CurrentTap - 1st To 31st August 2023 Lyst8940

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Contents
1 GA IN NEWS ........................................................................................................................................9
FIRST IN NEWS.......................................................................................................................................9
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES ...............................................................................................................13
SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES ...........................................................................................................19
MOUs AND AGREEMENTS ...................................................................................................................21
BANKING AND FINANCE .....................................................................................................................27
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ...................................................................................................................29
DEFENCE ...............................................................................................................................................33
ENVIRONMENT ....................................................................................................................................36
SPORTS ..................................................................................................................................................37
AWARDS................................................................................................................................................41
APPOINTMENT .....................................................................................................................................44
PERSONS IN NEWS...............................................................................................................................45
BOOKS AND AUTHORS ........................................................................................................................48
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS ........................................................................................................................49
PLACES IN NEWS .................................................................................................................................50
DAYS IN NEWS......................................................................................................................................51
MISCELLANEOUS .................................................................................................................................53
2 GA + ESI.............................................................................................................................................57
.......................................................................................................57
SOCIAL SECTOR IN INDIA - HEALTH..................................................................................................57
2.1 Government and Private Medical Institute Regulation ..............................................................57
2.2 Indian Council of Medical Research – India Diabetes (ICMR INDIAB) Study ..............................58
2.3 Lecture on "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”........................................................................58
2.4 National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) ......................59
2.5 India Health Dialogue Initiative ...................................................................................................59
2.6 Port Health Organisation (PHO) ..................................................................................................59
2.7 India Health Dialogue Initiative ...................................................................................................60
2.8 Affordable Mental Health Services .............................................................................................60
2.9 13th Indian Organ Donation Day ................................................................................................61
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2.10 Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative for Lymphatic Filariasis ..................61
2.11 Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) ..................................................................................61
2.12 Fourth National Conference of ERMED Consortium ...............................................................62
2.13 Population Control Measures ..................................................................................................62
2.14 Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) ................................................................................63
SOCIAL SECTORS IN INDIA – EDUCATION ........................................................................................64
2.15 Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav Camping ...................................................................................64
2.16 ISLRTC sign MoU with NIOS .....................................................................................................64
2.17 Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 ...........................................................64
2.18 Study in India (SII) Portal .........................................................................................................67
2.19 National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) ............................................67
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ....................................................68
2.20 Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) ........................................................................................68
2.21 ‘Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar’ campaign ...........................................................................69
2.22 Share of green energy in airports ............................................................................................69
2.23 75@75 Ramsar Sites ................................................................................................................69
2.24 Revised Biomass Policy ............................................................................................................70
2.25 Clearances in Eco Sensitive Zones and Protected Areas .........................................................70
2.26 Mission LiFE .............................................................................................................................71
2.27 City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0) ......................................71
2.28 Western Ghats Spatial Decision Support System (WGSDSS) ..................................................71
2.29 Improvement In Groundwater Level .......................................................................................72
2.30 Accredited Compensatory Afforestation (ACA) ......................................................................72
2.31 Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Panchayats ..............................................73
2.32 Mission Amrit Sarovar .............................................................................................................74
2.33 Solar-Demonstration Projects in Africa by International Solar Alliance (ISA) .........................74
2.34 Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan-2023 ...............................................................................................75
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN INDIA .............................................................................................76
2.35 Udyam Registration Portal ......................................................................................................76
2.36 Transforming Lives, Building Futures: Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in North-East
76
2.37 North East Venture Fund .........................................................................................................77
2.38 Standing committee on Statistics (SCoS) .................................................................................78
2.39 Government e-Marketplace ....................................................................................................78
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2.40 e-shram Portal .........................................................................................................................79
2.41 Stockholm Water Week 2023 ..................................................................................................80
2.42 National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)..............................81
SOCIAL JUSTICE ....................................................................................................................................82
2.43 The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 .....................................................82
2.44 WELFARE OF EX-SERVICEMEN .................................................................................................82
2.45 Digital Life Certificate Campaign 2.0 .......................................................................................82
2.46 Awareness Initiatives by National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation
(NSKFDC) ................................................................................................................................................83
2.47 Eradication of Manual Scavengers ..........................................................................................84
2.48 Tele-Law 2.0 .............................................................................................................................84
MEASUREMENT OF GROWTH ............................................................................................................85
2.49 National Statistical Commission (NSC) ....................................................................................85
2.50 Per Capita Income....................................................................................................................85
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS /REGIONAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION ..............86
2.51 Group of Twenty (G20) ............................................................................................................86
2.52 20th ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ Meeting ....................................................................87
2.53 5th India-Vietnam Joint Trade Sub-Commission meeting.......................................................88
2.54 Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) ..............................................................88
INDIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM ...............................................................................................................91
2.55 E-Governance System ..............................................................................................................91
2.56 Ayush (AY) visa .........................................................................................................................91
2.57 Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023 .................................................................91
2.58 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign ..........................................................................................93
2.59 e-Courts Integrated Mission Mode Project .............................................................................93
2.60 Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 ...................93
2.61 National Dental Commission Bill, 2023 ...................................................................................94
2.62 Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023..............................................................................95
2.63 Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 .........................................................96
2.64 Increased allocation of funds under NDRF/SDRF ....................................................................97
2.65 Consumer Welfare Fund ..........................................................................................................97
2.66 Lakhpati Didis and Drone Ki Udaan .........................................................................................98
2.67 National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) .................................98
2.68 Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023 ...............................99
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2.69 Progress of Virtual Courts ......................................................................................................100
2.70 22nd LAW COMMISSION OF INDIA .......................................................................................100
2.71 President Signs Off On 4 New Laws .......................................................................................101
2.72 eCourts Project ......................................................................................................................101
2.73 Western Zonal Council Meeting ............................................................................................102
GLOBALIZATION ................................................................................................................................103
2.74 G20 (Group of twenty) meetings ...........................................................................................103
2.75 G20 Side Events .....................................................................................................................104
2.76 G20 Side Events .....................................................................................................................105
2.77 Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform under US - India Strategic Clean Energy
Partnership...........................................................................................................................................106
2.78 Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS)- 2023 ........................................................................107
2.11 Implementation Arrangement ...................................................................................................107
2.12 1st Joint Call for proposals under the MeitY- National Science Foundation (NSF) ................108
2.13 Cabinet approves MRA between India and Australia ...........................................................108
2.14 ASEAN-INDIA Science and Technology Development Fund (GC-AISTDF-8) ..........................109
2.15 G20 (Group of twenty) Side Event .........................................................................................110
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA .........................................................................................111
2.16 Indian Railway Industry .........................................................................................................111
2.17 Government e-marketplace (GeM) .......................................................................................111
2.18 Indian Space Industry ............................................................................................................112
2.19 Electricity Generation ............................................................................................................112
2.20 Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) .....................................................................113
2.21 Piped Natural Gas ..................................................................................................................113
2.22 India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) .........................................................................114
2.23 Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 .................114
2.24 Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)...................................................................................115
2.25 Role of MSME Sector in the Country .....................................................................................116
2.26 Industrial Corridor Projects ...................................................................................................116
2.27 Indian Space Policy -2023 ......................................................................................................117
2.28 Vehicle Scrapping Policy ........................................................................................................118
2.29 Self-Certification of Solar Inverters .......................................................................................119
2.30 Railway Infrastructure ...........................................................................................................119
2.31 Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) ........................................................................................120
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2.32 Sagar Parikrama Phase VIII ....................................................................................................120
MONETARY AND FISCAL POLICY .....................................................................................................121
2.33 Income Tax Returns (ITR) Data ..............................................................................................121
2.34 Recommendations of 51st GST Council Meeting ..................................................................122
2.35 India’s Rising Prosperity.........................................................................................................122
2.36 Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and National Council of Applied
Economic Research (NCAER) ...............................................................................................................123
MEASUREMENT OF GROWTH ..........................................................................................................123
2.37 Roadmap to making India a $5 trillion economy ..................................................................123
2.38 Estimates of Gross Domestic Product for the First Quarter (April-June) of 2023-24 ...........124
BANKING SYSTEM IN INDIA .............................................................................................................125
2.39 Deposits and Advances of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) ..........................................................125
2.40 Reporting of Overseas Investments ......................................................................................125
2.41 Fixed Interest Rate Regime Vs Floating Interest Rate Regime ..............................................126
..............................................................................................127
SOCIAL SECTORS IN INDIA – EDUCATION ......................................................................................127
2.42 Smart India Hackathon 2023 .................................................................................................127
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ..................................................127
2.43 National Carbon Registry .......................................................................................................127
2.44 Climate Change and Health Hub............................................................................................128
2.45 MoUs to fastrack SDGs ..........................................................................................................128
2.46 ADB, Fourth Partner Energy to build solar power unit in Tamil Nadu ..................................128
2.47 Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment and Climate Change (KDMECC)
129
MONETARY AND FISCAL POLICY .....................................................................................................130
2.48 Fiscal Deficit ...........................................................................................................................130
2.49 Windfall Tax ...........................................................................................................................130
MEASUREMENT OF GROWTH ..........................................................................................................131
2.50 Amrit Generation Campaign: Naye Bharat Ke Sapne ............................................................131
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN INDIA ...........................................................................................131
2.51 Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) .......................................................................131
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2.52 ‘She Leads Bharat: Udyam’ ....................................................................................................132
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS /REGIONAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION ............132
2.53 New Development Bank (NDB) .............................................................................................132
2.54 Interpol Global Academy Network ........................................................................................133
2.55 Asian Development Bank (ADB) ............................................................................................133
GLOBALIZATION ................................................................................................................................134
2.56 7th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility...................................................................134
2.57 Namaste Vietnam Festival 2023 ............................................................................................134
2.58 The UN Child Rights Committee guidance-General Comment No.26 ...................................135
PUBLIC FINANCE - POLITICAL ECONOMY - - SERVICES SECTOR IN INDIA. ................................135
2.59 Digi Yatra ................................................................................................................................135
3 GA + FINANCE ................................................................................................................................136
..................................................................................136
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MARKET .............................................................................................136
3.1 Standards for performance audit of PMS players ....................................................................136
3.2 OFS for units of private listed InvITs via stock exchange mechanism ......................................136
3.3 Corp bonds trades via RFQ platform by FPIs ............................................................................137
3.4 Timeline for listing of IPOs ........................................................................................................137
3.5 Zerodha gets final approval to launch mutual fund business ...................................................137
3.6 Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) ..............................................................................................138
3.7 Integration of NPS with CAS ......................................................................................................139
3.8 HDFC Group launches life insurance, asset management services from GIFT IFSC .................139
3.9 Disclosure Norms for FPIs Holding High Indian Equity AUM ....................................................140
FINANCIAL INCLUSION .....................................................................................................................140
3.10 Niveshak Sarathi ....................................................................................................................140
BANKING SYSTEM IN INDIA .............................................................................................................141
3.11 Depositor Education & Awareness Fund ...............................................................................141
3.12 Wilful defaulters ....................................................................................................................141
FINTECH..............................................................................................................................................142
3.13 UPI Chalega 3.0 ......................................................................................................................142
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3.14 ‘Falcon’- India’s Own Blockchain-Backed Open-Source Project............................................142
3.15 ALT ID solution .......................................................................................................................142
3.16 Aadhaar-based Payment System (ABPS) ...............................................................................143
RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN FINANCIAL SECTOR ..........................................................................143
3.17 Zee-Sony Merger ...................................................................................................................143
3.18 Rules for computing income from high-premium life insurance ..........................................144
3.19 International Finance Corporation (IFC) ................................................................................144
3.20 Section 43A of the Competition Act, 2002 ............................................................................144
3.21 Amendments to reinsurance regulations ..............................................................................145
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1 GA IN NEWS
FIRST IN NEWS
Place / Developed by /
S.No News Key Facts
Launched
• University will be set up with total

sanctioned cost of Rs.643.34 crore.
• Will be on the lines of the National
Sports University Bill, 2017.
First National Sports University
1. To be set up at Imphal (Manipur) • This will be a specialised University,
in India
to promote sports education in the
areas of sports sciences, sports
technology, sports management
and sports coaching.
India’s first Indigenously

developed, Affordable, Developed by: Voxelgrids Innovations Pvt
lightweight, Ultrafast, High Field Ltd
2. Launched at: New Delhi.
(1.5 Tesla), Next Generation Developed under: National Biopharma
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mission of Department of Biotechnology
(MRI) Scanner
Virtual platform for customers to

India’s first bank to provide 24x7
3. AU Small Finance Bank communicate with a video banker in
video banking service
real time via video calls
MOU between The International Union

for Conservation of Nature’s Species
Survival Commission (SSC) and the
First-ever regional Center for Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
4. Species Survival (CSS) in South India
Asia Aim: To enhance conservation efforts
by wildlife experts and specialist groups
and safeguard the rich biodiversity of
India.
In ITC one commander takes unified

command of the three services for
security concerns in a geographical
theatre and he has the power to deploy
all the military resources efficiently and
Jaipur (The Army’s Southern Western quickly.
India’s 1st Integrated Theatre
5. Command) and Lucknow (The Central
Command (ITC) Jaipur ITC and Lucknow ITC will serve as
Command)
headquarters to safeguard borders with
Pakistan and China respectively.
The maritime ITC is likely to be in

Karnataka and will be under naval
command.
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Additional Information: India’s first tri-service command—the Andaman and
Nicobar Command.
AU Small Finance Bank Limited (AU

First bank in India to offer 24X7 Bank) is the largest Small Finance Bank
6. for 365 days video banking AU Small Finance Bank (SFB) in the country.
facility to all its customers.
Headquarter: Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The debit cards will come in r-PVC

First Indian bank to launch an
7. Airtel Payments Bank material, a certified eco-friendly
eco-friendly debit card.
material.
Devika River in Udhampur, Jammu and Objective: The idea is to protect river's
North India's first River Kashmir sanctity.
8.
Rejuvenation Project Devika
Constructed by UEED. Built on the lines of Namami Ganga.
The first commercial building used 3D

India's first 3D printed Post printing technology.
Developed by: Larsen and Toubro
9. Office at Cambridge Layout, 3D printing technology saves cost by
Construction
Bengaluru, Karnataka 30-40% when compared with
conventional construction methods.
The first-of-its-kind Green Hydrogen

Mobility Project at 11,562 ft is co-
located with dedicated Solar plant of
Place: Leh, Union Territory of Ladakh 1.7 MW for providing renewable power.
Developed by: National Thermal Power A unique feature of project is that fuel
India's first-ever deployment of Corporation Limited (NTPC) cell buses are designed for operation in
10. sub-zero temperatures in rarefied
hydrogen buses on public roads.
atmosphere, which is typical for high
altitude locations.
Additional Information: New Delhi is the next in line to get a Hydrogen Fuel Cell bus
by NTPC.
NTPC is committed to achieving 60 GW of Renewable Energy capacity by 2032.
Place: Tamil Nadu The testing centre would enable the

India’s first Unmanned Aerial
State to be a significant contributor to
11. Systems (Drone) Common Developed by: Tamil Nadu Industrial the self-reliance of the country in the
Testing Centre. Development Corporation (TIDCO) aerospace and defence sectors.
First Indian state to offer free in

12. vitro fertilization (IVF) Goa --
treatment.
Parminder Chopra appointed as

First woman to lead Power
13. -- Chairman and Managing Director
Finance Corporation
(CMD).
Tamil Nadu government and Racing The first-ever street circuit in India and
14.
Promotions Private Limited (RRPL) South Asia that will be hosting a night
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race.
India's first-ever night street Track length is 3.5 kilometer.
racing circuit in Chennai, Tamil
Nadu Additional Information: The newly launched track is set to host a couple of events -
the F4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League on December 9-10.
Pibot can fly an aero plane just like a

human pilot and remembers global
World’s first humanoid pilot: Developed by: Korea Advanced Institute flight charts for accurate navigation.
15.
‘Pibot’ of Science & Technology (KAIST) It uses artificial intelligence and
robotics to understand flight manuals
and control the plane in real-time.
India’s first village atlas at It is a biodiversity atlas of Mayem

16. Goa
Mayem village in North Goa. village.
Developed by: The Central Mechanical

Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), --
Durgapur, West Bengal
India’s first indigenous e-Tractor Additional Information: The mantra of 5 S’s, - Showcasing, Stakeholders, Startups,
17.
“CSIR Prima ET11” Synergizing and Strategizing Industry linkage for the success of R&D conducted at
Government run scientific laboratories.
The CSIR-CMERI will be celebrating the theme-based campaign “One Week One Lab”
from 11-15 September 2023.
India’s first public sector bank to

extend the facility of execution
of online locker agreement
18. through the Digital Document Indian Bank --
Execution (DDE) platform of
National E-Governance Services
Limited (NeSL).
Place: Hanle in Eastern Ladakh’s

Demchok sector. The road is at a height of 19,400 ft in
World's new highest motorable Developed by: Border Roads Organisation Mig La.
19. road ‘Likaru-Mig La-Fukche’ is (BRO)
being constructed in Ladakh.
Additional Information: Umling La in Ladakh at a height of 19,024 ft holds the record
of being the highest motorable road in the world
It is the story of a rural family from

Bihar who is economically devastated
First Indian short film to reach
by Covid 19 pandemic.
to the semifinals for Oscar’s
20. Directed by: Ranjan Umakrishnan
Students Academy Awards - Movie has been made in Bajjika dialect
Champaran Mutton of Bihar.
Mutton is just used as a metaphor.
India's first open-source, open- Launched by: The Telangana government, The software platform facilitates a
standard, and inter-operable in collaboration with the World Economic secure, standards-based exchange of
21.
Agricultural Data Exchange Forum and the Indian Institute of Science data between agricultural data users
(ADeX) (IISc) in Hyderabad. and agricultural data providers.
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Also launched Agriculture Data
Management Framework (ADMF) - a
framework for facilitating consent-
based responsible data sharing.
Goa’s provision of free IVF service

First state in India to give free In Launched by: Goa alleviates financial burdens for those in
22. vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment need of such treatment.
Inaugurated at: Chief Minister at the Goa
in Govt. Hospital Medical College (GMC) in Bambolim. Facility is funded through corporate
social responsibility (CSR) contributions.
.32 bore revolver can hit targets

accurately up to 50 metres range. It
weighs 675 grams (excluding
cartridges). It has a chrome plated
barrel length of 76 mm, and an overall
India’s first long-range side Manufactured by: Advanced Weapons length of 187.7 mm.
23.
swing revolver 'Prabal' and Equipment India (AWEIL), Kanpur Key feature is the incorporation of a
side swing out cylinder that eliminates
the need to fold the firearm for
cartridge insertion, simplifying the
reloading process and enhancing user
convenience.
Chandrayaan-3 launched using Launch

Vehicle Mark-3 (LMV3) rocket system
Lander: Vikram, Rover: Pragyan
Mission Life: One lunar day (14 Earth

days)
Project Director – P Veeramuthuvel
Mission Director – S Mohana Kumar

Indian Space Research Organisation
India became the first country to (ISRO) Payloads: RAMBHA (Radio Anatomy of
do soft landing on the South Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere
Pole of Moon's surface through and Atmosphere), ChaSTE (Chandra’s
Chandrayaan-3 Surface Thermo physical Experiment),
24. ILSA (Instrument for Lunar Seismic
(Fourth country to do soft
landing on Moon, after the Activity), LRA (Laser Retroreflector
United States of America, the Array), APXS (Alpha Particle X-Ray
former Soviet Union and China) Spectrometer), SHAPE (Spectro-
polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth)
Additional Information:
• Chandrayaan-3 landing point will be known as ‘‘Shiv Shakti”. The point where
Chandrayaan 2 had crash landed will now be called ‘Tiranga point’.
• India’s Lunar Missions: Chandrayaan-1 (2008), Chandrayaan-2 (2019)
• Chairman of ISRO: S. Somanath
Jawahar Point or Jawahar Sthal: site where the Moon Impact Probe (MIP) of the
Chandrayaan-1 hard landed on lunar surface.
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The ‘Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit
India's first co-brand hotel Launched by: HDFC Bank and Marriott
25. Card' will run on Diners Club, which is a
credit card Bonvoy International part of the Discover Global Network.
At Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant Unit-3

India’s first largest indigenous Developed by: Nuclear Power in Gujarat.
26.
Nuclear Power Plant Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
It is of 700 Megawatt capacity.
These ships are designed to

DSC A 20’ (Yard 325), the first
Developed by: M/s Titagarh Rail Systems undertake operational/ training diving
27. ship of Five (05) Diving Support
Ltd (TRSL), Kolkata operations in harbours and coastal
Craft (DSC) project.
waters.
First Indian private life insurer

to launch a 24X7 inbound The call centre will offer before and
28. --
contact centre- SBI Life after sales services to consumers.
Insurance
The school will utilizes Artificial

India's first ever Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and advanced
29. Intelligence (AI) School- Opened at: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala technological systems to enhance the
Santhigiri Vidyabhavan
learning experience for students.
Geetika Srivastava has been appointed

as the new Charge d’Affaires (CDA) of
Indian high commission in Islamabad .
She will succeed Dr M Suresh Kumar.

First Woman To Lead Indian
30. Mission In Pakistan- Geetika She is currently serving as the joint
--
Srivastava secretary (Indo-Pacific) in the Ministry
of External Affairs.
Saad Warraich has succeeded Salman

Sharif as Pakistani chargé d’affaires in
New Delhi
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
Initiatives / Programs in
S.No Launched by / Developed by Key Facts
News
1. Comprehensive Highway
'Rajmargyatra' mobile Information: Real-time weather
application conditions, timely broadcast
notifications, details about nearby
National Highways Authority of India toll plazas, petrol pumps, hospitals,
1.
(NHAI) hotels, and other essential services.
2. Hassle-Free Complaint Redressal:
users can easily report highway-
related issues, attaching geo-tagged
videos or photos for better clarity.
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3. Seamless FASTag Services:
convenient for users to recharge
FASTags, avail monthly passes etc.
4. Over-speeding notifications and
voice-assistance to encourage
responsible and safe driving.
• New logo symbolizes harmonious

relationship with nature.
New logo of ‘NMDC’ • Blue cog representing the mineral
mining cycle.
National Mineral Development
• At the center of logo, a hand
Corporation (NMDC Ltd)
cradling the earth signifies NMDC’s
2.
commitment towards sustainable
& responsible mining and also the
global aspirations.
Additional Information: India is the 4th largest iron ore producing country in the
world, after Australia, Brazil, and China.
• Ministry of Culture launched

Bibliography on Demand (BoD)
service, a timely and transformative
First of its kind ‘Festival of Organized by Ministry of Culture intervention to enhance the
3. Libraries’ at Pragati Maidan, research landscape in India.
Inaugurated by the President of India • National Library Ranking Format
New Delhi
was introduced.
• Modernisation project of Delhi
Public Library was also launched.
• Agents will experience the seamless
transfer of their hard-earned
Postal Life Insurance by ‘India Post’ commissions from the previous
month directly to their Post Office
Savings Bank Accounts.
Direct Incentive Disbursement to
4. • Postal Life Insurance was introduced in 1884, it is the oldest life insurer in India.
its network of agents
• It is started as a welfare scheme for the benefit of postal employees.
• It now covers employees of Central & State Governments, Defence and Para-
Military Services, Public Sector Undertakings, Banks, Educational Institutions,
Local Bodies, professionals (such as doctors, engineers, chartered accountants,
MBAs, lawyers etc.) and employees of companies listed with National Stock
Exchange (NSE) / Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Campaign Duration: 13-15 August, 2023
Launched by: Government of India The campaign encourages all Citizens to

“Har Ghar Tiranga” Campaign hoist the National Flag in their homes.
5. Launched under: Azadi Ka Amrit
2.0
Mahotsav (AKAM) India Post has planned to sell National
Flag through its 1.6 lakh post offices to
celebrate Har Ghar Tiranga/
Anti-Doping helpline for

Developed by: National Anti-Doping It provides information on Anti-Doping
6. athletes and athlete support
Agency (NADA) rules and guidelines.
personnel (1800-119-919)
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Developed by: National Anti-Doping Objective: to report any drug abuse or
7. s Up portal
Agency (NADA) Doping activities in sports
Open for school students of Classes 5 to

12 across the country
Atal Innovation Mission (NITI Aayog) in
National Space Innovation Students can work on a solution across
8. collaboration with Indian Space Research
Challenge 2023 (NISC 2023) diverse topics like Space Junk Collection
Organisation (ISRO) and Navars Edutech
Robot, Reusable Rocket Design, Satellite
Design, Spaceship Design for Mars etc.
Modernising the national Ministry of Education in coordination The migration will help make DIKSHA
education technology platform with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure more accessible and lower its IT cost
9.
Digital Infrastructure for
Additional Information: DIKSHA is a unique initiative which leverages existing highly
Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA)
scalable and flexible digital infrastructures, while keeping teachers at the center.
• It will replace Windows OS being
used currently.
• Maya is based on open source
Indigenous Operating System
10. Ministry of Defence Ubuntu
(OS) – Maya
End point detection and protection
system, Chakravyuh is also being
installed
to motivate Asian Games bound
athletes for Hangzhou Asian Games
scheduled for Sept-Oct 2023
11. Short movie series ‘Halla Bol’ Sports Authority of India (SAI)
• Similar movie series, 'Olympics ki
Aasha,' was launched before Tokyo
Olympics.
Amrit Brikshya Andolan web

Aim: To plant a total of one crore
portal/mobile application and Department of Forest and Environment,
12. commercially-viable saplings across the
the Wood-based Industries Assam
state.
(WBI) registration portal
Venue: New Delhi

Ministry of Electronics & Information
Objective: To create an indigenous web
Indian Web Browser Technology (MeitY), Controller of
browser with its own trust store with an
13. Development Challenge Certifying Authorities (CCA) and Centre
inbuilt CCA India root certificate, cutting
(IWBDC) for Development of Advanced Computing
edge functionalities and enhanced
(C-DAC)- Bangalore
security & data privacy protection
features.
Objective: For carrying out the launches

of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicles
Department of Space (SSLV) developed by Indian Space
New spaceport in Research Organization (ISRO).
14. Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil
Nadu
Additional Information: Indian Space Policy 2023 aims for enhanced participation of
Non-Government Entities (NGEs) and defining the role of various stakeholders like
IN-SPACe, ISRO, NewSpace India Limited and Department of Space.
15 | P a g e
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) as a single-
window agency for promotion and authorisation of space activities. (Budget
Allocation for 2023-24 - ₹95 crore)
Objective: To facilitate transfer of

mortal remains of Indians who die
e-CARe (e-Clearance for Ministry of Health and Family Welfare abroad.
15.
Afterlife Remains) portal (MoHFW) Aim: To provide 24x 7 Designated Nodal
officer to scrutinise, and approval
within 48 hours timeline.
An expert committee to revisit

its regulations and guidelines on
anti-discrimination with respect
to the Scheduled Caste,
16. Scheduled Tribe, Other University Grant Commission (UGC) --
Backward Classes, Persons with
Disabilities, and other minorities
in higher educational
institutions.
Objective: To Promote Science &

Technology and augment Research
ecosystem to enable entrepreneurship
and incubation of students and building
17. Research Park Ministry of Education strong academic linkages.
It will be opened at IIT Madras, IIT

Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur, IIT
Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT
Gandhinagar and IISc Bangalore.
The RGICL will be implementing the

Megha Health Insurance Scheme
Health insurance scheme (MHIS) and the Ayushman Bharat
contract awarded to Reliance Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
18. Meghalaya Government (PM-JAY) phase 6.
General Insurance Company Ltd
(RGICL) It will provide an insurance cover of Rs
5,30,000 for all eligible beneficiaries on
a family floater basis.
Jigyasa, the largest ever quiz organized

by India in 17 languages.
Indian Oil Corporation in collaboration
Jigyasa Quiz: Azadi Ka Amrit Quiz is based on India’s ancient
19. with the Ministry of Petroleum and
Mahotsav Quiz civilisational values, evolution of her
Natural Gas, and the Ministry of Culture.
cultures, the rich past & glorious
samagam of ethos.
Digital University Kerala in collaboration

with Ministry of Electronics & Venue: Maker Village Kochi, Kerala
20. Graphene-Aurora Program Information Technology (MeitY) and
Aim: To boost the production of the
Government of Kerala
valuable allotrope of carbon.
16 | P a g e
Total budget outlay of program is Rs
94.85 Crore.
Additional Information: India Innovation Centre Graphene (IICG), situated in Kerala

is country’s first graphene research and development knowledge centre.
21. India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (I-GEIC) a not for profit company
at Digital Science Park is situated at Trivandrum, Kerala will fill the gap between R&D
and commercialization by providing a complete facility to startup and industry.
An inspirational music video titled 'Jaya

Hey’, a creative expression that signifies
Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and ‘Nation First and First Always’.
Rendition of India’s National
Petroleum and Natural Gas in
22. Anthem featuring sportspeople Aim: To showcase every Indian
collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation
who have brought glory to India. sportsperson who strives for excellence
Ltd
during their youth and achieves
unprecedented feats.
Developed by: National Council of

The books are developed for those
Educational Research and Training
children, who speak Kuwi and Desia
(NCERT), Central University of Odisha,
tribal languages of Odisha.
The "Kuwi Primer" and "Desia Koraput and Department of Posts
23. Primer" books for tribal children
of Koraput, Odisha. Additional Information: Odisha has over 62 tribes covering 23% of total population
of state.
"Meri Maati Mera Desh" campaign, to pay homage to the heroes who sacrificed for
the country.
Ministry of Home Affairs To plant 5 crore trees.

