APRIL 2024

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Contents
1 GA IN NEWS......................................................................................................................................7
FIRST IN NEWS ....................................................................................................................................7
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES .........................................................................................................12
SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES ...................................................................................................18
MOUs AND AGREEMENTS ............................................................................................................20
BANKING AND FINANCE ................................................................................................................26
DEFENCE EXERCISES/ INITIATIVES/ TECHNOLOGY ...........................................................30
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ............................................................................................................35
ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................................................................41
SPORTS ...............................................................................................................................................43
AWARDS ............................................................................................................................................47
APPOINTMENT .................................................................................................................................52
PERSONS IN NEWS ..........................................................................................................................58
BOOKS AND AUTHORS ..................................................................................................................63
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS ..................................................................................................................64
PLACES IN NEWS .............................................................................................................................65
DAYS IN NEWS .................................................................................................................................67
MISCELLANEOUS ............................................................................................................................71
2 GA + ESI ...........................................................................................................................................74

......................................................................................................................74
GENDER ISSUES ...............................................................................................................................74
2.1 Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) .............................................................................................74
SOCIAL JUSTICE ..............................................................................................................................74
2.2 Committee for Queer Community ..............................................................................................74
2.3 Integrated Pensioners’ Portal .....................................................................................................75
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT ..........................................................76
2.4 India’s Renewable Energy Capacity ............................................................................................76
2.5 Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative.................................................................................................76
2.6 Suvidha Portal .............................................................................................................................76
2.7 Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) .................................................................77

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2.8 Climate Strategy 2030 .................................................................................................................77
GLOBALIZATION ..............................................................................................................................78
2.9 Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) ............................................................78
2.10 Schengen Area .........................................................................................................................78
2.11 India-EU Trade & Technology Council (TTC) ............................................................................79
2.12 India Invoked Peace Clause for the 5th Time ..........................................................................79
2.13 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ..............................................................................80
INDIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM ........................................................................................................81
2.14 Home Voting in Elections.........................................................................................................81
2.15 Scheme for Kashmiri Migrants ................................................................................................81
2.16 Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).........................................................................81
2.17 FDI Policy for Space Sector ......................................................................................................82
2.18 India's Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System ............................82
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA ...................................................................................83
2.19 Defence Exports in FY24 ..........................................................................................................83
2.20 Navratna Status .......................................................................................................................83
2.21 India's Electronics Exports .......................................................................................................84
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN INDIA......................................................................................85
2.22 Promotion of Research and Innovation in Start-ups and MSMEs in mining, mineral
processing, metallurgy and recycling sector (S&T-PRISM) ....................................................................85
MEASUREMENT OF GROWTH .....................................................................................................85
2.23 Index of Industrial Production (IIP)..........................................................................................85
2.24 Direct Tax Collection in FY24 ...................................................................................................86

......................................................................................................................86
SOCIAL SECTOR - HEALTH ..........................................................................................................86
2.25 Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) ..........................................................................86
2.26 S.A.R.A.H., or Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health ............................................................86
2.27 Committee for Drug and Medical Device Pricing Reforms......................................................87
2.28 National Task Force on Brain Health .......................................................................................87
SOCIAL SECTOR - EDUCATION ..................................................................................................88
2.29 Permanent Education Number (PEN) ......................................................................................88
2.30 Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Programmes ....................................................................88

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GENDER ISSUES ...............................................................................................................................89
2.31 UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) ....................................................................89
SOCIAL JUSTICE ..............................................................................................................................89
2.32 Bharat Brand ............................................................................................................................89
2.33 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) ...........................................................................90
INDIAN AGRICULTURE ...................................................................................................................90
2.34 Agriculture Lending..................................................................................................................90
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT ..........................................................91
2.35 Greenpeace International Survey on Plastic Pollution ............................................................91
2.36 Convention on Biological Diversity ..........................................................................................91
2.37 Solar Power Capacity in India ..................................................................................................92
2.38 Green Credit Programme ........................................................................................................92
2.39 Global Forest Watch ................................................................................................................93
2.40 Climate Analytics Findings .......................................................................................................94
2.41 UNHCR Climate Resilience Fund ..............................................................................................94
2.42 Project Cheetah .......................................................................................................................95
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................................95
2.43 Highways Toll Collection ..........................................................................................................95
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN INDIA......................................................................................96
2.44 National Career Service portal.................................................................................................96
2.45 Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) ...................................................................96
INDIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM ........................................................................................................96
2.46 16th Finance Commission (FC) ................................................................................................96
2.47 CDP-SURAKSHA (System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure
Horticulture Assistance).........................................................................................................................97
2.48 Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) ...........................98
GLOBALIZATION ..............................................................................................................................98
2.49 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ............................................................................98
2.50 World Bank Group ...................................................................................................................99
2.51 International Monetary Fund (IMF) ......................................................................................100
2.52 Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) ...................................................................100
2.53 Collaborative Co-Financing Portal .........................................................................................101
2.54 US Priority Watchlist ..............................................................................................................101
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA .................................................................................102
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 2.55 Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Status........................................................................102
3 GA + FINANCE .................................................................................................................................103

......................................................................................................................103
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN FINANCIAL SECTOR .............................................................103
3.1 HP Future Impact Leaders - IICA Certified Environmental-Social-Governance (ESG) Professional
Programme ..........................................................................................................................................103
3.2 Consumer Price Index (CPI) .......................................................................................................103
3.3 Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) .........................................................................................103
3.4 Compulsory Convertible Debentures (CCDs) ............................................................................104
3.5 Programmable Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) ..............................................................105

........................................................................................................105
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MARKET ...................................................................................105
3.6 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) .....................................................................................105
3.7 SEBI Circular on Cross Margin Benefits .....................................................................................105
KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN FINANCIAL SECTOR .....................................................................106
3.8 SCORES 2.0 ................................................................................................................................106
3.9 Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) ..............................................................................................106
3.10 Government's Dividend Collections from Non-Financial CPSEs ............................................107
3.11 Asset Monetisation ................................................................................................................107
3.12 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) ..................................................................108
3.13 Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Fund .........................108
3.14 IRDAI Regulations on Surrender Charges ..............................................................................109
3.15 Tax Collection in FY24 ............................................................................................................110
3.16 UPI Transactions in FY24........................................................................................................110
3.17 Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ..........................................................................................110
3.18 Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) ............................................110
3.19 General Insurance Industry in FY24 .......................................................................................111
3.20 Aadhaar ATM .........................................................................................................................111
3.21 Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) .........................................................................111
3.22 National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Ltd. (NIIF) ......................................................112

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 3.23 Payment Aggregator ................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.24 Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) ......................................................................................113
3.25 Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) .....................................113
3.26 Key Fact Statement (KFS) .......................................................................................................114
3.27 International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and GIFT City ............................114
3.28 Payment Aggregator (PA) ......................................................................................................115
3.29 Credit Default Swap (CDS) .....................................................................................................115
3.30 Asset Tokenization .................................................................................................................115
3.31 National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL) ...................................................116
3.32 Category 1 ESG Ratings Provider ...........................................................................................116
3.33 Disinvestment ........................................................................................................................117
3.34 India’s first Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index Fund ...........................................................117
3.35 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) .....................................................................................118
3.36 Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) Rules.................................................................................119
3.37 GIFT City .................................................................................................................................120
3.38 Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) .........................................................................120
Quick Revision ...................................................................................................................................122

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1 GA IN NEWS
FIRST IN NEWS

S.No News Key Facts

• Set up by: GAIL (India) Ltd.

• Location: Vijaipur complex of GAIL, Madhya Pradesh.
• It includes a 10-megawatt proton exchange membrane electrolyser,
India's First Green
1. imported from Canada.
Hydrogen Project
• Aligns with India's ambition to achieve a production capacity of 5
million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030 under the National
Green Hydrogen Mission.

India’s First Home-Grown

• Developed by: IIT Bombay & Tata Memorial Hospital in association
2. anti-cancer CAR-T cell
with industry partner ImmunoACT.
therapy- NexCAR19

• Reliance Industries Ltd has purchased a 26% stake in Mahan

Energen Ltd (MEL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Power Ltd.
• They have entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement for the
3. First Ambani-Adani pact
utilization of 500 MW generation capacity by RIL from Mahan
Thermal power plant for captive use.
• MEL is a power project in Madhya Pradesh.

• Launched by: Ola Electric.

India’s first autonomous • It is a fully autonomous, AI-enabled and traffic-smart electric
4.
electric - 'Ola Solo' scooter.
• It is powered by Krutrim AI & enables interaction in 22 languages.

• India's coal production reached 997.4 million tonnes in FY24, an

11.67% increase from FY23, with a cumulative production of coal and
lignite surpassing 1.04 billion tonnes.
• India's total coal and lignite output was at 937 million tonnes (MT) in
India's coal and lignite the preceding 2022-23 fiscal.
5. production crossed 1 billion
Additional Information
tonnes for the first time
• India aims to eliminate coal imports by 2025-26.
• Coal India Ltd (CIL) has set a production and supply target of 838
million tonnes for FY25.
• Mahanadi Coalfields in Odisha became the first Indian coal producer
to exceed 200 million tonnes in output.
• Launched by: Tata AIA Life Insurance Co.
• Policyholders can now pay premium up to
First payment solutions on Rs 1 crore, instead of the earlier limit of Rs
6. WhatsApp for Indian Life 2 lakh.
Insurance Sector

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 • To be organized alongside the 18th
Mumbai International Film Festival
(MIFF).
• It is the first comprehensive platform
7. First-ever Doc Film Bazaar
designed to promote and support
documentary, short films and animation
content showcasing talent in filmmaking,
production and distribution.
• Initiated by: Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL).
• Location: Padur in Karnataka.
• The new facility, named Padur-II, will have an underground storage
capacity of 2.5 million tonnes of crude oil.
India's First Commercial • It will be developed under a PPP (public-private partnership) model.
8.
Crude Oil Strategic Storage • Objective: To provide insurance against supply disruptions by
increasing the country's strategic petroleum reserves.
• ISPRL has already established 5.33 million tonnes of storage
capacity at three locations in Phase-I viz, Visakhapatnam (Andhra
Pradesh), Mangalore and Padur (Karnataka) with govt. funding.
• To be launched by 2029-30.
• Private operator can trade all of the stored oil, mirroring models
adopted by Japan and
South Korea.
• Two new SPRs planned
India’s first privately at Padur, Karnataka, and
9. managed strategic in Odisha.
petroleum reserve (SPR) • The government will
retain the right to oil in
case of shortages.
• Aim: to help India meet the International Energy Agency (IEA)
membership requirement of holding a minimum of 90 days of oil
consumption.
• Name of the person: Bilquis Mir (aqua woman of Kashmir Valley).
First person & woman from
• She is one of the two jury members selected from Asia, the other
India to serve as a jury
member is from Japan.
10. member at Paris Olympics
• She is a canoeist from Jammu and Kashmir
• She is a jury member of the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing
association.

India’s first private-

industry-realised • Developed by: Advanced Technology Centre of Lakshmi Machine
11. composite ogive payload Works; Delivered to: ISRO.
fairing for the upcoming • It is 10.75 metres tall and 5 metres in diameter.
GSLV-Mk III project

• Milestone achived by Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) after

First company in India with commissioning 2,000 MW of solar capacity at the Khavda solar park
12. over 10,000 MW of in Gujarat.
renewable energy capacity • AGEL now has an operating portfolio of 10,934 MW, largest in India.
• AGEL is aiming for 45 GW renewable energy by 2030.
• Why in News: 250th Anniversary Celebration of the launch of the
world’s first postage stamp, ‘Copper Ticket’, introduced in 1774 from
World’s first postage
13. Patna (then known as Azimabad).
stamp, ‘Copper Ticket’
• 'Copper Ticket' was initially launched as a charge for delivering posts
up to a distance of 160 miles.

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 • Why in News: Indian Air Force received the delivery of the first
First indigenously designed
indigenously designed and developed CFT.
14. and developed Crash Fire
• Manufactured by a Noida-based Indian MSME (Micro, Small and
Tender (CFT)
Medium Enterprise) firm.
• World Athletics (WA) to award prize money to gold medalists in
athletics events at the Paris Olympics.
o Each gold medalist in the 48 track and field events will receive
USD 50,000 (Rs 41.60 lakh).
First international o USD 2.4 million, allocated from the International Olympic
federation to award prize Committee’s revenue share for World Athletics.
15.
money at an Olympic o Relay gold medalists to share their prize money among the
Games team.
• World Athletics plans to extend this initiative by awarding prize
money to all medal winners at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
About World Athletics
• Establishment: 1912; Headquarters: Monaco

First private sector bank to

16. open branch in • HDFC Bank has opened a branch in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.
Lakshadweep

• Feat achieved by: Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune.

First government hospital in • Purpose: To provide implantable hearing solutions for patients
India to procure and suffering from conductive loss, mixed hearing loss, and Single Sided
conduct successful Deafness (SSD) who are not candidates for cochlear implantation and
piezoelectric bone do not benefit from hearing aids or middle ear surgery.
17.
conduction hearing • Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune, recognized as a
implants designated Neurotology centre of the Armed Forces Medical
Services (AFMS).
• It was recently awarded the prestigious “Raksha Mantri” trophy for
the year 2022, recognizing it as the best hospital in the entire AFMS.

• Two Japanese astronauts will be joining future American missions.

• One of the two will join the Artemis 3 Mission.
o He will be the first non-American astronaut to land on the Moon.
• Japan will contribute a rover to the Artemis missions, enhancing
lunar exploration capabilities by allowing astronauts to travel farther
and work longer on the lunar surface.
• This rover is expected to debut in the Artemis 7 mission.

About Artemis Mission

• It is a Moon exploration program led by the United States' NASA.
First non-American to set • Artemis 1: successfully flew an uncrewed vessel around the Moon.
18.
foot on moon • Artemis 2: planned for 2025, will send four astronauts around the
Moon without landing.
o The crew will consist of three
Americans and a Canadian
• Artemis 3: the first crewed landing
on the Moon, currently scheduled for
2026.
o The program will also feature
significant firsts, including the
first woman and the first person of color to land on the Moon.

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 • Launched by: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
• Launced under: ‘Anaivarukkum IITM’ (IITM for all) initiatives.
India's first mobile Medical • Purpose: To provide a cost-effective, accessible calibration service
Devices Calibration Facility for medical devices crucial for accurate disease diagnosis and
19.
treatment.
• It can calibrate up to 45 different life-saving medical devices.
• This initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goal 3 (health and well-being for all).

• Nigeria became the first country in the world to roll out the Men5CV
vaccine, which targets five strains of the meningococcus bacteria.
• Recommended by: World Health Organization (WHO)
• Funded by: Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
World's first vaccine • The vaccine's development involved a partnership between PATH
against all strains of and the Serum Institute of India, with significant funding from the UK
20. government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
meningitis- ‘Men5CV or
MenFive vaccine’ • The vaccine rollout is part of a broader effort to defeat meningitis
globally by 2030, aligning with the WHO's global roadmap.

Additional Information
• An international summit on meningitis is scheduled for April 2024 in
Paris, France.
• Located at Tulsi Waterfalls (previously known as Shabri Waterfall) in
Uttar Pradesh's First Glass the Markundi range of the Chitrakoot forest division.
21.
Skywalk Bridge • Built by Ghazipur-based Pawan Sut Construction Company.
• It is in the shape of Lord Ram's bow and arrow.
• Name of the truck: SKT105E Electric Dump Truck
India's first fully electric
22. • Initiative of: Sany India.
open-cast mining truck
• It is designed to promote sustainable mining practices.
• To be installed at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA)
stadium, Dharamsala.
• Netherlands-based 'SISGrass', a part of the SIS Pitches group of
companies, has been roped in for hybrid pitch installation.
First BCCI-accredited
• The surface contains 5% polymer fibre polymer fibre with the natural
23. venue to install a state-of-
turf inside cricket stadiums.
the-art 'hybrid pitch'
• 'The Universal' machine, used in Dharamshala for the hybrid pitch, will
be taken to Ahmedabad and Mumbai to create further such pitches.
• Earlier, ICC allowed the use of hybrid surfaces for T20 and 50-over
competitions.
• It is the world’s first beauty pageant for AI-generated models and
influencers; Event organized by: World AI Creator Awards (WAICA).
• Event Partner: Fanvue, a subscription-based platform hosting virtual
World's First "Miss AI"
24. models.
Beauty Pageant
• Reward: USD 5,000.
• The judging panel consists of two AI-generated influencers viz, Aitana
Lopez and Emily Pellegrini and two human judges.

• Set up by: Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN).

India's first Multi-purpose • Location: Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS),
(Combined Heat & Power) Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh.
25.
Green Hydrogen Generation • The green hydrogen produced will be utilized for High Velocity Oxygen
Plant Fuel (HVOF) Coating Facility of NJHPS for meeting its combustion
fuel requirements.

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 • It will also generate electricity through its fuel cell of 25 kW capacity.
• SJVN also inaugurated first-of-its-kind Centralized Operation of the
1,500 MW NJHPS and 412 MW Rampur Hydro Power Station.

• Launched by: AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB).

o It offers option to purchase insurance directly from ATMs.
o AU SFB has already patented the product.
India’s first ATM Insurance • Other Products launched by AU SFB
o AU SPONT Rupay Credit Card: Collaboratively developed with
26.
NPCI, integrates UPI for transactions.
o Secured Credit Card - NOMO: AU SFB's first secured credit card,
which is backed by a fixed deposit.
o WhatsApp Insurance, AU 0101 Business App.
o AU0101 Version 2.0: An enhanced mobile banking app.

• REC Limited has availed a Green Loan of Japanese Yen (JPY) 60.536
billion to finance eligible green projects in India from Italian Export
Credit Agency, SACE.
• The loan involves 80% guarantee by SACE under their innovative
Push Strategy programme.
• SACE’s first JPY-denominated loan transaction and first green loan
First Yen-denominated loan transaction in India.
27.
transaction in India • The first collaboration between an Indian govt. entity and SACE.
• Mandated Lead Arrangers: Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment
Bank, Bank of America, Citibank, KfW IPEX-Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui
Banking Corporation.
• Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank would be acting as
the Export Credit Agency Coordinator, Green Loan Coordinator,
Documentation Bank and Facility Agent.

• The Government of India has given sanction to Adani’s Vizhinjam

Port in Kerala to operate as a transshipment port.
• The proposal to designate it as a customs-notified port has also
India's first transshipment been made.
port • Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) started the
28.
international transshipment project in Vizhinjam,
Thiruvananthapuram , Kerala in 2015.
• It is a Rs 7,700 crore deep water seaport project.
• Port capacity: one million TEUs (Initial Phase) & additional 6.2 million
TEUs planned for subsequent phases.

First upgradable ATM in • Initiative of: Hitachi Payment Services.

India • These ATMs can be upgraded to a Cash
29. Recycling Machine (CRM) at any time.
• Launched under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

• Name: Neptis philyra or long-streak sailor.

• Discovered at: Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary,
Rare Butterfly species
Arunachal Pradesh.
30. discovered for the first time
in India
• Discovered by butterfly enthusiasts from Assam.
• Found in East Asia, including eastern Siberia, Korea, Japan, and
central and southwest China.

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 • Alejandra Rodríguez, a 60-year-old lawyer and journalist from La
Plata, Buenos Aires, made history by winning the Miss Universe
First oldest Miss Universe
31. Buenos Aires title in Argentina.
Contestant
• The Miss Universe Organization earlier announced that there would
be no upper age limit for contestants starting from 2024.

• Alphabet Inc. is the parent company of Google.

Alphabet Inc. surpasses • Alphabet joins a select group of companies, including Apple Inc.,
32. USD2 trillion mcap* for the Microsoft Corp, Saudi Aramco, and Nvidia Corp., that have achieved
first time. this milestone.
*- mcap stands for market capitalization.

• Crew: NASA Astronauts Sunita

Williams (pilot) and Barry “Butch”
Wilmore (commander)
• The spacecraft will be launched to the
International Space Station (ISS)
First crewed flight of
33. from United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
Boeing’s Starliner Mission
• Aim: test the end-to-end capabilities of the Starliner system, including
launch, docking, and return to Earth in the western United States.
• Sunita Williams is an American astronaut of Indian heritage.
• This is her third mission aboard the ISS, after Expedition 14/15 &
Expedition 32/33.

• Awarded to Adani Ports & SEZ (APSEZ) by Care Ratings.

• This is the highest rating a company can receive from credit rating
agencies.

India's First AAA Rating in • Adani Energy Solution's two transmission assets--WTGL (West
34. Transmission Gujarat Limited) and Alipurdwar have also been rated
Private Infrastructure
AAA ratings by India Ratings.
• APSEZ is India's largest port developer and operator by volume with
a total capacity of 607 MMT, with the Mundra Port being the largest
commercial port in India in terms of cargo handling.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

S.No Initiative Key Facts

• Over 60 products across India have been awarded GI tag recently.

• For the first time, large number of GI tags have been given at once.
• 15 products from Uttar Pradesh & 19 products from Assam have
received GI Tag.
• 13 GI-tagged products were specifically linked to Bodo community,
Geographical Indication (GI) the largest tribal group in Assam
1.
tag
State Important GI Tagged Products
Assam Bihu dhol, Asharikandi terracotta craft, Pani Meteka
craft, Sarthebari metal craft, Jaapi
Products linked to Bodo Community- Jotha,
Gongona, Gamsa, Sifung, Serja, Khardwi, Kham,
Gongar Dunjia, Thorka, Keradapini, Jwmgra, Dokhona,
and Eri Silk

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 Meghalaya Garo Textile, Lyrnai Pottery, Chubitchi
Tripura Pachra-Rignai, Matabari Peda
Uttar Banaras Thandai, Banaras Tabla, Mathura Sanjhi craft,
Pradesh Bundelkhand Kathiya Gehu (wheat), Pilibhit Bansuri
Maharashtra Sitars and Tanpuras of Miraj, from Sangli district.
• Varanasi accounts for maximum number of GI tagged products
from a single geographical area.

• Recently, six products from

Uttar Pradesh have received the
GI Tag
o Tirangi Barfi of Kashi,
Banaras Metal Casting Craft,
Lakhimpur Kheri Tharu
Embroidery, Bareilly Cane and Bamboo Craft, Bareilly Zardozi
Craft & Pilkhuwa Hand Block Print Textile.
• Top 2 states with most GI-tagged products: Uttar Pradesh (75),
Tamil Nadu (58).
Note: GI was also discussed in March 2024 CurrentTap.

• NHAI achieved its highest-ever highway construction, building

6,644 km in FY24, surpassing the target of 6,544 km.
• This marks a 20% increase in construction from FY23, which saw
Expansion of National 5,544 km of highways built.
2.
Highways by NHAI • NHAI also registered its highest ever capital expenditure of Rs 2.07
trillion in FY24, up 20% from Rs 1.73 trillion in FY23.
• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highway’s gross budget support
(GBS) for capex in FY24 is Rs 2.64 trillion.

• Released by: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Ministry of

Information and Broadcasting.
Consultation Paper on • Purpose: To develop a comprehensive National Broadcasting Policy
‘Inputs for formulation of to promote the growth and development of the broadcasting sector
3.
National Broadcasting in India, leveraging new and emerging technologies.
Policy-2024’ • Key Areas of Discussion: making India a ‘Global Content Hub’,
fostering innovation, job creation, skill development, and enhancing
content security.

• Guidelines issued by: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

(FSSAI).
• FSSAI has noticed that licensed “proprietary foods” which are dairy-
based, cereal-based, and malt-based beverage mixes being sold on
e-commerce websites under the category of health or energy drinks.
Correct Categorization of
• The term ‘Health Drink’ is not defined or standardized anywhere
4. Food Products on E-
under the FSS Act 2006 or rules/regulations made thereunder.
Commerce Platforms
• All e-commerce FBOs must rectify this misclassification by
removing or de-linking such drinks or beverages from the category
of ‘Health Drinks / Energy Drinks’ & provide appropriate category.
• ‘Energy drinks’ is permitted to be used only for products which have
been licensed under specific food category system.

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 • Organizers: Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and National
2nd Leadership
Centre for Good Governance (NCGG).
Development Program in
5.
Science and Technology
• Objective: to nurture and empower future leaders in the field of
science and technology, fostering visionary leadership and advancing
(LEADS) Programme-2024
scientific excellence in India.

• Initiative of: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

• Aim: To speed up the sanction and approval process of national
Digitization of Project highways projects by making it paperless.
Sanction and Approval • A new standard operating procedure (SoP) has to be followed from
6.
Processes for National April.
Highways
• Applicability: mandated for all national highways works executed
through NHAI, state governments, BRO, NHIDCL, and MoRTH Project
Implementation Units (PIUs).

• Recently, Manohar International Airport, Goa, has introduced

biometric-enabled DigiYatra system for air travellers

About DigiYatra
7. DigiYatra • Initiative of: Ministry of Civil Aviation; Launched in: 2022
• It enables biometric boarding system using Facial biometric
verification Technology.
• Objective: to enhance the passenger experience by eliminating the
need for manual verification of tickets and ID at multiple touch points.

• Launched by: District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner of

Booth Raabta (Booth Malerkotla District, Punjab.
8.
Contact) • Objective: to provide election-related information to the people of the
district.

• Launched by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

• Developed by: National Informatics Centre (NIC) Himachal Pradesh
and NIC Health Team.
9. myCGHS iOS App
• Objective: To enhance access to Electronic Health Records,
information, and resources for Central Government Health Scheme
(CGHS) beneficiaries.

• Launched by: Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

• Objective: To simplify the experimental licence requirements for 100
5G Labs in academic institutions, facilitating smoother operations and
fostering innovation in the 5G domain.
• Features
o The licence will be issued on a “Self-declaration Mode” via the
National Single Window System (NSWS).
Experimental Licence o Nominal fees for application process- Rs. 5000.
10.
Module for 100 5G Labs Background
• DoT has awarded ‘100 5G Use Case Labs' to educational institutions
across India.
• Objective: to cultivate competencies and engagement in 5G
technologies among students and start-up communities.
• They need to obtain Experimental (Non-Radiating) category of
license from the DoT to ensure interference-free operations to
licensed TSPs.

14 | P a g e
 • Launched by: NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation)
• Objective: to facilitate former employees of NMDC in managing their
11. "Samman" Portal
medical claims, viewing personal profiles, dependent details, and
application status online.
• Overarching theme of the campaigns: ‘Chunav Ka Parv, Desh Ka
Garv’
• Turning 18 Campaign: To
galvanize youngsters to
participate in the upcoming
elections and address the critical
issues of urban and youth apathy
ECI’s (Election Commission
noticed in previous elections.
of India) Social Media
• You are the One Campaign: To
12. Campaigns for Enhanced
recognize and celebrate the
Voter Participation in
invaluable contributions of various
General Elections 2024
stakeholders involved in the
electoral process.
• ‘VerifyBeforeYouAmplify’
initiative (पोस्ट से पहले पुष्टि):
Combats fake news and
misinformation about election
processes.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has re-imposed the
ALMM order for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules from April 1, 2024.
• Aim: to regulate the solar PV module market by ensuring that projects
Approved List of Models and
sponsored or subsidized by the government use modules from
Manufacturers (ALMM)
13. approved manufacturers.
order for solar photovoltaic
• Projects commissioned by March 31, 2024, are exempt from the
(PV) modules
ALMM requirement.
• The ALMM order will not apply to projects set up under open access
or as captive by private parties.
• The Government of India has set 2025 as the target year to end urea
14. India’s Urea Imports
imports.
• Developed by: Technology
Development Board (TDB)
under Department of Science
Commercial Plant for and Technology (DST), in
Recycling Lithium-Ion collaboration with Remine
15.
Batteries (LIB) and E-Waste India.
in Uttarakhand • Objective: To establish a commercial recycling plant using
indigenous technology, developed by Centre for Materials for
Electronics Technology (CMET), Hyderabad, in Sitarganj's SIIDCUL
Industrial Area, Eldeco, Uttarakhand.

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), constructed

Significant Achievements by 12,349 km of national highways in the fiscal year 2023-24, marking
16. MoRTH in Highway it as the second-highest achievement in its history.
Construction in FY24 • The highest record was set in 2020-21 with 13,327 kilometers of
national highways constructed.

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 • Initiative of: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in
collaboration with the Food Safety Department, Delhi.
• Objective: To sensitize Food Business Operators and the general
public about food safety aspects, focusing on the detection and
mitigation of pesticide residues and contaminants in food products.
Awareness Campaign on
17. Food Safety Aspects at • Additionally, attendees were introduced to FSSAI's pioneering
Prominent Markets of Delhi initiative, the "Food Safety on Wheels (FSW)".
o FSW are mobile food testing vans.
o Objective: to reach remote areas and conduct training and
awareness activities.
o Equipped with rapid testing kits capable of detecting
approximately 50 pesticide residues across various food matrices.

Coal Production Target for • The Ministry of Coal has set the target of producing 170 million
18.
FY25 (2024-25) tonnes of coal from captive and commercial coal blocks for FY25.

• Constituted by: The Government of India; Total Members: seven

• Chairperson: NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat.
• Mandate: to suggest legislative measures for optimal and scientific
mining.
Panel for Legislation on • Focus Area: deep-seated mineral deposits like copper, gold, and
19.
Mining of Critical Minerals diamond.

Additional Information
• In 2023, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) established lithium-
inferred resources of 5.9 million tonnes in the Salal-Haimana area
of the Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

• Released by: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

• Purpose: to promote optimum resource utilization among
telecommunication licensees through infrastructure sharing,
spectrum sharing, and spectrum leasing.
• Key Recommendations
o Introduction of inter-band spectrum sharing and leasing
among service providers to enhance service quality and expand
coverage.
Recommendations on o Implementation of Authorized Shared Access (ASA) for better
‘Telecommunication utilization of spectrum currently assigned to government or other
Infrastructure Sharing, entities.
20.
Spectrum Sharing, and o Mandatory sharing of infrastructure funded by Universal
Spectrum Leasing’ Service Obligation Fund (USOF) or Digital Bharat Nidhi to at
least two other telecom service providers on a non-
discriminatory basis to extend connectivity in underserved
areas.
o Mandate roaming on networks in remote areas built with USOF
funding, initially for three years, to enhance consumer
connectivity.
• The initiative aligns with the National Digital Communications
Policy (NDCP) 2018 goals to liberalize the spectrum management
regime.

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 • Proposed by :Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Central
Leather Research Institute (CSIR–CLRI).
o Recommendations submitted to Department of Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
o DPIIT forwarded the proposal to Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS) for approval.
• Proposed after conducting a Pan India survey across 79 locations.
• Aim: to address the inadequacies of existing international sizing
'Bha' (Bharat) Shoe Sizing
21. standards and accommodate broader foot dimensions typically
System
found in the Indian population.
• Advanced three-dimensional foot scanning technology was used
to understand the size, dimensions, and structure of the average
Indian foot.
• Key Recommendations: suggests eight size categories based on
age groups from infants to adults, which could simplify
manufacturing processes by eliminating the need for half-sizes.
• Expected to be implemented by 2025.

• To increase India’s steel-making

capacity to 500 million tonnes (Mt)
Plan to increase Steel by 2047 from around 161 Mt at
22. Production Capacity by the present.
Government of India • To reduce the CO2 emission
intensity to 2.25 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of crude steel production
by 2029, and further reductions by 2047.

• The Government of India has allowed sugar mills to use excess 6.7
lakh tonnes of B-heavy molasses as feedstock for making ethanol
in 2023-24 supply year
• This is in addition to the capped diversion set the 2023-24 supply
year
Use of B-heavy Molasses for Background
23.
Ethanol Production • Sugar mills were holding excess stock of B-heavy molasses, a
byproduct of the sweetener, produced before the ban on its use in
December 2023.
• After the ban reversal, The government has set a cap of a diversion
of 17 lakh tonnes of sugar for ethanol production for the 2023-24
supply year.
• Introduced by: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade (DPIIT).
• It will replace Explosives Act of 1884.
• Key Provisions:
o Explosives: gunpowder, nitoglycerine, nitroglycol, di-nitro-
toluene, and picricacid.
Draft Explosives Bill 2024 o Union government will appoint the authority responsible for
24.
granting, suspending, or revoking licenses related to
explosive materials.
o The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO),
under the DPIIT, continues as the regulatory authority.
o Penalties for violators:
✓ Manufacturing, Importing, and Exporting Violations: jail
term for up to three years, a fine of Rs 1,00,000, or both.

