February

Contents
1. History and Culture...............................................................................................................1

2. Environment and Geography...............................................................................................8
3. Defence and Military Exercises.........................................................................................13
4. Economy.................................................................................................................................17
5. Index and Reports................................................................................................................21
6. India and The World...........................................................................................................23
7. MOU and Agreements.........................................................................................................25
8. Polity.......................................................................................................................................28
9. Schemes in News..................................................................................................................34
10. Summit and Conferences....................................................................................................38
11. Science and Technology......................................................................................................40
12. Books and Authors...............................................................................................................47
13. Sports......................................................................................................................................48
14. Person in News......................................................................................................................53
15. Important Days.....................................................................................................................61
16. Practice Set............................................................................................................................62
17. Solution..................................................................................................................................66
1
History and Culture
PARUVETA FESTIVAL • Social Practices

• Rituals and Festive Events
• Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the
Universe
• Traditional Craftsmanship
Year Recognition of Tradition by UNESCO as
Intangible Cultural Heritage
2023 Garba of Gujarat
2021 Durga Puja in Kolkata
2017 Kumbh Mela
2016 Nawrouz, Yoga
2014 Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru,
(INTACH) is endeavouring to petition the United Nations Punjab, India
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
for the recognition of the annual ‘Paruveta’ (mock hunting 2013 Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and
festival) as an ‘intangible cultural heritage’. dancing of Manipur
• Celebrated annually at the Sri Narasimha Swamy 2012 Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of
temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh. sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan
Ladakh region
• Administered by the 600-year-old Ahobila Mutt
through the ‘Guru Parampara’. 2010 Chhau dance, Kalbelia folk songs and dances of
• Ahobila Mutt has fostered Srivaishnavism among Rajasthan
tribal communities, evident through the Sanskrit 2009 Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of
drama Vasanthika Parinayam authored by the Mutt’s the Garhwal Himalayas, India
7th Jeeyar (pontiff). 2008 Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre, Tradition of Vedic
• The deity from the temple’s sanctum sanctorum is chanting, Ramlila, the traditional performance
taken to the 32 Chenchu tribal hamlets around of the Ramayana table form
Ahobilam for 40 days (a Mandala).
• Conducted for a ‘mandala’ (forty days), a unique INSCRIPTION OF BADAMI CHALUKYAS
feature as compared to Paruveta celebrations in Recently, two Badami Chalukya temples, estimated to be
other temples usually observed during Vijayadasami between 1,300 to 1,500 years old, along with a 1,200-year-
or Sankranti. old label inscription, were unearthed in Mudimanikyam
Intangible Cultural Heritage village situated along the banks of the river Krishna.
Intangible cultural heritage encompasses the practices, Aspect Details
expressions, knowledge, and skills identified by Period of Ruled over the central Indian plateau of
communities, groups, and occasionally individuals as Rule the Deccan between the sixth and twelfth
integral to their cultural legacy. Also referred to as living centuries
cultural heritage, it typically manifests in the following
forms: Dynasties Three closely related but individual
dynasties:
• Oral Traditions
• Chalukyas of Badami (6th to 8th
• Performing Arts
centuries)
• Chalukyas of Kalyani or Western • It was later destroyed during the rule of Sultan Sikandar
Chalukyas - Shah Miri in the 14th Century. The temple is dedicated
to the Sun God (Surya)
• Chalukyas of Vengi or Eastern
Chalukyas Architecture of the Temple
Origin • Pulakesi I established the Chalukya • Blends local Kashmiri style with influences from
dynasty in 550. - Gupta, Chinese, Gandhara, Roman, and Greek
• Made Vatapi (Badami in Bagalkot architectural traditions.
district, Karnataka) the capital. • Built entirely of stone atop a plateau, covering an
• Historians refer to Pulakesi I and expansive 32,000 square feet.
his descendants as the Chalukyas of • Features a central shrine (vimana) adorned with
Badami. intricate carvings depicting Hindu deities.
Expansion • Extended empire across the entire Distinctive Features
state of Karnataka and most of
• A large courtyard with 86 fluted columns leading to the
Andhra Pradesh.
main shrine housing the idol of the Sun God.
• Pulakesi II halted the southward
• Designed to allow sunlight to illuminate the idol
march of Harsha and defeated
during sunrise and sunset directly.
Vishnukundins.
• Surrounding the main temple are 84 smaller shrines
• The empire reached its peak under
arranged along the complex’s perimeter.
Vikramaditya II, who captured
Kanchipuram.
Important • Pulakesi II, the greatest emperor,
Rulers halted Harsha’s advance and defeated
Vishnukundins.
• Vikramaditya I restored order and
pushed Pallavas out of Badami.
• Vikramaditya II defeated Pallava
Nandivarman II and captured
Kanchipuram.
Decline and • Decline followed Pulakesi II’s death
Overthrow: due to internal feuds.
• Vikramaditya I restored order;
Vikramaditya II reached the empire’s
peak. DISCOVERY OF MESOLITHIC ERA
• Last king, Kirtivarman I, was ROCK PAINTINGS AT SITAMMA LODDI,
overthrown by Rashtrakuta GATTUSINGARAM
Dantidurga in 753.
Art and • Developed Vesara architecture, a
Architecture blend of South Indian and North
Indian styles.
• Rock-cut temples of Pattadakal,
Badami, and Aihole.
Coinage: Minted distinct coins with Nagari and
Kannada legends.
Symbols included temples, lions, boars,
and lotuses.
Definition: The Paleolithic Period marked the earliest
MARTANDA SUN TEMPLE known use of stone tools by hominins
• A little-known Hindutva group members entered the
Characteristics
ASI-protected Martand Sun Temple.
• Reliance on hunting and gathering for sustenance.
• Builder: Constructed during the 8th Century CE by
King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota Dynasty. • The nomadic lifestyle, with frequent migrations in
search of resources.
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• Utilisation of rudimentary stone tools for various • Materials: Visual images painted on handmade paper,
tasks. prepared indigenously using handmade paper or
• Emergence of basic forms of art, such as cave paintings tree barks.
and engravings. • Status: Despite historical significance, Subika Paintings
risk extinction due to neglect and lack of preservation
Technological Advancements efforts.
• The introduction of stone tools represented a
significant leap in human cultural and technological Characteristics of the Meitei Community
development. Aspect Description
• Ongoing evolution of stone tool technology with diverse
Identity A predominant ethnic group of Manipur
crafting techniques.
sizable population has settled in the
Cultural Significance other Indian states of Assam, Tripura,
• Marks the early stages of human civilisation and Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
cultural development. Language Speak Meitei language (Manipuri)
• Laid the groundwork for subsequent cultural and is recognised as one of India’s official
technological progressions in later periods. languages and the sole language of
Manipur State.
SUBIKA PAINTING Cultural 1. Rich cultural heritage deeply rooted
The Meitei community, also known as the Manipuri Heritage in regional traditions and artistic
people, represents the predominant ethnic group residing expressions.
in the northeastern state of Manipur, India. 2. Thabal Chongba is a traditional
One notable aspect of their cultural identity is the intricate Manipuri folk dance where boys and
art form known as Subika Paintings, which, despite its girls hold hands, sing, and dance in a
historical significance, faces the threat of extinction due to circle.
neglect. 3. The five-day-long celebration begins
with the burning of ‘yaoshang’
Additional Details about Subika Paintings
Social 1. Organised into clans and kinship
• Link to Cultural History: Intricately linked to the Meitei
Structure groups with unique customs and
community’s cultural history.
traditions.
• Manuscripts: Surviving through six manuscripts,
2. They are divided into clans, the
including Subika, Subika Achouba, Subika Laishaba,
members of which do not intermarry.
Subika Choudit, Subika Cheithil, and Thengrakhel
Subika. Challenges Some cultural aspects, like Subika
Paintings, face extinction due to neglect.
• Origin: Possible existence since the introduction of
writing tradition in the state, estimated to be from the
18th or 19th century. INCLUSION OF AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES
• Composition: Subika Laisaba paintings represent a IN SWADESH DARSHAN SCHEME II
direct and authentic continuation of Meitei cultural Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s inclusion of the Ajanta and
tradition, comprising cultural motifs and visual Ellora caves, UNESCO World Heritage sites, in the Swadesh
images. Darshan Scheme II by the Ministry of Tourism has been
• Visual Language: Utilizes lines, shapes, forms, colors, recent.
and patterns to express cultural significance and
values.
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About Ajanta and Ellora Caves
• It is located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra and is
considered among the finest examples of ancient rock-
cut caves.
Ajanta Caves Ellora
Number of 29 34
caves
Religion Buddhism Mix of Hindu, Jain,
and Buddhist
structures.
Time Period Built between 2nd Between 6th and
century BC and 6th 11th centuries AD.
century AD.
Preservation of Dhokra Shilpkala by Ocher Studio
Some • Adorned with sculptures depicting
features spiritual beliefs, deities, and Technique and Process
everyday life. • Utilizes the lost wax casting method, also known as
• Kailash Temple in Ellora is a cire perdue.
monolithic marvel carved vertically • Begins with creating a clay core, followed by coating it
from a single rock. with beeswax for sculpting intricate designs.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme Key Facts • Covered with layers of clay to form a mold, heated to
melt and drain out the wax, leaving a cavity.
• Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism,
Government of India. • Molten metal, typically brass and bronze, is poured
into the cavity and allowed to cool and solidify.
• Aims to develop sustainable and responsible tourism
destinations. • Clay mold is then broken away, revealing the final metal
casting.
• 100% centrally funded scheme.
• Provides financial assistance to states, UT Artistry and Designs
administrations, or central agencies. • Features rustic charm and organic designs inspired by
• Operation & Maintenance (O&M) responsibility lies nature, mythology, and everyday life.
with respective state governments/UT administrations. • Motifs include animals, birds, deities, and tribal
symbols.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0
• Encompasses miniature figurines, jewelry, sculptures,
• The revamped version of the Swadesh Darshan
and functional objects.
scheme.
• Focuses on the development of sustainable tourist SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI
destinations.
The upcoming inauguration of the Sangeet Natak
Covers tourism infrastructure,
Akademi’s ‘Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik Kendra’ in
Services, Hyderabad will be honored by the presence of the former
Human capital development, Vice-President of India and Union Minister for Culture,
Destination management Tourism, and Development of the Northeast Region.
• Aims to increase private sector investment in tourism The Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s premier institution
and hospitality. for music, dance, and drama, was established in 1953
• Encourages Public Private Partnerships (PPP) for by a resolution of the Ministry of Education, with P.V.
tourism development and asset maintenance. Rajamannar serving as its inaugural Chairman.
• Tasked with preserving and promoting India’s rich
DHOKRA SHILPKALA cultural heritage expressed through various art forms,
it operates as an Autonomous Body under the Ministry
About Dhokra Shilpkala of Culture, receiving full funding from the government
• Originates from the Dhokra Damar tribes, traditional for its initiatives.
metal-smiths of Central India. • With aims to coordinate regional and state-level
• Evolved as a cultural and religious practice in cultural activities, foster research in Indian music,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. dance, and drama through the establishment of

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libraries and museums, and collaborate with similar his fondness for grand edifices, utilised Hastsal as one
institutions for the enrichment of Indian culture, the of his hunting lodges during the 17th century, further
Akademi plays a pivotal role in cultural preservation enhancing its historical significance.
and propagation.
• It facilitates the exchange of ideas and techniques KOTRAVAI SCULPTURE
among different regions, encourages the establishment • The recently unearthed Kotravai sculpture dates back
of theater centers in regional languages, and supports to the eighth-century Pallava period and is crafted
collaboration between diverse theater groups. from slab stone.
• The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards stand as the • In the sculpture, the right hands are depicted
highest national recognition bestowed upon practicing holding items such as a chakra (wheel), sword,
artists, highlighting their contributions to the cultural bell, and displaying the abhaya mudra (gesture of
landscape of India. fearlessness), while the left hands showcase a conch,
• Additionally, the Akademi grants Fellowships to bow, shield, and Uru Mudhra (a symbolic gesture),
distinguished artists and scholars in the realms of along with bangles in all hands.
music, dance, and drama. In 2006, it introduced Aspect Details
the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, an annual
award honoring young and promising artists. Dynasty Name Pallava Dynasty
• In Hyderabad, the inauguration of the Sangeet Natak Reign Period 3rd to 9th Centuries
Akademi’s ‘Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik Kendra’ will Capital Kanchipuram
be graced by the presence of the former Vice-President
Territory Northern parts of Tamil Nadu, parts
of India and Union Minister for Culture, Tourism, and
of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and
Development of the Northeast Region.
Telangana
HASTSAL MINAR Religion Supported Buddhism, Jainism, and the
Brahminical faith; adopted Shaivism
Origin Feudatories of Andhra Satavahanas;
gained autonomy after decline of
Andhra Satavahanas; moved capital to
Kanchipuram in 4th century CE
Architecture Distinguished for Dravidian
architecture; transitioned from rock-cut
architecture to stone temples; notable
accomplishments at Mahabalipuram;
Kailasanatha and Shore Temples
Notable • Kailasanatha Temple
• The Hastsal Minar, situated in a quaint village in western Temples • Shore Temple
Delhi, was completed in 1634 under the patronage of • Vaikuntaperumal Temple
the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
Famous Figure Hiuen Tsang, Chinese traveler, visited
• This architectural gem, often called Mini Qutab
Kanchipuram during Pallava rule and
Minar, holds a significant place in local lore, known
mentioned Bodhidharma as a Pallava
affectionately as Hastsal Ki Laat and Kaushal Minar
prince
by the residents.
• Constructed primarily using lakhori bricks and Conflicts Engaged in continuous conflicts with
adorned with red sandstone, the Minar stands Chalukya Dynasty in the north and
proudly at the height of 17 meters, comprising five Tamil kingdoms of Chola and Pandyas
storeys. in the south; eventually succumbed to
Chola kings
• Rising from a square platform, its octagonal body
showcases intricate craftsmanship and timeless design. Decline Rashtrakutas' rise contributed to
Inside the tower, a narrow staircase winds its way decline; completely overpowered by
up through the five storeys, leading to a domed Chhatri Chola King Vijayalaya in 897 AD
pavilion crowning the summit.
• The minaret’s structure is characterised by three MOHAMMED QULI QUTUB SHAH TOMB
storeys, each with a diminishing diameter, adding to • Reality tech firm unveils digital twin of Mohammed
its architectural allure. Shah Jahan, renowned for Quli Qutb Shah’s tomb in Hyderabad.

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• Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s tomb is among the • Excavations yielded Harappan pottery, including
grandest monuments in the Qutb Shah’s tombs perforated jar sherds, reserved slipware, and terracotta
complex, located at the foothill of Golconda, cakes, similar to those found in Dholavira, another
Hyderabad. prominent Harappan site.
• Built in 1602, the majestic tomb is one of the largest
Aspect Details
at the Qutb Shahi heritage park complex, reaching a
total height of 60 meters. Civilization Indus Valley/Harappan Civilization
Urban First urban civilization in South Asia,
Civilization contemporaneous with Mesopotamia
and Egypt
Geographic Occupied the largest area among the
Area three civilizations, approximately
800,000 sq km
Major Cities • Harappa (Punjab, Pakistan)
• Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh, Pakistan)
• Dholavira, Lothal, Surkotada
Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah (Gujarat, India)
• Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah was the fifth king of the • Kalibangan, Banawali (Rajasthan,
Qutb Shahi dynasty and the founder of Hyderabad. India)
• He was a prolific poet who wrote in Persian, Telugu, • Rakhigarhi (Haryana, India)
and Deccani Urdu, with at least fifty thousand shers
(couplets) to his credit. Town • Rectangular grid pattern
Planning • Planned streets and alleyways
• Quli Qutb Shah’s poetry touched on various aspects of
Features • Fortification with mud brick walls
communal life, festivals, love, and the pleasures of
union, blending traditions from Persian and Indian • Division into citadel and lower town
literature. • Use of burnt bricks
• The Qutub Shahi Tombs are erected in memory of
Residential • Distinct residential areas
the departed kings of Golconda and are located one
Areas • Houses made of baked bricks
kilometer north of Golconda Fort’s Banjara Darwaza.
• Built by the Qutub Shahis, these tombs are considered • Multi-story buildings
among the oldest historical monuments in Hyderabad. • Houses built around courtyards
• They are present in a large group on a raised platform • Private wells and ventilated
and resemble a blend of Persian, Pathan, and Hindu bathrooms
architectural styles. Drainage • Sophisticated drainage system
• Constructed using grey granite with stucco Systems • Drains in every house
ornamentation, the tombs are unique in the world as • Drains made of mortar, lime, and
the entire dynasty is buried at a single spot. gypsum
MORODHARO • Opening into street drains
• Archaeologists recently discovered Morodharo, a Granaries • Well-planned granaries and storage
fortified settlement dating back to the Harappan era. and Storage facilities
• Located in the Kutch District of Gujarat, India. Facilities • Used to store surplus agricultural
• The settlement exhibits characteristics from the produce
mature (2,600-1,900 BCE) to late (1,900-1,300 BCE)
Harappan periods. KAPILVASTU RELICS
• The fortification measures 102 meters east to west • Four bone fragments of Lord Buddha, known as
and 58 meters north to south, with an average wall Kapilvastu Relics, currently housed in the National
thickness of 3.3 meters. Museum, will be transported to Thailand after around
• Notable features include a 10x10 meter platform on 30 years.
the southwest side and a well on the northeast side. • The relics were excavated from Piprahwa in the
• Burial cairns, mounds of stones used to demarcate Siddharthnagar District of Uttar Pradesh, which
boundaries, were also discovered at the site. was once part of the ancient city of Kapilavastu.

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• The relics from Buddha’s funeral pyre were divided
into eight shares and distributed among various
communities, including the Sakyas of Kapilavastu.
• Stupas were erected over the sacred relics, including
one over the urn containing the relics and another over
the embers.
• These stupas, known as Saririkastupas, are among
the earliest surviving Buddhist shrines.
• Ashoka, a devout Buddhist, is said to have opened
seven of the eight stupas and collected most of the
relics for enshrinement within the countless stupas
he built across his empire to promote Buddhism and
spread the dhamma.
MAKHABUCHA
• MakhaBucha, also known as Magha Puja, is a
significant religious event in Theravada Buddhism.
• It commemorates Lord Buddha’s teachings delivered
to his disciples on the full moon day of the third lunar
month.
• The term “Makha” originates from “Magha” in Pali,
representing the third lunar month, while “bucha”
means “to worship.”
• MakhaBucha emphasises purifying the mind and
PIPRAHWA STUPA practising virtuous deeds.
• In 1898, William Claxton Peppé, a British colonial • Celebrations typically include offering alms to monks
engineer and estate manager, discovered an inscribed and participating in candlelight processions.
casket at the stupa site in Piprahwa. • It marks the first major religious festival in the Buddhist
• The inscription on the casket’s lid references the relics calendar.
of Buddha and his community, the Sakya. • Observed in countries like Thailand, Laos, and
• According to Buddhist beliefs, at 80, Buddha attained Cambodia, where Theravada Buddhism predominates.
salvation in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district. • Senior monks, including esteemed figures like Somdet,
• The Mallas of Kushinagar conducted his cremation lead the sacred ceremonies.
with ceremonies fitting for a universal king.

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2
Environment and Geography
FIVE MORE INDIAN WETLANDS ADDED TO RAMSAR LIST

Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve
(Karnataka)
• Spread over 98.76 hectares adjoining Ankasamudra
village.
• A biodiversity hotspot with over 210 plant species, 8
mammals, 25 reptiles, and 240 bird species.
• Vital nesting and roosting ground for over 30,000
waterbirds, including the Painted Stork and Black-
headed Ibis.
Aghanashini Estuary (Karnataka)
• Covers 4,801 hectares at the confluence of Aghanashini
River with the Arabian Sea.
• Offers flood and erosion risk mitigation, biodiversity
conservation, and livelihood support.
• Sustains 6,000-7,500 families through fishing,
agriculture, and traditional fish farming.
• Acts as a natural barrier against storms and cyclones.
Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve (Karnataka)

• A human-made wetland spanning nearly 50 hectares,
originally designed for rainwater storage.
• Home to 166 bird species, including 130 migratory
birds.
• Sanctuary for vulnerable and near-threatened species
like the Common Pochard, River Tern, and Oriental
Darter.
• A crucial wintering ground for the Bar-headed Goose
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

• Encompassing 453.72 hectares, it’s one of Tamil Nadu’s
largest inland wetlands.
• Facilitates groundwater recharge and supports
agricultural activities.
• Hosts around 198 bird species, including the Bar-
headed Goose and Common Teal.
Longwood Shola Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu)
• Named after “Solai,” meaning tropical rainforest in
Tamil.
• Integral to the Western Ghats’ unique biodiversity.
• Provides sanctuary to globally endangered and
vulnerable bird species like the Nilgiri Laughing
Thrush, Nilgiri Blue Robin, and Nilgiri Wood-pigeon.
• Home to 14 of the 26 endemic bird species of the
Western Ghats.
• Five wetlands in India have been added to the Cameroon to ensure fair and equitable sharing
Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance, of benefits from the use of genetic resources and
bringing the total number of recognized wetlands in traditional knowledge.
the country to 80. • Foreign firms have historically exploited Cameroon’s
• The newly added wetlands include Magadi Kere biological resources without providing fair and
Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird equitable benefits to the local communities that own
Conservation Reserve, Aghanashini Estuary in them.
Karnataka, and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and • Bioprospecting not only has the potential to discover
Longwood Shola Reserve Forest in Tamil Nadu. new sources of drugs, food, and other products but also
• The Ramsar Convention aims to develop and contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of
maintain an international network of wetlands biodiversity.
that are important for the conservation of global • Prunus Africana, a plant endemic to Cameroon, is
biological diversity and for sustaining human life. used in the production of drugs for prostate cancer,
• The emphasis on environmental protection and highlighting the valuable medicinal potential of
conservation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has Cameroon’s biological resources.
led to a paradigm shift in how India treats its wetlands,
reflected in the Amrit Dharohar initiative. THE PRISTINE GUPTESWAR FOREST,
• The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for ADJACENT TO GUPTESWAR SHIVA TEMPLE
the conservation and wise use of wetlands, named after IN ODISHA’S KORAPUT DISTRICT HAS BEEN
the Iranian city of Ramsar where it was signed in 1971. DECLARED AS THE FOURTH BIODIVERSITY-
CAMEROON ADOPTS NAGOYA PROTOCOL TO HERITAGE SITE ( BHS) OF THE STATE
BENEFIT FROM ITS RICH BIODIVERSITY
• The Gupteswar forest in Koraput district, Odisha,

has been declared as the fourth Biodiversity
Heritage Site (BHS) by the Odisha government.
• The forest is adjacent to the Gupteswar Shiva temple
in the Dhondrakhol reserve under the Jeypore forest
division.
• The site is spread over 350 hectares and is known for
• Cameroon is a biodiversity hotspot with a wide range its sacred groves traditionally worshiped by the local
of plant, animal, and microorganism species, making it community.
a valuable resource for bioprospecting. • The Gupteswar forest is home to a wide range of flora
• The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit and fauna, including 608 faunal species, 182 species of
Sharing is an international agreement adopted by trees, and threatened medicinal plants.

