National  
   

4 New Wetlands Added to Ramsar List: 2 from Tamil Nadu, 1 from Jharkhand, and 1 from Sikkim.

On 31 January 2025, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), announced the inclusion of four new wetlands from India in the Ramsar Convention list, increasing the total number of internationally recognized Ramsar sites in India to 89.

      - The newly designated sites are Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu (TN), Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand. This marks the first-ever Ramsar sites for both Sikkim and Jharkhand.

      - With this addition, Tamil Nadu now has 20 Ramsar sites, the highest in India, followed by Uttar Pradesh (UP) with 10.

      - Globally, there are 2,529 Ramsar wetlands. Wetlands are vital ecosystems that support diverse species of plants and wildlife, both aquatic and terrestrial.

Main Point :-   (i) India holds the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and ranks third globally, following the United Kingdom (UK) with 176 sites and Mexico with 144 sites.

      (ii) A wetland must meet at least one of the nine criteria outlined in the Ramsar Convention of 1971 to be designated as a Ramsar site.

(iii) Over the past decade, India's Ramsar sites have significantly increased from 26 to 89, with 47 of them added in the last three years. World Wetlands Day is observed globally on February 2.

About Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)

Union Minister : Bhupender Yadav

Headquarters : New Delhi

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IIT Indore, in Collaboration with MeitY, Launches 'AgriHub' as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Agritech.

In January 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT-I), Madhya Pradesh (MP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), launched 'AgriHub', an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Centre of Excellence (CoE) to foster technological innovation, startup incubation, and industry collaboration in the agritech sector.

      - The CoE will leverage AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) to address critical agricultural challenges such as drought, floods, and low productivity while promoting sustainable agriculture in India.

      - The inauguration event of AgriHub was graced by S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, as the Chief Guest.

      - The project is jointly funded by MeitY and the Government of Madhya Pradesh for a period of five years. It is supported by the MP government, ICAR-IISR Indore (MP), ICAR-CIAE Bhopal (MP), and C-DAC Pune (Maharashtra).

Main Point :-   (i) The event was attended by K.K. Singh (Joint Secretary, MeitY), Sanjay Dubey (Additional Chief Secretary, MP), Dr. C.R. Mehta (Director, ICAR-CIAE, Bhopal), Magesh Ethirajan (Director General, C-DAC), and Dr. Kunwar Harendra Singh (Director, ICAR-IISR, Indore).

      (ii) AgriHub is a collaborative platform, jointly funded by MeitY and the MP government for 5 years, led by Professors Aruna Tiwari and Pavan Kankar from IIT-I. It aims to develop innovative solutions for Indian agriculture, focusing on resource optimization, drought-resistant crops, precision farming, and AI-driven disease diagnosis, using big data analytics and genome research to support data-driven agriculture.

(iii) The project aims to fast-track the varietal development program by providing an integrated platform for genome sequencing and big data analysis. This will assist in developing new crop varieties capable of withstanding adverse climatic conditions and boosting crop production.

About Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

Minister : Ashwini Vaishnaw

Headquarters : New Delhi

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PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates 'Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha Conclave 2025' in Bhubaneswar.

In January 2025, Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi inaugurated the 'Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha Conclave 2025' and the 'Make in Odisha Exhibition' in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

      - The two-day event, held from January 28 to 29, 2025, brought together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers from over 16 countries, including partner countries Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia, to explore investment opportunities in Odisha.

      - The event was attended by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE), Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Railways (MoR), Hari Babu Kambhampati, Governor of Odisha, and Mohan Charan Manjhi, Chief Minister (CM) of Odisha, along with other dignitaries.

     

Main Point :-   (i) A total of 145 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the conclave, attracting investment commitments worth Rs 16.73 lakh crore across various sectors, including chemicals & petrochemicals, textiles, mining & metallurgy, renewable energy (RE), Information Technology/Information Technology Enabled Services (IT/ITeS), tourism, and food processing.

      (ii) Apart from the signed MoUs, the Government of Odisha received 448 investment intention forms, reflecting a proposed investment of Rs 3.84 lakh crore.

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Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurates India's inaugural Organic Fisheries Cluster in Sikkim.

In January 2025, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Rajiv Ranjan Singh (also known as Lalan Singh), introduced India’s first Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng district, Sikkim, during the North Eastern Region (NER) State Meet 2025, held in Guwahati, Assam.

      - The National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) plays a key role in developing the organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim.

      - This initiative focuses on promoting fish farming using organic methods, which avoid harmful chemicals and support environmentally friendly practices.

      - The goal of these projects is to improve the competitiveness of the fisheries sector.

Main Point :-   (i) The initiative was launched with the presence of Ministers of State (MoS) Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian from MoFAH&D.

      (ii) Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh also launched 50 new projects under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with a total investment of Rs 50 crores, benefiting all states in the North Eastern Region, except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

(iii) In 2016, Sikkim became India's first state to be fully certified as organic.

About Sikkim

Chief minister: Prem Singh Tamang

Governor: Om Prakash Mathur

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PM Modi Inaugurates 'Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha Conclave 2025' and 38th National Games During His Visit to Odisha and Uttarakhand.

On January 28, 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Odisha and Uttarakhand to inaugurate the 'Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha Conclave 2025' and the 38th National Games.

      - PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, held from January 28 to 29, 2025.

      - Odisha received investments worth ₹16.73 lakh crore, covering 593 industrial projects across 20 sectors.

      - 145 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, totaling ₹12.89 lakh crore across 16 sectors.

Main Point :-   (i) PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, marking the 25th anniversary of the state’s formation.

      (ii) The theme for the National Games 2025 is 'Green Games', emphasizing sustainability.

(iii) Yoga and Mallakhamb were included in the National Games for the first time.

About Odisha

Chief Minister (CM): Mohan Charan Majhi

Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati

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Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Presides Over National Conference with State & UT Labour Ministers and Secretaries in New Delhi.

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E) and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), chaired a two-day National-level conference with Labour Ministers and Secretaries of States and Union Territories (UTs) in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - The meeting was held from 29th January to 30th January 2025, aiming to align the efforts of the central government, states, and UTs in creating a unified legal and administrative framework for labour reforms benefiting workers and employers.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The conference highlighted that 18 States/UTs have already implemented most of the labour reforms, while the remaining States/UTs have made significant progress. All 36 States/UTs are expected to complete the pre-publication of unified draft rules in line with the labour codes by 31st March 2025.

      (ii) During the meeting, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched two key initiatives under the e-Shram initiative: State & UT Microsites and Occupational Shortage Index (OSI).

Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E)

Minister : Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Dr. Jitendra Singh Celebrates CSIR-IITR's Diamond Jubilee in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

On January 28, 2025, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC), Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T) commemorated the 60th anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) of CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), at its headquarters in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP).

      - During the event, he emphasized the institute's remarkable achievements and its crucial role in tackling public health concerns, advocating for a ‘toxin-free India’ by 2047, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

      - Dr. Jitendra Singh also serves as the Union Minister of Earth Sciences and Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.

      - The Union MoS emphasized CSIR-IITR’s efforts in supporting startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through initiatives such as the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)-led Common Research and Technology Hub (CRTDH) Environmental Monitoring Hub and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)-led Bioincubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies (BioNEST) in New Delhi.

Main Point :-   (i) During the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated key facilities at CSIR-IITR, including the Diamond Jubilee Arches, the new Diamond Jubilee Block, the NaMo-ATAL facility, and VV Sansa, a state-of-the-art reference material hub.

      (ii) The minister also launched WARMEST (Water, Air, Radiation Monitoring for Environment Safety Technologies), the third edition of the WARM series, and EARTH-25 (Environmental Awareness Research Towards Health) conferences, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to environmental safety and scientific progress.

(iii) Highlighting CSIR-IITR’s contributions to public health and environmental research, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the institute’s vital role in fostering innovation and sustainable solutions, aligning with the vision of a ‘toxin-free India’ by 2047.

About CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology (CSIR-IITR)

Director : Bhaskar Narayan

Headquarters : Lucknow

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MOMSME and ONDC have launched a Rs. 277 crore initiative aimed at empowering 5 lakh small businesses.

On January 28, 2025, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) partnered with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), based in New Delhi, to launch the Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative. This program is designed to help Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) join ONDC and grow in the digital world.

      - The initiative has a budget of Rs. 277.35 crore for the next 3 years and aims to onboard 5 lakh micro and small businesses, with 50% of them being women-led.

      - Its goal is to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to embrace digital commerce and increase their market reach.

      - The TEAM Initiative is a part of the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) program. It focuses on supporting women-owned MSMEs, particularly in smaller cities (Tier 2 and Tier 3).

Main Point :-   (i) The initiative will provide MSMEs with services like logistics, account management, packaging, design, catalog creation, and help with digital operations.

      (ii) It will also provide tools such as digital storefronts, integrated payment systems, and logistics support to help businesses overcome operational challenges and reach more customers.

(iii) With other programs like Startup India, Pradhan Mantri (PM) Vishwakarma Scheme, and the Digital MSME scheme already supporting the MSME sector, the TEAM Initiative will further strengthen these efforts.

About Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)

Non-Executive Chairperson : Ram Sewak Sharma

Headquarters : New Delhi

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ASER Report 2024 Shows Government Schools Outshine Private in Post-COVID Learning Recovery with Government Schools Enrolment Dropping to 66.8%.

In January 2025, the Pratham Education Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), released the "Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024", a nationwide household survey that assesses children's enrolment and learning outcomes in rural India. The report indicated that the enrolment in both government and private schools has returned to pre-COVID levels.

      - However, the report highlighted that government schools have outperformed private schools in Post-COVID learning recovery levels.

      - The report revealed that enrolment in government schools, which saw a surge during the pandemic for children aged 6-14, has now returned to pre-pandemic levels, dropping from 72.9% (in 2022) to 66.8% (in 2024).

      - This trend is consistent across every state, except for Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).

Main Point :-   (i) The household-based survey ASER 2025 covered 649,491 children aged 3-16, in 17,997 villages across 605 districts of 29 States/Union Territories (UTs) of India.

      (ii) The drop-out rate for children aged 15-16 decreased significantly from 13.1% (in 2018) to 7.5% (in 2022), but remained stable at 7.9% (in 2024) at the national level.

(iii) For the first time, the survey included a digital literacy section to assess the digital literacy awareness among children aged 14-16. The report showed that nearly 90% of both girls and boys in the 14-16 age group have access to smartphones at home.

About Pratham Education Foundation

CEO : Rukmini Banerji

Headquarter : Mumbai, New Delhi

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100 Odisha Villages to Receive Direct Funding for Forest Protection under CFR Plans Approved by Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MOTA).

In January 2025, the Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MOTA) approved Community Forest Resource (CFR) plans for 100 villages in phase-I under the Forest Right (FRA) Act, 2006. This number is fewer than the Odisha government's proposal to implement it in 400 villages across the state.

      - With this approval, 100 villages in Odisha will receive funds directly in the bank accounts of Gram Sabhas instead of Gram Panchayats for the first time, enabling them to carry out forest protection, management, and convergence works in their respective community lands.

      - The state government will receive Rs 16 crore for the development and execution of CFR management plans for 100 villages, with priority given based on the availability of Minor Forest Produce (MFP), preparedness of the plans, community and gram sabha participation, and the establishment of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

      - Gram Sabhas of villages will be entrusted with the responsibility to carry out tree plantation and prepare need-based development plans.

Main Point :-   (i) Each village will receive Rs 15 lakh per annum, which will be directly deposited into the bank account of the respective gram sabha. Additionally, technical agencies will receive Rs 1 lakh for developing management plans.

      (ii) CFR management plans have been proposed in various districts of the state: Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Dhenkanal, and Bargarh.

(iii) As per MoTA, Maharashtra topped among states in recognizing Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR), with 8,661 villages granted titles as of November 2024, followed by Chhattisgarh (with 4,328 titles), and Odisha (with 3,659 titles).

About Odisha

Chief minister: Mohan Charan Majhi

Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati

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Union Cabinet Approves National Critical Mineral Mission and Revision of Ethanol Procurement Price for 2024-25.

On January 29, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the following proposals:

      - The government has launched the 'National Critical Mineral Mission' (NCMM) to develop a robust value chain for critical mineral resources vital for green technologies. The mission will be implemented over seven years with a total allocation of Rs. 34,300 crore.

      - The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the revised ethanol procurement price for Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25, which will be in effect from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025.

      - As part of the Government of India's (GoI) Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, this revision sets the administered ex-mill price of ethanol derived from C Heavy Molasses (CHM) at Rs. 57.97 per litre, an increase from the previous rate of Rs. 56.58 per litre.

Main Point :-   (i) The government has advanced its target for 20% ethanol blending in petrol from 2030 to Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) aim to achieve 18% ethanol blending in ESY 2024-25.

      (ii) Investments are being made to expand ethanol distillery capacity to 1,713 crore litres per annum to meet the growing demand.

(iii) The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme was launched in 2003 by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG) to promote ethanol usage in fuel.

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India Celebrated its 76th Republic Day (R-Day) on 26 January 2025 with Great Patriotism.

The Republic Day parades and events took place at Kartavya Path (formerly known as Rajpath) in New Delhi, Delhi. Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India, which came into effect on 26 January 1950, making India a sovereign, democratic, and republic nation.

      - President of India, Droupadi Murmu, unfurled the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute using 105-millimeter (mm) Light Field Guns, an indigenously made weapon.

      - The 76th Republic Day celebrations, themed 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas' (Golden India: Heritage and Development), highlighted India's military strength, cultural heritage, and development.

      - The President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, was the Chief Guest for the 76th Republic Day celebrations, marking him as the fourth Indonesian leader to be invited for this honor.

Main Point :-   (i) The ceremony began with a visit from Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi. The parade was led by Lieutenant (Lt.) General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.

      (ii) Group Captain Alok Ahlawat led the Mi-17 1V helicopters from the 129 Helicopter Unit, which showered flower petals in the Dhwaj Formation, while a 148-member all-women marching contingent from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was a key highlight of the parade.

(iii) Indonesia's 160-member marching contingent and 190-member band contingent participated in the Republic Day parade, while 300 cultural artists performed the patriotic song 'Sare Jahan Se Achha' using traditional instruments like shehnai, sundari, nadaswaram, been, mashak been, and ransingha.

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Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Jointly Launch Various Initiatives Ahead of 1st WAVES in Delhi.

In January 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and Ministry of Culture (MoC), jointly launched various initiatives, including: WAVES Bazaar; 3 Create in India Challenges; WAVES Awards, among others, at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - These initiatives were launched ahead of the 1st World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), scheduled to be held from February 5 to February 9, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) During the event, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced new challenges aimed at promoting films that explore India's rich tourism and cultural heritage. These challenges seek to enhance creativity, innovation, and international participation.

      (ii) WAVES Bazaar, an e-Marketplace, has been introduced to bring together creators, buyers, and collaborators from various industries such as film, television (TV), music, and creative content firms, all on a single platform.

(iii) As per MIB, WAVES Awards will commence with nominations opening on February 15, 2025. The awards will feature categories such as: Game of the Year, Film of the Year, and Advertising Campaign of the Year.

About Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)

Union Minister : Ashwini Vaishnaw

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Tripura Becomes the First Northeastern State to Sign MoU with Bhashini for Multi-Lingual Governance.

In January 2025, the Government of Tripura signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for multi-lingual governance.

      - The MoU was signed during a state-level workshop titled "Bhashini Rajyam," held at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala, Tripura, under the guidance of Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Minister (CM) of Tripura.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) With this agreement, Tripura becomes the first North-Eastern (NE) state, as well as the 8th Indian state to sign an MoU with the Bhasha Interface for India (Bhashini).

      (ii) This MoU is a significant milestone in the state's efforts to promote digital inclusivity and leverage technology for enhanced citizen-centric governance.

About Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) : Amitabh Nag

Headquarters : New Delhi

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MoF Notifies Unified Pension Scheme for Central Government Employees, Effective from April 1, 2025.

In January 2025, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) notified the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option for central government employees already covered under the National Pension System (NPS). The scheme aims to provide retirees with assured pensions, ensuring financial security and dignity post-retirement.

      - As per MoF, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) will oversee UPS regulations and issue operational guidelines.

      - The scheme will come into effect from April 1, 2025.

     

Main Point :-   (i) It is voluntary for existing NPS employees and those opting for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) under NPS to switch to UPS. However, once switched, it cannot be reversed.

      (ii) The scheme follows a contributory model, requiring central government employees to contribute 10% of their basic salary and Dearness Allowance (DA).

(iii) The central government has increased its contribution from 14% (currently under NPS) to 18.5%.

About MoF

Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo Visits India to Commemorate 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations and Attends Republic Day as Chief Guest.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo visited India from January 23 to 26, 2025, upon the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit marked his first bilateral trip to India, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of India-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations.

      - On January 26, 2025, President Djojohadikusumo attended India's 76th Republic Day celebration as the Chief Guest at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.

      - During his visit, President Djojohadikusumo held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu of India.

     

Main Point :-   (i) On January 25, 2025, the 3rd India-Indonesia Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Forum took place in New Delhi, coinciding with the President's visit.

      (ii) The visit led to the signing and renewal of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in areas such as health, traditional medicine, and maritime security.

About Indonesia

President: Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo

Capital: Jakarta

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Dr. Arvind Panagariya Launches NITI Aayog's FHI 2025 Report Highlighting Top States Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Goa.

In January 2025, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission (FC), unveiled the inaugural issue of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog's report titled 'Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025' for the Financial Year 2022-23 (FY23) in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - Odisha emerged as the top-performing state with a cumulative score of 67.8 out of 100, followed by Chhattisgarh (55.2) and Goa (53.6). The report highlighted that Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Gujarat have consistently ranked among the top-performing states across the study's timeline.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The report evaluates the fiscal health of 18 major Indian states that are key contributors to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), demography, total expenditure, revenues, and overall fiscal stability. It also identifies state-specific challenges and areas for improvement.

      (ii) States were ranked based on five key sub-indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability.

(iii) The report utilized data from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India to calculate the FHI of states.

About National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog

CEO : B.V.R. Subrahmanyam

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Uttarakhand Becomes the First State to Enforce Uniform Civil Code.

Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which came into effect on 27th January 2025. Uttarakhand Chief Minister (CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the UCC portal and issued a notification marking the adoption of the civil code at a ceremony in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

      - The UCC seeks to unify personal laws concerning marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance, ensuring equality for all citizens, except for those from Scheduled Tribes (ST).

      - The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposed framework designed to establish a unified set of personal laws applicable to all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

      - Personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance are currently based on the religious customs and scriptures of various communities.

Main Point :-   (i) On February 7, 2024, the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, which received assent from President Droupadi Murmu on March 13, 2024. The bill establishes uniform personal laws on marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance, applicable to all citizens of the state, regardless of religion.

      (ii) The Uttarakhand government introduced the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, providing a structured process for creating and canceling wills and codicils under inheritance laws.

(iii) The law applies across the state of Uttarakhand and is also effective for Uttarakhand residents living outside the state.

About Uttarakhand

Chief Minister (CM): Pushkar Singh Dhami

Governor : Gurmit Singh

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DGS Collaborates with C-DAC to Boost Maritime Innovation.

On January 25, 2025, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), a scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The partnership aims to enhance innovation, technology, and excellence in India’s maritime sector by adopting advanced technologies for maritime administration.

      - The MoU was signed by Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, and Magesh Ethirajan, Director General of C-DAC, in the presence of S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY.

      - The event was attended by Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY; Sanket S. Bhondve, Joint Secretary, MeitY; Sunita Verma, Scientist G & Group Coordinator, MeitY; Savita Utreja, Scientist G, Group Coordinator (Cybersecurity), and other senior officers from MeitY, DGS, and C-DAC.

      - The MoU focuses on integrating C-DAC's expertise in advanced computing, cybersecurity, Blockchain, and e-Governance to modernize and improve India’s maritime sector.

Main Point :-   (i) The partnership will enable the usage of advanced digital tools and automated systems to streamline maritime operations, increase efficiency, and simplify processes.

      (ii) Advanced data analytics will be applied to identify patterns and trends for better decision-making. Predictive modeling will help detect potential risks, enhance safety, and optimize operations within the maritime ecosystem.

(iii) This collaboration aims to create a secure and efficient maritime ecosystem by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, improving maritime administration, and driving innovation to boost India’s position in the global maritime sector.

About Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)

Director General (DG) : Shyam Jagannathan

Headquarter : Mumbai

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IIA Hosts International Conference in Bengaluru to Celebrate 125th Anniversary of KSO.

In January 2025, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), organized an international conference on the theme, 'Sun, Space Weather, and Solar-Stellar Connections', to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO). The event was held from January 20-25, 2025, in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

      - The conference featured a scientifically rich program designed by 20 eminent solar astronomers and supported by the Solar Physics group of IIA.

      - Key discussions focused on themes such as solar magnetism, energetic solar phenomena, and the heliosphere. The program also emphasized new advancements in solar astronomy, including the proposed National Large Solar Telescope in the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The event brought together over 200 solar physicists from India and abroad to share knowledge and engage in discussions.

      (ii) The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, established in 1899 and part of the IIA, has been a cornerstone in advancing solar research globally.

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India and UK Extend 5-Year Partnership to Bolster Health Sectors.

On January 23, 2025, India and the United Kingdom (UK) renewed their health and life sciences partnership by signing a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. This partnership aims to strengthen collaboration and promote knowledge sharing in areas of mutual interest within health and life sciences.

      - The renewed partnership primarily focuses on a shared vision for Universal Health Coverage and addresses global health challenges such as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), digital health innovations, and advancements in pharmaceuticals.

      - The ceremony was attended by Union Minister Jagat Prakash (JP) Nadda, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW); Wes Streeting, UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care; and Lindy Cameron, Acting High Commissioner of the UK to India.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The partnership focuses on strengthening health systems through digital health interventions like telemedicine, public health, disease surveillance, and cybersecurity. It addresses the challenges in these areas and outlines strategies to enhance resilience in the health infrastructure.

      (ii) Efforts will be made to improve the resilience of medical supply chains, ensuring preparedness for future disruptions. The MoU also covers regulatory issues such as the regulation, quality assurance of medicines and medical devices, and the establishment of shared quality standards.

(iii) A key focus will be on enhancing human resources for health, emphasizing education, training, and exchange in medical fields like family medicine and nursing. Additionally, the partnership aims to strengthen health security by cooperating on research concerning infectious diseases, emerging infections, and pandemic preparedness, including integrated surveillance across humans, animals, and plants.

About the United Kingdom (UK)

Prime Minister (PM) : Keir Starmer

Capital : London

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Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Marks 10 Years of Transforming Lives.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), a flagship initiative of the Government of India (GoI) aimed at securing the financial future of girl children in India, has successfully completed 10 years of implementation.

      - The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015, as part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign in Panipat, Haryana.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) As of November 2024, over 4.1 crore Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts (SSAs) have been opened under the SSY.

      (ii) Uttar Pradesh (UP) emerged as the largest contributor to the SSY, with 45 lakh accounts opened under the scheme, followed by Tamil Nadu (TN) with 30 lakh accounts and Bihar with 22 lakh accounts.

About Ministry of Finance (MoF)

Union Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman

Headquarters : New Delhi

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NIFT Hyderabad Unveils 'VisionNxt', a Fashion Forecasting Platform.

In January 2025, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Hyderabad (Telangana), launched 'VisionNxt', India's first fashion forecasting platform that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI).

      - The platform was unveiled during NIFT's 40th Foundation Day celebrations in Hyderabad.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) Developed under the Ministry of Textiles (MoT), the platform is designed to provide trend insights specifically tailored to India's fashion and retail industry.

      (ii) VisionNxt seeks to reduce India's reliance on international trend forecasting agencies by leveraging the country's strengths in Information Technology (IT) and textiles.

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Union Minister Rajnath Singh Launches 'SANJAY - The Battlefield Surveillance System' in New Delhi.

On 24th January 2025, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), flagged off 'SANJAY,' the Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS), from South Block, New Delhi, Delhi.

      - The system has been indigenously and jointly developed by the Indian Army (IA) and Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), fostering a favorable environment for "Aatmanirbharta" as part of the IA's "Year of Technology Absorption."

      - It was developed under the Buy (Indian) category at a cost of Rs 2,402 crore.

      - Union Minister of State (MoS) Sanjay Seth, MoD; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan; Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi; Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of MoD; and other senior officials of MoD and BEL attended the flagging-off ceremony.

Main Point :-   (i) The programme provides trade and forex solutions, enabling women entrepreneurs to access international markets.

      (ii) Equipped with advanced sensors and analytics, it acts as a force multiplier for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, ensuring border security, preventing invasions, and enabling effective operations in a network-centric environment.

(iii) The system will be implemented in three stages across all operational Brigades, Divisions, and Corps of the Indian Army between March 2025 and October 2025, aligning with the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms.’

About Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

CMD : Manoj Jain

Headquarters : Bengaluru

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Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Completes 10 Years of Successful Implementation.

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, a flagship initiative of the Government of India (GoI) aimed at protecting, educating, and empowering the girl child in India, has successfully completed a decade of impactful implementation.

      - Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, the scheme remains a cornerstone of India’s commitment to gender equality.

      - The BBBP scheme operates with 100% funding from the Central Government, implemented across all districts of India under the Sambal vertical of Mission Shakti.

      - Initially, the scheme was a joint initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW), and the Ministry of Education (MoE); later, its scope was expanded through collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA).

Main Point :-   (i) On January 22, 2025, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda (MoH&FW) and Union Minister Annpurna Devi (MoWCD) jointly inaugurated the 10th anniversary celebrations of BBBP at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

      (ii) The event featured an oath-taking ceremony and the launch of several key initiatives, including a compendium of BBBP practices, the Mission Vatsalya portal, the Mission Shakti portal, and a mobile application for Mission Shakti.

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ICRIER Report Highlights India's Digital Economy to Contribute One-Fifth of GDP by 2030.

In January 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) unveiled a comprehensive report titled "Estimation and Measurement of India's Digital Economy," prepared by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER). This report represents the first effort to quantify the impact of the digital sector on India's income and employment.

      - According to the report, India's digital economy is expected to grow at nearly twice the pace of the overall economy, contributing nearly one-fifth of the national income by 2029-30.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) In 2022-23, the digital economy accounted for 11.74% of India's income, contributing ₹28.94 lakh crore (approximately USD 368 billion) in Gross Value Added (GVA) and ₹31.64 lakh crore (approximately USD 402 billion) in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

      (ii) The digital sector supported 14.67 million workers in 2022-23, representing 2.55% of India's workforce.

About Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)

Chairman : Pramod Bhasin

Headquarters : New Delhi

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India Achieves Remarkable Growth in Renewable Energy Capacity, Targets 500 GW by 2030.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India has made remarkable progress in its Renewable Energy (RE) sector, reinforcing its position as a global leader in clean energy.

      - As of December 2024, India’s total RE installed capacity reached 209.44 Gigawatt (GW), a 15.84% increase from 180.80 GW in December 2023.

      - In 2024, India added a total of 28.64 GW to its RE capacity, reflecting a significant Year-on-Year (YoY) increase of 119.46%, compared to the 13.05 GW added in 2023.

      - As of January 20, 2025, India has reached a milestone of 217.62 GW, with a goal to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.

Main Point :-   (i) The Government of India (GOI) focused on enhancing the viability of green hydrogen by reducing costs and attracting investments, positioning India as a global leader in green hydrogen technology.

      (ii) Efforts were made to ramp up domestic production of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines, aiming to make India a global hub for renewable energy manufacturing.

(iii) The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) proposed investments in inter-state transmission systems to efficiently transfer power from renewable-rich states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh (MP), supporting the country’s growing energy needs.

About MNRE

Minister : Shri Pralhad Joshi

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Union Cabinet, Chaired by PM Narendra Modi, Approves Key Proposals on January 22, 2025.

On January 22, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the following proposals:

      - The Union Cabinet reviewed the significant progress under the National Health Mission (NHM) from 2021-22 to 2023-24, highlighting milestones in improving India’s public health outcomes.

      - It highlighted a significant reduction in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR), and Total Fertility Rate (TFR).