17 | P a g e
 (previously maximum prison term of 3 years and a fine of Rs
50,000.)
✓ Possession, Use, Sale, and Transport Violations: jail term
for up to two years, a fine of Rs 50,000 or both. (previous
fine- Rs 3,000).

SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES

S.No Focus Area Key Outcomes

• Organized by: Election Commission of India (ECI)

• Venue: Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhii
• Chair: Chief Election Commissioner
• Participants: Municipal Commissioners from major cities and select
District Election Officers (DEOs) from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
• Aim: to address the issue of low voter turnout in Parliamentary
Constituencies (PCs) with historically low poll participation.
• A booklet titled ‘Voter’s Apathy’ was released at the event.
o 297 million eligible voters did not vote in the 2019 general
elections.
o Total constituencies with the lowest Voters Turnout Rate
(VTR): 50 constituencies
✓ Of the 50 constituencies with the lowest VTF in the 2019
First Conference on Low
1. general elections, 17 were in metropolitan or major cities.
Voter Turnout
✓ 11 States/UTs had a voter turnout lower than the national
average of 67.40% in the 2019 General Elections.
✓ Out of the total 50 Rural polling stations (PCs) across 11
states identified with lower voter turnout than the national
average in 2019, 40 PCs are from Uttar Pradesh (22) and
Bihar (18).
✓ In UP, Phulpur PC recorded the lowest turnout of 48.7%,
while in Bihar, Nalanda PC recorded lowest turnout of
48.79%.
o Top 3 PCs with lowest VTR: Anantnag Srinagar & Baramulla
respectively. All three are from Jammu and Kashmir.
o Top 3 PCs with lowest VTR in Metro or Major Cities: Hyderabad
(Telangana), Kalyan (Maharashtra), Patna Sahib (Bihar)
respectively.

• Organized by: Niti Anusandhan Pratisthan in collaboration with the

Central Sanskrit University, Delhi, and India Foundation, Delhi.
• Venue: Kathmandu, Nepal
• Outcome: Adoption of five-point resolution to strengthen Nepal-
Nepal-India International
2. India relations and promote Sanskrit education in both countries.
Sanskrit Conclave
o Nepal-India Sanskrit Study Centre will be set up.
o Niti Anusandhan Pratisthan Nepal will function as the head
office of the Nepal-India Sanskrit Study Centre.
o Training programme for Nepali Sanskrit students in India will
be organized.

18 | P a g e
 o Central Sanskrit University, Delhi, will facilitate libraries of
Gurukuls in Nepal and provide necessary books to Sanskrit
educational institutions in Nepal.
o Promotion of the religion, culture, philosophy, history and
archaeology of Nepal and India alongside the preservation of
Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit languages.

1st International Workshop on • Venue: Bengaluru, Karnataka.

3. ‘Emerging Technologies & • Organizer: Defence Bio-Engineering & Electromedical Laboratory
Challenges for Exoskeleton’ of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

• Host: Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company.

• Venue: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), UAE.
• 2nd Annual Green Hydrogen Summit was also hosted by Masdar
to bolster the green hydrogen economy.
• Key highlights included:
o Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park featuring
world’s tallest Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) tower, and
16th World Future Energy the largest thermal energy storage capacity as recognized by
Summit (WFES) Guinness World Records.
4. • Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA’s) new
headquarters, which will be the tallest, largest, and smartest
government Zero Energy Building in the world.
• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA)
participated in a panel discussion on “Future Growth
Opportunities for Long Duration Energy Storage”.
o Establishment of IREDA’s office at GIFT City, Gandhinagar,
Gujarat, for specializing in providing debt options
denominated in foreign currencies, was highlighted at the
panel discussion.

• Venue: New Delhi.

• Organizers: Russian State Agency 'Rossotrudnichestvo' under the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian House in New Delhi, and the
Russian Embassy in India.

Indo-Russian Education
• The summit was the was the largest of its kind in the history of
5. India-Russia bilateral relations.
Summit
• The Higher School of Economics (HSE), Russia, and the
University of Delhi signed a strategic cooperation agreement
during the Summit.
o As part of the agreement, a large research hub will begin
operating at the University of Delhi.

• Organized by: World Energy Council (WEC).

26th World Energy Congress • Host: Rotterdam, Netherlands.
• Theme: ‘Redesigning Energy for People and Planet’.
• Indian Pavilion: Central Public Sector Enterprises under the
6. Ministries of Power, New & Renewable Energy, Coal and Petroleum
& Natural Gas represented India.

About World Energy Council

• Establishment: 1923; Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
About WEC India

19 | P a g e
 • WEC India joined the council in 1924.
• Functions under the patronage of Ministry of Power with the
support of the Ministries of Coal, New & Renewable Energy,
Petroleum & Natural Gas and External Affairs.
• Organizers: Government of Bhutan & Tiger Conservation Coalition.
Sustainable Finance for Tiger • Venue: Paro, Bhutan
Landscapes Conference • Outcome: Paro Statement for Tigers was adopted.
o 10 participating Asian countries, including India, pledged USD
1 billion over the next decade (by 2034-the next year of the
7. tiger) towards protecting and expanding vital tiger habitats
across Asia.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) presented a
new initiative, the Tiger Landscapes Investment Fund.
o Aim: to promote nature-positive businesses with positive
impacts on tigers, biodiversity and local communities.
• Organizer: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW,
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Inland Waterways Authority of
Conference on ‘Challenges
India (IWAI).
and Prospective Solutions in
8. • Venue: Kochi, Kerala.
Inland Waterways and
• Aligned with goal of boosting the modal share of Inland Water
Shipbuilding’
Transport (IWT) to 5% by 2030 and 7% by 2047, as outlined in
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• Venue: Kuwait City.
• Organizers: Embassy of India in Kuwait in collaboration with the
Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC).
• Supported by: Union Investment of Companies (UIC) and Kuwait
India-Kuwait Investment Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
9.
Conference 2.0 • An MoU was signed between the International Financial Services
Centres Authority (IFSCA) of India and the Capital Markets
Authority (CMA) of Kuwait.
o Objective: sharing information regarding technologies and
innovations within the financial and regulatory ecosystem.
• Venue: New Delhi.
• Organizers: Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with Shakti
Sustainable Energy Foundation, Council on Energy, Environment
and Water (CEEW), and Indian Institute of Sustainable
Development (IISD).
• Theme: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities.
• Focus Area: Eight key minerals.
10. Critical Minerals Summit
• An MoU was signed between the Ministry of Mines and Shakti
Sustainable Energy Foundation.
o It includes collaboration with the Council on Energy,
Environment and Water (CEEW) and TERI to provide
knowledge support in critical minerals crucial for India's
economic development, national security, and low-carbon
energy transition.

MOUs AND AGREEMENTS

S.No Signing Entities Key Facts

20 | P a g e
 • Purpose: to use advanced geological models in SJVN's tunnelling
1. SJVN & IIT Patna
projects to reduce time and cost overruns.

• Purpose: To execute the Rwanda Transmission System Reinforcement

and Last Mile Connectivity project (TSRLMC) in Rwanda worth around
RVNL- STEL JV & Energy
Rs 60 crore.
2. Development Corporation
Limited (EDCL), Rwanda Additional Information
• Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) and Salasar Techno Engineering (STET)
hold 51% & 49% stake in the JV.
• Purpose: To enhance
Satellite Industry cooperation and progress in the
Association of India (SIA- space sector between India and
3. India) and Brazilian Brazil, covering domains such as
Satellite Communications satellite communication, rocket
Association (ABRASAT) launches, payload development,
and ground instrumentation.

Tejas Networks Ltd.,

Telecom Egypt (TE),
• Purpose: to replicate Tejas Networks' experience in implementing
Information Technology
4. significant projects like Bharatnet and the National Knowledge Network
Industry Development
in Egypt.
Agency (ITIDA) & National
Telecom Institute (NTI)

• Purpose of the JV: to set up automotive software and IT development

BMW Group and Tata
5. hubs in Pune, Bengaluru, and Chennai, focusing on advancing BMW
Technologies Ltd.
Group's software coding capabilities globally.

6. SIDBI and KarmaLife • Objective: to offer micro loans to gig workers on a pilot basis.

• Purpose: To renew electricity export permission from India to Nepal for

7. India and Nepal
three months, aimed at assisting Nepal with its power crisis.

Society For Innovation & • Purpose: To provide financial support to startups, leveraging Canara
8. Entrepreneurship (SINE), Start-Up Scheme and SINE's incubation and acceleration support for
IIT Bombay & Canara Bank technology startups.

• The contract involves the supply of six sets of LM2500 gas turbines
(GT) and GT Auxiliaries (GTAE), for the NGMV project.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd
About Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project
9. (HAL) & Cochin Shipyard
• Under this project, Indian Navy intends to acquire six advanced
Limited (CSL)
missile vessels.
• CSL will be building these six advanced missile vessels.
• Purpose: USD 100 million contract involves the manufacturing and
Mahindra Aerostructures
delivery of metallic components for the entire Airbus commercial
10. Pvt Ltd (MASPL) and
aircraft family, including the A320 family planes.
Airbus Atlantic
• Airbus Headquarters: France.
• Purpose: To jointly develop an indigenous Train Control Management
System (i-TCMS), often referred to as the "brain of the train”.
• BEML and BEL, both are India’s leading Defence Public Sector
Bharat Earth Movers
Undertakings (PSUs).
11. Limited (BEML) and Bharat
About BEML Limited
Electronics Limited (BEL)
• Leading 'Schedule A' company’ under Ministry of Defence.
• Operates in 3 verticals: Defence & Aerospace, Mining & Construction,
and Rail & Metro.

21 | P a g e
 • IFFCO to purchase approximately 2 lakh tonnes of ammonia produced
using renewable energy from ACME Cleantech Solutions.
• Ammonia will be manufactured at ACME's facility in Gopalpur, Odisha
Indian Farmers Fertiliser
Cooperative Limited • ACME would retain green credit and trade in the form of ITMO
12. (Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes) with other countries
(IFFCO) & ACME Cleantech
Solutions under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
o Under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, countries can transfer
carbon credits earned from the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions to help one or more countries meet their climate targets.

• Purpose: to establish technical and knowledge cooperation in the field

of critical minerals, focusing on their exploration, processing, and
Khanij Bidesh India Limited development.
(KABIL) & Council of About Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)
Scientific and Industrial • A JV of three Indian PSUs - National Aluminium Company Limited
13.
Research - Institute of (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) and Mineral Exploration
Minerals and Materials and Consultancy Limited (MECL); Ministry: Ministry of Mines
Technology (CSIR-IMMT) • Mandate: ensure mineral security and supply assurance for India,
supporting the 'Make in India' initiative by procuring and developing
strategic minerals.

• Aim: transforming Bengaluru into a leading aviation hub for South India.
• The collaboration involves strengthening the presence of Tata Group
airlines, including Air India and Vistara, at Kempegowda
Air India & Bangalore
International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru.
14. International Airport
Additional Information
Limited (BIAL)
• Air India has also signed an MoU with the Government of Karnataka
to develop comprehensive maintenance, repair, and operations
(MRO) facilities at KIA.
• Aim: to facilitate and promote the use of Unified Payments Interface
Singapore Tourism Board
15. (UPI) transactions for Indian visitors in Singapore.
(STB) & PhonePe
• MoU valid for two years.
• Objective: to establish public charging stations for EVs across India.
Tata Passenger Electric
• The partnership will leverage Shell's existing network of fuel stations
16. Mobility and Shell India
and data from Tata Passenger on how people charge their Tata electric
Markets
vehicles (EVs).

• Purpose: To extend the 'Praayas' scheme to rural livelihood missions

to enhance economic stability for women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs)
through direct credit under partnership arrangements.
• Focus Area: creating a scalable credit distribution ecosystem.
Small Industries
• Aim: to impact 500,000 informal micro enterprises by 2025.
Development Bank of India
(SIDBI) in association with
• SIDBI, in collaboration with WWB, plans to pilot this project with 35-40
Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) across Bihar and Maharashtra.
Women's World Banking
17. • SIDBI has earmarked Rs 50 crore during the pilot testing phase
(WWB) with Jeevika, Bihar
State Rural Livelihoods • Target: to offer affordable credit of up to Rs 2 lakh to 5,000 women
Mission (SRLM) & UMED, entrepreneurs.
Maharashtra-SRLM • WWB is providing manpower support and capacity building to CLFs.
• Women-led SHGs' CLFs will act as partner institutions with SIDBI.
• MetLife Foundation supports the initiative with a grant aimed at
promoting economic mobility for underserved communities.
• Note: Prayaas will be covered under SchemesTap-April 2024 Part II.

22 | P a g e
 • Purpose: To conduct collaborative research and training aimed at
developing new technologies to resolve health issues that soldiers
Armed Forces Medical encounter in challenging terrains.
18. Services (AFMS) & IIT • Technical expertise will be provided by IIT Kanpur for developing AI
Kanpur diagnostic models, at Armed Forces Centre for Computational
Medicine established in Armed Forces Medical College, which is first
of its kind amongst medical colleges in India.

• Purpose: to cooperate in research and technology, and product

Bharat Electronics Ltd.
19. development, particularly in the fields of semiconductors, quantum
(BEL) & IIT Mandi
technologies, and drones.

• Purpose: To jointly evaluate the development of a green ammonia

production project in Paradip, Odisha.
• Aim: to use 500 MW of renewable energy to produce green hydrogen,
ReNew Energy Global &
20. essential for green ammonia production.
JERA
• JERA, Japan’s largest power generation company, will have the rights
to offtake the green ammonia for Japan.
• Aligned with: National Green Hydrogen Mission.

• Aim: to nurture innovations and drive advancements in healthcare in

India.
• MoU signed under the BFI-Biome Virtual Network Program.
IIT Kanpur & Bengaluru- • BFI will support IIT Kanpur in promoting entrepreneurial initiatives
21. based Blockchain for through the Startup Incubation & Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT
Impact (BFI) Kanpur.
• BFI has pledged to allocate USD 150,000 over three years to develop
programmes specifically tailored to healthcare-focused startups at
SIIC.

Comptroller and Auditor • Aim: to enhance collaboration and the exchange of expertise in the
General of India (CAG) & field of auditing between the two nations.
22.
SAI Bulgaria, the Bulgarian
National Audit Office

• Objective: to deploy solar solutions in India.

• The JV has installed 14.4 megawatts of rooftop solar installations
Apple CleanMax Joint
23. across six industrial sites in India.
Venture
• Apple will help in addressing the emissions associated with its
corporate operations in India.

Department of • Objective: strengthening and promoting bilateral exchange and

Administrative Reforms cooperation in the field of Human Resource Development in Civil
24. and Public Grievances Service.
(DARPG) & Ministry of Civil • Duration: 5 years.
Service, Cambodia

• Scope: undertaking research and innovation to develop novel medical

Armed Forces Medical
25. devices and focus on solving health issues specific to serving soldiers
Services (AFMS) & IIT Delhi
in varied terrains.

23 | P a g e
 • Aim: fostering enterprise creation and nurturing the rapid growth of
innovative start-ups in India.
• Objectives:
o To advance aerospace, defence, and homeland security innovation
through the Security and Scientific Technical Research Association
(SASTRA)
Rashtriya Raksha o To create a venture capital fund of 100 million euros for aerospace,
University (RRU), & defence, and security technology.
26. o To provide export promotion support for Indian start-ups to explore
Starburst Aerospace,
France international markets.
• The MoU reflects progress in the defence and space sectors under
the India-France Strategic Partnership.

Additional Information
• Rashtriya Raksha University is based out of Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Security and Scientific Technical Research Association (SASTRA), is a
not-for-profit company set up by RRU.

• Objectives:
o To jointly develop grid-connected renewable energy-based power
NTPC Green Energy Ltd. projects, including solar, wind, energy storage, and other solutions.
27.
(NGEL) & Indus Towers o Addressing the need to accelerate green energy objectives in line
with the Government of India's efforts towards a carbon-neutral
economy.

• Aramco becomes FIFA's Major Worldwide Partner exclusively in the

energy category.
28. Aramco & FIFA • Duration: Four-year partnership running until the end of 2027.
• Aramco gains exclusive sponsorship rights for various events,
including FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

Armed Forces Medical • Objective: to undertake biomedical research & academics for Armed
Services (AFMS) & Indian Forces.
29.
Council of Medical
Research (ICMR)

• Objective: To create AI frameworks for automated network

management, including fault detection and diagnostics in 5G networks.
• Signed under: Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF).
Centre for Development of About Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)
30. Telematics (C-DOT) & IIT • Initiative of: Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Jodhpur
• It provides funding support to domestic companies and institutions
involved in technology design, development, commercialization of
telecommunication products and solutions to enable affordable
broadband and mobile services in rural and remote areas.

• REC Limited will extend a term loan of Rs 1,869 crores to CVPPPL for
the development, construction, and operation of the Kiru Hydro
REC Limited & Chenab
Electric Project.
31. Valley Power Project
About Kiru Hydro Electric Project
Private Limited (CVPPPL)
• Location: On the River Chenab in Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir.
• Capacity: 624 MW (4 x156 MW).

24 | P a g e
 • Objective: to foster a long-term collaboration in the field of
Khanij Bidesh India Limited
geophysical investigations to bolster its ongoing projects and activities
(KABIL) & CSIR - National
32. in critical and strategic minerals.
Geophysical Research
Institute (NGRI)

• Objective: To develop technology for capturing and converting carbon

CSIR-IICT (Indian Institute dioxide (CO2) into Dimethyl Ether (DME), a clean fuel that can be
33. of Chemical Technology) blended with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
and BHEL • This technology is part of the Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)
initiative by the Department of Science and Technology.
• Purpose: to manufacture the Bismaleimide Engine Bay Door for the
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd
series production of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A.
(HAL) and National
34. About Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A
Aerospace Laboratories
• An indigenous 4.5 generation, all-weather and multi-role fighter
(NAL)
aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• JSW Neo Energy has received contract from NTPC to setup a 700 MW
ISTS-connected solar power project as part of a larger 1,500 MW
35. JSW Neo Energy & NTPC ISTS-connected Solar Power Projects initiative (NTPC-ISTS-II).
• The contract aligns with JSW’s objective to achieve carbon neutrality
by 2050.
• Purpose: To provide vocational training and skill development for tribal
and underprivileged youth across various states.
• Initial Focus States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat,
and Madhya Pradesh.
• Industry-recognized certifications to be offered via the Skill India
Digital Hub platform.
National Skill Development • Culinary Schools by ISKCON
Corporation (NSDC) and o To be set up at Palghar and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra & Gujarat,
36. the International Society Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
for Krishna Consciousness o trained individuals will be employed at the Maha Kumbh Kitchen in
(ISKCON) Prayagraj in 2025.
• Two additional projects under the partnership
o Replication of the Govardhan Eco Village model at Palghar in
Nandurbar (Maharashtra), Jaipur Rural (Rajasthan), and Mandla
and Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh).
• Skill development in Hospitality, Retail, and Logistics through Skill
India Centers, fostering employment and entrepreneurship.
• Objective: to Implement the OneX platform across 40,000 bank
CELERITYX, part of branches in Maharashtra, with potential expansion to over 1 lakh
OneOTT Entertainment branches nationwide.
Limited (OIL), and • Purpose: To enhance connectivity and cyber security for credit
37. Maharashtra State societies, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across Maharashtra.
Cooperative Credit About OneX Platform:
Societies Federation • Developed by: OIL, a subsidiary of Hinduja Global Solutions Limited.
(MAFCOCS) • A unified network-as-a-service solution offering network
management, security, and Local Area Network (LAN) side control.
• Objective: To establish a codeshare agreement that enhances flight
Air India and All Nippon
38. options and simplifies the travel process between India and Japan.
Airways (ANA)

• Signing Parties: Hinduja Group, King's College London, Guy's & St.
Hinduja Group and King's
39. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Hinduja Foundation UK, and P.D.
College London
Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai.

25 | P a g e
 • Purpose: to foster healthcare improvements in India and the UK
through educational and research collaborations, as well as to provide
scholarships for Indian students.
• Hinduja-King's Health Partners Academy will be set up, which will be
chaired by Professor Prokar Dasgupta.
• Aim: propelling innovation in Mobile Financial Services (MFS) and
Ericsson and the
Fintech solutions.
Foundation for Innovation
• The partnership has been signed for two years.
40. & Research in Science &
Technology (F.I.R.S.T) at
IIT Kanpur

• Objective: to promote entrepreneurship and provide support to

Alliance of Digital India
technology startups by facilitating collaboration between ADIF's
Foundation (ADIF) and IIT
network of startups and entrepreneurs, and IIT Guwahati's pool of
41. Guwahati Technology
innovators, faculty, and incubation facilities.
Incubation Centre (IIT
• Mou Duration: two years.
Guwahati TIC)

• Objective: for the supply of 9 lakh metric tonnes of limestone (lime

NTPC Limited and
chips, a by-product of the RINL, for the NTPC units) across India for
42. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam
five years.
Limited (RINL)

• Purpose: renewal of the MoU which envisages capacity building

programs for 1500 officers from 2025-2030.
National Centre for Good
• This is part of Department of Administrative Reforms and Public
Governance (NCGG) and
Grievances (DARPG) to visit Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Ministry of
43. o Focus Area: mid-career capacity building programs in field
Public administration
administration for Bangladesh Civil Servants.
• NCGG and the Bangladesh Ministry of Public Administration are
conducting capacity building programs for Bangladesh Civil Servants
since 2014
• Objective: to demonstrate Ocean Sun's floating solar energy
NHPC Limited & Norwegian
44. technology, which involves mounting photovoltaic panels on hydro-
company Ocean Sun
elastic membranes, at selected sites identified by NHPC.

BANKING AND FINANCE

S.No Program / Initiative Key Facts

• The new gold backed currency of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Gold (ZIG) • ZiG, replaces the deeply depreciated Zimbabwe dollar.
1. • ZiG is the sixth currency introduced since the 2009 collapse of the
Zimbabwe dollar due to hyperinflation.
• The US Dollar will also remain legal tender in Zimbabwe.

• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) has

IREDA loan sanctions and achieved its highest-ever annual
disbursements in 2023- loan sanctions and disbursements in
2. 2024 the financial year 2023-24.
o Loans sanctioned: Rs. 37,354
crores.
o Loans disbursed Rs. 25,089
crores.

26 | P a g e
 o The fiscal year saw a 26.71% growth in IREDA's loan book, which
now stands at Rs. 59,650 crores.

• PFC pays highest-ever interim dividend of Rs. 2,033 crores to

Government of India for the financial year 2023-24.
Interim Dividend payment
3. • The total interim dividends for FY 2023-24 by PFC amounts to Rs.
by PFC in 2023-24
3,630 crores, which is 110% or Rs. 11 per equity share, the highest
ever interim dividend paid by PFC.
• ICICI Securities received approval from its shareholders for the
Delisting of ICICI
delisting of its stock, setting the stage for a merger with ICICI Bank.
4. Securities and Merger with
ICICI Bank • Post merger, ICICI Securities will operate as a wholly owned
subsidiary of ICICI Bank.
• Warburg Pincus sold its entire 2.25% stake in IDFC First Bank,
Warburg Pincus exits IDFC
5. through its affiliate Cloverdell Investment Ltd, for Rs 1,195 crore
First Bank
through an open market transaction.
• Launched by: J&K Bank, in partnership with Paymart India Pvt Ltd.
Virtual ATM (VATM)
6. • Transaction Limits withdrawal of up to Rs 2,000 cash per transaction
facility in J&K and Ladakh
and a total of Rs 10,000 per month.
• Canara SHG e-MONEY: A digital initiative for Self-Help Groups
(SHGs), offering instant digital credit facilities.
o This initiative, a collaboration with Reserve Bank Innovation Hub
(RBIH), positions Canara Bank as the first bank to provide
New Banking Products and seamless doorstep digital services to SHGs.
7.
Services by Canara Bank • Canara Heal: designed to cover hospitalization expenses not
immediately covered by healthcare insurance.
• Canara Angel: savings account tailored for women.
• Canara UPI 123PAY ASI: A user-friendly payment interface aimed at
simplifying transactions for users.
• Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Axis Bank's
Axis Bank's acquisition of a
8. proposed acquisition of additional 6% stake buy in Max Life
stake in Max Life Insurance
Insurance; Deal Value: Rs1,612 crore.
• Sebi has received the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its-
o Information Security Management System at the Primary Data
Sebi Achieves
Centre, Security Operations Control (SOC)
International Organization
o Network Operations Control (NOC) Operations,
9. for Standardization (ISO)
o Information Security Management System at the Disaster
Certification for Security
Recovery site.
Management
• The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is recognized internationally as a benchmark
for information security management systems (ISMS).
• Rs 1 crore on IDFC First Bank for non-compliance with directions
RBI Penalization of LIC related to 'Loans and Advances - Statutory and Other Restrictions'.
10. Housing Finance and IDFC • Rs 49.70 lakh on LIC Housing Finance for non-compliance with
First Bank provisions of the 'Non-Banking Financial Company - Housing Finance
Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2021'.
• Developed by: Third Unicorn, in partnership with Delhi-based Non-
Banking Financial Company (NBFC) Mukut Finvest.
• Objective: to provide instant pre-approved medical loans for up to Rs
11. ZeroPe App 5, 00,000 facilitating financial access for medical treatments.
Additional Information
• Ashneer Grover. Madhuri Jain Grover and Aseem Ghavri are the co-
founders of Third Unicorn.

27 | P a g e
 Karnataka Bank - FISDOM • Karnataka Bank has expanded its collaboration with FISDOM to offer
12. Collaboration for stock 3-in-1 (savings, demat and trading accounts) through the bank's
broking services mobile banking app, KBL Mobile Plus.

• Aim: to enhance the cross-border payment experience for Indian

Partnership between PayU
13. merchants by integrating PayPal's ISU 2.0 Checkout into PayU’s
and PayPal
services.

• Launched by: SBI Life Insurance.

• an innovative platform to engage B-School students across India in
creating cutting-edge life insurance solutions.
14. IdeationX (1st edition) • Objective: to tap into the creativity and leadership potential of the
youth to address evolving consumer needs in the insurance sector and
contribute to reshaping the life insurance landscape in India.
• Aligned with IRDAI’s vision of 'Insurance for All by 2047'.

• Launched by: Nikhil Kamath, Zerodha founder.

• It is the first and the largest grant program of its kind in India.
• Objective: To nurture young
talent and bolster the
entrepreneurial ecosystem
before institutional funding.
• Key Features of the fund
o A sector-agnostic fund.
o Beneficiaries: Forty
entrepreneurs aged 25 or
15. WTFund
younger will be chosen
over a one-year period.
o Grant: non-dilutive grant of Rs 20 lakh each, ensuring full equity
retention for founders.
o Support: Mentorship, community access, go-to-market studio,
beta testing, talent acquisition.
o Aim: To support the top 1% of young visionaries to develop their
industries before they receive institutional funding.
• Origins: Stemming from Kamath’s WTF podcast, focused on disruptive
thinking and opportunity democratization.

• Axis Bank in partnership with Shoppers Stop has launched the Axis
Bank Shoppers Stop Credit Card.
16. Co-branded credit card
• Shopper’s Stop already has a co-branded credit card with HDFC Bank,
named Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card.

• Launched by:
India Mortgage
Guarantee
Corporation
Mortgage Guarantee- (IMGC) in
17. backed Home Loan collaboration
Products with the Bank of
India (BOI).
• Aim: to promote financial inclusion and support early home ownership
for both salaried and self-employed customers.

28 | P a g e
 • A 50:50 partnership between JFS, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries
Ltd (RIL), and BlackRock, a US-based investment company.
Jio Financial Services
• Aim: to set up a wealth management company and a broking business
18. (JFS) -BlackRock Joint
in India.
Venture
• Both companies have a similar partnership for the asset management
venture.
• Jana Small Finance Bank has partnered with Kotak Mahindra Life
Partnership to offer
19. Insurance Company Ltd to offer life insurance products to its
insurance products
customers.
• The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has increased its stake
20. LIC’s stake in HUL in the paid-up capital of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) from
4.99% to 5.01%.
• Aegon Life Insurance has been renamed as Bandhan Life.
• New Tagline of Bandhan Life: ‘Bharat Ki Udaan, Bandhan Se’.
21. Bandhan Life Background
• Bandhan Financial Holdings took over Aegon Life Insurance, a JV
between Aegon NV, of Dutch origin, and BCCL.
• NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in association with
State Bank of India (SBI), has onboarded SBI National Common
SBI National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) on its Bharat BillPay platform.
22.
Mobility Card (NCMC) • The introduction of NCMC Recharge as a biller category will enable
customers to recharge/top-up their cards online.
• Customers can top-up their NCMC cards with up to Rs 10,000 online
through Bharat BillPay-enabled platforms.
• Launched by: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Launched at: Indian Premier League (IPL).
• Campaign created by: DDB Mudra Group.
23. 'Link it, Forget it' campaign
• Goal: to raise awareness about RuPay Credit cards, which can be linked
to Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ID, enabling secure and convenient
payments.
• Launched by: Airtel Payments Bank, in association with the National
NCMC aligned debit, pre-
24. Payments Corporation of India (NPCI); Powered by: RuPay.
paid cards
• The cards align with India’s One Nation, One Card vision.

• India’s first all-in-one payment product that integrates Point of sale

25. BharatPe One (POS), Quick Response (QR), and speaker into one device.
• It will be launched in 100 cities in the first phase. & expanded to 450
cities over the course of the next 6 months.
• First ever travel-focused core credit card of the SBI
26. SBI Card MILES • Three variants: SBI Card MILES ELITE, SBI Card MILES PRIME, and SBI
Card MILES.

• Razorpay's own Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure.

27. UPI Switch • Banking Partner: Airtel Payments Bank.
• Capable of handling up to 10,000 transactions per second.
• Launched by: Fintech company Cred.
UPI-based ‘Scan and Pay’
28. • It enables members to use any QR code for payments directly from
service
their bank accounts in an offline mode.
• The RBI has prohibited Kotak Mahindra Bank from onboarding new
RBI's Regulatory Action on
29. customers through online and mobile channels and from issuing
Kotak Mahindra Bank
fresh credit cards.

29 | P a g e
 • The decision follows identified deficiencies in the bank's IT system in
2022 and 2023.

