to supply
receiving financial support from SIDBI under
1,799 MW of solar power.
the Mission 50K-EV4ECO scheme.
 With the signing of this balance PPA, AGEL has
 ETO Motors is India’s largest Electric Mobility
completed power offtake tie-up for the entire
as a Service (EMaaS) company, partnering
8,000 MW manufacturing-linked solar tender
with metro rails for passenger first and last-mile
awarded to it by SECI in June 2020.
connectivity.
 The E3Ws will be manufactured in ETO
Motors’ state-of-the-art manufacturing facility

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December 2023

in Jadcherla, Telangana, with a focus on safety  External commercial borrowings to India

and technology. recorded net outflow of US$ 1.8 billion in
Learn Along: Q2:2023-24 as compared with net outflow of US$
About Small Industries Development Bank of India 0.5 billion in Q2:2022-23.
Set up: 2nd April 1990 Chairman & Managing
 Non-resident deposits recorded net inflow of
Director: Sivasubramanian Ramann
US$ 3.2 billion as compared with net inflow of
Headquarters: Lucknow
US$ 2.5 billion in Q2:2022-23.
Developments in India’s Balance of Payments  There was an accretion of foreign exchange
during the Second Quarter (July-September) of reserves (on a BoP basis) to the tune of US$
2023-24 2.5 billion in Q2:2023-24 as against a depletion
of US$ 30.4 billion in Q2:2022-23.
Key Features of India’s BoP in Q2:2023-24 Learn Along:
About BoP
 The balance of payment is the statement that files all
 India’s current account balance recorded a
the transactions between the entities, government
deficit of US$ 8.3 billion (1.0 per cent of GDP) anatomies, or individuals of one country to
in Q2:2023-24, lower than US$ 9.2 billion (1.1 per another for a given period of time.
cent of GDP) in Q1:2023-24 and US$ 30.9 billion
(3.8 per cent of GDP) a year ago [i.e., Q2:2022- IndusInd Bank launches ‘eSvarna’, first RuPay
23]1. corporate credit card
 Underlying the lower current account deficit on a  IndusInd Bank has launched ‘eSvarna’, the
year-on-year (y-o-y) basis in Q2:2023-24 was the
country’s first corporate credit card on the
narrowing of merchandise trade deficit to US$
RuPay network, enabling the private sector
61.0 billion from US$ 78.3 billion in Q2:2022-23. lender to become the first to integrate UPI
 Services exports grew by 4.2 per cent on a y-o- functionality with a corporate credit card.
y basis on the back of rising exports of software,  The card facilitates smooth transactions at
business and travel services. Net services merchant outlets and allows users the
receipts increased both sequentially and on a y-o- flexibility to make UPI payments by linking the
card with UPI-enabled apps. It also comes with an
y basis.
array of exclusive perks and rewards, the release
 Net outgo on the primary income account, said.
primarily reflecting payments of investment Learn Along:
income, increased to US$ 12.2 billion from US$ About IndusInd Bank
11.8 billion a year ago.  Established in 1994 by a platform conceived and
 Private transfer receipts, mainly representing promoted by Srichand P Hinduja along with members
of Indian diaspora, the name ‘IndusInd Bank' was
remittances by Indians employed overseas,
inspired by the Indus Valley Civilization - one of the
amounted to US$ 28.1 billion, an increase of 2.6
greatest cultural example of a combination of
per cent from their level during the corresponding innovation with sound business and trade practices.
period a year ago.  Chairman: Mr. Sunil Mehta
 In the financial account, net foreign direct Headquarters: Mumbai
investment witnessed an outflow of US$ 0.3
billion as against an inflow of US$ 6.2 billion in Govt to extend RoDTEP benefits to e-
Q2:2022-23. commerce exports
 Foreign portfolio investment recorded net
 Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal
inflow of US$ 4.9 billion, lower than US$ 6.5
announced that the government has decided to
billion during Q2:2022-23. extend the benefits of the export-boosting

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December 2023

scheme Remission of Duties and Taxes on About Assocham

Exported Products (RoDTEP) to e-commerce  The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of
India (ASSOCHAM) is the country's oldest apex
exports.
chamber.
 The RoDTEP scheme, which came into effect  ASSOCHAM initiated its endeavour of value
three years ago, refunds the embedded non- creation for the industry in 1920.
creditable central, state, and local levies paid on President: Ajay Singh
inputs to exporters. Secretary General: Deepak Sood
Learn Along:
About RoDTEP Scheme
 RoDTEP stands for Remission of Duties or Taxes
SEBI and FINANCIAL AWARENESS
on Export Products.
 It is a Scheme, introduced by the Government of Government of India and ADB sign $175 million
India by making amendment in the Foreign Trade loan to improve connectivity in Madhya Pradesh
Policy 2015-20.
 The scheme has been made effective for exports  Government of India and Asian Development
from 01.01.2021. Bank (ADB) sign a $175 million loan for Madhya
 This scheme has been introduced with an objective Pradesh road improvement.
to neutralize the taxes and duties suffered on  Signatories: Ms. Juhi Mukherjee (Government of
exported goods which are otherwise not credited or India) and Takeo Konishi (Country Director of
remitted or refunded in any manner and remain ADB’s India Resident Mission).
embedded in the export goods.
 The Project aims to enhance connectivity in
 This scheme provides for rebate of all hidden Madhya Pradesh's state road network across
Central, State, and Local duties/taxes/levies on the
14 districts for balanced economic development.
goods exported which have not been refunded under
 ADB to build the capacity of Madhya Pradesh
any other existing scheme. Road Development Corporation Limited
(MPRDC) on climate change adaptation,
India likely to remain fastest growing major
disaster resilience, and road safety.
economy in 2024: Assocham
Learn Along:
About ADB
 Assocham predicts India will continue to be the Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines
fastest-growing major economy in 2024, driven Founded: 19 December 1966
by strong consumer demand leading to President: Masatsugu Asakawa
increased investment in sectors like
construction, hospitality, railways, and Government of India and ADB sigh $200 million
aviation. loan for Uttarakhand climate resilient power
 India retained its status as the world's fastest- system development project
growing major economy, with GDP growing at
a rate of 7.6% in the July-September quarter,  The Government of India and the Asian
surpassing expectations and beating the Reserve Development Bank (ADB) signed a $200
Bank of India's projection of 6.5%. million loan agreement for the Uttarakhand
Climate Resilient Power System Development
 This growth marks an improvement from the
Project.
6.2% in the same quarter the previous year and
 The funding aims to enhance the quality,
a 7.8% expansion in the preceding quarter.
efficiency, and reliability of power supply in
 India's GDP growth outperformed China's 4.9% Uttarakhand, supporting the state's goal of
rise in the same quarter, highlighting its providing 24x7 power to its residents.
economic resilience amid challenges faced by  The project involves strengthening power
Western economies due to high-interest rates system infrastructure, upgrading the
and energy prices. distribution system, and facilitating the
Learn Along:

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

seamless integration and transmission of  The drop in crude oil prices has further
renewable energy to load centers. contributed to the positive economic outlook
 A $2 million grant from the Japan Fund for by alleviating concerns related to inflation and
Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific trade balances. FIIs, previously on a selling
will support livelihood enhancement, training, and streak, have also now reversed course and turned
awareness-raising activities. into net buyers of Indian stocks.

IIFL Home Finance Ltd. presents the 15th chapter L&T Finance Holdings completes merger of 3 of
of 'Kutumb' in collaboration with Asian its subsidiaries with itself
Development Bank (ADB)
 L&T Finance Holdings Ltd announced that it
has completed the merger of its three
 Asian Development Bank (ADB) signs a USD
subsidiaries L&T Finance Limited (LTF), L&T
68 million loan with IIFL HFL for green,
affordable housing in India. Infra Credit Limited (LTICL) and L&T Mutual
 'Kutumb' event hosted jointly by IIFL HFL and Fund Trustee Limited, with itself.
ADB focuses on fostering the green building  The merger is effective from December 4 and
ecosystem in India's affordable housing sector. will create a single lending entity.
 The partnership includes a Technical  The merger will lead to the creation of a
Assistance (TA) program for the sustainability of simplified 'Single Lending Entity'; thus,
green construction practices in affordable housing all lending businesses under one
housing. operating Non-Banking Financial Company.
 The TA initiative is named 'Enabling the  All of the lending business will now be housed
ecosystem to improve access to green under L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.
affordable housing for women.' Learn Along:
 The Kutumb event is the 15th chapter and the About L&T Finance Holdings Ltd
Founded: 1994 CEO: Dinanath Dubhashi
10th in the series with ADB, emphasizing green
Headquarters: Mumbai
affordable housing.
 IIFL HFL has served over 250,000 customers Foreign flows into Indian bonds hit 6-year
with 'Kutumb.'
high ahead of index inclusion
 It Facilitated a credit-linked subsidy of over Rs
1,746 crore to 72,000+ households under PMAY
 Foreign inflows into Indian government bonds
(U) as of August 31, 2023. surged to a six-year high in November ahead of
 The Kutumb event aims to create opportunities
inclusion in JPMorgan's emerging market index.
for accessible green housing for everyone.
 Foreign portfolio investors purchased a net
 It has successfully taken place in various cities,
contributing to the transformation from 127.2 billion rupees ($1.53 billion) of bonds, the
'Housing for All' to 'Green Housing for All.' highest since June 2017.
 Standard Chartered Bank expects foreign
India's Stock Market Achieves $4 Trillion Market buying in Indian bonds to continue until June,
Capitalization when inclusion in the JPMorgan index is
anticipated.
 The Indian equity market made history by
 JPMorgan announced a 10% weightage for
achieving a significant milestone, with the total
market capitalization of all BSE-listed stocks India in its index, to be phased in between June
hitting the $4 trillion mark. 2024 and March 2025.
 Among the top five global markets, the Indian  Foreign ownership of Indian sovereign bonds,
stock market is ranked fifth in terms of market currently at 1.9% of federal debt, is expected to
value, following the United States, China, rise with increased inflows.
Japan, and Hong Kong. Learn Along:

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December 2023

About Foreign Inflows the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board
 Foreign inflows refer to the flow of capital from of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992) came into force on
other countries into an economy. January 30, 1992.
 This can include investments in stocks, bonds, real  Chairperson: Ms. Madhabi Puri Buch
estate, and other assets. Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
 Foreign inflows can have a significant impact on the
economy, as they provide additional liquidity and can ‘India to move to same-day settlement before
help stimulate growth. March 31’
 They can also lead to increased competition and
higher valuations for assets.  Securities and Exchange Board of India
 It's important for countries to carefully manage their
chairperson Madhabi Puri announced that, India
foreign inflows to ensure they are in line with their
is moving to set up same-day market
economic goals and levels of development. settlement before the end of the fiscal year in
March 2024 and subsequently to
Poonawalla Housing Finance rebrands as Grihum instantaneous settlement a year later,.
Housing Finance post TPG takeover  Currently trades in India are settled in “T+1” or
one day after the trades are initiated.
 Poonawalla Housing Finance, acquired by TPG  T+0 would mean settlements in the same day
Capital Asia, is rebranded as Grihum Housing
and instant settlement would ensure trades are
Finance.
settled immediately.
 TPG acquired a 99.02% equity stake in the  India is the second country after China to
company from Poonawalla Fincorp. operate on a short settlement cycle of one day.
 The new name, Grihum, signifies "Grih" (home)  To safeguard investors’ money from misuse, an
and "Hum" (togetherness), reflecting the ASBA-like facility for trading in secondary
company's dedication to unity in creating dream markets will be available from January or
homes. February.
 Grihum has seen a Compound Annual Growth  The Application Supported by Blocked
Rate (CAGR) of 28% in Assets Under Amount (ASBA)-like facility, already available for
the primary market, ensures that the investor’s
Management (AUM) in the last six years,
funds get moved only when the allotment is
targeting an AUM of Rs 11,000 crore by March
completed.
2025.
India's foreign exchange reserves cross $600
Sebi to introduce fast track concept for public billion after four months
issuance of debt securities
 India's foreign exchange reserves increased to
 Sebi is considering the introduction of a 'fast $604 billion as on December 1, surpassing the
track' mechanism for public issuance of debt
$600 billion mark after a gap of about four months.
securities to facilitate frequent issuers with a
 The forex reserves were last above the $600
consistent track record.
billion mark on August 11 this year.
 The move aims to reduce time, cost, and effort
 The issuance of the master direction for
associated with public issues of debt securities.
foreign exchange market participants was part
 To enhance non-institutional investor participation of a comprehensive initiative to assist market
in the corporate bond market, Sebi proposes participants manage risks in the ever-changing
allowing issuers to launch NCDs or NCRPS
market.
with a face value of Rs 10,000.
 The reserves were $597.935 billion in the
Learn Along:
About SEBI preceding week ended November 24.
 The Securities and Exchange Board of India was Learn Along :
established as a statutory body in the year 1992 and About Foreign Exchange

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 Foreign exchange reserves are cash and other (DIVE), with a focus on customer acquisition in the
reserve assets such as gold held by a central bank first phase.
or other monetary authority that are primarily available
to balance payments of the country, influence the  The digital transformation aims to provide
foreign exchange rate of its currency, and to maintain efficient services like claims settlement and
confidence in financial markets. loans at the click of a button, reducing the need
for customers to visit offices.
SBI signed 200 mn euro LoC with EIB to support Learn Along:
climate action projects About LIC
 LIC is fully owned by the government. It was set up in
 State Bank of India (SBI) signed a 200 million 1 September 1956. It has the biggest share in India’s
euro (about Rs 1,800 crore) Line of Credit (LoC) insurance business.
with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for  Chairperson: Siddhartha Mohanty
Headquarters: Mumbai
supporting climate action projects in the country.
 The agreement was signed on December 21 at
Shri Narayan Rane launches three sub-schemes
the bank's IFSC Gift City Branch in Ahmedabad,
SBI said in a regulatory filing. under the RAMP programme- MSME Green
 Earlier ,SBI signed a 70 million euro (about Rs Investment and Financing for Transformation
Scheme (MSE GIFT Scheme), MSE Scheme for
630 crore) LoC with German Development
Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy
Bank KfW for promoting solar projects in the
(MSE SPICE Scheme) MSE Scheme on Online
country.
Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments
 The LoC is aimed at supporting Solar
Photovoltaics (PV) projects in India.
 Union Minister for MSME Narayan Rane
Learn Along: launched three sub-schemes under the RAMP
About SBI
Headquarters: Mumbai Chairman: Dinesh program:
Kumar Khara Founded: 1 July 1955
1. MSME Green Investment and Financing for
Transformation Scheme (MSE GIFT Scheme)
LIC's Approach to 'Insurance For All by 2047
to help MSMEs adopt green technology with
interest subvention and credit guarantee support
 The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India in
2. MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in
alignment with the 'Insurance For All by 2047'
Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme)
initiative, is set to play a pivotal role by
introducing tailored products for rural areas supports circular economy projects through credit
subsidy, targeting zero emissions by 2070
and embracing digital transformation.
3. MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution
 The focus is on extending insurance coverage for Delayed Payments uses legal support and
to maximum rural masses, aligning with the vision modern IT tools to address delayed payments for
of making India a developed nation by 2047. Micro and Small Enterprises.
 LIC acknowledges the Insurance Regulatory
and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)  New initiatives include MSME – SCIP
proposed 'Bima Vistar,' a composite product Programme to support commercialization of
covering life, health, and property insurance. intellectual property and making ZED Scheme
 The distribution channel for these products, free for women-led MSMEs.
known as 'Bima Vahak,' will be women-centric,  Memorandum of Understanding exchanged
in line with the proposed guidelines for dedicated with SIDBI and National Informatics Centre
distribution channels at the Gram Panchayat Services Inc. for implementing MSME GIFT,
level. MSE SPICE, and MSE ODR schemes.
 LIC has initiated a digital transformation project,
Digital Innovation and Value Enhancement SBI m-cap nears Rs 6 trillion as stock hits new
peak; surges 17% in 1 month

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December 2023

 State Bank of India (SBI) shares reach a new IDFC FIRST Bank, LIC Cards and Mastercard
high of Rs 659.50, up nearly 2% on the BSE. Collaborate to Launch a Co-branded Credit Card
 The surge in the stock price contributes to SBI's to Meet the Financial Needs of India
market capitalization nearing Rs 6 trillion.
Learn Along:  IDFC FIRST Bank, LIC Cards, and Mastercard
 Last week, SBI announced a EURO 70 million Line
have collaborated to launch an exclusive co-
of Credit with KfW (German Development Bank) for branded credit card tailored to India's dynamic
supporting Solar PV projects in India. financial needs.
 SBI, the largest bank in India with a balance sheet  The credit card offers benefits such as no
size of over Rs 55 trillion, has delivered sustained joining and annual fees, low interest rates
recovery post-Covid in both business growth and asset starting from 9% p.a., and is designed to bring
quality. value to consumers across different age groups.
 The bank has raised non-core capital, including  Available in two variants, LIC Classic and LIC
Tier-II bonds, and has an enabling board approval to Select, the cards provide over 27 crores
raise funds up to Rs 50,000 crore for FY24. policyholders an opportunity to save through
 CARE Ratings has a 'stable' outlook on SBI's reward points on LIC insurance premium
instruments, expecting steady growth, healthy payments.
profitability, and comfortable capitalization levels.
 Additional benefits include coverage for lost
card liability, personal accident insurance up
Reliance General Insurance introduces to Rs. 5 lakh, and the ability to redeem reward
‘Reliance Health Global’
points against online purchases, including LIC
premiums.
 Reliance General Insurance launched
 The collaboration aims to provide a rewarding
"Reliance Health Global," a healthcare policy experience for customers and enhance digital
providing Indians with access to global transactions, aligning with the commitment to
healthcare. customer-centricity.
 The policy offers comprehensive coverage Learn Along:
within India and extends protection About IDFC FIRST Bank
worldwide, catering to those seeking top-notch  IDFC Ltd. was granted an in-principle approval by the
healthcare services globally. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to set up a new bank in
 It includes extensive coverage for international 2014.
treatments, critical conditions like cancer and  IDFC Bank thus started operations in October 2015,
bypass surgery, and outstanding coverage and started building its corporate banking while also
within India with an unlimited sum insured launching retail for assets and liability products.
 The policy's sum-insured coverage reaches  IDFC FIRST Bank was founded as a new entity by the
up to $1 million, providing a strong sense of merger of the two institutions(erstwhile IDFC Bank
security for medical treatment abroad. and erstwhile Capital First ) on December 18, 2018.
 The scheme covers pre and post-
Saint Lucia’s Tax Inspectors without Borders
hospitalization, offers second opinions,
accidental rehabilitation, air ambulance (TIWB) programme launched in partnership with
services, coverage for organ donor expenses, India
and has no limitations on room rent.
Learn Along:  Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB), a joint
About Reliance General Insurance initiative of the United Nations Development
Chairman (Independent Director): Mr. Rajendra Chitale Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for
Economic Cooperation and Development

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December 2023

(OECD), launched a programme in Saint Lucia 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global
on 14th December, 2023. Summit.
 India has been chosen as the Partner  The operationalization of these MoUs is expected
Administration and will provide Tax Experts to generate direct and indirect employment
opportunities for more than 38,000 individuals
for this programme.
across diverse sectors in Gujarat.
 This programme is expected to be of 12-18  The MoUs cover projects related to minerals,
months’ duration in which India, in innovative housing, commercial buildings
collaboration with the TIWB Secretariat and within urban development, townships,
support of the UNDP Country Office, Barbados chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals,
and the Eastern Caribbean, aims to aid Saint jewellery manufacturing, green and solar
Lucia in strengthening its tax administration energy, textile and apparel parks, engineering,
by transferring technical knowledge and skills automotive, animal healthcare, ethanol
production, industrial parks, water supply, and
to its tax administration, and through sharing of
skill development.
best practices.
 The signing ceremony was part of the Vibrant
 The focus of the programme will be on Gujarat Global Summit 2024, scheduled for
effective use of automatic exchange of January 10-12, and involved prominent
information under the Common Reporting
companies from the state.
Standard (CRS) framework. Learn Along:
 This programme is the seventh TIWB About Gujarat
programme which India has supported by Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel
providing Tax Experts. Founded: 1 May 1960
Governor: Acharya Devvrat
Wardwizard Foods signs MoU with Gujarat govt Capital: Gandhinagar

 An MoU was signed by DH Shah, Managing FY 2023-24 Sees 17% Surge in Gross Direct Tax
Director of Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Collections: Ministry of Finance
Limited, and Sheetal Bhalerao, Chairperson and
 According to The Ministry of Finance the
Managing Director of Wardwizard Foods and
Gross Direct Tax collections for the Financial
Beverages Limited.
 Wardwizard plans to expand operations in Year 2023-24 have registered a growth of
Gujarat, focusing on the production of ready-to-eat over 17 percent.
foods, mayonnaise sauce, frozen foods, etc., with  The Gross Collection of Direct Taxes for the
a Rs 500 crore investment. Financial year 2023-24 before adjusting refunds,
 The partnership aims to reshape Gujarat's stands at over 15 lakh 95 thousand crore
economic landscape and generate 750 rupees as compared to 13 lakh 63 thousand
employment opportunities in the foreseeable crore in the corresponding period of 2022-23.
future.  The advance Tax collections for the Fiscal
 Wardwizard Foods and Beverages Limited's Year 2023-24 stand at over 6 lakh 25
shares increased by 9.98% after signing an MoU thousand crore rupees which shows a growth of
with the government of Gujarat. 19.94 per cent.

Vibrant Gujarat: MoUs worth Rs 24.7k cr signed Disney, Reliance sign pre-deal agreement, mega-
ahead of investment summit
merger to be done by Feb
 30 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
 Walt Disney and Reliance Industries Ltd
expressing investment intentions of Rs 24,707
crore were signed in Gandhinagar ahead of the signed a non-binding term sheet in London

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

last week to merge their India-based media

operations.  Ajay Banga, President, World Bank Group,
 A 51:49 stock-and-cash consolidation in favor launched the Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
of RIL is expected to conclude by February. Beginner’s e-Course in New Delhi.
 Plans for a step-down subsidiary of RIL's  The course is a joint initiative of the
Infrastructure Finance Secretariat, DEA, and
Viacom18 to absorb Star India through a stock
the World Bank.
swap are being considered.
 It aims to provide foundational knowledge on
 Both companies are expected to inject $1-1.5
PPPs in India, covering five modules on different
billion as capital investment. aspects of PPP project lifecycles.
 Infrastructure development is a crucial focus for
Foreign exchange reserves rise by $9 bn the government, requiring collaboration
in week to 20-month high at $616 bn between the public and private sectors.
Learn Along:
About World Bank
 The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest
sources of funding and knowledge for developing
countries.
 Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing
poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and
promoting sustainable development.
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
Founded: July 1944 President:Ajay Banga
 India's foreign exchange reserves reached
$616 billion in the week ending December 15, NABARD and AGRICULTURE
marking the highest level since March 25, 2022.
 The reserves witnessed a weekly surge of $9
India’s tea production rose by more than
billion, the second-highest in the current
12% in October
financial year.
 The increase in total reserves is attributed to the  India’s tea production increased by 12.06% to
rise in foreign currency assets, which grew by 182.84 million kilograms (kg) in October as
$8 billion during the week. compared to 163.15 million kg in the
 The appreciation of the rupee by 0.4% in the corresponding month last year.
previous week, influenced by the fall in the dollar  According to Tea Board data, production of the
index post the US Federal Reserve meeting, crop in West Bengal rose to 54.98 million kg
contributed to the surge in reserves.
in October, as against 49.75 million kg in the
 The fall in imports and softened crude oil
same period last year.
prices also played a role in the increase in
reserves.  Assam, the country’s largest tea-producing state,
 Gold reserves rose by $446 million, and also registered a higher crop at 104.26 million
special drawing rights (SDRs) increased by kg in October.
$135 million in the previous week.  The state produced 90.72 million kg of tea in
 The total reserves stood at $607 billion in the October 2022.
week ended December 8.  Category-wise, production of the CTC variety
touched 167.72 million kg in October 2023,
World Bank and Department of Economic Affairs
launch PPP Beginner’s e-course

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December 2023

whereas that of orthodox tea was 12.98 million kg Funds Granted for Pradhan Mantri Matsya
across both north and south India. Sampada Yojana
 Green tea production was at 2.14 million kg.
Production by small tea growers stood higher at  During last three years (2020-21 to 2022-23)
95.24 million kg in October 2023 across the and the current year (2023-24), the
country, compared to 78.19 million kg in October Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries,
2022. Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government
of India, under Pradhan Mantri Matsya
KISAN E-MITRA Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has accorded
approvals to the fisheries developmental
 The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector proposals of Government of Kerala
scheme launched in February 2019 to amounting to Rs.903.32 crore and released
supplement the financial needs of land-holding central funds of Rs.239.27crore for
farmers. development of fisheries and fishers welfare in
 Under this scheme, the financial benefit of Rs the State.
6,000/- per year in three equal instalments  Out of the central funds of Rs.239.27 crore
every four months is transferred into the bank released during the Financial Years 2020-21 to
accounts of farmers' families across the country 2022-23 Government of Kerala has reported
through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
expenditure of Rs.213.02 crore towards
 Maintaining absolute transparency in
implementation of approved fisheries
registering and verifying beneficiaries, the
developmental activities in the State and has
Government of India has disbursed over Rs
also submitted Utilization Certificates
2.80 lakh Cr to more than 11 Cr farmers.
amounting to Rs. 144.35 crore.
 Under the PM-KISAN scheme, a robust
 PMMSY has been receiving overwhelming
grievance redressal system is in place. response from all the States/UTs including
 Government of India has developed Kisan e- Kerala.
Mitra (AI Chatbot) – Farmers’ digital  The PMMSY projects approved to
assistance to address their queries in their Government of Kerala are being successfully
own languages, thereby empowering the implemented.
farmers through technological interventions.  PMMSY is implemented through respective
The Kisan e-Mitra is removing the existing State Government/Union Territory and
technological and language barriers of the district-wise allocation of funds within the
farmers. State/UT are also made by the concerned State
 The Kisan-eMitra, AI Chatbot is initially Government/UT Administrations.
available in 5 languages i.e. English, Hindi,  The State Government of Kerala has informed
Odiya, Tamil and Bangla. that during FY 2020-21 to 2022-23, district of
 The Government of India has developed the Kozhikode was allotted an amount of Rs.
PM-KISAN mobile app with the feature of 368.18 lakh for development of fisheries out of
face authentication-based e-KYC. which the district has so far made expenditure
 This app is first mobile app which uses face of Rs.300.69 lakh towards implementation of
authentication-based e-KYC feature in any approved projects.
benefit scheme of the Government. Learn Along:
About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

