UP Current Wallah: March 2024

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Uttar Prasesh Current Affairs ........................................................................................................ 4
1.1. International Big Cat Alliance ................................................................................................................. 4
1.2. Vaccination Target ................................................................................................................................. 4
1.3. Solar Projects ......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4. MYUVA Scheme .................................................................................................................................... 5
1.5. Agra Metro ............................................................................................................................................. 6
1.6. UP Cabinet Meeting ............................................................................................................................... 6
1.7. National Youth Parliament Festival, 2024 ............................................................................................... 8
1.8. Doppler Radar ........................................................................................................................................ 8
1.9. SIT Report on Madrasas ........................................................................................................................ 9
1.10. Citizenship Amendment Act ................................................................................................................. 9
1.11. Bharat Shakti ...................................................................................................................................... 10
1.12. SIPRI Report ...................................................................................................................................... 11
1.13. EV policy ............................................................................................................................................ 12
1.14. Trinetra app 2.0 .................................................................................................................................. 12
1.15. UPSSF ............................................................................................................................................... 13
1.16. Telemetric Weather Stations .............................................................................................................. 13
1.17. Tuberculosis Cases in India ............................................................................................................... 13
1.18. Conservation of Great Indian Bustard................................................................................................. 14
1.19. LCA Tejas Mark-1A ............................................................................................................................ 14
1.20. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme .................................................... 15
SHORT NEWS
2. Indian Heritage & Culture ............................................................................................................ 19
2.1. ASI Survey of Bhojshala Complex ........................................................................................................ 19
2.2. Chalukyan Period Temples .................................................................................................................. 19
2.3. Guru Ravidas Jayanti ........................................................................................................................... 19
2.4. Six Heritage Sites on Tentative List ...................................................................................................... 20
SHORT NEWS
3. History ........................................................................................................................................... 22
3.1. Lahore Resolution of 1940 ................................................................................................................... 22
3.2. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar .................................................................................................................. 22

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 UP Current Wallah: March 2024

3.3. Usha Mehta .......................................................................................................................................... 22

4. Society & Social Justice .............................................................................................................. 24
4.1. Rethinking Poverty Estimation Methods in India ................................................................................... 24
4.2. Violence Against Women in India ......................................................................................................... 24
4.3. Women Entrepreneurs In India ............................................................................................................. 25
4.4. Committee for Ayushman Bharat Implementation................................................................................. 25
SHORT NEWS
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
5. Geography & Disaster Management ........................................................................................... 27
5.1. Groundwater Crisis in Indian Cities ...................................................................................................... 27
5.2. Forest Fires in India.............................................................................................................................. 27
SHORT NEWS
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
6. Polity & Governance .................................................................................................................... 31
6.1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) And Elections ................................................................................................ 31
SHORT NEWS
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
7. International Relations................................................................................................................. 34
7.1. India-Japan Relations ........................................................................................................................... 34
7.2. TEPA between India and EFTA ............................................................................................................ 34
7.3. India-China Relations ........................................................................................................................... 34
7.4. India’s Neighbourhood First Policy ....................................................................................................... 35
SHORT NEWS
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
8. Indian Economy ........................................................................................................................... 39
8.1. Household Consumption Expenditure 2022-23 .................................................................................... 39
8.2. India's First Semiconductor Fabrication Plant ....................................................................................... 40
8.3. Gig Economy in India ........................................................................................................................... 41
8.4. Multimodal Transport Hub .................................................................................................................... 41
SHORT NEWS
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
9. Environment & Biodiversity ........................................................................................................ 48
9.1. Single-Use Plastic Crisis ...................................................................................................................... 48
SHORT NEWS
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

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 UP Current Wallah: March 2024

10. Science & Technology ............................................................................................................... 52

10.1. Mixed Reality Technology .................................................................................................................. 52
SHORT NEWS
SHORT NEWS IN TABLE
11. Internal Security ......................................................................................................................... 61
11.1. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) ....................................................................................... 61
11.2. Infrastructure Facilities of Project Seabird .......................................................................................... 61
12. Ethics .......................................................................................................................................... 63
12.1. Ethical Perspective: Judges Joining Politics ....................................................................................... 63
13. ESSAY ......................................................................................................................................... 65
13.1. PM Suryoday Scheme ........................................................................................................................ 65
13.2. Essay Writing Challenge: ................................................................................................................... 67
14. Communication and Interpersonal Skills ................................................................................. 68
14.1. Communication and Interpersonal Skills ............................................................................................. 68
15. Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................................. 72
15.1. Person In News- Appointments .......................................................................................................... 72
15.2. Person In News- Resignation ............................................................................................................. 76
15.3. Person In News- Obituaries ................................................................................................................ 76
15.4. Person In News- Retirement............................................................................................................... 76
15.5. Awards ............................................................................................................................................... 76
15.6. Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards ........................................................................................................ 77
15.7. Places in News ................................................................................................................................... 79
15.8. Schemes/ Initiatives ........................................................................................................................... 80
15.9. Index/Reports ..................................................................................................................................... 82
15.10. Important Dates/Dates...................................................................................................................... 86
15.11. Defence Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 90
15.12. Short News- Other States ................................................................................................................. 91
15.13. Short News- Worldwide .................................................................................................................... 95
15.14. Important News- Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................ 97
16. MCQS ........................................................................................................................................ 102
Answers Key ............................................................................................................................................. 112
Explanation ............................................................................................................................................... 112

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 UP Current Wallah: March 2024

1. UTTAR PRASESH CURRENT AFFAIRS

1.1. International Big Cat Alliance
The Union Cabinet had approved the creation of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
Key Points
• Its headquarters will be in India.
• 16 countries of the world have given their approval to join
this organization. Along with this, nine international
organizations of the world related to the conservation of
Big Cat have also given their approval to join the Alliance.
• The government also approved a one-time budgetary
support of ₹150 crore for a multi-country, multi-agency
coalition of 96 major countries for a five-year period from
2023-24 to 2027-28.
• This initiative focuses on the protection and conservation
of the seven major lion species tiger, lion, leopard,
jaguar, puma, snow leopard and cheetah. Tiger, lion,
leopard, snow leopard and cheetah are found in India.

1.2. Vaccination Target

According to a statement issued by the health department, several districts in Uttar Pradesh have surpassed the vaccination
target, achieving over 100% rates.
Key Points
• Gautam Buddh Nagar achieved the highest vaccination rate of 134.12%.
• UP had set a target of vaccinating 42,93,472 children in the financial year 2023-24.
• By December 2023, vaccination had been completed for 41,41,003 children.
• Twenty districts in the state have achieved a cent per cent target, with the top five districts being Gautam Buddh
Nagar, Ghaziabad, Amroha, Mau and Saharanpur

1.3. Solar Projects

PM laid the foundation stone of 1800 MW solar parks and 200 MW solar projects for U.P
Solar Power Station
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three solar power stations of total 200 MW capacity in Uttar Pradesh.
• The three stations are:
o Parasan (75 MW) in Jalaun district
o Gurhah (75 MW) in Jalaun district and
o Gujrai (50 MW) in Kanpur Dehat.
• They will be operated by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) and contribute to the nation's goal of achieving the net
zero carbon emission economy by 2070.

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Solar Parks
• The two solar parks the foundation of which was also laid by the PM includes:
o one 1,200 MW Jalaun Ultra Mega Renewable Solar Park and
o another 600 MW solar park in Talbehat tehsil in Lalitpur district.
• Jalaun Ultra Mega Renewable Solar Park
o The Bundelkhand Solar Energy Ltd. (BSEL) is commencing the construction of a 1,200 MW solar energy
park with an estimated investment of ₹796 crore.
o The construction period of this solar park is 2 years after which it will be dedicated to the state.
o The solar park will generate 240 crore units of solar power annually and 140 crore units of power will be
purchased by the Indian Railways as per the agreement.
o This solar park will be spread over an area of 4800 acres covering two villages in Madhogarh and Urai
tehsils of Jalaun district.
• Solar Park in Talbehat tehsil
o Similarly, in Talbehat tehsil of Lalitpur district, a 600-megawatt capacity solar power project is being
established with an estimated cost of the project ₹3,000 crore.
o The ministry of renewable energy, government of India, has earmarked ₹120 crore for solar park
construction out of the total estimated cost of ₹449.23 crore, through Central Financial Assistance (CFA).
o This solar park will produce 1,200 million units of electricity annually.

The implementation of the two solar parks totalling 1,800 MW project in U.P. will together reduce approximately 650
lakh metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over a 25-year period.

1.4. MYUVA Scheme

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister is going to launch the "Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA)" scheme.
Aim
It is aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship among the state's youth.
Key Points
• Under this scheme, the state government aims to prepare one lakh young entrepreneurs every year by providing
interest-free loans for projects of up to Rs 5 lakh.
• The government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore in the budget for the financial year 2024-25 to support this initiative.
• It is designed to empower educated and skilled youth across the state, facilitating self-employment opportunities
and fostering the establishment of new MSME’s.
• Upon successful repayment of the first loan, units will be eligible for second-stage financing, where a composite
loan of double the initial amount or up to Rs 7.50 lakh can be provided.
Beneficiaries
• Beneficiaries who have undergone training in various government-run schemes, such as the Vishwakarma Shram
Samman Yojana, One District One Product Training and Toolkit Scheme, Scheduled Caste, Tribe, Other Backward
Class Training Scheme, and Skill Upgradation (Kaushal Unnayan) run by the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development
Mission, will be eligible for assistance.
• Additionally, youth with certificates, diplomas, and degrees from educational institutions will also be entitled to
benefits under this scheme.

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1.5. Agra Metro

On 6th March 2024, Prime Minister of India flagged off the priority corridor of Agra Metro.
Key Points
• In Agra, the priority corridor includes six Metro stations, three elevated and three underground. It will cover the
Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and Mankameshwar and Jama Masjid.
• The names of the metro stations in the priority corridor are Taj Mahal East, Captain Shubham Gupta, Fatehabad
Road, Taj Mahal and Mankameshwar Temple.
• The metro stations in Agra are decked up with paintings depicting the 'Braj' theme, culture, festivals and local
temples.

• The Agra Metro Rail Project has two corridors, with a total length of 29.4
km. The 13.7-km long first corridor runs from Taj East Gate to Sikandra.
• It has six elevated and seven underground stations.
• The 15.7-km long second corridor runs from Agra Cantt to Kalindi Vihar.
The entire corridor is elevated and includes 14 metro stations.

1.6. UP Cabinet Meeting

On 5th March 2024, the state cabinet meeting took place.
Following decisions were made by the cabinet:
Formation of UPSCR
• The cabinet approved the proposal related to the formation of the Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region on the lines
of the NCR and other regional development authorities.
• It will promote the growth in the districts like Barabanki, Rae Bareli, Hardoi, Sitapur and Unnao, which neighbor
Lucknow.
Lucknow Metro Expansion
• The cabinet gave nod to Lucknow Metro’s expansion with 11.165-km-long East-west corridor from Charbagh to
Vasantkunj that would be constructed at a cost of ₹5801.05 crore by June 30, 2027.
Surgery Department
• The state cabinet also approved a proposal for the construction of a new building for the General Surgery department
at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, on EPC mode at a cost of ₹377.79 crore. The new building to be
constructed on 9.62-acre area will bring teaching, training and medical facilities under one roof.
• The ENT department will use the new building, said an official press release.
Power Plants
• The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the proposal for setting up two units of 800 MW power plants each with the
assistance of NTPC in Anpara in the state.
• The project will be jointly set up by NTPC and the UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd, a state government
venture.
Mahatma Buddha Agriculture and Technology University
• The Cabinet approved the funding of Rs. 434.60 crore for the construction of Mahatma Buddha Agriculture
and Technology University in Kushinagar. The university will be built under the Engineering, Procurement, and
Construction (EPC) mode, with a total expenditure of ₹750 crore.

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• The establishment of the university will benefit the youth and farmers of Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Kushinagar,
Deoria, Basti, Siddharth Nagar, Sant Kabir Nagar, Azamgarh, Ballia, and Mau.
• Currently, Uttar Pradesh has four government agricultural universities located in Meerut, Kanpur, Banda, and
Ayodhya and one private university in Prayagraj.
Rapid Maize Development Programme
• Approval of Rs. 146.56 crore for the publicity of the ‘Rapid Maize Development Programme’ and the distribution
of subsidised seeds to farmers, with the aim of increasing maize coverage in the state to more than 1 lakh hectares
in the next four years.
• Additionally, incubation centres will be set up in each government agriculture and technology universities, as well
as in the State Agriculture Management Institute in Rehamankhera of Lucknow.
Green Hydrogen Policy, 2024
• The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved Green
Hydrogen Policy, 2024, setting a target of one
million metric tonnes per annum production of
green hydrogen by 2028.
• The policy that is valid for 5 years is expected
to create 1.20 lakh jobs by 2028.
• The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy
Development Agency (UPNEDA) would be the
nodal agency for the implementation of the
policy.
• Green Hydrogen projects will be provided a
capital subsidy of 10% to 30% depending on
the geographical area of investment.
o The categorization of the subsidy would
depend on the scale of the investment of
the project. At the same time, during the
policy period, the first 5 investments
(excluding Meerut division) in green
hydrogen projects will be provided a
capital subsidy to the tune of 40% of the
total investment amount with a ceiling of ₹225 crore per project per year.
• Also, government/revenue land will be provided on lease at Re 1 per acre per year for government PSUs for setting
up green hydrogen projects. For investors from the private sector, the lease rate is ₹15,000 per acre per year.
• Village/government land will be provided on lease for a period of 30 years. Land purchased or taken on lease for
green hydrogen projects would be 100% exempted from stamp duty charges.
• If solar energy units are established to provide renewable energy for green hydrogen projects, then the maximum
land which can be allotted is 5 acre per MW with a maximum capacity of 20 MW per kilotonne per year.
• The policy also allows 100% exemption on electricity duty for first 10 years of the project or life of the project,
whichever is earlier, besides 100% exemption on intra-state wheeling/transmission/cross subsidy surcharges for the
first 10 years of the project or life of the project, whichever is earlier.
• Industrial tariff will be applicable on green hydrogen/ammonia projects receiving power from local discoms.

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• Establishment of two centres of excellence is also proposed in the policy under which government educational
institutions or institutions with national importance will be provided 100% financial assistance up to ₹50 crore for
setting up the centre of excellence.

Green hydrogen is called so because the entire process to produce it is powered by renewable energy. It is used for
purposes like petroleum refinery, manufacturing of ammonia, heavy duty mobility etc.

1.7. National Youth Parliament Festival, 2024

Yatin Bhaskar Duggal from Haryana won the first prize in the National Youth Parliament Festival, 2024, while Vaishna
Pitchai from Tamil Nadu won the second prize and Kanishka Sharma from Rajasthan the third prize.
Key Points
• The National Youth Parliament is being organised this year based on the
theme of 'Young Voices: Engage and Empower for Nation’s
Transformation’.
• This Youth Parliament has been organised at three levels covering 785
Districts of the country.
• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through Nehru Yuva Kendra
Sangathan (NYKS) and National Service Scheme (NSS) has been
organizing Youth Parliament viz District Youth Parliament, State Youth
Parliament and National Youth Parliament.
• These Youth Parliaments are aimed at strengthening the roots of democracy; inculcate healthy habits of discipline,
tolerance of the view of others and to enable youths to know about
practices and procedures of the Parliament.
• The National Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF) is based on the idea
given by the Prime Minister in his Mann Ki Baat Address on 31
December 2017.
• Taking inspiration from the idea of the Prime Minister, 1st National
Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF)-2019 was organised from 12th
January to 27th February 2019 at District, State and National Level.

1.8. Doppler Radar

U.P. to get four new Doppler weather radars.
Key Points:
• Uttar Pradesh relief commissioner office signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the India
Meteorological Department (IMD) in Delhi to install four Doppler radars for disaster monitoring in Uttar Pradesh.
• It is a crucial initiative to mitigate the impact of natural disasters in the state.
• With the installation of four more, the total number of radars in the state will be five.
Benefits:
• The Doppler radars will provide accurate information about upcoming natural disasters in the state, enabling the
government to issue timely alerts and facilitate effective disaster management measures.

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1.9. SIT Report on Madrasas

Three-member SIT team has given its report on the status of Madrasas in the state.
Background
• In October 2023, the state government formed a three member SIT committee to check the status of Madrasas in
the state.
• The SIT was chaired by Additional Director General (ADG) ATS Mohit Agarwal, the team comprises SP
Cybercrime Dr Triveni Singh and the Director of Minority Welfare, J. Reebha.
Key Findings
• The SIT has revealed in its preliminary report that around 13,000 madrassas in the state are 'illegal'.
• Notably, the report shows that the districts bordering Nepal, such as Maharajganj, Shravasti, Bahraich, and
Gonda, each have more than 300 such madrasas. The proximity to the international border raises serious concerns,
due to which SIT has recommended closure of those madrasas who are unwilling to disclose their funding sources.
• Approximately 80 madrasas in border regions had received foreign funding totaling around Rs 100 crores.
Concerns over the potential misuse of funds and questions about the authenticity of the sources supporting these
religious institutions prompted action.

1.10. Citizenship Amendment Act

On 11th March 2024, the Central government notified the rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA).
What is the Citizenship Amendment Act?
• The CAA amends the Citizenship Act of
1955 to provide a path to Indian citizenship for
Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains,
and Parsis who migrated from neighboring
Muslim-majority countries such as Pakistan,
Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, before
December 31, 2014.
• Under the 2019 amendment of the act,
migrants who entered India till December
31, 2014, and had suffered “religious
persecution or fear or religious persecution” in
their country of their origin would be made
eligible for accelerated citizenship.
• The 2019 amendment to CAA further relaxed
the residence requirement for naturalization of
these migrants from twelve years to just six.
Anti-CAA protests: Timeline of events
• The CAA was passed by the Parliament on
December 11, 2019, and was notified on
December 12 of the same year.
• However, the act was not implemented as the rules were not notified.

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• After over four years of amending the act, it was reported that the Union Home Ministry would notify the rules of
CAA before the Lok Sabha elections, tentatively scheduled for April-May 2024.
• According to the annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs for 2021-22, from April 1, 2021, to December 31,
2021, a total of 1,414 foreigners belonging to these non-Muslim minority communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh
and Afghanistan were given Indian citizenship by registration or naturalization under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• From December 2019 to February 2020, there was a wave of anti-CAA protests across the country, which
eventually led to the Northeast Delhi riots.
• After the law was passed in 2019, the Union Home Ministry took extensions at regular intervals from the
committees for framing the rules for eligible people to submit applications for Indian citizenship.
• The Centre notified the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act on March 11, 2024. According to the rules, the
entire procedure to submit the applications for Indian citizenship under the law will be online for all those eligible
for applying.

1.11. Bharat Shakti

On 12th March 2024, the Prime Minister of India witnessed a Tri-Services Live Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise in Pokhran,
Rajasthan.
Key Points
• ‘Bharat Shakti’ displays an array of indigenous weapon systems
and platforms as a demonstration of the prowess of the country,
premised on the nation’s Aatmanirbharata initiative.
• Bharat Shakti simulates realistic, multi-domain operations
displaying integrated operational capabilities of the Indian
Armed Forces to counter threats across land, air, sea, cyber, and
space domains.
• Key Equipment and Weapons Systems participated in the exercise
include T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems,
Akash Weapons System, Logistics Drones, Robotic Mules,
Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and an array of unmanned
aerial vehicles among others, from Indian Army showcasing the
advanced ground warfare and aerial surveillance capabilities.
• Indian Navy showcased Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Autonomous
Cargo Carrying Aerial Vehicles, and Expendable Aerial Targets, highlighting maritime strength and technological
sophistication.
• Indian Air Force deployed the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters,
and Advanced Light Helicopters, demonstrating air superiority and versatility in air operations.
Outcome
• It is a clear indication of India's readiness to confront and overcome contemporary and future challenges with home-
grown solutions.
• It highlights the resilience, innovation, and strength of India's domestic defence capabilities on the global stage.
• It exemplifies the nation's strong strides towards Atma Nirbharta in defence, by showcasing the might and
operational prowess of the Indian Armed Forces and the ingenuity and commitment of the indigenous defence
industry.

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1.12. SIPRI Report

Swedish think tank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released its report.
Key Points
• According to the Swedish think tank,
Stockholm International Peace Research
Institute (SIPRI), India was the world’s top
arms importer for the period 2019-23 with
imports having gone up by 4.7% compared to
the period 2014-18.
• Although Russia remained India’s main
arms supplier [accounting for 36% of its arms
imports], this was the first five-year period
since 1960–64 when deliveries from Russia [or
the Soviet Union prior to 1991] made up less
than half of India’s arms imports,” as per new
data on international arms transfers from SIPRI
released.
• Nine of the 10 biggest arms importers in
2019–23, including the top 3 of India, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, were in Asia and Oceania or the Middle East.
• Ukraine became the fourth biggest arms importer globally after it received transfers of major arms from over 30
states in 2022-23.
• Arms exports of the world’s largest supplier, U.S., grew by 17% between 2014–18 and 2019–23, while those by
Russia fell by more than half, -53%. At the same time, France emerged as the world’s second largest arms supplier
as its exports grew by 47%.
• Among the top 10 arms exporters, five of them saw decreases between the two five-year periods: China (-5.3%),
Germany (-14%), U.K. (-14%), Spain (-3.3%) and Israel (-25%).

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1.13. EV policy
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has approved its new EV policy to make the country a hub for
manufacturing electric vehicles.
Key Points
• In this new policy, companies will have to invest at least Rs 4150 crore and there is no limit on the maximum
investment.
• According to the policy, companies will have to start their manufacturing and commercial production of EVs
in India within three years.
• Domestic Value Addition (DVA) will have to reach 50% within 5 years, that is, local sourcing will have to be
increased in making electric vehicles.
• Auto companies will have to increase local sourcing to 25% in the third year and 50% in the next five years.
• Under the new policy, it will now become easier to import Complete Built Unit (CBU) cars into India.
o A CBU is a completely built car, which includes cost, insurance and freight (CIF).
• The new scheme for auto companies is only for 5 years.
• The company will be able to sell only 8,000 units in India in a year.
• Only 40,000 units can be sold in India in 5 years.

1.14. Trinetra app 2.0

Uttar Pradesh Police will now use the state-of-the-art digital platform Trinetra App 2.0, which has been designed to help in
crime prevention and investigation.
Aim
Trinetra is cutting-edge digital platform; it aims to revolutionize policing in Uttar Pradesh. It promises to transform the
landscape of crime prevention and investigation.
Key Points
• With over 9.32 lakh criminal records now digitized within Trinetra’s database, police can swiftly identify suspects
during security checks.
• The app can be used by all police personnel of Inspector and above rank.
• The app offers seamless accessibility via Android and iOS mobile applications.
• Police personnel can input and access comprehensive crime-related information, including crime histories, FIR
details, interrogation reports, audio recordings, photographs, rewards, incarceration details, and seizure records.
• It empowers law enforcement with facial recognition capabilities, enabling swift identification of suspects based
on photographic data.
• Trinetra 2.0 facilitates the identification of criminals based on voice samples which will further benefit in probes
of cases pertaining to cybercrime where they have only 'voice of the criminal'.
• The Crime GPT feature enables instant access to comprehensive information regarding criminals and criminal
activities, streamlining investigative processes.
• Trinetra 2.0 facilitates the inclusion of seizure details and related documentation, allowing for in-
depth analysis through the Crime GPT feature.
• The state police stations can generate QR codes for seized goods, simplifying the retrieval of
pertinent information regarding confiscated items.

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• Trinetra 2.0 also facilitates the search for missing individuals through photograph linking and facial recognition
technology, bolstering efforts to locate and reunite missing persons with their families.

1.15. UPSSF
• The Uttar Pradesh government is set to equip the Uttar Pradesh Special Security Force (UPSSF) with state-of-the-
art weaponry.
Key Points
• The government has granted administrative and financial approval of ₹23 crore for the procurement of weapons.
• UPSSF was established in September 2020.
• It has been tasked with safeguarding state courts, prominent religious sites, and key establishments.
• The state government recently decided to establish the sixth UPSSF battalion in Ayodhya.

1.16. Telemetric Weather Stations

The Uttar Pradesh government will establish telemetric weather stations (TWS) in tehsils across districts.
Key Points
• In the initial phase, TWS will be set up in 100 most drought-prone tehsils in different districts.
• In the first phase, priority will be given to the tehsils of all seven districts of Bundelkhand, including Banda,
Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba and Jalaun, which suffer from heightened drought impact.
• Besides, weather stations will be set up in all tehsils of Sonbhadra, two tehsils of Mirzapur, and one tehsil of
each district of the state.
• A sum of Rs 10 crore has been released for this.
• The Weather stations to be set up at a distance of 7 to 10 kilometres from Automatic Weather Station
(AWS)/Automatic Rain Gauge (ARG) station in a space of 10x10 metres.
• The weather station is to be installed at a suitable distance from large trees and buildings to mitigate potential risk
posed by shade, sunlight, rain and wind.

1.17. Tuberculosis Cases in India

The government data has been released on the TB cases in India.
Key Points
• According to government data, last year India notified nearly 2.55 million cases of tuberculosis (TB).
• This is the highest number since the start of the TB control programme in the 60s.
• Of all the TB cases notified in 2023, nearly 32% of notifications came from the private health care sector.
• Out of 2.55 million notifications, 0.84 million were from the private sector, an increase of 17% from the previous
year.
• Compared to 2014, there has been a sharp increase in private sector notifications – from 38,596 cases in 2013.
Cases In UP
• The overall notification of TB cases has improved by 64% over the last nine years.
• On an annual basis, Uttar Pradesh saw the highest jump in notifications (by 21% compared to the previous year)
followed by Bihar (15%).

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• The increase in notification numbers is expected in the initial stages as it means patients are being identified and
put on treatment, which will help break the transmission cycle.
Elimination Target
• The centre has set 2025 as the target for eliminating TB.
Global TB Report 2023
• As per the Global TB Report 2023, published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence rate of
TB in India has shown a 16% decline from 237 per 100,000 population in 2015 to 199 per 100,000 population in
2022.
• During the same period, the TB mortality rate has shown a 18% decline from 28 per 100,000 population in 2015 to
23.
Government Initiatives
• The TB-Mukt Bharat programme is an important program of the government, It has essentially brought TB in
public discourse, de-stigmatised the disease, and generated overall awareness.
• Under the government programme, free screening, free diagnostics and tests, and free drugs, are provided to patients
at all public health facilities in the country to reduce the financial burden of TB patients.
• In addition, the centre provides financial support for nutrition to the people who are receiving treatment for TB
disease under Nikshay Poshan Yojana.

World TB Day is celebrated on March 24. It commemorates Dr. Robert Koch’s discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(the bacteria that causes tuberculosis) in 1882.

1.18. Conservation of Great Indian Bustard

The Supreme Court has recently appointed an Expert Committee to look into the conservation of Great Indian Bustard
and to determine the feasibility and limitation of overhead and underground power lines in the habitats identified by Wildlife
Institute of India for Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Key Points
• The Committee has been asked to identify measures to be adopted in priority areas to ensure the long-term survival
of GIB.

The Great Indian Bustard is a bird found in the Indian subcontinent.

Scientific name: Ardeotis nigriceps
It is protected under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
IUCN list status: Critically Endangered
CITES: Appendix I

1.19. LCA Tejas Mark-1A

The first fighter aircraft LA5033 of the LCA Tejas Mark-1A series being built in India flew for the first time. After taking
off from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) center in Bengaluru, the aircraft remained in the air for 15 minutes.
LCA Tejas Mark-1A aircraft is an advanced version of LCA Mark-1 (LCA Mk-1).