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• Notable species documented in the area include mugger, • The declaration of kaji nemu as the State Fruit is
kanger valley rock gecko, sacred grove bush frog, black expected to boost self-dependency in fruit production
baza, Jerdon’s baza, Malabar trogon, common hill myna, and put Assam lemon on the global fruit map.
white-bellied woodpecker, and banded bay cuckoo.
• The limestone caves in Gupteswar are known for RESEARCHERS FIND NEW CRUSTACEAN IN
hosting eight out of the total 16 species of bats found in ODISHA’S CHILIKA LAGOON
southern Odisha.
• The Odisha government has allocated funds for the
preparation of an action plan and awareness building
activities in the localities to ensure the conservation
and development of the site.
ASSAM’S UNIQUE KAJI NEMU GETS THE

STATUS OF STATE FRUIT
• Researchers at Berhampur University have discovered

a new species of marine amphipod, Parhyale odian,
from Chilika Lake in Odisha, India. The species was
named after the native language of Odisha, Odia.
• The discovery of Parhyale odian adds one more species
to the genus Parhyale, bringing the global species count
in the group to 16.
• The Assam government has declared kaji nemu • The characteristics of the newly discovered crustacean
(Citrus limon) as the ‘State Fruit’ due to its cultural were described in an article titled “A new species of
and traditional significance, unique aroma, amphipod of the genus Parhyale from Chilika lagoon,
antioxidant properties, and immense nutritional India” published in the online edition of the journal
value. Zootaxa.
• Kaji nemu is found only in Assam and certain parts • The researchers collected four specimens of Parhyale
of the northeast and has received the Geographical odian from the intertidal region of Chilika lagoon in
Indication tag in 2019. Odisha’s Ganjam district. The specimens were collected
along with the seaweed Gracilaria on November 24,
• Assam lemon has enriched local cuisines and its
2022.
demand is growing abroad, particularly in West Asia.
PLACES IN NEWS
Indonesia (Capital: Jakarta)
• Recently, India and Indonesia commemorated the 75th
anniversary of establishing their diplomatic relations.
Political Features
• An archipelago, located off the coast of mainland
Southeast Asia in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
• Shares borders with Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and
East Timor.
• Maritime Neighbors: Singapore, Philippines, Australia,
and India.

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Catalonia (Capital: Barcelona)
• Catalonia has declared a state of emergency as it faces
its worst drought on record.
Political Features
• An autonomous region of Spain.
• Located in the north east of Iberian Peninsula.
• Shares boundary with France and Andorra (North) and
Mediterranean Sea (East).
Suriname (Capital: Paramaribo)

• A Parliamentary delegation from the Republic of
Suriname, called on the President of India.
Political Features
• Located on the northern coast of South America.
• Boundaries: Atlantic Ocean to the north, French Guiana
to the east,
• Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the west.
Iran (Capital-Tehran)
• Iran announced a 15-day visa-free policy for Indian
tourists.
Political features
• Location: Iran is a country in the Middle East or West
Asia.
• Bordering nations: Afghanistan, Pakistan,
Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan,
• Armenia, Turkey, Iraq.
• Bordering water bodies: Caspian Sea, Gulf of Oman and
Persian Gulf.
Iceland (Capital: Reykjavik)

• Recently, a volcano erupted in Iceland.
Political features
• An island country, located in the North Atlantic Ocean.
• Part of the Nordic Countries.
• Other Nordic countries are Denmark, Finland, Norway,
and Sweden.
• Bounded by Greenland Sea (North); Norwegian Sea
(East); Atlantic Ocean (South and west); Denmark
Strait (Northwest).

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Sweden (Capital: Stockholm)
• Sweden is set to join the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO).
Political Boundaries
• Located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern
Europe.
Land Border
• Finland and Norway.
Maritime Borders
• Denmark, Germany, Poland, Russia, Lithuania, Latvia
and Estonia.
• Bounded by the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat,
Skagerrak, and Öresund straits.
82 SPECIES OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES • The survey also led to the records of multiple species
RECORDED DURING HERPETOFAUNAL that had previously not been recorded by researchers
from the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
SURVEY IN MUDUMALAI TIGER RESERVE
INTERNATIONAL CROPS RESEARCH
INSTITUTE FOR THE SEMI-ARID TROPICS
(ICRISAT) HAS DEVELOPED THE WORLD’S
FIRST PIGEONPEA SPEED BREEDING
PROTOCOL
• The International Crops Research Institute for the

• The first-ever herpetofaunal survey conducted Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has developed the
in the Core Area of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve world’s first Pigeonpea Speed Breeding Protocol
(MTR) led to the sighting of 82 species of reptiles and to enhance food security in drylands of Asia and
amphibians. Africa.
• The survey was conducted from February 23 to 25 in • The new protocol focuses on material breeding and
Theppakadu, Kargudi, and Nilakottai forest ranges of control over factors like photoperiod, temperature,
the tiger reserve. and humidity, which can substantially reduce the time
• The survey recorded 51 species of reptiles and 31 required for pigeonpea breeding.
species of amphibians, providing a rough estimate of • Traditionally, pigeonpea breeding takes up to thirteen
the amphibian and reptile diversity in Mudumalai. years, but with the new protocol, the breeding cycle
• The survey could help the forest department in can be shortened to just two to four years.
implementing species-specific conservation plans for • This breakthrough will enable the development of new
animals inhabiting the area, such as the Indian rock pigeonpea lines with desirable traits and bring food to
python and mugger crocodile. dryland communities faster.

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3
Defence and Military Exercises
EXERCISE VAYU SHAKTI-24 • Primary Purpose:

• The Indian Air Force conducted Exercise Vayu Conducts comprehensive coastal and deep-water
Shakti-24 on 17 February 2024 at the Pokhran Air Hydrographic Surveys for Port and Harbour
to Ground Range, near Jaisalmer approaches
• Purpose: Demonstrates the offensive and defensive Navigational channels and routes
capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF), including • Operational Zone:
joint operations with the Indian Army. Extends to maritime limits, covering the Exclusive
• Exercise Vayu Shakti: Economic Zone (EEZ) and extended continental
Conducted once every three years. shelf.
Features 135 fighters, aircraft, helicopters, and • Additional Capabilities:
drones at the Pokhran field firing ranges. Equipped to gather oceanographic and geophysical
• Exercise Gagan Shakti: data, serving both defence and civil applications.
Activates the entire air fleet from north to south
and west to east. Ship Specifications Details
Tests integrated war-fighting strategies and Displacement 3,400 tons
tactics with other armed forces and stakeholders.
Length Overall 110 meters
Involves potent weapon systems such as the
Rafale fighter aircraft and the S-400 air defence Beam 16 meters
systems.
Conducted once every five years, with active Significance of Explanation
participation from other services. ‘Sandhayak’
• Exercise Tarang Shakti:
Meaning The one who carries out a special
First-ever multinational exercise in India.
search.
Participation from friendly air forces like the US,
Germany, France, Australia, and neighbouring Crest Depicts sixteen points of a mariner’s
and other friendly countries. compass, enclosing a ‘divider’ and
Enhances cooperation and interoperability among an ‘anchor’ riding the sea.
allied air forces.
Symbolism Represents the charting of oceans,
which is the basic role of the survey
ship.
Operational Demonstrated through successful
Capability completion of trials leading up to
commissioning.
INS SANDHAYAK
The Indian Navy commissioned its latest survey vessel,
INS Sandhayak, at the Naval Dockyard in Vizag, with the
defence minister in attendance.
• Construction:
It is the first of four Survey Vessel (Large)
ships being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders &
Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
ABHYAS Speed 9 Mach
The Defence Research and Development Organisation
Range 1000 km
(DRDO) successfully conducted four flight trials of the
high-speed expendable aerial target ‘ABHYAS’ recently. Engine Supersonic combustion ramjet engines
• A high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT).
• Designed by the Defence Research and Development HIGH-ALTITUDE PSEUDO SATELLITE (HAPS)
Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development VEHICLE
Establishment (ADE). A solar-powered high-altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) is
• Provides a realistic threat scenario for the practice of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to operate at
weapon systems. high altitudes in the Earth’s atmosphere for extended periods.
• Ideal platform for validating Armed Forces equipment
slated for induction, specifically those requiring
aerial engagement.
Features
• Autonomous flying capability enabled by an
indigenously developed autopilot by ADE.
• Equipped with radar cross-section and a visual and
infrared augmentation system for weapon practice.
• The laptop-based ground control system facilitates
aircraft integration, pre-flight checks, data recording Key Features
during flight, replays after flight, and post-flight analysis.
• Increased Surveillance Capabilities:
ZIRCON MISSILE The HAPS vehicle enhances India’s surveillance
and monitoring capabilities in border
areas, providing real-time intelligence and
reconnaissance.
• Cutting-Edge Technology:
Being a still-developing technology, the successful
test flight by the National Aerospace Laboratories
(NAL) places India among a select group of countries
experimenting with HAPS technology.
• Altitude and Endurance:
Capable of flying at altitudes of 18-20 km, nearly
double the height of commercial airplanes, and can
The 3M22 Zircon, also known as SS-N-33, is a scramjet- remain airborne for months or even years, offering
powered manoeuvring anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile satellite-like capabilities.
developed in Russia. • Solar-Powered:
Features Equipped with solar panels for generating onboard
power, reducing reliance on traditional fuel
• Capable of speeds up to Mach 9 and has a reported
sources and enabling sustained operations.
range of 1000 km.
• Cost-Effectiveness:
• A two-stage missile with solid fuel in the first stage and
a scramjet motor in the second stage. Operating a HAPS vehicle is significantly more cost-
effective than deploying traditional satellites,
• Utilizes cooled supersonic combustion ramjet engines
with operational costs several times lower.
to power combustion by compressing air flowing at
Unlike satellites, HAPS do not require rockets for
supersonic speeds.
deployment into space.
• Distinct from other hypersonic weapons like China’s
DF-17 or Russia’s Avangard, which use a Hypersonic Applications
Glide Vehicle (HGV). • Disaster Management:
• Guidance System used here is Active and Passive Radar HAPS vehicles can provide crucial aerial support
Seeker. during disaster situations, including search and
• Features a plasma cloud during flight, rendering it rescue operations, damage assessment, and
invisible to radars by absorbing radio frequencies. communication support.

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• Communication Networks:
Connectivity Links to the Mediterranean Sea
They can establish mobile communication networks through the Suez Canal
in remote or underserved areas, providing
connectivity where traditional infrastructure is Bordering Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan,
lacking. Countries Eritrea, and Djibouti
• Border Surveillance: HAPS vehicles offer continuous Length About 2,250 kilometers
surveillance of border areas, enabling timely detection
Maximum Width 355 kilometers
of changes or movements, enhancing national
security and defense capabilities. Maximum Depth 3,040 meters at the central Suakin
Overall, the successful test of India’s solar-powered Trough
HAPS vehicle represents a significant milestone in advancing
Notable Islands Tiran Island, Shadwan Island
the country’s aerospace capabilities and opens up new
possibilities for various applications, from disaster response
to communication infrastructure and border security.
TUPOLEV TU-160M
MISSION ASPIDES
The Russian President recently unveiled the newly

modernized Tupolev Tu-160M nuclear-capable strategic
• Mission Aspides is a European Union (EU) naval bomber at Kazan Aviation Plant.
mission to protect commercial vessels in the Red Sea
from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
About Tupolev Tu-160M
• The Tu-160M is a modernized version of a Cold War-
• The mission will deploy European warships and
era bomber, originally intended by the former Soviet
airborne early warning systems to the Red Sea, Gulf of
Union for delivering weapons over long distances in
Aden, and surrounding waters.
the event of nuclear war.
• Participating countries include France, Germany, Italy,
• It is a Russian supersonic variable-sweep wing strategic
and Belgium, which have committed to contributing missile-carrying bomber.
ships to the mission.
• In Russia, it is referred to as the “White Swan,” while
• The operational command centre for Aspides vessels NATO code-names it as “Blackjacks.”
will be located in the Greek city of Larissa.
• Russia claims it to be the world’s fastest-flying
• Rules of engagement stipulate that Aspides vessels will supersonic and heaviest payload-carrying bomber.
only fire on the Houthis if attacked first and will not be • Designed to target remote areas with both nuclear and
authorised to shoot preemptively. conventional weapons.
• The mission is initially planned for one year but may be
renewed based on circumstances. Features Details
Aspect Details Payload Capable of carrying 12 cruise missiles

Capacity or 12 short-range nuclear missiles
Location Situated between the continents of
Africa and Asia Range Can fly 12,000 km (7,500 miles) non-
stop without refueling
Connections Connected to the Arabian Sea and
the Indian Ocean via the Gulf of Engines Powered by four afterburning
Aden and the Bab El-Mandeb strait turbofan engines
Bifurcation Split by the Sinai Peninsula into the Maximum Maximum speed of 2,220 kilometers
Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez Speed per hour

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• The recently conducted exercise occurred in
Altitude Ascends to heights of 16,000 meters
Rajasthan’s Mahajan field firing range.
Capability
• It marks the 5th edition of the exercise, which alternates
Additional Equipped with innovative navigation between being held in India and Japan.
Features system • The primary aim of the exercise is to enhance military
cooperation and combined capabilities to execute
Upgraded radar system
joint operations in semi-urban environments
Includes a refueling probe for in-flight under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
refueling, extending its operational ra • Key focuses of the exercise include physical fitness,
joint planning, and tactical drills, and special arms
EXERCISE DOSTI skills.
Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships recently arrived • It provides a platform for sharing best practices in
in the Maldives to participate in the trilateral coast guard tactics, techniques, and procedures of conducting
exercise Dosti 16. tactical operations.
• The exercise facilitates the development of
About Exercise Dosti interoperability, camaraderie, and mutual
• Trilateral coast guard exercise involving India, Sri understanding between troops of both nations.
Lanka, and the Maldives. • Overall, Exercise Dharma Guardian strengthens
• Conducted biennially, with the first edition taking place defence cooperation and fosters bilateral relations
in 1991 between India and the Maldives. between India and Japan.
• Sri Lanka joined the exercise in 2012.
• Last conducted in 2021. STEADFAST DEFENDER 2024
• Focuses on drills and exercises related to providing
assistance in sea accidents, combating sea pollution,
and refining coast guard procedures, including dealing
with oil spills.
• Aims to strengthen friendship, enhance mutual
operational capability, promote interoperability, and
foster cooperation between the Coast Guards of the
three nations.
Dosti 16
• 16th edition of the exercise.
• Steadfast Defender 2024 is NATO’s largest military
• Participation includes the Coast Guards of the
exercise in Europe since the Cold War era.
Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka, along with observers
from Bangladesh. • It involves 90,000 forces from 31 NATO member
countries, along with partner nation Sweden.
• India’s contingent comprises ICGS Samarth (with integral
helo), ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier, aimed at enhancing • The exercise is conducted across various NATO nations,
collaboration between the participating forces. emphasizing collective defense capabilities.
• It features an impressive array of military hardware,
EXERCISE DHARMA GUARDIAN 2024 including over 50 naval vessels ranging from aircraft
carriers to destroyers.
• The air contingent comprises more than 80 units,
including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones,
demonstrating NATO’s air superiority.
• Ground forces are robust, with at least 1,100 combat
vehicles, including 133 tanks and 533 infantry
fighting vehicles.
• The primary purpose of Steadfast Defender 2024 is to
test NATO’s new regional defence plans.
• These plans, the first of their kind in decades, outline
• Exercise Dharma Guardian is an annual joint military the alliance’s response mechanisms to potential
exercise between the Indian Army and the Japan threats, particularly addressing concerns regarding
Ground Self-Defense Force. Russian aggression.

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4
Economy
THE INTERIM UNION BUDGET 2024-25 • GOVERNMENT WILL PAY UTMOST ATTENTION TO
MAKE THE EASTERN REGION AND ITS PEOPLE A
POWERFUL DRIVER OF INDIA’S GROWTH
• GOVERNMENT WILL FORM A HIGH-POWERED
COMMITTEE FOR AN EXTENSIVE CONSIDERATION
OF THE CHALLENGES ARISING FROM FAST
POPULATION GROWTH AND DEMOGRAPHIC
CHANGES
• NO CHANGE PROPOSED IN TAX RATES IN THE
INTERIM BUDGET
• ABOUT ONE CRORE TAX PAYERS EXPECTED TO
BENEFIT FROM WITHDRAWAL OF CERTAIN PETTY
• INDIA’S REAL GDP PROJECTED TO GROW AT 7.3 AND DISPUTED DIRECT TAX DEMANDS
PER CENT IN FY 2023-24
• GOVERNMENT TO LAY WHITE PAPER ON INDIAN
• FINANCE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS MINISTER SMT ECONOMY NOW AND THEN
NIRMALA SITHARAMAN PRESENTS THE INTERIM
UNION BUDGET FOR 2024-2025 IN PARLIAMENT PART-A SUMMARY
• CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OUTLAY FOR THE NEXT • The Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt Nirmala
YEAR IS BEING INCREASED BY 11.1 PER CENT TO RS Sitharaman, while presenting the Interim Union Budget
11,11,111 CRORE, WHICH WOULD BE 3.4 PERCENT for 2024-2025 in Parliament today announced that the
OF THE GDP capital expenditure outlay for the next year is being
• FISCAL DEFICIT IN 2024-25 IS ESTIMATED TO BE increased by 11.1 per cent to Rs 11,11,111 crore, which
5.1 PER CENT OF GDP would be 3.4 percent of the GDP.
• FDI INFLOW DURING 2014-23 WAS USD 596 • She said, this is in the wake of building on the massive
BILLION, WHICH IS TWICE THE INFLOW DURING tripling of the capital expenditure outlay in the past 4
2005-14. years resulting in huge multiplier impact on economic
• UPLIFTMENT OF ‘GARIB’ (POOR), growth and employment creation.
‘MAHILAYEN’ (WOMEN), ‘YUVA’ (YOUTH) AND • As per the First Advance Estimates of National Income
‘ANNADATA’(FARMER) IS THE HIGHEST PRIORITY of FY 2023-24, presented along with the Finance
OF GOVERNMENT Minister’s speech, India’s Real GDP is projected to grow
• A CORPUS OF RUPEES ONE LAKH CRORE WILL BE at 7.3 per cent. This is also in line with the upward
ESTABLISHED WITH revision in growth projections for FY 2023-24 by the
• FIFTY-YEAR INTEREST FREE LOAN FOR YOUTH RBI (in its December 2023 Monetary Policy Committee
• SCHEME OF 50 YEAR INTEREST FREE LOAN FOR meeting) from 6.5 per cent to 7 per cent, prompted by
CAPEX TO STATES WILL BE CONTINUED THIS YEAR strong growth in Q2 of FY 2023-24.
WITH TOTAL OUTLAY OF RS 1.3 LAKH CRORE. • The Indian economy has demonstrated resilience and
• GOVERNMENT IS WORKING WITH AN APPROACH maintained healthy macroeconomic fundamentals,
TO DEVELOPMENT THAT IS ALL-ROUND, ALL- despite global economic challenges. The International
Monetary Fund (IMF), in its World Economic Outlook
PERVASIVE AND ALL-INCLUSIVE (lokZaxh.k] loZLi’khZ
(WEO), October 2023, has revised its growth projection
vkSj loZlekos’kh) for India for FY 2023-24 upwards to 6.3 per cent
• THE BUDGET CONTAINS A NUMBER OF from 6.1 per cent projected in July 2023. This reflects
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND STRATEGIES INDICATING increasing global confidence in India’s economic
DIRECTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT APPROACH FOR prowess at a time when global growth projection for
MAKING INDIA VIKSIT BHARAT BY 2047 2023 remains unchanged at 3 percent.
• As per the IMF, India is likely to become the third- • Smt Nirmala Sithraman said, Prime Minister Shri
largest economy in 2027 (in USD at market exchange Narendra Modi firmly believes and focused on four
rate) and it also estimated that India’s contribution to major castes. They are ‘Garib’ (Poor), ‘Mahilayen’
global growth will rise by 200 basis points in 5 years. (Women), ‘Yuva’ (Youth) and ‘Annadata’(Farmer). She
Moreover, various international agencies such as the said, their needs, their aspirations, and their welfare
World Bank, the IMF, OECD and ADB project India to are the government’s highest priority, because the
grow between 6.4 per cent, 6.3 per cent, 6.1 per cent country progresses, when they progress.
and 6.7 per cent, respectively in 2024-25. • Smt Nirmala Sitharaman elaborated that this
• The Finance Minister stated that strong growth in government’s humane and inclusive approach to
economic activity has imparted buoyancy to revenue development is a marked and deliberate departure
collections and pointed out that GST collection stood at from the earlier approach of ‘provisioning up-to-village
₹1.65 lakh crore in December 2023.This is the seventh- level’. Development programmes, in the last ten years,
time that gross GST revenues have crossed ₹1.6 lakh have targeted each and every household and individual,
crore benchmark. through ‘housing for all’, ‘hargharjal’, electricity for all,
• She said, coming to 2024-25, the total receipts other cooking gas for all, bank accounts and financial services
than borrowings and the total expenditure are for all, in record time, she added.
estimated at Rs 30.80 and 47.66 lakh crore respectively. • The Finance Minister stressed that this Government
The tax receipts are estimated at Rs 26.02 lakh crore. is working with an approach to development that
• In a major announcement, the Finance Minister said,
is all-round, all-pervasive and all-inclusive (lokZaxh.k]
the scheme of fifty-year interest free loan for capital
expenditure to states will be continued this year loZLi’khZ vkSj loZlekos’kh). It covers all castes and people
with a total outlay of Rs 1.3 lakh crore. A provision at all levels. She said, “We are working to make India a
of seventy-five thousand crore rupees as a fifty-year ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. To achieve that goal, we need to
interest free loan is proposed this year to support the improve people’s capability and empower them”.
milestone-linked reforms of Viksit Bharat by the State • She also pointed out, “Previously, social justice was
Governments. mostly a political slogan. For our Government, social
• Referring to the fiscal consolidation, as announced in justice is an effective and necessary governance model”.
her Budget Speech for 2021-22, to reduce fiscal deficit • The Finance Minister announced amidst thumping of
below 4.5 per cent by 2025-26, Smt Sitharaman said, desks that the Indian economy has witnessed profound
the fiscal deficit in 2024-25 is estimated to be 5.1 per positive transformation in the last ten years and the
cent of GDP, adhering to that path. people of India are looking ahead to the future with
• Similarly, the gross and net market borrowings through hope and optimism. She added, “Conditions were
dated securities during 2024-25 are estimated at Rs created for more opportunities for employment and
14.13 and 11.75 lakh crore respectively and both will entrepreneurship. The economy got a new vigor. The
be less than that in 2023-24. fruits of development started reaching the people at
• Pointing out some of the bright spots of the economy, the scale. The country has a new sense of purpose and
Finance Minister informed that the Revised Estimate hope”.
of the total receipts other than borrowings is Rs 27.56 • The Finance Minister informed that with the pursuit
lakh crore, of which the tax receipts are Rs 23.24 lakh of ‘Sabka Saath’ in these 10 years, the Government
crore. The Revised Estimate of the total expenditure is has assisted 25 crore people to get freedom from
Rs 44.90 lakh crore. The revenue receipts at Rs 30.03 multidimensional poverty and the Government’s
lakh crore are expected to be higher than the Budget efforts are now getting synergized with energy and
Estimate, reflecting strong growth momentum and passion of such empowered people.
formalization in the economy. • She informed that PM Mudra Yojana has sanctioned
• Smt Sitharaman also stated that the gross and net 43 crore loans aggregating to Rs 22.5 lakh crore for
market borrowings through dated securities during entrepreneurial aspirations. It may be mentioned that
2024-25 are estimated at Rs14.13 and 11.75 lakh crore thirty crore Mudra Yojana loans have been given to
respectively and both will be less than that in 2023-24. women entrepreneurs.
• She announced that the FDI inflow during 2014-23 was • The Interim Budget contains a number of
USD 596 billion marking a golden era and this is twice announcements and strategies indicating directions
the inflow during 2005-14. and development approach for making India Viksit
• For encouraging sustained foreign investment, we Bharat by 2047.
are negotiating bilateral investment treaties with our • Making a slew of announcements, Smt Nirmala
foreign partners, in the spirit of ‘first develop India’, the Sitharaman said, the Government will pay utmost
Finance Minister added. attention to make the eastern region and its people