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December 2023

 The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of  The DGFT allows onion exports based on
Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, government permission to other countries
Government of India is implementing Pradhan upon their request. Ongoing shipments before
Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana – A scheme to the new notification will be permitted.
bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable
 Farmers in Maharashtra's Nashik district
and responsible development of fisheries sector
protested the ban.
in India at an estimated investment of Rs. 20050
 Lasalgaon APMC chairperson criticized the
crores for holistic development of fisheries sector
decision, claiming it would lead to losses for
including welfare of fishers.
farmers, and demanded direct government
 PMMSY is being implemented in all the States
sales without middlemen.
and Union Territories for a period of 5 years from
FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
Budget disbursement under AIF
Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra
 The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is a
 Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra campaigns are medium to long-term debt financing scheme
being held across the country to raise launched in 2020.
awareness through outreach activities and  It focuses on viable projects for post-harvest
achieve saturation of various welfare programs
management infrastructure and community
launched by the Centre.
farming assets.
 The Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was flagged off
 The scheme aims to provide one lakh crore
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
rupees to eligible borrowers through banks and
November 15th on the occasion of Janjatiya
financial institutions, with an interest subvention
Gaurav Divas at Khunti, Jharkhand.
of 3% and a credit guarantee facility.
 The yatra aims to cover all gram panchayats
 As of the current date, Rs. 32,472 Crores have
and urban local bodies through IEC vans and
camps of various schemes organised at each been sanctioned for 43,318 projects under
location. AIF, with Rs. 20,102 crores already disbursed.
 Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare  The sanctioned projects have attracted an
Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is monitoring of investment of Rs. 55,248 Crores in the
Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra daily for its agriculture sector.
smooth operations.  In 2022-23, Rs. 500 crores (Budget Estimate)
 Currently the Yatra is going on in 26 states/UTs. and Rs. 150 crores (Revised Estimate) were
So far, about 30 thousands Gram Panchayats allocated for interest subvention and CGTMSE
have been covered, where about 80 lakh people fee payment to banks and financial institutions.
have participated and took a pledge to create  The initial years of the AIF scheme were
a developed India. impacted by the widespread Covid-19
pandemic, affecting progress and awareness.
Centre bans onion export till March
 During FY 22-23, there was a 251% growth
 The Indian government has banned onion compared to FY 21-22, and the progress in FY
exports until March 31, 2024, to control rising 2023-24 is expected to yield positive results.
domestic prices.  The Department of Agriculture and Farmers
 The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Welfare conducts periodic review sessions,
amended the onion export policy from free to participates in AIF conclaves, organizes
Bankers Conclaves, and runs campaigns like
prohibited.
NOBOL, BEST, and BHARAT to promote
 A 40% duty on onion exports was imposed on
awareness and increase sanctions.
August 19, with a minimum export price of
$800 per tonne, which was initially effective Union Minister Shri Arjun Munda inaugurates
until December 31. ASEAN-India Millet Festival at New Delhi

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December 2023

 Union Minister Arjun Munda inaugurated the  First advance estimates of kharif output show a
ASEAN-India Millet Festival in New Delhi. 4.6% decline to a four-year low of 148.6 million
 The festival aligns with the International Year tonnes.
of Millets to raise awareness and create a larger  ICRA economists project a full-year growth
market for millet-based products. under the 2% mark, compared to a 4% uptick in
 The festival, attended by delegates from ASEAN FY23.
nations, aims to showcase millet's socio-
 A weaker rural economy adds 'downside risks' to
economic, nutritional, and climate benefits. ICRA's forecast of 0-2% growth in tractor sales for
 The International Year of Millets has increased the year.
awareness, leading to investments in research, Learn Along:
development, and extension services. About ICRA
 The Indian government promotes millet  ICRA Limited (formerly Investment Information and
through campaigns, making it a priority product Credit Rating Agency of India Limited) was set up in
at national and district levels. 1991 by leading financial/investment institutions,
 Initiatives include the Millets Sub-Mission under commercial banks and financial services
the National Food Security Mission, state companies as an independent and professional
millet missions, and projects. investment Information and Credit Rating Agency.
 Millets were nominated as "One Country-One  Non-Executive Chairman and an Independent
Priority Product" and expanded to "One District- Director: Mr. Arun Duggal
One Product" in 21 districts.
Ministry of Textiles launches “Paat-Mitro”
 The event, organized by the Indian Mission in
application to facilitate jute farmers
ASEAN and the Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers' Welfare, concluded on December 15,
2023.  The Ministry of Textiles launched the "Paat-
Mitro" mobile application for jute farmers during
‘Farm sector growth to slip below 1% in H2, feed the Jute Symposium.
food price pressures’  The application, developed by The Jute
Corporation of India Limited (JCI), provides
 ICRA warns of a potential slowdown in farm
information about Minimum Support Prices (MSP)
sector growth in the second half of the fiscal
year. and agronomy.
 Kharif crop yields drop, and foodgrain output  It offers information on agronomic practices,
is projected to hit a four-year low. MSP, Jute Gradation Parameters, farmer-centric
 Rabi crop sowing lags significantly behind schemes like 'Jute-ICARE,' weather forecasts,
last year's levels by mid-December. JCI's Purchase Centers' locations, and
 Cumulative rabi sowing trails the year-ago procurement policies.
levels by 5.1%, with rice (-9.7%), wheat (-6.4%), and  Farmers can track the status of payments for
pulses (-8.2%) showing steep declines. raw jute sold to JCI under MSP Operation.
 The delayed harvesting of paddy in some  The Jute Symposium aimed to create
states contributes to the slowdown in rabi awareness and promote Jute-based technical
sowing. textiles, with a focus on Jute Geotextiles.
 ICRA report notes that the decline in crop NABARD to tap global climate capital for Indian
output is larger than the fall in the area sown, agri sector
indicating a contraction in yields.
 GVA growth from the agriculture sector may fall  The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
below 1% in the last two quarters of the year. Development (NABARD) has teamed up with
 Weak prospects for rabi crop output, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help the
influenced by El Nino effects, cast a shadow on
rural sentiment and consumption demand.

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

farming sector tackle the adverse impact of  Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the major producers
climate change. of milling copra, whereas ball copra is produced
 The two organisations, in association with the predominantly in Karnataka.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will tap  In the last ten years, the government has
climate capital to fund agricultural, natural increased the MSP for milling copra and ball
resources and rural development (ANR) initiatives. copra from Rs 5,250 per quintal and Rs 5,500
 The collaboration is aimed at enhancing food per quintal in 2014-15 to Rs 11,160 per quintal
security and climate financing in India’s ANR and Rs 12,000 per quintal in 2024-25, recording
sector. a rise of 113 per cent and 118 per cent,
 The partnership will identify and support food respectively, the ministry said.
security and climate financing programmes in  Ball/edible copra is used as a dry fruit and
the ANR sector. employed for religious purposes, whereas milling
 The projects eligible for support include climate- copra is used to extract oil.
resilient agriculture and agroforestry projects,  In the 2023 season, the central government
irrigation modernisation projects, agriculture procured more than 133,000 metric tonnes of
value chain financing through financial copra at the cost of Rs 1,493 crores, registering
intermediaries, crop diversification projects, a rise of 227 per cent over the previous season.
micro-irrigation projects, and JIVA (agro-
ecology programme for revitalising natural Tree ambulance fleet
resources management).
Learn Along:  Recently, the Horticulture Department of the
 Launched by NABARD, JIVA is a community-based Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) plans to
participatory programme for watershed (rainfed) and expand its tree ambulance fleet in Delhi,
wadi (tribal) areas, extending over 2.5 million hectares, aiming to triple the current number to 12 by
with a funding commitment of about Rs 5,000 crore. 2024.
About NABARD  Each of the 12 administrative zones will be
 NABARD is India’s apex development bank, assigned one tree ambulance, enhancing the
established on 12 July 1982 under an Act of city's capacity for timely and efficient tree care.
Parliament to promote sustainable and equitable  Tree Ambulance is an initiative that has been
agriculture and rural development. initiated to support “save trees” with the “vision
 Chairman: Mr. Shaji K V Headquarters:
to save the Earth”.
Mumbai
About ADB
 The first phase of Tree Ambulance was
Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines Founded: flagged off and inaugurated in Chennai on the
19 December 1966 President: Masatsugu Asakawa
occasion of International Day for Biological
Diversity, 2019 ( celebrated on 22nd May) by the
Union cabinet approves increase in copra MSP Vice President of India.
for upcoming 2024 season  Tree Ambulances are run by botanists, forestry
experts, gardeners, volunteers and tree
 The Union cabinet has approved the Minimum surgeons and provide free services to people
Support Price (MSP) for copra for the 2024 who call its helpline requesting help rescuing
season. ailing trees and plants.
 The MSP for fair average quality of milling  The initiative was proposed by the Chennai-
copra and ball copra has been fixed at Rs based environmentalist K Abdul Ghani, well
11,160 per quintal and Rs 12,000 per quintal for known as the “Green Man of India”.
the 2024 season, respectively.  The initiative was launched for the purpose of
 The MSP for the 2024 season had been hiked providing a platform to battle climate change
by Rs 300 per quintal for milling copra and Rs by replanting the trees that were uprooted due to
250 per quintal for ball copra over the previous Cyclone Vardah and Cyclone Gaja.
season.

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

The Many Faces of Cotton’, focusing on value

NATIONAL addition.
 This wass also the fifth time that the ICAC
plenary meeting was being held in India in the
India and Nepal hold Projects Portfolio
last six decades, a textiles ministry release said.
Performance Review meeting
 The 81st plenary aimed to serve as a platform
 The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and for sharing innovations, benchmarks, sound
Nepal's Ministry of Finance held the Projects practices and experiences across the globe on
Portfolio Performance Review Meeting. productivity, climate resilience and circularity for a
vibrant cotton economy.
 During the meeting, discussions were held on
Learn Along:
ongoing projects in various sectors under the
About ICAC
India-Nepal development cooperation
 Formed in 1939, ICAC is an inter-governmental body
framework both under grant assistance and
covering cotton recognised by the United Nations.
under various lines of credit.
 It has 28 members.
 The Indian side was led by India's Ambassador
 India, Brazil, Egypt, France, Sudan and the United
to Nepal Naveen Srivastava. States were the founding members.
 For the meeting, Nepal's Finance Minister
Prakash Sharan Mahat led Nepal's side. NLCIL Signs MoU with TNSDC & NTTF for Skill
 India is the largest and most prominent Development Training Programme for
development partner of Nepal. India-Nepal Unemployed Youth
development partnership which began in 1951
has continued and expanded over the last seven  NLC India Limited, a Navratna PSU under the
decades. Ministry of Coal, entered into a tripartite
 The projects under Development partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)in
have been diverse in size and sector with Chennai with Tamil Nadu Skill Development
geographical spread throughout Nepal. Corporation (TNSDC), the Nodal Agency of
Government of Tamil Nadu for skill
Textiles Ministry hosted global meet on cotton development and M/s Nettur Technical
from Dec. 2-5 Training Foundation (NTTF), Bengaluru, a
 Over 400 delegates from 35 countries are pioneer institution on providing skill training to
expected to participate in the 81st plenary unemployed youth, to meet the present industry
meeting of the International Cotton Advisory demands.
Committee, hosted in Mumbai by the Indian  This collaboration of NLCIL, TNSDC & NTTF will
office of textile commissioner from December impart job-oriented skill development training
2 to 5. for 540 wards of project affected families
 The theme of this meeting was 'Cotton Value (PAFs’) of NLCIL’s operating areas in Neyveli.
Chain: Local Innovations for Global  NLCIL has committed to spend Rs1.12 lakh per
prosperity', focused on sustainable technologies. candidate for this free residential programme
 Associate hosts are the Cotton Corporation of under its budget for Rehabilitation and
India Limited (CCI), the Confederation of Indian Resettlement (R&R).
Textile Industry (CITI) and the Cotton Association  This programme will help the candidates to
of India (CAI). become technically trained and get
employment opportunities in premier
 The previous such event was hosted by India
companies.
in 2015 with the theme ‘From Farm to Fabric:
Learn Along:
About NLC India

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

Founded: 1956  It is the endeavour of the Government to raise

Headquarters: Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, India the GER of SCs in higher education from 23.0
% to the national average till FY2025-26.
National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC)  With respect to Pre-Matric Scholarships
meets to review preparedness for impending Scheme for SCs & Others and Post-Matric
cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ in Bay of Bengal Scholarships Scheme for SC, following are
the achievements in regard of FY2023-24:
 National Crisis Management Committee
(NCMC) under Chairmanship of Cabinet  Under Pre-matric Scholarships scheme for
Secretary Rajiv Gauba reviewed preparedness SC & Others during FY2023-24, Central
of State governments and Central Ministries/ share amounting to Rs. 157.75 Cr has been
Departments for impending cyclone ‘Michaung’ released to 7.38 lakh beneficiaries in their
in Bay of Bengal. Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts through
 The Cyclonic Storm over southwest Bay of DBT.
Bengal moved northwestwards with a speed  Under Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for
of 9 kmph over the same region near east- SC students during FY2023-24, Central
southeast of Puducherry, 250 km southeast of share amounting to Rs. 1623.42 Cr has been
Chennai, 380 km south-southeast of Nellore, 490
released to 13.56 lakh beneficiaries in their
km south-southeast of Bapatla and 500 km
Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts through
south-southeast of Machilipatnam.
DBT.
 It is likely to continue to move northwestwards, Learn Along:
intensify further and reach westcentral Bay of About Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SCs and
Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining
Others:
north Tamil Nadu coasts by 4th December
 Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SCs and Others
forenoon.
is a Centrally Sponsored scheme with the
 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has objective of promoting literacy and uninterrupted
deployed 21 teams in Tamil Nadu, Andhra education at the Pre-Matric level for children
Pradesh and Puducherry and 08additional teams belonging to Scheduled Castes and children of
have been kept in reserve. parents/guardian who are engaged in unclean and
hazardous occupations.
Central share of Rs. 157.75 Cr released to 7.38
lakh beneficiaries under Pre-matric NHAI Inks Agreement to Develop Multi Modal
Scholarships scheme for SC & Others during Logistics Park at Nagpur at a cost of Rs. 673
FY2023-24 through DBT crore

 The Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC  NHAI signs agreement with M/s. DC Multi
Students (PMS-SC) is a Centrally Sponsored Modal Park for Multi Modal Logistics Park
Scheme for the SC students for studies in (MMLP) in Nagpur.
India only whose Parent/Guardian's income  MMLP to be developed in 150 acres under
should not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum. PPP model at Rs. 673 crore, first in Maharashtra
 The objective of the scheme is to provide under PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
financial assistance to the Scheduled Castes  Project to be executed in three phases, Phase-I
students and to appreciably increase the Gross with Rs. 137 crore investment to be completed
Enrolment Ratio of SC students in higher in two years.
education with a focus on those from the poorest
households.

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 It is expected to handle 9.47 MMT cargo over  This national forest certification scheme
45 years, boosting industrial zones in Nagpur, promotes sustainable forest management and
Wardha, Chandrapur, and Gondiya. agroforestry through voluntary third-party
Learn Along: certification.
About NHAI  The scheme encompasses forest management
 The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) certification, tree outside forest management
was constituted by an Act of Parliament, the National certification, and chain of custody certification.
Highways Authority of India Act, 1988.  The scheme is overseen by the Indian Forest
 It is responsible for the development, and Wood Certification Council, acting as a
maintenance and management of National multistakeholder advisory body.
Highways entrusted to it and/or matters connected or
 The Council includes representatives from
incidental thereto.
institutions such as Indian Council of Forestry
Research and Education, Forest Survey of
Railways withdraws emergency cashless
India, Quality Council of India, and others.
treatment scheme
 The Indian Institute of Forest Management,
 Indian Railways has withdrawn the Cashless Bhopal, serves as the scheme operating
Treatment Scheme in Emergency (CTSE) agency, managing the Indian Forest and Wood
Certification Scheme.
benefiting serving/retired employees and their
dependents nationwide.
NITI Aayog and IFPRI sign Statement of Intent to
 The CTSE was a pilot project launched in strengthen policy frameworks for agricultural
metro cities in 2016, providing cashless transformation and rural development
emergency treatment in private railway
empanelled hospitals.  NITI Aayog and IFPRI signed a five-year
 The scheme was expanded across the railway Statement of Intent (SoI) to strengthen policy
network, enabling serving/retired employees and program frameworks for India's
and their dependents to avail treatment in private developmental objectives.
hospitals during emergencies.
 IFPRI's broad mandate includes supporting
 The Railway Board reviewed the scheme's NITI's Agriculture Vertical in areas such as
implementation and decided to withdraw it developing Rural Transformation Indicators and
with immediate effect. evaluating flagship programs.
 The scheme aimed to provide comprehensive  The SoI activities involve providing policy
healthcare facilities to serving/retired analytical tools, generating evidence on India's
employees and their dependents, especially agri-food trade, and supporting rural
for retired beneficiaries in new city suburbs. transformation.
Learn Along:  NITI Aayog actively guides India's development
About Indian Railways programs, with a specific focus on agriculture,
Founded: 16 April 1853 Headquarters: New Delhi
to ensure sustainable and inclusive
transformation.
Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme
 IFPRI will offer policy analytics and support in
launched to promote Sustainable Management of
areas like agriculture, rural development, trade,
forests and agroforestry
and climate change policies in India.
Learn Along:
 The Ministry of Environment, Forests and
About NITI Aayog
Climate Change has launched the Indian Forest
 NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming
& Wood Certification Scheme.
India) is a think tank of the Indian government,
established in 2015, aimed at promoting and

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

advancing technological innovation, information technology services related to this

entrepreneurship, and research and development. field.
 Chairperson: Narendra Modi Founded:
1 January 2015 The Telecommunication Bill, 2023

Cabinet approves Memorandum of  The Telecommunications Bill, 2023, was

Understandings (MoU): introduced in the Lok Sabha by IT Minister
Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister  President Droupadi Murmu recommended its
Narendra Modi was apprised of a MoU signed on introduction under Article 117(1) of the Constitution
09th October, 2023 between the Ministry of of India.
Electronics and Information Technology of the  The bill aims to bring comprehensive
Republic of India and the Ministry of Information, regulations to the telecommunications sector
Communication and Information Technology of and replace outdated acts from 1885, 1933, and
the United Republic of Tanzania on cooperation 1950.
in the field of sharing successful Digital  Concerns have been raised over attempts to
Solutions implemented at Population Scale for categorize it as a money bill, limiting scrutiny in
Digital Transformation. the Rajya Sabha.
 The proposed legislation requires prior
 The MoU intends to promote closer authorization for telecom activities, introduces
cooperation and exchange of experiences, amendments to the TRAI Act, and conducts
digital technologies-based solutions in the spectrum assignment through auction.
implementation of digital transformational
 The bill grants government powers of
initiative of both the countries.
interception and search for public safety and
 Both G2G and B2B bilateral Cooperation in emergencies, raising concerns about potential
the field of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) privacy infringements.
will be enhanced.
Parliament passes Bill to replace 125-year-old
Between India and Italy on Cooperation in the Indian Post Office Act, 1898
field of Industrial Property Rights:
 Parliament passed the Post Office Bill, 2023,
 The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime granting post office employees authority to open
Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval or detain items for national security or public
for signing of Memorandum of Understanding safety.
between the Department for Promotion of  The Bill provides immunity for post office
Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of employees from liability under certain
Commerce & Industry of the Republic of India conditions.
and the Directorate General for the Protection
 It seeks to repeal the Indian Post Office Act,
of Industrial Property-Italian Patent and
1898, consolidating and amending laws related
Trademark Office of the Ministry of Enterprises
to the Post Office in India.
and Made in Italy of the Italian Republic on
 Once the President gives assent, it will become
Cooperation in the field of Industrial Property
Rights. law, affecting over 1.5 lakh post offices in India,
 The MoU will promote between the mostly in rural areas.
Participants the establishment of a  The Bill also includes provisions related to the
mechanism that allows them to develop recovery of sums due for post office services,
cooperation activities in the field of IP and exemptions from liability, and the exclusive
privilege of issuing postage stamps.

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 It clarifies that the post office may prescribe 2. Sustainable management of trees
standards for addressing, address outside forests (like plantations).
identifiers, and the use of postcodes for 3. Chain of custody, which guarantees
sorting and delivery purposes. the traceability of forest products
 The Indian Post Office Act, 1898, addressed throughout their supply chain,
mail services, but the new law acknowledges ensuring ethical sourcing and
the evolution of post office services beyond handling.
mails, necessitating the repeal and replacement  The scheme will be overseen by the Indian
of the old Act. Forest and Wood Certification Council, which
will act as a multistakeholder advisory body.
IndiGo becomes first Indian airline to carry 100  Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal
mn pax in a single year will act as the scheme operating agency and
will be responsible for overall management of the
 IndiGo became the first Indian airline to Scheme.
transport over 100 million passengers in a Learn Along:
calendar year.  ‘Trees outside Forests’ means trees growing outside
 This marks a 22% increase in passenger traffic recorded and notified forests, in farm lands of an
compared to 2022 when the airline ferried over 78 individual farmers or group of small farmers or
million passengers. plantation area on private land of institutions and
industries, etc. and include all trees on the hedges and
 With a 61.8% domestic market share as of
bunds, trees in different models of agroforestry, silvo-
November 2023, IndiGo is the largest airline in
pastoralism, urban and rural forestry systems and
India.
block plantations.
Learn Along:
About IndiGo National Transit Pass System (NTPS)-‘One
Founded: 2006 Headquarters: Gurgaon,Haryana
Founders: Rahul Bhatia ,Rakesh Gangwal
Nation-One Pass’

Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme  Union Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the
National Transit Pass System (NTPS) to facilitate
 Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forests seamless transit of timber, bamboo, and forest
and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has launched produce nationwide.
the Indian Forest & Wood Certification  NTPS aims to establish a "One Nation-One
Scheme (IFWCS), offering voluntary third-party Pass" regime for unified, online issuance of
certification designed to promote sustainable timber transit permits, contributing to ease of doing
forest management and agroforestry in the business.
country.  Special Pan Indian vehicles carrying forest
 IFWCS aims to offer an alternative to private produce were flagged-off, showcasing the
foreign certification agencies that have been
applicability and ease of using NTPS.
operating in India.
 The NTPS is designed for user convenience
 It seeks to ensure greater integrity, with desktop and mobile applications for easy
transparency, and credibility in certifying registration and permit applications.
sustainable forest management and wood-based
 Transit permits will be issued for regulated tree
products. species, while users can self-generate No
 The scheme covers three main areas for Objection Certificates for exempted species.
certification:
1. Sustainable forest management. President Droupadi Murmu gives assent to the
three Criminal Code bills

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December 2023

 India made its first-ever payment in rupees for

 These new laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, crude oil purchased from the UAE, signaling a
the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and strategic push to promote the local currency
the Bharatiya Sakshya Act — will replace the globally.
Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal  The move is part of India's efforts to diversify
Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. oil suppliers, reduce transaction costs, and
 The new bills focus on delivering justice instead establish the rupee as a viable trade
of handing down punishment. settlement currency.
 The three bills seek to overhaul the criminal  The Reserve Bank of India's move on July 11,
justice system by giving definition of various 2022, allowed importers to pay in rupees and
offences and their punishments. exporters to receive payments in the local
 It defines terrorism clearly and has introduced a currency.
new section titled “offences against the state”  The agreement with the UAE for rupee
while abolishing sedition as a crime. settlements was formalized in July, leading to
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) making payments
 The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita lists offences
such as acts of secession, armed rebellion, for crude oil in Indian rupees.
subversive activities, separatist activities or  Over 85% of India's oil needs rely on imports,
endangering the sovereignty or unity in the new and the nation aims to explore trade
version of the sedition law. settlements in rupees instead of dollars to
streamline transactions and eliminate currency
NSDC inks MoU with Saudi govt to protect rights conversions.
of Indian skilled labourers  India spent $157.5 billion on importing 232.7
million tonnes of crude oil in the financial year
 The National Skill Development Corporation 2022-23, with key suppliers including Iraq, Saudi
(NSDC) has signed an MoU with the government Arabia, Russia, and the UAE.
of Saudi Arabia to protect the rights of skilled Learn Along:
laborers from India. About UAE
 Skilled laborers in India can register Capital: Abu Dhabi Currency: UAE dirham
themselves at NSDC to provide information about
their destination, type of work, and employer. Cabinet approves the Migration and Mobility
 The registration process is free and open to all Agreement between India and Italy
categories of skilled laborers, including AC
mechanics and car painters.  The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister
 NSDC is part of the Skill India Mission Narendra Modi, has given ex-post facto approval
launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the Migration and Mobility Agreement
working with 13 countries and planning to open 30 between India and Italy.
skill international centers.  The agreement aims to enhance people-to-
 The initiative aims to facilitate documentation people contacts, foster mobility of students,
and protect the rights of Indian laborers going skilled workers, business people, and young
to Saudi Arabia. professionals, and strengthen cooperation
Learn Along: on issues related to irregular migration between
About Saudi Arabia the two countries.
Capital: Riyadh Currency: Saudi riyal  The agreement includes provisions for Indian
students to gain temporary residence in Italy
India makes first-ever rupee payment for the for up to 12 months to gather initial professional
purchase of crude oil from UAE experience after completing academic or
vocational training.