• HCLSoftware has been selected by State Bank of India (SBI) for their
SBI's digital transformation MarTech solution as part of SBI's digital transformation program.
30.
program • The five-year agreement will see the deployment of the HCL Unica
platform by HCLSoftware.
• Launched by: AdaniConneX, a joint venture between Adani Enterprises
and EdgeConneX.
• Aim: to raise funds worth up to USD 1.44 billion (USD 11,520 crore)
AdaniConneX
through a sustainability-linked financing framework.
31. Sustainability-Linked
• Initial commitment: USD 875 million.
Financing Framework
• Eight Partner Banks: ING Bank N.V., Intesa Sanpaolo, KfW IPEX, MUFG
Bank, Ltd, Natixis, Standard Chartered Bank, Societe Generale, and
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

DEFENCE EXERCISES/ INITIATIVES/ TECHNOLOGY

S.No Exercise/ Technology Key Facts

• The first ever conference of the Heads of all Tri- Services
Institutions, the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), Headquarters
Parivartan Chintan Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and the three services.
1. • Organized by: Ministry of Defence; Venue: New Delhi
• Chaired by: Chief of Defence Staff
• Objective: to generate new and fresh ideas, initiatives and reforms to
propel Jointness and Integration efforts
• Initiative of: Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Objective: to test IAFs capabilities and preparedness for high-intensity
operations.
• Venue: Bhuj in Gujarat, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Pokhran Field
Firing Range in Jaisalmer & other locations across the country.
• It is the biggest IAF exercise after ‘Vayu Shakti’.
2. Gagan Shakti 2024
• The Indian Army is providing logistics support, including passenger
trains named Sanyukta Express.
• The previous edition was held in 2018.
• Pan India emergency landing facility operated by the IAF.
o IAF operated from the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in the
northern sector in Kashmir valley.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered two Dornier 228
3. Dornier 228 planes aircraft to the Guyana Defence Force.
• The delivery is a part of the Line of Credit from India to Guyana.
• Strategic Forces Command (SFC) & Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) have successfully test fired Agni-
Prime.
Agni-Prime- a new
4. • It is a two-stage canisterised solid propellant ballistic missile with
generation ballistic missile
dual redundant navigation and guidance system.
• Range: 1,000-2,000km.
• It is lighter than all the earlier Agni series of missiles.
• The Indian Army has initiated the induction of control and reporting
systems under 'Project Akashteer'.
5. Project Akashdeer
• The induction began with the flagging off of the first batch of control
centers from BEL-Ghaziabad.

30 | P a g e
 About Project Akashdeer
• Initiative of: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
• Launched under: Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Akashteer Control Centres are designed to automate air defence
control and reporting processes by digitizing the entire workflow,
enhancing the response capabilities to aerial threats.
• Aim: bolstering the air defence capabilities of the Indian Army.
• Significance: The introduction of these systems aligns with 2024
being designated as the ‘Year of Tech Absorption’.
• DRDO will be setting up a small test centre for the country's weapon
6. New Test Centre of DRDO systems in Junput village, Purba Medinipur district in West Bengal.
• Junput village is situated by Bay of Bengal.
• India's defence exports have reached a record high of Rs 21,083 crore
7. India's Defence Exports (approximately USD 2.63 billion) in FY 2023-24, marking a 32.5%
increase over the previous fiscal year's exports of Rs 15,920 crore.
• It is a coastal security exercise.
8. Sagar Kavach • Participants: maritime security agencies of India.
• Venue: off the Lakshadweep Islands.
• 40th anniversary of Operation
Meghdoot was observed on 13
April.
• On this day in 1984, Indian Army
gained full control over Siachen
Glacier.
About the Operation
Operation Meghdoot • It was the codename for the Indian Army operation to take full control
9. of the Siachen in Ladakh.
• It was the first assault launched
on the Siachen glacier.
• Launched under the leadership
of Lieutenant General Manohar
Lal Chibber, Lieutenant General
PN Hoon and Major General Shiv Sharma.
1. Objective: to pre-empt the seizure of Sia La and Bilafond La passes
by the Pakistan Army.
• Recently, Israel has deployed C-Dome defence system for first time
near Eilat city.
• Eilat was targeted by Yemen's Houthi rebels, allies of Palestinian
militants Hamas.
C-Dome is a naval version of the Iron Dome.
Israel’s multilayered air-defence system
• Iron Dome: specializes in shooting down short-range rockets and
missiles, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel
C-Dome defence system
Aerospace Industries.
10.
• David’s Sling: targets medium-range missile threats. manufactured by
Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the US' Raytheon Co
• Arrow: developed in collaboration with the U.S., this system intercepts
long-range ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere.
• Patriot: an older system used to intercept aircraft and longer-range
missiles, historically used since the Gulf War, developed in assistance
with the USA
• Iron Beam: it is under development to intercept incoming threats with
laser technology

31 | P a g e
 • The Steel cutting ceremony for the first of five Fleet Support Ships
(FSS) for the Indian Navy was held at Hindustan Shipyard Limited
(HSL), Visakhapatnam.
• FSS, under construction at HSL, is first-of-its-kind with displacement
Fleet Support Ships (FSS)
11. of 44,000 tons.
for the Indian Navy
• FSS will enhance the 'Blue Water' capabilities of the Indian Navy by
providing replenishment at sea including fuel, water, ammunition,
and stores.
• The first ship is scheduled to be delivered by mid-2027.
• India received the first batch of 24 Igla-S MANPADS, along with 100
missiles.
Igla-S Man Portable Air • Subsequent production to be carried out in India through Transfer of
Defence Systems Technology (ToT).
(MANPADS) • It is part of the contract between India and Russia signed for 120
12.
launchers and 400 missiles.
• Manufacturer of Igla-S: Russia's Rosoboronexport.
• It is intended to enhance the Very Short-Range Air Defence
(VSHORAD) capabilities of the Indian Army, particularly in protecting
against low-altitude aerial threats like aircraft, drones, and missiles.
• It is the largest naval infrastructure project for India.
• It envisages to create naval base at Karwar, Karnataka.
• Part of Phase IIA of Project Seabird, aims to accommodate 32 ships
13. Project Seabird and submarines, 23-yard crafts, a dual-use Naval Air Station, a full-
fledged Naval Dockyard.
• Upon completion, it will be the largest naval base in the Eastern
Hemisphere.
• It recently made port call at Muara, Brunei, as part of its ongoing
overseas deployment to Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) countries.
• It is in pursuance of India ASEAN Initiative for Marine Pollution.
Indian Coast Guard Vessel About India ASEAN Initiative for Marine Pollution
14.
Samudra Paheredar • Announced in Cambodia during the ASEAN Defence Minister Plus
Meeting in 2022.
• The initiative proposes the establishment of India-ASEAN Marine
Pollution Response Centre at Chennai by the ICG to address and
supplement regional efforts to deal with marine pollution incidents.
• It is a Joint Military Exercise between India and Uzbekistan.
• Venue: Termez District, Uzbekistan.
"DUSTLIK-2024" (5th
15. • It is a yearly event conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan.
edition)
• Previous edition was conducted at Pithoragarh.
• First edition held in 2019.
• Indian Army successfully test fired the MPATGM Weapon System at
Man Portable Anti-tank
the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan.
16. Guided Missile (MPATGM)
• Designed & developed by: Defence Research and Development
Weapon System
Organisation (DRDO).
• India has delivered the first set of BrahMos supersonic cruise
missiles to the Philippines as part of the USD 375 million deal.
o Under the deal, three batteries of shore-based, anti-ship variant of
BrahMos supersonic
17. the BrahMos were to be exported to Philippines.
cruise missiles
• The Indian Air Force has sent its American origin C-17 Globemaster
transport aircraft to deliver the missiles.
• It was the first export of the BrahMos missile by India.

32 | P a g e
 About BrahMos
• A joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO
Mashinostroyeniya.
• The missile derives its name from Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
• It is the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile.
• It can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land
platforms; Original Range: 290km.
• India after becoming the member of Missile Technology Control
Regime in 2016, the range has been extended to 450km.
• INSV Tarini, manned by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, completed
a historic transoceanic expedition.
• They are the first Indian women officers to accomplish such a feat in
Historic Transoceanic double-handed mode.
18.
Expedition by INSV Tarini • The expedition was carried out in Indian Ocean from Goa, base port of
INSV Tarini, to Port Louis, Mauritius, and back to Goa.
• The officers are set to undertake a global circumnavigation (Sagar
Parikrama - IV expedition) in September.
• Developed by Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO
for the Indian Navy.
SPACE (Submersible
• Inaugurated at: Underwater Acoustic Research Facility, Kulamavu in
Platform for Acoustic
Idukki, Kerala.
Characterisation and
19. • A state-of-the-art testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems used
Evaluation)
on various platforms including ships, submarines, and helicopters.
• Two main components: a floating platform and a submersible platform
that can be lowered up to 100 meters using winch systems.
• It would enhance Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities.
• Under the operation, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) thwarted an Iranian
attack, intercepting 300 drones and missiles.
20. Operation Iron Shield o It was Iran’s first ever direct military assault on Israel.
• Israel Defence systems used in the operation.
o Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 system, DAVID'S SLING & Iron Dome.
• It was successfully test fired recently.
• It is a long range subsonic indigenously developed cruise missile.
• Developed by: Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory Aeronautical
Indigenous Technology
Development Establishment (ADE).
21. Cruise Missile (ITCM) or
• Tested for the first time with an indigenous propulsion system, the
Nirbhay cruise missile
Manik turbofan engine, replacing the earlier Russian engine
• Indigenous propulsion system developed by Gas Turbine Research
Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru.
• DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has handed over
Leading Edge Actuators the first batch of the indigenous Leading-Edge Actuators and
and Airbrake Control Airbrake Control Module to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for
22.
Module for LCA Tejas the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A.
Mk1A • HAL, Lucknow has already made preparations for the production of
these units for the current 83 LCA Tejas Mk1A order.

Exercise Poorvi Lehar • Conducted by: Eastern Naval Command, Indian Navy.
(XPOL 2024) • Venue: East Coast.
23.
• Aim: validation of procedures towards assessment of Indian Navy’s
preparedness to meet Maritime Security challenges in the region.

• A high-tech IT Laboratory has been inaugurated at the Academy of

India-Uzbekistan defence
24. Armed Forces in Uzbekistan.
collaboration
o The Lab has been established with Indian assistance.

33 | P a g e
 • Conducted in international waters by INS Talwar, Indian Naval
Operation Crimson
25. warship.
Barracuda
o INS Talwar seized 940 kilograms of narcotics.
• Recently, North Korea test-launched Pyoljji-1-2 anti-aircraft missile.
Pyoljji-1-2 anti-aircraft
26. o North Korea also conducted a power test for a warhead designed
missile
for the Hwasal-1 Ra-3 strategic cruise missile.
• Developed by: DRDO’s Defence Materials and Stores Research and
India’s light weight Bullet
Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur.
Proof Jacket for protection
27. • Tested at: Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.
against highest threat
• It is the first bullet proof jacket made using monolithic ceramic which
level 6 of BIS
can stop 6 7.62x54 API bullets.
• Indian Navy’s INS Sahyadri participated in Maritime Partnership
Maritime Partnership
28. Exercise with the British Royal Navy’s RFA Argus and RFA Lyme Bay,
Exercise
part of the UK Littoral Response Group South at sea.
• The Strategic Forces Command has successfully test fired a new
Medium-Range Ballistic
29. version of Medium-Range Ballistic Missile.
Missile
• It is capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 250 km.
• An MoU was signed between Indian Air Force (IAF) & Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to leverage
DigiLocker’s secure and accessible document repository services.
• The integration will revolutionize the way critical service documents of
IAF personnel, both serving and retired, are issued, accessed, and
IAFs integration with
30. verified digitally.
DigiLocker
About DigiLocker
• A flagship initiative under the Digital India programme.
• Launched in 2015.
• Aim: to make India go paperless while providing a “secure document
access platform on a public cloud.”
• India is set to receive the remaining two regiments of S-400 Triumf
surface-to-air missile systems from Russia by 2025.
• It is the world's most advanced air defense system.
• It has a range of 40 to 400 kilometers, capable of targeting threats
from air, including aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, and
hypersonic weapons.
Background
• India signed a USD 5.5 billion deal with Russia in 2018 to procure five
units of the S-400 air missile systems.
• Despite potential sanctions under the Countering America’s
31. S-400 Triumf Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) from the US, India has
continued its acquisition.
Stealth Frigates Deal
• India expects the delivery of the warships Tushil and Tamal from
Russia in 2024 & 2025 respectively.
• These are part of the four-frigate deal signed in 2018, with the
remaining two being built in India.
Additional Information
• DRDO is working on Project Kusha, aiming to develop a long-range
air defense system by 2028-29 to detect and neutralize enemy
projectiles at ranges of up to 350 km.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully test fired Crystal Maze 2
from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
32. Crystal Maze 2 (ROCKS)
• It is of Israeli origin.
• It is an extended stand-off range air-to-surface missile.

34 | P a g e
 • Capable of striking targets over 250 kilometers away.
• It is the sixth barge of the 11 x ACTCM Barge Project.
Ammunition Cum Torpedo • Constructed by MSME Shipyard, Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane,
33. Cum Missile Barge, LSAM for the Indian Navy.
20 (Yard 130) • The contract for building 11 x ACTCM Barge was signed between the
Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd in 2021.
• A new loitering munition developed by
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Corps (IRGC).
34. Kamikaze (Suicide) Drones
• Payload: 3 to 6 kilograms; Range: 40
kilometers.
• It resembles Russia's Lancet drone.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

S.No Technology in News Key Facts

• Initiative of: ISRO
• Aim: to attract youth to the fields of space science and technology.
• Target Beneficiaries: postgraduate and final-year undergraduate
students who are pursuing physical sciences and technology.
Space science and
• It comprises introductory level topics on various verticals of space
Technology Awareness
science and technology.
Training (START) 2024
1. • The Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST) has been
programme
designated as the Nodal Centre for the programme.
• Rajkot, Patan, Bhavnagar, and Bhuj have been selected as the
Regional Science Centres to coordinate and facilitate the
programme.
• Theme of the inaugural online programme: “Exploration of Solar
System”.
• NASA's Curiosity Mars rover, currently in its twelfth year, has entered
2. Gediz Vallis a new phase of its mission, investigating Gediz Vallis.
• Gediz Vallis is a former riverbed on Mars.
• Developed by: South Korean scientists at the KSTAR Research Center.
• KSTAR, known as the "artificial Sun," has achieved a new world
Korea Superconducting record by sustaining plasma temperatures at 100 million degrees
3. Tokamak Advanced Celsius for 48 seconds.
Research (KSTAR) Project • This record temperature is seven times higher than that of the Sun's
core, which is around 15 million degrees Celsius.
• The achievement surpasses the facility's previous 30-second record.
• Developed by: Venturi Astrolab Inc.
Flexible Logistics and
• It has been successfully tested in California's Mojave Desert.
Exploration (FLEX) vehicle-
4. • It is designed for NASA's Artemis program, with the goal of returning
a next generation lunar
humans to the Moon by 2025 and establishing a sustainable lunar
rover
base.
• Initiative of: Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based space startup.
• Launch Vehicle: Agnibaan Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator
(SOrTeD).
5. Agnibaan Rocket • The SOrTED mission has been called off for the third time.
• SOrTeD mission involves a single-stage launch vehicle
demonstration powered by the Agnilet engine, a sub-cooled liquid
oxygen-based propulsion system developed indigenously.

35 | P a g e
 • It features the first-ever ethernet-based avionics architecture and
fully in-house developed autopilot software from India.
About Agnibaan Rocket
• It is the world's first with a 3D-printed, semi-cryogenic engine.
• It is a two-stage, customizable launch vehicle capable of carrying up
to 300 kg payload to a 700 km orbit.
Additional Information
• Agnikul Cosmos aims to conduct India's second private rocket
launch.
• This attempt follows Skyroot Aerospace's successful launch of the
Vikram-S sub-orbital rocket in 2022.
• Initiative of: Meta; Launched in: 2016.
• Aim: to identify, review and rate content as misinformation across
Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
Third Party Fact-Checking
• Press Trust of India (PTI) has joined the initiative recently.
6. Partnership (3PFC)
• With the partnership with the PTI, Meta now has 12 fact-checking
programme
partners in India, the highest it has in any country.
• It covers 16 Indian languages through existing fact-checking
partners.
• Initiative part of: European Union’s Infrastructure ELI project.
• Location: Bucharest, Romania; Operated by: French company Thales.
Activation of the world's
7. • It is based on the chirped pulse amplification (CPA) technique
most powerful laser
invented by 2018 Nobel Physics Prize winners Gerard Mourou and
Donna Strickland.
• The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)
has directed NASA, in collaboration with other U.S. government
agencies, to establish a LTC by the end of 2026.
• Aim: to serve as a benchmark for lunar spacecraft, satellites, and
potential bases requiring precise time-keeping for missions.
Establishment of a • Implementing LTC will involve international agreements through
Coordinated Lunar Time existing standards bodies and among the 36 nations that have
8.
(LTC) for the moon and signed the Artemis Accords.
other celestial bodies. Additional Information
• India has announced plans to send an astronaut to the moon by
2040.
• China aims to put its first astronauts on the moon by 2030.
• Artemis 3 (2026) is planned to be the first American crewed lunar
landing since Apollo 17 in December 1972.
• Bandwagon-1 mission is SpaceX's first dedicated rideshare mission
launched into a mid-inclination orbit.
• Rocket: Falcon 9.
• Objectives: Unlike the Transporter missions, Bandwagon missions
9. Bandwagon-1 mission are designed to place satellites in orbits at about 45 degrees
inclination, addressing the high demand for mid-inclination orbits.
• Bandwagon-1 carried 11 satellites, including ‘TSAT-1A’, a sub-metre
resolution optical satellite by Tata Advanced Systems Limited and
Satellogic.

• Developed & launched by: Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, in

collaboration with the Russian Defense Ministry.
Angara-A5 Space Rocket
10. • Launched from: Vostochny Cosmodrome, located in the Amur region
of Russia's Far East.
o It was the first rocket to be launched from Vostochny
Cosmodrome.

36 | P a g e
 • The launch coincided with the Russian Cosmonautics Day on 12 April.
• Objective: to establish Angara-A5 as Russia's primary heavy-lift space
rocket for lunar research and geostationary satellite deployment,
including intelligence and communication satellites.
About Angara-A5 Space
• Russia's first post-Soviet space rocket.
• A three-stage rocket, capable of carrying 24.5 tonnes into space.
• Part of the new Angara family of rockets designed to replace the
Soviet-era Proton rockets.
About Angara project
• Initiated after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
• The project envisages providing Russia with independent access to
space without relying on the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

• Earth's first mission to conduct a detailed science investigation of

Jupiter's moon ‘Europa’, , which is suspected to have a subsurface
ocean beneath its icy exterior.
NASA's Europa Clipper • Objective: to investigate the possibility of life in Europa's ocean,
11.
Mission contributing to our understanding of life's prevalence in the universe.
• Scheduled for launch in October 2024.
• The probe is currently housed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(JPL) in Pasadena, California.

• Apple Inc. has issued a warning to its users in India and 91 other
countries about potential "mercenary spyware" attacks.
12. Mercenary Spyware • The spyware seeks to gain remote access to iPhones.
• It is like Pegasus spyware made by a company called NSO Group in
Israel.

• Previously restricted for children over six years, it has now received
approval for use in children under five years of age in India.
Delamanid- a medication
• It is now part of the initial oral regimen for treating multi-drug
13. used for treating
resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB).
tuberculosis (TB)
• It can be given according to recommendations for children weighing
at least 10kg.

• Objective: to reduce mortality rates by enabling earlier diagnosis and

providing rapid health monitoring and disease detection.
Nanosensor Development
14. • It can detect cytokines, proteins essential for regulating cell behaviors
at IIT Jodhpur
in inflammation, tissue repair, cancer progression, and immune
reactions.

• Developed by: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc),

Novel Hydrogel for
15. Bengaluru.
Microplastics Removal
• It can remove over 90% of microplastics from water.

• Three Black Brant IX sounding rockets launched from NASA’s

Atmospheric Perturbations Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia during the solar eclipse under the
16. around the Eclipse Path APEP Mission.
(APEP) Mission
About APEP Mission
• Initiative of: NASA; Led by: Aroh Barjatya, an Indian origin scientist

37 | P a g e
 • Objective: to study how the sudden darkness caused by an eclipse
affects the ionosphere, a layer of Earth’s upper atmosphere crucial for
communication and satellite operations.

• Initiative of: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• Aim: To advance the capabilities developed in previous Chandrayaan
missions.
17. Chandrayaan-4 Mission • The mission is planned as part of a broader goal to land an Indian
astronaut on the moon by 2040.
• Focus Area: Sending a craft to the moon to collect samples and return
them to Earth, demonstrating a full cycle of lunar visitation.

• It has been successfully launched by China National Space

Administration (CNSA).
• It will serve as a communication relay between Earth and the far side
of the moon, supporting the upcoming Chang’e-6 (2024), Chang’e-
7 (2026), and Chang’e-8 (2028) missions & aiding in lunar material
Queqiao-2 (Magpie Bridge
18. acquisition until 2030.
2) satellite
• Chang'e-6 probe will seek to retrieve samples from an ancient basin,
acquiring lunar material from the moon's hidden side for the first
time.
• Note: Queqiao-2 also discussed in CurrentTap- March 2024
document.

• A dormant black hole within the Milky Way.

• This is the first time a black hole of stellar origin this big has been
spotted in galaxy Milky Way
Gaia BH3
19. • Located 2,000 light years away from Earth in the Aquila
constellation, making it the second nearest black hole discovered.
• It has a mass 33 times more than that of the Sun.
• Discovered from the data collected by the European Space Agency's
Gaia mission.

• For the first time since the installation of Ram Lalla idol, the Surya
Tilak ritual has been performed at Ayodhya.
• Objective: To bring sunlight on the forehead of Sri Ram Lalla at 12 noon
on Sri Ram Navami in the Chaitra month every year.
• Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru calculated sun
Surya Tilak Project at position, designed and optimized optical systems, and performed
20. integration & alignment at the site.
Ayodhya
• The device that helped the illumination to reflect on Ram Lalla idol was
manufactured by Optica in Bengaluru & implemented by Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research - Central Building Research Institute
(CSIR-CBRI), Roorkee.
• The final design with 4 mirrors and 4 lenses will be implemented
once the full temple is constructed.

• It made its first appearance in the inner solar system in 71 years.

• It was visible in the constellation of Aries.
21. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks • Named after comet observers Jean-Louis Pons and William R. Brooks
• Nicknames: 'Mother of Dragons', the 'devil comet', ‘Millennium
Falcon’.

38 | P a g e
 • Developed by: ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
• It enhances rocket engines by improving thrust levels, specific
impulse, and thrust-to-weight ratios.
• It is expected to significantly increase the payload capacity of ISRO's
Lightweight Carbon- PSLV, by a projected 15 kg.
22. Carbon (C-C) Nozzle for o At present Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) employs twin
Rocket Engines engines with nozzles made from columbium alloy.
• It utilizes advanced C-C Composites, offering high strength and
stiffness while maintaining low density.
• It features an anti-oxidation Silicon Carbide coating for increased
resistance in oxidizing environments.

• Initiative of: NASA; Nickname: Ginny

• It was the first powered flight on another planet.
• It was launched on board the Perseverance rover.
• It recently sent its last message to earth, as NASA announced the
end of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter's mission.
23. Ingenuity Mars helicopter • The rover has been positioned at Van Zyl Overlook in Mars' Jezero
Crater.
• It will now function as a stationary data-gathering unit on Mars
surface.
• Ingenuity Mars Helicopter's mission aimed to search for signs of
ancient microbial life, under the Mars 2020 mission.

• India has made a declaration to achieve debris-free space missions

Debris-free space missions by 2030.
24.
by India • Announced at the 42nd Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination
Committee (IADC) annual meet at Bengaluru.

• Switzerland & Sweden became the 37th & 38th signatories

respectively to the Artemis Accords

About Artemis Accords

• Launched in 2020.
Artemis Accords • Launched by: NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of
25. State, with seven other founding member nations.
• It provides for the implementation of key obligations from the 1967
Outer Space Treaty.
• It reinforces commitment to the Registration Convention, the
Rescue and Return Agreement and best practices of responsible
behaviour, including the public release of scientific data.
• India became the 27th signatory of Artemis Accords in 2023.

• Developed by: Intel.

• It is the world’s largest neuromorphic system.
• Currently deployed at Sandia National Laboratories.
• Designed to address the rising computing costs of AI models.
26. Hala Point
• Achieves over 15 trillion 8-bit operations per second per watt
(TOPS/W).
• Central to Hala Point is Intel’s Loihi 2 processor, engineered to mimic
the intricate workings of the human brain.

Magnetic Fields of Milky • The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has mapped 'monstrous'
27. magnetic fields around the black hole Sagittarius A at the center of
Way's Black Hole
our galaxy, the Milky Way.

39 | P a g e
 • The EHT has captured high-resolution images of only two black holes
so far: Sagittarius A and M87.
• Recent studies measure how light is polarized, allowing the mapping
of magnetic fields around black holes.
• The study contributes to the debate between the SANE (standard
and normal evolution) and MAD (magnetically arrested disk) models
of black hole accretion flows, suggesting a preference for the MAD
model due to the highly ordered magnetic structure observed.

• Launched by: Microsoft.

Phi-3 Mini • It is a freely available, lightweight small language AI model that can
28. run on smartphones. It has 3.8 billion parameters.
• Microsoft plans to further release two other models, Phi-3 Small and
Phi-3 Medium, in the same scale.

• Initiative of: NASA; Mission Cost: USD 3.35 billion

• Designed & managed by: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
(APL).
• Objective: to explore Saturn’s moon Titan, examining prebiotic
chemical processes common to Titan and early Earth.
Dragonfly Rotorcraft • Fourth mission in NASA’s New Frontiers Program
29.
Mission • NASA’s first attempt at flying a vehicle for science on another
planetary body, utilizing eight rotors for flight, similar to a large
drone.
• It follows NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter on Mars as the second drone
to explore another planet.
• Set to be launched in 2028 & aims to arrive at Titan in 2034.

• Voyager 1, after a technical glitch, resumed sending data about its

onboard engineering systems for the first time in five months.

About Voyager 1
• Initiative of: NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
Voyager 1 • Launched in 1977.
30.
• It is the most distant human-made spacecraft.
• It is currently exploring the farthest edges of the solar system.
• First human-made object to enter interstellar space in 2013.
• Alongside its twin, Voyager 2, it remains one of only two human-made
objects to operate in interstellar space.

• Observed on April 24 in Bengaluru, with a similar event expected on

August 18.
• Zero Shadow Day occurs when the Sun is directly overhead at noon,
31. Zero Shadow Day causing objects on the ground to cast no visible shadow.
• It happens twice a year in locations situated between the Tropic of
Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

Advanced Composite Solar • Initiative of: NASA

Sail System (ACS3) • Launched from Rocket Lab's Electron rocket from Mahia, New
Zealand under the 'Beginning of the Swarm' mission, along with
NEONSAT-1 satellite.
32.
• Showcases innovative materials designed to use sunlight for
spacecraft propulsion.
• Incorporates a CubeSat with deployable solar sails attached to
booms.

40 | P a g e
 • CubeSat, a 12U spacecraft, was constructed by Kongsberg
NanoAvionics.
• To be installed 1,000 kilometres above Earth.
• Launched by: South Korea.
• First satellite of the NEONSAT program by Korea Advanced Institute
of Science & Technology's Satellite Technology Research Center
33. NEONSAT-1 satellite
(SaTReC).
• An Earth observation satellite with AI-enhanced high-resolution
optics to monitor natural disasters in the Korean Peninsula.

• It survived the extreme cold of the third lunar night.

Smart Lander for About SLIM

34. • Launched by: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Investigating Moon (SLIM)
• Japan's first moon lander.
• With SLIM, Japan the fifth country to successfully place a probe on
the moon.
• The WHO has introduced the term 'infectious respiratory particles'
(IRPs) to describe pathogens that transmit through the air.
Global technical • Around 500 experts have agreed for the first time what it means for
consultation report on a disease to spread through the air.
35. proposed terminology for • Aim: to resolve the confusion and communication challenges faced
pathogens that transmit during the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing a common language.
through the air • 'Through the air' can describe the transmission of infectious diseases,
with further categorization into airborne transmission or inhalation,
and direct deposition.
• China has sent three astronauts to the Tiangong (Heavenly Palace)
space station for six months for scientific research and space
station maintenance.
• Launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest
Shenzhou-18 (Divine
36. China.
vessel) Mission
• Led by: Mission commander Ye Guangfu
• It marks China's 13th crewed mission to space since Yang Liwei's
solo spaceflight in October 2003, who was the first Chinese national
ever to reach space.
• On its 34th anniversary, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured
an image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 76 or
37. Hubble Space Telescope
M76, situated 3,400 light-years away in the constellation Perseus.
• It was launched in 1990.
• Set up by U.S. Homeland Security Department.
• Aim: to address the complexities and potential threats of AI integration
Artificial Intelligence
38. within vital U.S. infrastructure.
Safety and Security Board
• The blue-ribbon board comprises 22 members; includes the CEOs of
OpenAI, Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet and Nvidia

ENVIRONMENT

S.No News Key Facts

41 | P a g e
 • Zimbabwe is the third
country to declare drought
a national disaster after
Zimbabwe declares drought
1. Malawi and Zambia in
a national disaster
southern Africa.
• Drought in this region is
linked to El Nino weather phenomenon.

• Discovered at: Agasthyamala biosphere reserve in Western Ghats,

Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala; Name: Impatiens neo-uncinata.
New species of garden • Discovered by: Professors from PSG College of Arts and Science,
2. Coimbatore & Government College, Kasaragod.
balsam
• Reported only from a single locality at an elevation ranging from
1,000 to 1,250 m.

• Avolcano located at Sitaro, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

• It erupted recently.
3. Mount Ruang • Indonesia is situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it prone to
frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

• Discovered by: Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative

• Discovered in: Brazil.
Clouded Tiger Cat • The species is roughly the size of a domestic housecat and features
4. a distinctive spotted coat.
(Leopardus pardinoide)
• It is also found in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and
Argentina.

• The Scottish government has retracted its target to cut carbon

emissions by 75% by 2030.
Scotland's 2030 Climate • The revision follows a report by the UK Climate Change Committee
5. which suggested the 2030 goal was not feasible.
Change Target Revision
• Despite this setback, the commitment to achieving net zero
greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 stands firm.

• Lakes Analyzed: of the 2,431 lakes larger than 10 hectares identified

during 2016-17, 676 glacial lakes have notably expanded since 1984.
• Location: 130 expanding lakes across the Indus, Ganga and
Brahmaputra River basins.
• Growth Rate: 601 lakes expanded more than twice.
ISRO's Satellite Analysis on • Categories of Glacial Lakes: Moraine-dammed [307], Erosion [265],
6.
Himalayan Glacial Lakes other, and Ice-dammed glacial lakes.
• The Ghepang Ghat glacial lake in the Indus River Basin has grown by
178% from 1989 to 2022.
• Significance: critical for assessing the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst
Floods (GLOF), provides data for adaptation strategies in response to
glacial melt and climate change impacts.
• The President of the US announced a USD 7 billion investment for
residential solar projects under the Solar for All grant competition.
• Announcement made from Prince William Forest Park, Triangle,
Solar for All grant
7. Virginia.
competition
39. Solar for All grant is an initiative of U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, that aims to power nearly a million low-income
households in the US.

42 | P a g e
 • Delhi recorded 23 days with 'Good to Moderate' air quality in April
2024, the highest number compared to the
corresponding period from 2018 (except 2020
due to lockdown).
Improvement in Air Quality
8. • The average AQI during April 2024 was
in Delhi
considerably low, making the month the second-
best in terms of air quality since 2018.
• The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining
Areas (CAQM) played a critical role to achieve this feat.
• Name: Chakaisaurus nekul, a medium-sized bipedal herbivore.
• Discovered at: Pueblo Blanco Natural Reserve, Río Negro, Patagonia,
Discovery of New Dinosaur Argentina.
9.
Species • Discovered by: Argentine paleontologists supported by the National
Geographic Society.
• It belongs to late Cretaceous period, around 90 million years ago.

SPORTS

S.No Sports Event and Key Facts

Venue
• India secured 26 medals & finished as the runners-up.
Youth Boxing World Cup • Gold Medal Winners:
2024 (3rd Adriatic Pearl o Brajesh Tamta (48 kg) under Youth Men Category.
1. tournament) o Chanchal Chaudhary (50 kg), Nikita Chand (60 kg), Parthavi Grewal
Venue: Budva, Montenegro (66 kg), Phalaswal Akansha (70 kg) under Youth Women Category.
• Nikita Chand was awarded the ‘best boxer’ of the tournament.