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a powerful driver of India’s growth, PM Awas Yojana Government will present a detailed roadmap for our
(Grameen) is close to achieving the target of three crore pursuit of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
houses and two crore more houses will be taken up in
the next five years to meet the requirement arising PART-B SUMMARY
from increase in the number of families. • No change relating to taxation has been proposed in
• Similarly, through rooftop solarization, one crore the Interim Budget. The same rates for direct taxes
households will be enabled to obtain up to 300 units and indirect taxes, including import duties, have been
free electricity every month. retained. However, to provide continuity in taxation,
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana has benefitted certain tax benefits to Start-Ups and investments
38 lakh farmers and generated 10 lakh employment. made by sovereign wealth or pension funds as also tax
Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing exemptions on certain income of some IFC units have
Enterprises Yojana has assisted 2.4 lakh SHGs and sixty been extended by one year up to 31st March, 2025.
thousand individuals with credit linkages. Withdrawal of Outstanding Direct Tax Demands
• Smt Nirmala Sitharaman announced that for our tech • Smt. Sitharaman made an announcement to improve
savvy youth, this will be a golden era, as a corpus of taxpayer services which is in line with the government’s
rupees one lakh crore will be established with fifty- vision to improve ease of living and ease of doing
year interest free loan. She said, the corpus will provide business.
long-term financing or refinancing with long tenors • There are a large number of petty, non-verified, non-
and low or nil interest rates. This will also encourage reconciled or disputed direct tax demands, many
the private sector to scale up research and innovation of them dating as far back as the year 1962, which
significantly in sunrise domains, she added continue to remain on the books, causing anxiety to
• For Railways, three major economic railway corridor honest tax payers and hindering refunds of subsequent
programmes will be implemented-energy, mineral years.
and cement corridors, port connectivity corridors, and • The Interim Budget proposes to withdraw such
high traffic density corridors. Moreover, forty thousand outstanding direct tax demands up to Rs. 25000/-
normal rail bogies will be converted to the Vande pertaining to the period up to financial year 2009-10
Bharat standards to enhance safety, convenience and and up to Rs. 10,000/- for financial years 2010-11 to
comfort of passengers. 2014-15. This is expected to benefit about a crore tax
• In the Aviation Sector, the number of airports have payers.
doubled to 149 and today five hundred and seventeen
new routes are carrying 1.3 crore passengers. Indian Direct Tax Collections Trebled
carriers have proactively placed orders for over 1000 • Appreciating the taxpayers for their support, Smt.
new aircrafts. Sitharaman said that over the last 10 years the direct
• Smt Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the tax collections have more than trebled and the return
Government will form a high-powered committee filers swelled to 2.4 times.
for an extensive consideration of the challenges • She highlighted the fact the Government has reduced
arising from fast population growth and demographic and rationalized the tax rates due to which under the
changes and the committee will be mandated to make new tax regime there is no tax liability for taxpayers
recommendations for addressing these challenges with income up to Rs. 7 lakh.
comprehensively in relation to the goal of ‘Viksit • She also mentioned an increase in the threshold for
Bharat’. presumptive taxation for retail businesses as well as
• The Finance Minister pointed out that Prime Minister professionals.
in his Independence Day address to the nation, in the • The Minister also mentioned a decrease in corporate
75th year of our Republic said, “we commit ourselves tax rates for existing domestic companies from 30% to
to national development, with new inspirations, new 22%, and for certain new manufacturing companies to
consciousness, new resolutions, as the country opens 15%.
up immense possibilities and opportunities”. It is • In her Interim Budget speech, the Minister said
our ‘KartavyaKaal’. She said, “Every challenge of the that in the last 5 years the Government’s focus has
pre-2014 era was overcome through our economic been to improve tax-payer services which has led
management and our governance and these have to transformation of the age-old jurisdiction-based
placed the country on a resolute path of sustained high assessment system, and filing of tax returns has been
growth”. made simpler and easier.
• Smt Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized, “This has been • Average processing time of returns has been reduced
possible through our right policies, true intentions, and from 93 days in the year 2013-14 to a mere ten days
appropriate decisions. In the full budget in July, our this year, thereby making refunds faster, she added.

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GST Reduced Compliance Burden done by the Government successfully following its
• On indirect taxes, the Union Minister for Finance & strong belief of ‘nation-first’. She assured that the crisis
Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that of those years has been overcome and the economy has
GST has reduced the compliance burden on trade and been firmly put on a high sustainable growth path with
industry by unifying the highly fragmented indirect tax all-round development.
regime in India. • She announced that the Government will come out
• Mentioning about a recent survey conducted by a with a white paper on ‘where we were then till 2014
leading consulting firm, she said that 94% of industry and where we are now, only for the purpose of drawing
leaders view the transition to GST as largely positive. lessons from the mismanagement of those years’.
• In her Interim Budget speech, the Minister highlighted
the fact that the tax base of GST has more than doubled
NSSO SURVEY SHOWS POVERTY DOWN TO
and average monthly gross GST collection has almost 5%: NITI AAYOG CEO
doubled to Rs. 1.66 lakh crore this year. States too have
benefited.
• States’ SGST revenue, including compensation released
to states, in the post-GST period of 2017-18 to 2022-
23, has achieved a buoyancy of 1.22.
• The Minister said that the biggest beneficiaries are the
consumers as reduction in logistics cost and taxes have
brought down prices of most goods and services.
• Mentioning about a number of steps taken in customs
to facilitate international trade, Smt. Sitharaman said
the import release time declined by 47 per cent to 71
hours at Inland Container Depots, by 28 per cent to 44 • The latest NSSO consumer expenditure survey
hours at air cargo complexes and by 27 per cent to 85 reveals a significant reduction in poverty levels in
hours at sea ports, over the last four years since 2019. India, with a poverty rate below 5%.
• Per capita monthly household expenditure has more
Laying of White Paper than doubled from 2011-12 to 2022-23, indicating
• On the status of the Indian economy, the Union growing prosperity.
Minister said that in 2014 the responsibility to mend • Consumption has increased approximately 2.5 times in
the economy step by step and to put the Governance rural and urban areas, with rural consumption growth
systems in order was enormous, which she said was outpacing urban areas.

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5
Index and Reports
BRAND GUARDIANSHIP INDEX 2024: • India is projected to become the primary driver of
MUKESH AMBANI BEATS SATYA NADELLA global oil demand growth by 2030, despite a decline in
domestic production.
• India’s domestic oil production is expected to decrease
by 22% by 2030, reaching 540 thousand bd.
• India is projected to register an increase of nearly 1.2
million bd in oil demand by 2030, accounting for over
one-third of global gains.
• Despite efforts to attract foreign investment, domestic
production only accounted for 13% of India’s supply
needs in 2023.
• Crude oil imports in India surged to 4.6 million bd in
2023, marking a 36% increase over a decade.
• Mukesh Ambani, the leader of Reliance Industries • Adoption of electric vehicles and energy efficiency
Limited, secures the first position among Indian improvements are expected to prevent 480 thousand
executives and second globally in the Brand bd of additional demand during 2023-2030.
Guardianship Index 2024 by Brand Finance.
• Ambani outshines his peers in the ‘Diversified’ INDIA RANKS 38 OUT OF 139 COUNTRIES ON
conglomerates category, claiming the top spot. WORLD BANK’S LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE
• Mukesh Ambani received an impressive Brand INDEX REPORT 2023
Guardianship Index (BGI) score of 80.3, just below the
leading score of 81.6 held by Huateng Ma of Tencent.
• The analysis highlights the increasing significance
of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
considerations in determining CEO reputation.
Ambani’s leadership reflects a strategic focus on
sustainability.
• Being recognized as a ‘sustainability champion’ holds a
significant impact on reputation scores.
• India’s logistics performance has improved, as
INDIA WILL BECOME WORLD’S BIGGEST OIL indicated by its rank in the Logistics Performance
DEMAND GROWTH DRIVER BY 2030: IEA Index (LPI) Report by the World Bank.
PROJECTIONS • India has climbed in the Logistics Performance Index
(LPI) ranking, securing the 38th position out of 139
countries, reflecting its commitment to bolstering
logistics infrastructure and efficiency.
• An Inter-Ministerial team has been established to
spearhead targeted action plans, focusing on all six
LPI parameters, aiming to address key areas for
improvement in India’s logistics landscape.
• The National Committee for Trade Facilitation (NCTF)
plays a pivotal role in streamlining processes and
driving reforms, with 27 identified action points under
the working group on infrastructure upgradation.
INDIA’S POSITION UNCHANGED AT 42 ON • India ranked as the 80th most targeted country for
INTERNATIONAL IP INDEX 2024 cybercrime globally in 2023.
• Approximately 34% of Indian users experienced local
cyber threats, resulting in the blocking of over 74
million incidents.
• The cybersecurity market in India reached USD 6.06
billion in 2023.
• The surge in sophisticated external cyber threats poses
a significant challenge for Indian enterprises.
• About 67% of Indian enterprises are planning to
outsource key aspects of their security landscape to
managed security service providers within the next
• The US Chamber of Commerce released the 12th three years.
edition of its International Intellectual Property • The adoption of AI and digital payments in India
(IP) Index, ranking 55 economies based on the necessitates continuous improvement in cybersecurity
effectiveness of their IP frameworks in fostering measures to safeguard assets and maintain stakeholder
innovation and creative industries. India secured the trust.
42nd position with an overall score of 38.64 percent,
highlighting the challenges and opportunities for India HENLEY PASSPORT INDEX 2024: INDIA’S
in strengthening its IP framework. RANK SLIPS, FRANCE HAS MOST POWERFUL
• The United States, the United Kingdom, and France PASSPORT
were identified as the top three economies with the
most effective IP frameworks, reflecting the correlation
between strong IP protections and economic prosperity.
• The report highlighted the advancement of 20
economies in their overall IP scores, indicating progress
in IP frameworks worldwide.
INDIA IS THE 80TH MOST TARGETED

COUNTRY WORLDWIDE IN CYBERCRIME
• France secures the top spot on the Henley Passport
Index, with its passport granting visa-free access to
194 countries.
• Germany, Italy, Spain, and other European nations
also rank highly on the index, showcasing the regional
strength of the European Union.
• India slips one rank down to 85th place on the
index, despite an increase in visa-free access for its
citizens to 62 countries.
• Pakistan maintains its position at 106, while Bangladesh
slips from 101 to 102 on the index.

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6
India and The World
BURKINA FASO, MALI, NIGER QUIT WEST • Its members are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde,
AFRICAN BLOC ECOWAS Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-
Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra
Leone, and Togo.
INDIA JOINTLY INAUGURATES UPI SERVICES

WITH MAURITIUS AND SRI LANKA
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi along with the

President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe
and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, H.E. Mr. Pravind
Jugnauth jointly inaugurated the launch of Unified
Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka
• The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and
and Mauritius, and also RuPay card services in
Niger announced their immediate withdrawal from
Mauritius.
the West African bloc Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS). • The co-branded Rupay card will be designated as a
domestic card in Mauritius and will facilitate the
• The leaders of the three Sahel nations (sahel region
citizens of both countries.
is the region along the Sahara desert across Afric)
stated that it was a “sovereign decision” to leave the • It will further strengthen people to people relations
Economic Community of West African States. and facilitate tourism.
• Struggling with jihadist violence and poverty, the • The launch will enable availability of UPI settlement
regimes have had tense ties with ECOWAS since services for Indian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka and
coups took place in Niger July 2023, Burkina Faso in Mauritius as well as for Mauritian nationals travelling
2022 and Mali in 2020. to India.
• All three were suspended from ECOWAS with Niger • According to National Payments Corporation of India,
and Mali facing heavy sanctions. countries which accept RuPay are: Bhutan, Nepal,
Mauritius, Singapore and UAE.
About Economic Community of West African • Countries which accept UPI payments are: Bhutan,
States (ECOWAS): France (E-commerce), Mauritius, Singapore, Sri
• It is the regional group which was established in Lanka and UAE.
1975 through the Lagos Treaty, with its headquarters
in Abuja, Nigeria. WHO LAUNCHED A DIGITAL HEALTH
• Its major objective is to promote economic PLATFORM, ESTABLISHED DURING INDIA’S
integration among its members. G20 PRESIDENCY
• The vision of ECOWAS is the creation of a “borderless • World Health Organization (WHO) launched the
region” that is well-integrated and governed in Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) virtually,
accordance with the principles of democracy, rule of a platform for sharing knowledge and digital
law and good governance. products among countries.
• The platform was one of the key areas agreed during on Afghanistan was held in February 2024 in Bishkek,
the G20 Presidency of India in 2023. Kyrgyzstan.
• The initiative will consist of a network of networks • India’s underlined collective approach on countering
comprising four key components: terrorism has been articulated in UNSCR 2593.
a nation needs tracker,
a country resource portal (a map of accessible
resources in a country),
a transformation toolbox for sharing quality-assured
digital tools,
a knowledge exchange platform
• As a WHO Managed Network (“Network of
Networks”), GIDH aims to consolidate and amplify • It is a regional security mechanism in Afghanistan
recent and past gains in global digital health while comprising the Secretaries/NSAs of the National
strengthening mutual accountability, and serving Security Councils.
as a vehicle for implementing the Global Strategy • Countries: India, Iran, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan,
on Digital Health 2020-2025, while enhancing the Uzbekistan, China, Turkmenistan, and Pakistan.
impact of future investments. • India had hosted the third Regional Security Dialogue
on Afghanistan in New Delhi on November 10, 2021.
SIXTH REGIONAL DIALOGUE OF
• India has presence in almost 500 projects in
SECRETARIES OF SECURITY COUNCILS/ Afghanistan spread across each of the 34 provinces
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISERS ON in critical areas of power, water supply, road
AFGHANISTAN connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture, and
• Recently, the 6th Regional Dialogue of Secretaries of capacity building.
Security Councils/National Security Advisers (NSA)

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7
MOU and Agreements
INDIA & OMAN INK MOU ON PROCUREMENT

OF DEFENCE MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT
• The agreement will facilitate construction of power

units of the second and third stages of the Kudankulam
NPP as of 2008.
About Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project
• Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (or Kudankulam
NPP or KKNPP) is the largest nuclear power station
• The Defence Secretary and Secretary General signed a in India, situated in Kudankulamu is being built in
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) pertaining Tamil Nadu with the technical assistance of Russia.
to procurement of Defence Material and Equipment • The construction began in March 2002.
which would provide a framework for a new area of • Since February 2016, the first power unit of the
defence collaboration. Kudankulam NPP has been steadily operating at its
• The pact was signed to implement India - Oman Joint design capacity of 1,000 MW.
Vision Document entitled ‘A Partnership for the
Future’ adopted in 2023. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AND ADB SIGN
• The historical India-Oman bilateral ties were $200 MILLION LOAN TO TACKLE FLOOD AND
transformed into a strategic partnership in EROSION RISK ALONG BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER
November 2008.
• Oman is one of India’s closest defence partners in
the Gulf region and defence cooperation has emerged
as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between
India and Oman.
INDIA AND RUSSIA SIGNED A PROTOCOL

TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL NUCLEAR
COOPERATION
• India and Russia have signed a protocol amending the
2008 intergovernmental agreement for cooperation • The Government of India and the Asian Development
in building more nuclear reactors at the Kudankulam Bank (ADB) signed a $200 million loan to strengthen
Nuclear Power Project (NPP) site and constructing flood and riverbank erosion risk management along
Russian-designed nuclear power facilities at new the 650 km main stem of the Brahmaputra river in
locations in India. Assam.
• The project aims for broader stabilisation of the • A Bilateral Investment Treaty and Comprehensive
Brahmaputra river in high-priority flood- and Economic Partnership Agreement was also signed
erosion-prone areas and build the state’s disaster which will promote investments between India and
resilience. the UAE.
• The initiative draws on the achievements and insights
gained from the ADB-funded Assam Integrated Flood INDIA AND COLOMBIA SIGN MOU ON
and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Investment DIGITAL COOPERATION
Programme conducted between 2010 and 2020.
• The project includes:
stabilising 60 km of riverbanks
installing 32 km of pro-siltation measures,
building 4 km of climate-resilient flood
embankments in five high-priority districts
(Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Kamrup Rural, Morigaon,
and Tinsukia)
• The project will be managed by: The Flood and River
Erosion Management Agency of Assam
About Asian Development Bank • India and Colombia signed a Memorandum of
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the field of
development bank established on 19 December Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at
1966. Population Scale for Digital Transformation.
• It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. • The MoU aims to promote digital transformation
(INDIA STACK) through capacity-building programmes,
• ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive,
best practices exchange, public official and expert
resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while
exchange, pilot or demo solution development, and
sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.
private sector contacts to benefit both countries’
INDIA AND UAE SIGNED MOU ON digital ecosystems.
• Digital systems of both the countries can be built on
INTERLINKING OF THE INSTANT PAYMENT
open standards to deliver and provide equitable access
PLATFORMS to public and private services.
About India STACK
• India Stack is the moniker for a set of open APIs and
digital public goods that aim to unlock the economic
primitives of identity, data, and payments at population
scale.
• India Stack’s vision may be applied to any nation,
developed or growing, despite its designation.
JAPAN COMMITS OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT

• India and UAE have signed various pacts in the field of ASSISTANCE (ODA) LOAN OF JAPANESE YEN
digital payments, trade, and electricity at the Ahlan 232.209 BILLION FOR NINE PROJECTS IN
Modi event in Abu Dhabi.
INDIA
• The MoU on interlinking of the instant payment
platforms between UPI and UAE’s AANI will facilitate
seamless cross-border transactions between the
two countries.
• A pact on interlinking domestic debit/ credit cards —
RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE). This will enhance
the universal acceptance of RuPay across the UAE.
• An intergovernmental framework agreement on the
India-Middle East Economic Corridor was also
signed enhancing regional connectivity between the
countries.

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• The Govt. of Japan has committed an Official technologies and its use cases that will have a direct
Development Assistance loan of an amount of JPY societal impact on India.
232.209 billion for nine projects in various sectors. • The partnership will operate from Nokia’s recently
• The nine projects include are as follows: established 6G Lab in Bengaluru.
The North East Road Network Connectivity
Improvement Project: Dhubri-Phulbari bridge
The North East Road Network Connectivity
Improvement Project: NH 127B (Phulbari-
Goeragre section)
The Project for Promoting Start-up and Innovation
in Telangana
The Project for the Construction of Chennai
Peripheral Ring Road
The Project for Promoting Sustainable Horticulture
in Haryana • It will focus on three core areas namely: 6G radio
The Project for Climate Change Response and technologies, 6G architecture and the application of
ecosystem Services Enhancement in Rajasthan machine learning (ML) into the 6G air interface.
The Project for the Establishment of the Medical • Nokia and IISc will also research 6G applications to
College Hospital at Nagaland Institute of Medical enable better network sustainability and energy
Sciences and Research, Kohima efficiency, as well as improved resiliency and reliability
The Project for the Improvement of Urban Water of networks for critical communications.
Supply System in Uttarakhand • It will enhance network reliability for critical
The Dedicated Freight Corridor Project applications and leverage artificial intelligence to help
• India and Japan have had a long and fruitful history of sectors such as transportation safety, healthcare and
bilateral development cooperation since 1958. education.
• Economic partnership, a key pillar of India-Japan About Bharat 6G Project
relations, has steadily progressed in the last few • To roll out high-speed 6G Communication Services
years. by 2030, Bharat 6G Project was launched to identify
and fund research and deployment of the next-
NOKIA, IISC PARTNER TO RESEARCH 6G TECH generation technology in India.
AND ITS APPLICATIONS • India’s 6G project will be implemented in two phases,
• Nokia has announced a partnership with the Indian the first one from 2023 to 2025 and the second one
Institute of Science (IISc) to jointly research on 6G from 2025 to 2030.