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December 2023

 It will remain in force for a period of 5 years

and will be automatically renewed for a similar  Karmayogi Bharat, in association with NITI
successive period unless terminated by any Aayog, has launched 6 SAMARTH Curated
participant. Training Programs on the iGOT Karmayogi
Learn Along: Platform for State Government officials.
About Italy  The programs are- 1) SAMARTH Blocks, 2)
Capital: Rome Currency: Euro PM: Giorgia Meloni SAMARTH Zila, 3) SAMARTH Rajya, 4)
SAMARTH Rajya Sachiva, 5) SAMARTH Policy,
Cabinet approves India and Malaysia sign an MoU
and 6) SAMARTH Procurement. These programs
for Cooperation in Broadcasting between Prasar
Bharati and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), aim to elevate the skills and competencies of
government officials, ensuring they are well-
Malaysia
equipped to meet the evolving needs of
 The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, governance.
Narendra Modi was apprised of the
MoU/Agreement signed on 07th November, 2023 1. SAMARTH Blocks: Tailored for citizen-facing
which has an immense potential to strengthen officials and local administrators, SAMARTH
the cooperation in the field of broadcasting, Blocks, having 14 courses, focuses on building
exchange of news, and audio-visual foundational skills crucial for effective local
programmes as well as significantly augment governance.
India’s friendly relations withthe country. 2. SAMARTH Zila: Aimed at district-level officials,
 With this, the total number of MoUs signed by SAMARTH Zila, comprising 14 courses, is
Prasar Bharati with different countries has designed to equip learners with the knowledge
increased to 46. and tools required to address district-level
 These MoUs are going to be crucial in challenges and drive effective service delivery.
distribution of content in other countries, in 3. SAMARTH Rajya: Targeting state-level officials,
developing partnerships with international the 14 courses of SAMARTH Rajya seek to equip
broadcasters and exploring new strategies to learners with advanced skills required for steering
address the demands of new technologies. governance at the state level.
 The major benefit arising out of signing of MoUs 4. SAMARTH Rajya Sachiva: Tailored for senior
are exchange of programmes in the areas of officials and state secretaries, this program
Culture, Education, Science, Technology, consisting of 14 courses, focuses on empowering
Sports, News and other fields on gratis/non- learners with the expertise needed to navigate
gratis basis. complex policy landscapes and drive
 India’s Public Service Broadcaster, Prasar transformative change.
Bharati has entered into a Memorandum of 5. SAMARTH Policy: The 5 courses of SAMARTH
Understanding with Radio Televisyen Malaysia, Policy delve into the intricacies of policy
the Public Service Broadcaster of Malaysia in formulation, policy writing, insights, data analysis,
order to promote cooperation in public and evaluation.
broadcasting in the field of radio and 6. SAMARTH Procurement: Catering to officials
television. involved in procurement processes, SAMARTH
Learn Along: Procurement, having 9 courses, provides
About Malaysia specialized training in procurement guidelines,
Capital: Kuala Lumpur Currency: Malaysian ringgit rules, strategies, and considerations.
Learn Along:
6 SAMARTH Curated Programs launched by About Karmayogi Bharat
Karmayogi Bharat and NITI Aayog on iGOT
Platform for State Government officials

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December 2023

 iGOT Karmayogi is a comprehensive online learning  A 16-member ULFA delegation, led by Arabinda
platform to guide government officials in their Rajkhowa, participated in the signing of the peace
capacity-building journey.
pact.
 The portal combines six functional hubs for online
Learn Along:
learning, competency management, career
management, discussions, events, and networking. About Assam
Cm: Himanta Biswa Sarma Founded: 15 August 1947
Capital: Dispur Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
Former cricketer Ambati Rayudu joins YS Jagan
Mohan Reddy's party
INTERNATIONAL
 Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu joined
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress Party
(YSRCP) in the presence of the Andhra Pradesh UAE announces $30-bn fund to boost climate
Chief Minister. investments
 The political event in Vijayawada included high-
 UAE announces a $30-billion commitment to
level dignitaries like Andhra Pradesh's Deputy CM
Narayan Swamy and YSRCP MP Peddireddy the ALTÉRRA investment fund during COP-28,
Mithun Reddy. aimed at mobilizing $250 billion globally by
 Ambati Rayudu announced his retirement from 2030 for climate investments.
cricket after playing for the Chennai Super Kings  ALTÉRRA, a privately managed fund, is set to
in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). be the largest of its kind, focusing on
transforming emerging markets and developing
Centre, Assam sign peace pact with ULFA faction economies.
 ALTÉRRA's focus includes four key verticals:
 The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Energy Transition, Industrial
Assam government, and the pro-talks faction of Decarbonization, Sustainable Living, and
the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Climate Technologies.
signed a memorandum of settlement.  The fund aims to address the annual need of
 Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the $2.4 trillion by 2030 in emerging markets and
significance of the tripartite settlement for developing economies to combat climate
Assam's peace and mentioned the surrender change.
of arms by ULFA cadres, their commitment to  ALTÉRRA is positioned as a transformative
join the mainstream, and engage in peaceful solution for attracting private capital, aligning
democratic processes. with the COP Presidency's Action Agenda and
 A total of 700 ULFA cadres are expected to the UAE's commitment to making climate finance
surrender arms and ammunition, vacate camps, available and affordable.
and participate in the democratic process.  ALTÉRRA is established by Lunate, an
 A time-bound program will be created by the independent global investment manager, and
MHA to fulfill ULFA's demands, and a is domiciled in the Abu Dhabi Global Market.
monitoring committee will be established. Learn Along:
About UAE
 Key points of the peace accord include reserving
President: Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
97 out of 126 Assembly seats in Assam for
Capital: Abu Dhabi Currency: UAE dirham
indigenous people and ensuring constitutional
safeguards for land rights and restrictions on
migration. US pledges $3 billion for climate aid to
developing countries at COP28
 A pledge of ₹1.5 lakh crore investment was
made in the peace accord.

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December 2023

 The US pledges $3 billion to the Green Learn Along:

Climate Fund at COP-28 to aid developing About Kenya
countries in reducing greenhouse gas Capital: Nairobi President:WilliamRuto
emissions and adapting to climate change. Currency: Kenyan shilling

 This commitment enhances the credibility of

rich nations' promises of aid at the climate talks US: Ohio reports ‘white lung syndrome’
in Dubai. outbreak
 The funding will be part of the second round
of replenishment for the Green Climate Fund,  Cases of a mystery illness called 'White Lung
Syndrome' , a form of pneumonia, have risen
bringing it to its highest level yet.
globally, with some cases reported in Europe,
 The US administration's commitment reflects a
followed by the US and China.
steady increase in climate finance directed
toward addressing climate change in recent  The broader type of pneumonia has already
reached 'epidemic' levels in Denmark,
years.
according to The Mirror.
 US international climate finance reached $5.8
 Epidemic levels reported in Denmark, with a
billion in 2022, compared to $1.5 billion in 2021 notable spike in the Netherlands, particularly
under the Trump administration. among children.
 The new funding, for the years 2024 through  The syndrome is caused by a bacterial
2028, depends on appropriations from the US infection called mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Congress and aims to fulfill President Joe
 Common symptoms include fever, coughing,
Biden's ambition to provide over $11 billion in
fatigue, shortness of breath, and the
2024.
production of specific lung-throat mucus
 The US support for international adaptation
(phlegm).
work increased from about $269 million in
2021 to approximately $2.3 billion in 2022.
World Bank Steps Up Efforts to Address
 The Green Climate Fund aims to address the
Methane Emissions
annual need of $2.4 trillion by 2030 in
emerging markets and developing economies to  The World Bank is taking bold action to
combat climate change. decisively bend the methane emission curve,
Learn Along: announcing its intent to launch at least 15
About USA country-led programs in the next 18 months.
President: Joe Biden Capital:
 These programs will aim to slash up to 10
Washington, D.C. Currency: US Doller
million tons of methane (over investment
lifespans).
India provides $250 mn Line of Credit to Kenya
 Addressing methane emissions is a cost-
 India extended a $250 million Line of Credit effective way to reduce the dangerous rise in
global temperatures and support billions of
for modernisation of agriculture in Kenya.
people on the front lines of climate change.
 Both sides will carry out joint military
exercises and will collaborate on counter-  Deploying the best available technologies,
methane emissions from rice production can
terror projects.
be reduced by up to 40%, for livestock by up
 Welcoming the Indian initiatives, President
to 30%, and for waste by up to 80%.
William Samoei Ruto, described the Indian
community of Kenya as a “bridge” between  Methane represents about 19% of global
the two countries and said Indians residing in greenhouse gas emissions.
Kenya regard his country as their “first country”.  The World Bank is working with Germany,
Norway, the United States, the UAE and the

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

private sector to expand on long-standing Capital: Rome Currency: Euro PM: Giorgia Meloni
efforts to significantly cut methane emissions
across the whole energy value chain. China launches MisrSat-2 satellite jointly-
 Related to these efforts, the World Bank is developed with Egypt
launching two partnership platforms for
accelerated methane action: The Global  China successfully launched the MisrSat-2
Methane Reduction Platform for satellite jointly developed with Egypt.
Development (CH4D), a hub for methane  The satellite, launched atop a Long March-2C
abatement in agriculture and waste, and the carrier rocket, entered the preset orbit.
Global Flaring and Methane Reduction  The MisrSat-2 is an optical remote sensing
Partnership (GFMR) focuses on reducing
satellite with 2-meter panchromatic and 8-
methane leaks in the oil and gas sector.
meter multispectral resolution.
Learn Along:
 MisrSat-2 will play a crucial role in fields like
About World Bank
 The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest farming, national resources, urban planning,
sources of funding and knowledge for developing and coastal change monitoring.
countries.  China provided training programs for the entire
 Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing satellite design, assembly, and testing to
poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and Egyptian staff during joint development.
promoting sustainable development.  Two additional remote sensing satellites,
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States Starpool 02-A and 02-B, developed by Chinese
Founded: July 1944 President:Ajay Banga startup EllipSpace, were also launched
successfully.
Italy pulls out of flagship Chinese project Learn Along:
About China
 Italy has announced its withdrawal from President: Xi Jinping Capital: Beijing
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
 Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's China launches deepest lab on Earth
administration notified Beijing of the decision
ahead of the year-end deadline.  China's Deep Underground and Ultra-low
 Italy was the only major Western nation to join Radiation Background Facility (DURF), the
the BRI in 2019, a move criticized by the US and world's deepest underground laboratory,
others. becomes operational.
 Italy's BRI membership, the largest among 18  Located 2,400 meters deep beneath Jinping
EU members, was set to renew automatically Mountain in Liangshan Yi Autonomous
in March 2024 unless it notified China of
Prefecture, Sichuan Province.
withdrawal by the end of 2023.
 The DURF has a total room capacity of
 Only a fraction of the promised €20 billion
330,000 cubic meters.
investment in Italy by China in 2019 has
 Scientists believe the lab enhances the global
materialized, and trade imbalances exist
search for dark matter, a hypothetical form of
between the two countries.
matter that doesn't interact with light or the
 The BRI, launched in 2013 by Chinese
electromagnetic field.
President Xi Jinping, aims to invest around $1
 Constructed by Tsinghua University and
trillion across Asia and Europe in
Yalong River Hydropower Development
infrastructure projects.
Company, Ltd., the facility offers special testing
Learn Along:
About Italy conditions unavailable elsewhere.

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 The first phase of China Jinping  The Mengxiang trials focused on testing its
Underground Laboratory, completed in 2010, propulsion system powered by a 30-megawatt
contributed to scientific achievements in China's station.
dark matter direct detection experiments.
The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali ends after
China bans export of rare earth technologies 10 years, following the junta’s pressure to go

 China, the world’s top processor of rare earths,  The United Nations concludes its 10-year
banned the export of technology to extract and peacekeeping mission in Mali following the
separate the strategic metals, as it overhauled government's request, citing inadequacy to
a list of technologies deemed key to national respond to rising violent extremism.
security.  Mali's UN peacekeeping mission has been the
 It also banned the export of production deadliest globally, with over 300 personnel
technology for rare earth metals and alloy killed, primarily in response to the Islamic
materials as well as technology to prepare extremist insurgency since 2012.
some rare earth magnets.  Mali faced an Islamic extremist insurgency
 The move comes as Europe and the U.S. since 2012, and despite efforts, rebels regrouped
scramble to wean themselves off rare earths in the desert, launching attacks on the Malian army
from China, which accounts for 90% of global and UN force.
refined output.  In June, Mali's junta requested the UN
 Rare earths are a group of 17 metals used to mission's departure, citing a mismatch between
make magnets for use in EVs and other its future outlook and the country's security needs.
electronics. Learn Along:
About UN
China's ocean drilling ship Mengxiang sets sail Founded: 24 October 1945 Headquarters: New York,
to reach earth's mantle United States Secretary general: António Guterres
About Mali
Capital: Bamako Currency: West African CFA franc
 China introduces the Mengxiang ocean drilling
vessel, designed for groundbreaking exploration
U.S. FDA approved pair of gene therapies for
into the Earth's upper mantle.
sickle cell disease
 Crafted by the China Geological Survey in
collaboration with 150 research institutes and
 The U.S. FDA approved gene therapies
companies.
Lyfgenia by bluebird bio and Casgevy by Vertex
 The colossal ship has a cargo capacity of 33,000
Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics for
tonnes, spanning 179 meters in length and 32.8
sickle cell disease.
meters in width.  Both therapies are approved for individuals
 The vessel can travel 15,000 nautical miles, aged 12 years and older.
operate for 120 days per port call, and drill to a
 Casgevy utilizes CRISPR gene editing
depth of 11,000 meters below the ocean's surface. technology, which won its inventors the Nobel
 The Mengxiang aims to breach the Mohorovicic Prize in 2020.
discontinuity (Moho), located about 7,000 Learn Along:
meters beneath the ocean floor. About USA
 This exploration would open new scientific Capital: Washington, D.C. President: Joe Biden
territories beyond the Earth's crust, reaching the Currency: U.S. dollar
mantle. About US FDA
Founded: 30 June 1906 Commissioner : Robert M. Califf

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December 2023

international investment, focusing on terms

Sri Lanka will get the second tranche of a like "skilling projects," "digital
much-need bailout package from the IMF infrastructure," and an "economic hub."
Learn Along:
 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) About Bhutan
executive board approves the release of the  Capital: Thimphu Currency: Ngultrum
second tranche of a $2.9 billion bailout  The UN recently declared Bhutan no longer a Least
Developed Country, though economic challenges
package for Sri Lanka. persist, including the impact of the COVID-19
 The approved amount is $337 million, aimed at pandemic.
helping Sri Lanka recover from its worst
economic crisis. Government of India and ADB sign 37 billion
 The decision comes after Sri Lanka made Japanese Yen loan for Delhi-Meerut Regional
commendable progress toward debt Rapid Transit System Corridor
sustainability, revenue generation, reserve
rebuilding, inflation reduction, and financial  On December 15, 2023, the Government of
stability. India and Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Learn Along: signed a ¥37 billion ($250 million) loan
About IMF agreement for the Delhi-Meerut Regional
Formation: 27 December 1945 Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor.
Headquarter: Washington, D.C., U.S.  ADB had earlier approved a $1,049 million
Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) for the
project in 2020 to support the construction of
Bhutan to have 1,000-sq. km. green city along RRTS.
Assam border ‘connecting South Asia to  The RRTS is the first of three priority rail
Southeast Asia’ corridors planned under the NCR Regional
Plan 2021 to connect Delhi to other cities in
adjoining states.
 Bhutan plans to build an "international city" on
 The first tranche of the ADB loan was $500
its border with Assam, covering over 1,000 sq. million, with another $500 million co-financed by
km., connecting South Asia with Southeast AIIB.
Asia via India's northeastern states.  The investment aims to improve urban
 Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel mobility, with economic impacts benefiting
Wangchuck announced the project at women and the differently-abled.
Changlimathang stadium, expressing gratitude Learn Along:
to PM Narendra Modi for the India-Bhutan About ADB
railway line. Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines Founded:
 The Gelephu Smartcity Project aims to follow 19 December 1966 President: Masatsugu Asakawa
environmental standards and sustainability,
attracting quality investment from screened United Kingdom considers curbing social media
international companies. use for under-16s
 The project includes an international airport,
"zero emission" industries, a mindfulness  UK PM Rishi Sunak is considering limiting
city, and infrastructure companies. social media access for teenagers under 16
 Gelephu will be a "Special Administrative to protect them from online harm, possibly
considering a ban.
Region" governed by different laws to facilitate

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 Despite the Online Safety Act imposing fines  The departure of Angola from OPEC follows
on social media platforms for not shielding similar moves by mid-sized producers Ecuador
children from harmful content, the and Qatar in the last decade.
government is exploring further action.  The announcement led to a drop in
 A consultation, launching in the new year, will international oil prices by as much as 2.4%,
examine risks children face on social media, raising concerns about the unity of OPEC and
with considerations of potential bans for under- OPEC+, which includes Russia and other allies.
16s.  OPEC+ is implementing new oil-output cuts
Learn Along:
from January to strengthen the market.
About UK
Learn Along:
Prime minister: Rishi Sunak Capital: London
About OPEC
Currency: Pound sterling
 The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC) is a permanent,
Pakistan conducts successful flight test of intergovernmental Organization, created at the
Fatah-II Baghdad Conference on September 10–14, 1960,
by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
 Pakistan conducted a successful flight test of  OPEC had its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland,
indigenously developed guided multi-launch in the first five years of its existence. This was moved
rocket system 'Fatah-II', which is capable of to Vienna, Austria, on September 1, 1965.
engaging targets with high precision up to a  Secretary General: HE Haitham Al Ghais
range of 400 kilometres. About Angola
Capital: Luanda Currency: Angolan kwanza
 The 'Fatah-II' is "equipped with state-of-the-art
avionics, sophisticated navigation system
US announces creation of new multinational
and unique flight trajectory," the Inter-Services
task force to counter Houthi threat in Red Sea
Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the
military.  The US has announced the creation of a new
 The weapon system is "capable of engaging multinational task force to counter Houthi
targets with high precision up to a range of threat in Red Sea.
400 kilometres,".  The 10 nation Task Force, named as
 In August 2021, Pakistan had conducted a Operation Prosperity Guardian will include
successful test of indigenously developed the Navies of Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy,
Fatah-1 guided multi-launch rocket system Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles Spain and
(MLRS). United Kingdom.
Learn Along:
 The new security initiative will address the
About Pakistan
security challenges in the southern Red
President: Arif Alvi Capital: Islamabad
Sea,the Bab el-Mandeb Strait near Yemen
Currency: Pakistani rupee
and the Gulf of Aden, with the goal of ensuring
Angola leaves OPEC in blow to oil producer freedom of navigation for all countries and
group bolstering regional security and prosperity.
Learn Along:
 Angola has announced its decision to leave the About USA
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting President: Joe Biden Capital: Washington,
Countries (OPEC). D.C. President: Joe Biden

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December 2023

Iran navy receives new cruise missiles amid  An additional ₹561.29 crore approved for flood
growing regional tensions mitigation efforts in Chennai.
 The approved project, under the National
 Iranian navy has taken delivery of cruise Disaster Mitigation Fund, aims at integrated
missiles as well as reconnaissance urban flood management activities for the
helicopters. Chennai Basin.
 Talaeiyeh cruise missile has a range of over Learn Along:
1,000 km and is a smart missile that can change About Tamilnadu
targets mid-mission. Chief minister: M. K. Stalin Governor: R. N. Ravi
Learn Along: Capital: Chennai
About Iran About Andhra Pradesh
Capital: Tehran Currency: Iranian rial Capital: Amaravati
Chief minister: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy
Dubai Hosts the 28th International Sindhi Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
Conference: A Celebration of Sindhi Heritage
Divya Kala Mela 2023 inaugurated in Patna
 Dubai recently hosted the 28th International
Sindhi Conference to preserve and promote  Department of Empowerment of Persons with
Sindhi traditions globally. Disabilities (Divyangjan) is organizing 'Divya
 Distinguished figures attended, including Kala Mela' from 8-17th December, 2023
UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Showcasing products and craftsmanship of
India's Minister of State for External Affairs. Divyang entrepreneurs/artisans from across
 The conference honored Sindhi language, the country.
culture, and historical legacy, emphasizing its  It was Inaugurated on 8th December, 2023, by
roots in the Indus Valley Civilization. Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social
 Transliteration of Sindhi into Roman script Justice & Empowerment.
aimed to bridge linguistic gaps and enhance  It is a unique initiative for the economic
understanding of Sindhi culture. empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
 A special award was announced in tribute to (PwD/Divyangjan).
Mr. Vashu Shroff for his contributions to Sindhi  This is the eleventh event in the series, with
society. previous editions held in Delhi, Mumbai,
 The event focused on fostering unity and Bhopal, Guwahati, Indore, Varanasi, Jaipur,
safeguarding cultural heritage for the enduring Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
vibrancy of Sindhi identity.  Product categories include Home Décor &
Learn Along: Lifestyle, Clothing, Stationery, Eco-friendly
About UAE products, Packaged food, Toys & Gifts,
Capital: Abu Dhabi Currency: UAE dirham Personal Accessories (Jewellery, Clutch
Bags).
STATES  Opportunity to support 'vocal for local' and
purchase products made by Divyang craftsmen.
Centre announces ₹1,500-cr. aid to Tamilnadu
Learn Along:
and Andhra Pradesh after cyclone wreaks havoc
About Bihar
Capital: Patna Chief minister: Nitish Kumar
 The Union government releases ₹493.60 crore Governor: Rajendra Arlekar
to Andhra Pradesh and ₹450 crore to Tamil
Nadu for cyclone Michaung damage. Garba dance of Gujarat makes it to UNESCO list

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December 2023

 Gujarat’s traditional dance form ‘Garba’ was  Aimed at demonstrating that a thriving life is
included in the list of Intangible Cultural possible for organ transplanted people and
Heritage by the United Nations Educational, promoting the cause of organ donation, Heart
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Care Foundation will organise Transplant
 The popular dance form is the 15th cultural item Games for organ donors and recipients in Kochi
from India to make it to the UNESCO list. on December 9.
 Kolkata’s Durga Puja was the last one added  The games will be held across three venues –
Regional Sports Centre, Jawaharlal Nehru
two years ago.
International Stadium, and Lulu Mall.
 The inclusion has been made under the
provisions of the 2003 Convention for the  Regional Sports Centre is the main venue of
Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. the transplant games.
 The international cultural body described the  Heart Care Foundation is organising the games
in association with the Kerala State Organ and
‘Garba’ as a ritualistic and devotional dance
Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO),
performed India.
Kochi Corporation, KMRL, Regional Sports
About UNESCO
Centre, GCDA, Lulu Group, Kerala State Youth
 The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Welfare Board and Liver Foundation of Kerala
Organization (UNESCO) was established on 16
November 1945. (LIFOK).
Learn Along:
 UNESCO has 195 Members and 8 Associate
Members and is governed by the General About Kerala
Conference and the Executive Board. CM:Pinarayi Vijayan Founded: 1 November 1956
 The Secretariat, headed by the Director-General, Governor:Arif Mohammed Khan
implements the decisions of these two bodies. Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
 Director-General : Audrey Azoulay
Odisha registers over 100% growth in GST
About Gujarat
Capital: Gandhinagar Chief minister: collection at Rs 2,791 cr in Nov
Bhupendrabhai Patel Governor: Acharya Devvrat
 Odisha registered a phenomenal growth rate of
Revanth Reddy becAme Telangana’s first 100.77 per cent in State GST with a collection of
Congress CM Rs 2791.45 crore in November 2023 against a
collection of Rs 1390.36 crore in the
 In Telangana A Revanth Reddy became the corresponding month last year.
new chief minister.  The progressive collection of State GST
 After the Congress ended the BRS’s nine-year (OGST+IGST Settlement) up to the month of
rule by winning 64 seats, the party was in a November'23 is Rs 14,913.16 crore against a
quandary as there were more than one probables collection of Rs 11,719.64 crore in November '22,
in the race to helm the first Congress government registering a growth rate of 27.25 per cent.
in the state, which the party-led UPA government
 The collection under all Acts monitored by the
helped create in 2014. commissionerate of CT & GST, Odisha,
Learn Along: including OGST/ IGST Settlement / VAT/ Entry
About Telangana Tax and Profession Tax during November 2023 is
Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan
Rs 3,856.72 crore against a collection of Rs
Founded: 2 June 2014 Capital: Hyderabad
2,308.92 crore during November 2022 with a
Kerala to host transplant games to promote growth rate of 67.04%.
organ donation

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December 2023

 The progressive collection under all Acts up agriculture project aiming to restore 22,670
to November 2023 is Rs 22,510.56 crore with a hectares in Meghalaya.
growth rate of 18.91% over corresponding  Approximately 200,000 trees have already been
collection till November 2022. planted, and further planting is planned in 2024
 With regard to Gross GST collection after the official project launch.
(CGST+IGST+SGST+Cess), the state has  Objectives include supporting biodiversity, soil
recorded a collection of Rs 4,295.08 crore conservation, climate health, and catchment
health co-benefits.
during November 2023 against collection of Rs
4162.26 crore during November 2022 with a  The project promotes sustainable farming and
agroforestry, aligning with Meghalaya's
growth rate of 3.19%.
aromatics policy and organic farming policy.
 The progressive Gross GST collection during
 Monitoring of biophysical indicators like
financial year 2023-24 (till November 23) is Rs
biomass, soil organic carbon, land
35188.25 crore with growth of 9.75% over productivity, and land cover, following the
corresponding period of FY 2022-23. UNCCD land degradation neutrality global
Learn Along: mechanism.
About GST  The project is part of the Circular Bioeconomy
 The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a value-added
Alliance's "living labs for nature, people, and
tax levied on most goods and services sold for
domestic consumption. planet."
 The GST is paid by consumers, but it is remitted to  Collaboration with Earthbanc focuses on
the government by the businesses selling the goods restoring nature in a degraded biodiversity
and services. hotspot while supporting farming livelihoods in
 In India, GST Bill was first introduced in 2014 as The India.
Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill.
 The initiative aligns with India's policies and
 This got an approval in 2016 and was renumbered
in the statute by Rajya Sabha as The Constitution programs, fostering sustainable value chains
(101st Amendment) Act, 2016. and addressing land degradation.
About Odisha  The project is recognized for contributing to
Chief minister: Naveen Patnaik Capital: India's ambitious carbon sink target,
Bhubaneswar Governor: Raghubar Das emphasizing the importance of protecting,
restoring, and sustainably managing nature.
Drug major AstraZeneca commits $71 mn to Learn Along:
Meghalaya's forestry project About Mehghalaya
Founded: 1 April 1970 Chief minister: Conrad Sangma
 AstraZeneca announces $71 million funding Capital: Shillong Governor: Phagu Chauhan
for a global forest program to plant and
maintain 64 million plants and trees, primarily in
Meghalaya, India. Central Tribal University to be set up in
Telangana
 The initiative is part of AstraZeneca's
commitment to plant 200 million trees across
 On December 13, the Parliament passed the
six continents by 2030.
Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023 bill
 Collaboration with Earthbanc, Earthtree,
to establish a central tribal university in
Worldview Impact India, and the Hill Farmers
Shiitake Mushroom Coop Society on the Telangana.
Meghalaya Reforestation and Sustainable  The bill was passed by Rajya Sabha through a
Livelihoods Project. voice vote after it was cleared by Lok Sabha.
 The project, named Regeneration Meghalaya,  The university will be built at a cost of ₹900 crore.
is a 30-year regenerative horticulture and

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 The university is expected to be set up in Mulugu

and is named after tribal goddesses Sammakka Prime Minister Naraendra Modi inaugurates
and Sarakka. Surat Diamond Bourse in Gujarat
 As per the state and objects of the Central
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the
Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the
Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), the world's
aims to fulfil regional aspirations by enhancing largest and modern center for international
access and quality of higher education in diamond and jewelry business.
Telangana.  The SDB building is the world's largest office
 The new university is expected to promote complex, spanning over 67 lakh square feet in
higher education and research along with nine interconnected towers with offices ranging
tribal art, culture, customs and technological from 300 sq. ft to 7,5000 sq. ft.
advancements for the tribal population of  The project aims to shift the diamond trading
India. business from Mumbai to Surat, the hub of
Learn Along diamond cutting and polishing.
About Telangana  The Surat diamond industry currently
Governor:Tamilisai Soundararajan employs around 8 lakh people, and the new
Founded: 2 June 2014 diamond bourse is expected to add 1.5 lakh more
Chief minister:Revanth Reddy Capital: Hyderabad jobs.
 The project includes offices for trading cut
Hyderabad ranked 1st in food adulteration cases:
and polished diamonds, agents dealing with
NCRB rough stones, and 27 retail jewelry outlets to
complete the value chain of diamond jewelry.
 The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
 Narendra Modi also inaugurated a new
released data indicating a concerning trend in integrated terminal building at the Surat
food safety in Hyderabad. airport, recently granted international status,
 Hyderabad has been ranked first in India for capable of handling 35 lakh passengers
food adulteration cases, with 246 out of 291 annually and expandable to accommodate 55
reported cases in 2022. lakh passengers.
 Telangana stands first, and Andhra Pradesh Learn Along:
closely follows in reported food adulteration About Gujarat
cases. Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel
 Food adulteration poses significant risks to Governor: Acharya Devvrat Capital: Gandhinagar
public health, leading to foodborne illnesses,
allergies, and potentially death. Ministry of Home Affairs approves the financial
assistance of Rs. 338.24 crore to Gujarat
 The NCRB data emphasizes the need for strict
measures to combat food adulteration
nationwide.  Central Government approves Rs. 338.24 crore
Learn Along: financial assistance to Gujarat for Cyclone
About NCRB Biparjoy.
 The National Crime Records Bureau was established  Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approves
on the basis of the recommendations of the additional Rs. 633.73 crore for Himachal
Tandon Committee, the National Police Commission
Pradesh due to floods, cloudbursts, and
(1977-1981) and the Task Force of the Home Ministry,
to act as a repository of information on crime and
landslides.
criminals.  Central Government releases Rs. 584 crore as
 It was created in 1986 to help link crimes to criminals. 1st instalment to Gujarat State Disaster
 Director: Vivek Gogia Response Fund (SDRF).

