December 2023 Final Upload Lyst2146

SPOTLIGHT
Monthly Current Affairs

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RBI - NABARD - SEBI

SPOTLIGHT - DECEMBER 2023
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Contents
NATIONAL NEWS .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
STATE NEWS ............................................................................................................................................................... 23
INTERNATIONAL NEWS ............................................................................................................................................ 31
BANKING AND ECONOMY........................................................................................................................................ 38
REPORTS AND INDICES ........................................................................................................................................... 80
GDP FORECASTS ...................................................................................................................................................... 91
DEFENCE NEWS ........................................................................................................................................................ 92
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................................................... 99
AWARDS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 100
IMPORTANT DAYS .................................................................................................................................................... 113
SPORTS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 117
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING .............................................................................................................. 122
APPOINTMENTS ....................................................................................................................................................... 136
MISCELLANEOUS..................................................................................................................................................... 143
QUESTIONS.................................................................................................................................................................... 147
pg. 1
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NATIONAL NEWS
1. Government has launched auction of critical minerals for the first time.
• Objectives-
o To boost the exploration and extraction of critical and strategic minerals
o To secure a critical-mineral supply chain for India's energy transition and net-zero-by-
2070 target.
• More about auction-
o First batch of auctions involves 20 blocks across seven states- Bihar, Gujarat,
Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh and the union territory
of Jammu & Kashmir.
o Bids are invited only in digital format.
• Importance of Critical Minerals:
o Critical minerals are crucial for India's economic development and national security.
o The scarcity of these minerals and their concentration in a few countries pose potential
supply-chain vulnerabilities.
• India's Renewable Energy Goals:
o India aims to achieve 50% of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-
fossil sources by 2030.
Knowledge Nuggets
What are critical metals?

• Critical minerals are those minerals that are essential for economic development and
national security.
• Important critical metals-lithium, titanium, bauxite (aluminous laterite), glauconite,
nickel, chromium, potash, copper, graphite, manganese ore, molybdenum ore,
phosphorite, and platinum group elements.
Source: livemint
2. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has flagged off luxury cruise vessel ‘Classical Imperial’ in
Kerala.
• The vessel has been inaugurated at the Neo-classic Boat Jetty at Marine Drive.
Source: The Hindu
pg. 2
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3. Union Cabinet has approved Rs 1,261 crore scheme to provide drones to 15,000 progressive
women Self Help Groups (SHGs).
• Tenure of scheme-
o The scheme will run for two years beginning 2024-25.
• Subsidy under the scheme-
o Centre will provide 80% of the cost of the drone and accessories/ancillary charges of up
to Rs 8,00,000.
o Total estimated expenditure of an agricultural drone and its accessories is about Rs 10
lakh.
• Remuneration-
o Drone pilot will receive an honorarium of Rs 15,000 and a co-pilot about Rs 10,000.
• Identification of SHG-
o SHGs will be identified from the total 89 lakh SHGs formed under the Deendayal
Antyodaya Yojana.
o Cluster Level Funds of SHGs can raise the balance amount (total cost of procurement
minus subsidy) as a loan under the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF).
o An interest subvention of 3% on the AIF loan will be provided.
• Drone Procurement:
o Fertilizer companies will provide around 500 drones.
o The remaining 14,500 drones will be made available through central assistance in the
next two years.
• Drone Usage:
o Clusters of 10-15 villages will be formed for the use of drones.
o Approximately 1,000 hectares of land will be available for drone operation.
o Emphasis will be given to commercial crops.
Source: Business Standard
4. India has been re-elected to International Maritime Organisation Council for the 2024–25
biennium.
• India comes under the Category of 10 states with "the largest interest in international
seaborne trade.
• About IMO Council-
o It is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the assembly, for supervising
the work of the organization.
pg. 3
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o It performs the functions of the assembly, except that of making recommendations to