Orlen Polish Open • Winner & runner-up

International Challenge o Women’s singles: Anupama Upadhyaya (India) defeated her
2. Badminton Tournament compatriot, Tanya Hemanth.
o Men’s Double: MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila (India) defeated William
Venue: Warsaw, Poland Kryger Boe and Christian Faust Kjær (Denmark).
• Medallists
o Gold Medal: Kang Hyon Gyong (North Korea) with a total lift of
234kg
International Weightlifting o Silver Medal: Cambei Mihaela-Valentina (Romania) with a personal
3. Federation (IWF) World Cup best of 201kg
Venue: Phuket, Thailand o Bronze Medal: Bindyarani Devi (Manipur, India) in the women's
55kg event with a total lift of 196kg).
• Additionally, Bindyarani Devi won a silver medal in the clean and jerk
section for her 113kg lift.
• Maharashtra emerged champions in both men's and women's
56th National Kho Kho
4. categories by defeating Railways and Airports Authority of India
championships
respectively.
• New Zealand shot putter Valerie Adams has been named as the
16th edition of the TCS International Event Ambassador of the event.
World 10K Bengaluru (road o She is the first woman to win four consecutive individual titles at
running competition) the WA World Championships.
5.
Starting Point of the race: • Elite Winners:
Field Marshal Sam o Men's: Peter Mwaniki (Kenya) with a timing of 28:15.
Manekshaw Parade Ground o Women's: Lilian Kasait (Kenya) with a timing of 30:56.
• Indian Elite Winners:

43 | P a g e
 o Men's: Kiran Matre set a new event record with a timing of 29:32.
o Women's: Sanjivani Jadhav (34:03) (third consecutive win).
• All the top four runners finished ahead of the previous event record
of 29.49 which was held by Suresh Kumar since 2015.
• Total Prize: USD 210,000
• The event has received "Gold Label" status from World Athletics

ATP Miami Open Masters • Winner: Jannik Sinner (Italy); Runner Up: Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria).
6.
1000 tennis tournament • Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.

• Sumit Nagal achieved a historic victory at the event by winning his

first-round match against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi.
• He became the first Indian in 42 years to qualify for the singles main
draw of the Monte-Carlo Masters.
Monte-Carlo Masters • He is also the first Indian to win an ATP Masters 1000 match on clay
Tennis Tournament since 1990.
7.
Venue: Roquebrune-Cap- • He became only the third Indian, after Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh
Martin, France Krishnan, to feature in the main draw of the Monte Carlo Masters.
• Singles: Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) won the title for the third time by
defeating Casper Ruud (Norway).
• Doubles: Sander Gillé & Joran Vliegen (Belgium) won the title by
defeating Marcelo Melo (Brazil) & Alexander Zverev (Germany).
• Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured their first Indian Super League
Indian Super League (ISL) (ISL) League Shield by defeating Mumbai City FC 2-1 in a thrilling
8. encounter at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.
(Football Tournament) • By winning this event, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have qualified for
the group stage of the 2024-25 Asian Champions League 2.

National Women’s Hockey

• To be held at: Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium,
9. League 2024 – 2025
Ranchi, Jharkhand
(Inaugural season)

Formula 1 (F1) Japanese • Winner: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)

10.
Grand Prix 2024 • Runner Up: Sergio Pérez (Red Bull Racing)

• Liberty Media, the owner of Formula One, has agreed to acquire a

Acquisition of Dorna Sports
11. majority stake (approximately 86%) in Dorna Sports, the exclusive
by Liberty Media
commercial rights holder of the MotoGP World Championship.
• Organized by: Madhya Pradesh Carrom Association.
• Women's Final: Rashmi Kumari secured her 12th national women's
51st National carrom
12. singles title by defeating K Nagajothi in the final match.
championship
o Rashmi Kumari represented ONGC.
o She is a three-time world champion.
• D Gukesh, a 17-year-old Grandmaster from India, made history by
becoming the youngest ever challenger for the World Chess
Championship.
• He won a cash award of 88,500 Euros (approx Rs 78.5 lakh).
o Total Prize fund of the tournament: 5,00,000 Euros.
Candidates Chess • He surpassed the record set four decades ago by Gary Kasparov at
13. Tournament the age of 22.
Venue: Toronto, Canada • He won the tournament & drew his final round game against
American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura.
• He is set to challenge the reigning world champion, China's Ding
Liren, later this year.
• He is the second Indian to win this prestigious event, following
Viswanathan Anand.

44 | P a g e
 • He had previously become the third-youngest Grandmaster in chess
history at the age of 12 and won a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian
Games.
• Takshvi Vaghani, a 6-year-old from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, achieved a
new world record in lowest limbo skating over a 25-meter stretch.
14. Limbo Skating
• She maintained a height of just 16 centimeters above the ground.
o She surpassed the previous record set by Manasvi Vishal.
• Mykolas Alekna (Lithuania) set a new men’s world record in discus
throw with a distance of 74.35 meters.
o He surpassed the previous record of 74.08 meters set by Jurgen
Ramona Throws Festival Schult (Germany) in 1986.
o His father Virgilijus Alekna, a former two-time Olympian gold-
Venue: Ramona, Oklahoma,
medalist, now ranks third with a best throw of 73.88 meters in
15. USA
2000.
o In the same event, Yaime Perez (Cuba), achieved the longest
women’s discus throw of 73.09 meters since 1989.
Additional Information
• In 2023, Mykolas became the youngest male discus thrower to cross
the 70-metre mark, hitting 71.00m.
• Aishwarya Mishra’s original bronze in women’s 400m (53.07
seconds) is upgraded to silver.
• Farida Soliyeva (Uzbekistan), the silver medalist, was disqualified
Asian Athletics after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium.
Championships 2023 • Nadeesha Ramanayake (Sri Lanka) won the gold medal.
16.
• Japan’s Haruna Kuboyama will take the bronze.
Venue: Bangkok, Thailand • Aishwarya Mishra was also part of the Indian mixed 4x400m relay
team that set a national and championship record.
• India finished third in the overall medal tally at the championships with
27 medals, including six golds.

Badminton Asia • Men’s singles final: Jonatan Christie (Indonesia) won his first
Championships 2024 continental title by beating Li Shi Feng (China).
17.
o Women’s single final: China’s Wang Zhi Yi beat compatriot and
Venue: Ningbo, China Olympic champion, Chen Yufei to reclaim her Asian title.
• Medal Tally for India: Nine (Four silver and five bronze medals)
o Silver Medallists: Udit (men’s 57kg), Radhika (women’s 68kg), Anju
Asian Wrestling (women’s 53kg), Harshita (women’s 72kg).
Championships 2024 Additional Information
18.
• India has secured one Olympic quota in wrestling for Paris 2024 by
Venue: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Antim Panghal.
• She obtained the quota after winning the bronze medal in the
women’s 53kg at the 2023 World Championships.

Women Candidates Chess • Zhongyi Tan of China finished first.

Tournament • Koneru Humpy of India and Tingjie Lei of China finished second and
19.
third respectively, with R Vaishali of India also sharing the second
Venue: Toronto spot based on tiebreak criteria.

• Winner and Runner Up: Max Verstappen & Lando Norris respectively.
• The race marked the return of the Chinese Grand Prix for the first time
20. Chinese Grand Prix since 2019.
• Zhou Guanyu became the first Chinese driver to race in F1 on home
soil.

21. Barcelona Open (Tennis ) • Winner: Casper Ruud; Runner-up: Stefanos Tsitsipas.

45 | P a g e
 • It was Casper Ruud’s first ATP 500 title.

• Winner: Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) & Runner-up: Marta Kostyuk

22. Stuttgart Open (Tennis )
(Ukraine).
• Chennai Super Kings (CSK) achieved the rare feat of scoring their
34th 200+ total in T20 cricket, equaling Somerset's world record.
• The feat was achieved against a match with Lucknow Super Giants
(LSG), but CSK lost the match.
• CSK has the highest number of 200+ scores in the IPL, followed by
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) with 26 in the IPL and three in the
23. Indian Premier League (IPL)
Champions League Twenty20.
Additional Information
• New Zealand’s Otago Cricket Team holds the record for the highest
score (242) in the Champions League Twenty20.
o Nepal has the record for the highest team score (314) in the T20
format against Mongolia
• Winner: India topped with 8 medals overall, including 5 Gold, 2 Silver,
and 1 Bronze.
o India's highest medal tally at any single edition of an archery
World Cup.
• Runner Up: South Korea with 7 medals and Spain with 2 medals
respectively.
o South Korea has not topped the medal tally for the first time.
• India won first World Cup men’s recurve team gold after 14 years.
• Indian Gold Medal Winners
18th edition of Archery Archer Event
24. World Cup Stage I Jyothi Surekha Vennam Women’s Compound Individual
Venue: Shanghai, China Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Women’s Compound Team
Gopichand Swami, Parneet Kaur

Abhishek Verma, Priyansh, Men’s Compound Team

Prathamesh Bhalachandra Fuge
Tarundeep Rai, Dhiraj Men’s Recurve Team
Bommadevara, Pravin Ramesh
Jadhav
Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Mixed Compound Team
Abhishek Verma
• Inter Milan clinched the Serie A title for the 20th time by defeating AC
Serie A Football
25. Milan.
Championship
o Venue: San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy.
• Brand Ambassadors:
o Yuvraj Singh, Former Indian cricketer.
o Chris Gayle, West Indies cricketer.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup o Usain Bolt, Jamaican sprint legend &
2024 eight-time Olympic Gold Medallist.

26. Venue: United States of

America and West Indies

• The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), under its brand name 'Nandini',
will sponsor Scotland and Ireland cricket teams in the 2024 ICC
Men’s T20 World Cup.

46 | P a g e
 Additional Information
• KMF had previously sponsored the Bengaluru Bulls in the Pro Kabaddi
League.
• It is a qualifying event for the World U20 Athletics Championships in
Lima, Peru.
• Top 3 countries in the Medal Tally
o China 27 medals, including 15 Gold.
o Japan 21 medals, including 8 Gold.
o India, 29 medals, comprising seven golds, 11 silvers, and 11
bronzes.
• Gold Medal Winners for India
Asian U20 Athletics Athlete Event
Championships 2024 Deepanshu Sharma Men's javelin throw
27.
Venue: Dubai, the United Harshit Kumar Men's hammer throw
Arab Emirates Anurag Singh Kaler Men's shot put
Ekta Dey Women's 3000m
steeplechase
Pavana Nagaraj Women's long jump
Ranvir Kumar Singh Men's 3000m steeplechase

Anushka Dattatray Kumbhar, Kanista Women's 4x400m relay

Teena Maria Deva Shekhar, Sai
oSangeetha Dodla, Sandramol Sabu

AWARDS

S.No Award/Milestone Key Facts

• Awarded to: REC Limited (Renewable Energy Financing Category).

SKOCH ESG Award About SKOCH ESG Award

2024 • Awarded by: SKOCH Group
1. • Purpose: recognize organizations that demonstrate outstanding
performance in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.
• It serves as important benchmark for evaluating organizations'
commitment to India 2047.

exchange4media News
• Lifetime Achievement awarded to Vineet Jain, MD of Times Group for his
2. Broadcasting Awards
contributions to the Indian television news landscape.
(ENBA)

• SJVN Limited has been awarded the ‘Achievement Award for Creating
Social Development & Impact’ and ‘CIDC Partners in Progress Trophy’.
• SJVN Limited has received this award for the third consecutive year.
• GAIL won in the ‘Achievement Award for Best Construction Projects’
15th CIDC
category for its Barauni – Guwahati Natural Gas Pipeline project (BGPL).
3. Vishwakarma Awards
• Puravankara Limited has bagged the Achievement Award for Creating
2024
Social Development and Impact.
• Puravankara received the award for its collaboration with the Biome
Environmental Trust in rejuvenating heritage wells as part of the "Million
Wells for Bengaluru" campaign.

47 | P a g e
 About the award
• Awarded by: Hosted by: Construction Industry Development Council
(CIDC) - a joint initiative by the Niti Aayog and the Indian construction
industry.
• It consists of 90 individuals who have demonstrated exceptional
leadership in their fields and a commitment to making a positive impact
in society.
• Five Indians have been included in this year’s cohort.
o Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd. & Non-
Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd.
Young Global Leaders o Bhumi Pednekar, Actor
4. Community: The Class o Adwaita Nayar, CEO of Nykaa Fashion
of 2024 o Arjun Bhartia, Director at Jubilant Group
o Sharad Vivek Sagar, Founder and CEO of Dexterity Global.
About Young Global Leaders Community: The Class of 2024
• Initiative of: World Economic Forum; Started in 2004.
• Aim: to acknowledge and bring together diverse changemakers under 40
years old from various sectors who are shaping the future and accelerating
positive change globally.
• Overseas Dental Specialist (Orthodontics and Orofacial Pain) title
awarded to Dr. Karthik Kommuri.

National Fame Awards About National Fame Awards

5. • Awarded by: Brands Impact
2024
• Purpose: to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations that
have achieved fame and nationwide popularity due to their inspiring
achievements and positive impact in their respective fields.
• Awarded to: INS Sharda for rescuing Iranian fishing vessel Omari which
On the Spot Unit
6. was held hostage by pirates off East coast of Somalia.
Citation
Awarded by: Indian Navy.
• Awarded by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
• Awarded on: 61st National Maritime Day
Category Significance
Sagar Samman Varuna Award Highest honor for outstanding and
sustained contributions to the Indian
7. Sagar Samman Awards maritime sector.
Sagar Samman Award for Excellence Recognizes consistently excellent
contributions to the maritime sector.
Sagar Samman Award for Gallantry Honors acts of gallantry by Indian
seafarers, encouraging emulation of
their exemplary conduct.
• Awarded to: Dr Gagandeep Kang, Director, Enteric,
Diagnostics, Genomics and Epidemiology, Bill and Melinda
2024 John Dirks Gates Foundation.
Canada Gairdner o She is the first Indian woman to receive this award.
8. Global Health Award o She was the first Indian woman to be elected Fellow of
the Royal Society.
• Awarded for: her work focused on enteric diseases in children, particularly
childhood diarrhoea disease in India and throughout the world.
• Awarded by: The Gairdner Foundation, Canada.
• Awarded to: Acharya Lokesh Muni, a Jain spiritual leader and founder of
9. Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati and World Peace Center in India.
• He is the first Indian monk to be honored with this award.

48 | P a g e
 • Recognized for over 500 hours of service, to the public good and his
US President’s Gold dedication to humanitarian efforts and promoting peace.
Volunteer Service About US President's Volunteer Service Award
Award • Purpose: to honor volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping
others through the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.
• Awarded to: Avi Wigderson, an Israeli mathematician.
• Awarded for: groundbreaking contributions to theoretical
computer science, particularly in the area of randomness in
algorithms.
• Avi Wigderson is also a recipient of the 2021 Abel Prize.
10. Turing Award 2023 • He is the first to win both a Turing Award and an Abel Prize.
About the Award
• Awarded annually by the Association for Computing Machinery.
• Referred to as the "Nobel Prize of computing."
• Named after Alan Turing, a pioneer in computer science.
• Prize Amount: USD 1 million.
• Annually Given By: Space Foundation.
• Given To: Chandrayaan-3 mission team of Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO).
About the Award
2024 John L. 'Jack' • Named after astronaut John L. "Jack" Swigert Jr., who was part of the
Swigert Jr. Award for Apollo 13 lunar mission by NASA.
Space Exploration • Purpose: recognize extraordinary accomplishments by a company, space
11.
agency, or consortium of organizations in the realm of space exploration
and discovery
Additional Information:
• Chandrayaan-3 mission, became the first to land in the uncharted south
pole of the Earth's only natural satellite on August 23, 2023, making
India the fourth country to master soft landing technology on the lunar
surface after the US, China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union.

• Awarded to: Avantika Vandanapu, an Indian-American actor known for her

roles in "Mean Girls".
South Asian Person of • Awarded by: Harvard University.
12.
the Year • Recognized for her significant contributions to both the
international and Indian entertainment industries.
• She hails from Hyderabad, Telangana.

• Awarded on: 61st National Maritime Day (April 5).

National Maritime Day • Awarded for outstanding maritime training institutes and recognitions.
Celebrations (Central)
13. Additional Information
Committee Awards
(NMDC Awards) • Indian seafarers occupy 12% of international seafaring jobs, and the
Maritime Vision 2030 recommends reaching 20% by 2030.

• Given To: Yulia Navalnaya and posthumously to her husband, Alexei

Navalny, for their brave and non-violent struggle against a brutal
Freedom Prize of the dictatorship in Russia.
Media About the Award
14.
• Presented annually at Ludwig Erhard Summit, a gathering named after the
former German Chancellor.
• Award is aimed at acknowledging significant contributions to the fight
for freedom and democracy, particularly through media.

49 | P a g e
 • Awarded to: Mamta G. Sagar, a Bengaluru-based poet, playwright and
academic.
• Awarded by: World Organization of Writers (WOW).
• Awarded at: first Congress of WOW at Abuja, Nigeria.
15. World Literary Prize
• Purpose: recognized her contributions to literature,
particularly in the Kannada language, and involvement in
transdisciplinary creative writing and cultural industries.
• Notable Work: ‘Kaada Navilina Hejje’
• Awarded to: Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli
• Awarded for: Study on efficacy of RevitalVision vision-training software in
Best Scientific Poster improving vision for keratoconus patients post corneal collagen cross-
16.
Award linking surgery.
• Awarded at: 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Cataract
and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) at Boston.
• Awarded by: Writers Guild of America
• Purpose: to celebrate excellence in writing across various media
platforms, particularly highlighting achievements within television and film.
Notable Winners (Television)
• "Succession" won for Best Drama Series and Best Drama Episode for
Writers Guild of
"Living+," written by Georgia Pritchett and Will Arbery.
17. America (WGA)
• “The Bear” clinched the Comedy Series award.
Awards 2024
• “Beef” won in the Limited Series category.
Notable Winners (Film)
• "American Fiction," written by Cord Jefferson, won the Adapted
Screenplay category and the Paul Selvin Award.
• "The Holdovers" by David Hemingson won Best Original Screenplay.
• Awarded by: Vels University, Chennai.
• Awardees:
18. Honorary doctorate o Ram Charan, Telugu Actor.
o Dr P Veeramuthuvel, the Project Coordinator at Chandrayaan.
• Achanta Sharath Kamal, Table Tennis Player.

• Awardees
o Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar award: Amitabh Bachchan
✓ He is the third person to receive this award after Narendra Modi
and Asha Bhonsle.
o Master Deenanath Mangeshkar award
✓ Music director AR Rahman and Marathi actor Ashok Saraf for
music
Mangeshkar awards ✓ Padmini Kolhapure for films
19. ✓ Singer Roopkumar Rathod for Indian music
✓ Actor Atul Parchure for Marathi theatre
✓ retired teacher and author Manjiri Phadke for literature.
o Special Award- Actor Randeep Hooda for contribution to cinema

About the Award

• Instituted by: Deenanath Mangeshkar Smriti Pratishthan in memory of the
late Bharat Ratna awardee and singer Lata Mangeshkar.
• It recognizes several personalities for their outstanding contributions to
their respective fields.
• Wisden Leading Male Cricketer in the World: Pat Cummins (Australia)
Wisden Leading Female Cricketer in the World: Nat Sciver-Brunt
2024 edition of Wisden (England).
20.
Cricketers' Almanck • Wisden Cricketers of the Year: Mitchell Starc, Usman Khawaja, and
Ashleigh Gardner (Australia) & Harry Brook and Mark Wood (England).
• Wisden Leading T20 Cricketer: Hayley Matthews (West Indies)

50 | P a g e
 • Wisden Trophy (best Test performance of the year): Travis Head
(Australia), for his 163 against India in the World Test Championship final.

• Top 5 Airports in the World

o Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
o Singapore Changi Airport
o Incheon Airport, South Korea
o Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan
o Narita International Airport, Tokyo, Japan
• Indian Airports that ranked among the top 100 airports in the world
Skytrax World Airport o Delhi airport (36)
21.
Awards o Bengaluru airport (59)
o Hyderabad airport (61)
o Manohar International Airport of Goa (92)
o Mumbai airport (95)
• South Asia's and India's top airport hotel - JW Marriott New Delhi
Aerocity.
• ‘Best Airport Staff in India & South Asia 2024’ award - GMR Hyderabad
International Airport Ltd (GHIAL).
• Awarded to: Pavuluri Subba Rao, Founder, CEO and Chairman, Ananth
Technologies.
• He also received the ASI’s ‘Distinguished Fellow’ title.
22. Aryabhatta Award • Awarded by: Aeronautical Society of India (ASI)
• Awarded for: lifetime contribution to the promotion of astronautics in India.
Additional Information
• Ananth Technologies designs avionics for ISRO and Defence.
• Awarded By: World Press Photo Foundation.
• Awarded To: Mohammed Salem, Reuters photographer.
• Purpose: For capturing an image of a Palestinian woman cradling the body
of her five-year-old niece in the Gaza Strip.
World Press Photo of • Other Awardees:
23.
the Year award o Lee-Ann Olwage of South Africa: Won the Story of the Year for her
images documenting dementia in Madagascar.
o Julia Kochetova of Ukraine: Won the Open Format award with "War
is Personal," which documented the war in Ukraine through a blend
of pictures, poetry, audio, and music.

• Awarded to: Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group.

• Awarded for: unwavering dedication to social development and
KISS Humanitarian outstanding corporate leadership.
Award 2021 • Award presented by Achyuta Samanta at a private ceremony held at
Ratan Tata’s residence in Mumbai
24. About the Award
• Established in 2008 by Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS.
• Highest esteem of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) & Kalinga
Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Odisha.
• Purpose: to acknowledge individuals and organizations that epitomize
humanitarian work on a global scale.

• Sportsman of the Year: Novak Djokovic, Tennis, Serbia.

25th Laureus World
• Sportswoman of the Year: Aitana Bonmatí, Football, Spain.
Sports Awards
25. • Team of the Year: Spain Women's Football Team.
Held at: Madrid, Spain. • Breakthrough of the Year: Jude Bellingham, Football, UK.
• Comeback of the Year: Simone Biles, Gymnastics, USA.

51 | P a g e
 • Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Diede de Groot, Wheelchair
Tennis, The Netherlands.
• Action Sportsperson of the Year: Arisa Trew, Skateboarding, Australia.

• Awarded to: Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, President of 28th session of the

Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on
‘CERAWeek
Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Leadership Award for
• Awarded at: CERAWeek by S&P Global conference at Houston.
Building Global
26. • Awarded for: role in shaping the UAE Consensus, a crucial framework for
Consensus towards a
global climate action, aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Sustainable Energy
• Previous Awardees: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Justin Trudeau,
Future’
Prime Minister of Canada; and Enrique Peña Nieto, former President of
Mexico.

• Parish Episcopal School of Dallas, US won first place in the high school
division.
• University of Alabama in Huntsville won the college/university category.
• Indian Awardees:
o KIET Group of Institutions, Delhi-NCR won the "Crash and Burn"
Human Exploration category award.
27. Rover Challenge • Kanakia International School, Mumbai won the "Rookie of the Year."
(HERC) award
About the Award
• An annual engineering competition & one of NASA’s longest-standing
challenges.
• It is one of NASA’s eight Artemis Student Challenges.
• The challenge celebrated its 30th anniversary as a NASA competition.

• Regional Winners:
o Middle East & North Africa (MENA): Gina Justus, Our Own English High
School Sharjah-Girls, Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
2024 Cambridge
✓ Her native is Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
28. Dedicated Teacher
✓ recognised for her outstanding mentorship and dedication to
Awards
charity.
o South Asia: Meena Mishra, Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan International
School, Mumbai.

APPOINTMENT
• Why in News: appointed as the first female Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of
Congo.
• Predecessor: Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde.

Judith Suminwa
Tuluka
• Why in News: appointed as the President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and
Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
o Predecessor: Ajay Singh, Co-Founder of SpiceJet.
• He holds positions as a non-official member of the Board of Trade, Government of India.
• He is also a member of the National Startup Advisory Council & Board of the US-India
Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). Sanjay Nayar,
About ASSOCHAM Chairman, Sorin
• It is one of the apex trade associations of India. Investment Fund
• Establishment: 1920; Headquarters: New Delhi.

52 | P a g e
 • Why in News: elected as the President of Senegal.
• He is Africa’s youngest elected President.
Bassirou • Predecessor: Macky Sall.
Diomaye Faye
• Why in News: appointed as the Prime Minister of Senegal.
• Predecessor: Sidiki Kaba.

Ousmane Sonko
• Why in News: appointed as the chairperson of an internal departmental committee by the
Delhi High Court, dealing with the protection of forests in the national capital.
o The committee is tasked with the protection, preservation, reclamation, and
enhancement of forests in Delhi.
Justice Najmi • He is a retired judge of the Delhi High Court.
Waziri
• He is fondly known as “Green Judge”.
• Why in News: Appointed as the presiding officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT).
o Predecessor: Justice Tarun Agarwala.
• Dheeraj Bhatnagar has been appointed as the technical member of the SAT.
• Prior to these appointments, only Meera Swarup was acting as its technical member
About SAT
P S Dinesh
• It is a statutory body established under section 15K of the SEBI Act, 1992.
Kumar
• It hears and disposes of appeals against the orders of SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, and appeals
against the decisions of stock exchanges and depositories; Total Members: Three.
• Why in News: appointed as a member of the World Bank Economic Advisory Panel.
o Currently, he holds the position of president emeritus and distinguished fellow at
the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP).
o He is a part-time member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council.
o He is the former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The Economic Advisory Panel of the World Bank Group will be chaired by Lord Nicholas
Stern and co-chaired by World Bank Group Chief Economist Indermit Gill.
Rakesh Mohan
• The panel will focus on strategic issues for the World Bank Group in relation to their
objectives, research agenda and actions.
• Each member of the panel will serve for a two-year term.

• Why in News: Sworn in as the President of the Egypt for third time.
• His swearing in ceremony also marked the inauguration of the New Administrative Capital
of Egypt, located in the desert east of Cairo Abdel Fattah el-
Sisi
• Why in News: Elected as the President of the Federation of Indian Micro and Small &
Sandeep Jain Medium Enterprises (FISME) for the term 2024-25.
• Predecessor: Prashant Patel.

• Why in News: appointed as the MD & CEO of Bank of Maharashtra.

• Predecessor: A.S. Rajeev.
• Appointed by the Government of India under the provisions of Section 9(3)(a) of Banking
Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970.
Nidhu Saxena

53 | P a g e
 • Why in News: Elected as the chairman of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of
India Limited (NCDFI).
• Shah also serves as the chairman and managing director of the NDDB.
• About NCDFI:
o NCDFI is the apex body of dairy cooperatives in India, headquartered in Anand
(Gujarat).
o Registered in 1970 and governed under Multi State Cooperative Societies
Dr. Meenesh Shah (Amendment) Act, 2023.
• NCDFI has Anand-based National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) as its institutional
member.
• Why in News: Appointed as the new CEO and Managing Director of Wipro for a term of 5
years, succeeding Thierry Delaporte.
• Delaporte was the highest-paid CEO in the Indian IT sector in 2023.

About Wipro Limited

• Founded by Mohamed Premji in 1945, is a leading global IT services company. Srinivas Pallia
• Chairman: Rishad Premji.
• Why in News: appointed as the first woman British High Commissioner to India.
• Predecessor: Alex Ellis; Previous Role: Head of the U.K. National Cyber Security Centre.
• Her appointment comes 70 years after India appointed Vijaylakshmi Pandit as its high
commissioner in London in 1954.
Lindy Cameron
• Why in News: became Ireland’s youngest ever prime minister (Taoiseach).
• Predecessor: Leo Varadkar.
• He was nicknamed "Baby of the Dail" (Irish parliament) when he was the youngest MP in
Ireland.
Simon Harris
• Why in News: appointed as the Head of Global Airport Operations at Air India.
• He previously served as the Chief Operating Officer at Bangalore International Airport
Limited (BIAL).
Jayaraj
Shanmugam
• Why in News: re-elected as the member of the International Narcotics Control Board
(INCB) for the third term for five years from March 2025-2030.
• India secured 41 votes out of the 53 voting members of the UN Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC), the highest amongst all winning member states in the elections.
• She previously served as the President of INCB from 2021 to 2022.
• India was also elected to the following UN Bodies
o Commission on the Status of Women for the term 2025-2029.
o Executive Board of the United Nations Children's Fund for the term 2025-2027
o Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations
o Population Fund/United Nations Office for Project Services for the term 2025-2027
o Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the
Empowerment of Women for the term 2025-2027
o Executive Board of the World Food Programme for the term 2025-2027.
Jagjit Pavadia
About INCB
• It is the independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body for the implementation of the UN
international drug control conventions.
• Established in 1968; Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.; Total Members: 13 members
About ECOSOC
• It is one of the six main organs of the United Nations; Total Members: 54
• It deals with economic, social, cultural and health matters as well as human rights and
fundamental freedoms.

54 | P a g e
• Why in News: Elected unopposed as the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan.
• Saidal Khan Nasir elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Senate.
Yusuf Raza
• The Senate of Pakistan is the upper house of Pakistan's bicameral Parliament.
Gilani
• The total strength of the Senate is 96.
• Why in News: appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of SJVN Limited (erstwhile
Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam).
About SJVN
• It is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal
Sushil Sharma
Pradesh.
• Why in News: elected as the new President of the Association of Summer Olympic
International Federation (ASOIF) for four years from 2025; Predecessor: Francesco Ricci Bitti
• He serves as the President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
• He is from Belgium.
About ASOIF
Ingmar De Vos
• Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland.
• Why in News: appointed as the Chair of the US-India Tax Forum.
• He is an advisor to the Board of Directors at USISPF.
About US-India Tax Forum
• An initiative of US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF); Launched in: 2020.
• A specialized platform bringing together Government of India policymakers, global tax
Tarun Bajaj
experts and the business community to advocate for better tax policy.

• Why in News: reappointed as the head coach of the India women's hockey team.
• Predecessor: Janneke Schopman.

Harendra Singh
• Why in News: appointed as the Prime Minister of Iceland.
• Predecessor: Katrin Jakobsdottir.

Bjarni
Benediktsson

• Why in News: appointed as the interim President of Vietnam.

• Predecessor: Vo Van Thuong.
Vo Thi Anh Xuan
Newly Appointed Members to the University Grants Commision (UGC)
• Ashish Kumar Chauhan (CEO and Managing Director of the National Stock Exchange)
• Sridhar Vembu (Founder of Zoho).
• Sachidananda Mohanty (former Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Odisha)
• Shashikala Gulabrao Wanjari (Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Educational Planning and
Administration).
o All four of them appointed for three years term.
• With these appointments, the total strength of the UGC members has increased from four to eight.
o Present Chairman & Vice Chairman: Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar and Deepak Kumar Srivastava,
respectively.
About UGC
• A statutory body established to oversee and advance higher education in India.
• Composition as per the UGC Act, 1956: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and ten other members.
o Of the ten members, two shall be chosen from among the officers of the Central Government.

55 | P a g e
 o not less than four shall be chosen from among active teachers of Universities.
o The remaining members include individuals with knowledge of or experience in specified professional
fields, including agriculture, commerce, forestry, industry, or those in various learned professions, as well
as vice-chancellors and other distinguished academics.
• Why in News: appointed as the Joint Director of the Cental Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Anurag About CBI
Kumar • It is India’s domestic crime investigating agency.
• Nodal Department: Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India

• Why in News: appointed as OpenAI's first employee in India.

• She has been appointed as the head of the government relations.
She will spearhead public policy affairs and partnerships in India.
Pragya Misra
• Why in News: appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BharatPe.
• Previous Role: interim CEO and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of BharatPe.

Nalin Negi
• Why in News: appointed as the Prime Minister of Kuwait.
• Predecessor: Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah

Ahmad Abdullah
al-Ahmad al-
Sabah

• Why in News: appointed as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff.

• Predecessor: Admiral R Hari Kumar.

