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INDEX
National & States Affairs ......................................................................................................5
International Affairs …….....................................................................................................14
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs …..........................................................15
Defence Affairs ………………………………………......................................................................24
Sports & Games ……………………………………….....................................................................26
Persons in News ……………………………………….....................................................................30
Arts & Cultural Affairs ….....................................................................................................30
Science & Technology ……...................................................................................................30
Appointments & Resignations …........................................................................................35
Awards, Rewards, Recognitions & Prizes ……....................................................................37
Schemes & Initiatives ……...................................................................................................42
Meetings, Conferences and Summits ………….....................................................................46
Ranks, Reports & Surveys ………………………………..............................................................50
Amount & Agreements ……………..……………………..............................................................55
MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships ...............................................................................57
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National & States Affairs
1. While addressing a 3-day “International Conference on Green Steel Production” in New
Delhi, Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa, said that India is
currently the 2nd-largest producer of steel, with a production of 144 million metric tonnes. The
technological innovation and material efficiency in the steel sector have driven global steel
production close to 2 billion metric tonnes. Odisha is the largest steel producing state in India, followed by Jharkhand and
Chhattisgarh. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 3-day “International Conference on Green Steel Production” – held in New Delhi
• India – currently 2nd-largest producer of steel | Production – 144 million metric tonnes
• Largest steel producing state in India: 1st – Odisha | 2nd – Jharkhand | 3rd – Chhattisgarh
2. Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari launched the
“Humsafar Policy” in New Delhi to enhance the convenience of travelling on
National Highways and accelerate the development of the Wayside Amenities in
the presence of Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways.
The policy aims to provide a comprehensive framework to ensure that commuters
have access to standardized, well-maintained, and hygienic facilities by
onboarding both existing and upcoming service providers along National
Highways and Expressways. Existing and upcoming service providers under the categories of Eateries, Fuel Station and
Trauma Centres will be eligible to register under the Humsafar Policy. Registered service providers will benefit from a waiver
of fees for the renewal of existing access permission if they maintain an average rating of 3 or higher and will be provided
space on National Highways to put up signages of their establishment to increase visibility. In addition, the service providers
will be featured on NHAI’s ‘Rajmarg Yatra’, mobile app to boost their online visibility. The app will also empower commuters
to report issues and rate the service provided and facilities. The policy also outlines rigorous provisions for ‘Monitoring &
Inspection’ of the registered service providers for maintaining the standard of the facilities and ensuring quality services to
the commuters. Regular inspections will be conducted by a third-party agency appointed by the authority. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Nitin Gadkari – launched “Humsafar Policy” in New Delhi to enhance convenience of travelling on National Highways &
accelerate development of Wayside Amenities
• Aim: To provide a framework to ensure commuters access to standardized, well-maintained & hygienic facilities along
National Highways & Expressways
• Registered service providers will benefit from a waiver of fees for renewal of existing access permission
- if they maintain an average rating of 3 or higher
- will be provided space on National Highways to put up signages of their establishment to increase visibility
• Minister of Road Transport & Highways: Nitin Gadkari | Constituency – Nagpur, Maharashtra
MoS in Ministry of Road Transport & Highways: Ajay Tamta & Harsh Malhotra
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3. Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) and Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) have joined the
‘Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA)’. UNEZA was established at COP28 with the adoption of
the UAE Declaration of Action. The alliance unites leading global utilities and power companies
to spearhead the development of grids. The UNEZA is an international coalition which operates
under the guidance of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the UN Climate
Change High-Level Champions. AGEL and AESL have become the first in their respective segments in India to join this global
alliance. As a member of UNEZA, AGEL will focus on areas like the build-out of clean power, enhancement of energy security
and improvement of energy efficiency, whereas AESL will redouble its efforts towards developing a reliable grid
infrastructure for green energy transmission and distribution. Both AGEL and AESL aim to achieve net zero emissions by
2050. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• AGEL + AESL (first in their respective segments) = joined ‘Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA)’
• UNEZA – established at COP28 with adoption of UAE Declaration of Action
- It operates under guidance of IRENA & UN Climate Change High-Level Champions
• AGEL + AESL = aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050
• HQs of AESL – Ahmedabad, Gujarat | CEO – Anil Sardana
• HQs of AGEL – Ahmedabad, Gujarat | CEO – Amit Singh
• HQs of Adani Group – Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Chairman – Gautam Adani | MD – Rajesh Adani
4. PM Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a series of
development projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 7,600 crore in multiple sectors,
including aviation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Among the key initiatives,
PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the upgradation of ‘Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar
International Airport’ in Nagpur, a project estimated to cost Rs 7,000 crore, to enhance
the city’s connectivity and supporting growth across the various sectors in the Vidarbha region. PM Modi also laid the
foundation stone for the ‘New Integrated Terminal Building’ at Shirdi Airport, which cost Rs 645 crore, to provide world-
class amenities for pilgrims visiting Shirdi. The design of the terminal is inspired by the spiritual Neem tree associated with
Saibaba. In the healthcare sector, the Prime Minister launched 10 new government medical colleges in cities like Mumbai,
Nashik, Jalna, Amravati, and Gadchiroli. Another major initiative unveiled by the PM was the ‘Indian Institute of Skills (IIS)’
in Mumbai. Established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in collaboration with the Tata Education and
Development Trust, the IIS aims to provide cutting-edge vocational training in areas like mechatronics, artificial intelligence,
robotics, and industrial automation. Additionally, PM Modi virtually inaugurated the ‘Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK)’ in
Maharashtra, a data-driven educational initiative designed to provide academic and administrative insights. VSK will use
tools like live chatbots, such as ‘Smart Upasthiti’ and ‘Swadhyay,’ to assist teachers, students, and administrators. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• PM Modi – virtually inaugurated & laid foundation stones for development projects in Maharashtra in multiple sectors
- Worth – over Rs 7,600 Cr
• Foundation stone laid for – upgradation of ‘Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport’ in Nagpur
- Cost – Rs 7,000 Cr | To enhance city’s connectivity & supporting growth across various sectors in Vidarbha region
• Foundation stone laid for – ‘New Integrated Terminal Building’ at Shirdi Airport | Cost – Rs 645 Cr
- To provide world-class amenities for pilgrims visiting Shirdi
- Design is inspired by – spiritual Neem tree associated with Saibaba
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• PM launched 10 new government medical colleges in cities like Mumbai, Nashik, Jalna, Amravati & Gadchiroli
• Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) – to be established in Mumbai | Under – PPP model
- In collaboration with – Tata Education & Development Trust
- Aim: To provide cutting-edge vocational training in areas like mechatronics, artificial intelligence & robotics
• ‘Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK)’ – inaugurated in Maharashtra to provide academic & administrative insights
- It will use tools, like live chatbots, to assist teachers, students & administrators
• Maharashtra: Capital – Mumbai | CM – Eknath Shinde | Governor – CP Radhakrishnan
5. The Central government approved “Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI)”, a joint venture (JV)
between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and NTPC Ltd., to build, own, and
operate nuclear power plants in the country. ASHVINI, with NPCIL holding 51% and NTPC 49% stake,
will operate under the provisions of the ‘Atomic Energy Act, 1962’. Additionally, the Mahi Banswara
Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP), a 4x700 MWe project based on indigenous pressurized
heavy-water reactor (PHWR) technology, will be transferred from NPCIL to ASHVINI. The government also granted
exemptions allowing NPCIL to invest over Rs 500 crore and NTPC to invest over Rs 5,000 crore in a single JV or subsidiary.
ASHVINI will also take on other nuclear power projects across the country, contributing to India’s goal of achieving Net Zero
emissions by 2070. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI) – approved by the Central Govt to build, own & operate nuclear power plants
- It’s a JV between NPCIL (51%) & NTPC Ltd (49%) | Operates under – Atomic Energy Act, 1962
• Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) – to be transferred from NPCIL to ASHVINI
- It is a 4x700 MWe project based on indigenous pressurized heavy-water reactor (PHWR) technology
• Investment granted by Govt in a single JV or subsidiary: NPCIL – Rs 500 Cr | NTPC – Rs 5,000 Cr
6. Ministry of Labour & Employment has announced that government will set up 10 new ESIC Medical Colleges across various
locations in the country. This decision will support the announcement made by Prime Minister during the Independence
Day (2024) speech of creating new 75,000 medical seats in the next 5 years. Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya has
given extension to ‘Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna’ for a period another two years starting July 1, 2024 up to June 30,2026.
The scheme introduced in 2018 intends to provide support in the form of an Unemployment Allowance during the period
when an insured person searches for a new engagement for earnings. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• MoLE – to set up 10 new ESIC Medical Colleges across various locations in the country
• PM announced during Independence Day (2024) speech of creating new 75,000 medical seats in next 5 years
• ‘Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna’ – extended for another 2 years (July 1, 2024 to June 30,2026)
- Introduced in – 2018 | Aim: To provide support in form of an Unemployment Allowance
• Minister of Labour & Employment: Mansukh L. Mandaviya | Constituency – Porbandar, Gujarat
MoS in Ministry of Labour & Employment: Shobha Karandlaje
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7. The market capitalisation of major telecom service provider Bharti Airtel crossed Rs 10 trillion
(Rs 9.52 trillion for Bharti Airtel and Rs 49,526 crore of Bharti Airtel’s partly paid shares) for the first
time ever after the company’s stock price hit a new high of Rs 1,673.35, gaining 1% on the Bombay
Stock Exchange (BSE), and became the 4th listed company to cross Rs 10 trillion. Currently, Reliance
Industries (Rs 19.91 trillion), Tata Consultancy Services (Rs 15.86 trillion) and HDFC Bank (Rs 13.07 trillion) have market caps
of over Rs 10 trillion. Bharti Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with more than 550 million customers in 17
countries across South Asia and Africa. The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks
cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second-largest
mobile operator in Africa. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Bharti Airtel (1st time ever) – became 4th listed company to cross Rs 10 trillion
- Rs 9.52 trillion – for Bharti Airtel | Rs 49,526 Cr – of Bharti Airtel’s partly paid shares
- Its stock price hit new high of – Rs 1,673.35 | It gained 1% on BSE
• Previous companies: 1st – Reliance Industries (Rs 19.91 tn) | 2nd – TCS (Rs 15.86 tn) | 3rd – HDFC Bank (Rs 13.07 tn)
• Bharti Airtel – ranks amongst top 3 mobile operators globally | 2nd-largest mobile operator in Africa
- India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider
• HQs of Bharti Airtel – New Delhi | MD & CEO – Gopal Vittal | Chairman – Sunil Bharti Mittal
8. World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the Government of India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health
problem becoming the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone. Trachoma is a bacterial
infection that affects the eyes. It is caused by the bacterium ‘Chlamydia Trachomatis’. Trachoma is contagious, spreading
through contact with the eyes, eyelids, nose or throat secretions of infected people, if left untreated it causes irreversible
blindness. WHO has termed Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease (NTD). The Government of India launched the National
Trachoma Control Program in 1963. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• India – became 3rd country in South-East Asia Region to eliminate Trachoma as a public health problem
• Trachoma – a bacterial infection affecting eyes | Caused by – bacterium ‘Chlamydia Trachomatis’
• WHO termed Trachoma as – neglected tropical disease
• National Trachoma Control Program – launched in 1963 in India
• HQs of WHO – Geneva, Switzerland | DG – Tedros Adhanom | Member Countries – 194 | Founded in – 1948
9. The Regional Labour Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, a subordinate office of DGFASLI functioning under the Ministry of
Labour and Employment, has been awarded with the accreditation ‘6890-n’ by Capacity Building Commission (CBC) under
the National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutions (NSCSTI). It has been awarded the Certificate of Accreditation
with the grading of “Uttam” in recognition of the nesting services it has rendered and high standards maintained in the field
of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) training. The institute caters to the OSH needs of the stakeholders from the
Southern Region of the country covering the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and UTs
of Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Uttam is 1 of the 10 grades in the Performance Grading Index
(PGI) for districts. ‘Uttam’ is the grade for scores between 61-70%. While, ‘Daksh’ is the highest grade for scores above 90%.
Other grades include ‘Utkarsh’ (for scores between 81-90%) and ‘Athi-Uttam’ (for scores between 71-80%). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Regional Labour Institute (Chennai, TN) – awarded with the accreditation ‘6890-n’ by CBC under NSCSTI
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• It has been awarded the Certificate of Accreditation with the grading of “Uttam”
• The institute caters to the OSH needs of the stakeholders from the Southern Region of India
• Uttam is 1 of the 10 grades in the Performance Grading Index (PGI) for districts
• Some important grades under PGI:
- ‘Daksh’ (highest grade for scores above 90%)
- ‘Utkarsh’ (for scores between 81-90%)
- ‘Athi-Uttam’ (for scores between 71-80%)
- ‘Uttam’ (for scores between 61-70%)
10. The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) has announced the integration of the UMANG app with DigiLocker to provide
citizens seamless access to a wide range of government services. This collaboration will allow users to manage multiple
services through a single platform. DigiLocker is a flagship initiative under the Digital India program aimed at providing
secure cloud-base storage of essential documents. While, UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is
a mobile app, a Digital India initiative of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, by the Government of India for
access to central and state government services. The app supports 23 Indian languages. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• NeGD – to integrate UMANG app with DigiLocker to provide citizens seamless access to a wide range of govt services
• Aim (DigiLocker): To provide secure cloud-base storage of essential documents
• UMANG – a mobile app | Initiative of – MeiTY | For access to central & state government services
- UMANG – Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance | It supports – 23 Indian languages
• HQs of NeGD – New Delhi | President & CEO – Nand Kumarum | Founded in – 2009 | Works under – MeitY
11. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation initiative to modernize its
existing supply chain management system, known as the ‘Depot Online System’. This ambitious project involves the
implementation of a new, microservices-based integrated supply chain management system named ‘ANNA DARPAN’. The
system is being designed to streamline and enhance the entire supply chain operations and services at various levels
including Mandis, Mills, Depots, etc. To bring this vision to life, FCI has engaged M/s Coforge Limited as the system integrator
(SI). The project is conceptualized as a comprehensive, turnkey solution that includes provisioning of a cloud environment
for hosting the system. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• FCI – started a digital transformation initiative, ‘Depot Online System,’ to modernize its existing supply chain
management system
• It involves implementation of new, microservices-based integrated supply chain management system, ‘ANNA DARPAN’
• M/s Coforge Ltd – engaged as System Integrator (SI) by FCI
• HQs of FCI – New Delhi | CMD – Ashok K. K. Meena
• HQs of Coforge Ltd – Noida, Uttar Pradesh | CEO – Sudhir Singh | Chairman – Om Prakash Bhatt
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12. The Union Cabinet has approved ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal of the high-level committee, headed by former
President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee had proposed simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies as
the first step, and municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days of the general election in the next phase. The Committee
recommended amendments to Article 83 and Article 172 of the Constitution. The 1st bill states that simultaneous elections
will be held to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. For this, no ratification by the states will be required. While the 2nd bill states
that elections to municipalities and the panchayats will be held within 100 days of the elections to Lok Sabha and state
Assemblies. And this will require ratification by not less than one-half of the states. Moreover, the committee has suggested
the inclusion of a new Article 324A in the Constitution. The Election Commission of India (ECI) can prepare a single electoral
roll and election ID in consultation with the State Election Commissions (SEC). The proposed changes regarding the single
electoral roll and single voter ID card would need ratification by at least half of the States. The other members of the
Committee were Amit Shah, N. K. Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Subhash C. Kashyap, Harish Salve, Sanjay
Kothari, and Niten Chandra. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Cabinet approved ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal of high-level committee, headed by Ram Nath Kovind
• It proposed simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha & State Assemblies as 1st step (no ratification needed)
- 2nd – Municipal & panchayat polls within 100 days of general election (require ratification by at least half states)
• It recommended amendments to Article 83 & Article 172 of Constitution & suggested inclusion of a new Article 324A
• ECI – can prepare a single electoral roll & election ID in consultation with State Election Commissions (SEC)
- It need ratification by at least half of the States
• Other members of Committee – Amit Shah, N. K. Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Subhash C. Kashyap
- Harish Salve, Sanjay Kothari & Niten Chandra
13. Assam has become the first State to launch and operationalise “Co-Districts”, which are targeted administrative units in
a district. The co-districts have been set up with the objective of timely access to essential government services by citizens,
to improve efficiency bringing governance to the grassroots and streamlining citizen centric services. The Co-Districts will
have jurisdiction over services like land revenue, administrative and magisterial powers, food and civil supplies, excise,
disaster management, development and welfare works of the people. There is a need for 78 co-districts but in the first
phase, 39 have been rolled out while the remaining will be created in the second phase by January or February 2025. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• Assam – became first State to launch & operationalise “Co-Districts”, targeted administrative units in a district
• Aim: To provide timely access to govt services to citizens, improve efficiency & streamline citizen centric services
• Total need for co-districts – 78 | 1st phase – 39 | 2nd phase – remaining by Jan-Feb 2025
• Assam: Capital – Dispur | CM – Himanta Biswa Sarma | Governor – Lakshman Prasad Acharya
14. BlueKraft Digital Foundation has announced the establishment of its new ‘Publishing and
Knowledge Centre’ on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. Under this centre,
the Foundation also launched the ‘Viksit Bharat Fellowship’ offering a total of 25 Fellowships, aimed
at empowering both emerging talents, experienced and exceptional professionals, academics, and
experts from within the nation and around the globe to contribute to a meaningful narrative about India. The fellowship is
structured in 3 tiers: BlueKraft Associate Fellowship (Rs 75,000 monthly stipend), BlueKraft Senior Fellowship (Rs 1,25,000),
and BlueKraft Distinguished Fellowship (Rs 2,00,000). {Read more}
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Smart Points:
• BlueKraft Digital Foundation – to establish its new ‘Publishing and Knowledge Centre’ on PM Modi’s birthday
• BlueKraft Digital Foundation – launched ‘Viksit Bharat Fellowship’ offering 25 Fellowships
- Aim: To empower both emerging talents, experienced & exceptional professionals, academics & experts
• Fellowship is structured in 3 tiers:
- BlueKraft Associate Fellowship – Rs 75,000 monthly stipend
- BlueKraft Senior Fellowship – Rs 1,25,000
- BlueKraft Distinguished Fellowship – Rs 2,00,000
• HQs of BlueKraft Digital Foundation – New Delhi | CEO – Akhilesh Mishra
15. India has officially launched its “Study in India” campaign at the 20th ‘International
Education Show’, organized by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in Sharjah, marking a significant push to attract
international students to its universities. Organized by EdCIL, a Miniratna company under
the Ministry of Education, the campaign seeks to position India as a leading global
education hub. The ‘India Pavilion’ at Expo Centre Sharjah was inaugurated by Ahmed Mohamed Obaid Al Naboodah of the
Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Yatin Patil, Deputy Consul General of India in Dubai. The ‘Study in India’
programme showcases over 590 Indian universities and institutions, offering a variety of courses and exclusive benefits such
as fee waivers and scholarships for international students. The campaign highlights India’s commitment to providing quality
education at affordable prices, making it an attractive destination for students from developing countries. India’s higher
education sector, ranked as the 2nd largest in the world, continues to rise in global rankings. The programme has already
attracted over 69,000 students for the 2024-25 academic year, with 4,000 students having already arrived in India. The
International Education Show, organized in cooperation with the Sharjah Private Education Authority, is considered one of
the fastest-growing and most distinguished higher education exhibitions. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 20th ‘International Education Show’ – held in Sharjah, UAE
- Organized by = Expo Centre Sharjah + Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI)
• India – officially launched its “Study in India” campaign | Organized by – EdCIL
• ‘India Pavilion’ at Expo Centre Sharjah – inaugurated by Ahmed Mohamed Obaid Al Naboodah (SCCI) & Yatin Patil,
Deputy Consul General of India in Dubai
• ‘Study in India’ programme showcases 590+ Indian universities & institutions
• India’s higher education sector – 2nd largest in the world
16. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced guidelines for the
implementation of ‘Innovative Projects’ under the ‘PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’, with Rs 500
crore set aside to promote advancements in rooftop solar technology. The notification aims to
encourage startups, institutions, and industries to develop new solutions like blockchain-based peer-
to-peer solar trading, smart materials, and solar systems integrated with electric vehicles. The
scheme will provide financial assistance of up to 60% of the project cost or Rs 30 crore, whichever is lower. The National
Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) will serve as the Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA). MNRE will also introduce annual
innovation awards, with prizes up to Rs 1 crore to incentivize further research. The government is seeking to increase the
share of solar rooftop capacity under the ‘PM-Surya Ghar Yojana’, which was approved in February 2024 with a budget of
Rs 75,021 crore and will be implemented until FY 2026-27. {Read more}
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Smart Points:
• MNRE – announced guidelines for implementation of ‘Innovative Projects’ under ‘PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’
- Outlay – Rs 500 Cr
• Aim: To encourage startups, institutions & industries to develop new solutions integrated with EVs
• It will provide financial assistance of up to 60% of project cost or Rs 30 Cr (whichever is lower)
• Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA) – National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE)
• MNRE will introduce annual innovation awards to incentivize research with prizes up to – Rs 1 Cr
• PM-Surya Ghar Yojana – approved in Feb 2024 | Budget – Rs 75,021 Cr | To be implemented until – FY 2026-27
• Minister of New & Renewable Energy: Pralhad Joshi | Constituency – Dharwad-Hubballi, Karnataka
MoS in Ministry of New & Renewable Energy: Shripad Yesso Naik
17. Uttar Pradesh government has announced to set up India’s first language museum of Hindi literature. The budget of Rs
25 crore is released for the purpose. Although there is a literary museum in Kolkata based on Rabindranath Tagore, this will
be the first language-based museum in the country. The museum will conserve and display the works of all the eminent
Hindi scholars’ old manuscripts and books. The UP government also announced to construct a Vedic-3D Museum in Varanasi
at the main building of the Sampurnanand Sanskrit University. The state-of-the-art museum will be dedicated to Indian
astrology, astronomy, and Vedic literature. The museum will showcase the evolution of Vedic literature, highlighting the 16
Sanskars, 64 arts, and 18 Vidya Sthans as well as contributions of Indian sages and serve as a platform to revive the tradition
of ‘Shastrartha’ (spiritual discourse). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• UP – to set up India’s first language museum of Hindi literature | Budget – Rs 25 Cr
- Dedicated to – Indian astrology, astronomy & Vedic literature | Highlight – 16 Sanskars, 64 arts & 18 Vidya Sthans
• Literary museum – Kolkata, based on Rabindranath Tagore
• It will conserve & display the works of all eminent Hindi scholars’ old manuscripts & books
• Vedic-3D Museum – to be constructed in Varanasi | At – main building of Sampurnanand Sanskrit University
• UP: Capital – Lucknow | CM – Yogi Adityanath | Governor – Anandiben Patel
18. Finance Ministry has announced that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will now
be the 14th ‘Maharatna’ Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE). This status will give more
autonomy to the company in terms of financial and strategic matters. HAL is a Department
of Defence Production (DoDP) CPSE with an annual turnover of Rs 28162 crore and a net
profit of Rs 7595 crore for FY2023-24. Government has laid down 6 key parameters for a
CPSE to be considered for the granting of Maharatna status. These include the CPSE
already having a ‘Navratna’ status. It needs to be listed on the Indian stock exchange, with a minimum prescribed public
shareholding under SEBI regulations. It should have an average annual turnover of more than Rs 25,000 crore, an average
annual net worth of more than Rs 15,000 crore and an average annual net profit of more than Rs 5,000 crore during the last
3 years. The CPSE should have significant global presence or international operations. Other 13 Maharatna CPSEs are - NTPC,
ONGC, SAIL, BHEL, IOCL, HPCL, CIL, GAIL, BPCL, POWERGRID, PFC, REC Ltd, and OIL. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• HAL (DoDP CPSE) – became 14th ‘Maharatna’ CPSE | Annual turnover – Rs 28162 Cr | Net profit for FY24 – Rs 7595 Cr
• 6 parameters for a CPSE to be considered for granting of Maharatna status:
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- CPSE already having a ‘Navratna’ status | Should have significant global presence or international operations
- Needs to be listed on Indian stock exchange, with min. prescribed public shareholding under SEBI regulations
- During last 3 years, average annual turnover - >Rs 25,000 Cr | net worth - >Rs 15,000 Cr | net profit - >Rs 5000 Cr
• Other 13 Maharatna CPSEs – NTPC, ONGC, SAIL, BHEL, IOCL, HPCL, CIL, GAIL, BPCL, POWERGRID, PFC, REC Ltd & OIL
• HQs of HAL – Bengaluru, Karnataka | CEO – Amitabh Bhatt | CMD – D. K. Sunil (addi. charge)
19. President’s rule was revoked in Jammu and Kashmir on October 13, 2024, clearing the way
for the formation of a new government in the union territory (UT) under Omar Abdullah’s
leadership. President’s rule was imposed in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir after the
PDP-BJP government collapsed on June 19, 2018. In August 2019, the Central government
abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution and divided the erstwhile state into 2 UTs - Jammu &
Kashmir and Ladakh, and central rule was imposed on October 31, 2019. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019,
was enacted by Parliament on August 5, 2019. On the same day, ‘Article 370’ of the Constitution was repealed, which granted
the former state special status. Prior to October 31, 2019, the state was under central authority since June 2017, following
the departure of then-chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and the BJP’s withdrawal of support for the PDP-led administration.
Article 356 of the Constitution, which imposes President’s control in a state, does not apply in UT. On October 31, 2019, the
President’s rule over the undivided state was lifted. Articles 239 and 239A of the Indian Constitution deal with the
administration of UTs, as well as the establishment of local legislatures or councils of ministers in particular cases. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• President’s rule revoked in J&K on Oct 13, 2024 | New government formed in UT – Omar Abdullah (CM)
• President’s rule – imposed in erstwhile state of J&K after collapse of PDP-BJP government on Jun 19, 2018
• Article 370 – abrogated in Aug 2019 & divided erstwhile state into 2 UTs (J&K and Ladakh) | Central rule – Oct 31, 2019
- Prior to Oct 31, 2019, state was under central authority since Jun 2017
• Article 356 – imposes President’s control in a state | Does not apply in UT
• Articles 239 & 239A – deal with administration of UTs & establishment of local legislatures in particular cases
• J & K: Capital – Srinagar | Lt. Governor – Manoj Sinha | CM – Omar Abdullah
20. Swedish telecom gear maker, Ericsson, has received a new multi-billion-dollar contract for selling
5G equipment from India’s Bharti Airtel. This comes after Ericsson got part of a $3.6 billion contract
last month for selling 5G equipment to India’s Vodafone Idea. It shared the contract with Nokia and
Samsung. The new contracts are expected to boost Ericsson’s revenue next year after seeing a big fall
in contracts from India in the first half of the year. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Ericsson (Sweden) – received a new multi-billion-dollar contract for selling 5G equipment from Bharti Airtel (India)
• Ericsson – got part of a $3.6 billion contract in Sep 2024 for selling 5G equipment to Vodafone Idea (India)
• It shared contract with – Nokia & Samsung
• HQs of Ericsson – Stockholm, Sweden | CEO – Börje Ekholm | Founded in – 1876
https:// /#
21. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued ‘Guidelines for Prevention
and Regulation of Greenwashing and Misleading Environmental Claims’ to address the issue
of greenwashing and misleading environmental claims, ensuring transparency and accuracy
in advertisements related to environmental sustainability. A committee chaired by Chief
Commissioner of CCPA, Nidhi Khare (Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs), was
constituted on greenwashing. The key features of the guidelines include - Clear Definitions,
Transparency Requirements, Prohibition of Misleading Terms, Third-Party Certifications, and Adequate Disclosures. These
guidelines will promote sustainable business practices. “Greenwashing” is a term that plays on the word ‘whitewashing’ and
refers to the marketing tactic where companies falsely claim or exaggerate the environmental benefits of their products or
services, often using vague or unsubstantiated terms such as “natural,” “eco-friendly,” or “green”. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• CCPA – issued ‘Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing and Misleading Environmental Claims’
• To address issue of greenwashing & misleading environmental claims
• A committee was constituted on greenwashing | Chaired by – Nidhi Khare (Secretary, DCA)
• Key features of guidelines include – Clear Definitions | Transparency Requirements | Prohibition of Misleading Terms
- Third-Party Certifications | Adequate Disclosures
• Greenwashing – marketing tactic where companies falsely claim environmental benefits of their products or services
• HQs of CCPA – New Delhi | Chief Commissioner – Nidhi Khare | Founded in – 2019
International Affairs
22. Britain (UK) has become the first G7 country to end coal-fired power production with the closure of its last plant, Uniper
Ratcliffe-on-Soar, in Nottinghamshire. It will end over 140 years of coal power in Britain. In 2015 Britain announced plans to
close coal plants within the next decade as part of wider measures to reach its climate targets. At that time almost 30% of
the country’s electricity came from coal but this had fallen to just over 1% last year. Britain, which has a target to reach net
zero emissions by 2050, also plans to decarbonise the electricity sector by 2030. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• UK – became the first G7 country to end coal-fired power production
• Uniper Ratcliffe-on-Soar (UK’s last coal plant) – in Nottinghamshire
• UK’s targets: Net Zero Emissions by 2050 | To decarbonise the Electricity sector by 2030
• UK – London – Pound Sterling | PM – Keir Starmer | New King – King Charles lll
23. India has issued a notice to Pakistan seeking modification of the more than 64-year-old
Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) that governs the sharing of waters of 6 rivers in the Indus system
between the two countries. The notice was issued to Pakistan under Article XII (3) of the
Indus Water Treaty (IWT). This is not the first time that India has issued such a notice to
Pakistan. The latest notice appears to be a fallout of a longstanding dispute over two
hydroelectric power projects that India is constructing - one on the Kishanganga river (a tributary of Jhelum), and the other
on the Chenab River. World Bank brokered the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. {Read more}
https:// /#
Smart Points:
• India – issued notice to Pakistan for modification of IWT governing sharing of waters of 6 rivers in the Indus system
- Under – Article XII (3) of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT)
• It is regarding dispute over 2 hydroelectric power projects, constructed by India
- One on Kishanganga river (a tributary of Jhelum) | Other on Chenab River
• World Bank – brokered 1960 Indus Waters Treaty
24. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) elected 18 members, including Benin, Bolivia,
Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Kenya,
Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland and
Thailand, to the 47-member Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term by a secret ballot. The
elected members will serve 3-year terms beginning on January 1, 2025, replacing members whose
terms of office are set to expire on 31 December 2024. The 18 outgoing members were eligible for immediate re-election
except those members who have served 2 consecutive terms - Argentina, Cameroon, Eritrea, India and Somalia. The Geneva-
based Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body within the UN system, responsible for promoting and protecting
human rights around the world. It was created by the UNGA in 2006 to replace the former UN Commission on Human Rights.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) serves as the Secretariat of the Human Rights Council.
About a third of its 47 members are replaced every year. Seats of the Human Rights Council are allocated on the basis of
regional groups for the sake of geographical representation: 13 each for Africa and the Asia-Pacific; 8 for Latin America and
the Caribbean; 7 for Western Europe and other states; and 6 for Eastern Europe. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• UNGA – elected 18 members to 47-member Human Rights Council for 2025-2027 term by a secret ballot
- Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland
- Kenya, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland & Thailand
• To serve – 3 year terms (from Jan 1, 2025)
• 18 outgoing members – eligible for immediate re-election except those who have served 2 consecutive terms
- Argentina, Cameroon, Eritrea, India & Somalia
• Human Rights Council (Geneva) – created by UNGA in 2006 to replace former UN Commission on Human Rights
• Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – serves as Secretariat of Human Rights Council
• Seats of HRC are allocated on regional basis:
- 13 each – for Africa & Asia-Pacific | 8 – for Latin America & the Caribbean
- 7 – for Western Europe & other states | 6 – for Eastern Europe
• HQs of UNGA – New York, US | 79th Session’s President – Philemon Yang (Cameroon) | Members – 193
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs

25. Policybazaar and Aditya Birla Health Insurance have partnered to launch a groundbreaking “Health Booster Maternity
Cover Rider” with the industry’s shortest waiting period of just 3 months. This pioneering rider is designed to offer expectant
parents a swift and cost-effective maternity insurance solution. By adding this rider to a base health policy, individuals can
avail a fixed benefit of Rs 50,000, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all types of deliveries, whether normal or caesarean.
The maternity cover, available for Rs 25,000 (inclusive of GST), is designed to be accessible to a wide range of customers,
with an entry age starting at 18 years. {Read more}
https:// /#
Smart Points:
• Policybazaar + Aditya Birla Health Insurance = to launch “Health Booster Maternity Cover Rider” with industry’s shortest
waiting period of 3 months
• To offer expectant parents a swift & cost-effective maternity insurance solution
• Individuals can avail a fixed benefit of Rs 50,000, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all types of deliveries
• Maternity cover, available for Rs 25,000 – designed to be accessible to a wide range of customers | Entry age – 18 years
• HQs of Policybazaar – Gurgaon, Haryana | CEO – Sarbvir Singh
• HQs of Aditya Birla Health Insurance – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – Mayank Bathwal
26. The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA-Budget Division), under Ministry of Finance, has kept the interest rates on
various Small Savings Schemes (SSS) unchanged for the third straight quarter of FY 2024-25, beginning October 1, 2024, and
ending on December 31, 2024. As per the notification, deposits under the Sukanya Samriddhi scheme will attract an interest
rate of 8.2%, while the rate for popular Public Provident Fund (PPF) is kept 7.1%. The interest rate on the Kisan Vikas Patra
will be 7.5%, and the investments will mature in 115 months. The interest rate on the National Savings Certificate (NSC) will
remain at 7.7% for the July-September 2024 period. Small savings schemes interest rates are linked to 10-year Government
Securities (G-Secs) yields in the secondary market. The government review rates for small savings schemes every three
months by following a set formula. The Shyamala Gopinath Committee recommended a methodology to compute interest
rates for small savings schemes. As per the committee’s suggestions, the interest rates on various small savings schemes are
set with a range of 25 to 100 bps above the G-Secs yields with matching maturities. Most of the post office small savings
schemes are allowed deductions benefits under Section 80C of the ‘Income Tax Act, 1961’. All unchanged rates of Small
Savings Schemes are mentioned below. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Interest rates on Small Savings Schemes remained unchanged for Q3 FY25 (Oct-Dec’24):
• Most of post office small savings schemes – allows deductions benefits under Section 80C of ‘Income Tax Act, 1961’
• Shyamala Gopinath Committee – recommended a methodology to compute interest rates for Small Savings Schemes
• SSS interest rates are linked to 10-year Government Securities (G-Secs) yields in the secondary market
• Govt review rates for Small Savings Schemes every 3 months
• Interest rates on various Small Savings Schemes are set with a range of 25 to 100 bps above the G-Secs yields
https:// /#
27. Axis Bank has extended a Rs 1 billion loan guarantee to non-bank lender Muthoot Capital, in partnership with GuarantCo,
part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). This will empower the NBFC to on-lend customers in rural and
non-metro regions in India, for purchasing electric two wheelers. GuarantCo has provided a 65% on-demand credit
guarantee to Axis Bank for this transaction, which is part of a broader $200 million electric vehicle (EV) framework agreement
signed by GuarantCo and Axis Bank. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Axis Bank + GuarantCo (part of PIDG) = extended a Rs 1 billion loan guarantee to Muthoot Capital
• This will empower the NBFC to on-lend customers in rural and non-metro regions in India, for purchasing EVs
• HQs of Axis Bank – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Amitabh Chaudhry | Tagline – “Badhti ka Naam Zindagi”
• HQs of GuarantCo – London, UK | CEO – Layth Al-Falaki
28. State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) proposed to sell its Oman operation to Oman-based Bank Dhofar as part of the
rationalisation of the foreign operation based on a comprehensive evaluation framework. This is subject to approval from
concerned regulatory authorities. The total business of BoB operation in the country was 113.35 million Omani Rial while
the net worth stood at 25.54 million Omani Rial. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• BoB – proposed to sell its Oman operation to Bank Dhofar (Oman) as part of rationalisation of foreign operation
• Total business of BoB operation in Oman – 113.35 million Omani Rial | Net worth – 25.54 million Omani Rial
• HQs of BoB – Vadodara, Gujarat | MD & CEO – Debadatta Chand | Tagline – “India’s International Bank”
29. On October 9, during the 4th bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Meeting, the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for the 10th consecutive meeting, with a
majority vote of 5-1. However, the MPC unanimously decided to change its stance to ‘Neutral’ from
the earlier ‘Withdrawal of Accommodation’. The standing deposit facility (SDF) rate was kept at 6.25%,
while the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the bank rate remained at 6.75%. India’s real GDP
grew by 6.7% in Q1 FY25. For FY25, the RBI kept its gross domestic product (GDP) projection unchanged at 7.2%. The Q2
projection also remained at 7.2%, as before. However, the projection was raised for Q3 to 7.4% from 7.3% and for Q4 to
7.4% from 7.2%. The MPC projected inflation at 4.5% for FY25, the same as previously forecast. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 4th bi-monthly MPC Meeting – RBI kept repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for 10th consecutive meeting
• MPC to change its stance to ‘Neutral’ from ‘Withdrawal of Accommodation’
• India’s real GDP – grew by 6.7% in Q1 FY25 | Projection for inflation for FY25 – 4.5%
• GDP projections: FY25 – 7.2% | Q2 – 7.2% | Q3 – 7.4% (from 7.3%) | Q4 – 7.4% (from 7.2%)
• Latest rates:
- Repo rate – 6.50% | Reverse Repo Rate – 3.35% | Bank Rate or MSF – 6.75%
- CRR – 4.50% | SLR – 18% | SDF – 6.25%
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Shaktikanta Das (25th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (4) – S. Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | Michael D. Patra | M. Rajeshwar Rao
https:// /#
30. Martin Schlegel has taken charge as the new Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank (SNB),
succeeding Thomas Jordan. Schlegel is currently the SNB Vice-chairman and a close associate of long-term chief Thomas
Jordan. Outgoing Chairman Jordan led the SNB’s response to the Credit Suisse collapse. The SNB is the central bank of
Switzerland. Switzerland and India exchange information about Swiss bank accounts annually. By the end of 2023, Indian
clients’ assets in Swiss banks were CHF 1.46 million, a 63% decline from the previous year. As of the end of 2023, India was
ranked 67th in the world for the amount of funds held by foreign clients in Swiss banks. This is a drop from 46th place in 2022.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• Martin Schlegel – took charge as new Chairman of Governing Board of Swiss National Bank (succeeding - Thomas Jordan)
• SNB – central bank of Switzerland
• By 2023, Indian clients’ assets in Swiss banks – CHF 1.46 million (63% decline from 2022)
• Amount of funds held by foreign clients in Swiss banks: India – 67th by 2023 (from 46th in 2022)
• HQs of Swiss National Bank – Bern & Zurich, Switzerland | Chairman – Martin Schlegel
31. Indian REITs Association (IRA) has launched “Data Benchmarking Institutions (DBIs)” to
provide investors detailed information on real estate investment trust. The association said this
is a significant step towards empowering Indian Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) investors.
As part of this initiative, 3 leading financial services companies - CareEdge, CAMS, and KFintech
- have launched dedicated platforms to house all key information regarding REITs, assisting
investors with their investment decisions. The journey of REITs in India began with the introduction of regulatory guidelines
in 2014, culminating in the public launch of REITs in 2019. In May 2023, India’s first retail REIT, Nexus Select Trust, was listed.
Indian REITs are required to invest 80% of their portfolio in income-producing properties, pay out at least 90% of net
distributable cash flows to investors semi-annually. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IRA – launched “Data Benchmarking Institutions (DBIs)” to provide investors detailed information on real estate
investment trust
• 3 financial services companies launched dedicated platforms to house all key information regarding REITs:
- CareEdge, CAMS, & KFintech
• Nexus Select Trust (India’s first retail REIT) – listed in May 2023
• Indian REITs are required to:
- invest 80% of their portfolio in income-producing properties
- pay out at least 90% of net distributable cash flows to investors semi-annually
• HQs of IRA – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Aravind Maiya
32. SBI Card, India’s largest credit card issuer, in partnership with Singapore Airlines, the national
carrier of Singapore, has launched the “KrisFlyer SBI Card”. This travel centric co-branded credit card
is meant for super-premium cardholders, offering exclusive privileges in the air and on ground with
the SIA Group that comprises of Singapore Airlines, Scoot airline, KrisShop.com, Kris+ lifestyle app
and Pelago. The newly launched credit card is available in two variants, KrisFlyer SBI Card and
KrisFlyer SBI Card Apex. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SBI Card (India’s largest credit card issuer) + Singapore Airlines = launched “KrisFlyer SBI Card”
https:// /#
• It is for super-premium cardholders | It is available in 2 variants – KrisFlyer SBI Card & KrisFlyer SBI Card Apex
• HQs of SBI Cards & Payment Services Ltd – Gurugram, Haryana | MD & CEO – Abhijit Chakravorty
33. Jio Financial Services Ltd, a financial services entity of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd, has secured an in-
principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to establish a Mutual Fund business in partnership
with BlackRock Financial Management. BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, oversees over $10 trillion in assets.
After its demerger from Reliance Industries in July 2023, Jio Financial Services announced the formation of a 50:50 joint
venture with BlackRock to launch asset management services in India. The companies signed a second joint venture in April
2024 to set up a wealth management and broking business in the country. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Jio Financial Services Ltd – secured an in-principle approval from SEBI to establish a Mutual Fund business
- Partnered with – BlackRock Financial Management (world’s largest asset manager) | Oversees – $10 tn in assets
• Jio Financial Services Ltd – demerged from Reliance Industries in July 2023
• HQs of Jio Financial Services – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – KV Kamath | MD & CEO – Hitesh Kumar Sethia
• HQs of BlackRock Financial Management – New York, US | President – Robert S. Kapito | CEO – Larry Fink
34. Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched ‘Masterstroke Savings Account’ for high-end customers
even as it announced cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as its global brand ambassador.
Customers have to maintain a quarterly average balance of Rs 10 lakh in the account. The
bob Masterstroke account comes with a number of features such as a higher interest rate
on account balances through the ‘Flexi Fixed Deposit’ facility, concessional rate of interest
on retail loans, the ‘bob World Opulence Visa Infinite Debit Card’ (Metal Edition) and a lifetime-free ‘Eterna Credit Card’
(subject to eligibility). The account holders will also receive priority banking/wealth management consultations, higher cash
withdrawal limits, and other exclusive perks. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• BoB – launched ‘Masterstroke Savings Account’ for high-end customers
• Sachin Tendulkar – announced as global brand ambassador of BoB
• A quarterly average balance to be maintained by customers in account – Rs 10 lakh
35. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Partha Pratim Sengupta as the MD & CEO of Bandhan Bank.
He has been appointed to the post for three years from the date of taking charge. In April 2024, Bandhan
founder Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, who was the MD & CEO, announced his retirement. Ratan Kumar Kesh, one
of the Executive Directors, was appointed an interim CEO. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Partha Pratim Sengupta – appointed as MD & CEO of Bandhan Bank for 3 years (succeeding - Ratan Kumar Kesh)
• HQs of Bandhan Bank – Kolkata, WB | MD & CEO – Partha Pratim Sengupta | Tagline – “Aapka Bhala, Sabki Bhalai”
https:// /#
36. Instant payment system Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transaction volumes recorded a 52%
year-on-year surge to 78.97 billion in the first 6 months of 2024, according to the “India Digital
Payments Report” for the first half of 2024 (January to June) of the payment technology service
provider ‘Worldline’. The number of UPI transactions rose significantly from 8.03 billion in January
2023 to 13.9 billion by June 2024. This growth in volume was matched by an increase in
transaction value, which climbed from Rs 12.98 trillion in January 2023 to an impressive Rs 20.07 trillion in June 2024. When
comparing H1 2024 to the same period in 2023, UPI transaction volume saw a substantial increase of 52%, rising from 51.9
billion to 78.97 billion. The value of transactions grew 40%, increasing from Rs 83.16 trillion to Rs 116.63 trillion. In terms of
volume and value contribution, PhonePe emerged as the top UPI app, followed by Google Pay and Paytm. However, average
ticket size (ATS) of UPI transactions saw a decline of 8%. The ATS of all UPI transactions in H1 2023 was Rs 1,603, while it
dropped to Rs 1,478 in 1H 2024. ATS consists of person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions. ATS in
P2P transactions registered an almost flat year-on-year rise from Rs 2,812 to Rs 2,836. ATS for P2M transactions dropped
from Rs 667 to Rs 643, representing a 4% reduction. Grocery stores, restaurants, service stations, clothing stores,
government services, pharmacies, and hospitals were the most visited in-store merchant categories in the first half of 2024
and they collectively accounted for almost 53% of the overall transaction value and 68% of the transaction volume. E-
commerce, gaming, utilities, government services, and financial services made up around 81% of the overall transaction
volume and 74% of the total transaction value in the online industry. Furthermore, the report revealed that between January
2023 and June 2024, the number of POS (point of sale) terminals increased 17%, rising from 7.65 million to 8.96 million.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• “India Digital Payments Report” – released by Worldline
• UPI transaction volumes in first 6 months of 2024 – 52% y-o-y surge to 78.97 billion (from 51.9 billion in 2023)
• No. of UPI transactions – rose to 13.9 billion by Jun 2024 (from 8.03 billion in Jan 2023)
• Transaction value – increased to Rs 20.07 trillion in Jun 2024 (from Rs 12.98 trillion in Jan 2023)
• Value of transactions – grew 40% to Rs 116.63 trillion in Jun 2024 (from Rs 83.16 trillion in Jun 2023)
• In terms of volume & value contribution, top UPI apps: 1st – PhonePe | 2nd – Google Pay | 3rd – Paytm
• Average Ticket Size (ATS) of UPI transactions – decline 8% to Rs 1,478 in 1H 2024 (from Rs 1,603 in H1 2023)
- ATS – consists of person-to-person (P2P) & person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions
- ATS in P2P transactions – registered flat y-o-y rise to Rs 2,836 (from Rs 2,812)
- ATS for P2M transactions – dropped 4% to Rs 643 (from Rs 667)
• Most visited in-store merchant categories in first half of 2024 collectively accounted for –
- 53% – of overall transaction value | 68% – of transaction volume
- Grocery stores, restaurants, service stations, clothing stores, government services, pharmacies & hospitals
• In online industry, E-commerce, gaming, utilities, government services & financial services made up –
- 81% – of overall transaction volume | 74% – of total transaction value
• No. of POS (point of sale) terminals – increased 17% to 8.96 million in Jun 2024 (from 7.65 million in Jan 2023)
https:// /#
37. Mastercard has announced a collaboration with Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM), a
global leader in innovative natural solutions, to improve the digitalisation of ADM’s Farmer Producer
Organisations (FPOs) and farmer partners in Maharashtra, India. ADM would register FPOs,
collection centres, and farmers to participate in ‘Farm Pass’, a Mastercard-powered system. As part
of the agreement, ADM plans to engage with Mastercard ‘Community Pass’ card issuers to expand
its provision of unique financial inclusion and loyalty solutions, which could reach around 2,50,000 farmers. Community Pass
is a digital platform that integrates the existing Farm Pass program offering and connects the agricultural ecosystem,
allowing farmers to modify supply and production based on crop demand. Tara Nathan is Executive Vice President and
Founder of Mastercard Community Pass. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Mastercard + ADM Company = to improve digitalisation of ADM’s FPOs & farmer partners in Maharashtra, India
• ADM will engage with Mastercard ‘Community Pass’ card issuers to expand its financial inclusion & loyalty solutions
• Community Pass – digital platform integrating existing Farm Pass program offering & connecting agricultural ecosystem
• Tara Nathan – Executive Vice President & Founder of Mastercard Community Pass
• HQs of Mastercard – New York, US | CEO – Michael Miebach | Founded in – 1966
• HQs of ADM – Illinois, US | President & CEO – Juan Ricardo Luciano
38. ICICI Bank and PhonePe have partnered to offer a credit line on Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) to customers of the Bengaluru-based fintech major PhonePe. Pre-approved
customers on the PhonePe app can avail of a short-term credit line from ICICI Bank up to Rs 2
lakh with a repayment period of 45 days. This is PhonePe’s 1st partnership with any lender to
offer the service. Deep Agrawal is the head of payments at PhonePe, while Niraj Tralshawala
is the product head of payment solutions at ICICI Bank. The partnership between the bank and PhonePe, which is the largest
player in UPI, comes at a time when the platform records transactions worth approximately Rs 200 crore every month.
PhonePe’s market share on UPI is pegged at 49%, with the second-largest player Google Pay processing about 38% of the
total transaction volumes in the country. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched the ‘credit line on
UPI’ service in 2023 to offer low-ticket, high-volume retail loans to individuals and businesses. Apart from ICICI Bank, lenders
such as Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Indian Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), and State Bank of India (SBI) have gone live with
this facility. Among the apps, Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), Google Pay, Paytm, PayZapp, Navi, and Tata Neu are live
on this product offering. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ICICI Bank + PhonePe = partnered to offer a credit line on UPI to customers of PhonePe
• Pre-approved customers on PhonePe can avail a short-term credit line from ICICI Bank – up to Rs 2 lakh
- Repayment period – 45 days
• Deep Agrawal – head of payments at PhonePe | Niraj Tralshawala – product head of payment solutions at ICICI Bank
• Market share on UPI of total transaction volumes in India: 1st – PhonePe (49%) | 2nd – Google Pay (38%)
• ‘Credit line on UPI’ service – launched by NPCI in 2023 to offer low-ticket, high-volume retail loans
• Other lenders who have gone live with this facility – Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Indian Bank, PNB & SBI
• Apps live on this product offering – BHIM, Google Pay, Paytm, PayZapp, Navi & Tata Neu
• HQs of PhonePe – Bangalore, Karnataka | MD & CEO – Sameer Nigam | Founded in – 2015
• HQs of ICICI Bank – Mumbai, MH | MD & CEO – Sandeep Bakhshi | Taglines – “Hum Hain Na!” & “Khayal Apka”
https:// /#
39. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced 6 key measures to the index derivatives trading framework,
aimed at curbing excessive speculation amid growing concerns about the mounting losses incurred by individual traders. The
measures include (i) increasing the contract size from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, (ii) raising margin requirements, (iii) mandating
the upfront collection of option premiums from buyers, (iv) limiting weekly expiries to one benchmark per exchange, (v)
bringing intraday monitoring of position limits, and (vi) removing the calendar spread treatment on expiry days. These
measures mark the first revision of contract size in 9 years. Furthermore, SEBI will impose an additional extreme loss margin
(ELM) of 2% for short options contracts. These new measures will be implemented in a phased manner with effect from
November 20, 2024. A recent study by SEBI revealed that over 93% of retail traders sustained losses amounting to Rs 1.8 trillion
in the futures and options (F&O) segment over the past 3 financial years. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SEBI – announced 6 key measures to index derivatives trading framework
• Aim: To curb excessive speculation amid growing concerns about mounting losses incurred by individual traders
• Measures include:
- Increasing contract size to Rs 15 lakh (from Rs 5 lakh) | Raising margin requirements
- Mandating upfront collection of option premiums from buyers | Bringing intraday monitoring of position limits
- Limiting weekly expiries to one benchmark per exchange | Removing calendar spread treatment on expiry days
• These measures mark 1st revision of contract size in 9 years
• SEBI will impose an additional extreme loss margin (ELM) for short options contracts – 2%
• These new measures will be implemented in – phased manner | W.e.f. – Nov 20, 2024
• As per a recent study by SEBI: 93% of retail traders – sustained losses of Rs 1.8 trillion in F&O segment over past 3 FYs
• HQs of SEBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Madhabi Puri Buch | Established in – 1992
40. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties on four cooperative banks worth
Rs 9 lakh. A monetary penalty of Rs 5 lakh has been imposed on the Parwanoo Urban Co-operative
Bank Limited, Parwanoo (the bank) for non-compliance with the specific directions issued by RBI
under the Supervisory Action Framework (SAF). RBI imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 2.50 lakh
on Sonbhadra Nagar Sahkari Bank Limited, Sonbhadra (the bank) for contravention of the provisions of section 26A read
with section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). Similarly, RBI imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 50,000 on
Jaihind Urban Co-operative Bank Limited, Pune (the bank) for non-compliance with the directions issued by RBI on
‘Maintenance of Deposit Accounts – Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks’. And, a monetary penalty of Rs 1 lakh has been
imposed on Mansing Co-operative Bank Limited, Dudhondi (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by
RBI on ‘Income Recognition, Asset Classification, Provisioning and Other Related Matters- UCBs’. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• RBI – imposed monetary penalties on 4 cooperative banks | Worth – Rs 9 lakh
- Rs 5 lakh – on Parwanoo Urban Co-operative Bank Limited, Parwanoo, HP
- Rs 2.50 lakh – on Sonbhadra Nagar Sahkari Bank Limited, Sonbhadra, UP
- Rs 50,000 – on Jaihind Urban Co-operative Bank Limited, Pune, MH
- Rs 1 lakh – on Mansing Co-operative Bank Limited, Dudhondi, MH
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Shaktikanta Das (25th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (4) – S. Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | Michael D. Patra | M. Rajeshwar Rao
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41. The Centre has released the 1st instalment of the 15th Finance Commission grants for the
financial year 2024-25 to the Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Andhra Pradesh has received untied grants amounting to Rs 395.5091 crore and tied grants
totalling Rs 593.2639 crore for duly elected 9 eligible District Panchayats, 615 eligible Block
Panchayats and 12,853 eligible Gram Panchayats in the state. While in Rajasthan, untied
grants of Rs 507.1177 crore and tied grants of Rs 760.6769 crore have been released for the duly elected 22 eligible District
Panchayats, 287 eligible Block Panchayats and 9,068 eligible Gram Panchayats in the state. The untied grants will enable
panchayats to address specific local needs across 29 subjects under the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. These
funds, however, cannot be used for salaries or establishment costs. The tied grants will focus on core services such as
sanitation, maintenance of open-defecation-free (ODF) status and water management. In line with Article 243G of the
Constitution, these funds empower panchayats to manage essential services and infrastructure. The government of India
through the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation)
recommends the release of XV-FC Grants to States for Rural Local Bodies which are then released by the Ministry of Finance.
The allocated grants are recommended and released in two instalments in a financial year. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Centre released 1st instalment of 15th FC grants for FY25 to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Andhra Pradesh & Rajasthan
• Andhra Pradesh received: Untied grants – Rs 395.5091 Cr | Tied grants – Rs 593.2639 Cr
- For 9 eligible District Panchayats, 615 eligible Block Panchayats & 12,853 eligible Gram Panchayats
• Rajasthan received: Untied grants – Rs 507.1177 Cr | Tied grants – Rs 760.6769 Cr
- For 22 eligible District Panchayats, 287 eligible Block Panchayats & 9,068 eligible Gram Panchayats
• Untied grants enable panchayats to address specific local needs across 29 subjects under 11th Schedule of Constitution
- These funds cannot be used for salaries or establishment costs
• Tied grants will focus on core services such as sanitation, maintenance of ODF status & water management
• As per Article 243G of Constitution – these funds empower panchayats to manage essential services & infrastructure
• GoI through Ministry of Panchayati Raj & Ministry of Jal Shakti recommends release of XV-FC Grants to States for RLBs
- Then released by – Ministry of Finance
• Allocated grants – recommended & released in 2 instalments in a financial year
42. PhonePe has introduced a new insurance plan offering protection against firecracker-related
accidents during the Diwali season. Priced at Rs 9, the plan provides coverage of up to Rs 25,000 for
a 10-day period, safeguarding users from expenses related to hospitalisation and accidental death
due to firecracker accidents. This short-term insurance covers the policyholder and up to 4 family
members, including their spouse and 2 children. The plan offers immediate coverage starting
October 25, 2024. If purchased after this date, the policy will begin from the purchase date. Vishal Gupta is the CEO of
PhonePe Insurance Broking Services. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• PhonePe – introduced new insurance plan offering protection against firecracker-related accidents during Diwali season
• It provides coverage of up to Rs 25,000 for 10-day period | Priced at – Rs 9 | Immediate coverage – from Oct 25, 2024
• It covers policyholder & up to 4 family members, including spouse & 2 children
• Vishal Gupta – CEO of PhonePe Insurance Broking Services
• HQs of PhonePe – Bangalore, Karnataka | MD & CEO – Sameer Nigam | Founded in – 2015
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43. Cashfree Payments has received certification from the National Payments Corporation of India
for its “UPI Switch” service. This will allow Cashfree to directly integrate with any bank’s core banking
software and offer a higher transaction success rate for its merchants. Cashfree can offer settlement
of around 12,000 transactions per second with this certification. Cashfree has built this “UPI Switch”
in partnership with NSDL Payments Bank as the sponsor bank. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Cashfree Payments – received certification from NPCI for its “UPI Switch” service
• Cashfree Payments – can offer settlement of around 12,000 transactions per second with this certification
• Cashfree Payments – built this “UPI Switch” | Sponsor bank – NSDL Payments Bank
• HQs of Cashfree Payments – Bengaluru, Karnataka | CEO & Co-founder – Akash Sinha
44. Bank of Baroda (BoB) has rolled out “BOB Utsav Deposit Scheme,” which has a 400-day tenure
and an interest rate of 7.3% for the general public. Senior citizens are entitled to receive an extra
50 basis points, i.e., 7.80% on this scheme, while super senior citizens are entitled to receive
7.90% on this. Interest rates on other tenures continue to be the same. Union Bank of India offers
the highest interest rate of 7.4% on its special fixed deposit of 333-day tenure. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• BoB – rolled out “BOB Utsav Deposit Scheme” for general public | Tenure – 400 days | Interest rate – 7.3%
• Interest rates for: Senior citizens – 7.80% | Super senior citizens – 7.90%
• Union Bank of India – offers highest interest rate (7.4%) on its special fixed deposit of 333-day tenure
• HQs of UBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – A. Manimekhalai | Tagline – “Good People to Bank With”
Defence Affairs
45. Lokesh Machines Limited has delivered its first major order of the indigenously developed
9×19 mm “Asmi” submachine gun (SMG) to the Indian Army’s Northern Command. This is
India’s first SMG developed indigenously by the private sector. This order, consisting of 550
SMGs, represents a significant milestone in India’s push toward domestic production of
advanced military hardware. The Hyderabad-based manufacturer, traditionally focused on
CNC machines, entered the small arms manufacturing sector with this delivery. The gun was developed by Lokesh Machines
based on the design provided by the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) Pune, in collaboration with
the Indian Army. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Lokesh Machines Ltd – delivered 1st order (550) of indigenously developed 9×19 mm “Asmi” submachine gun (SMG)
- To – Indian Army’s Northern Command | India’s first SMG developed indigenously by private sector
• Developed by – Lokesh Machines + Indian Army | Based on design provided by – ARDE, Pune
• HQs of Lokesh Machines Ltd – Hyderabad, Telangana | MD – Mullapudi Lokeswara Rao
• HQs of Indian Army – New Delhi | Chief – General Upendra Dwivedi | Vice Chief – Lt. Gen. NS Raja Subramani
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46. The defence PSU, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, has delivered the 2nd
Survey Vessel Large (SVL) “INS Nirdeshak” to the Indian Navy. At 110 metres long, INS Nirdeshak is
the 2nd in a series of 4 such vessels being constructed by GRSE, with the 1st namely ‘INS Sandhayak’
delivered to the Navy in December 2023. These are the largest survey vessels for the Indian Navy
to be built in the country. The Sandhayak-class SVLs can undertake surveys of maritime limits and collect oceanographic and
geographical data for defence applications, which adds muscle to India’s maritime capabilities. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• GRSE Ltd – delivered 2nd Survey Vessel Large (SVL) “INS Nirdeshak” to the Indian Navy | It is 110 metres long
• It is 2nd in series of 4 such vessels being constructed by GRSE | 1st – ‘INS Sandhayak’ delivered in Dec 2023
• These are the largest survey vessels for the Indian Navy to be built in the country
• HQs of GRSE – Kolkata, West Bengal | Chairman & MD – P. R. Hari | Founded in – 1884
• HQs of Indian Navy – Delhi | Chief – Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi | Vice Chief – Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
47. Amid the growing tension in the Middle East, Iran for the 1st time has showcased the latest Iran-made “Shahed-136B”,
one-way attack drone and “Jihad” ballistic missile at the Armed Forces military parade marking the anniversary of the start
of the 1980-88 war with Iraq. The Shahed-136B, also known as a ‘kamikaze’ drone, is an upgraded version of the Shahed-
136, with new features and an operational range of more than 4,000 kilometres (2,500 miles). The Jihad single-stage liquid-
fuel ballistic missile with a high-explosive detachable warhead and a range of 1,000 km, was designed and manufactured by
the aerospace arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and has an operational range of 1,000 kilometres (more than 600 miles).
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• Iran – 1st time showcased “Shahed-136B”, one-way attack drone & “Jihad” ballistic missile at Armed Forces military
parade
- Marking the anniversary of the start of the 1980-88 war with Iraq
• Shahed-136B (aka ‘kamikaze’ drone) – upgraded version of Shahed-136 | Operational range – 4,000+ kms
• Jihad single-stage liquid-fuel ballistic missile – designed & manufactured by aerospace arm of Iran’s Revolutionary
Guards
- Operational range – 1,000 kilometres
• Iran – Tehran – Rial | President – Masoud Pezeshkian | Supreme Leader – Ali Khamenei
48. The missile-cum-ammunition barge “LSAM 12” (Yard 80), the 6th of 8 of the projects, built for
Indian Navy by Visakhapatnam-based MSME shipyard, SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd (SEPPL),
was launched at Vinayaga Marine Petro Ltd, Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra (the launch site of the
company). The launching ceremony was presided over by Cmde MV Raj Krishna, CoY(Mbi). The
contract for building 8 x Missile Cum Ammunition Barge was signed between the Ministry of
Defence (MoD) and SEPPL on February 19, 2021. These barges are indigenously designed and built under relevant ‘Naval
Rules and Regulation of Indian Register of Shipping’. The model testing of the barge during the design stage was undertaken
at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “LSAM 12” (Yard 80), missile-cum-ammunition barge – launched at Vinayaga Marine Petro Ltd, Mira Bhayandar,
Maharashtra
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• It is 6th of 8 projects built for Indian Navy by – SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd (Visakhapatnam)
• MoD + SEPPL = signed contract for building 8 x Missile Cum Ammunition Barge on Feb 19, 2021
• Model testing of barge during design stage – undertaken at Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam
49. The first ship named ‘Samarthak’ which means ‘Supporter’, of the 2 multi-Purpose Vessel
project, being built by L&T, Shipyard for the Indian Navy, was launched by Shashi Tripathi,
President NWWA, at L&T Kattupalli, in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the
Naval Staff. The contract for building 2 multi-Purpose-Vessel was signed between the Ministry
of Defence and L&T Shipyard on March 25, 2022. These multi-Purpose Vessels will be capable
of towing ships, launching and recovering various targets, operating uncrewed autonomous vehicles, and acting as a trial
platform for various indigenous weapons and sensors under development. The multi-Purpose Vessels can achieve a
maximum speed of 15 knots and are 106 m long and 16.8 wide. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 1st ship of 2 multi-Purpose Vessel project, ‘Samarthak’ – launched by Shashi Tripathi, President NWWA, at L&T Kattupalli
- Built by – L&T Shipyard
• MoD + L&T Shipyard = contract for building 2 multi-Purpose-Vessel on Mar 25, 2022
• Length – 106 m | Width – 16.8 m | Maximum speed – 15 knots
• HQs of L&T – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO & MD – S. N. Subrahmanyan | President – R. Shankar Raman
Sports & Games