      - The Cabinet also approved the continuation of NHM for the next five years.

Main Point :-   (i) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the MSP for raw jute (TD-3 grade) at ₹5,650 per quintal for the 2025-26 marketing season.

      (ii) This marks an increase of ₹315 per quintal (6%) compared to the MSP for the 2024-25 season.

(iii) These decisions reaffirm the government’s focus on enhancing public health outcomes and supporting farmers with fair and remunerative prices for their produce.

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India's First Edible Oil Consumption Survey Conducted by MoA&FW.

On January 9, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) launched India's first-ever survey on the "My Gov" portal to assess the edible oil consumption patterns across the country.

      - This initiative is designed to support the implementation of the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds), aiming to improve the oilseeds sector and reduce the country's dependency on imports.

      - The survey seeks to fill the gap in recent data regarding edible oil consumption, as India is the world's largest consumer and importer of edible oils.

      - The questionnaire-based survey began on January 9, 2025, and will run until February 23, 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) Industry reports indicate that India's per capita annual consumption (PCAC) of edible oil has surpassed 20 kg, exceeding the recommended limits of 12 kg by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and 13 kg by the World Health Organization (WHO).

      (ii) Currently, India imports 55-60% of its edible oil requirements from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine.

(iii) During the 2023-24 oil marketing year, India's total edible oil imports amounted to approximately 15.96 million tonnes (MT).

About Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)

Secretary : Devesh Chaturvedi

Headquarters : New Delhi

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India and France Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

In January 2025, India and France strengthened their maritime security cooperation to ensure peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This was achieved through the 7th India-France Maritime Cooperation Dialogue, which took place in New Delhi.

      - The meeting was co-chaired by Pavan Kapoor, Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) of India, and Alice Rufo, Director General for International Relations and Strategy of the French Ministry for the Armed Forces.

      - As part of the discussions, both nations agreed to collaborate on developing an analysis of maritime security threats in the IOR. This will focus on preventing illegal maritime activities, including piracy, armed robbery, maritime terrorism, contraband smuggling, and unsustainable fishing practices.

      - India and France committed to ensuring secure access to sea lanes of communication by collaborating through maritime assets like the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram, the Regional Coordination Operations Centre in Seychelles, and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Madagascar.

Main Point :-   (i) India assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in 2025, marking an important milestone in its engagement with countries in the region. As part of this role, India and France will continue to prioritize the region’s security and stability.

      (ii) India and France expanded their bilateral partnership in high-end technologies, focusing on areas such as defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cybersecurity, digital technology, and artificial intelligence (AI), while also strengthening people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties.

(iii) The two countries reviewed progress on the India-France 'Horizon 2047 roadmap,' discussed cooperation on climate change, Indo-Pacific security, and joint development projects in third countries.

About France

President: Emmanuel Macron

PM : François Bayrou

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Tripura Receives New State Emblem with MHA Approval.

In January 2025, Tripura Chief Minister (CM) Manik Saha announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had approved the new state emblem, which will prominently feature the state’s history and culture in its design.

      - The proposal for the state emblem of Tripura was examined under Rule 4(2) of the State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007 (as amended in 2010) and found to be in order.

     

     

Main Point :-   The newly designed emblem features the map of Tripura within a saffron circle, with the national emblem of India displayed inside the outline of the map. Below the circle, "Government of Tripura" is written.

     

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According to the MoC&I India Becomes 7th Largest Coffee Producing Country in the World.

According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), India has emerged as the world’s 7th largest coffee-producing country, with exports reaching USD 1.29 billion in Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), compared to USD 719.42 million in FY21.

      - India exported over 9,300 tonnes of coffee in the 1st half of January 2025, with major buyers including Italy, Belgium, and Russia.

      - Domestic coffee consumption has increased from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023, as per MoC&I.

      - India’s coffee is predominantly cultivated in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats.

Main Point :-   (i) Karnataka led the coffee production in 2022-23 with 2,48,020 Metric Tonnes (MT), followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

      (ii) The top 5 coffee-producing countries in the world are Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.

About Coffee Board of India (CBOI)

Chairman: M.J. Dinesh

Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka

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"Seven Products from Andaman and Nicobar Islands Receive GI Tags".

In December 2024, the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, under the Department of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), granted GI tags to seven indigenous and distinctive products from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, acknowledging their cultural and traditional significance.

      - The seven products granted GI tags are: Nicobari Mat (Chatrai-hileuoi), Nicobari Hut (Chanvi Pati - Nyi hupul), Nicobari Hodi craft, Padauk Wood Craft, Andaman & Nicobar Coconut, Nicobari Tavi-i-Ngaich (Virgin Coconut Oil), and Andaman Karen Musley Rice.

      - This marks the first time in India that a single Union Territory (UT) has been awarded GI tags for seven products in one instance.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the regional office of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in Vijayapuram (Andhra Pradesh), along with various stakeholders.

      (ii) Several local organizations, including The Tribals Development Cooperative Society Limited, Sahara Women's Marketing Cooperative Society Ltd., Tribal Development Council, and the Centre for Participatory Training and Learning, played a crucial role in securing the GI tags.

(iii) The initiative was coordinated by the Human Welfare Association (HWA), under the guidance of Padma awardee Rajani Kant, also known as "the GI Man of India."

About Geographical Indications (GI) Registry

Established: 2003

Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN)

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"Rubber Board of India Launches 'ISNR' and 'INR Konnect' to Enhance Rubber Production."

In January 2025, the Rubber Board (RB) based in Kottayam, Kerala, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched two key initiatives, ‘iSNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber)’ and ‘INR Konnect’, during the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rubber Act, 1947, and the Rubber Growers' Conference held in Kottayam.

      - These initiatives aim to enhance India’s global standing in the rubber industry and boost domestic rubber production.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The iSNR initiative ensures that Indian rubber production complies with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards, promoting sustainability in rubber cultivation.

      (ii) INR Konnect is a web-based platform created to link owners of underutilized rubber plantations with potential adopters, thereby increasing plantation productivity.

About Rubber Board (RB) of India

ED : M. Vasanthagesan

Headquarters : Kottayam, Kerala

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"Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Announces Revisions to OMSS(D) Policy for 2024-25."

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MOCAF&PD) announced revisions to the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) [OMSS(D)] for 2024-25. The updates are designed to strengthen food security and optimize rice distribution nationwide.

      - The updated policy enables State Governments, their corporations, and community kitchens to procure rice directly, bypassing the need for electronic (e)-auctions.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The revised reserve price of rice has been reduced to Rs 2,250 per quintal nationwide, down from the previous rate of Rs 2,900 per quintal set in August 2024.

      (ii) Ethanol distilleries can also purchase rice at the reduced reserve price of Rs.2,250 per quintal.

(iii) This policy highlights the government's commitment to welfare programs, strengthening food security, and promoting ethanol production.

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National e-Governance Division (NeGD) Introduces 'Entity Locker' for Streamlined Business Document Management.

In January 2025, the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), introduced the 'Entity Locker.' This modern digital platform aims to simplify how businesses manage and verify their documents while aligning with India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the Union Budget 2024-25's goals of advancing digital governance and streamlining business processes.

      - The Entity Locker is a secure cloud-based platform for businesses, including MSMEs, startups, trusts, and corporations, offering streamlined storage, sharing, and verification of documents to reduce delays and operational challenges.

      - The platform integrates seamlessly with critical systems like the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), and Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This integration reduces delays and enhances efficiency in processes like vendor verification, procurement, and loan applications for MSMEs.

      - Entity Locker supports multiple use cases, such as vendor verification, compliance documentation for the food industry under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and corporate filings like annual returns. It significantly simplifies compliance processes and improves operational efficiency.

Main Point :-   (i) The platform ensures real-time document verification by integrating with government databases. It provides 10 gigabytes (GB) of encrypted cloud storage for secure document management and enables authentication using legally valid digital signatures. Aadhaar-based authentication ensures secure and accountable access to sensitive information.

      (ii) Built-in features of Entity Locker simplify regulatory reporting and compliance by offering tools to track document-related activities, enhancing transparency and accountability for businesses and organizations.

(iii) Individuals do not have direct access to Entity Locker but can connect their personal accounts to their organization’s account to manage and access digital documents. The platform emphasizes user consent for data sharing and ensures a secure and accountable environment for document management.

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Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam Visited India from January 14 to 18, 2025 and Focuses on Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Strategic Partnership.

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam visited India from January 14 to 18, 2025, marking his first bilateral state visit to India. He was accompanied by Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and 2nd Minister for Finance, and Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National Development.

      - During the visit, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam engaged in discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, focusing on enhancing bilateral ties and elevating them to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.'

      - A unique Ministerial Roundtable mechanism was also proposed to further strengthen the partnership.

     

Main Point :-   (i) President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and President Droupadi Murmu jointly unveiled the 60th Anniversary Commemorative logo at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

      (ii) During his state visit to Odisha, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Odisha government and Singaporean organizations, focusing on cooperation in skills development, green energy, and industrial growth.

About Singapore

PM : Lawrence Wong

President : Tharman Shanmugaratnam

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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurated India's First-Ever CSIR Innovation Complex in Mumbai.

In January 2025, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), inaugurated India's first-ever Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) Mega "Innovation Complex." The event, held virtually, marked the dedication of the facility in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to support startups and industry stakeholders.

      - The event was graced by the presence of Dr. V.K. Saraswat and Dr. V.K. Paul, Members of NITI Aayog, along with Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General (DG) of CSIR, and Dr. Ram Vishwakarma.

      - The newly inaugurated "Innovation Complex" is a modern, state-of-the-art facility spread across nine floors. It features 24 fully equipped "ready-to-move" incubation labs, along with furnished office spaces and networking areas. The facility is designed to cater to industries, CSIR laboratories, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and innovative startups, fostering collaboration and innovation.

     

Main Point :-   (i) CSIR entered into six Memorandums of Association (MoAs) with esteemed institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, iCreate, and the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC). These agreements aim to promote innovation, foster industrial collaboration, and drive job creation.

      (ii) Furthermore, 50 technology transfers were formalized between CSIR institutes and startups, MSMEs, and other organizations, enhancing industry partnerships and generating employment opportunities.

(iii) India ranks as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, boasting over 100 unicorns that exemplify the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit.

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"RBI Releases NBFC Upper Layer List for 2024-25 under Scale-Based Regulation".

In January 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the list of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the Upper Layer (UL) segment under the Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) for NBFCs for the year 2024-25.

      - Despite its request to de-register as an NBFC, Tata Sons Private Limited has been retained in the NBFC UL list, and its request is still under examination.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The updated list includes 15 companies, such as Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) Housing Finance Limited (HFL), Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL), and Shriram Finance Limited (SFL), among others.

      (ii) Muthoot Finance Limited (MFL), a part of the Muthoot Group, is the only gold loan NBFC included in RBI's 'UL' list for three consecutive years.

(iii) Piramal Enterprise Limited (PEL), which qualified for inclusion based on its scoring, has been excluded from the list for the year 2024-25 due to ongoing restructuring in the business group.

About RBI

CEO : Sanjay Malhotra

Headquarter : Mumbai

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Startup India Marks 9 Years with 1.59 Lakh Startups Recognized and 16.6 Lakh Jobs Created.

On January 16, 2025, Startup India, a transformative initiative by the Government of India (GoI) launched in 2016, celebrated its 9th anniversary. This initiative aims to foster innovation and accelerate the growth of startups across the nation. GoI has designated January 16 as National Startup Day to honor India’s strides in building a robust and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

      - With over 1.59 lakh startups (up from 500 in 2016) recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of January 15, 2025, India has emerged as the world's 3rd largest startup ecosystem.

      - The Startup India initiative is spearheaded by DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I).

      - During the celebration of Startup India's 9th anniversary in New Delhi, Union Minister Piyush Goyal (MoC&I) unveiled two significant initiatives: the PRABHAAV Factbook (Powering a Resilient and Agile Bharat for the Advancement of Visionary Startups), aimed at showcasing the progress and impact of startups in India, and the Bharat Startup Challenge, designed to support and promote entrepreneurial talent across the nation.

Main Point :-   (i) In January 2025, Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, signed an MoU with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to establish a Rs 100 crore fund aimed at supporting startups and small businesses in the state.

      (ii) To commemorate National Startup Day 2025, the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), with support from DPIIT and Startup India, launched two flagship programs: Startup Baithak and Startup Baatcheet.

(iii) The 9-year celebration event was held from January 15 to January 16, 2025, at the iconic Group-20 (G20) Summit Room in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Launches Sanchar Saathi App, NBM 2.0, and ICR Facility to Enhance Telecom Connectivity.

In January 2025, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, Ministry of Communications (MoC), launched several citizen-centric initiatives, including the Sanchar Saathi Mobile Application (App), the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, and the Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) facility at Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)-funded 4G (fourth generation) mobile sites in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App is a user-friendly platform designed to enhance telecom security by empowering citizens to secure their telecom services and protect against fraud.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) NBM 2.0, an expansion of the earlier NBM 1.0, aims to advance India's digital infrastructure and bridge connectivity gaps.

      (ii) Under NBM 2.0, the government plans to connect the remaining 1.7 lakh villages and enhance broadband speeds to 100 Mbps (Megabits per second).

(iii) The launch of Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)-funded 4G sites allows subscribers of multiple Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to access 4G services from a shared tower, enhancing connectivity while reducing costs.

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Shriram Life Insurance Introduces Sunishchit Laabh Savings Plan for Financial Security.

In January 2025, Shriram Life Insurance introduced the Shriram Life Sunishchit Laabh plan, a non-participating individual savings plan designed to provide guaranteed high returns of up to 668% of the total premium paid.

      (i) The plan combines savings and life insurance benefits, catering to individuals seeking long-term financial security and payout options.

      (ii) Eligible individuals include those aged between 30 days and 60 years, with the annual premium starting at Rs 30,000.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The premium can also be paid in half-yearly installments of Rs 15,500, quarterly installments of Rs 8,000, or monthly installments of Rs 3,000. The plan offers tax-free maturity payouts for tenures ranging from 10 to 40 years, with a maximum maturity age of 101 years.

      (ii) To enhance financial security for policyholders' families, the plan provides death benefits of up to 160 times the annualized premium.

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Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Launches Toolkit for 9th Edition of Swachh Survekshan.

In January 2025, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), launched the toolkit for the 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS), the world's largest urban cleanliness survey, in a new version that is simpler, sharper, systematic, and all-inclusive.

      - A special category, Super Swachh League (SSL), has been introduced for 2024 to create a separate league for cities excelling in cleanliness.

      - SS(Swachh Survekshan), initially launched by MoHUA in 2016, aims to improve urban sanitation through citizen participation and third-party validation.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Cities have been classified into five population categories: Very Small, Small, Medium, Big, and Medium-Plus.

      (ii) Each category will be evaluated based on population and parameters tailored to its specific size and needs.

(iii) The final phase of SS—the Field Assessment for the 9th edition—will begin on February 15, 2025, and conclude by the end of March 2025.

About Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

Cabinet Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Cabinet Approvals Announced on January 16, 2025.

On January 16, 2025, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the following proposals: the construction of a ₹3,984.86 crore Third Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Set to be completed in 4 years, it will support Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), enhancing India's capacity to launch spacecraft up to 30,000 tonnes into low Earth orbit.

      - The Cabinet approved forming the 8th Pay Commission to revise salaries and pensions of 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners. The minimum basic salary will rise from ₹18,000 to ₹40,000, with an expected salary hike of 25–30%. The commission will take effect after the conclusion of the 7th Pay Commission term in December 2025.

      - A ₹2 lakh crore initiative to refarm 687 MHz of spectrum from government ministries and ISRO was approved. This will address growing telecom spectrum demand, with 328 MHz released immediately and the rest by 2030, increasing total available spectrum to 1,587 MHz.

      - A ₹11,440 crore revival plan was approved for the Visakhapatnam-based Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited. This includes ₹10,300 crore equity infusion and ₹1,140 crore loan conversion. The plan aims for full production capacity by August 2025, aligned with the National Steel Policy and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.

Main Point :-   (i) The Ministry of Home Affairs approved the creation of two new Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) reserve battalions, each comprising 1,025 personnel, increasing CISF battalions from 13 to 15 and creating 2,050 new posts to meet rising security demands.

      (ii) The TLP will support India's ambitious space missions, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and crewed lunar exploration, marking a significant step in advancing India's space program.

(iii) The refarming of spectrum reallocates resources from ISRO, the Ministry of Defence, and other government bodies to the Department of Telecommunications, strengthening India's position in global telecom advancements and ensuring readiness for future 6G technologies.

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DPIIT Joins Forces with ITC to Strengthen India's Startup Ecosystem.

In January 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), entered into a strategic partnership with Kolkata-based (Indian Tobacco Company) ITC Limited to enhance innovation and strengthen India's startup ecosystem.

      - The partnership aims to leverage ITC's market network and DPIIT's support initiatives to drive technological advancements and create market opportunities for startups across the country.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) Under this collaboration, ITC plans to implement startup solutions in key areas such as energy storage systems, integrating Renewable Energy (RE) sources at manufacturing sites, and developing digital platforms for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

      (ii) The focus of this partnership is to improve operational excellence in manufacturing through digital solutions and enhance sustainability by strengthening ITC's renewable energy efforts.

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India's 6th Astronomical Observatory and Eastern India's First Inaugurated in West Bengal.

In January 2025, the Satyendra Nath Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), inaugurated India's sixth and Eastern India's first astronomical observatory in the Garpanchkot Hills of Purulia district, West Bengal (WB).

      - The observatory has been named after the renowned scientist Satyendra Nath Bose.

      - The other five observatories are located in Ladakh, Nainital (Uttarakhand), Mount Abu (Rajasthan), Girawali Hills (Pune, Maharashtra), and Kavalur (Tamil Nadu, TN).

      - Vishvajit Sahay, Additional Secretary of the Union Science and Technology Department, along with other dignitaries, were present at the inauguration event.

Main Point :-   (i) The observatory is equipped with two telescopes, including a 14-inch diameter telescope, and a 1-meter diameter telescope is set to be installed soon. Its seeing value of 1.3 arc seconds meets the standards of the other five astronomical centers across the country.

      (ii) Located 600 meters above sea level in a pollution-free area, the observatory's best observation period is from November to April. An automatic weather forecasting center has also been established on the hilltop to measure rainfall, temperature, and wind speed.

(iii) SNBCBS has partnered with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University in WB for the observatory's operations and resource sharing.

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Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh recently inaugurated the 'Entrepreneurship Development Conclave' in Pune, Maharashtra.

In January 2025, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, alias Lalan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), inaugurated the 'Entrepreneurship Development Conclave' at G.D. Madulkar Natya Griha in Pune, Maharashtra.

      - The event was organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under MoFAHD with the aim of bringing together key policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from the livestock sector to foster innovation and accelerate growth.

      - The theme of the event was "Empowering Entrepreneurs: Transforming Livestock Economies".

     

Main Point :-   (i) During the event, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched 40 projects—20 under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) and 20 under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)—with a total outlay of ₹545.04 crores.

      (ii) The NLM - Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP) Dashboard was launched to provide an organized summary of project information for public access.

About the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD)

Chairman: Rajiv Ranjan Singh

Headquarters : New Delhi

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MEITY and DSCI Launch Cyber Security Grand Challenge (CSGC 2.0) to Foster Cybersecurity Innovations.

On January 15, 2025, S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY), launched the second edition of the Cyber Security Grand Challenge (CSGC 2.0). The initiative, implemented by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) based in Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP), aims to enhance India's cybersecurity capabilities and prepare for a secure digital future.

      - The total prize money for CSGC 2.0 has been significantly increased to ₹6.85 crores, compared to ₹3.2 crores in its first edition.

      - Registration for CSGC 2.0 is open from January 15, 2025, and will remain available until February 14, 2025.

      - Participants will develop innovative solutions in six key areas: Application Programming Interface (API) Security, Data Security, Wearable Device Security and Privacy, Clone and Fake Application (App) Mitigation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Threat Detection and Incident Response, and Securing Next-Generation Biometric Systems.

Main Point :-   (i) The challenge is divided into three main stages. In the Idea Stage, 36 startups (6 per problem area) will be selected, each receiving ₹5 lakh. Following this, the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Stage will see 18 startups being chosen and awarded ₹10 lakh each.

      (ii) The next stage is the Final Product Stage, where winners for each problem area will receive ₹25 lakh.

(iii) The final stage, called the Go-to-Market Stage, will announce the top three winners. The Platinum Winner will receive ₹1 crore, the Gold Winner will get ₹50 lakh, and the Silver Winner will be awarded ₹25 lakh.

About MEITY

Minister : Ashwini Vaishnaw

Headquarters : New Delhi

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C-DOT Collaborates with IIT Delhi to Develop THz Communication Front Ends for 6G Technology.

In January 2025, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), a telecom research and development (R&D) center under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications (MoC), has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), located in New Delhi, to work on creating "Building Blocks for Terahertz (THz) Communication Front Ends" for 6G (sixth-generation) technology.

      - The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), based in Kolkata, West Bengal, will assist IIT Delhi in developing these components at its facilities.

      - The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, Prof. Ananjan Basu, the principal investigator from IIT Delhi, and C-DOT Directors Dr. Pankaj Kumar Dalela and Shikha Srivastava.

     

Main Point :-   (i) This collaboration is part of the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) 6G Call for Proposal by the Department of Telecommunications, and it supports the Bharat 6G Vision, which aims to develop advanced, secure, and high-quality 6G networks.

      (ii) The project’s goal is to develop important devices and components for THz (terahertz) systems, which are essential for the 6G communication network.

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India Meteorological Department (IMD) Marks 150th Foundation Day.

On January 15, 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), celebrated its 150th Foundation Day with a series of events, activities, and workshops. These initiatives showcased IMD's significant role in enhancing India's climate resilience and providing essential weather and climate services.

      - Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi attended the celebrations held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

      - During the event, PM Narendra Modi launched 'Mission Mausam,' an initiative aimed at transforming India into a 'Weather-Ready' and 'Climate-smart' nation through the adoption of advanced weather surveillance technologies and high-resolution atmospheric observations.

     

Main Point :-   (i) PM released a commemorative postage stamp and coin to mark the 150th anniversary of IMD.

      (ii) The coin is circular in shape, with a denomination of Rs 150, minted in 99.99% silver, and weighs 40 grams.

(iii) PM also unveiled a vision document titled "IMD Vision 2047," which outlines strategies for weather resilience and climate change adaptation as India prepares to celebrate 100 years of independence in 2047.

About India Meteorological Department (IMD)

DG: Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra

Headquarters: New Delhi

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Union Minister Piyush Goyal Launches National Turmeric Board and Appoints Palle Ganga Reddy as Chairman.

In January 2025, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched the National Turmeric Board (NTB) in New Delhi, with the goal of boosting the turmeric industry in India.

      - Palle Ganga Reddy has been appointed as the first Chairperson of the Board, and its headquarters have been established in Nizamabad, Telangana.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The NTB will operate under the Department of Commerce (DoC), MoC&I.

      (ii) The board will include representatives from various departments, such as the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy); Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F); Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), and the Department of Commerce, MoC&I.

(iii) The board will provide leadership and coordinate with other government departments/agencies to foster the growth and development of the turmeric sector in India.

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INROAD Project Receives Rs 100 Crore to Enhance Natural Rubber Quality in Northeast India.

In January 2025, the Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development (INROAD) project secured a financial support of Rs 100 crore aimed at improving the quality of natural rubber in Northeast India.

      - INROAD stands as the world’s first project where the tyre industry directly contributes to the growth of rubber plantations, with a special focus on women’s economic empowerment in rubber cultivation.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The project is being implemented by the Rubber Board of India and financially supported by four members of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), including Apollo Tyres Limited, CEAT Limited, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, and MRF Tyres.

      (ii) New Natural Rubber (NR) plantations across 94 districts in Northeast India and parts of West Bengal (WB) have covered a total area of 1,25,272 hectares in the first four years of the project.

(iii) The project will also offer skill-based training through digital platforms, alongside the development of infrastructure, including Model Smoke Houses and Model Processing and Grading Centres, specifically designed for the region.

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Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Launches Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission.

In January 2025, Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister (CM) of Madhya Pradesh (MP), launched the "Swami Vivekanand Yuva Shakti Mission" on National Youth Day (12th January), commemorating Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary.

      - The launch event was held at the Ravindra Bhavan Auditorium in Bhopal, MP. Alongside the mission, he inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission Portal and its theme song.

      - The logo of the mission, inspired by its motto, "Atma Deepo Bhava- Samvad, Samarthya, Samriddhi," was unveiled by the CM.

      - Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the world’s largest 3D Rangoli depicting Swami Vivekananda at Shaurya Smarak in Bhopal, MP. The 18,000 sq. ft. artwork was created with eco-friendly natural colors by renowned rangoli artist Shikha Sharma Joshi and her team from Indore, MP.

Main Point :-   (i) The mission’s primary target is to achieve a 100% pass rate for students in Class 10th and 12th board exams by 2030.

      (ii) The mission aims to ensure that every youth earns at least the minimum wage of a skilled worker, completes education up to Class 12th, and actively participates in social initiatives for societal betterment.

About Madhya Pradesh

Capital: Bhopal

Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel

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TRAI Releases Draft Telecommunication Tariff (71st Amendment) Order, 2025 to Strengthen PM-WANI Scheme.

On January 15, 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued the 'Draft Telecommunication Tariff (71st Amendment) Order, 2025,' aimed at rationalizing broadband tariffs for Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme.The primary objective of the draft is to address challenges impeding the growth of public Wi-Fi hotspots and ensure affordable connectivity for users nationwide.

      - In August 2024, TRAI released the 70th Amendment draft, suggesting that broadband tariffs for PDOs under the PM-WANI scheme be aligned with retail broadband tariffs.

      - On September 16, 2024, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introduced key amendments to the PM-WANI framework, including the removal of the requirement for Public Data Offices (PDOs) to enter commercial agreements with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) for internet connectivity and allowing PDOs to network up to 100 access points to establish a single Wi-Fi hotspot.

      - PM-WANI, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2020, aims to establish public Wi-Fi networks through Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) to provide Wi-Fi services across the country, boosting broadband internet proliferation, with 18,19,674 unique users and 58.55 petabytes (PB) of data consumed as of December 15, 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) TRAI proposed that the broadband tariff (Fiber to the Home, FTTH) for PDOs under the PM-WANI scheme should not exceed twice the retail broadband FTTH tariff of the same capacity offered by service providers, aiming to foster the growth of PM-WANI hotspots.

      (ii) The measure is designed to create a sustainable ecosystem that ensures a balanced relationship between PDOs and service providers.

(iii) The PM-WANI scheme aligns with the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018, and Bharat 6G Vision, targeting the deployment of 50 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2030. As of July 2024, 207,642 PM-WANI hotspots have been deployed across India.

About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

Chairman: Anil Kumar Lahoti

Headquarters : New Delhi

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PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

On January 13, 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg, located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

      - The tunnel, also referred to as the Sonamarg Tunnel is to boosts connectivity to the Ladakh region, holding significant strategic importance for defense and tourism.

      - Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister (CM) Omar Abdullah were present at the event.

      - The two-lane, bi-directional Z-Morh Tunnel spans 6.5 kilometers (km) in length and 10 meters (m) in width. It is built on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway (NH) at a cost of Rs. 2,700 crore using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), which is suitable for the fragile Himalayan geology.

Main Point :-   (i) The tunnel includes a main tunnel (10.8 m wide), a parallel escape tunnel (7.5 m wide), a D-shaped ventilation tunnel (8.3 m wide), two major culverts measuring 110 m and 270 m in length, and a smaller culvert of 30 m.

      (ii) Located at an altitude of 8,650 feet above sea level, the Z-Morh Tunnel facilitates all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh, bypassing areas prone to landslides and avalanches.

(iii) The Z-Morh Tunnel is designed to handle 1,000 vehicles per hour at a maximum speed of 80 km/h, ensuring uninterrupted travel during winter, with its western portal at Rezan (towards Srinagar) and eastern portal at Shetkari (towards Sonamarg).