governments on maritime safety and pollution prevention.
Knowledge Nuggets
About IMO-
• It is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping.
• It was established following agreement at a UN conference held in Geneva in 1948.
• Headquarters- London, UK
• Established- 1958
• Secretary General- Kitack Lim
Source: PIB
5. Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has released Dynamic Ground
Water Resource Assessment Report 2023.
• Assessment carried by-
o It is carried jointly by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States/UTs, which can
be used for taking suitable interventions by various stake-holders.
• Key observations-
o Analysis indicates improvement in ground water conditions in 226 assessment units in
the country compared with 2022 assessment data.
o Total annual ground water recharge for entire country is 449.08 billion cubic meters
(BCM), while extraction is 241.34 BCM.
o Stage of ground water extraction stands at 59.23%.
o Out of total 6553 assessment units, 4793 units categorized as ‘Safe’.
Source: PIB
6. Central Government has approved ₹1658.17 crore recovery plan for Joshimath in
Uttarakhand which was affected by landslide and ground subsidence.
Source: ET
7. Ministry of Tourism has launched National Best Tourism Village and National Best Rural
Homestays Competition 2024.
• Objectives-
o To strengthen the promotion and development of Rural Tourism in the country.
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o To develop healthy competitiveness among the villages and the rural homestays to
identify and reward outstanding contributions to Rural Tourism.
• It was launched on World Tourism Day, 27th September 2023
• Application time- 15th November to 31st December, 2023
Source: PIB
8. World's first indigenously designed portable hospital 'Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube' has been
unveiled in Gurugram, Haryana.
• Key features-
o It can be set up within one hour of arriving at the emergency site to treat the injured.
o It can be used in any emergency area or disaster such as earthquake, flood, forest-fire
or even a war.
o It is made up of 72 detachable mini- cubes, each being a specialised station for
emergency response and humanitarian efforts.
o It is designed indigenously under Project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog
Hita and Maitri).
Source: ANI
9. India has reduced its emission intensity as per a government report titled 'The Third
National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change'.
o India has achieved a significant reduction of 33% in emission intensity of its gross
domestic product (GDP) between 2005 and 2019.
o India is among the first 26 developing countries to submit communications based on the
GHG inventory of 2019 or later.
• Revision of NDC Targets-
o India had initially set a goal of a 33% reduction in the emission intensity of GDP by 2030
in its original submission of NDCs.
o However, this target was revised upward to 45% in the updated NDCs submitted under
the Paris Agreement in 2022.
• Non-fossil Fuel-Based Power Capacity-
o India has exceeded its original NDC target of 40% for non-fossil fuel-based power
capacity in 2030 by achieving a 41% share.
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o The target has been further revised to a more ambitious 50% as of 2022.
• Power Generation Sources-
o In 2022-23, India generated 73% of its power from coal and 12% from 'new renewables'
(excluding hydropower).
o The Central Electricity Agency has projected a decrease in the share of coal to 55% and
an increase in new renewables to 31% by 2030.
Source: DTE
10. Indian researcher Dr Akshata Krishnamurthy has become the first Indian woman to
operate the Mars rover Perseverance and collect samples from Mars to bring back to
Earth.
• More about Akshata Krishnamurthy-
o She is Principal Investigator and Mission Science Phase Lead at NASA after completing
her Ph.D. in Space Systems Engineering at MIT, USA.
o She works as a Systems Engineer and Scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(JPL) and leads project verification and validation for the NASA-ISRO Synthetic
Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Mars rover Perseverance-

• It was launched by NASA on July 30, 2020
• Objective- To seek signs of ancient life and collect samples of rock and regolith (broken
rock and soil) for possible return to Earth.
About NASA-
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the U.S.
federal government responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and
space research.
• Headquarters- Washington D.C., USA
Source: livemint, NASA
pg. 6
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11. India has been unanimously elected as a member representing Asian region in the
Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) during its 46th meeting
held at Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters at Rome.
• About Executive Committee-
o It is a crucial arm of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).
o Membership in the EC provides countries, including India, with the opportunity to
contribute to international standard-setting processes for various food product
categories.
o Composition- It comprises the Chair, three Vice-Chairs, six regional coordinators, and
seven elected representatives from various geographical regions of Codex.
• India's Proposal for Millet Standards-
o India has proposed the establishment of global standards for millets during the CAC
meeting which was accepted by the Commission, reflecting the acknowledgment of
India's initiative for global millet standards.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)-