50. India finished at the top of the medal tally at the 4th “ISSF Junior World Championships 2024” with 24
medals including 13 gold, 3 silver, and 8 bronze. Italy, with 13 medals including 5 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze,
came 2nd, while Norway came 3rd with 10 medals including 4 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze. The Indian medal
account at the 2024 ISSF Junior World Championship was opened by Kanak, who won the bronze medal in
the women’s 10m air pistol individual event. Mane Parth Prakash won India’s 1st individual gold medal in
the men’s 10m Air Rifle event. Mukesh Nelavalli won 8 medals at the Championships including 1 individual gold, 5 golds in
team events, and 2 individual bronze medals. Other gold winners are mentioned below. The 2024 ISSF Junior World
Championships was organised by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) in Lima, the capital of Peru, from 26
September to 7 October, 2024. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 4th “ISSF Junior World Championships 2024” – held in Lima, Peru | From – Sep 26-Oct 7, 2024
- Organised by – International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF)
• India with 24 medals (13 gold, 3 silver & 8 bronze) – finished at top of medal tally
• 2nd – Italy with 13 medals (5 gold, 4 silver & 4 bronze) | 3rd – Norway with 10 medals (4 gold, 3 silver & 3 bronze)
• India’s 13 Gold medalists:
- Parth Rakesh Mane (10m Air Rifle Men)
- Mukesh Nelavalli (25m Pistol Men)
- Divanshi (25m Pistol Women)
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- Suraj Sharma (25m Standard Men)
- Divanshi (25m Standard Women)
- Ajay Malik, Parth Rakesh Mane, Abhinav Shaw (10m Air Rifle Men Team)
- Shourya Saini, Vedant Nitin Waghmare, Parikshit Singh Brar (50m Rifle 3 Position Men Team)
- Umesh Choudhary, Mukesh Nellavalli, Parmod (10m Air Pistol Men Team)
- Raajwardan Paatil, Mukesh Nellavali, Harsimar Singh Rattha (25m RFP Men Team)
- Mukesh Nellavalli, Suraj Sharma, Pradhyumn Singh (25m Pistol Men team)
- Gautami Bhanot, Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar, Anushka Thokur (10m Air Rifle Women Junior, team)
- Kanishka Dagar, Lakshita, Anjali Chaudhary (10m Air Pistol Women, team)
- Divanshi, Tejaswani, Vibhuti Bhatia (25m Pistol Women's Team)
51. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that the 38th ‘National Games’
would be held in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025. The Games will
feature competitions in 38 sports and over 10,000 athletes. The previous edition of the
Games was organised in Goa where Maharashtra claimed the top spot. The next
National Winter Games would also be held simultaneously in Uttarakhand. The Winter
Games will be held outside Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh for the first time. The National Games are organised by the Indian
Olympic Association and hosted by the state government. The first National Games, held in 1924 at Lahore (now in Pakistan),
was called the All-India Olympic Games. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 38th ‘National Games’ – to be held in Uttarakhand (Jan 28-Feb 14, 2025)
- It will feature competitions in 38 sports & over 10,000 athletes
- Previous edition of the Games – organised in Goa | Winner state – Maharashtra
• Next National Winter Games – to be held in Uttarakhand (outside J&K and Ladakh for 1st time)
• National Games: organised by – Indian Olympic Association | Hosted by – State Govt
• First National Games (called ‘All-India Olympic Games’) – held in 1924 at Lahore
• HQs of IOA – New Delhi | President – P. T. Usha | CEO – Raghuram Iyer | Secretary General – Rajeev Mehta
52. Spain’s tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis. The
38-year-old will make his final appearance for Spain at Davis Cup in Malaga, Spain. The Davis Cup
knockout phase will be played from November 19-24. Nadal has won 22 grand slam singles titles
and a record 14 French Open titles, earning him the nickname of ‘King of Clay’, followed by 4 US
Open, 2 Wimbledon and 2 Australian Open. He also won a gold medal in the singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and gold
in the men’s double at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He also won 92 ATP titles and was the number-one ranked player for 209
weeks. He has been part of the Spanish Davis Cup-winning team on 5 occasions 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2019. In 2010,
Rafael Nadal opened the ‘Rafael Nadal Tennis School’ at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Rafael Nadal (Spain) – announced retirement from professional tennis | Nickname – ‘King of Clay’
• Final appearance – Davis Cup in Malaga, Spain (Nov 19-24, 2024)
• He won: 22 grand slam singles titles | 14 French Open titles | 4 US Open | 2 Wimbledon Open | 2 Australian Open
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- Gold medal – in singles at 2008 Beijing Olympics | Gold – men’s double at 2016 Rio Olympics
- 92 ATP titles | No.1 ranked player for – 209 weeks
• He has been part of Spanish Davis Cup-winning team on 5 occasions – 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011 & 2019
• Rafael Nadal opened ‘Rafael Nadal Tennis School’ – at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh in 2010
53. The Indian men’s team has won the bronze medal at the “Asian Table Tennis Championships
2024” after losing its semi-final clash against Chinese Taipei in Astana, Kazakhstan. This was India’s
third medal in the men’s team event at the Asian Table Tennis Championships, having clinched
bronze medals at the 2021 and 2023 editions. The Indian women’s team also brought home a
bronze medal in this tournament. They lost their semi-final match against the eventual winner,
Japan. At the Asian Table Tennis Championships, medals are on offer in seven events - men’s team, women’s team, men’s
doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, men’s singles and women’s singles. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Asian Table Tennis Championships 2024” – held in Astana, Kazakhstan
• Indian men’s team – won bronze medal for 3rd time (earlier in 2021 & 2023) | Losing against – Chinese Taipei
• Indian women’s team – also won bronze | Losing against – Japan (winner)
• 7 events – men’s team, women’s team, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, men’s singles & women’s
singles
54. India’s top-ranked women’s doubles pair of Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee secured
a bronze medal, India’s first-ever medal in the category, at the “Asian Table Tennis Championships”
in Astana, Kazakhstan. Back in 1952, Gool Nasikwala secured a gold medal in the women’s doubles
competition alongside Japan’s Yoshiko Tanaka in the inaugural edition of the tournament. The
Mukherjees, the world number 15th pair in women’s doubles rankings, were defeated by Japan’s
world number 33 duo of Miwa Harimoto and Miyuu Kihara with a 3-0. The losing semifinalists are awarded the bronze
medals in this competition. The Mukherjees also secured a bronze medal, India’s first-ever medal in their category, at the
Asian Games 2023. In Tunis last year, the duo became the 1st Indians to win a World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender women’s
doubles title. India ends the Asian Table Tennis Championships with three bronze medals at 8th position. The Indian women’s
team opened up the tally with a bronze, the country’s 1st in the women’s team category since 1972 when the Asian Table
Tennis Union (ATTU) started organising the competition, following a loss to Japan. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Asian Table Tennis Championships” – held in Astana, Kazakhstan
• Ayhika Mukherjee & Sutirtha Mukherjee (India) – bronze in women’s doubles pair | India’s 1st-ever medal in category
- It is world 15th number pair | Defeated by – World number 33 duo of Miwa Harimoto & Miyuu Kihara (Japan)
• They also secured a bronze medal at – Asian Games 2023 | India’s first-ever medal in their category
• They became 1st Indians to win a World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender women’s doubles title in Tunis in 2023
• At Asian Table Tennis Championships: India – 8th with 3 bronze medals
• Gool Nasikwala (India) + Yoshiko Tanaka (Japan) – gold in women’s doubles in 1952 (inaugural edition)
• Indian women’s team opened up with a bronze, country’s 1st in women’s team category since 1972 | Losing to – Japan
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55. Top seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus won her 3rd consecutive “Wuhan Open” singles title after
beating Chinese 5th seed and home favourite Zheng Qinwen in Wuhan, China. The 26-year-old
Belarusian now has the most aces in WTA-1000 this season, surpassing world number five Elena
Rybakina. Sabalenka is the 1st player to win 3 successive Wuhan Open titles. This is the 17th WTA
Tour title for Aryna Sabalenka and her 5th on Chinese soil. Anna Danilina of Kazakhstan and Irina
Khromacheva of Russia won the Wuhan Open 2024 women’s doubles after beating the American duo of Asia Muhammad
and Jessica Pegula. Billie Jean King established the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973 to promote professional
women’s tennis and became its 1st president. The WTA Tour comprises over 50 events and 4 Grand Slams, spanning 6
continents and nearly 30 countries. The Tour culminates with the WTA Finals, where the season’s top singles and doubles
player participates. WTA 1000 is the highest-ranked WTA Tournament. The 2024 WTA finals will be held in Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia, from 2-9 November 2024. In other news from the world of women’s badminton, 21-year-old Tanya Hemanth of India
won the “2024 Bendigo International Challenge” badminton tournament women’s singles after defeating Tung Ciou-tong of
Chinese Taipei at Bendigo, Australia. This was Tanya’s 3rd international title after the ‘India International’ in 2022 and ‘Iran
Fajr International’ in 2023. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Women’s Tennis Tournament – held in Wuhan, China
• Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) – won 3rd consecutive “Wuhan Open” singles title | Defeating – Zheng Qinwen (China)
- 1st player to win 3 successive Wuhan Open titles | It is her 17th WTA Tour title & 5th on Chinese soil
• Aryna Sabalenka – now has most aces in WTA-1000 this season | Surpassed – Elena Rybakina (world number five)
• Women’s doubles – Anna Danilina (Kazakhstan) & Irina Khromacheva (Russia)
• Billie Jean King – established Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973 | He also became its 1st president
• WTA Tour comprises – 50 events & 4 Grand Slams | Spans 6 continents & nearly 30 countries
- WTA 1000 – highest-ranked WTA Tournament
• 2024 WTA finals – to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (from Nov 2-9, 2024)
• Tanya Hemanth (India) – won “2024 Bendigo International Challenge” badminton tournament women’s singles
- Defeating – Tung Ciou-tong (Chinese Taipei) | At – Bendigo, Australia
- It is her 3rd international title | 1st – ‘India International’ in 2022 | 2nd – ‘Iran Fajr International’ in 2023
56. World No.1 Jannik Sinner of Italy claimed his career’s 4th victory over 24-time Grand Slam champion
Novak Djokovic of Serbia to win the men’s singles title at the 2024 Rolex Shanghai Masters, delaying a
100th career title for Novak Djokovic in the process. Novak Djokovic was on the hunt for his 100 th tour-
level title, a milestone reached by only 2 players in men’s tennis history, Jimmy Connors with 109 titles
and Roger Federer with 103. With this win, Jannik Sinner has become the 1st man to win more than 6 titles in a calendar year
since Andy Murray won 9 in 2016. Jannik Sinner also won the 2024 US Open and 2024 Australian Open. Jannik Sinner also
became the 1st player to win 3 ATP Masters 1000 titles in one season since Rafael Nadal in 2018. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 2024 Rolex Shanghai Masters – Shanghai, China
• World No.1 Jannik Sinner (Italy) – won men’s singles title | Defeated – Novak Djokovic (Serbia) for 4th time
• It can be 100th career title for Novak Djokovic | Earlier players – Jimmy Connors (109) & Roger Federer (103)
• Sinner – became 1st man to win more than 6 titles in a calendar year | Since – Andy Murray won 9 in 2016
• Sinner – won 2024 US Open & 2024 Australian Open
• Sinner – became 1st player to win 3 ATP Masters 1000 titles in one season | Since – Rafael Nadal in 2018
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Persons in News
57. Ageas Federal Life Insurance has announced the appointment of Jude Gomes as the new Managing
Director & Chief Executive Officer, with the approval of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
of India (IRDAI). He succeeds Vighnesh Shahane. Previously, he has also worked as the CEO of Manulife
China Bank in the Philippines and more recently as CEO at Union Assurance PLC in Sri Lanka. He has also
worked with organisations such as HSBC, HDFC, Manulife China Bank and Union Assurance. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Jude Gomes – appointed as new MD & CEO of Ageas Federal Life Insurance (succeeding - Vighnesh Shahane)
• HQs of Ageas Federal Life Ins. – New Delhi | MD & CEO – Jude Gomes | Founded in – 2008
Arts & Cultural Affairs