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 Rs. 200.00 crore released in advance from professional crew, with designed windows for
NDRF for immediate relief operations in Himachal passengers to view underwater marine life.
Pradesh.  The initiative aims to boost tourism in Dwarka,
 Central Government releases both instalments of a significant temple town, attracting visitors to
its share to Himachal Pradesh SDRF, totaling Rs. explore its cultural and religious significance.
360.80 crore.
PM Modi Inaugurates World's Largest Meditation
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launches Centre In Varanasi
several development projects at Gandhinagar in
Gujarat  Prime Minister Narendra Modi integrated the
majestic seven-floor temple known as the
 Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Swarved Mahamandir, situated in the Umaraha
development projects worth nearly 3 crore 59 neighbourhood of Varanasi.
lakh rupees in Pansar village of Kalol block of  Swarved Mahamandir has become the world's
Gandhinagar district in Gujarat. largest meditation centre.
 Earlier in the day He inaugurated the Pansar  The Swarved Mahamandir covers an expansive
Lake and unveiled the statue of Sardar area of 3,00,000 square feet.
Vallabhbhai Patel in Gandhi Nagar.  The temple has an impressive 20,000- seating
 Amit Shah also addressed beneficiaries of the PM capacity, and a beautiful design with 125-petal
SVANidhi scheme during an event held by
lotus domes.
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.
 Sant Pravar Vigyan Dev and Sadguru Acharya
 SVANidhi Yojana has helped in creating self-
Swantantra Dev laid the Mahamandir's
employment followed by self-reliance among foundation in 2004.
the people of the country.  The temple is named after the Swarved, a
 Prime Minister Street Vendor's spiritual literature written by Sadguru Shri Sadafal
AtmaNirbharNidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme, is a Deoji Mahara, the creator of Vihangam Yoga and
micro-credit scheme for urban street vendors that an eternal yogi.
aims to provide collateral-free loans up to  Swarved Mahamandir aims to illuminate
50,000 ruees in incremental tranches. humankind with its magnificent spiritual aura
and engulf the world in a state of peaceful
Gujarat to launch country's first submarine alertness.
tourism in Dwarka Learn Along:
About Uttar Pradesh
 The Gujarat government plans to introduce an Governor: Anandiben Patel Chief minister:
underwater submarine service for tourists in Yogi Adityanath Capital: Lucknow
Dwarka, known as the 'city of Lord Krishna.'
 A memorandum has been signed with BISAG-N Office inaugurated in New Delhi
Mazgaon Dock shipbuilders for the project,
marking the first underwater tourism facility in  The Office-cum-Training Centre of
India. Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space
 The project aims to be operational before Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N)
Diwali in October 2024, offering tourists a unique for PM GatiShakti was inaugurated by
experience by taking them 100 meters below the Secretary, Department for Promotion of
sea in submarines. Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT at New
 Each submarine will accommodate 24 tourists, Delhi.
guided by two experienced pilots and a

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 The inauguration marks a significant Anand Marriage Act implemented in J&K, gives
milestone that shall create new opportunities recognition to Sikh marriage rituals
for regular and enhanced interaction of
BISAG-N with line Ministries and State/UTs.  The Jammu and Kashmir administration has
 In its capacity as a technical partner to the formulated detailed rules for the registration of
Logistics Division for PM GatiShakti, BISAG-N marriages under the Anand Marriage Act.
has been engaged in the design,  The Anand Marriage Act provides statutory
development, operationalization, recognition to the marriage rituals of Sikhs,
maintenance, and upgradation of the GIS- addressing a longstanding demand of the Sikh
based PM GatiShakti NMP platform. community.
The Office-cum-Training Centre will support:  The regulations, titled 'Jammu and Kashmir
Anand Marriage Registration Rules, 2023,'
 Conducting workshops & imparting training
for all the stakeholders and handhold them outline procedures for registering "Anand
to effectively update their database on the marriages."
portal for real-time analysis and monitoring.  Designated registrars for these marriages are
 It will also provide training and build the concerned tehsildars within their territorial
capacities of PM GatiShakti cells of jurisdictions.
Ministries/Departments of Government of  Sikh couples can apply for registration within
India, besides, States/ UTs, space three months of solemnizing their marriage,
application centres / remote sensing with a late fee applicable for registrations
completed after this deadline.
agencies / National and District Informatic
Learn Along:
Centres, etc.
 The Anand Marriage Act traces back to 1909,
recognizing the Sikh wedding ceremony, Anand Karaj,
International Gita Festival commences in to acknowledge and respect Sikh customs and
Haryana’s Kurukshetra practices.
 In 2012, the Parliament passed the Anand Marriage
 Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya (Amendment) Bill, extending legal recognition to Sikh
inaugurated the International Gita Festival. traditional marriages, with individual states tasked to
 The festival started with the Saras and Crafts frame specific rules for registration.
Fair, featuring artists and craftsmen from 24
states showcasing cultural richness. Missing for 42 years, Namdapha flying squirrel
resurfaces in Arunachal Pradesh
 Bandaru Dattatreya lit the ceremonial lamp at
the International Gita Mahotsav 2023 on the holy
 Namdapha flying squirrel resurfaces in
banks of Brahma Sarovar.
Arunachal Pradesh after 42 years.
 The Gita Mahotsav is an international
 Last described in 1981, it was feared to be
celebration, not confined to Kurukshetra,
attracting millions from across the country and mistaken for a similar species or extinct.
abroad.  Zoologists, including teams from Aaranyak,
conducted expeditions, and the squirrel was
 The annual International Gita Festival is
finally sighted in April 2022.
scheduled from December 7 to 24, with Assam
as the partner state this year.  The team plans a study to collect DNA samples
Learn Along:
for comparison with the 1981 specimen stored
About Haryana in Kolkata.
Chief minister: Manohar Lal Khattar Governor:  The rediscovery will be a significant
Bandaru Dattatreya Capital: Chandigarh conservation flagship for the Namdapha Tiger
Reserve and other wildlife in the region.
Learn Along:

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

About Arunachal Pradesh  The Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme provides financial

Chief minister: Pema Khandu Capital: protection up to ₹10 lakh per year for families
Itanagar Governor: Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik below the poverty line, covering hospitalization
and surgery for serious ailments.
Centre allocates Rs 81 cr for education, health  Financial coverage up to ₹10 lakh is also
infrastructure in Tripura offered for high-end medical procedures,
managed by the Rajiv Aarogyasri Health Care
 The central government approves Rs 81.75
Trust.
crores to enhance education and healthcare Learn Along:
in Tripura. About Telangana
 Key infrastructure projects include the Chiefminister:RevanthReddy Founded: 2 June 2014
construction of a science building at MBB Governor:Tamilisai Soundararajan Capital: Hyderabad
College and a women's hostel at Gandatwisa
Government Degree College. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated
 Chief Minister Manik Saha announced a grant of 10-feet tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi
Rs 77.15 crores for a G+4 storey science Darshan near Rajghat, Delhi
building at MBB College to benefit students and
faculty, aligning with the state government's  Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated a 10-
objective of fostering quality education. feet tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi
 It got the approval for a 50-seater women's Darshan near Rajghat, Delhi.
hostel at Gandatwisa Government Degree  The statue is described as a befitting tribute to
College in Dhalai District, with a sanctioned the Father of the Nation for his role in freeing
financial allocation of Rs 4.60 crores from the India from foreign rule and uplifting the weaker
central government through the North Eastern sections of society.
Council (NEC).  Rajnath Singh highlighted government
 The government is also focusing on schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, Ayushman
healthcare by establishing a new health and Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and
wellness centre at Master Para in Agartala city. Swachh Bharat based on Gandhiji's ideas.
Learn Along:  Mahatma Gandhi's vision is reflected in Prime
About Tripura Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives, fostering a
Chief minister: Manik Saha Capital: Agartala strong, prosperous, and clean India.
Governor: Indrasena Reddy
Wax statue of Baba Ambedkar installed in Jaipur
Telangana launches free bus ride for women Wax Museum

 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy  A wax statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect
launched the Maha Lakshmi Scheme and of the Indian Constitution, was installed at
enhanced the Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme to ₹10 Jaipur Wax Museum, Nahargarh Fort.
lakh.  The decision to build the statue was driven by
 The Maha Lakshmi Scheme offers free travel on the demand of tourists visiting the museum.
Telangana State Road Transport Corporation  The unveiling took place on Mahaparinirvan
(TSRTC) buses for women and transgender Day (December 6), in response to the requests of
persons of all ages in Telangana. visitors.
 Women can travel free of cost within the state  The wax statue is placed in the set of
in 'Palle Velugu' and express buses, with the Rashtrapati Bhavan alongside the statue of Dr.
government reimbursing TSRTC for chargeable
Abdul Kalam.
fares based on actual distance traveled.

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 The statue stands at 5 feet 11 inches and  The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
weighs approximately 38 kg, featuring Baba has entered a tripartite Concession Agreement
Saheb holding the book of the Constitution, with Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam and M/s. EIEL
dressed in a blue suit. Mathura Infra Engineers Pvt. Ltd.
 The museum, located in Nahargarh Fort, is the
 A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been
world's first wax museum in a "heritage site."
formed through a joint venture between M/s
 Established in collaboration with the
Enviro Infra Engineers Limited and M/s. Micro
Department of Archeology and Museums of
the Government of Rajasthan, the museum has Transmission Systems.
been promoting Jaipur since 2016.  The agreement, executed under the Hybrid
Learn Along: Annuity PPP mode, involves a Rs. 240.01 Crores
About Rajasthan contract for the development of a Sewage
Founded: 30 March 1949 Governor: Kalraj Mishra Treatment Plant (STP) for the Gokul Barrage in
Capital: Jaipur Mathura.
 The comprehensive project includes a 60 MLD
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates India’s STP, Interception & Diversion structures, I&D
largest state-of-the-art Sports Science Centre in network laying, Sewage Pumping Stations,
Bhubaneswar and Operation and Maintenance for 15 years.
 The initiative aims to reduce sewage pollution
 Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the Yamuna by eliminating the discharge of
inaugurated India's largest Sports Science untreated sewage from Mathura City into the river.
Centre at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.  The Hybrid Annuity model ensures a balanced
 The center, established in partnership with and mutually beneficial arrangement for all
Abhinav Bindra, aims to nurture sporting talent stakeholders, emphasizing long-term operation
and promote excellence. and maintenance of the STPs.
 It is equipped with cutting-edge technology, Learn Along:
incorporating global best practices for various About NMCG
sports disciplines.  National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) was
 The facility focuses on injury management, registered as a society on 12th August 2011 under the
rehabilitation, recovery, and performance Societies Registration Act 1860.
enhancement for athletes.  It acted as implementation arm of National Ganga
River Basin Authority(NGRBA) which was constituted
 The Sports Science Centre boasts a
under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act
comprehensive team of experts, including bio-
(EPA),1986.
mechanists, sports scientists, physiotherapists,
 NGRBA has since been dissolved with effect from
and more. the 7th October 2016, consequent to constitution of
 The center aims to provide holistic athlete well- National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and
being and development while being accessible Management of River Ganga (referred as National
to elite athletes in India. Ganga Council).
Learn Along:
About Odisha Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates and lays
Chief minister: Naveen Patnaik Founded: 1 April 1936 foundation stone of several projects worth over
Capital: Bhubaneswar Rs 3500 crore in Chandigarh

National Mission for Clean Ganga Inks Pact for  Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated
Sewage Treatment Plant Development at Gokul projects worth 368 crore rupees and laid the
Barrage in Mathura foundation stone for projects worth 3200
crore rupees in Chandigarh.

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 He flagged off a fleet of Chandigarh Police cars About Assam

worth 3.75 crore rupees and a state-of-the-art Chief minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma Capital:
Dispur Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
police control vehicle called 'Eagle.'
 He inaugurated the 'Center for Cyber Operation
Manipur government launches campaign to fight
and Security' for advanced investigation of cyber
pneumonia
crimes, costing approximately 90 crore rupees
with DRDO's assistance.
 The Manipur government has launched a
 He highlighted the nationwide use of the E-beat campaign and a newborn resource centre to
system introduced by Chandigarh Police four combat pneumonia, a potentially deadly lung
years ago. infection.
 He inaugurated the Cyber Operation and  The Social Awareness and Action to Neutralize
Security Centre (CENCOPS) and reviewed the Pneumonia Successfully (SAANS) Campaign
implementation of three new criminal laws passed 2023-24 and the State Newborn Resource
by Parliament. Centre were inaugurated by Health and Family
 The laws aim to modernize the criminal justice Welfare Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh.
system, with a focus on connectivity,  The World Health Organization (WHO) has
infrastructure, and technology adoption.
identified interventions like exclusive
breastfeeding for the first six months of life as
Assam cabinet approves township policy to crucial for preventing the disease.
ensure planned urban development Learn Along:
About Manipur
 The Assam cabinet has approved the state Chief minister: N. Biren Singh Capital: Imphal
township policy for systematic and planned Governor: Anusuiya Uikey
urban development. About WHO
 The policy aims to regulate and guide urban Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland Founded: 7 April
growth, reducing resource exploitation. 1948 Director-General: Tedros Adhanom
 The Assam State Township Policy, 2023, was Ghebreyesus
approved for implementation, ensuring
organized urban development. Himachal Pradesh CM Launches Shimla Winter
 Private capital investment will be used for Carnival, Aims to Boost Tourism
planned implementation of essential services
like roads and healthcare facilities.  Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder
Singh Sukhu inaugurated the first-ever 'Shimla
 The policy addresses the need for affordable
housing within townships with regulation and Winter Carnival' at the historic Ridge in Himachal
incentivization provisions. Pradesh.
 The draft Guwahati Central Area Local Area Plan  The event commenced with a cultural parade
(LAP) within the metropolitan area was green- featuring the participation of 450 women
presenting Mahanati, showcasing the talent of
lighted for public objections and suggestions.
self-help groups and Anganwadi workers.
 The LAP aims to redevelop infrastructure,
 The Winter Carnival in Shimla is scheduled till
open spaces, and improve connectivity in
January 5, and it aims to attract tourists to the
Guwahati.
state's tourist destinations.
 Guidelines for implementing 'Mukhya Mantri
 The carnival features cultural performances,
Awaas Yojana-Gramin' (MMAY-G) were
local dishes stalls, providing tourists with an
approved to provide houses to eligible opportunity to experience the culture and art of
beneficiaries. Himachal Pradesh.
Learn Along:
Learn Along:

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About Himachal Pradesh extending to Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and

Capitals: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter) Chengalpattu districts.
Chief minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu  The entire scheme, costing ₹385 crore, will fund
Governor: Shiv Pratap Shukla the construction of 4,577 new houses and
repairs for 9,975 houses.
NLC India Ltd Contributes Rs. 4.30 Crore to CM
 A special loan scheme will assist small traders,
Relief Fund for Flood Affected People of Tamil shop owners, and street vendors in flood-affected
Nadu
areas with loans up to ₹10,000 (4% interest) and
up to ₹1 lakh (6% interest).
 NLC India Ltd, under the Ministry of Coal,
contributed Rs. 4.30 crore to the Tamil Nadu  The Tamilnadu Industrial Investment
Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund, including Corporation Ltd. will launch a ₹100 crore
Rs.2.30 crores, as one day salary from NLC special loan scheme for flood-affected micro,
India’s employees. small, and medium enterprises in specific districts.
 The assistance is for fostering recovery of the  The scheme offers loans with a 6% interest rate
people affected by the recent flood caused by and favorable repayment options, benefiting
Cyclone Michaung that devastated Chennai around 3,300 enterprises.
and the surrounding districts of Thiruvallur,
Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu, and also to help Ministry of Home Affairs declares ‘Muslim League
people affected by the recent unprecedented Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’/MLJK-
heavy rain in the southern districts of Tuticorin MA as 'Unlawful Association'
and Tirunelveli.
 NLC India Chairman and Managing Director,  The Government of India has declared ‘Muslim
Prasanna Kumar Motupalli handed over the League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam
cheque for Rs. 4.30 crore to the Chief Minister of
faction)’/MLJK-MA as an 'Unlawful Association'
Tamil Nadu M.K. Stalin.
under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities
Learn Along:
(Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.
About Tamil Nadu
Chief minister: M. K. Stalin Governor: R.  Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam
N. Ravi Capital: Chennai faction)’/MLJK-MA has been involved in anti-
national activities and its members have been
Tamil Nadu CM M.K Stalin announces ₹1,000-cr. indulging in secessionist activities in the
relief package for flood-hit districts in Tamil Nadu Jammu and Kashmir and supporting terrorist
activities in India.
 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin
announces a ₹1,000-crore relief package for Ayodhya railway station in Uttar Pradesh
renamed 'Ayodhya Dham Junction'
flood-hit districts in Tamil Nadu.
 The relief package includes assistance for  Ahead of the inauguration of the Ram temple in
house reconstruction, business loans, and Ayodhya, the city's Ayodhya Junction railway
compensation for crop damage. station has been renamed Ayodhya Dham
 The government will rebuild destroyed houses Junction.
and repair damaged ones in Tirunelveli and  Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate
Thoothukudi districts, providing ₹4 lakh for the grand railway station and airport being built
rebuilding and ₹2 lakh for repairs. in Ayodhya on December 30.
 The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Learn Along:
Department will implement the aid scheme, About Uttar Pradesh

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December 2023

Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath Governor:

Anandiben Patel Capital: Lucknow  Global Carbon Project estimates a 1.1%
increase in worldwide carbon dioxide
UP CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurates Uttar emissions from burning fossil fuels in 2023,
Pradesh’s first intra-district helicopter route reaching a new peak of 36.8 billion metric
tons.
 Marking the birth anniversary of former Prime
Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Uttar Pradesh  The increase slows the upward trend in
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated emissions, but a consistent drop of
UP’s first intra-district helicopter service from approximately 9% annually is needed to meet
Bateshwar in Agra to Goverdhan in Mathura. the 1.5°C target in the Paris Agreement.
 Based on the private-public partnership (PPP),  Despite declines in fossil-fuel emissions in over
the helicopter service is to be run by a private two dozen countries, the global total
player from Uttrakhand. A helicopter service will continues to rise.
cover a distance of 65 km between Agra city and  The European Union's emissions dropped
Mathura. by 7.4%, while India surpassed the EU as the
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya lays Foundation Stone world's third-largest emitter, driven by increases
for 2 Critical Care Blocks, BSL-3 Laboratory in in coal, oil, and cement CO2.
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
 China remains the largest emitter globally,
responsible for 31% of carbon emissions,
 Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of
followed by the US at 14%.
Health and Family Welfare laid the foundation
stone for 2 Critical Care Blocks and a BSL-3  Fossil-fuel demand for electricity may have
Laboratory in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. peaked, but renewable energy growth alone
 He also inaugurated 7 Integrated Public Health has not been sufficient to replace fossil fuels,
Laboratories to be set up in various districts of emphasizing the need for effective policies.
the state.  Coal plant closures, fuel-switching, and
 These new facilities will give a boost to the renewables in the US led to an 18.3% decline
healthcare infrastructure of Andhra Pradesh in coal use, bringing it down to its 1903 level.
and help in addressing the challenges of any
 Including changes to land use, the estimated
health emergency.
2023 emissions total rises to 40.9 billion
 The new facilities in Andhra Pradesh under PM-
tons, with deforestation responsible for 4.2
ABHIM will help in further strengthening the
healthcare facilities in the state. billion tons of carbon annually.
Learn Along:  The report breaks out emissions related to
About Andhra Pradesh aviation and shipping for the first time, with
Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer a 28% increase and 1% increase year on year,
Founded: 1 November 1956 respectively.
Chief minister: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy
 Global wildfire emissions reached 8
Capital: Amaravati
gigatons, a third higher than the 2013-2022
average for the first 10 months of the year.
REPORTS AND INDEXES
 The study highlights concerns about the
permanence of carbon removal, potential
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels to impacts of reforestation on land color and heat
rise 1.1% to hit peak in 2023 absorption, and the asymmetric relationship

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December 2023

between carbon flow and temperature suitable interventions by various stake-

response. holders.
 As per the 2023 assessment report, the total
States’ debt to stay at 31-32% in FY24: Crisil annual ground water recharge for the entire
country is 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM),
 According to a CRISIL report , States’ debt will marking an increase of 11.48 BCM compared
remain elevated at 31-32% of their gross
to the previous year (2022) and annual ground
domestic product (GDP) amid higher capital
water extraction for the entire country is 241.34
outlays and moderate revenue growth this fiscal,
BCM.
with overall borrowings likely to rise by 9% to
more than ₹87 lakh crore.  Further, out of the total 6553 assessment units
in the country, 736 units have been
 Indebtedness of a State is measured as the
categorized as ‘Over-exploited’.
ratio of its debt to gross state domestic
product (GSDP).  Total annual ground water recharge for entire
 Before COVID-19, the debt-GSDP ratio was at country is 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM),
28-29%. while extraction is 241.34 BCM
 But, the aggregate gross fiscal deficit (GFD) as  Stage of ground water extraction stands at
a ratio of GSDP is expected to remain at 2.5, 59.23%.
well below the mandated level of 3 under the
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management GDP emission intensity reduced by 33% between
Act. 2005 and 2019
 With lower-than-expected revenue growth,
States are forced to borrow more to expand  According to a government report, India
capital outlays, besides meeting high committed reduced its GDP emission intensity by 33
revenue expenditure related to salaries, pensions per cent between 2005 and 2019, achieving
and interest costs. the target 11 years in advance,.
 This will keep the debt level high at 31-32% of  India's GDP grew at a cumulative annual
the gross domestic output. growth rate of 7 per cent but its emissions
 The report is based on the numbers available rose by only 4 per cent per year during this
from the top 18 States accounting for 90% of the period, suggesting that the country has been
aggregate GSDP. successful in decoupling its economic
growth from planet-warming greenhouse gas
Union Minister For Jal Shakti Releases emissions.
Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment  The report called 'The Third National
Report For The Country For The Year 2023 Communication to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change'
 The Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra will be submitted to the UN climate change
Singh Shekhawat released the Dynamic body during the ongoing climate talks in Dubai.
Ground Water Resource Assessment  National communications contain
Report for the entire country for the year 2023. information on a country's greenhouse gas
 The assessment was carried out jointly by emissions, its vulnerability to climate
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and change, and the measures any country is
States/UTs, which can be used for taking taking to mitigate emissions and adapt to the
impacts of climate change.