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Key Points
• It has been developed by Bengaluru-based DRDO lab Aeronautical Development
Agency (ADA).
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is manufacturing the aircraft.
• HAL received a contract worth Rs 46,898 crore in 2021 to manufacture 83 Tejas Mark-
1A for the Indian Air Force.
• The company has time to deliver 83 aircraft by March 2024-February 2028.

1.20. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

The government has increased the wages given to workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA).
Key Points
• The Center has increased wages by 4 to 10% in many states. The revised wage rates will come into effect from
April 1. According to the notification, the highest wage increase of Rs 34 has been made in Goa.
• Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have increased the amount by Rs 7 which is the lowest and now a worker will get
Rs 237 per day for working under MNREGA.
• Wages increased by 10% in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka and Telangana
• Haryana tops the list in terms of wage rates, but the increase is only around 4%. The wage here is Rs 374 per
day.
• In three panchayats of Sikkim – Nathang, Lachung and Lachen, the wage rate is Rs 374 per day.
• The maximum increase in wage rate in Goa is Rs 34. Now the daily payment in the state has become Rs 356.
• In Andhra Pradesh, there was an increase of Rs 28 per day and the wage rate here is now Rs 300.
• In Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, wages have increased the least by Rs 7, where the wage rate is Rs 237 per
day.
• In West Bengal, wages have been increased by Rs 13, here the wages have increased to Rs 250.
• In Tamil Nadu, the wage has been increased by Rs 25 to Rs 319.
• In Telangana, the wages have become Rs 300 after an increase of Rs 28 and in Bihar, the wages have become
Rs 228 after an increase of Rs 17.

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SHORT NEWS-
• Dr. Sandeep Marwah, a renowned figure in the fields of film, television, and media, and President of Marwah
Studios, was bestowed with a prestigious honor by Her Excellency Anandibhen Patel, the Governor of Uttar
Pradesh, at Raj Bhawan in Lucknow. The recognition was conferred in
acknowledgment of Dr. Marwah's significant contributions to women
empowerment and entrepreneurship.
• The first transgender cultural and literary festival, organised by the
social welfare department in Uttar Pradesh, took place at the Bhagidari
Bhawan, Lucknow.
o The Transgender Sahityik Evam Sanskritik Samaroh’ was a
one-day affair.
• In Uttar Pradesh’s health ranking dashboard, Varanasi has once
again secured the first position with a 75 percent score. This marks the
district’s eighth consecutive first-place position in the health ranking dashboard for this financial year.
• The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), Govt of India in collaboration with Government of Uttar
Pradesh and State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, Uttar Pradesh organized a day-long workshop on
“How to effectively address grievances of consumers in the present era’’ at Lucknow.
o The event aimed to address the critical issues faced by consumers pertaining to the financial sector, real
estate sector, medical negligence, on-line shopping and others and the role of consumer commissions in
their proper and effective redressal.
• UP will soon become the first state to have fire stations at tehsil level. Uttar Pradesh had seen the setting up of 73 fire
stations in the last seven years.
• The Gonda Forest Department in Uttar Pradesh is partnering with Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India
to create a turtle conservation reserve in the Sarju River.
o The collaboration aims to protect and preserve the rich turtle diversity in the region, emphasizing the
importance of conservation efforts for these endangered species.
• As part of Uttar Pradesh AgroTech 2024 event, the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) presented
Innovative Farmer Awards 2024 at the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research.
o The 10 farmers who were awarded for their innovation in agriculture were Jagdamba Lal Srivastava from
Ayodhya, Dinesh Chandra Verma from Barabanki, Ramkaran Tiwari from Etawah, Mangal Singh,
Fatehpur, Dharmendra Singh from Hardoi, Rajkumar Tripathi from Kanpur Dehat, Jitendra Singh from
Kanpur Nagar, Rajkumari from Lucknow, Abhishek Kumar Patel from Raebarelli and Atal Bihari Bajpai
from Unnao.
• The Uttar Pradesh government removed Renuka Mishra as the chairperson of the UP Police Recruitment and
Promotion Board amid allegations of the question paper of a constable recruitment examination being leaked.
• REC Limited has partnered with the Unit of Science and Educational Development (UNISED) to support the
education of around 75,500 children of Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. REC has entered into this
partnership through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm REC Foundation.
o REC is a 'Maharatna' Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, and is registered with
RBI as Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), and Infrastructure Financing Company (IFC).

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• Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to have 5 crore Ayushman Bharat card holders. The state
is leading in implementing the scheme and has issued 1.94 crore cards through the ‘Ayushman Bhav’ campaign.
Over 5,000 hospitals are enlisted for treatment.
• Uttar Pradesh has formed an election steering committee for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Uttar
Pradesh. The committee, comprising five members, will be chaired by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Swatantra
Dev Singh, with PWD Minister Jitin Prasada serving as the co-convener.
o Other members of the committee include BJP state vice-president Mohit Beniwal, Kanta Kardam, MLC
Dharmendra Singh, UP’s Cooperation Minister JPS Rathore, and MLA Pankaj Singh. Their responsibilities
encompass campaign management, booth organisation and liaising with the Election Commission of India.
• In a move to expedite the revitalization of the state's cities, the Uttar Pradesh government entered into an
agreement with the renowned organisation, the World Resources Institute (WRI) India.
o The government is now going to develop five systems to accelerate development in cities.
• UP-Rera to start a training and certification programme for real estate agents in April this year. From next year
only certified agents will be allowed to operate. For the new agents, prior certification will be mandatory and the
already existing agents have to take a course and get a certificate, failing which their registration will be canceled.
• According to an official release, the Mirzapur division of Purvanchal has emerged as a frontrunner in Uttar
Pradesh's industrial development, securing the top position in terms of investments across the 75 districts and 18
divisions of the state.
o Within this division, the Sonbhadra district stands out prominently, leading in terms of investments among
all 75 districts. Meerut, Jhansi, Lucknow, and Moradabad divisions follow closely behind in the ranking
of top 5 investments, securing the second, third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively.
• Uttar Pradesh has become the only state in the country to have over 10 operational airports.
o On March 10, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated multiple airports and airport terminals across the
country. This included Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, and Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh.
• In an important decision, the Uttar Pradesh Council of Ministers has decided to give 100 percent rebate in
electricity charges on private tube wells of farmers. This decision will benefit 1.5 crore farmers of the state.
o Under this scheme, farmers will not be required to pay any bill on private tube wells from April 1, 2023.
Apart from this, if there is any outstanding bill even before that, then the government will bring a scheme
to pay the bill in interest-free and easy installments because the government has also made a provision of
Rs 1800 crore in the budget of 2024-25.
• The Central Government has notified the appointment of five additional judges as permanent judges in the
Allahabad High Court. Besides, three judges have also been transferred from three High Courts. The Ministry of
Law and Justice issued a notification in this regard.
o In exercise of his power conferred in the Constitution, the President, after consultation with the Chief
Justice of India, appointed Justice Saurabh Srivastava, Justice Om Prakash Shukla, Justice
Mohammad Azhar Hussain Idrisi, Jyotsna Sharma and Surendra Singh-I as Additional Judges of the
Allahabad High Court in the same court. Permanent judge has been appointed.
o Justice Sujay Paul of Madhya Pradesh High Court and Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya of Calcutta
High Court have been transferred to Telangana High Court. Similarly, Justice Anu Sivaraman of Kerala
High Court has been transferred to Karnataka High Court.
• The Election Commission of India (EC) has announced that Uttar Pradesh is one of three states in which the Lok
Sabha polls will be held in seven phases between April 19 and June 1, with the counting of votes on June 4.

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• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has given its approval to the Uttar Pradesh government's proposal to rename
eight railway stations in Amethi district, substituting them with names associated with local temples, saints, idols,
and freedom fighters. Here are those 8 railway stations:
o Kasimpur halt as Jais City
o Jais as Guru Gorakhnath Dham,
o Bani as Swami Paramhans,
o Misrauli as Maa Kalikan Dham,
o Nihalgarh as Maharaja Bijli Pasi,
o Akbarganj as Maa Ahorwa Bhawani Dham,
o Warisganj as Amar Shahid Bhale Sultan
o Fursatganj as Tapeshwarnath Dham.
• The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act,
2004, as ‘unconstitutional’ and directed the state government to accommodate students studying in Madarsas in
other schools.

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2. INDIAN HERITAGE & CULTURE

2.1. ASI Survey of Bhojshala Complex
The Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a scientific survey of the
Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh.
About Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex:
• The structure is a protected monument under the Archaeological
Survey of India, which is a disputed site notionally claimed by
both Muslims and Hindus
• It is believed that it was originally a temple of goddess Sarasvati
built by Paramara King Bhoja in circa 11th Century AD and
the city was long one of the capitals of Malwa
o Transition under Delhi Sultanate: Malwa came under
the Delhi Sultanate in the early 14th century, and soon after that, a hypostyle mosque was constructed
using parts from fallen temples.

2.2. Chalukyan Period Temples

A 1,300-year-old temple belonging to the Badami Chalukyan period was discovered in Telangana recently.
More on News:
• Archaeologists from the Public Research Institute of History,
Archaeology, and Heritage (PRIHAH) discovered Two ancient
temples along with a rare inscription.
• Site of discovery: In the Mudimanikyam village of Nalgonda district,
Telangana, along the banks of the Krishna River.
• Architectural styles: The temples date between AD 543-750 and
blend the Badami Chalukyan style with the Kadamba Nagara
influences (A pyramid-shaped shikhara with rising steps, topped by a pinnacle kalasha).

2.3. Guru Ravidas Jayanti

The Prime Minister inaugurated a new statue of Sant Ravidas at Ravidas Park near Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi,
on his 647th birth anniversary.
Sant Ravidas Ji: Life and Contributions
• Sant Ravidas Ji was born in a poor family in Sir Gobardhanpur, near Varanasi,
Uttar Pradesh. His birthplace is now known as Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan.
He was a disciple of Jagatguru Ramanand.
• Contributions:
o Bhakti Movement: Played a crucial role in the Bhakti movement, which
emphasised personal devotion to God as a means to salvation. He
influenced contemporaries like Meera Bai, who regarded him as a spiritual
mentor, showcasing his wide-reaching impact on Bhakti and spiritual leaders
of his time.

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o Focus on Nirguna Bhakti: He was the champion of Nirguna sampradaya of Sant Parampara. It is a
tradition of formless god.
o The compositions of Guru Ravidasji were included in Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
o His teachings challenged the traditional caste hierarchy, advocating for a society where one's birth did not
determine their spiritual or social standing.

2.4. Six Heritage Sites on Tentative List

Recently, six properties from Madhya Pradesh were added to India’s Tentative List by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
More On News:
• The Six Heritage Sites are:
o Gwalior Fort
oThe Historic Ensembles of Dhamnar
o The Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhojpur
o Rock Art Sites of the Chambal Valley (Serial Nomination)
o Khooni Bhandara, Bhuranpur
o Gond Monument of Ramnagar, Mandla
• With this India has expanded its UNESCO Tentative List to include 57 sites.
About UNESCO Tentative List:
• The Tentative List is an inventory of natural and/or cultural heritage sites that a State Party considers to
demonstrate potential Outstanding Universal Value to humanity and therefore suitable for nomination to the
World Heritage List.
• States Parties must provide Tentative Lists to the World Heritage Centre before submitting any nomination,
which should be submitted at least one year in advance.

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SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

Nowruz Google celebrated ‘International Nowruz Day 2024’ on 19 March 2024 with a
specially designed Google Doodle.
Nowruz, the Farsi word for “new day,” marks the beginning of the Iranian or
Persian New Year.
o The festival of Nowruz is named after the Persian king, Jamshed,
who is credited for creating the Persian or the Shahenshahi calendar.
o One of the rituals during this festive time is visiting the Fire
Temple/Agiary, which serves as a place of worship for the Parsi
community.
• History: It is an ancient festival with roots in Zoroastrianism.
• The United Nations celebrates the International Day of Nowruz on March
21st.
• Part of UNESCO Intangible List: Nowruz was inscribed on the
UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity of India in 2016.

Meenakshi Amman Temple of The Prime Minister offered prayers at the Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai.
Madurai • Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is a historic Hindu temple
located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, Madurai in Tamil
Nadu
• The temple is dedicated to goddess Meenakshi, a form of Shakti/Parvati
and her consort Shiva in the form of Sundareshwarar.

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3. HISTORY
3.1. Lahore Resolution of 1940
Pakistan to hold its National Day celebrations in New Delhi after a four-year gap. Pakistan National Day is observed
on March 23, the day the Lahore Resolution was adopted in 1940 by the Muslim League.
The Lahore Resolution of 1940:
• It was written and prepared by Muhammad Zafarullah Khan and a formal political statement adopted by
the All-India Muslim League during its general session in Lahore from March 22 to March 24, 1940
• It formally called for an independent state for India’s Muslims with Muhammad Ali Jinnah's famous speech
asserting the demand for two separate countries, one for Hindus and one for Muslims going forward.
• Demands:
o For Muslim Majority Areas: The areas where there is Muslims Majority (North-Western and Eastern
Zones of India) should be grouped to constitute “Independent States” in which the constituent units
shall be autonomous and sovereign.
o For Muslim Minority regions of India: An adequate, effective and mandatory constitutional safeguards
shall be provided for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other
rights and interests in consultation with the Muslim League.

3.2. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

Recently, The Prime Minister has paid tributes to Veer Savarkar on his Punya Tithi.
About Vinayak Damodar Savarkar:
• He is also known as Swatantryaveer Savarkar or Veer Savarkar in Marathi, was a freedom fighter, politician,
lawyer and a writer.
• Born: on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur Village, Nashik, Maharashtra.
Contribution in India's freedom of struggle:
• He coined the Hindu nationalist ideology of 'Hindutva'. and
• He was a pivotal leader in the 'Hindu Mahasabha' in 1907
• Literary Work: "The Indian War of Independence," which depicted the Indian revolt of 1857.
• He passed away on February 26, 1966.
• Mitra Mela, Abhinav Bharat Society (Young India Society), India House and Hindu Mahasabha are the
organizations associated with him.

3.3. Usha Mehta

"Ae Watan Mere Watan," movie was released recently based on the biography
of Usha Mehta.
About Usha Mehta:
• Usha Mehta was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and joined the Quit
India Movement for contributing to the freedom struggle.
• She was instrumental in establishing Congress Radio, an underground
radio station that operated during the Quit India Movement in 1942.

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• Organizers: Alongside Usha Mehta, Babubhai Khakar, Vithalbhai Jhaveri, and Chandrakant Jhaveri
Nariman Printer, etc. were key figures in organising Congress Radio.
• She passed away after a brief illness in 2000.

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4. SOCIETY & SOCIAL JUSTICE

4.1. Rethinking Poverty Estimation Methods in India
Economists C Rangarajan and S Mahendra Dev have released the poverty estimate in India based on the latest
Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) by updating poverty lines recommended by the Rangarajan
committee.

Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES):

• It is designed to collect information on the consumption of goods and services by households.
• Information collected in HCES is useful for understanding the consumption and expenditure pattern, standard of
living and well-being of the households.
Gini coefficient, or the Gini index:
• It measures the inequality of income distribution, whereas a higher value closer to one (or 100 percent)
represents greater inequality.

More on News:
• SBI Research and economists of the US think tank Brookings Institution, Surjit Bhalla and Karan Bhasin
have also released their poverty estimates recently based on the latest HCES survey, using different parameters.
o The HCES report has been released after 11 years.
Key Findings of Poverty Estimate by C Rangarajan and S Mahendra Dev:
• Poverty Line: According to them, the poverty line is Rs 1,837 for rural and Rs 2,603 for urban areas in 2022-
23.
o The poverty line for 2011-12 was Rs 972 and Rs
1,407 per capita per month respectively for rural and
urban areas.
• More Significant Poverty Decline in Urban Areas: The
rate of poverty decline in percentage point terms in the last
decade was higher in urban areas than in rural areas.

4.2. Violence Against Women in India

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) presents a concerning picture of the pervasive violence against women
in India, highlighting its intersection with mental health conditions and homelessness.
Violence against Women:
• The UN defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in or is likely to result
in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary
deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life”.
• A Matter of Concern: The issue of violence against women is a social, economic, developmental, legal,
educational, human right and health (physical and mental) issue.
o It is a human rights violation, and the immediate and long-term physical, sexual, and mental consequences
for women and girls can be devastating, including death.

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4.3. Women Entrepreneurs In India

Recently, the 9th Annual Shakti International Women Entrepreneurs Summit was held in New Delhi.
More on News:
• It is a joint integrated national campaign by the Ministry of MSME and Women Entrepreneurship Platform
(WEP). This national campaign is a clarion call to women entrepreneurs nationwide to get Udyam registered
and unlock a world of opportunities.
• WEP Unnati _ Udyamita se Pragati Tak is a joint program of the Ministry of MSME and the Women’s
Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP).
▪ Target: This MSME – WEP Award-to-Reward (ATR) programme is a groundbreaking initiative
to take Women SMEs to the next level of growth by providing comprehensive capacity-building
support through WEP.

About the Shakti International Women Entrepreneurs Summit 2024:

• Organized by: It is an annual Conference on the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8) being
organised by India SME Forum with the support of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,
Govt. of India, in association with Women Entrepreneurs Forum.

SHORT NEWS
4.4. Committee for Ayushman Bharat Implementation
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced the formation of an expert committee to review the
implementation of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
About Committee:
• The 16-member committee, chaired by Dr V K Paul, Member (Health) at NITI Aayog.
• It will oversee the progress of AB-PMJAY in beneficiary identification, hospitalisation, and modes of
implementation.Reviewing the roles and responsibilities of the Centre and state in terms of scheme policy, design
and implementation.
o To suggest measures to prevent fraud or misuse of the scheme.
o Suggest ways to provide linkages with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and Ayushman
Arogya Mandirs (AAMs).
Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY):
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• It is an umbrella of two major health initiatives, namely Health and Wellness Centres and the National Health
Protection Scheme.

4.5. Human Development Index

Recently released report by UNDP, India ranks 134th in the global Human Development Index.
More on News:

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• It builds on the 2021–2022 Human Development Report findings that saw the global HDI value fall for the first
time — two years in a row.
Key Highlights of the Report:
• Theme of 2023/24 HDR Titled: “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World”
• Improvement in Human Development Index (HDI):
o India has ascended one position on the global Human Development Index (HDI).
o In 2022, India stands at 134th place, compared to 135th in 2021, out of 193 countries ranked.
o India in the Medium Human Development Category: Between 1990 and 2022, the country saw its HDI
value increase by 48.4 percent, from 0.434 in 1990 to 0.644 in 2022.

SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

Singpho Children of the Singpho community are named according to the order they are born in the
Community family, incorporating numbers into their names.
About Singphos:
• Singphos is an ethnic group inhabiting 27 countries, including China’s Yunnan province.
They are not as complex as other tribal societies.
o In India, they mostly inhabit the Changlang and Namsai districts of Arunachal
Pradesh, and the Tinsukia district of Assam.

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5. GEOGRAPHY & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

5.1. Groundwater Crisis in Indian Cities
Bengaluru is facing a severe water crisis due to prolonged drought.

Composite Water Management Index:

The index evaluates states in nine broad sectors and 28 indicators, including groundwater, irrigation, farm practices, and
drinking water.

Status of Water Crisis in Indian Cities:

• According to the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI)
report 2018 by the NITI Aayog, nearly 600 million Indians face
high-to-extreme water stress.
o By 2020, 21 Indian cities will run out of groundwater.
• According to the NITI Aayog, about 200,000 people die yearly due to
lack of safe water.
o According to the World Health Organization, 97 million
Indians lack access to safe water today, second only to China.
• Water Contamination: With nearly 70% of water contaminated,
India ranks 120th of 122 countries in a global water quality index.

5.2. Forest Fires in India

The Coonoor forest range in the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu suffered from the forest fires.
What is Forest Fire?
• Wildfire, also called forest, bush or vegetation fire, can
be described as any uncontrolled and non-
prescribed combustion or burning of plants in a
natural setting such as a forest, grassland, brushland or
tundra.
Forest Fire Vulnerability of India:
• Forest Fire Prone Area: According to the biennial
India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2019 published by
the Forest Survey of India (FSI), more than 36% of
India’s forest cover was prone to frequent fires.
• Vulnerable States: The eleven main states with
frequent occurrence of forest fires in recent times are:

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 UP Current Wallah: March 2024

o Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh,

Maharashtra, Odisha, Telengana Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
• Forest Fire Vulnerability Across Ecosystems: According to the FSI, severe fires break out in dry deciduous
forests, while evergreen, semi-evergreen, and montane temperate forests are comparatively less prone to fires.
o The forests of Northeast India, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand
are the most vulnerable to fires during the November to June period.

SHORT NEWS
5.3. Pandavula Gutta Geoheritage Site
Pandavula Gutta was recently officially recognised as Telangana's sole geo-heritage site.
More on News:
• Recently, the Rajasthan Government also designated
Ramgarh Crater at Baran District as a Geoheritage site.
About Pandavula Gutta:
• It is a geological marvel older than the Himalayan hills.
• Location: Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, Telangana.
• Discovery: First discovered in 1990.
Ramgarh Crater:
• It is a terrestrial Meteorite Impact Crater
• Location: Ramgarh Village, Mangrol Tehsil, Baran district,
Rajasthan
• Discovery: first discovered by the Geological Survey of India in 1869.
• Formation: It was formed around 165 million years ago due to Meteor impact.
What are Geoheritage sites?
• Geoheritage sites are sites of rare and unique geological and geomorphological significance having
geomorphological, mineralogical, petrological, paleontological, and stratigraphic significance, including
caves, natural rock sculptures of national and international interest.
• Recognized by: Geological Survey of India (GSI) recognizes, declares, and maintains its heritage sites.

5.4. Atmospheric Research Testbed

Context: Recently, the first phase of the Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI) was inaugurated in
Sehore district in Bhopal.
What is the Atmospheric Research Testbed?
• The ART program focuses on studying atmospheric processes using advanced measurement systems.
• It is to understand cloud dynamics, land-atmosphere interactions, and radiative processes.
• Conduct detailed observation missions and model simulations to test theories and improve how weather models
represent convection and land surface processes.

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• Phases of Implementation
o Phase One: Under this phase, an ART in central India was to be established to study convection, land-
atmosphere interactions, and precipitation.
o Phase Two: Under this phase, an ART in the northeast/eastern region would be set up to investigate
severe thunderstorm processes.

5.5. Shipra River

A performance audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on the degradation of the
Shipra River, threw up a host of significant findings.
Key Findings of the Report
• It was perhaps the first performance audit conducted by the CAG on a river’s degradation in the entire central
India.
• The natural flow of the river was reduced due to improper management and over extraction of ground water in the
Kshipra sub-basin.
About Shipra River
• About: The Shipra, also known as the Kshipra, is a river in Madhya Pradesh state.
• Type of River: It is a perennial river and is considered as sacred as the Ganga River by the Hindus.
• Course of River:
o Origin: It originates in the Vindhya Range from a hill called Kakri-Tekdi, which is in the north of Dhar
and situated at a distance of 11km from Ujjain.
o It flows across the Malwa Plateau to join the Chambal River.
• Major Tributaries: Khan and Gambhir

SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

Popocatepetl Volcano The Popocatépetl volcano has been spewing thick plumes of volcanic ash into
the sky outside Mexico.
About Popocatepetl volcano
• Popocatépetl — which means "smoking mountain" in the Aztec
Nahuatl language — is located in central Mexico roughly 45 miles
(72 kilometers) southeast of Mexico City.
• It lies on the border between the states of Puebla and Morelos.

Astronomical Grand Cycles The Earth experiences climate fluctuations in a 2.4-million-year cycle,
discovered through geological sedimentary evidence in the deep ocean
Current. This cycle, known as “astronomical grand cycles

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About Astronomical Grand Cycle:

• The concept of the Astronomical Grand Cycle (AGC) suggests that
the gravitational interaction between Earth and Mars cyclically
influences deep ocean currents, leading to recurring patterns
every 2.4 million years.
• Interference of gravity fields between the two planets: This cycle
is attributed to the interference of gravity fields between the two
planets, causing a resonance that affects Earth’s orbit around the
Sun.

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6. POLITY & GOVERNANCE

6.1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) And Elections
With a series of elections to be held worldwide in 2024, it is essential to recognise that artificial intelligence (AI) has the
potential to disrupt democracy.
More on News:
• Electoral Landscape: With the seven-phase general election in India being announced and held from April 19
to June 1, 2024, political parties and the electorate cannot, however, afford to ignore the AI dimension.
o This year, elections are also scheduled to be held (according to some reports) in as many as 50 other
countries across the globe, apart from India, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.
• Advisory by the Government: Recently, the Indian Government clarified its AI advisory on generative AI services
and elections was directed towards “significant” platforms and not startups.
Challenges with AI in Elections:
• Misinformation & Disinformation: Deepfakes and other AI-generated content can create hyper-realistic digital
falsification and can potentially be used to damage reputations, fabricate evidence, and undermine trust in
democratic institutions.
• Influence through Deceptive Content: The hyper-realistic deep fakes of pictures, audio, or video could influence
voters powerfully before being fact-checked.

• Disinformation: It is false information deliberately spread to deceive people.

• Misinformation: It is incorrect or misleading information. It differs from disinformation, which is deliberately
deceptive and propagated information.

• Social Media Amplification: Social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter compound the influence and
misinformation risks, which significantly cut their fact-checking and election integrity teams.
• Privacy Concerns: The main privacy concerns surrounding AI is the potential for data breaches and
unauthorized access to personal information. With so much data being collected and processed, there is a risk
that it could fall into the wrong hands, either through hacking or other security breaches.
o Example: A Japanese hospital faced public outrage when it was revealed they used patient data without
consent to develop an AI diagnostic tool.
o Also, a ‘deepfake’ video of Rashmika Mandanna went viral on social media.

SHORT NEWS
6.2. Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023
The Indian government has officially announced the implementation of the significant Press & Registration of Periodicals
Act (PRP Act), 2023 and its Rules.
More on News:
• The Press & Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023 has become effective from March 1st, 2024.
About Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023
• This act replaces the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 legislation from colonial - era.

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• It is to modernise the registration processes of periodicals.

• This act governs the registration of periodicals.
Features
• Press Sewa Portal: The new Act has introduced an online registration system called the Press Sewa Portal.
o The new Act mandates that all applications for registering periodicals must be done exclusively online
through the Press Sewa Portal.
• The Press Registrar General of India (PRGI): The Press Registrar General of India (PRGI), formerly known as
the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI), will be responsible for implementing the objectives of the new Act.

6.3. Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024

The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 have been notified by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,
Government of India to improve the film certification process.
More on the news:
• Last year, the government amended the outdated Cinematograph Act of 1952 after almost 40 years.
o This amendment aimed to address various issues concerning film certification.
What are Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024?
• The Cinematograph Act 2024 is an Act to make provision for the certification of cinematograph films for exhibition
and for regulating exhibitions by means of cinemagraphs.
• The introduction of the new Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 is a part of last year’s government ongoing
efforts.
• Significance:
o Simplify and modernize the certification process: These rules are designed to simplify and modernize
the film certification process.
▪ Vision: The goal is to make the process more efficient, transparent, and inclusive.
▪ Promotes growth and success of Cinema: By aligning with global standards, these rules support
the growth and success of Indian cinema.

6.4. Model Code of Conduct

Model Code of Conduct comes into force for 2024 Lok Sabha elections

Origins of MCC:
• In the 1960 Kerala Assembly elections, a 'Code of Conduct' was introduced by the State administration for
political actors.
• The leading political parties voluntarily approved and adhered to the code.
• In the Lok Sabha elections in 1962: The Election Commission of India (ECI) circulated the MCC to all
recognized political parties and State governments.

About Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

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• MCC is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to regulate the behaviour of political
parties and candidates during elections.
• Purpose: To prevent misuse of power by ruling parties and curb corrupt practices.
• Coverage: The MCC covers multiple aspects such as speeches, polling booths, election manifestos, and general
conduct to ensure fair and ethical election practices.
Applicability of Model Code of Conduct
• Elections to the Lok Sabha: During general elections to the House of People (Lok Sabha), the code applies across
the country.
• Elections to the Legislative Assembly of States: During general elections to the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan
Sabha), the code applies throughout the State.
• By elections: During bye-elections, the code applies to the entire district or districts in which the constituency falls.

SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

Criminal Case Management Recently the union home minister virtually inaugurated a unique digital Criminal
System Case Management System (CCMS) and also launched a mobile app ‘Sankalan’.
About Criminal Case Management System:
• Developed by: National Investigation Agency (NIA).
• Enabling Better Coordination: It will enable the NIA personnel to better
coordinate in terrorism and organized crime cases, thereby improving justice
delivery.
Sankalan app
• About: It is a compendium of New Criminal Laws by National Crime
Records Bureau (NCRB).
• Bridge between old and new criminal laws: It has been designed for
navigating through new criminal laws as a bridge between old and new
criminal laws. This app will work as a comprehensive guide for all
stakeholders.

National Commission for Recently, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights(NCPCR)
Protection of Child Rights- celebrated its 19th Foundation Day on 12th March 2024..
19th Foundation Day National Commission for Protection of Child Rights:
• About: It is a Statutory Body (Established under Section 3 of the
Commission for Protection Of Child Rights Act, 2005).
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women & Child Development.

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7. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
7.1. India-Japan Relations
Recently, the 16th India-Japan Foreign Minister's Strategic Dialogue was held in Tokyo, Japan.
Key Highlights of the Dialogue:
• Japan's development role in India's Northeast will be crucial in transforming the connectivity and industrial
landscape of the region and benefit other countries in the neighbourhood through a network of forward and
backward linkages.
• There is a need to work together to enhance each other's economic stability and supply chain resilience by taking a
strategic view of trade and technology.
• Both sides agreed on the need for new steps to prepare the bilateral relationship for and respond to emerging
geopolitical, geoeconomic and technological trends.
o To realise the vision of the India-Japan Special Strategic Global Partnership.

7.2. TEPA between India and EFTA

Recently, India and the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA), an intergovernmental grouping of
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
More on News:
• The negotiations for this TEPA began in 2008, with 13 rounds of talks held until 2013. After a hiatus, negotiations
resumed in October 2023 and concluded swiftly.
• TEPA is the fourth major deal signed by India to promote trade and economic cooperation in the last three years.
The others are with Australia, Mauritius and the UAE.
• EFTA, though not part of the European Union (EU), is an organization that promotes free trade among its member
countries.

7.3. India-China Relations

Context: China has lodged a diplomatic protest with India over the Prime
Minister's (PM’s) visit to Arunachal Pradesh, where he dedicated the newly-
built Sela Tunnel to the nation.
More on News:
• Chinese Objections: China claims Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet
routinely objects to Indian leaders' visits to the state to highlight its claims.
China has also named the area as Zangnan.
• Rejection of Chinese Territorial Claims: India has repeatedly rejected
China's territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is
an integral part of the country.

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Background of India- China Border Disputes

• Proposal for MacMohan Line (1913-14):
o Simla Conference aimed to establish a boundary between British India and Tibet.
o McMahon Line was proposed, which was an 890-km boundary extending from Bhutan to Burma but
was not accepted by China.
• Annexation of Tibet (1950): China's annexation of Tibet created one of the longest undemarcated borders of
the world.
• Ongoing Disputes: The McMahon Line is India's interpretation of the LAC while China claims Aksai Chin
and Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as 'South Tibet', as its territory.

7.4. India’s Neighbourhood First Policy

The recent visit of the Bhutanese Prime Minister to India, followed by the announcements of the visit of the Indian Prime
Minister to Bhutan, exemplifies India's commitment to neighbourhood first policy.
About Neighbourhood First Policy:
• ‘Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP) was conceived in 2008
wherein the principles of engagement under NFP were 5S
(Samman, Samvad, Shanti, Samriddhi and Sanskriti).
• It aims to foster stronger ties, enhance regional cooperation,
and address mutual concerns with immediate neighbouring
countries.
• The Policy is driven by India’s consultative, nonreciprocal and
development-oriented approach.

SHORT NEWS
7.5. Sweden Joins NATO
Sweden officially joins NATO after completing its accession process, ending decades of neutrality.
About NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
• Collective Security Alliance: NATO is a transatlantic security alliance composed of thirty-one member countries.
• Established in: It was established in 1949 with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, also called the Washington
Treaty.
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
7.6. UN Resolution on Islamophobia
Recently, India Abstained on Pakistan’s Islamophobia Resolution which was introduced on the International Day to
Combat Islamophobia at United Nation General Assembly (UNGA).
Key Highlights of UN Resolution:

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• The 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution titled ‘Measures to combat Islamophobia',
introduced by Pakistan & co-sponsored by China.
• 115 nations voted in favour, none against and 44 abstentions, including India,the UK,France, Germany,
Italy, Brazil etc.
• Resolution Condemning Islamophobia:
o Global Concerns:
▪ UNGA resolution aims to combat discrimination against Muslims, amidst rising incidents of hate
& bigotry globally.

Religiophobia: It is defined as a fear or anxiety of religious faith, religious people or religious organisations. Ex : Anti
Semitism, Christianophobia, or Islamophobia etc

▪ Due to cited incidents such as desecration of the Quran, attacks on mosques, and religious
intolerance.
▪ It highlighted negative stereotyping, hatred, and violence against Muslims.
o Special Envoy: It requested the UN Secretary-General to appoint a Special Envoy to combat
Islamophobia.

7.7. Dominican Republic-India: JETCO

The Union Cabinet had approved the proposal for signing of the said protocol for establishment of JETCO between India
and Dominican Republic
About Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO):
• JETCO is a bilateral institution formed by two countries to promote economic cooperation and commercial
relations.
• It acts as a forum for debates, information sharing, and cooperation among participating countries, with the goal of
strengthening economic ties, expanding commerce and industry, and addressing difficulties in the export
and import of goods and services.
• Similar Agreements with Other Countries: India has Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) agreements
with many countries, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam,
South Korea, Canada, Mauritius, and Oman.

About the Dominican Republic

• Location: It is a Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti to the west.
• Geographical Features: Its terrain comprises rainforest, savannah and highlands, including Pico Duarte, the
Caribbean’s tallest mountain. Its capital city is Santo Domingo.

7.8. EU- Nature Restoration Law

The European Parliament adopted the first European Union (EU) law to restore degraded ecosystems.
More on News:
• The legislation was introduced first by the European Commission in June 2022.

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• The European Parliament had voted to pass the law with 336 votes in favor.
• The law now has to be adopted by the European Council, before being published in the EU Official Journal
and entering into force 20 days later.

7.9. 37th African Union Summit

The 37th African Union Summit was convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Africa Club:
• Launched in the 37th summit meeting of the African Union 2024.
• Members: It includes the African Export-Import Bank, Trade and Development Bank, Africa Finance
Corporation, African Reinsurance Corporation, African Trade and Investment Development Insurance, Shelter
Afrique Development Bank and ZEPRE (PTA Reinsurance Co).
• Purpose: To amplify Africa's influence in the global financial system by aligning its functions with the SDGs and
the African Union's Agenda 2063.

African Union
• It is a continental body consisting of the countries of the African Continent.
• Founded: It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity in Durban,
South Africa.
• The African Union is the most recent addition in the G-20 group.

SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

International Partnership for The International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the (IPHE) is holding its 41st Steering Committee Meeting in New Delhi.
Economy (IPHE) About IPHE:
• Intergovernmental Agency: The IPHE was created in 2003 as an
international intergovernmental cooperation led by the United States.
• Goal: To accelerate advancement in hydrogen and fuel cell
technology.
• Member Countries: IPHE has 21 member countries and the
European Commission is a non-voting member.

Global Peace Summit on Ukraine Recently, the Indian Prime Minister held a telephonic conversation with the
President of Russia and President of Ukraine. He was Invited to the Upcoming
Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.
Global Peace Summit on Ukraine
• Hosted by (Proposed): Switzerland

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World Telecommunication Recently, Minister of Communications Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched the
Standardization Assembly (WTSA- Curtain Raiser of World Telecom Standardization Assembly Delhi 2024
24) (WTSA 2024)
About World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA)
• It has been held every four years since 2000.
• It will be preceded by the Global Standards Symposium (GSS 2024)
on 14 Oct 2024 at New Delhi.

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8. INDIAN ECONOMY
8.1. Household Consumption Expenditure 2022 -23
Recently, the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation released the Household Consumer Expenditure Survey (HCES) conducted from August 2022 to July
2023.

Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE):

• It is defined by NSSO as household consumer expenditure over a period of 30 days divided by the household
size.
• Poverty line is defined on the basis of MPCE.

Crucial Insights of the Survey:

• Growth in Consumption Expenditure: The per capita
monthly household expenditure more than doubled in
2022-23 compared to 2011-12.
o The Average Per Capita Monthly Expenditure:
It stood at Rs 3,773 in rural areas and Rs 6,459 in
urban areas for all categories.
• Narrowing the Urban-Rural Gap: Consumption in rural
areas is growing faster than in urban areas, narrowing the
gap. The increase in consumption in rural and urban areas
is about 2.5 times.
• Significant Fall in the Consumption of Cereals and Food:
o In Rural Areas: Consumption of cereals as a share
in the average MPCE has decreased from 22% in
1999-2000 and 10.7% in 2011-12 to less than 5%
now.
o In Urban Areas: Consumption of cereals and food
in urban areas has decreased from 12% in 1999-
2000 and over 6% in 2011-12 to less than 4% now.
• Increase in the Expenditure on High-value Items:
Expenditure on high-value items such as eggs, fish, meat,
fruits, and vegetables has increased.
• Increase in the Expenditure on Non-food Items: The
expenditure on non-food items has increased across all
categories, with the highest expenditure on transport and
communication.
• Increase in the Expenditure on Education and Health:

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o On Education: This expenditure in rural India has

risen from 3.71% in 2011-12 to 6.08% in 2022-23,
while in urban India has risen from 7.07% in 2011-
12 to 8.07% in 2022-23. On Health: This
expenditure in rural India has risen from 6.67% in
2011-12 to 8.25% in 2022-23, while in urban
India, it has risen from 5.88% in 2011-12 to 7.13%
in 2022-23.
• Gap Narrowing in the Agriculture Sector: The gap
between the MPCE of agricultural families and the
overall average of rural households has been narrowing
over the years.
• On Average Spending: In 2011-12, the MPCE of
agricultural households was Rs 1,436, a little more than the
average rural spending of Rs 1,430.
o The average MPCE of households with “regular
wage/salaried earning in agriculture” was Rs
3,597, while for “regular wage/salaried earning
in non-agriculture” households was Rs 4,533.

8.2. India's First Semiconductor Fabrication Plant

The Union Cabinet recently approved three chip-related projects, including India's first semiconductor fabrication plant.
The three projects are:
• Semiconductor Plant in Dholera, Gujarat:
o The semiconductor plant is a collaboration between Tata Group and Taiwanese foundry Powerchip
Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC).
o It will provide access to leading-edge and mature
nodes including 28 nanometer, 40 nm, 55 nm,
90 nm and 110 nm.
o Capacity of 50,000 wafers per month.
• Chip Assembly plant in Morigaon, Assam:
o The Tata Group will also set up a chip assembly
plant with a capacity to manufacture 48 million
chips per day, and will primarily cater to export
needs.
• Chip Packaging Facility in Sanand, Gujarat:
o A chip packaging facility in Gujarat’s Sanand was
also approved by the Cabinet.

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8.3. Gig Economy in India

A recent survey conducted across multiple Indian cities, titled “Prisoners on Wheels”, sheds light on the challenges
faced by over 10,000 cab drivers and delivery persons.
More on News:
• The study is jointly conducted by the University of
Pennsylvania and Indian Federation of App-based
Transport Workers.
• Overall, 5302 cab drivers and 5028 delivery persons
across eight cities — Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru,
Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Indore —
participated in a 50-question survey.
o 78% of the respondents were in the age group of
21 to 40 years.
Key Findings of the Survey:
• Low Pay, Long Hours: Over 43% of participants in the study earn less than ₹500 a day or ₹15,000 a month,
after deducting all their costs.
• No Weekly Off: Overwork also appears to be a 24x7 problem for most, wherein 41% of the drivers and 48% of
delivery persons reported that they are unable to take even a single day off in a week.
• Expenses Exceed earnings: 68% of cab drivers’ responses show that their overall expenses exceed their
earnings.
• Social Disparities: Social disparities make the situation worse, with over 60 per cent of drivers from Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes work over 16 hours a day, compared to 16 per cent in the unreserved category.
o These income disparities further exacerbate the already existing social inequalities and perpetuate
cycles of poverty and distress within these communities.
About Gig Economy:
• A gig economy is a labor market that relies on independent contractors and freelancers rather than full-time
permanent employees.
• In recent years, the global job market has witnessed a transformative shift with the rise of 'gigification' or adoption
of the gig model - reshaping how we work. They include the following:
o freelancers who get paid per task;
o independent contractors who perform work and get paid on a contract-to-contract basis;
o project-based workers who get paid by the project;
o temporary hires who are employed for a fixed amount of time; and
o part-time workers who work less than full-time hours.

8.4. Multimodal Transport Hub

Recently the Indian Railways plans to develop multi-modal transport hubs

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More On News
• The Indian Railways will create mega railway terminals
with multi-modal connectivity in aspirational cities with a
population of more than 10 lakh across the country.
• Viksit Bharat initiative: The programme is part of the
infrastructure being developed for Prime Minister’s
‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative.

What is Multi-Modal Transportation and Multi Modal Logistics?

• Multimodal transport refers to the transport of good from one point to another via more than one mode of transport.
• Multimodal Logistics can be viewed as "the chain that interconnects different links or modes of transport - air, sea,
and land into one complete process that ensures an efficient and cost-effective door to-door movement of
goods.

SHORT NEWS
8.5. Geographical Indications (GI Tag)
Recently, several products got the Geographical Indication tag.

Product Origin Description

Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Cuttack, Odisha • Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree): In Odia,
Filigree) ‘Tarakasi’ is a combination of two words: ‘Tara’ (wire)
and ‘Kasi’ (design).
o The artisans transform silver bricks into thin fine
wires (known as “tara” or foils).
o These delicate silver wires are then meticulously
woven and shaped into intricate designs to
create filigree jewellery and decorative pieces.

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Narasapur crochet lace Narsapur,Andhra • It is known for its intricate craftsmanship, unique
products Pradesh designs and good quality crochet craft.

Banglar Muslin West Bengal This finest sort of muslin is made of cotton, which are spun
to create threads that maintain tensile strength at counts
(above 300 counts and up to 600 counts) i.e. higher than any
other cotton products.

Ratlam Riyawan Lahsun Madhya Pradesh. It has higher oil content and bold flavours than the other
(Garlic) varieties.

Ambaji White Marble Gujarat • It is highly calcic and is produced in a town called
Ambaji (famous for its temple of Durga Devi).
• The marble has a very soft and waxy look.
• It is often used by sculptors as the marble is amenable to
carving.

Lac Bangles Hyderabad, About Lac bangles:

Telangana • Originated over 500 years ago during the Mughal
period.
• Flourished over the decades and patronized by royal
families.
• Craftsmanship:
o Lac bangles are made from lac (resin).

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o Artisans skilfully embellish them with precious

and semi-precious stones.

8.6. Trade Secrets

Recently, the Law Commission in its 289th Report ‘Trade Secrets and Economic Espionage’ recommended a new law
to protect ‘Trade Secrets’.

Major Highlights of Report

• Exploring the Unique Dynamics of Safeguarding Trade Secrets within Intellectual Property: Law
Commission emphasized their unique characteristics compared to other forms of IP.

S.NO. Patent Trade Secret

Scope Protects new and useful inventions Protects any secret information that provides
economic value to the business

Example Alexander Graham Bell’s Telephone 📞 Coca-Cola’ secret Formula

Duration 20 Years Indefinitely, until the trade secret is leaked

(intentionally or accidentally)

Rights Gives the patent holder the right to exclude others from Protects only against misappropriation
making, selling, using,importing the invention

Territory patent rights are territorial, i.e. protection only exists in No restricted to territory
countries where the patent is granted

• New legislation be introduced: The Law Commission recommended that new legislation be introduced to
protect trade secrets with exceptions relating to whistleblower protection, compulsory licensing, government
use, and public interest.
• Proposed: The Protection of Trade Secrets bill,2024 has been proposed by the Law Commission.
What are Trade Secrets?
• According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), trade secrets are ‘intellectual property
rights on confidential information such as formulas, processes, methods, customer lists, and technicality etc
which may be sold or licensed’.
• Essentials of a Trade Secret:
o Secret: It is known by a limited group of people.
o Commercial Value: Derive their value from being kept secret.
o Reasonable steps to be taken by the owner to keep the information secret.
• Ex – Recipe of Coca-Cola beverages etc.

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8.7. Primary Agriculture Credit Society

Central government targets every village to have agricultural credit societies by 2047.
More on News:
• The computerization of the PACS has opened up many possibilities for their development. The government has
launched the “National Cooperative Database” and released its report.
o Aim of Database: To identify and address the gaps through a comprehensive analysis.
• The National Cooperative Database has been carried out in three phases.
o 1st Phase: The Mapping of approximately 2.64 lakh societies in three sectors, namely Primary
Agricultural Credit Societies, Dairy, and Fisheries, was completed.
o 2nd Phase: Data from various National Federation, State Federation, State Cooperative Banks, District
Central Cooperative Banks, Urban Cooperative Banks etc were collected.
o 3rd Phase: Data mapping of all remaining 8 lakh primary cooperative societies in other sectors was carried
out.
What is PACS?
• PACS are village-level cooperative credit societies.
• They serve as the last link in a three-tier cooperative credit structure headed by the State Cooperative Banks
at the state level.
• The PACS has around 13 crore farmers who are primarily engaged in short-term credit and distribution of seeds,
fertilizers, etc.

8.8. UCPMP 2024

The Department of Pharmaceuticals issued the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024.
Key Highlights of the UCPMP 2024 on Ethical Practices of Pharma Companies:
• The pharmaceutical sector should only engage with healthcare professionals for Continuing Medical Education
(CME) based on clear, transparent, and verifiable rules.
• Medical representatives shall not offer any incentives or pay for access to a healthcare practitioner.
• Companies or their representatives should not pay cash or monetary grants to any healthcare professional or their
family members (both immediate and extended) under any pretext.
o Gifting is prohibited by any pharmaceutical company or its agent (distributors, wholesalers, retailers,
etc).

Implementation of the UCPMP 2024:

• Formation of an Ethics Committee: All associations have been asked to form an Ethics Committee for
Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices in order to ensure rigorous compliance with the UCPMP.
• Establishing a Dedicated Portal: Create a dedicated UCPMP portal on their website and take essential steps
for code implementation.
• Grievance Redressal: All Indian pharmaceutical associations are required to post the UCPMP on their websites,
along with a thorough method for registering complaints.

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• Allowed Funds for Research: The Union government has granted corporations permission to donate research
funds to healthcare experts, as long as they do it in a transparent manner.

SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

GeM Sahay 2.0 The GeM will launch a revamped mobile-based lending platform, GeM Sahay 2.0.
• It endeavours to offer collateral-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh to start-ups and
entrepreneurs at interest rates of upto 10 per cent and will be approved within ten
minutes.
GeM-SAHAY app: It was launched in 2021 to address the credit availability challenges faced
by sole proprietors on GeM.
GeM’s ‘Start-up Runway’ Initiative: It gives start-ups direct visibility with the buyers of the
public procurement portal.

State Development State governments raised ₹50,206 crore via the auction of State Development Loan (SDL) bonds.
Loan (SDL) Bonds About State Development Loans (SDL):
• About: It is a bond issued by state governments to fund their fiscal deficit.
• Manager: These loans are managed by the RBI.
• Rate: The SDL coupon rates are marginally higher than those of GOI-Secs.
o G-Sec is a tradable instrument issued by the Central Government to raise money
from the public to finance the fiscal deficit.
• Eligible Security: SDL are eligible securities for the RBI under LAF Repo operations.
• Limit: Each state can borrow up to a set limit under Article 293(3) of the Constitution.
• This limit has been fixed under the FRBM Act to 3% of their Gross State Domestic
Product (GSDP).

UDGAM Portal Recently, the Reserve Bank of India launched the UDGAM Portal for unclaimed deposits in
India.
UDGAM Portal:
• UDGAM refers to the ‘Unclaimed Deposits-Gateway to Access Information’.
• Launched by : RBI
• Purpose : It facilitates the registered users
o To search unclaimed deposits/accounts across multiple banks at one place
in a centralized manner.
o To provide information on the claim/settlement process of each bank (which
will be available in the search result).

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• Banks Covered : Currently, 30 banks representing 90% of unclaimed deposits (in value
terms) in Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund of RBI in India are part of
UDGAM.

World Inequality According to a report titled as "Billionaire Raj" published by the World Inequality Lab (WIL),
Lab Report India's top 1% will have the greatest income and wealth shares in history in 2022-23, at
22.6% and 40.1%, respectively.

About World Inequality Lab:

• About: The World Inequality Lab (WIL) is a research facility of the Paris School of
Economics.
• Objective: To foster research in global inequality dynamics.
• Collaboration: It collaborates closely with a wide international network of scholars
(more than 100 researchers from almost 70 countries) who contribute to the database.

India’s Maritime The Maritime Development Fund is a proposed fund in India for the ship-building industry.
Development Fund About Maritime Development Fund:
• Objective: To Enhance the maritime sector by supporting ship-building, flagging,
ownership financing, leasing, and other related activities.
• Funding: The Maritime Development Fund will start with ₹25,000 crore to be spent
over seven years.
• It will support other initiatives such as mechanization and expanding the capacity of
current ports through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

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9. ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY

9.1. Single-Use Plastic Crisis
According to a report launched during the Sixth United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA-6) at the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the street food sector across India depends heavily on single-use plastics.

UNEA-6 focused on the theme, 'Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change,
biodiversity loss and pollution'.

About Single-Use Plastic (SUP):

• It refers to a plastic item intended to be used once for the same purpose before being disposed of or recycled.
• Status: The annual share of banned single-use plastic items is roughly 0.6 million tonnes per year.
o As per report “Plastic Waste Makers Index 2019”, India was the 13th largest investor in single-use
plastic polymer production globally.
o India ranked 3rd globally, contributing 5.5 million tonnes of single-use plastic waste and ranked 94th
with per capita single-use plastic waste of 4 kg per year, indicating that India addresses roughly 11%
of the single-use plastic waste.

SHORT NEWS
9.2. Fourth Global Mass Coral Bleaching
A widespread coral bleaching event spread over two-thirds of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was observed by
aerial surveys conducted recently.

Great Barrier Reef of Australia:

• Location: It is situated on the northeast coast of Australia.
• The GBR stretches across 2,300 km and is made up of around 3,000 individual reefs and contains the world’s
largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral
• It was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1981.

Coral Bleaching:
• Coral bleaching occurs when the coral Polyp expels the marine algae ie. zooxanthellae from its tissue and
breaks the symbiotic relation.
o This results in them losing their colour and source of nutrients and energy.
• Coral reef bleaching indicates a stress response that enables them to recover, depending on the intensity of heat
stress and its duration, however, prolonged or intense heat can prove fatal to corals.

9.3. IPCC Reports

Recently the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently released its 6th Synthesis Report, which updated and
summarized the IPCC's sixth assessment cycle.

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Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change:

• It is the UN body in charge of examining climate change science.
• Established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP).
• Secretariat: Geneva, Switzerland, housed by the World Meteorological Organisation.
• There are 195 member states in the IPCC, including India.

9.4. India’s First National Dolphin Research Centre

India's first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) has opened in Patna, Bihar to help protect the Gangetic river
dolphin.
About National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC):
• NDRC has been set up on the premises of Patna University.
o It is located Near Ganga.
• This centre is stretched around 4,400 square meters.
About Gangetic River Dolphins.
• National Aquatic Animal: The Gangetic River dolphin is India's national aquatic animal.
• Other Name: “Tiger of the Ganges.”
• It was officially discovered in 1801.

9.5. Leopard Population in India

India’s leopard numbers rose by 8% from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022, according to a report made public by the
Environment Ministry.
More on News:
• The highest number of leopards were reported in Madhya Pradesh (3,907).
Fifth Estimation Cycle for Leopards

About Indian Leopard

• Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) are distributed across a variety of forested habitats in India,
Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Pakistan.
• They are the smallest of the big cats.
• A leopard does not have any stripes.
• They are noted for their capacity to adapt to a range of environments.
• They are strong and agile predators capable of climbing trees and dragging their victim to safety.
• Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List).
• Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII), along with State
Forest Departments, estimated the leopard population for the fifth cycle.

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• It concentrated on roughly 70% of the animals' predicted habitat and encompassed 18 states in India.
Key Highlight of the Survey
• 13,874 leopards are thought to exist in India, a stable number when compared to the 2018 estimate.
• With 3907 (2018: 3421) leopards, Madhya Pradesh has the highest population in the nation. It is followed by
Maharashtra (2022: 1985; 2018: 1,690), Karnataka (2022: 1,879; 2018: 1,783), and Tamil Nadu (2022: 1,070;
2018: 868).
• Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal recorded a combined 150% increase to 349 large cats, whereas
Uttarakhand reported a 22% fall in big cat numbers, presumably due to poaching and man-animal conflict.

9.6. Meghalya’s Byrnihat Most Polluted City

The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA):

• It is a nonprofit think tank researching energy and air pollution.
• It was founded & registered in Helsinki, Finland in 2019 & Staff across Asia and Europe.
• Goal: Tracking the impacts of air pollution by providing data-backed research products.

Recently, A monthly air quality snapshot by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals that an
industrial town ‘Byrnihat situated in Assam-Meghalaya's border emerged as the most polluted city in India for February
2024.
9.7. Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) of India
Recently, the Zoological Survey of India published a book entitled, ‘An Illustrated Guide to the Lepidoptera of India’.
More on News:

Lepidopterology
• It is a branch of entomology concerning the scientific study of moths and the two superfamilies of butterflies.

• It is to bring a summary of the main diagnostic characters for all the families and superfamilies of Butterflies and
Moths found in India.
• Global Lepidoptera is updated to 166,320 species, 143 families and 43 superfamilies.

SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

Valmiki Tiger Reserve Bihar’s only tiger reserve Valmiki Tiger Reserve
(VTR) (VTR) uses green energy to provide water to wild
animals during the hot summer.
About Valmiki Tiger Reserve:
• It forms the eastern most limit of the
Himalayan Terai forests in India.

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• It is in the Terai in Bihar’s West Champaran district in the Valmiki Wildlife

Sanctuary. Nepal borders it to its north and Uttar Pradesh to its west.
• Rivers: Rivers Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan, and Bhapsa flow through
various parts of the reserve.

Melanochlamys The Zoological Survey of India named a new marine species of head-shield sea slug with
Droupadi ruby red spot which was discovered from West Bengal and Odisha coast after President of
India Droupadi Murmu.
About Melanochlamys Droupadi:
• Found in Digha, West Bengal coast, and Udaipur, Odisha coast.
• Distinct Feature: Short, blunt, cylindrical body with smooth dorsal surface and two
dorsal shields.
• Physical Attributes:
o Tiny brownish-black invertebrate, up to 7 mm long, with ruby red spot at
rear.
o Hermaphrodite with an internal shell.