About Jammu and Kashmir

CM : Surinder Kumar Choudhary

Governor: Sh. Manoj Sinha

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C-DOT Collaborates with IIT Mandi and IIT Jammu to Develop Spectrum Efficiency Chip.

In January 2025, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), a New Delhi-based telecom Research and Development (R&D) center under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications (MoC), collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) in Himachal Pradesh and the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu (IIT Jammu) in Jammu and Kashmir to develop a chip aimed at enhancing spectrum efficiency.

      - The project is supported by the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), which promotes telecom innovations by Indian startups, universities, and research institutions to improve broadband and mobile services across India.

      - The TTDF was launched on October 1, 2022, by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Ministry of Telecommunications (MoT) to support R&D efforts for technologies and products improving telecom services in rural and remote areas.

      - The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Raj Kumar Upadhyay, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of C-DOT, Dr. Rahul Shrestha, Principal Investigator from IIT Mandi, Dr. Rohit B. Chaurasiya, Co-Investigator from IIT Jammu, as well as C-DOT Directors Pankaj Kumar Dalela and Shikha Srivastava.

Main Point :-   (i) The collaboration aims to develop a Wideband Spectrum-Sensor (WSS), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip designed to optimize spectrum usage for broadband services, especially in rural areas. The project also aims to generate intellectual property (IP) for spectrum sensing technology, critical for dynamic spectrum access.

      (ii) The project will design an advanced spectrum sensing algorithm to identify unused frequency bands (spectrum holes) in communication systems, enabling interference-free operation.

(iii) The project focuses on developing hardware-efficient communication algorithms to detect underutilized frequency bands above 2 GHz, demonstrating a wideband cognitive radio module for the 6 GHz satellite band and testing designs using Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) to improve spectrum utilization.

About C-DOT

Founder: Sam Pitroda

Headquarters : Delhi

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28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) to be Hosted in India in 2026.

The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) will be hosted in New Delhi, India in 2026. This announcement was made by Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha, on January 10, 2025, at the CSPOC Standing Committee Meeting held in Guernsey.

      - The CSPOC aims to focus on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media in parliamentary operations to enhance cooperation among member countries.

      - These technologies will be used to provide regional language translations for Members of Parliament (MPs) and make parliamentary papers available in different languages.

     

Main Point :-   (i) India has emerged as the world’s 5th-largest economy and the 3rd-largest startup ecosystem, undergoing transformative growth in sectors such as agriculture, fintech, AI, and research and innovation.

      (ii) India’s selection as the host for the 28th CSPOC highlights its rich cultural heritage, rooted in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning "the whole world is one family."

(iii) India had previously hosted the CSPOC in 1970-71, 1986, and 2010.

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Indichip Semiconductors to Set Up India's First Private Semiconductor Manufacturing Facility in Andhra Pradesh.

In January 2025, Indichip Semiconductors Limited, headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP), in partnership with its Joint Venture (JV) partner Yitoa Micro Technology Limited (YMTL) from Japan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) to establish India’s first private semiconductor manufacturing facility at the Orvakal Mega Industrial Hub in Kurnool, AP.

      - The project involves an investment exceeding Rs 14,000 crores.

      - The MoU was signed between Piyush Bichhoriya, Managing Director (MD) of Indichip Semiconductors Limited, and Saikanth Varma, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB).

      - This project aligns with AP’s Semiconductor Policy, launched in November 2024, aiming to transform the state into a hub for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing while supporting India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by boosting domestic production and reducing import dependency.

Main Point :-   (i) The AP government will provide land in the Orvakal Mega Industrial Hub along with essential infrastructure and support to ensure the project’s success.

      (ii) The facility will specialize in manufacturing Silicon Carbide (SiC) chips, crucial for energy-efficient technologies, Electric Vehicles (EVs), and Renewable Energy (RE) systems, with an initial production capacity of 10,000 wafers per month, scalable to 50,000 wafers per month within 2-3 years.

(iii) In November 2024, Gujarat became a pioneer in India's semiconductor industry by launching the Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027, setting up the country’s first semiconductor facility in Sanand and initiating the construction of India’s first AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera.

About Andhra Pradesh (AP)

CM: N. Chandrababu Naidu

Governor: Syed Abdul Nazeer

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India has become a member of the UN-CEBD (United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration).

On January 11, 2025, India became a member of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD). This membership highlights India's growing influence in the global statistical community and its commitment to using data and technology for better policy-making.

      - India also joined the United Nations Statistical Council (UNSC) in 2024.

      - India's inclusion in the expert committee on Big Data and Data Science for official statistics emphasizes its role in shaping global standards and highlights its pioneering initiatives, such as establishing a Data Innovation Lab for experimenting with new data technologies and exploring alternative data sources like satellite imagery and machine learning for policymaking.

      - Data Science is an interdisciplinary field combining statistics, mathematics, programming, and domain knowledge to derive insights from data, while Big Data refers to large, complex datasets beyond the capacity of traditional data tools to process effectively.

Main Point :-   (i) India aims to align its Big Data advancements with global objectives and modernize statistical processes using innovative data sources like IoT, satellite imagery, and private sector data for improved accuracy and efficiency.

      (ii) India's participation aims to enhance real-time, evidence-based decision-making and streamline statistical production by innovating data collection, processing, and analysis.

(iii) The UN-CEBD, established in 2014 and headquartered in New York, USA, comprises 31 member countries and 16 international organizations, focusing on leveraging Big Data for monitoring Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with its Advisory Board serving as the management body.

About UN-CEBD

Established : 2014

Headquarters: New York

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Union Minister Piyush Goyal has launched the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform in New Delhi.

On January 10, 2025, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched the 'Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform' at the inaugural Bharat Climate Forum 2025 in New Delhi.

      - The initiative aims to strengthen India's cleantech industries in sectors like solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage.

      - He also emphasized that Product Linked Incentives (PLIs) and subsidies could harm the long-term growth and development of the clean energy sector.

      - Hosted by the Centre for Indigenous Economic Understanding (CIEU) and Dalberg Advisors, the Bharat Climate Forum is supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), NITI Aayog, and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Main Point :-   (i) The goal of Bharat Climate Forum 2025 is to position India as a global leader in clean technology manufacturing, with self-reliance as the key principle in achieving Net-Zero goals and progressing towards a developed India (Viksit Bharat).

      (ii) The Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform aims to drive innovation, collaboration, and global investment in India's cleantech industry, supporting the nation's goal of achieving 500 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030.

(iii) The Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform will drive technological advancements, foster global partnerships, and expand India's clean energy infrastructure, supporting its top-performing status in meeting Paris Agreement commitments.

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Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched a One VEGA-based SoC and two DIR V VEGA processor-based development boards in Maharashtra.

In January 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) launched one VEGA-based System on Chip (SoC) named THEJAS64 and two DIR V VEGA processor-based development boards, ARIES ECO and ARIES NOVA.

      - The event took place at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) campus in Pune, Maharashtra.

      - These products were designed and developed by C-DAC as part of the Government of India's (GoI) Digital India RISC-V Microprocessor (DIR-V) program.

     

Main Point :-   During the event, the Union Minister emphasized that computing and technological advancements are key to India becoming a developed nation by 2047.

     

About Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)

DG : Magesh Ethirajan

Headquarters: Pune

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Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Chairs 2nd IWDC Meeting in Assam.

The 2nd Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meet, organized by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency for the development of waterways under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), took place from 9th January to 10th January 2025, in Kaziranga, Assam.

      - The meeting focused on policies to enhance inland waterways and infrastructure development in India.

      - The meeting was presided over by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW).

     

Main Point :-   (i) During the event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled initiatives worth over Rs. 1,400 crore to boost inland waterways transport networks across 21 Inland Waterway States.

      (ii) The National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS) was launched to ensure safe, seamless, and sustainable movement of inland vessels.

(iii) The Union Minister also announced an investment of Rs. 50,000 crore over the next five years to strengthen infrastructure on national waterways.

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UJALA Scheme and SLNP Program Celebrate 10 Years of Advancing Energy-Efficient Lighting.

On January 5, 2025, the Unnat Jyoti by Affordable Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for All (UJALA) scheme, a transformative initiative by the Government of India (GoI) in energy efficiency, and the Street Lighting National Programme (SNLP) celebrated 10 years of successful implementation.

      - Both programmes were launched by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on January 5, 2015.

      - The schemes are being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power (MoP).

      - It was initially launched as the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP) and later renamed UJALA, with the goal of delivering affordable, energy-efficient LED bulbs, tube lights, and fans to millions of households across India.

Main Point :-   (i) By January 6, 2025, the scheme has distributed 36.87 crore LED bulbs, leading to annual electricity savings worth Rs 19,153 crore.

      (ii) As of January 6, 2025, over 1.34 crore LED streetlights have been installed across Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Gram Panchayats (GPs) under the SNLP programme.

(iii) Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is a joint venture of four power sector PSUs: NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited, REC Limited, and POWERGRID Corporation of India Limited.

About Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)

Chairman : K.S. Sundaram

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Union Minister Piyush Goyal Unveils 8th Edition of National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in New Delhi.

On January 09, 2025, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), launched the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), Pusa, New Delhi.

      - The event was organized by the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) Union Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled several key portals: NPOP portal, TraceNet 2.0, Organic Promotion Portal, APEDA portal, and AgriXchange portal.

      (ii) He also distributed the first 5 registration certificates generated on the newly launched TraceNet 2.0 to organic operators.

(iii) Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister emphasized that India’s organic farming exports have the potential to reach Rs 2,000 crore in the next three years.

About Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I)

Union Minister : Piyush Goyal

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated the "5G Use Case Test Lab" at CMPDI in Jharkhand.

On January 9, 2025, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, from the Ministry of Coal (MoC) and Ministry of Mines (MoM), inaugurated the "5G Use Case Test Lab" and launched a new corporate logo for the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) in Ranchi, Jharkhand. CMPDI is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL).

      - The aim is to promote digital transformation in India’s coal sector using 5G technology and tackle the industry's evolving challenges.

      - The event was attended by several key figures, including Vikram Dev Dutt (Secretary, Ministry of Commerce - MoC), Vismita Tej (Additional Secretary, MoC), P.M. Prasad (Chairman, Coal India Limited - CIL), Manoj Kumar (Chairman and Managing Director - CMD, CMPDI), Nilendu Kumar Singh (CMD, Central Coalfields Limited - CCL), and Satish Jha (CMD, Eastern Coalfields Limited - ECL), along with other senior officials.

     

Main Point :-   (i) During the event, the Union Minister of State (MoS) also unveiled a sculpture titled 'Replica of CMPDI services', made from scrap materials used at CMPDI, such as delivery hose pipes, NQ drilling rods, core boxes, and more.

      (ii) The Ministry of Coal (MoC) has designated CMPDI as the Centre of Excellence (CoE) to set up the 5G Use Case Test Lab, which will help the coal industry make effective use of 5G technology.

About the Ministry of Coal (MoC)

Minister : Shri G. Kishan Reddy

Headquarters : New Delhi

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BDL Collaborates with Ultra Maritime to Provide Sonobuoys for the Indian Navy.

In January 2025, Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), an Indian Defence Public Sector Undertaking, partnered with Ultra Maritime, a United States (US)-based global leader in undersea warfare systems, to supply and manufacture sonobuoys adhering to US Navy standards for the Indian Navy (IN).

      - The collaboration was announced by US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan during his visit to India from January 5 to 6, 2025.

      - These innovations aim to enhance sonar performance in the Indian Ocean, enabling advanced wide-area search capabilities with custom solutions under the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), launched in May 2022.

      - Sonobuoys are small, disposable sonar devices used to detect submarines and underwater threats for about 24 hours. Deployed by naval helicopters or aircraft in specific patterns, they activate automatically upon hitting water. Active sonobuoys emit sound and relay echoes, while passive sonobuoys listen for underwater sounds and transmit them to aircraft.

Main Point :-   (i) Sonobuoys, crucial for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), will be produced locally at BDL’s facilities in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), under a Joint Venture (JV) with Ultra Maritime. The production facility is expected to become operational by 2027.

      (ii) The Ultra Maritime sonobuoys manufactured in India will be compatible with systems used by the U.S. Navy, Indian Navy, and allied forces, including platforms such as P-8, MH-60R, and MQ-9B Sea Guardian aircraft.

(iii) The Indian Navy currently operates 12 P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, which deploy sonobuoys for anti-submarine operations. In August 2024, US President Joe Biden’s administration approved a USD 52.8 million government-to-government deal for the sale of US-made sonobuoys to India.

About Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)

CMD : Commodore A Madhavarao

Headquarters - Hyderabad

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Launches 'Cashless Treatment' Scheme for Road Accident Victims.

On January 7, 2025, Union Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), announced the upgraded 'Cashless Treatment Scheme' for road accident victims, scheduled to launch by March 2025. The announcement was made during a meeting with transport ministers from all states and Union Territories (UTs) held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Delhi.

      - He also introduced a nationwide scheme to establish Driver Training Institutes (DTIs), offering incentives for setting up DTIs and additional rewards for integrating the infrastructure of Automated Testing Stations (ATSs) with DTIs.

      - The government will offer cashless treatment for road accident victims nationwide, covering up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per person for a maximum of 7 days, if the accident is reported to the police within 24 hours. Additionally, families of deceased victims in hit-and-run cases will receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The program offers health benefit packages for trauma and polytrauma cases to eligible victims at hospitals accredited under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

      (ii) The National Health Authority (NHA) will oversee the program’s implementation in coordination with the police, hospitals, and State Health Agencies (SHA).

(iii) The program will be implemented through an Information Technology (IT) platform that integrates the MoRTH's e-Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) application with the NHA's Transaction Management System.

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MeitY Collaborates with IITs to Enhance Skill Development in the Semiconductor Sector.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has partnered with various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and private institutions to provide training activities, including skill development in semiconductor manufacturing. This initiative was announced by S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, in New Delhi on January 08, 2025.

      - Microsoft Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MeitY under the IndiaAI Mission.

      - The collaboration aims to provide skill development training to 5 lakh students, teachers, and professionals in AI by 2026.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Microsoft, in partnership with MeitY, will establish an AI Center of Excellence (COE) called 'AI Catalysts' to promote rural AI innovation and support 1 lakh AI innovators and developers through hackathons, community-building initiatives, and an AI marketplace.

      (ii) Microsoft also announced collaborations with five major Indian industries, including Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), upGrad Education Private Limited, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, and Bajaj Finserv Limited.

(iii) These collaborations will focus on sectors such as transport, healthcare, finance, agriculture, and education.

About MeitY

Minister : Ashwini Vaishnaw

Headquarters : New Delhi

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WEP Unveils 'EmpowHER Biz' in Partnership with New Shop to Support Women Entrepreneurs.

On January 8, 2025, the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog partnered with New Shop, a 24/7 convenience retail chain based in New Delhi, to launch the initiative 'EmpowHER Biz - Sapno Ki Udaan.' This was part of WEP's Award to Reward (ATR) initiative.

      - The collaboration aims to empower women entrepreneurs and promote growth in the organized retail sector.

      - The ATR initiative, launched in 2023, provides a framework for collaborative projects with measurable impact.

      - The EmpowHER Biz - Sapno Ki Udaan initiative aims to equip women with essential skills and support for success in retail entrepreneurship. Open to women from Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Haryana, Madhya Pradesh (MP), and Gujarat, this initiative ensures support across these states, empowering women to pursue retail entrepreneurship with the necessary tools and guidance.

Main Point :-   (i) Fifty women, aged 18-35, will be selected through an online application process. The top 20 participants will receive a full waiver on New Shop franchise fees, enabling them to establish their ventures with ease.

      (ii) The initiative offers expert mentorship, training in retail management, financial literacy, digital tools, and business development, aiming to enhance women's entrepreneurial skills.

(iii) Through this partnership, New Shop aims to assist 10,000 entrepreneurs by 2030 and expand its franchising model to support first-time entrepreneurs across India.

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Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates NIELIT Deemed University in Assam.

In January 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, holding portfolios in the Ministry of Railways (MoR), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), and Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), along with Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, jointly inaugurated the 'National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology' (NIELIT) Deemed University.

      - The event took place in Guwahati, Assam, and marked the establishment of NIELIT at 12 locations, including five in the North Eastern States.

      - Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the development of a new NIELIT campus in Jagiroad, Assam, with a focus on semiconductor and electronics manufacturing.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Established in 1994, NIELIT is the only university under MeitY, dedicated to advancing education and research in Electronics and Information Technology (IT).

      (ii) During the event, NIELIT and Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL), based in Bangalore, Karnataka, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the semiconductor skill development ecosystem in India.

About Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL)

MD & CEO : Randhir Thakur

Headquarters : Bengaluru

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Chhattisgarh Becomes India’s First State to Include Forest Ecosystems in Green GDP.

In January 2024, Chhattisgarh became the first state in India to introduce an innovative plan that connects its forest ecosystem services to the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).

      - The initiative seeks to directly connect the environmental benefits of forests, such as clean air, water conservation, and biodiversity, with the state's economic growth. It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a 'Developed India 2047'.

      - With 44% of its land covered by forests, Chhattisgarh depends on its abundant natural resources to sustain the livelihoods of millions.

      - Green GDP is a measure of economic growth that factors in the environmental and social costs of economic activities, calculated by subtracting the environmental and social costs from the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Main Point :-   (i) Forests in Chhattisgarh play a dual role by boosting the rural economy with products like tendu leaves, lac, honey, and medicinal plants, while also combating climate change as carbon sinks; the action plan aims to balance economic growth with environmental conservation to protect the ecosystem for future generations.

      (ii) By linking the benefits of forests, such as climate regulation, soil enrichment, water purification, and carbon absorption, to Green GDP, Chhattisgarh aims to enhance budget planning and promote policies for sustainable development while incorporating these environmental contributions into the state's economic planning.

(iii) Scientists will assess the economic value of essential ecosystem services provided by forests, including the market value of carbon dioxide absorbed by trees for clean air, the economic impact of water conserved by forests through rivers and springs, and the role of forest biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance and supporting agriculture, all of which will be integrated into the Green GDP.

About Chhattisgarh

Capital : Raipur

CM : Vishnu Deo Sai

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Titagarh Rail delivers India's first "Make-in-India" driverless trainset to Bengaluru Metro.

In January 2025, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (previously known as Titagarh Wagons Limited) took a major step forward in India's urban transportation by delivering the country’s first driverless, Made-in-India trainset to Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

      - The delivery is an important milestone for the Yellow Line of Bengaluru Metro, which covers an 18-kilometer stretch starting from Electronics City. This move is in line with India's vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

      - It is an automated, stainless steel-bodied train designed for excellent performance.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The trainset was built at Titagarh Rail’s metro manufacturing facility in Uttarpara, West Bengal (WB).

      (ii) Titagarh Rail will deliver two more trainsets to BMRCL by April 2025, and they plan to increase production to two units per month by September 2025.

(iii) This achievement highlights India's commitment to improving urban transport while promoting local manufacturing through the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

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India and Malaysia hold their inaugural Security Dialogue to enhance bilateral cooperation.

On January 7, 2025, India and Malaysia held their first-ever India-Malaysia Security Dialogue in New Delhi to improve their cooperation in defence and security. The goal was to strengthen the ties between the two countries, especially in areas that are important to both nations' interests.

      - The dialogue was co-chaired by Ajit Doval, India's National Security Adviser (NSA) to the Prime Minister, and Raja Dato' Nushirwan Bin Zainal Abidin, Malaysia's Director General (DG) of the National Security Council.

      - Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism, fighting extremism, cybersecurity, the defense industry, and maritime security, while also institutionalizing the dialogue as a regular event with annual meetings to ensure sustained discussions and collaboration.

      - Strategic and Security Collaboration: Both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in critical minerals and rare earths, essential for technology and industry, and exchanged views on global and regional security, reaffirming their shared commitment to addressing evolving security challenges.

Main Point :-   (i) This security dialogue came after a visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim to India in August 2024, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

      (ii) Malaysia is India's 13th largest trade partner and the 3rd largest trade partner among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

(iii) In 2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opened Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) first regional office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

About Malaysia

PM : Anwar bin Ibrahim

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

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PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stone for Railway Projects in Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, and Odisha.

On January 06, 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various railway projects, including the Jammu Railway Division in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway in Odisha, and the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana, via video conferencing from New Delhi.

      - These projects are designed to create employment opportunities, develop infrastructure, promote tourism, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region.

      - In January 2025, India marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the 'Namo Bharat' train in Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) and the launch of a new Delhi Metro project. These efforts are part of India's ongoing push to enhance connectivity, with the metro rail network now expanding to over 1,000 km across 11 states and 23 cities.

      - With this expansion, India now boasts the third-largest metro network in the world, following China and the United States of America (USA).

Main Point :-   (i) i. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Jammu Railway Division, which spans a total length of 742.1 kilometers (km).

      (ii) PM Narendra Modi also inaugurated the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Medchal-Malkajgiri District, Telangana, including a new coaching terminal and the provision of a second entry at a cost of around Rs 413 crore.

(iii) PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building under the East Coast Railway in Odisha, with an estimated cost of Rs 107 crore.

About Telangana

Chief minister: Revanth Reddy

Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma

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MHA Introduces 'e-Student Visa' and 'e-Student-X Visa' for International Students.

On January 5, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) introduced two new specialized visa categories: the 'e-student visa' and the 'e-student-x visa', aimed at facilitating foreign students pursuing higher education at Indian academic institutions.

      - The e-student visa is available to eligible foreign students who are registered on the Study in India (SII) portal.

      - The e-student-x visa is designated for the dependents of e-student visa holders.

      - Students interested in these visas are required to register on the SII portal, an initiative by the Ministry of Education (MoE), which streamlines the admission process for international students enrolling in long-term or short-term courses in India.

Main Point :-   (i) The Study in India (SII) portal, launched in 2018, streamlines the admission process for international students and connects them to over 600 partner institutes in India offering more than 8,000 courses across various disciplines, including engineering, management, agriculture, law, and niche fields like Buddhist Studies and Yoga.

      (ii) Foreign students applying through the SII portal are eligible for financial assistance, such as the Study in India Scholarship (worth USD 3,200), awarded to students excelling in the PRAGATII Exam, or a Fee Waiver.

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Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh presided over the "Northeast Region States Meet 2025," which took place in Guwahati, Assam.

In January 2025, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, who oversees the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH&D) and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), chaired the 'Northeast Region States Meet 2025' held in Guwahati, Assam.

      - The event was organized by the Department of Fisheries (DoF) under MoFAH&D to assess the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a scheme aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries development.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) During the event, the Union Minister distributed certificates to fisheries beneficiaries, including registration certificates for the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP), Kisan Credit Card (KCC) cards, awards for the best Fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), and Fisheries Start-ups.

      (ii) He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 50 major projects, worth Rs 50 crores, under PMMSY, covering all Northeast Region (NER) states, except Arunachal Pradesh (AR) and Mizoram.

(iii) Additionally, he launched India's first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng district of Sikkim, which aims to boost farmers' incomes and promote sustainability in aquaculture.

About MoFAH&D

Minister : Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh

Headquarters : New Delhi

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CSIR-NPL celebrated its 79th Foundation Day, highlighting its contributions to advancing metrology for the nation's development.

On 4th January 2025, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) celebrated its 79th Foundation Day in New Delhi.

      - CSIR-NPL is India’s National Metrology Institute (NMI), responsible for developing, maintaining, and distributing National Standards to various industries, strategic sectors, and scientific research.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) During the event, CSIR-NPL signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with IITM (Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu) to foster academic and research collaboration, and with CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) for the production of Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND), which are Certified Reference Materials derived from plant-based sources.

      (ii) During the event, CSIR-NPL introduced two new Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravyas (BNDs): Lanthanum Hexaboride Powder (BND-2025), designed as a calibration standard for powder X-ray diffraction, and White Portland Cement Standard (BND-5064), developed in collaboration with the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM).

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The Chief Minister of Odisha inaugurates the Adivasi Mela 2025 and launches the Shahid Madho Singh Scheme.

On January 5, 2025, Odisha's Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, inaugurated the Adivasi Mela 2025 at the Exhibition Grounds in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, ahead of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) event.

      - During the event, he launched the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme, with a budget of Rs 156 crore, to support tribal students. He also honored nine tribal talents and ten tribal farmers for their exceptional contributions.

      - A special edition of the journal Banja-2025, published by the Tribal Language and Culture Academy of Odisha, was also released during the event.

      - The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8 to 10, 2025, in collaboration with the Odisha State Government.

Main Point :-   (i) The Adivasi Mela is an annual event celebrating Odisha's tribal heritage and culture. This year, it will be held from January 5 to January 15, 2025.

      (ii) The scheme, named after Shaheed Madho Singh, a freedom fighter from Odisha, aims to reduce dropout rates and encourage students to continue their education.

(iii) The scheme offers a one-time incentive of Rs 5,000 per year to tribal students who pass Class 8 and advance to Class 9 or 10, as well as to those enrolling in Class 11. This benefit is available for the academic year 2024-2025 and is exclusively for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students whose family income does not exceed Rs 2,50,000 per year.

About Odisha

Chief minister: Mohan Charan Majhi

Capital: Bhubaneswar

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MoE Releases UDISE+ 2023-24 Report and School Enrollment Sees a Decline of Over 1 Crore Compared to 2018-19.

In January 2025, the Ministry of Education (MoE) released the 'Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2023-24' report on school education in India. The report indicated a decline in school enrollment from 25.17 crore (2022-23) to 24.8 crore (2023-24), a decrease of 1.22 crore students (6%) compared to 2018-19.

      - The report highlighted that school enrollment across India remained above 26 crore from 2018-19 to 2021-2022, showing consistent annual increases, except for the COVID year of 2020-21.

      - The number of boys enrolled in school decreased by 4.87%, from 13.53 crore (2018-19) to 12.87 crore (2023-24).

      - Similarly, the number of girls enrolled in school declined by 4.48%, from 12.49 crore (2018-19) to 11.93 crore (2023-24).

Main Point :-   (i) The UDISE+ report showed that the number of single-teacher schools in the country decreased by 7,219, from 1,18,190 (in 2022-23) to 1,10,971 (in 2023-24).

      (ii) Among the states, Madhya Pradesh (MP) recorded the highest number of single-teacher schools with 13,198, followed by Andhra Pradesh (AP) with 12,611 schools.

About MoE

Union Minister: Dharmendra Pradhan

Secretary General : Shri Sanjay Kumar

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Telangana will observe Savitribai Phule's birth anniversary as 'Women Teacher's Day'.

The Telangana government has decided to celebrate Savitribai Phule's birth anniversary on January 3rd every year as a state function, calling it 'Women Teacher's Day' to honor her contributions to women's education.

      - Savitribai Phule was a social worker, poet, and teacher who played a key role in improving women's freedom and their status in Indian society.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) In 1848, she opened India's first school for girls in Pune, becoming the country's first woman teacher and the first female headmistress.

      (ii) In 1854, she published her first poetry collection, Kavya Phule ('Poetry's Blossoms'), and in 1892, she also published Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar ('The Ocean of Pure Gems').

(iii) Pune University in Maharashtra is named after Savitribai Phule as a tribute to her efforts in promoting women's education in India.

About Telangana

Chief minister: Revanth Reddy

Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates and lays the foundation stone for infrastructure and metro expansion projects worth Rs 12,200 crore in Delhi.

On January 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth over Rs 12,200 crore in Delhi, which include metro expansions and infrastructure upgrades.

      - These projects are aimed at improving regional connectivity and providing more convenient travel options for the public.

      - PM Modi inaugurated the 13-kilometer stretch of the Namo Bharat corridor, connecting Sahibabad in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, at a cost of around Rs 4,600 crore.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The Prime Minister also inaugurated the 2.8-km Janakpuri-Krishna Park stretch of Delhi Metro Phase-IV, valued at Rs 1,200 crore.

      (ii) He laid the foundation stone for the 26.5-km Rithala-Kundli section of Delhi Metro Phase-IV, costing Rs 6,230 crore.

(iii) PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for a modern campus of the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) in Rohini, New Delhi, at a cost of Rs 185 crore.

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Union Minister Piyush Goyal Unveils '6th LEADS Report' and 13 States and UTs Recognized as Achievers.