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8
Polity
D.K. BASU VS THE STATE OF WEST BENGAL for implementing reservations in higher education,
CASE taking into account modifications and new government
directives since the 2006 guidelines.
• The Supreme Court criticised the behaviour of four
convicted policemen in Gujarat for publicly flogging • The committee proposes that reserved professor
Muslim males in front of a cheering crowd and posts could be opened up in “exceptional cases” with
questioned their presumed authority to do so. sufficient justification from the university.
• The Supreme Court charged the police officers with Constitutional Provisions
Contempt of court for violating the Supreme Court • Articles 15(4) and 16(4) enable the reservation of
guidelines in the D.K. Basu vs the State of West seats in government employment for SCs and STs.
Bengal case.
• The Constitution 77th Amendment Act of 1995
• The D.K. Basu Guidelines were the measures designed introduced Article 16(4A) in the Indian Constitution,
to decrease custodial deaths and abuse, as well as to allowing the government to implement reservation in
regulate police conduct and establish protocols for promotions also.
arresting people.
• The guidelines established in DK Basu vs State of C-CARES WEB PORTAL OF CMPFO
West Bengal were later integrated into the Criminal
Procedure Code, 1973, through the Code of Criminal
Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2008, effective from
November 1, 2010
UGC NEW DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR DE-

RESERVATION IN FACULTY RECRUITMENT
• A web portal of the Coal Mines Provident Fund

Organisation (CMPFO) namely C- CARES has
been developed and designed by the Centre for
Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), an
R&D organization under the Ministry of Electronics
and Information Technology.
• It aims to resolve the long-standing challenge of
• The Union government and the University Grants digitising its records and work processes.
Commission (UGC) clarified that professor jobs • The C-CARES portal, enables CMPF subscribers and
in universities reserved for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS coal businesses to log in and carry out personalised
candidates will not be made available to the general operations.
category. • Subscribers can examine their personal information
• As opposed to reservation, de-reservation involves and subscription status, while coal management can
the prospective elimination of reserved seats or submit contribution details, subscribers’ information,
quotas designated for specific categories like SCs, STs, and claims for online settlement and payment via
OBCs, and EWS. the portal.
• A committee in this regard, headed by Dr. H S Rana, • It will guarantee a transition to paperless operations,
director of the Institute of Public Administration, was prompt and precise resolution of claims, decreased
assigned by the UGC to create updated draft guidelines processing time, and effective handling of complaints.
• At present, CMPFO processes settlement claims of Code (UCC) bill based on suggestions from a high-level
Provident Fund subscribers and pensioners manually. government-appointed committee.
• The portal launch enables online processing and
settlement of PF and pension claims. It will enable
quicker processing, enhance transparency in
operations, improve record management, and enhance
monitoring. It would also inspire confidence in the
subscribers and seniors.
About Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation
(CMPFO)
• The bill aims to standardise and bring uniformity in
• The Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation (CMPFO)
civil laws in the state and provide a legal framework
is an autonomous organisation within the Ministry of
for uniform marriage, divorce, land, property and
Coal.
inheritance laws for all citizens, irrespective of their
• It was founded in 1948 to administer Provident Fund religion in the state.
and Pension plans to provide social security to coal
sector workers. About Uniform Civil Code
DIGITAL DETOX INITIATIVE
• The Karnataka Government has introduced a ‘Digital UNION INTERIM BUDGET 2024
Detox’ initiative to promote mindful utilisation of
social media during a Global Confluence of Animation,
VFX, and Gaming Brilliance (GAFX 2024) held in
Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• The aim of the initiative is to raise awareness about the
negative effects of excessive time spent in the digital
realm and promote a culture of responsible gaming.
• The initiative has been launched in collaboration with
the All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF)
and the National Institute of Mental Health and • As the year 2024 is the Election year where Lok Sabha
Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) to raise awareness about general elections are going to be held, the budget
mindful technology. presented on 1st of February 2024 was the interim
• Online and offline Digital Detox Centres will be budget.
established throughout Karnataka to provide tailored • It is a temporary measure to bridge the transition
guidance. period between April and June/July.
• Trained professionals will offer counselling and • A full budget for the year will be tabled again after the
support to anyone looking to manage their technology new government is elected.
usage.
• The Vote on Account in the Interim Budget 2024 is
UTTARAKHAND CABINET HAS PASSED THE crucial for managing the transitional period between
governments.
UNIFORM CIVIL CODE (UCC) BILL
• The Vote on Account is a provision under Article
• The Uttarakhand Cabinet led by Chief Minister 116 of the Indian Constitution that empowers the
Pushkar Singh Dhami approved the Uniform Civil government to withdraw funds from the Consolidated

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Fund of India to meet the government’s expenditure About National Investigation Agency (NIA)
requirements for a limited period, typically a few • The NIA is the central Counter-Terrorism Law
months. Enforcement Agency of India mandated to investigate
• Article 112 of the Constitution requires the all the offences affecting the sovereignty, security and
government to present to Parliament a statement of integrity of India.
estimated receipts and expenditure in respect of • It is headquartered in New Delhi.
every financial year, from April 1 to March 31.
DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION OF
SUPREME COURT
THE NATIONAL TERRORISM DATA FUSION &

ANALYSIS CENTRE
• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated

the Diamond Jubilee (75 years) celebration of
the Supreme Court of India on 28 January at the
Supreme Court auditorium in Delhi.
• Many citizen-centric information and technology
initiatives that include Digital Supreme Court Reports
(Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0 and a new website of
the Supreme Court were launched.
• The Digital Supreme Court Reports (SCR) will make
Supreme Court judgments available to the country’s
citizens free of cost and in electronic format. The key
features of digital SCR are that all 519 volumes of the
Supreme Court report since 1950 shall be available
in a digital format, bookmarked, user-friendly, and with
• The National Terrorism Data Fusion & Analysis open access.
Centre (NTDFAC), modelled along the lines of the
• The Digital Courts 2.0 application is a recent initiative
Global Terrorism Database of the US was inaugurated
under the e-Courts project to make court records
by Home Minister Amit Shah.
available in the electronic form to the judges of the
• It has been developed by the National Investigation district courts. This is combined with the utilisation of
Agency (NIA) to collect and compile information on artificial intelligence (AI) to convert spoken words into
terrorists and their associates from various sources. written text instantaneously.
• It includes case histories, fingerprints, videos, • The new website of the Supreme Court will be in
pictures, and social media profiles, providing a bilingual format in English and Hindi and has been
comprehensive overview of individuals involved in redesigned with a user-friendly interface.
terrorist activities.
• The National Automated Fingerprint Identification PARLIAMENT PASSED THE CONSTITUTION
System (NAFIS), which has over 92 lakh fingerprint (JAMMU AND KASHMIR) SCHEDULED TRIBES
records, is incorporated into the NTDFAC.
ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 2024
• The device incorporates a facial recognition system
• The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled
that allows for scanning images of suspects from CCTV
Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed by
footage. This technology assists in identifying and
the Parliament.
monitoring individuals engaged in terrorist activity.

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Students in classes 9 and 10 will need to complete
10 subjects, including three languages and
seven core subjects, as opposed to the current
requirement of five subjects. Of the three mandatory
languages, at least two must be Indian languages.
For classes 11 and 12, students are advised to
study six subjects, comprising two languages and
four subjects, with an optional fifth subject. At
least one of the languages must be Indian.
About Credit System
• The credit system in education is a method used to
measure and evaluate the level of knowledge a
• It includes four tribes namely, Pahari, Paddari student has gained.
Tribe, Koli and Gadda Brahmin communities in the • Numerical values, referred to as credits, are allocated
list of STs of UT of Jammu and Kashmir. to courses or learning activities based on the time and
effort needed to finish them and show mastery of the
PARLIAMENT ALSO PASSED BILLS TO subject matter.
INCLUDE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE • It establishes academic equivalence between
TRIBAL GROUPS OF ODISHA, A.P. IN ST LISTS vocational and general education.
• Along with that, a bill to modify the list of Scheduled • National Credit Framework is a comprehensive credit
Tribes regarding Andhra Pradesh was also passed. system that combines training and skill development
with schools and higher education.
• Inclusion of ‘Bondo Porja’ and ‘Khond Porja’ and
Konda Savaras that are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal • Student credits will be stored digitally in the Academic
Groups (PVTGs) in the ST list of Andhra Pradesh. Bank of Credits and can be accessed through a linked
Digilocker account.
• Also, a bill was passed which modified the list of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in relation to
PARLIAMENT CLEARED WATER (PREVENTION
Odisha.
AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) AMENDMENT
• Four Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs),
Pauri Bhuyan, Chuktia Bhunjia, Bondo and BILL
Mankidia would be included in the list of STs.
CBSE CREDIT SCHEME
• It amends the Water (Prevention and Control of

• The CBSE is preparing to make substantial
Pollution) Act, 1974.
modifications to the academic structure of Classes
9, 10, 11, and 12 in order to introduce creditisation, • The Act establishes the central and state pollution
as suggested by the NEP 2020. control boards to prevent and control water
pollution.
• It proposed:
• It will initially apply to Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan,
Under the new plan, an academic year comprises
and the Union Territories.
1,200 notional learning hours, equivalent to
earning 40 credits. Features
Each subject is allotted a specific number of • The central government will now prescribe the manner
hours, ensuring that students accumulate 1,200 of nomination and the terms and conditions of
learning hours per year to qualify as ‘passing’. service of the chairman unlike previously when the

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chairman of a State Pollution Control Board was • The Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of
nominated by the State government. Bihar, in collaboration with BSNL, will ensure effective
• The Bill imposes a penalty between ten thousand execution and operationalization of the project.
rupees to 15 lakh rupees for violation of provisions • The project aims to bridge the rural-urban divide
related to the discharge of polluting matter in water and foster accountability and efficiency in local self-
bodies. governance.
• The Bill specifies that the central government, in
consultation with the CPCB, may exempt certain SUPREME COURT DECLARED ELECTORAL
categories of industrial plants from obtaining such BONDS SCHEME AS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
consent.
• The Bill imposes a penalty between Rs 10,000 and
Rs 15 lakh for violation of standards (laid down by
SPCB).
• The Bill allows the central government to appoint
adjudication officers to determine penalties under
the Act
• The head of a department will be required to pay a
penalty equal to one month of their basic salary if
the department violates any provision of the Act.
‘SMART GRAM PANCHAYAT: REVOLUTION

TOWARDS DIGITIZATION OF GRAM
PANCHAYAT’ PROJECT
• The Supreme Court on February 15, 2024 struck

down the Electoral Bonds scheme after petitioners
expressed concerns regarding the anonymity of
electoral bonds donations.
• The Supreme Court stated that anonymous electoral
bonds violate the Right to Information and Section
19(1)(a).
• The Supreme Court has directed the Election
Commission of India (ECI) to produce data on electoral
bonds’ contributions till September 30, 2023.
About the Electoral Bond Scheme:
• Electoral Bonds are interest free financial
instruments that are used to donate funds to political
parties in India anonymously.
• The bonds are similar to bank notes that are payable
• The Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati to the bearer on demand and are free of interest.
Raj inaugurated the pilot project titled ‘Smart Gram
• This scheme was introduced in 2018.
Panchayat: Revolution towards Digitization of
Gram Panchayat’ in Begusarai district of Bihar. • These bonds were available in the multiple of Rs 1000,
Rs 10,000, Rs 1 Lakh, Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore at
• The project will extend PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s
the State Bank of India branches only.
Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) Service in Gram
Panchayats. • They shall be valid for fifteen calendar days from the
date of issue.
• Begusarai will lead Bihar’s digital transformation
as the first district to provide Wi-Fi to all Gramme • Every donor has to provide his/her KYC details to
Panchayats under the PM–WANI Scheme. purchase the Electoral Bonds while the donor’s name
would be kept anonymous.
• The project is funded under the revamped Rashtriya
Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) which is implemented • Only political parties that are registered under
by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act,

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1951, and received at least 1% of the votes in the last 9TH EDITION OF RAISINA DIALOGUE 2024
general election for the House of the People or the
State Legislative Assembly can get electoral bonds.
• If not the name, the political party had to disclose the
amount to the Election Commission.
RIGHTS OF FOREST DWELLERS
• PM Modi inaugurated the 9th edition of the Raisina

• The notification of the Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary Dialogue on Feb 21, 2024 in New Delhi.
in Erode district of Tamil Nadu has raised concerns • The Chief Guest for the Raisina Dialogue was the
among forest-dwellers regarding their rights under Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic (Greece),
the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006
• The theme for this year’s edition is “Chaturanga:
(FRA).
Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create
About Rights of Forest Dwellers
Six thematic Pillars
• The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 recognizes the
• Tech Frontiers: Regulations & Realities;
rights of the forest dwelling tribal communities and
other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources, on • Peace with the Planet: Invest & Innovate;
which these communities were dependent for a variety • War & Peace: Armouries & Asymmetries;
of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other • Decolonising Multilateralism: Institutions & Inclusion;
socio-cultural needs. • The Post 2030 Agenda: People & Progress;
• The Act encompasses: • Defending Democracy: Society & Sovereignty.
Land rights which gives the forest dwellers the • According to the Ministry of External Affairs, there were
right to ownership to land farmed by them, subject over 2500 participants from about 115 countries.
to a maximum of 4 hectares per family.
Ownership is only for land that is actually being About Raisina Dialogue
cultivated by the concerned family and no new • The Raisina Dialogue is an annual conference on
lands can be granted. geopolitics and geoeconomics, which aims to
The rights of the dwellers extend to extracting address the most challenging issues faced by the world.
Minor Forest Produce (such as tendu patta, herbs, It was structured along the lines of the Shangri-La
medicinal plants etc.), grazing areas, to pastoralist Dialogue.
routes, etc. (excluding timber). • The dialogue is organised as a multi-stakeholder,
The Act gives the forest dwelling communities the cross-sectoral conversation, which includes heads of
right to protect and manage the forest. state, cabinet ministers, and local government officials.
They are accompanied by thought leaders from the
Members of the Scheduled Tribes who primarily
private sector, media, and academia.
reside in and who depend on the forests, who has
for at least three generations (75 years) prior • The conference is hosted by Delhi-based think tank
to13th December, 2005 primarily resided in forest Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in partnership
land for bona fide livelihood needs. with the Ministry of External Affairs.

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9
Schemes in news
MERA GAON, MERI DHAROHAR (MGMD) India’s cultural history and its artistic capabilities in
PROGRAMME order to rejuvenate rural economies and promote self-
sufficiency in Village India.
SMILE SCHEME FOR SUPPORT FOR

MARGINALISED INDIVIDUALS FOR
LIVELIHOOD AND ENTERPRISE
• The Government of India has decided to map and

document all villages under Mera Gaon, Meri
Dharohar (MGMD) Programme.
• This National Mission on Cultural Mapping is conducted
in coordination with Indira Gandhi National Centre
for the Arts (IGNCA) under the Ministry of Culture.
• The MGMD seeks to compile comprehensive
information detailing the life, history, and ethos of
Indian villages and to make the same available to
virtual and real-time visitors.
• The seven broad categories under which information
is collected are:
Arts and Crafts Village
• Recently, three years were completed since the launch
Ecologically Oriented Village of “SMILE - Support for Marginalized Individuals for
Scholastic Village linked with Textual and Scriptural Livelihood and Enterprise scheme.
Traditions of India • The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Epic Village linked with Ramayana, Mahabharata has launched an umbrella scheme “SMILE - Support
and/or Puranic legends and oral epics for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and
Historical Village linked with Local and National Enterprise”
History • It includes two sub-schemes - ‘Central Sector Scheme
Architectural Heritage Village for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of
Any other characteristic that may need highlighting Transgender Persons’ and ‘Central Sector Scheme for
such as fishing village, horticulture village, Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in
shepherding village etc. the act of Begging’.
• MGMD is a component of National Mission on Cultural • The scheme is for both transgender persons and
Mapping (NMCM), undertaken as a part of Azadi Ka persons who are engaged in the act of begging.
Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM). • The scheme was launched in February 2021.
• The Ministry of Culture has established the National • The Ministry has allocated Rs. 365 Crore for the
Mission on Cultural Mapping to recognise and record scheme from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• The components of the two sub-schemes are: • The major objective of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan
Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY):
Gradual formalisation of the unorganised fisheries
sector through self-registration of fishers, fish
farmers and supportive workers under a National
Fisheries Sector Digital Platform including
creation of work based digital identifies of fish
workers for improved service delivery.
Facilitating access to institutional financing
fisheries sector
Providing a one-time incentive to beneficiaries
for purchasing aquaculture insurance.
Encouraging fisheries and aquaculture
microenterprises to improve value-chain
efficiency and create and maintain jobs through
performance grants.
Performance awards for micro and small firms
to implement and expand fish and fishery product
safety and quality assurance systems and create and
maintain jobs.
PRADHAN MANTRI MATSYA KISAN
SAMRIDHI SAH-YOJANA (PM-MKSSY) SWAYAM SCHEME OF ODISHA
• Odisha government under the Swayam initiative
distributes ₹1,000 one-time assistance to all ration
card holders and provides interest-free loans up to
₹1 lakh to 2 lakh youths of the state.
• It provided up to ₹1 lakh to 1 lakh qualified rural
and 1 lakh urban adolescents aged 18-35 for
entrepreneurship.
• The scheme will be operational for two years with an
outlay of ₹672 crores.
• The loan will not have any collateral or processing
charge.
• The repayment duration will be four years, with a
moratorium period of 3 to 6 months as determined by
the financial institution.
• Those who earn less than Rs 2 lakh per annum will
• Recently, the Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri
be covered under the scheme.
Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a
Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan
SWATI’ (SCIENCE FOR WOMEN-A
Mantri Matsya Sampada for formalization of the
fisheries sector. TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION) PORTAL
• The ministry approved the investment of over Rs.
6,000 crores for a period of four years from FY 2023-
24 to FY 2026-27 in all States/Union Territories.
• Intended beneficiaries are:
Fishers, Fish (Aquaculture) Farmers, Fish workers,
Fish Vendors
Micro and Small enterprises engaged in fisheries
and aquaculture value chains.
Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs)
include Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) • Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation
Any other beneficiaries that may be included by the (SWATI)” Portal was launched by the Principal
Department of Fisheries, Gol Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.

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• The portal aims to create a single online portal
representing Indian Women and Girls in STEMM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics &
Medicine).
• The Portal is a complete interactive database and
the first of its kind in India that is developed, hosted
and maintained by the National Institute of Plant
Genome Research (NIPGR).
• Enabling reliable and statistically significant long-
term research on the issues of equality, diversity and
• The world’s largest storage plan of 700 lakh metric
inclusivity in India, developing active search engines
tons would be completed in the next five years at a
and searchable databases (Name, Affiliation, Area of
cost of Rs 1.25 lakh crore.
Interest).
• The major objective of the initiative is to integrate
• The various Sections in the portal include Icons -
PACS’ warehouses into the food grain supply chain
Awardees (Padma / Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar / Stree
to enhance food security and promote economic
Shakti Science Samman) & Directors, Secretaries
development in the country.
Academy Presidents; Faculty- Indian Universities,
Autonomous organisations including S&T Ministry/ • The Prime Minister inaugurated the development of
CSIR/ DBT/ DST/ CSIR/ MHRD/ UGC/ GATI/ KIRAN; 500 new PACS nationwide to build warehouses and
Research fellows; Phd scholars etc. other agricultural infrastructure as part of the grain
storage project.
MSME MINISTER INTRODUCES RS 20 LAKH • Along with that, a project for the computerization of
SCHEME FOR GST-EXEMPTED UNITS 18,000 PACS across the country was also inaugurated.
• This collaborative initiative is financed by NABARD
and led by the National Cooperative Development
Corporation (NCDC).
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR RUBBER

SECTOR RAISED BY 23%
• The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises

(MSME) launched the ‘Special Provision for Informal
Micro Enterprises under Credit Guarantee Scheme’ to
support Individual Micro Enterprises (IMEs).
• This initiative addresses the credit risk perception of
financing to IMEs by providing vital credit support.
• The scheme aims to provide up to 85% guarantee
cover for unsecured loans of up to Rs 20 lakh.
• This will be advantageous for Individual Micro
Enterprises (IMEs) registered on the Udyam site, with • Under the The ‘Sustainable & Inclusive Development
the goal of encouraging lending operations among of Natural Rubber Sector’ financial assistance for the
member lending institutions (MLIs). rubber sector has increased by 23% from Rs 576.41
• The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small crore to Rs 708.69 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Enterprises (CGTMSE) was established in 2000, has • Planting of rubber will be undertaken in 12,000 ha in
been instrumental in supporting the growth of the MSE traditional areas during 2024-25 and 2025-26 with
sector. an outlay of Rs 43.50 crore.
• Planting materials worth Rs 50,000 per ha will be
‘WORLD’S LARGEST GRAIN STORAGE supplied by the Rubber Board.
SCHEME INAUGURATED BY PM MODI • Proposals to set up three main sites of the National
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Institute of Rubber Training (NIRT) in the Northeast
the pilot project of ‘World’s Largest Grain Storage area, specifically in Agartala, Guwahati, and
Scheme in Cooperative Sector’ in 11 Primary Nagaland. The budget allocated for this project is Rs
Agricultural Credit Societies (PACSs) in 11 states. 5.25 crore over the next two years.

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• About the Sustainable & Inclusive Development of • The scheme is implemented by the Rubber Board
Natural Rubber Sector (SIDNRS) scheme: of India. It is a statutory body under the Ministry of
• It is an initiative by the Government of India was Commerce and Industry.
launched in 2017 to promote the sustainable and • India is currently the world’s 6th largest producer of
inclusive development of the natural rubber sector in natural rubber.
India.