Rules for Transfer of The government has introduced the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules,
‘Captive Elephants’ 2024, which ease restrictions on transferring elephants within or between states.
Key provisions of the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024
• Liberalizes conditions for transferring captive elephants within or between
states in India.
• Conditions for Transfer: It determined criteria for transfer of elephants.
o Elephants may be transferred under certain circumstances:
▪ When the current owner is unable to adequately care for the
elephant.
▪ When it is deemed that the elephant will receive better care
elsewhere.
▪ When the state's Chief Wildlife Warden determines it is necessary
for the elephant's well-being.
About Captive Elephants:
• These elephants are tamed, not domesticated and are controlled by humans.
• Objective: The main goal of keeping these elephants is to use them for various
purposes such as educational, entertainment, and work purposes.
• Captive elephants can be found at various sites like zoos, sanctuaries, circuses, and
camps, etc.

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10. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

10.1. Mixed Reality Technology
Mixed reality headsets have gained widespread attention with the reveal of the Apple Vision Pro headset.
More on News:
• Seamless Integration of Virtual and Real Worlds: This device blends the virtual world with the real one, creating
a seamless experience that can perform all the functions of a smartphone, but without the need for dedicating your
undivided attention to a screen.
• Cutting-Edge Features of the Headset: The headset comes with state-of-the-art hand- and eye-tracking features
with a number of immersive apps, and a set of videos that are built for three-dimensional viewing.
o e Vision Pro clearly sets a new bar in headset technology with its unique operating system, visionOS.
What is Mixed Reality Technology?
• Researchers Paul Milgram and Fumio
Kishino coined the term in 1994 to
describe the continuum between totally
real and totally virtual environments.
• About: Modern mixed reality headsets
combine the best of both virtual reality
and augmented reality, allowing you to
experience and interact with both real
and digital worlds in a natural and
immersive way.
• Examples of Mixed Reality Devices: Microsoft hololens, Magic Leap One, Oculus Quest, Meta Quest.

SHORT NEWS
10.2. Project on Anemia Control
A Memorandum of understanding (MOU) is signed for anaemia control among adolescent girls through Ayurvedic
interventions under Mission Utkarsh.
More on News:

Mission Utkarsh:
• Launched in 2022 it is an initiative for rapid improvement of selected Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
in selected Aspirational Districts shortlisted by the Central Ministries.
• Coverage: 10 Districts across ten States and selected KPIs have been chosen under four Schemes namely
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, National Rural livelihood
Mission (NRLM) and Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gramin Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY).

• It is to prevent anemia in adolescent girls by providing cost effective and palatable Ayush medicines for better
compliance with minimum adverse effects.

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• The Ministry of Women and Child Development and The Ministry of Ayush are the nodal ministries.
• Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is the coordinating agency.

10.3. ‘Measles and Rubella Champion’ Global Award

India has been bestowed with the Measles and Rubella Champion Award by The Measles and Rubella Partnership at the
American Red Cross Headquarters, USA
More on News:
• The award has been presented for India’s exemplary efforts in measles and rubella disease prevention resulting in
50 districts consistently not witnessing any measles case while 226 districts not reporting rubella cases over
the past 12 months.

10.4. Tech Transfer of Cholera Vaccine

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) announced that it has commenced a technology transfer of simplified oral cholera
vaccine (OCV-S) to Hyderabad-based pharma major Biological E.
More on News
• Signing of Technology Licence Agreement: Biological E had signed a technology license agreement with IVI in
2023
• OCV-S: It is a simplified formulation of oral cholera vaccine with the potential to lower production costs while
increasing production capacity for current and aspiring manufacturers.
About Cholera:
• Bacterial Infection: It is a bacterial infection of the small intestine that causes a lot of watery diarrhea.
• Causing Agent: Vibrio cholerae
• Transmission: Cholera bacteria can be transmitted to people by contaminated water or food.
o Cholera can spread swiftly in areas where sewage and drinking water are not properly treated.

10.5. India AI Mission

The Union Cabinet has approved the comprehensive national-level IndiaAI mission with a budget outlay of
Rs.10,371.92 crore for the period of 5 years.
Key Highlights of the Mission
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is the nodal ministry.
• It aims to ensure a structured implementation of the IndiaAI Mission through a public-private partnership model
to nurture India’s AI innovation ecosystem.
• The Mission will be implemented by ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business Division (IBD) under Digital India
Corporation (DIC).

10.6. HbA1C Test

The hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test is widely used for prevention and early detection of non-communicable diseases,
including diabetes (both type 1 and type 2).

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About HbA1C Test:

• The HbA1C test is also known as the glycated haemoglobin or glycosylated
haemoglobin test.
• Food contains sugar, which enters the bloodstream.
o This sugar sticks to a protein called hemoglobin in your red blood
cells.
▪ Hemoglobin's job is to carry oxygen to all parts of your body.
• The HbA1C test measures the percentage of red blood cells with sugar-
coated hemoglobin.
o It indicates the average blood sugar level over the past few months.
▪ Higher levels suggest poor blood sugar control, while lower levels indicate better control.

10.7. In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment

Recently, the Union Health Ministry has sought a report from the Government of Punjab concerning the IVF
treatment undergone by the Parents of a late noted celebritiy.
About In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
• IVF is a method of assisted reproduction in
which the woman’s eggs and man’s sperm
are fertilized outside the body in a lab. This
fertilized egg (embryo) is then transferred in
the woman’s womb where they stick in the
uterine lining and grow.
• Due its highest success rates, it is a beacon of
hope for individuals or couples grappling with
infertility challenges,offering a pathway to
parenthood.
• Age Limit for IVF Treatment: (The Assisted
Reproductive Technology (ART) (Regulation)
Act, 2021, dictates the age limits for IVF
treatment in India)
o For Women: between 21 and 50 years & For Men between 21 and 55 years.

10.8. US Bans White Asbestos

Recently, the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a comprehensive ban on all forms
of the deadly carcinogen asbestos.
About Asbestos:
• It denotes a group of six silicate minerals with similar but distinct properties.

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• They are commonly known by their colours, as blue asbestos, brown asbestos, white asbestos and green
asbestos.
• Asbestos mainly comes from Russia, Kazakhstan and China.
• Sound absorption, average tensile strength, affordability and excellent electrical insulator and is highly fire and heat
resistant.

10.9. 1st Small Scale LNG Plant

India's goal to turn India into a gas-based economy has accelerated with the initiation of the first-ever Small-Scale LNG
unit.
More on the news:
• GAIL (India) Ltd, the country's biggest gas company,
has commissioned this plant at its Vijaipur site in Madhya
Pradesh.
What is Small-scale LNG?
• SSLNG involves cooling and transporting natural gas on
a smaller scale than usual methods.
• Ensure delivery in remote areas: It uses special trucks
and small boats to deliver liquefied natural gas (LNG) to businesses and industries in areas without pipelines.

10.10. Ban On Harmful Dyes Used in Food

Recently, Karnataka banned harmful dyes in Gobi Manchurian cotton candy, imposing imprisonment of up to seven
years and fines of up to Rs 10 lakh for violators.
Chemicals Banned:

Chemical Description Colour Produced

Tartrazine Can induce allergic or pseudo-allergic reactions. Yellow

Sunset Yellow Can cause allergic or pseudo-allergic reactions. Yellow

Carmoisine May lead to skin rashes and respiratory allergies. Red

Rhodamine B Considered carcinogenic; commonly used in textile dyeing and the paper industry. Pink

10.11. Nuclear Waste

India recently started its Prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) into operation, progressing towards the second stage of
its nuclear program.
More on the news:
• In the second stage, India will use uranium and plutonium.

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• In stage III, India hopes to use thorium to produce nuclear power.

• However, the large-scale use of nuclear power is accompanied by a complex problem of nuclear waste
management.
What is nuclear waste?
• Nuclear waste is also known as radioactive waste.
• It refers to materials containing radioactive isotopes that are
no longer useful for their original purpose.
• In a fission reactor, atoms of certain elements are
bombarded by neutrons.
o When an atom's nucleus absorbs a neutron, it
becomes unstable and splits apart.
▪ This process releases energy and forms
nuclei of different elements.
• For instance, uranium-235 can split into barium-144, krypton-89, and three neutrons.
o The resulting elements become nuclear waste if they cannot undergo further fission.

10.12. MethaneSAT
Recently a satellite (MethaneSAT) which will track and measure methane emissions at a global scale — was launched
aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from California
About MethaneSAT
• It is an Earth observation satellite that will monitor and study global methane emissions in order to combat climate
change.
o The data collected by MethaneSAT will be made public for free in near real-time.
• Promoting entity: Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a US-based non-profit environmental advocacy group.
• Developing partners: Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand
Space Agency.
• Mission Partner: Google

10.13. Gene Therapy for Haemophilia A

Recently, the Union Science and Technology Minister announced that India has conducted the first human clinical
trial of gene therapy for ‘haemophilia A’ at Christian Medical College – Vellore.

About Lentiviruses:
Lentiviruses are a class of retroviruses that include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and equine
infectious anemia virus (EIAV).

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About Haemophilia A:
• A Rare Bleeding Disorder: Hemophilia A, also known as classical haemophilia, is a rare and genetic bleeding
disorder caused by insufficient levels of a blood protein called factor VIII.
o Factor VIII is a clotting factor (an essential protein required for blood to clot and stop bleeding).
• Caused by: Hemophilia A is caused by disruptions or changes (variants or mutations) to the F8 gene located on
the X chromosome.
• Susceptibles: Hemophilia A is mostly expressed in males but some females who carry the gene variant may have
mild or, rarely, severe symptoms of bleeding.
• World Haemophilia Day: April 17

10.14. “10,000 Genome” Project

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) officially announced the completion of the “10,000 Genome” project.
Background of Genome India Project:
• The initiative is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to sequence at least 10,000 Indian genomes
in phase 1.
o Objective: To develop predictive diagnostic indicators for several high-priority diseases and other
uncommon genetic disorders.
• In phase 2, the project would collect genetic samples from patients with three broad categories - Cardiovascular
diseases, Mental illness, and Cancer.
About the Genome India Project:
• Research Led By: The Genome India Project (GIP) is a research initiative led by the Bangalore-based Indian
Institute of Science’s Centre for Brain Research and involves over 20 universities nationwide.
• Objective: To gather samples, compile data, conduct research, and create an “Indian reference genome” grid.
• Applications: Advances agriculture, biotech, and healthcare for diseases like cancer and diabetes.
What is the 10,000 Genome Project?
• Initiative of: Department of Biotechnology
• Aim: To sequence 10,000 Indian genomes.
• Objective: Understanding variations in Indian genes to predict diagnosis.

10.15. Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) "Pushpak”

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said it successfully conducted the landing experiment of Pushpak
Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) at Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga district in Karnataka.

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About Pushpak:
• Pushpak RLV is designed as an all-rocket, fully reusable
SSTO vehicle, incorporating advanced elements from
previous demonstrators like the X-33, X-34, and the
upgraded DC-XA.
What is a re-usable landing vehicle (RLV)?
• A RLV is a vehicle that is launched into space many
times. As the vehicle can be used for many relaunches, it
goes a long way in mitigating costs.
o The idea behind RLV is to regain super expensive rocket boosters that are used for launching
spacecraft. It could be later used to refuel and reuse in space flights.

SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

SAKHI App to assist Recently, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), an ISRO Facility at Thumba,
Gaganyaan Crew has developed a multi-purpose ‘SAKHI’ app that will help astronauts on
Gaganyaan space flight mission.

SAKHI App :
• It refers to ‘Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew
Interaction’ (SAKHI).
• Developed by : Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre(VSSC), an ISRO
Facility at Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram.
• Purpose : During the Mission;
o It will perform a range of tasks such as looking up vital technical
information or communicating with one another for Gaganyaan
Crew.

India’s Second Privately Chennai’s space start-up launched its first rocket Agnibaan Sub Orbital
Developed Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, on
22 March.

More on News
• Agnibaan would be India’s second privately developed rocket to be
launched. It has been developed by Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited.
• Vikram-S launched in 2022, was India’s first privately-developed rocket
which lifted off from the ISRO launch pad in Sriharikota.

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o It was developed by Hyderabad-based start-up Skyroot Aerospace

Private Limited, under the mission titled Prarambh.

Lyme Disease A case of lyme disease has come into light in Koovapady, Ernakulam district of
Kerala.
About Lyme Disease
• This disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia bacteria.
• Transmission: When an infected tick (infected black-legged ticks) bites a
person and sucks their blood, it can pass on the bacteria that cause Lyme
disease.
o Infected black-legged ticks are also known as deer ticks.
o The most important point is that not every black-legged tick
carries the Lyme disease bacteria.

Mumps Outbreak Kerala is currently facing a surge in mumps cases.

What is Mumps Disease?
• Mumps is caused by the paramyxovirus.
o It is also known as parotitis.
o It transmits through close contact or airborne droplets from the
respiratory system of an infected individual.
• Disease and its complications: In most cases, mumps is self-limiting,
but it can lead to complications such as:
o Swelling of the brain
o Hearing loss
o Painful inflammation of the testis in adult males
• Symptoms: The symptoms usually appear two to four weeks after
exposure.
o The most distinctive symptom is swelling of the salivary glands.
• Age Group: While mumps mostly affects young children, it can infect
teenagers and adults.

Hanooman’: The Indic AI The BharatGPT group, headed by IIT Bombay and seven other prestigious Indian
model engineering institutes, revealed plans to introduce its own ChatGPT-like service.
More on News:
• Seetha Mahalaxmi Healthcare (SML) and the BharatGPT recently
introduced the 'Hanooman' series of Indic language models.
What is Hanooman?

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• Hanooman is a series of large language models (LLMs).

o It can communicate in 11 Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, and
Marathi.
• The size of these AI models varies from 1.5 billion to a massive 40 billion
parameters.
• It can produce text, speech, videos, and more in multiple Indian languages.
• It has been designed to serve four key areas: healthcare, governance,
financial services, and education.

Dry Ice Recently, at Gurugram restaurant, diners were mistakenly served ‘dry ice’ leading
to severe health consequences.
About Dry Ice:
• Definition: it is the solid form of carbon dioxide, commonly used as a
cooling agent for food products like ice cream, frozen desserts etc.
• Properties of Dry Ice:
o Extreme Cold: It remains at extremely low temperatures,
around -78.5 degrees Celsius (-109.3 degrees Fahrenheit).
o Sublimation: which enables it to transition straight from a solid
to a gas without going through a liquid phase unlike regular ice.
o It is frequently used for food items that are needed to be cold or
frozen, without the use of mechanical cooling.

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11. INTERNAL SECURITY

11.1. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
Recently the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared a Rs 15,000 crore project to design and develop the
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s fifth-generation multirole fighter jet.
About Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft
• Multirole Fighter Jet: AMCA is India’s fifth-generation fighter multirole fighter jet.
• Size: This aircraft will be bigger than other fighters in the Indian Air Force inventory.
• Fifth Generation Aircraft: The aircraft will put India in a select group of nations that have their own fifth-
generation fighter aircraft.
• Organizations involved
o Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) & Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Features of AMCA
• Stealth: The 25-tonne twin-engine aircraft will have advanced stealth features to avoid detection by enemy radar.
• Fuel & Weapons: The aircraft will have a large, concealed internal fuel tank of 6.5-tonne capacity, and an internal
weapons bay for a range of weapons, including indigenous weapons, to be buried in its belly.
• Engine Specifications: The AMCA Mk1 variant will have the US-built GE414 engine of the 90 kilonewton (kN)
class.
o The more advanced AMCA Mk2 will fly on the more powerful 110kN engine.
o This will be developed indigenously by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in
collaboration with a foreign defence major.
• Specialized Design Features: To maximize engine performance and reduce radar emissions, the AMCA will use
cutting-edge design elements like a serpentine air intake duct and a diverterless supersonic inlet.

11.2. Infrastructure Facilities of Project Seabird

The Defence Minister is set to inaugurate several infrastructure projects at the Indian Navy's strategically located base in
Karnataka's Karwar.
More on News:
• These projects, developed under Project 'Seabird,' aim to enhance India's long-term security interests in the Indian
Ocean region.
Overview of Project Seabird:
• Project Seabird is a naval infrastructure project for the creation and development of a naval base at Karwar
(Karnataka) on the west coast of India.
• The Project Seabird at the Karwar Naval Base is the biggest naval project in India.
• Objective: Its goal is to offer assistance to fleets and maintain warships.
• Location: located near Karwar in Karnataka

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SHORT NEWS IN TABLE

INS Jatayu At Minicoy Island Indian Navy will commission Naval Detachment Minicoy as
INS Jatayu on 06 Mar 2024.
More on News:
• INS Jatayu is the second Naval base in Lakshadweep
after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti.
• In 1980s: Naval Detachment Minicoy was set up in
early 1980s under the operational command of Naval
Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep).
About Minicoy:
• It is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep which
straddles the vital Sea Lines of Communications
(SLOCs).

Digital Arrest According to the Delhi Police around 200 cases of “Digital
Arrest” are reported from the nation every month.
About Digital Arrest:
• A New Form of Cybercrime: It refers to a fraud
where impostors impersonating law enforcement
officers deceive the victims into believing that their
bank account, SIM card, Aadhaar card, or other cards
linked to their bank account has been used unlawfully.

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12. ETHICS
12.1. Ethical Perspective: Judges Joining Politics
Recently, a Calcutta High Court judge resigned from their posts and joined political parties, raising questions of
propriety, impartiality and neutrality about the independence of the Constitutional authorities.
Various Ethical Concerns with the Entry of Judges in Politics:
• Against Constitutional Value: The third Schedule (deals with oath taking) of the Indian Constitution asks to
swear that the judge will perform his/her duties without fear, favour, affection or ill-will.
o At the same time, their political entry raises questions over impartiality and propriety.
• Erosion of Public Trust: The entry of judges into politics can lead to trust erosion in the overall judiciary.
o In C. Ravichandran Iyer vs Justice A.M. Bhattacharjee, 1995,
The SC held that to keep the stream of justice clean and pure, the
judge must be endowed with sterling character, impeccable
integrity and upright behaviour.
o In All India Judges’ Association vs Union of India, 1991: The
SC highlighted the significance of society’s expectation from
judicial officers. The ideals are violated when judges compromise
on their neutrality.Breach of Judicial Impartiality: The entry of
judges into politics attracts questions about the impartiality of
orders delivered by the judge during their tenure.
o Judges are expected to remain neutral and make decisions
based solely on the facts and the law.
• Against the Principle of Checks & Balances: The Constitution works on the principle of checks and balances
between various organs.
o The executive is accountable to the legislature and an independent judiciary keeps a check on both
legislatures and executives.
• Restrictions on Judiciary: A judge of a Supreme Court after ceasing to hold office cannot appear as a lawyer
before any court or authority in India.
o A judge of a High Court has similar restrictions except for appearance before the Supreme Court or other
High Courts.
• Undermine Judicial Independence: The entry of judges into politics raises questions about judicial
independence and the influence of political considerations on the judiciary's functioning.
o However, Judicial independence is significant for maintaining the rule of law.
• Violation of Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, 2002: It deals with the judicial values and asks judges to
ensure that their conduct both in and out of (the) court maintains and enhances the confidence of the public and the
legal profession in the impartiality of the judges.
o Conflict of Interest: The entry of judges into politics, particularly after making controversial statements
and rulings (during serving), raises concerns over conflicts of interest.
o However, judges are expected to avoid conflicts of interest and maintain their integrity.

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• Issue of Post-Retirement Appointments: Over the years,

some retired judges have accepted government posts after
retirement that are against the Constitutional value of
maintaining a strike balance between the judiciary and the
executive.
o Against the Ethical Conduct of Judges: The
entry of judges in politics is against the ethical
conduct of judges.
o However, judges are expected to maintain dignity
inside and outside the courtroom to enhance
public confidence in the judiciary by exhibiting
their independence, impartiality, integrity,
decency, and diligence.
Way Forward:
• A Legal Rule & Action: The time has come for the Indian judiciary and legislative bodies to reconsider and
potentially reform the rules governing post-retirement activities of judges and judge-made law on this issue
(since Parliament has no incentive to correct it).
• Implement a Cooling-Off Period: While the opinion of the Attorney General is based on sound legal principles,
prescribing a cooling-off period of say at least two years for joining political parties or being nominated to political
posts by the government is desirable to instil confidence in the public at large and negate any allegation of quid pro
quo.Former Chief Justice R M Lodha recommended a cooling-off period of at least two years between a
judge's retirement and their eligibility for any post-retirement assignment to mitigate potential conflicts of interest
and ensure impartiality.
• Recommendations of Law Commission: The 14th Law Commission Report, 1958 advocated for a system that
ensures financial security to the judges without compromising independence.
• Enhance Judicial Ethics and Standards: There is a need to strengthen the ethical guidelines and standards during
their tenure and post-retirement. It can help maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.
o Judges should be encouraged to prioritise public trust and confidence in the judiciary over personal
interests.
• Increase Transparency: There should be greater transparency in appointing retired judges to post-retirement
positions, such as disclosing the selection criteria, ensuring open competition, and publicising the reasons behind
each appointment.
• Enhance Judicial Education and Training on ethical issues, human rights, and international legal standards.
These are essential for maintaining high standards of judicial conduct and competence.
Conclusion: The entry of judges into politics highlights and raises ethical concerns that need to be addressed as soon
as possible. There is a need to implement reforms such as a mandatory cooling-off period, enhancing existing judicial
conduct codes, strengthening the selection process, ensuring accountability, decentralising power, strengthening civil
society, etc.

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13. ESSAY
13.1. PM Suryoday Scheme
“We are like tenant farmers cutting down the fence around their house for fuel, when we should be using nature’s
inexhaustible sources of energy – the sun, the wind and the tides… I would put my money on the sun and solar
energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.”
- Thomas Edison
India is now on the third place among renewable energy producing countries globally. It is producing ten percent of its
energy with the help of wind and solar energy, while the US is producing twelve percent, China, Japan and Brazil ten
percent and Turkey is producing thirteen percent electricity from wind and sunlight. The European Union is producing 21
percent and the United Kingdom 33 percent of wind and solar energy, while Russia is producing only 0.2 percent of its
solar and wind energy. Thus, there has been a decline of about 8.3 percent in the electricity produced from coal in India.
According to an estimate, the demand for energy in India will grow at the
rate of 4.2 percent annually by 2035, which will be the fastest in the whole
world. At the same time, India's demand in the world energy market was five
percent in 2016, which is estimated to be eleven percent in 2040. Since 2014,
there has been significant emphasis on renewable energy to make them an
alternate option for fossil fuels.
Today, renewable energy has a share of 36 percent in India's total energy
production capacity. It has increased two and a half times in the last few years.
The share of solar energy in this has increased thirteen times. It is clear that
India will achieve all the targets of renewable energy before 2035. For example,
according to an estimate, the emission of 15.7 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide
has been prevented by the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Project of Madhya
Pradesh. This is equivalent to planting 2.6 crore trees on earth.
There are immense possibilities of renewable energy in India. Obviously, the
commitment expressed by India to deal with the crisis of climate change is a
part of the proclamation of its world-view. The Indian vision advocates for a
balanced approach to avoid overexploitation of nature. The impressive manner in which the country presented the project
of International Solar Alliance before the world is in true sense a form of the Indian concept of Lokmangal, parallel to the
Paris Agreement.
On an average, India receives solar energy equivalent to 5000 lakh kilowatt-hours per square meter. One megawatt of solar
energy requires around three hectares of plain land. In this regard, India has immense potential in this field. The targets set
by the government by linking this sustainable energy reserve to the energy needs of the country are like dreams coming
true.
According to the report of 'think tank agency Ember', thermal power plants are producing 33 percent of the world's
energy. This report is based on energy data of 48 countries, including India. These 48 countries produce about 83 percent
of the world's total electricity. At the same time, the share of wind and solar in energy production is constantly increasing.
The government claims that India will achieve self-sufficiency in the solar module and panel manufacturing sector by
2030.
"We are now running out of gas and oil, we must prepare quickly for a third change to strict conservation, and to
the renewed use of coal, to permanent renewable energy sources like solar power.”
- Jimmy Carter

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Solar energy is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy. Solar energy is the cleanest and most
abundant renewable energy source available, and India has rich solar resources. Solar technologies can harness this energy
for a variety of uses, including producing electricity, providing lighting or a comfortable indoor environment, and heating
water for domestic, commercial, or industrial use.
There are three main ways to use solar energy: photovoltaics, solar heating and cooling, and concentrating solar
power. Photovoltaics generate electricity directly from sunlight through an electronic process and can be used to power
anything from small electronics such as calculators and road signs to homes and large commercial businesses.
The Government of India had announced the PM Suryodaya Yojana to promote the use of solar energy by the people
of the country immediately after the completion of the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on 22 January.
Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana is a central government scheme that aims to provide electricity to low and
middle-income individuals through solar rooftop installation, as well as offer additional income for surplus power
generation.
These rooftop solar panels are photovoltaic panels connected to the main power supply unit. Thus, it reduces the
consumption of grid-connected power and saves electricity costs for the consumer. This scheme to make India self-reliant
in the energy sector will include citizens who are BPL or poor people with very low investment.
Eligibility:
• Under the PM Suryodaya Yojana, those people are eligible who come from the poor class or the middle class.
• Whose annual income is less than one or one and a half lakh rupees, if you do not have a government job, if you
are not a taxpayer etc.
Benefit
• Reduction in electricity bills of common people: This will help in
reducing the monthly electricity bills of common people and middle-
class families.
• Environmental Cleanliness: Solar energy is considered clean and
renewable so it will help in reducing air pollution as compared to coal or
oil-based electricity.
• Achieving Self-Reliance: This will support India's goal of moving
towards renewable energy and becoming self-reliant in the energy sector.
Current solar power potential of India
• As of December 2023, India's total installed solar power capacity is about
73.31 gigawatts (GW). Of this, the installed capacity of rooftop solar
systems is about 11.08 GW.
• State with highest total solar potential: Rajasthan (18.7 GW)
• State with highest rooftop solar capacity: Gujarat (2.8 GW)
About the current rooftop solar program
• Launch: In the year 2014, this scheme was launched to promote solar
panels exclusively on the rooftops of houses.
• Objective: To reach 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity across India by
March 2026.
• Financial Assistance: Providing incentives and financial assistance for
setting up such systems.

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• Achievement: Due to this scheme, rooftop solar capacity in India increased from 1.8 GW in the year 2019 to 10.4
GW by November 2023.
The need to expand solar energy
• Increasing demand: India's energy demand is expected to grow rapidly over the next 30 years as the economy
expands.
• India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. A key part of this plan is the need to rapidly
increase solar power capacity.
• Sustainable Energy: The entire energy demand of the country cannot be met through only coal or oil-based power
as excessive use of non-renewable energy will further worsen the air pollution situation.
•Solar energy is clean, renewable and abundant, and the technology involved has become cheaper in recent years.
Government is giving 40% subsidy in National Rooftop Scheme:
40% subsidy is given on installing solar panels of 3 kW capacity. The government
will give a 20% subsidy in installation of a 10-kW panel. Subsidy under the
Rooftop Solar Scheme will be given till March 31, 2026.
What is a rooftop solar panel?
Rooftop solar panels are installed on the roof of the house. These panels have solar
plates installed in them. This is a technology that produces electricity by absorbing
energy from the sun's rays. The panel has photovoltaic cells that convert solar
energy into electricity. This electricity works in the same way as electricity
coming from the power grid.