• Admiral
Dinesh
Kumar
Tripathi
• Why in News: appointed as the Chairman of the Board of the HDFC Life Insurance.
• Predecessor: Deepak S Parekh (retired from the role of the Chairman and Non-Executive
Director of HDFC Life).

Keki M Mistry
• Why in News: appointed as the managing director and chief executive of Dhanlaxmi Bank for
three years.
• Predecessor: JK Shivan.

Ajith Kumar
KK
• Why in News: appointed as the Director-General of National Security Guard (NSG), India’s
counter-terrorism and counter-hijack force.
• Predecessor: Daljit Singh Chawdhary.

Nalin Prabhat
• Why in News: set to become the Prime Minister of Singapore.
• Present Role: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Singapore
• Predecessor: Lee Hsien Loong

56 | P a g e
 Lawrence
Wong
• Why in News: appointed as Aligarh Muslim University's (AMU) Vice Chancellor for the next
5 years.
• She is the first woman to serve as the Vice Chancellor of AMU.
• She is currently serving as the Principal, Women's College of AMU.
• Her appointment approved by the President of India, who serves as the Visitor to the AMU.
• Predecessor: Mohammad Gulrez (Acting VC of AMU)
Additional Information Naima Khatoon
Gulrez
• Founded in 1875 as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College, AMU received its
university status in 1920 under the Aligarh Muslim University Act.
• In 1920, Begum Sultan Jahan became the first chancellor of AMU, making her the only
woman to led AMU prior to Khatoon.
•
Why in News: appointed as United Nations resident coordinator in Indonesia.
•
Previous Roles: UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand and as Peacebuilding and Development
Advisor at the United Nations in Sri Lanka
About the Role
• The UN resident coordinator is the highest-ranking representative of the UN Development
System at the country level.
Gita Sabharwal • Resident coordinators lead UN country teams and coordinate UN support to countries in
implementing the 2030 Agenda.
• The resident coordinator is the designated representative of the UN secretary-general.
• Why in News: re-appointed as the MD and CEO of Axis Bank for three more years.

Amitabh
Chaudhry
• Why in News: appointed as the Chairman of the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI)
Athletes' Commission.He will will be leading a 7-member panel.
• United World Wrestling (UWW) while lifting suspension of WFI had mandated the formation
of a panel to resolve the grievances of protesting wrestlers.
Narsingh • Narsingh Yadav is a former Commonwealth Games gold-medallist.
Yadav
• Why in News: appointed as the Ambassador of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.
• She is a former skipper of the Pakistan womens cricket team.
• The Qualifier will be played at the Tolerance Oval and Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Sana Mir
• Why in News: Re-appointed as the Deputy Governor of the RBI for one year.
• Initially appointed as Deputy Governor in 2021 for a three-year period.
• Other Roles: Chairman, Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS); member of
the Board of Directors, Reserve Bank Information Technology Private Limited (ReBIT); and
T. Rabi Sankar member of the Governing Council, Institute for Development and Research in Banking
Technology (IDRBT).
• Why in News: appointed as Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan.
• He is currently serving as the Foreign Minister of Pakistan.
• He becomes the first Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan since 2013.
• Predecessor: Pervaiz Elahi. Ishaq Dar
• Why in News: appointed as the independent director & Chairman of the Board, IIFL Samasta
Finance.
• Prior Roles: Former Chairman of the NABARD.
• Additional Board Members Appointed: Mr Venkataraman Additional Director (non-
Dr. Govinda
executive), Mr. Kalengada Mandanna Nanaiah & Mr. Nihar N Jambusaria (non-executive and
Rajulu Chintala
Independent).

57 | P a g e
Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommendations on the appointment of Heads of PSU Banks
• Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh as MD at SBI; Predecessor:Alok Kumar Choudhary.
• Asheesh Pandey as MD and CEO at Indian Bank; Predecessor: Shanti Lal Jain
• FSIB recommendation to be approved by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by the Prime
Minister of India.

PERSONS IN NEWS
• Why in News: nominated as a member of the Asian Athletic
Commission for four-year term (2024 to 2028).
• She is a retired Athlete from Kerala.
• She is a recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award and
Shiny Wilson Padma Shri.
• Why in News: retired from the Rajya Sabha, marking the end of his 33-year-long
parliamentary career.
• He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha for the first time in 1991.
• He represented Assam for five terms and shifted to Rajasthan in 2019.
• B Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 across two terms.
• He was third PM from the Rajya Sabha after Indira Gandhi (in her first term) and Inder
Kumar Gujral. Dr. Manmohan
• He is credited for opening the Indian economy to global competition and often regarded Singh
as architect of India’s economic liberalisation as Finance Minister in 1991.

• Why in News: roped in by the Election Commission of India to urge the youngsters to vote
in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Ayushmann
Khurrana
• Why in News: won the Slovakia's presidential election, against Ivan Korcok.
• Predecessor: Zuzana Čaputová (first female President of Slovakia)

Peter Pellegrini
• Why in News: Mirabai Chanu has become the only Indian weightlifter to qualify for the
Paris Olympics 2024 after her performance at the IWF World Cup in Phuket (Thailand),
where she finished 3rd in Group B of the women’s 49kg category and 11th overall.
Mirabai • Chanu is a Tokyo Olympics silver medalist and 2017 world champion in weightlifting.
Chanu • An Asian Games medal remains the only one Chanu hasn't secured yet.
• Why in News: Became the first Indian cricketer to hit 500 sixes in T20 cricket.
• He achieved this milestone during a match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
• ‘Hitman’ Rohit Sharma is the is the fifth player globally to reach the milestone of 500 sixes
in T20 cricket, after Chris Gayle (1,056 sixes), Kieron Pollard (860 sixes), Andre Russell,
and Colin Munro.
• Why in News: Only player after MS Dhoni to play 250 matches in the IPL.
Rohit Sharma
• He achieved this feat during the Mumbai Indians match against Punjab Kings.

• Why in News: Took a five-wicket haul against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), marking
the first time such a feat has been achieved against RCB in IPL history. (5/21 in four overs).
• It was his second five-wicket haul in the IPL.
• He has joined the other elite bowlers like James Faulkner, Jaydev Unadkat, and
Bhuvneshwar Kumar who have also achieved two five-wicket hauls in the IPL.
Jasprit Bumrah

58 | P a g e
 • Why in News: he is set to become the become the first Indian
space tourist.
• He is part of the six-person crew of New Shepard 25th
Mission (NS-25).
• He is a pilot and an entrepreneur (co-founder of Preserve Life
Corp, USA).
• He hails from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
• He calls himself the “first civilian Indian astronaut”.
About New Shepard 25th Mission (NS-25)
• Initiative of: Blue Origin (founded by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon).
• The New Shepard rocket is a 100% reusable and fully autonomous spacecraft.
Gopi Thotakura
• Mission Characteristics:
o It involves a brief, 11-minute flight where passengers will travel over three times the
speed of sound.
o It passes the Kármán Line at 100 km (62 miles) above Earth, marking the
internationally recognized boundary of space.
• Why in News: became the first Prime Minister of India to feature on the cover of
Newsweek after Indira Gandhi.
• Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi featured on the cover of Newsweek's April 1966
issue; Newsweek is a New York based magazine.
Narendra Modi
• Why in News: became the first player in IPL history to record at least 100 catches, 1,000
runs, and 100 wickets.
• He achieved this feat during a Chennai Super Kings match against the Kolkata Knight
Riders.
• He joins Virat Kohli (110), Suresh Raina (109), Kieron Pollard (103) and Rohit Sharma (100)
Ravindra Jadeja for most catches by a fielder in the IPL.

o Why in News: aged 44, he is the oldest player to achieve World No. 1 in doubles format in
the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings.
o He reclaimed the No.1 spot & also became the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion, after
winning the men's doubles title at the Miami Open with his Australian partner Matt Ebden. Rohan Bopanna
o Why in News: aged 36, the Serbian icon became the oldest man to be ranked No. 1 in singles
format in the ATP rankings.
o He has surpassed Roger Federer's previous record.

Novak Djokovic

• Why in News: Russ Cook, a British runner, known as the "Hardest Geezer", recently
completed a run across Africa from Africa's most southerly point, the South
African village of L'Agulhas to Tunisia in 352 days, claiming to be the first to accomplish
this feat.
• However, his claim has been contested by Jesper Kenn Olsen, a Danish ultrarunner, and Russ Cook
the World Runners Association (WRA), stating that Olsen completed a similar journey 14
years ago.
• Why in News: She is leading groundbreaking research aimed at revolutionizing the diagnosis
of dementia.
• She is an Indian origin Senior Clinical Research and Honorary Consultant Neurologist
Fellow at University College London (UCL), United Kingdom.
• Her team’s study concentrates on developing a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease,
Dr. Ashvini particularly using the biomarker p-tau217 under the study ADAPT.
Keshavan • This research is part of two major studies funded by the Blood Biomarker Challenge grant.

59 | P a g e
• Why in News: Peruvian officials are attempting to have Marcelino Abad recognized in the
Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest living person .
• Marcelino Abad is 124 years old & he is from Huanuco region, Peru.
• The Guinness World Records recently listed English centenarian John Alfred Tinniswood Marcelino Abad
as the oldest living man (111 years), after the death of Juan Vicente Pérez of Venezuela
(114 years).
o John Alfred Tinniswood is also the oldest surviving male World War II veteran.
• The title of the world's oldest woman and the oldest living person is currently held by 117-
John Alfred
year-old Maria Branyas Morera of Spain.
Tinniswood
• Why in News: retired after a tenure of five years as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
• Following his retirement, he has been apppointed as the Director of the National Judicial
Academy (NJA) at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
About National Judicial Academy
• Registered as a society in 1993 under the Societies Registration Act (1860).
• Chairperson: Chief Justice of India .
Justice • Mandate: strengthening the administration of justice through Judicial Education, Research
Aniruddha Bose and Policy Development.
Additional Information
• Following the retirment of CJI Chandrachud, Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to become the
51st Chief Jutice of India later this year.
• Why in News: stepped down as the Chef-de-Mission for the Indian contingent at the Paris
Olympics citing personal reasons.
• She is a olympic bronze medalist (2012) and six times World champion boxer.
MC Mary Kom
• Why in News: achieved the rare feat of hitting six sixes in an over in a T20 international
match.
• He is the fifth cricketer internationally to hit six sixes in an over across all formats of
international cricket.
• Milestone achieved against Qatar at the Al Amerat Stadium, Oman during the ACC Men's
Premier Cup T20.
• So far, only India's Yuvraj Singh and West Indies' Kieron Pollard had managed to hit six Dipendra Singh
sixes in an over in a T20 international. Airee
• Dipendra Singh Airee is from Nepal.
• Why in News: elected as an International Fellow of the Engineering Academy of Japan.
• He is an Indian-Origin US Professor; Hails from Karnataka
• Honoured for his scientific research and technical developments promoting energy
efficiency and environmental security globally.
• He is the Director of University of Houston's power programme PEMSEC (Power
Kaushik
Electronics, Microgrids and Subsea Electrical Systems Centre).
Rajashekara
• He is a recipient of Global Energy Prize, bestowed by the Global Energy Association.
• Why in News: announced retirement from international badminton.
• He will play for Japan for the last time at the Thomas Cup.
• He was a former World No. 1 and two-time world champion.
Kento Momota
• King Charles bestows new royal titles to the members of the British Royal Family
• Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, receives the title of Companion of Honour.
o She is the the first member of the royal family to receive this title.
o It is one of the highest royal awards in the United Kingdom.
o Established by King George V in 1917.
o Purpose: to recognize outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine and
public service.
• Prince William, Prince of Wales, is appointed as the Great Master of the Order of the Bath.
o Established by King George I in 1725

60 | P a g e
 o awarded to members of the military or civil service for their exemplary service.
• Queen Camilla is named the Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire.

• Why in News: became the first player to take 200 wickets in the IPL.
• He achieved this feat by dismissing Mohammad Nabi (Mumbai Indians).
• He surpassed Dwayne Bravo’s record of 183 wickets.
Yuzvendra
• He plays for Rajasthan Royals.
Chahal
• Why in News: scored 1,000 runs in merely 33 innings in the IPL.
• He is the second fastest Indian to achieve this feat after Sachin Tendulkar and Ruturaj
Gaikwad's joint record (1,000 runs in 31 innings).
• He is also the third youngest player to reach 1000 runs after Rishabh Pant & Yashasvi
Tilak Verma Jaiswal.
(Mumbai Indians) • He achieved this milestone against Rajasthan Royals.

• Why in News: retired from professional squash but will continue to play for India.
• He remains the only Indian man to reach the world's top 10 in squash rankings.

Saurav Ghosal
• Why in News: announced her retirement from professional tennis.
• She is a Spanish tennis player.
• Known for defeating both Serena Williams at the 2016 Roland Garros and Venus Williams
at Wimbledon 2017, making her the only player to defeat each Williams sister in a Grand
Garbine Slam title match.
Muguruza
• Why in News: cleared 10th exam at the age of 58.
• He is a two-time Member of Parliament from Pune's Maval constituency.

Shrirang Barne
• Why in News: set a new record in the IPL by becoming the fastest to score 4,000 runs,
taking only 94 innings in match against Rajasthan Royals.
• Surpassed Virat Kohli & Chris Gayle who reached the same milestone in 107 & 122
innings respectively.
KL Rahul • He plays for Lucknow Super Giants.
• Why in News: stepped down as Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National
Party (SNP) amidst political turmoil.
• He was Scotland's youngest elected leader and the first Muslim to head a major political
party.
Humza Yousaf
• Why in News: Made a symbolic gesture of holding both Pakistan and India's flags after winning
a Karate Combat match against India's Rana Singh.
• The match was held at Dubai.

Shahzaib
Rindh
• Why in News: aged 24, he became the second-youngest and fastest Indian to complete
100 matches in the IPL & surpassed Virat Kohli's record.
• Virat Kohli reached his 100th IPL match at 25 years, followed by Sanju Samson (25 years)
& Piyush Chawla (26 years).
Shubman Gill
• Shubman Gill is the skipper of Gujarat Titans.

OBITUARIES

61 | P a g e
• He was a famous Tamil and Telugu actor.
• He was from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh

Visweswara Rao
• She was an American actress.
• She won Golden Globe Award for the most promising newcomer in 'It Came from Outer
Space'.
Barbara Rush
• He was an American visual effects artist.
• He won a Special Achievement Academy Award in Best Visual Effects category for the film
Total Recall.

Tim McGovern
• He was British physicist.
• He discovered Higgs boson particle, also dubbed the 'God particle'.
• In 2013, Higgs received the Nobel Prize in Physics, alongside Belgian physicist Francois
Englert, for their work proposing the Higgs boson particle.
Peter Higgs
• He was an Irish football player and manager.
• He managed the national teams of India and Nepal & Wimbledon.

Joe Kinnear
• He was a veteran filmmaker, producer and cinematographer.
• He was a prominent member of the Ramsay Brothers, known for their significant
contributions to the Indian film industry, especially in the horror genre.
• His works include classics such as "Veerana," "Purana Mandir".
Gangu Ramsay
• He was a celebrated former England spinner & nicknamed "Deadly".
• He had a reputation for dismissing Sunil Gavaskar 12 times in Test matches, the most by
any bowler against this batsman.

Derek Underwood
• He was a carnatic singer and musician from Ernakulam district, Kerala.
• He was a recipient of Padma Shri, Sangeetha Nataka Akademi award and the Harivarasanam
award

K G Jayan
• He was the oldest living pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• He had an illustrious career, with over 1,100 flying hours, serving in World War II.
• He was born in Shimla ; affectionately called 'Maji' by his fellow air warriors.
• He earned the prestigious 'Best Pilot Trophy' during his training at the Initial Training
School in Walton in Lahore. Dalip Singh
Majithia
• He was a German footballer.
• He won a crucial penalty in West Germany’s victory over the Netherlands in the 1974 World
Cup final.

Bernd
Hölzenbein
• He was England’s oldest living men’s Test cricketer at the time of his death.
• He was one of the first match referees for the International Cricket Council.

Raman Subba
Row

62 | P a g e
• He was a famous Tamil film director.
• His film Pasi won National Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil & Filmfare Award.
• He was also awarded Kalaimamani Award by the Tamil Nadu Government.

Durai
• He was an Indian novelist.
• Fondly known as the ‘father of Indian psychoanalysis’.
• Notable Works: Shamans, Mystics and Doctors, The Ascetic of Desire, Young Tagore: The
Makings of a Genius.
• 'The Essential Sudhir Kakar', is a compilation of essays on psychoanalysis, culture and
Sudhir Kakar religion, and their confluence in Kakar’s work, published by Oxford.
• He was a Yakshagana singer from Karnataka.
• Recipient of the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award.

Subrahmanya
Dhareshwara
• Served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Chamarajanagar constituency for six
terms.
• He was from Mysuru, Karnataka.
• He was the former Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and
Venkataiah Public Distribution.
Sreenivasa Prasad

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

S.No Book Title Author and Key Facts

The Law and Spirituality:

1. • Co-authored by Prof. Raman Mittal and Dr. Seema Singh.
Reconnecting the Bond

Maker of Modern Goa: The • Author: Vijayadevi Rane.

2. Untold Story of • It is the biography of Pratapsingh Rane, a prominent figure in Goan
Pratapsingh Rane politics.

3. The Idea of Democracy • Author: Sam Pitroda,Indian Overseas Congress Chairman.

'Just A Mercenary?: Notes

4. • It is the memoir of former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao.
from My Life and Career'

India—the Road to
• Author: Bhimeswara Challa, Retired Indian Administrative Service
5. Renaissance: A Vision and
(IAS) officer and former UN official.
an Agenda

• Published by: Prabhat Prakashan.

6. Sabke Ram • It narrates the story of Ayodhya.
32. The book can be read and listened to in English and Hindi.

• Author: P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa

7. Heavenly Islands of Goa
33. It is the 221st book of P.S. Sreedharan Pillai.

• Editors: Soumya Awasthi and Shrabana Barua.

8. India’s Nuclear Titans • It gives a brief but complete picture of India’s nuclear story.

9. The Winner’s Mindset • Author: Shane Watson, Australian cricketer and coach.

63 | P a g e
 • It is a self-help book that provides tips about getting the best out of
oneself by applying various mental techniques.

• A memoir of Booker Award winning Indian-born British-

American novelist Salman Rushdie.
Knife: Meditations After an
10. • The book recounts his experience of being stabbed at a public
Attempted Murder
event.
• Other notable works: Quichotte, Midnights Children.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

S.No Name Key Facts

• Venue: Cannes, France.

• "Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know", a film by Chidanand Naik,
77th Cannes Film Festival
a student at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), has been
selected for the 'La Cinef' Competitive section.
1.
o It marks the first time a film from the one-year Television course
at FTII has been chosen for this prestigious event.
• It is the only Indian film selected in the 'La Cinef' section among 18
shorts submitted by film schools all over the world.

• Organized at: Wadia college Sports Ground, Pune (Maharastra)

• Organizers: Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and National
Institute of Naturopathy, Ministry of Ayush.
• Organized under: '100 days, 100 cities, and 100 organizations'
Yoga Mahotsav - 75 Days campaign
2. countdown to International
About '100 days, 100 cities, and 100 organizations' campaign
Day of Yoga 2024
• Ministry of Ayush along with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga
is organizing this campaign in collaboration with various
Universities/Institutes/Colleges.
• Duration: 13th March to 21st June 2024 (10th International Day of
Yoga).

• Organized by: Sangeet Natak Akademi, an autonomous body of the

Ministry of Culture.
‘Shakti - Festival of Music • Organized under: Kala Pravah
3.
and Dance’ • Organized on the occasion of Navaratri.
• Venue: seven Shaktipeeths across India.
• Opening ceremony held at Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati.

2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer • Organized at: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

4.
Nirvan Mahotsav • Organized on: Mahaveer Jayanti.

• Celebrated at: Thrissur, Kerala.

5. Thrissur Pooram 2024 • It is observed in the Malayalam month of Medam.
• It is one of the largest temples festivals celebrated across the world.

64 | P a g e
 PLACES IN NEWS

S.No Place Key Facts

• It has emerged as the highest cargo handling major port in India,

recording a remarkable cargo throughput of 145.38 million metric tonnes
(MMT) in 2023-24.

Paradip Port, Odisha

• For the first time in the 56 years history of operation, It has surpassed
1.
previous records, set by Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat.
• It has achieved highest ever coastal shipping traffic of 59.19 million
metric tonnes, with a growth of 0.76 million metric tonnes i.e. 1.30%
over the previous year.
• It celebrated its 125th anniversary on 1 April.
Kodaikanal Solar • It is a field station under the Indian Institute of
2. Observatory (KSO), Astrophysics (IIA)
Tamil Nadu • It was established in 1899 by the British.

• It is an uninhabited island in Sri Lanka.

• In 1974, India and Sri Lanka signed an agreement to demarcate the
3. Katchatheevu Island boundary between the two countries in the historic waters from Palk
Strait to Adam’s Bridge.
• Under this agreement, Katchatheevu was ceded to Sri Lanka.
• Archaeologists have excavated 5,200-year-Old Harappan Settlement at
Padta Bet near Khatiya village in Kachchh District, Gujarat.
4. Kachchh, Gujarat • The site is part of Indus Valley civilization (Harappan civilization).
• Excavation done by researchers from Kerala University in collaboration
with various national and international institutions.

Indian Coast Guard

5. • Inaugurated at: ICGS Mandapam near Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu.
Aquatic Centre

• Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata including Kolkata Dock System

and Haldia Dock Complex achieved an all-time record cargo handling
(66.4 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT)) since 1870.
Syama Prasad • This marks a 1.11% increase from the previous record of 65.66 million
6.
Mookerjee Port, Kolkata tonnes moved in 2022-23.
• Haldia Dock Complex handled 49.54 MMT in FY 2023-24, marking its
highest cargo volume ever since its inception, crossing the previous
record of 48.608 MMT in FY 2022-23.
• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has approved a proposal for India Ports
Global Limited (IPGL) to take over the operations of Sittwe Port, located
on the Kaladan River in Myanmar's Rakhine state.
• This move marks India's second overseas port acquisition after
Sittwe Port Chabahar Port in Iran.
• Sittwe Port is a crucial component of the Kaladan multi-modal transit
7.
transport project, designed to connect:
o Eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Myanmar by
sea
o Then Sittwe Port to Paletwa in Myanmar via the Kaladan river
waterway
o And finally connects Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through road.

65 | P a g e
 • Operational control of Sittwe Port is set to reduce the strategic
dependency on the Siliguri Corridor, known as the chicken’s neck
corridor
About IPGL:
• Established in 2015 under Ministry of Shipping for overseas port
development.
• A joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and
Deendayal Port Trust.
• To be built by: Adani Green Energy Ltd.
• Location: Khavda, Kutch district of Gujarat.
• Total Capacity: 30 GW (26 GW of solar and 4 GW of wind capacity).
o Of the total, 2,000 MW (2 GW) has been commissioned recently.
• Proposed investment to set up the park: Rs 1.5 trillion
• Adani Group targets to generate 500 GW of electricity from non-fossil
sources by 2030, as part of a broader plan of achieving net-zero
World’s largest
8. emissions by 2070.
renewable energy park
Additional Information
• At Present, the biggest renewable energy park in India is Bhadla Solar
Park in Rajasthan, with a capacity of 2.24 GW.
• ONGC aims to achieve 10 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030 with
an investment of Rs 1 trillion.
• Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has doubled its green energy investment
target to Rs 1.5 trillion.
• Located at: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• The pool measures an impressive 120 meters in length and is elevated
hundreds of meters above ground.
• It is part of 'The Link,' the longest cantilever building on the planet, and
is located between two skyscrapers.
World's longest ultra- • It costs up to 10,000 British Pounds.
lux infinity pool
Additional Information
9.
• Previously, Dubai opened the Aura Skypool, which was the highest 360-
degree infinity pool.
• Dubai's Jumeirah Gate is the world's tallest infinity pool within a
structure.
34. Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to build the world's tallest
skyscrapers, futuristic cities, and a simulated moon as part of 'The
Line' project.
• A unique Iron Age megalithic site discovered at Ooragutta near Bandala
village in SS Tadvai mandal of Mulugu district.
• Each ‘dolmenoid cist’ has a unique shape as dictated by the cap-stone.
Three new
• Two new rock art sites at Damaratogu in Gundala mandal of Bhadradri
archaeological sites
10. Kothagudem district.
discovered in
• One of the sites known as” Devarlabanda Mula” has only depictions of
Telangana
animals.
• Discovered by: Professors from University of Hyderabad, Telangana &
Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh.
• Brighton's council has approved the inaugural annual multi-faith event
at the India Gate memorial to honor the contribution of Indian soldiers in
11. India Gate, Brighton, UK the World Wars.
• India Gate, UK was unveiled by the Maharaja of Patiala in 1921.
35. It was designed by Thomas Tyrwhitt.

66 | P a g e
 • Shaurya Aeronautics (Pvt) Ltd of India and Airports of Regions
Mattala Rajapaksa
Management Company of Russia to manage this airport for 30 years.
12. International Airport,
• This airport was funded by the China EXIM Bank.
Hambantota, Sri Lanka
• It was once dubbed as the "world's emptiest airport".
• A new selfie point was unveiled at Hombotingla Pass in Ladakh by Indian
Army and the Tourism Department of Kargil to
commemorate the 25th anniversary of Kargil
Hombotingla Pass,
13. Vijay Diwas (July 26).
Ladakh
• This is the third such Selfie Point constructed by
the Indian Army this month including one each at
Khaltse and Hamboting La.
• It released gas bubbles containing
approximately 80 grams of gold
Mount Erebus, each day, amounting USD 6,000
14.
Antarctica worth of gold being blown into the
atmosphere every day.
• Reported by IFL Science.

DAYS IN NEWS

S.No Days Themes & Misc.

International
Transgender Day of
1 Visibility --

(March 31)

Foundation Day of the

Indian Institute of • It was constituted as an institution under the Department of Science &
2 Astrophysics (IIA) Technology in 1971.
(April 1)

Odisha Foundation Day • Also Known as: Utkal Divas/ Vishuva Milan.
3
(April 1) • Odisha was established in 1936

National Prevention of
4 Blindness Week • Led by: National Society for the Prevention of Blindness
(1-7 April)

World Autism Awareness

5 Day • Theme: 'Empowering Autistic Voices'
(April 2)

International Children's
• Official Sponsor: International Bureau of Children's Books (IBBY) Japan
6 Book Day (ICBD)
• Theme: "Cross the Seas on the Wing of your Imagination
(April 2)

260th Raising Day of

• Army Medical Corps was raised in 1764.
7 Army Medical Corps
• Motto: ‘Sarve Santu Niramaya’
(April 3)

67 | P a g e
 International Day for Mine
Awareness and
8 Assistance in Mine Action • Theme: 'Protecting Lives. Building Peace.'

(April 4)

International Day of
9 Conscience • Theme: ‘Promoting a Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience’.
(April 5)

• Theme: "Navigating the future: safety first!")

• Merchant Navy Week (30th March to April 5)
61st National Maritime
10 Day • The day pays tribute to the maiden voyage of the first Indian-owned
ship, SS Loyalty from Mumbai to London in 1919.
(April 5)
• Grand finale on theme "Sustainable Shipping: Opportunities and
Challenges".

International Day of Sport

for Development and
11 Peace • Theme: “Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”.

( April 6)

National Library Day

12 --
( April 6)

National Handmade Day • Theme: 'Buy a Handmade Product'

13
( April 6) • The day is observed every year on the first Saturday in April

World Health Day

14 • Theme: 'My health, my right'
( April 7)

97th Foundation Day of

Federation of Indian • 33 past presidents of FICCI were felicitated on the occasion.
15 Chambers of Commerce • FICCI was established in 1927.
and Industry (FICCI).
• HQ of FICCI: New Delhi.
( April 7)

59th Valour Day of

Central Reserve Police
16 Force (CRPF) --

(April 9)

• Theme: “Homeoparivar: One Health, One Family”

World Homeopathy Day • Homoeopathy Symposium, organized by Central Council for Research
17
(April 10) in Homoeopathy (CCRH), in New Delhi, under the theme-‘Empowering
Research, Enhancing Proficiency’.

Public Sector Day

18 --
(April 10)

National Safe Motherhood

Day • Focus Areas: improving access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants,
19
and postpartum support.
(April 11)

68 | P a g e
 World Parkinson's Day
20 - Symbol of Parkinson’s Dieease.
(April 11)

International Day of • Theme: 'Encourage Scientific Curiosity'

21 Human Space Flight • It is the anniversary of the first human space flight by Soviet
(April 12) cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.

International Day for

22 Street Children • Theme: “Belonging.”
(April 12)

World Quantum Day

23 • Theme: ‘Quantum Leap 2024’.
(April 14)

World Chagas Disease

• Theme: ‘Tackling Chagas disease: detect early and care for life.’
24 Day
• Chagas Diesease is often refered as 'silent and silenced disease'.
(April 14)

• Theme: 'Ensure Fire Safety to contribute towards nation building'.

National Fire Service Day • The day commemorate all the brave firefighters who lost their lives
25
(April 14) during the explosion of British Ship SS Fort Stikine at the Victoria Dock
of Bombay in 1944.

World Art Day

26 • Theme: 'A Garden Expression: Cultivating Community Through Arts'.
(April 15)

World Voice Day

27 • Theme: 'Resonate, Educate, Celebrate’.
(April 16)

World Hemophilia Day

28 • Theme: ‘Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders'.
(April 17)

World Heritage Day or

International Day for • Theme: ‘Discover and Experience Diversity’.
29 Monuments and Sites • The day coincides with the establishment of the International Council on
(IDMS) Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982.
(April 18)

World Liver Day

30 • Theme: "Keep your liver healthy and disease-free".
(April 19)

United Nation's annual

31 Chinese Language Day • Chinese is one of the official six languages of the UN.
(April 20)

National Civil Services • This day commemorates the address of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the
32 Day first Home Minister of Independent India, to probationary officers in
(April 21) 1947, where he referred to civil servants as ‘the steel frame of India’.

World Creativity and

Innovation Day • Theme: ‘Inspire’.
33
• The day is dedicated to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
(April 21)

69 | P a g e
 • Theme: ‘Planet vs. Plastics’.
Earth Day or International
34 Mother Earth Day
(April 22)

65th Foundation Day of • Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of
35
CSIR-IIP Petroleum(IIP), Dehradun was established on 14th April 1960.

• Theme: "Read Your Way".

World Book and
Copyright Day • UNESCO has selected Strasbourg, France as the World Book Capital for
36
2024.
(April 23) • Accra (Ghana) was UNESCO World Book Capital for 2023.

133rd Khongjom Day • Observed in Manipur to pay tribute to soldiers who fought against the
37
(April 23) British in the Khongjom Battle of the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891.

• Commemorates the birth and death anniversary of the legendary

UN English Language Day playwright William Shakespeare.
38
(April 23) • At the UN, English is one of the two working languages, along with
French.

UN Spanish Language
Day • Commemorates the death anniversary of Spanish writer Miguel de
39
Cervantes Saavedra.
(April 23)

• Ministry of Panchayati Raj organized a National Colloquium on

National Panchayati Raj “Governance at the Grassroots after Three Decades of the 73rd
40 Day Constitutional Amendment” at New Delhi.
(April 24) • The 73rd Amendment Act of 1992, which came into effect on April 24,
1993, gave constitutional status to Panchayat Raj Institutions.

International Day of
Multilateralism and • The day highlights a fundamental truth- no country can solve today’s
41 Diplomacy for Peace challenges alone.
(April 24)

World Day for Laboratory

42 Animals --
(April 24)

World Immunization • Theme: Humanly Possible: Immunization for All.

43 Week 2024 • This year World Immunization Week will celebrate 50 years of the
(24 to 30 April) Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) of the WHO.

World Malaria Day • Theme: “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable
44
(April 25) world”.