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10
Summit and Conferences
WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT • Research activities commenced in 1982, focusing

SUMMIT (WSDS) 2024 on efficient energy use and sustainable resource
The Vice-President inaugurated the World Sustainable utilisation.
Development Summit in New Delhi recently. • Headquartered in New Delhi.
About World Sustainable Development (WSDS) WHAT IS THE MUNICH SECURITY

Summit CONFERENCE (MSC)?
• Annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources
Institute (TERI).
• Instituted in 2001, with a legacy spanning over two
decades.
• Independent international summit on sustainable
development and environment, based in the Global
South.
• Aims to provide long-term solutions for global
communities by gathering enlightened leaders and
thinkers.
• WSDS 2024 marks the 23rd edition, themed
‘Leadership for Sustainable Development and
Climate Justice’.
• The Munich Security Conference (MSC) is the world’s
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) premier forum for discussing international security
policy.
• Its objective is to foster trust and contribute to peaceful
conflict resolution through sustained, curated, and
informal dialogue within the international security
community.
• Since 1963, the conference has been held annually in
February in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
• The venue for the conference is the Hotel Bayerischer
Hof in Munich.
• It serves as a platform for diplomatic initiatives to
address worldwide security concerns.
• The MSC brings together a diverse array of participants,
including security experts, politicians, military
• Leading think tank dedicated to research for leaders, and representatives from the defence
sustainable development in India and the Global industry.
South.
• The conference regularly hosts high-profile events
• Independent, multi-dimensional organisation
focusing on specific topics and regions.
involved in research, policy, consultancy, and
implementation. • Additionally, the MSC publishes the Munich Security
• Established in 1974 as an information centre on energy Report, an annual compilation of relevant statistics,
issues. maps, and research on critical security challenges.
NATO • The DSR disciplines were implemented during the 13th
Ministerial Conference of the WTO.
Aspect Details
Name North Atlantic Treaty Organization GATT
(NATO) • The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) is
Establishment April 4, 1949 a treaty within the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Date framework.
• It aims to extend the multilateral trading system
Member 31
to the service sector, similar to how the General
Countries
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) functions
Aim To protect peace and guarantee for merchandise trade.
the territorial integrity, political
• GATS was established at the conclusion of the Uruguay
independence, and security of Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations and took
member states effect on January 1, 1995.
Core Principle Article Five of the treaty stipulates • GATS covers all service sectors except those supplied
that an armed attack against one in the exercise of governmental authority and air
member is considered an attack transport services, which have their own annex
against all, invoking collective defense exempting certain measures.
Headquarters Brussels, Belgium
AFRICA CLUB
RAISINA DIALOGUE Recently, at the 37th African Union Summit, member
• Purpose: Annual conference focusing on geopolitics countries took the initiative of forming the Africa Club.
and geoeconomics, addressing global challenges. • The Africa Club is the Alliance of African Multilateral
• Venue: New Delhi, hosting the event annually since Financial Institutions, comprising African-owned
2016. and controlled institutions.
• Participants: Attendees come from political, business, • Launched at the African Union summit, its primary
media, and civil society backgrounds. goal is to enhance Africa’s influence in the global
• Format: Structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross- financial system.
sectoral discussion involving heads of state, • The initiative aligns its functions with the Sustainable
cabinet ministers, local government officials, and Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s
thought leaders from the private sector, media, and Agenda 2063.
academia.
• It aims to introduce innovative financial instruments
• Organizers: Hosted by the Observer Research and provide a platform for debt management
Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of
discussions.
External Affairs, Government of India.
• The Africa Club fosters collaborative efforts to address
• Theme (2024): “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest,
the specific needs of African countries.
Cooperate, Create”
• Member institutions include the
• Discussion Pillars:
African Export-Import Bank, Trade and Development
Tech Frontiers: Regulations & Realities
Bank,
Peace with the Planet: Invest & Innovate
Africa Finance Corporation,
War & Peace: Armouries & Asymmetries
African Reinsurance Corporation,
Decolonising Multilateralism: Institutions & Inclusion
African Trade and Investment Development
The Post 2030 Agenda: People & Progress Insurance,
Defending Democracy: Society & Sovereignty
Shelter Afrique Development Bank, and ZEP – RE
(PTA Reinsurance Co).
GENERAL AGREEMENT ON GOODS IN
SERVICES Organization Name African Union
• Recently, around 72 nations agreed to additional Abbreviation AU
obligations under GATS to ease non-goods trade Type Intergovernmental Organization
among themselves.
Membership 55 African countries
• These new obligations focus on mitigating trade-
restrictive effects related to licensing requirements, Establishment Officially launched in 2002
qualification procedures, and technical standards. Predecessor Organisation of African Unity
• The obligations, known as Services Domestic Regulation (OAU, 1963-1999)
(DSR), operate on a “most-favored nation” principle,
benefiting all WTO members. Headquarters Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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11
Science and Technology
WHO HONOURS COUNTRIES FOR FIRST- • Trans fatty acids (TFA) do not provide any proven
TIME FOR THE ELIMINATION OF INDUSTRIAL health advantages, and foods rich in trans fats (such
as fried foods, pastries, and ready meals) typically
TRANS FATS contain high levels of sugar, fat, and salt.
• Consuming trans fatty acids (TFA) is linked to a greater
chance of experiencing heart attacks and mortality
due to heart disease.
ELON MUSK’S NEURALINK IMPLANTS BRAIN

CHIP IN FIRST HUMAN
• Five countries received WHO’s first accreditation for

eradicating industrial trans fatty acids.
• Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and
Thailand have each demonstrated they have a best
practice policy for industrially produced trans-
fatty acids (iTFA) elimination with proper monitoring • The first human patient has received an brain-chip
and enforcement. implant from startup Neuralink which showed
• WHO revealed findings from the first five years of the promising neuron spike detection.
REPLACE initiative to eliminate iTFA. • Spikes are cells that use electrical and chemical
• Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and signals to send information around the brain and to
Thailand have each demonstrated they have a best the body.
practice policy for industrially produced trans-fatty • The device is roughly the size of a large coin,
acids (iTFA) elimination. specifically designed for implantation in the skull for
• WHO has proposed a revised new target for virtual brain-computer interface.
elimination of iTFA globally by 2025 which includes: • Neuralink has been granted permission by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States
Effective elimination policies are implemented in
of America with regard to the “investigational device
countries representing a minimum of 90% of the
exemption.”
total global iTFA burden.
Best practice policies are implemented in nations WOMAN ROBOT ASTRONAUT “VYOMMITRA”
that represent at least 70% of the total burden WILL ENTER SPACE BEFORE ISRO’S
within regions.
“GAGANYAAN” MISSION
What are Trans Fatty Acids? • Woman Robot Astronaut “Vyommitra” will fly
• Trans-fatty acids (TFA) are solid to semi solid fats that into Space ahead of ISRO’s ambitious “Gaganyaan”
exist in two forms: those manufactured industrially mission, which will be India’s first human manned
and those found naturally. Space Flight carrying Indian Astronauts into Space.
• Uncrewed “Vyommitra” will launch in the third quarter
of this year, while manned “Gaganyaan” would launch • The GRAPES-3 experiment is designed for the purpose
in 2025. of investigating cosmic rays, equipped with a number
of air shower detectors and a muon detector with a
About Vyommitra huge surface.
• Vyommitra” is a name derived from two Sanskrit • Its major objective is the origin, acceleration, and
words namely, “Vyoma” (meaning Space) and propagation of cosmic rays with energies more than
“Mitra” (meaning Friend). 1014 eV in the galaxy and beyond that.
• It is a female-looking spacefaring humanoid robot • It is possible that the “Knee”, cosmic-ray proton
being developed by the Indian Space Research exists inside the energy spectrum of cosmic rays.
Organisation to function on-board the Gaganyaan
• Multi-TeV γ-rays from neutron stars and other
mission, a crewed orbital spacecraft.
compact objects are being studied in the field of
• This Female Robot Astronaut is equipped with the astronomy.
capability to monitor Module Parameters, issue
Alerts and execute Life Support operations, adding About Cosmic Rays
that it can perform tasks such as operating six panels • Cosmic Rays are considered to be the most energetic
and responding to queries. particles in the universe.
About Gaganyaan • They enter into Earth’s atmosphere and induce
a shower of particles which constitute electrons,
• It is a crewed spacecraft being developed by the
photons, muons, protons, neutrons etc.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• The shower particles travel to the ground almost at
• Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of
the speed of light.
human spaceflight capability by launching a crew
of 4 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days • They have been observed over a remarkably wide
mission and bringing them back safely to earth, by energy range (108 to 1020 eV).
landing in Indian sea waters.
INDIA-MADE TYBAR TYPHOID VACCINE
• The well proven and reliable heavy lift launcher of ISRO,
LVM3 Rocket is identified as the launch vehicle for
Gaganyaan mission.
GRAPES-3 EXPERIMENT
• A new characteristic of the cosmic-ray proton
spectrum has been discovered by the GRAPES-3
(Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS phase-3)
experiment.
• The GRAPES-3 experiment is carried out at the Tata
Institute of Fundamental Research in Ooty, India.
• It identified a novel characteristic in the cosmic-ray
proton spectrum about 166 TeV (tera-electron-
volt) energy within a range from 50 TeV to just above
1 PeV (peta-electron-volt).

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• A phase-3 experiment conducted in Malawi, Africa, • The diseases was first identified in 1957 in the
a region endemic to typhoid fever, with children aged Kyasanur Forest in the Western Ghats of India,
nine months to 12 years, demonstrated that the hence the name Kayanasaur Forest Disease
efficacy of Bharat Biotech’s conjugate typhoid toxoid • It is transmitted through the bite of ticks and bonnet,
vaccine, Typbar, remains effective for a minimum of and black-faced langur monkeys are highly susceptible
four years. to the infection.
• Typbar TCV is the world’s first clinically proven
conjugate Typhoid vaccine. HIGH ALTITUDE PSEUDO-SATELLITE (HAPS)
• A recent study has shown that the efficacy of the
conjugated typhoid vaccine at the end of 4.3 years of
median follow-up was 70·6% for children aged nine
months to two years; the efficacy was over 79% in
children above two years.
• The majority of the typhoid cases and deaths in
2019 occurred in South-East Asia and Africa with
• Researchers at CSIR-National Aerospace
an estimated 9·24 million typhoid cases and 1,10,000
Laboratories (NAL) have effectively conducted trials
deaths across the world.
on an unmanned aerial vehicle known as High Altitude
About Typhoid Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) in Challakere, Karnataka.
• Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by • CSIR-NAL aims to design and develop the propellers,
the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. battery management system, carbon-composite
• Causes: It is usually spread through contaminated airframe, flight-control system, and high-powered
food or water. electric motors for HAPS that are capable of sustaining
wide temperature ranges.
• Symptoms: prolonged fever, fatigue, headache, nausea,
abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhoea. What are High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS)
• Treatment: Typhoid fever can be treated with • HAPs are similar to drones but are designed to
antibiotics. The existence of resistant strains of bacteria operate in the stratosphere, higher than commercial
means antibiotics or drugs designed to kill them no aeroplanes.
longer work, allowing them to spread rapidly, posing a • They are powered by solar cells and a battery system
risk to public health. to sustain long-duration flights.
• A functional HAPS can be utilised for various purposes,
KAYANASAUR FOREST DISEASE
such as surveillance and transmitting 5G signals.
• They can serve as aerial structures and offer greater
manoeuvrability than satellites for aerial mapping.
• The HAPS is a 5-metre-long system and has a weight
of 23 kg.
• They are unmanned aircraft that must operate
continuously, requiring solar-powered batteries to
ascend to the stratosphere, which ranges from 6-50
km above the earth’s surface, instead of using jet fuel.
• Two deaths from Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), a GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS MISSION OF ISRO
viral infection, have been reported in Karnataka
since January 1st of this year. Over 560 deaths have
been documented since the disease was first observed
in the jungles of Shivamogga district in 1956.
About Kayanasaur Forest Disease
• Commonly known as Monkey Fever, it is a tick-borne
viral hemorrhagic fever.
• Usually contracted by monkeys, is caused by KFD virus
which is an arbovirus of the family Flaviviridae
• Symptoms: Sudden fever, headache, body ache,
vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea

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• Satellite INSAT-3DS on launch vehicle GSLV-F14 was Cancer Statistics
successfully launched by the Indian Space Research • The Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN)
Organisation (ISRO) from the Satish Dhawan Space estimates for 2020 reported 19.3 million incident
Centre in Sriharikota. cancer cases worldwide, with India ranking third after
• The project is fully funded by the Ministry of Earth China and the United States.
Sciences (MoES). • A Lancet study predicts a 57.5% increase in cancer
• INSAT-3DS will enhance the nation’s meteorological cases in India by 2040, reaching 2.08 million. In 2022
services with the currently active INSAT-3D and alone, over 8 lakh deaths in India were caused by
INSAT-3DR satellites in orbit. cancer, primarily due to late detection, resulting in only
• It has four payloads namely: a 20% survival rate.
an imager payload with a six-channel optical
radiometer NASA DISCOVERS “SUPER-EARTH”, A
a 19-channel sounder payload POTENTIAL HABITABLE PLANET
a data relay transponder
a satellite aided search and rescue transponder
• It aims to improve the monitoring of Earth’s surface,
atmosphere, seas, and environment, expand data
collecting and distribution capabilities, and advance
satellite-assisted search and rescue services.
AIIMS LAUNCHES AI-BASED PLATFORM

IONCOLOGY-AI PROJECT FOR EARLY CANCER
DETECTION • American space agency NASA has discovered a
“super-Earth”, a planet that could potentially be the
second earth i.e. can be habitable and support life.
• It is located 137 light-years away.
• The planet has been founded by the Transiting
Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).
• The planet, named TOI-715 b, is approximately 1.5
times the width of Earth.
• It orbits within the “conservative” habitable zone of
its parent star, suggesting the potential for liquid water
to exist on its surface.
• The planet completes a full orbit (a year) in just 19
days.
• A groundbreaking partnership between AIIMS,
New Delhi, and the Centre for Development of • The planet circles a red dwarf, which is smaller and
Advanced Computing (CDAC), Pune, has resulted in cooler than the Sun.
the establishment of an advanced AI platform named • Planet TOI-175 b joins the list of habitable-zone
iOncology.ai. planets that could be more closely scrutinized by the
• The platform emphasizes the early detection of cancer, Webb telescope,
which is essential due to the significant increase in
cancer occurrences worldwide. IIT JAMMU PROFESSOR DEVELOPS SOUND-
• iOncology.ai is focused on early detection of breast BASED ANTI-DRONE SYSTEM
and ovarian cancers
• It utilizes AI to reduce false negatives in manual
cancer diagnosis.
• It features a sophisticated AI system capable of
analyzing complex medical data with unprecedented
accuracy and efficiency.
• It uses deep learning models and includes a self-
learning feature to continuously enhance results as the
amount of data grows.

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• A professor in the Electrical Engineering Department About Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)
of IIT Jammu, Dr. Karan Nathwani has developed an • Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a wholly-
anti-drone system that works mainly on sound owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is the strategic
technology. Aerospace and Defence arm of the TATA Group.
• The drone system is cost effective and user-friendly,
with a cost of about 4 lakh rupees only. YOUNG SCIENTIST PROGRAMME 2024
• The drone system is the first of its kind designed using (YUVIKA)
a novel technique known as ‘sound-based detection’.
• The system identifies drones by analysing the sound
they generate and generating a distinct signature for
each one.
• This signature is compared with the system’s database,
and if a match is found, the drone is detected.
• The Sound-based drone detection systems will detect
drones and birds coming from Pakistan.
• With the help of this system, this device will be able to
easily detect drones, aircraft, multiple drones or birds
flying up to 300 meters by their sound.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will
organise a special programme for School Children
INDIA’S FIRST SPY SATELLITE MADE BY TATA
called “Young Scientist Programme” “YUva VIgyani
ADVANCED SYSTEMS LTD KAryakram” (YUVIKA).
• The key objective of this initiative is to impart basic
knowledge on Space Science, Space Technology
and Space Applications to the younger students in
emerging trends in space science and technology.
• The YUVIKA programme is also expected to encourage
more students to pursue Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based
research and aligned careers.
• It will impart basic knowledge on Space Science,
Space Technology and Space Applications to the
• The first spy satellite in India to be made by a local younger students with a preference to rural areas of
private player which is scheduled to be launched in a the country.
SpaceX rocket by April 2024 and will be used by the • The activities include class room training, practical
armed forces to get confidential information. demonstration of experiments, hands on CANSAT,
• The satellite has been built by Tata Advanced Systems Robotic kit, Model rocketry interactions with ISRO
Ltd (TASL). scientists and field visits.
• Previously, the military had to obtain precise • The programme was conducted successfully in 2019,
positions and timings from international vendors. 2022 and 2023.
Now, this satellite will enable India to monitor them • Eligibility: Students studying in Class 9 as on January
and provide full ground control. 1, 2024, within India are eligible to apply for the ISRO
• The imagery sent by the TASL satellite will also be Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA).
allowed to be shared with friendly nations. • The programme was launched to address the
• A satellite imagery receiving and analysis facility fascination for space and universe amongst children
established by TASL and Latin American company and youth. They are very curious and wish to know
Satellogic will be set up in Bengaluru. This facility everything about all the celestial phenomenon.
will guide the satellite, analyse images, and share
intelligence with authorised defence and government WORLD’S FIRST WOODEN SATELLITE TO BE
users. LAUNCHED BY NASA AND JAPAN’S JAXA
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) • NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
also has satellites that can help share the imagery but (JAXA) are planning to launch the world’s first wooden
their application is only limited. India currently uses US satellite into space in a bid to make spaceflight more
companies to get the necessary spy data. sustainable.

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• It will also cater specifically to women from self-
help groups (SHGs) engaged in agriculture, identified
under the Namo Drone Didi Yojna.
• LignoSat, a coffee mug-size satellite made from

magnolia wood, is set to launch into Earth’s orbit by
summer 2024.
• Wood does not combust or decay in the airless void of
space, but it will turn to fine ash when it reenters
Earth’s atmosphere, making it a remarkably practical
and environmentally friendly material for potential
satellites. • After finishing the course, students will receive a
• Tests proved that after enduring the severe conditions of Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) approved by the
outer space for 10 months, there was no decomposition Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),
or deformations seen. Government of India. This qualification will enable
them to legally fly drones and seek a profession as
Junk in Space Certified Drone Pilots.
• More than 9,300 tons (8,440 metric tons) of space
objects — including space junk such as inoperative PM ANNOUNCES FOUR ASTRONAUT-
satellites and chunks of spent rocket stages — currently DESIGNATES FOR GAGANYAAN MISSION
orbit Earth.
• Shiny metals such as lightweight titanium and
aluminium boost the overall brightness of the night sky
by more than 10% in many areas of the earth, causing
ambient light pollution that hinders the detection of
distant space phenomena.
LARGEST DRONE PILOT TRAINING

ORGANISATION LAUNCHED AT IIT
GUWAHATI • PM Modi inaugurated three important space
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati infrastructure projects worth about 1,800 crore
has launched the largest Remote Pilot Training rupees in Kerala.
Organisation (RPTO) in the country with an aim to • The three projects are:
promote the advancement of drone technology. PSLV Integration Facility at the Satish Dhawan
• The training partner of the program is EduRade, a Space Centre, Sriharikota;
brand owned by RC HobbyTech Solutions Pvt. Ltd New ‘Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and
• The Pilot Training Organisation covers 18 acres and stage Test facility’ at ISRO Propulsion Complex at
can operate 9 medium-class drones simultaneously. Mahendragiri
• The RPTO will initially introduce a DGCA-Certified ‘Trisonic Wind Tunnel’ at VSSC,
Medium Class Drone Pilot Training Course to Thiruvananthapuram
improve the skills of young people in the North East • He also announced the names of 4 astronauts
and other parts of India. selected for the Gaganyaan Mission. They are Group

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Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain (3FTx) in the elapid venom.
Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap and Wing • The researchers evaluated the efficacy of their artificial
Commander Shubhanshu Shukla. antibody on animal models and discovered that it was
• They have been training extensively for the Gaganyaan highly efficient against toxins from the Taiwanese
mission for the last five years in Russian and Indian banded krait, monocled cobra, and black mamba.
facilities. • The effectiveness of the antibody was about 15 times
more than that of traditional antivenom, even when
About Gaganyaan Mission
given after a delay following venom injection.
• Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human
• These snakes include the cobra, king cobra, krait, and
spaceflight capability by launching a crew of four
black mamba.
members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission and
bring them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian • Snake bites cause thousands of deaths every year,
sea waters. especially in India and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Launch vehicle: LVM3 rocket, consists of solid stage, • India has seen an estimated 1.2 million (12 lakh)
liquid stage and cryogenic stage. HLVM3 will be snakebite deaths from 2000 to 2019, an average of
capable of launching the Orbital Module to an intended 58,000 per year.
Low Earth Orbit of 400 km.
GOOGLE’S GENIE AI
• Orbital Module (OM) that will be Orbiting Earth
comprises Crew Module (CM) and Service Module
(SM).
• Astronaut Training Facility is established in
Bengaluru.
SCIENTISTS AT IISC DEVELOP SYNTHETIC

ANTIBODY THAT NEUTRALISE LETHAL
SNAKE BITE TOXIN
• Genie is an acronym for Generative Interactive
Environments, an AI model with 11 billion parameters
that was trained in an unsupervised manner using
unlabelled internet videos.
• Google DeepMind, the AI research division of Google,
has introduced Genie, an image-to-video AI model
capable of creating dynamic, playable games using
real-world photographs or human-made designs.
• It has the ability to generate interactive virtual
environments depicted using text, graphics,
photographs, and hand-drawn sketches.
• The model has been trained on 200,000 hours of
unregulated public internet gaming footage and is
• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) capable of creating video games based on a single
have created an artificial human antibody capable of suggestion or image.
neutralising a powerful neurotoxin generated by the • Genie’s capacity to create games from abstract ideas is
Elapidae family of extremely venomous snakes. fascinating and could inspire upcoming developers,
• The antibody targets a conserved region found in the potentially sparking a wave of innovative gaming
core of a major toxin called the three-finger toxin designs.