'All India Tree Plantation
24.
Campaign' Additional Information: Vibrant Village Program ensures that public service and
facilities are made available to villages situated on the country's borders.
Aim: To make India as a premier

wedding destination on the global
stage.
25. Wedding Tourism campaign Ministry of Tourism
25 places has been selected for various
wedding themes like Beach wedding,
Nature wedding, Himalyan wedding, etc.
The campaign is a tribute to the Veers

and Veeranganas who have made the
supreme sacrifice for the country.
Government of India This campaign comprises of many

"Meri Maati Mera Desh" activities and ceremonies conducted
26. across the country at
campaign
Panchayat/Village, Block, Urban Local
Body, State and National levels.
Additional Information: Amrit Vatika' to be made under ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ in
New Delhi to become a grand symbol of 'Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat'.
17 | P a g e
MyGov and Department of To share their stories/videos about how
27. Bharat Internet Utsav Telecommunications (Ministry of the internet has transformed their lives
Communication) and it was conducted for 45 days
Launched by: Ministry of Coal

Khanan Prahari App and Coal
CMSMS developed by Bhaskaracharya Objective: To encourage public
Mine Surveillance and
28. Institute of Space Application & participation through reporting about
Management System (CMSMS)
Geoinformatics, Gandhinagar, and illegal coal mining.
web portal.
CMPDI, Ranchi.
Aim: To enhance road safety by

Bharat NCAP (New Car elevating vehicle safety standards for up
Assessment Programme) - to 3.5-tonne vehicles in India.
India’s first indigenous
29. Minister of Road Transport and Highways This program will commence from 1st
programme for testing and
Oct 2023
evaluating automobile crash
safety Based on Automotive Industry Standard
(AIS) 197
Objective: To bring transparency to

employee activities and administrative
procedures from various departments
into the public domain
30. Manav Sampada Portal Uttar Pradesh Government Portal details encompass appointments,
inductions, terminations, leave
management, merit-based online
transfers, annual appraisal report
handling, salary disbursements, and
service book management.
ARS will be on the lines of the centre-

run Navodaya Vidyalayas and
Uttar Pradesh Government
established at a cost of Rs 1,250 crore in
18 Atal Residential Schools 18 divisions of the state.
31.
(ARS)
Additional Information: Six dairy plants of the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Dairy
Federation will be leased out for 10 years. These plants are in Gorakhpur, Kanpur,
Noida, Prayagraj, Azamgarh and Moradabad.
TRINETRA is a combination of multiple

Security systems like Security
information and Event Management
(SIEM), Security Orchestration and
Automated Response (SOAR), Data Loss
Prevention (DLP), User Entity and
Launched by: Centre for Development of Behaviour Analytics (UEBA).
32. TRINETRA
Telematics (C-DOT)
The solution provides 24x7 near real-
time actionable cyber-security status
and detection and resolution of cyber-
threats (Virus, Malware, Ransomware,
Spyware etc.). It also performs security
evaluation of organization’s IT assets.
18 | P a g e
Additional Information: C-DOT the premier Telecom R&D centre of the Department
of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India was
established on 25th August 1984 and celebrated 40th foundation day.
Chemotherapy Services in 30 Insured workers and their dependents

Launched by: Union Ministry for Labour
33. Employees' State Insurance will be able to get better cancer
& Employment
Corporation (ESIC) Hospitals treatment at ease.
SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES
INTERNATIONAL SUMMITS
S.No Focus Area Venue Key Facts
Organized by: REC Ltd with Indian G20

Presidency
1. Green Finance Summit Goa Organized on the sidelines of 14th
Clean Energy Ministerial and 8th
Mission Innovation meeting
14th Joint Group of Customs New Delhi There are 62 Land Customs Stations
meeting Between India and (which include land border crossing
Bangladesh points, railway stations and river
2. banks/ports) along the India-
Bangladesh Border in the States of
West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya,
Tripura and Mizoram.
Organized by: The MSME Development

Forum and Jammu and Kashmir Trade
Promotion Organization
9th India International MSME Aim: To enhance collaboration between

3. New Delhi
Expo and Summit 2023 policymakers and entrepreneurs in the
MSME sector
Inaugurated the J&K UT's One District

One Product (ODOP) Box
Organised by: Indian Embassy and

Consulate General of India in Vietnam
under the aegis of Ministry of External
Affairs, Government of India
4. 2nd Namaste Vietnam Festival Vietnam Objective: Boosting the bilateral trade
2023 between India and Vietnam.
MOUs being signed in 03 Major sectors

- Railways, Tourism & Cinema.
Organised by: Confederation of Indian

Industry (CII), the Secretariat for the
5.
B20 India.
19 | P a g e
B20 Summit 2023 New Delhi, India Theme: R.A.I.S.E (Responsible,
Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable,
Equitable Businesses)
Founded in 2010, B20 is the official G20

dialogue forum for the global business
community.
B20 Chairman: N. Chandrasekaran

(Chairman, Tata Sons)
The dialogue is the highest

institutionalized interactive mechanism
5th India- Bangladesh Annual Dhaka, Bangladesh
6. between the two countries, focusing on
Defence Dialogue
the future course of relations between
their armed forces.
The HLD is an outcome of the decision

taken at the 15th India-EU Leader’s
3rd India-EU High Level
Summit held in July 2020, with an
7. Dialogue (HLD) on Trade and
New Delhi, India objective for a Ministerial level
Investment
guidance towards the bilateral trade
and investment relations
Theme: ‘Furthering Economic

Partnerships for Shared and Sustained
Growth’.
Organizer: Confederation of Indian

9th CII India - Latin American & New Delhi Industry (CII), Ministry of External
8.
Caribbean (LAC) countries Affairs and Ministry of Commerce and
conclave Industry.
Additional Information: Bilateral trade between India and LAC countries is

approximately $50 billion during the financial year 2022-23.
NATIONAL SUMMITS
S.No Focus Area Signed Between Key Facts
Objective: To become Atmanirbhar in

semiconductors and a global hub for
electronics system design and
manufacturing.
The Government of India is fully

1. Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) IIT Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu committed to making DIR-V the Indian
Symposium ISA (Instruction Set Architecture).
Organizer: The Ministry of Electronics

and Information Technology, IIT
Madras and IITM Pravartak
Technologies Foundation
20 | P a g e
The DIR-V programme, launched in 2022, aims at boosting India’s semiconductor
ecosystem by creating advanced microprocessors.
The RISC-V project launched in 2010, aims to deliver a new level of free extensible
software and hardware freedom on architecture.
RISC stands for 'Reduced Instruction Set Computer' and 'V' stands for fifth
generation.
Theme: Igniting Passions & Sparking

Change
Aim: To empower youth, amplify their

voices, and drive positive change in
2. ImPact with Youth Conclave Chennai, Tamil Nadu South Asia.
Organized by: United Nations India,

Yuwaah at UNICEF, and Ministry of
Youth Affairs & Sports
India Clean Air Summit (ICAS) Kolkata, West Bengal, India Organised by: Center for Study of
2023 Science, Technology and Policy
Kolkata became 3rd Indian City to get

3. Air Quality Early Warning System
developed by Indian Institute of
Tropical Meteorology
Additional Information: Delhi and Pune (Maharashtra) already have AQEWS.
MOUs AND AGREEMENTS
OTHERS
Development of Integrated
Plant for Recovery of Precious Technology Development Board (TDB)
1. Metals from E-waste, Jewellers with Alchemy Recyclers Private Limited, --
Waste, and Automobile Catalyst Gujarat
Waste
Manufacturing of renewable
Brookfield asset management and
2. energy and decarbonization --
Reliance Industries
equipment in Australia
SIDBI (Small Industries Development SIDBI will set up a SIDBI Accelerator

Bank of India) and IIM-Ahmedabad’s Fund at the incubator with an initial
3. To set up accelerator Fund startup incubator CIIE corpus of Rs 20 crore
Additional Information: The partnership is part of SIDBI’s new initiative ‘India of

Tomorrow’ under which it collaborates with different incubators in the country to
21 | P a g e
promote deep technologies and science-led innovation by enabling seed funding to
startups in exchange for equity.
To set up a recyclable lithium- Government of Karnataka and US-based The unit will be established with an
4.
ion battery manufacturing unit International Battery Company (IBC) investment outlay of ₹8,000 crore
BDL has handed over the first Radio

Frequency Seeker of Akash - the Next
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Generation Weapon System
Component transfer of Akash
5. Defence Research and Development
missile system Akash is a medium-range mobile
Organization (DRDO
surface-to-air missile system
developed by DRDO
SMSES has entered into an MoU with

AIFF for the first time.
(SMSES) conducts Subroto Cup

International Football Tournament
annually since 1960, under the aegis of
Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Air Force Sports Control Board.
MoU to promote football at
6. Society (SMSES) & All India Football As part of this MoU, from this edition
the grassroots level
Federation (AIFF) onwards, a Subroto XI team will be
formed in Junior Boys (U-17) category.
Thus the tournament will be held in

three categories viz, Sub-junior Boys
(U-14), Junior Boys (U-17) and Junior
Girls (U-17).
Objective: to initiate the technical

Indian Renewable Energy Development
MoU for Solarization of AIIMS assessment of the AIIMS New Delhi
7. Agency Ltd. (IREDA) and All India Institute
New Delhi Campus campus for converting it into one which
of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (AIIMS)
is powered by solar energy.
Under the MoU, NHPC will provide CSR

support for distribution of aids and
MoU for providing aids and NHPC Limited and Artificial Limbs
assistive devices to around 1,000
8. assistive devices to Manufacturing Corporation of India
Divyangjans (Persons with Disabilities)
Divyangjans (ALIMCO)
in the vicinity of NHPC Projects located
in North and North Eastern states.
To offer motor insurance Bajaj Finance Limited and ICICI Lombard --

9.
policies General Insurance
Star Health enters bancassurance tie-

up with SCB.
Star Health and Allied Insurance (Star
Health) and Standard Chartered Bank Star Health is India’s first standalone
To provide health insurance
10. (SCB) health insurer.
policies
Additional Information: Bancassurance is an insurance distribution model where

insurance companies partner with banks to sell policies.
Aim: To enable IIITD-IC to strengthen

11.
its mentoring initiatives for startups,
22 | P a g e
To collaborate for the growth Indraprastha Institute of Information gain access to experts across the
of start-up ecosystem in the Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi) Innovation industry, as well as identify newer
country and Incubation Centre (IIITD-IC) and YES investment and funding opportunities
BANK that can benefit startups.
To collaborate for providing --

credit services on the Open
Protean eGov Technologies and
Network for Digital Commerce
PayNearby
12. (ONDC) network for last-mile
borrowers and Micro, Small
and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs)
Multi-Branded Credit Card: IndusInd Bank, Qatar Airways and British --

13. ‘IndusInd Bank Avios Visa Airways
Infinite Credit Card’
To address the unique State Bank of India (SBI) and Indian The collaboration aims to leverage SBI's
challenges faced by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) extensive experience in banking and IIT
14.
banking and financial services Bombay's research expertise.
sector.
To develop systems using

RBI with McKinsey and Company India
artificial intelligence (AI) and
15. LLP and Accenture Solutions Pvt Ltd _
machine learning (ML) for RBI’s
India.
supervisory functions.
Partnership to offer co-

branded corporate credit card
16. Yes Bank & fintech company Zaggle --
with spend management
capabilities
Under the tie-up, Saraswat Cooperative

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) Bank will sell the products of LIC.
17. Bancassurance tie-up & Mumbai-headquartered Saraswat
Cooperative Bank Saraswat Cooperative Bank is the
largest urban cooperative bank
OTHERS
Targets people of age 15 to 60 years

To provide digital and financial PayU and CSC Academy
literacy to weak and Duration – July 2023 to June 2024
1.
underprivileged segments of
society Additional Information: Founded in 2017, CSC Academy is an SPV (Special Purpose
Vehicle) of the Ministry of Electronics & IT
To help drive e-commerce

2. exports from the state of Amazon India and Gujarat government --
Gujarat
Ministry of Railways and Indian Institute 5G testbed will be established at the

3. To establish 5G testbed
of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Indian Railway Institute of Signal
23 | P a g e
Engineering and Telecommunications
(IRISET) in Secunderabad
Commercialization of Digitally The Technology Development Board M/s Noccarc, incubated at the Startup
Enabled Advanced Universal (TDB) and M/s Noccarc Robotics Private Incubation and Innovation Centre of
4.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Limited the Indian Institute of Technology,
Ventilators Kanpur.
Roadmap for blending of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory To help achieve the national target of 5
5. Hydrogen in natural gas. Board (PNGRB) and World Bank million metric tonnes per annum of
hydrogen consumption by 2030.
Godrej Security Solution and SDSC-SHAR Aim: To boost security measures.

(Satish Dhawan Space Centre - SDSC
To provide state-of-the-art Key
(formerly Sriharikota Range - SHAR)
6. Management System
Additional Information: SDSC-SHAR is the primary spaceport of the Indian Space

Research Organisation (ISRO) located in Sriharikota, Chennai.
The Indian Space Research Organisation The transfer was facilitated by ISRO’s
(ISRO) and Alpha Design Technologies commercial arm NewSpace India
Limited (NSIL).
Transferring of IMS-1 Satellite
7. Bus technology Additional Information: The IMS-1 satellite bus was developed by the UR Rao
Satellite Centre and is a small satellite platform designed to enable low-cost access
to space. It can serve as a dedicated vehicle for many different payloads, facilitating
Earth imaging, ocean and atmospheric studies, microwave remote sensing and
space science missions.
Joint development and The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) --

implementation of Artificial Bengaluru and Goa Shipyard Limited
8. Intelligence (AI) technologies in (GSL)
the field of Ship Building and
Defence applications.
To boost India’s rich military The United Services Institution of India The initiative will start from
9. heritage tourism. (USI), Common Services Centres (CSC) e- Hussainiwala, Punjab.
Governance and PCTI.
MOU for investment in Uttar Pradesh Government and Nuevo --

infrastructure, tourism, Leon (One of the states of Mexico)
10.
pharma, and medical sectors in
Uttar Pradesh.
To tackle the critical challenge United Nations Development Indonesia will adopt the eGov
of infectious medical waste Programme (UNDP) Indonesia and e-Gov Foundation's open-source foundational
management in Indonesia. Foundation, India system Digital Public Infrastructure
(DPI) -DIGIT Sanitation platform
11.
specifically designed to accommodate
contextualization and the reuse of
components across various waste
streams and geographies.
24 | P a g e
Additional Information: DIGIT is currently leveraged by six countries, including 16
national and sub-national governments, across 4 domains, with 100+ partners
innovating on the platform, to serve 250 million citizens globally.
Tamil Nadu government and Foxconn To establish a mobile component

Technology Group manufacturing facility in
To set up electronic
Kancheepuram district.
components manufacturing
12.
facility in Kancheepuram, Tamil
Additional Information: Tamil Nadu has become the top exporter of electronic
Nadu.
goods in India, with exports nearly tripling during 2022-2023 to $5.37 billion. The
State accounted for 22.8% of India’s electronic exports.
Tripartite agreement to Indian Institute of Technology - Madras --

support research and (IIT-M), Guidance (the nodal agency
13. development capabilities. instrumental in bringing investments to
the State) and Foxconn Technology
Group
MoU on sharing of INDIA India and Trinidad and Tobago INDIA STACK — a collection of open
STACK. APIs and digital public goods that aim
to facilitate identity, data, and
14. payment services on a large scale.
Additional Information: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) which is also a part of
India Stack, has been accepted in France, UAE, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
To provide frictionless credit. Axis Bank and Reserve Bank Innovation The bank has launched two lending
Hub (RBIH) products powered by the Public Tech
Platform for Frictionless Credit (PTPFC)
in a completely digital manner and
15.
require no submission of documents.
Additional Information: PTPFC is an end-to-end digital platform that has been

developed by the RBIH, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India.
Center of Excellence on Wipro and Indian Institute of Technology Wipro will invest $1 billion in AI
16. Generative Artificial (IIT) Delhi innovation.
Intelligence (AI)
For construction of railway NHPC Limited and RITES Limited --

siding at Pasighat for Dibang
17.
Multipurpose Project,
Arunachal Pradesh
To enhance the professional Indian Coast Guard and Philippines Coast This is first bilateral meeting on a range
linkage domain of Maritime Guard of maritime issues between two
Law Enforcement (MLE), nations.
18.
Maritime Search & Rescue (M-
SAR) and Marine Pollution
Response (MPR)
Partnered to launch a
Will showcase India’s 600+ must see
19. ‘Traveller’s Map of India’ Ministry of Tourism and MakeMyTrip
tourist destinations.
microsite.
25 | P a g e
Microsite has been designed in line
with the Government of India’s
'DekhoApnaDesh’ programme
launched to strengthen the domestic
tourism.
Under its CSR initiative NHPC Ltd. will

provide basic infrastructure facilities to
MoU for setting up Gramin NHPC Limited has signed an MoU with UHF for setting up of GGJK in
20.
Gyan Jyoti Kendras (GGJK). Universal Health Foundation (UHF) government schools located in nine
villages of Jodhpur district & one village
of Nagore district of Rajasthan.
To acquire five Fleet Support Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Cost of project is ₹19000 crore.
Ships (FSS) for Indian Navy Shipyard Limited (HSL) The Fleet Support Ships of 44,000 tons
21.
will be the first-of-its kind to be built in
India by an Indian Shipyard
To promote the ethical Information Technology, Electronics and Aim: Promoting the implementation of
development and use of AI Communications (ITE&C) Department of UNESCO's Recommendation on the
awareness raising, capacity the the Telangana government and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.
22.
building, and contributions to UNESCO (The United Nations
UNESCO's Global Observatory Educational, Scientific and Cultural
on AI Ethics. Organization)
The Innovation in Green HSBC India, Indian Institute of Aim: Making green hydrogen
Hydrogen programme Technology, Bombay and Shakti production more efficient, cost-
Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF) effective, and scalable.
23.
Additional Information: National Green Hydrogen Mission is to make India a global
hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
Collaboration to develop Infosys with tennis players Rafael Nadal Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek appointed
Artificial Intelligence powered (Spain) and Iga Swiatek (Poland) as Brand Ambassadors of Infosys to
match analysis tool. promote its Digital Innovation
Infosys will build an advanced data

analytics and video dashboard
24. powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to
aid the training and match strategy
Additional Information: Infosys launched the Carbon Tracker, allowing ATP players
to track and offset emissions from their travel on tour. It is the first-ever
sustainable tech in any sport
To launch a collaboration Garden Reach Shipbuilders and --

model to build commercial Engineers (GRSE) Ltd and Dempo Group
25. vessels in three premier
shipyards of DEMPO at Goa
and Bhavnagar.
MoU for Open Sky Policy and to India and New Zealand Objective: scheduling of new routes,
26. boost cooperation in Civil code share services, traffic rights and
Aviation. capacity entitlement
26 | P a g e
MoU on Cooperation in Sports India and Australi Signed between Ministry of Youth
27. Affairs & Sports (India) and Department
of Health and Aged Care (Australia)
Medical Products Regulation India and Suriname to facilitate a constructive dialogue on

28. the laws and regulations pertinent to
medical products
To offer financial services to AMUL (Gujarat Milk Marketing Through small ticket financing under
AMUL's supply network pan- Federation Ltd) and Punjab National MUDRA, the bank will be financing
29. India under the MUDRA scheme Bank Amul's retailers, wholesale dealers and
exclusive Amul preferred outlets-milk
parlours
Under Amazon’s Global Selling

programme, Indian exporters will be
able to drop shipments to over 100
Dak Niryat Kendras of India Post across
Amazon and India Post
To simplify cross-border India, from where the consignments
logistics for MSME exporters Amazon and Indian Railway’s Dedicated will be exported to overseas
30.
for faster delivery Freight Corridor Corporation of customers.
India (DFC).
Amazon is the first e-commerce
company in India to leverage the DFC
for shipping customer packages
through freight railway routes in India.
1.3 MTPA green ammonia production

facility at the Gopalpur Industrial Park
(GIP) in Odisha.
Renewable energy entity ACME Group This green ammonia will be produced
To establish a green hydrogen
31. and Tata Steel Special Economic Zone from green hydrogen, with production
and green ammonia project
Ltd. (TSSEZL) facilities powered by renewable power.
This will be the largest single location

green hydrogen and its derivatives
manufacturing facility in the country.
BANKING AND FINANCE
BANKING INITIATIVES
Program / Initiative /
S.No Launched / Developed by Key Facts
Landmarks
CRED is an Indian fintech company,

based in Bangalore.
RuPay credit card UPI CRED in association with NPCI (National
1. payments Payments Corporation of India) Founded in 2018 by Kunal Shah, it is a
reward-based credit card payments
app.
27 | P a g e
Cobranded credit card "Axis Axis Bank and Kiwi Aim: To boost 'Credit on UPI'
KWIK Virtual credit card" accessibility on RuPay credit cards.
2. Kiwi, an India-based FinTech platform.
Additional Information: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) recently

introduced the Credit on UPI feature to facilitate digital payments.
Subsidiary Exim Finserve at the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) Exim Finserve will extend a range of
Gujarat International Financial trade finance products to Indian
Tec-City (GIFT City) exporters, with a primary focus on
export factoring and a combination of
three essential services to exporters:
receivables financing, coverage of the
3. risk of non-payment and management
of accounts receivable.
Additional Information: GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India is the first

operational greenfield smart city and international financial services centre.
Canara Jeevan Dhara savings Canara Bank The bank offers two variants depending
bank account for pensioners on the pension credit. Diamonds
4. and prospective pensioners. account is for up to Rs 50,000 and
Platinum account is for above Rs
50,000
‘iris’ mobile app Yes Bank The customer can also open an account
5. through the app.
UPI Interoperable Digital Canara Bank It is a part of the Reserve Bank of

Rupee mobile application India's Central Bank Digital Currency
(CBDC) pilot project.
Canara Bank is the first Bank among

6.
public and private sector banks to
introduce this feature in Bank’s CBDC
mobile app called 'Canara Digital Rupee
app'.
Objective: Promoting financial literacy

Launched by: National Payments to inspire greater numbers of users to
7. “UPI Chalega 3.0” campaign
Corporation of India (NPCI) embrace UPI and ensure secure digital
transactions.
Appointed on behalf of the Central

Pension Accounting Office (CPAO),
Ministry of Finance, for civil
pensioners.
Bandhan Bank as an authorized
8. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
pension disbursement bank Bank to disburse pensions to the
Central Government employees (other
than Railways, Posts, and Defence),
the National Capital Territory of Delhi,
Union Territory Administrations
28 | P a g e
without legislatures, retired Judges of
the High Courts and the Supreme Court,
and All India Service Officers, former
MPs, former Presidents and Vice
Presidents.
Under its subsidiary PhonePe Wealth

Broking.
It will be available as a mobile app and

a dedicated web platform, enabling
9. Share.Market app Launched by: PhonePe
retail investors to buy stocks.
App elevates the discount broking by

providing market intelligence and
quantitative research.
MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
S.No Acquirer Acquiree Key Facts
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Both urban cooperative banks are
has approved merger of operational in Hyderabad, Telangana.
--
Navanirman Co-op Urban Bank
The branch of The Navanirman Co-
with Rajadhani Co-op Urban
operative Urban Bank Ltd will function
10. Bank
as a branch of Rajadhani Co-op. Urban
Bank Ltd.
Additional Information: The merger has been sanctioned in the exercise of powers
conferred under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Apax Partners LLP (AP) IBS Software Pte Apax Partners has acquire 30% stake in
11.
IBS Software Pte.
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) General Motors' India Hyundai signs deal to acquire General
Motors' Talegaon, Maharashtra
12. manufacturing plant.
HMIL the second-largest carmaker in
India, after Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL).
OTHERS
S.No Topic Key Facts

1. Paytm launches portable • Paytm pocket soundbox can fit in the pocket and is as small as a debit card.
pocket soundbox • It can also be used as a speaker after connecting to phone via Bluetooth.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Initiatives / Programs in
S.No Launched by / Developed by Key Facts
News
29 | P a g e
Bandicoot is a robotic machine that is
Genrobotic Innovations Pvt Ltd engineered for cleaning any type of
sewer manholes.
Robot ‘Bandicoot’ Technology
1. to eliminate manual
scavenging. Kerala became the first state to launch Bandicoot robotic scavenger.
National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme is being

implemented in all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure safety and dignity of
sanitation workers.
The Ax-4 mission will comprise four crew

members.
The fourth private astronaut mission to

the International Space Station (ISS) will
The National Aeronautics and Space
2. Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) be launched in 2024.
Administration (NASA) and Axiom Space
The importance of this mission is laying
the foundation for the world's first
commercial space station, Axiom
Station.
GSAT-24, a 4-tonne class communication

satellite for providing DTH services.
It is the first Demand Driven
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Tata communication satellite mission
3. GSAT-24 Play undertaken by NSIL.
Built: By ISRO The increased bandwidth will enable
Tata Play to become largest satellite
bandwidth provider among all DTH
platforms.
Namoh 108 lotus has 108 petals and was

discovered in Manipur. It is the first lotus
variety whose genome is completely
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research sequenced for its characteristics due to
(CSIR) – National Botanical Research which it blooms throughout the year and
Institute (NBRI), Lucknow has high contents of nutrition.
New variety of Lotus:’NBRI 'NBRI-Nihar' is found least affected
4. Namoh 108’ and Aloe vera:’ against bacterial and fungal diseases and
NBRI-Nihar’ yield of gel will increase 2.5 times.
Additional Information: ‘Lotus Mission’ is a horticultural mission to have more of the

108 Namoh flowers grow in other parts of India. It is launched by CSIR-NBRI.
‘Lotus Mission’ is on the lines of ‘Aroma Mission’.
‘Frotus’ is a perfume, extracted from lotus flowers and developed by the NBRI under
the Lotus Research Programme in collaboration with FFDC, Kannauj.
Objective: To detect and prevent zero-

To prevent attacks on 5G IITM Pravartak Technologies and Radio day vulnerability attacks in the 5G
5.
networks Access Network (RAN) software networks thereby reducing the network
downtime.
30 | P a g e
Additional Information: IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation at IIT Madras, a
Technology Innovation Hub for Sensors, Networking, Actuators and Control Systems
(SNACS), supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under
National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), along with
its incubated startup, is developing an indigenous security testing solution for 5G core
network functions.
Objective: Human spaceflight by

launching crew of 3 members to an orbit
of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bring
them back safely to earth.
ISRO has conducted various
demonstrator missions like Integrated
Air Drop Test (IADT), Pad Abort Test
(PAT) and Test Vehicle (TV) flights.
LVM3 rocket - heavy lift launcher of

Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO, is identified as the launch vehicle
6. Gaganyaan mission
(ISRO) for Gaganyaan mission. It consists of
solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic
stage. All systems in LVM3 launch vehicle
are re-configured to meet human rating
requirements and christened Human
Rated LVM3. HLVM3 consists of Crew
Escape System (CES).
Orbital Module (OM) that will be

Orbiting Earth comprises of Crew Module
(CM) and Service Module (SM).
Its formation processes show

combination of two different neutron-
capture processes - the slow (s-) and
Unique star ‘HE 1005-1439’ - intermediate (i-) neutron-capture
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA,
7. carbon-enhanced metal-poor processes.
Bangalore)
(CEMP) star The iron content of the star is thousand
times less than that of the sun and it is
heavily enriched with neutron-capture
elements.
Launched by: China It is an Earth observation satellite.

8. Gaofen-12 04 satellite Launched from: Jiuquan Satellite Launch It was launched through Long March-4C
Center carrier rocket
ESO 300-16 is a distant galaxy
It was recently captured by Hubble

Space Telescope.
9. ESO 300-16 --
Hubble Space Telescope is a joint mission
led by National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) and European
Space Agency (ESA).
31 | P a g e
To be launched in: 2025
Instruments proposed by Ahmedabad-

based Physical Research Laboratory
(PRL), an autonomous unit of the
Department of Space for the mission:
Permittivity and Thermo-physical

investigation for Moon's Aquatic Scout
a collaborative venture between Japan (PRATHIMA): for detection and
Lunar Polar Exploration Mission quantification of water-ice mixed with
10. Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) &
(LUPEX) or Chandrayaan-4 lunar surface and sub-surface soil using a
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
rover/lander platform
Lunar Electrostatic Dust EXperiment

(LEDEX): to detect the presence of
charged dust particles and to confirm the
dust levitation process in the volatile-rich
polar region, and to estimate
approximate dust size and flux of
charged, levitated dust particles
The satellite-based communication

system enables two-way messaging
services from and to the sea for the
safety of fishermen.
Weather and cyclone warnings will be

Developed by: ISRO-Space Applications
11. Nabhmitra communicated in the local language; the
Centre (Ahmadabad)
boats can send distress messages to the
authorities.
Information about shipping channels and

maritime boundaries, the device will also
help to identify fishing fields.
It is based on using robots, IoT, and

artificial intelligence in a system that
Development and understands weather conditions and
Commercialization of Intelligent Launched by: M/s Bariflo Labs Private water quality.
12.
Water Body Management Limited, Odisha Technology Development Board (TDB)
System (IWMS)-TAMARA. has offered ₹89 Lakh Funding Support
under AMRUT 2.0 mission out of the total
project cost of ₹ 150.00 lakhs.
A generative AI-powered personal digital

assistant.
13. Amazon सह-AI Developed by: Amazon It will reduce sellers’ workload by
simplifying time-consuming and complex
steps such as registration, listing, and
advertising support amongst others.
Aerial drone-based Synthetic Empowers satellite constellations to

14. Space start-up GalaxEye conduct all-weather imaging without
Aperture Radar (SAR) system
succumbing to the atmospheric
32 | P a g e
hindrances that plague current single-
sensor satellites.
It was Russia’s first lunar lander mission

Russia
in 47 years, but it failed to do soft landing
15. Luna-25 (lunar mission)
Additional Information: Soviet Union became the first nation to send a satellite to
space (Sputnik, 1957), and the first human to space (Yuri Gagarin, 1957)
DEFENCE
DEFENCE EXERCISES
S.No Exercise Countries / Forces Involved Key Facts
Zayed Talwar 2023

Two Indian Naval Ships INS
1. (Bilateral Naval Maritime Indian Navy and UAE Navy
Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand
Partnership Exercise)
Bilateral exercise ‘Zayed Talwar’ Indian Navy and UAE Navy Venue: Dubai, UAE
Two Indian Navy ships INS

2.
Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand will
participate in the exercise.
Exercise MALABAR 2023 Indian Navy, US Navy (USN), Japan Venue: Sydney, Australia.
Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), the
Two Indian Navy ships INS Sahyadri and
3. Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
INS Kolkata will participate in the
exercise.
Passage Exercise (PASSEX) Indian Navy and Royal Saudi Navy Venue: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Indian Navy ship INS Chennai and Royal

4.
Saudi Naval Ship HMS Al Jubail will
participate in the exercise.
Indian Navy hosts Papua New -- Venue: Port Moresby, capital city of
Guinea Prime Minister James Papua New Guinea.
5. Marape on INS Sahyadri and
Vision: SAGAR (Security And Growth for
INS Kolkata
All in the Region).
Multi-lateral Exercise 'Tarang Indian Air Force (IAF) Venue: India

Shakti'
It will be the biggest air exercise being
organised in India.
Participating nations: 12 including
6.
France, the UK, Australia, the USA and
Japan.
Focus: To improve military cooperation
and enhance interoperability.
7. Passage exercise Sri Lanka Navy and Pakistan Navy Venue: Sri Lanka
33 | P a g e
Indian Navy and South African Navy Venue: South Africa
Indian Naval Ship INS Sunayna and

South African Navy Ship SAS King
Passage exercise
8. Sekhukhune I participated in the
exercise.
Additional Information: The visit commemorates 30 years of diplomatic partnership

between India and South Africa.
Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy Venue: Australia
Additional Information: The Indian Navy’s submarine, INS Vagir, has made history by
achieving an impressive milestone – it now holds the record for the longest-ever
deployment of any scorpene-class submarine.
The submarine covered an astonishing distance of 7,000 kilometers on its journey to

9. AUSINDEX
Australia to participate in joint military exercises.
INS Vagir: Indian Navy’s fifth Kalvari class submarine.
Dornier maritime patrol aircraft of the Indian Navy and an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-
130 transport aircraft were for the first time deployed to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
(CKI) of Australia.
5th edition AUSINDEX-23 Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy Venue: Australia
(RAN)
INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata
10. participated in the exercise along with
HMAS Choules and HMAS Brisbane
from RAN.
Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 Airforce of the Egypt, India, the United Venue: Cairo (West) Air Base, Egypt
States of America, Saudi Arabia, Greece,
It is a biennial multilateral tri-service
and Qatar
11. exercise.
For the first time Indian Air Force is

participating in Ex BRIGHT STAR-23.
DEFENCE INITIATIVES AND TECHNOLOGIES

Initiative / Missile /
S.No Launched / Developed by Key Facts
Technology
Can be used for a variety of functions
Neerakshi - autonomous Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
1. ranging from mine detection, and mine
underwater vehicl (GRSE) Ltd and MSME entity AEPL
disposal to underwater survey
ATGM was recently test-fired from 120

mm rifled gun of battle tank ‘Arjun’
Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Defence Research and Development ATGM employs a High Explosive Anti-
2.
Missiles (ATGM) Organisation (DRDO) Tank (HEAT) warhead to defeat
Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA)
protected armoured vehicles
Spike Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) Handed over to: Indian Air Force Target Range: 30 kilometers from the
3.
anti-tank guided missiles ground, 50 kilometers from a helicopter.
34 | P a g e
Developed by: Israel
Developed by: Defence Research and The missile is guided by an Imaging

Development Organisation (DRDO) Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker operating in the
Lock on Before Launch mode.
Manufactured By: Bharat Dynamics
Nag anti-tank guided missile
Limited (BDL) It is one of the most advanced anti-tank
(ATGM), Helicopter launched
weapons in the world.
ATGM (HELINA) and a variant of
HELINA Weapon system called
4. DHRUVSASTRA, complete trials
The Nag missile, also called "Prospina" for the land-attack version, is an Indian 3rd
generation, all-weather, fire-and-forget, lock-on after launch, ATGM with an
operational range of 4 kilometers and it is equipped with a tandem high-explosive
anti-tank (HEAT) warhead.
The Nag ATGM has also been mounted to helicopters. In this configuration, the
ATGM system is known as HELINA.
Medium altitude logistics Manufactured by: Dhaksha Unmanned The firm will supply 200 medium-
5. drones Systems, a subsidiary of Coromandel altitude logistics drones and accessories
International to the Indian Army.
Dornier 228 maritime Handed over by: India. ‘Colombo Security Conclave’: It began
surveillance aircraft as a trilateral initiative involving India,
Handed over to: Sri Lanka
6. Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, and later
included Mauritius, for maritime
cooperation in the region.
Project to build Five Fleet Built by: Hindustan Shipyard Limited Project cost ₹20,000 crore.
Support (FSS) ships for Indian The FSS would provide fuel, food,
Navy. ammunition, and spare parts to always
7.
ensure the continued operational
readiness of warships of different fleets
of the Navy during operations.
The long-endurance drones can cover

entire borders with both Pakistan and
China in a single sortie.
Introduced by: Indian Airforce It can keep watch for up to 36 hours
8. Heron Mark 2 drones
Developed by: Israel Aerospace Industries straight.
The squadron operating the Heron

Mark2 drones is known as the ‘Warden
of the North’.
ASTRA missile. Developed by: Defence Research and Indigenously developed Light Combat
Development Organization (DRDO) Aircraft (LCA) Tejas successfully test-
fired an ASTRA BVR air-to-air missile.
Astra is air-to-air missile to destroy