Name: Eka Nand Yadav

Address: Sonbhadra, UP

13.2. Essay Writing Challenge:

UPPSC Wallah presents an essay writing challenge for all students. We will give you the essay topic in our monthly magazine.
You can send your essay to us, and we will select the best essay from the submitted essays which will be published in our next
monthly magazine with your name and address.

Essay topic for this monthly magazine

• Citizenship Amendment Act and Inclusive India.
• Election Reforms in India : Necessity and Indispensability

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14. COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

14.1. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Understanding Communication
Communication is universal to all human beings and is central to our lives. In fact, it regulates and shapes all human
behavior. By speaking or by the actions we tell or exchange our ideas or information with others. Communication is not
only a necessity, but a basic right. Therefore, it is important to have a clear understanding of the concepts of communication.
Communication- Definition and Meaning
Etymologically the word "communication" comes from the Latin word communis, meaning common. When we
communicate, we are trying to establish 'commoness' with someone. That is, we are trying to share information, an idea or
an attitude.
There are numerous definitions of communication, and there is yet no agreement on any single definition. Some of the more
functional definitions of communication describe it as "the transfer or conveying of meaning" (Oxford Dictionary),
"transmission of stimuli" (Colin Cherry), "one mind affecting another" (CJaude Shannon); "one system influences
another" (Charles E. Osgood), "the mechanism through which human relations exist and develop", or "sharing of
experience on the basis of commonness" (Wilbur Schramm).
Communication is more than mere transferring or transmission of ideas or thoughts. It is not a static act but it is a dynamic
process of action and interaction towards a desired goal. Communication is, therefore, a process of sharing or exchange
of ideas, information, knowledge, attitude or feeling among two or more persons through certain signs and symbols.
So, if we deconstruct the definition, it says that two or more persons are involved in the act, the one who gives information
(sender) and the one who receives it (receiver). An idea or an information or message is being shared and the information
is shared or exchanged through certain signs and symbols; it could be language, oral or written. While sharing and
exchanging ideas or information with others, we actually interact with people and establish a kind of relationship that helps
us to achieve the task set before us.
Elements of the Communication Process
Aristotle, one of the earliest to speak of a model of communication, identified these three elements. He calls them: i) speaker;
ii) the speech; and iii) the audience.
A more widely accepted model of communication is that of Harold Lasswell and David Berlo. According to their model,
communication requires at least four elements - the Source, the Message, Channel, and Receiver (SMCR).

Following are the key Elements of the communication process:

Sender: The sender is a fundamental element in the communication process. The communication is initiated by the sender
who creates a message or information for sharing with others. The sender plays a crucial role in ensuring that the message
is clear, purposeful, and appropriately customized to the audience. The.sender may use oral, written, graphic signs or
symbols to convey the message.
The elements of the sender in communication include:
• Intention
• Knowledge

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• Attitudes and Beliefs

• Communication Skills
• Non-verbal Cues
• Emotional State
• Cultural Background
• Perceptions and Assumptions
Encoding: Encoding is a process where the sender converts their messages into a format that can be transmitted to the
receiver. It involves transforming concepts and mental images into language, symbols, or signals that the recipient can
understand.
Message: The message is the informational content that the sender aims to communicate to the receiver. It serves as the
core of the communication process, carrying the purpose and meaning that the sender wants to communicate. Messages
may be in the form of ink on paper, sound waves in the air, impulses in an electric current, a wave of the hand, a flag in the
air, or any other signal capable of being interpreted meaningfully. The role of the message is to effectively transfer thoughts,
concepts, instructions, or emotions from the sender to the receiver, aiming to create mutual understanding and facilitate a
specific response or action. According to Wilbur Schramm, the message must fulfill certain conditions if it is to arouse the
desired response in the receiver:
1. The message must be so designed and delivered as to gain the attention of the intended audience.
2. The message must employ signs that refer to the experiences common to source and the receiver, so as to get the
'meaning across.'
3. The message must arouse the needs in the receiver and suggest some ways to meet these needs.
4. The message must suggest a way to meet these needs which is appropriate to the context in which the receiver finds
himself/ herself at the time when he/she is moved to make the desired response.
Channel: Within the framework of communication, channels serve as the pathways that help messages move from the
sender to the receiver. These channels can be verbal or non-verbal and can include one-to-one conversations, voice calls,
emails, business reports, social media, video conferences, and more. Each channel has its unique impact on the
communication process, influencing factors such as clarity, and the emotional connection between the sender and the
receiver.
Channels in the communication process are divided into three broad categories:
1. Oral: In oral communication, the sender directly interacts with the receiver in a face-to-face conversation.
2. Written: Messages are also transmitted in written format between sender and receiver.
3. Audio/Video: The audio channel involves video tapes, video conferences, video chats, etc.

Chart illustrates the human communication process.

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Receiver: The receiver, also called a destination, may be an individual or a group, a crowd, or a mob, reading, listening or
watching. The receiver is responsible for receiving and processing the message sent by the sender. The role of the
receiver is to understand, analyze, and, where necessary, respond to the message in a way that aligns with the sender’s
intent.
Decoding: Decoding is the process in the communication cycle where the receiver interprets and understands the
message sent by the sender. This stage involves the receiver translating the encoded message (originally formulated by the
sender) into their understanding and making sense of the information.
Response: The response element refers to the immediate reaction or action taken by the receiver based on the message
received. It is the direct behavioral or verbal reply to the sender’s communication.
Feedback: Feedback in communication refers to the receiver’s response to the sender’s message. It gives the sender useful
insights into how the message was received, understood, and explained. Feedback serves as a crucial tool for improving
the effectiveness of future communication. It helps the sender evaluate the success of their message, adjust their approach
if necessary, and ensure that the intended message aligns with the receiver’s interpretation.

Practice Multiple Choice Questions

Q1. Given below are two statements, one is labeled as-assertion (A) and other is reason (R)- Assertion (A)- Oral
communication is a useful channel of communication.
(a) Reason (R)-Because oral communication has no proof of what has been communicated. Select the correct answer
using the code given below
(b) Both (A) and (R) are (b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is correct explanation of (A) true but (R) is not correct
explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is true but (R) is (d) (A) is false but (R) is false true

Q2. In the communication model, the process of putting the ideas into a message is known as-
(a) Persuasion
(b) Encoding
(c) Decoding
(d) Interference

Q3. Arrange the following elements communication process in correct sequence of

(1) Source
(2) Channel
(3) Receiver
(4) Message
(5) Feedback
(6) Noise
(a) 1, 4, 2, 3, 6, 5
(c) 1, 3, 4, 2, 6, 5
(b) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
(d) 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3

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Q4. Read the following statements and select the correct answer.
Statement 1: Communication is irreversible.
Statement 2: Communication is constant.
(a) Only Statement 1 is true
(b) Neither of the statement is true
(c) Only Statement 2 is true
(d) Both the statements 1 and 2 are true

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15. MISCELLANEOUS
15.1. Person In News- Appointments
Justice A M Khanwilkar
• Former Supreme Court Justice A. M. Khanwilkar was appointed Lokpal Chairman. The post of regular
chairperson of Lokpal was vacant after the retirement of Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose on May 27, 2022. Justice
Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, judicial member of Lokpal, was playing the role of acting chairman.
Jacintha Kalyan
• She became the first female pitch curator in the history of Indian cricket.
Daljit Singh Chaudhary
• Approval was given by the Home Ministry to hand over the additional charge of the post of Director General of
National Security Guard (NSG) to Daljit Singh Choudhary.
o He has also been awarded the President's Medal three times.
Sachin Jain
• He has been appointed as the new CEO of the World Gold Council for India.
Shehbaz Sharif
• He has been appointed as the prime minister of Pakistan.
Ramesh Singh Arora
• He has been appointed as the first Sikh minister of Punjab Province in Pakistan.
Sudha Murty
• She has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India. She is a renowned author and philanthropist.
She has been awarded with the Padma Shri among many other awards.

Neeraj Chopra
• Bharat Petroleum has appointed Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra as the brand
ambassador for their premium fuel brand, Speed.
IPS officer Anurag Agarwal
• He has been appointed as the head of Parliament security, according to an official order.
He is currently an inspector general in CRPF. He has been appointed as joint secretary (security) for three years.

Krystyna Pyszkova
• She won the Miss World 2024. She belongs to the Czech Republic. She is the second Miss
World from the Czech Republic after the 2006 winner Tatana Kucharova.

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Asif Ali Zardari

• He has been appointed as the 14th President of Pakistan.

Nayab Saini
• He is the new CM of Haryana. He is the BJP Lok Sabha MP from the Kurukshetra
constituency. He is also the chief of the Haryana unit of the BJP.
o He took the place of Manohar Lal Khattar, who recently resigned.
Justice Satyendra Singh
• He has been appointed as Lokayukta under Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta
Adhiniyam 1981.
Shri Kishor Makwana
• He has been appointed as the Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in New Delhi.
He has also assumed the charge of Member of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in New Delhi.

Vinay Kwatra
• He is the current Foreign secretary of India and he has been given a second extension in
service by the government. He is now set to continue in the post for six more months till
October 2024.
o The foreign secretary of India is the top diplomat of India and administrative head
of the Ministry of External Affairs. This post is held by an Indian foreign service officer of the rank of
secretary to the government of India.
Mr. Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu
• Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu both have taken charge as
Election Commissioners in the Election Commission of India.
o
Sukhbir Singh Sandhu is of Punjab origin and has been the Chief Secretary
of Uttarakhand and Chairman of NHAI. At the same time, Gyanesh Kumar
is a 1988 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre and has been posted in the Home Ministry.
Mohammad Mustafa
• Mohammad Mustafa has become the new Prime Minister of Palestine. President
Mahmoud Abbas appointed him as the new PM. Former Prime Minister Mohammad
Satayeh had resigned from the post of PM on 26 February.

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Navneet Kumar Sehgal

• Retired bureaucrat Navneet Kumar Sehgal has been appointed the new chairman
of Prasar Bharati. The Vice President heads the selection panel for the post of
Chairman of Prasar Bharati.
o The Chairman of the Press Council of India and a person nominated by
the President complete the three-member panel. The meeting was
attended by Press Council of India Chairperson Justice Ranjana Desai
(retd) and Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju.
Ms. Sheetal Devi
• She has been appointed by the Election Commission of India as National Icon in the PwD
category. She is a distinguished Para-archer, and Arjuna Awardee.
Vladimir Putin
• He has been elected as the President of Russia for the fifth time.

Rahul Singh
• He has been appointed as the new chief of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Jaideep Hansraj
• He has been appointed as the President of ‘One Kotak’.
ACS Deepak Kumar
•Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Deepak Kumar has been given the charge of the Home
department. Principal Secretary,
• ACS Deepak Kumar, a 1990-batch officer, held the charge of the Basic Education department
and was later given additional charge of the Finance department.
• He took the place of Sanjay Prasad who was removed on the orders of the Election Commission of India.
• Sanjay Prasad will continue as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Principal Secretary (Information).
Rishabh Pant
• He has been appointed as the captain of Delhi Capitals.

Vaughan Gething
• He was elected as first minister of Wales. He became the first Black leader of a government in
the UK.
Mustafa Suleyman
• He has been appointed as new AI chief of Microsoft. He is also the co-founder of Google's
Deepmind.

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Dr Neeraj Mittal
• The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has elected India as co-chair
of its Digital Innovation Board, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
o DoT Secretary, Dr Neeraj Mittal, was unanimously elected as co-chair of
the Digital Innovation Board of ITU, formed under the aegis of Innovation
and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development. It comprises
Ministers and Vice Ministers of Telecom/ICT of 23 member countries of
ITU, spanning Asia, Europe, Africa, and North and South America.
Hansha Mishra
• Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) officer of 2010 batch Hansha Mishra has been appointed as Director
in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Sharath Kamal
•
Table tennis star Sharath Kamal has been named by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as
India’s flag bearer for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024.
MC Mary Kom
• She has been named as India’s chef de mission for Paris 2024 while Winter Olympian Shiva
Keshavan has been appointed as the Deputy Chef de Mission for Paris 2024.

Ritu Raj Awasthi

• Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi took oath as judicial member of Lokpal. Justice AM
Khanwilkar, Chairman of Lokpal of India, administered the oath of office and secrecy to
Awasthi. On 11 October 2021, he was appointed as the Chief Justice of Karnataka High
Court.
Sadanand Vasant Date
• The central government has ordered new appointments to important posts in the National Investigation Agency
(NIA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Special Protection Group (SPG) and Bureau of Police
Research and Development. The most important responsibility among these has been given to Sadanand Vasant
Date, Chief of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad and 1990 batch IPS officer of Maharashtra cadre. He will now
be the new Director General of NIA.
o Apart from this, 1991 batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer
Piyush Anand has been given the responsibility of NDRF Chief.
o The committee appointed S Suresh, a 1995 batch Kerala cadre IPS
officer, as Additional Director General of Special Protection
Group (SPG).
o Rajiv Kumar Sharma, a 1990 batch IPS officer of Rajasthan cadre, was also appointed Director General of
the Bureau of Police Research and Development.

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15.2. Person In News- Resignation

Arun Goel
• He was the election commissioner of India and he recently resigned before 2024 elections.
Arun Goel's tenure was till December 5, 2027, and he would have become chief election
commissioner (CEC) after incumbent Rajiv Kumar retired in February next year.

15.3. Person In News- Obituaries

Byron Janis
• He was an American pianist renowned for his commanding performances of the Romantic
repertory and for his discovery of manuscript copies of two Chopin waltzes. He died recently
at the age of 95.
Swami Smranananda
• He was the President of Ramakrishna Mission, he passed away recently. Swami
Smranananda became the 16th President of Ramakrishna Mission in 2017.
Daniel Kahneman
• Daniel Kahneman, Israeli-American cognitive psychologist and Nobel laureate in economics,
has died at the age of 90.
o Kahneman was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2002 for integrating psychological research insights into
economic science, particularly focusing on human judgment and decision-making under uncertain
circumstances.

15.4. Person In News- Retirement

B Sai Praneeth
• He is a badminton player who announced his retirement from the sport. He is 31-year-old. He was
the 2019 BWF World Championship Bronze Medallist.

15.5. Awards
'Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire'
• Bharti Enterprises founder and chairperson Sunil Mittal was awarded 'Knight
Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire' (KBE).
o This is one of the biggest honors in Britain, through which honorary degrees are
given to foreign citizens.
o Rabindranath Nath Tagore, the only Nobel laureate in Indian literature, was awarded knighthood by the
British government in 1915. However, two years later, Tagore returned his title by strongly condemning
the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
o Apart from this, Ratan Tata in 2009, Ravi Shankar in 2001 and Jamshed Irani in 1997 have been honored
with this award.

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15.6. Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards

• The President of India conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the years 2022 and
2023 to 94 eminent artists (two joint award) in the field of performing arts expressed in the form of music, dance,
drama, folk & tribal arts, puppetry and allied theater art forms.
• Besides the Akademi Awards for the years 2022 and 2023, the President of India also bestows the Sangeet Natak
Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) to 7 eminent artists (one joint fellowship) in the ceremony.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2022 Recipients from UP
• Dharamnath Mishra -Hindustani Instrumental-Harmonium
• Suresh Sharma- Direction
• Shailesh Shrivastava- Folk Music
Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2023 Recipients from UP
• Vinod Kumar Dwivedi- Hindustani Vocal
• Anil Kumar Rastogi- Acting

• Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) is the highest honour given to an eminent artist in the
field of performing arts for his/her exceptional contribution to his/her performing art form.
o The Fellowship of the Akademi is a most prestigious and rare honour, which is restricted to 40 at any
given time.
• The Akademi Awards have been conferred since 1952. These honours not only symbolize the highest standard
of excellence and achievement, but also recognize sustained individual work and contribution.
o The honour of Akademi Fellow carries a purse money of Rs.3, 00, 000/- (Rupees three lakhs) while the
Akademi Award carries a purse money of Rs 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh), besides a Tamrapatra and
Angavastram.

Pritzker Prize 2024

• Riken Yamamoto won the 2024 Pritzker Prize (The ‘Architecture Nobel’). The
international prize, which is awarded each year to a living architect/s for
significant achievement, was established by the Pritzker family of Chicago
through their Hyatt Foundation in 1979.
o It is granted annually and is often referred to as “architecture’s Nobel”
and “the profession’s highest honor.” The award consists of $100,000
(US) and a bronze medallion. The award is conferred on the laureate/s at
a ceremony held at an architecturally significant site throughout the
world.
National Creators Awards
• The Prime Minister of India presented the first-ever National
Creators Awards at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, celebrating the
contributions of digital content creators who have brought positive
social change and innovation.

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Erasmus Prize 2024

• Indian author Amitav Ghosh has been awarded the prestigious Erasmus Prize 2024 by the
Netherlands-based Praemium Erasmianum Foundation for his significant contributions to the
theme “imagining the unthinkable” through his writings on the climate crisis and human
interactions with nature.
PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award
• Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons, has been honored with the
prestigious P.V. Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for his contribution in the
field of social service. He was given this award at a ceremony held on March
15 in Mumbai.
o This award, given in the name of the country's former Prime Minister
P.V. Narasimha Rao, is given to those who have shown complete
dedication to works related to social welfare and humanity.
96th Academy Awards
The 96th Academy Awards ceremony took place in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.
• The Academy Awards are organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was established in 1927.
• Originally, it was composed of 36 original members, including writers, directors, producers and other industry
insiders.
Winners of 2024:
Best Picture Oppenheimer
Best Actor Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer).
Best Actress Emma Stone (Poor Things).
Best Director Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer).
Best Supporting Actor Robert Downey Jr (Oppenheimer)
Saraswati Samman for the year 2023
• Renowned poet Prabha Varma has been selected for the Saraswati Samman for the
year 2023 for his work in Malayalam language.
• He has been considered for this award for his Malayalam language poetry work,
Roudra Sathwikam and also for his contribution to literature during the period 2013
to 2022.
• The honour carries, apart from a citation, a plaque and an award money of fifteen lakh
rupees.
• Roudra Sathwikam is a poetic work of Prabha Varma in Malyalam language which was published in 2022. The
novel in poetic verse probes the conflict between power and politics, individual and state, art and power in a unique
manner.
Hall of Fame- Billiards
• Legendary Indian cueist Pankaj Advani has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the
World Billiards Museum in Shangrao City in China.
o In Nov 2023, he won his 26th IBSF (the International Billiards and Snooker Federation).

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Order of the Druk Gyalpo

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Bhutan’s highest civilian honour.
o The Order of the Druk Gyalpo stands as Bhutan’s most esteemed civilian accolade,
reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to society,
embodying values of service, integrity, and leadership.
Times Power Icon Award
• At a glittering event honouring top industry leaders, Star Estate Managing Director
Vijay Jain was honoured with the prestigious Times Power Icon 2024 award. The
awards ceremony, held recently in Noida, was organised by The Times Group.

15.7. Places in News

Nainativu Island Recently, Sri Lanka and India signed the contract for building Hybrid Renewable
Energy Systems in Delft (Neduntheevu), Nainativu and Analaitivu islands off Jaffna
peninsula in the island’s north.
Geographical Location of Nainativu Island/Nagadeepa Island:
• It is located in the Palk Strait, the stretch of sea that separates Sri Lanka from
southern India.
• It’s close to the famous island of Delft (also known as Neduntheevu).
• It is nestled off the coast of Jaffna Peninsula in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province

Sabroom Land Port Recently the PM inaugurated Sabroom Landport in Tripura located along the
India-Bangladesh international border.
About Sabroom Land Port:
• Connectivity: It is connected to the Chittagong port of Bangladesh through
Maitree Bridge on River Feni.
• Facilitation of Cargo: It will facilitate the movement of passengers and
cargo between India and Bangladesh.

Haiti Crisis India launched 'Operation Indravati' to evacuate its nationals from Haiti.
Haiti Crisis:
• Haiti is currently in a state of emergency due to escalating violence
attributed to gang warfare, resulting in the virtual disappearance of the
government.
• The UN reports that gangs control 80 percent of Haiti’s capital, with
ongoing clashes in the remaining areas.
• Haiti has been plunged into a severe humanitarian, political and security crisis
following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
About Haiti Country

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• It is a country in the Caribbean Sea that includes the western third of the
island of Hispaniola and smaller islands such as Gonave, Tortue
(Tortuga), Grande Caye, and Vache.
• Capital: Port-au-Prince

Agalega Island Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth,
is set to inaugurate a new airstrip and jetty, alongside six developmental projects on
Mauritius' Agalega Island.
About Mauritius' Agalega Island:
• Agalega Islands are a pair of islands belonging to Mauritius, situated in the
western Indian Ocean.
• The islands are composed of two main parts: North Island and South Island.
• The primary settlements are Vingt Cinq on the North Island and Sainte Rita
on the South Island.

15.8. Schemes/ Initiatives

Scheme Important Point

Namo Drone Didi • The Indian Prime Minister attended the Empowered Women-Developed India
Scheme Program in Delhi. He handed over drones to 1 thousand didis. These drones will
help in tasks like monitoring crops, spraying pesticides-fertilizers and sowing seeds.
• NaMo Drone Didi scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022.
• Under this, a target was set to provide training to 1 lakh women in the next 5 years.

Vocal for Local • On 13th March 2024, it was launched by NITI Aayog.
initiative • The logo for the initiative is ‘Aakanksha’.
• This initiative aims to encourage a spirit of self-reliance among the populace of
Aspirational Blocks, propelling them towards sustainable growth and prosperity.
• As a part of this initiative, indigenous local products from 500 Aspirational Blocks
have been mapped and consolidated. The launch was attended by all 329 Districts
and Block Level Officials under Aspirational Blocks Programme who connected
virtually for the event.

PM-SURAJ Portal • On 13th March 2024, the Prime Minister of India launched the ‘Pradhan Mantri
Samajik Utthan and Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan’ (PM-SURAJ) national portal
and sanctioned credit support to one lakh entrepreneurs of disadvantaged sections.
• It is a transformative initiative, aimed at uplifting the most marginalised segments
of society. The credit support will be provided to the eligible persons across the
country, facilitated through banks, NBFC-MFIs, and other organisations.

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NAMASTE Scheme The National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) will
implement the NAMASTE scheme for three years, from FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26, with
a budget allocation of 349.73 crores.

About NAMASTE SCHEME (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem):

• It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2022. The scheme has replaced the Self-
Employment Scheme for the Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS),
which was started in 2007.
• Collaborative Efforts: It was launched as a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs (MoHUA).

ULLAS Scheme Recently the Ministry of Education is set to conduct the Foundational Literacy and
Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) as part of the ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta
Karyakram.
About ULLAS:
• Abbreviation: ULLAS stands for Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in
Society.
• Mobile app: The ULLAS User-Friendly Mobile Application is a digital platform
that provides access to a variety of learning resources through the DIKSHA portal.
• Aim: To promote lifelong learning and close literacy gaps among those aged 15 and
older.
• Foundational Knowledge: The programme seeks to provide citizens with
foundational information and skills necessary for personal and national growth.
• Objective: To teach not only Foundational Literacy and Numeracy but also other
essential skills for a 21st-century citizen, such as, financial literacy, digital literacy,
commercial skills, health care and awareness, child care and education, and family
welfare

Electric Mobility Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024) scheme is being introduced by the
Promotion Scheme 2024 Ministry of Heavy Industries, to further accelerate the adoption of EVs in the country.
Key Features of the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024:
• Eligible EV categories: Two Wheelers (electric) (e-2W), Three-wheeler (electric)
including registered e-rickshaws & e-carts and L5 (e-3W)
• Applicability: The scheme will be applicable mainly to those e-2W and e-3Ws
registered for commercial purposes.
• Mandate: The scheme mandates that only vehicles equipped with advanced
batteries will be eligible for incentives, aiming to ensure the promotion of high-
quality and efficient electric vehicles.

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• Subsidy Offered to Electric Two wheelers: Electric two-wheelers will get a

subsidy of Rs 5,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) with a maximum limit of Rs 10,000
per vehicle under the new scheme
• Subsidy offered to Rickshaws: Rickshaws and carts will get a subsidy of Rs 5,000
per kWh with a limit of Rs 25,000 per vehicle
• Subsidy Offered to L5 Electric three wheelers: The per-kWh subsidy for L5
electric three-wheelers is also set at Rs 5,000, but it's capped at Rs 50,000 per
vehicle.
L5 Electric Three-Wheeler
• About: Category L5 means a three wheeled motor vehicle with maximum speed
exceeding 25kmph or motor power exceeding 0.25kW, if fitted with an electric
motor and the vehicle shall normally be used for carrying persons or carrying
goods.

SWAYAM Plus Platform The Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship recently
launched the SWAYAM Plus Platform in New Delhi.
About the SWAYAM Plus Platform:
• It serves as a platform to offer courses developed collaboratively with the
industry to offer employability and professional development‐focused programmes.
o List of Programmes: Manufacturing, energy, computer science and
engineering, IT or ITES, management studies, healthcare, hospitality and
tourism besides Indian knowledge systems.
• Operated by: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).

15.9. Index/Reports

Index/Reports Important Points

International IP Index 2024 • India's position remained unchanged at 42 at the International IP Index
2024 compared to 2023, with no change even on the index score which
stood at 38.64% since 2022.
• The index ranks 55 countries on their intellectual property (IP) regime.
• It is released by the US Chamber of Commerce
• It was the 12th edition of the Index.

Global Waste Management • It is published by UNEP and ISWA (International Solid Waste
Outlook 2024 Association).
• It assesses global waste management trends and costs.

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‘One Nation One Election’ • The committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, formed
Report to consider One Country One Election, submitted its report to President
Draupadi Murmu. The committee has presented a 18,626-page report to
the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• This report is the result of consultations with stakeholders, experts and 191
days of exploration since the formation of the committee on 2 September
2023.
• In One Country, One Election, out of 47 political parties, 32 have voted in
favor and 15 in opposition. BJP and its allies have expressed their opinion
in favor of simultaneous elections.
• Congress and its allies – DMK, NCP and TMC have opposed it.
• This committee has 8 members including former President Ramnath
Kovind (Chairman), Home Minister Amit Shah and former MP
Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Human Development Index • The Human Development Index for the year 2023/24 was recently
published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) , which
analyzed 193 countries based on gross national income per capita,
education, and life expectancy.
• India ranks 134th in the Human Development Index list out of 193
countries. After a decline in its HDI value in 2021 and a similar performance
over the past few years, India's HDI value has increased to 0.644 in 2022
• India saw improvements in all HDI indicators – life expectancy, education
and gross national income (GNI). Life expectancy per capita increased
from 67.2 to 67.7 years, expected years of schooling reached 12.6,
average years of schooling increased to 6.57, and GNI per capita
increased from US$6,542 to US$6,951.
• Switzerland, Norway and Iceland are the leading countries in national
human development indicators, while the Central African Republic, South
Sudan and Somalia lag behind.
• In 2023, all 38 member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD) have achieved a better Human
Development Index (HDI) than in 2019.

Gender Inequality Index • The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) released the
Human Development Report 2023-2024 which shows the Gender
Inequality Index 2022.
• India's score in Gender Inequality Index (GII) 2022 is 0.437 and India is
ranked 108th out of 193 countries. India's score in the Gender Inequality
Index 2021 was 0.490 and was then ranked 122nd out of 191 countries.

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• There has been a significant improvement of 14 ranks in this index in 2022

compared to 2021.
• Over the past 10 years, India's rank in the GII has consistently improved,
indicating progressive improvement in achieving gender equality in the
country. In 2014 its rank was 127, which has now become 108.