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December 2023

Proposed 5% biogas blending with LNG can cut  The recently released World Malaria Report
imports worth $1.17 bn: IBA shows that the number of cases and deaths
due to the mosquito-borne infection India
 As per a study by the Indian Biogas have continued to decline.
Association (IBA),The proposed 5% blending  With an estimated 33.8 lakh cases and 5,511
of biogas with natural gas can annually save deaths, India saw a decline of 30 per cent in
$1.17 billion in LNG imports. malaria incidence and 34 per cent in mortality
 The study follows the government's recent in 2022, compared to the previous year.
mandate to blend 1% biogas with piped  India’s downward trend was reflected in the
natural gas (PNG) from April 1, 2025, under the larger WHO South East Asian region that
compressed biogas blending obligation (CBO) remained on track to achieving the 2030
scheme. target of reducing cases and deaths by 90
per cent.
 The plan aims to increase biogas blending to
5% by fiscal year 2028-29.  This is, even as since the beginning of the
pandemic, a trend of increasing incidence
 The initiative aligns with the government's
has been noted globally, after nearly a
goal to make India a gas-based economy,
decade of the numbers remaining almost the
targeting a gas share increase from 6% to 15% same.
in the energy mix by 2030.
 The number of malaria cases had dropped
 IBA estimates suggest a 5% biogas blending from 243 million to 233 million globally
can reduce LNG imports by $1.17 billion and between 2000 and 2019.
decrease per capita CO2 emissions by 2%  However, there was an increase of 11 million
compared to the 2019 figure. cases in 2020.
 The CBO scheme is expected to attract  They remained stable in 2021, before seeing
around Rs 37,500 crore in investment, another increase of 5 million in 2022 to 249
fostering at least 750 compressed bio gas million.
(CBG) projects by 2028-29, enhancing energy 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM THE REPORT
security and reducing reliance on imported 1. India saw a 30% decline in malaria cases
natural gas. and 34% decline in deaths in 2022 as
 Biogas blending is seen as beneficial for compared to the previous year
agricultural income growth and can convert 2. Globally there were 5 million additional
biogas plant areas into organic agriculture. malaria cases in 2022 as compared to the
 Biogas production from various organic previous year, totalling to 249 million
waste sources creates economic 3. Of the 5 million additional cases, the highest
opportunities for farmers, waste management 2.1 million was from Pakistan that had a
companies, and stakeholders. flood in 2022
 Blending biogas with natural gas 4. India accounted for 1.4% of total malaria
streamlines the biofuels market, making it cases in the world
more investor-friendly by reducing capital and 5. India accounted for 1.4% of total malaria
operational costs, according to IBA. cases in the world

World Malaria Report Glaciers shrank 1 m a year in a decade: WMO

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

emphasizes the need for a sevenfold increase

by the end of the decade to achieve climate
objectives, including limiting global temperature
rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the
century.
Learn Along:
About WMO
Founded: 23 March 1950 Headquarters:
Geneva, Switzerland President: Gerhard Adrian

Mumbai tops metros in reporting economic

offences in 2022: NCRB data

 Mumbai recorded 6,960 cases of economic

 The World Meteorological Organization's offences in 2022, the highest among metro
report states that the 2011-2020 decade, cities, according to NCRB data.
despite being the warmest ever recorded, saw  Cyber crime cases in Mumbai increased to
the lowest number of deaths from extreme 4,724 in 2022 from 2,883 in 2021.
events.  Hyderabad ranked second with 6,015
 Improved early warning systems, driven by economic offences, and Delhi was third with
advancements in forecasting and better 5,007 cases.
disaster management, contributed to the  In Mumbai, 1,093 cases were of criminal
reduction in casualties. breach of trust, and cases of forgery,
 The report notes that it was the first decade cheating, and fraud stood at 5,855.
since 1950 without a single short-term event  Maharashtra ranked fourth in cyber crime
causing 10,000 deaths or more. cases (8,249) in 2022, topped by Telangana
 In India, enhanced forecasting of cyclone (15,297),
formation and landfall time improved  Mumbai ranked second in reporting cyber
preparedness and evacuation procedures. crimes in 2022 with 4,724 cases, while
 The decade also marked the visible recovery Bengaluru topped the list with 9,940 cases,
of the depleted ozone hole and observed and Hyderabad was third with 4,436 cases.
glaciers worldwide thinning by approximately
1 meter per year on average. India Infrastructure Report 2023 released
 Greenland and Antarctica lost 38% more ice
between 2011 and 2020 compared to the 2001-  The India Infrastructure Report 2023 on
2010 period. Urban Planning and Development was
released on 4 December 2023 by Venkaiah
 The report highlights the increased risks from
Naidu, former Vice-President of India, who
extreme heat events due to human-caused
served as the Chief Guest (virtually) along with
climate change, with heatwaves causing the
highest number of human casualties. Mr. Amitabh Pant, G20 Sherpa of India and
former CEO, NITI Aayog.
 Tropical cyclones were identified as
causing the most economic damage.  The India Infrastructure Report 2023 has been
a collaborative effort of the IDFC
 Public and private climate finance nearly
Foundation, Infrastructure Development
doubled during the period, but the report

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December 2023

Corporation (Karnataka) Ltd. (iDeCK) and the infrastructure and urbanization, such as policy
National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA). makers, investors, academics, financiers, and
multilateral agencies.
 The report is a significant milestone in the
About IDFC
acclaimed India Infrastructure Report (IIR)
 IDFC Foundation is a not-for-profit institution,
series, initiated by the IDFC Foundation in working on philanthropic initiatives in social
2001. infrastructure.
 Key aspects of IIR 2023 are such as Planning  As part of its development agenda, IDFC
and Governance, Smart Initiatives, PPPs Foundation also carries out focussed research,
and Financing, Housing and Migration, policy advocacy and capacity building across
Public Service Delivery, Integrating the spectrum of infrastructure sectors.
Infrastructure, and Urban Redevelopment. About iDeCK
Key Highlights of the India Infrastructure  IDeCK, established in 2000 as a joint venture of
the Government of Karnataka, IDFC Foundation
Report 2023:
and HDFC.
 Spotlight on the transformative potential of
 iDeCK focusses on catalysing well-planned,
digital technology in shaping the urban
sustainable infrastructure projects, especially
landscape of India. Focus areas include the
through public-private participation.
concept of ‘smart cities’ and the About NIUA
significance of performance ranking  Established in 1976, National Institute of Urban
criteria. Affairs (NIUA) has been bridging the gap between
 Examination of financial dimensions of research and practice on issues related to
urban development, with a special urbanization and suggest ways and
emphasis on public-private partnerships mechanisms to address urban challenges in the
country.
(PPPs), the financial sustainability of urban
local bodies, and the efficacy of municipal India's economy to grow at 6.8% in FY24,
bonds as potent financing instruments.
accelerate to 7% in FY25: CII
 Urban transportation planning and urban
redevelopment as pivotal components of  Industry chamber CII expects the country's
effective urban governance through transit- economy to grow at 6.8 per cent in the current
oriented development, efficient urban fiscal and accelerate to 7 per cent in 2024-25,
goods movement, and floor space and
driven by the government's continued focus on
land price regulation in India.
infrastructure development and promotion of
Learn Along:
ease of doing business.
About IIR 2023
 The expected gross domestic product (GDP)
 The India Infrastructure Report (IIR) 2023 contains
25 chapters by prominent names in the urban growth of 6.8 per cent will be more than the 6.5-
development and policy ecosystem on the current 6.7 per cent estimated earlier by the industry
state of urban development in India. body.
 This annual publication has been instrumental in Learn Along:
identifying and analyzing legal, fiscal,
About CII
regulatory, technological, social, and
conceptual aspects related to contemporary  The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) works
themes relevant to infrastructure development. to create and sustain an environment
 This makes it an invaluable resource for those conducive to the development of India,
involved in formulating urban policy, as well as partnering with Industry, Government, and civil
for those interested in the development of India's

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December 2023

society, through advisory and consultative  Blocks divided into six zones, with top
processes. performers in each zone receiving prize
 CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, amounts.
industry-led and industry-managed Learn Along:
organization, with around 9000 members from  Aspirational Blocks Programme launched on
January 7, 2023, focusing on governance
the private as well as public sectors, including
improvement in underdeveloped blocks.
SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of
over 300,000 enterprises from 286 national and  500 blocks from 329 districts across 27 states and
4 Union Territories are part of the ABP.
regional sectoral industry bodies.
 Programme strategy based on convergence of
 Founded: 1895 Headquarters: New Delhi, existing schemes, defining outcomes, and
India Director General: Chandrajit monitoring progress with 40 KPIs.
Banerjee About NITI Aayog
 NITI Aayog (National Institution of Technology and
NITI Aayog releases the 1st Delta Ranking of Innovation Advocacy) is a think tank of the Indian
ABP government, established in 2015, aimed at
promoting and advancing technological innovation,
 Tiriyani Block of Kumuram Bheem Asifabad entrepreneurship, and research and development.
district, Telangana, tops the first delta  Chairperson: Narendra Modi Founded:
rankings of Aspirational Blocks Programme 1 January 2015
(ABP) by NITI Aayog.
 Kaushambi block of Kaushambi District, Pune best ‘quality of living’ in India after
Uttar Pradesh, secures the second position Hyderabad
in the rankings.
 Virtual event at NITI Aayog witnesses  Pune has the second-best 'quality of life' in
participation from 329 districts and 500 India, according to the Quality of Living Index
aspirational blocks nationwide. 2023 by Mercer, following Hyderabad.
 Rankings based on the performance and  In the Mercer Quality of Living City Index for
progress achieved in Key Performance India, Pune secured the 154th position,
Indicators (KPIs) in June 2023. Hyderabad ranked 153rd, and Bengaluru
 ABP aims to improve governance and attained the 156th spot.
enhance the quality of life in underdeveloped  Vienna (Austria), Zurich (Switzerland), and
blocks of India. Vancouver (Canada) are the top three cities
 Wall of Fame inaugurated at NITI Aayog globally in the 2023 index.
showcasing achievements and projects of  The index evaluates the quality of life for
Aspirational Blocks and Districts. employees working abroad, considering
 Thematic and overall rankings for ADP factors like climate, education, disease
(Aspirational Districts Programme) for October control, safety, and socio-political
2023 also announced. environment.
 Rayagada (Odisha) and Jamui (Bihar) achieve  Pune and Hyderabad shared the 143rd
first and second ranks in ADP. position in the last ranking in 2019.
 Top rankers of ABP and ADP to be displayed  In the 2022 Cost of Living City ranking,
on the Wall of Fame. Mumbai was the most expensive Indian city,
followed by New Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru,
Hyderabad, and Pune.

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December 2023

 According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban  Despite being the most populous country, India
Affairs' Ease of Living Index 2023, Pune has relatively low per capita emissions and
ranked second among Indian cities with a is on track to meet the benchmark of well below
population over a million. 2 degrees Celsius in per capita greenhouse gas
emissions.
Myanmar surpasses Afghanistan as world’s  India is making efforts to meet its Nationally
largest source of opium Determined Contributions (NDCs) with long-
term policies focusing on promoting renewable
 Myanmar has surpassed Afghanistan to become energy and supporting domestic manufacturing
the world's largest source of opium in 2023. of renewable energy components.
 This shift is due to Myanmar's civil war and a  The country's growing energy needs are still
significant decline in opium cultivation in met by a heavy reliance on coal, causing
Afghanistan. greenhouse gas emissions and severe air
 Opium cultivation in Afghanistan decreased by pollution, particularly in cities.
95% in 2022 after the Taliban imposed a drug ban.  The report notes that India, along with China,
 Jeremy Douglas, UNODC Regional changed the wording at the last COP from
Representative, highlighted that upheaval "phase out" to "phase down" fossil fuels,
following the 2021 military takeover continues affecting the global commitment to ending the
to drive farmers toward opium cultivation. fossil fuel era.
 Opium cultivation expanded significantly in  Large-scale renewable energy projects have
Myanmar's border regions, particularly in been reported to negatively affect local
northern Shan State, Chin, and Kachin states. communities through land grabs and unequal
 The UNODC report noted a 16% increase in distribution.
yield, reaching 22.9 kilograms per hectare due  Policymakers are urged to adopt
to more sophisticated farming practices. ecosystem-based solutions, consider equity,
 Escalating conflict between the Myanmar and implement more effective policies,
military and armed ethnic-minority groups is including a faster phase-out of coal and
expected to accelerate opium cultivation expanded renewable energy.
expansion in the region.  Experts call for India to achieve net-zero
emissions no later than 2050 and create
Climate change performance index 2024 people-friendly, climate-friendly, sustainable
infrastructure.
Learn Along:
 India ranks 7th in the Climate Change About CCPI
Performance Index (CCPI) for 2024, moving  The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) is
up one spot from the previous year. an instrument to enable transparency in national
 The CCPI evaluates the climate mitigation and international climate politics.
efforts of 63 countries plus the EU, covering  The CCPI uses a standardized framework to
over 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions. compare the climate performance of 63
countries and the EU, which together account for
 India receives a high ranking in greenhouse
over 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
gas emissions and energy use categories,
 The climate protection performance is assessed
but a medium ranking in climate policy and
in four categories: GHG Emissions, Renewable
renewable energy.
Energy, Energy Use and Climate Policy.

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December 2023

 Southern Asia shows a higher prevalence of

severe food insecurity compared to other
subregions.
 In India, 31.7% of children under the age of
five exhibit stunted growth, and the country
has the highest rate of wasting (low weight for
height) in the region at 18.7%.
 The prevalence of anaemia among women
aged 15 to 49 in India is 53%, the highest in
the region, while 2.8% of children below five are
overweight.
 India has shown improvement in exclusive
breastfeeding among infants (0-5 months)
with a prevalence of 63.7%, higher than the
world average of 47.7%.
 The country also has the highest prevalence
of low birth weight in the region at 27.4%.
74% Indians could not afford healthy diet in 2021: Learn Along:
report About FAO
 Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) is one
 Over 74% of Indians couldn't afford a healthy of the largest specialized agencies in the UN System
diet in 2021, a slight decrease from 76.2% in founded in 1945 with a mandate to raise levels of
2020, according to the Food and Agriculture nutrition and standard of living by improving
agricultural productivity and living conditions of rural
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
population.
 In Pakistan, 82.2% of the population faced
difficulties affording healthy food, while in DPIIT releases Report on “Logistics Costs in
Bangladesh, the figure was 66.1%.
India: Assessment and Long-Term Framework”
 The rising cost of food, without a
corresponding increase in income, contributes  India's National Logistics Policy, launched in
to more people being unable to afford a September 2022, aims to reduce logistics costs.
healthy diet, as per the FAO report.
 The Logistics Division of DPIIT, Ministry of
 The report provides insights into progress Commerce and Industry, released a report titled
toward meeting Sustainable Development "Logistics Cost in India: Assessment and
Goals and World Health Assembly global
Long-Term Framework."
nutrition targets.
 The report, prepared by NCAER with guidance
 The Asia Pacific region, including India,
from ADB experts, presents baseline logistics
continues to suffer from the protracted
cost estimates and a long-term framework.
effects of the pandemic and the "5Fs" crisis.
 It recommends a hybrid approach using
 The region represents half of the global total
primary and secondary survey data, along with
of undernourished people, with 370.7 million
real-time Big Data for logistics cost estimation.
individuals facing undernourishment.
 Regular estimation of logistics costs,
preferably annually, is proposed, requiring

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December 2023

institutionalizing data collection through an MoU alert the locomotive pilot of any suspicious activity
with NCAER. on or near rail tracks.
 The report is intended to instill confidence in  The AI-based 'Gajraj' software, successfully
investors, optimize logistics efficiency, and tested in Assam, is set to be deployed across
enhance India's global competitiveness. 700 km of elephant corridors in multiple states
within the next eight months, at an estimated
 The report emphasizes the value of Big Data in
cost of Rs 181 crore.
computing logistics costs and the need for a
thorough understanding of trends in the logistics  Using AI and OFC, the software triggers alerts
upon detecting any questionable movement
sector for effective policymaking.
within 200 metres of the tracks.
 The systematic approach adopted by the
government is expected to lead to effective
"Bio-vision" for Bharat
decision-making, production planning, and
resource allocation in the logistics sector.  Dr Jitendra Singh Addressed the first ever
meeting of the BRIC Society aimed at fulfilling
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Prime Minister’s Vision for Atmanirbhar
Bharat in areas like healthcare, food and
Google unveils ‘Gemini,’ AI tech trained to energy needs by scaling biotech research and
behave like humans innovation.
 The government is bringing together the best
 Google launched the project Gemini, an AI minds on a unified platform called BRIC
model trained to behave in human-like ways (Biotechnology Research and Innovation
that’s likely to intensify the debate about the Council) Society by subsuming 14 top Science
technology’s potential promise and perils. Autonomous Institutions: Dr Jitendra Singh
 The rollout will unfold in phases, with less  BRIC and its Institutes can engage in public-
sophisticated versions of Gemini called ‘Nano’ private research partnerships and receive
and ‘Pro’ being immediately incorporated into endowments including funds from non-
Google’s AI-powered chatbot Bard and its Pixel Governmental resources for research-related
8 Pro smartphone. activities
 The AI, at first, will only work in English  Indian Bio-economy recorded 13 times
throughout the world, although Google increase in the last ten years.
executives assured that the technology will have  Dr Jitendra Singh launched the Citizen Centric
no problem eventually diversifying into other “Zero Waste Life on Campus’ or the “shoonya
languages. apashisht Jeevan” on the occasion of the first
Learn Along:
Society Meeting of BRIC
About Google
 In this Unique Initiative, institutions of BRIC
Founded: 4 September 1998 CEO: Sundar Pichai
(iBRIC) will serve as testbeds to develop models
Headquarters: California, U.S.
that can be implemented across the country.
Indian Railways develop AI-based software  iBric will strengthen the 5 R’s of zero waste
‘Gajraj’ to avoid collisions, to roll out in all with a 6th ‘R’- “Research Insights”.
elephant corridors
Mumbai professor bags Royal Society of
 In a bid to prevent train-elephant collisions, Chemistry’s Nyholm prize
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced
the development of 'Gajraj', an indigenous  Professor Savita Ladage from Mumbai’s Homi
software utilising optical fibre cable (OFC) to Bhabha Centre for Science Education received

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the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Nyholm Prize  A team of four scientists from RRI will conduct
for Education. experiments in astronomy, climate change, and
 The award recognizes her significant atmospheric science.
contributions to chemistry education.  The expedition is funded by the Earth Sciences
Ministry and spearheaded by the National
 Prof. Ladage was honored for advocating the
Centre for Polar and Ocean Research.
importance of chemical education and leading
impactful programs for teachers and students.  The SARAS series of experiments, developed by
RRI, aims to study the faint cosmological
 Past winners of the RSC’s prize portfolio,
signal from hydrogen, known as the 21-cm
including Nobel laureates Carolyn Bertozzi and
signal.
John B. Goodenough, highlight the prestige of
 The study focuses on the cosmic dawn and
the award.
epoch of reionization, crucial phases in the
 Along with the prize, Prof. Ladage will receive universe's early evolution.
£5,000, a medal, and a certificate.
 The Nyholm Prize is part of the Excellence in WHO officially recognizes noma as a neglected
Education Prizes, celebrating individuals across tropical disease
various education levels in the chemical sciences,
including teachers and technicians.  WHO includes noma (cancrum oris) in its official
 The report notes that IDA-eligible countries have list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
spent the last decade adding to their debt at a  Noma is a severe gangrenous disease affecting
pace that exceeds their economic growth—a red malnourished children in regions of extreme
flag for their prospects in the coming years. poverty.
 In 2022, the combined external debt stock of  It starts as gum inflammation and, if untreated,
IDA-eligible countries hit a record US$1.1 rapidly destroys facial tissues and bones, often
trillion—more than double the 2012 level. leading to death and severe disfigurement in
 From 2012 through 2022, IDA-eligible countries survivors.
increased their external debt by 134%,  Cases are found in sub-Saharan Africa, with
outstripping the 53% increase they achieved in some reported in the Americas and Asia; accurate
estimation is challenging due to rapid progression
their gross national income (GNI).
and stigma.
 Noma is caused by bacteria in the mouth,
India’s first winter Arctic expedition begins
associated with risk factors like poor oral hygiene,
malnutrition, weakened immune systems,
 The Raman Research Institute (RRI) is infections, and extreme poverty.
participating in the first winter Indian expedition  WHO's recognition of noma as an NTD aims to
to the Arctic region. raise awareness, stimulate research and
 Researchers from RRI will examine the radio funding, and address the disease through
frequency environment in the Svalbard region multisectoral approaches.
of the Arctic in Norway.  Noma becomes the latest addition to WHO's
 The survey aims to assess the suitability of the NTD list, which now includes 21 diseases or
region for precision astronomy groups of diseases.
measurements. Learn Along:
 India has its research station, Himadri, in About WHO
Svalbard since 2008, and the winter expedition Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland Founded: 7 April
aims to maintain a year-long presence. 1948 Director-General: Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreyesus

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December 2023

WHO classifies 'low' risk JN.1 coronavirus strain  Their research, published in Historical Biology,
as 'variant of interest' explains the discovery of the ancient shark and
details its condition.
 The World Health Organization (WHO) classified  The megalodon, one of the greatest predators,
the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "variant of roamed oceans between 4 and 20 million years
interest", but said it did not pose much threat to ago.
public health.  While scientists have limited evidence,
megalodon teeth are found on beaches, with
 JN.1 was previously classified as a variant of
sharks shedding up to 40,000 teeth in their
interest as a part of its parent lineage BA.2.86.
lifetime.
 The United Nations agency said current  Fossil teeth of megalodon have been found
vaccines continue to protect against severe globally in Miocene and Pliocene sediments,
disease and death from JN.1 and other circulating with some even found in fossilized whale bones.
variants of the COVID-19 virus.  The discovery of a megalodon tooth in its
 JN.1 was first detected in the US in September, original location is significant and occurred
according to the CDC. during a survey aboard the Exploration Vessel
 Last week, China detected seven infections of Nautilus.
the COVID subvariant.  The in situ documentation of the megalodon
tooth highlights the importance of advanced
WHO prequalifies a malaria vaccine by Serum deep-diving technologies in exploring the least
Institute explored parts of the ocean.

 The World Health Organization (WHO) added Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches Extended Mission
the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, developed by Karmayogi, Emphasizes Technology Use
Oxford University and manufactured by Serum
Institute of India, to its list of prequalified  Minister of Personnel Dr Jitendra Singh
vaccines. In October 2023, the WHO had launched the extended version of Mission
recommended its use for the prevention of Karmayogi in New Delhi.
malaria in children.  Mission Karmayogi focuses on grooming civil
 The R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine servants of the future by making them more
prequalified by the WHO. technology-enabled, innovative, progressive and
 The prequalification means larger access to transparent.
vaccines as a key tool to prevent malaria in  The Minister also launched three new features
children, with it being a prerequisite for vaccine on the iGOT Karmayogi platform.
procurement by UNICEF and funding support for  These are My iGOT, Blended Programs and
deployment by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Curated Programmes.

ISRO Plans to Launch Bharatiya Space Station

Fossilised megalodon tooth found in deep sea by 2035, First Module Targeted for 2028

 A team of oceanographers discovered a  ISRO Chairman S Somanath announced India's

fossilized megalodon tooth in the deep sea, plan to have its own space station, the
marking the first in situ discovery. 'Bharatiya Space Station,' within the next 25
 The oceanographers are affiliated with years.
institutions in the United States and  The target is to launch the first module of the
collaborated with a zoologist from Germany's space station by 2028, with further modules
SNSB-Bavarian State Collection of Zoology. making it fully operational by 2035.

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 A new, more powerful rocket is being developed  XPoSat is the first dedicated scientific satellite
to carry heavier loads, crucial for the operational from ISRO to carry out research in space-based
phase in 2035. polarisation measurements of X-ray emission
 The initial 2028 launch will use the LVM-3 from celestial sources.
rocket to carry an eight-tonne mass module, while  It carries two payloads — POLIX (Polarimeter
a more powerful rocket capable of carrying 20 of Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT (X-ray
1,215 tonnes is under development for
Spectroscopy and Timing).
subsequent missions.
 POLIX has been developed by the Raman
 The 2028 launch will involve a robotic module Research Institute and XSPECT is by the Space
for experiments and docking, with human space
Astronomy Group of URSC, Bengaluru.
travel envisioned after 2035.
 ISRO also provided an update on India's first solar
Jio, IIT-B collaborate on 'Bharat GPT', Akash
mission, Aditya-L1, stating that the spacecraft
is expected to reach its destination, the L1 Ambani announces TV OS launch
point, on January 6.
 Reliance Jio Infocomm is working with Indian
 ISRO aims to send an Indian Space Station
Institute of Technology-Bombay to launch a
(ISS) into space with human beings by 2023,
'Bharat GPT' programme.
showcasing advancements in space exploration
efforts.  The company, a unit of Reliance Industries, is also
Learn Along:
"comprehensively thinking" to launch an
About ISRO operating system for televisions,.
Headquarters: Bengaluru Chairman:
Sreedhara Somanath Founded: 15 August 1969 Pantoea Tagorei | Visva-Bharati discovers new
bacteria, names it after Rabindranath Tagore
ISRO all set to launch XPoSat, 10 other payloads
on Jan. 1  Researchers from Visva-Bharati University's
botany department discovered a plant growth-
 The Indian Space Research Organisation promoting bacteria named 'Pantoea Tagorei'
(ISRO), following a landmark 2023, will ring in after Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
the New Year with the launch of the PSLV-C58  The bacteria, isolated from Sonajhuri in
X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission on Santiniketan and later found in the coal mining
January 1. belt of Jharia, Jharkhand, has the potential to
 The PSLV will launch XPoSat along with 10 more revolutionize agriculture.
payloads and the rocket is scheduled to lift off  'Pantoea Tagorei' efficiently extracts
from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in potassium from soil, enhancing the growth of
Sriharikota. crops like paddy, pea, and chili.
 ISRO’s PSLV-C58 Mission is to launch XPoSAT  The bacteria's characteristics include
Satellite into an eastward low inclination orbit. potassium and phosphorus solubilization and
nitrogen fixation, making it a unique and new
 After injection of XPoSAT, the PS4 stage will be
re-started twice to reduce the orbit into a 350 species.
 The discovery is expected to reduce the
km circular orbit to maintain in 3-axis stabilised
reliance on commercial fertilizers, cutting costs
mode for Orbital Platform experiments.
in agriculture and boosting crop yield.
 The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3  The bacteria is named in honor of
experiment will be executed meeting the Rabindranath Tagore and his son Rathindranath
objective of 10 identified payloads, supplied Tagore's visionary agricultural pursuits, with
by ISRO and IN-SPACe.