• CAC is an international food standards body established jointly by the Food and
Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Established- May 1963
• Objective-
o To protect consumer’s health and ensuring fair practices in food trade.
Source: PIB
12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at
Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra.
• Knowledge fact-
o Maratha empire founder Shivaji Maharaj’s seal inspired the new naval ensign that was
adopted last year when PM Modi commissioned the first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS
Vikrant.
Source: The Hindu
13. Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched Geographic Information System application
“Gram Manchitra” to encourage the Spatial Planning by the Gram Panchayat.
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• More about Gram Manchitra-

o It helps and supports Gram Panchayats to perform planning at Gram Panchayat level
using geo-spatial technology.
o It provides a single/ unified Geo Spatial platform to better visualize the various
developmental works to be taken up across the different sectors.
o It will be aided by previously launched mActionSoft application of Ministry of Panchayati
Raj.
• What is mActionSoft-
o It is a mobile based solution which helps in capturing photos with Geo-Tags (i.e. GPS
Coordinates) for the works which have asset as an output.
o Geo-tagging of the assets is done in all three stages viz.
(i) before start of the work
(ii) during the work and
(iii) on completion of work
• How it will help?
o Assets geo-tagged using the m-ActionSoft application are available on Gram Manchitra,
enhancing the visualization of various developmental works in the Gram Panchayats.
Source: PIB
14. India has joined Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Consortium for renewable
energy integration.
• About BESS-
o BESS are devices that store energy from renewables sources like solar and wind and
then release it when the power is needed most.
o India is part of BESS and committed to secure 5 GW of BESS commitments by the end
of 2024.
• What is Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Consortium?
o It is an initiative led by The Global Leadership Council (GLC) of the Global Energy
Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) to boost the adoption of renewable energy
sources.
• Objective of BESS-
o To establish 4,000 Mwh of BESS projects by 2030-31 for providing financial assistance
of up to 40% of the capital cost through budgetary support in the form of Viability Gap
Funding (VGF).
pg. 8
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Knowledge Nuggets
What is Viability Gap Funding (VGF)?

• VGF is a financial mechanism used by governments to bridge the gap between the cost
of infrastructure projects and their economic viability.
15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated first edition of the Indian Art, Architecture
and Design Biennale (IAADB) 2023 at Red Fort, New Delhi.
• Objective-
o To establish itself as a flagship global cultural initiative for the country
• Key point-
o National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is the curators and partners include-
o Archaeological Survey of India
o National Council of Science Museums
o Lalit Kala Akademi
o Council of Architecture
o Ministry of Education
• Exhibition is based on seven themes-
1. Pravesh: Rite of Passage: Doors of India
2. Bagh-e-bahar: Gardens as Universe: Gardens of India
3. Sampravah: Confluence of Communities: Baolis of India
4. Sthapatya: Anti-fragile algorithm: Temples of India
5. Vismaya: Creative Crossover: Architectural Wonders of Independent India
6. Deshaj Bharat Design: Indigenous Designs
7. Samatva: Shaping the Built: Celebrating Women in Architecture
16. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched “HaritSagar” Green Port
Guidelines to reduce carbon intensity and to develop an environment-friendly ecosystem
at all Major Ports.
• Key points under of the guidelines-
o Implementation of technology to allow ships to connect to onshore power grids while
docked, reducing the need for onboard generators and minimizing emissions.
pg. 9
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o Transition of port equipment, such as cranes and vehicles, to electric power to reduce
reliance on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions.
o Development of infrastructure at select ports for the storage, bunkering, and refuelling of
green hydrogen, green ammonia, and other environmentally friendly fuels.
Source: PIB
17. Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has launched India-Korea Electronic
Origin Data Exchange System (EODES).
• Objective-
o To implement India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by
use of electronic exchange of origin information between the two customs
administrations in respect of the goods traded.
Source: PIB
18. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman and 3 other Indians have featured on Forbes list
of ‘World’s 100 Most Powerful Women’ of 2023.
• Key details-
o Other 3 Indians include HCL Corporation Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Steel
Authority of India Chairperson Soma Mondal and Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran
Mazumdar-Shaw.
o Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the number 1 position.
She is followed by European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, US Vice
President Kamala Harris and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
• Rank Table-
Rank Name Country
1 Ursula von der Leyen Germany
2 Christine Lagarde France
3 Kamala Harris USA
32 Nirmala Sitaraman India
60 Roshni Nadar Malhotra India
70 Soma Mondal India
76 Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw India
Source: Indian Express
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19. Kenyan President William Ruto has visited India from December 4 to December 6, 2023, at
the invitation of the President of India.
• Key bilateral agreement-
o India has announced USD 250 million Line of Credit (LOC) to Kenya to support the
modernization of its agricultural sector.
o Kenya has offered land to Indian companies for crop cultivation, including millets.
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)-
o India and Kenya have signed 5 MoUs in various sectors:
i. Sports
ii. Education
iii. Culture
iv. Digital solutions
v. Digital transformation, with India providing training to Kenya on digital ID and
government service digitization.
• Maritime Cooperation-
o India and Kenya have unveiled a blueprint for "Joint Vision Statement on Maritime
Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region- BAHARI (Ocean in Swahili)."
Source: mea
20. Ministry of Culture has launched ‘Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ Project for cultural mapping
and documentation of villages across India.
• More about Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar-
o Mapping is conducted in coordination with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
(IGNCA) under the Ministry of Culture.
o Under the MGMD, information is collected under seven broad categories as given
below-
o Arts and Crafts Village
o Ecologically Oriented Village
o Scholastic Village linked with Textual and Scriptural Traditions of India
o Epic Village linked with Ramayana, Mahabharata and/or Puranic legends and
oral epics
o Historical Village linked with Local and National History
o Architectural Heritage Village
pg. 11
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o Any other characteristic that may need highlighting such as fishing village,
horticulture village, shepherding village etc.
Source: PIB
21. UNICEF's Generation Unlimited, in collaboration with India's Ministry of Environment,