Democracy Report 2024 • The V-Dem Institute, based in Gothenburg, observes global democratic
freedoms. According to the 'Democracy Report 2024' released by it, India,
which was ranked as an "electoral autocracy" in 2018, has declined
further on several metrics and has emerged as "one of the worst
autocracies" .
• The V-Dem report classifies countries into four regime types based on their
scores in the Liberal Democratic Index (LDI): Liberal Democracy,
Electoral Democracy, Electoral Autocracy, and Closed Autocracy.
• " India, with 18% of the world's population, has almost half of the total
population living in autocratic countries, " the report said.
• V-Dem's Democracy Report is a collaborative project involving 4,200
scholars from 180 countries, and is based on a 31 million dataset covering
202 countries from 1789 to 2023.

Merchandise Trade Deficit • The Commerce Ministry released the figures of India's merchandise trade
Report deficit. According to this, the country's deficit increased to 18.71 billion
dollars i.e. about Rs 1.55 lakh crore in February. In January it was $17.49
billion (Rs 1.45 lakh crore).
• In February, exports increased by 11.9% on an annual basis to $ 41.40
billion (Rs 3.43 lakh crore), which was India's highest merchandise export
in the last 11 months.
• Earlier in March 2023, merchandise exports were $ 41.96 billion (Rs 3.47
lakh crore).
• Imports increased by 12.2% year-on-year to $60.11 billion (Rs 4.98 lakh
crore), which is the highest in the last four months.
• Talking about year-on-year growth, export growth in February is the highest
since the increase of 30.1% in June 2022.
• Import growth of 12.2% in February is the highest since 12.6% in
September 2022.
• India's trade deficit total for April 2023-February 2024 stood at $225.20
billion (₹18.66 lakh crore).
• This is less than $245.94 billion (₹20.37 lakh crore) in the first 11 months
of 2022-23.

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Grievance Redressal • The Union Home Ministry has consistently been in the list of top 10
Assessment Index ministries in the country, performing well in all 15 specified indicators in
the Grievance Redressal Assessment Index (GRAI) in 2023-24.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs has consistently ranked among the top 10
ministries in GRAI during 2023-24, performing well in all 15 of its
indicators.
• The Home Ministry has performed exceptionally well during 2023-24 by
redressing 48,837 public complaints with an average redressal time of eight
days against the standard 30 days.

About Centralised Public Grievance Redressal and Management System

(CPGRAMS):
• It is an online platform available to the citizens 24×7 to lodge their
grievances to the public authorities on any subject related to service
delivery.
• It is a single portal connected to all the Ministries/Departments of the
Government of India and States.
• It is also accessible to the citizens through a standalone mobile
application.

Planet On Brink • The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization has released a
report named "Planet on the brink".
• Its preliminary data indicate that 2023 was by far the hottest year ever
recorded.
• The WMO said the average near-surface temperature was 1.45 degrees
Celsius above pre-industrial levels last year -- dangerously close to the
critical 1.5-degree threshold that countries agreed to avoid passing in the
2015 Paris climate accords.

World Happiness Report 2024 • Finland remains the world's happiest country for the seventh consecutive
year in an annual UN-sponsored World Happiness Report 2024.
• For the first time since the report was published a decade ago, the United
States and Germany are not among the top 20 happiest countries, as their
rankings have fallen to 23 and 24 this year respectively.
• As per the report, India ranks 126, the same as last year, in the happiness
index.
• Afghanistan, which has been grappling with a humanitarian catastrophe
since the Taliban took power in 2021, remains at the bottom out of 143
countries surveyed.

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Women, Business and Law India's ranked improved to 113 out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s Women,
Index Business and Law index, according to the 10th edition of the report released.
About Index:
• A World Bank index measuring how laws and regulations affect women's
economic opportunities in 190 economies.
• Scores range from 0 to 100, with 100 signifying equal legal rights for men
and women.
• Global Status: No country scored a perfect score, indicating no country
achieved full legal gender equality.
Focus Areas:
• The report covers eight areas: Mobility, Workplace, Pay, Marriage,
Parenthood, Entrepreneurship, Assets, and Pension.

15.10. Important Dates/Dates

Date Day Important Points

March 1 World Civil Defence Day • World Civil Defence Day is observed every year on
March 1.
• The theme for World Civil Defence Day 2024 is
“Building Resilience through Innovation”.
• World Civil Defence Day was instituted by the
International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) in 1990.

March 1 Zero Discrimination Day • Zero Discrimination Day is an annual worldwide event
that promotes diversity and recognizes that everyone
counts.
• It is observed on March 1 by the United Nations and other
international organizations.
• The first Zero Discrimination Day was observed in
2014.

March 3 World Wildlife Day • World Wildlife Day is observed annually on March 3.
• It serves as an opportunity to spotlight a specific theme
relevant to wildlife conservation.
• Theme for 2024 "Connecting People and Planet:
Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife
Conservation."
• This theme underscores the potential of technological
advancements to address long standing challenges in
conservation efforts, particularly in today's digital age.

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• The concept of World Wildlife Day was first proposed

by Thailand to the United Nations General Assembly in
2013. The aim was to designate a day dedicated to raising
awareness about wild animals and plants worldwide.
• On December 20, 2013, the General Assembly adopted a
resolution, officially designating March 3 as World
Wildlife Day starting in 2014.

March 7 Jan Aushadhi Divas or Generic • It aims to create awareness about the use of generic
Medicine Day medicines among the people.
• The day was first celebrated in the year 2019.

March 8 International Women’s Day • International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually
on March 8, is a global day acknowledging the social,
economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
• The United Nations has designated the year 2024’s theme
as ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ with a focus
on addressing economic disempowerment, while the
campaign theme for this year is ‘Inspire Inclusion.’
• The first National Women’s Day was observed in the
United States on February 28, 1909, which was
organized by the Socialist Party of America to
commemorate the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New
York, where women protested against working
conditions.
• Later in 1910, Clara Zetkin proposed International
Women’s Day at the International Women’s Conference
in Copenhagen.

Second World Kidney Day • It is observed to create awareness about kidneys and their
Thursday of importance for our health.
March every • In 2006, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN)
year. and the International Federation of Kidney
Foundations (IFKF) launched a campaign with the
tagline – Are your kidneys okay? The intention was to
create awareness about the importance of maintaining
good kidney health and avoid health complications. Since
then, World Kidney Day has been celebrated every year

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where awareness about early detection of kidney

disorders and importance of kidney check-ups is raised.

15 March World Consumer Rights Day • World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year on
2024 15 March.
• The day was inspired by the speech on consumer rights
given by John F. Kennedy (former US President) while
speaking in the US Congress on 15 March 1962.
• Consumers International activist Anwar Fazal later
proposed the day as World Consumer Rights Day.
• The theme of World Consumer Rights Day this year is
'Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers'
• The India Consumer Protection Act came into force on
20 July 2020, and replaced the old Consumer Protection
Act 1986.

March 20 World Sparrow Day • World Sparrow Day is celebrated every year on March 20th.
• It was created by India’s Nature Forever Society and
France’s Eco-Sys Action Foundation. The aim was to set
aside a day for the house sparrow to raise awareness about
its protection.
• The first World Sparrow Day was celebrated in 2010 in
different parts of the world.
• Theme for 2024 is ‘I Love Sparrows’.

March 21 International Forest Day and • International Day of Forests and World Forestry Day is
World Forestry Day observed every year on 21 March .
• In the 23rd meeting of the European Agricultural
Organization during the year 1971, it was decided to
celebrate March 21 every year as World Forestry Day in
view of the decreasing number of trees and forests.
• The theme of World Forestry Day 2024 is 'Forests and
innovation: new solutions for a better world'
• The United Nations General Assembly declared the
International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012
• The United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO),
together with governments, the Collaborative Partnership on

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Forests and other concerned organizations, celebrate World

Forest Day

March 21 World Down Syndrome Day • It is a global awareness day that has been officially observed
by the United Nations since 2012.
• It is marked each year on March 21.
• The date for WDSD, being the 21st day of the 3rd month,
was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication
(trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down
syndrome

March 22 World Water Day • World Water Day,held on 22 March every year since 1993,
is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the
importance of freshwater.
• A core focus of World Water Day is to support the
achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and
sanitation for all by 2030.
• Every year, UN-Water — the UN’s coordination mechanism
on water and sanitation — sets the theme for World Water
Day.
• For 2024, the theme is ‘Leveraging Water for Peace’.

March 27 World Theater Day • Every year 27th March is celebrated as World Theatre
Day. Theatre is a great medium to reach out to people
about the different arts, culture and traditions present
across the world.
• World Theatre Day was established by the International
Theatre Institute in 1961. This institute is an associate
organization of UNESCO, which works to promote
theatre in the world.
• In 1962, the famous playwright Jean Cocteau wrote the
first message for World Theatre Day. The first play was
held at the Theatre of Dionysus located at the Acropolis
in Athens.

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15.11. Defence Exercises

Exercise Forces involved Important Points

Exercise Indian and Malaysian Navies This was the third edition of the exercise and it took place in
Samudra Visakhapatnam.
Laksamana Crew of both ships had various professional interactions, Subject
Matter Expert Exchange on topics of mutual interest, sports
fixtures, and other interactions.
The exercise aims to strengthen bonds and enhance
interoperability between the Indian and Royal Malaysian
Navy.

Sea Defenders- Indian Coast Guard and the It took place on 9th March 2024 on the coast of Port Blair.
2024 United States Coast Guard The exercise simulates scenarios relevant to maritime piracy and
asymmetric threats, including simulated drone attacks on
commercial merchant traffic, joint maritime search and rescue
operations, major firefighting, marine pollution response, and
counter-drug interdiction exercises.

Exercise Multinational Exercise • It was held at Port Victoria, Seychelles from 26 Feb – 08
Cutlass Mar 24.
Express - 24 • The exercise was inaugurated by the President of
Seychelles in attendance of dignitaries from India, USA
and African countries.
• As part of Cutlass Express, the Indian Navy actively
engaged with participants from 16 friendly foreign
countries.

Exercise India and Seychelles Defence • The tenth edition of Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE
LAMITIYE forces took place in Seychelles.
• ‘LAMITIYE’ meaning ‘Friendship’ in the Creole
language is a biennial training event and has been
conducted in Seychelles since 2001.
• The aim of the Exercise was to enhance interoperability in
Sub-conventional Operations in Semi-Urban environments
under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on
Peacekeeping Operations.
• The Exercise enhances cooperation and interoperability
between both sides during Peacekeeping Operations.

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Tiger Triumph India and US tri service • It is an exercise between India and the US.
– 24 • It is a bilateral tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and
Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise between both countries.
• Indian Navy Ships with integral helicopters and landing
crafts embarked, Indian Navy aircraft, Indian Army
personnel and vehicles and Indian Air Force aircraft and
helicopters along with the Rapid Action Medical Team
(RAMT) would be participating in the exercise.
• The exercise is aimed at developing interoperability for
conducting HADR operations and refine Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enable rapid and smooth
coordination between forces of both countries.

15.12. Short News- Other States

• The Prime Minister of India laid the foundation stone for India's second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, a
coastal village in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district.
• India has conducted the first human clinical trial of gene therapy for hemophilia A (FVIII deficiency) at
Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore.
• The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation inaugurated 'Swaminarayan Institute of Medical Science
and Research' of Shri Swaminarayan Vishwamangal Gurukul at Kalol in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Central govt has declared two factions of the Muslim Conference in Jammu & Kashmir led by Haji Ghulam Nabi
Sumji and Masrat Alam as unlawful associations to combat terrorism and preserve national security. This decision,
taken under Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, comes into immediate effect and will last
for a period of five years.
• Bharat Tex 2024 was organized from 26-29 February, 2024. Drawing inspiration from the 5F Vision of the Prime
Minister, the event has a unified farm to foreign via fibre, fabric and fashion focus, covering the entire textiles value
chain. It will showcase India’s prowess in the textile Sector and reaffirm India’s position as a global textile
powerhouse.
• The Indian cabinet approved the country’s first
semiconductor fab facility set up by the salt-to-
software conglomerate Tata Group and Taiwan’s Power
Chip, which will be established in the Dholera region of
Gujarat.
• The Prime Minister of India launched the country's first
indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway
vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative in Tamil Nadu
's Thoothukudi.
• The Prime Minister of India inaugurated India's first
underwater metro route in Kolkata, marking a significant milestone in the country's infrastructure development.
o This underwater service is part of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the Kolkata Metro's East-West
corridor, spanning 16.6 km beneath the Hooghly River.

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• The Competition Commission of India organized the 9th National Conference on Economics of Competition
Law in New Delhi.
• The Chief Minister of Kerala launches CSpace. It is
India's first government- owned OTT platform.
• The 1st Bharat Steam Boiler Expo 2024 was inaugurated
at Veterinary College Field in Khanapara, Guwahati.
• Tripura’s traditional tribal attire ‘risa’ received the
Geographical Indication (GI) tag recently.
• World's largest literary festival-'Sahityotsav' by
Sahitya Akademi to be held in NewDelhi from 11th to
16th of March.
o The festival commemorates the 70 years of Sahitya Akademi.
o It will witness the participation of more than a hundred renowned writers and scholars.
• Yashasvi Jaiswal became the second Indian to surpass the 700-run mark.
o Previously, Sunil Gavaskar was the sole Indian to achieve
this feat twice against West Indies (in 1971 and 1978-79).
• The famous silver filigree (Rupa Tarakasi) of the millennium Cuttack
city in Odisha recently received the geographical indication (GI) tag.

• Recently, the traditional Majuli masks and Majuli manuscript

painting in Assam were given a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• Bichom, which came into existence by the bifurcation of West and East Kameng
districts, has become the 27th district of Arunachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Pema
Khandu inaugurated the district and laid the foundation stone of its headquarters at
Napangphoong.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of 'Ahom
general' Lachit Borphukan in Assam's Jorhat.
o The 'Statue of Valour' was unveiled by the PM at the Lachit Barphukan
Maidam Development Project at Hollongapar near Teok.
• PM of India launches "Mahtari Vandan Yojana" in Chhattisgarh. Under this
scheme around 70 lakh married women will get Rs 1,000 per month. The scheme covers nearly 87.5% of married
women voters in the state.

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• Sela Tunnel, the world's longest bi-lane tunnel, was recently inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India in
Arunachal Pradesh. It is built at an altitude of 13000 ft, the strategically significant tunnel is set to ensure
uninterrupted connectivity to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, regardless of weather conditions.

• Nagpur has become the first city in the country to take a decisive step towards sustainable development by
launching the Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP).
o The city’s plan will boost building sector decarbonization, thus contributing to India’s ‘net zero by 2070’
target.
• The 6th National Para Badminton Championship 2023-2024 to be held from March 19-23, 2024 at Mohan Ahuja
Stadium, Jamshedpur.
• The Odisha government announced casual leave of 25 days in a year for women employees working in different
departments of the state government. The women employees would now get an additional 10 days of CL taking
their total CL in a year to 25 days.
• The Karnataka govt has banned the use of certain food coloring agents in Gobi Manchurian and cotton candy due
to health concerns.

• The Administrative Council meeting was held under the chairmanship of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor
Manoj Sinha. In this meeting, reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) was doubled to 8%. This will
benefit the large population of the hill and OBC community.
o The four new tribes include the Pahari ethnic groups, Paddari, Koli and Gadda Brahmins. Approval
was given to increase the reservation in favor of OBCs by 8% along with 15 new castes

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• Jammu and Kashmir hosted its first-ever Formula 4 car race in

Srinagar on the banks of Dal Lake.
o The racing event was a joint effort between Formula-4 and
the Indian Racing League, organized under the supervision
of the Tourism Department.
• Majuli, the largest river island in the world nestled on the
Brahmaputra River in Assam, has received a significant recognition
for its vibrant cultural heritage.
o The island's traditional art forms of Mukha Shilpa (mask making) and manuscript painting have been
awarded the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• The President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Global Spirituality Mahotsav at Kanha Shanti
Vanam, Hyderabad.
• The Election Commission (EC) of India has launched a special campaign (Mission 414) in Himachal Pradesh to
maximise voter turnout in 414 polling stations which registered less than 60% voting in the last Lok Sabha polls.
• Rajasthan has launched a dedicated portal for real-time information on water levels and availability in dams,
reservoirs, and canals. The portal is expected to help in efficient water management and facilitate prediction of
floods and drought.
• Bihar Day is celebrated on 22 March to mark the formation of the state of Bihar. It was started in the year 2010
by the then government (Chief Minister Nitish Kumar).
o During the British rule, the state of Bihar was formed by separating from Bengal on 22 March 1912.

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• The 3rd edition of North East Games 2024 was held in Nagaland. More than 3000 athletes from eight North
Eastern states competed in 15 disciplines. The events were held in 12 venues across three districts Chumukedima,
Dimapur and Kohima.
• The Maharishi Ayurvedic Hospital in Delhi opened its first restaurant with a menu based on medical principles,
marking an intriguing fusion of traditional Indian medicine and cuisine.
o The recently opened restaurant, called Soma—The Ayurvedic Kitchen—is situated in the Shalimar Bagh
neighborhood and serves delectable food devoid of onions or garlic.

• GoodEnough Energy has announced plans to launch India's first battery energy storage gigafactory in Jammu
and Kashmir by October.
• Chandigarh hosted the five-day Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF).
• In a bid to help the country fight the tuberculosis menace, Hyderabad-based vaccine manufacturer Bharat
Biotech to start clinical trials of the Spanish tuberculosis vaccine MTBVAC in India. The trials are carried out in
close collaboration with Spanish biopharmaceutical firm Biofabri with whom Bharat Biotech signed a partnership
in 2022 to develop and manufacture the vaccine.
• The final of the Boxing Sub Junior National Championship 2024 was held at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports
Complex. In this, the state of Haryana has won the championship with the highest score of 19 medals.
o Haryana won a total of 9 medals with 6 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal in the men's category and 7
gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals in the women's category.
o Delhi stood second with 8 medals.

15.13. Short News- Worldwide

• NATO’s Steadfast Defender 2024 is the largest exercise conducted by the alliance since the Cold War. It is taking
place from 22 January to 31 May 2024 throughout the Trans-Atlantic region.
• Due to increasing dengue cases, Peru has declared a health emergency.
• Beijing has been selected as the host city for the 2027 World Athletics Championships.
o This will be the second time Beijing will host the World Athletics Championships, having previously
hosted the event in 2015.

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• NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are planning to launch the world's first wooden
satellite into space in a bid to make spaceflight more sustainable.
o LignoSat, a coffee mug-size satellite made from magnolia wood, is set to launch into Earth's orbit by
summer 2024, according to the space agencies.
• Greece has become the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex civil marriage, despite opposition
from Church officials..
o A cross-party majority of 176 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament voted in favor of the bill drafted by
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ center-right government.
• The Philippines became the first country in Asia to ratify ILO Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment
in the World of Work.
o The Convention sets global standards to end workplace violence and harassment and foster a future of work
grounded in dignity and respect.
• New Zealand repealed its law that would have banned tobacco sales for future generations.
o The law was intended to prohibit individuals born after January 1, 2009, from purchasing cigarettes for
their entire lives.
• In the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Jeff Bezos has reclaimed
the title of the richest person on earth, surpassing Elon Musk.
• Sweden joins the US-led military organization NATO (North
Atlantic Treaty Organization). It has become the 32nd member
country of this organization.
• France has become the first country in the world to explicitly
include the right to abortion in its constitution.
o The constitution of 1958 has been amended to give women "guaranteed freedom" to abort.
• The 1st Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Mauritania was held in Nouakchott.

• The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has granted approval for the name 'Statio Shiv Shakti' to designate
the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 's Vikram lander.

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The International Astronomical Union is a non-governmental organisation with the objective of advancing astronomy in
all aspects, including promoting astronomical research, outreach, education, and development through global
cooperation.
It was founded in 1919 and is based in Paris, France.

• Election Commission Launches Saksham App to Facilitate Easier Voting for Persons-With-Disability. This initiative
aims to address the needs of voters above 85 years of age and Persons-with-Disabilities (PWDs) with a 40 percent
benchmark disability, allowing them to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes.
• London's Science Museum opened the Adani Green Energy Gallery. This gallery showcases things that provide
information about sustainability in the environment, transformative technologies and climate science. This is a free
gallery. Its name is 'Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery'.
• Saudi Arabian model Rumi Alqahtani announced her participation in the Miss Universe contest on her social
media account. This is the first time Saudi Arabia is sending a contestant from its country to Miss Universe.
• Florida Governor Ron De Santis of America approved a law regarding restriction of social media. According to
this, children below 14 years of age will not be able to use social media in the state of Florida. This law will come
into force from next year i.e. 2025.

15.14. Important News- Miscellaneous

• Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the ferry (boat) running on green
hydrogen. It is India's first indigenously developed and manufactured
hydrogen fuel cell ferry. It has zero emissions and zero noise.
o Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director, Cochin
Shipyard, presided over the inaugural session.
• The six national parties collectively reported an income of
approximately ₹3,077 crore for the fiscal year 2022-23.
o Bharatiya Janata Party- ₹2,361 crore (recorded the highest income), Congress- ₹452.375 crore (the second-
highest income), CPI(M) - ₹141.661 crore, AAP- ₹85.17 crore. BSP – ₹29.270 crore and NPEP has ₹7.562
crore.
• The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), hosted the 1st ‘Blue Talks’ meeting in New Delhi. The meeting was
co-partnered by the Embassy of France and Embassy of Costa Rica in India.
• The Ministry of Defence organised DefConnect 2024 at Manekshaw
Centre, New Delhi. DefConnect 2024 represents a significant
milestone in the country’s defence innovation landscape, bringing
together key stakeholders including the Armed Forces, defence
industry leaders, start-ups, academia, and policymakers.
• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways inaugurated the first-
ever Made-in-India 60T bollard pull tug named ‘Ocean Grace’. The
Ocean Grace is the first made in India ASTDS Tug developed by the
Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW.
• The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully test-fired an extremely short-
range air defense system from the test site at Chandipur in Odisha. This test was done twice on two consecutive
days.

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• The department of telecommunication has rolled out a digital platform named Chakshu that
will allow individuals to flag calls and text messages by fraudsters, adding a layer of
protection against faceless criminals using tech to rob people of their money.
• India’s first indigenously developed 500-megawatt (mw) prototype fast breeder reactor has
been inaugurated at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu.
• India's 1st Green Hydrogen Plant in Stainless Steel Sector has been inaugurated at
Jindal Stainless Limited, Hisar.
• Russia successfully conducted a test fire of Yars intercontinental ballistic nuclear missile.
• Puneri Paltan have won the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 Final.
• Shabnam Shakil is the youngest player ever to play in the league. She made her debut for Gujarat Giants in the
Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 season.
• England’s James Anderson became the first seamer to take 700 Test wickets.
• The Indian Navy's first MH60R squadron INAS 334 'Seahawks' was commissioned in the presence of Admiral R
Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) at INS Garuda, Southern Naval Command at Kochi.

• The National Archives of India is celebrating its 134th Foundation Day. On this occasion, a digital exhibition
“Subhash Abhinandan”, based on the life of Subhash Chandra Bose is being organized.
o The National Archives of India is an Attached Office under the Ministry of Culture. It was established on
11 March 1891 at Kolkata (Calcutta) as the Imperial Record Department. Following the transfer of the
capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, the present building of the National Archives of India was
constructed in 1926 which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The transfer of all records from Calcutta
to New Delhi was completed in 1937. The National Archives of India is also the nodal agency for the
implementation of the Public Records Act, 1993 and Public Record Rules, 1997.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted
the first successful flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5
missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (
MIRV) technology.
o The flight test named Mission Divyastra was carried out from
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.
• Vada pav has figured on the list of top 50 best sandwiches in the
world, which has been compiled by Taste Atlas. Vada pav, one of the
most popular street food items in India, is also synonymous with
India's financial capital, Mumbai.
o The iconic street food was ranked 19th in the list of the top
50 best sandwiches in the world. According to the Taste
Atlas’ list, Vietnam’s banh mi, Turkey’s tombik doner, Lebanon’s shawarma, Mexico’s tortas, and lobster
roll from the United States are the best five sandwiches in the world.

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• Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, popularly known as BLR Airport, has

been awarded 'Best Airport at Arrivals globally for the year 2023' by the Airports
Council International (ACI) World.
o This recognition has been received for the second consecutive year,
highlighting the Airport's commitment to delivering exceptional passenger
experiences.
• The Prime Minister of India laid the foundation stone of three semiconductor
projects worth about Rs 1.25 trillion, including the Rs 91,000 crore facility in
Dholera, which will commence chip production by 2026.
o Two of the three facilities are located in Gujarat, whereas one is based
in Assam. The three projects are the Semiconductor fabrication facility
at the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) in Gujarat, the
Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in
Morigaon, Assam, and an OSAT facility in Sanand in Gujarat.
• The University of Mauritius conferred Honoris Causa Degree of Doctor of Civil Law on the President of India,
Smt Droupadi Murmu.
• PM Modi Inaugurates India's 1st Automobile In-Plant Railway Siding at Suzuki Motor Gujarat. This initiative
is a part of Prime Minister’s flagship Gati Shakti programme. It is Aligned with India’s carbon net zero
emissions target.

• The PM of India launched the ₹ 1,200 crore Gandhi Ashram Memorial master plan at Sabarmati in Gujarat's
Ahmedabad city and also inaugurated the redeveloped Kochrab ashram at a function on the anniversary of the
famous Dandi Yatra, or salt march, taken out by Mahatma Gandhi on March 12, 1930.
• Mumbai has won the Ranji Trophy title for the 42nd time. Mumbai won the title by defeating Vidarbha by 169 runs
in the final of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season. Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy title after 8 years.
• Krafton India has unveiled a gaming incubator in India, which aims to boost the local gaming scene and support
aspiring talents entering the fast-growing gaming industry.
o The initiative, called Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), aims to support six to ten teams annually.
• All-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been elected New Zealand's best cricketer.
He won the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal. This medal is given to a New
Zealand cricketer for his best performance in a calendar year. He is the
youngest player to win this award.
• On March 14, the world's most powerful rocket Starship was launched
from Boca Chica, Texas. This was the third test of Starship, which was
successful. SpaceX, the company of world's third richest businessman Elon
Musk, has built this rocket. Its height is 397 feet and it is completely reusable.

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• Union Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju virtually inaugurated the country's tallest weather tower in Bhopal,
Madhya Pradesh. This tower installed in Seelkheda near Bhopal is capable of tracing clouds from a distance of 200
kilometers.
o A “C band radar” made in Finland was installed on a 72-meter-high
tower. Atmospheric research i.e. research and operational activities
will be done here.
• Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Navy
Headquarters 'Nausena Bhawan' in Delhi Cantonment. The Navy has
established its first independent headquarters in Delhi.
o Earlier the Navy operated from 13 different places. Three-layer security system is also installed in this
building. This includes automated underbelly scanning, face recognition, electrical cordons, bollards,
vehicle stoppers.
• In a major boost to India's fight against terrorism and organized crime, the union
home minister virtually inaugurated a unique Digital Criminal Case
Management System (CCMS) designed by the National Investigation
Agency (NIA) in New Delhi.
o The Home Minister also launched a mobile app 'Sankalan' - a
compendium of new criminal laws by the National Crime Records
Bureau (NCRB).
• In the final match of the Women's Premier League 2024 (WPL 2024 Final),
RCB won the title by defeating Delhi Capitals.
o The women's RCB team created history by ending the franchise's
16-year trophy winning drought. Chasing 114 runs, RCB achieved
the target with the loss of 2 wickets with 3 balls remaining and won
the WPL 2024 title.
• Max Verstappen won the Saudi Arabian F1 Grand Prix 2024.
• Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the French Open
2024 badminton men’s doubles title. They defeated Chinese Taipei’s
Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan in the finals.