9.
highly manoeuvring supersonic aerial
targets
Additional Information: Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of

operating in high-threat air environments. It has been designed to undertake the air
35 | P a g e
defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike roles and is manufactured by
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Developed by: Aeronautical Development NP5 will help to accelerate flight testing
Naval trainer prototype NP5 Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics activities and development of the Twin
successfully completed its Limited (HAL). Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), the
maiden flight. prestigious futuristic carrier aircraft
programme of the country.
NP5 is a culmination of combined

10.
efforts of ADA, HAL, CEMILAC (Centre
for Military Airworthiness and
Certification), DGAQA (Directorate
General of Aeronautical Quality
Assurance) and several other
Government and Private industries
The unmanned aerial vehicle Developed by: Iran It is upgraded version of the “Mohajer-
11.
(Drone) Mohajer-10. 6”.
Indigenous Search and Rescue Developed by: Defence Research and The Indian Navy tested the Made-in-
Kit (SARK) Development Organisation’s laboratory , India SARK from the Boeing P-8I long-
12.
Agra and Aerial Delivery Research and range patrol aircraft.
Development Establishment (ADRDE)
Fast Patrol vessels (FPV) for Developed by: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) The FPV designed by GSL is a medium-
Coast Guard range, weapon-fitted surface vessel. The
13.
ship is propelled by twin engines and
has a maximum speed of 27 knots
Vindhyagiri, the sixth ship of Garden Reach Shipbuilders Engineers Ltd Entire 4000 Tonnes special steel for
Project 17A (Kolkata) "Vindhyagiri" has been supplied by Steel
Authority of India Ltd (SAIL)
14. Additional Information: Nilgiri-class frigates, formally classified as the Project-17

Alpha frigates, are a series of stealth guided-missile frigates currently being built by
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, for the
Indian Navy
Army's research and development (R&D) The system's core function is to

division proactively prevent accidents by
The Indian Army has secured a
employing artificial intelligence.
patent for an artificial
15.
intelligence (AI)-driven accident
Additional Information: The Indian Army achieved another patent success by
prevention system.
securing exclusive Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for a novel camouflage pattern
uniform design.
ENVIRONMENT
S.No Topic Country / State / Organization Key Facts
Banning the use and production The Assam Environment and Forest The government will ban the production
1.
of plastic water bottles below Department and use of drinking water bottles made
36 | P a g e
1000 ml capacity in the Assam of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) of
state from October 2, 2023. less than 1 litre in volume
In the exercise of the powers conferred

under Section 5 of the Environment
(Protection) Act (EPA), 1986, in
accordance with the powers delegated
to the State under Section 23 of the
EPA,1986
SPORTS
S.No Tournament Venue Winner / Looser Key Facts
• Indian archery team has won a

gold medal (in any category) for
Indian contingent
the first time since making its
consisting of Jyothi
debut at World Archery
World Archery Championship Surekha Vennam,
1. Berlin, Germany Championships in 1981.
2023 Parneet Kaur and
• At 17 years age, Aditi Gopichand
Aditi Gopichand
Swami became Youngest Archer
Swami
Ever to Clinch Gold in Individual
Event.
• Total 24 teams, including two

foreign teams from Nepal and
Kokrajhar, Assam Bangladesh, will take part.
132nd edition of Durand Cup • It was started by Sir Henry
2.
(annual football competition) Durand in Shimla in 1888.
Additional Information: The Durand Cup 2022 title was clinched by Bengaluru FC.
Mohun Bagan has won 16 Durand Cups in its history, standing as the top title holder.
• FISU World University Games are

31st FISU World University India finished at
staged every two years.
Games seventh spot with 11
Chengdu (China) • 32nd FISU World University
gold, 5 silver and 10
3. Games 2025 will be held at
bronze
Rhine-Ruhr (Germany).
Additional Information: First World University Games took place in 1923 in Paris. First
Universiade take place in 1959 in Turin.
With this fourth Asian

Champions Trophy titles,
India is the most
Indian men’s hockey team successful team in the
Chennai won by defeating Malaysia history of the
4. Asian Champions Trophy 2023 tournament (2011, 2016,
by 4-3
2018 and 2023)
Pakistan, with three titles,

are at the second spot
37 | P a g e
• Indian hockey team was the first winners of the men’s Asian Champions Trophy
hockey, in its inaugural edition (2011).
• The first-ever Asian Champions Trophy was held as a women-only event in 2010,
won by the South Korea.
• South Korea holds most title in women event (3), India has 1 (2016).
The Indian contingent

won 42 medals (15 in
Junior events and 27 in
Asian Youth and Junior Youth events)
Greater Noida, Uttar
5. Weightlifting Championships --
Pradesh For the first time, Asian
2023
and Junior Weightlifting
Championship held in
India.
Organized by Fit India

Mission and the Ministry
New Delhi of Law and Justice
--
nd
2 Inter-Ministry Bar & Bench Objective: To promote a
6. healthy lifestyle.
Badminton Championship
Fit India Mission launched in 2019, aims to bring about behavioural changes and
move towards a more physically active lifestyle.
For the first time since

Top performer: China (178 inception of this game
7. 31st World University Games Chengdu, China
medals) India has won 26 medals.
Position of India: 7th.
Player of the series:

Mitchell Starc (Australia)
2023 Ashes Series (LV= Insurance Five-match series drawn and Chris Woakes
8. Men's Ashes Series) between England 2–2 (Australia retained (England)
Australia and England. The Ashes) Compton–Miller Medal:
Chris Woakes (England)
Antim Panghal became

1st position by Indian
the first Indian woman
Women's Team (7 medals
World Under-20 Wrestling wrestler to win two U20
9. Amman, Jordan including 3 gold)
Championships 2023 world titles. (1st at
Men’s Team finished at 3rd Bulgaria in 2022 and 2nd at
place. Jordan in 2023)
Golden Glove: Mary

Earps, England
Australia and New Winner: Spain (1st title) Golden Boot: Hinata
10. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Miyazawa, Japan (Golden
Zealand Runner up: England
Boot for scoring a
tournament-high five
goals)
38 | P a g e
Golden Ball: Aitana
Bonmati, Spain
Young Player of the

Tournament: Salma
Paralluelo, Spain
Most number of titles

held by the United States
of America that is 4.
Antim Panghal (53kg

category) became the
first Indian woman
wrestler to win two U20
world titles. (1st at
1st position by Indian Bulgaria in 2022 and 2nd at
Women's Team (7 medals Jordan in 2023)
World Under-20 Wrestling including 3 gold)
11. Amman, Jordan Priya Malik (76kg
Championship
Men’s Team finished at category) became the 2nd
3rd place. Indian woman wrestler to
win Gold medal.
Mohit Kumar (61kg

category) became the 4th
Indian men wrestler to
win Gold medal.
Anahat Singh clinched the

gold medal in the U-17
Asian Junior Squash Individual category.
12. Dalian, China --
Championships She defeated Hong
Kong's Ena Kwong 3-1 in
the final.
Winner: Magnus Carlsen

FIDE (The International Chess (Norway)
13. Baku, Azerbaijan --
Federation) World Cup, 2023 Runner up: Rameshbabu
Praggnanandhaa (India)
Cricket for the visually

challenged made its
debut at the IBSA World
Games this year in
Winner: Indian women
International Blind Sport Birmingham.
cricket team (Gold medal)
14. Federation (IBSA) World Games Birmingham, England Indian women's cricket
2023 Runner up: Australia
team scripted history at
women cricket team
Edgbaston ground
winning a gold medal
beating Australia at the
inaugural session.
15. Budapest, Hungary USA tops the list (12 Gold, Neeraj Chopra became
8 Silver and 9 Bronze) first Indian to win a gold
39 | P a g e
followed by Canada and medal in the World
Spain Athletics Championships
with a throw of 88.17m
India stood at 18th
Neeraj Chopra is the only
Position (1 Gold)
player from India who
Javelin Throw: won two consecutive
Winner: Neeraj Chopra, medals (Silver at Oregon
India 2022 and Gold at
Budapest in 2023)
2nd Position: Arshad
Nadeem, Pakistan For the first time three
Indians finished in top
3rd Position: Jakub eight of Javelin throw
Vadlejch, Czech Republic event- Neeraj Chpora
(88.17m), Kishore Jena
(fifth place) and DP Manu
World Athletics Championships (sixth spot)
2023 The men's 4x400m relay
team (Muhammed Anas
Yahiya, Amoj Jacob,
Muhammed Ajmal
Variyathodi, Rajesh
Ramesh) became first
from the country to reach
the final with an Asian
record of 2 minute 59.05
seconds beating Japan
• First Indian to win medal at World Championship was Anju Bobby George at
Paris in 2003 (Long Jump -Bronze).
Parul Chaudhary finished 11th in the women’s 3000m steeplechase and qualified
for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Men’s Single:
Prannoy H.S. became the
Gold: Kunlavut Vitidsarn,
fifth Indian man to win a
Thailand
medal at the Worlds after
Silver– Kodai NARAOKA, Prakash Padukone, Sai
Japan Praneeth, Kidambi
Badminton World Federation Bronze: Anders Antonsen, Srikanth, and Lakshya
16. Copenhagen, Denmark Sen.
(BWF) World Championships Denmark and Prannoy H
S, India PV Sindhu is the only
Women’s Single: Indian to win the
championship (2019)
1st – AN Se Young, Korea
while Saina won a silver
2nd – Carolina Marin, and bronze.
Spain
It has been officially

17. Khelo India Women’s League -- -- named as Asmita
Women's League.
40 | P a g e
ASMITA refers to
Achieving Sports
Milestone by Inspiring
Women Through Action.
Asmita Portal serves as a

comprehensive resource,
offering valuable insights
into upcoming leagues
among other features
This inaugural leg was

organized by the
International Chess
Federation (FIDE) in
1st: Team WR Chess collaboration with WR
FIDE World Rapid Team Logistics GmbH.
18. Dusseldorf, Germany 2nd: Team Freedom
Championship
3rd: MGD1 GM R Praggnanandhaa
from Team WR Chess, GM
Vidit Gujrathi from Team
Freedom, MGD1 was all
Indian Squad.
AWARDS
S.No Award/Milestone Category Awardee Key Facts
Award has been conferred for a project

South Africa’s National to create a pioneering vertical take-off
Innovation and Pegasus Universal
1. Science and Technology and landing aircraft
research Aerospace Team, led
award by Dr. Reza Mia Dr. Reza Mia is South African Indian-
origin innovator
Excellence in Government
Process Reengineering for NAFIS of National Crime Records Bureau
Digital Transformation National Automated (NCRB) has created a central database
Category-1 of Department Gold Award Fingerprint of fingerprints of criminals, which can
2.
of Administrative Reforms Identification System be accessed by users from all States,
and Public Grievances (NAFIS) Union Territories and Central Agencies.
(DARPG).
The first-ever 'Udyog Ratna' award

Outstanding
Maharashtr’s Udyog Ratna instituted by the Maharashtra
3. contribution in Ratan Tata
Award. government was conferred to veteran
Industrial sector
industrialist Ratan Tata.
National Automated
Excellence in NAFIS has created a central database of
Fingerprint
Government fingerprints of criminals, which can be
Gold Award Identification System
4. Process
(NAFIS) of National accessed by users from all States, Union
Reengineering for Territories, and Central Agencies.
Crime Record Bureau
Digital
(NCRB)
41 | P a g e
Transformation Award was given by the Department of
Category-1 Administrative Reforms and Public
Grievances (DARPG).
Award was given by the UK

Parliament's House of Lords.
Empowered Women Icon Author on mental
5. Myra Grover Myra Grover is an author and secretary
Award wellness.
of the New Delhi Social Workers
Association (NDSWA).
He is the 41st recipient of the award.
Narendra Modi, Prime Awarded at: Pune, Maharashtra.

--
Minister of India He donated the cash prize to the
Namami Gange Project
Lokmanya Tilak National About Lokmanya Tilak National Award

6.
Award
Instituted by: Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust to honor the legacy of Lokmanya Tilak; Instituted
in: 1983
Purpose: to honour people who have worked for the progress and development of the
nation and whose contribution can only be seen as remarkable and extraordinary.
Presented every year on the 1st of August - Lokmanya Tilak’s death anniversary.
Best Feature Film Rocketry: The Nambi Effect

Director: R Madhavan
(Hindi)
Allu Arjun for

1st Telugu actor to win the
Best Actor Pushpa (The Rise Part I)
National Film Award
(Telugu)
Alia Bhatt (Gangubai

Award has been given
Best Actress Kathiawadi) and Kriti Sanon
jointly to both
(Mimi)
Best Supporting Actor Pankaj Tripathi (Mimi) --
Pallavi Joshi for The

th
Best Supporting Actress --
7. 69 National Film Award Kashmir Files
Indira Gandhi Award for

Best Debut Film of a Meppadiyan (Malayalam) Director: Vishnu Mohan
Director
Best Popular Film Providing Rise Rose and Revolt (RRR)

Director: S S Rajamouli
Wholesome Entertainment - (Telugu)
Producer: Zee Studios

Nargis Dutt Award for Best The Kashmir Files Limited
Feature Film on National
Integration (Hindi) Director: Vivek Ranjan
Agnihotri
Best Male Playback Singer Kaala Bhairava Song: Komuram Bheemudo
42 | P a g e
Movie: RRR
Song: Maayava Chaayavaa

Best Female Playback Movie: Iravin Nizhal
Shreya Ghoshal
Singer (Shadow of the Night)
(Tamil)
Sardar Udham Cameraman: Avik

Best Cinematography
(Hindi) Mukhopadhayay
Special Jury Award Shershaah Director: Vishnu Varadhan
Devi Sri Prasad for Pushpa

Best Music Direction (The Rise Part I) --
MM Keeravaani (RRR)
Producer & Director: Srishti

Best Non-Feature Film Ek Tha Gaon
Lakhera
Purushothama Charyulu
Award for Best Film Critic --
(Telugu)
Additional Information: The National Film Awards is organized by the Directorate of Film
Festivals, under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Application of Emerging
Technologies for Providing
SVAMITVA Scheme
Citizen Centric Services
(Gold)
National Automated The awards were facilitated

26th National Award for e- Fingerprint Identification
8. at Indore (Madhya
Governance 2023 System (NAFIS) of National Pradesh)
Government Process Crime Record Bureau
reengineering for Digital (NCRB)
Transformation (Gold)
West Bengal Government’s
Suvidha Vehicles
Facilitation System
Priyan hails from Jaipur,

Rajasthan
Title offered during the

Divine Miss Earth India Sain Priyan
Environmental Advocacy Miss Divine Beauty 2023
2023
national final. It goes
9. Cross cultural
Divine Miss International beyond traditional beauty
understanding Praveena Aanjna
India 2023 pageant competition to
empower women as a
carrier of positive social
change.
Grand Cross of The Order Conferred to Prime Conferred by: Katerina N.

Prime Minister Narendra
10. of Honour by Greece Ministers and eminent Sakellaropoulou (President
Modi
President personalities who by reason of Greece)
43 | P a g e
of their distinguished Narendra Modi is the first
position, have contributed foreign Head of
to enhancing the stature of Government to receive this
Greece honour
Additional Information: PM paid homage to ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' in Athens,

Greece. It is dedicated to the Greek soldiers killed during various wars.
APPOINTMENT
Organization /
S.No Person Position Country / State / Key Facts
Company
Microfinance Industry
1. Udaya Kumar Hebbar Chairperson
Network (MFIN) MFIN is the RBI-recognised self-
regulatory organisation for the
Microfinance Industry Microfinance industry
2. Manoj Nambiar Vice-Chairperson
Network (MFIN)
NAAC is an autonomous body funded

National Assessment by the University Grants Commission
3. Prof Ganesan Kannabiran Director and Accreditation that assesses and accredits Higher
Council (NAAC) Education Institutions.
Headquarter – Bangalore
Military Nursing
4. Maj Gen Amita Rani Addl Director General --
Service (MNS)
Intergovernmental
Elected as a member of the Working
5. Raman Sukumar Vice Chair Panel on Climate
Group II of IPCC
Change (IPCC)
Indian American Shohini Federal Bureau of She will head FBI's field office In Salt
6. Special Agent
Sinha Investigation (FBI) Lake City (Utah, USA)
Central Board of
He succeeds Vivek Johri who
7. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal Chairman Indirect Taxes and
superannuated as CBIC chief
Customs (CBIC)
Chief Financial Officer

8. Vaibhav Taneja Tesla Inc. --
(CFO)
Approval for appointment has been

SBI Life Insurance Co.
9. Amit Jhingran MD and CEO given by Insurance Regulatory and
Ltd
Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
Appointed by Norodom Sihamoni, King

of Cambodia.
10. Hun Manet Prime Minister Cambodia
He has replaced Hun Sen, the longest
serving Prime Minister in the world.
44 | P a g e
Corporate Vice
President of
11. Puneet Chandok Microsoft Corp He has replaced Anant Maheswari.
Microsoft India and
South Asia
P R Seshadri replaced Salim Managing Director & Seshadri has served as MD & CEO of
12. South Indian Bank
Gangadharan. CEO The Karur Vysya Bank Limited.
Life Insurance He is going to replace Mini Ipe .

13. R. Doraiswamy Managing Director Corporation of India Will take charge of office on or after
(LIC) September 1, 2023.
14. Mr. Srettha Thavisin Prime Minister Thailand He has replaced Prayut Chan-o-cha.
National Green
15. Justice Prakash Shrivastava Chairperson --
Tribunal (NGT)
He has been elected to the role for 2nd

16. Emmerson Mnangagwa President Zimbabwe
term.
International
Former Chief Justice of Mediator Panel of
India (CJI) N.V. Ramana Singapore
17. Member -
International
Mediation Centre
(SIMC)
PERSONS IN NEWS
S.No Personality Profession Key Facts
Emerged as the highest-paid bank chief

executive in FY23 with remuneration of
₹10.55 crore
1. Sashidhar Jagdishan Managing Director (HDFC Bank)
Amitabh Chaudhry (Axis Bank) and
Sandeep Bakhshi (ICICI Bank) stood at 2nd
and 3rd place
2. Bikash Sinha Renowned nuclear physicist He recently passed away
Gukesh D overtook Viswanathan Anand

3. Gukesh D Chess player to become India's highest FIDE ranking
player
He announced his retirement.
He was widely regarded as one of the

4. Gianluigi Buffon, Italy Goalkeeper, Football greatest goalkeepers of all time.
He was the member of Italy team, which

won 2006 Fédération Internationale de
45 | P a g e
Football Association (FIFA) world cup
held in Germany.
He announced his retirement from

international cricket.
5. Alex Hales, England Batter, Cricket He was the member of England team,
which won 2022 T-20 world cup held in
Australia.
He passed away at the age of 87.
He was recipient of Academy award

William David Friedkin, The Film and television director, producer, (Oscar award) for best director for the
6.
United States of America (USA) and screenwriter movie The French Connection.
He was also known for movies like “The

Exorcist”.
He announced his retirement.

7. Diego Godin, Uruguay Defender, Football He played for Uruguay at the past four
World Cups.
He announced his retirement from Test

8. Moeen Ali, England All-rounder, Cricket
cricket.
Shri Kandlakunta Alaha

9. Telugu, Sanskrit scholar He passed away recently.
Singaracharyulu, India
She signed as an investor and brand

ambassador of Pluckk.
10. Kareena Kapoor Khan, India Bollywood Actress
Pluckk is engaged in the fresh fruit and
vegetables business.
He passed away recently.
He was former Defence Research and

Development Organisation (DRDO)
Director General
11. Dr. V.S. Arunachalam, India Scientist
He was founder of The Center for Study
of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)
is an Indian think-tank based in
Bengaluru.
She is the founder of House of Macnok

which promotes sustainable living and
empowering local artisans of Arunachal
Pradesh.
She has following recognitions on her

12. Ms. Ninna Lego, India Entrepreneur
name:
i) ‘Entrepreneurship Challenge’ 2022-
2023 under incubation category by
IIMCIP, APIIP under the Department of
Investment and Planning,
ii) 'North-east Entrepreneurship
46 | P a g e
Challenge' (NEEDP) for the year 2023.
iii) Best Business Model Canvas' on
National Startup Day, 2023.
He has announced his retirement from

13. Wahab Riaz, Pakistan Fast Bowler, Cricket
international cricket.
He has announced his retirement from

14. Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka All-rounder, Cricket
Test cricket.
She received a four-year ban from the

Woman Athlete National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for
failing in dope test.
15. Dutee Chand, India
Additional Information: Dutee Chand is India's fastest woman athlete who has two
Asian Games silver medals.

Television presenter, broadcaster,
16. Michael Parkinson, England He was popularly known as ‘British-chat-
journalist, and author
show-king.’

17. John Devitt, Australia Swimming He won a Gold medal in the 1960 Rome
Olympics.
Padma Shri awardee and former

18. MR Satyanaryana Rao President of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for He recently passed away
Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR)
He recently passed away.
He represented Kolkata clubs Mohun

Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan
19. Mohammed Habib Indian football legend Sporting.
Habib was praised by Pele after scoring

in 2-2 draw against Pele's New York
Cosmos.
He became National Icon for the Election

20. Sachin Ramesh Tendular Ex-Indian Cricketer Commission of India for the period of 3
years
Appointed as new Brand Ambassador of

21. Rahul Dravid Ex-Indian Cricketer Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
(BPCL)
He has passed away.
John Warnock, The United He was co-founder of Adobe.

22. Computer Scientist
States of America (USA)
He was the inventor of the Portable
Document Format (PDF).
47 | P a g e
Windham Lawrence Rotunda He has passed away.
popularly known as “Bray He was best known for his tenures in
23. Professional wrestler
Wyatt”, The United States of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
America (USA) from 2010 to 2021.
Recently, the President of India has

released a commemorative coin Rs 100
Telugu Actor & Former Chief Minister of denomination to commemorate the
24. Late Shri NT Rama Rao
undivided Andhra Pradesh birth centenary of Late Shri NT Rama
Rao at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural
Centre
Indian-American mathematician and He passed away recently.

25. Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao
statistician He hails from Karnataka
26. Ron Cephas Jones American actor He passed away recently.
She passed away recently.

27. Seema Deo Marathi Actress
He was the first Indian poet to win the

28. Jayanta Mahapatra Poet and litterateur Sahitya Akademi award for English
poetry.
He hails from Cuttack, Odisha
He recently passed away
He was the founder of Sulabh

International, an Indian social service
organisation working for human rights,
Social Entrepreneur
environmental sanitation, waste
29. Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak management & reforms.
He was also nominated as ambassador

for Swachh Bharat Mission
Additional Information: Sulabh International was founded in 1970. It was conferred

the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2016, jointly with Akshaya Patra Foundation.
He conducted (100-piece) largest

orchestra ever to record India's National
Indian music composer
Anthem at the Abbey Road Studios,
30. Ricky Kej London
Additional Information: In Feb’23, Ricky Kej won his career's third Grammy award for
his album 'Divine Tides’. He is also the country's youngest Grammy awardee.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS

S.No Book Title Author Key Facts
48 | P a g e
The book portrays the lives of heroes of
1. Kargil: Ek Yatri Ki Jubani Rishi Raj
Kargil War of 1999
The book sheds light on how key

political decisions were taken during
the tenure of six prime ministers (Indira
2. How Prime Ministers Decide Veteran journalist Neerja Chowdhury
Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, V.P. Singh, P.V.
Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee,
and Manmohan Singh)
This book carries the celebrated port’s

“Monsoon: A Poem of Love and
3. Abhay K heartfelt message From Madagascar to
Longing”
his beloved in the Srinagar (J&K)
She is an Indian-origin and one of the

4. Western Lane Chetna Maroo four debut novelists in the Booker Prize
2023 longlist.
A compendium on 75
technologies developed by
5. CSIR Released by CSIR-CIMAP.
Council of Scientific & Industrial
Research (CSIR)
Heritage Trees of Goa,

Pillai is the first Governor who
When Parallel Lines Meet, undertook Goa Gram Samruddhi Yatra
P.S. Sreedharan Pillai,
6. and covering around 400 villages in all the
the Governor of Goa forty assembly Constituencies thereby
Ente Priya Kavitakal (Collection
aiming to reach to the grass-root level.
of poems)
Amrit Mathur, Autobiography reveals how Akshay

'Pitchside: My Life in Indian Kumar terminated Delhi Daredevils
7. former Board of Control for Cricket in
Cricket' contract to save IPL team from
India (BCCI) General Manager incurring loss.
"Drunk on Love: The Life, Vision

8. Vipul Rikhi --
and Songs of Kabir"
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

S.No Festival Country / State Key Facts
Organized by: India Trade Promotion

Organisation (ITPO), in association with
the Federation of Indian Publishers
27th edition of the Delhi Book (FIP).
1. Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Fair Publications Division, Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting has
received the silver medal for Excellence
in Display at Delhi Book Fair.
49 | P a g e
‘Unmesha’ – International Inaugurated by: The President of India
2.
Literature Festival
Organizer of Unmesha: Sahitya
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Akademi.
‘Utkarsh’ – Festival of Folk and
3. Organizer of Utkarsh: Sangeet Natak
Tribal Performing Arts
Akademi
Aadi Perukku (also known as Tamil Nadu This festival is celebrated to show the
4.
Pathinettam Perukku) gratitude to monsoon
The Indira Gandhi Memorial It entered in the World Book of Records It has 68 distinctive tulip varieties in the
5. Tulip Garden, Srinagar, Union (UK) as Asia’s largest such park, adorned garden, loacted in the foothills of the
Territory Jammu and Kashmir with an array of 1.5 million flowers. Zabarwan range in Srinagar.
Developed by: The Chennai Metropolitan

Southeast Asia’s largest Water Supply and Sewerage Board It has capacity to treat 400 million litres
6. desalination plant in Perur near (CMWSSB) with funding support from the of seawater per day and will be
Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Japan International Cooperation Agency completed by December 2026.
(JICA)
Recently, it has declared as the 54th tiger Number of tigers in India: increased
reserve of India by National Tiger from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022, an
Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve, Conservation Authority (NTCA). annual increase of 6 %.
7. Karauli and Dholpur districts,
It is also Rajasthan's fifth tiger reserve Top 4 states with maximum number of
Rajasthan
after Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra tigers in India: Madhya Pradesh (785),
Hills and Ramgarh Vishdhari. Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and
Maharashtra (444)
PLACES IN NEWS
S.No Place Why in News Key Facts

It became the 50th country recognised
by the World Health Organization
Iraq has eliminated trachoma disease.
(WHO) for eliminating a Neglected
Tropical Disease (NTD).
1. Iraq
Additional Information: Trachoma is an NTD, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
(bacterial infection) and the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness.
WHO aims for eliminating NTD by 2030.

Adichanallur is an ancient and historical
The foundation stone of museum was laid
Iron-age burial site located in
recently.
Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
‘Iconic Site Museum’ at
2. Additional Information: It is one of the five sites selected as ‘Iconic sites’ in the
Adichanallur
budget 2020-21 for development.
Other sites are Rakhigarhi (Haryana), Hastinapur (UP), Dholavira (Gujarat), and
Shivsagar (Assam).
A compendium on 75
technologies developed by
3. CSIR Released by CSIR-CIMAP.
Council of Scientific & Industrial
Research (CSIR)
50 | P a g e
DAYS IN NEWS
S.No Days Date Themes & Misc.
• The date marks death anniversary of

Cosimo de' Medici, a 15th-century
Italian politician and banker who
1. World FinTech Day August 1
established the Medici Bank.
• He is considered as the architect of
modern-day banking.
• World Wide Web was made by Sir

Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 while he
2. World Wide Web (WWW) Day August 1
was working at CERN (the European
Organisation for Nuclear Research).
The day is celebrated across India to

commemorate the enactment of the
4th Muslim Women's Rights
3. August 1 Muslim Women Act, 2019 which
Day
prohibits the practice of Triple talaq in
India.
4. World Lung Cancer Day August 1 --
Theme: Let's make breastfeeding

5. World Breastfeeding Week 1 to 7 August
and work, work!"
• Earth Overshoot Day marks the date

when humanity’s demand for
Earth Overshoot Day ecological resources and services
6. (hosted and calculated by August 2 each year exceeds what Earth can
Global Footprint Network) regenerate in that year.
• In 2023, Earth Overshoot Day lands
on August 2 (on 28th July in 2022)
• Celebrated at Bharat Mandapam in

Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
• Launch of e-portal ‘Bhartiya Vastra
August 7 evam Shilpa Kosh - A Repository of
Textiles & Crafts’ developed by the
7. 9th National Handloom Day National Institute of Fashion
Technology.
Additional Information: The government started celebrating National Handloom Day

from 7th August 2015, as an ode to the Swadeshi Movement, launched on 7th August
1905 to encourage indigenous industries, particularly handloom weavers.
Hiroshima Day It is observed to advocate for peace

politics and raise awareness of
8. August 6th
catastrophic consequences of atomic
bomb attack on Hiroshima.
51 | P a g e
Additional Information: In 1945, the United States of America (USA) deployed two
atomic bombs, named 'The Little Boy' and 'The Fat Man,' on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
on August 6 and 9, respectively.
On August 7 2021, Neeraj Chopra created

history by becoming the first track and
9. National Javelin Day 7th August
field athlete from India to win an Olympic
medal in javelin throw
It marks the dropping of second nuclear

10. Nagasaki Day 9th August bomb (named Fat Man) on Japan’s
Nagasaki city by US during 2nd World War
Theme: 'Biofuels for Sustainability and

Rural Income’ (same as in 2022)
August 10
Aim: To bring issues to light about the use
of alternative fuel sources instead of fossil
fuels.
11. World Biofuel Day
Additional Information: The day honors Rudolf Diesel, the individual who invented
the diesel engine.
The National Policy of Biofuels in 2018 amendments additionally highlights a target of

reaching 20% ethanol-blending and 5% biodiesel-blending by 2030.
First World Steelpan Day Steelpan is the national musical

12. 11th August
(declared by United Nations) instrument of Trinidad and Tobago
13. International Youth Day 12th August Theme: Empowering Youth for Change
14. World Elephant Day 12th August Theme for World Elephant Day 2023 is
“Ending the Illegal Wildlife Trade”
Organized by: Ministry of Culture
Partition Horrors Remembrance

15. August 14 To remind the nation of the sufferings
Day
and sacrifices of Indians during the
partition in 1947.
Celebrated to raise awareness about the

importance of organ donation and to
encourage people to become organ
16. World Organ Donation Day August 13 donors.
2023 theme is “Step up to volunteer;

need more organ donors to fill the
lacunae”.
To promote National Integration and

17. Sadbhavana Diwas August 20 Communal Harmony among people of all
religions, languages and regions.
52 | P a g e
The idea behind the observance of this
Day is to shun violence and to uphold
goodwill among the people.
18. World Humanitarian Day August 19 Theme: #NoMatterWhat
19. World Photography Day August 19 Theme: ‘LANDSCAPES’
To commemorate the contributions of

British doctor Sir Ronald Ross who was
20. World Mosquito Day August 20 the first person to discover the
connection between malaria and female
anopheline mosquitoes
Theme: Seeds of Change: Innovative

Solutions for a Water-Wise World
21. World Water Week 2023 August 20-24
Organized by: The Stockholm
International Water Institute (SIWI)
To respect the contributions of older

22. World Senior Citizens Day August 21 people, honour them, and address the
challenges they face in the society.
It will be celebrated due to success of

23. National Space Day August 23
Chandrayaan 3.
Theme: #EmbraceEquity
The day celebrates the declaration of the

24. Women's Equality Day 2023 August 26 19th Amendment in 1920 to the USA
Constitution which granted women the
right to vote
Theme: "Sports are an enabler to an

inclusive and fit society"
August 29 It is celebrated to commemorate the
25. National Sports Day birth anniversary of hockey legend Major
Dhyan Chand Singh.
Additional Information: The first National Sports Day was celebrated on August 29,
2012.
MISCELLANEOUS
S.No Miscellaneous News Key Facts
• With completion of this project, the floating solar capacity of

NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd won the bid for 80 MW NTPC shall be 342 MW.
1. Floating Solar capacity project at Omkareshwar
Reservoir, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh • The biggest Floating Solar project in the country is of 100
MW capacity located at NTPC Ramagundam in Telangana.
53 | P a g e
• NTPC has set target to achieve 60 GW Renewable Energy
capacity by 2032.
• Additional Information: Omkareshwar dam is located on

the river Narmada.
• This free of cost AI-enabled chatbot will address the critical

need for accurate information on social issues and sexual
and reproductive health and rights among adolescents and
Madhya Pradesh govt with UNFPA (United Nations young adults.
2. Population Fund) launched 'Just Ask/Khulke • It features two aspiring role models, Dhruv and Drishti, who
Poochho' chatbot communicate information in a simple and relatable manner.
• It will cater to questions related to growing up, bodily
changes, menstruation, reproductive health, pregnancy and
family planning, gender identity, sexual orientation.
The products include:

1. Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft (ornamentation work on
weapons)
2. Bikaner Kashidakari Craft (created on cotton, silk or velvet
with a variety of fine stitches and mirror-work)
8 products from across India, including 5 from 3. Jodhpur Bandhej Craft (Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing)
Rajasthan, have been given the Geographical 4. Bikaner Usta Kala Craft (gold meenakari done on camel skin)
3. Indication (GI) tag 5. Nathdwara Pichwai Craft (religious cloth paintings)
6. Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (from town in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah
district)
7. Goa Mankurad Mango (also known as Malcorada)
8. Goan Bebinca (queen of Goan desserts - traditional Indo-
Portuguese pudding)
Additional Information: the project for GI registration of 5 products from Rajasthan is supported by NABARD to
preserve the intactness of disappearing artworks.
Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved

merger of Tata Cleantech Capital Limited (TCCL) and TCL is registered with the RBI as a Systematically Important Non-
4.
Tata Capital Financial Services Limited (TCFSL) into Deposit Accepting Core Investment Company
Tata Capital Limited (TCL)
The golden jubilee celebration of the National

5. Federation of the Blind was held recently at New --
Delhi.
Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kolkata have

Aim: strengthening ties between India and Papua New Guinea in
6. recently visited Port Moresby, the capital of Papua
the maritime domain
New Guinea
Recently, the Prime Minister flagged off Metro

trains marking inauguration of services on He also inaugurated a Waste to Energy Plant under Pimpri
7.
completed sections of the two corridors of Pune Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) in Pune.
Metro Phase I.
L&T has a joint venture with state-run Indian Oil Corporation

L&T and its green hydrogen joint venture partners to
8. and renewable power company ReNew for its green hydrogen
invest $4B (Rs 32,000 Cr) in green hydrogen projects
ventures.
54 | P a g e
Two products from Jammu & Kashmir got Chikri wood craft from Rajouri district and Mushqbudji rice of
9.
Geographical Indication (GI) tag Anantnag district were awarded the GI tag
India’s oldest airline Air India revamped its logo The logo has been designed by FutureBrand
Earlier this year, Air India placed orders for 470 aircraft from
10. Airbus and Boeing at $70 billion
Tata Group took control of loss-making Air India in January 2022
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) becomes fastest Major

11. Port to handle 50 MMT Cargo in current fiscal that is --
2023-24.
An empennage is the tail structure located at the rear of an

Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited
aircraft.
(TLMAL) delivers 200th C-130J Super Hercules
empennage. The empennages made by TLMAL are included in C-130Js
12.
operated by seven countries, including India.
Additional Information: TLMAL a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin
Aeronautics was established in 2010 in Adibatla, Hyderabad.
New Amravati station (Maharashtra) becomes

It became the first pink station in Bhusaval Division.
Central Railway’s third ‘Pink Station
13. Additional Information: Pink station is fully managed by women workforce.
Matunga station in the Mumbai division and Ajni station in the Nagpur division are other pink stations of Central
Railway.
The committee is headed by Justice Gita Mittal and other

members are Justice Shalini Phansalkar Joshi and Justice Asha
Menon.
An all-women committee of three former High
14. Court judges to oversee relief in Manipur appointed Mandate of committee: To oversee relief, rehabilitation, and
by The Supreme Court of India. rebuilding measures in strife-torn Manipur.
For overseeing criminal matters, it appointed ex-Maharashtra

DGP Dattatray Padsalgikar.
The portal will enable advocates, litigants, interns and others to

The Supreme Court of India has launched
15. register themselves online and request for e-passes to enter the
'SuSwagatam' portal.
apex court.
The state was called 'Keralam' in Malayalam, but in other

Kerala Assembly passes resolution to rename state languages it is still Kerala.
as 'Keralam'
16. November 1 is celebrated as Kerala formation day.
Additional Information: Indian States were formed on the basis of language on November 1, 1956.
The President of India launched 'My Bengal,

17. Addiction Free Bengal' campaign under 'Nasha Organised by: Brahma Kumaris
Mukt Bharat Abhiyan'
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) to provide To benefit students from poor economic background, especially
18. free residential coaching for national medical in villages in coal belt areas of Madhya Pradesh and
entrance exam – NEET Chhattisgarh.
55 | P a g e
The Delhi Forensic Science Laboratory systems The Delhi FSL has become the “first institution of its kind in the
(DFSL) is being integrated with a blockchain country” to use blockchain technology for transparent and
19. technology. tamper-proof digital recording of evidence.
Additional Information: A blockchain is a distributed database or ledger shared among a computer network’s nodes.
Union home ministry renews Foreign Contribution

20. Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of Observer Research ORF is an independent global think tank based in Delhi, India.
Foundation (ORF) for 5 years.
The Matti banana variety, native to Kanniyakumari

21. district, Tamil Nadu has granted the Geographical --
Indication (GI) tag
Raja Anirudh Sriram, a fourth-standard student of He has also won the International Maths Olympiad (IMO) and
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh has bagged a silver medal ABACUS mental mathematics.
22.
at the Singapore International Math Olympiad He is youngest Indian to get the ‘Microsoft Office Specialist
Challenge (SIMOC) held recently. Certificate’.
Headed by: Former Principal Scientific Advisor to government, K

Vijay Raghavan.
A nine-member committee to review functioning of
Defence Research and Development Organisation Mandate of committee: To restructure and redefine the role of
23. the Department of Defence (Research and Development) and
(DRDO) and suggest “restructuring and redefining”
of its role. DRDO, as also their relationship with academia and industry, as
well as how to attract and retain top-quality scientific
manpower, and to make India self-reliant in military sector.
Gond painting from Madhya Pradesh to Brazilian president Lula

da Silva.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted exclusive Bidri pair of Surahi (pots) from Telangana to South African
24. Indian products to world leaders at BRICS summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
South Africa.
Naga shawl to First Lady of South Africa Tshepo Motsepe.
RIDF: Govt of India created RIDF in NABARD in 1995-96, with an

initial corpus of Rs.2,000 crore. With the allocation of Rs
NABARD has sanctioned Rs 1,974.07 crore to the 40,001.98 crore for 2022-23, the cumulative allocation has
Rajasthan government under the Rural reached Rs. 4,58,410.71 crore
25.
Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for 2023-
The eligible activities are classified under three broad categories:
24
1. Agriculture and related sector
2. Social sector
3. Rural connectivity
Mumbai-based quick commerce startup Zepto has achieved this

milestone by raising USD 200 million in Series-E fundraise.
26. Zepto became India’s first unicorn of 2023 After fundraise, the valuation of Zepto stood at USD 1.4 billion.
Zepto was founded by Stanford University dropouts Aadit

Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra
56 | P a g e
The term ‘unicorn’ was coined in 2013 by Aileen Lee, it refers to
a privately held startup company with a value of over USD 1
billion
Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has

27. onboarded Mastercard as the global partner of the --
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023
Chandrayaan-3 Lander Module's soft-landing on the

moon became the world’s most viewed live-stream The second most watched livestream globally is the Brazil vs
on YouTube Croatia football match from the FIFA World Cup 2022, which
28. had six million peak concurrent viewers (PCVs).
The livestream attracted over 80 lakh peak
concurrent viewers (PCVs) The Brazil vs South Korea football match from the same
tournament with 5.2 million PCVs ranks third.
In this new project, providing about 28,000 tonnes of special

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) supplies steel steel plates for all the vessels.
29. for the seventh frigate under the P17 A Project, The P17 A Project aims to build a total of seven state-of-the-art
strengthening India’s defense indigenization efforts. frigates for the Indian Navy, with four ships being constructed
by M/s Mazagon Dock Ltd and three ships by M/s GRSE.
Local specialties Bhaderwah Rajmash of Doda and

Sulai honey of Ramban districts of Jammu and Bhaderwah Rajmash is called red beans and another Sulai
30.
Kashmir have been granted Geographical Indication honey is an organic honey.
(GI) tags.
PME Entertainment denied that Kashmir would Misinformation about Kashmir being host erupted in context of
31.
host the 71st edition of Miss World. the 71st Miss World 2023 press conference held in Kashmir.
*************
2 GA + ESI
SOCIAL SECTOR IN INDIA - HEALTH

2.1 Government and Private Medical Institute Regulation
Why in news?
• The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare recently informed the house about Update
on government and private medical institute regulation in the country.
Important Information
57 | P a g e
• Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act,
2019 for assessing and rating of medical institutions for their compliance with NMC standards.
• As per Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations 2002, issued
under Indian Medical Council Act 1956, complaints related to medical negligence are handled.
Complainant can appeal to Ethics and Medical Registration Board, NMC.
• The National Council for Clinical Establishments under Clinical Establishments (Registration and
Regulation) Act, 2010 (CE Act, 2010) for registration and regulation of Government (except those of
Armed Forces) as well as private clinical establishments.
• As per the CE Act, 2010, the clinical establishments are required to fulfil the conditions of minimum
standards of facilities, services and personnel to provide affordable and quality healthcare also
provides for cancellation of registration of hospitals in case of non-compliance.
• The complaints related to deficiency in medical services can also be filed in District/State/National
Consumer Dispute Redressal Forums under the Consumer Protection Act 1986 (Amended 2019).
2.2 Indian Council of Medical Research – India Diabetes (ICMR INDIAB) Study
Why in news?
• Recently ‘Indian Council of Medical Research – India Diabetes (ICMR INDIAB)’ study has been
published in 2023 which was carried out to quantify the prevalence of metabolic Non-Communicable
Diseases (NCDs) in India and analyze interstate and inter-regional variations.
Key Findings
• Study shows that India now has a much higher prevalence of metabolic NCDs than shown by previous
estimates. The overall weighted prevalence of:
o Diabetes was 11·4% (10.1 crores) and Prediabetes 15·3% (13.6 crores)
o Hypertension 35·5% (31.5 crores)
o Generalized obesity 28·6% (25.4 crores) and Abdominal obesity 39·5% (35.1 crores)
o Dyslipidemia 81·2%
• Diabetes prevalence was highest in the southern and northern regions of India, with urban areas
having high prevalence. Diabetes is stabilizing in the more developed states of the country.
• Hypertension was highly prevalent throughout the country except in the central region, more so in
the urban areas and among males. High prevalence rates of obesity were observed in urban areas
compared with rural area. Generalized obesity was significantly higher in females.
• There is also evidence that the NCD epidemic is spreading to rural areas.
• National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs (NP-NCD) under National Health Mission
(NHM) focusses on strengthening healthcare facility for treatment of the NCDs.
• Screening of persons more than 30 years for common NCDs an integral part of service delivery under
Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres.
• FSSAI’s Eat Right Initiative, Safe and Nutritious Food at Home and ‘Aaj se thoda kum’ initiatives.
2.3 Lecture on "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
Why in news?
• Recently lecture centered on the topic "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" was convened.
o Organised by: CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR)
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• CSIR-NIScPR organised a lecture under its SVASTIK division.
• Aim: Creating awareness and sharing evidence-based traditional practices/knowledge among the public.
• SVASTIK (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge) is a PMO monitored initiative
managed by CSIR-NIScPR. Here simplified creative content on scientifically validated Indian traditional
knowledge is being disseminated through digital platform in English and different Indian languages.
2.4 National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI)
Why in news?
• The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare recently gave updates on this programme.
• (NPCBVI) was launched in the year 1976 as a 100% Centrally Sponsored scheme.
• Under NPCBVI, a Mission Mode Cataract Surgery campaign (Netra Jyoti Abhiyan) was launched (2022-
2025) to clear backlog of eligible cataract cases by allotting yearly targets to each State and Union UT.
• For the FY-2022-23, a target of 75,00,000 cataract surgery was kept against which 83,44,824 cataract
surgeries were done.
• This drive is a major step taken to reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness to 0.25% by 2025.
2.5 India Health Dialogue Initiative
Why in news?
• Recently, India Chamber of Business and Commerce (India Chamber) in partnership with Ministry of
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, ICMR and IMA organized Roundtable conference ahead of
upcoming India Health Dialogue Summit (IHD).
• IHD ’s Summit to be held in November for promoting investment opportunities, global collaborations,
innovation and entrepreneurship in Indian health care manufacturing and services sector.
• Maharashtra Global Med Tech Zone (MGMTZ) - a world class Global Medical device manufacturing
Hub is proposed by India Chamber in partnership with ICMR as part of India Health dialogue platform.
• India Health Dialogue (IHD) is a global initiative of:
o India Chamber of Business and Commerce in partnership with Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR), Indian Medical Association (IMA) and supported by Ministry of MSME.
o Launched in May 2023 for making India manufacturing Hub in Health and Healthcare.
2.6 Port Health Organisation (PHO)
Why in News?
• The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) recently launched Port Health
Organisation (PHO) module under Sagar Setu - National Logistics Portal (Marine).
• Launched by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
• Focus on public health: To conduct disease surveillance, health inspection and quarantine measures to
safeguard citizens and port workers.
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• Envisaged as a part of ‘Ease of Doing busine’ by covering features like request for PHO clearance
certificates, approval by PHO, online certification generation, tracking of request status etc.
• Sagar Setu (National Logistic Portal - Marine) would help the Shipping Agents to submit the online
request for Health Declaration Certificates to PHOs at Port for the arriving and leaving vessel.
Additional Information
• ‘SAGAR-SETU’, the mobile app version of NLP-Marine gives real-time information on vessel-related
details, gate information, container freight stations, and transactions.
2.7 India Health Dialogue Initiative
Why in news?
• Recently, India Chamber of Business and Commerce (India Chamber) in partnership with Ministry of
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, ICMR and IMA organized Roundtable conference ahead of
upcoming India Health Dialogue Summit (IHD).
• IHD ’s Summit to be held in November for promoting investment opportunities, global collaborations,
innovation and entrepreneurship in Indian health care manufacturing and services sector.
• Maharashtra Global Med Tech Zone (MGMTZ) - a world class Global Medical device manufacturing
Hub is proposed by India Chamber in partnership with ICMR as part of India Health dialogue platform.
• India Health Dialogue (IHD) is a global initiative of:
o India Chamber of Business and Commerce in partnership with Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR), Indian Medical Association (IMA) and supported by Ministry of MSME.
o Launched in May 2023 for making India manufacturing Hub in Health and Healthcare.
2.8 Affordable Mental Health Services
Why in news?
• Recently, Union Minister of State for Health and Family gave updates on the Update on Affordable
Mental Health Services in the country.
• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) launched 1982:
o District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) component in 738 districts for which support is
provided to States/UTs through the National Health Mission (NHM).
o Facilities made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary
Health Centre (PHC) levels.
o Under the tertiary care component, 25 Centres of Excellence sanctioned to increase the intake
of students in PG departments in mental health specialties.
• Since 2018, human resource trained to deliver mental healthcare services by providing online training
courses through the Digital Academies at:
o National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru
o Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam
o Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi.
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• Comprehensive Primary Health Care under Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre (HWC)
Scheme covers mental health services.
2.9 13th Indian Organ Donation Day

Why in News?
• Recently, 13th Indian Organ Donation Day (IODD) was observed on 3rd August 2023.
o The first IODD was observed in 2010.
• National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) had organized the IODD ceremony at New
Delhi.
Initiatives launched during the event

S.No Particulars Key Details
Initiative of: International Health division of the Ministry of Health and

eCARe (e-clearance of afterlife Family Welfare
1.
remains) portal Objective: to streamline and expedite the process of transporting human
remains to India from different countries.
Developed by: Indian Council of Medical Research -National Institute of

Haemophilia A and von Willebrand Immunohematology (ICMR-NIIH), Mumbai.
2.
Disease Diagnostic Kits ICMR-NIIH has developed such kit for the first time in the world for the
diagnosis of Haemophilia A and von Willebrand Disease
Key Information Shared

• The Government of India has increased the leave duration for organ donors from 30 days to 60 days.
• The age limit (65 years) for organ donation has been removed.
2.10 Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative for Lymphatic Filariasis
Why in News?
• Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the second phase of the annual
Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative for Lymphatic Filariasis.
• It will cover 81 districts in 9 endemic States (Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka,
Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh).
• National Guidelines for Clinical Management of Dengue Fever 2023 and Chikungunya Fever were also
released during the event.
• India has set 2027 as the target year to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, three years ahead of the global
target of 2030.
About Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)

• It is considered globally as a neglected tropical disease (NTD).
• Infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes.
2.11 Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)
Why in news?
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• Recently, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has imposed a ban on the manufacturing,
sale, and distribution of Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac to protect vultures in the country.
• The recommendation of this ban was made by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).
• The production, sale, and distribution of ‘Ketoprofen’ and ‘Aceclofenac’, along with their formulations,
for animal use is prohibited under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which are frequently employed to relieve
pain and inflammation in both humans and animals. However, when vultures and other raptor species
consume treated carcasses, it is still observed to have adverse effects on their health.
• India experienced a significant decline in its vulture population in the 1990s, attributed to the use of
diclofenac (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain and inflammatory diseases) in cattle.
• The Government of India banned Diclofenac and its formulations for veterinary use” in July 2008 with
a view to conserving vultures.
About Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)

• DTAB is the apex authority for making statutory decisions on technical drug-related matters in India. It
was established under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940.
• This authority operates as part of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and
operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Its primary function is to offer expert advice to the Central and State Governments concerning the
administration of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 and to fulfill other functions assigned by this
Act.
2.12 Fourth National Conference of ERMED Consortium
Why in news?
• The Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare recently inaugurated the Fourth National
Conference on the Electronic Resources in Medicine (ERMED) Consortium: Empowering Libraries for
Digital Health Transformation.
Key Highlights
• Venue: New Delhi
• The occasion witnessed the launch of NML-ERMED Souvenier.
• National Medical Library’s Electronic Resources in Medicine (NML-ERMED) Consortium is an initiative
taken by Director General of Health Services (DGHS) to develop nation-wide electronic information
resources in the field of medicine for delivering effective health care for all.
• ERMED consortium access facility has been extended to 74 selected government institutes including
14 AIIMS and even AYUSH Research Colleges/ Extend it to institutions as well.
• Faculty and research students are taking advantage of eResources, the metadata of books and journals
of NML that have been uploaded on National Informatics Center’s cloud software eGranthalaya.
• NML has pivotal role to play in making medical education accessible to all via digital platform.
2.13 Population Control Measures
Why in news?
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• The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare recently informed about the Measures taken
for Population Control.
• The current contraceptive basket is expanded with inclusion of new contraceptives namely Injectable
contraceptive MPA (Antara Programme) and Centchroman (Chhaya).
• Mission Parivar Vikas in thirteen states for increasing access to family planning services.
• Compensation scheme for sterilization acceptors for loss of wages to the beneficiaries for sterilization.
• Post-pregnancy contraception is provided to beneficiaries.
• In Home Delivery of contraceptives Scheme, ASHAs deliver contraceptives at doorstep of beneficiaries.
• Family Planning Logistics Management Information System (FP-LMIS) is in place to ensure last mile
availability of family planning commodities across all the levels of health facilities.
• The following progress has been achieved as recorded in National Family Health Survey and Sample
Registration System.
o Total Fertility Rate declined from 2.2 in 2015-16 (NFHS 4) to 2.0 in 2019-21 (NFHS 5).
o 31 out of 36 States/ UTs have achieved replacement level fertility (NFHS 5).
o The Modern Contraceptive usage has increased from 47.8% (NFHS 4) to 56.5% in 2019-21.
o The Unmet Need for Family Planning has decreased from 12.9% (NFHS 4) to 9.4% in 2019-21.
o The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) has declined from 20.8 in 2015 (SRS) to 19.5 in 2020 (SRS).
• National Family Planning Program: India was the first country in the world to have launched a National
Programme for Family Planning in 1952. Now it is guided by the tenets of the National Population
Policy 2000 and National Health Policy 2017.
2.14 Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)
Why in news?
• The World Health Organization (WHO) and the G20 India presidency recently launched the GIDH during
G20 Health Ministers’ meeting held in Gandhinagar.
• Objective: To help member states to advance their national digital health transformation by
strengthening collaboration and foster equity in healthcare by converging efforts and best practices.
• Fulfils ‘3rd Health Priority: Digital Health Innovation & Solutions’ under India’s G20 Presidency.
• The GIDH will be a WHO Managed Network (“Network of Networks”) that will support the
implementation of the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025.
• Focus on four foundational pillars:
o Country Needs Tracker: facilitating digital health investments to be informed by country priority.
o Country Resource Portal: identifying traditional as well as innovative resource opportunities.
o Transformation Toolbox: advocating for quality-assurance tools and resources for national digital
health transformation.
o Convening and Knowledge Exchange: promoting strengthened collaboration and knowledge
exchange across global, regional, and national networks in digital health.
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SOCIAL SECTORS IN INDIA – EDUCATION
2.15 Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav Camping
Why in news?
• Recently Minister of Women and Child Development gave updates about the campaign.
• Launched: On 7th March, 2022 to re-enroll Out of School Adolescent Girls (OoS AG in) in the 11-14
years age group into formal schooling.
• Implementing Agency: The campaign is being steered by the Ministry of Women and Child
Development in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
• The campaign will be implemented as part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao project.
• As per the final report of PRABANDH portal:
o 1,44,107 OoS AG have been identified and mapped in 22 States/UTs.
o 1,00,786 OoSAG have been enrolled back to education system.
o 66881 OoSAG have been enrolled back in Uttar Pradesh alone.
2.16 ISLRTC sign MoU with NIOS
Why in news?
• MoU was signed on the occasion of 2nd Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Sangam at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
• ISLRTC and NIOS has planned to work together in many areas such as-
o Designing and developing a process of review of learning content in Indian sign language (ISL).
o Share expertise and resources of the ISLRTC in ISL content development in STEM subjects.
o Training, promotion, evaluation and standardization process of ISL.
• NIOS introduced ISL as a language subject at the secondary level in 2021 and ISLRTC has been
contributed to their examination and evaluation of children with hearing impairment.
• The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) set up in July 2002 provide relevant continuing
education at school stage, up to pre-degree level through open and distance learning (ODL) mode.
• Indian Sign Language (ISL) is not used in deaf schools to teach deaf children. Teacher training programs
do not orient teachers towards teaching methods that use ISL. There is no teaching material that
incorporates sign language. Therefore, an institute Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center
(ISLRTC) set up in New Delhi on 28th September, 2015.
2.17 Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023

Why in News?
• Recently, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 was introduced in the Lok Sabha.
• The Bill provides for establishing the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF).
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• It repeals the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008 and dissolves the Science and
Engineering Research Board (SERB) set up under it.
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2.18 Study in India (SII) Portal
Why in News?
• Recently, the Ministry of Education has launched the Study in India (SII) Portal in New Delhi.
• The Portal has been launched under Study in India programme.
• The initiative is aligned with Prime Minister of India’s vision of re-establishing India as a global hub of
education.
Key Features
• Study in India Portal is a dedicated website that will provide comprehensive information about the
Indian Higher Education
Institutions (HEIs).
• The website will illustrate
academic programs
covering but not limited to
undergraduate (UG),
postgraduate (PG), Doctoral
level programs and Indian
Knowledge Systems.
• The portal has the provision
for students to apply in
more than one
institute/course of their
choice.
2.19 National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE)
Why in news?
• Union Minister for Education recently released National Curriculum Framework for School Education in
New Delhi. The Minister also addressed the 1st Joint workshop of the National Curriculum Framework
Oversight Committee and the National Syllabus and Teaching-Learning Material Committee.
National Curriculum Framework for School Education

• As per the National Education Policy, 2020, four NCFs will be developed jointly by the Ministry of
Education (MoE) and The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
o National Curriculum Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education (NCFECCE)
o National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE)
o National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE) and
o National Curriculum Framework for Adult Education (NCFAE)
• Under the stewardship of Prof. K Kasturirangan, a National Curriculum Framework Oversight
Committee was formed to create NCF-SE.
• Comprehensive NCF covers all 4 stages (5+3+3+4) for class 3-12 of schooling, Foundational Stage,
Preparatory Stage, Middle Stage, and Secondary Stage.
• NCF gives clear direction for action for all stakeholders. The Learning Standards have defined specific
competencies to be achieved at the end of each stage for each school subject.
• Engaging and effective pedagogy in the form of entire range of age and context appropriate pedagogy,
from play-based, activity-based, inquiry-based, dialogue based.
• To enable genuine learning and reduce stress, Board examinations to be offered at least twice a year.
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• All children to go through multidisciplinary education to develop an integrated and holistic perspective.
• Renewed emphasis on Art Education and Physical Education & Well-being in the curriculum by defining
specific learning standards to be achieved and recommended time allocation in the school timetables.
• Environmental Education given due emphasis across all stages of schooling culminating in a separate
area of study in the Secondary Stage.
• As per NEP 2020, Vocational Education to be an integral part of all stages of schooling. The curriculum
proposes engagement in the three different forms of work – work with life forms (agriculture, animal
husbandry), work with materials and machines, and work in human services.
• The curriculum aims at developing linguistic proficiency for academic use in three languages by age 15
(class 10), at least two of these languages native to the student. It expects 11th and 12th class students to
achieve a “literary level” linguistic capacity in at least one of these Indian languages.
• Conceptual understanding and procedural fluency in Mathematics along with higher order curricular
goals such as problem solving, mathematical thinking, coding, and communication.
• Interdisciplinary understanding of Social Science in which social science in class 6-8 (middle stage) be
organized in a thematic manner, from class 9 onwards will study history, geography, political Science and
economic life as separate units. In class 11 and 12, students can choose to do an in-depth study from a
range of social science disciplines.
• The curriculum to have 20% local content, 30% regional and 30% national content. The remaining 20%
will be global content.
• Flexibility and choice in secondary stage without hard separations between academic and vocational
subjects. One can choose interesting combinations of subjects and semester-based classes for class 11th
and 12th.
• Interdisciplinary Areas of Study has been introduced as a separate subject of study in Secondary Stage.
National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC).

• NCERT has formed 19-member committee, led by MC Pant, the Chancellor of the National Institute of
Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA).
• NSTC's responsibilities encompass shaping curriculum and textbooks for classes 3 to 12.
• The textbooks and learning material developed and finalized by NSTC shall be published and distributed
by the NCERT.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

2.20 Mineral Security Partnership (MSP)
Why in News?
• Recently, India
became 14th
member of the
Mineral Security
Partnership (MSP).
• India is now the only
developing country
to become a part of
the MSP.
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2.21 ‘Meri LiFE, Mera
Swachh Shehar’
campaign
Why in News?
• Recently, ‘Meri LiFE, Mera
Swachh Shehar’ campaign
was mentioned in the
Parliament.
2.22 Share of green energy

in airports
Why in News?
• According to recent data shared by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, 86 airports across India are using green
energy out of which share of green energy in airport's total energy consumption is 100% for 55 airports.
2.23 75@75 Ramsar Sites
Why in news?
• During a meeting of the Consultative Committee of MPs attached to Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) held in New Delhi committee members appreciated the efforts of
MoEF&CC in wetland conservation.
• India’s significant milestone on the 75th year of independence by declaring 75 wetlands to the list of
Wetlands of International Importance of the Ramsar Convention was highlighted.
o Covering approx. 1.33 million ha, over 8% of the known wetland extent of the country.
o Second largest in Asia and fifth in the world in terms of number of designated Ramsar Sites.
• Appraised Amrit Dharohar Initiative launched on 5th June 2023 which aims to promote conservation
values of Ramsar Sites. It is to be implemented over the next three years with four key components
such as Species and Habitat Conservation, Nature Tourism, Wetlands Livelihoods, Wetlands Carbon.
• Highlighted Mission Sahbhagita to enable a society ownership approach for participatory
conservation and wise use of Wetlands. ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’ was launched as part of this
Mission on the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2023.
• indianwetlands.in portal, a publicly available information and knowledge platform.
• A Ramsar site is a wetland site which has given international importance as per the ‘Ramsar
Convention’ or ‘Convention on Wetlands’, a treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of Ramsar
sites. It came into force in 1975. There are a total of 171 signatories nation to the convention and India
became one of them on February 1, 1982.
• During 2014 to 2022, the country has added 49 new wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites. In 2022, India
added 11 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites to make the total number of Ramsar sites 75. Tamil
Nadu has the maximum number of Ramsar sites (14), followed by UP (10).
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2.24 Revised Biomass Policy
Why in news?
• Recently Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy informed about the new
targets set under the policy.
• Currently 47 Thermal Power Plants carrying out co-firing of agro residue-based biomass pellets with
coal. Here stubble/straw/stalk/husk which are surplus and not being used as animal fodder for making
the biomass pellets.
• Revised policy mandates:
o 5% biomass co-firing in Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) from FY 2024-25.
o Obligation shall increase to 7% from FY 2025-26.
• Initiatives to ensure the availability and procurement of biomass pellets for co-firing in TPPs:
o Finance Assistance Schemes by MNRE and CPCB for biomass pellet manufacturing units.
o (RBI) has approved ‘Biomass pellet manufacturing’ as an eligible activity under Priority Sector
Lending (PSL).
o Procurement Provision of Biomass Category has been created on GeM portal.
• Nearly 1.65 Lakh Metric Tonnes of agri residues-based biomass has been co-fired in 47 coal based TPPs
till May 202.Uttar Pradesh alone has co-fired 71000 Metric Tonnes.
2.25 Clearances in Eco Sensitive Zones and Protected Areas
Why in news?
• Recently, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) informed
about the Environmental Clearance (EC) granted to 40 proposals by the Ministry.
• Environmental Clearance (EC) granted by the MoEF&CC in the default Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) as
per the provisions of the EIA Notification, 2006.
• Prior environmental clearance shall be required for projects/activities located within the default ESZ
meaning zone within 10 km of the boundaries of the protected areas including National Parks and
Sanctuaries.
o Projects shall require consideration by the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL)/Standing
Committee for National Board of Wildlife (SCNBWL).
o Accordingly, proposals are granted environmental clearance after due approval by the Expert
Appraisal Committee (EAC), constituted by the Ministry for the purpose.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of
a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and
human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.
• EIA is statutorily backed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986 which contains various provisions on
EIA methodology and process.
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2.26 Mission LiFE
Why in news?
• Recently, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed about the
initiatives undertaken to encourage people to adopt environment-friendly lifestyle.
• Lifestyle For Environment (LiFE), an India-led global mass movement to nudge individual/community
action to protect and preserve the environment.
o Mission LiFE Portal (missionlife-moefcc.nic.in), is an open access portal and serves as a
knowledge and social media creatives repository.
o Meri LiFE Portal (merilife.org) for uploading actions and awareness generation events.
• Environment Education Programme (EEP):
o Financial assistance was provided to the Implementing/Nodal Agencies of States/UTs for
organizing various awareness programmes.
• Environmental Information Awareness Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP):
o The EIACP Centres host a wide range of outreach and awareness activities such as debates,
quizzes, webinars, plantation drives, and celebrations of environmental days to engage citizens
actively.
• National Green Corps (NGC) Ecoclub programme sensitize children on issues related to environment.
2.27 City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0)
Why in news?
• Recently, Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs informed about the initiative.
• Initiative of: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

• In partnership with:
o French Development Agency (AFD), KreditanstaltfürWiederaufbau (KfW)
o European Union (EU)
o National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)
• The period of the program would be for 4 years
• 3 Components:
o First: Financial and technical support for up to 18 Smart Cities for projects promoting circular
economy with focus on Integrated Waste Management.
o Second: Support to all States/Union Territories (UTs) for Climate action.
o Third: Interventions at National level to support scale-up across all cities and towns.
2.28 Western Ghats Spatial Decision Support System (WGSDSS)

Why in News?
• Recently, Western Ghats Spatial Decision Support System (WGSDSS) was mentioned in the Parliament.
About WGSDSS
• Launched by: Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
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• It is a web portal that will help the forest department and biodiversity management committees to
manage Western Ghats.
• The researchers have mapped a 1.6 lakh sq km area of Western Ghats spanning six states viz,
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu for the portal.
• The vulnerability of the regions in the Ghats has been classified into four categories of Ecologically
Sensitive Regions (ESR) viz,
o very high ecological fragility
o high ecological fragility
o moderate ecological fragility
o low ecological fragility
2.29 Improvement In Groundwater Level
Why in news?
• Minister of State for Jal Shakti recently informed the house about the steps that have been taken by the
Central government for improving groundwater level.
• Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) monitors groundwater levels four times every year.
• Analysis of water level data in Nov 2022 compared with mean of November (2012-2021) indicates that
about 61.1% of the wells have registered rise in ground water level.
• As on Nov 2018 around 81.10 % of monitored wells had depth to water level up to 10 m whereas, the
GW level data of Nov 2022 shows around 88.7 % of monitored wells have water level up to 10m.
• Further, groundwater level data of Nov 2022 indicate that certain monitoring wells of Chandigarh,
Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand have depth to water level beyond 40m.
• As per 2017 assessment, 17% assessment units falling in 17 States/UTs were over-exploited. As per
2022 assessment, 14% assessment units (Mandals/Blocks/ Firkas/ Taluks etc) falling in 16 States/UTs
are over-exploited where groundwater extraction is more than groundwater recharge.
• Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is the National Apex Agency entrusted with the responsibilities
of providing scientific inputs for management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation
and regulation of ground water resources of the country.
• Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was constituted under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
for the purposes of regulation and control of ground water development and management in the
country. It grants No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for ground water abstraction to Industries.
2.30 Accredited Compensatory Afforestation (ACA)
Why in news?
• The Coal/ Lignite PSUs have recently announced their ambitious compensatory afforestation goals for
the FY 2023-24 to support India’s NDC commitment towards creation of additional carbon sink of 2.5
to 3 billion ton of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover.
• Goal of plantation over an area of more than 2400 ha through plantation of more than 50 lakh saplings.
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• Envisaged to bring about 30,000 Ha of additional area in and around coalfields under plantation by
2030, thus enhancing the carbon sink significantly.
• Miyawaki method, a Japanese technique of plantation is one of the most effective tree planting
methods for creating dense forest cover quickly on degraded land has been adopted by PSUs.
• Plantation has been carried out on de-coaled areas like diverted forest land as well as non-forest land.
• Coal/Lignite PSUs have also identified about 2838 Ha afforested non-forest de-coaled land so far for
compensatory afforestation as per the ACA guidelines.
Accredited Compensatory Afforestation (ACA) Scheme.