On 3rd January 2025, Union Minister Piyush Goyal of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) released the 6th edition of the 'Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) Report' in New Delhi. During the release, he highlighted the logistics sector's crucial role in achieving a USD 32 trillion economy by 2047.

      - Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu (TN) were awarded the top rank of 'achievers' among coastal states in the LEADS 2024 report.

      - The event also marked the presentation of the LEAPS 2024 awards, recognizing achievements across various categories, including core logistics services, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and institutions.

      - The course will be offered through the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) Karmayogi platform and the University Grants Commission (UGC) Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) portal. It will be incorporated into the curriculum of Central Training Institutes (CTIs) and State Administrative Training Institutes (ATIs) nationwide.

Main Point :-   (i) Union Minister Piyush Goyal proposed the adoption of the LEAD framework, focusing on Longevity, Efficiency, and Effectiveness, Accessibility, Accountability, and the Digitalisation of processes to efficiently develop the logistics sector.

      (ii) He also launched the Prime Minister (PM) Gati Shakti Course by Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), a 15-hour course on the PM GatiShakti Concept for Efficient Infrastructure Planning and National Development during the event.

(iii) Additionally, a 'Report on Logistics Cost Framework' prepared by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) was launched. The report aims to assess logistics costs in India by including Export-Import (EXIM) and domestic cargo data.

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EPFO Successfully Implements Centralized Pension Processing System (CPPS) Across All Regional Offices.

On January 3, 2024, the New Delhi-based Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) successfully rolled out the Centralized Pension Payments System (CPPS) under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995, nationwide. This initiative aims to enhance ease of living for pensioners by simplifying pension disbursements across all regional offices.

      - The CPPS enables pensioners to access their pensions from any bank branch nationwide, eliminating the need for physical verification and simplifying the disbursement process.

      - This represents a shift from the earlier decentralized pension system, where zonal or regional offices of EPFO had individual agreements with three to four banks.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The first pilot of the Centralized Pension Payments System (CPPS) was conducted at the Karnal (Haryana), Jammu, and Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) regional offices. During this phase, around ₹11 crore was disbursed to more than 49,000 EPS pensioners.

      (ii) The second pilot expanded to 24 regional offices, successfully disbursing approximately ₹213 crore in pensions to over 9.3 lakh pensioners.

(iii) The CPPS was fully implemented across all 122 regional offices of EPFO, resulting in the disbursement of ₹1,570 crore in pensions to over 68 lakh pensioners.

About Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)

Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC): Ramesh Krishnamurti

Headquarters : New Delhi

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MoT Extends Deadline for Compliance with Medical Textile QCO until April 1, 2025.

On January 2, 2025, the Ministry of Textiles (MoT) extended the compliance deadline for the Medical Textiles (Quality Control Order, QCO), 2024, until April 1, 2025, to address the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). However, Large and Medium Enterprises (LME) must comply with the earlier deadline of January 1, 2025.

      - This extension is aimed at supporting the industry in meeting new quality standards, ensuring safer products, boosting consumer confidence, and enhancing the efficacy of critical healthcare items.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) Manufacturers and importers have been granted an additional 6-month period, ending on June 30, 2025, to clear existing legacy stock and facilitate a smooth transition.

      (ii) The QCO applies to products like sanitary napkins, baby diapers, and reusable sanitary pads/period panties, listed under Schedule A of the order.

(iii) The order establishes stringent quality standards, including testing protocols and labeling requirements for key products.

About MoT

Minister of Textiles : Shri Giriraj Singh

Headquarters : New Delhi

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The ONDC Initiative, launched by DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), is set to revolutionize digital commerce.

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is an initiative launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), Government of India, aimed at transforming digital commerce in India.

      - The goal is to promote open networks for goods and services across digital or electronic platforms.

      - It started as a pilot project in April 2022 in five Indian cities: New Delhi, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Bhopal, and Shillong.

      - ONDC uses an open-sourced approach, which works on open specifications and network protocols, independent of specific platforms.

Main Point :-   (i) ONDC was established as a non-profit Section-8 company on December 31, 2021, with a capital of Rs. 500 crore and is incubated by the Quality Council of India (QCI), which was later joined by Mumbai-based Protean eGov Technologies Limited as its co-founder.

      (ii) ONDC aims to create a level playing field for sellers, buyers, and service providers across India, with a special focus on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

(iii) It functions as a unified platform where stakeholders can interact freely, without being limited by exclusive ecosystems.

About Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)

MD & CEO : Thampi Koshy

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates multiple development initiatives in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several significant development projects in New Delhi on January 3, 2025. These include 1,675 flats designed to provide housing for residents of Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters and the World Trade Centre (WTC) at Nauroji Nagar, marking major strides in urban redevelopment.

      - Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two key urban redevelopment projects: the World Trade Centre (WTC) at Nauroji Nagar and the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar.

      - The GPRA Type-II Quarters project comprises 28 towers with approximately 2,500 residential units, featuring modern amenities. It also includes eco-friendly systems such as rainwater harvesting, sewage and water treatment plants, and solar-powered waste compactors.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Prime Minister Narendra Modi also inaugurated the Integrated Office Complex of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in Dwarka, Delhi. The state-of-the-art facility, developed with an investment of Rs 300 crore, aims to enhance the board's operational efficiency.

      (ii) Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the development of three major projects at Delhi University (DU), New Delhi, with a total investment exceeding Rs 600 crore.

About Delhi

CM : Atishi Marlena Singh

Governor : Vinai Kumar Saxena

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IIT Madras and MoA&FW collaborate on Project VISTAAR to digitize agricultural extension.

On January 2, 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare (MoA&FW), launched the Project Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources (VISTAAR). This project aims to revolutionize the agricultural extension system by digitizing it to provide better services to farmers across India.

      - VISTAAR will offer farmers and agricultural stakeholders high-quality advisory services on crop production, marketing, value addition, supply chain management, and government schemes.

      - The platform is designed to bridge the gap between technological innovations and farmers, ensuring wider adoption and substantial impact.

      - MoA&FW and IIT Madras signed an MoU to enhance the VISTAAR platform by incorporating information about start-ups in the agriculture and allied sectors which provide sustainable and climate-resilient farming solutions.

Main Point :-   (i) IIT Madras, along with its incubated start-up YNOS Venture Engine, developed a database of over 12,000 start-ups in the agriculture sector, enabling farmers to access innovative solutions and technologies.

      (ii) The collaboration aims to connect farmers with start-ups offering advanced technologies to make agriculture more sustainable and climate-resilient.

(iii) The VISTAAR platform will provide farmers with timely and accurate information on crop management, value-added services, and government schemes, ensuring efficient agricultural extension.

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Maharashtra's Noble Hospitals install India's first Made-in-India surgical robot, 'SSI Mantra'.

Noble Hospitals and Research Centre in Pune, Maharashtra, has installed the 'SSI Mantra' (Multi-Arm Novel Tele Robotic Assistance) surgical robot, marking the first Made-in-India robotic system. Developed by the Indian med-tech start-up SS Innovations International Inc, the system received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), New Delhi.

      - It features a modular design with 5 robotic arms, an immersive 3D HD headset, and a 3D 4K imaging system, ensuring exceptional visual clarity and providing surgeons with enhanced control during operations.

      - The system was used for its first successful procedure, a robotic right extended hemicolectomy on a patient diagnosed with colon carcinoma.

      - SS Innovations has become the first company in India to receive CDSCO approval for Telesurgery and Teleproctoring.

Main Point :-   (i) The SSI Mantra system, developed in 2017 by Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, became the first Indian-made surgical robot.

      (ii) The first Indian-made surgical robot system was installed at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCI) in New Delhi, and has undergone successful trials in 26 surgeries. It was later installed in hospitals in Hyderabad, Telangana, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

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The Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for the year 2024.

In December 2024, Union Minister CR Patil of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for India for the year 2024. The assessment was carried out by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in collaboration with various states and union territories. This report is intended to guide stakeholders in implementing necessary interventions for effective groundwater management.

      - According to the report, India's total annual groundwater recharge stands at 446.90 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM).

      - The assessed annual extractable groundwater resource is 406.19 BCM, with a total groundwater extraction for all uses of 245.64 BCM.

      - The average groundwater extraction level across the country is reported to be 60.47%.

Main Point :-   (i) In December 2024, Union Minister Chandrakant Raghunath Patil of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) released the Annual Ground Water Quality Report for the country for the year 2024.

      (ii) This report marks the first time that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for groundwater quality monitoring has been adopted, ensuring consistency in data collection, examination, and interpretation across India.

(iii) The groundwater assessment, conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), can be utilized for implementing appropriate remedial measures and for the development of policies by various stakeholders.

About Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)

Chairman : Dr. Sunil Kumar Ambast

Headquarters : Faridabad

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Govt Forms Expert Panel to Revise WPI Base Year and Develop New PPI.

On January 2, 2025, the Government of India (GOI) constituted an expert panel to review and revise the base year of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from 2011-12 to 2022-23. The panel is also tasked with developing a new Producer Price Index (PPI).

      - The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) issued the notification regarding the panel's formation.

      - The expert group has been assigned the responsibility of presenting its final report to the Office of the Economic Adviser, MoC&I, by June 30, 2026.

      - The Wholesale Price Index (WPI), introduced in 1942 with a base year of 1939, has undergone seven revisions, the latest being 2011-12. The Producer Price Index (PPI), widely used by G20 countries, tracks price changes at various production stages, from raw materials to finished goods.

Main Point :-   (i) The panel, chaired by NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand, comprises 18 additional members representing various ministries, public organizations, and private sectors.

      (ii) The panel includes eight officials from key ministries such as Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Finance (MoF), Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG), Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare (MoA&FW), and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MOCAF&PD), along with a representative from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and five non-official members from the private sector.

(iii) The panel has been tasked with suggesting enhancements to the price collection system, determining the computational methodology for both indices, improving the presentation formats of the Producer Price Index (PPI), and recommending additional measures to increase the accuracy and reliability of WPI and PPI data.

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DRDO Marks 67th Foundation Day Celebration in New Delhi.

On January 1, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) marked its 67th Foundation Day in New Delhi. Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), attended the event and outlined DRDO's objectives for the year 2025.

      - During his visit, Union Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO for enhancing the nation's self-reliance by providing the Armed Forces with advanced technologies and equipment, and for strengthening the defence sector through partnerships with the private sector.

      - With 2025 designated as the 'Year of Reforms', DRDO is poised to play a crucial role in fulfilling the set objectives.

      - DRDO plans to engage start-ups in its Research and Development (R&D) efforts to foster idea exchange and drive the development of innovative technologies in the Indian defence sector.

Main Point :-   (i) By January 2025, DRDO has transferred 1,950 technologies developed by them to Indian industries, with 256 Licensing Agreements for Technology Transfers (ToTs) signed in 2024.

      (ii) In the past three years, DRDO conducted over 18,000 tests, including 5,000 tests in 2024 at its test facilities.

About DRDO

Chairman: Sameer V. Kamat

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Gujarat introduces the 'SWAR' platform to address language barriers.

In December 2024, Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the "SWAR (Speech and Written Analysis Resource)" platform on the occasion of Good Governance Day, December 25, 2024, to bridge language barriers and improve communication between citizens and the government.

      - The platform is powered by Bhashini, an indigenous AI system developed under the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM) by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MoE&IT).

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) SWAR incorporates Speech-to-Text functionality, allowing citizens to dictate their messages instead of typing, making it more accessible.

      (ii) The SWAR platform includes speech-to-text functionality, allowing citizens to send their messages by speaking instead of typing them, making it more accessible.

(iii) This platform will help the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to improve communication and resource management using AI, Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Open Source Generative AI (GenAI), and Computer Vision.

About Gujarat

Chief minister: Bhupendra Patel

Governor: Acharya Devvrat

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Ministry of Defence Proclaims 2025 as the "Year of Reforms".

On January 1, 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) officially designated 2025 as the "Year of Reforms." This initiative aims to modernize the tri-services and transform them into a technologically advanced, combat-ready force capable of executing multi-domain integrated operations.

      - The decision was unanimously made during a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with all MoD secretaries, to review the progress of various schemes, projects, and reforms.

      - The reforms will prioritize strengthening Jointness and Integration initiatives, establishing Integrated Theatre Commands, and focusing on emerging areas such as Cyber, Space, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Hypersonics, and Robotics to enhance future combat capabilities.

      - Efforts will be made to simplify and expedite defence acquisition procedures, foster public-private partnerships (PPPs), and promote technology transfer and knowledge sharing between the defence sector and civil industries.

Main Point :-   (i) The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has set an ambitious target of achieving defence exports worth ₹50,000 crore by 2029, representing a significant increase of over 137% from the record ₹21,083 crore (~USD 2.63 billion) achieved in the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24).

      (ii) This figure reflects a 32.5% growth compared to ₹15,920 crore exported in FY23 and a remarkable 31-fold increase from FY14 levels.

About MoD

Minister : Rajnath Singh

Headquarters : New Delhi

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CCI Approvals Announced on December 31, 2024.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the following key proposals on December 31, 2024:

      - The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the joint acquisition of a certain stake in Hyderabad (Telangana)-based Fourth Partner Energy Limited (FPEL), a leading renewable energy company in India. FPEL focuses on building and financing renewable energy projects.

      - The acquisition is a collaboration between three international entities: the International Finance Corporation (IFC) from Washington, D.C. (USA) and a member of the World Bank Group (WBG), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) based in Manila (Philippines), and the German government's DEG (Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgellschaft mbH).

      - Virginia-based Mars, Incorporated (Mars) will acquire all outstanding equity shares of Chicago-based Kellanova (formerly Kellogg Company), a Delaware corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), for a total of USD 36 billion.

Main Point :-   The acquisition involves Mumbai-based Authum Investment & Infrastructure Ltd. (Authum), a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), along with Ms. Mahi Madhusudhan Kela, acquiring 72.89% of the voting share capital in Indore-based Prataap Snacks Limited, a prominent snack manufacturer in India.

     

About CCI

Chairman : Ravneet Kaur

Headquarters : New Delhi

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"Mission MAUSAM Aims to Establish India as a Global Leader in Weather and Climate Sciences by 2026".

Mission MAUSAM, a visionary initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aims to establish India as a global leader in weather and climate sciences. The program is designed to make India "Weather Ready" and "Climate Smart" by 2026, aligning with international standards.

      - The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved Mission MAUSAM in September 2024, allocating a total budget of Rs 2,000 crore for a duration of two years.

      - Mission MAUSAM is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing India's capabilities in weather and climate-related sciences and services.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Key Target: The mission aims to establish advanced infrastructure, including 50 Doppler Weather Radars (DWR), 60 Radio Sonde/Radio Wind (RS/RW) stations, 100 disdrometers, 10 Wind Profilers, 25 radiometers, 1 urban test-bed, 1 process test-bed, 1 ocean research station, and 10 marine automatic weather stations equipped for upper air observation.

      (ii) The Mission MAUSAM is being implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) through its three premier institutions: the India Meteorological Department (IMD) based in New Delhi (Delhi), the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) located in Noida (Uttar Pradesh), and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune (Maharashtra).

(iii) Additionally, the mission is supported by allied bodies of MoES, including the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad (Telangana) and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai (Tamil Nadu).

About MoES

Officeholder : Sujana Chowdary

Headquarters : New Delhi

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SAIL Earns 'Great Place to Work' Certification for 2025-2026.

In December 2024, New Delhi (Delhi)-based Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) was awarded the 'Great Place to Work' certification for the period January 2025 to January 2026 by the Great Place to Work Institute, India.

      - This marks the second consecutive year SAIL has earned this recognition, having previously received it for the period December 2023 to December 2024.

      - Shri Amarendu Prakash, Chairman, SAIL said, "SAIL’s consecutive certification as a 'Great Place to Work' reaffirms SAIL's ongoing dedication to foster an exceptional workplace culture and provide a positive employee experience built on trust, collaboration and employee empowerment.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The certification is granted following a thorough evaluation of an organization's workplace culture, including extensive employee feedback.

      (ii) With this certification, SAIL aims to continue enhancing its HR programs and employee engagement initiatives to ensure a resilient and well-equipped workforce.

(iii) Key programs include flexible work policies like Work from Other than Workplace (WoW), advanced IT and digital training in partnership with the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), leadership development programs with IIMs, improved healthcare services with Deloitte, and e-learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning Hub and e-Pathshala.

About SAIL

CEO : Shri Prakash

Headquarters : New Delhi

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The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts worth Rs 2,867 crore with MDL and Naval Group to enhance submarine capabilities.

On December 30, 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) finalized two significant contracts totaling Rs 2,867 crore. The first contract focuses on the development of an "Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for the DRDO-AIP system" and its integration into Indian submarines. The second contract pertains to the integration of the "Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT)" into Kalvari-Class submarines. These contracts aim to enhance India's naval capabilities, ensuring greater endurance and operational efficiency for the Indian Navy.

      - The contracts were signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

      - The goal is to strengthen the endurance and firepower of India's naval forces using indigenous technologies, thereby enhancing operational capabilities and promoting self-reliance in the defense sector.

      - The Kalvari-class diesel-electric attack submarines, built at MDL with technology transfer from Naval Group, are capable of multiple missions including anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, and intelligence gathering.

Main Point :-   (i) A Rs 1,990 crore contract was signed with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for constructing and integrating the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for the DRDO-AIP system, which will enhance the endurance of conventional submarines by allowing them to stay submerged longer without atmospheric oxygen.

      (ii) A Rs 877 crore contract with Naval Group, France, was signed for integrating Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedoes (EHWT) on Kalvari-Class submarines, boosting their offensive capabilities to protect India's maritime borders.

(iii) The integration of the AIP Plug and EHWT will significantly increase the firepower and endurance of India's naval assets, contributing to the self-reliant defense initiative, "Aatmanirbhar Bharat."

About Naval Group

CEO: Pierre-Eric Pommellet

Headquarters: Paris, France

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NeGD Signs MoU with IPA to Boost Digital Transformation in India's Maritime Sector.

On December 24, 2024, the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), based in New Delhi (Delhi) and operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Ports Association (IPA), also headquartered in New Delhi, to accelerate digital adoption in India's maritime sector.

      - The MoU was signed by Nand Kumarum, President and CEO of NeGD, and Vikas Narwal, Managing Director (MD) of IPA.

      - The collaboration aims to modernize India's ports by combining NeGD's technological expertise with IPA's maritime insights, leveraging real-time data, advanced analytics, and system integration to address outdated systems, improving efficiency and competitiveness.

     

Main Point :-   (i) NeGD was established in 2009 under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and operates as an independent business unit of the Digital India Corporation (DIC).

      (ii) IPA was founded in 1966 under the Societies Registration Act 1860 and operates under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW).

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated India's first glass bridge in Kanniyakumari.

On December 30, 2024, Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin inaugurated India's first bowstring arch glass bridge connecting the 133-foot Thiruvalluvar Statue and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

      - The inauguration marked the Silver Jubilee (25th anniversary) of the Thiruvalluvar Statue's installation.

      - The CM also announced that the Thiruvalluvar Statue will now be officially referred to as the 'Statue of Wisdom.'

      - The 133-foot-tall Thiruvalluvar Statue, weighing 7,000 tonnes, was unveiled by former TN CM M. Karunanidhi on January 1, 2000, and stands on a rock in the sea off the Kanyakumari coast. Designed by renowned sculptor V. Ganapati Sthapati, its height symbolizes the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural, authored by the saint-poet Thiruvalluvar over 2,000 years ago.

Main Point :-   (i) The bridge spans 77 meters in length and 10 meters in width, constructed using advanced technology to resist corrosion and withstand strong sea winds.

      (ii) Built at a cost of Rs. 37 crore by the Tamil Nadu government, the bridge provides a time-saving alternative for tourists by eliminating the need for ferry rides between the two iconic landmarks.

(iii) The Poompuhar Shipping Corporation currently operates a ferry service from the Kanyakumari boat jetty to the Vivekananda Memorial and then to the Thiruvalluvar Statue. The newly inaugurated glass bridge is expected to become a major attraction in Kanyakumari, drawing thousands of visitors daily to experience its famous sunrise and sunset.

About Tamil Nadu (TN)

CM : Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin

Governor : Ravindra Narayana Ravi

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MoSPI: Monthly per capita expenditure rose by 9% in rural areas and approximately 8% in urban areas in 2023-24.

In December 2024, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) released the results of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey: 2023-24 (HCES: 2023-24). According to the survey, the average Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) in rural and urban India was estimated to be Rs 4,122 and Rs 6,996, respectively, in 2023-24. This is based on actual spending and does not include the value of items received for free through social welfare programs.

      - The average MPCE (excluding imputation) in nominal terms has increased by around 8% in urban areas and 9% in rural areas in 2023-24, compared to the previous year (2022-23).

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The urban-rural gap in MPCE has decreased from 84% in 2011-12 to 71% in 2022-23 and further to 70% in 2023-24, showing that consumption growth in rural areas has been steadily increasing.

      (ii) Sikkim reported the highest MPCE among all states, with Rs 9,377 in rural areas and Rs 13,927 in urban areas for 2023-24.

(iii) Chhattisgarh recorded the lowest MPCE, with Rs 2,739 in rural areas and Rs 4,927 in urban areas for 2023-24.

About MoSPI

Minister : Rao Inderjit Singh

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India's first Bio-Bitumen National Highway.

India's first sustainable road, made using lignin-based bio-bitumen, was inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) at the Nagpur-Mansar Bypass on National Highway (NH)-44. This project was launched by Praj Industries, a leading company in industrial biotechnology, based in Pune, Maharashtra.

      - Praj Industries developed the project in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and Oriental Structural Engineers (OSE).

      - Bio-bitumen saves India Rs. 4,000-4,500 crore annually in foreign exchange by reducing reliance on imported bitumen, promoting sustainable road development.

      - In 2023-24, India consumed 88 lakh tons of fossil-based bitumen, with the consumption expected to rise to 100 lakh tons in 2024-25. Around 50% of this is imported, costing Rs. 25,000-30,000 crore every year.

Main Point :-   (i) The project aims to replace up to 15% of crude-derived bitumen with lignin bio-bitumen, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% compared to traditional fossil-based bitumen. The remaining 85% of the material is still made from crude bitumen.

      (ii) Bio-bitumen is an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based bitumen, made from renewable sources like agricultural waste. It's used in roads, roofing, and waterproofing, offering durability while reducing environmental impact.

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Punjab becomes the 5th state to achieve 100% piped water supply coverage for rural households.

In December 2024, Hardeep Singh Mundian, Minister for Water Supply and Sanitation, Punjab, announced that Punjab has become the fifth state in India to achieve 100% piped water supply for rural households under the "Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) - Har Ghar Jal (HGJ)" Scheme.

      - Under the leadership of Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, the Water Supply and Sanitation Department achieved this milestone, ensuring clean drinking water and improved sanitation facilities for the rural population.

      - As of December 2024, all states and Union Territories (UTs) in India have more than 50% coverage of tap water connections in rural households, with 11 states and UTs achieving 100% coverage.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Punjab implemented 15 major canal water projects in 1,706 villages, benefiting 25 lakh people and 4 lakh families, and achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status with 5.64 lakh household toilets and 1,340 community toilets.

      (ii) Waste management facilities were set up in 3,366 villages for solid waste, 9,909 villages for grey water, along with 23 plastic waste management units and 20 district-level biogas plants.

(iii) Har Ghar Jal (HGJ) is a flagship scheme launched in 2019 under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, aiming to provide 55 liters of tap water per person per day to every rural household in India.

About Punjab

Chief minister: Bhagwant Mann

Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria

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Gujarat's Masali Becomes India’s First Border Solar Village.

Masali village in Banaskantha district, Gujarat, has become India’s first border solar village, contributing to India’s solar energy program aimed at achieving self-reliance in the energy sector and promoting a sustainable future through renewable energy.

      - Masali is one of 17 villages of Banaskantha district under the Border Area Development ProgrCSSamme (BADP), Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)

      - The transformation into a solar-powered community was achieved through the collaborative efforts of the Revenue Department, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited, banks, and solar companies.

      - The project, costing a total of ₹1.16 crore, was financed through a ₹59.81 lakh subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, ₹20.52 lakh from public contributions, and ₹35.67 lakh through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support.

Main Point :-   (i) Masali village, situated 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border, consists of 119 houses and a population of 800 people. All households are equipped with rooftop solar panels, collectively generating 225.5 kilowatts (KW) of electricity.

      (ii) Beneficiaries can trade up to ₹1.5 crore at zero brokerage for 60 days through YES Securities.

(iii) Launched in February 2024, the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide 300 units of free electricity per month to one crore households in India that install rooftop solar units. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore and is set to be implemented until FY 2026-27. It is being carried out by the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state level.

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Punjab Becomes 5th State to Achieve 100% Piped Water Supply for Rural Households.

In December 2024, Hardeep Singh Mundian, Minister for Water Supply and Sanitation, Punjab, announced that Punjab has become the fifth state in India to provide 100% piped water supply to rural households under the "Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) - Har Ghar Jal (HGJ)" Scheme.

      - The Water Supply and Sanitation Department of Punjab achieved this milestone under the leadership of Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, ensuring clean drinking water and improved sanitation facilities for the rural population.

      - As of December 2024, all states and Union Territories (UTs) have over 50% coverage of tap water connections in rural households, with 11 states and UTs achieving 100% coverage.

      - The Har Ghar Jal (HCJ) Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in 2019, aims to provide 55 liters of tap water per person per day to every rural household.

Main Point :-   (i) To address water quality and scarcity issues, 15 major canal water projects are being implemented across 1,706 villages, with a total investment of Rs. 2,174 crore, benefiting approximately 25 lakh people and 4 lakh families.

      (ii) All villages in Punjab have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) - Rural.

(iii) Waste management facilities have been established in 3,366 villages for solid waste, 9,909 villages for grey water, 23 plastic waste units at the block level, and 20 biogas plants at the district level in partnership with PEDA for managing cow dung in shelters.

About Punjab

Chief minister: Bhagwant Mann

Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria

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Gujarat's Masali Becomes India's First Border Solar Village.

Masali village in Banaskantha district, Gujarat, has recently become India's first border solar village, contributing to the nation’s solar energy program aimed at achieving self-reliance in the energy sector and promoting a sustainable future through renewable energy.

      - Masali is one of 17 villages in Banaskantha district under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).

      - The transformation of Masali into a solar-powered community is the result of joint efforts by the Revenue Department, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited, banks, and solar companies.

      - The project, with a total investment of Rs 1.16 crore, is financed through a Rs 59.81 lakh subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, supplemented by Rs 20.52 lakh in public contributions and Rs 35.67 lakh from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Main Point :-   (i) Masali village is located 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border, with 119 houses and 800 residents. All houses are equipped with rooftop solar panels generating a total of 225.5 kilowatts (kW) of electricity.

      (ii) The scheme, introduced in February 2024, seeks to provide free electricity to one crore households in India by installing rooftop solar units, granting up to 300 units of free electricity per month.

(iii) The scheme, with a total outlay of Rs 75,021 crore, is set to be implemented until FY 2026-27. Its execution will be managed by the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state level.

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PM Modi visited Madhya Pradesh and inaugurated several projects.

On 25th December 2024, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Madhya Pradesh (MP) to mark the 100th birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. During his visit, he laid the foundation stone for various projects.

      - PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa River Link Project (KBLP) in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The Union Cabinet had approved Rs 44,605 crore for this project in December 2021.

      - PM Modi inaugurated the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project, which is located in Omkareshwar, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh.

     

Main Point :-   (i) PM Modi laid the foundation stone for 1,153 Atal Gram Sushasan (good governance) buildings.

      (ii) To honor the 100th birth anniversary of former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, PM Modi released a commemorative coin and stamp worth Rs 100.

About Madhya Pradesh

Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav

Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel

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Indore's Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport Becomes India's First Zero-Waste Airport.

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh (MP), has recently become India's first zero-waste airport with the inauguration of a 3,000-square-foot (sq. ft) Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at the airport by Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA).

      - The airport's zero-waste milestone is achieved through the 4R strategy: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Restore.