58. The 5th edition of ‘Nadi Utsav 2024’ was inaugurated at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for
the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi under the theme “Rivers in Reverse: Making of a Lifeline”, focusing
on the components of a river and its surrounding culture. Since its inception in 2018, Nadi Utsav
has aimed to raise awareness about the importance of rivers, viewing them not merely as natural
resources but as integral to India’s cultural heritage. The festival was 1st held in Nashik along the Godavari River, followed
by events in Vijayawada (Krishna River), Munger (Ganges River), and Delhi (Yamuna River). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 5th edition of ‘Nadi Utsav 2024’ – inaugurated at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi
- Theme - “Rivers in Reverse: Making of a Lifeline”
• Nadi Utsav – started in 2018 | Aim: To raise awareness about importance of rivers
• Previous festivals along rivers: 1st – Nashik (Godavari) | 2nd – Vijayawada (Krishna)
- 3rd – Munger (Ganges) | 4th – Delhi (Yamuna)
• Location of IGNCA – New Delhi | Director – Dr. Ramesh C Gaur | Member Secretary – Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi
Science & Technology

59. Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, have made a
groundbreaking discovery about the Sun’s rotation, using 100 years of daily records from the
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, located in Tamil Nadu. For the first time, they have mapped how
the Sun’s outer layer, the ‘Chromosphere’, rotates at different speeds from its equator to its
poles. Unlike Earth, which spins at the same speed everywhere - whether it’s Bengaluru or
Antarctica - the Sun rotates faster at its equator than at its poles. For instance, it takes the
equatorial region only about 25 days to complete one rotation, while the poles take a leisurely
35 days. This difference in rotation speed, known as ‘differential rotation’, is crucial for understanding the Sun’s magnetic
field and its 11-year cycle of activity, which can affect Earth. By analysing a century’s worth of data, the scientists found that
the Sun’s equator rotates at about 14° per day, while areas near the poles rotate at only 10.5° per day. This research was
published in the Astrophysical Journal. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, is one
of only two places in the world with such extensive long-term data on the Sun. {Read more}
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Smart Points:
• IIA Bengaluru – discovery about Sun’s rotation, using 100 years of daily records from Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (TN)
• For 1st time, they have mapped how Sun’s outer layer, ‘Chromosphere’, rotates at different speeds from its equator to
its poles
• Sun rotates faster at its equator than at its poles, unlike Earth, which spins at the same speed everywhere
- Time taken to complete one rotation: Equatorial region – about 25 days | Poles – 35 days
• Difference in rotation speed, aka ‘differential rotation’ – crucial for understanding Sun’s magnetic field & 11-year cycle
of activity
• Angle of Sun’s rotation: Equator – about 14° per day | Areas near poles – 10.5° per day
• Research – published in Astrophysical Journal
• Kodaikanal Solar Observatory – one of only two places in the world with such extensive long-term data on the Sun
• Location of IIA – Bengaluru, Karnataka | Director – Annapurni Subramaniam
60. The “Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory”, Asia’s

largest and world’s highest Imaging Cherenkov Observatory, has been inaugurated by
Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and
Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, as a part of the Platinum Jubilee year
celebrations of the DAE, at Hanle, Ladakh. Located at an altitude of ~4,300 m, the
telescope is indigenously built by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support
from Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and other Indian industry partners. The inauguration of the MACE
telescope marks a significant step forward for Indian astrophysics and cosmic-ray research. The MACE telescope will observe
high-energy gamma rays, contributing to global efforts to understand the most energetic phenomena in the universe, such
as supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts. Looking ahead, the MACE project aims to foster international
collaborations, advancing India’s contributions to space research and bolstering India’s position in the global scientific
community. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory” – inaugurated at Hanle, Ladakh
- It is Asia’s largest & world’s highest Imaging Cherenkov Observatory
- Inaugurated by – Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of DAE & Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission
- Inaugurated as a part of the Platinum Jubilee year celebrations of the DAE
• Located at – altitude of ~4,300 m | Built by – BARC with support from ECIL & other Indian industry partners
• It will observe high-energy gamma rays, contributing to efforts to understand most energetic phenomena in universe
• Aim: To foster international collaborations, advancing India’s contributions to space research & bolstering India’s
position in the global scientific community
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61. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian National Space Promotion and
Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) have signed 5
Technology Transfer Agreements (TTA) with non-governmental entities - Anabond Ltd, Salvo
Industries Pvt Ltd, Micropack Pvt Ltd, and Astra Microwave Products Ltd. With the 5 TTAs
signed, the total number of agreements signed post space reforms stands at 75. The TTAs
aim to give private players the opportunity to access the developed technologies available
with ISRO, enabling them to use space-related technology for commercial applications in space as well as other sectors such
as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, defence, telecommunications, and cybersecurity. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ISRO + IN-SPACe + NSIL = signed 5 Technology Transfer Agreements (TTA) with Anabond Ltd, Salvo Industries Pvt Ltd,
Micropack Pvt Ltd & Astra Microwave Products Ltd
• Now, total number of agreements signed post space reforms – 75
• Aim: To give private players opportunity to access technologies of ISRO, for various commercial & other applications
• HQs of ISRO – Bengaluru, Karnataka | Director – S. Somanath | Formed on – August 15, 1969
• HQs of IN-SPACe – Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Chairman – Dr. Pawan Goenka | Works under – Department of Space
• HQs of NSIL – Bangalore, Karnataka | CMD – Radhakrishnan Durairaj (an arm of ISRO)
62. The National Space Commission (NSC), India’s apex body on space missions, has
approved the 5th lunar mission, “Lupex” (Lunar Polar Exploration Mission). The mission,
which aims to explore water and more valuable resources on the lunar surface, will be
a collaborative effort between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and
Japan’s space agency JAXA. This mission will be able live for up to 100 days on the lunar
surface, a stay that would be over 5 times the duration of Chandrayaan-3’s mission life.
The launch vehicle for the mission will be a Japanese rocket, the lander system will be developed by ISRO, while the rover
by JAXA. The lander will include advanced scientific instruments, such as a ground-penetrating radar, mid-infrared
spectrometer, and Raman Spectrometer, along with the Permittivity and Thermophysical Investigation for Moon’s Aquatic
Scout (PRATHIMA) payload. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• NSC – approved 5th lunar mission, “Lupex” (Lunar Polar Exploration Mission) | Collaboration between = ISRO + JAXA
• Aim: To explore water & more valuable resources on lunar surface | To live on lunar surface – up to 100 days
• Launch vehicle – a Japanese rocket | Lander system – to be developed by ISRO | Rover – to be developed by JAXA
• Lander will include advanced scientific instruments along with PRATHIMA payload
- PRATHIMA – Permittivity and Thermophysical Investigation for Moon’s Aquatic Scout
• HQs of ISRO – Bengaluru, Karnataka | Director – S. Somanath | Formed on – August 15, 1969
• HQs of JAXA – Tokyo, Japan | President – Yamakawa Hiroshi | Founded in – 2003
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63. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has announced the establishment of Thematic Hubs and Technical Groups for National
Quantum Mission (NQM). It includes the establishment of 4 T-Hubs comprising 14 Technical Groups (17 Project Teams)
across 17 states and 2 Union Territories (UTs) in India. These hubs will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between
research and industry. Each T-Hub will function under the ‘Hub-Spoke-Spike’ model. While NQM will provide critical support
to startups and entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for quantum-driven innovations. NQM is one of the 9 missions
identified under the Prime Minister’s Science Technology Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). These 9 missions are -
Quantum Frontier, Natural Language Translation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), National Biodiversity Mission, Electric Vehicles
(EVs), BioScience for Human Health, Waste to Wealth, Deep Ocean Exploration, & AGNIi (Accelerating Growth of New India’s
Innovations). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Dr Jitendra Singh – to establish Thematic Hubs & Technical Groups for National Quantum Mission (NQM)
• Includes establishment of 4 T-Hubs comprising 14 Technical Groups (17 Project Teams) across 17 states & 2 UTs
- Each T-Hub will function under – ‘Hub-Spoke-Spike’ model
• NQM – 1 of 9 missions identified under Prime Minister’s Science Technology Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC)
• These 9 missions are: Quantum Frontier | Natural Language Translation | AI | National Biodiversity Mission
- EVs | BioScience for Human Health | Waste to Wealth | Deep Ocean Exploration
- AGNIi (Accelerating Growth of New India’s Innovations)
• MoS (I/C) in Ministry of Science & Technology: Dr. Jitendra Singh | Constituency – Udhampur, J&K
64. NASA has launched a $5.2 billion mission, “Europa Clipper,” to investigate Jupiter and its
moon, ‘Europa’, one of the prime locations in the search for life beyond Earth and the study
of the moon’s icy surface and the subsurface ocean believed to exist beneath, aboard a SpaceX
Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Europa Clipper will not directly
search for life but will assess whether Europa’s environment could support it. Although it
won’t hunt for microorganisms, its findings may pave the way for future missions aimed at detecting life. The Europa Clipper
is the largest spacecraft NASA has built for planetary exploration, primarily due to its massive solar panels. These panels are
necessary to generate sufficient power, given the long distance between Jupiter and the Sun. The main body of the
spacecraft houses 9 scientific instruments, including radar to penetrate Europa’s icy shell, cameras to map its surface, and
devices to analyse its atmosphere and composition. The spacecraft will travel a distance of 1.8 billion miles (3 billion km) to
reach Jupiter, making several flybys of Mars and Earth to gain the speed required. Europa Clipper is expected to reach Jupiter
in 2030 and will begin its scientific operations in 2031. Over the course of the mission, it will fly by Europa 49 times. The
mission is scheduled to conclude in 2034 with a planned crash into ‘Ganymede’, Jupiter’s largest moon. The Europa Clipper
mission is part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to explore Jupiter’s moons. Other active missions include NASA’s Juno, which has
been orbiting Jupiter since 2016, and the European Space Agency’s JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE), launched in April
2023. This mission is being managed by Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Applied
Physics Laboratory (APL). Europa, one of Jupiter’s 95 known moons, is slightly smaller than Earth’s moon. It was discovered
by Galileo in 1610. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• NASA – launched “Europa Clipper” mission to investigate Jupiter & its moon, ‘Europa’ | Cost – $5.2 billion
• To search for life beyond Earth & study of moon’s icy surface & subsurface ocean believed to exist beneath
• Aboard – SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket | From – Kennedy Space Center
• Europa Clipper – largest spacecraft NASA for planetary exploration | Its main body houses – 9 scientific instruments
• It will travel – 1.8 billion miles (3 billion km) to reach Jupiter | Will reach in – 2030 | Begin operations – in 2031
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• During mission, it will fly by Europa 49 times | Will conclude – 2034 | Crash into – Ganymede, Jupiter’s largest moon
• It is a part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to explore Jupiter’s moons, including:
- NASA’s Juno – orbiting Jupiter since 2016
- European Space Agency’s JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) – launched in Apr 2023
• It is being managed by – Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory + Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
• Europa – one of Jupiter’s 95 known moons | Smaller than Earth’s moon | Discovered by – Galileo in 1610
• HQs of NASA – Washington D.C., US | Administrator – Bill Nelson | Founded in – 1958
65. Elon Musk’s SpaceX has achieved a significant milestone by catching the
massive booster stage from its ‘Starship’ rocket in a pair of robotic arms as it fell
back to the company’s launchpad in southern Texas, US. The rocket system lifted
off from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, US. This was the rocket system’s 5th test
launch. Starship is a two-stage heavy lift vehicle comprising a booster (called
‘Super Heavy’), and an upper section (the Starship spacecraft). As the rocket’s 71-
metre (233ft) Super Heavy booster separated 40 miles (65km) above the Earth, the upper stage pushed on to an altitude of
nearly 90 miles. Together, the rocket system is nearly 120 metres tall, making it the largest rocket ever, taller than even the
Saturn V (111 metres). Starship is designed to carry crew or/ and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond, and
once fully operational, can revolutionise space travel. SpaceX is hoping to develop a spaceship that can be used more like a
plane than a traditional rocket system, being able to land, refuel and take off again a few hours after landing. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SpaceX – caught massive booster stage from its ‘Starship’ rocket in a pair of robotic arms as it fell back to company’s
launchpad in southern Texas, US
- Rocket system lifted off from – Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, US | It was its 5th test launch | Length – 120m
• Starship – 2-stage heavy lift vehicle comprising a booster (Super Heavy) & an upper section (the Starship spacecraft)
- Its 71m Super Heavy booster – separated 65km above Earth | Upper stage – pushed on to an altitude of 90 miles
• HQs of SpaceX – Texas, U.S. | Founder & CEO – Elon Musk | Founded in – 2002
66. The Doppler Weather Radar approved for north Kerala will be installed in Wayanad in the
wake of the catastrophic landslides, enhancing the weather observational network in the
state. An X-band radar with an observation range of 100 km will be installed in Wayanad,
while a C-Band radar with an observational range of 250 km will be installed in Mangaluru.
However, the southern and central Kerala had already been brought under radar
surveillance. The work order for the radar has been placed by the Union Ministry for Earth Sciences. Though the radar is
expected to raise the forecasting capabilities and real-time monitoring of the weather in the region, radar cannot forecast
any extreme weather events, such as floods, in advance, for which good numerical weather prediction models are required,
according to experts. As of date, no indigenous models have been exclusively developed in the country, and all models were
purchased from outside, which has certain limitations in providing an accurate picture of the developing weather in the
country considering its different terrain and topography. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Doppler Weather Radar – to be installed in Wayanad, Kerala to enhance weather observational network
• X-band radar – to be installed in Wayanad | Observation range – 100 km
• C-Band radar – to be installed in Mangaluru | Observational range – 250 km
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• Ministry for Earth Sciences – placed work order for the radar | Radar cannot forecast any extreme weather events
• Kerala: Capital – Thiruvananthapuram | CM – Pinarayi Vijayan | Governor – Arif Mohammad Khan
Appointments & Resignations