International Girls in ICT • Observed every year on the last day Thursday of April.
45 Day • Theme: “Leadership”.
(April 25) • This year’s celebration hosted by the Philippines.

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 International Delegate's • The day marks the anniversary of the first day of the San Francisco
46 Day Conference, (United Nations Conference on International Organization),
(April 25) where delegates from fifty countries came together for the first time.

World Penguin Day • The day coincides with the northern migration of Adélie penguins toward
47
(April 25) Antarctica.

79th Italy Liberation Day

48 • The day commemorates Italy’s liberation from Nazi Germany.
(April 25)

• Theme: “IP and the SDGs: Building

Our Common Future with
Innovation and Creativity”.
World Intellectual
49 Property Day
(April 26)

International Chernobyl • On this day the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded in 1986,
50 Remembrance Day spreading a radioactive cloud over the Soviet territory now comprising
(April 26) Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia.

World Veterinary Day • Celebrated every year on the last Saturday of April.
51
(April 27) • Theme: “Veterinarians are essential health workers”.

World Day for Safety and

52 Health at Work 2024 • Theme: “Climate change and safety and health at work”.
(April 28)

• Commemorates the birthday of the father of modern ballet, Jean-

International Dance Day Georges Noverre.
53
(April 29) • International Dance Day message given by Marianela Núñez, a
renowned Argentine-British ballet dancer.

• Global Host: Tangier, Morocco.

• Event hosted for the first time in the African continent.
International Jazz Day • The culminating All-Star Global Concert, led by pianist Herbie Hancock,
54
(April 30) held at the new Palace of Arts and Culture of Tangier.
• The day is the culmination of the Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM),
observed in the USA & Canada in April.

MISCELLANEOUS

S.No News Key Facts

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 • Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has acquired
Adani Ports acquire
1. Gopalpur Port in Odisha from the Shapoorji Pallonji Group (SP
Gopalpur Port
Group) and Orissa Stevedores Ltd (OSL).
• Pluto was discovered by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh at
Pluto declared ‘official state the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff of Arizona in 1930
2.
planet’ of Arizona, USA • Also known as ‘dwarf planet’, it was stripped of its official status as
a planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union.
Thailand to legalize
3. surrogacy for foreign --
couples & same sex couples
• Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen area,
allowing air and sea travellers from the zone to enter without ID
checks.
• The land border checks remain due to concerns from Austria.
About Schengen zone
Schengen zone- Europe’s
4. • Established in 1985.
‘border-free’ travel system
• Objective: To enable passport-free travel across EU member
countries.
• Members: 25 of the 27 EU (European Union) member countries plus
4 non-EU countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and
Liechtenstein).
Germany legalizes cannabis • Up to 25 grams of cannabis can be used for personal use.
5.
possession for personal use • This new law came into effect from April 1.
• IndiGo (operated by InterGlobe Aviation) has surpassed Southwest
Airlines to become the
world's third most
valuable airline in terms
IndiGo becomes world's 3rd of market capitalization
6. most valuable airline by m- (m-cap).
cap • Top 5 global airline
companies in terms of
m-cap.
• IndiGo is India’s largest
airline.
New Logo of Doordarshan • The color of Doordarshan’s logo has been changed from ruby red to
news channel saffron.
7. About Doordarshan
• Doordarshan was launched in 1959.
• It is the flagship channel of the Government of India.
Palestinian request to the • The resolution was supported by 12 out of the 15 Security Council
United Nations security members, with the UK and Switzerland abstaining.
8.
council for full UN • United States opposed the resolution.
membership • Palestinians retain non-member observer status at the UN.
• Installed and activated on the Council of Scientific & Industrial
Research (CSIR) Headquarters Building, New Delhi.
• Initiative of: CSIR & Energy Swaraj Foundation
• Installed as a part of the Earth Day Celebrations.
India’s biggest Climate
9. o Earth Day observed on April 22 under the theme-"Planet vs.
Clock
Plastics".
• Installed during a CSIR AMRIT Lecture.
About CSIR Accelerating Modern Research, Innovations and
Technologies (AMRIT) Lecture Series

72 | P a g e
 • Aim: to learn from the ideas and thoughts of India’s foremost S&T
leaders that can help pave the way for actions by R&D organisations
in general and CSIR in particular.
• Reliance Jio has surpassed China Mobile
to become the world's largest mobile
operator in terms of data traffic
consumption.
Reliance Jio's Leadership in
10.
Mobile Data Traffic

• It is a new “made in India” consumer electronics brand launched by

11. Wyzr brand
the Reliance Industries Limited (RIL).
• Released by: Congressional Research Service (CRS), USA
US Naturalization Policy • Top 5 largest sources of new citizens for USA in 2022: Mexico
12.
report (128,878 naturalizations), India (65,960) & the Philippines, Cuba &
Dominican Republic.
• The motto translates as "Where history is preserved for the
Indian Historical Records future."
13. Commission (IHRC) Adopts About IHRC
a New Logo and Motto • An apex advisory body on archival matters.
• Establishment: 1919; Ministry: Ministry of Culture.
• Launched by Australia's Macquarie Group in India with a
Vertelo- electric vehicle commitment of USD 1.5 billion.
14. (EV) financing and • It will provides a comprehensive suite of services, including EV
solutions platform financing, fleet management, and the development of charging
infrastructure.
Russian Chamber of
• The Honorary Representative of the Chamber of Commerce and
15. Commerce & Industry
Industry (CCI) of Russia has opened its new office in Mumbai.
opens office in India
• Study conducted by: Australian firm Compare the Market AU.
• Parameters: acquisition costs, cost-effectiveness per year of validity,
and the extent of visa-free access.
Key Findings
• Indian passport is the second cheapest globally, right after the UAE
passport.
Indian passport second
16. • Indian Passport holds the distinction of being the most cost-
cheapest’ in the world
effective in terms of "cost per year" of validity.
• India emerged as the most economical passport option, with a mere
USD 1.81 expenditure per year, followed by South Africa and Kenya.
• Indian passport holder can travel to 62 nations visa-free.
• The study also highlighted that Mexico and Australia have some of
the most expensive passports respectively.
• India’s drugs and pharmaceuticals exports increased 9.67% year-
on-year to USD 27.9 billion in 2023-24.
India’s pharmaceuticals • Top five export markets in the Pharma sector: the US (over 31%), the
17.
exports in FY24 UK, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil.
• India’s pharmaceutical industry is the third largest by volume and
the 13th largest by value in the world.
Iraq criminalises same-sex • Iraq’s parliament passed a bill that criminalised same-sex
18.
relations relations.

73 | P a g e
 • A minimum seven-year prison term for “promoting” same-sex
relations
• A sentence ranging from one to three years for men who
“intentionally” act like women.
• Punishes transgender people and doctors who perform gender-
affirming surgery with up to three years in prison.
• Biological sex change based on personal desire and inclination is a
crime
• It ban organizations that “promote” homosexuality and punish “wife
swapping” with a prison sentence of 10 to 15 years.
• American Tower Corporation (ATC) Telecom Infrastructure has sold
ATC Telecom Infrastructure
19. its 2.87% stake in Vodafone Idea (VIL) for Rs 1,840 crore through an
exits Vodafone Idea
open market transaction.
• InterGlobe Enterprises (Parent company of Indigo), along with
Archer Aviation, plans to launch an all-electric air taxi service in
Launch of All-Electric Air India by 2026.
20.
Taxi Service in India • The service will offer a seven-minute flight from Connaught Place,
Delhi to Gurugram in Haryana.
• It will be extended to Mumbai and Bengaluru.

2 GA + ESI

GENDER ISSUES
2.1 Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM)
Why in News
• National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
Limited, India’s largest integrated power
company, announces the launch of the latest
edition of GEM, its flagship Corporate Social
Responsibility initiative.
Key Highlights
• The latest edition is set to begin in April 2024,
targeting nearly 3,000 meritorious children
from underprivileged sections of the society at
42 identified locations of the power sector PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) i.e. NTPC.
• With this, the total number of children benefiting from the Mission will cross 10,000.

SOCIAL JUSTICE
2.2 Committee for Queer Community
Why in News

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 • Ministry of Law and Justice has formed a six-member committee led by the Cabinet
Secretary to address and reduce discrimination and challenges faced by the queer
community in accessing services and participating fully in society.
Key Highlights
• Committee will comprise secretaries from Ministry of
Home Affairs; Ministry of Women and Child
Development; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare;
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Law
Ministry.
• Committee is tasked with outlining specific legal
entitlements for queer couples including recognition
of queer partners as family for purposes like ration
cards, setting up joint bank accounts, jail visitation rights, being considered next of kin by
medical practitioners, and handling last rites of a deceased partner.
• Committee should also explore broader legal consequences such as succession rights,
maintenance, financial benefits under laws like the Income Tax Act, and rights related
to employment, including gratuity, family pension, and insurance benefits.

2.3 Integrated Pensioners’ Portal

Why in News
• Bank of India has been integrated into the Portal, making it the 5th bank to join this initiative.
Key Highlights
• Portal now allows pensioners from these banks to access various services such as
pension slips and life certificate status from a single platform.
• Bhavishya platform, part of this initiative, has been awarded the 3rd rank in the NeSDA
Assessment 2021 for its service delivery among Central Government e-Governance
portals.
o Bhavishya platform was made mandatory for all central government departments on
January 1, 2017.
• Soon most of the Pension Disbursing Banks will be integrated with the Portal.
About Integrated Pensioners' Portal
• Launch Year: 2022.
• Ministry: Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare.
• Objective: To act as a one-stop solution for all the pensioners' needs.
• Additional Features and Services:
o CPENGRAMS: Integrated within the portal, CPENGRAMS (Centralized Pension
Grievances Redress and Monitoring System) facilitates the speedy redressal and
effective monitoring of pension-related grievances.
o Anubhav: This feature, launched in 2015, allows retiring government officials to
record their experiences in government service, aimed at fostering a culture of
transparency and administrative reforms.
o Pensioners' Portal: Acts as a comprehensive resource for pensioners to access
official memoranda, notifications, welfare measures, a personalized pension processing
roadmap, and miscellaneous pension-related information.
o CGHS: Central Government Health Scheme, detailed within the portal, provides health
care via Wellness Centres under various medical systems including Allopathic,
Ayurveda, and Homeopathic.

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 o Sankalp: A program that offers workshops and training for retirees on pension
matters and opportunities for contributing to society post-retirement.
o Jeevan Pramaan: Digital Life Certificate for Pensioners, facilitating an easier and
hassle-free process to secure life certificates digitally.
o Bhavishya, the online Pension Sanction & Payment Tracking System, enhances
transparency by allowing both pensioners and administrative authorities to track the
pension sanction and payment process.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT

2.4 India’s Renewable Energy Capacity
Why in News
• India is significantly expanding its hydroelectric power capacity, with projects under
construction set to boost capacity by over 50% by 2031-32.
Key Highlights
• Hydroelectric Power capacity aiming to
increase from 42 GW to 67 GW by 2031-32.
o Hydroelectric power projects in Northern
and Eastern regions of India comprises
over 60% of total hydro energy generation.
o Southern region contributes 22% of the
total hydro energy generated.
• Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), also known as ‘Water Battery,’ capacity is expected to
reach from 4.7 GW to around 55 GW by 2031-32.
• Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (excluding Large Hydro) has increased to 136.57
GW as on February 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.94%.

2.5 Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative

Why in News
• 43rd batch of Chief Information Security Officers' (CISO) Deep Dive Training
Programme under the Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative commenced.
Key Highlights
• Organized by: National e-Governance Division (NeGD), under Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology (MeitY).
• Training took place at the Indian Institute of Public Administration in New Delhi.
About Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative
• Launch Year: Launched in 2018.
• Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Implementing Agency: National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
• Objective: To educate CISOs and IT officials on cybersecurity, legal provisions, and crisis
management to support the Digital India programme.
• Features: First-of-its-kind of partnership between the Government and industry
consortium under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

2.6 Suvidha Portal

Why in News

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 • Suvidha Portal has received over 73,000 applications from political parties and candidates
since the announcement of the General Elections 2024.
About Suvidha Portal
• Implementing Agency: Election Commission of India (ECI).
• Objective: To provide a transparent, efficient, and inclusive platform for political parties
and candidates to submit permission requests related to election campaigning.
• Features:
o First in First Out principle to ensure fairness.
o Utilizes the ENCORE (Enabling Communications on Real-time Environment) system
for forwarding both digitized and online permission requests to the relevant officers
and nodal officers for approval.

2.7 Coalition for Disaster Resilient

Infrastructure (CDRI)
Why in News
• CDRI is in the news due to the Prime
Minister's address at the 6th edition of
the International Conference on
Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

2.8 Climate Strategy 2030

Why in News
• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD) has unveiled its
Climate Strategy 2030 on Earth Day (23
April) to address the critical need for
green financing in India.
Key Highlights
• NABARD reported that India needs
approximately $170 billion annually to
meet its cumulative green financing
needs of over $2.5 trillion by 2030.
o As of the fiscal year 2019-20, India
has managed to secure about $49
billion in green financing.
• The majority of current funds are directed
towards mitigation, with only $5 billion
allocated for adaptation and resilience.
• 4 Key Pillars:
o Accelerating Green Lending across sectors
o Playing a broader Market-Making Role
o Internal Green Transformation of NABARD
o Strategic Resource Mobilization.

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 GLOBALIZATION
2.9 Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)
Why in News
• IPEF is organizing a Clean Economy Investor Forum in Singapore in June 2024 to
mobilize investments into sustainable
infrastructure, climate technology,
and renewable energy projects within
the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Highlights
• Knowledge partners: PwC Singapore
and HolonIQ.
• Nodal agency: Department of
Commerce (Government of India).
• Managed by: Invest India (India’s
National Investment Promotion
Agency).
• The forum will have opportunities for
the Indian industry in two tracks -
climate and infrastructure.
• Eligibility Criteria for Climate Tech
Firms: Companies applying must be
headquartered in or have a
significant focus or level of
operations in an IPEF member
country and must have been founded
in or after 2010.
• Evaluation Criteria: Companies will
be evaluated on 5 key criteria for
inclusion in the Indo-Pacific Climate
Tech 100.
o Firms with the highest ratings will
be included in the final 100,
ensuring representation from each
of the 14 IPEF member countries
with a minimum of 3 companies.
Note: Kindly refer to our ‘March Month
CurrentTap’ for more information on IPEF.

2.10 Schengen Area

Key Highlights
• The move is part of EU-India Common
Agenda on Migration and Mobility
(first signed in 2016), which aims to
strengthen migration policy

78 | P a g e
 cooperation and enhance people-to-people contacts between the EU (European Union)
and India.

2.11 India-EU Trade & Technology Council (TTC)

Why in News
• EU (European Union) and India have initiated an Expression of Interest for startups in
Battery Recycling Technologies for
Electric Vehicles under Working Group
2 of TTC.
Key Highlights
• Objective: To foster collaboration
between European and Indian Small
and Medium-sized Enterprises
(SMEs) and startups in the clean and
green technology sector, with a focus
on battery recycling technologies for
electric vehicles.
• Initiative is funded by the EU and
supported by the Office of the
Principal Scientific Adviser to the
Government of India.
• 6 innovators will be awarded chance to
visit India and the EU, respectively, to
further explore collaboration and
investment opportunities.

2.12 India Invoked Peace Clause for the 5th Time

Why in News
• India has invoked the peace clause citing its
subsidies to rice farmers in 2022, which exceeded
World Trade Organization (WTO) subsidy ceilings.
Key Highlights
• In 2022, India reported to the WTO that its subsidies
for rice production amounted to $6.39 billion, which is 12.1% of the $52.8 billion value of
rice produced, surpassing the 10% de minimis limit allowed.
• This marks the 5th time India has used the peace clause to protect its food security
programs from potential trade disputes under WTO rules.
About the Peace Clause under WTO
• Peace clause refers to a temporary rule of the World
Trade Organization that allows developing
countries to exceed agreed subsidy ceilings
without facing legal challenges, provided they meet
conditions agreed upon in Bali Ministerial Decision
in 2013 on Public Stockholding for Food Security
Purposes.
• India had first invoked the clause in 2020 when it became the first country to do so.

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 • WTO uses
reference prices
from 1986-88 to
calculate subsidy
caps.

2.13 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Why in News
• SCO Defence Ministers'
meeting, held in Astana,
Kazakhstan.
Key Highlights
• A joint statement was issued
which highlighted various
initiatives including the
philosophical concept of ‘One
Earth, One Family, One
Future’.
• Security and Growth for All in
the Region (SAGAR): This
concept, proposed by India for
the Indo-Pacific, was
highlighted during the
meeting as part of India's
broader vision for regional
security and cooperation.

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 INDIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM
2.14 Home Voting in Elections
Why in News
• For the first time in a Lok Sabha Election, Election Commission of India (ECI) has
introduced a home voting facility for elderly voters aged 85+ and Persons with
Disabilities (PwDs) with 40% benchmark disability.
Key Highlights
• Over 1.7 crore voters including over 81 lakh aged 85+ and over 90 lakh PwD voters are
eligible for this new voting facility.
• Procedure includes submitting a Form 12D by eligible
voters, followed by a visit from polling officials.
• Home voting was introduced in 2020 Bihar
assembly elections, conducted during Covid-19
pandemic.
• Facility was formalized under Rule 27A of the
Conduct of Election Rules 1961, which was
amended in 2020 to include this provision.
o The qualifying age for senior citizens to avail this
facility was recently revised from 80 to 85 years,
reducing the burden on election authorities by
55%.

2.15 Scheme for Kashmiri Migrants

Why in News
• Election Commission of India (ECI) has removed the
need for Form-M for Kashmiri migrants residing in
Jammu and Udhampur.
Key Highlights
• For Kashmiri migrants outside these areas, self-
attestation on Form-M will suffice.

2.16 Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

(TRAI)
Why in News
• TRAI has released recommendations for fostering innovative technologies in the digital
communication sector through Regulatory Sandbox mechanisms.
Key Highlights
• Objective: To provide a controlled environment for testing innovative digital
communication technologies with real users while ensuring network security and consumer
protection.
• Framework allows for a 12-month testing period with provisions for extension or early
termination.
• Data Management: Participants are required to maintain records of all testing steps,
data, and consent records for a minimum of 1 year after exiting the sandbox environment.

81 | P a g e
 • Access for Non-Telecom Companies: If applicants cannot secure consent from telecom
service providers or if their product does not
necessitate associating with a telco, they can
directly apply to the Department of
Telecommunications (DoT).
Miscellaneous Points
• Telecommunication Act of 2023 has also expanded
the scope of Digital Bharat Nidhi to support
innovations in the telecom sector financially.
About Digital Bharat Nidhi
• Telecommunication Act, 2023 provided for the creation of Digital Bharat Nidhi.
• Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) created under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885,
shall be the "Digital Bharat Nidhi", under the control of the Central Government, and shall
be used to discharge functions as set forth in the Act.
• Source of Credit: Nidhi will be credited with any payments due from assignments for
telecommunication services and amounts payable under licenses granted prior to the
appointed date towards the USOF.
• Allocation and Use of Funds: Funds received by "Digital Bharat Nidhi" are to be initially
credited to the Consolidated Fund of India, with the Central Government authorized to
allocate funds to Nidhi as per the parliamentary provisions.
• Objectives: Fund is dedicated to promoting access and delivery of telecommunication
services in underserved areas, supporting R&D of telecommunication services,
technologies, and products, backing pilot projects, and facilitating consultancy and
advisory support services.

2.17 FDI Policy for Space Sector

Why in News
• Union Ministry of Finance has amended the FDI norms in the space sector. These rules
may be called the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) (Third
Amendment) Rules, 2024.
Key Highlights
• Up to 74% FDI for satellite manufacturing & operation, satellite data products and
ground segment & user segment are allowed under automatic route.
o Beyond 74%, these activities are under the government route.
• FDI up to 49% is allowed for launch vehicles and associated systems or subsystems,
Creation of Spaceports for launching and receiving Spacecraft are under automatic
route but beyond 49%, government permission would be required.
• Besides, 100% FDI allowed for manufacturing of components and systems/ sub-
systems for satellites, ground segment and user segment without government
permission.
• Objective: To attract more foreign investment into India's burgeoning space industry.

2.18 India's Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System

Why in News
• To generate awareness about 3 new criminal laws, Ministry of Law and Justice is
organising a Conference titled ‘India's Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal
Justice System’.

82 | P a g e
Key Highlights
• 3 New Enacted Laws:
o Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 will replace the
Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860.
o Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 will
replace the Code of Criminal Procedure,
(1898), 1973.
✓ It stipulates that criminal trials must be
completed in 3 years, and judgments must
be pronounced within 45 days of being
reserved.
✓ Allows all trials, inquiries, and proceedings to be conducted in electronic mode.
o Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 will replace the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA

2.19 Defence Exports in FY24
Why in News
• India's defence exports achieved a record
₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24.
Key Highlights
• Private sector contributed 60% to the exports,
while Defence Public Sector Undertakings
(DPSUs) accounted for remaining 40%.
• Number of export authorisations increased to
more than 1500 in FY24.
• India has set a defence export target of ₹35,000
crore by 2024-25.
• Around 100 Indian firms are currently exporting
military hardware to around 85 countries.
• Ambitious Targets: India's annual defence
production is anticipated to reach Rs 3 lakh
crores by 2028-29, with exports of military
hardware expected to hit Rs 50,000 crore.
o Annual defence production in FY24: Rs 1.10
lakh crore.
Additional Information
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in defence sector: 74% through Automatic Route
and up to 100% through the Government Route.

2.20 Navratna Status

Why in News
• National Fertilizers Ltd, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and
Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) have been granted
Navratna status by the Department of Public Enterprise, Ministry of Finance.
Key Highlights

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 • IREDA is a Non-Banking Financial Institution, under Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy, engaged in promoting, developing and extending financial assistance for setting
up projects relating to new and renewable sources of energy and energy
efficiency/conservation.
o The government holds a 75% ownership stake in the company.
About Navratna Status
• Criteria for grant of Navratna status to CPSEs:
o CPSEs which are Miniratna I, Schedule ‘A’ and have obtained ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’
MOU rating in 3 of the last 5 years and having composite score of 60 or above in
following 6 selected performance indicators are eligible to be considered for grant of
Navratna status.
✓ Net Profit to Net worth
✓ Manpower Cost to total Cost of
Production or Cost of Services
✓ PBDIT to Capital employed.
✓ PBIT to Turnover
✓ Earnings Per Share
✓ Inter Sectoral Performance
• Navratna companies are granted financial autonomy to invest up to ₹1,000 crore without
seeking approval from the central government.
• Navratna companies are also allowed to invest up to 15% of their net worth on a single
project, or 30% of their net worth in a given year, subject to a cap of ₹1,000 crore.
• They have the option to participate in joint ventures, forge partnerships, and set up
overseas subsidiaries.

2.21 India's Electronics Exports

Why in News
• India's electronics exports saw a significant
increase of 23.6% to $29.12 billion in FY24.
Key Highlights
• Top Export Markets: US, UAE, Netherlands,
UK, and Italy.
• Mobile phone exports contribute 53% to
the total electronics exports.
o Apple's iPhone exports alone constitute
35% of India's entire electronics
exports.
• if current trends continue, electronics could
become India’s 3rd-biggest export by
2026.
• Leading State: Tamil Nadu accounts for nearly 33% of total national electronics exports,
followed by Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

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 EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN INDIA
2.22 Promotion of Research and Innovation in Start-ups and MSMEs in mining,
mineral processing, metallurgy and recycling sector (S&T-PRISM)
Why in News
• Ministry of Mines held a webinar to discuss advancements and opportunities under S&T-
PRISM initiative.
About S&T-PRISM
• Launch Year: November 2023.
• Ministry: Ministry of Mines.
• Implementing Agency: Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design
Centre (JNARDDC), Nagpur.
• Objective: To promote research and innovation among startups and MSMEs.
• Budgetary Outlay: Support under Science and Technology Programme of the Ministry.
o Startups Funding: Grants of up to ₹2 crore, based on milestones.
o Incubation Centres: Grants of up to ₹10 crore for setting up and strengthening
incubation centers, with disbursement also based on milestone achievement.
• Overseen by an Inter-Ministerial Apex Committee, chaired by Secretary, Ministry of
Mines and reconstituted every 3 years.
• One of 3 key components of Science and Technology Programme of Ministry of Mines.
o Others include Research and Development (R&D) and Information Education and
Communication (IEC).

MEASUREMENT OF GROWTH
2.23 Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
Why in News
• In February 2024, the IIP increased by 5.7%.
About Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
• Office of the Economic Advisor, Ministry of Commerce and Industry made the first
attempt of compilation and release of IIP with base year 1937, covering 15 important
industries.
• All-India IIP is being released as a monthly series since 1950.
• Now Released by: National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation (Base Year 2011-12)
• Includes sectoral and use-based classifications to give a detailed view of industrial
production.
o Sectoral Classification: (Basis of allotment of weights - Gross Value Added and Gross
Value of Output)
✓ Mining Sector: 29 items and 14.37% weightage
✓ Manufacturing Sector: 809 items and 77.63% weightage
✓ Electricity Sector: 1 item and 7.99% weightage

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 o Use-based Classification:
✓ Primary goods
✓ Capital goods
✓ Intermediate goods
✓ Infrastructure goods
✓ Consumer durable goods
✓ Consumer non-durable goods

2.24 Direct Tax Collection in FY24

Why in News
• Net Direct Tax collection of Rs. 19.58 lakh crore surpassed the Revised Estimates (Rs.
19.45 lakh crore) by 0.67%.
Key Highlights
• Year-on-Year Growth: 18.48% increase in Gross Direct Tax collections and a 17.70%
increase in Net Direct Tax collections.
• Gross Direct Tax Collections (Total tax collections before adjusting for any refunds): Rs.
23.37 lakh crore.
• Gross Corporate Tax collection: Rs. 11.32 lakh crore
• Net Corporate Tax collection: Rs. 9.11 lakh crore
• Gross Personal Income Tax collection: Rs. 12.01 lakh crore
• Net Personal Income Tax collection: Rs. 10.44 lakh crore

SOCIAL SECTOR - HEALTH

2.25 Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
Why in News
• Quality Council of India and the Union Health Ministry collaborated for 5-years to
transform CGHS.
Key Highlights
• Partnership focuses on expanding network of qualified healthcare providers and
laboratories empanelled under CGHS with an emphasis on achieving accreditation by
NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers)/ NABL (National
Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories).
• Quality monitoring mechanisms will be established to ensure ongoing evaluation and
improvement.
Note: Kindly refer to ‘SchemesTap’ for more information on Central Government Health Scheme
(CGHS).

2.26 S.A.R.A.H., or Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health

Why in News

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 • World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled S.A.R.A.H., a digital health promoter
powered by generative AI, ahead of World Health Day (7 April) focused on 'My Health, My
Right'.
About S.A.R.A.H.
• Launched: 2024
• Developed by: WHO in collaboration with Soul
Machines for Biological AI support.
• Aims to assist people in understanding risk factors
for major diseases and promotes healthy lifestyles.
• Features:
o Multilingual support in 8 languages.
o Empathetic, real-time interactions similar to
human conversation.

2.27 Committee for Drug and Medical Device Pricing Reforms

Why in News
• Department of Pharmaceuticals (Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers) has expanded the
committee.
Key Highlights
• Committee now includes representatives from 7 key industry associations such as the
Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), US-India Strategic Partnership
Forum (USISPF), and others.
About Committee for Drug and Medical Device Pricing Reforms
• 3 Core Members:
o Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals
o Chairman of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
o Senior economic adviser of the Department of Pharmaceuticals
• Additionally, it has 2 representatives from the pharma industry: the Secretary of the
Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance and the Chief Executive of the Indian Drugs Manufacturers'
Association.
• Objective: To evaluate and recommend
pricing strategies for essential medicines and
medical devices to ensure their availability and
affordability.
o To look into institutional reforms within
the NPPA to streamline operations and
enhance regulatory oversight.
o To explore incentives for the medtech
industry to minimize imports.
o To supervise the drafting of a new Drugs and Medical Devices (Control) Order.

2.28 National Task Force on Brain Health

Why in News
• A national task force has been established by Union Health Ministry to strengthen brain
healthcare services in India.
Key Highlights

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 • Headed by: Dr. Rajinder K. Dhamija, director of Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied
Sciences.
• 8 other members include Dr. Manjari Tripathi from AIIMS and Dr. Veena Kalra.
• Tasked with formulating recommendations to enhance brain health services across
primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings.

SOCIAL SECTOR - EDUCATION

2.29 Permanent Education Number (PEN)
Why in News
• PEN was in news in April.
Key Highlights
• Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) portal covers more than
14.89 lakh schools, 95 lakh teachers and 26.5 crore children.
About UDISE+ Portal
• Launched by: Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), under the Ministry
of Education, during the 2018-19 academic year.
• Objective: To create a robust, real-time, and
credible information collection mechanism.
• Features: The platform collects detailed
information through an online Data Collection
Form (DCF) which covers various parameters
such as school infrastructure, teacher details,
student enrollments, and examination results
across 11 different sections.
• Coverage: UDISE+ covers all recognized and
unrecognized schools imparting formal education
from Pre-primary to XII across 28 States and 8 Union Territories of India.
• Schools onboarded on UDISE+ are assigned a unique 11-digit UDISE code, which is
permanent and specific to the geographical location of the school.
o UDISE+ is mandatory for all schools across the country that impart elementary
education.

2.30 Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Programmes

Why in News
• University Grants Commission (UGC) highlighted that only residents of India are eligible
to enroll in open and distance learning programs as per Annexure III of UGC (Open and
Distance Learning and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020.
Key Highlights
• Ministry of Home Affairs has notified that no student visas will be granted to foreign
nationals for distance learning programs offered by non-compliant educational
institutions.

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 GENDER ISSUES
2.31 UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
Why in News
• Saudi Arabia has been appointed as the chair of the UN’s Commission on the Status of
Women (CSW) for its 69th session in 2025.
About UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
• Establishment Year: 1946 by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
• Objective: Dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowerment of women
worldwide.
• CSW conducts annual sessions to evaluate progress, identify challenges, and formulate
concrete policies to promote gender equality.
• Priority Theme for 68th session in 2024: "Accelerating
the achievement of gender equality and empowerment
of all women and girls by addressing poverty and
strengthening institutions and financing with a gender
perspective."
• In 1996, mandate was expanded to include monitoring
of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
• CSW membership comprises 45 States elected by
ECOSOC for a 4-year term.

SOCIAL JUSTICE
2.32 Bharat Brand
Why in News
• Ministry of Consumer
Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution has expanded
the number of agencies
permitted to directly
source wheat for Bharat
Atta.
Key Highlights
• Agencies like National
Agricultural Cooperative
Marketing Federation of
India (Nafed) and National Co-operative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) can now
directly procure wheat from farmers, aiming to reduce reliance on Food Corporation of
India (FCI).
• Move is targeted at supporting farmers from states like Bihar, Rajasthan, and eastern
Uttar Pradesh, who are often unable to benefit from minimum support prices (MSP).

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2.33 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group
(PVTG)
Why in News
• For the first time, members of the Shompen
tribe, categorized under Particularly Vulnerable
Tribal Groups (PVTGs), participated in the
electoral process by casting votes for the lone
Lok Sabha seat in Andaman and Nicobar
Islands.
Key Highlights
• Shompen tribe, from Great Nicobar Island, has
an estimated population of 229 based on the
2011 Census.
• Shompen tribes were assisted in their language
by an interpreter known as ‘Mathiyas’ (a
Nicobari tribal youth).
• Other tribes from Andaman and Nicobar
Islands: Onge and Great Andamanese.
Note: For more information on PVTGs, Click here.