      - The Zero-Waste Airport Project is a collaborative effort between IndiGo's corporate social responsibility arm, IndiGoReach, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the AAS Foundation, a non-governmental organization promoting sustainable development.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The MRF incorporates a comprehensive waste management system to segregate and process all wet and dry waste generated by both the airport and aircraft on-site.

      (ii) The facility can process approximately 750 kilograms of waste daily from airport operations and flights.

(iii) Alongside the MRF, a new air traffic control tower, constructed at a cost of Rs 55 crore, was also inaugurated.

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The Union Civil Aviation Minister inaugurated the 'UDAN Yatri Cafe' and special centenary tributes during the celebrations at Kolkata Airport.

In December 2024, Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) launched the 'UDAN Yatri Cafe' and the 'Centenary Postal Special Cover' during the opening ceremony of the 100th-anniversary celebrations of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).

      - The Union Minister also revealed the Centenary Celebrations logo of NSCBI Airport. In addition, he announced several initiatives, including the release of a special My Stamp, a souvenir coin, and a coffee table book.

      - The "UDAN Yatri Cafe" is a special pilot project by MoCA and AAI. It is created to meet the needs of passengers traveling under the Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme.

      - The cafe will offer a carefully selected menu at affordable prices, allowing passengers to enjoy quality food at reasonable rates and improving their travel experience.

Main Point :-   (i) The event was attended by Union Minister of State (MOS) Murlidhar Kisan Mohol, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), along with Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary of MoCA, and Vipin Kumar, Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI). Other senior officials from the Department of Post (DoP), MoCA, and AAI were also present to mark the occasion.

      (ii) The Union Minister launched a coffee table book that highlights India's cultural heritage through the modern airport designs of AAI. He also opened a photo exhibition showing rare images of the journey of NSCBI Airport.

(iii) During the event, employees of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and key airport stakeholders, including airlines and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), were honored for their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport.

About MoCA

Minister : Murlidhar Mohol

Headquarters : New Delhi

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AIM and UNDP have launched the 7th edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025.

In December 2024, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Citi Foundation, launched the seventh edition of the 'Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025' virtually.

      - This year's edition will be implemented with the AssisTech Foundation (ATF), based in Bengaluru (Karnataka).

      - The challenge invites young entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities, to create innovative solutions that aim to "Enhance access to opportunities and well-being for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)."

     

Main Point :-   (i) The event was attended by Dr. Angela Lusigi, the UNDP Resident Representative in India; Prateek Madhav, CEO & Co-Founder of ATF; senior leaders from AIM, UNDP India, Citi, and ATF, along with over 100 other stakeholders.

      (ii) Youth Co:Lab, launched in 2017 by UNDP and Citi Foundation, aims to empower youth to drive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In India, the initiative began in 2019 in partnership with AIM, NITI Aayog, reaching 19,000 individuals and supporting 2,600 youth-led social innovation teams over six editions.

(iii) AIM has developed four key programs to support these efforts: Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, Atal New India Challenges, and Atal Grand Challenges.

About United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Administrator: Achim Steiner

Headquarters: New York (USA)

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UNICEF Collaborates with West Bengal Government to Improve Juvenile Diabetes Care.

In December 2024, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) partnered with the West Bengal (WB) Government to enhance the treatment of children affected by Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including juvenile diabetes.

      - The goal of this partnership is to strengthen the state's healthcare system, providing equitable access to treatment for childhood NCDs.

      - UNICEF has partnered with the West Bengal Government to improve the treatment of juvenile diabetes and other childhood NCDs, focusing on training healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and community health officers, to identify and refer children for proper treatment.

      - Five district hospitals in West Bengal already have NCD clinics treating children with Type 1 diabetes, and the government has approved 10 more district hospitals to start similar clinics, with plans to expand the service across the state.

Main Point :-   (i) UNICEF is working with WB's Department of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW), Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research (IPGMER), and Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial (SSKM) Hospital in Kolkata to establish a Primary Health Care (PHC) model for preventing and managing NCDs in children by improving community healthcare and primary health services.

      (ii) UNICEF has also partnered with the West Bengal Academy of Paediatrics to assist the health department and district health authorities in providing treatment across all districts in WB.

(iii) As per the data from the Young Diabetic Registry of India (YDR), juvenile diabetes affects five out of every 100,000 children in India.

About the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

Executive Director (ED) : Catherine Russell

Headquarters : New York (USA)

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Government of India Revokes 'No-Detention Policy' for Classes 5 and 8.

In December 2024, the Government of India (GoI) abolished the 'no-detention policy' for Classes 5 and 8, permitting schools to fail students who do not pass year-end exams. This change will apply to over 3,000 central schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Sainik Schools (under the Ministry of Defence), and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) (under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs).

      - On December 16, 2024, the Ministry of Education (MoE) issued a notification amending the "Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009," as revised by the RTE (Amendment) Act, 2019. The amendment outlines changes to the promotion criteria and is titled the RTE (Amendment) Act, 2024.

      - The new policy was officially notified following the completion of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) in 2023. The policy change was implemented under the leadership of Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education (MoE).

      - The policy change aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes improving learning outcomes while ensuring access to education. It focuses on providing special attention to students who are weak in studies, aiming to enhance their learning experience and academic performance.

Main Point :-   (i) The 'no-detention policy' was introduced in 2019 under Section 16 of the RTE Act, 2009, to ensure access to education without the fear of failure. Section 16 of the Act includes two key provisions: it prohibits the expulsion or retention of elementary students, ensuring continuous education, and guarantees education access up to Class 8, thereby reducing dropout rates.

      (ii) The new promotion criteria allow students failing in Classes 5 and 8 to retake exams within two months. If students fail the re-exam, they will be held back. Additionally, schools will provide remedial instruction and closely monitor the progress of struggling students to offer specialized support.

(iii) Education was originally a state subject in India under the GoI Act of 1935, but the 86th Amendment Constitution Act, 2002, made the Right to Education a fundamental right under Article 21A for children aged 6-14 years.

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Indian Navy Conducts 4th Edition of Coastal Defence Exercise 'Sea Vigil'.

The Indian Navy (IN) conducted the 4th edition of the Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise 'Sea Vigil' in two phases. The Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase was conducted from November 13 to 19, 2024, and the tactical phase was conducted from November 21 to 22, 2024, across all coastal states and union territories (UT) including Kerala, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The exercise aimed to take stock of maritime security, including coastal defence and offshore security.

      - The exercise covers the country's maritime capability, encompassing the entire 11,098 kilometres (km) coastline and 2.4 million square kilometres (km²) of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

      - Sea Vigil is conducted biennially by the IN since 2019. It was designed to validate and enhance measures adopted to reinforce coastal defence post the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

      - It also focused on strengthening the security of coastal assets like ports, oil rigs, and single-point moorings and raising awareness among coastal communities about maritime security with the participation of fishing communities, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, and Bharat Scouts.

Main Points:-   (i) During the exercise, the IN also conducted Coastal Defence and Security Readiness evaluations at 51 locations and maritime awareness sessions at more than 60 sites.

      (ii) The exercise involved diverse stakeholders, including 6 ministries and 21 organizations, such as the Indian Navy (IN), Indian Army (IA), Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Coast Guard (ICG), State Marine Police, Customs, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Port Authorities, and Fisheries Department.

(iii) For the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) participated in the CDSRE phase of the exercise in Gujarat and West Bengal (WB).

About Indian Navy (IN)

CNS : Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi

Headquarters: New Delhi

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Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Releases 18th Edition of India State of Forest Report 2023.

On December 21, 2024, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), unveiled the 18th edition of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR 2023), Volume I and II, at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

      - According to the report, India's total forest and tree cover in 2023 is 827,357 square kilometers (sq km), accounting for approximately 25% of the country's geographical area.

      - This reflects a net increase of 1,445 sq km since 2021, with forest cover alone registering a growth of 156 sq km.

      - The ISFR report, which is published biennially, was first introduced in 1987 by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).

Main Point :-   (i) Total forest and tree cover in 2023 is 827,356.95 sq km (25.17% of India’s area), with forest cover at 715,342.61 sq km (21.76%) and tree cover at 112,014.34 sq km (3.41%).

      (ii) Madhya Pradesh (77,073 sq km) leads, followed by Arunachal Pradesh (65,882 sq km) and Chhattisgarh (55,812 sq km).

(iii) Established in 1981, headquartered in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and led by Director General Anoop Singh.

About Forest Survey of India (FSI)

DG : Anoop Singh

Headquartered : Dehradun, Uttarakhand

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Union Minister Amit Shah Participates in Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)'s 61st Raising Day Celebration in West Bengal.

On 20th December 2024, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), attended the 61st Raising Day function of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Siliguri, West Bengal (WB) as the Chief Guest.

      - During the event, Union Minister Amit Shah digitally inaugurated the Integrated Check Point (ICP) in Agartala, Tripura, and the newly constructed residential complex of the Border Guard Force (BGF) at Petrapole, WB.

      - The event was also attended by Amrit Mohan Prasad, Director General (DG) of SSB; Rajendra Kumar, Secretary of Border Management (BM), MHA; Tapan Kumar Deka, Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB); and other distinguished dignitaries.

      - The SSB, a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), established in 1963 and headquartered in New Delhi, safeguards 2,450 km borders with Nepal and Bhutan, curbs smuggling, secures borders, and plays a key role in making Bihar and Jharkhand Naxal-free, with the motto "Service, Security, and Brotherhood."

Main Point :-   (i) The event commenced with a grand parade, highlighting the discipline and dedication of the SSB personnel.

      (ii) The event featured displays of Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian acrobatic art, along with martial arts, sports demonstrations, and physical exercises. These performances showcased the fitness, training, and versatility of the SSB.

(iii) The SSB has achieved significant recognition, earning 4 Padma Shri awards, 1 Kirti Chakra, 6 Shaurya Chakra, 2 President's Gallantry Medals, 25 Police Gallantry Medals (PMG), and 35 Gallantry Medals (GM). Additionally, its personnel have showcased excellence in sports, winning 72 medals in national and international events.

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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Inaugurates Geological Survey of India (GSI) Geoscience Museum in Gwalior.

In December 2024, the Vice President (VP) of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, inaugurated the state-of-the-art Geological Survey of India (GSI) Geoscience Museum at the Victoria Market Building in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (MP).

      - The museum was developed in collaboration with the Gwalior Municipal Corporation (GMC) and the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM).

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The Gwalior Geoscience Museum features two galleries that explore Earth's secrets and the history of life's evolution.

      (ii) Gallery I: Planet Earth: Its Uniqueness in Diversity showcases volcanoes, meteorites, magnetic fields, and rare specimens like rocks, gemstones, fossils, and dinosaur eggs.

(iii) Gallery II: Evolution of Life on Earth presents the journey of life from its origin to humans, with fossils, ancient ecosystems, evolution, and mass extinction exhibits.

About Geological Survey of India (GSI)

Founder: Thomas Oldham

Headquarters: Kolkata

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Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Visits India for First Bilateral Trip Post Elections.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) visited India from December 15 to 17, 2024, marking his first bilateral trip to India following Sri Lanka's presidential and parliamentary elections. He was accompanied by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando. The visit was made at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

      - During his visit, President Dissanayake held discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu on various bilateral issues of mutual interest.

      - He also took part in a business event in New Delhi focused on enhancing investment and commercial ties between India and Sri Lanka, and visited Bodh Gaya in Bihar.

     

Main Point :-   (i) India and Sri Lanka signed two agreements on double taxation, capacity building, and training in the presence of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

      (ii) Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly issued a statement titled "Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future," outlining various collaborative initiatives, including energy partnerships and regional security cooperation.

About Sri Lanka

President : Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Prime Minister (PM) : Harini Nireka Amarasuriya

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Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Unveils Logo Marking 100 Years of NSCBI Airport(Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport) in Kolkata.

On 13 December 2024, Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) unveiled the logo for the centenary celebrations of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI Airport) in Kolkata, West Bengal, marking 100 years of its service.

      - A special commemorative stamp and coin were also launched to honor the airport's 100-year journey. Additionally, an exclusive art book was released, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage through modern airport architecture.

      - The event was attended by Vumlunmang Vualnam (Secretary of MOCA), Vipin Kumar (Chairman of the Airport Authority of India - AAI), and other senior officials.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Kolkata Airport celebrated its 100th anniversary on December 21, 2024, and a three-month-long celebration has been planned.

      (ii) A special UDAN Yatri Café will be opened at the airport for passengers traveling under the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme. The café will offer quality, affordable meals to improve the travel experience.

(iii) The civil aviation sector in India is growing quickly and has become the third-largest domestic aviation hub in the world.

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Union MoS Anupriya Patel Presents India’s MedTech Vision at the 21st CII Annual Health Summit in New Delhi.

On December 19, 2024, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organized the 21st Annual Health Summit in New Delhi, with the theme "Transforming Healthcare for Viksit Bharat 2047."

      - The summit featured an exhibition showcasing the latest medical innovations and technologies, paving the way for a future-ready healthcare system.

      - Union Minister of State (MOS) Anupriya Patel, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Chemicals & Fertilizers, emphasized the importance of the MedTech (Medical Technology) vision at the Health Summit.

     

Main Point :-   (i) During the summit, the government launched the National Medical Device Policy and schemes aimed at strengthening infrastructure, promoting research, and developing skills in the MedTech sector.

      (ii) The government allocated Rs 400 crore for the establishment of medical device parks and Rs 500 crore to support the growth of the MedTech industry through research and innovation.

About Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

President : Sanjiv Puri

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Union Minister Jitendra Singh has launched India's first anti-pesticide bodysuit called "Kisan Kavach" (a protective suit for farmers).

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, launched Kisan Kavach, India’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit.

      - This bodysuit is designed to protect farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure.

      - Dr. Jitendra Singh is also the Minister of State for the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Kisan Kavach was developed by the Department of Biotechnology's BRIC-inStem and Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., both based in Bangalore, Karnataka.

      (ii) The Kisan Kavach Protective Shield includes a full-body suit, mask, headshield, and gloves, providing complete protection. The suit costs Rs 4,000.

(iii) Other participants in the launch included Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale (Secretary, Department of Biotechnology), Dr. Maneesha Inamdar (Director, BRIC-inStem), and Dr. Alka Sharma (Scientist 'H' and Senior Adviser, DBT).

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PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana - Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh Lead in Rooftop Solar Installations.

According to the data released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in December 2024, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh (UP) have emerged as the top three states with the highest number of rooftop solar installations under the 'Prime Minister - Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY).'

      - Gujarat has topped the list with 2,86,545 rooftop solar installations, followed by Maharashtra with 1,26,344 installations, and Uttar Pradesh securing the third spot with 53,423 installations.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) As of December 9, 2024, over 6.79 lakh rooftop solar installations have been completed since the launch of the scheme in February 2024. This includes over 5.38 lakh individual residential units and around 1.41 lakh households through installations in residential welfare associations.

      (ii) So far, a total of 1.45 crore registrations and 26.38 lakh applications have been registered on the National Portal of the scheme, and subsidies have been disbursed to 3.66 lakh applicants within 15 to 21 days.

About MNRE

Minister : Shri Pralhad Joshi

Headquarters : New Delhi

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DRDO, IIT Delhi, and Industry Partners Forge 10 Tripartite Agreements in New Delhi.

On 19th December 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, and industry partners formalized 10 tripartite agreements at the event 'DRDO-Industry-Academia - Global Approach to Readiness of Indigenous Military Applications' (DIA-GARIMA).

      - The event was organized by the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi, New Delhi.

      - The agreements were signed in the presence of Dr. Samir V. Kamat (Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development, Ministry of Defence, and Chairman of DRDO), Professor Rangan Banerjee (Director, IIT Delhi), and representatives from industry partners.

      - DRDO has adopted a collaborative policy involving universities and industries in defence research to foster advancements in cutting-edge defence technologies and to support the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence production.

Main Point :-   (i) DRDO partnered with MIDHANI (Rohtak), SMPP Private Limited (New Delhi), and AR Polymers (MKU, Kanpur) to produce modular-design bullet-resistant jackets weighing 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg, providing 360-degree protection.

      (ii) Agreements were signed with Reliance Industries Limited (Mumbai) for ballistic material development and with multiple industries for producing Extreme Cold and Extreme Heat Protective Clothing, including Aeronav Industrial Safety Appliance and Arrow Garments.

(iii) Established in 2017 at IIT Delhi, the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) has launched 50 research projects worth ₹375 crore, focusing on soldier-centric innovations like lightweight body armour, smart soldier jackets, and extreme weather gear.

About DRDO

Chairman: Sameer V. Kamat

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Amit Shah Reviewed Anti-Naxal Operations During Chhattisgarh Visit

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Chhattisgarh from December 13 to 15, 2024, to review the ongoing anti-Naxal operations. This visit followed a high-level meeting on anti-Naxal operations held in August. Shah presided over a security review meeting and spent a night at a security forces' forward base in Bastar. He highlighted the success of the state BJP government in addressing the Naxalite insurgency, noting that 90 Maoists were killed, 123 arrested, and 250 surrendered under the current regime. Since August 25, 66 Maoists were killed, 177 surrendered, and 195 were arrested, with significant operations in Dantewada, Narayanpur, and Sukma. Bastar's Inspector General of Police, P Sundaraj, emphasized the impact of well-coordinated operations in former Naxal strongholds. Shah's visit coincided with increased anti-Left-Wing Extremism operations, aiming to dismantle the insurgency and restore peace. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai briefed Shah on the ongoing efforts, with 207 Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh in 2024, a significant rise from the previous year.

      - Amit Shah visited Chhattisgarh from December 13 to 15, 2024.

      - Reviewed anti-Naxal operations and presided over a security meeting.

      - Highlighted success of BJP government in addressing Naxalite insurgency.

Main Point :-   (i) Increased anti-Left-Wing Extremism operations during Shah's visit.

      (ii) 207 Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh in 2024, up from 22 in 2023.

(iii) Bastar's IG emphasized impact of well-coordinated operations.

About Chhattisgarh :

- CM : Vishnu Deo Sai

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MOU Signed Between IEPFA and ACCA to Boost Financial Literacy in India

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in New Delhi to enhance financial literacy, investor education, and protection across India. This agreement marked a significant step in promoting financial education among schoolchildren in both urban and rural sectors. Mrs. Anita Shah Akella, CEO of IEPFA and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and Helen Brand OBE, Chief Executive of ACCA, officiated the signing. The MOU includes the implementation of ACCA's Financial Literacy Programme, "Financial Education for You" (FEFY), a four-year course for students in grades 6 through 9. The program aims to develop sound financial decision-making skills among young minds. ACCA will provide the digital content free of cost, and its members will train school educators. Additionally, ACCA will organize seminars, workshops, and roundtables on financial education, investor protection, and capital market development.

      - MOU signed in New Delhi by Anita Shah Akella and Helen Brand OBE.

      - ACCA's Financial Literacy Programme (FEFY) to be introduced in select schools.

     

Main Point :-   (i) ACCA will provide digital content and train educators.

      (ii) ACCA to organize seminars, workshops, and roundtables on financial education.

About IEPFA :

- Headquarters: New Delhi

- CEO: Anita Shah Akella

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IIT Guwahati, IIT Mandi, and CSTEP Bengaluru Release District-Level Climate Risk Assessment Report

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, IIT Mandi, and the Centre for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy (CSTEP) Bengaluru released a comprehensive report titled "District-Level Climate Risk Assessment for India: Mapping Flood and Drought Risks Using IPCC Framework" on December 13, 2024. The report, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), provides a detailed analysis of district-level climate risks in India. The report identifies 51 districts with very high flood risk and 118 districts with high flood risk, with vulnerable regions including Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, 91 districts face very high drought risk, with Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra being the most affected. Alarmingly, 11 districts, including Patna (Bihar), Alappuzha (Kerala), and Kendrapara (Odisha), are highly vulnerable to both floods and droughts. The report emphasizes the urgent need for tailored, region-specific adaptation strategies to enhance resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change. It also highlights the importance of collective efforts and innovative frameworks to address climate challenges.

      - 51 districts face very high flood risk. 118 districts face high flood risk. 91 districts face very high drought risk.

      - 11 districts are highly vulnerable to both floods and droughts.

      - The report calls for tailored, region-specific adaptation strategies.

Main Point :-   (i) Emphasis on collective efforts and innovative frameworks to address climate challenges.

     

About IIT Guwahati :

- Chairman : Prof. Devendra Jalihal

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Google Partners with NCERT to Launch YouTube Channels in 29 Indian Languages

Google has entered a strategic partnership with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to launch YouTube channels in 29 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language, covering grades 1-12. This initiative aims to improve access to quality education in India. Additionally, Google is collaborating with the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) to offer credentialed courses on YouTube, enabling learners to earn certificates from IITs.

      - Initiative aims to make education more accessible and engaging.

      - Learners can earn certificates from IITs through NPTEL-SWAYAM portal.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Channels will cover grades 1-12, including Indian Sign Language.

     

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India-UAE Strengthen Strategic Partnership in Key Areas at 4th Dialogue and 15th Joint Commission Meeting

India and the UAE held the 4th Strategic Dialogue on December 12, 2024, and the 15th Joint Commission Meeting on December 13, 2024, in New Delhi, co-chaired by Dr. S. Jaishankar and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions focused on expanding the strategic partnership in areas such as defence, emerging technologies, nuclear energy, critical minerals, and renewable energy. Both sides reviewed the progress in implementing the India-UAE Joint Vision Statement of 2022 and emphasized cooperation in various fields, including trade, energy, education, and healthcare.

      - Discussions included expanding strategic partnership in defence, nuclear energy, and more.

      - Emphasized cooperation in trade, energy, education, and healthcare.

     

Main Point :-   (i) An MoU signed for cooperation in polar and ocean research.

     

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India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024 Celebrates India's Seafaring Legacy

The 1st India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC 2024), organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, was held on December 11-12, 2024. The event celebrated India's maritime legacy, showcased its contributions to global trade, culture, and innovation, and outlined the vision for future maritime leadership. The conclave also emphasized sustainable blue economy practices and featured discussions on India's historical maritime achievements.

      - Representatives from 11 countries attended the two-day conclave.

      - The event featured discussions on sustainable maritime innovation and blue economy.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Key highlights included an exhibition on shipbuilding techniques and a cultural program.

     

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SWITCH Mobility Launches EiV12 and E1 Electric Buses for Urban Mobility

SWITCH Mobility Ltd, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and part of the Hinduja Group, launched two new low-floor electric city buses, the EiV12 for India and the E1 for Europe, on December 11, 2024. The EiV12 boasts a scalable battery capacity exceeding 400 kWh and is designed for urban commutes, while the E1 is tailored for the European market2. Both models share common design philosophies and architecture, aiming to redefine urban mobility and promote sustainable transportation.

      - SWITCH Mobility launches EiV12 for India and E1 for Europe.

      - Both buses feature scalable battery capacities and shared design.

      - Aimed at enhancing urban mobility and sustainability.

Main Point :-  

     

About SWITCH Mobility:

- Subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, part of the Hinduja Group.

- CEO : Mahesh Babu

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President Murmu Granted Assent to Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak

On December 12, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu granted assent to the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, a landmark bill aimed at enhancing the designing and manufacturing of aircraft in India. This new legislation, which replaces the 90-year-old Aircraft Act, was approved by Parliament earlier in the month and aims to eliminate redundancies and modernize the aviation sector.

      - President Murmu granted assent to the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak on December 12, 2024.

      - The bill aims to enhance aircraft designing and manufacturing in India.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The new law aims to eliminate redundancies in the aviation sector.

     

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PM Modi Inaugurates Development Projects Worth Over Rs 6670 Crore in Uttar Pradesh

On December 13, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where he performed pooja at several sacred sites and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 6670 crore. These projects aim to enhance infrastructure, ensure clean water, and boost spiritual tourism ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela 2025. He also launched the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot to assist devotees.

      - Inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 6670 crore.

      - Performed pooja at Sangam Nose, Akshay Vata Vriksh, Hanuman Mandir, and Saraswati Koop.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Launched the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot for Mahakumbh Mela 2025.

     

About UP :

CM : Yogi Adityanath

Governor : Anandiben Patel

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Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy Unveils India's Green Steel Taxonomy

On December 12, 2024, Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, unveiled India's Green Steel Taxonomy at Vigyan Bhavan, marking a historic milestone in the nation's journey towards low-emission steel. The taxonomy aims to define green steel, foster innovation, and create a market for low-carbon products, supporting India's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

      - The taxonomy aims to define green steel and foster innovation in the steel sector.

      - India's goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

     

Main Point :-   (i) he taxonomy sets emission intensity thresholds for green-rated steel.

      (ii) National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST) will oversee measurement, reporting, and certification.

About Ministry of Steel :

- Union Minister : H.D. Kumarswamy

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Uttar Pradesh Becomes First State to Fully Implement GeM System

Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to fully implement the central government’s e-marketplace (GeM) system, replacing its old tendering system to eliminate corruption and ensure fair competition among suppliers. The shift is expected to save the state over Rs 2,000 crore annually and streamline procurement processes.

      - The transition aims to eliminate corruption and ensure fair competition.

      - Over 33 outdated procurement rules were cancelled on November 26, 2024.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The new system is expected to save the state over Rs 2,000 crore annually.

     

About GeM System :

- Implementation Date: November 26, 2024

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India Skills Report 2025: Employability Among Indian Graduates Rises to 54.81%

The India Skills Report 2025 by Wheebox ETS reveals that employability among Indian graduates has increased to 54.81%, marking a rise from the previous year's 51.25%. The report, based on data from the Global Employability Test (GET) conducted in 2024, highlights India's growing role in global talent mobility and the impact of emerging technologies on job roles.

      - The employability rate increased from 51.25% in the previous year.

      - Emerging technologies and hybrid work models are reshaping job roles.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Report based on data from over 6.5 lakh candidates and insights from 1,000+ corporations.

      (ii) India's diverse talent pool contributes significantly to global sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare.

About Maharashtra :

- CM : Devendra Fadnavis

- Governer : CP Radhakrishnan

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Punjab Becomes First State to Enact STATE (DEVELOPMENT & PROMOTION OF SPORTS) ACT, 2024

Punjab has become the first state in India to enact the STATE (DEVELOPMENT & PROMOTION OF SPORTS) ACT, 2024, which aims to enhance sports development, ensure fair selection of players, and promote transparency in the functioning of Sports Associations. This act is designed to adopt national and international best practices in sports.

      - The act aims to enhance sports development and ensure fair player selection.

      - It promotes transparency in the functioning of Sports Associations.

     

Main Point :-   (I) The act mandates proper utilization of government funds by Sports Associations.

     

About Punjab :

CM - Bhagwant Singh Mann

Governor : Gulab Chand Kataria

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BEML Secures ₹136 Crore Contract from Ministry of Defence for High Mobility Vehicles

BEML Limited has been awarded a ₹136-crore contract by the Ministry of Defence to supply indigenously designed High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) for the Battlefield Surveillance System (BFSS) project. These vehicles will primarily be manufactured at BEML's Palakkad plant. Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML, highlighted that this contract reflects the company's commitment to innovation and self-reliance in defence manufacturing, contributing to India's Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. Recently, BEML also signed an MoU with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd to enhance research and development for marine applications. This contract is part of BEML's broader strategy to focus on defense, rail, and metro sectors.

      - Vehicles will be used for the Battlefield Surveillance System (BFSS) project.

      - HMVs will be primarily manufactured at BEML's Palakkad plant.

     

Main Point :-   (i) BEML recently signed an MoU with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd for marine R&D.

     

About BEML Ltd. :

Full Form: Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Established: May 1964

Type: Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), Ownership: Government of India holds 54% equity, while the remaining 46% is held by the public, financial institutions, foreign institutional investors, banks, and employees

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Gorakhpur to Establish India’s First Integrated Waste Management City-cum-Learning Centre by September 2025

Gorakhpur is set to launch India’s first Integrated Waste Management City-cum-Learning Centre by September 2025 in Suthni village, Sahjanwa. The facility aims to create a garbage-free environment through a circular economy model, processing various waste types to produce charcoal and Bio-CNG. It will also generate employment opportunities and serve as a technical skills learning hub. The project, supported by the Administrative Staff College of India, will handle multiple waste categories, including biomedical waste, e-waste, and organic waste. The initiative aims to foster sustainability and economic empowerment, with plans to showcase the model at the National Chief Secretaries’ Conference in Delhi.