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December 2023

Rathindranath studying agricultural science in the transportation category at the Berlin Start-up
USA. Energy Transition Awards 2023.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath pushes for Green New marine amphipod species found in Chillika
Hydrogen policy to boost clean energy Lake, Odisha

 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath  Researchers at Berhampur University, Odisha
has directed officials to expedite the formulation discovered a new species of marine amphipod
of a Green Hydrogen Policy. in Chilika lake.
 The policy aims to incentivize and facilitate  The new species, named Demaorchestia
firms in the green hydrogen sector, aligning alanensis, belongs to the genus Demaorchestia.
with the state's objectives for sustainable  It was named after Professor Alan Myers of
energy development. University College Cork, Ireland, a global expert
 Green hydrogen is recognized as crucial for in marine amphipods.
achieving net-zero targets, and the Chief  The discovery raises the global species number
Minister stressed its promotion for environmental in the genus Demaorchestia to six.
sustainability in Uttar Pradesh.  Eight specimens were collected from Barkul
 Support measures for companies in the green beach in Ganjam district, Odisha, in January 2022.
hydrogen sector include provision of land,
 The species is white, less than 15 millimeters in
exemption from stamp duty and electricity
length, with 13 pairs of legs for swimming,
duty, as well as capital and interest subsidies.
walking, capturing prey, and feeding.
 Green hydrogen is produced through
 The family Talitridae, to which the new species
electrolysis using electricity from renewable
belongs, is considered one of the oldest groups
sources, making it environmentally friendly by
of amphipods, present since the Jurassic age.
avoiding greenhouse gas emissions.
 The family Talitridae is divided into four
‘India’s fastest’ solar-electric boat launched subfamilies, with the new species belonging to
Platorchestiinae.
 Barracuda, touted as India’s fastest solar-  The researchers had previously discovered
electric boat, was launched at Navalt Solar and two other marine amphipods, Quadrivisio
Electric Boats in Alappuzha. Chilikensis and Talorchestia buensis.
 The 14-metre-long vessel, designed by Navalt,
is named after the swift fish and can operate China Launches World's First Fourth-Generation
in rough seas as a workboat, carrying up to 12 Nuclear Reactor
passengers and cargo.
 Barracuda can reach a top speed of 12.5 knots  China achieves a significant milestone by
starting up the world's first fourth-generation
(23 kmph) and has a seven-hour range on a
nuclear reactor at the Shidaowan nuclear
single charge.
power plant.
 The boat features twin 50 kW electric motors,
 The fourth-generation reactor represents a
a marine-grade LFP battery, and 6 kW solar
shift from experiments to commercial
power.
operations, marking China's leadership in nuclear
 It was built for Mazagon Dock Limited, and the technology research and development.
eco-friendly vessel will be introduced at its  Generation IV reactors are considered safer
Mumbai dock. and more efficient, with the Shidaowan reactor
 Navalt Solar and Electric Boats won the demonstrating the ability to cool down naturally
world’s best start-up award in the mobility and without emergency core cooling systems.

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December 2023

 China's progress puts it ahead of Western import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome
countries, with the U.S. and others pledging to food for human consumption.
triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 at the  Headquarters: New Delhi Founded: 5 September
COP28 climate summit. 2008 Founder: Anbumani Ramadoss
 China aims to increase nuclear energy
capacity to reduce emissions, targeting 10% of INDIGENOUS CLIMATE FORECASTING SYSTEM
the electricity generation mix by 2035 and 18% by
 A state-of-the-art Earth System Model (ESM)
2060.
known as the IITM-ESM has been indigenously
 As of September 2023, China has 55 nuclear
developed at Centre for Climate Change
power units in operation and plans to reach
Research (CCCR), Indian Institute of Tropical
400 GW of installed capacity by 2060.
Meteorology (IITM) under the Ministry of Earth
Breakthrough Nutraceutical ‘AKTOCYTE’ by the Sciences.
Department of Atomic Energy Set to Transform  This is the first Earth System Model from India
Cancer Care and the climate change assessment carried out
using IITM-ESM, was used in the latest Sixth
 Scientists from the Department of Atomic Assessment Report prepared by the
Energy and IDRS Labs Pvt. Ltd. Bengaluru have Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
collaborated to develop AKTOCYTE tablets to (IPCC).
enhance the quality of life for cancer patients  The National Climate Change Assessment report
undergoing radiotherapy. documenting the regional climate change
 AKTOCYTE tablets serve as an adjuvant to projections, has been released to benefit
cancer radiotherapy, regenerative students, researchers, and policymakers.
nutraceutical, immunomodulator, and  The approximate expenditure by CCCR is about
antioxidant, marking a significant advancement Rs.7.42 crores for the period 2017-2023.
in cancer care.
 AKTOCYTE has received approval from the
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
DEFENCE
(FSSAI), ensuring safety and compliance and
providing confidence to healthcare professionals ₹2.23 lakh crore to buy 97 Tejas jets, 156
and patients. Prachand helicopters
 The tablets are anticipated to hit the market in
January 2024, offering versatile applications in  In a major move to enhance the combat
cancer treatment protocols. capabilities of the armed forces significantly,
the Union government accorded initial approval
 The collaboration between the Department of
to defence acquisition projects estimated at
Atomic Energy and IDRS Labs represents a
₹2.23 lakh crore that included procurement of 97
pivotal moment in the convergence of scientific
innovation and practical solutions for cancer care. Tejas light combat aircraft and 156 Prachand
Learn Along: combat helicopters.
About FSSAI  The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC),
 The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh,
(FSSAI) has been established under Food Safety cleared the projects at a time India is locked in a
and Standards , 2006 which consolidates various acts military stand-off with China at a number of
& orders that have hitherto handled food related issues friction points in eastern Ladakh for over three
in various Ministries and Departments.
years.
 FSSAI has been created for laying down science
based standards for articles of food and to regulate  98% of the total procurement will be sourced
their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and from domestic industries and that the move

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December 2023

will give a substantial boost to the Indian Ministry of Defence collaborates with Indian
defence industry in achieving the goal of School of Business for scholarship to ex-
aatmanirbharta (self-reliance). servicemen
 The DAC also approved a proposal of the
Indian Air Force to upgrade its Su-30 fighter  The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare,
fleet by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Ministry of Defence, collaborates with the Indian
Aeronautics Ltd. School of Business (ISB) for scholarships to
 The top body on procurement of military military personnel post-retirement.
hardware also cleared acquisition and  ISB will offer a 50% tuition fee waiver across its
integration of automatic target tracker (ATT) postgraduate and advanced management
and digital basaltic computer (DBC) for T-90 programs, totaling up to Rs 2.3 crore per year.
tanks besides approving another proposal to  The collaboration benefits 22 ex-servicemen
buy medium-range anti-ship missiles (MRAShM) each academic year.
for the Navy.  The initiative aims to provide management
 The MRAShM is a lightweight surface-to- skills to complement the existing skill set of Armed
surface missile which will be a primary offensive Forces personnel and veterans.
weapon aboard various Indian naval ships.  The collaboration is seen as an opportunity for
 In February 2021, the Defence Ministry sealed veterans and soon-to-retire personnel to pursue
a ₹48,000-crore deal with the HAL for world-class education at ISB and contribute to
procurement of 83 Tejas MK-1A jets for the nation-building.
IAF. Learn Along:
About ISB
Three anti-submarine warfare ships for Indian Founders: Rajat Gupta; Anil Kumar
Navy launched Established: 2001 Chairman: Harish Manwani

 The first three of a series of eight anti- Navy Ranks To Be Renamed To Reflect Indian
Culture
submarine warfare shallow water crafts being
built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. for the Navy were
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the
launched on the shipyard premises.
renaming of Indian Navy ranks according to
 The ships, to be named INS Mahe, INS Malvan Indian culture and noted the importance of naval
and INS Mangrol upon commissioning, were power, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
launched.
 Applets adorned by naval officers will now
 The shipyard inked the contract with the reflect Chhatrapati Shivaji's image, credited for
Defence Ministry to build the eight vessels in building India's first modern Navy.
2019.
 India is setting bigger targets and utilizing its full
 These Mahe class ships will replace the potential, with the world viewing the country as
Navy’s in-service Abhay class ASW corvettes a 'Vishwa Mitra' (universal friend).
and are designed for anti-submarine operations  PM Narendra Modi unveiled a statue of
in the coastal waters, and low-intensity maritime, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort
mine-laying and sub-surface surveillance before witnessing an operational demonstration by
operations. the Indian Navy.
 They are also capable of coordinated ASW  The Navy showcased its prowess with
operations with aircraft, and search and warships, submarines, aircraft, and Special
rescue. Forces in the operational demonstration at
Tarkarli beach in Malvan.

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 The exercise will take place from 11th to 21st

COMMISSIONING OF INS TARMUGLI December 2023 and involves 39 personnel from
an Engineer Regiment of Bengal Engineer
 The Indian Navy is set to induct a Fast Attack Group and six personnel from the Army Medical
Craft, INS Tarmugli, on December 14, 2023, in a Corps.
ceremonial commissioning ceremony at Naval  Exercise VINBAX was initiated in 2018, with
Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. the aim of fostering collaborative partnership,
 INS Tarmugli holds a unique distinction of promoting interoperability, and sharing best
serving under the flag of two nations with three practices in peacekeeping operations under
names during its distinguished service. Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
 Commissioned in the Indian Navy as INS  It is conducted alternately in India and
Tillanchang, a Trinkat Class ship, it was in Vietnam, and the last edition took place at
active service till 2006 and later gifted to the Chandimandir Military Station in August 2022.
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) by the  The exercise will be a Command Post Exercise
Government of India as part of diplomatic cum Field Training Exercise focusing on the
outreach in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). deployment and employment of an Engineer
 The ship served in the MNDF as MCGS Company and a Medical Team.
Huravee from April 16, 2006, until its  The joint exercise will facilitate the exchange of
decommissioning in May 2023. ideas and rehearsal of tactics, techniques,
 The refurbished ship is scheduled to be and procedures, including the construction of
commissioned as 'INS Tarmugli' on December roads, culverts, helipads, and other operational
14, 2023, with VAdm Sandeep Naithani, Chief of infrastructure.
Materiel, as the Chief Guest for the ceremony.  The exercise aims to enhance understanding,
interoperability, and strengthen defense
‘Mission Antarctica’ cooperation between the friendly armies of India
and Vietnam.
 Raksha Rajya Mantri, Ajay Bhatt, flagged in the
team of Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Defence ministry, TCIL ink Rs 588 cr deal for
Darjeeling, in New Delhi on December 13, 2023, digital coast guard project
for the successful completion of 'Mission
Antarctica'.  The Ministry of Defence has finalized a Rs
 The expedition, led by Group Captain Jai 588.68-crore contract with
Kishan, commenced in 2021 and involved Telecommunications Consultants India
hoisting a 7,500 sq ft National Flag, weighing Limited (TCIL) to enhance India's digital armed
75 kilograms, atop Mt Rhenock in Sikkim forces.
Himalayas at 16,500 feet, setting a record in the  The contract focuses on the digital coast
Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records. guard (DCG) project under the Buy (Indian)
 The team also displayed the Tricolour over category, part of the Indian Coast Guard's (ICG)
Mount Vinson Peak, the highest peak of the efforts to advance digital defence capabilities.
South Pole.
 The pan-India project includes the
construction of an advanced "Data Centre,"
JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE “VINBAX-2023”
establishment of a resilient "Disaster Recovery
 The Indian Armed Forces contingent of 45 Data Centre," connectivity enhancement
personnel has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, for the across ICG sites, and the development of an
fourth edition of Joint Military Exercise enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
VINBAX-2023.

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December 2023

INDIAN ARMY CONDUCTS TABLE-TOP  The Pinaka weapon system, developed by

EXERCISE (TTX) FOR ASEAN WOMEN DRDO, showcases indigenous technological
PEACEKEEPERS prowess and has gained international
recognition.
 In a landmark initiative to promote gender
inclusivity and enhancing the capabilities of Defence Ministry signs deal for six offshore
women military personnel in peacekeeping patrol vessels
operations, the Indian Army conducted a Table-
Top Exercise (TTX) for the Women Officers of  The Defence Ministry signed a ₹1,614.89-crore
Association of South-East Asian Nations contract with Mazagon Dockyard
Shipbuilders, Mumbai for procurement of six
(ASEAN) at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi
next-generation offshore patrol vessels for
from 4th to 8th December 2023.
the Coast Guard.
 The Exercise is part of ongoing efforts of Centre
 Of the six vessels being procured, four would
for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) to
replace the existing ageing vessels and the
strengthen international cooperation and other two would augment the Coast Guard
capacity-building in peacekeeping missions,
fleet.
with specific focus on empowering women in
 These modern and high-tech ships will play a
the field.
critical role in enhancing surveillance, law
 CUNPK is a premier institution of the Indian
enforcement, search and rescue, maritime
Army to impart training in peacekeeping pollution response, and other important
operations.
capabilities.
 This TTX is a follow up exercise of ongoing  The vessels would be equipped with
joint military training between India and
multipurpose drones and AI capability.
ASEAN member states.
 The Exercise underscores India’s shared IIT Kanpur collaborated with Indian Navy to
commitment to the world peace, stability, and promote technology development
gender equality.
 The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
Defence Ministry approves Rs 2,800 crore for (IITK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
procurement of Pinaka rockets (MoU) with the Indian Navy signed at the Naval
Headquarters.
 Defence Ministry approves a Rs 2,800 crore
 The MoU has been signed with the aim to
proposal to procure 6,400 rockets for the
promote technology development, innovative
Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems for
solutions and joint R&D.
the Indian Army.
 The MoU would serve as a broader framework
 The Defence Acquisition Council, in a recent and enable both sides to enhance capacity
meeting, approves the acquisition of two building, provide solutions to field level issues
types of rockets, Area Denial Munition Type 2 and enhance training effectiveness through
and Type-3. exchange of faculty/ guest lectures.
 The acquisition aims to enhance the Indian  The structured collaboration focuses on joint
Army's firepower and strategic capabilities. Research and Development initiatives
 Rockets will be procured exclusively from involving teams from Centre of Excellence
domestic sources, with Economic Explosives (Marine Engg.) at INS Shivaji, Lonavla and IIT
Limited and Munitions India Limited among the
Kanpur.
key contenders.

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December 2023

DRDO carries out successful flight trial of

Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Indian Air Force successfully testfires ‘SAMAR’
Demonstrator, an indigenous high-speed flying- air defence missile system at Exercise
wing UAV Astrashakti

 Defence Research and Development  Indian Air Force successfully test-fires its
Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried SAMAR air defense missile system developed
out a flight trial of Autonomous Flying Wing in-house.
Technology Demonstrator, an indigenous  SAMAR stands for Surface to Air Missile for
high-speed flying-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Assured Retaliation.
(UAV) from the Aeronautical Test Range,  The system, developed from old Russian-
Chitradurga in Karnataka. origin air-to-air missile systems, underwent
 The successful flying demonstration of this firing trials during exercise AstraShakti-2023 at
autonomous stealth UAV is a testimony to
Air Force Station Suryalanka.
maturity in the technology readiness levels in the
 SAMAR achieved firing trial objectives in
country.
different engagement scenarios, displaying its
 With this flight in the tailless configuration, India
capability to engage aerial threats.
has joined the elite club of countries to have
mastered the controls for the flying wing  The system operates missiles at a speed range
of 2 to 2.5 Mach and features a twin-turret
technology.
launch platform capable of launching two
 This UAV is designed and developed by
DRDO’s Aeronautical Development missiles in single and salvo mode.
Establishment.
 The maiden flight of this aircraft was Defence minister commissions warship INS
demonstrated in July 2022, followed by six Imphal into Indian Navy in Mumbai
flight trials in various developmental
 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned
configurations using two in-house manufactured
INS Imphal, the third indigenous Visakhapatnam
prototypes.
class destroyer, into the Indian Navy at the Naval
Learn Along:
Dockyard, Mumbai.
About DRDO
Date founded: 1958 Headquarters:
 The destroyers, built under Project 15B, were
designed by the navy’s Warship Design
New Delhi Chairman: Sameer V. Kamat
Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock
Indian doctors of Army Hospital successfully Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
conducts India's first Bone Marrow Transplant  The navy chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar, mentioned
that the fourth Project 15B destroyer, INS
 The doctors at the Army Hospital in Delhi Cant Surat, would be commissioned in 2024.
have successfully conducted for the first time  INS Imphal is the first Indian warship named
in India, a life-saving Bone Marrow Transplant after a city in the north-east, and it's the shortest
for a child diagnosed with a rare primary time taken to build any indigenous destroyer.
immunodeficiency disorder.  The ship, launched on April 20, 2019, completed
 A 7 years old boy, was diagnosed with ARPC1b, sea trials in less than six months and has a crew
a very rare form of immunodeficiency at one complement of 315 personnel.
year of age.
 It severely compromised his immune system INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS) –
and made him prone to repeated life- 2023
threatening infections and other complications.

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December 2023

 The 8th edition of the Indian Ocean Naval signifies a commitment to moving away from a
Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) slave mentality.
took place in Bangkok, Thailand.  The new epaulettes include a golden Navy
 Chiefs of Navies and senior delegates from 27 button top, octagon, Indian sword, crossed
member and observer countries participated. telescope, and stars indicating ranks.
 Thailand assumed the Chair of IONS during  The redesign aligns with the principles of
the conclave, and the work plan for the next two Panch Pran - Virasat Par Garv & Ghulami ki
years was finalized. Mansikta se Mukti, embracing Indian values.
 India's flag design was selected as the IONS
Flag for the first time. DELIVERY OF SEVENTH 250 MEN
 India also became the co-Chair of IONS FERRYCRAFT, ‘MANJULA’ (YARD 786)
Working Groups on Maritime Security and
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief  Contract for construction and delivery of 07 x
(HADR). 250 Men Ferry Craft was concluded with M/s
 The Republic of Korea Navy joined as the Shalimar Works Ltd, Kolkata, in consonance with
latest 'Observer,' increasing the total strength of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the
IONS to 34 (25 Members and 9 Observers). Government of India.
 IONS, conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008,  Six out of Seven Ferrycraft have already been
aims to enhance maritime cooperation among delivered to Indian Navy.
Navies of the littoral states in the Indian Ocean  Seventh Ferrycraft, ‘Manjula’ (Yard 786) has
Region. been delivered to Indian Navy on 29 Dec 23 in
 India is scheduled to take over as the Chair of presence of Rear Admiral Deepak Kumar
IONS for the 2025-27 term during the 9th CoC Goswami, ASD (Mbi).
planned in India at the end of 2025.  With a capacity to ferry 250 Men, Induction of
‘Manjula’ (Yard 786) would provide impetus to
Indian Navy unveils new epaulettes for admirals Operational Commitments of IN by facilitating
Transportation of both Men and Material
between Indian Naval Ports and
Ships/Submarines at anchorage.

EVENTS
‘Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit 2023’

 Dehradun ( Uttarakhand) is hosting the Global

Investors Summit on December 8-9, with an
expected turnout of 5,000 delegates from India
and abroad.
 The Indian Navy unveiled a new design for  The Uttarakhand government plans to
admirals' epaulettes, following Prime Minister showcase over 15 investor-friendly policies
Narendra Modi's announcement. during the Summit, focusing on good
 The design draws inspiration from the naval governance, a supportive regulatory framework,
ensign and incorporates the octagon inspired and sustainable practices.
by the rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji.  The agenda includes Business-to-Business
 The Navy emphasized that the design reflects (B2B) and Government-to-Business (G2B)
the country's rich maritime heritage and

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December 2023

meetings to aid investors in making informed Headquarters: London, United Kingdom Founded:
decisions. 17 March 1958 Secretary-General: Kitack Lim
 The Summit aims to foster collaboration
between exhibitors, private enterprises, and India and Sweden co-host the Phase-II of
government organizations, providing a platform Leadership Group for Industry Transition at COP-
for displaying advanced technologies, 28
innovations, and upcoming trends.
 Sectoral sessions at the Summit will facilitate in-  Prime Minister Narendra Modi together with
depth discussions on industry challenges and H.E. Mr. Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of
opportunities. Sweden, co-launched the Phase-II of the
 The framework of 'Destination Uttarakhand' is Leadership Group for Industry Transition
inspired by the Vibrant Gujarat model, (LeadIT 2.0) for the period 2024-26, at COP-28 in
emphasizing its structure and objectives. Dubai.
Learn Along:  India and Sweden also launched the Industry
About Uttarakhand Transition Platform, which will connect the
Founded: 9 November 2000 Chief minister: governments, industries, technology
Pushkar Singh Dhami Governor: Gurmit Singh providers, researchers and think tanks of the
two countries.
India re-elected to International Maritime  During the event, Prime Minister highlighted
Organisation with highest vote tally that LeadIT 2.0 will focus on the following:
 Inclusive & Just Industry Transition
 In elections held at its assembly for the 2024–25  Co-development & transfer of low-carbon
biennium, India was re-elected to the technology
International Maritime Organisation (IMO)  Financial support to emerging economies for
Council with the highest tally. Industry Transition
 India's re-election falls under the Category of  India and Sweden had co-launched LeadIT at
10 states with "the largest interest in international UN Climate Action Summit in New York in
seaborne trade", alongside Australia, Brazil, 2019.
Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands,
Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI (YUVAi) to
Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates
(UAE). feature in GPAI Summit 2023
 India secured the large-scale support of the
 YUVAi (Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI) is a
international community at the International
collaborative initiative of NeGD, MeitY,
Maritime Organisation for India to continue to
Government of India, and Intel India.
serve the global maritime domain.
 The initiative focuses on equipping students
 The International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
(class 8 to 12) with essential AI skills to create a
is the leading authority that regulates the
maritime industry, which supports global trade, future-ready workforce.
transportation, and all marine operations.  YUVAi is set to be prominently featured at the
GPAI Summit scheduled from December 12-14,
 Under the MIV 2030 to enhance representation
at IMO India aims at appointing permanent 2023.
representatives at IMO London.  The program will showcase its innovative
 Kaal Vision 2047 has also set goals to approach and commitment to enabling youth
strengthen India’s global maritime presence. with AI skills on a global platform.
Learn Along:  YUVAi progresses in three phases to ensure
About IMO maximum student participation and readiness.

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December 2023

 YUVAi aims to foster a deeper understanding  The portal offers a simple registration
of AI and empower students to become human- process, personalized energy-saving tips,
centric designers and users of AI. updates on energy conservation, and a platform
 The program encourages students to direct for sharing articles in the e-magazine 'e-
their AI knowledge towards solving real-world kshitij.'
problems under various social themes.
 By participating in the GPAI Summit, YUVAi India to host 27th WAIPA World Investment
seeks to inspire collaboration among Conference in New Delhi
policymakers, educators, and industry
leaders for a future where AI is a force for positive  Invest India, the national investment promotion
change. agency, is hosting the 27th World Investment
Learn Along: Conference (WIC) from December 11-14, 2023,
 The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence in New Delhi.
(GPAI) is a multi-stakeholder initiative supporting  The conference theme is "Empowering
research and applied activities on AI-related priorities, Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth."
launched in June 2020 with 15 members, GPAI's  WIC, an annual event of WAIPA, brings together
membership has grown to 28 member countries and
Investment Promotion Agencies, international
the European Union.
organizations, academia, private sector, and
 India, a founding member of GPAI, is hosting the startups to discuss investment policies and
Annual GPAI Summit from December 12-14, 2023.
trends.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the
event.
 The conference will be the largest WIC ever with
over 1000 attendees, 50 IPAs, and sessions on
Jammu Student-Led National Movement for
sustainable FDI, world investment for
Energy Conservation named 4E Wave Launched development, and the India opportunity.
 Invest India may release white papers on
 Union Minister for Power and New &
topics like E-Commerce, Electronics, Sustainable
Renewable Energy, R. K. Singh, launched the
Textiles, and Responsible AI.
student-led National Movement for Energy
 The conference will feature a Startup-Investor
Conservation, 4E Wave.
Connect program, offering a platform for venture
 Launched in the presence of Lieutenant Governor
capital funds and international startups to connect
of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, the
and facilitate funding.
movement aims to promote sustainable
practices and a sense of responsibility for
energy conservation. India joins UN’s ‘Race to Resilience’ initiative at
COP28
 4E Wave focuses on four key elements: Eco-
friendliness, Economy, Education, and
 India has joined the United Nations 'Race to
Empowerment.
Resilience' global campaign during COP28 in
 Originating from the students of Government Dubai.
College of Engineering & Technology (GCET),
 The initiative will be led by the Climate Centre
Jammu, the movement is supported by J&K
for Cities (C-Cube) at the National Institute of
Power Development Department, Government of
J&K, and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Urban Affairs (NIUA).
Ministry of Power, Government of India.  'Race to Resilience' aims to bring together
non-state actors, investors, businesses,
 The Minister unveiled the movement's web
portal (www.4ewave.com), providing an cities, regions, and civil society to increase
resilience to the climate crisis by 2030.
interactive platform for information and
resource-sharing on energy conservation.