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12
Books and Authors
CDS ANIL CHAUHAN REVEALS AI, NATIONAL

SECURITY BOOK IN PUNE
• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan
announced the unveiling of the book ‘Artificial
Intelligence and National Security’ at the Defence
Literature Festival, “Kalam and Kavach,” in Pune.
• The event occurred at the RSAMI Institute in Pune
and was hosted by the Army Southern Command.
• General Anil Chauhan highlighted the significance
of blending India’s rich cultural heritage with
contemporary national security strategies.
• The festival showcased a fusion of tradition and
innovation in national security.
• CDS Chauhan emphasised the importance of integrating
age-old wisdom with modern military tactics. “DABBLING IN DIPLOMACY” BY PROF. S.D.
• He discussed the relevance of ancient Indian MUNI
stratagems, such as Sun Tzu’s ‘Art of War’ and • In “Dabbling in Diplomacy: Authorised & Otherwise,
Kautilya’s ‘Arthashastra,’ in modern warfare. Recollections of a Non-Career Diplomat,” Professor
• Despite debates on their applicability in an era of S.D. Muni delivers a compelling narrative, offering
artificial intelligence and nuclear warfare, CDS Chauhan readers an unprecedented insight into the complex
advocated for a balanced approach. dynamics of South Asian geopolitics.
• Drawing from his extensive experience as both an
MAHA SWAAPNIKUDU esteemed professor and a diplomat, Prof. Muni adeptly
• The recent unveiling of ‘Maha Swaapnikudu’ (A navigates the intersection between academic
Great Visionary) at a book release event signifies a scholarship and practical diplomacy.
momentous occasion in India’s political landscape, • His work bridges the gap between theory and reality,
commemorating the distinguished career of former providing a nuanced understanding of international
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. relations within the South Asian landscape.
• Authored by journalist P. Vikram and published by
NRI Koduri Venkat, the event was graced by former
Supreme Court judge V. Gopala Gowda, bringing
attention to Naidu’s extraordinary journey in Indian
politics.
“SCULPTED STONES: MYSTERIES OF

MAMALLAPURAM”
• A recent release titled “Sculpted Stones: Mysteries of
Mamallapuram” offers readers a captivating journey
through the intricate history and artistic marvels of the
ancient town of Mamallapuram.
• Penned by Ashwin Prabhu and brought to light by
Tulika Books, this compelling exploration beckons
readers to immerse themselves in the enigmatic realm
of ancient sculptural artistry.
13
Sports
ABHINAV BINDRA SELECTED AS • TFA and AIFF have had crucial cooperation in bringing
this event to fruition.
TORCHBEARER FOR THE 2024 PARIS
OLYMPICS
• TFA engaged in constructive discussions with the

Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Revanth Reddy, who
• The Olympic Torch Relay for Paris 2024 is continuing expressed support for the event, clearing the path for
its journey, with the flame set to cross the Mediterranean the match.
and travel across France for 68 days. Abhinav Bindra, • The State Government confirmed its backing for the
India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, has initiative after a meeting between TFA representatives
been chosen as one of the torchbearers. and government officials.
• The flame will be ceremonially lit in Olympia, Greece,
on April 16, and will then journey to Athens before UNION SPORTS MINISTER ANURAG SINGH
setting sail for Marseille aboard the Belem, a historic THAKUR KICKS OFF 1ST BIMSTEC AQUATICS
three-masted ship. This mode of transport reflects the
CHAMPIONSHIPS
ancient tradition of transporting athletes and officials
to the Games by sea.
• The French Torch Relay will begin in Marseille on May
8 and will last for 68 days. The flame will travel across
65 territories in France, carried by 11,000 torchbearers
representing diverse backgrounds and communities.
The aim is to connect the entire country with the spirit
of the Games.
• The arrival of the Olympic flame in France has generated
excitement for Paris 2024.
HYDERABAD WINS RIGHT TO HOST INDIA VS

KUWAIT, FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 • The BIMSTEC Aquatics Championship 2024 was
• The Telangana Football Association (TFA) has officially declared open in New Delhi on February
secured approval to host the FIFA World Cup 6th, 2024, marking a significant moment for regional
qualifiers round between India and Kuwait on June sports diplomacy.
6th in Hyderabad. • The championship is a testament to the growing
• Dr. K.T. Mahi, Chairman of TFA, announced the match cooperation and camaraderie among the member
and expressed gratitude to the President of the All states of BIMSTEC, promoting regional cooperation
India Football Federation (AIFF), Kalyan Chaubey, for and strengthening bonds of friendship within the Bay
entrusting TFA with this opportunity. of Bengal region.
• The championship venue is the Dr. Syama Prasad
Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex in New Delhi,
which embodies the spirit of sporting prowess and
unity.
• The championship is expected to have over 400 athletes
and officials from seven BIMSTEC Member States,
showcasing sporting excellence and cultural exchange.
• The event serves as a platform for promoting
understanding, mutual respect, and solidarity among
BIMSTEC nations, and it paves the way for future
endeavors in sports diplomacy. • The match commissioner’s initial decision lacked
clarity and caused controversy due to a lack of clear
SCA STADIUM RENAMED AFTER VETERAN guidelines for such a unique situation.
ADMINISTRATOR NIRANJAN SHAH • Eventually, the match commissioner reversed the
decision and declared both India and Bangladesh as
joint winners. This marked India’s fourth age-group
title in women’s SAFF competitions and their first
victory on Bangladeshi soil.
U19 WC FINAL, AUSTRALIA DASH INDIAN

DREAMS WITH 79-RUN VICTORY
• Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) Stadium

located at Rajkot, Gujarat is being rebranded as the
Niranjan Shah Stadium as a tribute to Niranjan
Shah’s contributions to cricket.
• Niranjan Shah had a successful career as a first-
class cricketer and later became a senior cricket • Australia U19 won the U19 World Cup 2024 Final
administrator, holding significant influence within the by 79 runs, securing their fourth World Cup title in
SCA. U-19 cricket.
• The renaming ceremony will take place in Khandheri, • Australia’s consistent performance throughout the
where the stadium has been hosting national cricket tournament showcased their depth and talent, making
matches for over a decade. them deserving champions.
• Niranjan Shah’s son, Jaydev Shah, is currently • India, aiming for a record-extending sixth title, had a
the president of the SCA, continuing the family’s commendable campaign but fell short in the final.
involvement in cricket.
• Australia’s strong batting performance, led by Harjas
• The England cricket team is set to play the third Test Singh and Oliver Peake, laid the foundation for their
match against India at the newly named Niranjan Shah victory.
Stadium. This match is highly anticipated following
India’s victory in the second Test. PATHUM NISSANKA BECOMES FIRST SRI
LANKAN TO SMASH ODI DOUBLE CENTURY;
SAFF WOMEN’S U-19 CHAMPIONSHIPS:
SURPASSES TENDULKAR, SEHWAG, GAYLE
INDIA AND BANGLADESH DECLARED JOINT
FOR INSANE FEAT
WINNERS
• Pathum Nissanka scored a double century of 210
• The SAFF Women’s U-19 Championships ended with
runs in an ODI match against Afghanistan, becoming
India and Bangladesh being declared joint winners
the first Sri Lankan player to achieve this feat.
after a 1-1 draw and a score of 11-11 in penalties.
Initially, a coin toss was used to determine the winner, • Nissanka’s score of 210 is the highest individual score
with India winning, but protests led to a reevaluation by a Sri Lankan batsman in ODIs, surpassing Sanath
of the decision. Jayasuriya’s 189.

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• The emotional significance of Nagal’s achievement and
• He reached the double century in just 136 balls, making his description of it as a dream come true.
it the third fastest in men’s ODIs.
• The challenge ahead for Nagal to maintain his position
• Nissanka hit a record 128 runs in boundaries, the most in the top 100, starting with the Bengaluru Challenger.
for any Sri Lankan in ODIs.
• Sri Lanka’s total score of 381 is the third highest in 100-YEAR-OLD DIVER PERFORMS AT THE
their ODI history. 2024 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN DOHA
WORLD MARATHON RECORD HOLDER
KELVIN KIPTUM DIES IN ROAD ACCIDENT
• Taghi Askar, a 100-year-old diver from Iran,

participated in the Diving World Championships in
Doha, showcasing his passion for diving and promoting
• Kelvin Kiptum, the men’s marathon world record
the upcoming World Aquatics Masters Championships
holder, and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, met
at the Hamad Aquatics Centre.
with a tragic end in a traffic accident on the night of
February 12, 2024. • Askar’s diving career spans nearly six decades, with his
first success in the world of diving being 73 years ago
• Kiptum had set a new world record of 2:00:35 at the
at the inaugural Asian Games in New Delhi in 1951. He
Chicago Marathon in October, surpassing the previous
ended his career 59 years ago with a gold medal at the
record held by Eliud Kipchoge. He also shattered the
national level.
London Marathon course record, establishing himself
as one of the most exciting prospects in road running. INDIA WOMEN CLINCH BADMINTON ASIA
• Kiptum’s achievements made him a strong contender
TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS TITLE
for gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics in August.
However, his untimely death robbed the sports world • The Indian women’s badminton team won a
of a potentially legendary Olympic performance and a historic gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team
promising career. Championships 2024, defeating Thailand with a
scoreline of 3-2. This victory marks a groundbreaking
SUMIT NAGAL WINS CHENNAI OPEN moment in India’s badminton journey and represents
a significant leap from their previous achievements in
CHALLENGER, SET TO ENTER TOP 100 FOR
the continental competition.
FIRST TIME IN CAREER
• PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist and the
• Nagal’s journey from being ranked 506 in the world world’s No. 11, played a pivotal role in India’s success
to entering the top 100 in the ATP rankings. by winning her match against Thailand’s Supanida
• Nagal’s persistence and determination despite setbacks Katethong. Her victory set a positive tone for the team.
and injuries. • Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also contributed to
• Nagal’s victory in the ATP Chennai Open Challenger, India’s win by clinching a crucial victory against their
which marked the beginning of his resurgence after higher-ranked Thai opponents, showcasing the depth
surgery. and resilience within India’s badminton ranks.

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• Prime Minister Modi also mentioned other nationwide
sports initiatives, such as the Khelo India Winter
Games in Ladakh and the Khelo India Youth Games in
Tamil Nadu.
• There has been a changing societal perception towards
sports, with parents now taking pride in their children’s
sporting achievements.
8-YEAR-OLD INDIAN-ORIGIN BOY FROM

SINGAPORE BEATS POLISH GRANDMASTER,
BREAKS RECORD
• Anmol Kharb’s outstanding performance in the final

match ensured the gold medal for India, securing their
maiden continental triumph. • An eight-year-old chess prodigy from Singapore,
Ashwath Kaushik, defeated a seasoned Polish
SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR TO ATTEND grandmaster, Jacek Stopa, becoming the youngest
OPENING CEREMONY OF KHELO INDIA chess player to defeat a grandmaster.
UNIVERSITY GAMES 2023 IN GUWAHATI • Ashwath Kaushik shattered the previous age record
by achieving this feat at the age of eight years and
six months. The previous record was held by Leonid
Ivanovic from Serbia, who defeated a grandmaster at
the age of eight years and eleven months.
• Ashwath Kaushik’s victory brought him immense
pride, and he currently holds a FIDE ranking of
37,338 globally. He attributes his love for chess to its
stimulating nature and the mental agility and strategic
thinking it demands.
• Ashwath Kaushik’s triumph serves as a testament to
• Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, the limitless potential of young talents in the world of
Anurag Singh Thakur, inaugurated the Khelo India chess, inspiring aspiring players worldwide to pursue
University games in Guwahati. their passion for the game with determination and
perseverance.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the
Khelo India University Games via a video message,
TWO FROM BHOPAL FINISH WORLD’S
emphasizing the shift in parental attitudes towards
sports. TOUGHEST FROZEN LAKE MARATHON
• The Prime Minister highlighted the mascot of the Khelo • Bhagwan Singh and Mahesh Khurana from Bhopal
India University Games, Ashtalakshmi, symbolizing the completed the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon 2024,
Northeast’s aspirations taking flight. known as the ‘World’s Highest Frozen Lake Marathon’,
held in Leh-Ladakh. Bhagwan Singh is the first
• Prime Minister Modi conveyed his best wishes to
mountaineer from Madhya Pradesh to scale Mount
athletes and emphasized the importance of playing
Everest, further solidifying his reputation as an athlete
wholeheartedly, fearlessly, and learning from setbacks.
of extraordinary caliber.
• The Prime Minister commended the efforts of state
• The marathon was organized by the Adventure
governments, particularly the Assam government,
Sports Foundation of Ladakh with support from the
in promoting sports and providing opportunities for
Administration Union Territory of Ladakh and the 14
youth.
Corps of the Indian Army. It witnessed participation

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from 120 runners across seven countries, competing JACINTHA KALYAN MAKES HISTORY AS
in 21 km and 10 km categories. INDIA’S FIRST FEMALE PITCH CURATOR
• Jacintha Kalyan has become India’s first female

pitch curator, breaking barriers in cricket.
• Kalyan made a bold transition from the administrative
sector to curatorship driven by her passion for the
game.
• She faces challenges and comments about being the
• In addition to the marathon in Ladakh, other sole woman in her role but remains focused on her task.
marathons were hosted in different parts of India. • Kalyan is known for her dedication and spends long
The RCC Magnum Foundation hosted a marathon with hours preparing pitches with diligence.
around 2,500 participants, while Gurgaon is preparing
• She has cleared the BCCI curatorship exam in 2018
for its first marathon with international certification,
and brings her expertise to prepare pitches for the
expecting around 8,000 participants. This indicates a
Bangalore leg of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
growing interest in marathon running as a sport and a
lifestyle choice in India. • The upcoming edition of the WPL will be played in
multiple cities, including Bangalore and Delhi.

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14
Person in News
LK ADVANI TO BE AWARDED BHARAT RATNA, • Apurva Chandra, who previously worked in the
ANNOUNCED BY PM MODI: Information and Broadcasting department, has been
appointed as the Health Secretary. He has extensive
experience, having worked for the government since
1988.
• Sanjay Jaju will be taking over Apurva Chandra’s
previous role as the Information and Broadcasting
Secretary. He has previously worked in Telangana and
started his government job in 1992.
• Sukhbir Singh Sandhu has been appointed to work
with the Lokpal, an organization that aims to combat
corruption, for a period of one year.
• Ashish Kumar Bhutani has been appointed as the new
Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperation.
• Raj Kumar Goyal has been appointed as the Secretary
for the Department of Border Management.
• LK Advani, a prominent figure in Indian politics, will
be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s PT USHA HONORED WITH LIFETIME
highest civilian award, in recognition of his indelible ACHIEVEMENT AWARD BY SJFI AND DSJA
contribution to Indian politics and society over several
decades.
• Advani’s political journey is marked by resilience,
leadership, and profound influence on the Indian
political landscape. He played a key role in shaping
the ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and
steering it to national prominence.
• His Rath Yatra in 1990 was a turning point in Indian
politics, significantly impacting the national discourse
and contributing to the rise of the BJP as a major
political force.
• PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic
APURVA CHANDRA APPOINTED HEALTH Association, received the prestigious ‘Lifetime
SECRETARY; SANJAY JAJU NEW I&B Achievement’ award from the Sports Journalists
SECRETARY Federation of India and Delhi Sports Journalists
Association, recognizing her contributions to
Indian athletics.
• The award ceremony was attended by notable
personalities such as Rajeev Shukla and Jaspal Rana.
• PT Usha, often referred to as the “Queen of Indian track
and field,” was honored with a medallion, citation, and
memento for her stellar sporting career.
• She is the fifth sportsperson to receive the ‘Lifetime
Achievement’ award, joining the ranks of Vijay Amritraj,
Prakash Padukone, Sunil Gavaskar, and Milkha Singh.
REC WINS BEST GREEN BOND - CORPORATE • Dr. Bina Modi emphasized the importance of
AWARD AT THE ASSET TRIPLE A AWARDS FOR sustainability in business practices during her
acceptance speech, highlighting the need to prioritize
SUSTAINABLE FINANCE 2024:
practices that benefit both people and the planet.
• As Chairperson of Modi Enterprises, Dr. Bina Modi
oversees a diverse portfolio of companies, including
Godfrey Phillips India and Indofil, driving growth
while prioritizing the well-being of employees and the
environment.
BHARAT RATNA TO HONOUR PV NARASIMHA

RAO, CHAUDHARY CHARAN SINGH, AND MS
SWAMINATHAN:
• REC Limited, a leading NBFC, has been honored with
the Best Green Bond - Corporate Award at The
Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance,
highlighting its commitment to Sustainable Finance
and Environmental Sustainability.
• REC issued USD Green Bonds worth 750 million in
April 2023, marking a milestone as the first from India
post its assumption of G20 Presidency. This issuance
received widespread acclaim and was the largest
Senior Green Bond Tranche by a South or South-East
Asian issuer. • PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh,
• REC’s USD Green Bonds were well received by investors, and MS Swaminathan are set to receive India’s
showcasing its prowess in Financing Solutions and highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, for their
Climate Change Mitigation. They were priced at a significant contributions to the nation’s progress.
minimum new issue premium of 7.5 bps. • PV Narasimha Rao, known as the Architect of
Modern India, played a crucial role in implementing
DR. BINA MODI NAMED ‘OUTSTANDING economic liberalization in the 1990s, leading to India’s
BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR 2023’ rapid growth and integration into the global economy.
• Rao’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by bold
reforms that transformed the economic landscape,
fostered investment, expanded the private sector, and
enhanced India’s competitiveness worldwide.
• He also made significant contributions to India’s foreign
policy, redefining relationships and strengthening ties
with the East through initiatives like the Look East
policy.
• Chaudhary Charan Singh dedicated his life to the
welfare of farmers and is considered a champion of
India’s agrarian community.
• Dr. MS Swaminathan’s contributions to India’s
agricultural revolution are monumental. As the
• Dr. Bina Modi, Chairperson of Modi Enterprises, architect of the Green Revolution, Swaminathan’s
received the ‘Outstanding Business Woman of the scientific acumen and innovative approaches to
Year’ Award, highlighting her exceptional leadership crop improvement significantly increased food
and contributions to the industry. production, thereby mitigating the threat of famine
and ensuring food security for millions. His work not
• The award ceremony took place during a conference
only transformed India from a food-importing country
aimed at strengthening the Indo-US relationship,
to one of self-sufficiency but also inspired agricultural
attended by notable figures including Ambassador to
reforms worldwide.
India Eric Garcetti and representatives of IACC.

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VETERAN MUSIC COMPOSER PYARELAL • The plaque recognizes Chopra’s remarkable journey
SHARMA AWARDED LAKSHMINARAYANA from a small village in Haryana to becoming an Olympic
champion and global sporting icon, symbolizing hope
INTERNATIONAL AWARD and potential.
• Chopra donated one of his iconic javelins to the Ice
Palace, further solidifying the cultural exchange
between India and Switzerland.
K.P.P. NAMBIAR AWARD FOR ISRO CHAIRMAN

S. SOMANATH
• Pyarelal Sharma, one-half of the composer duo

Laxmikant-Pyarelal, has been felicitated with the
Lakshminarayana International Award for his
contributions to the Indian music industry.
• Pyarelal Sharma and Laxmikant Shantaram Kudalkar
formed the iconic music composer duo known as
Laxmikant-Pyarelal, known for their memorable and
evergreen songs in Indian cinema. • The IEEE Kerala Section announced the recipient of
the K.P.P. Nambiar Award, which was given to ISRO
• The Lakshminarayana International Award is presented
Chairman S. Somanath for his contributions in
to individuals who have made significant contributions
space technology.
to the world of music.
• The K.P.P. Nambiar Award is named after K.P.P.
• The duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal has created iconic
Nambiar, the founder chair of the IEEE Kerala section,
soundtracks for films like “Mera Gaon Mera Desh,”
and it recognizes individuals or groups in the State
“Bobby,” “Amar Akbar Anthony,” and “Prem Rog,” which
who have made significant contributions to advancing
have remained popular across generations.
technology for humanity.
SWITZERLAND TOURISM HONORS NEERAJ • The award not only honors the legacy of K.P.P. Nambiar
also encourages technological innovation and its
CHOPRA WITH A PLAQUE AT JUNGFRAU’S
application for the greater good.
ICE PALACE • Under the leadership of S. Somanath, ISRO has
achieved remarkable milestones, particularly in lunar
exploration.
INDIA WAS HONORED WITH THE

9TH GOVTECH PRIZE AT THE WORLD
GOVERNMENT SUMMIT 2024, HELD IN THE
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
• Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic gold medalist and

world champion javelin thrower, was honored
with a commemorative plaque at the Ice Palace in
Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, also known as the Top
of Europe.
• The Ice Palace, carved into the heart of a glacier, serves
as a unique and awe-inspiring monument surrounded
by breathtaking alpine scenery.

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• India was honored with the 9th GovTech Prize at the SHRI PAWAN KUMAR ASSUMES CHARGE OF
World Government Summit 2024 for its innovative CHIEF ADVISER (COST) IN DEPARTMENT OF
use of artificial intelligence in enhancing government
EXPENDITURE, MINISTRY OF FINANCE
services.
• The Ministry for Road Transport Highways of
the Government of India has been recognized for
its groundbreaking project, iRASTE (Intelligent
Solutions for Road Safety through Technology and
Engineering).
• iRASTE is a collaborative effort that integrates AI
technology to tackle the challenges of road safety,
aiming to prevent accidents before they happen.
• The project sets ambitious goals, targeting a 50%
reduction in road accidents in urban areas.
• Shri Pawan Kumar, a 1992-batch officer of the Indian
EX-RAILWAY BOARD CHAIRMAN ANIL Cost Accounts Service, has assumed charge as Chief
KUMAR LAHOTI IS NEW TRAI CHIEF Adviser (Cost) in the Department of Expenditure,
Ministry of Finance.
• Shri Kumar has a diverse professional background,
having worked in various capacities at different
Ministries, Departments, and autonomous bodies such
as Tariff Commission, Delhi Development Authority,
Director General of Trade Remedies, Department
of Economic Affairs, and Department of Public
Enterprises.
• Shri Kumar played a pivotal role in the development
of a web-based Online Dashboard for performance
evaluation of CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises)
• Lahoti, an Indian Anil Kumar Lahoti has been
in the Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of
appointed as the chairman of the Telecom Regulatory
Finance. This initiative received the ‘Gold Award’ in the
Authority of India (TRAI) following the vacancy left
‘e-Governance’ category in 2022.
by PD Vaghela.
• Railway Service of Engineer (IRSE) with a background LT GENERAL UPENDRA DWIVEDI TAKES
in Civil Engineering and a Master of Engineering degree, CHARGE AS VICE CHIEF OF ARMY
brings extensive leadership experience and expertise
in Strategic Management to his new role.
• Lahoti’s tenure is initially for three years or until he
turns 65, replacing Meenakshi Gupta, who held the
position temporarily.
• Lahoti’s appointment has garnered optimism within
the industry, with expectations high for his leadership
in advancing the goals of Digital India.
• Stakeholders, including the Cellular Operators
Association of India (COAI), anticipate Lahoti’s
guidance to drive growth and innovation in the • Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been
telecommunications sector. appointed as the new Army Vice Chief in the Indian
• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is Army, effective February 15.
an official body established by the Government of India • Lt Gen Dwivedi has previously served in key positions
under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, including Deputy Chief and Director General of Infantry
1997, regulating the telecommunications sector. at the Army Headquarters.
• TRAI’s objective is to foster telecommunications • Lt Gen Dwivedi’s operational experience in the
Northern Command, particularly during the ongoing
growth in India, positioning the nation as a leader in
India-China military standoff, positions him well for
the global information society.
his new role as Army Vice Chief.