      - The facility will occupy 40 acres in Suthni village, Sahjanwa.

      - The project aims to create a garbage-free environment through a circular economy model.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The project will be showcased at the National Chief Secretaries’ Conference in Delhi.

      (ii) The initiative will create job opportunities and serve as a technical skills learning hub.

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Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan Marks 9 Years of Advancing Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2024.

On December 3, 2024, Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, also known as the Accessible India Campaign (AIC), a flagship initiative by the Government of India (GOI) for persons with disabilities (PwDs), completed 9 years of successful implementation.

      - The campaign aims to ensure universal accessibility for PwDs across three key areas: built infrastructure, transport systems, and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem.

      - The initiative was launched by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on December 3, 2015, in observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

      - It is monitored by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E).

Main Point :-   (i) To date, 1,671 government buildings have been audited for accessibility, with a target of auditing 25 to 50 buildings across 50 cities.

      (ii) A fund of Rs 562 crore has been allocated for the retrofitting of 1,314 buildings.

About Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MOSJ&E)

Union Minister : Dr. Virendra Kumar Khatik

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Delhi CM Inaugurates India’s First Underground Shooting Range for NCC Cadets in New Delhi.

In November 2024, Atishi Marlena Singh, Chief Minister (CM) of Delhi, inaugurated India’s first underground shooting range for National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets at the NCC Bhawan in Rohini, New Delhi.

      - The facility represents a major step forward in providing NCC cadets with world-class training resources to develop their skills and abilities.

      - The National Cadet Corps (NCC), established in 1948, is dedicated to developing disciplined, skilled, and motivated youth with strong leadership qualities and a sense of national service.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The underground shooting range features a 25-meter firing range, six firing lanes, bulletproof ceilings, and an electronic target control system, enabling 24/7 uninterrupted training with maximum safety.

      (ii) It includes advanced capabilities such as night firing with focused lighting, an automatic steel bullet trap system, and software for target control, supporting training with various small arms.

(iii) The facility complements the upcoming shooting range at a Government school in Kalkaji, highlighting efforts to provide accessible and high-quality training for young NCC cadets.

About National Cadet Corps (NCC)

Director General (DG)- Lt. Gen. Gurbirpal Singh

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Gujarat's Gharchola Saree Gets Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.

In November 2024, Gujarat's traditional Gharchola sari received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry, based in Chennai, marking Gujarat's 27th GI recognition, with 23 of these acknowledging the state's handicrafts.

      - The GI tag for Gharchola was awarded during the "GI and Beyond - Virasat Se Vikas Tak" program in New Delhi, organized by the Ministry of Textiles, further boosting its global market potential and authenticating its cultural legacy.

      - Gujarat's state-run initiative, Garvi Gurjari, has been crucial in promoting local handicrafts and providing artisans with a platform to sell their handmade products, helping showcase Gharchola sarees and other traditional crafts to the world.

      - The One District, One Product (ODOP) Yojana, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has played a key role in expanding the reach of GI-tagged products, further strengthening Gujarat's status as a hub of exceptional craftsmanship.

Main Point :-   (i) The GI tag not only secures the continued growth of the Gharchola craft but also safeguards traditional skills, empowering local weavers and ensuring that the craftsmanship is passed down to future generations.

      (ii) Gharchola sarees are renowned for their bright colors, including red, maroon, green, and yellow, which hold significant religious meaning in Hindu and Jain traditions, and are traditionally worn at weddings and important events.

(iii) The evolving designs of Gharchola sarees have made them popular among contemporary buyers, and they are now widely available at Garvi Gurjari sales centers across Gujarat, further expanding their market presence.

About Gujarat

Chief Minister (CM): Bhupendra Patel

Governor: Acharya Devvrat

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Amardeep Singh Bhatia Inaugurates 18th NCB International Conference & Exhibition on Cement, Concrete, and Building Materials in New Delhi.

Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), inaugurated the 18th NCB International Conference & Exhibition on Cement, Concrete, and Building Materials, held from 27th to 29th November 2024 at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Centre (IIC) Dwarka in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - The conference was organized by the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB), under the administrative control of DPIIT, MoC&I.

      - The theme of the conference was "Cement the Net Zero Future," highlighting India's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Amardeep Singh Bhatia presented the NCB Lifetime Achievement Award to Padma Shri awardee Dr. HC Visvesvaraya in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the cement and concrete sector.

      (ii) During the conference, NCB signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to promote decarbonization and technological innovation in the cement industry.

(iii) Arti Bhatnagar, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor of DPIIT, MoC&I, presented the National Awards for the Indian Cement Industry on the concluding day of the conference.

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According to Government Report India's Gig and Platform Workforce Projected to Reach 23.5 Million by 2029-30.

On 28th November 2024, Union Minister of State (MoS) Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E), informed the Rajya Sabha that, according to the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)’s report titled "India's Booming Gig and Platform Economy: Perspectives and Recommendations of the Future Work" (published in June 2022), the number of gig and platform workers in India is projected to reach 23.5 million by 2029-30.

      - By 2029-30, gig workers are expected to constitute 6.7% of the non-agricultural workforce or 4.1% of the total workforce in India.

     

     

Main Point :-   The report estimates that approximately 7.7 million people, including women, were engaged in the gig economy in 2020-21, accounting for 2.6% of the non-agricultural workforce or 1.5% of the total workforce in India.

     

About National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)

CEO : B.V.R. Subrahmanyam

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches AI Data Bank to Drive Innovation and Enhance National Security.

In November 2024, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), launched India's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) data bank at the 7th Edition of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) AI Leadership Meet 2024, held in New Delhi.

      - The event was focused on the theme "AI for India: Advancing India's AI Development, Innovation, Ethics, and Governance," and highlighted India's strategic plans to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for growth and development.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The main goal of this initiative is to speed up technological progress by giving researchers, startups, and developers access to high-quality, diverse data that is needed to build effective and inclusive AI solutions.

      (ii) The data bank will also help improve national security by providing real-time data analysis for areas like disaster management, cybersecurity, and defense.

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Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the selection of 8 innovative startups under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) and NMICPS.

In November 2024, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry for Science and Technology (MoS&T), announced the selection of 8 pioneering startups for support under the newly framed guidelines of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

      - These startups were chosen under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS).

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Industry of Academia-Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi achieved a significant milestone in secure communication through successful demonstrations of various quantum communication technologies in New Delhi, Delhi.

      (ii) These demonstrations primarily focused on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), an advanced method for encrypting information securely without detection.

About MoS&T

Minister : Dr. Jitendra Singh

Headquarters : New Delhi

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The India-Singapore bilateral military exercise, 'Agni Warrior 2024,' was conducted in Maharashtra.

The India-Singapore bilateral military exercise, 'Agni Warrior (XAW-2024),' took place at the Devlali Field Firing Ranges in Maharashtra from November 28 to November 30. This annual exercise is part of the ongoing defense cooperation between the two countries and focuses on improving collaboration and interoperability between their artillery units.

      - The 13th edition of the exercise aimed to demonstrate joint firepower planning and execution, using modern equipment by the artillery forces of both armies.

      - The joint exercise saw the participation of 114 personnel from the Indian Army's Regiment of Artillery and 182 personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces' Singapore Artillery, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between the two nations' military forces.

      - The Agni Warrior exercise, conducted under the Army Bilateral Agreement between India and Singapore since 2004, involves extensive joint preparation and field training, where personnel from both armies collaborate on various operational tasks to enhance coordination and interoperability.

Main Point :-   (i) The 12th edition of the Agni Warrior exercise was held at the same Devlali Field Firing Ranges in 2022.

      (ii) The goal of XAW-2024 was to enhance mutual understanding of drills and procedures for greater cooperation as a multinational force under the UN Charter, showcasing joint firepower planning, execution, and the use of modern equipment by the artillery units of the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces.

(iii) The exercise involved sharing best practices and advanced techniques, improving operational knowledge, and building mutual trust between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces.

About Singapore

pm : Mr Lawrence Wong

Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD)

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India's first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, has been launched to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the soft launch of India’s first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, developed by the Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Wolkardt. This development was supported by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a unit of the Department of Biotechnology, and aims to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

      - Nafithromycin is designed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), a serious illness caused by drug-resistant bacteria. It promises 10 times more effectiveness with just a 3-day treatment, offering a safer and faster solution compared to current antibiotics.

      - This drug will be marketed under the brand name "Miqnaf". It targets both typical and atypical pathogens. Clinical trials conducted in the U.S., Europe, and India have proven its safety and effectiveness.

     

Main Point :-   (i) India accounts for 23% of the global pneumonia burden and faces challenges with drug-resistant bacteria. Nafithromycin addresses these issues with minimal side effects and no major drug interactions, making it an important step in the fight against AMR (which prolongs illnesses and increases healthcare costs).

      (ii) This milestone showcases India’s growing innovation in biotechnology, supported by a Rs 500 crore investment and 14 years of research. It positions India as a global leader in healthcare advancements.

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The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has launched the e-Daakhil portal nationwide to simplify the consumer grievance redressal process.

In November 2024, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD), announced the successful launch of the "e-Daakhil portal" across all States and Union Territories (UTs) in India.

      - This achievement followed the launch of the e-Daakhil portal in Ladakh on 22nd November 2024 by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.), making the portal a nationwide initiative.

      - As of 31st December 2023, the e-Daakhil portal had already been launched in 35 states/UTs, excluding Ladakh.)

     

Main Point :-   (i) The e-Daakhil portal was first introduced on 7th September 2020 by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) as an innovative platform to simplify and streamline the consumer grievance redressal process.

      (ii) The e-Daakhil portal enables consumers and advocates to file complaints from anywhere through an intuitive interface, providing a paperless and transparent process to approach relevant consumer forums, track complaint status, and make payments without needing physical appearances.

(iii) Over 2.81 lakh users are registered on e-Daakhil. Out of 1,98,725 cases filed, 38,453 cases have been disposed of.

About NCDRC

President: Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi

Headquarters : New Delhi

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1st BRIC Foundation Day Celebrated with the Launch of "One Day One Genome" Initiative.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), under the Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T), launched the 'One Day One Genome' initiative to showcase India's vast microbial potential.

      - The initiative was announced by Amitabh Kant, India's Group of 20 (G-20) Sherpa and Former CEO of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, on the 1st Foundation Day of BRIC on November 9, 2024, at the National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) The initiative, coordinated by BRIC-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (BRIC-NIBMG) based in West Bengal, aims to release a fully annotated bacteriological genome isolated in India.

      (ii) It highlights the unique bacterial species found in the country and emphasizes their critical roles in the environment, agriculture, and human health.

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Bharat NCX 2024 Inaugurated to Strengthen India's Cyber Defense.

In November 2024, the Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024) was inaugurated to enhance India's cybersecurity resilience. The initiative was launched at a ceremony organized by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in New Delhi (Delhi).

      - The 12-day exercise, running from November 18 to November 29, 2024, focuses on preparing India's cybersecurity professionals and leadership to tackle evolving cyber threats. The exercise emphasizes advanced cyber defense techniques, incident response capabilities, and strategic decision-making.

      - The Bharat Chief Information Security Officer (CISO's) Conclave and Bharat Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition were also inaugurated alongside Bharat NCX 2024.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The exercise includes immersive training on cyber defense and incident response, live-fire simulations of cyberattacks on Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems, and collaborative platforms for government and industry stakeholders.

      (ii) A Strategic Decision-Making Exercise will bring together senior management from various sectors to simulate decision-making in a national-level cyber crisis, enhancing their ability to respond to high-pressure situations with strategic acumen.

(iii) The Bharat Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition showcases innovative solutions from Indian startups, emphasizing their role in strengthening the nation's cybersecurity infrastructure.

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Arjun Vajpai Becomes 1st Indian to Conquer Mount Shishapangma in China.

In November 2024, Arjun Vajpai, the youngest person to climb Mount Everest, achieved a historic milestone by summiting Mount Shishapangma in China, his eighth peak above 8,000 meters (m).

      - This extraordinary achievement makes him the first Indian to summit Mount Shishapangma, the fastest to reach its summit and return (from Base Camp in under 72 hours), and the first Indian to conquer eight 8,000-meter peaks.

     

     

Main Point :-   (i) Arjun Vajpai began his pursuit of all 14 of the world’s 8,000m peaks at age 16 and now he is on track to become the first Indian to complete this extraordinary achievement. He has now summited 8 of the 14 tallest mountains on Earth.

      (ii) He was only 30 years old when he set the Guinness World Record for being the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest (2010) and Mt. Lhotse (2011) and also holds the record for the fastest ascent of an 8,000m peak in China.

(iii) His mountaineering legacy includes summits of Everest (2010), Lhotse (2011), Manaslu (2011), Makalu (2016), Cho Oyu (2016), Kanchenjunga (2018), and Annapurna (2023). Despite setbacks, including a serious injury, Vajpai's resilience continues to inspire India.

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PM Modi Inaugurates ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 in New Delhi.

On 25th November 2024, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - The theme of the conference "Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All" aligns with the Indian Government's vision of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" (Prosperity through Cooperation).

      - PM Modi also launched the United Nations (UN)'s International Year of Cooperatives 2025 and released a commemorative postal stamp. Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Tshering Tobgay, PM of Bhutan, Biman Prasad, Deputy PM of Fiji, Ariel Guarco, President of ICA, Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, and other dignitaries were present during the event.

      - The Conference was hosted by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), in collaboration with ICA, Government of India (GoI), and Indian Cooperatives AMUL and KRIBHCO.

Main Points:-   (i) The conference was held from 25th to 30th November 2024. The theme of the conference "Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All" is aligned with the Indian Government's vision of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" (Prosperity through Cooperation).

      (ii) The Union Minister stated that the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL), and Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) will increase the participation of farmers in world trade and work to inspire cooperatives worldwide by showing how small farmers can access global markets.

(iii) The GoI is committed to connecting every village and farmer with the cooperative movement. Various efforts have been made to explore new areas and expand the scope of cooperatives.

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NITI Aayog Report Recommends Adding Coking Coal to Critical Minerals List.

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog's report titled 'Enhancing Domestic Coking Coal Availability to Reduce the Import of Coking Coal' recommended that the Government of India (GoI) include coking coal in its list of critical minerals to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.

      - The report emphasizes the strategic importance of coking coal for India’s steel industry and overall economic growth. It meets all the criteria to declare coking coal as a 'critical mineral' for India.

      - The report suggested amending the Coal Bearing Areas (CBA) Act, 1957, to allow the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode to remain a deemed lessee of Jharkhand even after majority shares are transferred to the private sector.

      - Steel is essential for infrastructure and industry, making a stable coking coal supply vital for job creation and economic stability in India.

Main Points:-   (i) India imports about 85% of its coking coal, which is higher than that of the European Union (EU) (approximately 62%).India has 5.13 billion tonnes of prime coking coal and 16.5 billion tonnes of medium-quality coking coal, yet its production is underutilized.

      (ii) In the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), Integrated Steel Plants (ISPs) imported 58 million tonnes (MT) of coking coal, incurring a cost of over Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Despite this significant import, public sector washeries operated at less than 32% capacity, whereas private sector washeries operated at over 75% capacity, highlighting inefficiencies in the public sector.

(iii) The report calls for fully leveraging India's proven reserves to meet the growing demand from steel mills, which consume approximately 70 million metric tons annually.

About NITI Aayog

CEO : B. V. R. Subrahmanyam

Established : 2015

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President Droupadi Murmu Attends 6th Sahitya AajTak 2024 in New Delhi.

On 23rd November 2024, Droupadi Murmu, President of India, graced the 6th edition of Sahitya AajTak, a prestigious literary festival organised by India Today Group at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - She conferred the AajTak Sahitya Jagriti Lifetime Achievement Award on Padma Bhushan awardee Gulzar (Real name: Sampooran Singh Kalra), the legendary poet, lyricist, and filmmaker, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Indian literature and cinema.

      - She also presented the prestigious Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Samman Awards, recognising the outstanding contributions of established luminaries and emerging talents in the literary award.

     

Main Points:-   (i) These awards were introduced in 2023 by India Today Group in collaboration with the Jagriti Foundation as part of "Sahitya AajTak".

      (ii) The recipient of the prestigious AajTak Sahitya Jagriti Lifetime Achievement Award received a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a commemorative plaque, and a citation.

(iii) While, other winners received monetary prizes ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh alongside commemorative plaques and citations.

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General Upendra Dwivedi's 20-24 November 2024 Nepal Visit Strengthens India-Nepal Defence Ties.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), made a 5-day visit to Nepal from 20th to 24th November 2024. The visit aimed to bolster the close defence cooperation between India and Nepal and explore new avenues of collaboration between the two nations.

      - He was accompanied by Sunita Dwivedi, chair of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) of the IA.

      - General Upendra Dwivedi was honoured with the Guard of Honour and Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army by Ram Chandra Paudel, President of Nepal, at Sheetal Niwas, Kathmandu.

      - General Upendra Dwivedi interacted with Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, and held discussions on mutual interests with Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Defence Minister Manbir Rai.

Main Points:-   (i) The central theme of the visit was "Strengthening India-Nepal ties." General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, called on General Ashok Raj Sigdel, COAS, Nepali Army, and discussed aspects of mutual interest and avenues to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.

      (ii) General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Muktinath Temple in Mustang District to pay tribute to General Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), where a memorial bell, 'Bipin Bell,' was installed in his honor in 2023.

(iii) During his visit, he dedicated new health centers and announced an increase in the number of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) empanelled hospitals, in addition to the addition of 2 ECHS polyclinics, one each at Butala and Dungadhi.

About Nepal

President : Ram Chandra Poudel

Prime Minister(PM) : Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli

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President Murmu Inaugurates 125th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab.

On 21st November 2024, Droupadi Murmu, President of India, inaugurated the 125th birth anniversary celebration of Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab in New Delhi, Delhi. The celebration was organised by the Ministry of Culture (MOC).

      - Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab is a leader of the Indian National Congress (INC), a notable figure in the Indian independence movement, and a former Chief Minister (CM) of Odisha.

      - The 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab will be celebrated with year-long events across India, highlighting his significant contributions to the Indian freedom struggle, the development of Odisha, and his impact on the literary world.

      - A special exhibition on Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab's life, organized by Lalit Kala Akademi, and a short film showcasing his legacy were featured at the event.

Main Points:-   (i) Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, MoC; Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE); and Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister (CM) of Odisha, were present during the event.

      (ii) President Droupadi Murmu released a commemorative stamp of Rs.5 and a commemorative coin of Rs.125 to mark Dr. Mahtab's 125th birth anniversary.

(iii) She also released three notable works: Harekrushna Mahtab: A Monograph in Odia by Baishnaba Charan Samal, published by Sahitya Akademi; Gaon Majlis, the English translation by Tarun Kumar Sahu of Dr. Mahtab's Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Odia essays; and Gaon Majlis, the Hindi translation of the same work by Sujata Shiven.

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"Dr. Jitendra Singh Releases ICMR-INDAIB Survey Data on Diabetes in Jammu".

On October 20, 2024, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), released data related to the 'ICMR-India Diabetes INDIAB' survey. This survey is the world's largest of its kind, aimed at assessing the prevalence of diabetes in India, including Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The event took place in Jammu, J&K.

      - The study was conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Health Research, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW).

      - The Jammu phase surveyed 1,520 participants from both urban and rural areas, providing valuable insights into the region's health landscape.

      - According to the survey, the overall prevalence of hypertension, general obesity, and abdominal obesity in Jammu was found to be 27.1%, 41.7%, and 62.7%, respectively.

Main Points:-   (i) The ICMR-INDIAB study indicates that 10.8% of the population in the Jammu region is affected by prediabetes, highlighting the urgent need for action against the rising burden of NCDs in the area.

      (ii) The overall disease burden in the Jammu region, covering its 10 districts, is 18.9%, with 26.5% in urban areas and 14.5% in rural areas—higher than the national average.

(iii) The Indian government plans to establish nearly 150,000 health and wellness centers across the country to prevent and control NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer.

About Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

Director General: Rajiv Bahl

Founded: 1911

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DIPAM Introduces Revised Capital Restructuring Guidelines for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).

The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Ministry of Finance (MoF), has issued revised capital restructuring guidelines for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to enhance operational flexibility, shareholder returns, and value creation, reflecting market and regulatory changes since May 2016.

      - These guidelines, effective from Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), exclude Public Sector Banks (PSBs), insurance companies, and entities restricted under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.

      - The guidelines will also apply to subsidiaries of CPSEs, where the parent CPSE holds more than 51% stake.

      - CPSEs must pay a minimum annual dividend of 30% of Profit After Tax (PAT) or 4% of net worth, whichever is higher (previously 5% of net worth).

Main Points:-   (i) CPSEs with a net worth of ₹3,000 crore, cash reserves over ₹1,500 crore, and trading below book value for six months may consider share buybacks. Additionally, CPSEs should issue bonus shares to enhance liquidity if their reserves are 20 times their paid-up equity capital.

      (ii) Listed Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) with market prices exceeding 150 times the face value for 6 months may split shares, subject to a 3-year gap between splits, and can distribute interim dividends quarterly or biannually, ensuring 90% of the projected annual dividend is paid before the September AGM.

(iii) The Committee for Monitoring of Capital Management and Dividend by CPSEs (CMCDC), chaired by DIPAM Secretary, will oversee capital management and restructuring discussions.

About MoF

Cabinet Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman

Headquarters: New Delhi

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Union Minister Jitendra Singh Unveils "VISION" Initiative to Support Underprivileged Students.

Union Minister of State(MoS) (Independent Charge-IC) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science & Technology (MOST) inaugurated the "Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network" (VISION) in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - This initiative is designed to promote education, skill-building, and innovation among underprivileged children. The program aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural students by providing access to mentorship, resources, and training opportunities.

      - The Union Minister highlighted the transformative power of technology and stated that initiatives like VISION can fuel similar revolutions by making opportunities accessible to all.

      - The Union Minister emphasized how VISION will help students from remote areas participate in the growing startup ecosystem, ensuring equal opportunities for all. He highlighted India's rise as a global startup hub, with the number of startups increasing from 350 in 2014 to over 1.67 lakh in 2024, placing India as the 3rd-largest startup ecosystem globally.

Main Points:-   (i) Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for its flexibility, allowing students to explore a variety of subjects and unconventional career paths.

      (ii) He linked VISION to the broader goal of Vision India 2047, which aspires to position India as a leader in education, technology, and economic growth.

(iii) He introduced the Bio-E3 policy, focusing on using biotechnology to drive growth, generate employment, and protect the environment, while India's biotech startups grew rapidly from 50 in 2014 to nearly 9,000 in 2024.

About Ministry of Science & Technology (MOST)

Union Minister : Jitendra Singh

Headquarters: New Delhi

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Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS 2024): 27th Edition Held at Bengaluru Palace, Karnataka.

The 27th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS 2024) was jointly organized by Karnataka's Electronics, Information Technology (IT), and Biotechnology Department and the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) from 19th to 21st November 2024 at Bengaluru Palace, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

      - The central theme of BTS for the 2024 event was 'Unbound'.

      - The Karnataka government launched its Global Capability Centres (GCC) policy, becoming the first Indian state to initiate such a policy. The GCC Policy 2024-2029 aims to position the state as a prime location for innovation and technological excellence.

     

Main Points:-   (i) To develop a matchmaking platform for industry-academia collaboration. Providing 50% reimbursement of domestic patent filing fees, up to Rs. 2 lakhs.

      (ii) A dedicated platform or operational help desk for GCCs to share their needs, requirements, pain points, or ask questions, etc., will be developed. 4.

(iii) Fund to set up 'GCC Immersive Hubs' to demonstrate innovation and Research and Development (R&D) conducted in the state, on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

About Karnataka

Chief minister : Siddaramaiah

Governor : Thawar Chand Gehlot

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The 1st Sagarmanthan - The Great Oceans Dialogue Held in New Delhi to Promote Global Maritime Cooperation.

The 1st edition of 'Sagarmanthan - The Great Oceans Dialogue', South Asia's largest Maritime Thought Leadership summit, was held from November 18-19, 2024, at ITC Maurya in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - It was organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India (GoI) in partnership with New Delhi-based global think tank, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), to foster Global Maritime Cooperation.

      - The inaugural session featured speeches by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal, Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs Christos Stylianides, Maldives’ Minister of State for Fisheries Dr. Amzath Ahmed, Argentina’s Rio Negro Representative Maria Lorena Villaverde, MoPSW Secretary TK Ramachandran, and ORF President Samir Saran.

      - The Dialogue featured participants from 60 countries across the globe, with more than 1700 participants including ministers, former heads of state and government, journalists, and experts.

Main Points:-   (i) Sagarmanthan provides a global platform for leaders and policymakers to discuss critical maritime topics like the blue economy, global supply chains, maritime logistics, and sustainable growth, aiming to create a future-ready maritime ecosystem.

      (ii) The event focuses on four main themes: New Frontiers, Blue Growth, Green and Blue, and Coasts and Communities, addressing challenges and opportunities in ocean governance.

About Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MOPSW)

Minister : Sarbananda Sonowal

Secretary : Shri T.K. Ramachandran

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AIM, supported by Capgemini India, launches the 4th Cohort of Community Innovator Fellows.

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) in partnership with Capgemini India launched its fourth cohort of Community Innovator Fellows (CIFs), aimed at fostering grassroots innovation and empowering local innovators to create sustainable solutions for their communities.

      - The program, implemented by SRF Foundation in collaboration with AIM and Capgemini, includes 15 fellows hosted at Atal Community Innovation Centers (ACICs) that provide a supportive environment for innovators from diverse backgrounds. These centers offer essential skills in entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

      - The CIF initiative focuses on addressing community-specific challenges through local, sustainable solutions.

     

Main Points:-   (i) The program includes a 1-year intensive training with mentorship on entrepreneurship, life skills, and UN SDGs (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals)-aligned solutions.

      (ii) Each Fellow receives a grant of Rs 1 lakh from Capgemini India to scale their innovative solutions.

(iii) AIM's broader mission is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level, particularly in underserved regions, driving progress toward SDGs 2030.

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Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Form Joint Committee for Cheetah Project.

The Governments of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have formed a 10-member joint corridor management committee between the two states in response to incidents of cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh (MP) straying into neighboring Rajasthan. The committee aims to create and manage a cheetah corridor between the two states, ensuring the safe movement of cheetahs.

      - The committee was formed following incidents of cheetahs straying from MP into Rajasthan in December 2023 and May 2024.

      - The panel, co-chaired by the Principal Chief Conservators of Forests (PCCFs) (wildlife) from MP and Rajasthan, has been tasked with identifying the "Cheetah Conservancy Landscape."

     

Main Points:-   (i) The committee will discuss and formulate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two states.

      (ii) The primary focus will be on conserving these felines, creating appropriate habitats, and supporting the future relocation of cheetahs from MP's Kuno National Park (KNP) and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS).

About Rajasthan

Chief minister : Bhajan Lal Sharma

Governor : Haribhau Bagade

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DoP Launches Commemorative Stamp to Support Sickle Cell Eradication by 2047.

On November 15, 2024, the Department of Posts(DoP), Ministry of Communications (MoC) launched a Special commemorative Postage Stamp of denomination Rs 5 on "Sickle Cell Eradication - 2047" initiative. It was unveiled by Madhya Pradesh (MP) Governor Mangubhai Patel and MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

      - The stamp honors MP's initiative to combat the high prevalence of sickle cell anemia, particularly in tribal regions, with the goal of eradicating the disease by 2047.

      - The stamp features artwork symbolizing awareness and eradication of sickle cell anemia, emphasizing its impact on tribal communities.

      - It displays the slogan "Sickle Cell Eradication - 2047", aligning with the mission's goal to eliminate this hereditary disease by the centenary year of India's independence.

Main Points:-   (i) Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin in red blood cells. The mutation produces abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S, causing red blood cells to become stiff and sticky, which can lead to various health complications.