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December 2023

 The C-Cube, existing since 2020, has Department of Commerce supports Trade
implemented the ClimateSmart Cities Promotion Council of India to organize Indus
Assessment Framework (CSCAF) for Indian Food
cities.
 Trade Promotion Council of India, with the
 C-Cube has delivered 26 training modules support of the Department of Commerce, is
under the CSAF framework, focusing on urban organizing Indus Food from 8th to 10th January
planning, green cover, biodiversity, energy, 2024 at India Expo Centre, Greater Noida.
green buildings, mobility, air quality, water
 The event is being considerably scaled-up
management, and waste management.
from its previous edition with the exhibition area
Learn Along:
being doubled from 30,000 sqm to 60,000 sqm.
About COP28
 COP 28 refers to the United Nations Climate  For the first time, more than 120 foreign
Change Conference took place in Dubai, United exhibitors would be participating in addition to
Arab Emirates, from 30 November until 12 December 1050 domestic exhibitors.
2023.  New categories of Food Processing
 UN Climate Change conferences (or COPs) take Machinery, Fresh Fruits & Vegetables and
place every year, and are the world’s only Wine & Spirits have been added.
multilateral decision-making forum on climate
change with almost complete membership of every Shri Arjun Munda inaugurates ‘Adi Vyakhyan’
country in the world.
 Union Minister Arjun Munda inaugurates two-
At COP28: Game-Changing Innovator award for day tribal orientation program - Adi Vyakhyan -
plastic surgeon Dr Atul Shah in New Delhi.
 National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI)
 Dr. Atul Shah, a plastic surgeon, developed the
organizes the program to understand tribal
'One in Four Lasso' operative technique to traditions, culture, and challenges to their
tackle deformities in leprosy-affected patients. existence.
 He designed a 'self-care kit' to address  Adi Vyakhyan aims to familiarize tribal
unhealed foot wounds, integrated into India's communities with statistical inputs of India,
National Leprosy Eradication Programme since Constitutional safeguards, PESA Act (1996),
2007. Forest Rights Act (2006), and SC/STs Atrocities
 The self-care kit has benefited 80,000 people Act (1989).
across India.  Representatives from Munda communities in 5
 Dr. Shah received the 2023 REACH Game states actively participate in the inaugural
Changing Innovator award at the UN Climate program.
Change COP-23 for his efforts in leprosy care.  Minister Arjun Munda emphasizes tribal identity,
 The Comprehensive Self-Care kit, founded by Dr. recognition, and conservation, highlighting
Shah, addresses foot ulcers, patient isolation, the importance of tribal language and literature.
and provides dressing materials to leprosy
patients. Major outcomes from 28th Session of the UN
Climate Change Conference (COP 28)
 Dr. Atul Shah emphasizes the need for early
case detection, management of reactions, and
campaigns to educate the public about leprosy's  An inter-ministerial delegation from India attended
curability. the 28th Session of the UN Climate Change
Conference (COP 28) held in Dubai, United

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December 2023

Arab Emirates from 30th November’2023 to  Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurateD the
13th December’2023. Good Governance Week (Sushasan Saptah)
The major outcome from COP 28 included: from December 19 to 25, 2023.
 The inaugural ceremony took place at Bhim
1. The decision on Outcome of the First Global Auditorium, Dr. Ambedkar International
Stocktake, ratcheting up global climate ambition Centre, New Delhi, with participation from senior
before the end of the decade. These global efforts government officials from Maharashtra, Uttar
will be taken up by the countries in a nationally Pradesh, and Secretaries to the Government of
determined manner taking into account the Paris India.
Agreement and their different national  Good Governance Week is organized by the
circumstances. Department of Administrative Reforms &
Public Grievances (DARPG) for the third
2. Agreement on the operationalization of the consecutive year, fostering administrative reforms
Loss and Damage Fund and its funding and promoting cooperative federalism.
arrangements -The decision on Loss and
 The Union Minister will launch the e-Office
Damage Fund adopted at COP 28 approved the
Advanced Analytics dashboard for in-depth
Governing instrument of the Loss and Damage
Fund and decided that the Fund will be serviced data analysis and decision-making and the
by new, dedicated and independent secretariat. CPGRAMS Mobile App for citizens to file
Since the decision, an amount of around USD 700 grievances from mobile phones.
million to date has been pledged by several
countries, including United Arab Emirates, Union Ayush Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
Germany, United Kingdom, European Union, Releases of Commemorative Postal Stamp on
Japan. The purpose of the Fund is to assist First Foundation Day of AIIA Goa
developing countries that are particularly
vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate  Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping,
change in responding to economic and non- and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal marked
economic loss and damage associated with the the first foundation day of the All India
adverse effects of climate change, including Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa.
extreme weather events and slow onset events.  He released a commemorative postal stamp at
the event, jointly organized by AIIA and India
3. Loss and Damage is the decision on Santiago Post, at Transport Bhawan in New Delhi.
network for averting, minimizing and addressing  The satellite center in Goa was dedicated to
loss and damage to catalyse the technical the nation by Prime Minister Shri Narendra
assistance of relevant organizations, bodies, Modi last year.
networks and experts for the implementation of  AIIA Goa, with a 50-acre campus, aims to
relevant approaches associated with climate provide advanced preventive, diagnostic, and
change impacts. The host of the Secretariat for tertiary healthcare facilities.
the Santiago Network was finalized at COP 28.  The Goa center, rich in biodiversity and
Countries including Canada, Japan, Spain, medicinal plants, is expected to boost medical
Switzerland and the United States of America tourism due to its location in an international
have announced their financial contributions to tourist destination.
the work of the Santiago network.
 AIIA is a premier institution in Ayurveda,
dedicated to high-quality healthcare services with
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurateD
a motto of "compassion with care."
Good Governance Week 2023 on 19th December,
 The collaboration with India Post signifies a
2023
blend of traditional and modern practices for
societal benefit.

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December 2023

drug parks, and research policies, aiming for

PM inaugurates Maharishi Valmiki International indigenous development and reducing import
Airport at Ayodhya Dham and redeveloped dependence.
Ayodhya Railway Station  India's MedTech industry would grow to a $50
billion industry by 2030.
 The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated
the newly built Ayodhya Airport, the PM Modi to flag off Amrit Bharat train with 'Push-
redeveloped Ayodhya Railway Station and
Pull' tech: Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
flagged off new Amrit Bharat trains and Vande
Bharat trains.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon flag off
 The airport has been named Maharishi Valmiki
the newly made Amrit Bharat train, featuring
International Airport.
push-pull technology to increase speed and
 Phase 1 of the state-of-the-art airport is
passenger comfort.
developed at a cost of more than Rs 1450 crore.
 The push-pull technology provides better
 Phase I of redeveloped Ayodhya Railway Station
acceleration and quick stops, saving time on
- known as Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway curves and bridges.
Station - is developed at a cost of more than
 The train is equipped with semi-permanent
Rs 240 crore.
couplers to eliminate shocks, charging points
 The airport will improve connectivity in the near every seat, and special toilets for the disabled
region, leading to a boost in tourism, business with wide doors and ramps.
activities and employment opportunities.
 The engine of the Amrit Bharat train uses new
 The Prime Minister flagged off two new Amrit technology, similar to Vande Bharat, with an
Bharat trains viz Darbhanga-Ayodhya-Anand absolute locomotive cab.
Vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express and  Recently, PM Modi flagged off a second Vande
Malda Town-Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminus Bharat Express between Varanasi and New
(Bengaluru) Amrit Bharat Express. Delhi on December 18, along with other trains at
the newly inaugurated Dedicated Freight Corridor.
'MedTech Mitra': A Strategic Initiative to
Empower MedTech Innovators and Advance Union Home Minister and Minister of
Healthcare Solutions Cooperation, Amit Shah releases a
commemorative Postal Stamp, to mark 50 years
 Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of of Pandit Jasraj’s music festival – ‘Pandit Motiram
Health and Family Welfare, virtually launched Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroha’, in New Delhi
'MedTech Mitra': A Strategic Initiative to
Empower MedTech Innovators and Advance  Union Home Minister and Minister of
Healthcare Solutions. Cooperation, Amit Shah, released a
commemorative postal stamp marking 50 years
 The initiative aims to support young talents in
of Pandit Jasraj's music festival in New Delhi.
the country, providing assistance in shaping
research, knowledge, and logic, and aiding in  Pandit Jasraj initiated the music festival in
regulatory approval. 1972 to express love for the memory of his father,
Sangeet Ratna Pandit Motiram ji.
 India's MedTech sector, essential to the
healthcare sector, is highly import-dependent  The event became the oldest festival of
Hyderabad, and Pandit Jasraj Cultural
(up to 80%).
Foundation now carries forward the legacy.
 Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the sector's
 The release of the postal stamp honors Pandit
progress through production-linked Jasraj's contributions to Indian classical and
incentive schemes, investments in medical Bhakti music, with Shah stating that the

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

government, under Prime Minister Narendra

Modi's leadership, is taking his legacy forward.

APPOINTMENTS

Organization/ News Learn Along

Country,State..
Name
In a historic move, Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati has appointed
Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi, a distinguished officer from the 2015
batch of the Indian Air Force, as India’s first Woman Aide-De-Camp
(ADC) from the Indian Armed Forces. Founded:
Indian Air Force 8 October
Air Force Air Marshal Makarand Ranade assumed the appointment of Director 1932
General (Inspection and Safety) [DG (I&S)] at Air HQ New Delhi on 01
December 2023.
IDRCL Former KPMG managing partner, Narayan Seshadri, is set to assume ---
the role of Chairman at IDRCL, the government-backed bad bank,
following the resignation of Diwakar Gupta.

Madagscar Madagascar's incumbent President Andry Rajoelina has won a third term, Capital:
following a disputed election boycotted by the opposition and its supporters. Antananarivo

Indian Council of Kanchan Devi, 1991-batch Indian Forest Service Officer from the Madhya Founded:
Forestry Research Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the 1986
Education Indian Council of Forestry Research Education (ICFRE). This marks a
historic milestone, with Kanchan becoming the first woman officer to
ascend to this esteemed position within the premier council operating
under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

Insolvency and The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) confirmed that Founded:
Bankruptcy Board Jithesh John, a seasoned Indian Economic Service Officer from the 2001 1 October
of India batch, has assumed the position of Executive Director. This 2016
development marks a significant milestone in the leadership of IBBI.

U.K A British-Indian Samir Shah has been picked by the U.K. government to Capital:
head the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) as its next chair. London

The previous BBC chair, Richard Sharp, stepped down in June over his Currency:
failure to disclose that he had helped arrange a £800,000 loan to former
Pound sterling
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The BBC chair’s duties include
overseeing the independence of the organisation.

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December 2023

Mizoram In a significant political development, Lalduhoma, the Zoram People’s Capital:

Movement (ZPM) leader and legislature party leader, is poised to be
Aizawl
sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Mizoram on December 8.

Telangana Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan administered the oath of Founded:

CM’s office to Anumula Revanth Reddy , who steered his party to victory 2 June 2014
in India’s youngest State, in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun
Kharge and other senior leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi
and Priyanka Vadra, as well as the Congress CMs of Karnataka and
Himachal Pradesh.

Indian Council of Kanchan Devi, 1991-batch Indian Forest Service Officer from the Madhya ---
Forestry Research Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the
Education (ICFRE) Indian Council of Forestry Research Education (ICFRE). This marks a
historic milestone, with Kanchan becoming the first woman officer to
ascend to this esteemed position within the premier council operating
under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

Mizoram Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) leader Lalduhoma was sworn in as Capital:
the Chief Minister of Mizoram. Along with Mr. Lalduhoma, 11 others also Aizawl
took oath as State Ministers at a function held at the Raj Bhavan.

Madhya Pradesh Mohan Yadav was sworn in as the 19th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Capital:
in Bhopal. Jagdish Devda and Rajendra Shukla took oath as Deputy Bhopal
Chief Ministers.

Chhattisgarh Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vishnu Deo Sai took oath as the Capital:
Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. Mr. Sai, a tribal leader from Jashpur, is the Raipur
fourth Chief Minister of the State.

Poland In a historic vote on December 11, former EU leader Donald Tusk Capital:
returned as Poland’s Prime Minister after nearly a decade, marking a Warsaw
significant shift from eight years of stormy national conservative rule.

IBBI In a recent announcement, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of Founded: 1

India (IBBI) confirmed that Jithesh John, a seasoned Indian Economic October 2016
Service Officer from the 2001 batch, has assumed the position of
Executive Director.

Pension Fund Parama Sen, Additional Secretary in the Department of Expenditure at the Headquarters:
Regulatory and Finance Ministry, has been appointed as a part-time member of the New Delhi,
Development Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). This India
Authority appointment completes the trio of part-time members on the PFRDA
Founded:
board.
23 August
2003

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December 2023

ICICI Bank In a significant development, ICICI Bank has received the Reserve Bank Founded:
of India’s (RBI) approval for the re-appointment of Sandeep Batra as the 1994,
Executive Director (ED). The approval, conveyed through an official letter, Vadodara
is effective from December 23, 2023, to December 22, 2025.
Headquarters:
Mumbai

Central Industrial In a historic move, the central government has appointed Nina Singh as Founded:
Security Force the first woman Director General of the Central Industrial Security 10 March 1969
Force (CISF), marking a significant milestone in the traditionally male-
dominated realm of security forces. This decision, along with other
strategic appointments, reflects a broader reshaping of leadership
within India’s security apparatus.

International Table In a groundbreaking achievement, Vita Dani, a prominent sports Headquarters:

Tennis entrepreneur, has etched her name in history by becoming the first Lausanne,
Federation’s Indian to be appointed as a governing board member of the International Switzerland
Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Foundation.
The ITTF Foundation, established in 2018, aims to enhance the appeal Founded:
of table tennis and attract a more diverse audience to the sport. 1926

Bombay Stock The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has given its nod to Founded:
Exchange the appointment of Pramod Agrawal, the former Chief of Coal India, as 9 July 1875
the Chairman of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). This regulatory
approval paves the way for Agrawal to assume his role on the Governing
Board of BSE, effective from January 17, 2024. The move comes as the
term of the current Chairman, SS Mundra, concludes on January 16,
2024.

Kotak Mahindra The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of C S Founded:
Bank Rajan, an independent director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, as its part-time 21 November
chairman for a period of two years, with effect from January 1, 2024, the 1985
lender told the exchanges.

Rajan’s appointment follows the retirement of the incumbent non-

executive independent part-time chairman, Prakash Apte, whose term
expires onDecember 31, 2023.

India India’s diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka have taken a new turn with the ---
appointment of Santosh Jha as the country’s new High Commissioner.

Pondicherry In a significant development, the Vice President of India, Jagdeep ---

University Dhankhar, has been appointed as the ex-officio Chancellor of
Pondicherry University.

Rajasthan Five-time BJP MLA Vasudev Devnani was unanimously elected as the Capital: Jaipur
Speaker of the 16th Rajasthan Assembly.

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December 2023

Wrestling Sanjay Singh has been elected the new president of the Wrestling ---
Federation of India Federation of India (WFI). Sanjay Singh is the vice president of the Uttar
Pradesh Wrestling Association and previously served on the WFI's
executive council. He will take over the reins of the WFI chief from
controversial Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had to step aside after
some wrestlers levelled certain allegations against him.

Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has swept to a third, six-year term as Egypt's Capital: Cairo
president, winning 89.6% of votes in an election in which he faced no
serious challengers, the National Election Authority announced on
December 18.

Madhya Pradesh Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar was Capital:
unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. Bhopal

Prisons and Senior IPS officer Maheshwar Dayal officially assumed the role of --
Correctional Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, December 18.
Services

Learn Along:
AWARDS AND REWARDS  The Cultural Medallion, instituted in 1979 by late
President and then Minister of Culture Ong Teng
Indian-Origin Novelist Meira Chand Receives Cheong, is the city-state's "highest arts accolade,
honouring individuals whose artistic excellence,
Singapore's Highest Arts Award
contribution, and commitment have enriched and
distinguished Singapore's arts and culture scene,".
 Eighty-one-year-old Indian-origin writer Meira
 It celebrates inspiring local arts practitioners who
Chand was among the three Singaporeans display professional maturity in their practice through a
conferred the Cultural Medallion, the city- distinctive body of work, and who have made
state's most prestigious arts accolade, in extraordinary contributions to Singapore's artistic
recognition of their artistic excellence and development.
contribution to enriching the country's arts and  The award has been conferred to 132 artists in the
culture scene. fields of film, literary arts, performing arts, and
visual arts.
 Meira Chand, fellow novelist Suchen Christine
Lim and Malay dance veteran Osman Abdul  Last year, 56-year-old Tamilian Hindu Aravinth
Hamid received the award from President Kumarasamy was conferred the prestigious award.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam at a ceremony held at
the Istana. Top ISRO scientist V R Lalithambika conferred
with highest civilian French honour for space
 The award comes with an SGD 80,000
cooperation initiatives
(approximately ₹ 49 lakh) grant for each
recipient to support their artistic pursuits.  A distinguished scientist at the Indian Space
 A Singaporean of Swiss-Indian parentage, Meira Research Organisation Lalithambika VR, was
Chand, along with Lim, is the first English- conferred the ‘Légion d’Honneur’ for her
language female writer to be conferred the engagement in space cooperation between
award since Ho Minfong in 1997. France and India by the Ambassador of France
 Meira Chand is an award-winning novelist to India, Thierry Mathou in Bengaluru.
known for her depiction of multicultural societies.  The scientist, who was the director of the
Her 'The Painted Cage' (1986) was longlisted for Human Spaceflight Programme at the ISRO,
has been recognised by France for her role in
the prestigious Booker Prize.
the signing of the first joint agreement for

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December 2023

cooperation between the French National Space  The 20-year-old made his place from a list of
Agency CNES and the ISRO on human 25 finalists, including his Los Blancos teammate
spaceflight in 2018 where the two agencies Arda Guler.
agreed to work in the area of space medicine.  Earlier, Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy at
the Ballon d'Or gala, again recognising him as
ESIC bags “ISSA Vision Zero 2023” Award at the the best player under 21 footballer.
23rd World Congress
World's 100 Most Powerful Women: FM Nirmala
 The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation Sitharaman among 4 Indians in Forbes list
(ESIC) received the "ISSA Vision Zero 2023"
Award at the 23rd World Congress on Safety  India's Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman,
and Health at Work in Sydney, Australia. has been ranked at 32nd position on Forbes'
 "Vision Zero" is an approach focusing on the prestigious annual list 'World's 100 Most
prevention of accidents at workplaces by Powerful Women'.
integrating safety, health, and well-being.  This places her among renowned personalities
 ESIC's success in outreach for safety and like US Vice President Kamala Harris,
health at workplaces, aligning prevention musician Taylor Swift and Barbie.
strategies with post-accident mechanisms for  Forbes' list encompasses a diverse array of
medical care and cash benefits, led to the award. sectors, including politics, business, media,
and entertainment, representing influential
 The recognition highlights improvements in
ESIC's service delivery, administrative women on a global scale.
efficiency, and operational efficiency through  Three other accomplished Indian women have
IT-enabled initiatives. also featured on the list. They are - Roshni Nadar
Learn Along: Malhotra, CEO of HCL Corporation (rank 60),
 The International Social Security Association Soma Mondal, Chairperson of Steel Authority
(ISSA) is the principal international institution that of India (rank 70), and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw,
brings together social security agencies and founder of Biocon (rank 76).
organizations worldwide.
 ISSA aims to promote dynamic social security TIME Reveals the 2023 Person of the Year, CEO
globally by supporting excellence in social security of the Year
administration.
 The ISSA was founded in 1927 and has its  TIME has chosen Taylor Swift as Person of the
headquarters at the International Labour Office in
Year and Sam Altman as CEO of the Year.
Geneva.

Jude Bellingham Becomes First Real Madrid AI Gamechangers Award at the Global
Player To Win 'Golden Boy Award' Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)
Summit 2023
 Star English midfielder Jude Bellingham has
created a milestone by becoming the first Real  The Global Partnership on Artificial
Madrid player to win the 'Golden Boy Award' Intelligence (GPAI) is a multi-stakeholder
in Turin. initiative supporting research and applied
 The 'Golden Boy Award' is given to the best activities on AI-related priorities, launched in
footballer under 21 years of age playing at a June 2020 with 15 members, GPAI's membership
European club. has grown to 28 member countries and the
European Union.

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December 2023

 India, a founding member of GPAI, is hosting  Dey's efforts as a co-founder of Mazdoor

the Annual GPAI Summit from December 12- Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) contributed to
14, 2023. anti-corruption and transparency reforms in India,
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the assisting the state of Rajasthan in establishing
event. public policies that promote accountability and
 The Ministry of Electronics and Information transparency.
Technology (MeitY) is organizing the AI
Gamechangers Award as part of the summit. Narayan Seva Sansthan's President Prashant
 The award recognizes and honors AI Agrawal Honored With The National Award For
entrepreneurs and innovators from diverse 'Best Personality- Empowerment Of Differently-
backgrounds. Abled' By President
 It focuses on innovative AI solutions aligned
with GPAI's thematic priorities such as Global  The Department of Empowerment of Persons
Health, Climate Change, Resilient Society, with Disabilities organized a ceremony at
Collaborative AI for Global Partnership, and Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on the International
Sustainable Agriculture. Day of Persons with Disabilities.
 President Draupadi Murmu conferred the
Bhutan author Tshering Tashi gets Premchand National Award to Prashant Agrawal, President
Fellowship of Narayan Seva Sansthan, for outstanding
work in empowering persons with disabilities.
 Bhutanese author Tshering Tashi was  Agrawal has been recognized under the
conferred the Premchand Fellowship of the category of 'Best Personality- Empowerment of
Sahitya Akademi. Differently-abled.'
 Based in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, Mr. Tashi is  The President also awarded Dr. Apte Subhash
a writer known for his works in the field of as the Best Professional in Rehabilitation and
creative non-fiction. recognized Amazon India as the Best
 He has written numerous books on Bhutan and Employer for Persons with Disabilities.
has made his country accessible, engaging, and  More than 30 awards were presented by the
interesting for the youth. Social Justice and Empowerment Department for
 Tshering Tashi is the 12th recipient of the contributions to Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan and
fellowship. social justice for persons with disabilities.
 Narayan Seva Sansthan, based in Udaipur,
Indian social activist Nikhil Dey named as Rajasthan, has been dedicated to disability and
International Anti-Corruption Champion by US humanity since 1985.
State Department
33rd Vyas Samman will be conferred to notable
 Nikhil Dey, an Indian social activist, has been Hindi-Writer Pushpa Bharati 2023
named as the International Anti-Corruption
Champion by the US State Department.  The 33rd Vyas Samman will be conferred to
 He has been acknowledged for his noteworthy notable Hindi-Writer Pushpa Bharati this year.
support of social movements that oppose  The award was instituted by the KK Birla
corruption in government welfare programs in Foundation in 1991.
India by encouraging transparency and  It is given annually to an outstanding work of
accountability, public audits, and Hindi literature by an Indian citizen published in
participatory democracy. the last 10 years.

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December 2023

 Ms Bharati has been selected for her memoirs-  The award ceremony will take place at Rukmini
Yaadein, Yaadein aur Yaadein. Auditorium in MGM University campus of
 The foundation added that she would be Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on January 3, 2024.
felicitated with an amount of four lakh rupees,  The honour comprises Padmapani memento,
a citation, and a plaque. citation and monetary award of Rs 2 lakhs.
 The Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival, which was earlier
Activist Ali Abu Awwad and pianist Daniel called Aurangabad International Film Festival
Barenboim win Indira Gandhi Peace Prize (AIFF), is organised annually by Nath Group,
Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Mumbai, with the
 Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad win the support of the governments of Maharashtra and
2023 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, India.
Disarmament, and Development.
 Barenboim, an Argentina-born classical pianist Indian-American Medical Student Rijul Maini
and conductor, and Awwad, a Palestinian Crowned Miss India USA 2023
peace activist, are recognized for their non-
violent efforts in the Israel-Palestine conflict.  Rijul Maini, a medical student from Michigan,
 The international jury, chaired by former Chief crowned Miss India USA 2023.
Justice TS Thakur, commends the laureates for  Saloni Rammohan of Pennsylvania named Miss
promoting amity through music, dialogue, and Teen India USA, and Sneha Nambiar of
people's participation. Massachusetts won Mrs India USA.
 Barenboim, known for directing leading  First runner-up: Greeshma Bhat of Virginia,
orchestras globally, uses music to foster Second runner-up: Ishita Pai Raikar of North
harmony in West Asia. Carolina.
 Awwad, raised in a politically-active refugee  The pageant, in its 41st year, is the oldest
family, co-founded the Roots initiative and the Indian pageant held outside India, founded by
non-violence movement Taghyeer to promote Dharmatma and Neelam Saran.
peace.
Learn Along: The 29th Kolkata International Film Festival,
About Indira Gandhi Peace Prize Israeli film 'Children of Nobody' won Best film
 The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and award
Development is a prestigious award presented
annually to individuals or organizations that have  The 29th Kolkata International Film Festival
made outstanding contributions to the promotion of concluded with a prize distribution and closing
international peace, disarmament, and development. ceremony at Rabindra Sadan.
 Established: 1986  A total of 219 films from 39 countries were
screened at 23 locations across Kolkata during
Javed Akhtar to be felicitated with Padmapani the festival.
Lifetime Achievement Award at Ajanta-Ellora
 The Israeli film 'Children of Nobody,' directed
Film Festival by Erez Tadmor, received the Best Film award
in the International Competition for Innovation
 Veteran lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar will be Moving Images.
felicitated with the Padmapani Lifetime  Carlos Daniel Malave won the Best Director
Achievement Award at the Ajanta-Ellora Film award, and Anjan Dutta's 'Chalchitro Ekhon'
Festival. received the Special Jury Award.
 Akhtar will be honoured for his contribution to
the Indian film industry on the opening day of the
festival's ninth edition, a press release said.