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• Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, the outgoing Army Vice • Ajay Kumar Choudhary has been appointed as the
Chief, has had a distinguished career and his leadership new non-executive chairman and independent
and strategic foresight have contributed significantly to director of the National Payments Corporation of
the Indian Army’s operational readiness. India (NPCI), effective February 8, 2024. He brings
• Lt Gen Dwivedi’s appointment signifies a continuity of extensive experience and expertise from his three-
strong leadership within the Indian Army, with a focus decade career at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) .
on operational effectiveness and strategic planning. • Mr. Choudhary served as an Executive Director at the
RBI, overseeing banking regulation, supervision, and
THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) HAS fintech. He played a key role in shaping India’s financial
APPOINTED MIO OKA AS ITS NEW COUNTRY landscape, including the development of the Payment
DIRECTOR FOR INDIA System Vision 2025 and the launch of the Unified
Payments Interface (UPI) .
• NPCI operates and manages retail payments and
settlement systems in India, including platforms
like RuPay cards, IMPS, and UPI. Mr. Choudhary’s
appointment is expected to contribute to NPCI’s growth
and innovation.
SOUTHERN RAILWAY APPOINTS FIRST

TRANSWOMAN TTE, BREAKS BARRIERS IN
DINDIGUL
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed
Mio Oka as its new Country Director for India,
succeeding Takeo Konishi.
• Ms. Oka brings nearly three decades of professional
experience, including over 18 years with ADB, to her
new role.
• Ms. Oka will be responsible for steering ADB’s
operations in India and fostering relations with the
government and other development partners.
• She will lead the implementation of ADB’s country
partnership strategy for India, aimed at catalyzing • Sindhu Ganapathy’s appointment as the first trans
robust, climate-resilient, and inclusive private sector- woman Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) of
led growth. Southern Railway is a significant milestone in the
journey towards inclusivity and acceptance in the
• The strategy aims to accelerate structural
Indian workforce.
transformation, promote climate-resilient green
growth, and enhance social and economic inclusiveness • Ms. Ganapathy’s career with the Railways began in
in India. 2003 when she joined as an Assistant.
NPCI APPOINTS AJAY KUMAR CHOUDHARY SANJAY KUMAR JAIN ASSUMES THE CHARGE
AS NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF CMD/IRCTC

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• Mr. Sanjay Kumar Jain, an IRTS Officer, has assumed • Gulzar, born Sampooran Singh Kalra, is known for his
the role of Chairman Managing Director of IRCTC, contributions to Urdu poetry and Hindi cinema. He has
bringing a wealth of experience and leadership skills. received numerous accolades, including the Sahitya
• Mr. Jain has made significant contributions in various Akademi Award for Urdu, the Dadasaheb Phalke
key positions within the Ministry of Railways and Award, and several National Film Awards. His song “Jai
PSUs, showcasing his expertise in policy formulation, Ho” from the film “Slumdog Millionaire” has won both
commercial ventures, and developmental initiatives. an Oscar and a Grammy. Gulzar is also recognized for
• As Group General Manager at IRCTC, Mr. Jain led his directorial ventures and his creation of the unique
groundbreaking initiatives, including enhancing genre of non-rhyming three-line poetry called ‘Triveni’.
the Maharajas’ Express and introducing India’s first
‘Executive Lounge’ at New Delhi Railway Station.
NIKHIL JOSHI APPOINTED NEW MANAGING

DIRECTOR OF BOEING DEFENCE INDIA
• Jagadguru Rambhadracharya is a prominent figure in

Sanskrit scholarship and Hindu spirituality. He is known
for his expertise in Sanskrit and his contributions to
the field of spirituality.
PRESIDENT OF INDIA CONFERS RPSF

CONSTABLE WITH ‘JEEVAN RAKSHA PADAK’
• Boeing has appointed Nikhil Joshi as the managing

director of Boeing Defense India (BDI) to enhance its
operations and growth strategy in India. This decision
highlights Boeing’s commitment to strengthening its
presence in India’s defense market and advancing the
mission readiness and modernization efforts of India’s
defense forces.
• Nikhil Joshi brings over 25 years of experience in the
aerospace and defense sector, including a distinguished
career in the Indian Navy. His role at Boeing will focus
on steering current and future programs to enhance
the operational capabilities of India’s defense forces. • Sh. Shashikant Kumar, a constable of the Railway
• Joshi’s leadership at Boeing is expected to foster close Protection Special Force (RPSF), was awarded the
collaboration within Boeing’s global defense and prestigious ‘Jeevan Raksha Padak’ by the Hon’ble
services sectors. President of India for his exceptional valor and
selflessness in a momentous ceremony on Republic
GULZAR, SANSKRIT SCHOLAR Day 2024.
RAMBHADRACHARYA SELECTED FOR • Kumar’s act of bravery took place at Prayagraj Chheoki
Railway Station on June 8, 2023, where he rescued a
JNANPITH AWARD
female passenger who had slipped and fallen into the
• The Jnanpith Award for the year 2023 has been gap between the moving train and the platform.
announced, honoring two luminaries from the world of
• Kumar’s swift and decisive intervention averted
letters: Gulzar, a celebrated Urdu poet and Bollywood
a potential catastrophic accident, highlighting his
personality, and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a
dedication to safeguarding the lives of railway
distinguished Sanskrit scholar and spiritual leader.
passengers.

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• His courageous act exemplifies the highest ideals
of service and commitment upheld by the Railway
Protection Special Force.
REC RECEIVES ‘INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

DEVELOPMENT AWARD’ AT IIT MADRAS CSR
SUMMIT FOR ITS 2 MW ROOFTOP SOLAR
PLANT AT IIT
• Tharoor’s body of work, including renowned books like

‘An Era of Darkness’, ‘Pax Indica’, and ‘The Great Indian
Novel’, along with his diplomatic and political roles, was
praised for his exceptional career and contributions.
INCREDIBLE PIC OF WHALE BONES

WINS SWEDISH MAN THE UNDERWATER
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2024 AWARD
• REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector

Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, has
been honored with the ‘Innovative Technology
Development Award’ at the ‘Building India 2047:
Technology for Better Tomorrow’ CSR Summit,
hosted by IIT Madras.
• The recognition highlights REC’s CSR initiative of
installing a 2 MW rooftop solar plant at IIT Madras,
which annually generates approximately 3.15 million • Swedish photographer Alex Dawson won the title of
units of clean energy, contributing significantly to Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 with his
reducing the institute’s carbon footprint. mesmerizing image ‘Whale Bones’ that showcases
• Smt. Taruna Gupta, Executive Director (CSR), and the skeletal remains of a minke whale beneath the
Smt. Thara Ramesh, Chief Program Manager of REC’s Greenland ice sheet.
Regional Office Chennai, received the award on behalf • The competition received over 6,500 entries from
of REC. photographers worldwide, competing across 13
• REC Foundation, REC Limited’s CSR arm, maintains categories. Dawson’s photograph stood out among the
a robust commitment to CSR, prioritizing projects impressive array of underwater photography, securing
with a profound impact on society and aligning with him the top honor.
sustainable development goals and national priorities. • Dawson’s achievement highlights his mastery
of underwater photography, capturing the eerie
SHASHI THAROOR CONFERRED FRANCE’S tranquility of the underwater scene and the compelling
HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOUR story of natural history that the whale bones narrate.
• Shashi Tharoor has been awarded the prestigious His work serves as a reminder of the unseen natural
‘Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur’ (Knight of wonders beneath the surface.
the Legion of Honour), France’s highest civilian
honour, for his lifelong dedication to fostering EX-SC JUDGE JUSTICE A M KHANWILKAR
global understanding and his significant service to APPOINTED LOKPAL CHAIRPERSON
India and the world at large. • Former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Manikrao
• The award ceremony took place at the French Embassy Khanwilkar has been appointed as the chairperson
in New Delhi, where French Senate President Gerard of the Lokpal, the anti-corruption ombudsman of
Larcher presented the honour to Tharoor. India.

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ROMAIN ROLLAND BOOK PRIZE 2024
AWARDED TO BENGALI TRANSLATION OF
‘STALIN’S COUCH’
• Other key members of the Lokpal include Justice

Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Justice Sanjay Yadav, and
Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi as judicial members, and
Sushil Chandra, Pankaj Kumar, and Ajay Tirkey as non-
judicial members. • Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee has won the Romain
• The chairperson and members of the Lokpal Rolland Book Prize for his translation of Jean-Daniel
are appointed by the President following the Baltassat’s “Le Divan de Staline” into Bengali, titled
recommendations of a Selection Committee chaired by “Staliner Divan” .
the Prime Minister. • The translation is praised for its linguistic prowess and
• The Lokpal can have a total of eight members, comprising fidelity to the original text .
four judicial and four non-judicial members. • “Le Divan de Staline” is a novel that explores a pivotal
• Justice Khanwilkar’s tenure on the Supreme Court episode in the life of Joseph Stalin, depicting him
bench was marked by several landmark judgments, grappling with insomnia and being haunted by ghosts
including cases related to Sabarimala women’s entry, from his past .
decriminalization of homosexuality, and the validity of • The novel portrays Stalin as a tyrant consumed by
Aadhaar. cruelty and ruthlessness, rather than a benevolent
figure.

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15
Important Days
WORLD WETLANDS DAY WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

• The celebration of World Wetlands Day originated in • The World Day of Social Justice is a global observance
1971 when a group of environmentalists convened to dedicated to advancing the cause of social justice,
reaffirm their commitment to protecting and cherishing addressing challenges such as poverty, exclusion,
wetlands.
gender inequality, unemployment, human rights,
• World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 and social protection.
February. This day marks the date of the adoption of
the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the • In 2024, the theme is “Overcoming Barriers and
Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice,” aligning
• The theme for WWD-2024, “Wetlands and Human with the United Nations’ recommendations to foster
Wellbeing,” emphasises the vital role that wetlands global solidarity and restore trust in governments.
play in enriching our lives. • This theme emphasises bridging gaps and building
• It underscores how wetlands provide crucial benefits alliances to create a more just and equitable world.
such as flood prevention, water purification, biodiversity
preservation, and recreational opportunities, which INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY
are fundamental for human health and prosperity. • The global annual observance known as International
Mother Language Day takes place on February 21st
NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY DAY
each year.
• National Productivity Day 2024 falls on February
12th. • It aims to raise awareness about linguistic and
cultural diversity while advocating multilingualism.
• This year’s observance theme is “Artificial Intelligence
(AI): Driving Economic Growth Through • The theme for the 2024 celebration of International
Productivity.” Mother Language Day is “Multilingual education
• Its main aim is to encourage and promote productivity, serves as a foundation for intergenerational
leading to the country’s economic growth. learning.”
Practice Set
1. The famous D.K. Basu vs the State of West Bengal case 7. Which of the following countries are planning to launch
was related to which of the following? the world’s first wooden satellite into space?
(a) Against police abuse (a) India and USA (b) USA and France
(b) Against child abuse (c) USA and Japan (d) India and Japan
(c) Against workplace abuse 8. Consider the following statements about YUVIKA:
(d) Against racism 1. The programme has been organsied by Indian Space
2. Recently in news, which state has launched Digital Research Organisation (ISRO).
Detox initiative? 2. The key objective of this initiative is to impart Space
(a) Maharashtra (b) Andhra Pradesh science and Technology knowledge to the younger
(c) Karnataka (d) Tamil Nadu students.
3. Consider the following statements regarding Article 44 Which of the above statements is/are correct?
of the Constitution: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. Article 44 states that “The State shall endeavor to (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
secure the citizen a Uniform Civil Code throughout
9. Consider the following about Trans fatty acids:
the territory of India”.
1. Trans fat, or trans-fatty acids (TFA), are unsaturated
2. Goa is the only state to have implemented Uniform
civil Code in the country. fatty acids that come from either industrial or natural
sources
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. Fried foods, pastries, and ready meals are examples
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
of foods rich in trans fats and are particularly
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 dangerous for heart health.
4. Consider the following statements about Vote on Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Account:
1. The Vote on Account is a provision under Article 112
of the Indian Constitution. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2.
It empowers the government to withdraw funds 10. Recently seen in the news, the Vyommitra robot is
from the Consolidated Fund of India to meet the related with which mission?
government’s expenditure requirements for a limited (a) Shukrayaan Mission
period. (b) Gaganyaan Mission
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(c) Chandrayaan Mission
(d) Samudrayaan Mission
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
11. Recently seen in news, the Genie is developed by
5. Which of the following is not a astronaut designated for
Gaganyaan Mission? (a) Google (b) Microsoft
(a) Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (c) Facebook (d) Apple
(b) Ajit Krishnan 12. Recently in the news, the Support for Marginalized
Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE)
(c) Angad Pratap
scheme has been launched by which ministry?
(d) Akshay Shukla
(a) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
6. Recently, where has been the largest Drone Pilot
Training Organisation launched? (b) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
(a) IIT Roorkee (b) IIT Guwahati (c) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(c) IIT Madras (c) IIT Bombay (d) Ministry of Rural Development
13. Recently in news, the SWATI scheme is related to 20. Steadfast Defender 2024 is an exercise related to
(a) Providing interest-free loans to rural poors (a) NATO (b) ASEAN
(b) Providing scholarships to tribal youth (c) G-20 (d) None
(c) Creating comprehensive database for foreign 21. Exercise Dharma Guardian 2024 is conducted between:
criminals (a) India and Srilanka
(d) Creating a single portal for Indian women in (b) India and Nepal
STEMM (c) India and Japan
14. Recently, the Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc) has (d) India and USA
partnered with which of the following for research on
22. Exercise Dosti is conducted between which of the
6G technology and its applications?
following countries?
(a) BSNL (b) Airtel
(a) India, Nepal and Bangladesh
(c) Nokia (d) Reliance Jio
(b) India, Nepal and Bhutan
15. How many of the following countries accept UPI
(c) India, Nepal and Srilanka
payments in their countries:
(d) India, Maldives and Srilanka
1. Bhutan 2. UAE
23. Mission Aspides is a mission of which of the following
3. Mauritius 4. Sri Lanka
organisations?
Choose the correct answer from the code given below: (a) ASEAN (b) European Union
(a) One only (b) Two only (c) G-20 (d) NATO
(c) Three only (d) Four only 24. Zircon Missile is related to which of the following
16. Which of the following countries have recently countries?
withdrawn from the Economic Community of West (a) India (b) Malaysia
African States (ECOWAS)?
(c) Russia (d) USA
1. Burkina faso 2. Nigeria
25. INS Sandhayak is a type of
3. Niger 4. Mali
(a) Scorpene class submarine
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below: (b) Frigate
(a) 1,2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) Survey Vessel
(c) 1,3 and 4 (d) 1,2,3 and 4
(d) Destroyer
17. Subika Painting is related to 26. Exercise Vayu Shakti-24 was held in
(a) Meitei Community (a) Jaisalmer (b) Goa
(b) Khasi Community (c) New Delhi (d) Andaman Islands
(c) Kuki Community 27. The Munich Security Conference (MSC) is an
(d) Naga Community annual event. It was started in the year:
18. Discovery of Mesolithic Era Rock Paintings at (a) 1959 (b) 1969
(a) Sitamma Loddi (b) Kashmir (c) 1963 (d) 1924
(c) Manipur (d) None 28. The Raisina dialogue is held by which of the following
19. Consider the following statement about the architecture countries?
of Martanda Sun Temple: (a) India (b) USA
1. Blends local Kashmiri style with influences from (c) Japan (d) South Korea
Gupta, Chinese, Gandhara, Roman, and Greek 29. Consider the following statements about “World
architectural traditions. Wetland Day”:
2. Built entirely of stone atop a plateau, covering an 1. It is celebrated each year on 2nd February.
expansive 32,000 square feet. 2. Wetland serves as an ecological purifier.
3. Features a central shrine (vimana) adorned with 3. The theme of this year is “Wetlands and Human
intricate carvings depicting Hindu deities. Wellbeing”.
How many of the above statements are correct? How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) One only (b) Two only (a) One only (b) Two only
(c) Three Only (d) None (c) Three Only (d) None

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30. National Productivity Day is celebrated on 3. The Services Domestic Regulation (DSR) disciplines
(a) 2nd february (b) 12th february operate on a “most-favoured nation” principle,
(c) 20th february (d) None benefiting only a select group of WTO members.
4. GATS was established during the 13th Ministerial
31. Consider the following following days and their themes:
Conference of the WTO.
Days Theme 5. GATS covers all service sectors except air transport
Overcoming Barriers and services, which are regulated under a separate annexe
World Day of Social exempting certain measures.
Unleashing Opportunities
Justice
for Social Justice Choose the correct option(s):
Multilingual education (a) 1,3 and 4 only (b) 2 and 5 only
International Mother
serves as a foundation for (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 4 and 5 only
Language Day
intergenerational learning 35. Consider the following statements about awards:
Which of the above pairs are correct? 1. PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and
(a) Pair 1 only MS Swaminathan are set to receive India’s highest
civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, for their
(b) Pair 2 only
significant contributions to the nation’s progress.
(c) Both pairs are correct
2. The Bharat Ratna Award for excellence in arts and
(d) None letters, instituted in 1954, is the most prestigious
32. Which of the following statements correctly describes award conferred.
the Africa Club formed at the 37th African Union Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Summit? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. The Africa Club primarily consists of nonAfrican
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
financial institutions.
36. Who has been appointed as the chairman of the Telecom
2. The Africa Club aims to diminish Africa’s influence
Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) following the
in the global financial system.
vacancy left by PD Vaghela?
3. The Africa Club’s functions are aligned with the
(a) Anil Kumar Lahoti
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the
African Union’s Agenda 2063. (b) Mukesh Ambani
4. The Africa Club focuses solely on providing (c) PD Vaghela
traditional financial services without introducing (d) Sunil Bharti Mittal
innovative instruments. 37. Which of the following books was awarded the Romain
5. The Africa Club does not encourage collaborative Rolland Book Prize in 2024?
efforts to address the specific needs of African
(a) “Stalin’s Couch”
countries.
(b) “Les Misérables”
6. Member institutions of the Africa Club include
the African Export-Import Bank and the African (c) “The Alchemist”
Reinsurance Corporation. (d) “To Kill a Mockingbird”
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 3,5 and 6 only 38. Which of the following city has won the right to host the
(c) 3 and 6 only (d) 3 and 5 only India vs. Kuwait match for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
33. Head Quarters of African Union is situated at: (a) Hyderabad (b) Delhi
(a) Ethiopia (b) Senegal (c) Mumbai (d) Kolkata
(c) Ghana (d) South Africa 39. What is India’s position on the International IP Index
34. Which of the following statements accurately describe 2024?
aspects of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (a) 35 (b) 42
(GATS) and its recent developments? (c) 56 (d) 27
1. GATS primarily regulates merchandise trade within 40. Who has been appointed as the new Army Vice Chief in
the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework. the Indian Army?
2. The recent obligations under GATS, known as (a) General Manoj Mukund Naravane
Services Domestic Regulation (DSR), aim to ease
(b) Lieutenant General Jaspreet Singh
non-good trade among 72 nations by addressing
licensing requirements, qualification procedures, and (c) Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi
technical standards. (d) General Praveen Joshi

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41. Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget in the 46. What prestigious honor has Shashi Tharoor been
year 2024. At what time did she do so? awarded for his lifelong dedication to fostering global
(a) 5th time (b) 4th time understanding and his service to India and the world?
(c) 6th time (d) 7th time (a) Order of the British Empire
42. Which team did the Indian women’s badminton team (b) Bharat Ratna
defeat to win the historic gold medal at the Badminton (c) Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur
Asia Team Championships 2024 ? (d) Padma Bhushan
(a) China (b) Thailand 47. Consider the following statements about the ramsar
(c) South Korea (d) Indonesia sites:
43. Consider the following statements about Jnanpith 1. Recently, five new sites were added to the list
Award: of Ramsar Sites in India-Ankasamudra Bird
1. The Jnanpith Award was instituted in 1961, and the Conservation Reserve - Karnataka,Aghanashini
first award was given in 1965. Estuary - Karnataka,Magadi Kere Conservation
Reserve - Karnataka, Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary
2.
Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar
- Tamil Nadu, Longwood Shola Reserve Forest -
Rambhadracharya are the recipients of the 2023
Tamil Nadu.
Jnanpith Award.
2. There are 78 Ramsar sites in India as of January
Select the correct answer using the code given below? 2024.
(a) 1 only Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
(d) None of the above 48. Which of the following state in India has declared the
44. Which of the following is the primary focus of the Gupteswar Forest as its fourth Biodiversity-Heritage
Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing? Site (BHS)?
(a) Climate change mitigation. (a) Kerala (b) Odisha
(b) Space exploration collaboration. (c) Maharashtra (d) Tamil Nadu
(c) Conservation of cultural heritage. 49. Which of the following is not a wetland site under
(d) Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use Ramsar Convention?
of genetic resources and traditional knowledge. (a) Rudrasagar, Tripura
45. Consider the following statements about the Index: (b) Bhitarkanika, Odisha
1. India slips one rank down to 87th place on the index. (c) Jaisamand, Rajasthan
2. The Henley Passport Index assesses countries based (d) Loktak Lake, Manipur
on the visa-free access their citizens enjoy. 50. What is the new name of the Saurashtra Cricket
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect? Association (SCA) Stadium in Rajkot, Gujarat?
(a) 1 only (a) Rajkot Cricket Arena
(b) 2 only (b) Saurashtra Cricket Ground
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Modi Stadium
(d) None of the above (d) Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium
Answer Key
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (c) 9. (c) 10. (b)
11. (a) 12. (b) 13. (d) 14. (c) 15. (d) 16. (c) 17. (a) 18. (a) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (c) 22. (d) 23. (b) 24. (c) 25. (c) 26. (a) 27. (c) 28. (a) 29. (c) 30. (b)
31. (c) 32. (d) 33. (a) 34. (a) 35. (b) 36. (a) 37. (a) 38. (a) 39. (b) 40. (c)
41. (c) 42. (b) 43. (c) 44. (d) 45. (a) 46. (c) 47. (a) 48. (b) 49. (c) 50. (d)