      (ii) Launched in 2023 by Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi in MP, the Sickle Cell Eradication Mission aims to tackle the widespread prevalence of sickle cell disease in tribal areas.

(iii) It is part of the National Health Mission (NHM), aims to eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission by the year 2047. It is supported by the National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission (NSCAEM).

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Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card reaches over 10 lakh enrollments within 3 weeks of its launch.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) official data, as of 17th November 2024, over 10 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above have enrolled for the newly launched Ayushman Bharat: Vaya Vandana Card (AB-VVC), which enables them to avail free healthcare benefits under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

      - This achievement comes within 3 weeks of the AB-VVC's rollout by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day (29th October 2024) at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - All senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, will receive health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family.

      - Senior citizens from families already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh exclusively for themselves, separate from the rest of the family. Those who are not part of the existing scheme will receive Rs 5 lakh per annum on a family basis.

Main Points:-   (i) Senior citizens who are already enrolled in public health schemes such as Central Government Health Scheme (CCHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will have the option to either continue with their existing scheme or they can choose AB PM-JAY.

      (ii) Senior citizens aged 70 and above, who are enrolled under private health insurance policies or Employees' State Insurance (ESI) scheme, will be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY.

(iii) Over 4 lakh women aged 70+ have enrolled in AB-VVC, with over ₹9 crore authorized for treatments benefiting 4,800 senior citizens. Procedures include coronary angioplasty, hip replacement, cataract surgery, and stroke care.

About MoHFW

Minister : J. P. Nadda

Headquarters: New Delhi

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DoP Releases Special Cover to Commemorate 121st Anniversary of MVC.

In November 2024, the Department of Posts (DoP) under the Ministry of Communications (MoC), Chennai City North Division commemorated the 121st anniversary of Madras Veterinary College (MVC) by releasing a special cover on India Posts at the MVC Vepery campus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).

      - The special cover released signifies the rich heritage and the achievements made by MVC and also features the image of the iconic building along with cancellations based on the institution's logo.

      - The MVC was founded on October 1, 1903, as the 3rd veterinary college in India and was also recognized as the Southern Regional Postgraduate Institute.

      - It became the first veterinary college in India to affiliate with a university, Madras University, in 1935. In 1989, it became a constituent unit of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), the first standalone veterinary university in India and Southeast Asia.

Main Points:-   The university ranked 12th among all institutions in the agriculture and allied sectors category and ranked 1st among all state veterinary universities in India in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2023.

     

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MoHUA and NHB Host National Workshop on PMAY-U 2.0; Launch Unified Web Portal & Sign MoUs with 147 Lending Institutions.

On 14th November 2024, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in partnership with National Housing Bank (NHB) organised a national workshop on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban 2.0(PMAY-U 2.0) Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS) vertical in New Delhi(Delhi).

      - During the workshop, NHB signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with 147 different Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) for implementation of ISS.

      - Union Minister Manohar Lal, MoHUA; Sanjay Shukla, Managing Director (MD) of NHB, along with senior officials from MoHUA attended the workshop.

      - More than 250 participants from various Banks, Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), PLIs and other financial institutions attended the workshop.

Main Points:-   (i) Union Minister highlighted the key features of PMAY-U 2.0 and the ISS vertical. He called upon all the financial institutions to become active partners of providing 'housing to all', a milestone of DEVELOPED INDIA by the year 2047.

      (ii) During the workshop, Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary of MOHUA, delivered the inaugural address and shared about the progress of PMAY-U scheme, one of the world's largest affordable housing programmes.

(iii) The MOHUA launched a unified web portal at the PMAY-U 2.0 workshop to streamline the execution of the scheme. This portal simplifies the application process, allows beneficiaries to track their application status, and facilitates faster approval and subsidy release. Accessible to all stakeholders, it will also aid in monitoring and evaluating the progress of the PMAY-U 2.0 scheme.

About MoHUA

Cabinet Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar

Headquarters: New Delhi

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PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates the First Bodoland Mahotsav in New Delhi.

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever Bodoland Mohotsav at the KD Jadhav Wrestling Stadium, New Delhi (Delhi). The two-day event was held from 15th to 16th November 2024. The event focuses on promoting the language, literature, and culture of the Bodo community.

      - The theme of Bodoland Mohotsav is 'Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat', emphasizing the cultural, linguistic, and educational legacy of the Bodo community and other communities within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Assam. It highlights the community's journey of peace and progress since the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord.

      - The event saw the presence of notable leaders, including Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya, President of the All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU) Dipen Boro, and Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the BTR Pramod Boro. Chief Minister (CM) of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma virtually attended the event.

     

Main Points:-   (i) Addressing the gathering, PM Modi extended his greetings on Kartik Purnima, Dev Deepavali, and the 555th Prakash Parva of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (first Sikh Guru). He also commemorated Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, which honors the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

      (ii) PM Modi referred to the North Eastern Region (NER), including Assam, as India's Ashtalakshmi (eight forms of prosperity) and emphasized the government's commitment to resolving border disputes and promoting peace in the region.

(iii) The Central Government (CG)'s special package of Rs 1,500 crore and the Assam Government's special package to boost Bodoland's growth.

About Assam

CM : Himanta Biswa Sarma

Governor : Lakshman Prasad Acharya

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EPFO Marks 72nd Foundation Day with Key Releases and Award Ceremony.

On November 15, 2024, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E), inaugurated an event to mark the 72nd Foundation Day of the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, Delhi.

      - EPFO's transformative role in managing savings and enhancing social security was highlighted during the event.

      - Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted EPFO's transformative journey as a cornerstone of social security in India. He emphasized the need to enhance service delivery, strengthen IT (Information Technology) system, grievance management, and a member-centric service model.

      - The number of contributing establishments exceeded 7.8 lakh, with over 7.6 crore members.

Main Points:-   (i) The event was attended by key officials, including Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, MoL&E; Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC); and Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General (DG) of Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), among others.

      (ii) During the event, the Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2024 were also presented by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to recognize exceptional contributions across various categories.

About Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO)

Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC) : Neela Shami Rao

Headquarters: New Delhi

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SC Permits Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) Licence Holders to Drive Transport Vehicles up to 7,500 kg

The Supreme Court (SC) of India has ruled that drivers holding a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) licence can drive transport vehicles with an unladen weight of up to 7,500 kilograms (kg) without requiring additional authorisation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

      - A five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, reviewed the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

      - The Bench clarified that additional requirements under the Act are applicable only for vehicles exceeding 7,500 kg, such as medium and heavy goods or passenger vehicles.

     

Main Points:-   Road safety remains a critical public health issue globally, with over 1.7 lakh fatalities in road accidents reported in India during 2023.

     

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MOST launches Operation Dronagiri with GDI, marking a milestone in the National Geospatial Policy.

On 13th November 2024, The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) launched Operation Dronagiri, a pilot project under the National Geospatial Policy (NGP) 2022 to illustrate the possible applications of geospatial technologies and innovations in improving the quality of life of citizens and ease of doing business.

      - Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), launched the project at the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

      - Operation Dronagiri is an effort of DST in advancing geospatial data, developing geospatial infrastructure, geospatial skills and knowledge, as well as standards in executing the policy.

      - The Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI), launched alongside Operation Dronagiri, plays a crucial role in supporting the initiative by enabling seamless data sharing, access, and analysis. It enhances applications in urban planning, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and other sectors, driving efficient decision-making and geospatial integration.

Main Points:-   (i) In Phase 1 of Operation Dronagiri, pilot projects will launch in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, showcasing geospatial data and technology integration in Agriculture, Livelihoods, Logistics, and Transport sectors.

      (ii) Several government departments, industries, corporates, and startups will collaborate in the first phase to implement it on a national level.

(iii) The activities under Operation Dronagiri will be overseen by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNIF).

About Ministry of Science and Technology

Minister : Jitendra Singh

Headquarters: New Delhi

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According to WEF & MoCA Report, Advanced Air Mobility Can Drive Growth and Connectivity in India.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India (GoI), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), has prepared the report titled 'Skyways to the Future: Operational Concepts for Advanced Air Mobility in India'. As per the report, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) represents a transformative approach to transportation, particularly in densely populated regions like India.

      - The sector shows strong growth, with 1,000+ aircraft and 100,000+ daily flights projected in 15 years.

      - The WEF report presents a 3-stage plan for the growth of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in India over the next 15 years.

     

Main Points:-   (i) According to the report, the sector shows strong growth, with 1,000+ aircraft and 100,000+ daily flights projected in 15 years.

      (ii) AAM technologies like air taxis or Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) and Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) are designed to provide on-demand transport services.

(iii) The report highlights that integrating AAM into India's transport infrastructure could drive significant economic benefits, including job creation and improved access to services like healthcare.

About World Economic Forum (WEF)

Founder and Executive Chairman : Prof. Klaus Schwab

Headquarters : Cologny, Switzerland

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India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Surges by 24.2 GW, Reaches 203.18 GW in October 2024.

According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA)'s data, India's total renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity has increased by 24.2 GigaWatt (GW) (13.5%) to reach 203.18 GW in October 2024, compared to 178.98 GW in October 2023.

      - This remarkable growth in Renewable Energy (RE) aligns with the country's ambitious RE target of achieving 500 GW from non-fossil sources by 2030.

      - Also, when including nuclear energy, India's total non-fossil fuel capacity has increased from 186.46 GW (in 2023) to 211.36 GW (in 2024).

     

Main Points:-   (i) At present, India's total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW, with RE contributing a major portion of the overall power mix.

      (ii) Solar Power saw an increase of 27.9%, from 72.02 GW (in October 2023) to 92.12 GW (in October 2024) and has emerged as the largest contributor to RE-based power generation in 2024, followed by Wind power (47.72 GW) with a year-on-year increase of 7.7%.

(iii) According to the International Renewable Energy Agency's (IRENA) 2024 Annual Review, India's RE sector achieved a significant milestone with an estimated 1.02 million jobs generated in 2023.

About About Central Electricity Authority (CEA)

Chairman : Ghanshyam Prasad

Headquarters: New Delhi

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Recently, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Launches 27th Energy Technology Meet (ETM 2024) in Bengaluru.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) launched the 27th Energy Technology Meet (ETM 2024) which was held from 12th to 14th November 2024 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

      - The three-day Energy Technology Meet was organized by the Centre for High Technology (CHT) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).

      - The event focused on the theme - Green Energy Horizons: Advancing Sustainable Refining and Petrochemicals.

      - The meet highlighted India's efforts towards sustainable energy innovations and the shift towards greener energy solutions.

Main Points:-   (i) ETM-2024 hosted 1,200 participants from academia, R&D, and the hydrocarbon sector, featuring 60 research papers and 23 exhibitors showcasing advanced technologies.

      (ii) Union Minister addressed the event at the inauguration, emphasizing that through biofuel blending, India saved Rs.91,000 crore on the import bill, which can be utilized for the agricultural sector's benefit.

(iii) He mentioned that India's current biofuel blending rate had reached 16.9% and is on track to exceed the 20% target set for 2030, five years ahead of schedule.

About Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)

Chairman : Arvindar Singh Sahney

Headquarters: New Delhi

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MoEFCC Removes Approval Requirement for 'White Category' Industries from State Pollution Control Boards.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MoEFCC) issued a directive that 'White Category' industries are no longer required to obtain approval from the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) for their operations.

      - Industrial plants scoring up to 20 on the Pollution Index (PI) will be exempt from certain provisions under sub-section (1) of Section 21 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, provided they inform their respective SPCBs or Pollution Control Committees in writing.

      - This decision is part of a broader initiative to streamline business processes.

     

Main Points:-   (i) Industries categorized under the White Category, which are considered to have minimal or negligible pollution potential, will no longer need to secure permissions known as 'Consent To Establish' (CTE) and 'Consent To Operate' (CTO) from SPCBs. This change aims to streamline the process for businesses and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

      (ii) The permissions previously required from SPCBs have been merged with the environmental clearance granted by MoEFCC.

(iii) Plants that have already received environmental clearance under the 2006 notification issued by the former Ministry of Environment and Forests will also be exempt from needing a CTE for their ongoing operations.

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MoHUA and UN-Habitat ink MoU to promote sustainable development in urban areas.

On November 15, 2024, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to promote and strengthen sustainable development in urban areas in India.

      - The partnership aims at advancing the goals of sustainable urbanization and harmonizing with India's larger commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

      - The MoU was signed between Katikithala Srinivas, the Secretary, MoHUA and Kazuko Ishigaki (Regional Representative, Asia and the Pacific region) UN-Habitat along with the respective delegations, marking this historic step at the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt.

      - The framework is based on four foundational principles: spatial equity, SDG localization, climate resilience, and an inclusive economy.

Main Points:-   (i) UN-Habitat and MoHUA will collaborate through knowledge sharing, policy guidance, technical expertise, and partnerships aimed at fostering inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable development in India's urban areas and human settlements.

      (ii) As part of this collaboration, the two organizations launched the 'Urban RAASTA (Resilient and Accelerated Advancement with Sustainable and Transformative Actions)' framework.

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FTII's short film "Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know" Qualified for Oscar 2025.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MoI&B) announced that Pune (Maharashtra) based Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) student film "Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know" has qualified for the 2025 Oscars in the Live Action Short Film Category.

      - The Kannada short film was produced by FTII and directed by Chidananda S Naik.

     

     

Main Points:-   (i) The 16-minute short film is inspired by Indian folklore. The story chronicles a village where chaos unfolds after an elderly woman steals a rooster.

      (ii) It won the First Prize at the Cannes Film Festival's La Cinef Selection 2024, gaining worldwide recognition for the Kannada-language project inspired by Indian folk tales and traditions. It also won the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival.

(iii) The 97th Academy Awards will be held on 2nd March 2025, in Los Angeles, the United States of America (USA).

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MoC Introduces 'Amrit Parampara' to Highlight India's Rich Cultural Heritage.

The Ministry of Culture (MoC) has launched "Amrit Parampara," a festival series to celebrate and preserve India's traditional arts, focusing on fading art forms, with innovative programs that blend tradition with modern technology.

      - Union Minister S. Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), inaugurated the first program of the series, "Kaveri Meets Ganga," at Kartavya Path (formerly known as Rajpath) in New Delhi (Delhi).

      - It was held from 2nd to 5th November 2024 at Kartavya Path and the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) campus at Dwarka, Gujarat.

      - The event was jointly organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Kalakshetra Foundation, and the CCRT.

Main Points:-   (i) The event showcased a variety of art forms, including Nagar Sankirtan and Govardhan Puja from Braj, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh (AP), Bharatanatyam by renowned artists, and folk traditions like Panchavadyam and Theyyam from Kerala.

      (ii) The Amrit Parampara series has been designed to promote the continuity of India's cultural legacy through 4 key pillars: the foundation of Bharatiya Sanskriti, a blend of cultural education and entertainment, the synthesis of diverse ideas, and a multi-sensory experience.

(iii) The festival series marks the start of a two-year celebration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Patel, honoring his achievements and his role in uniting India.

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MHA Approves Establishment of First All-Women Battalion in CISF to Empower Women in Security Force.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the establishment of the 1st all-women battalion of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to enhance women's role in CISF. The addition of a 'Mahila Battalion' would encourage more aspiring young women across the country to join the force and serve India.

      - Women constitute over 7% of the CISF and it has been the preferred choice for them among the central armed police forces (CAPF).

      - The establishment of the all-women battalion will encourage more aspiring young women to join CISF.

     

Main Points:-   (i) The CISF headquarters has started preparations for the early recruitment, training, and selection of locations for the headquarters of the new battalion.

      (ii) The training is specially designed to create an elite battalion capable of performing multifarious roles such as commandos in Very Important Person (VIP) security and security at airports, Delhi metro rail, etc.

About Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

Director General : Rajwinder Singh Bhatti

Headquarters : New Delhi

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NITI Aayog Hosts Symposium on "Green Transition in States" in New Delhi.

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) organized a symposium on the "Green Transition in States" in collaboration with the New Delhi (Delhi) based Institute for Sustainability, Employment and Growth Foundation (ISEG Foundation), as a knowledge partner at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

      - This initiative supports India's larger goal of achieving Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2070 and fulfilling the vision of a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047.

      - The symposium featured participation from senior dignitaries across central and state governments, including Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog, and officials from various ministries.

     

Main Points:-   (i) NITI Aayog launched the Accelerating Sustainable Solutions for Energy Transition (ASSET) platform in partnership with the Ministry of Power (MoP) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

      (ii) The symposium focused on helping states create energy transition blueprints, develop investible projects, and promote emerging technologies like Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Green Hydrogen, e-mobility, and offshore wind energy.

(iii) The "Facilitating Energy Transition Across States (FETS)" initiative was launched, along with a panel discussion on enabling green transition in India and sessions showcasing best practices in e-mobility, waste-to-energy, and energy efficiency.

About National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)

CEO : B. V. R. Subrahmanyam

Headquarters: New Delhi

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IREL and UKTMP to Establish Joint Venture for Titanium Slag Production in Odisha.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) based IREL (India) Limited (previously known as Indian Rare Earths Limited), and Kazakhstan based Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant JSC (UKTMP) signed a Joint Venture (JV) to establish IREUK Titanium Limited for production of titanium slag (Ti Slag) in Odisha.

      - The agreement was signed by Dr. Deependra Singh, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), IREL (India) Limited and Assem Mamutova, President UKTMP JSC in the presence of Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) & Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Nurlan Zhalgasbayev (Ambassador of Kazakhstan).

     

     

Main Points:-   (i) This partnership aims to strengthen India's titanium value chain by converting low-grade ilmenite (Titanium oxide) into high-grade feedstock, also generating local employment opportunities.

      (ii) UKTMP JSC will provide the technology of producing Ti Slag and will take the agreed quantities for an input in their Ti sponge plant.

(iii) IREL (India) Limited is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the DAE. It was incorporated on August 18, 1950, with its first unit Rare Earths Division (RED) in Aluva (Kerala).

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PM Modi Launched 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Birsa Munda on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Jamui, Bihar, on 15th November 2024, on the occasion of 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas' and paid tribute to tribal leader Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

      - Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2024 marks the commencement of the 150th Birth Anniversary Year celebration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

     

     

Main Points:-   (i) PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 6,640 crore in Jamui, Bihar.

      (ii) Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Cooperation, unveiled a grand statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda at Baansera Park in New Delhi, Delhi, on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary year.

(iii) He also renamed the Sarai Kale Khan Chowk outside Sarai Kale Khan inter-state bus terminus (ISBT) in south-east Delhi as Birsa Munda Chowk.

About Bihar

Chief minister : Nitish Kumar

Governor : Rajendra Arlekar

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Govt reconstitutes ISC; PM Modi as chairman, state CMs and 9 Union ministers included as members.

The Government of India (GoI) has reconstituted the Inter-State Council (ISC), an important body for enhancing Centre-State and interstate coordination, with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi as its chairman.

      - The council aims to strengthen cooperative federalism by fostering dialogue and cooperation between the GoI and the states.

      - The GoI also restructured the Standing Committee of the ISC and appointed Union Minister Amit Shah as its chairman.

      - The committee is responsible for reviewing the implementation of ISC recommendations and addressing issues referred by the Chairman or the Council.

Main Points:-   (i) The ISC is a key constitutional body (non-permanent) established under Article 263 of the Constitution of India.

      (ii) The Inter-State Council Secretariat (ISCS) was set up in 1991 in New Delhi (Delhi). The Secretariat is headed by a Secretary to the GoI, assisted by two Advisers.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Launches National MSME Cluster Outreach Program.

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman has launched the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Cluster Outreach Program, which was jointly organized by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).

      - The launch took place in the presence of Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister for MSMEs, who joined virtually from Gaya, Bihar; Pankaj Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Finance; and Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for MSMEs, in Bengaluru. Other notable attendees included Nagaraju Maddirala, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), and Manoj Mittal, Chairman & Managing Director of SIDBI.

      - Around 150 MSME Clusters with senior bank officials of each cluster were connected virtually for the launch.

      - The main aim of the MSME Outreach program was to provide easy availability of financial services and promote the growth of MSMEs across the country.

Main Points:-   (i) The Union Finance Minister also virtually launched 6 new Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) Branches in Karnataka, located at Tumakuru, Raichur, Shivamogga, Kalaburagi, Mangaluru and Vijayapura, thus expanding SIDBI's reach and financial assistance to MSMEs in these Clusters.

      (ii) All Scheduled Commercial Banks and NBFCs have been given a target of providing additional MSME credit of 1.54 lakh crore in the current financial year.

(iii) Sanction letters were issued to five Canara Bank borrowers under the newly introduced Tarun Plus category of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY).

About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)

CMD : Manoj Mittal

Headquarters : Lucknow

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India Donates Two Water Jet Propelled Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) to Mozambique.

Indian Navy (IN), under the Government of India (GoI), handed over two water-jet-propelled Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) to the Government of Mozambique as part of its capacity-building engagements with friendly foreign nations of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

      - The FICs were delivered to Mozambique from India by the Indian Naval Ship INS Gharial to combat maritime terrorism and insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region.

      - To support the regional maritime security of Mozambique, India donated two large interceptor vessels in 2019 and two similar FICs in 2022.

     

Main Points:-   (i) The High Commissioner of India in Mozambique Robert Shetkintong, Defence Adviser Colonel Puneet Attri, and Commander Rajan Chib of INS Gharial attended the handing over ceremony of FICs in Nacala, Mozambique. Ministry of National Defence representative Augusto Casimiro Mueio accepted the craft on behalf of the Mozambique Government.

      (ii) FIC has a reaching speed of up to 45 knots and is equipped with machine guns and bullet-resistant cabins.

About Mozambique

President : Filipe Nyusi

Capital : Maputo

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PM Modi's Visit to Bihar on 13th November 2024 Highlights Key Development Initiatives.

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Bihar on 13th November 2024 and laid foundation stones of various projects for the development in the region.

      - PM Modi laid foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth around Rs 12,100 crore in Bihar.

      - The development projects comprised of health, rail, road, petroleum, and natural gas sectors.

      - PM laid the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Darbhanga, Bihar at a cost of Rs 1264 crore.

Main Points:-   (i) PM Modi inaugurated multiple initiatives in the petroleum and natural gas sector worth over Rs 4,020 crore.

      (ii) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 18 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras located at various railway stations across India through video conferencing from Darbhanga, Bihar.

(iii) These Kendras aim to provide passengers with high-quality medicines at affordable prices, enhancing healthcare accessibility at railway stations.

About Bihar

CM: Nitish Kumar

Governor: Rajendra Arlekar

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Gujarat Becomes the First State in India to Implement a Dedicated Semiconductor Policy.

Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat, has launched the 'Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027', making the state the first in India to implement a dedicated semiconductor policy.

      - Gujarat has established the 'Gujarat State Electronics Mission' to ensure effective implementation of this policy. The mission is a dedicated institution focused on advancing Gujarat's leadership in semiconductor self-reliance.

      - This initiative complements the central government's 'India Semiconductor Mission', launched in 2021 with a budget of Rs 76,000 crore to boost domestic semiconductor production.

      - India's semiconductor market, valued at USD 15 billion in 2020, is projected to exceed USD 63 billion by 2026.

Main Points:-   (i) Investments by semiconductor units in Gujarat are expected to create a significant number of high-skilled job opportunities.

      (ii) These state-of-the-art facilities will play a vital role in reducing India's dependence on imported semiconductor chips while driving job creation in critical downstream sectors like automotive, electronics, medical equipment, and telecommunications.

(iii) Along with the capital expenditure support provided by the Government of India for semiconductor and display fabrication units, the Gujarat government has enhanced this assistance with an additional 40% financial support.

About Gujarat

CM: Bhupendra Patel

Governor: Acharya Devvrat

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According to CEEW report, India's climate policies are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 4 billion tonnes by 2030.

According to the latest report by the New Delhi (Delhi)-based independent climate think tank, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), India's current climate policies are expected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by around 4 billion tonnes between 2020 and 2030.

      - This key finding of the report is important considering India, the fast-developing South Asian country, now the world's 5th largest economy, had pledged to reducing emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030 at the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021.

     

     

Main Points:-   (i) The report showed that policies designed for India's power, residential, and transport sectors have already saved 440 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO2) between 2015 and 2020.

      (ii) As per the report, the policies promoting renewable energy only in the power sector are projected to drive a 24% decline in coal-based power generation by 2030, relative to a no-policy scenario.

About Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Arunabha Ghosh

Ghosh Headquarters: New Delhi

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India Launches Tri-Services Military Exercise 'Poorvi Prahar' in Eastern Sector.

The Indian Army is conducting a high-intensity tri-services exercise Poorvi Prahar from 10th to 18th November 2024 in the forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh.

      - This joint exercise aims to sharpen the combat effectiveness of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in implementing Integrated Joint Operations in the difficult mountainous terrain of the region, thus increasing inter-service coordination and operational readiness.

      - The exercise will act as a platform to showcase various sophisticated platforms and assets from all three services, including fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, strategic helicopters like the Chinook and Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra), and M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer Artillery Systems.

     

Main Points:-   (i) The Indian Army uses its M-777 ultra-lightweight howitzers, which are weapons designed for mountainous regions and have been recently introduced in the artillery units deployed in the eastern sector.

      (ii) The exercise, Poorvi Prahar, will involve innovative technological advancements such as First Person View (FPV) Drones, and Loiter Munitions. These technologies, including Swarm Drones, will transform modern warfare by providing situational awareness and accuracy in operations.

(iii) Joint control structures will be established during the exercise to maintain the efficiency of operations.

About Indian Army

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS): General Upendra Dwivedi

Headquarters: New Delhi

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Jitendra Singh Inaugurates India's First Biomanufacturing Institute, "BRIC-National Agri-Food Bio-Manufacturing Institute," in Mohali.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) inaugurated the new complex of India's first Biomanufacturing Institute, "BRIC-National Agri-Food Bio-Manufacturing Institute" (BRIC-NABI) aimed at enhancing India's agri-food sector through advanced biotechnology at Mohali, Punjab.

      - BRIC-NABI, created through the strategic merger of the NABI and the Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), is set to revolutionize India's agricultural sector by combining expertise in biotechnology and bioprocessing.

      - As part of its mission to advance biomanufacturing, the Biomanufacturing Workshop 1.0 is scheduled to take place in December 2024.

     

Main Points:-   (i) The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy, which focuses on biotechnology for the economy, employment, and the environment, highlights the government's commitment to nurturing a science sector with significant impact.

      (ii) The Bioincubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies (BioNEST) BRIC-NABI Incubation Center aims to empower local youth, women, and agriculture, food, and bioprocessing, and to accelerate the commercialization of agri-food innovations.

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India's First 'Writers' Village' Inaugurated in Dehradun.

India's first "Writer's Village" (Lekhak Gaon) was jointly inaugurated by former President Ram Nath Kovind, Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant (Lt) General Gurmit Singh (retired) and Chief Minister (CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

      - It is conceived by former CM Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, a renowned writer in his own right.

      - It aims to encourage creativity and offer a supportive space for writers from all over the nation, positioning Dehradun as an emerging cultural center for literary excellence.

     

Main Points:-   (i) The village hosted its first event, the three-day International Literature, Culture, and Art Festival, "Sparsh Himalaya Mahotsav," with writers from more than 40 countries participating in person, while those from around 25 nations joined virtually.

      (ii) During the event, Nishank unveiled his book "Ram in the Himalayas"

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India-Bhutan's First Integrated Check Post Inaugurated in Assam's Darranga.

On November 7, 2024, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Assam, inaugurated the first-ever Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the India-Bhutan border at Darranga village in Assam. The facility was developed by the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI).

      - This ICP allows entry and exit for third-country nationals via land.

      - Prior to this, third-country nationals could only enter or exit Bhutan through Paro International Airport, located in Paro, Bhutan or the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing land route, with Jaigaon in West Bengal, India, and Phuentsholing in southern Bhutan.

      - This development follows an agreement made during King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan's visit to India in November 2023, where both nations decided to designate Darranga (Assam) and Samdrup-Jongkhar (Bhutan) as official ICPs for third-country nationals.

Main Points:-   (i) The ICP was inaugurated in the presence of Prime Minister (PM) of Bhutan H.E. Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay.