• Devin is the World’s First Ever AI Software Engineer. It has been an AI

lab named Cognition.

• Google introduced Scalable Instructable Multiworld Agent (SIMA) that can follow natural-language instructions
to carry out tasks in a variety of video game settings.

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• According to the World Air Quality Report 2023 by Swiss organisation IQAir, Bihar's Begusarai emerged as
the world's most polluted metropolitan area while Delhi was identified as the capital city with the poorest air quality.
o With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic metre, India had the third-worst
air quality out of 134 countries in 2023 after
Bangladesh (79.9 micrograms per cubic metre) and
Pakistan (73.7 micrograms per cubic metre).
• India has launched 'Operation Indravati' to evacuate its
citizens stranded in war-torn Haiti. Haiti has descended into
chaos with armed gangs taking over its streets. The
government has virtually disappeared
o Haiti is a country on the island of Hispaniola in
the Caribbean Sea, east of Cuba and Jamaica,
and south of The Bahamas. It occupies the western
three-eighths of the island which it shares with the
Dominican Republic.
• New Zealand bans disposable vapes and selling of e-cigarettes.
• Nepal names Pokhara as its tourism capital.
• Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has released the list of 25 stocks in which the T+0 settlement system will start on
an optional basis from tomorrow i.e. March 28. This list includes State Bank of India, Tata Communications, Union
Bank of India and Vedanta among other stocks.

T+0 Settlement System

• T+0 settlement means the settlement of purchase and sale of shares will happen on the same day.
• This means if you sell the shares by 1:30 PM on the trading day, the money will be credited to your account by
4:30 PM on the same day.
• Currently, the Indian stock market operates on a T+1 settlement cycle for all stocks, with trade settlement taking
place on the next day.

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16. MCQS
Q1. Who among the following recently became the first female pitch curator in the history of Indian cricket:
(a) Jacintha Kalyan (b) Kavita Singh (c) Rani Nedu (d) Madhu Kumari
Q2. With reference to International IP Index 2024 consider the following statements:
1. For the year 2024 in the index, India’s position is 42.
2. It is released by the US Chamber of Commerce.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q3. India’s second space port Kulasekarapattinam has been recently inaugurated in which of the following state:
(a) Andhra Pradesh (b) Tamil Nadu (c) Karnataka (d) Kerala
Q4. Which of the following statement is incorrect:
(a) The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was launched by the Indian Prime Minister in April 2023 in Mysuru.
(b) It deals with conservation of seven big cats: lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, snow leopard, jaguar, and pum(a)
(c) Tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard and jaguar are found in Indi(a)
(d) It is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition.
Q5. The first transgender cultural and literary festival, organised by the social welfare department in Uttar Pradesh, took
place in which of the following cities:
(a) Kanpur (b) Lucknow (c) Varanasi (d) Vrindavan
Q6. In Uttar Pradesh’s health ranking dashboard, which of the following district has secured the first position with a 75
percent score.:
(a) Varanasi (b) Lakhimpur Kheri (c) Sonbhdra (d) Agra
Q7. Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, is one of the biggest honors in Britain, through
which honorary degrees are given to foreign citizens. Recently it has been awarded to:
(a) Shaktikanta Das (b) Sunil Mittal (c) Narendra Modi (d) Sachin Tendulkar
Q8. March 1 is observed as:
1. World Civil Defence Day
2. Zero Discrimination Day
3. World Wildlife Day
4. World Cancer Day
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q9. Recently the Indian cabinet approved the country’s first semiconductor fab facility. It will be setup by Tata Group in
which of the following state of India:
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Odisha (c) Sikkim (d) Gujarat
Q10. Which of the following state in India will soon become the first state to have fire station at tehsil level:
(a) Madhya Pradesh (b) Bihar (c) Uttar Pradesh (d) Kerala

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Q11. Which of the following was the theme for World Wildlife Day 2024:
(a) Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.
(b) Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation
(c) Recovering Key Species of ecosystem
(d) Listen to the young voices
Q12. With reference to Exercise Samudra Laksamana, consider the following statements:
1. It is a naval exercise between Indian and Sri lankan navies.
2. The third edition of the exercise took place in Visakhapatnam.
Choose the correct answer from the following options:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q13. Ocean Grace was recently seen in the news. It is best defined as:
(a) ASTDS Tug (b) Warm Ocean current (c) Maritime war (d) Submarine
Q14. World Athletics Championships 2027 will be held in__
(a) Colombo (b) Beijing (c) New Delhi (d) Tokyo
Q15. Which of the following is correctly matched:
Sr. No Days Dates
1. National Safety Day 4th March
2. Dissociative Identity Disorder 5th March
Awareness Day
3. Jan Aushadhi Diwas 7th March
4. International Women's Day 8th March
Choose the options from the following:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q16. The Gonda Forest Department in Uttar Pradesh is partnering with Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India to create a
turtle conservation reserve in the ____River.
(a) Sarju (b) Sharda (c) Banas (d) Punpun
Q17. Recently the National Archives of India celebrated its 134th Foundation Day. with its reference consider the following
statements:
1. It is under the Ministry of Culture.
2. It was established in Delhi in 1891.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q18. Recently the Prime Minister of India has unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of 'Ahom general' Lachit Borphukan in which
of the following state:
(a) Manipur (b) Assam (c) Arunachal Pradesh (d) Tripura
Q19. Prime Minister of India has recently launched country’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel
under the Harit Nauka initiative in which of the following state:
(a) Kerala (b) Tamil Nadu (c) Andhra Pradesh (d) West Bengal

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Q20. Hydrogen fuel cells can be used in which of the following:

1. Electronic devices
2. Warehouse Logistics
3. Vehicles
Choose the correct answer from the following options:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) 1 and 3 Only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q21. Which of the following became the first country in the world to to explicitly include the right to abortion in its
constitution:
(a) France (b) Germany (c) Italy (d) UAE
Q22. Which of the following state has recently launched "Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA)" scheme:
(a) Maharashtra (b) Uttar Pradesh (c) Chattisgarh (d) Gujarat
Q23. With reference to Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA)" scheme consider the following statements:
1. One lakh young entrepreneurs will be prepared every year by providing interest-free loans for projects of up to Rs
5 lakh.
2. To support this initiative, the government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore in the budget for the financial year 2024-
25.
Choose the correct answer from the following options:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q24. Which of the following has become the first city in the country to Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan:
(a) Kanpur (b) Nellore (c) Nagpur (d) Chandigarh
Q25. Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to have __ Ayushman Bharat card holders.
(a) 1 crore (b) 5 crore (c) 10 crore (d) 11 crore
Q26. A digital platform named Chaksu was recently seen in the news. With its reference consider the following statements:
1. It has been launched by the department of telecommunication.
2. It allows individuals to flag calls and text messages by fraudsters.
Choose the correct answer from the following options:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q27. India’s first indigenously developed 500-megawatt (mw) prototype fast breeder reactor has been inaugurated in which
of the following state:
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Gujarat (c) Nagaland (d) Chhattisgarh
Q28. India's 1st Green Hydrogen Plant in Stainless Steel Sector has been inaugurated in which of the following state:
(a) Haryana (b) Jharkhand (c) Odisha (d) West Bengal
Q29. With reference to Agra metro rail, consider the following statements:
1. At present, it has two corridors, the first one runs from Taj East Gate to Sikandr(a)
2. The station previously known as Agra Fort Station has been renamed to Dr. Ambedkar Chowk Metro Station.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above

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Q30. With reference to Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy, 2024, consider the following statements:
1. The validity of the policy is 10 years.
2. Green Hydrogen projects will be provided a capital subsidy of 10% to 30% depending on the geographical area of
investment.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q31. Green hydrogen is called so because the entire process to produce it is powered by renewable energy. It is used for:
1. Petroleum refinery
2. Manufacturing of ammonia
3. Heavy duty mobility
Choose the correct answer from the following options:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 and 3 Only (c) 3 Only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q32. The first underwater metro route of the country has recently been inaugurated at:
(a) Chennai (b) Vellore (c) Kolkata (d) Mumbai
Q33. The term CSpace was recently seen in the news. With its reference consider the following statements:
1. It is India’s first government owned OTT platform.
2. It has been launched by the state government of Maharashtr(a)
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q34. Mission Divyastra was recently seen in the news. It is related to:
(a) Agni missile (b) Ocean Grace (c) Gangayaan (d) Pinaka launcher
Q35. The term “Yaoundé Declaration” is often seen in the news. It is related to:
(a) Mangroves preservation (b) Malaria elimination (c) Coral bleaching (d) Antibiotic resistance
Q36. Nayab Saini has been appointed as the Chief Minister of which of the following state:
(a) Haryana (b) Chattisgarh (c) Himachal Pradesh (d) Punjab
Q37. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide a path to Indian
citizenship for which of the following:
1. Hindu
2. Sikhs
3. Christians
4. Muslims
Choose the correct answer from the following options:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1. 2, 3 and 4
Q38. Which of the following became the first city in the country to take a decisive step towards sustainable development by
launching the Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP).
(a) Nagpur (b) Chennai (c) Vadodara (d) Pune
Q39. Which of the following become the first country in the world to explicitly include the right to abortion in its constitution.
(a) Italy (b) France (c) Switzerland (d) Iceland

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Q40. A player B Sai Praneeth was recently seen in the news. He is associated with which of the following sport:
(a) Badminton (b) Hockey (c) Squash (d) Javelin Throw
Q41. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has recently released its report. As per the report:
1. India was the world’s top arms importer for the period 2019-23.
2. Russia remained India’s main arms supplier.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q42. With reference to PM-SURAJ, consider the following statements:
1. It aims at uplifting the most marginalised segments of society.
2. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the implementing agency.
Choose the correct answer from the following options:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q43. The NAMASTE scheme was recently seen in the news. It is related to:
(a) Beautification of Heritage buildings (b) Sanitation worker
(c) International education (d) Preserving Wetlands
Q44. With reference to World Consumer Rights Day, consider the following statements:
1. It is celebrated every year on 15 March.
2. The theme of World Consumer Rights Day this year is 'Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers'.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q45. The Human Development Index was recently seen in the news. It is published by:
(a) United Nation Development Program
(b) World Health Organization
(c) International Labour Organisation
(d) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Q46. In 2023/24 Human Development Index list, out of 193 countries India has been ranked __
(a) 121 (b) 134 (c) 148 (d) 151
Q47. With reference to Gender Inequality Index (GII) 2022, consider the following statements:
1. India is ranked 108th out of 193 countries.
2. India's score in GII 2022 is 0.437.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q48. Which of the following statements is incorrect”
(a) Rajiv Kumar is the current Chief Election Commissioner of India.
(b) Article 324 in the Indian Constitution gives power to the Election Commission to direct, control, and conduct
elections to all Parliament.
(c) Election Commission is an autonomous constitutional authority
(d) The Election Commission was established in accordance with the Constitution in 1950.

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Q49. The Eat Right Station is a certificate awarded by:

(a) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (b) Competition Commission of India
(c) Food and Agriculture Organization (d) Indian Food Sharing Alliance
Q50. With reference to the Eat Right stations, consider the following statements:
1. Six pioneering metro stations across the country have also joined the effort and have been accredited as Eat Right
Stations.
2. In these stations Noida Sector 51, IIT Kanpur, Botanical Garden (Noida) and Noida Electronic City Metro Station
are from Uttar Pradesh.
Choose the correct answer from the following options:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q51. Recently, which of the following of the following became the first Spanish-speaking country to recognize the Indian
Pharmacopoeia:
(a) Nicaragua (b) Brazil (c) Bolivia (d) Argentina
Q52. Which of the following is correctly matched:
Sr. No Date Day
1. March 4 National Safety Day
2. March 22 World Water Day
3. March 18 International Women's Day
4. March 24 World Tuberculosis Day
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 4
Q53. Suman Kumari was recently seen in the news, as she became the first woman sniper of which of the following___
(a) Border Security Force (b) Central Industrial Security Force
(c) Gorkha Rifle regiments (d) Central Reserve Police Force
Q54. In which of the following year Border Security Force was formed:
(a) 1947 (b) 1956 (c) 1965 (d) 1968
Q55. Geographical indications can be used for a wide range of products, including:
1. Agricultural products
2. Handicrafts
3. Industrial products
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 and 3 Only (c) 1 and 3 Only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q56. 'e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi' digital platform was recently seen in the news. It has been launched by which of the following
ministry:
(a) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
(b) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare
(c) Ministry of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry
(d) Ministry of Agro and Rural Industries

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Q57. Consider the following statements:

1. Recently Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree) has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, it is from Odish(a)
2. Narasapur crochet lace craft has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, it is from Andhra Pradesh.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q58. Bio-TRIG was recently seen in the news. It is related to:
(a) Environmental Pollution (b) Waste Management
(c) Tagging of Tigers (d) Tracking of stolen vehicles
Q59. Which of the following state has announced a fully-funded universal life insurance scheme to mitigate financial hardship
due to the untimely demise of a family's breadwinner.
(a) Gujarat (b) Tamil Nadu (c) Nagaland (d) Punjab
Q60. India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) was recently inaugurated. It is located in which of the following
state of India:
(a) Bihar (b) Kerala (c) Manipur (d) Uttarakhand
Q61. Operation Kamdhenu was recently seen in the news. With its reference consider the following statements:
1. It has been launched by the state of Uttar Pradesh.
2. It is to curb cattle smuggling.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q62. Which of the following Indian writer was awarded with the ‘Erasmus Prize’ 2024 for highlighting the climate change
crisis?
(a) Arundhati Roy (b) Amitav Ghosh (c) Pundalanik Naik (d) Chitra Banarjee
Q63. The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs recently inaugurated National Time Protocol (NTP) for dissemination of Indian
Standard Time in __.
(a) Chennai (b) Ujjain (c) Indore (d) Mumbai
Q64. A performance audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on the degradation of the Shipra
River, threw up a host of significant findings. With its reference consider the following statements:
1. Shipra river is located in Madhya Pradesh.
2. It originates in the Vindhya Range from a hill called Kakri-Tekdi.
Choose the correct answer the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q65. The Kovind Committee was recently seen in the news. It is related to:
(a) One nation, One election (b) Delhi Liquor Policy (c) Madrasa funding (d) Disinvestment
Q66. 'Democracy Report' is released by which of the following organizations?
(a) Reporters Without Borders (b) Policy Commission (c) UNDP (d) V-Dem Institute
Q67. Which team won the title of Ranji Trophy 2024?
(a) Uttar Pradesh (b) Mumbai (c) Vidarbha (d) Bihar

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Q68. Which actor received the Best Actor award at the Oscars Awards 2024?
(a) Robert Downey Jr. (b) Cillian Murphy (c) Johnny Byrne (d) Christopher Nolan
Q69. Who has been appointed as the new Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission?
(a) A.S. Rajeev (b) Rajeev Kumar (c) Anoop Awasthi (d) Ajay Sinha
Q70. Consider the following statements with reference to the Election Commission of India -
1. The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional body
2. Part XIV, Articles 324 - 329 deals with the powers, functions, tenure, eligibility, et(c) of the Commission and
members.
3. The Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election
Commissioners as may be determined by the President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct-
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3
Q71. Which of the following two persons have been recently appointed as Election Commissioners?
1. B Sairam
2. Gyanesh Kumar
3. Rajeev Sinha
4. Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu
Code-
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 2 and 4 (d) 2 and 3
Q72. Who has been awarded the Outstanding Male Cricketer of the Year award for New Zealand?
(a) Team Saudi (b) Rachin Ravindra (c) Daryl Mitchell (d) Will Young
Q73. The 66th meeting of Network Planning Group (NPG) was held at __
(a) New Delhi (b) Chennai (c) Mumbai (d) Kolkata
Q74. Which of the following state government has recently approved the green Hydrogen Policy:
(a) Gujarat (b) Karnataka (c) Uttar Pradesh (d) Punjab
Q75. With reference to World Hearing Day, consider the following statements:
1. It is celebrated on March 3.
2. Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all is the theme for 2024 World Hearing day.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q76. Recently Keyi Panyor become the 26th district of which of the following state:
(a) Arunachal Pradesh (b) Nagaland (c) Kerala (d) Uttarakhand
Q77. Recently, a Green Propulsion System, developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of DRDO,
has successfully demonstrated in-orbit functionality on a payload launched by PSLV C-58 mission. This project was
sanctioned to a Bengaluru-based start-up (Development Agency)?
(a) Asteria Aerospace (b) Bellatrix Aerospace (c) Earth2Orbit (d) Source Technologi

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Q78. Consider the following statements with reference to the Technology Development Fund (TDF):
1. It is a flagship programme of Ministry of Defence executed by DRDO under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
2. The scheme encourages participation of public/private industries especially MSMEs to create an eco-system for
enhancing cutting edge technology capability for defence application.
Choose the correct answer from the following options:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q79. Recently, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Kalki Dham Temple in which of the following districts in
Uttar Pradesh?
(a) Amroha (b) Bijnor (c) Moradabad (d) Sambhal
Q80. Recently, the President of India inaugurated the 37th Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Surajkund, Haryan(a) Which
of the following is the partner nation for this year’s Mela?
(a) Ethiopia (b) Kenya (c) Mali (d) Tanzania
Q81. Recently, “Vyommitra” was seen in news. It is a/an?
(a) AI enabled tool (b) Block chain technology
(c) Super Computer (d) Woman Robot Astronaut
Q82. Consider the following statements with reference to the ISRO's ambitious “Gaganyaan" mission:
1. It will be India’s first human manned Space Flight carrying Indian Astronauts into Space.
2. It is scheduled to be launched next year, that is 2025.
Choose the correct answer from the following options:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q83. From the following: who recently took oath as judicial member of Lokpal?
(a) Ravi Shankar Prasad (b) Manmohan Jha (c) Ramaswamy Iyer (d) Ritu Raj Awasthi
Q84. Based upon the Brand Finance Insurance 100 2024, which is the strongest insurance brand?
(a) Bajaj Finance (b) Life Insurance Corporation of India
(c) Reliance General Insurance (d) HDFC Life Insurance
Q85. The landing site of Chandrayaan-3 was recognized by the International Astronomical Union, what was it named?
(a) Shiv Shakti (b) Sarthak (c) Atal (d) Abhay
Q86. Consider the following statements with reference to the National Voters’ Day (NVD):
1. National Voters’ Day (NVD) is celebrated across the country to mark the foundation day of the Election
Commission of India.
2. It is celebrated every year on January 30.
Choose the correct answer from the following options:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q87. Which of the following statements is incorrect:
(a) The 37th Surajkund International Craft fair took place in Kanpur.
(b) It was hosted for the first time in 1987.
(c) It showcases the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of Indi(a)
(d) Gujarat was the ‘Theme State’ this year.

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Q88. Recently, The Prime Minister of India laid the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham Temple. It is located in which of the
following district of Uttar Pradesh?
(a) Sambhal (b) Deoria (c) Aligarh (d) Ghazipur
Q89. On which of the following river Uttar Pradesh government will establish its first ‘Turtle Conservation Reserve’:
(a) Gomti (b) Belan (c) Sarju (d) Sharda
Q90. Recently Algeria inaugurated the world's third largest Mosque. It is named as:
(a) Djamaa El-Djazair (b) Al Kazar Dilam (c) Al ab nam (d) Daina Eh Dnar
Q91. The Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO) will now include scientists from Indi(a) SKAO headquarters are
located in:
(a) United Kingdom (b) Australia (c) Italy (d) South Africa
Q92. The 82nd Session of Indian History Congress took place in which of State of India:
(a) Telangana (b) Karnataka (c) Kerala (d) Gujarat
Q93. With reference to the World Gold Council, consider the following statements:
1. Its headquarters are in London.
2. It was established in 1987.
3. Sachin Jain was appointed as the new CEO of the World Gold Council for Indi(a)
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 and 3 Only (c) 1 and 3 Only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q94. With reference to Rare Disease Day consider the following statements:
1. It is observed on February 29.
2. Theme for 2024 is Share Your Colours.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Q95. 'Vikramaditya Vedic Clock' based on the Indian ‘panchang’ is located in which of the following city:
(a) Ujjain (b) Bhopal (c) Ahmedabad (d) Chandigarh
Q96. Uttar Pradesh's first intra-district helicopter service was inaugurated, it will operate between which of the following two
places?
(a) Bateshwar to Govardhan (b) Kashi to Prayagraj
(c) Ayodhya to Gorakhpur (d) Prayagraj to Naini
Q97. The Hot Cooked Meal Scheme has been started in which of the following states?
(a) Madhya Pradesh (b) Rajasthan (c) Uttar Pradesh (d) none of these
Q98. Which of the following expressways is being developed as the country's first solar expressway?
(a) Bundelkhand Expressway (b) Yamuna (Agra-Noida) Expressway
(c) Purvanchal Expressway (d) Delhi-Meerut Expressway
Q99. Which of the following city of Uttar Pradesh has received the Centre’s ‘Water Warrior Award’?
(a) Noida (b) Ghaziabad (c) Allahabad (d) Lucknow
Q100. All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) Satellite Centre was recently inaugurated in which of the following
city of Uttar Pradesh?
(a) Kanpur (b) Allahabad (c) Lucknow (d) Ayodhya

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Answers Key
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (c) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (c)
9. (d) 10. (c) 11. (a) 12. (b) 13. (a) 14. (b) 15. (d) 16. (a)
17. (a) 18. (b) 19. (b) 20. (d) 21. (a) 22. (b) 23. (c) 24. (c)
25. (b) 26. (c) 27. (a) 28. (a) 29. (c) 30. (b) 31. (d) 32. (c)
33. (a) 34. (a) 35. (b) 36. (a) 37. (c) 38. (a) 39. (b) 40. (a)
41. (c) 42. (c) 43. (b) 44. (c) 45. (a) 46. (b) 47. (c) 48. (d)
49. (a) 50. (c) 51. (a) 52. (d) 53. (a) 54. (c) 55. (d) 56. (a)
57. (c) 58. (b) 59. (c) 60. (a) 61. (b) 62. (b) 63. (d) 64. (c)
65. (a) 66. (d) 67. (b) 68. (b) 69. (a) 70. (b) 71. (c) 72. (b)
73. (a) 74. (c) 75. (c) 76. (a) 77. (b) 78. (c) 79. (d) 80. (d)
81. (d) 82. (c) 83. (d) 84. (b) 85. (a) 86. (a) 87. (a) 88. (a)
89. (c) 90. (a) 91. (a) 92. (a) 93. (d) 94. (c) 95. (a) 96. (a)
97. (c) 98. (a) 99. (a) 100. (a)

Explanation
1. Ans: a
Explanation:
• Jacintha Kalyan became the first female pitch curator in the history of Indian cricket. Hence, option a is correct.
• She has contributed significantly to the creation of pitches for numerous domestic, international, and IPL
competitions at the KSCA alongside her male colleagues.
2. Ans: c
Explanation:
• India's position remained unchanged at 42 at the International IP Index 2024 compared to 2023, with no change
even on the index score which stood at 38.64% since 2022.
• The index ranks 55 countries on their intellectual property (IP) regime.
• It is released by the US Chamber of Commerce.
• It was the 12th edition of the Index. Hence, option c is correct.
3. Ans: b
Explanation:
• The Prime Minister of India laid the foundation stone for India's second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, a
coastal village in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district. Hence, option b is correct.
• It will serve as a launch pad for smaller satellites. And Sriharikota will be used for bigger and heavy launches.
• Rockets launched from Kulasekarapattinam can save fuel as it avoids the need for a special flight path. unlike a
PSLV rocket launched from Sriharikota.
4. Ans: c
Explanation:
• The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was launched by Indian Prime Minister in April 2023 in Mysuru
• Its headquarters will be in India.

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 UP Current Wallah: March 2024

• 16 countries of the world have given their approval to join this organization. Along with this, nine
international organizations of the world related to the conservation of Big Cat have also given their approval to
join the Alliance.
• The government also approved a one-time budgetary support of ₹150 crore for a multi-country, multi-agency
coalition of 96 major countries for a five-year period from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
• This initiative focuses on the protection and conservation of the seven major lion species tiger, lion, leopard, jaguar,
puma, snow leopard and cheetah. Tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard and cheetah are found in India. Hence, option
c is correct.
5. Ans: b
Explanation:
• The first transgender cultural and literary festival, organised by the social welfare department in Uttar Pradesh,
took place at the Bhagidari Bhawan, Lucknow. Hence, option b is correct.
o The Transgender Sahityik Evam Sanskritik Samaroh’ was a one day affair.
6. Ans: a
Explanation:
• In Uttar Pradesh’s health ranking dashboard, Varanasi has once again secured the first position with a 75 percent
score. Hence, option a is correct.
• This marks the district’s eighth consecutive first-place position in the health ranking dashboard for this financial
year.
7. Ans: b
Explanation:
• Bharti Enterprises founder and chairperson Sunil Mittal was awarded 'Knight Commander of the Most Excellent
Order of the British Empire' (KBE) .
o This is one of the biggest honors in Britain, through which honorary degrees are given to foreign citizens.
o Rabindranath Nath Tagore, the only Nobel laureate in Indian literature, was awarded knighthood
by the British government in 1915. However, two years later, Tagore returned his title by strongly
condemning the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Hence, option b is correct.
o Apart from this, Ratan Tata in 2009, Ravi Shankar in 2001 and Jamshed Irani in 1997 have been honored
with this award.
8. Ans: c
Explanation:
• On March 1 World Civil Defence Day and Zero Discrimination Day is observed. Hence, option c is correct.
• March 3 is World Wildlife Day.
9. Ans: d
Explanation:
• The Indian cabinet approved the country’s first semiconductor fab facility.
• The joint venture between Tata Electronics and Taiwan's Power Chip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation
(PSMC) will build a chip fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat with an investment of Rs 91,000 crore.
• It will be established in the Dholera region of Gujarat. Hence, option d is correct.
10. Ans: c
Explanation:
• UP will soon become the first state to have fire stations at tehsil level. Hence, option c is correct.