• ACA allows project developers to purchase afforested land from private or public entities. This is done
as a way of “compensating” for forest land lost to non-forest activity.
• It was introduced by the Forest (Conservation) Rules of 2022.
• Radical shift away from previous norms, which made it mandatory for project developers to find non-
forest land and bear the cost of raising compensatory afforestation on it.
• ACA mechanism in place incentivizing private landowners or government institutions for raising
afforestation to increase trees outside forests.
• State forest departments are envisaged to vet the afforested land by participating entities, following
which they will be registered on a centralized online portal for project developers to see.
2.31 Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Panchayats

Why in News?
• Recently, the Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Government of India, in close collaboration with Panchayati Raj
& Rural Development Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir has organized a thematic
workshop on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) in Panchayats at Srinagar, Jammu
& Kashmir.
• Theme: ‘Theme 8: Panchayat with Good Governance’.
• Initiatives launched at the event
o ‘Meri Panchayat Mobile app’ developed by Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
About Localization of SDGs
Note: SDGs discussed in CurrentTap – July 2023 (News 2.109).
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2.32 Mission Amrit Sarovar
Why in News?
• Recently, the Ministry of Rural Development has provided an update on Mission Amrit Sarovar
• Eight states viz, West Bengal, Punjab, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Bihar and Rajasthan lag
behind meeting objectives under Mission Amrit Sarovar.
2.33 Solar-Demonstration Projects in Africa by International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Why in news?
• Recently at the 5th regional meeting of the ISA in Kigali, Rwanda, the President, ISA and Union Minister
for Power and New & Renewable Energy inaugurated a total of nine solar power demonstration projects
in Africa.
• Four of these projects are in Uganda, two in Comoros and three in Mali.
• Through grants given by the International Solar Alliance, solarization of a rural healthcare centre and
primary schools being undertaken.
• The report “Roadmap of Solar Energy for Universal Energy Access”, released by ISA, that provides case
studies, examples, innovative policies that can make a pivotal shift.
• The ISA felicitated the winners of its SolarX StartUp Challenge.
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o Launched specifically for Africa, this initiative aimed to promote entrepreneurship and advance
clean energy in African ISA Member Countries.
• Global Solar Facility operationalized to attract investments from diverse global donors in the form of-
the payment guarantee fund, the insurance fund, and the investment fund for the proposed projects.
About ISA
• Launched: It was presented at the COP21 held in Paris in 2015 as a joint effort by India and
France to mobilize efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar energy
solutions.
• Objective: global deployment of over 1,000GW of solar generation capacity and mobilization
of investment of over US$ 1000 billion into solar energy by 2030.
• Function:
o It facilitates the deployment of existing solar technologies at scale, and promotes
collaborative solar R&D and capacity building.
o ISA is a coalition of solar resource rich countries lying fully or partially between the
Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn to specifically address energy needs by
harnessing solar energy.
• Secretariat in the National Institute of Solar Energy campus, Gurugram, Haryana.
• Significance:
o The reduced cost of technology.
o Solar is a key source of affordable and reliable energy thus it could play significant role
in achieving the universal energy access goal (SDG 7).
2.34 Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan-2023
Why in news?
• Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan-2023 conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) released
recently.
Key highlights
• Top Five Rankings: The top five cities with populations exceeding 10 lakhs were:
o 1st: Indore
o 2nd: Agra
o 3rd: Thane
o 4th: Srinagar
o 5th: Bhopal
• Madhya Pradesh Dominance:
o In the category of cities with populations exceeding 10 lakhs, out of the top five positions, two
were claimed by cities from Madhya Pradesh, Indore secured the 1stposition (187 out of 200),
Bhopal secured the5thrank(181 out of 200)while Jabalpur and Gwalior secured
th st
the 13 and41 positions with scores of 172 and 114.
o Sagar at 10th3 lakhs to 10 lakhs population category with a score of 188.02.
o Dewas retained the6thposition among cities with populations less than 3 lakhs, scoring 180.
About Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan:

4. Launch year: May 2022
5. Launched by: the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) underNational Clean
Air Programme (NCAP)
6. Objectives:
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o To create awareness and Inform citizens about the health impacts of polluted air.
o Comparing air quality at different locations to achieve the goal of NCAP “Clean air for all”
• The Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan promotes ranking of 131 citiesfor implementing City Action Plans
prepared as part ofNCAPto combat pollution and promote cleaner air quality.
• Categorization of cities into three groups based on population:
o First group: 47 cities having population more than 10 lakh.
o Second group: 44 cities having population between 3 to 10 lakhs.
o Third group: 40 cities having population less than 3 lakh.
• Cities are required to do the self-assessment annuallyas per the framework provided on PRANA (Portal
for Regulation of Air-pollution in non-Attainment cities) online portal.
• On the basis of3rd party assessment, 3 best performing cities in each group will be given cash award.
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):

• Launch year: January, 2019.
• Launched by:the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
• Aim:to improve air quality in 131 cities (non-attainment cities and Million Plus Cities) in 24 States/UTs
by engaging all stakeholders.
• Executed by: the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
• Target: The programme envisages to achieve 40%reductions in Particulate Matter10 (PM 10)
concentrations by 2025-26.
• It was the first programme to introduce time-bound air pollution reduction targets in cities.
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN INDIA

2.35 Udyam Registration Portal
Why in News?
• Recently, Udyam Registration Portal was mentioned in the Parliament.
2.36 Transforming Lives, Building Futures: Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in North-
East
Why in News?
• Recently, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has launched a special initiative
‘Transforming Lives, Building Futures: Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in North-East’.
Note: Schemes will be covered under SchemesTap
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2.37 North East Venture Fund
Why in News?
• According to recent data shared by the Ministry of Development of North-East Region, North East Venture
Fund (NEVF) has invested about around Rs 56.84 crore in 37 startups.
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2.38 Standing committee on Statistics (SCoS)
Why in News?
• Recently, Standing committee on Statistics (SCoS) was mentioned in Parliament.
2.39 Government e-Marketplace

Why in News?
• Recently, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has crossed Rs 1 lakh crore in Gross Merchandise Value
(GMV) within a remarkable span of 145 days in the current financial year, FY 2023-24.
o In 2022-23, GeM achieved this milestone in 243 days.
• Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) , Central Ministries and State Governments contributed
54%, 26% and 20% respectively to achieve this milestone.
• The average GMV per day has also witnessed significant growth from Rs 412 crore per day in FY 2022-
23 to Rs. 690 crore per day in FY 2023-24.
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2.40 e-shram Portal
Why in News?
• Top 5 states with maximum registration on e-shram portal (as on 3rd August, 2023)
S.No State Total Registrations
1. Uttar Pradesh 8,30,64,619
2. Bihar 2,86,44,358
3. West Bengal 2,58,95,198
4. Madhya Pradesh 1,71,87,040
5. Maharashtra 1,37,04,168
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2.41 Stockholm Water Week 2023
Why in news?
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• The Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) recently chaired a session during
Stockholm Water Week on the topic of 'Peer Networking for Integrated River Basin Planning and
Management'.
About Stockholm Water Week / World Water Week
• Dates: 20-24 August 2023, Venue: Stockholm, Sweden
• Organized by: The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)
• Theme: Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World
• Aim: To explore how water can be a powerful tool to address the water crisis, global warming,
biodiversity loss, poverty, and many other water-related challenges.
• Started in 1991, this event is now the leading annual conference on global water issues.
• World Water Week is held the last week of August every year and was initially part of a public water
festival in the Swedish capital, Stockholm.
• Both Stockholm Water Prize and Stockholm Junior Water Prize are presented
o The Stockholm Water Prize is described as the Nobel Prize of water. The renowned Italian
hydrologist Andrea Rinaldo is awarded for his ground-breaking research on river networks.
• The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is an international competition for innovators between 15 and 20
years old. Naomi Park from the United States received the Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2023 for her
research on the removal of carbon dioxide and oil products from the ocean.
2.42 National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)

Why in News?
• IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation at IIT Madras, along with its incubated startup, is developing
an indigenous security testing solution for 5G core network functions and Radio Access Network (RAN)
software.
• The solution is being developed under National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems
(NM-ICPS). It will prevent attacks on 5G networks.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE
2.43 The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019
Why in news?
• Minister of State for Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment recently informed the house about
initiatives taken for inclusion of the transgender community in educational spaces.
• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019: Every educational institution funded or
recognized by the appropriate Government shall provide inclusive education and opportunities for
sports, recreation and leisure activities to transgender persons without discrimination.
• The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020: Focuses on ‘Equitable and Inclusive Education’ that
identifies transgender children as Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) and provides for
equitable quality education.
• Under Samagra Shiksha, NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic
Advancement), a nation-wide integrated teacher training program helps teachers to use and adopt
learning activities that foster gender sensitive classroom environment.
• NCERT has developed material including training modules for the capacity building of teachers on the
issues related to gender in education.
2.44 WELFARE OF EX-SERVICEMEN

Why in news?
• Recently, Raksha Rajya Mantri gave the details of welfare and rehabilitation schemes, financial
assistance provided to Ex-servicemen/widows and their dependents in the country.
• Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF):
o Constituted under the Raksha Mantri Ex-servicemen Welfare Fund (RMEWF) Scheme.
o Financial assistance is given to pensioner/non-pensioner in the form of Education Grant,
Daughter’s Marriage Grant, Widow Re-Marriage Grant, Medical Treatment Grant.
o Kendriya Sainik Board is responsible for administration of AFFDF.
o Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme: Total 5,500 scholarships are provided to eligible wards
based on merit for the entire duration of the courses. The rates of Scholarship are as follows: -
✓ Rs 2,500/- per month for boys.
✓ Rs 3,000/- per month for girls.
• Reservation in employment for Ex-Servicemen (ESM):
o Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) is 14.5% in all Direct
Recruitment Group ’C’ Posts and 24.5% in all Direct Recruitment Group ’D’ Posts.
o This includes 4.5% for Disabled ESM and Dependents of Service personnel killed in action.
2.45 Digital Life Certificate Campaign 2.0
Why in news?
• The Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare (DOPPW) has recently issued comprehensive
guidelines for the Nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 2.0.
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• To be Launched by: Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW) engaged with The Ministry
of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Aim: To spread awareness amongst all the Central Government pensioners as well as the Pension
Disbursing Authorities for use of DLC/FAT to submit Digital Life Certificate.
• Face Authentication Technology (FAT): It is based on the Aadhar database and allows pensioners to
submit their Life Certificates from any Android-based smartphone. It establishes the identity of the
pensioner through face recognition techniques, and the DLC is generated as a result.
• Campaign Details:
o The campaign is set to take place from 1st to 30th November 2023 in 100 cities across India.
o The goal is to target 50 lakh pensioners for participation.
• Guidelines for Stakeholders: Defines the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, Pension Disbursing
Banks, Ministries /Departments of the GOI and Pensioners' Associations involved in the campaign.
• The guidelines emphasize the use of DLC/FAT wherever possible, including in cases where pensioners
avail Doorstep banking services or when pensioners visit the branch to submit their Life Certificates.
• Social Media Promotion: The campaign will also leverage social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook,
and YouTube to create awareness and educate pensioners about the new submission methods.
• The previous campaign was held in November 2022 with over 35 lakh DLC issued to Central
Government Pensioners in 37 cities throughout the country.
2.46 Awareness Initiatives by National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation
(NSKFDC)
Why in News?
• Recently, the initiatives to create awareness regarding the various schemes of NSKFDC and sensitization
among its target group i.e., Safai Karamcharis, Waste pickers, Manual Scavengers and their dependents
was mentioned in the Parliament.
Key Initiatives
S.No Initiatives Key Details
Organized in the basties of the target group of NSKFDC

1. Awareness Camps NSKFDC is reimbursing upto Rs.30,000/-per awareness camp for organizing
the Awareness Camps to its implementing agency.
Loan melas are organized in various Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) wherein the
2. Loan Melas
channelizing agencies are also invited
NSKFDC organizes 5 days RPL programme to provide necessary orientation

Recognition of Prior Learning to the target group of NSKFDC on mechanized, improved and safe
3. sanitation practices.
Programme (RPL)
Initiative of: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

4. Sawarti Jayeein Jeevan Ki Raahein
Aired on: All India Radio
About NSKFDC
• A wholly owned Govt. of India Undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
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• It is an Apex Corporation for the all-round socio-economic upliftment of the Safai Karamcharis,
Scavengers and their dependants throughout India, through various loan and non-loan based schemes.
• Established in: 1997; Location: New Delhi.
2.47 Eradication of Manual Scavengers

Why in News?
• According to latest data released by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 580 districts across
India have reported themselves as manual scavenging-free.
Note: Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 discussed in CurrentTap- July 2023 (News 2.38).
2.48 Tele-Law 2.0

Why in news?
• Recently on the occasion of reaching milestone of delivering 50 lakh legal consultations the Minister of
State for Law and Justice launched the Tele-Law 2.0 initiative under scheme supporting Digital Inclusion
for Strengthening Human Capital (DISHA).
About Tele-Law 2.0

• Launch year: August 2023
• Launched by: Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice.
• Objective: To integrate legal advice service under Tele-Law with legal representation services under
Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono) programme.
• Significance: It will enable the common citizen to access legal advice and assistance andpro bono
advocates for legal representation through a single registration and single gateway of Tele-Law.
• After pre-litigation advice some cases end up in courts. Lawyers who are part of the Nyaya Bandhu
scheme then can take up for free cases of those willing to contest their claims in courts.
• Fulfills the Constitutional mandate of Article 39 A to ensure access to justice for all.
About Tele-Law Programme

• Launch year: April 2017
• Launched by: the Ministry of Law and Justice in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology (MeitY).
• Objective: to strengthen pre litigation legal advice and consultation by reaching out to the needy
especially the marginalized and disadvantaged.
• Significance: Connects the citizen with the Panel lawyers using video /Teleconferencing facilities available
at the Common Service Centres (CSCs) and via Tele-Law Mobile App.
• Benefits: the service is free for those who are eligible for free legal aid as mentioned under Section 12
of the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987. For all others a nominal fee is charged.
• Till date significant.
• Tele-Law services will soon be extended to all 2.65 lakh Gram Panchayats through CSCs.
• The goal of the Tele-Law program is to touch the lives of one crore beneficiaries well before 2026.
About Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Service) Programme

• Launch year: April 2017
• Launched by: The Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice.
• Aim: to provide free of charge legal assistance and counsel for legal representation to the persons
eligible under Section 12 of Legal Service Authorities Act, 1987.
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• Practicing advocates, interested in undertaking legal pro bono work, are connected, via Nyaya Bandhu
Mobile Application, for android and iOS phones, with eligible marginalised beneficiaries.
• Nyaya Bandhu Services also available on UMANG Platform. Pro Bono Panel of advocates have been
initiated in 21 High Courts at the State level. Pro Bono Clubs in 69 select Laws Schools to instill Pro Bono
culture in budding lawyers.
MEASUREMENT OF GROWTH
2.49 National Statistical Commission (NSC)
Why in News?
• Recently, National Statistical Commission was mentioned in the Parliament Monsoon Session.
2.50 Per Capita Income

Why in News?
• As per latest provisional estimate published on 31st May, 2023, India’s per capita Net National Income
(NNI) at constant (2011-12) prices increased by 35.12% from Rs. 72,805 in 2014-15 to Rs. 98,374 in 2022-
23.
• All India Financial Year wise Average Inflation Rate based on all India Consumer Price Index and the
growth in per capita income during 2014-15 and from 2020-21 to 2022-23.
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INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS /REGIONAL
ECONOMIC COOPERATION
2.51 Group of Twenty (G20)
News 1: Youth 20 Summit-2023
• Recently, the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has organized the Youth
20 (Y20) Summit-2023 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• The summit was organized under the framework of G20 Presidency of India.
• As a part of the summit, Y20 delegates visited Super Computing Centre and Precision Engineering Hub
at Benaras Hindu University, Varanasi.
• Discussions were based on five identified themes of Y20.
• Y20 Communiqué was discussed and negotiated in the meeting.
• Major recommendations included in the Y20 Communiqué
o Empower Lifelong Learning
o Prepare The Global Workforce For Global Challenges
o Strengthen International Research Collaboration
o Promote Universal Gig Worker Rights and
o Implement Accessible Sustainable Financing and Mentoring
About Youth20
• Y20 is one of the official Engagement Groups of the G20.
• Five identified themes of Y20-2023
o Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation and 21st Century Skills
o Peace building and Reconciliation: Ushering in an Era of No War
o Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction:Making Sustainability a Way of Life,
o Shared Future: Youth in Democracy and Governance
o Health, Wellbeing and Sports: Agenda for Youth.
• Chair: Anmol Sovit.
News 2: G20 Film Festival
• Recently, the first G20 film festival, presented by the Ministry of External Affairs and India International
Centre, kicked off in Delhi.
• The event was inaugurated by actor Victor Banerjee and India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.
• Satyajit Ray's 1955 classic ‘Pather Panchali’ was screened as the opening film.
News 3: G20 Pandemic Fund

• Recently, the G20 Pandemic Fund has approved the USD 25 million proposal submitted by the
Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
(DAHD), Government of India on “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic
Preparedness and Response”.
About G20 Pandemic Fund
• Established in: November 2022
• Established under: G20 Indonesian Presidency
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• It finances critical investments to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response
capacities at national, regional, and global levels, focusing on low- and middle-income countries.
• Trustee of the fund: World Bank; Fund Adviser: World Health Organization (WHO).
News 4: B20 Summit India 2023

• Recently, Business 20 (B20) Summit India 2023 was held at New Delhi.
• Theme: R.A.I.S.E – Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable and Equitable Businesses.
• The B20 India Communique includes 54 recommendations and 172 policy actions for submission to G20.
About Business 20 (B20)
• It is the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community.
• Established in: 2010
• Theme of B 20 India: R.A.I.S.E – Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable and Equitable
Businesses.
• Recently, N Chandrasekaran, Chair, B20 India and Executive Chairman, Tata Sons, India handed B20
Presidency to Brazil.
News 5: G20 CSAR

• Recently, the second meeting of the G20-Chief Science Adviser’s Roundtable (G20-CSAR), under the
Sherpa Track of the Indian G20 Presidency, was held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Priority areas discussed in the meeting
o leveraging opportunities in One Health, for better disease prevention, control, and pandemic
preparedness
o synergizing global efforts to expand access to scholarly scientific knowledge
o ensuring equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in Science and Technology Ecosystem, as
well as known and unknown emerging priorities
o creating an Inclusive, Continuous and Action-Oriented Global Science Advice Mechanism.
• Meeting led by: Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India.
About G20-CSAR Initiative

• Newly launched under India’s G20 Presidency.
• It is an attempt towards synergizing global science advice mechanism in an inclusive and action-oriented
manner to enable evidence-informed policymaking, as well as strengthening science advice at national
and international levels.
Note: G20 discussed in July 2023 Magazine (News 2.79).
2.52 20th ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ Meeting

Why in News?
• Recently, 20th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Economic Ministers’ meeting was
held at Semarang, Indonesia.
• Meeting Agenda: Timely review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA)[India- ASEAN FTA].
o AITIGA was signed in 2009.
o The Ministers agreed to follow a quarterly schedule of negotiations and conclude the review in
2025
• India and ASEAN registered a bilateral trade of USD 131.5 billion in 2022-23.
• The trade with ASEAN accounted for 11.3% of India’s global trade in 2022-23.
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2.53 5th India-Vietnam Joint Trade Sub-Commission meeting
Why in News?
• Recently, 5th meeting of India-Vietnam Joint Trade Sub-Commission (JTSC) was held in New Delhi.
• Meeting Outcome: Both sides agree to explore direct shipping services, collaboration in freight
movement and improving air connectivity to overcome logistics challenges
• Vietnam is the 23rd largest global trade partner of India and the 5th largest among Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
• Value of bilateral trade between India-Vietnam in 2022-23: USD 14.70 Billion
• Vietnam accounts for 11.2% of India’s total trade with ASEAN.
2.54 Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS)

News 1
• Recently, 13th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting was held in virtual mode under the BRICS Presidency of
South Africa.

• ’30 for 30’ initiative was highlighted in the meeting.
o It was proposed by India to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
o It is a Member-led effort to bring at least 30 operational improvements to the WTO before the
Organization completes 30 years, i.e., by 1 January 2025.
o India has proposed 34 operational changes to the WTO under the initiative
News 2
• Recently, 7th BRICS Industry Ministers’ meeting was held in virtual mode under the BRICS Presidency of
South Africa.
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• During the meeting India announced to launch the BRICS Startup Forum in 2023 for facilitating
collaboration and sharing best practices among startups, investors, incubators, and aspiring
entrepreneurs.
• Union Minister of Commerce and Industry represented India at the meeting.
• His address focused on “Transforming Production Systems”.
News 3
• Recently, 15th BRICS Summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Key areas of discussion in the meeting: global economic recovery, partnership with Africa and the Global
South.
• During his address, the Prime Minister of India called for a strengthened BRICS that will be:
o B - Breaking barriers
o R - Revitalising economies
o I - Inspiring Innovation
o C - Creating opportunities
o S - Shaping the future.
Key Highlights
• Six new countries viz, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have
been invited to join BRICS as full-time members from January 1, 2024.
News 4
• Recently, BRICS nations have agreed to launch a new university ranking system.
• The decision was arrived during a meeting between BRICS Education Ministers at Mpumalanga province
of South Africa.
News 5
• Recently, the Prime Minister of India has proposed five points for further cooperation between BRICS
countries during his address at a plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit.
o First area of cooperation- creating a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium
o Second area of cooperation- education and skill development
o Third area of cooperation- skills mapping to identify each country’s unique strength to strengthen
cooperation.
o Fourth area of cooperation- Protection of big cats under International Big Cat Alliance.
o Fifth area of cooperation- creation of a repository of traditional medicine.
News 6
• Recently, BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue was held at Johannesburg, South Africa.
• India to support Africa in its development journey under Agenda 2063.
About Agenda 2063

• Implemented by: African Union
• It is Africa's development blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development
over a 50-year period.
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INDIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM
2.55 E-Governance System
Why in news?
• Recently Union Minister of State for Rural Development informed the house about the e-Governance
initiatives taken at the grassroot level, for attaining the vision of Digital India.
• Ministry of Panchayati Raj is implementing e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) with the aim to
transform the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
o eGramSwaraj: Encompasses various modules pertaining to Panchayat functioning such as
planning, accounting, monitoring, asset management and provides digitized account books.
o AuditOnline: Open-source application that facilitates the online financial audit of accounts at
all the three levels of Panchayats.
• BharatNet project is being implemented to create network to connect all the GPs by broadband in the
country. As of July 2023, under it 1,99,291 GPs have been made Service Ready in the country. From
June 2021 the scope of BharatNet has been extended up to all inhabited villages beyond GPs.
2.56 Ayush (AY) visa
Why in news?
• Ministry of Home Affairs, has notified the creation of a new category of Ayush (AY) visa for foreign
nationals for treatment under Ayush systems/Indian systems of medicine.
• A new chapter 11A: Ayush Visa has been incorporated after Chapter 11 - Medical visa of the Visa
Manual, which deals with treatment under the Indian systems of medicine and accordingly necessary
amendments has been made in various chapters of the Visa Manual, 2019.
• Introduction of Ayush Visa category is part of India’s roadmap for the ‘Heal in India initiative’ of the
government, which is intended at promoting India as a medical value travel destination.
• Ministry of Ayush and the ministry of Health & Family Welfare are working together to develop a One
Stop Heal in India portal to promote India as a Medical tourism destination of the world.
• As per the report ‘The Global Wellness Economy: Looking beyond COVID’ by the Global Wellness
Institute (GWI), the Ayush based healthcare & Wellness economy is estimated to grow to $70 billion by
2025.
2.57 Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023
Why in News?
• Recently, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023 was passed in Lok Sabha during the
monsoon session.
• Through The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023, a total of 183 provisions are being
proposed to be decriminalized in 42 Central Acts administered by 19 Ministries/Departments. Here-
o Both Imprisonment and/or Fine are proposed to be removed in some provisions.
o Imprisonment is proposed to be removed and fine retained in few provisions.
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o Imprisonment is proposed to be removed and Fine enhanced in few provisions.
o Imprisonment and Fine are proposed to be converted to Penalty in some provisions.
• For effective implementation of the above, the bill proposes measures such as: -
o Pragmatic revision of fines and penalties, where it seeks to remove imprisonment clauses
and/or fines in some provisions and convert them into penalties in some others.
o Establishment of Adjudicating Officers and of Appellate Authorities.
o Periodic increase in quantum of fine and penalties every three years, with an increase of 10%
of the minimum amount for various offences in the specified Acts.
o The Bill removes all offences and penalties under the Indian Post Office Act, of 1898.
o The Bill also introduces compounding of offences in some provisions, which means that the
offenders can settle their cases by paying a certain amount without going through a court trial.
• Benefits:
o Rationalization of criminal provisions and ensuring that citizens, businesses and public
departments operate without fear of imprisonment for minor, technical or procedural defaults.
o Establishes a balance between the severity of the offence/violation committed and the gravity
of the prescribed punishment. Thereby ensure the adherence to law by businesses and citizens.
o Adjudicating Officers and Appellate Authorities would reduce undue pressure on the justice
system, pendency of cases and help in a more efficient and effective justice dispensation.
o Ensuring ease of doing business it would eliminate barriers and bolster growth of businesses.
2.16 Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023
Why in news
• The Parliament has recently passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment
Bill, 2023 for making amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
Important information
• Six Minerals omitted from list of Twelve Atomic Minerals.
• Central Government to exclusively auction Mineral Concessions for Critical Minerals; State
Governments to get revenue.
• Introduces Exploration License for deep-seated and Critical Minerals.
Key Provisions MMDR Act, 1957 MMDR (Amendment) Bill, 2023
The Act allows the only State

agencies in the exploration of the The Bill allows the private sector to mine six out of 12
Private Sector to Mine
atomic minerals such as lithium, atomic minerals such as lithium, beryllium, niobium,
Atomic Minerals
beryllium, niobium, titanium, titanium, tantalum and zirconium.
tantalum and zirconium.
Auction for Exploration The exploration licence will be granted by the state
License government through competitive bidding.
Under the Act, a prospecting

license allows activities in an area The Bill allows activities under a single exploration
Maximum Area in which up to 25 square kilometers, and a licence in an area up to 1,000 square kilometres.
Activities are Permitted single reconnaissance permit After the first three years, the licence will be allowed to
allows activities in an area up to retain up to 25% of the originally authorised area.
5,000 square kilometers.
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If the resources are proven after exploration, the
Incentive for exploration
licensee will receive a share in the auction value of the
License
mining lease for the mineral prospected by them.
2.58 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign
Why in news?
• Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, recently announced the 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign
during his Mann Ki Baat broadcast.
• Rolled out under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, will be the concluding programme of Azadi ka Amrit
Mahotsav. Campaign will go on from 9th - 30th August, 2023.
• Mitti ka Naman and Veeron ka Vandan are the key components of the campaign. Har Ghar Tiranga will
be celebrated between 13th -15th August, 2023 under it.
• Aims to honor the brave freedom fighters and bravehearts who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Shilaphalakams (memorial plaques) commemorating them will be installed in gram panchayats, close
to Amrit Sarovars.
• An 'Amrit Kalash Yatra' will be conducted, carrying soil from all corners of the country in 7500 kalash
to create an 'Amrit Vatika' in Delhi. This 'Amrit Vatika' will symbolize the commitment to 'Ek Bharat
Shreshtha Bharat'.
• To encourage mass participation (Jan Bhagidari), a website, https://merimaatimeradesh.gov.in, has
been launched where people can upload selfies holding soil or an earthen lamp.
2.59 e-Courts Integrated Mission Mode Project