      (ii) Minister of State (MoS) Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA); MoS, Pabitra Margherita, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA); Dasho Pema Chewang, the Leader of the Opposition of Bhutan, and other elected representatives and senior officials from both countries were present during the event.

(iii) ICP Darranga, covering 14.5 acres, enhances trade and cross-border transit with modern infrastructure, including an office complex, parking, loading zones, a weighbridge, a warehouse, and residential quarters for officials.

About Bhutan

King: HM King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk

Prime Minister: H.E. Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay

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Air India Becomes 1st Indian Airline to Receive Design Organisation Approval from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Air India Limited has become the first-ever Indian airline to receive Design Organisation Approval (DOA) or CAR 21 approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to carry out modifications in aircraft interiors in-house. The Tata Group-owned airline is working on revamping its fleet and expanding operations.

      - The approval was handed over by DGCA Director General D.C. Sharma to Air India's CEO, Campbell Wilson.

      - The full-service carrier collaborates with Tata Technologies to enhance the interiors of its aircraft fleet.

     

Main Points:-   (i) The DOA from the DGCA will enable the airline to independently make design changes in-house and implement modifications to its aircraft interiors more efficiently.

      (ii) This DOA is a transformative step towards enhancing Air India's in-house capabilities. It will strengthen decisions to set up its own engineering, maintenance, and training facilities, improving operational efficiency and making the airline more self-reliant.

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NTPC Marks 50th Raising Day, Commemorating Five Decades of India's Growth.

NTPC Limited, formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation, India's leading power generation company, celebrated its 50th Raising Day on 7th November 2024 recognizing five decades of remarkable growth, innovation, and contribution to India's power sector.

      - The celebrations took place at NTPC's corporate office Engineering Office Complex (EOC), Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP) wherein Gurdeep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NTPC hoisted the NTPC flag in the presence of the Board of Directors and senior officials.

     

     

Main Points:-   (i) NTPC's 50-year logo was also launched on the occasion reflecting NTPC's everlasting commitment to growth and excellence and a reminder of the 50 years of powering growth and creation of infinite possibilities.

      (ii) The celebration also honored outstanding achievements of NTPC employees' children.

(iii) Moreover, new Information Technology (IT) applications and a comic book on NTPC's Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM)-a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative that has empowered over 10,000 girls from rural areas were also launched during the celebrations.

About NTPC Ltd

CMD: Gurdeep Singh

Headquarters: New Delhi

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Cairn Oil & Gas becomes India's first to join UN's Methane Reduction Initiative.

Cairn Oil & Gas, a Vedanta Group co., has become the 1st oil & gas producer in India to join UNEP's Oil & Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 after signing MoU with UNEP in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

      - This initiative announced on Nov 4, 2024, aims to address methane emissions in the oil & gas sector, aligning with global climate change efforts.

      - The partnership aligns with Cairn's goal to decarbonize ops, aiming for Net Zero Carbon by 2030.

      - Under the MoU, Cairn will set a 5-year target to reduce methane emissions & will transparently report progress.

Main Points:-   (i) The OGMP 2.0 initiative covers over 40% of global oil & gas production, providing a framework for MRV of methane emissions.

      (ii) This collaboration will contribute to the Global Methane Pledge's broader goal of a 30% reduction in global methane emissions by 2030.

About Cairn Oil & Gas

CEO : Ajay Dixit

Headquarter : Gurgaon (Haryana)

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Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurates 'Shilp Samagam Mela 2024' and launches 'TULIP' brand.

Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJ&E) inaugurated the 'Shilp Samagam Mela 2024' at Dilli Haat, New Delhi, Delhi. The fair was organized from 5th-15th November 2024.

      - He also inaugurated the 'TULIP' (Traditional Artisans' Upliftment Livelihood Programme) brand, a Digital Platform for Craft and Community Empowerment.

      - The mela was organised by the Corporations under MoSJ&E - National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), and National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).

      - During the mela, the 'Rang Paridhan' programme showcased uniforms made from the products of artisans. Under this initiative, the corporations under MoSJ&E will use uniforms crafted by local artisans for their personnel.

Main Points:-   (i) TULIP Digital Platform for e-commerce will provide a platform for economic self-reliance and global exposure to artisans via an e-marketplace.

      (ii) During the event, the Union Minister highlighted digital initiatives like 'PM-SURAKSHA Portal' and 'PM-DAKSH Portal', launched by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.

(iii) Through initiatives like the 'Vishwas Yojana' and 'Namaste Yojana', financial assistance and protection are being extended to the SC, Backward Class (BC), and sanitation worker communities.

About National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC)

CMD : Rajan Sehgal

Headquarters : New Delhi

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India-Vietnam 5th Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2024 Conducted in Haryana.

The 5th edition of the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX-2024) is being conducted at Ambala, Haryana and Chandimandir Military Station in Panchkula District of Haryana from Nov 4 to 23, 2024, marking a significant step in enhancing defense ties between India and Vietnam.

      - Aim of VINBAX-2024 is to strengthen joint military readiness, particularly in areas crucial to UN peacekeeping missions.

      - Troops will focus on engineering tasks and medical team deployment under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, involving Peacekeeping Ops.

      - VINBAX is an annual training exercise instituted in 2018, with the first edition held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (MP).

Main Points:-   (i) VINBAX-2024 is designed as an intense field training exercise, focusing on technical coordination and shared best practices.

      (ii) This year, VINBAX has expanded its scope, with participation from both the Army and Air Force of India and Vietnam for the first time, reflecting deeper commitment to bilateral cooperation.

(iii) It includes a 48-hour Validation Exercise, featuring a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) demonstration and equipment exhibition.

About Vietnam

PM : Pham Minh Chinh

Capital- Hanoi

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According to CWC Report, Himalayan Glacial Lakes Expanded Over 10% in Area from 2011 to 2024.

According to the CWC's report, glacial lakes and other water bodies across the Himalayan region witnessed an overall increase of 10.81% in areas, from 5.33 lakh ha in 2011 to 5.91 lakh ha in 2024 due to climate change, which indicates towards increased risk of GLOFs.

      - As per the report, the total inventory area of glacial lakes in India has increased by 33.7%, i.e., from 1,962 ha in 2011 to 2,623 ha in 2024 (September).

      - The report has identified 67 lakes in India that experienced an over 40% expansion in surface area, placing them in the high-risk category for potential GLOFs.

      - The report cautioned that the rapid expansion of these GLOFs, attributed to increased melting of glaciers due to increasing temperatures in the region, could lead to severe consequences for downstream communities, infrastructure, and biodiversity.

Main Points :-   (i) The report emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of glacial lakes, even smaller lakes, due to their potential for sudden, catastrophic GLOFs.

      (ii) The CWC report highlighted the transboundary risks posed by expanding glacial lakes in neighbouring countries, including Bhutan, Nepal, and China.

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The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has amended the Bicycle Retro-Reflective Devices (Quality Control) Order, 2020.

The DPIIT under MoC&I has amended the Bicycle Retro-Reflective Devices (Quality Control) Order, 2020, notified on 9th July 2020, which came into effect on 1st July 2023.

      - The QCO on Bicycle Retro-Reflective Devices (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024 is part of several initiatives for quality ecosystem development, attracting investments, and fostering entrepreneurial talent, with a focus on product quality.

      - The Order introduces relaxations, including exemptions for importing 200 bicycle reflectors for R&D by manufacturers and for importing bicycle reflectors by Indian bicycle manufacturers for export purposes, subject to specific conditions.

      - This will promote growth in performance, durability, and dependency.

Main Points:-   DPIIT has been issuing QCOs since 1987, covering 81 QCOs for over 330 products under the BIS Act.

     

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IIM Shillong Partners with SIDBI to Launch Entrepreneurship Training and Incubation Programme.

Indian Institute of Management Shillong has joined hands with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to foster entrepreneurship in the Northeast.

      - Through its Foundation for Incubation and Enterprise (IIMSFIE), IIM Shillong signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SIDBI, aiming to launch an entrepreneurship training and incubation program.

      - The partnership introduces the Skill to Enterprise Model (STEM) Programme, which will equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mentorship to build sustainable businesses.

     

Main Points:-   (i) The initiative will offer an 18-month entrepreneurship training programme for 30 selected participants, combining classroom learning, hands-on experience, and incubation support.

      (ii) IIM Shillong's director, Prof DP Goyal, highlighted that this collaboration is key to supporting innovative startups and driving regional economic growth.

(iii) SIDBI’s North East Zone General Manager, Bhanu Prakash Verma, echoed this sentiment, emphasising their commitment to nurturing young entrepreneurs in the region.

About SIDBI

Chairman & MD: Manoj Mittal

Headquarters: Lucknow

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DA&FW Issues Operational Guidelines for Central Sector Scheme 'NAMO DRONE DIDI.

The GoI has approved the Central Sector Scheme 'Namo Drone Didi' for providing drones to Women SHGs under DAY-NRLM, with an outlay of Rs 1261 Cr.

      - This aims to provide drones to 14500 selected Women SHGs from 2024-25 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agricultural purposes like the application of liquid fertilizers and pesticides.

      - DA&FW, under MoA&FW, has released the Operational Guidelines for this scheme.

     

Main Points:-   (i) Namo Drone Didi will be governed at the Central level by the Empowered Committee of the Secretaries of DA&FW; DRD, MoRD; DoF, MoC&F; MoCA; and MoWCD.

      (ii) The Implementation and Monitoring Committee will be headed by Caralyn Khongwar Deshmukh, Additional Secretary, MoRD. The committee will have representation from all stakeholders.

(iii) Under the scheme, CFA at 80% of the cost of drones and accessories/ancillary charges up to Rs 8 lakhs will be provided to women SHGs for the purchase of drones as a package.

About MoA&FW

Minister : Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Headquarters: New Delhi

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Himachal pardesh 's Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park to Become India's First IGBC-Certified Zoo.

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, CM of HP, announced that Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, located in the Bankhandi area of Kangra's Dehra constituency in HP, will be the 1st zoo in India to receive certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

      - This certification highlights the commitment to sustainable infra and eco-friendly practices, setting a new benchmark for conservation and environmental responsibility across India.

      - This initiative aligns with the gov's vision to develop Kangra as a model for eco-tourism, reinforcing its reputation as the "Tourism Capital" of HP.

     

Main Points :-   (i) The zoo's development is progressing in phases. The 1st phase, covering 25 ha, has a projected cost of Rs 230 cr and is set for completion by Q3 2025.

      (ii) The entire park, with a budget of Rs 619 cr, will boost tourism in Kangra and neighboring areas, creating an eco-friendly attraction.

(iii) The CZA has approved 34 enclosures at Durgesh Aranya Zoo to house 73 species, including Asiatic lions, hog deer, crocodiles, gharials, monitor lizards, and native birds.

About Himachal Pradesh

CM : Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Governor : Shiv Pratap Shukla

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DoPPW(Department of Pensions and Pensioners) Issues New Guidelines on Family Pension Eligibility for Daughters.

DoPPW under MOPPG&P has issued new guidelines on maintaining records for family members of govt pensioners.

      - As per the new guidelines, a daughter's name cannot be removed from the list of family members eligible for a govt servant's family pension.

      - According to the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, the term "family" includes unmarried, married, and widowed daughters, which also includes step-daughters and adopted daughters.

      - GoI (Col) has clarified that once a govt employee includes his daughter's name on Form 4, she is officially recognised as a family member, irrespective of her pension eligibility.

Main Points :-   (i) The revised guidelines state that unmarried, widowed, or divorced daughters over 25 years of age may also receive a family pension only if their siblings are either above 25 or financially independent. However, disabled children are given priority entitlement to the pension.

      (ii) Female govt employees or pensioners involved in ongoing divorce proceedings, or those who have filed cases against their husbands under relevant protective acts, may request family pension benefits for their children in the event of their death.

(iii) As per the new guidelines, if no eligible child exists at the time of a woman's death, the family pension will be received by the surviving widower. Initially, the pension will be given to the widower if they are the legal guardian of any minor or disabled children.

About Department of Pensions and Pensioners' Welfare (DOPPW)

Secretary : V.Srinivas

Headquarters : New Delhi

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MSDE Reconstitutes Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) for 3 Years to Strengthen Apprenticeship Training Programs.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has reconstituted the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) for a three-year term, effective from October 17, 2024.

      - This move is in accordance with the powers granted under Sec 24(1) and (2) of the Apprentices Act, 1961 (52 of 1961) and Rules 3 and 4 of the CAC Rules, 1962.

      - The reformed council will focus on driving reforms to enhance apprenticeship training and increase industry participation in on-the-job training.

     

Main Points :-   (i) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge, IC), Jayant Chaudhary, MSDE will chair the council, with Rajya Sabha member Vikramjit Singh Sahney as the vice-chairman of the council.

      (ii) The new CAC will have 54 members, an increase from 46 in the 2019 council, including representatives from industry associations, PSUs, state governments, and independent experts.

(iii) There will be representation from PSUs such as Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC), and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), among others.

About MSDE

Minister responsible: Jayant Chaudhary

Headquarter : New Delhi

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7th Session of ISA (International Solar Alliance) Assembly Held in New Delhi from November 3 to 6, 2024.

The 7th Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was conducted from 3rd to 6th November 2024 in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi with ministers from 29 countries.

      - Ministers, mission heads, and delegates from 120 Member and Signatory Countries (103 Member and 17 Signatory Countries), along with partner organizations and stakeholders, participated in the event.

      - The aim of the event was to enhance solar energy deployment across its Member Countries, particularly in regions with limited energy access.

     

Main Points:-   (i) In its 7th Assembly session, ISA elected Ashish Khanna from the Republic of India as its 3rd Director General.

      (ii) The 7th session of the ISA Assembly in New Delhi has elected India as President and France as Co-President for a period of two years from 2024 to 2026.

(iii) The Assembly elects the President and Co-President with due consideration to equitable geographical representation. The four regional groups of ISA Members include Africa; Asia and the Pacific; Europe and Others; and Latin America and the Caribbean.

About International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Director General- Ashish Khanna

Headquarters - Gurugram, Haryana

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Ministry of Coal organizes Star Rating Awards Ceremony & Stakeholder Consultation on MDOs.

The Ministry of Coal successfully hosted an event in New Delhi, Delhi, which included the Star Rating Awards Ceremony for Coal & Lignite Mines, a Stakeholder Consultation on MDOs, and the release of the Coal Directory of India.

      - The event was graced by Union Minister Gangapuram Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Coal, as the Chief Guest, with Union Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey, Ministry of Coal, serving as the Guest of Honour.

      - A total of 43 coal mines earned a 5-star rating for the year 2022-23, recognizing exceptional performance in mining operations, environmental practices, and worker safety.

      - Of these, 4 mines secured the first position, 2 the second, and 6 the third.

Main Points:-   (i) Neyveli (Tamil Nadu) based NLC India Limited mines achieved top scores and received the 5-star rating in the survey of lignite and coal-based open-cast mines in India for the year 2022-23.

      (ii) The Ministry of Mines also presented "Adarsh Karmayogi Awards" to 13 employees who completed over 100 courses on the iGOT Karmayogi portal.

About Ministry of Coal

Union Minister- G. Kishan Reddy

Headquarters: New Delhi

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17th Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo takes place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat, inaugurated the 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition (2024) at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

      - The theme of the 2024 conference is 'Standardization and Optimization of Urban Transport Solutions'.

      - The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) organized the UMI 2024 in collaboration with the Institute of Urban Transport (India) and with the support of the Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) Limited. The event was held from 25th October to 27th October 2024.

      - During the closing ceremony, the winners of the 'Best Practices Project in Urban Transport' were awarded to state and city authorities in a total of 9 categories.

Main Points:-   (i) Bhubaneswar (Odisha) was awarded the title of the 'City with the Best Public Transport System' at the Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2024.

      (ii) This marks the sixth time (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023) an Odisha government initiative, led by Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), has earned national recognition as one of the top urban mobility programs.

About Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA)

Cabinet Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar

Headquarters: New Delhi

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Rajnath Singh, MoD Minister, Unveils ADITI 3.0 Challenge and DISC 13 at Swavlamban 3.0.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD) launched two significant initiatives aimed at bolstering indigenous defence technologies: the 3rd edition of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI 3.0) challenge and the 13th Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 13).

      - The initiatives were launched during Swavlamban 3.0 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, organized by the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO).

      - The ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) 3.0 challenge aims to foster innovation in defence technology by encouraging startups and enterprises to develop cutting-edge solutions.

      - The 13th edition of the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC) includes 7 challenges across AI, Military Communication, and Autonomous Systems, proposed by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to modernize defense operations.

Main Points:-   (i) The previous editions of the Swavlamban initiative garnered over 2,000 proposals, leading to the development of 155 challenges and facilitating the completion of 171 contracts worth more than Rs 700 crore.

      (ii) It has successfully collaborated with 213 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups through the iDEX initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

(iii) The Defence Minister also recognized winners of previous Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) challenges and Hackathon participants, underscoring the government's commitment to fostering innovation in defence.

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Australia named "Country of Focus" for International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2024).

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has announced Australia as the "Country of Focus" for the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2024), which will be held in Panaji, Goa, from 20th to 28th November 2024.

      - The "Country of Focus" is a key feature of IFFI, offering a dedicated platform to showcase the best contemporary films from the selected nation.

     

     

Main Points:-   (i) This recognition celebrates the significant contributions of Australian cinema to the global film industry, highlighting its rich storytelling traditions, vibrant film culture, and innovative cinematic techniques.

      (ii) Seven Australian films, spanning a diverse range of genres—including critically acclaimed dramas, powerful documentaries, visually stunning thrillers, and light-hearted comedies—will be featured at IFFI 2024.

(iii) Founded in 1952, IFFI is one of Asia's premier film festivals, offering filmmakers a prestigious platform to present their works. The festival is held annually in Goa to celebrate the best in world cinema.

About Australia

Prime minister: Anthony Albanese

Capital: Canberra

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Meluri Officially Declared as the 17th District of Nagaland.

On November 4, 2024, Meluri officially became the 17th district of Nagaland, following a notification from the Governor of Nagaland, La. Ganesan.

      This transition elevates Meluri from a sub-division of Phek district to an independent district.

      - Meluri includes 31 villages covering an area of 1011 square kilometers (km²), with four administrative headquarters, such as the industrial town of Wazeho and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Avangkhu, Nagaland.

     

Main Points:-   (i) Meluri, primarily inhabited by the Pochury Naga tribe, is located near the international border with Myanmar.

      (ii) It is the fifth district established in Nagaland in the past three years, as part of the state government's efforts to improve administrative efficiency.

(iii) In 2021, the state government created Tseminyu district by splitting Kohima, and Chümoukedima and Niuland districts by dividing Dimapur.

About Nagaland

CM : Neiphiu Rio

Governor : La.Ganesan

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Key Highlights of Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez's Visit to India October 28-29, 2024.

At the invitation of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India, Pedro Sánchez, PM of Spain, along with his spouse Begona Gomez, visited India from 28th to 29th October 2024.

      - PM Modi and Spain PM Pedro Sánchez discussed a range of bilateral issues during delegation-level talks held at the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat.

     

     

Main Points:-   (i) India & Spain signed several MoUs related to rail transport, customs, finance mechanisms for investment, and cultural exchanges.

      (ii) Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Fourth Spain-India Forum in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on 29th October 2024.

(iii) The theme of the forum was "Spain-India Partnership amid Geopolitical and Technological Challenges: New Horizons, New Possibilities.

About Spain

Prime Minister (PM) : Pedro Sánchez

Capital - Madrid

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RPF and MoWCD Unveil Updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to Safeguard Vulnerable Children.

On 25th October 2024, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways (MoR) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), launched the revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to protect vulnerable children on railway premises across the nation. The launch event took place at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi.

      - The comprehensive SOP outlines a detailed framework for safeguarding children who come into contact with Indian Railways.

      - This revised SOP strengthens MoR's commitment to preventing child exploitation and trafficking, offering a safety net for vulnerable children.

     

Main Points:-   (i) During the event, Indian Railways and MoWCD also announced the expansion of Child Help Desks (CHDs) at major railway stations, enhancing the support network for children in need.

      (ii) RPF highlighted the importance of reinforcing Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) and urged states like Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh (MP) to set up these units at their railway stations to prevent trafficking and improve passenger safety.

About Railways Protection Force (RPF)

DG : Manoj Ydav

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Assam Launches Mission Basundhara 3.0 to Grant Land Rights to Indigenous Communities.

Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma launched Mission Basundhara 3.0 in Guwahati to provide land rights to indigenous people, digitize land-related services, and publish maps for the benefit of the state's residents.

      - The CM also launched the Revenue Department's Digidoc, a digital directory for non-registrable and optional registrable documents, aimed at streamlining services, reducing processing time, and improving public convenience, accessibility, and efficiency.

      - Under this phase, members of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Adivasi communities, Tea Tribes, and Gorkhas will be recognized as "sons of the soil" and exempt from proving three-generation ancestry to obtain land rights.

      - The premium rate for city dwellers has been reduced to 3% of the zonal valuation.

Main Points:-   (i) Mission Basundhara 3.0 will be the final phase of the initiative, with no plans for a Mission Basundhara 4.0.

      (ii) Mission Basundhara 1.0, launched in 2021, resolved 8 lakh applications in 9 months.

(iii) Mission Basundhara 2.0, launched in 2022, granted land rights to over 2 lakh indigenous people within 1 year.

About Assam

CM : Himanta Biswa Sarma

Governor : Lakshman Acharya

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IndiaAI and Meta Launch "Srijan" GenAI Center of Excellence at IIT Jodhpur.

IndiaAI, an initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in partnership with Meta Platforms, Inc., has announced the launch of the "Srijan" Center for Generative AI (GenAI CoE) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

      - The initiative, named "Srijan" (सृजन - meaning "creation"), is designed to enhance India's open-source Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem by driving research, innovation, and skill development.

     

     

Main Points:-   (i) Along with this center, IndiaAI and Meta, in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), have launched the "YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building" to empower India's youth in AI.

      (ii) S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), highlighted that the partnership marks a significant step toward realizing India’s vision of a strong and sustainable AI ecosystem.

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MOYAS Announces Replacement of Dhyan Chand Lifetime Award with Arjuna Lifetime Award.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) announced the discontinuation of the Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime achievement and the introduction of the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) starting from 2024.

      - The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) will replace the Dhyan Chand Award to streamline India’s various sporting honours.

      - The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) will recognize lifetime contributions to sports development.

      - To honor the Khelo India scheme, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy will be awarded to the university with the overall top performance in the Khelo India University Games.

Main Points:-   (i) Instituted in 2002, the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Award is presented annually to individuals excelling in disciplines featured in the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and others.

      (ii) The award consists of a statue of Dhyan Chand, a certificate, a ceremonial dress, and a cash prize of 10 lakh rupees.

(iii) In 2023, the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Award was presented to former shuttler Manjusha Kanwar, ex-hockey player Vineet Kumar, and kabaddi player Kavitha Selvaraj.

About MOYAS

Cabinet Minister : Mansukh Mandaviya

Headquarters: New Delhi

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"Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Multiple Projects During Gujarat Visit on 28th October 2024".

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India, visited and inaugurated various projects in Gujarat on 28th October 2024. PM Modi, along with Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister (PM) of the Government of Spain, jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft at TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat.

      - PM Modi also visited Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara.

      - He inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth over Rs 4,800 crores at Lathi, Amreli.

     

Main Points:-   (i) PM Modi, along with Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez, jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft at TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat.

      (ii) In addition to TATA, Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Dynamics Ltd., private Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises will contribute to this programme.

(iii) The foundation stone of the Vadodara FAL was laid by PM Modi in October 2022.

About Gujarat

Chief minister: Bhupendra Patel

Governor: Acharya Devvrat

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Pays Official Visit to India for 7th Intergovernmental Consultations with PM Modi (24th-26th October 2024).

Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, paid an official visit to India, at the invitation of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, from 24th to 26th October 2024 for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC).

      - India and Germany signed several Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and agreements to boost bilateral relations in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in New Delhi.

      - The year 2024 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Cooperation in Scientific Research and Technological Development, which established the foundation for Indo-German collaboration in science, technology, research, and innovation.

     

Main Points:-   (i) On 25 October 2024, PM Modi and Chancellor Scholz co-chaired the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations (7th IGC). Chancellor Scholz was accompanied by senior Ministers in his cabinet for the IGC consultations.

      (ii) PM Modi and Chancellor Scholz addressed the 18th Asia Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) being held in New Delhi, Delhi.

About Germany

President - Frank-Walter Steinmeier

Capital - Berlin

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Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh Launches Pandemic Fund Project and 21st Livestock Census to Enhance Animal Health Security.

On 25th October 2024, Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh, alias Lalan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH&D), launched the Pandemic Fund Project, a USD 25 million initiative funded by the Group-20 (G20) Pandemic Fund.

      - This project aims to strengthen animal health security in India for pandemic preparedness and response during an event held in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - The "Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response" initiative is designed to reduce risks associated with zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans.

      - Key activities under the project include strengthening and integrating disease surveillance and Early Warning Systems (EWS), upgrading and expanding the laboratory network, and building capacity for data analytics and risk communication, among others.

Main Points:-   (i) The Union Minister also launched the 21st Livestock Census, which will be conducted until February 2025 at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore.

      (ii) Union Minister of State (MoS) George Kurian, S.P. Singh Bhagel (MoFAH&D), Amitabh Kant (G20 Sherpa), Professor Dr. V.K. Paul (Member, Health, NITI Aayog), Alka Upadhyaya (Secretary, DAHD), and representatives from all 36 states and Union Territories (UTs) were present at the event.

About Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D)

Minister : Rajeev Ranjan Singh

Headquarters: New Delhi

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"Union Ministers Launch 'Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting' Initiative at Vigyan Bhawan".

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), along with Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), and Minister of State (MoS) Satya Pal Singh Baghel, MoPR, launched the 'Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting' initiative at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

      - This initiative aims to provide daily weather updates to Gram Panchayats, covering temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and cloud cover.

      - This marks the first time that localized weather forecasts will be available at the Gram Panchayat level, developed in collaboration with MoPR and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MOES).

     

Main Points:-   (i) The initiative provides 5-day daily weather forecasts and the ability to check hourly weather updates.

      (ii) Weather forecasts will be accessible via digital platforms such as the Meri Panchayat app, eGramSwaraj, Mausamgram, and Gram Manchitra, promoting local governance and transparency.

(iii) Mausamgram, an IMD initiative, delivers location-specific weather forecasts at the Gram Panchayat level under the motto 'HAR HAR MAUSAM HAR GHAR MAUSAM' (weather information for every household, anytime). It offers hourly forecasts for up to 36 hours, 3-hourly updates for the next five days, and 6-hourly forecasts for days six to ten.

About India Meteorological Department (IMD)

DG : Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra

Headquarters : New Delhi

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Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW) Pensioners Turning 80 are Eligible to Get Additional Pension.

The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPPGP), stated that Central Government Pensioners turning 80 are eligible for an additional pension.

      - On 18th October 2024, the DoPPW released an office memorandum outlining the detailed guidelines on additional pensions for pensioners turning 80.

      - As per the provisions of Sub Rule 6 of Rule 44 of Central Civil Services (CCS) (Pension) Rules 2021 [erstwhile Rule 49(2-A) of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972], after completion of eighty years of age or above by a retired Government servant, an additional pension or compassionate allowance is admissible under the rules.

      - A compassionate pension is a special allowance granted by the government to an employee or their family in cases such as the employee's death (including by suicide) while in service, retirement on medical grounds before age 55 (or 57 for former Group 'D' government servants), or if the employee's disablement or death is linked to their government service.

Main Points:-   (i) The additional pension or compassionate allowance will be disbursed as follows: 20% of the basic pension for individuals aged 80 to less than 85 years, 30% for those aged 85 to less than 90 years, 40% for individuals aged 90 to less than 95 years, and 50% for those aged 95 to less than 100 years.

      (ii) For individuals aged 100 years or more, the additional pension or compassionate allowance will be 100% of the basic pension.

Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW)

Minister: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Headquarters: New Delhi

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