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 UP Current Wallah: March 2024

• Uttar Pradesh had seen the setting up of 73 fire stations in the last seven years.
11. Ans: a
Explanation:
• World Wildlife Day is observed annually on March 3.
• It serves as an opportunity to spotlight a specific theme relevant to wildlife conservation.
• Theme for 2024 "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife
Conservation." Hence, option a is correct.
12. Ans: b
Explanation:
• Exercise Samudra Laksamana is a naval exercise between Indian and Malaysian navies.
• The third edition of the exercise took place in Visakhapatnam. Hence, option b is correct.
• The exercise aims to strengthen bonds and enhance interoperability between the Indian and Royal Malaysian
Navy.
13. Ans: a
Explanation:
• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways inaugurated the first-ever Made-in-India 60T bollard pull tug
named ‘Ocean Grace’. Hence, option a is correct.
• The Ocean Grace is the first made in India ASTDS Tug developed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW.
14. Ans: b
Explanation:
• Beijing has been selected as the host city for the 2027 World Athletics Championships. Hence, option b is
correct.
o This will be the second time Beijing will host the World Athletics Championships, having previously
hosted the event in 2015.
15. Ans: d
Explanation:
• International Women's Day: 8th March
• Jan Aushadhi Diwas: 7th March
• Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day: 5th March
• National Safety Day: 4th March Hence, option d is correct.
16. Ans: a
Explanation:
• The Gonda Forest Department in Uttar Pradesh is partnering with Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India
to create a turtle conservation reserve in the Sarju River. Hence, option a is correct.
o The collaboration aims to protect and preserve the rich turtle diversity in the region, emphasizing the
importance of conservation efforts for these endangered species.
17. Ans: a
Explanation:
• The National Archives of India celebrated its 134th Foundation Day.
• The National Archives of India is an Attached Office under the Ministry of Culture.
• It was established on 11 March 1891 at Kolkata (Calcutta) as the Imperial Record Department. Hence, option a is
correct

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18. Ans: b
Explanation:
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of 'Ahom general' Lachit Borphukan in
Assam's Jorhat.
• It is named as the 'Statue of Valour’.
19. Ans: b
Explanation:
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the country's first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland
waterway vessel under the Harit Nauka initiative in Tamil Nadu. Hence, option b is correct.
• Hydrogen fuel cells can be used in a wide range of applications, including transportation, material handling,
stationary, portable, and emergency backup power applications.
20. Ans: d
Explanation:
Hydrogen fuel cells can be used in:
• The electrical systems on spacecraft and to supply electricity on earth.
• Electronic devices, such as laptop computers and cell phones
• Vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, trains, and planes
• Warehouse logistics, such as trucks, forklifts, and pallet jacks
• Backup power systems and mobile power generation. Hydrogen fuel cells can be used in many more other things.
Hence, option d is correct.
21. Ans: a
Explanation:
• France has become the first country in the world to explicitly include the right to abortion in its constitution.
Hence, option a is correct.
• Parliamentarians voted to revise the country's 1958 constitution to enshrine women's "guaranteed freedom" to abort.
22. Ans: b
Explanation:
• Uttar Pradesh launched the "Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA)" scheme. Hence, option
b is correct.
• It is aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship among the state's youth.
23. Ans: c
Explanation:
• Uttar Pradesh launched the "Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA)" scheme
• Under this scheme, the state government aims to prepare one lakh young entrepreneurs every year by providing
interest-free loans for projects of up to Rs 5 lakh.
• The government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore in the budget for the financial year 2024-25 to support this initiative.
Hence, option c is correct.
24. Ans: c
Explanation:
• Nagpur has become the first city in the country to take a decisive step towards sustainable development by
launching the Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP). Hence, option c is correct.
• The city’s plan will boost building sector decarbonization, thus contributing to India’s ‘net zero by 2070’ target.

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25. Ans: b
Explanation:
• Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to have 5 crore Ayushman Bharat card holders. Hence,
option b is correct
• The state is leading in implementing the scheme and has issued 1.94 crore cards through the ‘Ayushman Bhav’
campaign. Over 5,000 hospitals are enlisted for treatment.
26. Ans: c
Explanation:
• The department of telecommunication has rolled out a digital platform named Chakshu.
• It will allow individuals to flag calls and text messages by fraudsters, adding a layer of protection against faceless
criminals using tech to rob people of their money. Hence, option c is correct.
27. Ans: a
Explanation:
• India’s first indigenously developed 500-megawatt (mw) prototype fast breeder reactor has been inaugurated at
Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu. Hence, option a is correct.
28. Ans: a
Explanation:
• India's 1st Green Hydrogen Plant in Stainless Steel Sector has been inaugurated at Jindal Stainless Limited,
Hisar. Hence, option a is correct.
29. Ans: c
Explanation:
• The Agra Metro Rail Project has two corridors, with a total length of 29.4 km. The 13.7-km long first corridor
runs from Taj East Gate to Sikandra.
• It has six elevated and seven underground stations.
• The 15.7-km long second corridor runs from Agra Cantt to Kalindi Vihar. The entire corridor is elevated and
includes 14 metro stations.
• The station previously known as Agra Fort Station has been renamed to Dr. Ambedkar Chowk Metro Station.
Hence, option c is correct.
30. Ans: b
Explanation:
• The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved Green Hydrogen Policy, 2024, setting a target of one million metric tonnes
per annum production of green hydrogen by 2028.
• The policy that is valid for 5 years is expected to create 1.20 lakh jobs by 2028.
• The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) would be the nodal agency for
the implementation of the policy.
• Green Hydrogen projects will be provided a capital subsidy of 10% to 30% depending on the geographical area of
investment.
o The categorization of the subsidy would depend on the scale of the investment of the project. At the same
time, during the policy period, the first 5 investments (excluding Meerut division) in green hydrogen
projects will be provided a capital subsidy to the tune of 40% of the total investment amount with a ceiling
of ₹225 crore per project per year. Hence, option b is correct.

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31. Ans: d
Explanation:
• Green hydrogen is called so because the entire process to produce it is powered by renewable energy. It is used for
purposes like:
o Petroleum refinery,
o Manufacturing of ammonia,
o Heavy duty mobility etc.
32. Ans: c
Explanation:
• The Prime Minister of India inaugurated India's first underwater metro route in Kolkata, marking a significant
milestone in the country's infrastructure development.
33. Ans: a
Explanation:
• The Chief Minister of Kerala launches CSpace.
• It is India's first government- owned OTT platform. Hence, option a is correct.
34. Ans: a
Explanation:
• Mission Divyastra is the maiden flight test of the locally developed Agni-5 missile with multiple independently
targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology.
• It is the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 nuclear missile, with a range of 5,000 km and MIRV
technology.
• The missile uses a three-stage solid fuelled engine and has a range of more than 5,000km. Hence, option a is
correct.
35. Ans: b
Explanation:
• Ministers of Health from African countries with the highest burden of malaria recently signed the Yaounde
Declaration to end malaria deaths.
• It was signed by the health ministers of 11 African countries with the highest burden of malaria, committing to
accelerated action to end deaths from the malaria disease. Hence, option b is correct.
• Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria,
Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania are the signatories of the declaration.
36. Ans: a
Explanation:
• Nayab Saini is the new CM of Haryana.
• He is the BJP Lok Sabha MP from the Kurukshetra constituency. He is also the chief of the Haryana unit of the
BJP. He took the place of Manohar Lal Khattar, who recently resigned. Hence, option a is correct.
37. Ans: c
Explanation:
• The CAA amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide a path to Indian citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Christians,
Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis who migrated from neighboring Muslim-majority countries such as Pakistan,
Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, before December 31, 2014. Hence, option c is correct.

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 UP Current Wallah: March 2024

• Under the 2019 amendment of the act, migrants who entered India till December 31, 2014, and had suffered
“religious persecution or fear or religious persecution” in their country of their origin would be made eligible for
accelerated citizenship.
• The 2019 amendment to CAA further relaxed the residence requirement for naturalization of these migrants from
twelve years to just six.
38. Ans: a
Explanation:
• Nagpur has become the first city in the country to take a decisive step towards sustainable development by
launching the Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP). Hence, option a is correct.
o The city’s plan will boost building sector decarbonization, thus contributing to India’s ‘net zero by 2070’
target.
39. Ans: b
Explanation:
• France has become the first country in the world to explicitly include the right to abortion in its constitution.
Hence, option b is correct.
o The constitution of 1958 has been amended to give women "guaranteed freedom" to abort.
40. Ans: a
Explanation:
• B Sai Praneeth is a badminton player who announced his retirement from the sport. Hence, option a is correct.
• He is 31-year-old. He was the 2019 BWF World Championship Bronze Medallist.
41. Ans: c
Explanation:
• According to the Swedish think tank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the
world’s top arms importer for the period 2019-23 with imports having gone up by 4.7% compared to the period
2014-18.
• Although Russia remained India’s main arms supplier [accounting for 36% of its arms imports], this was the
first five-year period since 1960–64 when deliveries from Russia [or the Soviet Union prior to 1991] made up less
than half of India’s arms imports,” as per new data on international arms transfers from SIPRI released. Hence,
option c is correct.
42. Ans: c
Explanation:
• On 13th March 2024, the Prime Minister of India launched the ‘Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and Rozgar
Adharit Jankalyan’ (PM-SURAJ) national portal and sanctioned credit support to one lakh entrepreneurs of
disadvantaged sections.
• It is a transformative initiative, aimed at uplifting the most marginalised segments of society.
• The credit support will be provided to the eligible persons across the country, facilitated through banks, NBFC-
MFIs, and other organisation.
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the implementing agency. Hence, option c is correct.
43. Ans: b
Explanation:
• The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) has formulated a scheme “National Action for
Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem” (NAMASTE).

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• NAMASTE envisages identifying the Sewer/Septic Tank Workers (SSWs). Hence, option b is correct.
44. Ans: c
Explanation:
• World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year on 15 March. Hence, option c is correct.
• The day was inspired by the speech on consumer rights given by John F. Kennedy (former US President) while
speaking in the US Congress on 15 March 1962.
• Consumers International activist Anwar Fazal later proposed the day as World Consumer Rights Day.
• The theme of World Consumer Rights Day this year is 'Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers'
45. Ans: a
Explanation:
• The Human Development Index for the year 2023/24 was recently published by the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP). Hence, option a is correct.
• It analyzed 193 countries based on gross national income per capita, education, and life expectancy.
46. Ans: b
Explanation:
• India ranks 134th in the Human Development Index list out of 193 countries. Hence, option b is correct.
• After a decline in its HDI value in 2021 and a similar performance over the past few years, India's HDI value has
increased to 0.644 in 2022
• India saw improvements in all HDI indicators – life expectancy, education and gross national income (GNI). Life
expectancy per capita increased from 67.2 to 67.7 years, expected years of schooling reached 12.6, average
years of schooling increased to 6.57, and GNI per capita increased from US$6,542 to US$6,951.
47. Ans: c
Explanation:
• The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) released the Human Development Report 2023-2024
which shows the Gender Inequality Index 2022.
• India's score in Gender Inequality Index (GII) 2022 is 0.437 and India is ranked 108th out of 193 countries.
India's score in the Gender Inequality Index 2021 was 0.490 and was then ranked 122nd out of 191 countries.
• There has been a significant improvement of 14 ranks in this index in 2022 compared to 2021. Hence, option c is
correct.
48. Ans: d
Explanation:
• Rajiv Kumar is the current Chief Election Commissioner of India.
• Article 324 in the Indian Constitution gives power to the Election Commission to direct, control, and conduct
elections to all Parliament.
• Election Commission is an autonomous constitutional authority
• The Election Commission was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25th January 1950. Hence,
option d is correct.
49. Ans: a
Explanation:
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s Eat Right Station initiative is making significant
strides in ensuring access to safe and healthy food within these bustling hubs.

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• Till date 150 railway stations across the country have been certified as Eat Right Stations, marking a significant
milestone in the advancement of the Eat Right India movement, ensuring safe, hygienic, and nutritious food options
for millions of passengers who traverse the country's vast railway network. Hence, option a is correct.
50. Ans: c
Explanation:
• Six pioneering metro stations across the country have also joined the effort and have been accredited as Eat
Right Stations.
• Among these are Metro Stations at Noida Sector 51, Esplanade (Kolkata), IIT Kanpur, Botanical Garden (Noida)
and Noida Electronic City Metro Station. Hence, option c is correct.
51. Ans: a
Explanation:
• Nicaragua achieves a historic milestone by becoming the first Spanish-speaking nation to recognize the Indian
Pharmacopoeia (IP) as the official book of standards for drugs manufactured and marketed in India. Hence, option
a is correct.
52. Ans: d
Explanation:
• National Safety Day, observed annually on March 4
• World Water Day March 22
• International Women's Day March 8
• World Tuberculosis Day March 24 Hence, option d is correct.
53. Ans: a
Explanation:
• A sub-inspector named Suman Kumari has become the first woman sniper of the Border Security Force. Hence,
option a is correct.
• She recently completed an eight-week sniper course at Central School of Weapons and Tactics(CSWT) in Indore
and achieved 'instructor grade'.
54. Ans: c
Explanation:
• On 1 December 1965, India’s first line of defence, the Border Security Force (BSF) was formed. Hence, option c
is correct.
55. Ans: d
Explanation:
• Geographical indications can be used for a wide range of products, including agricultural products, foodstuffs,
wines, spirits, handicrafts, and industrial products. Hence, option d is correct.
• However, such products must possess specific qualities or characteristics attributable to their geographical origin.
56. Ans: a
Explanation:
• 'e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi is a digital gateway of Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA).
• It is launched by the ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Hence, option a is correct.

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57. Ans: c
Explanation:
• Cuttack’s renowned Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree) has secured the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the
Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.
• Narasapur crochet lace craft has secured a Geographical Indication (GI) tag it is from Andhra Pradesh, and the
craft was introduced in 1844 by Scottish missionaries. Hence, option c is correct.
58. Ans: b
Explanation:
• BioTRIG is a new waste management technology based on the pyrolysis system.
• It works by sealing the waste inside an oxygen-free chamber and heating it above 400 degrees Celsius. Useful
chemicals are produced in the process. Hence, option b is correct.
59. Ans: c
Explanation:
• Kohima, Nagaland government has announced a fully-funded universal life insurance scheme to mitigate financial
hardship due to the untimely demise of a family's breadwinner. Hence, option c is correct.
60. Ans: a
Explanation:
• India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) was inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Hence, option a is correct.
• The center is located near the Ganga River on the Patna University campus.
61. Ans: b
Explanation:
• In March 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir police launched Operation Kamdhenu to curb cattle smuggling.
• The operation’s goal is to catch the masterminds of cattle smuggling and to scrutinize their activities. Hence, option
b is correct.
62. Ans: b
Explanation:
• Indian author Amitav Ghosh has been awarded the prestigious Erasmus Prize 2024 by the Netherlands-based
Praemium Erasmianum Foundation for his significant contributions to the theme “imagining the unthinkable”
through his writings on the climate crisis and human interactions with nature. Hence, option b is correct.
63. Ans: d
Explanation:
• The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs inaugurated National Time Protocol (NTP) for dissemination of Indian
Standard Time in Mumbai.
• This will provide Uniform and precise time information with milliseconds accuracy and will also increase the cyber
security. Hence, option d is correct.
64. Ans: c
Explanation:
• The Shipra, also known as the Kshipra, is a river in Madhya Pradesh state. Hence, option c is correct.
• It is a perennial river and is considered as sacred as the Ganga River by the Hindus.
• It originates in the Vindhya Range from a hill called Kakri-Tekdi, which is in the north of Dhar and situated at
a distance of 11km from Ujjain.

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65. Ans: a
Explanation:
• A high-level committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind submitted its report on the feasibility of
holding simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies (also known as ‘one nation, one
election’) across the country. Hence, option a is correct.
• The report comprises 18,626 pages.
66. Ans: d
Explanation:
• The V-Dem Institute (Varieties of Democracy) was founded in 2014 by Staffan Lindberg. Staffan Lindberg
is a Swedish political expert. Hence, option d is correct.
• According to its 'Democracy Report 2024', India, ranked as an "electoral autocracy" in 2018, has further declined
on several metrics and emerged as "one of the worst autocracies".
• The V-Dem report classifies countries into four regime types based on their score in the Liberal Democratic Index
(LDI): Liberal Democracy, Electoral Democracy, Electoral Autocracy, and Closed Autocracy.
67. Ans: b
Explanation:
• Mumbai has won the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 title for the 42nd time. Mumbai won this title by defeating Vidarbha
by 169 runs in the final of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season. Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy title after 8 years.
Hence, option b is correct.
• The Mumbai team captured this trophy for a record 42nd time
68. Ans: b
Explanation:
• Recently the Academy Awards 2024 (96th Academy Awards) were presented, this award ceremony was held at
the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Hence, option b is correct.
• Directed by Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer won 7 awards at the awards show.
• Cillian Murphy was awarded the Best Actor award for the film Oppenheimer.
• 'Barbie' has won the award for original song. Billie Eilish and Finneas have won the award for the song 'What Was
I Made For?'
69. Ans: a
Explanation:
• President Draupadi Murmu has appointed Shri A.S. Rajeev as the Vigilance Commissioner in the Central
Vigilance Commission by exercise of powers vested in her under Section 4(1) of the Central Vigilance
Commission Act, 2003. Hence, option a is correct.
• A.S. Rajeev is a senior banker with over 38 years of experience in four major banks namely Syndicate Bank, Indian
Bank, Vijaya Bank and Bank of Maharashtra.
• The Central Vigilance Commission is an apex Indian government body established in 1964. The Central Vigilance
Commission Act, 2003 provides for the appointment of one Central Vigilance Commissioner and two Vigilance
Commissioners. The term of office of a Vigilance Commissioner is four years or until the incumbent attains the
age of 65 years.

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70. Ans: b
Explanation:
• The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional body responsible for administering the free
and fair election system and process of Union and State elections in India to maintain the true spirit of democracy.
Hence, option b is correct.
• Part XV, Articles 324 - 329 deals with the powers, functions, tenure, eligibility, etc. of the Commission and
members.
• Article 324 of the Indian Constitution provides for an independent Election Commission for 'the superintendence,
direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections' in India. Hence, option b is
correct.
• Since its inception, the Commission had only one Election Commissioner but after the Election Commissioner
Amendment Act 1989, it has been made a multi-member body. As per Art. 324 of the Indian Constitution provides
the following provisions regarding the composition of the Election Commission –
o The Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election
Commissioners as may be determined by the President.
o The President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
o The Chief Election Commissioner acts as the Chairman of the Election Commission when other Election
Commissioners are appointed.
o The President can also appoint regional commissioners after consultation with the Elections Commission.
71. Ans: c
Explanation:
• Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu have assumed charge as Election Commissioners in the
Election Commission of India. Hence, option c is correct.
• Sukhbir Singh Sandhu is of Punjab origin and has been the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and Chairman of
NHAI. Gyanesh Kumar is a 1988 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre and has been posted in the Home Ministry.
• The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners hold office for 6 years or until they attain the
age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. They can resign at any time by addressing their resignation to the President.
The President can remove any Commissioner following the procedure provided in the Constitution.
72. Ans: b
Explanation:
• All-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been chosen as the best cricketer of New Zealand. He won the Sir Richard
Hadlee Medal. Hence, option b is correct.
• This medal is given to a New Zealand cricketer for his best performance in a calendar year. He is the youngest
player to win this award.
73. Ans: a
Explanation:
• The 66th meeting of Network Planning Group (NPG) was held under the chairpersonship of Additional
Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in NewDelhi.
• It is to evaluate three projects from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and two projects from
the Ministry of Railways (MoR).
• The first project from MoRTH pertains to the up-gradation of NH 216H in Andhra Pradesh. This Brownfield project
spans approximately 120.85 kms, connecting Pedana to Laxmipuram.

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• The second project from MoRTH relates to providing a bypass around Indore city. The project, spanning 141 km
through Dhar, Indore, and Dewas districts of Madhya Pradesh is a greenfield project.
• The third project is a ring road of approximately 64 kms, around Guwahati city. The proposal includes an elevated
structure at Jorabat and a new bridge across Brahmaputra. Hence, option a is correct.
74. Ans: c
Explanation:
• The Uttar Pradesh government approved a 5-year green hydrogen policy with a goal to produce one million
metric tonnes annually by 2028. Hence, option c is correct.
• Industries established within this period will receive subsidies and incentives totalling Rs 5,045 crore, with
discounts ranging from 10 to 40 percent on capital expenditure.
75. Ans: c
Explanation:
• World Hearing Day is an annual global advocacy event for raising awareness regarding hearing loss and
promoting ear and hearing care. Each year it is celebrated on 3 March.
• This year’s theme, set by the World Health Organization, emphasizes “Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and
hearing care a reality for all.” Hence, option c is correct.
76. Ans: a
Explanation:
• Keyi Panyor becomes 26th district of Arunachal Pradesh. Hence, option a is correct.
• The new district, which was demanded by the people of the Nyishi community for long, will have its headquarters at Ter
Gapin-Sam Sarth.
77. Ans: b
Explanation:
• A Green Propulsion System, developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of DRDO, has
successfully demonstrated in-orbit functionality on a payload launched by PSLV C-58 mission.
• This project - 1N Class Green Monopropellant thruster for altitude control and orbit keeping of micro satellite -
was sanctioned to a Bengaluru-based start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd (Development Agency).
• This innovative technology has resulted in non-toxic and environment-friendly propulsion system for low orbit
space.
• It is ideal for space mission with high thrust requirements.
78. Ans: c
Explanation:
• Technology Development Fund (TDF) has been established to promote self-reliance in defence technology as a
part of the 'Make in India' initiative.
• It is a flagship programme of MoD (Ministry of Defence) executed by DRDO meeting the requirements of Tri-
Services, Defence Production and DRDO.
• The scheme encourages participation of public/private industries especially MSMEs to create an eco-system for
enhancing cutting edge technology capability for defence application.
79. Ans: d
Explanation:
• The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Kalki Dham Temple located in Aichhoda Kamboh in Sambhal
district in Uttar Pradesh.

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• The birthplace of Kalki avatar is expected to be Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh.

80. Ans: d
Explanation:
• Recently, the President of India inaugurated the 37th Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Surajkund, Haryana.
• This fair is both an art exhibition and a business centre.
• Tanzania is the partner nation for this year’s Mela.
81. Ans: d
Explanation:
• Woman Robot Astronaut "Vyommitra" will fly into Space ahead of ISRO's ambitious “Gaganyaan" mission, which
will be India’s first human manned Space Flight carrying Indian Astronauts into Space.
• The uncrewed "Vyommitra" Mission is scheduled for the third quarter of this year.
• “Vyommitra” is a name derived from two Sanskrit words namely, “Vyoma” (meaning Space) and “Mitra” (meaning
Friend).
• "Vyommitra" Astronaut is designed in such a manner so as to simulate human functions in the Space environment
and interact with the Life Support System.
82. Ans: c
Explanation:
• ISRO's ambitious “Gaganyaan" mission will be India’s first human manned Space Flight carrying Indian Astronauts
into Space.
• The Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human space capabilities by launching a crew of astronauts into
an orbit of 400 Kilometres and then bringing back these human astronauts safely to earth by landing them in India's
sea waters.
• It is scheduled to be launched next year, that is 2025.
83. Ans: d
Explanation:
• Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi took oath as judicial member of Lokpal. The Lokpal of India is headed by Justice A.M.
Khanvilkar administered the oath to him. Hence, option d is correct.
• Justice Ritu Raj previously served as the Chairperson of the 22nd Law Commission of India.
• He has also been the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court. Pankaj Kumar and Ajay Tirkey took oath as Lokpal
members.
84. Ans: b
Explanation:
• According to a report by Brand Finance Insurance 100 2024, insurance giant Life Insurance Corporation of India
(LIC) has emerged as the strongest insurance brand globally. Hence, option b is correct.
• The report said LIC's brand value remains stable at US$9.8 billion, with a Brand Strength Index score of 88.3 and
an associated AAA brand strength rating.
85. Ans: a
Explanation:
• The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has recently recognized ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 landing site as 'Shiv
Shakti' point.
• PM Modi named the Chandrayaan-3 landing site as 'Shiv Shakti' on August 26, 2023. It is noteworthy that Vikram
lander of Chandrayaan-3 had landed on the South Pole of the Moon on 23 August 2023.

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 UP Current Wallah: March 2024

• India became the first country to make a soft landing on the South Pole of the Moon.
86. Ans: a
Explanation:
• Since 2011, National Voters’ Day (NVD) has been celebrated on January 25 every year, across the country
to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, i.e. 25th January 1950. Hence, option a is
correct.
• The main purpose of the NVD celebration is to create electoral awareness amongst citizens and encourage them to
participate in the electoral process.
• Dedicated to the voters of the country, the National Voters' Day is also used to facilitate enrolment of voters,
especially the newly eligible young voters.
• New voters are felicitated and handed over their Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) in the NVD functions held
across the country.
• NVD is celebrated at the national, state, district, constituency and polling booth levels, which makes it one of the
largest celebrations in the country
87. Ans: a
Explanation:
• The 37th Surajkund Mela or Surajkund International Craft fair took place in Faridabad, Haryana. Hence, option
a is correct.
• The Surajkund Mela is unique as it showcases the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural
fabric of India, & is the largest crafts fair in the world.
• Surajkund Crafts Mela was hosted for the first time in 1987.
• Gujarat was the ‘Theme State’ this year.
88. Ans: a
Explanation:
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal district, Uttar
Pradesh. Hence, option a is correct.
• Shri Kalki Dham is being constructed by Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust whose chairman is Acharya Pramod
Krishnam.
89. Ans: c
Explanation:
• The Gonda Forest Department in Uttar Pradesh is partnering with Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation
India to create a turtle conservation reserve in the Sarju River. Hence, option c is correct.
• The collaboration aims to protect and preserve the rich turtle diversity in the region emphasizing the importance
of conservation efforts for these endangered species.
90. Ans: a
Explanation:
• Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune officially inaugurated the Grand Mosque of Algiers, also known as
Djamaa El-Djazair.
• The Grand Mosque of Algiers is the world’s third-largest mosque and features the world’s tallest minaret at 869
feet (265 meters). Hence, option a is correct.
91. Ans: a
Explanation:

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 UP Current Wallah: March 2024

• The Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO), an international mega-science project that will serve as the
largest radio telescope in the world, will now include scientists from India.
• SKAO was established as an intergovernmental organization in 2021.The SKAO is an array of thousands of
antennas that will be placed in isolated, radio-quiet areas of Australia and South Africa.
• Its Headquarters are located in the United Kingdom. Hence, option a is correct.
92. Ans: a
Explanation:
• The 82nd Session of Indian History Congress (IHC) took place at Kakatiya University in Warangal, Telangana.
Hence,option a is correct.
• It is the largest professional and academic body of Indian historians with a
• membership of over 35000 historians; it is the oldest national organisation of Indian historians.
• It was established under the name of Modern History Congress, with its first session being held at Poona in
1935.
93. Ans: d
Explanation:
• Sachin Jain was appointed as the new CEO of the World Gold Council for India in February 2024.
• The World Gold Council headquarters are in London.
• It was established in 1987. Hence, option d is correct.
94. Ans: c
Explanation:
• February 29 marks Rare Disease Day, highlighting awareness and support for those with rare medical
conditions.
• The 2024 theme, “Share Your Colours,” emphasizes collaboration for individuals facing rare diseases. Hence,
option c is correct.
95. Ans: a
Explanation:
• 'Vikramaditya Vedic Clock' based on the Indian ‘panchang’ in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain city.
• Ujjain has been considered the centre of time calculation. Moreover, the Tropic of Cancer also passes through the
city. Hence, option a is correct.
96. Ans: a
Explanation:
• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the state's first intra-district helicopter service.
• This helicopter service was started from Bateshwar in Agra to Govardhan in Mathura. Hence, option a is correct.
97. Ans: c
Explanation:
• Uttar Pradesh Hot Cooked Meal Scheme is a government scheme to provide hot meals to children in
Anganwadi centers in Uttar Pradesh.
• The scheme was launched in 2023 and aims to promote the physical and mental development of children by
providing them nutritious food. Hence, option c is correct.
98. Ans: a
Explanation:

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 UP Current Wallah: March 2024

• Bundelkhand Expressway in Uttar Pradesh is all set to become the first greenfield expressway to be fully
dependent on solar power. Hence, option a is correct.
• The 296 km four-lane expressway has been constructed at a cost of around 14,850 crore, under the aegis of Uttar
Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), and can later be expanded upto six lanes as
well.
99. Ans: (a)
Explanation:
• Noida has been honored as a “water warrior” city by the Union water ministry for outstanding efforts in
wastewater treatment and reuse. Hence, option a is correct.
• Currently, eight STPs operate in Noida and have a total capacity of 411 MLD (million litres daily). These plants
currently treat 260MLD of sewage. Of this, 70-75 MLD is utilised for various purposes such as irrigation of green
belt parks, golf courses, wetlands; construction activities; firefighting; pond maintenance; and sprinkling on roads.
100. Ans: a
Explanation:
• All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) Satellite Centre was recently inaugurated in Kanpur. Hence,
option a is correct.
• It is the first such state-of-the-art centre in North India which will not only train doctors but also provide care
to people.

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