INDIAN AGRICULTURE
2.34 Agriculture Lending
Why in News
• NABARD has partnered with RBI Innovation Hub to accelerate digital agricultural
lending.
Key Highlights
• NABARD has developed and integrated its e-KCC
loan origination system with the RBI's Public Tech
Platform for Frictionless Credit (PTPFC).
o PTPFC: A platform to facilitate the flow of digital
information to financial sector players to enable
‘frictionless credit’.
o Pilot started in 2023.
• This is set to reduce the loan processing time for
agricultural loans to just 5 minutes, impacting
approximately 120 million farmers in India.
• The integration includes access to digital land
records, satellite data, KYC (Know Your
Customer), and credit history to improve credit
underwriting.
• Initial Implementation: To occur in select RRBs
(Regional Rural Banks) as well as cooperative banks.
• Targets: To cover 5 crore KCC loans across all
cooperative banks and RRBs in country.

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 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT
2.35 Greenpeace International Survey on Plastic Pollution
Why in News
• Greenpeace International's survey reveals overwhelming global support for reducing
plastic production to safeguard biodiversity and climate, aligning with the UN's ambition
for a significant plastic production cut by 2040.
Key Highlights
• 87% of Indian respondents support cutting the production of plastic to stop plastic
pollution.
• 89% of Indian respondents believe that the Global Plastics Treaty should include targets
that oblige governments and corporations to transition away from single-use plastic
packaging to reusable and refillable packaging.
• 80% of global respondents advocate for protecting biodiversity and the climate by
reducing plastics production.
• 90% of global respondents endorse
transitioning away from single-use plastic
packaging to reusable and refillable alternatives.
• 75% of global respondents support a ban on
single-use plastic packaging.
• 90% of Indians are concerned about the adverse
health effects of plastics on their children’s
health.
• 79% of Indian respondents advocating for the
exclusion of lobbyists from the fossil fuel and
chemical industries from treaty negotiations.
Additional Information
• The survey comes ahead of the fourth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC4)
meeting for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty to be held in Ottawa, Canada in April
2024.
• Greenpeace is demanding that Global Plastics Treaty cut total plastic production by at
least 75% (From a 2019 baseline) by 2040 to protect biodiversity and ensure that global
temperatures stay below 1.5° C.
• Greenpeace International is an independent environmental network.

2.36 Convention on Biological Diversity

Why in News
• United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appoints Astrid Schomaker
(Germany) as the Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological
Diversity, following consultation with the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties.
Key Highlights
• Predecessor: David Cooper (UK).
About Convention on Biological Diversity
• Launch Year: Established in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
o Convention entered into force on 29 December 1993.
• CBD has been ratified by 196 nations.

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 • Conference of the Parties (COP) serves as the CBD's governing body, convening
biennially to evaluate progress, establish priorities, and plan future work.
• Implementing Agency: Operates under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Secretariat: Montreal, Canada.
• Objective: To conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable use of its components,
and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

2.37 Solar Power Capacity in India

Why in News
• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has successfully bid out 51 GW of
renewable energy capacity in the fiscal year 2024, surpassing the target of 50 GW.
Key Highlights
• India's installed non-fossil capacity stands at
about 190 GW.
• Objective: Enhance the capacity of solar power to
meet the nation's ambitious target of 500 GW
non-fossil based power capacity by 2030.
• India's energy requirements are projected to
increase by 2.5 times by 2047.
• Specific CO2 reduction targets include a reduction of 686 million tonnes by 2030, with
250 million tonnes from the industrial sector.
o This necessitates a focus on energy efficiency and demand electrification, which
could potentially reduce CO2 emissions by 51% by 2047.

2.38 Green Credit Programme

Why in News
• Madhya Pradesh has the highest reported area with 954 hectares of degraded forest
land approved for plantation.
Key Highlights
• 14 public sector undertakings
(PSUs) and other entities are
registered for plantation activities
to earn green credits.
• GCP operates as an innovative
market-based mechanism where
individuals and organizations can
invest in environmental
conservation and earn green
credits which can then be traded
on a platform managed by the
ICFRE (an autonomous body of
the Ministry of Environment).
• Under the scheme, registered
and approved entities can pay to
finance afforestation projects in
specific tracts of degraded forest
and wasteland.

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 • The actual afforestation will be carried out by State Forest departments.
• Two years after planting — and following an evaluation by ICFRE, each planted tree
could be worth one ‘green credit’.
• These credits can be used for Compensatory afforestation purposes or corporate social
responsibility activities.
o Companies would not be able to offset all their obligations under compensatory
afforestation using green credits but could claim a portion of it.
• Implementing Agency (IA) is responsible for ensuring completion of plantation within 2
years after receipt of payment.
o IA is also responsible for maintenance of plantation for further 10 years.
• The Ministry has tweaked an earlier requirement that there be a minimum of 1,100 trees
per hectare to qualify as a reforested landscape and left it to States to specify them.
• GCP supports following 8 activities:
o Tree plantation
o Water management
o Sustainable agriculture
o Waste management
o Air pollution reduction
o Mangrove conservation and restoration
o Ecomark label developmen
o Sustainable building and infrastructure

2.39 Global Forest Watch

Why in News
• Global Forest Watch has released data showing significant tree cover loss in India.
Key Highlights
• India lost 2.33 million hectares (Mha) of tree
cover from 2000 to 2023, equivalent to a 6%
decrease in tree cover during this period, with
humid primary forests constituting 18% of the
total tree cover loss.
• From 2000 to 2020, India gained 1.88 Mha of tree
cover (1.4% of the global total).
o Russia gained the most: 37.2 Mha
• In 2010, Top 7 regions represented 55% of all tree
cover with Arunachal Pradesh having the most tree cover at 6.11 Mha compared to an
average of 957 thousand hectares.
• 95% of the tree cover loss in India from 2013 to 2023 occurred within natural forests.
• Between 2001 and 2022, forest-related activities in India resulted in a net carbon sink of
89.9 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, although 1.12 gigatons of carbon
dioxide equivalent were emitted over this period due to tree cover loss.
• Maximum tree cover loss within this period occurred in 2017.
• Maximum tree cover loss due to fires in 2008 and highest occurring in Odisha state.
o In India the peak fire season typically begins in late February and lasts around 12
weeks.
• 5 states (Assam>Mizoram> Arunachal Pradesh> Nagaland>Manipur) accounted for 60%
of all tree cover losses.

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 • According to Food and Agriculture Organisation, the rate of deforestation in India was
668,000 hectares per year between 2015 and 2020, the second highest worldwide.
About Global Forest Watch Project
• Launch Year: 1997.
• Initially started as a network of NGOs to produce up-to-date reports on the state of forests
in Cameroon, Canada, Gabon, and Indonesia as part of the Forest Frontiers Initiative.
• GFW 2.0 was launched in 2014, becoming a fully interactive online platform.
• Developed by: World Resources Institute.
• Objective: To provide near real-time data on forest changes worldwide to facilitate
timely and effective conservation actions.

2.40 Climate Analytics Findings

Why in News
• G7 nations are significantly off track in
meeting their 2030 emission reduction
targets, according to a new analysis by Climate
Analytics.
Key Highlights
• Current collective 2030 ambition level of the
G7 stands at only 40-42% of what is needed,
with existing policies likely to achieve just 19-33% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030
compared to 2019 levels.
• Countries will submit their updated
nationally determined
contributions (NDCs) for 2035 by
next year to the UN climate change
body.
Key Terminologies
• Paris Agreement: An international treaty adopted in 2015, aiming to limit global warming
to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
• Current Chair of G7 in 2024: Italy.

2.41 UNHCR Climate Resilience Fund

Why in News
• Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) launched the Climate Resilience
Fund to enhance protection for refugees and displaced people against climate-related
threats.
Key Highlights
• UNHCR aims to raise $100 million by the end of 2025 for this Fund.
• Partnered with Climate Group to launch this Fund as part of the 2024 US Climate Action
Summit.
• Key projects under the fund include creating climate-resilient shelters, promoting
climate-smart livelihoods, and investing in sustainable resources such as clean energy
for refugee infrastructure.
• Projects will align with national climate strategies and actively involve local
communities in their implementation.
About UNHCR
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 • Established in 1950.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee
Agency, leads international action to
protect people forced to flee their homes
because of conflict and persecution.
o As part of this, UNHCR recently
launched the Focus Area Strategic Plan
for Climate Action 2024-2030, a
document that sets out a global
roadmap for prioritized action.
• UNHCR works to protect more than 114
million people forced to flee their homes
globally.

2.42 Project Cheetah

Why in News
• Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya
Pradesh is set to receive 5-8 African
cheetahs from South Africa after Kuno
National Park.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
2.43 Highways Toll Collection
Why in News
• India's highway toll collection has reached a five-year high in FY24 to around ₹65000
crore.

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Key Highlights
• More than 8 crore FASTags have been
issued as of 2023, facilitating an average
daily collection of ₹147.31 crores.
• Ministry of Road Transport and
Highways is currently pilot testing a
satellite-based GPS toll collection
system, which utilises the global
navigation satellite system (GNSS) and
automatic number plate recognition
(ANPR) cameras.

EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN INDIA

2.44 National Career Service portal
Why in News
• Jobs listed on the government portal rose
from 3.48 million in FY23 to 10.9 million in
FY24, marking the highest mobilization of
vacancies since its launch.
Key Highlights
• Finance and insurance sector posted the
highest number of vacancies.

2.45 Employees’ Provident Fund

Organisation (EPFO)
Why in News
• EPFO has increased the auto claim
settlement limit for medical expenses from
Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000.
Key Highlights
• Advances for medical treatment can be
requested under circumstances such as hospitalization lasting one month or more,
major surgical operations, or serious ailments like tuberculosis, leprosy, paralysis,
cancer, mental derangement, or heart ailments.
• Physically impaired members are allowed to withdraw funds for purchasing necessary
equipment, subject to the submission of a medical certificate.
• For most of these withdrawals, the subscriber must have been contributing to the EPF
for at least 5 to 7 years, depending on the specific circumstance.

INDIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM

2.46 16th Finance Commission (FC)
Why in News

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 • Manoj Panda has been appointed as a full-time
member of the 16th FC, replacing Niranjan
Rajadhyaksha.
Key Highlights
• Other full-time members: Ajay Narayan Jha and
Annie George Mathew.
• Part-time member: Soumya Kanti Ghosh.
• Chairman: Dr. Arvind Panagariya.
o 15th FC Chairman: NK Singh
o 14th FC Chairman: YV Reddy
• Shri Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey: Secretary to the
Commission
Terms of Reference for 16th FC
• Distribution between Union and States of net
proceeds of taxes and allocation between States
of the respective shares of such proceeds.
• Principles which should govern the grants-in-aid
of the revenues of the States out of the
Consolidated Fund of India and sums to be paid to
States by way of grants-in-aid of their revenues
under article 275.
• Measures needed to augment Consolidated Fund
of State to supplement the resources of Panchayats and Municipalities in State on the
basis of recommendations made by FC of State.
• Commission's mandate includes considering previous benchmarks, like the 41%
revenue sharing with states as recommended by 15th FC.
• Commission may review the present arrangements on financing Disaster Management
initiatives, with reference to funds constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• Commission shall make its report available by 31st day of October 2025 covering a period
of 5 years commencing on 1st April 2026.

2.47 CDP-SURAKSHA (System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and

Secure Horticulture Assistance)
Why in News
• Ministry of Agriculture has launched CDP-SURAKSHA, a new digital platform designed
to streamline the subsidy disbursement process to horticulture farmers under the
Cluster Development Programme (CDP).
About CDP-SURAKSHA
• Implementing Agency: National Horticulture Board (NHB)
• Objective: To enable instant subsidy disbursal directly into farmers' bank accounts
using the e-RUPI voucher system from National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• 4 major banks including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, and Bank of Baroda
are participating to generate e-RUPI vouchers for fund disbursement.
Note: Kindly refer to ‘SchemesTap’ for more information on Cluster Development Programme
(CDP).

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2.48 Centralised Public Grievance
Redress and Monitoring System
(CPGRAMS)
Why in News
• CPGRAMS of India has been recognized
as a best practice in governance at the
Third Biennial Pan-Commonwealth
Heads of Public Service Meeting, held in
London.

GLOBALIZATION
2.49 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Why in News
• NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Key Highlights
• Sweden became NATO's 32nd member recently.

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About NATO
• Launch Year: 1949 through Washington Treaty or North Atlantic Treaty (Signed on April
4, 1949).
• Headquartered in Brussels (Belgium).
• Developed by: Founded by 12 original member countries in Washington D.C.
• Objective: To guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and
military means.
• Features:
o Article 5: A collective defense guarantee, stating an attack against one ally is
considered an attack against all allies.
✓ It has only been invoked once in response to the Al-Qaeda attacks in 2001.
o In 2014, NATO members pledged to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defence.
o While NATO has a liberal “open door” policy for membership, all members need to ratify
the entry of a new applicant for it to become a member.

2.50 World Bank Group

Why in News
• Artemis Medicare Services Ltd. has entered into a
funding agreement with the International Finance
Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group entity, to raise
₹330 crores through compulsorily convertible
debentures (CCDs).
Key Highlights
• Purpose: To enhance healthcare accessibility and
quality, supporting Artemis Medicare's expansion plans in various cities and introducing
new medical specialties.
About World Bank Group
• Launch Year: Established in 1944 during the Bretton Woods Conference.
• Members: 189 countries
• Objective: To provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries for
development programs that are expected to improve the economic prospects and quality
of life for people in those countries.
• Group consists of 5 organisations:
o International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) lends to low- and
middle-income countries.
o International Development Association (IDA) lends to low-income countries.
o International Finance Corporation (IFC) lends to the private sector.
o Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), created in 1988, promotes
foreign direct investment into developing countries to support economic growth,
reduce poverty, and improve people's lives.
o International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) helps private
investors and foreign countries work out differences when they don't agree.
• Together, IBRD and IDA make up the World Bank.
• The Bank borrows the money it lends.

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2.51 International Monetary Fund
(IMF)
Why in News
• Kristalina Georgieva has been selected
for a second 5-year term as the
managing director of the IMF.

2.52 Double Taxation Avoidance

Agreement (DTAA)
Why in News
• India and Mauritius have updated their
DTAA to include a Principal Purpose
Test (PPT) to curb tax avoidance and
align with global anti-abuse standards.

Key Highlights
• DTAA amendment includes a new
Article 27B, "Entitlement to Benefits,"
to enforce the Principal Purpose Test.
o To ensure that treaty benefits are granted only for transactions with legitimate
business purposes, significantly altering how treaty benefits are accessed.
• Amendment aligns with OECD's (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development) Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action 6 framework.
• Coverage includes all types of income, such as dividends, interest, royalties, and capital
gains, under the treaty.
• Amended DTAA is explicitly stated to not have retrospective taxation effects.

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 • Treaty was last amended in 2016 allowing the right to tax capital gains arising from sale
or transfer of shares of an Indian company acquired by a Mauritian tax resident and
exempting investments made until March 2017 from such taxation.

2.53 Collaborative Co-Financing Portal

Why in News
• The leaders of 10 multilateral development banks (MDBs) have announced joint
measures to enhance collaboration and increase the effectiveness and impact of their
initiatives at the MDB Heads Group meeting chaired by Inter-American Development
Bank (IDB).
Key Highlights of Meeting
• Co-Financing Enhancements: The introduction of the Collaborative Co-Financing Portal
is set to accelerate public-sector project financing, with an emphasis on harmonizing
procurement practices across MDBs.
About Collaborative Co-Financing Portal
• Features: Portal serves as a centralized platform for aligning project financing needs
with available resources, promoting transparency and accessibility for member countries.
• Platform includes a digital component (Co-financing Portal) and a Co-financing Forum:
o Co-financing Portal: Portal will be a database of project information, in a uniform
format, of projects seeking co-financing provided by each participating institution.
o Co-financing Forum: Co-financing Portal will be complemented by a co-financing
forum for participants to discuss co-financing opportunities and common issues related
to co-financing.
• The platform is hosted and maintained by the World Bank.
• MDBs that will be part of the new co-financing platform include:
o African Development Bank
o Asian Development Bank
o Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
o Council of Europe Development Bank
o European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
o European Investment Bank
o Inter-American Development Bank
o Islamic Development Bank
o New Development Bank
o World Bank Group

2.54 US Priority Watchlist

Why in News
• United States Trade Representative (USTR) has retained India on its Priority Watchlist
due to ongoing concerns over intellectual property rights protection and enforcement,
especially related to patents.
About US Priority Watchlist
• Priority Watchlist is part of the USTR's Special 301
Report, an annual review aimed at identifying
countries that do not adequately or effectively
protect and enforce intellectual property rights.

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 • Countries on this list face significant scrutiny and are subject to potential trade
sanctions if improvements are not made.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA

2.55 Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Status
Why in News
• The gem and jewellery sector in India has been granted AEO status by the Finance
Ministry.
Key Highlights
• Benefits: Speeding up customs processes, reducing bank guarantees by 50%, and
expediting the resolution of customs, central excise, and service tax cases.
Global AEO Program
• Established in 2007 under the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of
Standards to secure and facilitate global trade
(hereafter referred to as the "SAFE
Framework").
o Entities granted AEO status are
recognized as ‘secure’ traders and
reliable trading partners, which affords
them benefits such as expedited clearance
times, fewer examinations, and improved
security and communication with supply
chain partners.
About India’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Program
• AEO program was introduced as a pilot project in 2011 based on WCO SAFE Framework.
• Implementing Agency: Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC).
• A 3-tier system for AEO status: AEO T1, AEO T2, and AEO T3, with AEO T3 being the
highest level of accreditation.
o An additional category, AEO-LO, covers logistics operators and other entities in the
supply chain besides importers and exporters.

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3 GA + FINANCE

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN FINANCIAL SECTOR

3.1 HP Future Impact Leaders - IICA Certified Environmental-Social-
Governance (ESG) Professional Programme
Why in News
• Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), an
autonomous institute under Ministry of
Corporate Affairs, and HP India have launched
the Programme.
Key Highlights
• Target: To offer advanced education in ESG
to 75 candidates with 100% scholarships.
• Objective: To empower Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) professionals with
advanced knowledge and skills in ESG.

3.2 Consumer Price Index (CPI)

Why in News
• Retail inflation in India eased to 4.85% in March
2024.
• Core CPI, which excludes food and fuel, has shown
disinflation, dropping to 3.4% in February, reflecting
one of the lowest levels in the current CPI series.
About Consumer Price Index
• Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation (MoSPI) with Base year 2012.
• Implementing Agency: National Statistical Office
(NSO)
• Objective: To monitor and report on the inflation and
price changes of a basket of consumer goods and
services.
• Inflation Targeting: Government has tasked Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to ensure that
inflation remains at 4%, with a margin of 2% on either side.
• RBI Projections: RBI has projected retail inflation at 4.5% for the fiscal year 2024-25,
assuming a normal monsoon.

3.3 Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs)

Why in News

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 • Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) signed 125 APAs in the FY 2023-24, which is the
highest in any year since the inception of the APA program.
Key Highlights
• Total APAs signed till now: 641, including both unilateral and bilateral agreements
(BAPAs).
• CBDT also signed the maximum number of BAPAs in any financial year till date as a
consequence of entering into Mutual Agreements with India’s treaty partners namely
Australia, Canada, Denmark, Japan, Singapore, the UK and the US.
About Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs)
• Launch Year: APA provisions were introduced into
Income-tax Act, 1961, effective from 2012.
• Eligibility: Any taxpayer who has undertaken or is
planning to undertake an international transaction is
eligible to apply for an APA.
• There are no monetary thresholds that restrict
eligibility for filing an APA.
• Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) Scheme is designed
to help taxpayers by clearly defining how to price
transactions between related international entities
ahead of time, for up to 5 upcoming years.
o Additionally, taxpayers have the option to apply
these pre-agreed pricing methods to transactions
that took place in the 4 years before the
agreement.
✓ APAs with a roll-back provision, which give I-T
certainty to the applicant (taxpayer) for nine
years, were introduced from 2015.
o This approach offers taxpayers a total of 9 years of
predictability regarding how their transactions are
priced for tax purposes.
• By signing agreements that include both the taxpayer's
country and a foreign tax authority (bilateral APAs),
taxpayers are also protected against the risk of being taxed twice on the same income.

3.4 Compulsory Convertible Debentures (CCDs)

Why in News
• Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved
the subscription to CCDs of Napino Auto by
International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Key Highlights
• International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the
World Bank Group established in 1956, is the
subscriber, aiming to promote economic growth in
developing member countries through private sector
development.
• Mergers and acquisitions beyond a certain threshold
require the approval of the CCI under the Competition Act, 2022.

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3.5 Programmable Central Bank Digital
Currency (CBDC)
Why in News
• IndusInd Bank executed transactions to pay
farmers for carbon credits with a
programmable version of the Reserve Bank of
India's digital currency, or e-rupee, marking
the first such instance by any bank.
Key Highlights
• Bank partnered with Circularity Innovation Hub India Private Limited (CIH) for this pilot.
• Pilot specifically targeted 50 farmers in Ratnagiri district for carbon credit generation,
with plans to expand to 1,000 farmers.
• Emertech Innovations developed a Blockchain-backed platform for the project, ensuring
traceability and transparency in transactions.
• Phase 2 of the project will focus on Safai Karmacharis, aiming to increase their income
by leveraging revenues generated from the collection, recycling, and repurposing of
plastic waste.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MARKET

3.6 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
Why in News
• IndusInd International Holdings (IIHL), led by the Hinduja Group, was approved by creditors
with a 99.6% majority to take over Reliance Capital through Corporate Insolvency
Resolution Proceedings (CIRP).
Key Highlights
• Regulatory Approvals: From Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for changes in
control of Reliance Wealth Management and
Reliance Securities.
• Reserve Bank of India has appointed Nageswara
Rao Y as the company's administrator as per the
IBC, with the Mumbai bench of the National
Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approving the
resolution plan in February 2024.
• Terms of the Resolution Plan will be implemented by May 27, about 90 days from the
approval of the Resolution by the NCLT.
Note: Read more about CIRP under IBC from here.
3.7 SEBI Circular on Cross Margin Benefits
Why in News
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 • Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a new circular extending cross
margin, sometimes referred to as “spread margin, benefits.
Key Highlights
• Circular introduces reduced spread margins for correlated indices and index
constituents with differing expiry dates to enhance liquidity and reduce net settlements.
• Specific margins include:
o 40% for Correlated indices with different expiry dates.
✓ 30% for Correlated indices having same expiry date.
o 35% for index and constituents with different expiry dates.
✓ 25% for index and constituents with same expiry dates.
• Cross-margining was introduced by the National
Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2020.
o To enable market participants to utilize their
available margins more efficiently across
accounts, increasing liquidity and reducing
financial requirements for maintenance margins.
o Allows the transfer of excess margin from one
account to another to meet margin requirements.
• The circular also includes provisions for the
revocation of spread margin benefits at the start of
the expiry day of the earliest expiring position when expiry dates differ, ensuring strict
compliance and risk management.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN FINANCIAL SECTOR

3.8 SCORES 2.0
Why in News
o Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
has launched SCORES 2.0.
About SCORES 2.0
• Objective: To strengthen investor complaint
redress mechanism by making the process more
efficient and user-friendly.
• Features:
o Standardized timelines for complaint
resolution set at 21 calendar days.
o Auto-routing of complaints to relevant authorities.
o Monitoring of timely resolution by designated bodies.
o A two-tier review process (Designated Body at 1st level and SEBI at 2nd) for unresolved
complaints.
o Integration with the KYC Registration Agency database for simplified investor
registration.

3.9 Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs)

Why in News

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 • Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have recorded the highest yearly inflow into India's debt
market in over nine years during FY 2023-2024.
Key Highlights
• February witnessed the highest monthly inflow of ₹22,419 crore.

3.10 Government's Dividend Collections from Non-Financial CPSEs

Why in News
• Government's dividend collections from non-
financial central public sector enterprises
(CPSEs) and entities with minority stakes
reached a record high (~₹64000 crore,
27.5% year-on-year) above its target of Rs.
50,000 crores in the fiscal year 2023-24.
Key Highlights
• Disinvestment proceeds: ₹16,507 crore
(Expected ₹18,000 crore).
• Expectations for FY25: Government
anticipates raising ₹50,000 crore from
disinvestment, including ₹15,000 crore
from asset monetisation.

3.11 Asset Monetisation

Why in News
• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) raised Rs 40,314 crore in FY24,
significantly exceeding its target of Rs 28,968 crore.
Key Highlights
• Ministry utilized 3 modes of asset monetisation:
o Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) model
o Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)
o Project-based financing (Securitisation)
Key Terms
• Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) Model:
o Government has authorized National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to monetize
publicly funded National Highway (NH) projects, that have been operational and
generating toll revenues for at least two years post the Commercial Operation Date
(COD), through the Toll Operate Transfer (ToT) Model.
o It allows concessionaires to collect toll revenues for a predetermined period in
exchange for an upfront lump-sum payment, subject to case-by-case approval by
competent authorities.
• Securitisation:
o Under securitisation, NHAI gets an upfront pay-out for the asset.
o This amount is reimbursed in tranches from the toll income of the asset to the lender.
o There is no payment to lenders before toll income is generated from a project.
o This model is preferred for road assets that have a high traffic potential, seen as less
risky by financial institutions.
o Transferring an asset to an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) also lowers NHAI debt as
the burden is shifted to the new entity and does not remain on the books of NHAI.

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Note: Kindly refer to February Month CurrentTap for more details on ‘Infrastructure Investment
Trust (InvIT)’.

3.12 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)

Why in News
• Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has appointed two part-time members to the
Governing Board of IBBI, completing its composition as required by the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016.
Key Highlights
• M.P. Ram Mohan and Dinabandhu Mohapatra have been appointed as part-time members.
• Tenure: 5 years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
• IBBI Board Composition: IBBI Governing Board now comprises 10 members.
o 1 Chairperson, 3 Whole-time members, 2 Part-time members, 1 Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) nominee, and 3 other ex-officio members from Finance Ministry, Corporate Affairs
Ministry and Ministry of Law and Justice.
About the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016
• Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Implementing Agency: Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
• Objective: To consolidate and amend laws relating to reorganization and insolvency
resolution of corporate persons, partnership firms, and individuals in a time-bound
manner.
• IBC provides a robust framework for debt resolution through corporate insolvency
resolution processes (CIRP) and liquidation.
• Features: Introduces a creditor-in-control model, time-bound resolution process
(initially 180 days with a 90-day extension, amended to a total of 330 days) and creation
of a Committee of Creditors (CoC) for decision-making.
• Adjudication Authorities: National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) adjudicates
proceedings for companies, and the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) for individuals.
• Liquidation Order of Payment: Under liquidation, the proceeds from the sale of the
debtor’s assets are distributed in a specific order: first, insolvency resolution costs,
including remuneration to the insolvency professional; second, secured creditors, whose
loans are backed by collateral; third, dues to workers and other employees; and finally,
unsecured creditors.
About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
• Launch Year: 2016 under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
• Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Purpose: Serves as a crucial component of the ecosystem for implementing the Code.
o Regulates Insolvency Professionals, Insolvency Professional Agencies, Insolvency
Professional Entities and Information Utilities.
o Regulates processes, namely, corporate insolvency resolution, corporate liquidation,
individual insolvency resolution and individual bankruptcy under the Code.
o Designated as the ‘Authority’ under the Companies (Registered Valuers and
Valuation Rules), 2017 for regulation and development of the profession of valuers in
the country.

3.13 Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Fund
Why in News
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 • SWAMIH Fund, backed by the
government, has made a significant
investment in Hubtown's Rising City
project in Mumbai.
Key Highlights
• Investment aims to expedite project
completion, benefiting over 550
homebuyers.
• Mumbai is the country’s largest and
costliest property market.

3.14 IRDAI Regulations on Surrender

Charges
Why in News
• Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority of India (IRDAI) has released
new regulations on surrender charges.
Key Highlights
• For Non-Single Premium Products:
Regulation ensures that policies will have
a guaranteed surrender value after
premiums are paid for at least 2
consecutive years. (Covered in March
Month CurrentTap)
• For Single Premium Products: These
products, where the policyholder pays
the premium in one lump sum at the
beginning, have a different set of
surrender value guarantees:
o Within the 3rd Policy Year: At least
75% of the total premium paid.
o 4th Policy Year Onwards: 90% of the
total premiums paid, with this
percentage being guaranteed if the

policy is surrendered anytime during the last 2

years of the policy term.
• Threshold Premium Concept: Regulations
introduce a concept of "threshold premium"
for non-linked products, which are insurance
policies not tied to market investments.

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 o Premiums paid up to this threshold will incur a surrender charge of 35% on the
accumulated premium until the point of surrender.
o However, any premium paid beyond this threshold will not be subject to surrender
charges, irrespective of when the policy is surrendered.

3.15 Tax Collection in FY24

Why in News
• Central government's tax collection target for FY24 (₹34.37 lakh crore) has been met.
Key Highlights
• 2nd Highest GST collections were observed, with ₹1.78 lakh crore in March 2024.
o State with highest GST Collection in March:
Maharashtra.
• Gross GST collections in FY24: Rs 20.18 lakh
crore, up by 11.7% from FY23.
o Average monthly collection: ₹1.68 lakh crore.
o Order of Total Collection: Integrated Goods
and Services Tax (IGST) > State Goods and
Services Tax (SGST) > Central Goods and
Services Tax (CGST) > Cess.
Miscellaneous Points
• SBI Research and Moody's expect GDP growth for FY24 to be 8%.
• Fitch and Barclays raised their growth forecast to 7.8%.

3.16 UPI Transactions in FY24

Why in News
• Total value of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in FY24: ₹199.89 lakh crore.
Key Highlights
• Highest transactions worth ₹19.78 lakh crore were processed in March alone.
Note: Kindly refer to our ‘February CurrentTap’ for more details on UPI.
3.17 Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
Why in News
• PhonePe has partnered with Nepal's digital wallet service eSewa and Hotel Association
of Nepal (HAN) Pokhara to promote digital payments through UPI on Nepal’s payment
processor Fonepay Network, coinciding with 19th Fewa New Year Festival in Nepal.
Key Highlights
• Collaboration involves educating and raising awareness among over 3,000 local
merchants.
Note: Kindly refer to ‘February Month CurrentTap’ for more information on UPI.
3.18 Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC)
Why in News
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a withdrawal freeze on Shirpur Merchants' Co-
operative Bank due to its deteriorating financial condition.

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About DICGC
• Functions of the DICGC are governed by the
provisions of DICGC Act 1961 and Regulations
framed by RBI.
• It is a wholly- owned subsidiary of RBI.
• Head Office: Mumbai.
• Banks covered by Deposit Insurance Scheme:
o All commercial banks including the branches of foreign banks functioning in India,
Local Area Banks and Regional Rural Banks.
o Co-operative Banks - All eligible co-operative banks as defined in Section 2(gg) of
the DICGC Act.
• Objective: To provide insurance coverage for bank deposits up to ₹5 lakh per depositor
per account within 90 days of the start of the moratorium.
• The insurance cover amount applies to all deposits taken together, whether held in the
current account, savings account, fixed
deposits, and so on.

3.19 General Insurance Industry in FY24

Why in News
• General insurance industry in India reported a
double-digit growth in gross premium income
of ₹2.89 lakh crore during FY24, according to
data of General Insurance Council.
Key Highlights
• Growth was driven by health and motor
insurance segments.
• In terms of market share, public sector general
insurers held 31.18% of the overall general
insurance industry in FY24.

3.20 Aadhaar ATM

Why in News
• India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has launched
an Online Aadhaar ATM service through
Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS),
enabling cash withdrawals at home.
About Aadhaar ATM
• Implementing Agency: IPPB in collaboration
with NPCI (National Payments Corporation of
India).
• Features:
o Allows basic banking transactions like cash withdrawal, balance enquiry, and Aadhaar
to Aadhaar fund transfers.
o Accessible through a network of postmen equipped with microATMs across India.