67. Kais Saied, President of Tunisia, has won a landslide victory for the second time. He is a Tunisian
politician, jurist and retired lecturer of law currently serving as the seventh president of Tunisia since
October 2019. He received 90.7% of the vote share in the presidential election of the northern African
country. Saied’s closest challenger, businessman Ayachi Zammel, won 7% of the vote. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Kais Saied – became President of Tunisia for 2nd time (defeating - Ayachi Zammel)
• Tunisia – Tunis – Tunisian Dinar | President – Kais Saied | Prime Minister – Kamel Madouri
68. Senior diplomat Ajit Vinayak Gupte (IFS: 1991) has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Germany.
He is currently India’s envoy in Egypt. Besides, Sanjeev Kumar Singla is appointed as the next Ambassador of
India to France. The 1997 batch IFS officer, Singla, is presently the Ambassador of India to Israel. Before this,
Singla was serving as Private Secretary (PS) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Ajit Vinayak Gupte (currently India’s envoy in Egypt) – appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Germany
• Sanjeev Kumar Singla (currently India’s envoy in Israel) – appointed as India’s next Ambassador to France
69. Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, is appointed as the deputy Chief
minister. He was serving as the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development. In his new
role, he will also oversee the planning and development portfolio. Four other Dravida
Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) legislators were sworn in as cabinet ministers by Tamil Nadu
Governor R N Ravi in Chennai. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Udhayanidhi Stalin (Minister for Youth Welfare & Sports Development) – appointed as deputy CM of Tamil Nadu
• 4 other DMK legislators – sworn in as cabinet ministers in Chennai | By – Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi
• Tamil Nadu: Capital – Chennai | CM – Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin | Governor – Ravindra Narayan Ravi
70. The government has given the additional charge of CEO of the Government e Marketplace (GeM)
to L Satya Srinivas, Additional Secretary in Department of Commerce. Srinivas is an officer of the 1991
batch of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes). He succeeds P K Singh who has been
appointed as Secretary in the Renewable Energy Ministry. The GeM portal was launched on August 9,
2016, for online purchases of goods and services by all central government ministries and departments.
GeM is a 100% Government owned & National Public Procurement Portal. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• L Satya Srinivas (Addt. Secretary in DoC) – given additional charge of CEO of GeM (succeeding - P K Singh)
• P K Singh – appointed as Secretary in Renewable Energy Ministry
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• GeM portal – launched on Aug 9, 2016, for online purchases of goods & services by all central ministries & departments
- It is 100% Government owned & National Public Procurement Portal
• HQs of GeM – New Delhi | CEO – L Satya Srinivas (additional charge) | Established in – 2016
71. Amazon India has announced the appointment of Samir Kumar as the new country manager. He will
lead the India business of the e-commerce giant in addition to leading consumer businesses in the Middle
East, South Africa and Turkey. Kumar took over the new role w.e.f. October 1, 2024. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Samir Kumar – appointed as new country manager of Amazon India w.e.f. October 1, 2024
• HQs of Amazon India – Hyderabad, Telangana | Country Manager – Samir Kumar
72. Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), Indian Railways Financial Corporation (IRFC), has appointed Manoj
Kumar Dubey as the CEO, Chairman, and Managing Director of the company for 5 years. Dubey joined
the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) in the 1993 batch. He won the National Award for Outstanding
Service at the Minister of Railways level in 2011. He has also played a crucial role in the Public-Private
Partnership (PPP) Directorate and Finance Commercial Directorate of the Railway Board. He will replace
Usha Venugopal who was holding the addition charge of IRFC CMD. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Manoj Kumar Dubey – appointed as CEO & CMD of IRFC for 5 years (replacing - Usha Venugopal)
• He won National Award for Outstanding Service at Minister of Railways level in 2011
• HQs of IRFC – New Delhi | CMD – Manoj Kumar Dubey | Founded in – 1986
73. The centre has appointed the Indian Coast Guard’s Additional Director General S Paramesh as the new
Chief of the ICG. He is presently officiating as the Director General after the demise of his predecessor DG
Rakesh Pal in September 2024. The Flag Officer S Paramesh is an alumnus of the National Defence College,
New Delhi and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He is a recipient of the President’s Tatrakshak
Medal for Distinguished Service, Tatrakshak Medal and was also awarded the Director General Coast
Guard Commendation in 2012 and the FOCINC (East) Commendation in 2009. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• S Paramesh (Additional DG of ICG) – appointed as new Chief of ICG (succeeding - DG Rakesh Pal)
• He received – President’s Tatrakshak Medal for Distinguished Service, Tatrakshak Medal
- Director General Coast Guard Commendation (2012) & FOCINC (East) Commendation (2009)
• HQs of ICG – New Delhi | DG – S Paramesh | Founded in – 1977
74. Noel Tata, the half-brother of Ratan Tata, has been appointed as new Chairman of Tata Trusts, the
powerful and influential philanthropic arm of Tata Group. The parent company, Tata Sons, oversees 30
firms across consumer goods, hotels, automobiles and airlines and has become a global juggernaut over
the years, with brands such as Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea in its stable. It owns Tata Consultancy
Services, Taj Hotels and Air India and counts Starbucks and Airbus as partners in India. Tata Trusts has a
66% ownership of Tata Sons. Noel Tata, who is half-French, is also Chairman of Tata’s retail fashion brand, Trent, as well as
Vice-Chairman of Tata Steel. {Read more}
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Smart Points:
• Noel Tata (Chairman of Trent & Vice-Chairman of Tata Steel) – appointed as new Chairman of Tata Trusts
• Tata Trusts – 66% ownership of Tata Sons
• HQs of Tata Trusts – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Noel Tata
75. ACKO, a leading general insurance company in India, has announced the appointment of Sandip Goenka
as the Chief Executive Officer of its recently launched life insurance business, ACKO Life. Prior to joining ACKO,
Goenka was associated with Exide Life Insurance as Chief Financial Officer. Previously, he worked at TATA AIA
and EY. Varun Dua is the Founder & CEO of ACKO. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Sandip Goenka – appointed as CEO of ACKO Life | ACKO Life – recently launched by ACKO
• HQs of ACKO Life – Bengaluru, Karnataka | CEO – Sandip Goenka
• HQs of Acko General Insurance – Bengaluru, Karnataka | Founder & CEO – Varun Dua
Awards, Rewards, Recognition & Prizes

76. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the “2024 Nobel Prize in Physics”
to John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton for their foundational contributions to artificial
intelligence (AI) through the development of machine learning with artificial neural
networks. Their groundbreaking research, dating back to the 1980s, has significantly
influenced the field of AI, helping to shape the technologies that power modern data
processing and pattern recognition. John Hopfield, a professor at Princeton University,
developed an associative memory network that could store and reconstruct images and
other patterns in data. His innovation, known as the ‘Hopfield network’, uses principles of physics, particularly the concept
of atomic spin, to represent data and store it with low energy requirements. This network functions by adjusting its values
to match input data, making it possible to reconstruct incomplete images and find patterns within noisy information.
Geoffrey Hinton, a professor at the University of Toronto, expanded upon Hopfield’s ideas with the ‘Boltzmann machine’.
This advanced model uses principles from statistical physics, enabling the network to autonomously learn and identify
distinct elements within data. The Boltzmann machine is not only capable of classifying images but also generating new data
that matches learned patterns, proving foundational in image recognition and other AI applications. These neural network
models, inspired by the brain’s structure, represent a major leap in AI. Ellen Moons is the Chair of the Nobel Committee for
Physics. Created in the will of Swedish dynamite inventor and wealthy businessman Alfred Nobel, the prize is given in 6 fields
- Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature & Peace, since 1901, while the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences
was added in 1968. Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned Indian poet, musician & painter, became the first Indian and the first
Asian to win the Nobel Prize. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “2024 Nobel Prize in Physics” – awarded to John J. Hopfield & Geoffrey E. Hinton
- For – contributions to AI through the development of machine learning with artificial neural networks
• John Hopfield, professor at Princeton University – developed an associative memory network
• Geoffrey Hinton, professor at the University of Toronto – expanded upon Hopfield’s ideas with ‘Boltzmann machine’
• Winners of 2024 Nobel Prizes will get an extra 1 million crowns (Total prize – 11 million Swedish crowns)
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• Rabindranath Tagore – 1st Indian & Asian to receive Nobel Prize (for Literature in 1913)
• Nobel Prize is given in 6 fields: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, Economic Sciences
• Nobel Prize started in 5 fields – in 1901 & Economic Sciences (Sveriges Riksbank Prize) was added – in 1968
• Nobel prizes are always handed over on December 10, the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel (in 1896)
• December 10 – Nobel Prize Day
77. The “2024 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine”, won by Victor Ambros and Gary
Ruvkun for the discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene
regulation, was announced on October 7. Both Ambros and Ruvkun are American
biologists. Ambros and Ruvkun’s groundbreaking discovery revealed a completely new
principle of gene regulation that turned out to be essential for multicellular organisms,
including humans. The duo made their finding by studying the 1-mm-long roundworm
‘Caenorhabditis elegans’. Gunilla Karlsson-Hedestam was the Chairperson of the Nobel Committee for Physiology or
Medicine 2024. Last year the Nobel Prize for Physiology was jointly awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their
‘discoveries concerning nucleoside base modification that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against
COVID-19’. Moreover, the Physics Nobel, announced on October 8, was awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for
their work on machine learning with artificial neural networks. The winners of the Literature, Peace and Economic Sciences
Prize will be declared on October 10, October 11, and October 14 respectively. The prizes carry a cash award of 11 million
Swedish kronor (nearly $1.1 million) and will be awarded on December 10. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Winners of “2024 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine” – Victor Ambros & Gary Ruvkun (American biologists)
- For – discovery of microRNA & its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation
• Gunilla Karlsson-Hedestam – Chairperson of the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine 2024
• Dates of announcement of winners for different categories of Nobel Prize 2024:
- Oct 7 – Physiology or Medicine | Oct 8 – Physics | Oct 10 – Literature | Oct 11 – Peace | Oct 14 – Economics
• Total prize – 11 million Swedish kronor (nearly $1.1 million)
78. On October 9, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has announced that
the “2024 Nobel Prize for Chemistry” has been shared by American biochemist
David Baker ‘for computational protein design’ along with Demis Hassabis (British
computer Scientist & Co-founder & CEO Google’s DeepMind Technologies) and
John Jumper (American Chemist & Director at DeepMind Technologies) ‘for
protein structure prediction’. Last year the Nobel Prize for Chemistry was jointly
awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. In 2020,
Demis Hassabis and John Jumper managed to crack the code. With skillful use of artificial intelligence, they made it possible
to predict the complex structure of essentially any known protein in nature. The prizes carry a cash award of 11 million
Swedish kronor (nearly $1.1 million) and will be awarded on December 10. Created in the will of Swedish dynamite inventor
and wealthy businessman Alfred Nobel, the prize is given in 6 fields - Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature
& Peace, since 1901, while the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was added in 1968. Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned
Indian poet, musician & painter, became the first Indian and the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize. He was awarded the
Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. {Read more}
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Smart Points:
• Winners of “2024 Nobel Prize for Chemistry” – David Baker, Demis Hassabis & John Jumper
- David Baker (American biochemist) – for computational protein design
- Demis Hassabis & John Jumper (both from Google’s DeepMind Technologies) – for protein structure prediction
79. On October 10, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the “2024 Nobel Prizes in
Literature” to South Korean writer Han Kang ‘for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical
traumas and exposes the fragility of human life’. With a radical and poetic imagination, she writes
about women battling patriarchy, violence, grief and also about historical wrongs and injustices. This
is the first time a Korean has received a Nobel Prize in Literature. Ms. Han also won the Man Booker
International Prize in 2016 for “The Vegetarian” novel. The prizes carry a cash award of 11 million
Swedish kronor (nearly $1.1 million) and will be awarded on December 10. Created in the will of Swedish dynamite inventor
and wealthy businessman Alfred Nobel, the prize is given in 6 fields - Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature
& Peace, since 1901, while the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was added in 1968. Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned
Indian poet, musician & painter, became the first Indian and the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize. He was awarded the
Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Winner of “2024 Nobel Prizes in Literature” – Han Kang (South Korean writer) | 1st Korean to receive Nobel in Literature
- For intense poetic prose confronting historical traumas & exposes fragility of human life
- Man Booker International Prize in 2016 for “The Vegetarian” novel
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80. The “Nobel Peace Prize 2024” has been awarded to Japanese organisation ‘Nihon Hidankyo’,
a grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as
‘Hibakusha’, for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating
through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again, by the Swedish
Academy on October 11, 2024. Nihon Hidankyo is the only nation-wide organization of A-bomb
survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Hibakusha). It has member organizations in all 47 Japanese prefectures, thus
representing almost all organized Hibakusha. Hidankyo is cooperating with those organizations in their work for the defense
of the living and rights of these people. One of the main objectives of Hindankyo is prevention of nuclear war and the
elimination of nuclear weapons, including the signing of an international agreement for a total ban and elimination of
nuclear weapons. The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi, who is currently
imprisoned. In 2014, India’s Kailash Satyarthi had won the award jointly with Pakistan’s Malala Yousafzai. The prizes carry a
cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (nearly $1.1 million) and will be awarded on December 10. Created in the will of
Swedish dynamite inventor and wealthy businessman Alfred Nobel, the prize is given in 6 fields - Physics, Chemistry,
Physiology or Medicine, Literature & Peace, since 1901, while the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was added in 1968.
Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned Indian poet, musician & painter, became the first Indian and the first Asian to win the
Nobel Prize. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Winner of “Nobel Peace Prize 2024” – Nihon Hidankyo, Japanese organisation
- For its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons
- For demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again – by Swedish
Academy on Oct 11, 2024
• Nihon Hidankyo – only nation-wide organization of A-bomb survivors of Hiroshima & Nagasaki (Hibakusha)
• “Nobel Peace Prize 2014” – Kailash Satyarthi (India) & Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan)
81. The Council of Europe awarded its “2024 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize” to Venezuelan
opposition figure Maria Corina Machado for her struggle for democracy under President Nicolas
Maduro’s iron-fisted rule. Maria Corina is the first Latin American to win the award, named after
the late Czech dissident, playwright and post-communist president Vaclav Havel. The award was
received on her behalf at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg by her daughter Ana.
Previous winners include the 2023 laureate, the Turkish philanthropist and civil society activist Osman Kavala, who remains
in prison after his arrest in November 2017, and the 2022 winner the Russian activist Vladimir Kara-Murza. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Maria Corina Machado (Venezuela) – awarded with “2024 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize” | By – Council of Europe
- For her struggle for democracy under President Nicolas Maduro’s iron-fisted rule
- She is the first Latin American to win this award | Received by – Her daughter, Ana | At – Strasbourg
• Previous winners include:
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- 2023 – Osman Kavala, Turkish philanthropist & civil society activist
- 2022 – Vladimir Kara-Murza, Russian activist
82. On October 14, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has