Why in news?
• Recently, Minister of Law & Justice shared information updates about the project.
• Out of the total budget of Rs.1670 crores, Rs.1668.43 crores have been utilized. 18,735 District &
Subordinate courts have been computerized so far.
• As part of the National e-Governance Plan, launched in 2007 for Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) development of the Indian Judiciary.
• Implemented in association with e-Committee Supreme Court of India and the Department of Justice.
o The e-Committee, Supreme Court of India is responsible for the policy planning, strategic
direction and guidance for implementation of e-Courts project.
o Department of Justice which is responsible for providing necessary funding for the project
releases funds directly to concerned High Court.
• Phases:
o Phase I: It was implemented during 2011-2015.
o Phase II: Phase II of the project was implemented from 2015 to 2023.
2.60 Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023
Why in news?
• The Rajya Sabha recently passed the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation)
Amendment Bill, 2023 which seeks to make amendments to the OAMDR Act, 2002.
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• Act came into force in 2010, no mining activity has been undertaken in the offshore areas till
date. Hence, Bill has been passed to bring several reforms in the offshore mining sector.
• The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 was amended in 2015 to provide for
allocation of mineral concessions in onshore areas through auction.
• India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 2 million km² holds key minerals in the offshore areas.
• The salient features of the Amendment Bill are as under:
o Two types of operating rights to the private sector through auction by competitive bidding, viz.
production lease and composite license.
o Composite license is a two-stage operating right granted for the purpose of undertaking
exploration followed by production operation.
o Operating rights to PSUs in the mineral bearing areas reserved by the Central Government.
o Grant of operating rights only to PSUs in case of atomic minerals.
o Renewal of production leases removed and its period is fixed as 50 years similar to MMDR Act.
o Limit has been introduced on total area one person can acquire in the offshore. Now, a person
cannot acquire more than 45 minutes latitude by 45 minutes longitude in respect of any
mineral or prescribed group of associated minerals under one or more operating rights.
o Offshore Areas Mineral Trust:
✓ Funds for exploration and mitigation of adverse impact of offshore mining
✓ A non-lapsable fund under the Public Account of India.
✓ Funded by an additional levy on the production of minerals, not exceeding one third of
the royalty.
o A provision has been made for easy transfer of composite license or production lease.
o Royalty, auction premium and other revenues from the production of minerals from offshore
areas shall accrue to the Government of India.
• EEZ is an area of the ocean, generally extending 200 nautical miles (230 miles) beyond a
nation's territorial sea, within which a coastal nation has jurisdiction over both living and nonliving
resources.
2.61 National Dental Commission Bill, 2023
Why in news?
• In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare quality and aligning dental education with global
standards, the Parliament has passed the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023.
• The National Dental Commission Act 2023 will introduce a groundbreaking regulatory framework by
establishing the National Dental Commission (NDC), which will replace the existing Dental Council of
India (DCI) and repeal the Dentists Bill, 1948.
• Constitution of National Dental Commission and State Dental Councils or Joint Dental Councils:
o This structure aims to decentralize authority and enhance effective regulation.
o Within a year of the Act’s commencement, all State governments will establish State Dental
Councils or Joint Dental Councils.
• Three Autonomous Boards contributing to a comprehensive regulatory framework.
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o The Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Dental Education Board
o The Dental Assessment and Rating Board (DARB)
o The Ethics and Dental Registration Board (EDRB).
• Merit-Based Selection Process:
o The NDC will be led by a 'selected' Regulator.
o The appointment of the NDC Chairman and Members through a merit-based selection process
conducted by a search-cum-selection committees chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
• The Act will introduce a fixed tenure for the Chairperson, Members, and Secretary of the Commission,
with no possibility of reappointment.
• The Act will empower the Commission to frame guidelines for fee determination for fifty percent of
seats in private dental colleges and deemed Universities.
• Industry Collaboration and Technological Innovation to promote advancements in dental research. It
also emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge technology into dental education.
• An online and live National Register of licensed dentists and dental auxiliaries.
• Dental Advisory Council with representation from all States/Union Territories to ensure comprehensive
insights and guidance.
• The Act will facilitate joint sittings with relevant statutory bodies in the medical education and
profession.
2.62 Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023
Why in news?
• Recently, Lok Sabha passed the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, which lays out procedures on
how corporations and the government itself can collect and use information and personal data of
India’s citizens.
Key Provisions
• Applicability- The Bill applies to the processing of digital personal data within India where such data is:
o Collected online.
o Collected offline and is digitised.
o Apply to the processing of personal data outside India if it is for offering goods or services in
India.
• Consent- Personal data may be processed only after obtaining the consent of the individual.
o For individuals below 18 years of age, will be provided by the parent or the legal guardian.
o Consent may be withdrawn at any point in time.
• Rights of data principal- Data principal is an individual whose data is being processed.
o To obtain information about processing.
o To seek correction, grievance redressal and erasure of personal data.
o To nominate another person to exercise rights in the event of death or incapacity and
• Duties of Data Principals-
o Must not register a false complaint or impersonate another person in specified cases.
o Violation of duties will be punishable with a penalty of up to Rs 10,000.
• Obligations of data fiduciaries- It is the entity determining the purpose and means of processing.
o To make reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and completeness of data.
o To build reasonable security safeguards to prevent a data breach.
o To inform the Data Protection Board of India and affected persons in the event of a breach.
o To erase personal data as soon as the purpose has been met and retention is not necessary.
• Personal data transfer outside India- It allows transfer of personal data outside India, except to
countries restricted by the central government through notification.
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• Rights of the data principal and obligations of data fiduciaries will not apply in specified cases such as:
o Prevention and investigation of offences.
o Enforcement of legal rights or claims.
• Data Protection Board of India- Established by Central Government with function to perform as:
o Grievance redressal, monitoring compliance and imposing penalties.
o Directing data fiduciaries to take necessary measures in the event of a data breach.
o The term of 2 years of the members with scope for re-appointment.
• Appeal- Board decisions can be appealed to Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.
Penalty Reason
Rs 200 crore Non fulfilment of obligations for children
Rs 250 crore Failure to take security measures to prevent data breaches.
Non-fulfilment of obligations to give Data Protection Board of

Rs 200 crore
India and individuals notice of data breach
• DPDP’s companion legislation known as the Digital India Bill,2023 is under consideration right now. It
will deal with the whole ecosystem of technology.
• It is set to replace the 22-year-old Information Technology Act,2000.
2.63 Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023
Why in news?
• The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, recently passed by Parliament. These
amendments seek to address ambiguities, streamline administrative processes in earlier Coastal
Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005.
Key Provisions
• Broad definition of coastal aquaculture to bring all coastal aquaculture activities under the purview
of the Act, removing ambiguities between different aspects of coastal aquaculture.
o Inclusion of emerging and environmentally friendly aquaculture practices beyond shrimp
farming to include cage culture, seaweed culture, marine ornamental fish culture.
• Facilitating aquaculture units within the no development zone (NDZ):
o Establishments like hatcheries, Broodstock multiplication centers (BMC) and Nucleus
Breeding Centres (NBC) are now permitted to operate within 200 meters from the High Tide
Line (HTL).
• Simplifying Regulatory Processes and Encouraging Ease of Doing Business:
o Modification of Registration: The amendments replace the stringent provision of
imprisonment with civil penalties for unregistered coastal aquaculture activities.
o Operational Flexibility: Provisions for modifying certificates of registration in case of changes
in ownership or activity size also empower the Coastal Aquaculture Authority to condone
delays in renewal applications with a compounded fee, enhancing administrative flexibility.
• Environmental Protection and Compliance:
o Empower the CAA to establish standards for emission or discharge of effluents from
aquaculture units, holding owners accountable for adhering to these standards.
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o Uphold the 'Polluter Pays Principle,' mandating aquaculture unit owners to bear the cost of
any environment-related damage or demolition assessed by the CAA.
o The amendments prohibit aquaculture activities in ecologically sensitive areas or areas
with significant geo-morphological features, enhancing protection for vulnerable
ecosystems.
• Advancing Disease Prevention and Sustainable Practices:
o Antibiotic-Free Aquaculture: By prohibiting the use of antibiotics the amendments prioritize
the health of aquatic ecosystems and promote environmentally conscious practices.
2.64 Increased allocation of funds under NDRF/SDRF
Why in news?
• Recently, the Minister of State for Home Affairs informed about the National Disaster Response Fund
(NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
• Primary responsibility for disaster management rests with the State Governments concerned. The
State Governments provide financial relief to the affected people in the event notified natural disasters
from the SDRF at its disposal.
• In case of severe disaster, additional financial assistance is extended from the NDRF.
• Finance commission (FC) determines the allocation of the SDRF of each State for each of the financial
years for entire Award period.
• The 15th FC had adopted a new methodology for state-wise allocations. It is a combination of capacity
(as reflected through expenditure), risk exposure (area and population) hazard and vulnerably (risk
index), instead of existing expenditure-based method.
• As against Rs. 61,220 crores recommended by the 14th FC for the Award Period (2015-16 to 2019-2020)
the 15th FC has allocated a total corpus of Rs. 1,28,122.40 crore in SDRF to all States for the Award
Period (2021-22 to 2025-2026), of which Central Share is Rs. 98,080.80 crore and the State
Government’s share is Rs. 30,041.60 crore.
• In addition, the amount of Rs. 32,030.60 crore has been allocated under the State Disaster Mitigation
Fund (SDMF) for the Award Period of 2021-22 to 2025-2026.
• A total corpus of Rs. 54,770 crores have been allocated by the 15th FC under NDRF and Rs. 13,693
crores under National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) for the Award Period (2021-22 to 2025-26).
2.65 Consumer Welfare Fund
Why in news?
• The Consumer Welfare Fund Guidelines have been amended to facilitate the payment of mediator fees
in consumer complaints under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The amendments aim to provide
relief to parties involved in consumer disputes and encourage the use of mediation for resolution.
• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for the speedy and inexpensive redressal of consumer complaints
has provided the provision of settlement of consumer disputes through Mediation.
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• But the parties in the disputes are observed to be reluctant in paying the fees of the mediator which
results in unsuccessful conduct of the mediation process. To resolve this issue:
o Parties engaged in consumer complaints will no longer need to pay the entire mediation fee.
The fee of the mediator will now be covered by the Consumer Welfare Fund.
• Consumer Welfare Fund:
o The mediation fee of the appointed mediator will be drawn from the interest accrued on the
Consumer Welfare (Corpus) Fund, established with co-contribution from the State and the
Department of Consumer Affairs.
o It was set up under the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017.
• Fee Structure:
o The fee to be paid to the mediator depends on the amount of dispute or the fee set by the
President of the relevant Commission, as per the provided table.
o The lower value between these two factors will determine the mediator's fee.
Successful Mediation Connected Cases Failed Mediation
District ₹ 3000/- ₹ 600/- per case subject to a maximum of ₹. ₹ 500/-
Commission 1800/- (regardless of the number of
connected cases)
State ₹ 5000/- ₹ 1000/- per case subject to a maximum of ₹ 1000/-
Commission ₹. 3000/- (regardless of the number of
connected cases)
2.66 Lakhpati Didis and Drone Ki Udaan
Why in news?
• While addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day, Prime
Minister pitched these ideas in view of empowering women.
• Lakhpati Didis:
o 10 crore women are today associated with Women’s Self-Help Groups.
o The government is working with Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with the aim of creating 2
crores ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in villages.
o Scheme has been in place in some states and now the government is planning to train women
in acquiring new age skills under it.
• Drone Ki Udaan:
o Aimed at leveraging the potential of science and technology in rural development.
o 15,000 Women’s Self-Help Groups would be given loan and training for operating and
repairing drones which are to be used in modernizing Indian agriculture.
2.67 National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI)
Why in news?
• Recently, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology highlighted achievement in India's
innovation landscape through the NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations).
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• Launched by: Department of Science & Technology (DST) in 2016.
• Objective: Designed to drive innovation, support startups, and create a thriving entrepreneurial
ecosystem in India.
• Components of NIDHI Program:
o NIDHI-PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups):
✓ Focuses on converting innovative ideas into tangible prototypes.
o NIDHI Entrepreneurs-In-Residence (EIR) Program:
✓ Provides fellowships to students pursuing entrepreneurship.
o NIDHI Seed Support Program:
✓ Offers early-stage seed funding to startups.
o NIDHI Accelerator Program:
✓ Speeds up the investment readiness of startups.
o Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and Centres of Excellence (CoE):
✓ Establishes state-of-the-art infrastructure for incubating startups.
o NIDHI-Inclusive Technology Business Incubators (iTBI) program:
✓ Strengthens the innovation and startup incubation ecosystem in Tier II and Tier III cities.
• Key Players and Collaborators:
o Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
o Department of Biotechnology (DBT) through Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance
Council (BIRAC)
o Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) under Ministry of Defense
o ICAR's National Agriculture Innovation Fund
o MeitY in the Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0) Scheme
2.68 Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023
Why in news?
• Lok Sabha recently passed the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill,
2023 with the aim to bolster the efficiency, discipline, and jointness among the Armed Forces.
• At present Armed Forces operate under distinct Service Acts: Army Act 1950, Navy Act 1957, and Air
Force Act 1950.
• However, the diverse nature of these acts has sometimes posed challenges in maintaining uniform
discipline, coordination, and expeditious proceedings across the inter-services establishments. This Bill
addresses these concerns with its forward-looking provisions.
• ISO Bill 2023 does not propose any alteration to the existing Service Acts.
• Salient Features:
o Applicability:
✓ The bill is applicable to all regular Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel.
✓ The central government can designate any force within India to which the provisions of the bill
will apply.
o Inter-services Organisation:
✓ The central government may constitute an Inter-services Organisation which has personnel
belonging to at least two of the three services.
✓ Service personnel when serving in or attached to an Inter-Services Organisation will continue to
be governed by their respective Service Acts.
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✓ Existing Inter-services Organizations will be deemed to have been constituted under the Bill.
These include the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the Defense Space Agency, and the NDA.
o Commanding Officer:
✓ Will be responsible for overseeing a unit, ship, or establishment as the Heads of Inter-Services
Organizations.
✓ Empowered to exercise all the disciplinary and administrative powers as per the existing
Service Acts/Rules/Regulations, irrespective of the service they belong to.
o Extension of command-and-control authority to the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-
Command of an Inter-services Organisation.
✓ In existing structure these officers lack disciplinary and administrative powers over personnel
from other services, the bill empowers them to exercise full command and control.
2.69 Progress of Virtual Courts
Why in News?
• Recently, Minister of Law and Justice gave updates on the progress of virtual courts.
• Virtual Courts are aimed at eliminating the presence of litigant or lawyer in the court and for
adjudication of cases on a virtual platform, thereby using court spaces efficiently.
• Virtual Court can be administered by a Judge over a virtual electronic platform whose jurisdiction may
extend to the entire State and function 24X7.
• Currently, the virtual courts are handling cases pertaining to only traffic challan cases.
• Over 3.26 crore cases have been handled by 22 virtual courts have been realized till June 2023.
• As of June 2023, there are 22 such courts in 18 States / UTs.
• The establishment of Virtual Courts is an administrative matter which falls strictly within the purview
and domain of the judiciary and the respective State Governments, and the Central Government has
no direct role to play in the matter.
2.70 22nd LAW COMMISSION OF INDIA
Why in News?
• Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired Prime Minister, approved the extension of the term of the 22nd Law
Commission of India up to 31st August, 2024.
• 22nd Law Commission was constituted for three-year period with effect from 21st February, 2020.
• The tenure of present 22nd Law Commission of India was supposed to end on 20th February, 2023 but
with extension of tenure, it will now end on 31st August 2024.
• Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi is appointed as the chairperson, who was the Chief Justice of Karnataka High
Court till July 2022.
• The composition of 22nd Law Commission of India as under:
o Full-time Chairperson
o Four full-time Members (including Member-Secretary)
o Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs as ex officio Member
o Secretary, Legislative Department as ex officio Member
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o Not more than five part-time Members.
o Law Commission of India is a non-statutory advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice.
2.71 President Signs Off On 4 New Laws
Why in News?
• President Droupadi Murmu recently gave assent to four bills passed during the monsoon session of the
parliament.
• Bills that have now been signed into law are:
o The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill,
o The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill,
o Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill
o Delhi Services Bill
Key Highlights of the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023
• Objective: It seeks to amend the existing Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
• Legal Framework: The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, currently regulates the registration
of births and deaths.
• Digital Birth Certificates: The bill's main feature is the introduction of digital birth certificates, designed
to streamline birth details verification by replacing the need for multiple documents.
• Aadhaar Integration: The Bill proposes linking the Aadhaar details of parents and informants to the
birth certificates. This integration extends to various reporting authorities, including medical officers,
jailors, and institution managers.
• Centralized Database: Will be established to manage birth and death records. This database will enhance
service efficiency and maintain accurate and up-to-date information.
• Extended Usage: In addition to birth certificates, the centralized database will also update the National
Population Register (NPR), ration cards, and property registrations.
• Obligatory State Registration: The Bill mandates that States register births and deaths on the Centre's
Civil Registration System (CRS) portal. Furthermore, the data must be shared with the Registrar General
of India, an entity operating under the Union Home Ministry.
2.72 eCourts Project
Why in news?
• Recently, the initiatives taken under the eCourts Project, the Wide Area Network (WAN) Project and the
National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) were seen in the news.
About eCourts Project

• Launch year: 2007
• Launched by: the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice.
• Aim:for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) development of the Indian Judiciary.
• Implemented by: e-Committee Supreme Court of India and the Department of Justice.
• Phases:
o Phase I: it was implemented during 2011-2015.
o Phase II: started in 2015 under which District & Subordinate courts have been computerised.
o Phase III: to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Block chain to make justice delivery more
robust, easy and accessible.
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• Initiatives under eCourts project:
o Wide Area Network (WAN) Project:
▪ To connect all District and Subordinate court complexes using technologies like OFC, RF,
VSAT. Around 99.5% of court complexes provided with bandwidth speed 10 Mbps to 100
Mbps.
▪ Courts in far flung areas, termed as Technically Not Feasible (TNF) sites, where terrestrial
cable cannot be used, are connected using alternative means like RF, VSAT, Submarine
cable.
▪ Enabled better Video Conferencing facilities and improved access to justice.
o National Judicial Data Grid Database:
▪ NJDG is a database of orders, judgments and case details of District & Subordinate
Courts and High Courts created as an online platform under the eCourts Project.
▪ Data is updated on a near real-time basisby the connected District and Taluka courts.
▪ NJDG works as a monitoring tool to identify, manage and reduce pendency of cases.
▪ Open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) launched in 2020 to allow Centre, State
and local bodies to access NJDG data to ensure access to case status information.
▪ Land Records data of 26 States have been linked with NJDG, to deal with land dispute
cases.
o Case Information System Software:
▪ The litigant is able to view the daily status of his case, orders of the case, hearing date of
the case, the progress of the case on any particular date in online from any part of the
world.
▪ Developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC).
▪ Available for District Judiciary and High court exclusively.
o New e-filing system:
▪ For online filing of complaints, written statements, replies.
▪ Both Civil and Criminal casescan be filed before any High Court or District Court of the
country.
▪ It is designed in English and local language to reach wider group covering
advocates/litigants.
▪ 22 Virtual Courts have been operationalized to handle traffic challan casesin speedy
manner.
2.73 Western Zonal Council Meeting
Why in news?
• Union Home Minister recently chaired the 26th Meeting of the Western Zonal Council at Gandhinagar,
Gujarat.
Key Highlights
• Inaugurated an e-Resource web portal https://iscs-eresource.gov.in of Inter State Council Secretariat,
Ministry of Home Affairs.
o Digital Repository of the documents like minutes and agenda of the various meetings of the Inter-
State Council & its Standing Committee and Zonal Councils & their Standing Committee.
• The meeting was attended by CMs of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Administrators of Dadra & Nagar
Haveli and Daman & Diu, Chief Secretaries from the States in the Western Zone, Union Home Secretary
and Secretary of Inter-State Council Secretariat.
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About Zonal Councils
• Established by States Reorganization Act of 1956 as non-constitutional body,
• The act divided the country into five zones- Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern and
provided a zonal council for each zone.
• North-Eastern Council created by a separate North-Eastern Council Act of 1971.
• These are advisory bodies that make recommendations with regard to any matter between the Centre
and States.
• Organizational Structure:
o Chairman: The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of each of these Councils.
o Vice Chairman: The Chief Ministers of the States in each zone act by rotation for one year at a
time.
o Members: CM and two other Ministers as nominated by the Governor from each of the States
and two members from Union Territories included in the zone.
About Inter-State Council Secretariat

• Set up in 1991 at New Delhi.
• The Secretariat is headed by a Secretary to the Government of India.
• The secretarial functions of the Zonal Councils have been transferred to the Inter-State Council Secretariat
with effect from 1st April, 2011.
GLOBALIZATION
2.74 G20 (Group of twenty) meetings
News 1 G20 EMPOWER Summit
• Venue: Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Theme: Women-Led Development: Ensuring a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable global economic
growth.
• Chaired by: Dr. Sangita Reddy, Past President, FICCI & Joint MD, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd.
• Followed on from the Inception Meeting held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh in February 2023 and the 2nd meeting
in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in April 2023.
• Key Highlights:
o TechEquity, a Digital Inclusion platform developed and launched to enable women from across
the world to educate and upskill themselves on digital literacy, financial literacy and technical
areas in STEM through training programs and resources provided on the platform.
o In the Best Practices Playbook 149 best practices from 19 G20 countries have been added. The
Playbook has been digitized to make it easily accessible.
o A mentorship platform enabling women entrepreneurs has been designed.
o 73 Inspirational Stories from 9 countries have been curated on the G20 EMPOWER Website to
highlight success stories of women achievers from across G20 nations.
News 2 G20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment

• Venue: Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Theme: Women-led Inclusive Development as cusp of Inter-generational Transformation.
• Key highlights of the PM’s inaugural address:
o 46% of elected representatives in rural local bodies in India are women numbering 1.4 million.
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o 43% of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) graduates in India are women.
o 15% of unicorn startups in India have at least one-woman founder with combined worth over $40
billion.
• Expressed appreciation for the Poshan Tracker, an ICT platform for monitoring nutrition services.
• The exhibition titled ‘India@75: Contribution of Women’ organized by Ministry of Women and Child
Development in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
2.75 G20 Side Events
News 5 4th G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) Meeting
• Venue: Bengaluru
• The 1st, 2nd and 3rd meetings of the DEWG were organized at Lucknow, Hyderabad and Pune in February
2023, April 2023, and June 2023 respectively.
• Over 100 delegates from G20 members, 9 invited countries and 5 International Organizations namely
OECD, ITU, UNDP, World Bank and UNESCO attended the meeting.
• Parties contributed in drafting G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Declaration.
News 6 G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA) Summit
• Venue: Bengaluru
• More than 110 startups from 24 countries participated in the summit.
News 7 G20 Health Ministers’ meeting
• Venue: Gandhinagar, Gujrat

• Four side events were held alongside this meeting:
o One Earth One Health Advantage Health Care-India 2023:
✓ For building resilient healthcare systems and Medical Value Travel across the globe.
✓ The Advantage Health Care India - One Stop Digital Portal for Patient
✓ Workforce Mobility Portal
✓ Recognition and acceptance of Indian Pharmacopeia (IP) which is official book of
standards for the drugs being manufactured and/or marketed in India.
o WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit:
✓ First ever Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.
✓ Theme: Towards Health and Well-being for All.
✓ Organized by: World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministry of Ayush GOI
✓ Ayush Exhibition Zone held under theme of ‘Ayush for Planetary Health and Well-being’.
✓ WHO Global Survey on Traditional Medicine 2023 initial findings released.
✓ India's Ministry of Ayush held successful bilateral meetings with countries like Nepal,
Malaysia, Qatar, Venezuela, and Cuba.
✓ The summit outcome in the form of Gujarat declaration to be made public soon by WHO.
✓ Outcome will shape the scope of WHO’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in
Jamnagar, Gujarat and influence WHO's Traditional Medicine strategy for 2025-2034.
o India MedTech Expo 2023:
✓ Hosted by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to harness the potential of the Medical
Devices sector towards making India the global hub of MedTech.
o ‘Sustain, Accelerate and Innovate to End TB in South-East Asia Region’ Conference.
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• Launched Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) by WHO and G20 India Presidency.
• Released World Bank’s flagship report on “Digital in Health – Unlocking Value for Everyone”.
• G20 member agreed to strengthen the dialogue through the G20 Joint Finance-Health Task Force (JFHTF)
and welcomed the conclusion of the First Call for Proposals of the Pandemic Fund.
• Members agreed for a legally binding WHO instrument for Pandemic Preparedness and Response by
May 2024.
• Countries committed to the understand long-COVID and its consequences on individuals, societies,
economies, and post-COVID-related health services.
News 8 4th G20 Health Working Group Meeting
• Venue: Gandhinagar, Gujrat

• Key priorities of the HWG:
o Health Emergencies Prevention Preparedness & Response (HEPPR)
o Digital Health Innovation & Solutions to aid Universal Health Coverage & Improve Healthcare
Service Delivery.
o Strengthening Cooperation in the Pharmaceutical sector with focus on availability & access to
safe, effective, quality, and affordable Medical Countermeasures-VTDs (Vaccines, Therapeutics,
and Diagnostics).
2.76 G20 Side Events
News 1: G20 Trade and Investment Ministers’ Meeting
• Venue: Jaipur, Rajasthan

• Five action-oriented deliverables have been adopted in the Outcome Document.
o Adopted10High-Level Principles on Digitalization of Trade Documents, that will provide guidance
to the countries about dimensions of an effective transition to paperless trade.
o Issued a Jaipur Call for Action for enhancing access to information for MSMEs. The International
Trade Center (ITC)in consultation with UNCTAD and WTO to work on a detailed implementation
plan, for upgradation of ITC’s Global Trade Helpdesk which would address the informational
gaps faced by MSMEs.
o Endorsed a G20 Generic Mapping Framework forGlobal Value Chains (GVCs) containing key
building blocks of data, analysis, and representation of GVC data.
o Welcomed the voluntary sharing of best practices on Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)
for professional services to enable recognition of technical qualifications of our doctors, nurses,
lawyers, architect by other countries.
o Agreed to hold a G20 Standards Dialogue in 2023to reduce regulatory divergences and
associated trade costs, to prevent unnecessary trade frictions, monitor trade and investment-
related measures and solve existing irritants.
News 2: 4thG20 Culture Working Group (CWG) Meeting

• Venue: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Previous three CWG meetings in Khajuraho, Bhubaneswar and Hampi.
• Discussed the Draft of the Culture Ministers Declaration for the upcoming Culture Minister’s Meeting.
• The cultural performance showcasing India’s rich music traditions - “Waves of Music.”
• Performance organized by renowned Kathak dancer and choreographer, Rani Khanam.
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News 3: G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting
• Venue: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Unanimously adopted the Outcome Document- “Kashi Culture Pathway”.
• Report ‘G20 Culture: Shaping the Global Narrative for Inclusive Growth’ was launched.
• To commemorate the hallmark campaign of Culture Working Group ‘Culture Unites All’, special stamp
was launched.
• G20 Orchestra-‘Sur Vasudha’, organized by the Culture Working Group to celebrate the rich musical
knowledge and heritage of G20 member nations and guest countries.
News 4: 9th meeting of the G20 Coordination Committee
• Venue: New Delhi

• Chaired by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.
• Took stock of arrangements for the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Summit.
• A mobile App made for G20; called ‘G20 India’ launched. It is now available for download, both on
Android and iOS. For the first time, a mobile App has been made for G20.
2.77 Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform under US - India Strategic Clean Energy
Partnership
Why in news?
• Recently, A meeting between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and India’s Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy (MNRE), was held to launch the new U.S. - India Renewable Energy Technology Action
Platform (RETAP) under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership.
About RETAP
• Launched: in August 2023
• Organizations involved: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy (MNRE).
• Objective: For the expansion of bilateral collaboration on new and emerging technologies to accelerate
the clean energy transition.
• Focus areas: green/clean hydrogen, wind energy, long duration energy storage, and to explore
geothermal energy, ocean/tidal energy,
• Work is guided by five themes-
o Research & Development
o Piloting & Testing of Innovative Technologies
o Advanced Training & Skill Development
o Policy and Planning for Advancing RET and enabling technologies
o Investment, Incubation and Outreach programmes
About India-US Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)

• The SCEP was launched in accordance with the US - India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030
Partnership announced by both countries in April 2021.
• Officially launched in September 2021.
• The five technical pillars of the India-USA Strategic Clean Energy Partnership are:
o Power & Energy Efficiency
o Renewable Energy
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o Responsible for Oil & Gas
o Sustainable Growth
o Emerging Fuels and Technologies
2.78 Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS)- 2023
Why Iin news?
• For inviting and attracting clients and stakeholders to participate in forthcoming Global Maritime India
Summit, the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) recently organized a virtual
roadshow.
• More than 190 participants from Central and State Government agencies, Railways, Ports, Maritime
Boards, corporate and industrial units related to maritime, infrastructure, logistics and other sectors.
• Corporate video of GMIS was presented to enlighten clients about business opportunities in GMIS.
• Highlighted India’s bilateral agreement & MoUs with 34 countries on maritime transport & cooperation
and signed MoUs on recognition of certificates of seafarers with 40 countries.
About Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS)
• It is a premier maritime sector focused event to bring together pivotal figures from the industry to
explore opportunities, understand challenges, and stimulate investment within India's maritime sector.
• This third instalment slated for 17th to 19th October 2023, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi aims to
unveil broader prospects for domestic and international maritime stakeholders and investors.
• To make its presence felt on the global stage the Maritime India Summit (as known in earlier editions)
has now evolved to the 'Global' Maritime India Summit this year.
2.11 Implementation Arrangement
Why in news?
• Recently, signing ceremony of the ‘Implementation Arrangement’ took place in New Delhi.
• Signed between: India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the United States-National Science
Foundation (US-NSF).
• Objective: for collaboration between the two countries on accelerating innovations in ‘Biotechnology
Innovation and Biomanufacturing’.
• Will support DBT’s initiative on “Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing- An integrated
approach towards promoting circular economy for Green, Clean and Prosperous India”.
• The DBT under Ministry of Science and Technology supports biotechnology innovation, R & D across
segments such as bio-pharma, bio-services, agri-biotech, industrial biotech, and bioinformatics.
• The US-NSF is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in the US.
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2.12 1st Joint Call for proposals under the MeitY- National Science Foundation (NSF)
Why in news?
• Recently, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced its 1st Joint Call for
proposals under the May 2023 Implementation Arrangement (IA) on research collaboration between
MeitY- National Science Foundation (NSF) of United States.
• Objective: MeitY-NSF research collaboration aims to foster joint research endeavors focusing on shared
interests, as outlined in the Joint Statement between India and the US.
• Areas of Focus: The first Joint Call targets proposals in semiconductor research, communication
technologies, cybersecurity, sustainability, green technologies and Intelligent Transportation Systems.
• Timeline: Proposal submission for the 1st Joint Call will begin on August 21, 2023, with the final
submission deadline set for January 5, 2024.
• Technology Development: The collaborative initiative encompasses prototype creation, pilot-scale
demonstrations, and field deployment, to the acceleration of technology transfer.
• Partnership Encouragement: These partnerships ensure the availability of resources and expertise for
project success.
Implementation Arrangement (IA) on Research Collaboration

• This joint research initiative is a significant step toward leveraging expertise and resources from both
India and US to drive technological innovation and advancement in crucial domains.
• It streamlines the selection and funding process of research projects from scientists and engineers from
the US and India as part of the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies dialogue.
2.13 Cabinet approves MRA between India and Australia
Why in news?
• The Cabinet has recently approved the signing and ratification of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement
(MRA) between India and Australian.
• Signed between: Central Board of Indirect taxes and Customs (CBIC), Department of Revenue,
Government of India and the Department of Home Affairs incorporating the Australian Border Force,
Australian Government.
• Aim: to provide reciprocal benefits to accredited and trusted exporters of both the signatories in the
clearance of goods by the Customs authorities of the importing country.
• Result: benefit our exporters to Australia and promote a trade relationship between the two countries.
• MRA Economic Operators is a key element of the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework of
Standards.
o It secures and facilitates global trade to strengthen end-to-end security of supply chains while
providing higher facilitation to trade at the global level.
SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework)
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• Introduced by World Customs Organization (WCO) in 2005.
• It supports both supply chain security and legitimate business facilitation by setting global standards.
• It rests on two pillars: Customs-Customs network and Customs to business partnerships.
• It is complemented by a capacity building programme known as the “Columbus Programme”.
• Core elements of the SAFE Framework are:
o Harmonizing advance cargo information.
o Introducing risk management approach.
o Sending country’s customs inspection of high-risk containers by customs authorities.
o Benefits program for compliant traders.
2.14 ASEAN-INDIA Science and Technology Development Fund (GC-AISTDF-8)
Why in news?
• Recently, DST officials attended the Meeting of The Governing Council of ASEAN-INDIA Science and
Technology Development Fund (GC-AISTDF-8) that took place in the year of the 30th anniversary of
ASEAN-India relations.
ASEAN-India Science & Technology Collaboration:
• Formally started in 1996 with the establishment of the ASEAN India S&T working group (AIWGST).
• Collaborative S&T projects and activities between India and ASEAN were supported through ASEAN
India Fund (AIF).
• In 2008, a dedicated ASEAN India S&T Development Fund (AISTDF) with an equivalent amount of USD
1 million was established jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs and Department of Science and
Technology (DST) to support R&D projects and associated project development activities.
• India is the only dialogue partner allocating exclusive development fund for ASEAN-India S&T
cooperation which has resulted in several research and capacity building initiatives.
• The AISTDF was enhanced to an equivalent amount of USD 5 million through an announcement by the
Prime Minister of India on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit in Malaysia in November 2015.
• India announced an additional contribution of USD 5 million to the AISTDF during ASEAN-India and
East Asia summits in Nov 2022.
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2.15 G20 (Group of twenty) Side Event
News 1 G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting
• Venue: Hyderabad
• Participants: G20 countries and nine invited guest countries (Spain, Netherlands, Singapore, Vietnam,
Oman, Nigeria, UAE, Bangladesh, Mauritius)
• Agenda:
o Food security and nutrition
o Sustainable agriculture with climate-smart approach
o Inclusive agri-value chains and food systems
o Digitalization for agricultural transformation
• Key outcomes:
o On India’s initiative, it was the first time in the history of G20 that the Agriculture Ministers
have agreed on the 7 Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition 2023:
o International Millets and Other Ancient Grains Research Initiative (MAHARISHI): A research
collaboration on millets and other ancient grains, focusing on production, processing,
marketing, and utilization for sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development.
News 2 G-20 Finance Track Seminar
• Venue: Mumbai
• Theme: Global Economy: Challenges, Opportunities and the Way Forward
• Organized by: Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Reserve Bank of India.
• The seminar organized as a part of the International Financial Architecture (IFA) and the Frameworks
Working Group under India's G-20 Presidency.
News 3 3rd G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG)
• Venue: Kolkata
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• The 3rd and final meeting of G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) under India’s Presidency.
• 1st and 2nd ACWG meetings were held in Gurugram and Rishikesh respectively.
• Over 154 delegates from G20 Members, 10 invitee countries, and various international organizations
will be attending the meeting.
• Progress made on cooperation regarding action against fugitive economic offenders and return of
assets, guided by the Nine Point Agenda for Action Against Fugitive Economic Offences and Asset
Recovery, presented by Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to G20 nations in 2018.
News 4 2nd G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meet
• Venue: Kolkata
• This was the 2nd G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting and first in person meeting since its inception
in 2010.
• It was held following 3rd and final meeting of G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG).
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA

2.16 Indian Railway Industry
Why in news?
• Indian Railways (IR) has crossed the mark of 500 MT freight loading on cumulative basis, yet again, in
first 4 months of this Financial Year.
• From April-July 2023, freight loading of 507.7 MT has been achieved against the last year loading of
501.55 MT, an improvement of 1.23% over last year loading and 3.22% in revenue.
• In July 2023, originating freight loading of 123.98MT has been achieved against loading of 122.15MT in
July 2022, which is an improvement of 1.5% over the last year. Freight revenue improvement of about
3% over last year.
• Under National Rail Plan, Indian Railways has started “Mission Hungry for Cargo” targeting 45% modal
share in freight transportation from the current 27 per cent.
2.17 Government e-marketplace (GeM)
Why in news?
• Recently Government e-Marketplace (GeM) registered highest ever Gross Merchandise Value of more
than ₹ 2 lakh crore in FY 2022-23.
• In Financial Year 2022-23, Government e-marketplace (GeM) registered its highest ever Gross
Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹ 2,01,113 crore.
• GeM has achieved a cumulative GMV of more than 4.5 lakh crore until 23 rd July 2023 since its inception.
• GeM has facilitated savings worth more than ₹ 40,000 crore since its inception.
Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of GeM in ₹ crore in the last 3 completed financial years
2020-21 38,573
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2020-21 106,547
2022-23 201,113
2.18 Indian Space Industry
Why in news?
• Union minister recently informed that Indian space industry is emerging at fast pace after space sector
reforms. The Minister also listed out major achievements and significant progress made by ISRO during
the last five years (July 2018 – July 2023).
• 27 satellites and 22 Launch Vehicle missions have been successfully accomplished during the period.
• Successful ISRO Pad Abort Test (PAT): Test took place on 5 July 2018. A Pad Abort Test is a trial run for
the spacecraft's launch abort system (sometimes called a launch escape system). Here the entire
spacecraft is "ejected" away from the launch vehicle in the event of a potential failure. It is expected to
be applied to the first Indian crewed spacecraft called Gaganyaan.
• UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by ISRO): In June 2018, India announced a
capacity building training programme on Nanosatellites development. A total of 90 participants from 45
countries benefitted from the program across three batches.
• "Young Scientist Programme" or the "YUva VIgyani KAryakram" (YUVIKA): In 2019, ISRO launched an
annual special programme called A total of 603 students have attended the YUVIKA program spread
over 3 years – 2019, 2022 and 2023.
• NewSpace India Limited (NSIL): Formed on 6th March 2019, the Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE),
under Department of Space (DOS). It acts as commercial arm of the ISRO.
• Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe): To facilitate private sector
participation, on June 26, 2020 the government established IN-SPACe as a single-window, independent,
nodal agency. In June 2022, IN-SPACe Headquarters at Ahmedabad was inaugurated.
o Prarambh mission: Launch of Vikram-S, a suborbital launch vehicle from M/s Skyroot
Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, was accomplished successfully on 18th November 2022.
o First private launchpad & mission control center established by M/s Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd.,
Chennai in ISRO campus at SDSC, SHAR on 25th November 2022.
• ISRO System for Safe & Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM): Launched in July, 2022 to
aid India in achieving its SSA (Space Situational Awareness) goals by providing a comprehensive and
timely information of the Space environment to users.
• Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX) was successfully demonstrated at the
Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka on 2nd April, 2023. A launch system that allows
for the reuse of some or all of the component stages. The vehicle returns to earth intact after a mission.
2.19 Electricity Generation

Why in news
• The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy recently informed about Steps taken by
the Government to add electricity generation capacity and meet future energy needs.
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• As against the scheduled generation capacity addition from conventional sources of 51,561.15
Megawatt for the period 2017-22, capacity addition totalling to 30,667.91 Megawatt was achieved as
on 31st March, 2022.
• Under National Electricity Plan (NEP) for the period of 2022-32, following projections have been made
to meet future energy capacity needs:
o The projected All India peak electricity demand and electrical energy requirement is 277.2
Gigawatt for the year 2026-27 and 366.4 Gigawatt the year 2031-32.
o Likely Installed Capacity for the year 2026-27 is estimated to be 609,591 MW:
✓ 273,038 MW of Conventional capacity
✓ 336,553 MW of Renewable based Capacity
✓ 8,680MW of BESS capacity (Battery Energy Storage System)
o Likely Installed Capacity for the year 2031-32 is estimated to be 900,422 MW:
✓ 304,147 MW of Conventional capacity
✓ 596,275 MW of Renewable based Capacity
✓ 47,244MW of BESS capacity (Battery Energy Storage System)
• The projection of total capacity addition is in line with the target of the country to achieve a non-
fossil based installed capacity of around 500 GW by the year 2029-30.
• The share of coal-based capacity in the total installed capacity for the year 2026-27 is likely to be
38.57% which is likely to further reduce to 28.83% for the year 2031-32.
• The share of renewable Energy based capacity in the total installed capacity for the year 2026-27 is
likely to be 55.20% which is likely to further increase to 66.22% for the year 2031-32.
2.20 Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT)

Why in news
• Minister of Railways recently informed about the commissioned Gati Shakti multi-modal cargo terminal
under ‘Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT)’ policy.
• Up to 30th June, 2023, a total of 48 Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) have been
commissioned across the country, which include 05 GCTs (i.e. at Patratu, Sindri, Godda, Pakur and
Thaparnagar) in Jharkhand.
Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) Policy

• In order to boost investment from the industry in the development of additional terminals for handling
rail cargos, policy has been launched on December 15, 2021.
• GCTs are being developed by private players, and can be developed on non-Railway land or
fully/partially on Railway land.
• Key features are quick and hassle-free approvals through online portal, removal of departmental
charges and no land license fees on the Railway land used for connectivity.
• 100 GCT will be developed under the PM Gati Shakti master plan.
2.21 Piped Natural Gas
Why in News?
• Recently, Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas informed about the Piped Natural
Gas (PNG) connections in the country.
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• Providing PNG connections are part of the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network.
• As per the Minimum Work Programme (MWP), targets provided by the Petroleum and Natural Gas
Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
• As of May 2023, 300 Geographical Areas (GAs) covering about 98% of the population and 88% of total
geographical area of the country has been authorized by PNGRB.
• As per MWP target, approx. 12.5 crore PNG connections by 2030 including in rural and urban areas.
2.22 India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs)

Why in News?
• Recently, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas informed that top-tier international energy giants
have shown enthusiasm in participating in Phase II of the country’s SPR project.
• SPRs are stockpiles of crude oil maintained in the underground storage facilities ensuring a stable
supply of crude oil even during times of geopolitical uncertainty or supply disruptions.
• As per the terms of the International Energy Programme agreement, every nation belonging to
the International Energy Agency (IEA) is required to maintain emergency reserves of oil amounting to
a minimum of 90 days' worth of their net oil imports.
• The construction of the Strategic Crude Oil Storage facilities is being managed by the Indian Strategic
Petroleum Reserves Ltd. (ISPRL) was created as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
• India's current SPR Infrastructure is having combined capacity of 5.33 million metric tonnes (MMT) of
crude oil. These storage sites are strategically positioned across two states:
✓ Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh - 1.33 MMT capacity
✓ Mangalore, Karnataka - 1.5 MMT capacity
✓ Padur, Karnataka - 2.5 MMT capacity
• In July 2021, the Indian Government granted approval for the establishment of two additional
commercial-cum-strategic SPR facilities, totalling a storage capacity of 6.5 MMT under PPP mode.
✓ Chandikhol, Odisha - 4 MMT capacity
✓ Padur, Karnataka - 2.5 MMT capacity (expansion)
• The entire facility shall be owned by Government of India. The Concessionaire shall transfer the SPR
to the Government of India, at the end of the 60 years of Concession Period.
• Government of India has the first right to take the crude oil, in case of an Oil Shortage event.
2.23 Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023
Why in news?
• The Rajya Sabha recently passed the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation)
Amendment Bill, 2023 which seeks to make amendments to the OAMDR Act, 2002.
• Act came into force in 2010, no mining activity has been undertaken in the offshore areas till
date. Hence, Bill has been passed to bring several reforms in the offshore mining sector.
• The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 was amended in 2015 to provide for
allocation of mineral concessions in onshore areas through auction.
• India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 2 million km² holds key minerals in the offshore areas.
• The salient features of the Amendment Bill are as under:
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o Two types of operating rights to the private sector through auction by competitive bidding, viz.
production lease and composite license.
o Composite license is a two-stage operating right granted for the purpose of undertaking
exploration followed by production operation.
o Operating rights to PSUs in the mineral bearing areas reserved by the Central Government.
o Grant of operating rights only to PSUs in case of atomic minerals.
o Renewal of production leases removed and its period is fixed as 50 years similar to MMDR Act.
o Limit has been introduced on total area one person can acquire in the offshore. Now, a person
cannot acquire more than 45 minutes latitude by 45 minutes longitude in respect of any
mineral or prescribed group of associated minerals under one or more operating rights.
o Offshore Areas Mineral Trust:
✓ Funds for exploration and mitigation of adverse impact of offshore mining
✓ A non-lapsable fund under the Public Account of India.
✓ Funded by an additional levy on the production of minerals, not exceeding one third of
the royalty.
o A provision has been made for easy transfer of composite license or production lease.
o Royalty, auction premium and other revenues from the production of minerals from offshore
areas shall accrue to the Government of India.
• EEZ is an area of the ocean, generally extending 200 nautical miles (230 miles) beyond a
nation's territorial sea, within which a coastal nation has jurisdiction over both living and nonliving
resources.
2.24 Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Why in news?
• Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently announced that pharma MSMEs with an annual
turnover of over Rs 250 crore will have to mandatorily adopt GMPs within six months.
• Drugmakers with an annual turnover of over Rs 250 crore will have to mandatorily adopt good
manufacturing practices (GMP) within six months.
• Companies with a turnover of less than Rs 250 crore will be given a year to complete the process.
• The timeline for completion of GMP norms begins from August 1.
• Those who do not follow the timelines will be penalized according to the provisions of the law after
two reviews are conducted — after six months and one year.
• Of around 10,500 pharma manufacturing units in the country, 8,500 falls under MSMEs.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

• Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, deals with GMP for pharmaceutical manufacturing
units, including specific norms pertaining to plant premises and equipment.
• GMP are mandatory standards which build and bring quality into product by way of control on
materials, methods, machines, processes, personnel and facility or environment etc.
• GMP were first incorporated in Schedule M in 1988. The norms were last amended in 2018.
• India is a major exporter of medicines to low- and middle-income countries which require GMP
certification from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
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2.25 Role of MSME Sector in the Country
Why in news?
• The Minister of State for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises recently shared the latest information
received from the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation.
Key Facts:
Performance Indicator 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
MSME Gross Value Added (GVA) in 30.5% 27.2% 29.2% -

all India GDP
MSME manufacturing output in all 36.6% 36.9% 36.2% -

India Manufacturing output
Share of export of MSME in all India - 49.4% 45.0% 43.6%

exports
• As on 08.08.2023, as per Udyam Registration Portal, the total number of persons employed in MSMEs
which were registered from 01.07.2020 in India was 12.84 crores. Top 3 employers are:
o Maharashtra (1.53 cr), Tamil Nadu (1.35cr), UP (1.13 cr)
• The Government has taken several initiatives to support MSMEs in the country:
o Rs. 5 lakh crore Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) for MSMEs.
o Rs. 50,000 crore equity infusion through MSME Self-Reliant India Fund.
o No global tenders for procurement up to Rs. 200 crores.
o MSME Champions scheme has been formulated for a period of 5 years (2021-22 to 2025-26).
✓ MSME-Sustainable (ZED): Zero Defect Zero Effect.
✓ MSME-Innovative: for Incubation, IPR, Design.
✓ MSME-Competitive (Lean): wastage reduction through Lean Manufacturing.
✓ Digital MSME: to digitally empower of MSME.
o Inclusion of Retail and Wholesale trades as MSMEs w.e.f. 2nd July 2021.
o Non-tax benefits extended for 3 years in case of an upward change in status of MSMEs.
o Roll out of Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme with an outlay of
Rs. 6,000 crores over 5 years.
o Launch of Udyam Assist Platform (UAP) on 11.01.2023 to bring the Informal Micro Enterprises
(IMEs) under the formal ambit for availing the benefit under Priority Sector Lending (PSL).
2.26 Industrial Corridor Projects
Why in news?
• The Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry recently informed about the ongoing
development of the Industrial Corridor Projects in the country.
• Government of India is developing eleven (11) Industrial Corridor Projects as part of the National
Industrial Corridor Programme across the country.
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• The financial structure involves the National Industrial Corridor Development & Implementation Trust
(NICDIT) providing funds as equity/debt for developing infrastructure within industrial nodes/regions.
• States are responsible for offering contiguous and unencumbered land parcels.
• The following 11 industrial corridors are under development:
o Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)
o Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC)
o Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC)
o East Coast Industrial Corridor (ECIC) with Vizag Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC)
o Bengaluru Mumbai Industrial Corridor (BMIC)
o Extension of CBIC to Kochi via Coimbatore
o Hyderabad Nagpur Industrial Corridor (HNIC)
o Hyderabad Warangal Industrial Corridor (HWIC)
o Hyderabad Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (HBIC)
o Odisha Economic Corridor (OEC)
o Delhi Nagpur Industrial Corridor (DNIC)
National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT)
• NICDIT is under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• NICDIT originated in 2007 as the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project Implementation Trust Fund
(DMIC-PITF). The DMIC-PITF’s mandate was expanded and redesignated as the NICDIT in 2016.
• It will monitor and coordinate all central efforts at developing the industrial corridor projects.
• It is also responsible for approving and sanctioning projects.
2.27 Indian Space Policy -2023
Why in news?
• Union Minister of State Atomic Energy and Space recently talked about the Indian Space Policy of 2023,
which is a comprehensive framework that aims to promote and regulate space activities in India.
Key Policy Recommendations

• Vision and Objectives:
o Augment space capabilities for national development, security, and scientific exploration.
o Encourage a flourishing commercial presence in space and drive technology development.
• Holistic Approach:
o Encourage private sector participation in the entire space value chain, including asset creation.
o Indian consumers can procure space technology and services from any source.
o Focus on advanced R&D, public goods and services, stable regulatory framework, innovation,
and awareness.
• NGEs Participation:
o NGEs can undertake end-to-end activities, establish space objects, ground-based assets, can
offer related services like communication, remote sensing, navigation, satellite control.
o They can use Indian and Non-Indian orbital resources, engage in asteroid resource recovery.
• Indian National Space Promotion & Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe):
o Autonomous organization to promote, guide, and authorize space activities.
o Single-window agency for authorizing government and NGE space activities.
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o Promotes ease of doing business, industry clusters, and academia collaboration.
o Encourages technology transfer, industry standards, and best practices.
• Role of ISRO:
o Focus on R&D, technology development, and applications.
o Sharing technologies and data with NGEs and government entities.
o Transition from manufacturing operational space systems to R&D and technology advancement.
• NewSpace India Limited (NSIL):
o Responsible for commercializing space technologies and platforms.
o Procure and service space components and platforms for government and NGEs.
• Department of Space (DOS):
o Oversees policy implementation, coordination, and interpretation.
o Ensures earth observation capability, navigation signals, and international cooperation.
o Coordinates dispute resolution and ensures safe and sustainable space operations.
• Applicability and Implementation:
o The policy applies to space activities within Indian Territory or jurisdiction.
o Government retains the right to provide exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
2.28 Vehicle Scrapping Policy
Why in news?
• The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways recently informed about the current developments
with respect to Vehicle Scrappage Policy.
Key Policy Recommendations
• Vehicle Scrappage Policy

o It was first announced in the Union Budget 2021-22 and approved in January 2021.
o It is aimed at phasing out unfit and polluting vehicles in an environment friendly manner.
o Old and unfit vehicles whose life cycle is complete shall be scrapped voluntarily.
o Old vehicles (15 to 20 years) need not be scrapped compulsorily. Vehicles to undergo a fitness
test after a defined period. Failing the test would most likely lead to vehicle scrappage.
o Vehicle owners will be given certain benefits for scrapping old vehicles.
• Categorisation of vehicles concerning scrappage:
o Government Vehicles
✓ Vehicles belonging to the Centre and State Government, that are more than 15 years
old, shall be scrapped. The date set for the application of this policy is 1 April 2022.
o Commercial Vehicles
✓ After completion of 15 years, the transport vehicle will need to undergo a fitness test.
✓ If considered unfit, it shall be scrapped as per the commercial vehicle scrap policy rules.
o Private Vehicles
✓ Vehicles used by citizens to commute will be de-registered after 20 years if found unfit.
✓ Increased re-registration fees will be charged for the vehicle 15 years onwards.
o Vintage Vehicles
✓ Vintage cars and bikes are generally older than the average vehicle on the road.
✓ However, they are driven less frequently and maintained well. This is a separate category.
• Fitness Tests for Vehicles:
o It is like checking a vehicle's emission levels via PUC test after the stipulated period for the
validity of 5 years. A vehicle that has failed the test will be considered unregistered.
o Driving an unregistered vehicle on public roads is a punishable offence. The likely option would
be to scrap or repair the vehicle so that it passes the Fitness Test.
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o A Green Cess (around 10 to 25% of road tax), which varies as per location, will also be charged.
• Incentives:
o Vehicle owners might receive tax benefits as an incentive to scrap an old vehicle.
o Scrappage value of vehicle in range of 4-6% of the ex-showroom price.
o Vehicle owners are eligible for concession in motor vehicle tax of up to 25% for private vehicles
and up to 15% for commercial Vehicles which are purchased against Certificate of Deposit.
o Vehicle manufacturers will also give a discount of 5% to people who will produce the 'Scrapping
Certificate' and registration fees will be waived off on the purchase of a new vehicle.
o Implementation of the provision comes under the purview of State/UT Governments. So far,
15 states/UTs have announced concessions in the Motor vehicle Tax against the Certificate of
Deposit.
2.29 Self-Certification of Solar Inverters
Why in news?
• In a recent Gazette Notification, the Central Government has announced an extension of self-
certification for Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) inverters under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(MNRE) Quality Control Order 2017.
• The Quality Control Order, 2017, initially issued in 2017 and later modified in 2018, required
compulsory registration for six products, including SPV inverters.
• Self-certification for SPV inverters was previously extended until 30th June 2023, or until further notice.
• Due to limited test facilities and to provide manufacturers with more time for compliance, the
government has extended the implementation period for SPV inverters.
• Manufacturers can now utilize self-certification until 31st December 2023.
• This extension is subject to the condition that the manufacturers hold valid International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certificates corresponding to the relevant Indian Standards (IS) and
test reports from accredited laboratories.
• The government’s move aims to streamline the implementation process and ensure smooth
compliance with the Quality Control Order for SPV inverters.
2.30 Railway Infrastructure
Why in news?
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister, has recently approved seven
multi-tracking projects totalling 2339 kilometres across Indian Railways.
• Nature of Projects: The approved projects include doubling of existing lines, multi-tracking, 3rd line
construction, and quadrupling of tracks.
• Geographical Coverage: The projects will cover 35 districts in 9 states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana,
Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
• Total Network Expansion: These projects will expand the Indian Railways network by 2339 kilometres,
adding to the existing rail infrastructure.
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• Funding Source: The projects will be fully funded by the Central Government, ensuring the necessary
financial support for their implementation.
• Freight Traffic Boost: Capacity augmentation resulting from these projects is estimated to lead to an
additional freight traffic volume of around 200 million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA).
• Integrated Planning: The projects are a result of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multi-
modal connectivity, emphasizing integrated planning and seamless connectivity for the movement of
people, goods, and services.
2.31 Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI)
Why in news?
• Recently data related to the combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) for the month of July released
by the Office of Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Key Highlights
• The combined ICI increased by 8.0 % (provisional) in July 2023 as compared to the Index of July
2022 (on Y-o-Y basis).
• Final growth rate of ICI for April 2023 is revised to 4.6 % (on Y-o-Y basis).
• The cumulative growth rate of ICI during April to July, 2023-24 reported 6.4 % (provisional) as compared
to the corresponding period of last year.
About Index of Industrial Production (IIP):

• IIP is an indicator that measures the changes in the volume of production of industrial products
during a given period.
• It is a composite indicator of industry groups classified under-
o Broad sectors, namely, Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity.
o Use-based sectors, namely Basic Goods, Capital Goods, and Intermediate Goods.
• The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 % of the weight of items included in the IIP.
• Base year: 2011-2012
• Central Statistical Organization (now known as the National Statistics Office (NSO)) in 1951, the
responsibility for compilation and publication of IIP was vested with it.
• The Office of Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has
releases the IIP.
About Eight Core Sectors:

• The eight core sector industries in decreasing order of their weightage: Refinery Products > Electricity >
Steel > Coal > Crude Oil > Natural Gas > Cement > Fertilizers.
• Termed as the core industries owing to their strong impact on the general economic activities and the
other industrial activities.
2.32 Sagar Parikrama Phase VIII
Why in news?
• Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying recently started the Sagar Parikrama Phase
VIII.
About Sagar Parikrama Phase VIII

• Started on 30th Aug 2023.
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• From Vizhinjam, Kerala and covered Muthalapozhy Fishing Harbour, Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour and
CMFRI Centre and moved to the coast of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.
• Will proceed across coastal regions of Tamil Nadu.
• Participants: The Department of Fisheries and National Fisheries Development Board of GOI along
with the Department of Fisheries from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Indian Coast Guard and fisherman
representatives.
MONETARY AND FISCAL POLICY

2.33 Income Tax Returns (ITR) Data
Why in news
• Recently Department of Income Tax shared data regarding to ITRs filed in current AY.
• The total number of ITRs for Assessment Year 2023-24 filed till 31st July, 2023 are more than 6.77
crore, which is 16.1% more than the total ITRs for AY 2022-23 (5.83 crore) filed till 31st July 2022.
• The Department received 53.67 lakh ITRs till 31st July, 2023 from first time filers, a fair indication of
widening of tax base.
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• 5.63 crore returns have been e-verified, out of which more than 5.27 crore are through Aadhaar based
OTP (94%).
• Further, a new e-pay tax payment platform TIN 2.0 was made available on the e-filing portal, replacing
the earlier Protean (NSDL) based OLTAS payment system. Options available for mode of payments such
as Internet Banking, NEFT/RTGS, OTC, Debit Card, payment gateway and UPI. TIN 2.0 platform has
enabled real time credit of taxes to taxpayers which made ITR filing easier and faster.
2.34 Recommendations of 51st GST Council Meeting

Why in news
• Recently (July 2023) the 51st GST Council met under the Chairpersonship of Union Minister for Finance
& Corporate Affairs in New Delhi.
Key recommendations
• The GST Council in the 50th meeting held on 11.07.2023 had recommended that the actionable claims
supplied in Casinos, Horse racing and Online gaming may be taxed at the rate of 28% on full face value
and also recommended to amend the law to provide clarity.
• In 51st meeting recommended certain amendments in the CGST Act 2017 and IGST Act 2017, including
amendment in Schedule III of CGST Act, 2017, to provide clarity on the taxation in above matters.
• Insert a specific provision in IGST Act, 2017 to provide for liability to pay GST on the supply of online
money gaming by a supplier located outside India to a person in India.
• CGST Rules, 2017 may be amended to insert specific provisions for valuation of supply of online gaming
and actionable claims in casinos may be done based on the amount paid or payable to or deposited
with the supplier, by or on behalf of the player (excluding the amount entered into games/ bets out of
winnings of previous games/ bets) and not on the total value of each bet placed.
GST Council
• As a joint forum of the Centre and the states set up by the President as per Article 279A (1) of the
amended Constitution.
• The members of the Council include the Union Finance Minister (chairperson), the Union Minister of
State (Finance) from the Centre.
• Each state can nominate a minister in-charge of finance or taxation or any other minister as a member.
• It makes recommendations to the Union and the states on important issues related to GST, like the
goods and services that may be subjected or exempted from GST and various rate slabs of GST.
• May 2022, Supreme Court stated that the recommendations of the GST Council are not binding.
• SC said Article 246A of the Constitution gives both Parliament and state legislatures
have “simultaneous” power to legislate on GST and recommendations of the Council “are the product
of a collaborative dialogue involving the Union and States”.
2.35 India’s Rising Prosperity
Why in news?
• The Prime Minister has recently shared information on India’s progress on achieving equitable and
collective prosperity, based upon the SBI Research report “Deciphering emerging Trends in ITR Filing:
The Ascent of the new Middle Class” and “The Wealth Effect” report by journalist Anil Padmanabhan.
Key highlights
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• Income Distribution: 13.6% have left the lower income strata and migrated to upper income groups in
AY23 in comparison with AY12.
• Per Capita Income:
o Weighted mean income has increased from Rs 4.4 lakh in AY14 to Rs 13 lakh in FY23.
o This reflects the overall improvement in the economic well-being of individuals in the country.
o It is expected to increase from Rs 13 lakhs currently to Rs 49.7 lakhs in 2047.
• When comparing ITR filings between 2014 and 2023:
o The data paints a promising picture of increased tax participation across all states. In case of
Uttar Pradesh from 1.65 lakh ITR filings in 2014 to an impressive 11.92 lakh by June 2023.
o The smaller states from the Northeast, namely Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, have exhibited
an admirable growth of over 20% in ITR filings in the last 9 year.
o Widening tax base with each bracket has seen a minimum threefold increase in tax filings.
2.36 Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and National Council of
Applied Economic Research (NCAER)
Why in news?
• Recently the IEPFA and NCAER conducted a significant webinar.

o Theme 'Investor Protection Framework in India: Challenges and Road Ahead'.
About IEPFA:
• The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) was set up on September 7, 2016.
• Works under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
• It works for administering the Investor Education and Protection Fund for making refunds of shares,
unclaimed dividends, and matured deposits/debentures, among other things, to investors.
About NCAER
• NCAER is India’s oldest and largest independent economic think tank, set up in 1956.
• NCAER was started as a public-private partnership, it is funded by the government and private
industry and informs policy choices for both the public and private sectors.
• It is one of a few independent think tanks world-wide that combines rigorous economic analysis and
policy outreach with deep data collection capabilities, particularly for large-scale household surveys.
• NCAER is led by its Director General and it is governed by an independent Governing Body.
2.37 Roadmap to making India a $5 trillion economy
Why in news
• Union Minister of State for Finance recently stated about government’s roadmap to making India a $5
trillion economy.
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• India has set the target of a 5 trillion-dollar economy by 2024.
• The Government’s roadmap for making India a $5 trillion economy comprises-
o Growth at the macro level and complementing it with all-inclusive welfare at the micro level.
o Promoting digital economy and fintech enabled development.
o Energy transition and climate action.
o Economic reforms like GST, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), reduction in the corporate
tax rate, Make in India and Start-up India strategies, Production Linked Incentive Scheme.
o Capital expenditure led growth strategy to support economic growth and attract investment
from the private sector. Central Government’s capital expenditure has increased from 2.15% of
GDP in 2020-21 to 2.7 % of GDP in 2022-23 and 3.3 % of GDP in 2023-24.
o With Grants-in-Aid to States for the creation of capital assets, the ‘Effective Capital
Expenditure’ of the Centre was accordingly budgeted at 13.7 lakh cr (4.5% of GDP) for 2023-24.
Additional information
• Capital Expenditure: Funds allocated by the government for the acquisition, construction or
improvement of physical assets such as infrastructure, machinery. Considered to be productive and
growth enhancing as it adds to the productive capacity of the economy and generates income and
employment in the future.
• Effective Capital Expenditure: Sum of capital expenditure and grants-in-aid to states and other
agencies for creation of capital assets.
• RBI defines Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in India as any advance or loan that is overdue for more
than 90 days or 3 months.
o Substandard Assets: Assets which has remained NPA for a period less than or equal to 12
months.
o Doubtful Assets: An asset would be classified as doubtful if it has remained in the substandard
category for a period of 12 months.
o Loss Assets: According to the RBI, “Loss asset is considered uncollectible and of such little value
that its continuance as a bankable asset is not warranted, although there may be some salvage
or recovery value.
2.38 Estimates of Gross Domestic Product for the First Quarter (April-June) of 2023-24
Why in news?
• The National Statistical Office (NSO) recently released press note on estimates of GDP for the April-June
quarter (Q1) of 2023-24.
Key highlights
• Real GDP or GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices is estimated at ₹ 40.37 lakh crore, as against ₹ 37.44 lakh
crore with growth of 7.8% as compared to 13.1% in 2022-23.
• Nominal GDP or GDP at Current Prices is estimated at ₹ 70.67 lakh crore, as against ₹ 65.42 lakh crore,
showing a growth of 8.0% as compared to 27.7% in Q1 2022-23.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had predicted a growth rate of 8%.
• Estimates are compiled using the benchmark-indicator method, i.e., quarterly estimates available for
the previous year referred to as the benchmark year.
• Key reason for the surge is capital expenditure, increased to around Rs 2, 78,500 crore during April–
June 2023 from the Rs 1,75,000 crore.
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• Trade, hotels, transport and communication recorded a growth of 9.2%.
• The real estate and financial sector also moved up by 12.2% on a yearly basis.
• Construction, mining and manufacturing sector moved up by 7.9%, 5.8% and 4.7% respectively.
• The agriculture and electricity sectors recorded a growth of 3.5 % and 2.9%.
• Private consumption, which accounted for 57.3 per cent of GDP share, grew 6%.
BANKING SYSTEM IN INDIA

2.39 Deposits and Advances of Public Sector Banks (PSBs)
Why in news
• Recently Union Minister of State for Finance released the performance data of the PSBs.
• As a result of the steps taken such as Video-KYC, Digital KYC verification, customer interface in regional
languages, customer need driven credit offers, the growth witnessed in deposits and advance segment.
FY Growth of Deposits Growth of Advances
2021-22 8.2 9.3
2022-23 9.8 15.8
• Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 and 1980, and the State
Bank of India Act, 1955: The general superintendence, direction and management of the affairs and
business of the PSBs vests in its Board. The Public Sector Banks (PSBs) take all commercial and
business-related decisions as per their board approved policies.
Early Warning Systems (EWS)

• With 80 EWS triggers Early Warning Systems are specialized tools, built using a set of parameters and
processes that identify probable risks at a nascent stage. It assists the top-level management to predict
possible defaults from borrowers that may adversely affect the institution.
2.40 Reporting of Overseas Investments
Why in news?
• Recently, RBI has fined 4 PSUs for late reporting of overseas investments.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed late submission fees (LSF) of ₹2,000 crore for delayed
reporting of the overseas investments on-
o ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL)
o Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
o GAIL (India) Ltd.
o Oil India Ltd.
• SBI is the authorized dealer (AD) bank for these PSUs’ foreign transactions. It is the work of the AD
bank to report and reconcile their overseas direct investments (ODIs) within the requisite timelines.
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• AD banks have been instructed not to facilitate any outward remittances or financial commitments to
foreign entities till the reporting issues are regularised.
• To prevent operational disruptions and comply with RBI regulations, the affected companies have
sought an extension from the RBI, which has imposed a late submission fee of ₹500 crore each on the
four firms.
o Under RBI’s Foreign Exchange Management (Overseas Investment) Regulations, 2022, those
failing to submit investment evidence within the stipulated timeframe can do so with a late
submission fee.
o Late submission fee has been introduced by RBI with retrospective effect vide FEM (OI)
Regulation, 2000.
RBI notification on Foreign Exchange Management (Overseas Investment) Regulations, 2022