3.21 Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB)

Why in News

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 • FSIB has recently appointed new heads for the
Small Industries Development Bank of India
(SIDBI) and the National Housing Bank (NHB).
Key Highlights
• Manoj Mittal has been selected as Chairman
and Managing Director of SIDBI, replacing S
Ramann.
• Sanjay Shukla has been appointed as the
Managing Director of NHB.
About FSIB
• Constituted in 2022, by Central Government
specifically to recommend individuals for
appointments as whole-time directors and
non-executive chairpersons at the boards of
various financial services institutions.
o It also advises on personnel management

within these entities.

• Secretariat of FSIB comprises a
secretary and 5 officers.
Additional Information
• SIDBI set up in 1990, headquartered
in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) under an
Act of Parliament, acts as principal
financial institution for promotion,
financing and development of Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME)
sector.

3.22 National Investment and

Infrastructure Fund Ltd. (NIIF)
Why in News
• The NIIF has invested $200 million
in iBUS through NIIF’s Master Fund to
enhance digital infrastructure in India.

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 • NIIF, India's largest infrastructure fund, has appointed Rajiv Dhar to its newly created
Chief Investment Officer role.
o He will be a voting member on the investment and valuation committees.
Key Highlights
• This marks NIIF's 8th investment in infrastructure and 2nd in digital infrastructure.

3.23 Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI)

Why in News
• Revolut India has received an in-principal approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
to issue PPI.
Key Highlights
• Revolut, a London-based neobank and financial
technology company, already holds licenses as a
Category-II Authorized Money Exchange Dealer
(AD II) for issuing multi-currency forex cards &
dealing cross-border remittance services.
Miscellaneous Points
• Revolut is the largest neobank in Europe.
Note: PPIs are covered in Finance. Click here to access
the file.

3.24 Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

Why in News
• IRDAI marks its 25th anniversary with a significant overhaul of regulatory reforms.
About IRDAI
• Launch Year: Established in 1999 on recommendations of Malhotra Committee report
and became a statutory body in 2000.
• Ministry: Ministry of Finance.
• Originally established as the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), it
was later renamed IRDAI.
• Objective: To regulate and develop the insurance industry in India, ensuring fair
treatment of policyholders while enhancing the overall stability of the insurance sector.
• Authority is a 10 members team (all appointed by Government of India) consisting of
o 1 Chairman
o 5 whole-time members
o 4 part-time members
• Vision: Insurance for all by 2047
• FDI limit for Insurance Sector: 74% under the
automatic route.
• FDI limit for insurance intermediaries: 100%
• India’s Insurance penetration: 4.3%
New Initiatives of IRDAI
• Removal of Age Limits: As of April 1, 2024,
there is no longer an age cap (65 years age limit
was earlier) on purchasing health insurance
policies.

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 • Insurers can no longer refuse to issue policies to individuals with severe medical
conditions, such as cancer, heart or renal failure, and AIDS.
• Reduction in Waiting Period for covering pre-existing conditions has been reduced from
48 months to 36 months, with insurers required to cover these conditions post-waiting
period regardless of initial disclosure.
o Put simply, health insurers are prohibited from
rejecting claims based on pre-existing
conditions after these 36 months.
• Health insurers are restricted from offering
indemnity-based policies that reimburse hospital
expenses and must now provide benefit-based
policies that offer a fixed payout upon the
occurrence of a covered disease.

3.25 Key Fact Statement (KFS)

Why in News
• Reserve Bank of India has mandated all lenders to
provide a standard 'key fact statement' to
borrowers for all new retail and MSME term loans
effective from October 2024.
Key Highlights
• Exclusions: Credit card receivables.
• Purpose: To aid borrowers in understanding the
full costs and terms of loans, ensuring informed
decision-making.
• KFS will include not only the annual percentage
rate (APR) and the amortization schedule but also
all charges levied by regulated entities (REs) and
third-party service providers.
o Any fee, which is not mentioned in KFS, cannot
be charged by the REs to the borrower at any
stage during the term of the loan, without
explicit consent of borrower.
• Validity period: (period available to the borrower
to agree to the terms of the loan)
o At least 3 working days for loans having tenor
of 7 days or more.
o 1 working day for loans having tenor of less
than 7 days.

3.26 International Financial Services Centres

Authority (IFSCA) and GIFT City
Why in News
• IFSCA has initiated a significant move to transform
GIFT City into a climate finance hub, underpinned
by the formation of a new committee tasked with

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 creating a framework for climate finance products.
Key Highlights
• Product Exploration: Potential products include Alternate Investment Funds, transition
bonds, and transition insurance.
• Banks in GIFT City have already started extending “green and sustainable credit”.
o Mandate: 5% of the credit shall be green or sustainable.
Note: IFSCA and GIFT City has been covered in January Month CurrentTap (News Article 3.10).
3.27 Payment Aggregator (PA)
Why in News
• Cred, a fintech firm based in Bengaluru,
Groww, Worldline ePayments (French
company), Computer Age Management
Services Ltd (CAMS) and PayU have
received in-principal approval from the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as
a payment aggregator.
About Payment Aggregator
• Guidelines were issued by RBI in 2020 which
mandated that payment gateways will need to
obtain an aggregator license to acquire merchants
and offer digital payment acceptance solutions.
• Functions: Payment aggregators facilitate e-
commerce websites, mobile apps, and merchants
in accepting various payment instruments from
customers for transactions, without the need for
merchants to create separate payment
interfaces.
• RBI allows PAs to manage funds through an
escrow account and offer value-added services
on top of payments.
• Examples: Razorpay, Amazon Pay etc.

3.28 Credit Default Swap (CDS)

Why in News
• State Bank of India (SBI) and Standard Chartered
Bank India executed first Credit Default Swap (CDS) trade under new RBI guidelines.
Key Highlights
• Trade involved a 1-year rupee-denominated
Credit Default Swap (CDS) worth ₹25 crore
featuring REC.

3.29 Asset Tokenization

Why in News
• The topic of asset tokenization is in the news due to the recent proposal by the Bank for
International Settlements (BIS) to establish ‘Finternet,' a proposed digital framework for

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 the financial system that uses technology to link
various financial ecosystems through tokenization.
Key Highlights
• Finternet will enable seamless transactions of
tokenized financial assets over digital ledgers,
promoting interoperability across different financial
ecosystems.
• By tokenizing assets, financial transactions
can be executed more quickly, at lower
costs, and with increased security.
About BIS
• Established in 1930, the BIS is owned by 63
central banks, representing countries from
around the world that together account for
about 95% of world GDP.
• Head office: Basel, Switzerland.

3.30 National Asset Reconstruction

Company Limited (NARCL)
Why in News
• Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited
announced the appointment of Hardayal
Prasad as its new Managing Director and
CEO under the management of NARCL.
Key Highlights
• NARCL had successfully acquired SIFL and
Srei Equipment Finance Company under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
initiated by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to
manage over Rs 32,000 crore debt of these
NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies).
o In 2021, the RBI had superseded the
board of Srei while initiating the process
of insolvency for the two companies —
Srei Infrastructure Finance and Srei
Equipment Finance.
o Both companies were admitted into the
corporate insolvency resolution process
(CIRP).

3.31 Category 1 ESG Ratings Provider

Why in News
• Securities and Exchange Board of India
(SEBI) has approved CRISIL ESG
(Environmental, Social, and Governance)
Ratings & Analytics Limited as a Category 1
provider of ESG ratings.
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Key Highlights
• CRISIL’s ESG scoring business was initially launched in 2021.
• As of 2023, SEBI mandated that ESG rating services can only be provided by certified
entities, including foreign agencies if they want to offer these services in India.
o This regulatory change prompted CRISIL to incorporate CRISIL ESG Ratings
specifically to comply with SEBI's certSification requirements for ESG rating providers.
o ESG scoring business will now be transferred to CRISIL ESG Ratings & Analytics
Limited.
• ESG scores are indicators of whether a company is sustainable and follows ethics.
o These scores are used by asset managers and investors to align and choose
companies as per their standards of ESG.
• SEBI had introduced 2 categories for rating entities depending on their net worth and
functions.

3.32 Disinvestment
Why in News
• Government's capital receipts from disinvestment and asset monetization exceeded
the revised estimate of Rs 30,000 crore for fiscal year 2024.
Key Highlights
• Disinvestment proceeds amounted to
Rs 16,507 crore and asset monetization
fetched around Rs 16,000 crore.
• Interim budget for FY25 has combined
the targets for disinvestment and asset
monetization under the ‘miscellaneous
capital receipts’ category.
• Implementing Agency: Department of
Investment and Public Asset
Management (DIPAM).
• Fiscal deficit target for FY24: 5.8% of GDP.

3.33 India’s first Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index Fund

Why in News
• Groww Mutual Fund has received approval from SEBI to launch India's first Nifty Non-
Cyclical Consumer Index Fund through a new fund offering (NFO).
Key Highlights
• It will be an open‐ended scheme tracking the Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index–TRI.
• Fund Objective: To generate long-term capital growth by investing in securities of the
Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index (TRI) in the same weightage as in the index.
• Minimum investment starts at Rs 500, with SIP options beginning at Rs 1,200 (subject
to a minimum of 12 SIP instalments of Rs 100 each for monthly instalments and Rs 300 for
quarterly instalments).
• Fund managed by: Abhishek Jain, focusing on mimicking the performance of the Nifty
Non-Cyclical Consumer Index - TRI.
• A 1% exit load is charged if units are redeemed within 30 days of allotment; no exit load
post 30 days.

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 • The scheme will invest 95-100% in equities and equity-related securities of companies
engaged in or expected to benefit from consumption and consumption-related activities
and 0-5% in debt and money market instruments /and units of debt schemes/units of
debt ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds).
• The principal invested in the scheme will be at “very high” risk according to the
riskometer of the scheme.
About Non-cyclical Index Fund
• It is a type of mutual fund that aims to generate long-term capital growth by investing
in securities of the Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index.
o This index contains 30 companies that are not majorly impacted by economic
instability and are in regular demand, making them a good investment option during
economic downturns.
• Non-cyclical stocks are also known as
defensive stocks, these stocks
outperform their industry in the stock
market despite economic instability.

3.34 Alternative Investment Funds

(AIFs)
Why in News
• Sebi has permitted Category I and II AIFs
to create encumbrances on the equity of
investee companies involved in
infrastructure projects, aligning with the
government's Harmonised Master List of
Infrastructure sub-sectors.
Key Highlights
• Objective: To facilitate project finance by
leveraging equity investments in
infrastructure sectors.
• Previously, pledging of securities by AIFs
for loans at investee companies was
restricted under AIF Regulations.
• Foreign-invested AIFs must comply with
RBI regulations concerning
encumbrances.
• AIFs have been prohibited from creating
encumbrances on their investments in foreign investee companies.
• In case of borrower default, AIFs are not liable beyond the encumbered equity. However,
AIFs cannot offer guarantees for investee companies.

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 • The encumbrances created must not exceed the tenure of the AIF scheme and must be
used strictly for specified purposes.
• Sebi's new provisions stipulate that any such
encumbrances must be clearly disclosed in the
scheme's Private Placement Memorandums (PPMs)
and require investor consent if created without prior
disclosure.
• AIFs dealing with unliquidated investments now have
the option to distribute unsold investments to
investors or dissolve, with the decision requiring
approval from 75% of investors by value.
o Before getting investor consent, the AIF/manager
must arrange bids for at least 25% of the
unliquidated investments' value.
o The bid should cover all unliquidated investments
in the scheme's portfolio and can involve multiple
bidders.
• Sebi has introduced a one-time flexibility for AIFs whose liquidation period has expired,
extending the period until April 2025 for schemes without unresolved investor complaints.

3.35 Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) Rules

Why in News
• Indian multinationals are subject to a 15% global
minimum tax rule in certain countries.
Key Highlights
• Global Adoption: Approximately 130 countries,
including India, have agreed to the global tax
reform, and nations like the UK, Vietnam, South
Korea, and 18 EU (European Union) countries
have already implemented domestic rules
effective from January 2024.
• The tax reform allows countries to impose a 'top-
up tax' on companies showing profits in low-tax
jurisdictions to meet the agreed 15% minimum tax
rate.
About Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) Rules
• Part of ‘OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base
Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS).’
• Objective: To prevent tax avoidance by
multinationals by ensuring a minimum tax rate of
15% is applied globally, reducing profit shifting to
low-tax jurisdictions.
• Features:
o Pillars: Part of a broader strategy against tax avoidance, known as pillar two.
o Mechanisms: Includes mechanisms like the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax
(QDMTT) to neutralize tax advantages in low-tax jurisdictions.

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 • Scope: Applies to large multinational enterprises (MNEs) with consolidated annual
revenues of EUR 750 million or more, ensuring they pay at least a 15% tax rate on profits
earned in the jurisdictions where they operate.
• Principles: 3 core principles supporting the global minimum tax are the Income Inclusion
Rule (IIR), Undertaxed Payment Rule (UTPR), and the Subject to Tax Rules (STTR), aimed
at addressing profits either untaxed or taxed at lower rates.
About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Established in 1961 as a forum for governments to share experiences and seek solutions
to common economic and social problems.
• Based in Paris (France).
• An international organisation of 38 developed countries.

3.36 GIFT City

Why in News
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has updated regulations allowing foreign
funds based in GIFT City to receive full investment from non-resident Indians.
Key Highlights
• However, they will need to make granular disclosures about their investors if the fund
holds more than 33% of its equity assets under management (AUM) in a single Indian
group.
o Such disclosures will also be needed in case the fund along with its investor group
holds more than $3 billion of equity AUM in the Indian markets.
• SEBI has approved a new option for venture capital funds to transition to an Alternative
Investment Fund (AIF) structure for better management of unlisted or illiquid assets.
• Passive funds (like Mutual funds) at GIFT City can now invest up to 35% of their assets
in sponsor group companies, compared to the previous limit of 25%.
o This allows better index tracking, especially when sponsor group companies have
significant index weight.
• To enhance participation of non-institutional investors in the bond market, SEBI approved
the proposal to provide an option to the issuers to
issue non- convertible debentures (NCDs) and
non- convertible redeemable preference shares
(NCRPS) through private placement mode at a
reduced face value of Rs 10,000 along with the
requirement to appoint a merchant banker.
o Earlier face value: Rs 1 lakh.
• SEBI has shifted focus from individual
surveillance to institutional mechanisms within asset management companies to prevent
market abuse like front-running and insider trading.
o Aiming to reduce the operational burden on individual fund managers and promote a
healthier working environment.
Note: Kindly refer to January Month CurrentTap (News Article 3.10) for more information on
Gift City.

3.37 Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)

Why in News
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently notified amendments to FEMA regulations.

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Key Highlights
• Notifications involve amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Foreign
Currency Accounts by a Person Resident in India) Regulations and the Foreign
Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules.
• Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has issued the Companies (Listing of Equity Shares
in Permissible Jurisdictions) Rules,
2024, which are pivotal in regulating the
framework for overseas listings.
• Regulations facilitate direct listing of
Indian companies on the international
exchanges based in GIFT-IFSC.
• Designated international exchanges
include India International Exchange and
NSE International Exchange under the
regulatory oversight of the International
Financial Services Centres Authority
(IFSCA).
• Proceeds from the purchase or
subscription of equity shares of an
Indian company listed on an international
exchange can be either remitted to a
bank account in India or deposited into
a foreign currency account of the Indian
company.
o The sale proceeds, net of taxes, may
be remitted outside India or credited
to the permissible holder's bank
account.
o Reporting of transactions in foreign exchange is mandated to be done by the
investee Indian company through an authorized dealer.
o If a Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) makes investments via the stock exchange, the
authorized dealer must report these transactions to the RBI.
• Regulations also address the management of foreign currency accounts by residents in
India, especially in cases where funds raised through External Commercial Borrowings
(ECBs), American Depository Receipts (ADRs), Global Depository Receipts (GDRs), or
direct listing of equity shares have not yet been utilized or repatriated.
o These funds are to be held in foreign currency accounts with a bank outside India.
o Amendments provide companies with greater flexibility in managing their funds
based on their operational needs and investment strategies, particularly allowing funds
raised to be kept in foreign exchange until utilized.
• Objective: To streamline and enhance the process for Indian companies to access
international capital markets, boosting foreign investments and global presence.

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 Quick Revision
• India's defence exports reached a record ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, with the private
sector contributing 60% and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) 40%, aiming
for a target of ₹35,000 crore by 2024-25 and exporting to around 85 countries.
o Despite being the world's largest arms importer with a 9.8% global share, India aims
to increase its annual defence production to ₹3 lakh crore by 2028-29, with exports
expected to reach ₹50,000 crore.
• SEBI launched SCORES 2.0 to enhance the investor complaint redressal mechanism with
features like standardized 21-day complaint resolution timelines, auto-routing,
monitoring by designated bodies and a two-tier review process.
• Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Finance and registered with SEBI, the SWAMIH
Fund, managed by SBICAP Ventures, aims to provide last-mile financing to complete
affordable and mid-income housing projects, specifically targeting RERA-registered and
net worth positive projects to mitigate project failures and protect homebuyers and the
banking system.
• Total value of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in FY24: ₹199.89 lakh crore.
• India aims to increase its hydroelectric power capacity from 42 GW to 67 GW by 2031-
32, with over 60% of hydro energy generated in the Northern and Eastern regions, and is
expected to expand its Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) capacity from 4.7 GW to
approximately 55 GW.
• The Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative, launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Electronics
and Information Technology and implemented by the National e-Governance Division,
aims to educate CISOs and IT officials on cybersecurity through a unique public-private
partnership to support the Digital India programme.
• Suvidha Portal, implemented by Election Commission of India, offers a transparent and
efficient platform for political parties and candidates to submit election campaign
permission requests, utilizing the ENCORE system for real-time processing based on the
First in First Out principle.
• Greenpeace International's survey highlights 87% of Indian respondents favoring
production cuts and 89% advocating for targets in the Global Plastics Treaty to shift
from single-use to reusable packaging.
• Astrid Schomaker is appointed as the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological
Diversity to advance global efforts in conserving biodiversity, as established during the
1992 Earth Summit and entering into force in 1993.
o The Convention, ratified by 196 nations and operating under the UNEP with its
secretariat in Montreal, Canada, aims to conserve biological diversity, guided by the
Conference of the Parties (COP) which meets biennially.
• Indian government has authorized agencies like Nafed and NCCF to directly procure
wheat from farmers for Bharat Atta.
• NATO, established in 1949 to ensure the freedom and security of its members through
political and military means, celebrates its 75th anniversary with Sweden recently
becoming its 32nd member, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
• Established in 1944 with 187 member countries, the World Bank Group aims to provide
financial and technical assistance to developing countries, encompassing five organizations
including IBRD and IDA (collectively known as the World Bank), IFC, MIGA, and ICSID.

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• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways exceeded its asset monetisation target for
FY24, raising Rs 40,314 crore through TOT, InvITs, and project-based financing methods.
• Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) appointed M.P. Ram Mohan and Dinabandhu
Mohapatra as part-time members to Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
Governing Board, completing its composition with 10 members including a chairperson,
whole-time and part-time members, an RBI nominee, and ex-officio.
o Established in 2016 under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
• NTPC initiates the new phase of the Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM), aimed at enriching
3,000 deserving youths from underserved communities, pushing the total beneficiaries
past 10,000.
o GEM, launched in 2018, seeks to foster leadership in young girls, supporting Indian
government's Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign.
• The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) will host a Clean Economy
Investor Forum in Singapore in June 2024, focusing on directing investments into eco-
friendly infrastructure and renewable energies in the Indo-Pacific, with eligibility for
climate tech firms defined by regional operation and inception post-2010.
o The forum, facilitated by knowledge partners PwC Singapore and HolonIQ and
managed by Invest India, will evaluate participating companies based on 5 critical
criteria to form the Indo-Pacific Climate Tech 100, ensuring diverse representation
from all 14 IPEF member countries.
• The EU and India, under the Trade & Technology Council's Working Group 2, call for
startups specializing in Battery Recycling Technologies for Electric Vehicles to advance
collaborations between European and Indian SMEs in the eco-friendly tech sector.
o The India-EU TTC, launched in 2023 following a 2022 announcement, facilitates
strategic trade and technology partnerships across 3 working groups, with significant
2022 bilateral trades in goods valued at €120 billion and digital products and services
at €17 billion.
• India has utilized the WTO peace clause for the fifth time due to its rice subsidies
exceeding the organization's threshold, reporting $6.39 billion in subsidies, which is 12.1%
of rice production value, surpassing the 10% de minimis limit for developing countries.
• The Election Commission of India has rolled out a home voting option for the first time in
Lok Sabha Elections, catering to over 1.7 crore voters that include elderly above 85 and
PwDs with 40% benchmark disability, with the process initiated through Form 12D and
formalized under the 2020-amended Election Conduct Rule 27A.
• The Digital Bharat Nidhi, established under the Telecommunication Act, 2023,
transforms the pre-existing Universal Service Obligation Fund into a central
government-controlled fund designed to enhance telecom service delivery in
underserved areas and support telecommunication R&D, with allocated finances derived
from telecommunication service assignments and license payments.
• The S&T-PRISM program, inaugurated in November 2023 by the Ministry of Mines and
implemented by JNARDDC, aims to foster research and innovation within startups and
MSMEs in the mining and minerals sector, offering funding up to ₹2 crore for startups
and ₹10 crore for incubation centers, under oversight of an Inter-Ministerial Apex
Committee.
• The Index of Industrial Production, managed by the National Statistical Office with a
2011-12 base year, tracks monthly industrial production across mining, manufacturing,

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 and electricity sectors with detailed sectoral and use-based classifications, where 8 core
industries including coal and electricity notably contribute to 40% of its weightage.
• S.A.R.A.H., the AI-powered digital health assistant introduced by WHO in collaboration
with Soul Machines, offers multilingual, empathetic interactions to educate on disease risk
factors and promote healthy living, evolving from its precursor 'Florence' which aided in
smoking cessation and COVID-19 information dissemination.
• Saudi Arabia has been appointed as the chair of the UN Commission on the Status of
Women (CSW) for its 69th session in 2025, a body established in 1946 to advance
gender equality and women's empowerment globally, with its sessions focusing on
evaluating progress and setting policies in line with its mandate to monitor the Beijing
Declaration and Platform for Action.
• India's highway toll collection has reached a 5-year high in FY24 to around ₹65000
crore.
• Manoj Panda has been appointed as a full-time member of the 16th Finance
Commission, chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya and including other full members Ajay
Narayan Jha and Annie George Mathew, with Soumya Kanti Ghosh serving as part-time
member and Shri Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey as Secretary.
• India and Mauritius have revised their Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)
to introduce a Principal Purpose Test (PPT) under a new Article 27B, "Entitlement to
Benefits," aimed at preventing tax avoidance and ensuring treaty benefits are linked to
legitimate business activities, in line with the OECD's BEPS framework, while
maintaining that the amendment does not apply retrospectively.
• Retail inflation in India decreased to 4.85% in March 2024, with core CPI excluding food
and fuel dropping to 3.4% in February, as monitored by the National Statistical Office
under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, aligning with the RBI's
inflation target of 4% ± 2% and a projected annual inflation rate of 4.5%, contingent on a
normal monsoon.
• The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), a subsidiary of the RBI
based in Mumbai, ensures bank deposits up to ₹5 lakh per depositor across all account
types within 90 days of a moratorium, covering all commercial, foreign, local, regional
rural, and eligible co-operative banks under the DICGC Act 1961.
• India Post Payments Bank has introduced an Online Aadhaar ATM service via the
Aadhaar Enabled Payment System, offering secure and accessible cash withdrawals,
balance checks, and transfers through biometric authentication, with a transaction limit
of ₹10,000, facilitated by postmen using microATMs nationwide.
• The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), established in 2022 by the Central
Government, has appointed Manoj Mittal as Chairman and Managing Director of SIDBI
and Sanjay Shukla as Managing Director of NHB, focusing on recommending leadership
roles and advising on personnel management for financial services institutions.
• Ministry of Agriculture has launched CDP-SURAKSHA, a new digital platform designed to
streamline the subsidy disbursement process to horticulture farmers under the Cluster
Development Programme (CDP) using e-RUPI voucher system of NPCI.
• Ministry of Law and Justice has established a six-member committee, chaired by the
Cabinet Secretary and including secretaries from various ministries, to address
discrimination against the queer community by delineating legal rights and entitlements.

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• Indian nationals can now apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa with up to 2 years
validity, extendable to 5 years, under the new cascade regime, facilitating easier travel
across 29 European countries as part of the EU-India migration cooperation initiative.
• India's Union Ministry of Finance has updated FDI rules in the space sector, permitting up
to 74% FDI under the automatic route for satellite operations and related activities, up
to 49% for launch vehicles and spaceports, and 100% for manufacturing components,
with higher investments subject to government approval.
• National Fertilizers Ltd and HUDCO have been awarded Navratna status, granting it
enhanced financial autonomy, including the ability to invest up to ₹1,000 crore without
central government approval, by the Department of Public Enterprise.
• India's electronics exports increased by 23.6% to $29.12 billion in FY24, with mobile
phones making up 53% of this, led by Apple's iPhones at 35%, with Tamil Nadu as the
top exporting state.
• For the first time, members of Shompen tribe, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable
Tribal Group (PVTG), participated in voting for Lok Sabha seat in Andaman and Nicobar
Islands.
• Leaders of 10 multilateral development banks (MDBs) introduced the Collaborative Co-
Financing Portal, a centralized platform hosted by the World Bank to streamline and
enhance public-sector project financing by harmonizing practices and increasing
transparency across MDBs.
• Madhya Pradesh leads with 954 hectares of approved degraded land for the Green
Credit Programme, a market-based mechanism allowing entities to earn and trade green
credits by financing afforestation projects, managed by the ICFRE under the Ministry of
Environment.
• Global Forest Watch data reveals India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover from
2000 to 2023, marking a 6% decrease.
• Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) signed a record 125 Advance Pricing Agreements
(APAs) in FY 2023-24, including the highest number of bilateral agreements with
international treaty partners, to provide taxpayers with up to 9 years of pricing certainty
for international transactions and minimize the risk of double taxation.
• Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) celebrates its 25th
anniversary, marking the occasion with regulatory reforms aimed at developing the
insurance sector under the Ministry of Finance, with a vision of achieving insurance for all
by 2047 and maintaining current FDI limits of 74% for insurance and 100% for
intermediaries.
• Starting October 2024, the Reserve Bank of India will require all lenders to provide
borrowers with a 'key fact statement' for new retail and MSME term loans, detailing full
costs, terms, and amortization schedules to enhance transparency and informed decision-
making, excluding credit card receivables.
• Cred and PayU have received in-principal approval from the RBI to operate as payment
aggregators, facilitating e-commerce and merchant transactions by offering digital
payment solutions as per guidelines set in 2020.
• CDRI, launched in 2019 and based in New Delhi, aims to enhance the resilience of
infrastructure against natural disasters through global partnerships, involving 39
countries and 7 organizations, with India providing significant initial funding and
operational support.

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• On Earth Day, NABARD launched its Climate Strategy 2030, highlighting that $170
billion annually is required to meet the $2.5 trillion goal by 2030.
• Integrated Pensioners' Portal, enhanced by the inclusion of the Bank of India as the fifth
participating bank, offers centralized services like pension slips and life certificate status,
and features the Bhavishya platform, recognized for its effective e-governance delivery.
• Department of Pharmaceuticals has expanded its Committee for Drug and Medical
Device Pricing Reforms to include representatives from seven key industry
associations.
• Union Health Ministry of India has established a National Task Force on Brain Health,
led by Dr. Rajinder K. Dhamija and including eight other experts, tasked with formulating
recommendations to improve brain healthcare services across primary, secondary, and
tertiary care settings.
• National Career Service portal, a digital platform launched in 2015 under the Ministry of
Labour and Employment, reported a significant increase in job listings from 3.48 million in
FY23 to 10.9 million in FY24, with the finance and insurance sector posting the highest
number of vacancies.
• EPFO has raised the auto claim settlement limit for medical expenses from Rs 50,000
to Rs 1,00,000.
• Climate Analytics reports that G7 nations are significantly behind on their 2030
emission reduction goals, with current policies projected to achieve only 19-33%
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2019 levels.
• Project Cheetah aims to reintroduce cheetahs to India, with Gandhisagar Wildlife
Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh set to receive 5-8 African cheetahs from South Africa,
following the initial introduction from Namibia in 2022, as part of efforts led by the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the National Tiger Conservation
Authority to restore the grassland ecosystem and enhance biodiversity.
• UNHCR has launched the Climate Resilience Fund with a target of $100 million by 2025
to protect refugees and displaced individuals from climate-related threats.
• IREDA has been awarded 'Navratna' status.
• India's gem and jewellery sector, with Asian Star as the first company to receive it, has
been granted Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status by the Finance Ministry,
under the AEO program which aligns with the World Customs Organization's SAFE
Framework to enhance global trade security and efficiency.
• India's CPGRAMS has been recognized as a best practice in governance for effectively
providing a platform for public grievance redressal, excluding court matters, personal
disputes, RTI issues, and national security concerns, with a standard redressal time of
30 days and an appeal mechanism.
• U.S. Trade Representative has maintained India on its Priority Watchlist due to concerns
about inadequate protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, particularly
patents, as part of its Special 301 Report.
• Competition Commission of India has approved the International Finance Corporation's
subscription to compulsory convertible debentures of Napino Auto.
• IndusInd Bank has successfully conducted India's first transactions using a
programmable e-rupee to pay farmers for carbon credits, in partnership with Circularity
Innovation Hub and Emertech Innovations, using a blockchain platform to ensure
traceability and transparency.

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• NARCL, established to address legacy stressed assets of over Rs 500 crore in the
Indian banking system, has successfully acquired Srei Infrastructure Finance and Srei
Equipment Finance, managing over Rs 32,000 crore in debt under the IBC framework.
• SEBI has designated CRISIL ESG Ratings & Analytics Limited as a Category 1 provider of
ESG ratings.
• Bank for International Settlements has proposed 'Finternet,' a digital framework
intended to enhance the financial system by facilitating seamless transactions and
promoting interoperability across financial ecosystems through the tokenization of
assets, aiming to make transactions faster, cheaper, and more secure.
• Indian government's capital receipts from disinvestment and asset monetization for
fiscal year 2024 surpassed the revised target of Rs 30,000 crore, contributing to efforts
to meet a fiscal deficit target of 5.8% of GDP.
• Groww Mutual Fund has received SEBI's approval to launch India's first Nifty Non-
Cyclical Consumer Index Fund, an open-ended scheme aiming for long-term capital
growth by mirroring the Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index–TRI with a minimum investment
starting at Rs 500.
o The fund, managed by Abhishek Jain, will invest 95-100% in equities related to
consumption sectors, with a very high-risk level indicated on the riskometer, and
includes a 1% exit load for redemptions within 30 days of allotment.
• SEBI has allowed Category I and II Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to create
encumbrances on equity in infrastructure project investee companies, aimed at
facilitating project finance and mandating strict disclosure and investor consent norms in
the scheme's documents.
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has updated regulations allowing foreign
funds based in GIFT City to receive full investment from non-resident Indians.
• The GloBE Rules, part of the OECD/G20 efforts on BEPS, set a global minimum tax rate of
15% for major multinationals to curb tax avoidance and ensure fair taxation across borders,
with mechanisms like QDMTT to address profits in low-tax jurisdictions.
• UGC has issued a directive to higher education institutions in India to prohibit the
enrolment of foreign nationals in open and distance learning programs.
• SEBI's new circular extends cross margin benefits, reducing spread margins for correlated
indices and constituents to increase market liquidity and efficiency in margin use across
different expiry dates.
• NABARD has teamed up with the RBI Innovation Hub to enhance digital agricultural
lending, significantly reducing processing times to just five minutes and aiming to
encompass 5 crore KCC loans across cooperative and regional rural banks in India.
• RBI has updated FEMA regulations to streamline the direct overseas listing of Indian
companies, enhancing the management of foreign currency and investment flows, and
facilitating greater access to global capital markets.

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