announced that the “2024 Nobel Prize for Economics” has been awarded
to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson for research
into differences in prosperity between nations. The three economists
have demonstrated the importance of societal institutions for a country’s
prosperity. Acemoglu and Johnson work at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology and Robinson conducts his research at the University of Chicago. In 2023, the US professor Claudia Goldin was
awarded the ‘Nobel Prize in Economics’ for her research into the factors that explain pay gaps between men and women.
The economics prize is formally known as the “Sveriges Riksbank (Bank of Sweden) Prize in Economic Sciences” in Memory
of Alfred Nobel. The Nobel Prizes consist of a diploma, a gold medal and a $1 million lump sum. They will be presented at
ceremonies in Stockholm and Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of the 1896 death of scientist and prize creator Alfred
Nobel. Created in the will of Swedish dynamite inventor and wealthy businessman Alfred Nobel, the prize is given in 6 fields
- Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature & Peace, since 1901, while the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences
was added in 1968. Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned Indian poet, musician & painter, became the first Indian and the first
Asian to win the Nobel Prize. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 2024 Nobel Prize Winners:
Field Winner Awarded for
Physiology/Medicine Victor Ambros (US) Discovery of microRNA & its role in post-
(Oct 7) Gary Ruvkun (US) transcriptional gene regulation
John J. Hopfield (US) Contributions to AI through development of
Physics (Oct 8)
Geoffrey E. Hinton (UK-Canada) machine learning with artificial neural networks
David Baker (US)
Computational protein design & protein structure
Chemistry (Oct 9) Demis Hassabis (UK)
prediction
John Jumper (US)
Intense poetic prose confronting historical traumas
Literature (Oct 10) Han Kang (South Korea)
and exposing the fragility of human life
Peace (Oct 11) Nihon Hidankyo organisation (Japan) Efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons
Daron Acemoglu (Turkiye-US)
Research into differences in prosperity between
Economics (Oct 14) Simon Johnson (UK-US)
nations
James A. Robinson (UK)
• Nobel Prize started in 5 fields in 1901 | Economic Sciences (Sveriges Riksbank Prize) was added in 1968
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Schemes & Initiatives
83. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, has introduced the “Jal Hi
AMRIT” scheme, aiming to promote efficient water management and incentivise states and Union
Territories (UTs) to manage sewage treatment plants (STPs) efficiently, ensuring the production of
good-quality, recyclable treated water. It is launched under ‘AMRUT 2.0’ reforms. Urban Local
Bodies (ULBs) and parastatal agencies are currently nominating STPs from their respective regions
for this scheme. Clean Water Credits will be awarded in terms of Star-rating between 3 stars to 5 stars certificate valid for 6
months. Under ‘AMRUT 2.0’, the union minister highlighted that, as part of the 100-day achievements, 68 projects worth
Rs 3,020 crore and 41 projects worth Rs 3,805 crore, totalling Rs 6,825 crore, will be implemented across 13 states. These
states include Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Overall, 263 projects worth Rs 9,352 crore will see either
their inauguration or foundation laid within this period. Regarding the Swachh Bharat Mission and Swachhata Hi Seva 2024
Campaign, he noted that around 7.5 lakh Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) have been registered on portals, with 86% of these
already cleaned. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (March 2021), India's current water treatment capacity is
27.3% and the sewage treatment capacity is 18.6%. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Manohar Lal Khattar – introduced “Jal Hi AMRIT” scheme to promote efficient water management & incentivise states
& UTs to manage STPs efficiently
- Under – ‘AMRUT 2.0’ reforms
• Urban Local Bodies & parastatal agencies – currently nominating STPs from their respective regions for this scheme
• Clean Water Credits will be awarded – in terms of Star-rating between 3-5 stars certificate valid for 6 months
• Under ‘AMRUT 2.0’, 68 projects (worth - Rs 3,020 Cr) & 41 projects (worth - Rs 3,805 Cr) – implemented across 13 states
- States/UTs – Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Gujarat
- Jharkhand, Karnataka, MP, MH, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan & UP
• Overall, 263 projects (worth - Rs 9,352 Cr) – will be either inaugurated or foundation laid within this period
• Regarding Swachh Bharat Mission & Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 Campaign, around 7.5 lakh CTUs – registered on portals
- 86% – already cleaned
• According to CPCB (Mar 2021), India's current capacity: water treatment – 27.3% | sewage treatment – 18.6%
• Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs: Manohar Lal Khattar | Constituency – Karnal, Haryana
MoS in Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs: Tokhan Sahu
84. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has launched a drug eradication initiative “Sankalp” during a
programme organised by the ‘Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan’ that also aims to address drug trafficking and support
rehabilitation efforts. While highlighting the government’s commitment to curb drug trafficking and supporting
rehabilitation efforts, he further said the state government was going to establish a state-level model de-addiction and
rehabilitation centre at Kotla Barog in the Pachhad subdivision of Sirmaur district. Additionally, a ‘Centre of Excellence’ is
also being constructed at Kandaghat in Solan district to provide higher education to 9,000 specially-abled children in the
state. The state government is also providing free education to 23,000 children widows and single women (Ekal Nari), and a
scheme is underway to ensure the welfare of the elderly. {Read more}
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Smart Points:
• Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (CM of HP) – launched a drug eradication initiative “Sankalp” during a programme
- Organised by – ‘Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan’
• In HP, a state-level model de-addiction & rehabilitation centre will be established at – Kotla Barog, Pachhad, Sirmaur
• A ‘Centre of Excellence’ is also being constructed at – Kandaghat, Solan, to provide higher education to 9,000 specially-
abled children
• State govt – providing free education to 23,000 children widows & single women (Ekal Nari)
• HP: Capital – Shimla & Dharamshala | CM – Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu | Governor – Shiv Pratap Shukla
85. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the renaming of several states and centrally-funded
schemes to make them simpler and more accessible for villagers. The “Rural Enterprise Velocity Vriddhi Project” has been
renamed “Gramothan Yojana”. The aim of this scheme is to improve the livelihoods of rural poor families by connecting
them with entrepreneurship opportunities. Additionally, the “Rural Business Incubator Scheme” has been renamed “Chief
Minister Udyamshala Yojana”. This scheme offers financial assistance and training to rural entrepreneurs. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand CM) – directed the renaming of several states and centrally-funded schemes
• “Rural Enterprise Velocity Vriddhi Project” – renamed as “Gramothan Yojana”
- Aim: To improve the livelihoods of rural poor families by connecting them with entrepreneurship
• “Rural Business Incubator Scheme” – renamed as “Chief Minister Udyamshala Yojana”
- Aim: To offer financial assistance and training to rural entrepreneurs
• Uttarakhand: Capital – Dehradun & Gairsain | CM – Pushkar Singh Dhami | Governor – Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh
86. The Union Cabinet has approved the “Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats”
scheme for the 15th Finance Commission cycle for an overall outlay of Rs. 2,602.98 crore. The
centrally sponsored scheme includes critical components such as Project Tiger, Project
Elephant and Development of Wildlife Habitat. The scheme envisages to boost technological
interventions in different thematic areas over the current and next financial year in tiger and
other wildlife habitats. Of the overall outlay, the Centre allocated Rs. 1,575 crore for Project Tiger, Rs. 182.58 crore for
Project Elephant and Rs. 845.4 crore for Development of Wildlife Habitat. Project Tiger currently uses technology such as
the “M-STrIPES” (Monitoring System for Tigers, Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) mobile application for day-to-
day management practices. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Cabinet approved “Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats” scheme for 15th FC cycle | Outlay – Rs. 2,602.98 Cr
• Aim: To boost technological interventions in different areas over current & next FYs in tiger & other wildlife habitats
• Allocation for various projects: Rs. 1,575 Cr – Project Tiger | Rs. 182.58 Cr – Project Elephant
- Rs. 845.4 Cr – Development of Wildlife Habitat
• Project Tiger currently uses technology like “M-STrIPES” mobile application for day-to-day management practices
- M-STrIPES – Monitoring System for Tigers, Intensive Protection and Ecological Status
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87. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) collaborated with the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs (MCA) to facilitate the implementation of the “Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme”
which aims to provide internship opportunities to 1 crore youth in 500 top Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) spend companies in the next 5 years. The government rolled out the
scheme on a pilot basis with a budget of Rs 800 crore, aiming to provide 125,000 internships
to youth aged between 21 and 24 in FY2025. CII is acting as a critical facilitator between the government and the industry,
ensuring the scheme’s effective rollout. The MCA has also launched a dedicated, user-centric portal for the scheme, which
will serve as a centralised hub and a link between the companies and the aspiring interns, allowing smooth navigation of the
scheme’s application and participation processes. Further, the Centre’s reservation policy for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled
Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and people with disabilities would be applicable to the internships offered under the
scheme. The internship portal is being managed by the Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics
(BISAG), a national agency of the Gujarat government. A multilingual call centre has been launched to assist candidates.
Eligible candidates must be Indian nationals, unemployed, and not in full-time education, though those in online or distance
programmes can apply. They must have completed High School or Higher Secondary School, hold a Polytechnic diploma, or
have a Graduate degree. Candidates would be able to browse internships based on their preferred sectors, roles, and
locations and apply for up to 5 opportunities. The MCA will provide Rs 6,000 upon joining to interns, who will be covered
under ‘PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima’ and ‘PM Suraksha Yojana’. A monthly assistance of Rs 5,000 will be provided, with Rs 4,500
from the government and Rs 500 from the company’s CSR funds. Companies can provide assistance over and above Rs 500
if they wish to do so from their own funds. The scheme excludes certain applicants, including chartered accountants,
graduates from the IITs and IIMs, and those with family income exceeding Rs 8 lakh for FY2024 or government employees.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• CII + MCA = collaborated to facilitate implementation of “Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme”
- Aim (scheme): To provide internship opportunities to 1 crore youth in 500 top CSR spend companies in next 5 yrs
• Govt rolled out scheme on a pilot basis | Budget – Rs 800 Cr
- Aim: To provide 125,000 internships to youth aged between 21 & 24 in FY25
• Critical facilitator between govt & industry – CII | MCA – launched a dedicated, user-centric portal for this scheme
• Centre’s reservation policy would be applicable to internships offered under this scheme
• Internship portal is being managed by – Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications & Geoinformatics (Gujarat)
• Eligible candidates must be – Indians, unemployed & not in full-time education (except online or distance programmes)
- Completed High School or Higher Secondary School, hold a Polytechnic diploma, or a Graduate degree
• MCA – provide Rs 6,000 upon joining | They will be covered under ‘PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima’ & ‘PM Suraksha Yojana’
• Monthly assistance – Rs 5,000 (Rs 4,500 from government & Rs 500 from company’s CSR funds)
• It excludes certain applicants – CA, graduates from IITs & IIMs & those with family income >Rs 8 lakh for FY24 or
government employees
• HQs of CII – New Delhi | President – Sanjiv Puri | VP – R Mukundan | DG – Chandrajit Banerjee
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88. The government has extended the period of its flagship export promotion scheme
Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) for a year till September
30, 2025, but revised the rates downwards so that the outgo remains within the
budgetary allocation. The exports from the units in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) will
be eligible for incentives till September 30 next year. DTA are the units that are not in
Special Economic Zones (SEZ) or are designated Export Oriented Units (EoU). For export
of products by Advance Authorisation holders, SEZ units and EoUs the scheme has been extended till December 21, 2024.
The new rates of refund of taxes range from 0.3% to 3.9%, which is lower than 0.5% to 4.3% that prevailed prior to the latest
extension. The RoDTEP scheme, which was first introduced in 2021, will cover exports of 10,642 products. The scheme
operates under a budgetary framework and for FY 24-25, a budget of Rs 23,922 crores is available for it. In 2023-24 around
Rs 14,874 crore was spent on the scheme. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Remission of Duties & Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme – extended for 1 year till Sep 30, 2025
• Exports from units in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) will be eligible for incentives till Sep 30, 2025
• DTA – units that are not in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) or are designated Export Oriented Units (EoU)
• For export of products by Advance Authorisation holders, SEZ units & EoUs, it is extended till – Dec 21, 2024
• New rates of refund of taxes – 0.3% to 3.9%, lower than 0.5% to 4.3% prevailing prior to latest extension
• RoDTEP scheme – introduced in 2021 | It will cover exports of – 10,642 products | Budget – Rs 23,922 Cr (for FY25)
89. Launched on September 27, 2021, with the vision of establishing a robust
digital health infrastructure, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has
successfully completed 3 years of implementation. It is a flagship scheme of
Government of India (GoI), which emerged from the National Health Policy
2017. The aim is to revolutionize the nation’s digital healthcare ecosystem to
enhance healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and transparency. It leverages
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enable interoperability in digital health transactions. The key Features of ABDM include
- Unique Health identifier for citizens (ABHA ID), Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR), Health Facility Registries (HFR),
Health Information Exchange and Consent Manager (HIE-CM), Unified Health Interface (UHI), National Health Claims
Exchange (HCX), Data Privacy & Security, Interoperability, and Transparency. Over 67 crore Ayushman Bharat Health
Accounts (ABHA) have been created, providing citizens with unique digital health IDs for secure access and sharing of health
records. Additionally, more than 42 crore health records have been linked to ABHA, enabling seamless access to medical
histories and enhancing healthcare delivery. Currently, over 1.3 lakh facilities are ABDM-enabled, including more than
17,000 private facilities. The scheme is being implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA). The NHA has introduced
a WhatsApp Chatbot, serving as a user-friendly platform to train stakeholders involved in ABDM. National Accreditation
Board of Hospitals (NABH) launched the first edition of its Digital Health Standards for HIS/EMR Systems, aimed at
accelerating the adoption of digital health technologies in India. Furthermore, the ‘eSwasthya Dham’ portal has been
integrated with ABDM, extending its benefits to Char Dham Yatris. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) – completed 3 years of implementation | Launched on – Sep 27, 2021
- Emerged from – National Health Policy 2017 | Implemented by – National Health Authority (NHA)
• Aim: To revolutionize India’s digital healthcare ecosystem to enhance healthcare accessibility, efficiency & transparency
• Key Features of ABDM include:
- Unique Health identifier for citizens (ABHA ID) | Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR) | Interoperability
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- Health Facility Registries (HFR) | Health Information Exchange & Consent Manager (HIE-CM) | Transparency
- Unified Health Interface (UHI) | National Health Claims Exchange (HCX) | Data Privacy & Security
• ABHA accounts created – 67+ Cr | Health records linked to ABHA – 42 Cr
• ABDM-enabled facilities – 1.3 lakh (including 17,000+ private facilities)
• National Accreditation Board of Hospitals (NABH) – launched 1st edition of Digital Health Standards for HIS/EMR Systems
• ‘eSwasthya Dham’ portal + ABDM = integrated to extend benefits to Char Dham Yatris
Meetings, Conferences and Summits

90. In September 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden recently hosted PM Narendra
Modi, Anthony Albanese (PM of Australia) and Kishida Fumio (then PM of Japan)
for the 4th in-person “Quad Leaders’ Summit”. This year’s Quad Summit featured
ambitious announcements in the areas in which the Quad has grown and is used
to working and where Indo-Pacific partners prioritise the Quad’s delivery. These
include health security, humanitarian and disaster response, maritime security,
high-quality infrastructure, critical and emerging technologies, climate and clean
energy, and cyber security. This year’s Quad summit was originally scheduled to be held in India, but the venue was shifted
to the US. The Leaders welcomed India as the host of the ‘2025 Quad Leaders’ Summit’, and the US as the host of the ‘2025
Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting’. Also, India will host the inaugural symposium of the new regional “Maritime Initiative for
Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI)” in 2025. Moreover, the Coast Guards of all four countries have planned to launch the
1st-ever “Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission”, a joint coast guard exercise, in 2025 in the Indo-Pacific. During PM Modi’s
visit to the US, the US formally handed over 297 antiquities to India, bringing the total tally to 578. This is the highest number
of cultural artefacts returned to India by any country. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 4th in-person “Quad Leaders’ Summit” – hosted by Joe Biden, US President in Sep 2024
- Attended by – Narendra Modi (PM of India), Anthony Albanese (PM of Australia) & Kishida Fumio (then PM of Japan)
• This year’s Quad summit – originally scheduled to be held in India
• India – will host ‘2025 Quad Leaders’ Summit’ | US – to host ‘2025 Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting’
• India – to host inaugural symposium of new regional “Maritime Initiative for Training in Indo-Pacific (MAITRI)” in 2025
• 1st-ever “Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission,” a joint coast guard exercise – to be launched by Coast Guards of all four
countries in 2025 in the Indo-Pacific
• US – formally handed over 297 antiquities to India | Total tally – 578
- This is the highest number of cultural artefacts returned to India by any country
91. While addressing a roadshow at the Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts
University (JNAFAU) in Hyderabad, Information & Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju
announced that the Indian government will host the “World Audio Visual & Entertainment
Summit (WAVES)” from February 5 to 9, 2025, to bolster the country’s media and
entertainment industry and extend its global influence. It would be the first-ever global
summit covering the entire gamut of media and entertainment industry. Telangana government has shown strong support
for WAVES. {Read more}
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Smart Points:
• India – to host “World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES)” (Feb 5-9, 2025)
- 1st-ever global summit covering entire gamut of media & entertainment industry | Telangana – supported WAVES
• Aim: To bolster country’s media & entertainment industry & extend its global influence
• Sanjay Jaju – Secretary of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
92. Recently, the 20th Meeting of Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) was
held in Goa. This two-day event saw the resolution of over 80 critical issues between
the Central Government, States, and Union Territories, focused on port
infrastructure modernization, connectivity, statutory compliances, maritime
tourism, navigation projects, sustainability, and port security. To further improve the
ease of doing business in the maritime sector, the MSDC launched the National
Safety in Ports Committee (NSPC) application on the National Single Window System
platform. Additionally, the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) was also launched. This
specialized platform will offer merit-based and industry-governed solutions to resolve maritime disputes efficiently. Another
noteworthy launch was the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC), a Policy Think Tank designed to bring together maritime
stakeholders currently operating in silos. A historic highlight of the event was the keel laying ceremony for India’s largest
dredger, a 12,000 Cu. M. Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), at Cochin Shipyard Limited, built in collaboration with IHC
Holland. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 20th Meeting of Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) – held in Goa
• MSDC – launched National Safety in Ports Committee (NSPC) application on National Single Window System platform
• Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) – launched to resolve maritime disputes efficiently
• Indian Maritime Centre, Policy Think Tank – launched to bring together maritime stakeholders operating in silos
• Keel laying ceremony for India’s largest dredger, a 12,000 Cu. M. Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD)
- At – Cochin Shipyard Limited | Built in collaboration with – IHC Holland
93. India participated in the 44th session of the “Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
(CCNFSDU)” held in Dresden, Germany. As a key contributor, India provided valuable insights on nutrient reference values
for persons aged 6 to 36 months and extended its support to frame harmonized probiotic guidelines for foods and food
supplements. Countries like Canada, Chile, New Zealand, and several others backed India’s views. India also highlighted that
there is a need to revise the documents of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) ‘Health & Nutrition Properties of
Probiotics in Food including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria’ (2001) and World Health Organization’s (WHO)
‘Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food’ (2002) on probiotics. In the general principles for establishing nutrient
reference values, India opined that the combined NRV-R value for persons from 6-36 months should be determined by
calculating the mean value of the 2 age groups, 6-12 months & 12-36 months, the same was considered and agreed by the
committee. India also disagreed with the European Union’s (EU) proposal for sensory testing which assesses the relative
sweetness of carbohydrate sources in the Standard for Follow-up Formula, citing a lack of scientific validation for use in
national legislation. Therefore, in the absence of a harmonized method, ISO 5495 or other available methods could still be
used. During the session, FAO/WHO announced plans for a Joint Statement on Healthy Diet Principles and shared updates
on reviewing the benefits and risks of Alternative Animal Source Foods (A-ASFs). FAO also introduced the new “Food and
Diet” domain on its FAOSTAT database. The session was chaired by Ms. Martine Püster, with Dr. Carolin Bendadani as co-
chair. {Read more}
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Smart Points:
• 44th session of “Codex Committee on Nutrition & Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU)” – held in Dresden, Germany
• Chaired by – Ms. Martine Püster | Co-chair – Dr. Carolin Bendadani
• India provided insights on nutrient reference values for persons aged 6 to 36 months
• India also extended support to frame harmonized probiotic guidelines for foods & food supplements
• India highlighted need to revise documents on probiotics:
- FAO – ‘Health & Nutrition Properties of Probiotics in Food including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria’
(2001)
- WHO – ‘Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food’ (2002)
• India opined that combined NRV-R value for 6-36 months old – to be determined by calculating mean value of 2 age
groups, 6-12 months & 12-36 months
• FAO/WHO – plans for a Joint Statement on Healthy Diet Principles & shared updates on reviewing benefits & risks of
Alternative Animal Source Foods (A-ASFs)
• FAO – also introduced new “Food and Diet” domain on its FAOSTAT database
• HQs of FAO – Rome, Italy | DG – Dr. Qu Dongyu | Founded in – 1945
94. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, participated in the 21st ASEAN-
India Economic Ministers (AEM-India) meeting and the 12th East Asia Summit Economic
Ministers Meeting (EAS EMM) held in Vientiane, Laos (Lao PDR). These annual meetings of
ASEAN with their dialogue partners were hosted by Lao PDR, the ASEAN Chair for 2024. EAS
EMM witnessed participation by Economic Ministers of 10 ASEAN countries and 8 other EAS
partners viz. India, USA, Russia, China, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. In the AEM-
India meeting, the Ministers reviewed the progress in negotiations for review of ASEAN-India
Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). India joined ASEAN in 1992 and became its Comprehensive Strategic Partner in 2022.
For the last two consecutive years, ASEAN has been India’s second largest trading partner. The two-way trade between
ASEAN and India reached $100.7 billion in 2023. India is ranked as ASEAN’s 8th largest trade partner and source of FDI among
ASEAN Dialogue Partners in 2023. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 21st ASEAN-India Economic Ministers meeting & 12th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers Meeting – held in Vientiane,
Laos (Lao PDR)
• Annual meetings of ASEAN with their dialogue partners – hosted by Lao PDR, the ASEAN Chair for 2024
• EAS EMM witnessed participation by Economic Ministers of 10 ASEAN countries & 8 other EAS partners
- India, USA, Russia, China, Japan, Korea, Australia & New Zealand | From India – Piyush Goyal
• India joined ASEAN – in 1992 | India became ASEAN’s Comprehensive Strategic Partner – in 2022
• For last 2 consecutive years, ASEAN has been India’s 2nd-largest trading partner
• Trade between ASEAN & India in 2023 – reached $100.7 billion | India – 8th largest trade partner of ASEAN
• Chairmanship of ASEAN 2024 – Laos (Lao PDR) | Secretariat of ASEAN – Jakarta, Indonesia | Members – 10
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95. Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of
Ayush, and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, inaugurated
the ‘Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024’, in Mumbai. The summit, themed
“Global Synergy in Ayush: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value
Travel”, was organized by the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Ministry of
Tourism, the Government of Maharashtra, and key partners. The Summit aims to
strengthen India’s position in Medical Value Travel (MVT) by integrating traditional
Indian systems of medicine, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (Ayush) with modern healthcare systems. India also
inaugurated its 1st Ayush Jan Aushadhi Center to integrate traditional practices into healthcare on October 9, 2024. The
nationwide ‘Women’s Health Check’ initiative will promote health awareness through Ayurveda. The 1st MVT Summit 2024
will be followed by events in Bhubaneswar and a grand finale in Delhi, targeting 1 crore households with ‘Desh ka Prakrutik
Parikshan - Ghar Ghar tak Ayurved’ on the occasion of Ayurveda Day (29th October). The RIES (Research in Information
Systems), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of External Affairs, has conducted a study on the ‘Forum for Indian
Traditional Medicine (FITM)’. According to their analysis, the size of the AYUSH sector grew from $3 million in 2014 to $18.1
million in 2020, an increase of 6-fold within 6 years. Furthermore, projections for 2023 estimate that this size will reach $24
million, representing almost an 8-fold increase since 2014. India ranks 10th globally in the ‘Medical Tourism Index’. In rural
India, awareness of AYUSH varies from 87% to 99% for all states and UTs except for Arunachal Pradesh (77%), while in Urban
India, the awareness is more than 86% across all states and UTs. Ayurveda is the most commonly used system (>86%) of
Ayush across India. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) issued new guidelines on April 1,
2024, requiring health insurance companies to offer AYUSH treatments at par with other treatments. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Prataprao Jadhav – inaugurated ‘Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024’ in Mumbai
• Theme – “Global Synergy in Ayush: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel”
• Organized by – Ministry of Ayush + Ministry of Tourism + Maharashtra + other partners
• Aim: To strengthen India’s position in Medical Value Travel (MVT)
• India – inaugurated its 1st Ayush Jan Aushadhi Center to integrate traditional practices into healthcare on Oct 9, 2024
• RIES, autonomous institute under MEA – conducted a study on ‘Forum for Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM)’
- AYUSH sector – grew to $18.1 million in 2020 (from $3 million in 2014)
• Medical Tourism Index: India – 10th | Most commonly used system of AYUSH in India – Ayurveda (>86%)
• Awareness of AYUSH in India: Rural – 87-99% for all states &UTs except Arunachal Pradesh (77%) | Urban – >86%
• IRDAI – issued new guidelines (Apr 1, 2024), requiring health insurance companies to offer AYUSH treatments
• MoS (I/C) in AYUSH: Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao | Constituency – Mehkar, Maharashtra
96. Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, has inaugurated the
19th “International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA)” in New Delhi. The
event which is being hosted for the first time in India, from October 14-18 by the Central
Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in
collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The conference brought together
regulatory authorities, policymakers, and health officials from over 194 WHO member
states. The ICDRA platform provides a space to share knowledge, foster partnerships, and develop regulatory frameworks
that ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical products worldwide. Dr Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO
Southeast Asia Region stated that India is the largest provider of generic medicines, while the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry
is the 3rd largest producer of pharmaceuticals in the world. She noted that India provides over 50% of the world’s vaccine
demands. Also, Indian pharmaceutical industry has recently become the 4th largest export sector of India. {Read more}
https:// /#
Smart Points:
• J P Nadda – inaugurated 19th “International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA)” in New Delhi
- Hosting by – India (1st time) | From – Oct 14-18, 2024 | By – CDSCO + MHFW + WHO
• India – largest provider of generic medicines | India – provides over 50% of world’s vaccine demands
• Indian Pharmaceutical Industry: 3rd largest producer in world | became 4th largest export sector of India
• Minister of Health & Family Welfare: Jagat Prakash Nadda | Constituency – Gujarat
MoS in Ministry of Health & Family Welfare: Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao & Anupriya Singh Patel
97. The “India Digital Agri Conference 2024” was co-organized by the Indian Chamber of Food
and Agriculture (ICFA) and IIT Ropar TIF - AWaDH in New Delhi. The conference aimed to foster
knowledge exchange, showcase cutting-edge innovations, and encourage cross-sector
collaboration. The conference not only addressed the current challenges in agriculture but
also laid the groundwork for future strategies that will position India as a leader in the global
Agri-tech ecosystem. Additionally, it laid a platform for enhancing market linkages via digital platforms that can streamline
supply chains, boost market access, and improve smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. Secretary, Department of Agriculture &
Farmers’ Welfare Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, the chief guest at the event. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “India Digital Agri Conference 2024” – co-organized by ICFA & IIT Ropar TIF - AWaDH in New Delhi
• Aim: To foster knowledge exchange, showcase cutting-edge innovations & encourage cross-sector collaboration
Ranks, Reports & Surveys