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December 2023

 The Best Film under the Bengali Panorama

category was awarded to Sharmistha Maity and  Finland awarded the International Gender
Rajdeep Paul's 'Mon Potongo.' Equality Prize for 2023 to the Afghan Women
 A cash prize of 51 lakh rupees, along with Skills Development Center, an NGO in
Hiralal Memorial Trophy and Netpack Award, was Afghanistan.
presented for the best film 'Royal Bengal Tiger  The 300,000 euro prize was presented in a
Trophy.' ceremony attended by Finnish Prime Minister
 The ceremony also recognized the best short Petteri Orpo in Tampere.
film and documentary with the Royal Bengal  The International Gender Equality Prize has a
Tiger Trophy. history of recognizing organizations and
individuals committed to gender equality.
Genrobotics chosen among top three Indian  Previous recipients include the We Will Stop
startups at global AI summit Femicide Platform in Turkey (2021), Equality Now
(2019), and Angela Merkel (2017).
 Genrobotics, a Kerala-based startup, was  The Afghan Women Skills Development Center
recognized among the top three AI startups in focuses on training, skills development, and
India at the Global Partnership on Artificial economic empowerment for women in eight
Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2023 in New Delhi. provinces.
 The company's G-gaiter Robotic Technology  The organization collaborates with the UN
won the award in the 'AI Game Changers' Refugee Agency UNHCR to provide protection
category at the summit held from December 12- and humanitarian assistance.
14. Learn Along:
 The award was presented by S Krishnan, About Finland
Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT, to Capital: Helsinki Currency: Euro
Afsal Muttikkal, Regional Director, Genrobotics
Medical and Mobility, and Arun Dominic, Regional Bengaluru airport wins award at UNESCO’s 2023
Business Development Manager. Prix Versailles
 Genrobotics received the honor for its innovation
in healthcare, specifically for developing G  Terminal 2 (T2) of Kempegowda International
Gaiter, an advanced AI-powered robotic gait Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has been recognised
trainer. as one of the world’s most beautiful airports
 G Gaiter is designed to train individuals who and awarded the special prize for interiors at the
have lost mobility due to conditions such as UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles.
stroke, spinal injury, accidents, Parkinson's  The Prix Versailles focuses on intelligent
disease, etc., facilitating faster recovery with sustainability as a cultural driver,
minimal dependency on others. acknowledging innovation, creativity, reflection of
 The company is collaborating with major local heritage, ecological efficiency, and values of
hospital chains in India, including Aster, to social interaction.
deploy G Gaiter in their Physical Medicine and  T2, known as the Terminal in a Garden, was
Rehabilitation departments. inaugurated on November 11, 2022.
 G Gaiter has received approval from the Central Learn Along:
Drugs Standard Control Organisation, the About UNESCO
national regulator for medical devices, cosmetics, Headquarters: Paris, France Founded: 16
and pharmaceuticals. November 1945 Director-General: Audrey Azoulay

Finland awards International Gender Equality ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Moon Mission Earns Leif
Prize to Afghanistan-based NGO Erikson Lunar Prize

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December 2023

Fadnavis, the first instance in the 120 years of the

 ISRO has ben awarded the 2023 Leif Erikson university’s history.
Lunar Prize by the Exploration Museum in  The Deputy CM was g conferred with the degree
Iceland's Husavik for its successful for his “exceptional achievements in
Chandrayaan-3 mission. infrastructure development, community-
 The award celebrates the first soft-landing of a based initiatives and dedication to promoting
spacecraft near the lunar south pole and social equality.”
"ISRO's indomitable spirit in advancing lunar
exploration and contributing to understanding ISAE Fellow 2023 title conferred on P. Indira Devi
celestial mysteries.
 Chandrayaan-3 was India's third mission to  Dr. P. Indira Devi, ICAR Emeritus Professor at
the moon, and the second attempt to carry out Kerala Agricultural University, has been
a soft-landing on the lunar surface. ISRO conferred with the title of ISAE Fellow 2023 by
managed to place the Vikram lander on the the Indian Society of Agricultural Economics.
lunar surface and roll out the robotic rover,  The title recognizes her outstanding
Pragyaan. achievements in the field of agricultural
Learn Along: economics and rural development.
About ISRO  The award is given by a distinguished panel of
Headquarters: Bengaluru Founded: 15 August agricultural economists, and the Indian Society
1969 Chairman: Sreedhara Somanath of Agricultural Economics is one of the oldest
professional societies in India, established in 1939.
Japanese university confers doctorate on
 Dr. Indira Devi, also the Director of Kerala State
Fadnavis
Farmer Welfare Board, previously served as the
Director of Research at Kerala Agricultural
 Japan’s prestigious Koyasan University
University (KAU).
formally conferred an honorary doctorate on
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra

Mr L P Hemanth K Srinivasulu Receives 'Man of the Year 2023' Award from Home Minister Shri Amit
Shah
 Mr. L.P. Hemanth K. Srinivasulu, the Director of the Latin America and Caribbean Trade Council, received
the prestigious "Man of the Year-2023" award.
 The award was presented by Shri Amit Shah, the Home Minister of India, in recognition of Mr.
Hemanth's exceptional contributions to trade diplomacy and global economic relations.

Sahitya Akademi announces awards 2023

 Tamil author Rajasekaran (Devibharathi), Telugu writer T. Patanjali Sastry and Malayalam writer E.V.
Ramakrishnan are among those named for the Sahitya Akademi awards for 2023.
 Nine books of poetry, six novels, five short story collections, three essays and one literary study
have won the awards.
Language Category Author Work Title
Rajasekaran
Tamil Novel (Devibharathi) Neervazhi Padooum

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

Language Category Author Work Title

Short Story Rameshwaram Kaakulu Marikonni
Telugu Collection T. Patanjali Sastry Kathalu

Malayalam Literary Study E.V. Ramakrishnan Malayala Novelinte Deshakalangal

English Novel Neelum Saran Gour Requiem in Raga Janki
Hindi Novel Sanjeev Mujhe Pahachaano
Mahabharatha Anusandhanada
Kannada Essays Lakshmisha Tolpadi Bharathayatre
Swapnamay
Bengali Novel Chakrabarti Jaler Upar Pani

Learn Along:
 The Akademi, founded on March 12, 1954, is an autonomous body under the Union Culture Ministry and is
dedicated to the promotion of literature in Indian languages.

SPORTS
cricket and withdrawn from the squad for a
Kerala footballer Viknesh gets two-year ban for one-day international series against England.
doping  The 32-year-old played in 35 tests, scoring 1570
runs with a high score of 125 not out against Sri
 Kerala footballer M. Viknesh receives a two- Lanka in 2018.
year suspension starting from April 5, 2023.
 Viknesh failed a dope test during the National Ranveer Duggal bags snooker title
Games in Ahmedabad in October 2022.
 The positive test was for terbutaline, an  Chandigarh’s Ranveer Duggal added the
ingredient in cough syrups prohibited by the World junior boys’ snooker title to the junior billiards
Anti-Doping Agency. crown that he won last week in the 90th
 Radhika Prakash Awati, a Maharashtra-born National Billiards and Snooker
fencing international representing Kerala, also Championships held at the Nehru Indoor
receives a two-year ban. Stadium.
 Radhika had been banned for 15 months earlier  Ranveer Duggal beat Mayur Garg of Gujarat 4-
for a methylprednisolone (corticosteroid) 1 in the final.
violation.
 Her suspension is from August 17, 2023, and Ruturaj Gaikward becomes the fastest Indian
she had won a gold medal at the Senior to 4,000 T20 runs
National championship in Pune in March 2023.
 Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad broke KL
West Indies’ Dowrich announces international Rahul’s record of being the fastest Indian batter
retirement at 32 to score 4,000 runs in Men’s T20 cricket
during the fourth T20I against Australia in
 Former West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Raipur.
Shane Dowrich has retired from international

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

 Gaikwad needed 116 innings to touch the  While Hardik Panwar in 80 kg category,
4,000-run mark in T20s, while Rahul got there Ameesha Kereta in the 54 kg category and
in 117 innings. Prachi Tokas in the 80 kg weight category had
to settle for silver medals only.
Germany wins FIFA U-17 WC
Lionel Messi named Time’s ‘Athlete of the
 Germany have lifted the FIFA U-17 World Cup Year’
for the first time following a dramatic penalty
shootout victory over France in Surakarta.  Lionel Messi has been named Time
magazine’s ‘Athlete of the Year’ for 2023 after
R Vaishali becomes grandmaster, joins R a trailblazing season marked by an eighth Ballon
Praggnanandhaa to become world's first brother- d'Or award and his ground-breaking move to
sister GM duo Major League Soccer's Inter Miami.

 Indian chess ace R Vaishali joined younger The first-ever Khelo India Para Games began in
sibling R Praggnanandhaa to become the New Delhi on 10th December
world’s first-ever brother-sister Grandmasters
duo and only the third woman from the country  The first-ever Khelo India Para Games began
to earn the GM title, at the IV El Llobregat Open
in New Delhi on 10th December.
in Spain.
 The Para Khelo India games were organised in
 Vaishali achieved the feat after crossing 2500
New Delhi from 10th December to 17th
ELO rating points. She is the country’s 84th GM.
December.
 They also became the first-ever brother-sister  Over 1350 participants from across 32 states
duo to make the Candidates, the qualifying and union territories including Services Sports
event for the World Championship match. Control Board participated in the maiden Khelo
 Her younger brother Praggnanandhaa had got India Para Games which will witness para
the GM title in 2018, when he was just 12. Koneru athletes vie for honours in 7 disciplines
Humpy and D Harika are the two other women including para athletics, para shooting, para
GMs from India. archery, para football, para badminton, para
table tennis and para weight lifting.
India baggs 3 gold, 5 silver and 1 bronze  The events held across 3 SAI stadiums – the IG
medals in IBA Junior World Boxing Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad
Championship and the JLN Stadium.
 Mascot 'Ujjwala' Creates A Celebratory
 On the last day of IBA Junior World Boxing Atmosphere For The First-ever Khelo India
Championship 2023, India bagged three gold, Para Games
five silver and one bronze medals in Yerevan,
Armenia. ICC launches new vibrant logo for Men’s and
 Akansha won gold in 70 kg category, Pari Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
clinched gold medal in 48 kg weight category,
while Nisha won gold in 52 kg category.
 ICC T20 World Cup
 In 52 kg weight category, Vini won silver medal, undergoes a visual refresh with
while Srishti Sathe won silver medal in 63 kg a new brand symbol.
weight category.
 Naye Bharat ka Samveda
 In the boys' category, Jatin won the silver creatively combines a bat,
medal in the 54 kg category. ball, and fervour,

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 Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

representing the essence of international T20  Gujarat Titans saw a substantial 38% growth
cricket. in brand value, securing the fifth position
 The 'T20' text transforms into a batting against eighth last year.
'stance' within a kinetic 'sphere,' symbolizing  In terms of Brand Strength, Chennai Super
the dramatic nature of the sport. Kings is the strongest IPL brand with a Brand
 The emblem features an 'impact' design Strength Index (BSI) score of 81.8 out of 100.
within the ball, mirroring the vibrant atmosphere  The introduction of the Women's Premier
of ICC T20 World Cup games. League significantly boosted teams' brand
 The zig-zag motif in the design signifies values and elevated IPL governance standards.
suspense and adrenaline-charged moments
akin to a lightning strike. Mohmmad Shami nominated for Arjuna Award,
 The brand identity incorporates textures and Satwik-Chirag for Khel Ratna
patterns inspired by the host nation, starting
with a unique pattern honoring the West Indies  Mohammed Shami has been nominated for the
and the USA for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Arjuna Award for his outstanding performance in
2024. the ODI World Cup.
Asad Shafiq announces retirement from all  Mohammad Shami, 33, was the leading wicket-
forms of cricket taker in the World Cup, claiming 24 wickets in
seven outings.
 Asad Shafiq, Pakistan Test batter, announces  Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty
retirement from all forms of cricket. are selected for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel
 Shafiq led Karachi Whites to the National T20 Ratna Award for men's doubles badminton.
Championship title before making the  16 other sportspersons have been nominated
announcement. for the Arjuna Award, including hockey players,
archers, boxers, chess players, golfers, shooters,
IPL's valuation surges to $10.7 billion, turns wrestlers, and paddlers.
into a decacorn  Five nominations for the Dronacharya Award
include Ganesh Prabhakaran (mallakhamb),
 The Indian Premier League's (IPL) valuation Mahavir Saini (para athletics), Lalit Kumar
increased by about 28% to reach $10.7 billion in (wrestling), RB Ramesh (chess), and Shivendra
2023 compared to $8.4 billion in 2022. Singh (hockey).
 The total brand value of the IPL system has  Kavita (kabaddi), Manjusha Kanwar (badminton),
surged by 433% since its launch in 2008, and Vineet Kumar Sharma (hockey) are the
reaching $10.7 billion. nominees for the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Award.
 Factors contributing to the growth include
IPL's return to full-capacity stadiums, increased Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj make history
viewer consumption on diverse devices, as first Asian men inducted into International
significant media partnerships, and renewed Tennis Hall of Fame
advertiser confidence.
 Mumbai Indians maintain the top-ranking IPL  India's tennis legends Vijay Amritraj and
franchise in terms of brand value at $87 Leander Paes became the first asian men to
million, followed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) be inducted in the International Tennis Hall
with $81 million. of Fame.
 This landmark achievement also makes India
the 28th nation to be represented in the
prestigious institution.

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 Leander Paes, an 18-time Grand Slam

champion in doubles and mixed doubles, has Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023
earned his place in the Player category,
while Vijay Amritraj is honored in the  Haryana won the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023 by
Contributor category, evaluated every two beating Rajasthan by 30 runs in a pulsating final
at the Saurashtra Cricket Association
years.
Stadium.

MS Dhoni's iconic number 7 jersey retired by

Khelo India and Svayam collaborated to
BCCI, becomes 2nd Indian after Sachin
improve support for Para Athletes at Khelo
Tendulkar to be given this honour
India Para Games 2023
 The iconic number 7 jersey worn by legendary
India captain MS Dhoni has been retired by the  Khelo India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Sports' flagship program, partnered with
Svayam, an accessibility organization, for the
 MS Dhoni became the second player after
Sachin Tendulkar to have his jersey retired by Khelo India Para Games in New Delhi.
the BCCI.  The Khelo India Para Games 2023 saw over 500
wheelchair-using players, emphasizing the
Antim Panghal named UWW Rising Star of the priority of accessible infrastructure with ramps,
Year handrails, accessible toilets, seating, and parking.
 Bhavina Patel, Paralympic silver medalist,
 Two-time World under-20 champion and senior highlighted the importance of accessible transport
Worlds bronze medallist Antim Panghal (53kg) and infrastructure for para-players.
was named as United World Wrestling (UWW)  The collaboration aims to create a more
inclusive and accessible sports environment
Rising Star of the Year 2023 in the women’s
in India, ensuring everyone, regardless of
section.
physical abilities, can participate, compete, and
 Antim Panghal won a silver medal in her senior enjoy sports.
Asian championships debut, defended her U-20
World title and then won a bronze medal at the Mitchell Starc hits ₹24.75 crore KKR jackpot as
World championships. IPL auction's costliest buy

Compound archery gold for Sheetal  Mitchell Starc beat Pat Cummins' record to
become the most expensive player in IPL
 Archer Sheetal Devi expectedly finished on auction history at ₹24.75 crore. He will play for
top of the podium, winning gold in compound Kolkata Knight Riders.
archery at the inaugural Khelo India Para
 Pat Cummins had set the record for being the
Games with a score of 141 points, defeating
most expensive player in the history of the Indian
Jyoti Baliyan in the final.
Premier League when Sunrisers Hyderabad had
 In men’s recurve, Paralympian Harvinder shelled out a whopping ₹20.5 crore for the
Singh took gold while Vivek Chikara got Australia captain at the IPL auction 2024 in
silver and Sahil bronze. Dubai.
 In shooting, Hangzhou Asian Games silver
medallist Rudransh Khandelwal claimed gold Amitabh Bachchan becomes the Mumbai Team
in the men’s 50m Pistol SH1 event with 223.4 owner of ISPL T10
while Singhraj took silver (216.4). Rajasthan’s
Shiv Raj Sankhala won bronze (194.7).

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 Amitabh Bachchan becomes the owner of the 75th Inter State-Inter Zonal Badminton
Mumbai team in the Indian Street Premier Championship 2023
League (ISPL), India's first tennis ball T10
cricket tournament.  In team events of the 75th Inter State-Inter
 The ISPL will take place in a stadium, featuring Zonal Badminton Championship 2023,
19 matches from March 2 to March 9 in Mumbai. Maharashtra bagged women's and Airport
 Six teams, including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Authority of India (AAI) won the men's title
Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Srinagar, events in Guwahati.
will participate in the tournament.  The prestigious national championship
organized by Badminton Association of India
Anurag Singh Thakur to launch Official logo is being held in Assam after four years.
and mascot for Khelo India Youth Games Tamil  The dominant AAI team appeared in both the
Nadu men’s and women’s team finals and managed to
win the title in the men’s category as they
 Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and
outclassed Karnataka 3-0.
Information & Broadcasting, Anurag Singh
Thakur shall be the chief guest for the launch of
Anmol Kharb wins women’s singles title at
official logo, jersey, mascot, torch and theme
song for the Khelo India Youth Games Tamil National Badminton Championships in
Nadu in Chennai on December 22,2023. Guwahati
 The 6th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games
is scheduled from January 19 to 31, 2024.  In Badminton, Anmol Kharb has won the
 The previous 5 editions of the Youth Games women’s singles title at the National Badminton
have been held in Delhi, Pune, Guwahati, Championships 2023 in Guwahati.
Panchkula and Bhopal.  The men’s singles title clash saw an upset as the
 The upcoming edition will take place in four cities unseeded Chirag Sen secured the national title
of Tamil Nadu - Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and after defeating fourth-seed Tharun M.
Coimbatore.  In the mixed doubles summit clash, Dhruv
Kapila and Tanisha Crasto defeated the sixth-
FIH Hockey Star Awards 2023 seeded duo of Nitin Kumar-Navdha Manglam
21-13, 21-8 to claim their maiden national title.
 India’s Hardik Singh and Savita won the 2023  Priya Devi Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra lifted
FIH Players of the Year and FIH Goalkeeper of the women’s doubles title with a win over Ritika
the year award, announced the International Thaker-Simran Singh. The men’s doubles final was
Hockey Federation.
an edge-of-the-seat thriller where K Pruthvi Roy-
 Following a vote by an Expert Panel, National
Suraj Goala caused an upset by defeating Krishna
Associations - represented by their respective
Prasad Garaga-Vishnuvardhan Goud Panjala.
national teams’ captains and coaches - fans and
media, Xan de Waard (Netherlands) also won Chennai Grand Masters 2023; Dommaraju
the FIH Players of the Year. Gukesh clinches title; Arjun Erigaisi secures
 While Dutch goalkeeper Pirmin Blaak also won second spot in Chess
the FIH Goalkeepers of the Year award, the
awards for FIH Rising Stars went to Teresa Lima  In Chennai Grand Masters 2023 tournament,
(ESP) and Gaspard Xavier (FRA). Indian chess prodigy, Dommaraju Gukesh
clinched the title by holding compatriot Pentala
Harikrishna for a draw.

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 Meanwhile, Arjun Erigaisi secured the second test at Newlands in Cape Town starting January
spot. 3.
 He is South Africa's eighth highest scorer in
Sharvaanica becomes champion in two tests.
formats at Asian Youth Chess
Wrestler Pooja Dhanda handed one-year ban
 Eight-year-old A.S. Sharvaanica emerged as the by NADA
champion in two formats of the Asian Youth
Chess Championships held in the UAE.  Indian wrestler Pooja Dhanda, a bronze
 She secured gold in the U-8 rapid and blitz medallist at the 2018 World Championships,
categories and silver in the U-8 classical receives a one-year ban from India’s National
category. Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).
 The 25th Asian Youth Chess Championships  NADA operates under the World Anti-Doping
featured the participation of 42 players from 21 Agency (WADA) regulations and conducts
countries across various age groups. testing for Indian athletes.
 The Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel found that
South Africa’s Dean Elgar announces retirement Pooja had offered an alternative solution for
from international cricket sample collection on December 21, reducing
the severity of the fault.
 Former South Africa captain Dean Elgar has  Pooja Dhanda, charged with three whereabouts
announced his retirement from international failures, was banned for one year starting from
cricket after a test series against India concludes
June 15, 2023.
early next month.
 Elgar, who has scored more than 5,000 runs
with 13 centuries in his 84 tests, will play his final

Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announces National Sports Awards 2023

 Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2023. The awardees will
receive their awards from the President of India at a specially organized function at Rashtrapati
Bhavan on 09th January, 2024.

Based on the recommendations of the Committee and after due scrutiny, Government has decided
to confer awards upon the following sportspersons, coaches and entities:

Name of the
Category S. No. Sportsperson/Coach/University Discipline/Category
Major Dhyan Chand Khel
Ratna Award 2023 1 Shri Chirag Chandrashekhar Shetty Badminton
2 Shri Rankireddy Satwik Sai Raj Badminton
Arjuna Awards 2023 1 Shri Ojas Pravin Deotale Archery
2 Ms Aditi Gopichand Swami Archery
3 Shri Sreeshankar M Athletics
4 Ms Parul Chaudhary Athletics

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Name of the
Category S. No. Sportsperson/Coach/University Discipline/Category
5 Shri Mohameed Hussamuddin Boxing
6 Ms R Vaishali Chess
7 Shri Mohammed Shami Cricket
8 Shri Anush Agarwalla Equestrian
9 Ms Divyakriti Singh Equestrian Dressage
10 Ms Diksha Dagar Golf
11 Shri Krishan Bahadur Pathak Hockey
12 Ms Pukhrambam Sushila Chanu Hockey
13 Shri Pawan Kumar Kabaddi
14 Ms Ritu Negi Kabaddi

15 Ms Nasreen Kho-Kho
16 Ms Pinki Lawn Bowls
17 Shri Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar Shooting
18 Ms Esha Singh Shooting
19 Shri Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu Squash
20 Ms Ayhika Mukherjee Table Tennis
21 Shri Sunil Kumar Wrestling
22 Ms Antim Wrestling
23 Ms Naorem Roshibina Devi Wushu
24 Ms Sheetal Devi Para Archery
25 Shri Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy Blind Cricket
26 Ms Prachi Yadav Para Canoeing
Regular
Dronacharya Award 2023 Category
1 Shri Lalit Kumar Wrestling

2 Shri R. B. Ramesh Chess

3 Shri Mahaveer Prasad Saini Para Athletics
4 Shri Shivendra Singh Hockey
5 Shri Ganesh Prabhakar Devrukhkar Mallakhamb
Lifetime
Category
6 Shri Jaskirat Singh Grewal Golf
7 Shri Bhaskaran E Kabaddi
8 Shri Jayanta Kumar Pushilal Table Tennis
Dhyan Chand Award
2023 1 Ms Manjusha Kanwar Badminton
2 Shri Vineet Kumar Sharma Hockey
3 Ms Kavitha Selvaraj Kabaddi

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Name of the
Category S. No. Sportsperson/Coach/University Discipline/Category
Maulana Abul Kalam
Azad (MAKA) Trophy
2023 1 Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar Overall winner university
2 Lovely Professional University, Punjab 1st runner up University
3 Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 2nd runner up University
 National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports.
 ‘Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award’ is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance
in the field of sports by a sportsperson over the period of the previous four years.
 ‘Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games’ is given for good performance over a
period of the previous four years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of
discipline.
 ‘Dronacharya Award for outstanding coaches in Sports and Games’ is given to coaches for doing
outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and for enabling sportspersons to excel in
International events.
 ‘Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime achievement in Sports and Games’ is given to honour
sportspersons who have contributed to sports by their performance and who continue to contribute to
promotion of sports event after their retirement.

OBITUARIES
Name of Person Field Points to Remember

R. Subbalakshmi Actor Noted Malayalam actor R. Subbalakshmi died in

Thiruvananthapuram. She was 87.

Benjamin Poet British poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who famously rejected an

Zephaniah honour from Queen Elizabeth II over Britain's empire and links to
slavery, died at the age of 65. The Rastafarian poet and writer,
whose work was influenced by the culture of Jamaica, also
turned his hand to acting when he appeared in Peaky Blinders.
Junior Mehmood Actor Character actor Junior Mehmood died. The actor was 68.

Kanam Rajendran Politician CPI Kerala State secretary Kanam Rajendran passed away. He
was 73.
Rajendran was serving as the CPI secretary since 2015
following the demise of C.K. Chandrappan.
Joe Solomon Sports Former West Indies Test cricketer Joe Solomon died at the age
of 93. Solomon, a middle-order batter, played 27 Tests for the
Windies between 1958 and 1965, scoring 1326 runs at an
average of 34.

Dr. Gao Yaojie, Docter and Activist Dr. Gao Yaojie, a trailblazing Chinese doctor and activist,
passed away at the age of 95. She was known for her fearless
exposure of the AIDS virus epidemic in rural China during the
1990s.

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December 2023

Andre Braugher Actor Emmy-winning actor Andre Braugher, renowned for his notable
roles in series such as “Homicide: Life on The Street” and
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” has sadly passed away at the age of 61.

Emir Sheikh Nawaf Kuwait’s Emir Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah has
al-Ahmad al-Jaber died at 86.
Heir Sheikh Meshaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, 83, replaces
al-Sabah
Sheikh Nawaf who had ruled for three years.
Robert M. Solow Economist MIT Institute Professor Emeritus Robert M. Solow, a
groundbreaking economist whose work on technology and
economic growth profoundly influenced the field, and whose ethos
of engaged teaching and collegial collaboration deeply shaped
MIT’s Department of Economics, died. He was 99.

Vijayakanth. Actor and Politician Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the
passing away of actor and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam -
DMDK chief Captain Vijayakanth.

Lee Sun-kyun Actor South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, widely recognized for his role
in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has been found dead in an
apparent suicide in central Seoul.

BOOKS

Book Title Author/s About the book

MOST DELICIOUS Noah Whiteman Based on cutting-edge science in the fields of evolution,
POISON: The Story chemistry, and neuroscience, Most Delicious Poison reveals:
 The origins of toxins produced by plants, mushrooms, microbes,
of Nature’s Toxins and even some animals
— From Spices to  The mechanisms that animals evolved to overcome them
 How a co-evolutionary arms race made its way into the human
Vices
experience

Ad Man Mad Man: Prahlad Kakar with Ad Man Mad Man: Unapologetically Prahlad is a book written
Rupangi Sharma by Praveena Sharma that delves into the world of
Unapologetically
advertising in India. The book takes readers behind the
Prahlad
scenes of some of India's biggest advertising campaigns
and provides insights into the mindset of the industry's most
iconic figures.

Same as Ever: Morgan Housel ---

Timeless lessons
on risk,
opportunity, and
living a good life

Naye Bharat ka --- Former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind launched a
Samveda book “ Naye Bharat ka Samveda” in New Delhi on 7th

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December 2023

December 2023. The book is a compilation of speeches of

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Indian Constitution.

Pranab, My Father: Sharmistha Mukherjee ---

A Daughter
Remembers

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Monthly BeePedia
December 2023

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