• A person resident in India who has made a financial commitment in a foreign entity, shall not make
any further financial commitment, whether fund-based or non-fund-based, directly or indirectly,
towards such foreign entity or transfer such investment till any delay in reporting is regularized.
2.41 Fixed Interest Rate Regime Vs Floating Interest Rate Regime
Why in news?
• Recently, the RBI has unveiled the new framework for consumer protection, that will allow borrowers
to switch to fixed interest rate from floating interest rates.
• It is proposed to put in place a transparent framework for reset of interest rates on floating interest
loans. The framework will require Regulated Entities to:
o Clearly communicate with borrowers for resetting the tenor and/or EMI.
o Provide options for switching to fixed rate loans or foreclosure of loans.
o Disclose various charges incidental to the exercise of the options.
• The RBI has introduced the External Benchmarks Lending Rate system for home loans from October 1,
2019. Under which, all floating rate-based loans were required to be linked to an external benchmark.
• At present, loan seekers can switch from floating and fixed interest rates and vice versa but have to
pay a nominal conversion fee. The fee varies between 0.50 per cent to 2 per cent of the total home
loan amount.
• Loan seekers prefer fixed home loan interest rates as the floating interest rates are volatile and
fluctuate depending on the market scenario.
External Benchmarks Lending Rate (EBLR)

• This new lending regime introduced by RBI in October 2019 and banks were asked to link the floating
interest rate to any of the specified external benchmark. There are four external benchmarks are set:
o RBI's repo rate.
o Government of India three-months Treasury Bill yield published by the Financial Benchmarks
India Private Ltd. (FBIL)
o Government of India six-months Treasury Bill yield published by the FBIL.
o Any other benchmark market interest rate published by the FBIL.
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SOCIAL SECTORS IN INDIA – EDUCATION
2.42 Smart India Hackathon 2023
Why in News?
• Recently, Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell & the All-India Council of Technical Education (AICTE)
has launched Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2023 [sixth edition].
• It is a nationwide initiative to provide students a platform to solve some of the pressing problems we face
in our daily lives, and thus inculcate a culture of product innovation and a mindset of problem solving.
• 16 Themes of SIH 2023
o Agriculture, FoodTech & Rural Development, Blockchain & Cybersecurity, Clean & Green
Technology, Disaster Management, Fitness & Sports, Heritage & Culture, MedTech / BioTech /
HealthTech, Miscellaneous, Renewable / Sustainable Energy, Robotics and Drones, Smart
Automation, Smart Education, Smart Vehicles, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Tourism and
Toy.
• Total Problem Statements: 239 problem statements, including 182 software statements and 57 hardware
challenges.
• 26 Central Ministries, 6 State Ministries, and 4 Industry partners are involved in the initiative.
• Senior SIH and Junior SIH are two categories of the hackathon.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

2.43 National Carbon Registry
Why in News?
• Recently, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has launched a software called National
Carbon Registry.
• National Carbon Registry is an open-source software which allows countries to effectively manage
national data and processes for trading carbon credits.
• Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and the Government of Japan helped in the
development of the registry.
• The registry follows national and international best practices based on inputs from countries and is a
result of ongoing work by the Digital4Climate (D4C) Working Group.
• The registry has been recently accredited as Digital Public Good (DPG)
About Carbon Credit

• Carbon credit is a kind of permit that represents 1 ton of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere.
About D4C Working Group

• It includes UNDP, the World Bank, the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change
(UNFCCC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) among others.
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• Aim: to coordinate respective workflows and create a modular and interoperable end-to-end digital
ecosystem for the carbon market.
About UNDP
• Establishment: 1965; Headquarters: New York.
2.44 Climate Change and Health Hub

Why in News?
• The Government of India, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), will be setting up
climate change and health hub in New Delhi.
• It will facilitate knowledge sharing, promote partnerships and innovations, and also help countries beyond
the G-20, especially developing countries.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• Establishment: 1966; Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
• Total Members: 68 members (including India).
2.45 MoUs to fastrack SDGs

News 1
• Recently, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) & the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) .
• Under the MoU, UNDP would provide MDoNER with technical support on fast-tracking progress on the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); monitoring, evaluation and capacity building; support
Aspirational districts and blocks; support in the deployment of emerging technologies in governance and
in scaling up good practices.
News 2
• Recently, NITI Aayog and UNDP have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on fast tracking
SDGs.
• Objective: to formalise a framework of cooperation on a range of areas, including SDG localisation, data-
driven monitoring, Aspirational Districts and Blocks, among others.
• MoU Duration: five years
• NITI Aayog is the nodal Institution for coordinating the adoption and monitoring of SDGs at the national
and sub-national levels.
About UNDP
• Establishment: 1965; Headquarters: New York.
• It is United Nations' lead agency on international development.
• UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the SDGs.
Note: SDGs discussed in CurrentTap-July 2023 (2.109)
2.46 ADB, Fourth Partner Energy to build solar power unit in Tamil Nadu
Why in news?
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• Recently the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Fourth Partner Energy Private Limited (Fourth Partner)
signed a long-term loan deal to build solar power unit in Tamil Nadu.
• Objective: To supply clean and low-cost energy to commercial and industrial customers.
• Loan of up to Rs. 120 crore (about $14.7 million) to construct and operate a 25-megawatt solar
photovoltaic-based power plant.
• Located in Tirunelveli district in the state of Tamil Nadu.
• Significance: Nearly 41,700 tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year will be avoided.
• India’s progressive open access renewable energy policy allows a group of consumers to purchase
electricity directly from an Independent Power Producer (IPP).
• ADB has supported the development of renewable energy in India since 2007.
• ADB has financed solar IPPs by assisting projects under the National Solar Mission.
About Fourth Partner

• Fourth Partner is India’s leading renewable energy solutions platform focusing on building and financing
renewable energy projects.
About Independent Power Producer (IPP)

• An IPP or non-utility generator (NUG) is an entity that is not a public utility but owns facilities to generate
electric power for sale to utilities and end users.
2.47 Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment and Climate Change

(KDMECC)
Why in news?
• Recently representatives from 48 African countries were gathered for the Conference of States on the
continental expansion of the KDMCC.
o Venue- Nairobi, Kenya
o Co-hosted by the Kenya and Uganda with support from the International Organization for
Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• 48 African countries have now agreed to adopt the KDMECC.
• Offers opportunity to support Member State in addressing the challenges like-
o Climate vulnerabilities- Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
o Resultant internal disaster displacements- over 7.5 million people displaced in 2023.
About KDMCC
• Adopted in July 2022 in Kampala, Uganda.
• Originally signed and agreed upon by 15 African states in 2022, now evolved into KDMECC-AFRICA.
• Objective: Outlines 12 commitments by its signatory countries to address the effects of climate change
on human mobility in the East and Horn of Africa region.
• Significance: The KDMECC is the first comprehensive, action-oriented framework driven by African
member states to address climate-induced migration practically.
• Supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
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MONETARY AND FISCAL POLICY
2.48 Fiscal Deficit
Why in News?
• According to recent data released by the Government of India, India’s fiscal deficit for the first quarter
of FY24 (April-June) stood at Rs 4.51 trillion, accounting for 25.3% of annual estimates.
• Fiscal Deficit to the above said period widened from 21.2% in the year-ago period.
• Reasons for increased Fiscal Deficit: sharp jump in capital expenditure, accelerated tax devolution to the
state governments, and offsetting the sharp jump in non-tax revenues.
• Tax and non-tax revenues were 18.6% and 51.4% of the budgeted estimate.
• While tax revenue was narrower than 26.1% in the year-earlier period, non-tax revenue sharply widened
from 23.1%.
o Non-tax revenue spiked as the Reserve Bank of India approved the transfer of Rs 87,416 crore
as surplus to the central government for FY2023.
• India aims to narrow its fiscal deficit to 5.9% of gross domestic product by the end of the FY24, against
6.4% in FY23.
2.49 Windfall Tax

Why in News?
• Recently, the Government of India has increased the windfall profit tax on domestically produced crude
oil and diesel exports.
• The special additional excise duty (SAED) on domestically produced crude oil has been raised from Rs
4,250 per tonne to Rs 7,100 per tonne.
• The special additional excise duty on diesel exports has been increased from Re 1 per litre to Rs 5.50 per
litre.
• A new duty of Rs 2 per litre has been imposed on the export of aviation turbine fuel (ATF).
• The new rates came into effect from August 15, 2023.
Background
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• India first imposed windfall profit taxes on July 1, 2022.
• A windfall tax is levied on domestic crude oil if rates of the global benchmark rise above USD 75 per
barrel.
• Export of diesel, ATF and petrol attract the levy if product cracks (or margins) rise above USD 20 per
barrel.
o Product cracks or margins are the difference between crude oil (raw material) and finished
petroleum products.
• Windfall tax rates are reviewed every fortnight based on average oil prices in the previous two weeks.
2.50 Amrit Generation Campaign: Naye Bharat Ke Sapne
Why in News?
• Recently, the Prime Minister of India met youngsters chosen as part of the Amrit Generation Campaign
About Amrit Generation Campaign

• Initiative of: Ministry of Women & Child Development and Meta.
• Aim: to empower and engage the youth of India by encouraging them to express their aspirations and
dreams for the future.
• Under the campaign, youngsters in the age group of 16-18 years were encouraged to create Reels on
Instagram and Facebook showcasing their aspirations and dreams for the future.
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN INDIA

2.51 Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
Why in News?
• Recently, Early-stage venture capital firm Antler India, in collaboration with ONDC, the Foundation for
Interoperability in Digital Economy (FIDE), and Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani, has launched India’s
first ONDC focused venture platform.
• The platform will offer pre-seed capital of USD 300,000 to “ready-teams with an idea” that are building
on the ONDC protocol, with an additional investment of up to USD 200,000 from key partners.
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2.52 ‘She Leads Bharat: Udyam’
Why in News?
• Recently, Airtel Payments Bank, Mastercard Center and Frontier Markets have launched She Leads
Bharat:Udyam initiative.
• Objective: to elevate 100,000 women-owned small businesses.
• Phase I:
o To enable 100,000 women-owned small businesses in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to learn and
earn via Frontier Markets’ proprietary, flexible Meri-Saheli platform.
o 10,000 of these women small business owners will be further enabled to grow their business by
becoming Airtel Payments Bank Business Correspondents (BCs).
o Funded by: Mastercard Impact Fund.
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS /REGIONAL

ECONOMIC COOPERATION
2.53 New Development Bank (NDB)
Why in News?
• Recently, Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi has been elected as a member of Board of Directors and a
Constituency Director of the New Development Bank (NDB).
• She is the first Emirati and Arab woman to assume a director’s position at the NDB.
• She is presently serving as the Director of International Financial Relations and Organisations
Department at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Finance
• She was appointed to the role during NDB’s eighth annual meeting in Shanghai, China.
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2.54 Interpol Global Academy Network
Why in News?
• Recently, Ghaziabad based Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Academy has become the 10th member
of Interpol Global Academy Network (IGAN).
About IGAN
• Establishment: 2019; Led by: INTERPOL’s Capacity Building and Training Directorate.
• Aim: to support Interpol in leading a global approach to law enforcement training.
About INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization)
• Establishment: 1923; Headquarters: Lyon, France.
• Total Members: 195; India joined Interpol in 1949.
2.55 Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Why in News
• Recently, Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted Rs.3.32 crore towards ‘Technologies for Urban
Transit to Enhance Mobility & Safe Accessibility’ (TUTEM)- a passenger safety projects in Hyderabad
• Aim: TUTEM is co-developed by IIT Bombay, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus , IIT Kharagpur and
LocationMind, Japan
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GLOBALIZATION
2.56 7th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility
Why in news?
• Recently 7th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) concluded.
o Venue: Vancouver, Canada
Key highlights
• Objective: To critically evaluate 2030 goals to end pollution and nature loss, combat climate change, and
propel inclusive, locally-led conservation.
• Global Biodiversity Framework Fund launched as a new source of funding for protecting species and
ecosystems globally.
o The GEF was selected to manage the new fund at the COP15 Convention on Biological Diversity
summit in December 2022.
• The Assembly brought together government as well as non-government environmental leadersfrom
185 countries.
About Global Environment Facility

• Established: in 1991
• Headquarter: Washington, USA
• Functions:
o The GEFis the largest source of multilateral funding for biodiversity globally. It helpsdeveloping
countries through funds and policy advice to address theirenvironmental priorities.
o GEF also serves as financial mechanism for the following conventions:
✓ Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
✓ United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
✓ United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
✓ Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
✓ Minamata Convention on Mercury
o The GEF also supports implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the
Ozone Layer (MP).
• The Council, the GEF's main governing body, comprises 32 members appointed by constituencies of
member countries.
2.57 Namaste Vietnam Festival 2023
Why in news?
• Recently 2nd edition of the 'Namaste Vietnam Festival 2023' between India and Vietnam concluded.
o Venue: organized in a number of locations across Vietnam.
Key highlights
• Organized jointly by the Indian Embassy, Consulate General of India, Indian Film Festival Worldwide
(IFFW) and Innovations India.
• Objective: to promote business and cultural relations between India & Vietnamas a part of India's Act
East Policy.
• MOU's worth more than USD 1 billion were signedin three major sectors - Railways, Tourism & Cinema.
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2.58 The UN Child Rights Committee guidance-General Comment No.26
Why in news?
• The UN Child Rights Committee recently published authoritative guidance on children’s rights and the
environment with a special focus on climate change.
• The Committee has adopted its guidance, formally known as General Comment No.26.
• The General Comment No. 26 marks the first time the Committee has affirmed children’s right to live in
a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
• It specifies the legislative and administrative measures 196 member states should urgently implement
under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child,1989-
o To address the adverse effects of environmental degradation and climate change on the
enjoyment of children’s rights.
o To ensure a clean, healthy, and sustainable world now and to preserve it for future generations.
o To protect children from environmental damage caused by commercial activities.
o To create child-friendly, gender-responsive, and disability-inclusive mechanisms for children to
assert their rights related to environmental damage.
• It underlines that States can be held accountable for environmental harm occurring both within their
borders and beyond.
About UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

• It is the body of 18 independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention on the
Rights of the Child by its States parties.
PUBLIC FINANCE - POLITICAL ECONOMY - - SERVICES SECTOR IN

INDIA.
2.59 Digi Yatra
Why in News?
• Recently, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam became the first airport
in the northeast to get the Digi Yatra facility.
Note: Digi Yatra discussed in CurrentTap- June 2023 ( News 2.32).
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3 GA + FINANCE
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MARKET

3.1 Standards for performance audit of PMS players
Why in News?
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Association of Portfolio Managers in India (APMI)
have set standards for performance audit of portfolio management services (PMS) players.
• The standards will come into effect from October 1,2023
• The standards should be mandatorily followed by all Portfolio Managers for the purpose of annual audit
of firm-level performance data.
• PMS players are required to conduct a performance audit annually and submit a report within 60 days
after the end of a financial year.
• This performance audit needs to consider all clients' portfolios managed by the PMS.
• Performance of advisory clients can be excluded only if it is not published in any marketing material or
website.
3.2 OFS for units of private listed InvITs via stock exchange mechanism
Why in News?
• Recently, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has approved Offer For Sale (OFS) for private-
listed Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) through a stock exchange mechanism.
• In the case of OFS for listed InvITs, the trading lot will be the same as the trading lot prescribed for such
InvITs in the secondary market.
• The framework came into immediate effect.
About InvITS
• An InvIT is a Collective Investment Scheme similar to a mutual fund.
• It enables direct investment of money from individual and institutional investors in infrastructure projects
to earn a small portion of the income as return.
• InvITs are regulated by the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
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3.3 Corp bonds trades via RFQ platform by FPIs
Why in News?
• Recently, the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated foreign portfolio investors (FPIs)
to place at least 10% of their trades in corporate bonds through the Request For Quote (RFQ) platform
of stock exchanges.
• The requirement will come into effect from October 1, 2023.
• Aim: increasing liquidity on the RFQ platform of stock exchanges and enhancing disclosures pertaining to
investments in corporate bonds.
• The move is based on the recently released SEBI Consultation Paper titled- ‘Mandating FPIs to route
a specific percentage of certain transactions in secondary market trades through Request for
Quote (RFQ) platform of stock exchanges’.
Note: RFQ platform discussed in June 2023 CurrentTap (3.1).
3.4 Timeline for listing of IPOs

Why in News?
• Recently, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reduced the timeline for listing of Initial
Public Offerings (IPOs) from existing T+6 days to T+3 days.
• With effect from December 2023, IPOs will have to mandatorily list after 3 days of the issue closing date.
• The T+3 timeline for listing shall be appropriately disclosed in the offer documents of public issues.
• Companies will have to finalise allotment before 6 pm on T+1 day.
• The transfer of funds will be made to unsuccessful applicants on T+2 day
• The new rules shall be applicable on a voluntary basis for public issues opening on or after September
1, 2023.
• It will become mandatory for public issues opening on or after December 1, 2023.
3.5 Zerodha gets final approval to launch mutual fund business

Why in News?
• Recently, Zerodha Asset Management Company (AMC) has received final approval from Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch mutual fund business in India.
• Zerodha Fund House is being built in partnership with fintech platform smallcase.
• Helios Capital Management has also recently received approval from SEBI to launch a mutual fund
business
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3.6 Online Dispute
Resolution (ODR)
Why in News?
• Recently, the Securities and
Exchange Board of India
(SEBI) has announced the
launch of Securities Market
Approach for Resolution
Through ODR Portal (SMART
ODR Portal).
• Established & Operated by:
market infrastructure
institutions (MIIs).
• The platform first went live
on August 4, 2023.
Implementation Phases
• Phase I: brokers and
depository participants got
covered in the ODR system
by 15 August.
• Phase II: other market
participants need to register
on the ODR portal by 15
September.
Intermediaries covered under

ODR
• Alternate investment funds
(AIFs), collective investment
management company,
investment advisors, InvITs
(infrastructure investment
trust), mutual funds
(including distributors of
these fund), portfolio
managers (PMS), Reits (real
estate investment trusts),
research analysts and
commodity clearing
corporations.
Fees
• No fees for registering the complaint on the ODR portal
• Fees charged by conciliator (mediator)
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o If the conciliation (mediation) is successful, the fee would be Rs 4,800.
o For unsuccessful conciliation, the fee would be Rs 3,240.
o The ODR institution will get Rs 600.
• Arbitration fee
o It will depend on the claim amount.
✓ If the claim amount is up to Rs 1 lakh, the arbitrator’s fee would be Rs 4,800.
✓ if the claim amount is Rs 1 -10 lakh, the fee would be Rs 8,000.
✓ If the claim amount is Rs 10-20 lakh, the fee would be Rs 12,000.
About SEBI complaint Redress System (SCORES)
• It is an online platform for investors to lodge their complaints related to securities market.
• In the final stage, the complaint is reviewed directly by SEBI.
• If a customer is not satisfied with SEBI’s Review, he can now opt for ODR.
About Investor Grievance Redressal Committee (IGRC)
• Investors who were not satisfied with the outcome of their complaints earlier approached IGRC.
• Only a specific set of intermediaries were able to settle disputes at IGRC.
3.7 Integration of NPS with CAS

Why in News?
• Recently, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in coordination with the
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has integrated the National Pension System (NPS)
Statement of Transaction (SoT) with consolidated account statement (CAS).
• In this regard, PFRDA has enabled Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs) to integrate with depositories,
registered with SEBI
• With this integration, NPS subscribers can view their pension fund corpus along with their demat
securities and Mutual Fund holdings under a single CAS.
• The integration is in sync with the Government of India’s vision to create a comprehensive record of
every individual’s financial assets.
Key Guidelines
• The facility to include NPS SoT in CAS will be available to NPS subscribers on consent basis.
• If the subscriber wishes to opt for the inclusion, the consent can be provided on the respective website
of CRAs.
• Physical statement requests will incur a price of Re 1/, whereas email statement requests will incur a fee
of 10 paise.
What is a consolidated account statement (CAS)?
• It is a single/combined account statement that offers a consolidated view of personal investments in
the securities market with updated mark-to-market values.
• At present, CAS is provided by National Securities Depository Ltd and Central Depository Services Ltd.
Note: NPS will be covered under SchemesTap.
3.8 HDFC Group launches life insurance, asset management services from GIFT IFSC
Why in News?
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• Recently, HDFC Group has officially launched its life insurance and asset management services in
Gujarat's GIFT City's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
o HDFC International Life and Re was created by HDFC Life.
✓ It will offer US dollar-denominated life as well as health insurance solutions.
o HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Ltd was established by HDFC Asset Management Company.
✓ It would provide fund management and advisory solutions as part of its offshore hub.
• Objective: to offer services to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and the global Indian diaspora.
Key Highlights
• First Product by HDFC Life International: US Dollar Global Education Plan
• It aims to assist parents in building a corpus denominated in US dollars to cover future costs associated
with their child's abroad education, is now available.
3.9 Disclosure Norms for FPIs Holding High Indian Equity AUM
Why in News?
• Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued disclosure norms for foreign
portfolio investors (FPIs) holding high Indian equity Assets under management (AUM).
• The new disclosure norms will come into effect from November 1, 2023
Key Guidelines
• For FPIs holding more than 50% of their Indian equity AUM in a single Indian corporate group
o They have 10 trading days within which they can bring down their holdings.
o After 10 trading days, they need to make additional disclosures regarding persons having any
ownership, economic interest, or control.
o Such FPIs will not make fresh equity purchases of any company belonging to the corporate
group during the next 30 calendar days from the date of exceeding the threshold.
• For FPIs holding more than Rs 25,000-crore of equity AUM in the Indian markets
o They have 90 calendar days to bring down their holding.
o After 90 days, they must make additional disclosures.
o Accounts of all such FPIs will be blocked for further equity purchases until the holding is brought
below Rs 25,000 crore.
• Penalty for FPIs whose investments continue to exceed the prescribed threshold
o FPIs whose investments continue to exceed the prescribed threshold after the expiry of above
timelines will be given 30 trading days to make disclosures, post which the FPI registration will
become invalid.
o The FPI will then liquidate its securities and exit the Indian securities market by surrendering its
registration within 180 calendar days from the day the certificate becomes invalid.
o During these 180 days, the investee companies will restrict the FPIs’ voting rights to its actual
shareholding or its shareholding corresponding to 50% of its equity AUM on the date its FPI
registration is rendered invalid, whichever is lower.
FINANCIAL INCLUSION
3.10 Niveshak Sarathi
Why in News?
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• Recently, Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) has launched two Investor
Awareness Vans titled Niveshak Sarathi for Delhi-NCR region.
• Knowledge Partner of the initiative: Common Service Centre (CSC).
• Niveshak Sarathi has been launched as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
• It is aligned with the theme “From Unawareness to Financial Independence.”
• Aim: to disseminate crucial financial education and raise awareness against fraudulent schemes across
the Delhi NCR region.
• Niveshak Sarathi vans are equipped with a TV screen running “Hisab Ki Kitab,” a series of investor
awareness movies meticulously developed by IEPFA.
• The initiative spanned five key locations, with each location across Delhi-NCR, hosting dedicated sessions
conducted by the VLEs (Village Level Entrepreneurs) of IEPFA.
About IEPFA
• Establishment: September 7, 2016
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India
• Purpose: administering the Investor Education and Protection Fund for making refunds of shares,
unclaimed dividends, and matured deposits/debentures, among other things, to investors.
BANKING SYSTEM IN INDIA

3.11 Depositor Education & Awareness Fund
Why in News?
• According to recent data released by the Ministry of Finance, Unclaimed deposits worth Rs 48,461.44
crore pertaining to 16,79,32,112 accounts have been transferred by the banks to Depositor Education &
Awareness (DEA) Fund as on March 31, 2023.
• Ministry of Corporate Affairs has informed that the amount lying with Investor Education and Protection
Fund, as on March 31, 2023, is Rs 5,714.51 crore.
About Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)

• Established under: Section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013.
• Objective: to protect investors’ interests and promote awareness.
• Administered by: IEPF Authority (IEPFA)
• Unpaid or unclaimed amounts belonging to a company’s investors are pooled and credited into the IEPF.
Note: DEA Fund discussed in CurrentTap-July 2023 ( News 3.3).
3.12 Wilful defaulters

Why in News?
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed banks and finance companies to settle loans of accounts
classified as ‘wilful defaulters’ by entering into compromise settlements or technically writing off the
loans.
• Wilful defaulters cannot get a fresh loan for 12 months after executing a compromise settlement.
Who is a wilful defaulter?
• A wilful defaulter is a borrower who refuses to repay loans despite having the capacity to pay up.
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• Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) and Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), having asset size of Rs 500
crore or above, report certain credit information of all borrowers having aggregate exposure of Rs 5
crore and above to the Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC).
FINTECH
3.13 UPI Chalega 3.0
Why in News?
• Recently, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched the 3rd edition of the Unified
Payments Interface (UPI) Safety Awareness Campaign, “UPI Chalega”.
• The campaign was launched in 2020 under the Financial Literacy Advisory Committee (FLAC) guidance.
• Aim of the campaign: to
promote UPI as an easy,
safe, and instant mode of
payment.
• It also educates about the
users about various
features viz,
o UPI LITE – it
enables swift low-
value transactions
o UPI AUTOPAY-
allows secure and convenient recurring payments using any UPI application
o UPI Interoperability- facilitates seamless money transfers between all UPI-enabled applications.
3.14 ‘Falcon’- India’s Own Blockchain-Backed Open-Source Project

Why in News?
• Recently, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched India’s Own Blockchain-Backed
Open-Source Project ‘Falcon’.
• Falcon will combine the elements of Kubernetes and Hyperledger Fabric to simplify the creation and
maintenance of advanced grade blockchain solutions.
About Hyperledger Fabric

• Initiated by: Digital Asset and IBM
• It is an enterprise-level permission blockchain network.
About Kubernetes Clusters
• Developed by Google engineers Joe Beda, Brendan Burns, and Craig McLuckie.
• It is an open-source platform that assists the management of packaged software codes, also called
containerised applications.
3.15 ALT ID solution

Why in News?
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• Recently, Mastercard has launched an ALT ID solution for guest checkout transactions.
o It is meant for cardholders who carry out transactions without saving their cards.
• The solution will create an alternate identifier for each card to replace the real card numbers provided
by cardholders during online transactions.
3.16 Aadhaar-based Payment System (ABPS)

Why in News?
• Recently, the Ministry of Rural Development has informed that the deadline for Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) wage payments via the mixed route of
wage payment (National Automated Clearing House (NACH) and ABPS route) to December 31, 2023.
• The Ministry has also informed that the Aadhaar Payments Bridge System (APBS) is the best route for
making wage payment through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• In July 2023, about 88.51% of the wage payment has been made through APBS.
About Aadhaar Payments Bridge System (APBS)

• Implemented by: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
• It uses Aadhaar number as a central key for electronically channelizing the Government benefits and
subsidies in the Aadhaar Enabled Bank Accounts (AEBA) of the intended beneficiaries.
• NPCI creates an Aadhaar mapper in order to facilitate the transfer of funds.
• The information pertaining to the Banks seeded with the Aadhaar number is maintained in the mapper
based on which NPCI routes payments to the destination Bank and credit accorded to the DBT beneficiary.
About NACH
• Set up by: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
• It is a funds clearing platform.
• A web-based solution to facilitate interbank, high volume, electronic transactions which are repetitive
and periodic in nature.
RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN FINANCIAL SECTOR

3.17 Zee-Sony Merger
Why in News?
• Recently, the National
Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)
has approved the merger of
Zee Entertainment Enterprises
with Culver Max
Entertainment (erstwhile Sony
Pictures Networks India or
SPNI).
• Value of Zee-Sony Merger:
USD 10 billion
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3.18 Rules for computing income from high-premium life insurance
Why in News?
• Recently, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified the Income Tax Amendment (Sixteenth
Amendment), Rules, 2023.
• The amendments prescribe rule 11UACA for calculating income with respect to the sum received upon
maturity of life insurance policies wherein the amount of premiums exceed Rs 5 lakh.
• Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act will no longer apply to such policies, effective from April 1, 2023.
Key Guidelines
• For policies issued on or after April 1, 2023 (i.e.), the tax exemption on maturity benefits under Section
10(10D) will only be applicable if the aggregate premium paid by an individual is up to Rs 5 lakh a year.
• For premiums beyond this limit, the proceeds will be added to the income and taxed at applicable rates.
• The new rules do not apply to Unit-Linked Insurance Policies (ULIPs).
About Section 10 (10D), Income Tax Act, 1961

• It grants income tax exemption on sums received from life insurance policies, encompassing bonus
allocations, with specific exclusions.
3.19 International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Why in News?
• Recently, International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested upto USD 100 million in IIFL Home Finance
Ltd.
• It will help increasing access to housing finance among economically weaker sections (EWS) and low-
income groups (LIG), including women borrowers in India.
• Aim: to catalyze India’s affordable housing space, promote green construction, and support India’s
climate goals.
About IFC
• It is a member of the World Bank Group.
• It is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries.
• Establishment: 1956; Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
3.20 Section 43A of the Competition Act, 2002

Why in News?
• Recently, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on Bharti Airtel
under Section 43A of the Competition Act, 2002.
• The penalty is subject to the acquisition of stake Bharti Airtel in Bharti Telemedia from Warbug Pincus
affiliate entity Lion Meadow Investment.
• Bharti Airtel has failed to comply with the provisions of Section 6(2) of the Competition Act, 2002
Key Section
• Section 43A, Competition Act, 2002: It provides power to impose penalty for non-furnishing of
information on combinations-
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o If any person or enterprise who fails to give notice to the Commission under sub-section (2) of
section 6, the Commission shall impose on such person or enterprise a penalty which may extend
to 1% of the total turnover or the assets, whichever is higher, of such a combination.
3.21 Amendments to reinsurance regulations

Why in News?
• Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), at its 123rd Authority
Meeting, has approved amendments to reinsurance regulations.
• Aim: promoting a favorable business environment and attracting more reinsurers to establish operations
in India.
• Objective: to harmonise and streamline existing regulations that apply to Indian insurers, Indian
reinsurers, FRBs and International Financial Services Centre Insurance Offices (IIOs).
Key Amendments
• Minimum capital requirement for Foreign Reinsurance Branches (FRBs) decreased from Rs 100 crore to
Rs 50 crore, with the provision to repatriate any excess assigned capital.
• The order of preference for insurers has been streamlined from the previous six levels to four levels.
• Simplification of format for reinsurance programs.
• IRDAI has asked insurers to prioritize 'Category 1' and 'Category 2' reinsurers for maximum participation
to increase retention in the Indian Market.
o Category 1 reinsurer: GIC Re (sole Indian reinsurer)
o Other categories includes other foreign reinsurance companies and indian insurers.
145 | P a g e
146 | P a g e

CurrentTap - 1st To 31st August 2023 Lyst8940

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CurrentTap - 1st To 31st August 2023 Lyst8940

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1|P a g e

• University will be set up with total

India’s first Indigenously

Virtual platform for customers to

MOU between The International Union

In ITC one commander takes unified

The maritime ITC is likely to be in

AU Small Finance Bank Limited (AU

The debit cards will come in r-PVC

The first commercial building used 3D

The first-of-its-kind Green Hydrogen

Place: Tamil Nadu The testing centre would enable the

First Indian state to offer free in

Parminder Chopra appointed as

Pibot can fly an aero plane just like a

India’s first village atlas at It is a biodiversity atlas of Mayem

Developed by: The Central Mechanical

India’s first public sector bank to

Place: Hanle in Eastern Ladakh’s

It is the story of a rural family from

Mutton is just used as a metaphor.

Goa’s provision of free IVF service

.32 bore revolver can hit targets

Chandrayaan-3 launched using Launch

Lander: Vikram, Rover: Pragyan

Mission Life: One lunar day (14 Earth

Project Director – P Veeramuthuvel

Mission Director – S Mohana Kumar

At Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant Unit-3

These ships are designed to

First Indian private life insurer

The school will utilizes Artificial

Geetika Srivastava has been appointed

She will succeed Dr M Suresh Kumar.

Saad Warraich has succeeded Salman

• New logo symbolizes harmonious

• Ministry of Culture launched

Campaign Duration: 13-15 August, 2023

Launched by: Government of India The campaign encourages all Citizens to

Anti-Doping helpline for

Open for school students of Classes 5 to

Amrit Brikshya Andolan web

Venue: New Delhi

Objective: For carrying out the launches

Objective: To facilitate transfer of

An expert committee to revisit

Objective: To Promote Science &

It will be opened at IIT Madras, IIT

The RGICL will be implementing the

Jigyasa, the largest ever quiz organized

Digital University Kerala in collaboration

Additional Information: India Innovation Centre Graphene (IICG), situated in Kerala

An inspirational music video titled 'Jaya

Developed by: National Council of

Ministry of Home Affairs To plant 5 crore trees.

Aim: To make India as a premier

The campaign is a tribute to the Veers

Government of India This campaign comprises of many

Launched by: Ministry of Coal