98. The number of persons employed in manufacturing industries rose 7.5% in 2022-
23 to 1.85 crore from 1.72 crore in the FY 2022-2023, as per the “Annual Survey of
Industries (ASI)” released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
(MoSPI). The estimated number of persons engaged in this sector in 2022-23
exceeded the pre-pandemic level (2018-19) by more than 22.14 lakh. Also, the
average emolument per person engaged in this sector had gone up by 6.3% in 2022-
23 in comparison to 2021-22. The Gross Value Added (GVA) grew by 7.3% in current prices in FY23 over FY22. The increase
in input was 24.4%, while output grew 21.5% in the sector in 2022-23. The main drivers of this growth in 2022-23 were
industries like manufacture of basic metals, coke & refined petroleum products, food products, chemical and chemical
products and motor vehicles. Among the major states, in terms of GVA, Maharashtra ranked first in 2022-23 followed by
Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. The top five states employing highest number of persons in the
manufacturing sector were Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka in ASI 2022-23, contributing
about 55% if taken together. The field work for this survey was carried out during November 2023 to June 2024 for ASI 2022-
23. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)” – released by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
• Persons employed in manufacturing industries – rose 7.5% in FY23 to 1.85 crore (from 1.72 crore in FY23)
• Persons engaged in this sector in FY23 exceeded pre-pandemic level (FY19) by more than 22.14 lakh
• Average emolument per person – gone up by 6.3% in FY23 (in comparison to FY22)
• GVA – grew by 7.3% in current prices in FY23 over FY22
https:// /#
• Increase in the sector in FY23 in: Input – 24.4% | Output – 21.5%
• Among major states, in terms of GVA in FY23, top states – Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & UP
• Top 5 states employing highest persons in manufacturing sector in ASI 2022-23 – TN, MH, Gujarat, UP & Karnataka
- Total contribution – 55%
• MoS I/C of Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation: Rao Inderjit Singh | Constituency – Gurgaon, Haryana
99. Switzerland has again topped the “World Talent Ranking 2024” published by Switzerland-based
Institute for Management Development (IMD). Switzerland topped for the 11th consecutive year, with
overall score of 100 this year. It excels in investment, development, and appeal factors, while
maintaining high standards in quality of life, health infrastructure, educational attainment, statutory
minimum wage, and foreign personnel attraction. Singapore (85.65) claims the second position, followed by Luxembourg
(81.69), Sweden (81.02) and Denmark (78.49), Iceland (77.94), Norway (77.92), Netherlands (77.88) Hong Kong SAR (77.22),
& Austria (77.17). India finds itself ranked 58th globally, with a talent score of 40.47, a decline from last year’s 56th position.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• “World Talent Ranking 2024” – published by Institute for Management Development (Switzerland)
• Top country – Switzerland (11th consecutive year) with overall score of 100
• Other countries in top 10 with scores – Singapore (85.65), Luxembourg (81.69), Sweden (81.02)
- Denmark (78.49), Iceland (77.94), Norway (77.92), Netherlands (77.88), Hong Kong SAR (77.22) & Austria (77.17)
• India – 58th with a talent score of 40.47 (from 56th position in 2023)
100. Ankush Sachdeva, a 31-year-old IIT Kanpur graduate and CEO of ShareChat, has
topped the “2024 Hurun India Under35s” list released recently in October 2024. About
82% of the entrants are first-generation leaders, with an average age of 33 years.
Notably, 7 women feature on the list. Parita Parekh of Toddle and Isha Ambani of
Reliance Retail, 32 years old, are the youngest women entrepreneurs on the list.
Additionally, Alakh Pandey (32), the founder of ed-tech Physics Wallah, and Aakash
Ambani (32), the Chairman of Reliance Infocomm, also feature on the list. From the industry perspective, financial services
has emerged as the leading sector, featuring 21 entrepreneurs, while software & services followed closely with 14
entrepreneurs. Overall, service-orientated companies dominate India’s startup outlook, making up 59% of the entire list.
The 2024 Hurun India Under-35 list acknowledges 150 under-35 entrepreneurs, with 123 (82%) of total entrants being first-
generation leaders with a business valuation of $50 million, and $100 million for the next-gen leaders. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “2024 Hurun India Under35s” list – released in Oct 2024
• Ankush Sachdeva (31), CEO of ShareChat – topped the list
• About 82% of entrants are first-generation leaders, with an average age of 33 years | 7 women feature on list
• Youngest women entrepreneurs – Parita Parekh (Toddle) & Isha Ambani (Reliance Retail), both 32 years old
• Other notable persons – Alakh Pandey (32), founder of Physics Wallah & Aakash Ambani (32), Chairman of Reliance
Infocomm
• Leading sector with entrepreneurs: 1st – financial services (21) | 2nd – software & services (14)
• Service-orientated companies – dominate India’s startup outlook, making up 59% of the entire list
https:// /#
101. From Africa to Asia, every rhino species faces distinct
conservation challenges shaped by environmental, socioeconomic,
and political factors in their respective regions, according to the
“2024 State of Rhino Report” by the International Rhino Foundation
(IRF). Currently, fewer than 28,000 rhinos remain worldwide across
all five species - White rhino, Greater one-horned rhino, Black rhino,
Javan rhino, & Sumatran rhino. In Asia, Greater One-Horned Rhino
species population remained stable with a population of around
4,014 by the end of 2023. The Greater One-Horned Rhino
(Rhinoceros unicornis), which primarily inhabits India and Nepal, occasionally sights in Bhutan. In India, the Greater One-
Horned Rhino population stood at 3,262 at the end of 2021, though the species remains classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the
IUCN. Rhino poaching in Africa increased by 4% from 2022 to 2023, with at least 586 African rhinos poached in 2023. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• “2024 State of Rhino Report” – released by International Rhino Foundation
• Currently, total rhinos remain worldwide across all 5 species – less than 28,000
- White rhino, Greater one-horned rhino, Black rhino, Javan rhino & Sumatran rhino
• In Asia, Greater One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) species population – around 4,014 by the end of 2023
- Primarily inhabit in – India & Nepal | Occasionally sights in – Bhutan
• Greater One-Horned Rhino population in India – 3,262 at 2021 end | Classified as – ‘Vulnerable’ by IUCN
• Rhino poaching in Africa – increased by 4% to 2023 (from 2022) | At least 586 African rhinos – poached in 2023
102. The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has released a paper titled
“Relative Economic Performance of Indian States: 1960-61 to 2023-24”, which is authored by
Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the EAC-PM and Aakanksha Arora, joint director of EAC-PM. The data
used in the analysis includes current prices and spans the period from 1960-61 to 2023-24.
According to the paper, southern states have significantly outpaced others after economic
liberalisation in 1991 in terms of their share in India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and relative per capita income while
expressing concern for the performance of eastern states. The 5 southern states, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
Kerala and Tamil Nadu, collectively account for around 30% of India’s GDP in 2023-24. On West Bengal, the paper said the
state has experienced a continuous decline in its relative economic performance over several decades. From having the
third-largest share of national GDP at 10.5% in 1960-61, West Bengal now accounts for only 5.6% in 2023-24. West Bengal’s
per capita income was above the national average in 1960-61 at 127.5%, but its income declined to 83.7% in 2023-24, falling
below that of even traditionally laggard states like Rajasthan and Odisha. Although Bihar’s relative position has stabilised in
the last two decades, it remains significantly behind other states and requires much faster growth to catch up. Conversely,
Odisha, traditionally a laggard, has shown a marked improvement in recent years. Among the northern states, Delhi and
Haryana have outperformed other states. Delhi has one of the highest per capita incomes throughout the study period.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Relative Economic Performance of Indian States: 1960-61 to 2023-24” – released by Economic Advisory Council to PM
- Authored by – Sanjeev Sanyal (member of EAC-PM) & Aakanksha Arora (joint director of EAC-PM)
• Southern states outpaced others after economic liberalisation in 1991 in terms of their share in India’s GDP & relative
per capita income
https:// /#
• 5 southern states collectively account for – 30% of India’s GDP in 2023-24
- Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala & Tamil Nadu
• West Bengal – experienced a continuous decline in its relative economic performance over several decades
- Share in GDP: 5.6% in 2023-24 (from 10.5% in 1960-61)
- Per capita income: 83.7% in 2023-24 (from 127.5% in 1960-61)
• Among northern states, Delhi & Haryana outperformed other states
• Delhi – one of the highest per capita incomes throughout the study period
103. The “Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024”, a tool used by

international humanitarian agencies to measure and track
hunger levels with GHI scores based on under-nourishment and
child mortality indicators across 127 countries, has ranked India
at 105th place with a score of 27.3. This ranking places it under
the “serious” category of the analysis. The 2024 report, now in its 19 th edition, is published by Irish humanitarian
organisation, Concern Worldwide, and German aid agency, Welthungerhilfe. India is among 42 countries that fall within the
“serious” category, alongside Pakistan and Afghanistan. While other South Asian neighbours such as Bangladesh, Nepal and
Sri Lanka showed better GHI scores to be listed under the “moderate” category. India’s GHI Score is based on the values of
4 component indicators: 13.7% of the population is undernourished, 35.5% of children under-5 are stunted with 18.7% of
them being wasted, and 2.9% of children die before their fifth birthday. Based on the values of these 4 indicators, a GHI
score is calculated for each country on a 100-point scale reflecting the severity of hunger, where 0 is the best possible score
(no hunger) and 100 is the worst. Globally, around 733 million people face hunger each day due to a lack of access to a
sufficient amount of food, while about 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet. Based on its analysis, the report
concludes the chances of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger by 2030 are
looking very unlikely. In 2023, India’s rank in GHI was 111th with a score of 28.7. In 2024, India shares 105th rank with Uganda.
This year, total 22 countries (including China, Russia, Turkiye, UAE, Kuwait, etc.) are among the top ranked countries with
GHI score less than 5. While, Chad (125th - 36.4), Yemen (126th - 41.2) & Somalia (127th - 44.1) are at the bottom. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• 19th edition of “Global Hunger Index 2024” – published by Concern Worldwide (Ireland) & Welthungerhilfe (Germany)
• India – 105th with a score of 27.3, under “serious” category with 42 countries, alongside Pakistan & Afghanistan
- India shares 105th rank with – Uganda | India’s rank in GHI 2023 – 111th with a score of 28.7
• Other South Asian neighbours (Bangladesh, Nepal & Sri Lanka) – better GHI scores & under “moderate” category
• India’s GHI Score is based on values of 4 component indicators:
- 13.7% of population – undernourished | 35.5% of children under-5 – stunted
- 18.7% of stunted children – wasted | 2.9% of children die before their 5th birthday
• People facing hunger each day globally – 733 million | People cannot afford a healthy diet – 2.8 billion
• Chances of achieving UN SDG of Zero Hunger by 2030 – looking very unlikely
• In 2024, top ranked countries with GHI score less than 5 – 22 countries (including China, Russia, Turkiye, UAE, etc.)
• Bottom countries: 125th – Chad (36.4) | 126th – Yemen (41.2) | 127th – Somalia (44.1)
https:// /#
104. India has improved its position to 39th globally, up from 43rd in 2020, in the “World Competitiveness Index 2024”
published by the Institute of Management Development (IMD). With the score of 100, Singapore has been ranked as the
most competitive economy out of 67 economies worldwide, owing to its robust performance across all 4 competitiveness
factors, particularly Government efficiency & Business efficiency. Other two factors are Economic performance, and
Infrastructure. Among the top 10 countries, Singapore is followed by Switzerland (97.55), Denmark (97.07), Ireland (91.86),
Hong Kong SAR (91.49), Sweden (90.30), UAE (89.75), Taiwan (88.50), Netherlands (86.94), & Norway (86.22). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “World Competitiveness Index 2024” – published by the Institute of Management Development (IMD)
• India – 39th globally (from 43rd in 2020)
• Top 10 most competitive economies with scores – Singapore (100), Switzerland (97.55), Denmark (97.07), Ireland (91.86)
- Hong Kong SAR (91.49), Sweden (90.30), UAE (89.75), Taiwan (88.50), Netherlands (86.94) & Norway (86.22)
105. A report titled “Decoding the Financial Health of Women-Owned Micro-Businesses (wMB) in India”, prepared by
MicroSave Consulting (MSC) in collaboration with Sa-Dhan and supported by JPMorgan Chase, indicated that 45% of women
entrepreneurs lack savings for financial emergencies, making them highly susceptible to economic shocks. Additionally,
many face challenges in distinguishing between personal and business finances, which complicates cash flow management
and hinders the maintenance of accurate financial records. It further said 60% of respondents did not maintain any written
records for their operations. Among these, 55% believe separate records are unnecessary due to small profit margins or
scale, while others find maintaining records too complex. About 55% of these businesses do not employ any staff and
operate as solo ventures, which limits their contribution to job creation and the broader economy. Autonomy is another
significant issue for women microentrepreneurs, with approximately 44.3% relying on their spouses or other family
members for business support. The report defined women-owned microbusinesses as those with annual revenues between
Rs 1.50 lakh and Rs 9 lakh, employing 3 individuals and covered 6 regions - Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana,
Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu - for research. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Decoding Financial Health of Women-Owned Micro-Businesses (wMB) in India” report – prepared by MSC + Sa-Dhan
- Supported by – JPMorgan Chase
• 45% of women entrepreneurs – lack savings for financial emergencies
• 60% of respondents – did not maintain any written records for their operations
- 55% of them – believe separate records are unnecessary due to small profit margins or scale
- Rest – find maintaining records too complex
• 55% of these businesses – do not employ any staff & operate as solo ventures
• 44.3% – rely on their spouses or other family members for business support
• Women-owned microbusinesses – those with annual revenues between Rs 1.50-9 lakh, employing 3 individuals
• Report covered 6 regions for research – Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka & Tamil Nadu
https:// /#
Amount & Agreements
106. REC Ltd has raised $500 million through green dollar bonds to support various Renewable
Energy projects. The 5-year note has a coupon rate of 4.75% per annum to be paid semi-annually
and the maturity date of September 27, 2029. This is the first US dollar bond issuance from an
Indian public sector enterprise in 2024. The latest fund raise was part of $10 billion global
medium-term programme of the company. The notes will be rated Baa3/BBB (Moody’s/Fitch)
and will be listed on Global Securities Market of India International Exchange (India INX) and NSE IFSC in GIFT City,
Gandhinagar, Gujarat. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• REC Ltd – raised $500 million through green dollar bonds to support various Renewable Energy projects
• Tenure – 5 years | Coupon rate – 4.75% per annum | Maturity date – Sep 27, 2029
• This is the first US dollar bond issuance from an Indian public sector enterprise in 2024
• Notes will be rated Baa3/BBB (Moody’s/Fitch) and will be listed on India INX & NSE IFSC
• HQs of REC Ltd – New Delhi | Chairman & MD – Vivek Kumar Dewangen | Founded in – 1969
107. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), has partnered with private sector lender Axis
Bank, to provide a $500 million loan to help develop a blue finance market and scale up financing
of green projects in India. This is IFC’s 1st blue investment in India and the 1st blue transaction
by a financial institution in the country. This transaction is also the largest green financing by
IFC in the country. Blue loans are financing instruments that raise and earmark funds for
investments such as water and wastewater management, reduction of marine plastic pollution,
restoration of marine ecosystems, sustainable shipping, eco-friendly tourism, and offshore renewable energy. Axis Bank is
among the 1st banks in India to have a board-approved Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policy for lending that
adheres to IFC Performance Standards. The Bank has publicly committed incremental financing of Rs 60,000 crores in ESG-
aligned sectors by 2030, of which Rs 30,000 crores was achieved by March 2024. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IFC + Axis Bank = to provide $500 million loan to help develop a blue finance market & scale up financing of green
projects in India
• It is IFC’s 1st blue investment in India & 1st blue transaction by a financial institution in the country
• It is also the largest green financing by IFC in the country
• Blue loans – financing instruments that raise & earmark funds for investments
• Axis Bank – among 1st banks in India to have a board-approved ESG policy for lending adhering to IFC Performance
Standards
• Axis Bank – publicly committed incremental financing of Rs 60,000 Cr in ESG-aligned sectors by 2030
- Rs 30,000 Cr – already achieved by March 2024
• HQs of IFC – Washington, U.S. | MD – Makhtar Diop | IFC India’s Head – Wendy Werner (an arm of World Bank)
• HQs of Axis Bank – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Amitabh Chaudhry | Tagline – “Badhti ka Naam Zindagi”
https:// /#
108. State-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has secured the largest-ever foreign currency
term loan of $1.265 billion from multiple banks in IFSC GIFT City, Gandhinagar. The loan will primarily
be deployed towards financing assets other than thermal generation projects, furthering PFC’s strong
commitment to decarbonization and the transition to green energy. The floating rate loan, presently
at an average rate of 4.21% per annum, denominated in G3 currencies - USD, EUR, and JPY - has a 5-
year tenor and is linked to external benchmark rates such as Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) for USD, Euro
Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) for EUR, and Tokyo Overnight Average Rate (TONA) for JPY. SBI, IDBI, Axis, MUFG,
Deutsche & SMBC were the bankers to the issue with SBI being the largest lender and also acting as facility agent for this
transaction. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• PFC – secured largest-ever foreign currency term loan of $1.265 billion from multiple banks in IFSC GIFT City
• It is floating rate loan | Average rate – 4.21% pa | Tenure – 5 yrs | Denominated in G3 currencies – USD, EUR & JPY
• It is linked to external benchmark rates, such as:
- Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) – for USD | Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) – for EUR
- Tokyo Overnight Average Rate (TONA) – for JPY
• Bankers to issue – SBI, IDBI, Axis, MUFG, Deutsche & SMBC | SBI – largest lender & a facility agent for this transaction
• HQs of PFC Ltd – New Delhi | CMD – Parminder Chopra
109. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has approved and
committed more than $272 million in investments aimed at bolstering economic growth,
financial inclusion, and sustainability in India. These investments will provide crucial
support to small businesses, women entrepreneurs, climate-focused ventures, and key
sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and electric vehicles. One of the major investments includes a $40 million loan to APAC
Financial Services Pvt Ltd, which will expand lending to low-income and new-to-credit microenterprises across India. DFC
has approved a $19.8 million loan guaranty to Aryatech Platforms Pvt Ltd, aimed at connecting small farmers, producer
organizations, and agricultural buyers, facilitating smoother financing for transactions. Also, DFC is focusing on women’s
empowerment through a $50 million loan to Mumbai-based InCred Financial Services Ltd. Climate-focused businesses will
benefit from a $50 million loan to Northern Arc Investments IFSC Trust. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) – approved & committed $272+ million in investments
- To bolster economic growth, financial inclusion & sustainability in India
• $40 million loan to – APAC Financial Services Pvt Ltd to expand lending to low-income & new-to-credit microenterprises
• $19.8 million loan guaranty to – Aryatech Platforms Pvt Ltd
- To connect small farmers, producer organizations & agricultural buyers, for smoother financing for transactions
• DFC is focusing on women’s empowerment through – $50 million loan to InCred Financial Services Ltd (Mumbai)
• Climate-focused businesses will benefit from – $50 million loan to Northern Arc Investments IFSC Trust
https:// /#
110. REC Ltd has signed an MoU with Rajasthan where the lender will provide Rs 50,000 crore
annually to finance projects across power and non-power infrastructure up to 2030. The total value
of the MoU is Rs 3 lakh crore. This pact will boost the projects in the power sector, metro rails,
roads and highways, airports, IT infrastructure, oil refinery, steel infrastructure, ports and
waterways, fiber optics, telecom, health sector, tourism infrastructure, agriculture and other
infrastructure projects. At the RE-INVEST 2024 held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in September 2024, REC signed non-binding
MoUs with RE developers aggregating about Rs 1.12 lakh crore. The non-banking financial company, REC Ltd, is committed
to increase its Renewable Energy loan book to more than Rs 3 lakh crore by 2030. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• REC Ltd + Rajasthan = an MoU to provide Rs 50,000 Cr annually to finance projects across power & non-power
infrastructure up to 2030
- Total value – Rs 3 lakh Cr
• RE-INVEST 2024 – held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in Sep 2024
- REC – signed non-binding MoUs with RE developers | Outlay – Rs 1.12 lakh Cr
• REC Ltd – committed to increase its Renewable Energy loan book to more than Rs 3 lakh Cr by 2030
• HQs of REC Ltd – New Delhi | Chairman & MD – Vivek Kumar Dewangen | Founded in – 1969
• Rajasthan: Capital – Jaipur | CM – Bhajan Lal Sharma | Governor – Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde
MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships

111. Meghalaya government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) have signed an MoU to collaborate on
improving population health outcomes in the state. The focus areas include maternal and newborn health, family planning,
nursing education, and agriculture & livestock development. The MoU was signed by M Hari Menon, Director of the India
Country Office at the Gates Foundation. Under the MoU, BMGF will provide both financial and technical support to improve
outcomes in 12 key areas. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Meghalaya + BMGF = an MoU to collaborate on improving population health outcomes in the state
• Focus areas: Maternal & newborn health, family planning, nursing education, and agriculture & livestock development
• Meghalaya: Capital – Shillong | CM – Conrad Kongkal Sangma | Governor – CH Vijayashankar
112. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) signed an MoU with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
(MAPA) of Brazil on the sidelines of “Global Food Regulators Summit 2024”, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The MoU
starts a new phase of cooperation aimed at improving food safety through joint projects and technical collaboration. It was
signed by Mr. Carlos Henrique Baqueta Fávaro, Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Brazil and G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO
of FSSAI. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• FSSAI + MAPA (Brazil) = an MoU to improve food safety through joint projects & technical collaboration
- At – Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi | On the sidelines of – “Global Food Regulators Summit 2024”
• HQs of FSSAI – New Delhi | Chairperson – Punya Salila Srivastava | CEO – G Kamala Vardhana Rao
• Brazil – Brasilia – Brazilian Real | President – Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
https:// /#
113. Indian Coast Guard (ICG) signed an MoU with ‘The Habitats Trust’ and ‘HCL Foundation’
to strengthen efforts in marine conservation at ICG Headquarters, New Delhi. The MoU was
signed by Deputy Director General (Operations & Coastal Security) Inspector General (IG)
Anupam Rai, Director of HCL Foundation Dr Nidhi Pundhir and Head of The Habitats Trust
Rushikesh Chavan. The strategic partnership aims to implement critical conservation
initiatives and as part of the collaboration, the key efforts will include ‘Ghost Net Removal’
to address the problem of discarded fishing nets, ‘Mapping and Classifying Ghost Gear Aggregation Areas’ to enhance
knowledge about regions most affected by ghost gear to prioritize clean-up efforts effectively, ‘Surveys in Ecologically
Sensitive Regions’ to monitoring and protecting biodiversity, and ‘Community Involvement’ to engage coastal communities
in conservation activities. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ICG + The Habitats Trust + HCL Foundation = an MoU to strengthen efforts in marine conservation in New Delhi
• Aim: To implement critical conservation initiatives
• Key efforts include: Ghost Net Removal | Mapping & Classifying Ghost Gear Aggregation Areas
- Surveys in Ecologically Sensitive Regions | Community Involvement
• HQs of ICG – New Delhi | DG – (vacant) | Founded in – 1977
• HQs of The Habitats Trust – Noida, UP | Founder – Roshni Nadar Malhotra | Established in – 2018
• HQs of HCL Foundation – Noida, UP
114. Fabindia and the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) have
collaborated to empower India’s Artisanal Heritage under the ‘Pradhan Mantri (PM) Vishwakarma
Scheme’. The collaboration aims to promote artisan products, provide financial support, skill
development, and marketing assistance, enhancing their market reach through Fabindia’s retail
network. For branding and promotions, Fabindia will promote the products created by these
artisans both online and offline. Fabindia is a clothing brand which has 357 retail stores which primarily sell in India and 7
international stores. The ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’, launched in September 2023 on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti,
seeks to empower traditional artisans across the country by providing them with financial support, skill development, and
marketing assistance. MoMSME is the nodal ministry for the Scheme. The Scheme is being jointly implemented by the
MoMSME, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Department of Financial Services of the Ministry
of Finance. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Fabindia + MoMSME = collaborated to empower India’s Artisanal Heritage under ‘Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme’
• Aim: To promote artisan products, provide financial support, skill development & marketing assistance
• Fabindia – clothing brand with 357 retail stores in India & 7 international stores
• PM Vishwakarma Scheme – launched in Sep 2023 on Vishwakarma Jayanti
- Aim: To empower traditional artisans providing them financial support, skill development & marketing assistance
- Nodal ministry – MoMSME | Implemented by – MoMSME + MSDE + DFS (MoF)
• HQs of Fabindia – New Delhi | CEO – Rajeshwari Srinivasan
• Minister of MSME: Jitan Ram Manjhi | Constituency – Gaya, Bihar
MoS in Ministry of MSME: Shobha Karandlaje
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115. Airbus, in collaboration with Tata STRIVE, has announced the opening of two skill
centres in Delhi and Bengaluru. Both centres will deliver training programmes in aviation
and related sectors to underprivileged youth as part of its CSR outreach programme. The
Delhi centre was inaugurated by Jayant Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship, along with Remi Maillard, President & MD of Airbus
India & South Asia, and Ameya Vanjari, COO of Tata STRIVE. The Bengaluru centre was launched virtually. Both centres will
offer courses in fields such as Information Technology (IT), including Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, Web Designing, and
Cloud Computing, along with Youth Development Modules. The courses will be designed by Tata STRIVE to prepare a future-
ready workforce for roles in national and global demand. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Airbus + Tata STRIVE = to open 2 skill centres in Delhi & Bengaluru to deliver training programmes in aviation sector to
underprivileged youth
• Inauguration of centres: Delhi – Jayant Choudhary + Remi Maillard + Ameya Vanjari | Bengaluru – virtually
• Courses to be taught at centres will be designed by – Tata STRIVE
• HQs of Airbus India – Bengaluru, Karnataka | President & MD (India & South Asia) – Remi Maillard
116. Indian Navy entered into an MoU with Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company for offering diverse
product portfolio including term insurance to naval civilians at affordable premiums with various
options. The insurance can be availed by naval civilians on a voluntary basis. This will help in
providing instant financial relief in case of the death of the incumbent or any other eventuality as
covered under insurance policy. Indian Navy is committed to excellence, innovation, adaptability
and enhanced functional efficiency in HR management of civilian personnel. The year 2024 has been declared ‘Year of Naval
Civilians’ by Indian Navy in order to provide thrust to new initiatives and effectively improve the overall work environment
for naval civilians. Welfare measures to enhance quality of life is a major focus area in the Year of naval civilians. VAdm
Sanjay Bhalla is the Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Indian Navy + Bajaj Allianz Life Ins. = an MoU to offer diverse product portfolio including term insurance to naval civilians
• 2024 – declared as ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ by Indian Navy
- To provide thrust to new initiatives & improve overall work environment for naval civilians
117. Amazon India has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Labour and Employment (Ministry) to utilise the National Career
Service (NCS) portal of the Ministry for facilitating the posting of available work opportunities at Amazon and its staffing
agencies. This partnership aims to connect individuals with career prospects that match their skills and qualifications. Access
to NCS’s extensive database will enable Amazon and its staffing agencies to source candidate profiles more effectively and
hire them for roles across the country. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Amazon India + MoL&E = an MoU to utilise NCS portal for facilitating posting of available work opportunities at Amazon
& its staffing agencies
• Aim: To connect individuals with career prospects that match their skills & qualifications
• HQs of Amazon India – Hyderabad, Telangana | Country Head – Samir Kumar
• Minister of Labour & Employment: Mansukh L. Mandaviya | Constituency – Porbandar, Gujarat
MoS in Ministry of Labour & Employment: Shobha Karandlaje
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118. Tata Electronics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, has completed a definitive agreement
with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) of Taiwan. As per the agreement,
PSMC will provide design and construction support to build India’s first AI-enabled state-of-the-art
greenfield Fab in Dholera, Gujarat. With a total investment of up to Rs 91,000 crores, the Fab will produce
up to 50,000 wafers per month, creating over 20,000 direct and indirect skilled jobs and will make India able to address the
growing chip demand of domestic and global customers for the first time. Tata Group’s multi-fab vision for Dholera is
projected to create over 1,00,000 skilled jobs. Notably, Tata Electronics has already engaged two esteemed design firms
from Taiwan to create a top-tier Fab that adheres to global standards of quality, safety, and sustainability. N Chandrasekaran
is the Chairman of Tata Sons and Dr Frank Huang is the Chairman of Powerchip Group and CEO of PSMC. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Tata Electronics + PSMC = definitive agreement to provide design & construction support to build India’s first AI-enabled
greenfield Fab in Dholera, Gujarat
- Total investment – up to Rs 91,000 Cr | It will produce – up to 50,000 wafers per month
• Tata Group’s multi-fab vision for Dholera – projected to create over 1,00,000 skilled jobs
• Tata Electronics – already engaged two esteemed design firms from Taiwan to create a top-tier Fab
• HQs of Tata Electronics – Bengaluru, Karnataka | MD & CEO – Randhir Thakur | Chairman – N Chandrasekaran
• HQs of PSMC – Taiwan | Chairman & CEO – Dr Frank Huang
119. Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Meta for the launch of two key initiatives:
an AI Assistant for the Skill India Mission and establishing 5 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed
Reality (MR) at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) located at Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai and Kanpur.
Under this partnership, an innovative AI-chatbot powered by Meta’s open-source Llama model will be developed, which will
enhance the learner experience on the Skill India Digital (SID) Portal. Available over WhatsApp, the chatbot will support
English, Hindi, and Hinglish. Sarvam AI, the technical partner for the AI assistant project, will be responsible for the
development and deployment of the chatbot. The 5 CoEs will also provide realistic simulations, improve engagement and
increase accessibility to skill development training. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• MSDE + Meta = partnered to launch two key initiatives at NSTIs in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai & Kanpur
- AI Assistant for Skill India Mission | Establishing 5 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in VR & MR
• An AI-chatbot – to be developed to enhance learner experience on SID Portal | Powered by – Meta’s Llama model
- Available over – WhatsApp | It will support – English, Hindi & Hinglish | Technical partner – Sarvam AI
• MoS (I/C) in Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship: Jayant Chaudhary | Constituency – Mathura, UP
• HQs of Meta – California, US | CEO – Mark Zuckerberg | Founded in – 2004
120. India and Colombia have signed the Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement which will
enable Indian and Colombian film producers to utilize a platform for collaboration on various
facets of film making. The agreement is expected to deepen the engagement between the
critical sectors of the film industries of both countries. The agreement will also provide an
opportunity to create and showcase India’s ‘Soft Power’ and lead to employment generation
among artistic, technical and non-technical human resources engaged in film production. The incentives scheme for official
co-productions offers reimbursement of up to 30% of costs incurred in India, with a maximum of Rs 300 million. In February
2025, India will also be hosting the much-anticipated World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). {Read more}
https:// /#
Smart Points:
• India + Colombia = signed Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement
- To enable Indian & Colombian film producers to utilize a platform for collaboration on various facets of film making
• Incentive scheme for official co-productions – offers reimbursement of up to 30% of costs incurred in India
- Maximum – Rs 300 million
• India – to host World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Feb 2025
• Colombia – Bogota – Colombian Peso | President – Gustavo Petro
❖ Important Obituaries in October 2024:

• Ratan Tata – Indian Industrialist & Philanthropist
(In 1991, Ratan Tata was appointed the Chairman of Tata Sons.)
(Awards: Padma Vibhushan in 2008, Padma Bhushan in 2000, Udyog Ratna of Maharashtra in 2023, Assam Baibhav
of Assam Govt in 2021, Foreign Awards from UK, France, Japan, Australia, Italy & Uruguay)
• Indranand Singh Jha – a renowned Radio Presenter of Akashvani Darbhanga
❖ Rivers / Lakes / Dams in October 2024:

• Kolleru Lake (located between Krishna & Godavari rivers) – Andhra Pradesh
❖ Festivals / Dances in October 2024:

• Maramadi or Kalappoottu Festival (bull race) – Kerala
❖ Important Acquisitions & Mergers in October 2024:

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved the merger of AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia) with Air
India Express (AIX).
• The CCI has approved the proposed acquisition of 24.91% shareholding in Future Generali India Insurance Company
Ltd (FGIICL) and 25.18% shareholding in Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Ltd (FGILICL) by Central Bank
of India.
❖ National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries / Tiger Reserves in October 2024:

Anshi National Park Karnataka
Rajiv Gandhi National Park Andhra Pradesh
Phawngpui National Park Mizoram
Inderkilla National Park Himachal Pradesh
Ranthambore National Park Rajasthan
Sanjay Gandhi National Park Maharashtra
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Nokrek National Meghalaya
Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary Tripura
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Uttarakhand
Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary Bihar
Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary Jharkhand
❖ Other Miscellaneous News & Current Static GK in October 2024:

Shah Alam Stadium Malaysia
National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) Lothal, Gujarat
Mountain Abi Gamin (7,355 meters) Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Beach Clean-Up Campaign 2024 Juhu beach, Mumbai
World’s Tallest Bamboo Tower (140 feet) Bemetara, Chhattisgarh
1st High-altitude Range of Indian Army Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Salonibari (Tezpur) Airport Assam
Karthumbi Umbrella Kerala
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNCCC) Bonn, Germany
India’s 1st Supercapacitor Manufacturing Facility Kannur, Kerala
Important Books & Authors

Brian Lara
“LARA: The England Chronicles”
(Former Trinidadian cricketer)
Important Days
Breast Cancer Awareness Month or Pink Month (International Symbol - Pink Ribbon)
October
(Theme - “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone”)
October 1 8th Annual Day of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
October 4 40th Raising Day of the Railway Protection Force (RPF)
World Cotton Day
October 7
(Theme - “Cotton for Good”)
Indian Air Force Day (92nd anniversary of IAF)
October 8
(Theme - “Bhartiya Vayu Sena - Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar (Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant)”)
World Post Day
October 9
(Theme - “150 Years of enabling Communication and Empowering People across Nations”)
National Post Day
October 10 World Mental Health Day
(Theme - “Mental Health at Work”)
International Day of the Girl Child
October 11
(Theme - “Girls’ Vision for the Future”)
World Migratory Bird Day
October 12
(Theme - “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”)
October 13 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
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(Theme - “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future”)
Breast Cancer Awareness Day
(Theme - “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone”)
October 14 World Standards Day
International Day for Rural Women
(Theme - “Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future”)
October 15 Global Handwashing Day
(Theme - “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?”)
World Students' Day (birth anniversary of 11th President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam)
World Food Day - by UN FAO
(Theme - “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future”)
October 16
World Anaesthesia Day
(Theme - “Workforce Well-Being”)
➢ Latest GDP Predictions (updated till October 2024)

Organisations FY24 FY25 FY26
ADB 6.7% 7% 7.2%
OECD 7.8% 6.7% 6.8%
World Bank 7.5% 7% 6.7%
Nomura - 6.7% -
Moody’s 6.7% 7.2% 6.6%
Bloomberg Economic - 6.8% -
SBI 8% 7% -
IMF 7.8% 7% 6.5%
India Ratings & Research 6.7% 7.5% -
NCAER - 7.5% -
S&P Global Ratings 7.4% 6.8% 6.9%
Fitch Ratings 7.8% 7.2% 6.5%
Goldman Sachs 6.3% 6.8% -
RBI 7% 7.2% -
Morgan Stanley 7.9% 6.8% 6.5%
UN - 6.9% 6.6%
PHDCCI - 8-8.3% -
UNCTAD 6.3% 6.5% -
UBS Securities India 7.6% 7% 6.8%
CRISIL 7.6% 6.8% -
Bank of Baroda 6.8% 6.75-6.8% -
UN-DESA 6.2% 6.6% -
ICRA 6.5% - -
CII 6.8% 7% -
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A GLIMPSE OF SOME GENUINE TESTIMONIALS
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A GLIMPSE OF SOME GENUINE TESTIMONIALS
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Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs

Sports & Games

Arts & Cultural Affairs

Science & Technology

60. The “Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory”, Asia’s

Appointments & Resignations

Awards, Rewards, Recognition & Prizes

82. On October 14, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has

Meetings, Conferences and Summits

Ranks, Reports & Surveys

103. The “Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024”, a tool used by

MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships

❖ Important Obituaries in October 2024:

❖ Rivers / Lakes / Dams in October 2024:

❖ Festivals / Dances in October 2024:

❖ Important Acquisitions & Mergers in October 2024:

❖ National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries / Tiger Reserves in October 2024:

❖ Other Miscellaneous News & Current Static GK in October 2024:

Important Books & Authors

➢ Latest GDP Predictions (updated till October 2024)

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