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Solution
1. (a) D.K. Basu vs the State of West Bengal case • It is mentioned in part IV as the Directive
• The Supreme Court criticised the behaviour Principle and is therefore non-justiciable in
of four convicted policemen in Gujarat for nature.
publicly flogging Muslim males in front of a • Goa is the only state to have implemented
cheering crowd and questioned their presumed Uniform civil Code in the country.
authority to do so.
4. (c) Explanation:
• The Supreme Court charged the police officers
• This year due to elections of Lok sabha, the
with Contempt of court for violating the
budget presented in February was an interim
Supreme Court guidelines in the D.K. Basu vs
budget.
the State of West Bengal case.
• The Vote on Account in the Interim Budget
• The D.K. Basu Guidelines were the measures
designed to decrease custodial deaths and 2024 is crucial for managing the transitional
abuse, as well as to regulate police conduct period between governments.
and establish protocols for arresting people. • The Vote on Account is a provision under
• The guidelines established in DK Basu vs State Article 116 of the Indian Constitution.
of West Bengal were later integrated into the • It empowers the government to withdraw
Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, through the funds from the Consolidated Fund of
Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, India to meet the government’s expenditure
2008, effective from November 1, 2010. requirements for a limited period, typically a
few months.
2. (c) Explanation:
• Article 112 of the Constitution requires the
• The Karnataka Government has introduced a
government to present to Parliament a statement
‘Digital Detox’ initiative to promote mindful
of estimated receipts and expenditure in respect
utilisation of social media during a Global
of every financial year, from April 1 to March
Confluence of Animation, VFX, and Gaming
31.
Brilliance (GAFX 2024) held in Bengaluru,
Karnataka. 5. (d) Explanation:
• The aim of the initiative is to raise awareness • PM Modi announced the names of 4 astronauts
about the negative effects of excessive time selected for the Gaganyaan Mission.
spent in the digital realm and promote a culture • They are Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan
of responsible gaming. Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group
• The initiative has been launched in collaboration Captain Angad Pratap and Wing Commander
with the All India Game Developers Forum Shubhanshu Shukla.
(AIGDF) and the National Institute of Mental • They have been training extensively for the
Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) to Gaganyaan mission for the last five years in
raise awareness about mindful technology. Russian and Indian facilities.
3. (c) Explanation: 6. (b) Explanation:
• The Uttarakhand Cabinet led by Chief Minister • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati
Pushkar Singh Dhami approved the Uniform has launched the largest Remote Pilot Training
Civil Code (UCC) bill based on suggestions Organisation (RPTO) in the country with an
from a high-level governmentappointed aim to promote the advancement of drone
committee. technology.
• Article 44 of the Indian Constitution tates that
• The training partner of the program is
“The State shall endeavour to secure the
EduRade, a brand owned by RC HobbyTech
citizen a Uniform Civil Code throughout the
Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
territory of India”.
• The Pilot Training Organisation covers 18 • Trans fatty acids (TFA) do not provide any
acres and can operate 9 medium-class drones proven health advantages, and foods rich in
simultaneously. trans fats (such as fried foods, pastries, and
• The RPTO will initially introduce a ready meals) typically contain high levels of
DGCACertified Medium Class Drone Pilot sugar, fat, and salt.
Training Course to improve the skills of young • Consuming trans fatty acids (TFA) is linked to a
people in the North East and other parts of India. greater chance of experiencing heart attacks and
7. (c) Explanation: mortality due to heart disease.
• USA space agency NASA and the Japan 10. (b) Explanation:
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are • Vyommitra” is a name derived from two Sanskrit
planning to launch the world’s first wooden words namely, “Vyoma” (meaning Space) and
satellite into space in a bid to make spaceflight “Mitra” (meaning Friend).
more sustainable.
• It is a female-looking spacefaring humanoid
• LignoSat, a coffee mug-size satellite made
robot being developed by the Indian Space
from magnolia wood, is set to launch into
Research Organisation to function on-board
Earth’s orbit by summer 2024.
the Gaganyaan mission, a crewed orbital
• Wood does not combust or decay in the airless spacecraft.
void of space, but it will turn to fine ash when
• Vyommitra will fly into Space ahead of ISRO’s
it reenters Earth’s atmosphere, making it a
remarkably practical and environmentally ambitious “Gaganyaan” mission, which will
friendly material for potential satellites. be India’s first human manned Space Flight
carrying Indian Astronauts into Space.
• Tests proved that after enduring the severe
conditions of outer space for 10 months, there 11. (a) Explanation:
was no decomposition or deformations seen. • Genie is an acronym for Generative Interactive
8. (c) Explanation: Environments, an AI model with 11 billion
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) parameters that was trained in an unsupervised
will organise a special programme for School manner using unlabelled internet videos.
Children called “Young Scientist Programme” • Google DeepMind, the AI research division
“YUva VIgyani KAryakram” (YUVIKA). of Google, has introduced Genie, an imageto-
• The key objective of this initiative is to impart video Al model capable of creating dynamic,
basic knowledge on Space Science, Space playable games using real-world photographs
Technology and Space Applications to the or human-made designs.
younger students in emerging trends in space • It can generate interactive virtual
science and technology. environments depicted using text, graphics,
• The YUVIKA programme is also expected to photographs, and hand-drawn sketches.
encourage more students to pursue Science, • Genie’s capacity to create games from abstract
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ideas is fascinating and could inspire upcoming
(STEM) based research and aligned careers. developers, potentially sparking a wave of
• It will impart basic knowledge on Space innovative gaming designs.
Science, Space Technology and Space
12. (b) Explanation:
Applications to the younger students with a
preference to rural areas of the country. • The Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment has launched an umbrella
9. (c) Explanation: scheme “SMILE - Support for Marginalized
• Five countries namely, Denmark, Lithuania, Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”.
Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand have
• It includes two sub-schemes - ‘Central Sector
received WHO’s first accreditation for
Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation
eradicating industrial trans fatty acids.
for Welfare of Transgender Persons’ and
• Each have demonstrated they have a best ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive
practice policy for industrially produced trans- Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of
fatty acids (iTFA) elimination with proper
Begging’.
monitoring and enforcement.
• The scheme was launched in February 2021.
• Trans-fatty acids (TFA) are solid to semi solid
fats that exist in two forms: those manufactured • The Ministry has allocated Rs. 365 Crore for
industrially and those found naturally. the scheme from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

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13. (d) Explanation: • Struggling with jihadist violence and poverty,
• Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation the regimes have had tense ties with ECOWAS
(SWATI)” Portal was launched by the Principal since coups took place in Niger July 2023,
Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020.
• The portal aims to create a single online portal • All three were suspended from ECOWAS
representing Indian Women and Girls in with Niger and Mali facing heavy sanctions.
STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, 17. (a) The Meitei community, also known as the
Mathematics & Medicine) Manipuri people, represents the predominant ethnic
• The Portal is a complete interactive database group residing in the northeastern state of Manipur,
and the first of its kind in India that is India.
developed, hosted and maintained by the One notable aspect of their cultural identity is the
National Institute of Plant Genome Research intricate art form known as Subika Paintings,
(NIPGR). which, despite its historical significance, faces the
14. (c) Explanation: threat of extinction due to neglect.
• Nokia has announced a partnership with the 18. (a) Mesolithic-era rock paintings have been discovered
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to jointly at Sitamma Loddi, Gattusingaram, in Peddapalli
research on 6G technologies and its use cases district.
that will have a direct societal impact on India. Characteristics:
• The partnership will operate from Nokia’s • Reliance on hunting and gathering for
recently established 6G Lab in Bengaluru. sustenance.
• It will focus on three core areas namely: 6G • The nomadic lifestyle, with frequent migrations
radio technologies, 6G architecture and the
in search of resources.
application of machine learning (ML) into the
• Utilisation of rudimentary stone tools for
6G air interface.
various tasks.
• Nokia and IISc will also research 6G applications
to enable better network sustainability • Emergence of basic forms of art, such as cave
and energy efficiency, as well as improved paintings and engravings.
resiliency and reliability of networks for critical 19. (c) Martanda Sun Temple:
communications. Dedication: Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya)
15. (d) Explanation: Builder: Constructed during the 8th Century CE by
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi along King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota Dynasty.
with the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. It was later destroyed during the rule of Sultan
Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Prime Minister Sikandar Shah Miri in the 14th Century.
of Mauritius, H.E. Mr. Pravind Jugnauth jointly Architecture of the temple:
inaugurated the launch of Unified Payment • Blends local Kashmiri style with influences
Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and from Gupta, Chinese, Gandhara, Roman,
Mauritius, and also RuPay card services in and Greek architectural traditions.
Mauritius. • Built entirely of stone atop a plateau, covering
• Countries which accept UPI payments are: an expansive 32,000 square feet.
Bhutan, France (E-commerce), Mauritius, • Features a central shrine (vimana) adorned with
Singapore, Sri Lanka and UAE. intricate carvings depicting Hindu deities.
16. (c) Explanation: 20. (a) Steadfast Defender 2024 is NATO’s largest
• The military regimes in Burkina Faso, military exercise in Europe since the Cold War era.
Mali and Niger announced their immediate It involves 90,000 forces from 31 NATO member
withdrawal from the West African bloc countries, along with partner nation Sweden.
Economic Community of West African States
The exercise is conducted across various NATO
(ECOWAS).
nations, emphasizing collective defense capabilities.
• The leaders of the three Sahel nations (sahel
region is the region along the Sahara desert 21. (c) Key Concept:
across Afric) stated that it was a “sovereign • Exercise Dharma Guardian is an annual joint
decision” to leave the Economic Community military exercise between the Indian Army
of West African States. and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

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Explanation: 24. (c) Key Concept:
• The recently conducted exercise occurred in • The 3M22 Zircon, also known as SS-N-33, is
Rajasthan’s Mahajan field firing range. a scramjet-powered manoeuvring anti-ship
• It marks the 5th edition of the exercise, which hypersonic cruise missile developed in Russia.
alternates between being held in India and Features:
Japan. • Capable of speeds up to Mach 9 and has a
The primary aim of the exercise is to enhance reported range of .
military cooperation and combined capabilities • Two-stage missile with solid fuel in the first
to execute joint operations in semi-urban stage and a scramjet motor in the second stage.
environments under Chapter VII of the United
Nations Charter. Speed 9 Mach
22. (d) Key Concept: Range 1000 km
Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships recently Engine Supersonic combustion ramjet engines
arrived in the Maldives to participate in the trilateral
25. (c) Key Concept:
coast guard exercise Dosti 16.
The Indian Navy commissioned its latest survey
About Exercise Dosti:
vessel, INS Sandhayak, at the Naval Dockyard
• Trilateral coast guard exercise involving India, in Vizag, with the defence minister in attendance.
Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Explanation:
• Conducted biennially, with the first edition
• INS Sandhayak (Yard 3025) was commissioned
taking place in 1991 between India and the
into the Indian Navy on February 3, 2024, as the
Maldives.
first Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ship.
• Sri Lanka joined the exercise in 2012.
• INS Sandhayak is equipped with advanced
• Last conducted in 2021. hydrographic equipment, has a displacement of
• Focuses on drills and exercises related 3,400 tons, and an overall length of 110 meters,
to providing assistance in sea accidents, with a beam of . It has an indigenous content of
combating sea pollution, and refining coast over by cost.
guard procedures, including dealing with oil • The ship’s crest and name, “Sandhayak”, reflect
spills. its purpose as a vessel that carries out special
• Aims to strengthen friendship, enhance mutual searches and its role in mapping the oceans.
operational capability, promote interoperability,
and foster cooperation between the Coast 26. (a) Key Concept:
Guards of the three nations. It demonstrates the offensive and defensive
capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF), including
23. (b) Key Concept: joint operations with the Indian Army.
• Mission Aspides is a European Union (EU)
Explanation:
naval mission to protect commercial vessels
in the Red Sea from attacks by Iran-backed • Exercise Vayu Shakti:
Houthi rebels. • Conducted once every three years.
Explanation: • Features 135 fighters, aircraft, helicopters,
• The mission will deploy European warships and and drones at the Pokhran field firing ranges.
airborne early warning systems to the Red Sea, • Part of Larger War Games: Forms one of three
Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters. large-scale war games alongside Gagan Shakti
• Participating countries include France, and Tarang Shakti.
Germany, Italy, and Belgium, which have • Exercise Gagan Shakti:
committed to contributing ships to the mission. • Activates almost the entire air fleet from north
• The operational command centre for Aspides to south and west to east.
vessels will be located in the Greek city of • Tests integrated war-fighting strategies
Larissa. and tactics with other armed forces and
• Rules of engagement stipulate that Aspides stakeholders.
vessels will only fire on the Houthis if attacked • Involves potent weapon systems such as the
first and will not be authorized to shoot Rafale fighter aircraft and the S-400 air
preemptively. defense systems.
• The mission is initially planned for one year but • Conducted once every five years, with active
may be renewed based on circumstances. participation from other services.

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• Exercise Tarang Shakti: 29 (c) Key Concept:
• First-ever multinational exercise in India. The celebration of World Wetlands Day originated
• P articipation from friendly air forces like in 1971 when a group of environmentalists convened
the US, Germany, France, Australia, and to reaffirm their commitment to protecting and
neighbouring and other friendly countries. cherishing wetlands.
• Enhances cooperation and interoperability Explanation:
among allied air forces. It is celebrated each year on 2nd February. -
Correct. World Wetlands Day is celebrated every
27. (c) Key Concept: year on 2 February. This day marks the date of
The conference regularly hosts high-profile events the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2
focusing on specific topics and regions. February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the
Explanation: shores of the Caspian Sea.
• The Munich Security Conference (MSC) Wetlands serve as an ecological purifier. - Correct.
is the world’s premier forum for discussing Wetlands are often referred to as the “kidneys of the
international security policy. earth” due to their ability to filter and purify water,
• Its objective is to foster trust and contribute making this statement accurate.
to peaceful conflict resolution through This year’s theme is “Wetlands and Human
sustained, curated, and informal dialogue Wellbeing”.
within the international security community. 30. (b) Key Concept:
• Since 1963, the conference has been held ‘National Productivity Day’ is observed across
annually in February in Munich, Bavaria, India annually in February. Its primary objective
Germany. is to stimulate and advocate productivity, thereby
• The venue for the conference is the Hotel fostering economic growth in the nation.
Bayerischer Hof in Munich. Explanation:
• It serves as a platform for diplomatic initiatives • National Productivity Day 2024 falls on
to address worldwide security concerns. February 12th.
The MSC brings together a diverse array of • This year’s observance theme is “Artificial
participants, including security experts, politicians, Intelligence (AI): Driving Economic Growth
military leaders, and representatives from the Through Productivity”.
defence industry. • Its main aim is to encourage and promote
28. (a) Key Concept: productivity, leading to the country’s economic
growth.
The Raisina Dialogue is a multilateral conference
held annually in New Delhi, India. • This initiative was launched by the National
Productivity Council, which was established
Explanation:
in 1958.
• Purpose: Annual conference focusing on
geopolitics and geoeconomics, addressing 31. (c) Key Concept:
global challenges. The World Day of Social Justice is a global
• Venue: New Delhi, hosting the event annually observance dedicated to advancing the cause of
since 2016. social justice, addressing challenges such as poverty,
exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment,
• Participants: Attendees come from political, human rights, and social protection. The global
business, media, and civil society backgrounds. annual observance, International Mother Language
• Format: Structured as a multi-stakeholder, Day, occurs on February 21st each year.
cross-sectoral discussion involving heads of Explanation:
state, cabinet ministers, local government
• In 2024, the theme of World Day of Social
officials, and thought leaders from the
Justice is “Overcoming Barriers and
private sector, media, and academia.
Unleashing Opportunities for Social
• Organizers: Hosted by the Observer Research Justice”, aligning with the United Nations’
Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the recommendations to foster global solidarity and
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of restore trust in governments.
India. • This theme emphasises bridging gaps and
Theme (2024): “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, building alliances to create a more just and
Cooperate, Create”. equitable world.

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• The theme for the 2024 celebration of 34. (a) Key Concept:
International Mother Language Day • Recently, around 72 nations agreed to additional
is “Multilingual education serves as a obligations under GATS to ease non-good
foundation for intergenerational learning”. trade among themselves.
32. (d) Key Concept: GATT
Recently, at the 37th African Union Summit, • The General Agreement on Trade in Services
member countries took the initiative of forming the (GATS) is a treaty within the World Trade
Africa Club. Organization (WTO) framework.
Explanation: • It aims to extend the multilateral trading system
• The Africa Club is the Alliance of African to the service sector, similar to how the General
Multilateral Financial Institutions, Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
comprising African-owned and controlled functions for merchandise trade.
institutions. • GATS was established after the Uruguay
• Launched at the African Union summit, its Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations
primary goal is to enhance Africa’s influence and took effect on January 1, 1995.
in the global financial system. • GATS covers all service sectors except
• The initiative aligns its functions with the those supplied in exercising governmental
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and authority and air transport services, which
the African Union’s Agenda 2063. have their own annexe exempting certain
• It aims to introduce innovative financial measures.
instruments and provide a platform for debt New Measures were taken:
management discussions. • These new obligations mitigate traderestrictive
• The Africa Club fosters collaborative efforts to effects related to licensing requirements,
address the specific needs of African countries. qualification procedures, and technical
• Member institutions include the standards.
• A frican Export-Import Bank, Trade and • The obligations, known as Services Domestic
Development Bank, Regulation (DSR), operate on a “mostfavored
• Africa Finance Corporation, nation” principle, benefiting all WTO
members.
• African Reinsurance Corporation,
• The DSR disciplines were implemented during
• African Trade and Investment Development
the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO.
Insurance,
• Shelter Afrique Development Bank, and ZEP 35. (b) Explanation:
- RE (PTA Reinsurance Co). • PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan
Singh, and MS Swaminathan are set to receive
33. (a) Key Concept:
India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna,
The African Union is a continental union of 55 for their significant contributions to the nation’s
member states located on the continent of Africa. progress.
The AU was announced in the Sirte Declaration
• The Bharat Ratna Awards are the highest
in Sirte, Libya, on 9 September 1999, calling for
civilian awards in India. They are conferred
establishing the African Union.
on individuals who have made significant
Explanation: contributions to India’s socio-economic and
Organization cultural development. The Bharat Ratna Award
African Union for excellence in arts and letters, instituted in
Name
1954, is the most prestigious award conferred.
Abbreviation AU
36. (a) Explanation:
Intergovernmental • Lahoti, an Indian Anil Kumar Lahoti has
Type
Organization been appointed as the chairman of the Telecom
Membership 55 African countries Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
following the vacancy left by PD Vaghela.
Establishment Officially launched in 2002
• Railway Service of Engineer (IRSE) with
Organisation of African a background in Civil Engineering and a
Predecessor
Unity (OAU, 1963-1999) Master of Engineering degree, brings extensive
leadership experience and expertise in Strategic
Headquarters Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Management to his new role.

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37. (a) Explanation: • PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist and
• Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee has won the the world’s No. 11, played a pivotal role in
Romain Rolland Book Prize for his translation India’s success by winning her match against
of Jean-Daniel Baltassat’s “Le Divan de Staline” Thailand’s Supanida Katethong. Her victory set
into Bengali, titled “Staliner Divan”. a positive tone for the team.
• The translation is praised for its linguistic 43. (c) Explanation:
prowess and fidelity to the original text . • The Jnanpith Award was instituted in 1961, and
• “Le Divan de Staline” is a novel that explores the first award was given in 1965. Until 1982 it
a pivotal episode in the life of Joseph Stalin, was presented for a specific work; thereafter, it
depicting him grappling with insomnia and was given for a writer’s overall contribution to
being haunted by ghosts from his past . literature.
38. (a) Explanation: • The Jnanpith Award for the year 2023 has
• The Telangana Football Association (TFA) has been announced, honoring two luminaries
secured approval to host the FIFA World Cup from the world of letters: Gulzar, a celebrated
qualifiers round between India and Kuwait Urdu poet and Bollywood personality,
on June 6th in Hyderabad. and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a
distinguished Sanskrit scholar and spiritual
• Dr. K.T. Mahi, Chairman of TFA, announced the
leader.
match and expressed gratitude to the President
of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), 44. (d) Explanation:
Kalyan Chaubey, for entrusting TFA with this • Cameroon is a biodiversity hotspot with a
opportunity. wide range of plant, animal, and microorganism
39. (b) Explanation: species, making it a valuable resource for
bioprospecting.
• The US Chamber of Commerce released the
12th edition of its International Intellectual • The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit
Property (IP) Index, ranking 55 economies Sharing is an international agreement adopted
based on the effectiveness of their IP frameworks by Cameroon to ensure fair and equitable
in fostering innovation and creative industries. sharing of benefits from the use of genetic
resources and traditional knowledge.
• India secured the 42nd position with an
overall score of 38.64 percent, highlighting 45. (a) Explanation:
the challenges and opportunities for India in • France secures the top spot on the Henley
strengthening its IP framework. Passport Index, with its passport granting visa-
40. (c) Explanation: free access to 194 countries.
• Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has • Germany, Italy, Spain, and other European
been appointed as the new Army Vice Chief in nations also rank highly on the index, showcasing
the Indian Army. the regional strength of the European Union.
• Lt. Gen Dwivedi has previously served in key • India slips one rank down to 85th place on the
positions including Deputy Chief and Director index, despite an increase in visa-free access for
General of Infantry at the Army Headquarters. its citizens to 62 countries.
• The Henley Passport Index is a widely used
41. (c) Explanation:
passport ranking system based on the
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman number of countries passport holders can
presented her sixth budget on February 1. visit without a visa. It uses data from the
• The interim budget will be a vote-onaccount International Air Transport Association (IATA),
that will give the government authority to spend a reliable travel database.
certain sums of money till a new government
46. (c) Explanation:
comes into office after the 2024 Lok Sabha
elections. • Shashi Tharoor has been awarded the
prestigious ‘Chevalier de la Legion
42. (b) Explanation: d’Honneur’ (Knight of the Legion of Honour),
• The Indian women’s badminton team won France’s highest civilian honour, for his lifelong
a historic gold medal at the Badminton dedication to fostering global understanding and
Asia Team Championships 2024, defeating his significant service to India and the world at
Thailand with a scoreline of 3-2. large.

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47. (a) Explanation: 49. (c) Explanation:
• Five wetlands in India have been added to • A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated
the Ramsar list of wetlands of international to be of international importance under the
importance, bringing the total number of Ramsar Convention, also known as “The
recognized wetlands in the country to 80. Convention on Wetlands”, an international
• The newly added wetlands include Magadi environmental treaty signed on 2 February
Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of
Bird Conservation Reserve, Aghanashini UNESCO.
Estuary in Karnataka, and Karaivetti Bird • Loktak Lake,Manipur, Bhitarkanika,Odisha,
Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Rudrasagar,Tripura are in the list of Ramsar
Forest in Tamil Nadu. sites.
48. (b) Explanation: 50. (d) Explanation:
• The Gupteswar forest in Koraput district, • Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA)
Odisha, has been declared as the fourth Stadium located at Rajkot, Gujarat. is being
Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) by the rebranded as the Niranjan Shah Stadium as
Odisha government. a tribute to Niranjan Shah’s contributions to
• The forest is adjacent to the Gupteswar Shiva cricket.
temple in the Dhondrakhol reserve under the • Niranjan Shah had a successful career as a first-
Jeypore forest division. class cricketer and later became a senior cricket
• The site is spread over 350 hectares and is known administrator, holding significant influence
for its sacred groves traditionally worshiped by within the SCA.
the local community.

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Contents

1. History and Culture...............................................................................................................1

PARUVETA FESTIVAL • Social Practices

2 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

P February 2024 | CURRENT AFFAIRS 3

4 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

P February 2024 | CURRENT AFFAIRS 5

6 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

P February 2024 | CURRENT AFFAIRS 7

FIVE MORE INDIAN WETLANDS ADDED TO RAMSAR LIST

Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve (Karnataka)

Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

• The Gupteswar forest in Koraput district, Odisha,

P February 2024 | CURRENT AFFAIRS 9

ASSAM’S UNIQUE KAJI NEMU GETS THE

• Researchers at Berhampur University have discovered

10 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

Suriname (Capital: Paramaribo)

Iceland (Capital: Reykjavik)

P February 2024 | CURRENT AFFAIRS 11

• The International Crops Research Institute for the

12 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

EXERCISE VAYU SHAKTI-24 • Primary Purpose:

14 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

The Russian President recently unveiled the newly

Aspect Details Payload Capable of carrying 12 cruise missiles

P February 2024 | CURRENT AFFAIRS 15

16 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

18 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

P February 2024 | CURRENT AFFAIRS 19

20 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

INDIA IS THE 80TH MOST TARGETED

22 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

INDIA JOINTLY INAUGURATES UPI SERVICES

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi along with the

24 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

INDIA & OMAN INK MOU ON PROCUREMENT

• The agreement will facilitate construction of power

INDIA AND RUSSIA SIGNED A PROTOCOL

JAPAN COMMITS OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT

26 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

P February 2024 | CURRENT AFFAIRS 27

UGC NEW DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR DE-

• A web portal of the Coal Mines Provident Fund

DIGITAL DETOX INITIATIVE

P February 2024 | CURRENT AFFAIRS 29

THE NATIONAL TERRORISM DATA FUSION &

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated

30 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

CBSE CREDIT SCHEME

• It amends the Water (Prevention and Control of

P February 2024 | CURRENT AFFAIRS 31

‘SMART GRAM PANCHAYAT: REVOLUTION

• The Supreme Court on February 15, 2024 struck

32 CURRENT AFFAIRS | February 2024 P

RIGHTS OF FOREST DWELLERS

• PM Modi inaugurated the 9th edition of the Raisina

P February 2024 | CURRENT AFFAIRS 33

SMILE SCHEME FOR SUPPORT FOR

• The Government of India has decided to map and