Forest, and Climate Change has unveiled the "Green Rising" initiative at COP28 in Dubai.
• Objective-
o To mobilize millions of young people worldwide, encouraging their active participation in
green initiatives addressing and adapting to the severe impacts of climate change on
their communities.
• What is Green Rising initiative?
o It is an initiative which focuses on engaging youth for impactful environmental actions at
the grassroots level, aligning with the global effort to address the severe impacts of
climate change.
• How it works in India?
o In India this initiative is carried out through ‘YuWaah campaign’ which focuses on
engaging youth to drive impactful environmental actions at the grassroots level, inspired
by the Mission Life movement.
Knowledge Nuggets
About UNICEF-
• United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (officially United Nations
Children's Fund) is an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing
humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.
• Headquarters- New York, USA
• Executive Director- Catherine Russell
Source: AIR
22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the first urban flood mitigation project of
₹561.29 crore, under National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) for ‘Integrated Urban Flood
Management activities for Chennai Basin Project’.
• More about Project-
pg. 12
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o It is first urban flood mitigation effort which establishes a broader framework for urban
flood management.
o It aims to make Chennai flood-resilient through comprehensive flood management
strategies.
o It involves re-establishing surplus canals for minor irrigation tanks and focuses on
restoring waterbodies in Chennai.
o It Includes installation of software for remote operation of surplus regulators during
floods.
o Timeline-
o Project set to complete by September 2024.
Source: PIB
23. Invest India is set to host the 27th World Investment Conference (WIC) from December 11-
14, 2023, at the India International Convention & Expo Centre, Yashobhoomi in New
Delhi.
• More about Invest India-
• Theme for 2023-
o Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth
• More about World Investment Conference (WIC)-
o It is an annual flagship event of World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies
(WAIPA) and it serves as a platform for global investment promotion and innovation
stakeholders.
o It will also feature parallel sessions focusing on Agri-Food Processing, Energy,
Infrastructure, Tourism, Automotive & Machinery, ICT/Technology, and Life Sciences.
Knowledge Nuggets
About World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies-

• It is a non-governmental organization.
• Its mission is to empower and support investment promotion agencies in the important
work they do to develop their economies.
• It has more than 120 member agencies representing more than 100 countries.
Source: PIB
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24. First bullet train terminal of India has been built at Sabarmati Multimodal Transport Hub in
Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• More about bullet train project-
o It is officially known as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor.
o It is equipped with world class cutting-edge features and modern amenities.
o It is supposed to be completed in 2026.
o Government of Japan is providing technical and financial support to the project.
o Project is implemented by National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).
o It Jointly owned by Ministry of Railways, Government of Gujarat, and Government of
Maharashtra.
Source: ET
25. Tiriyani Block of Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district, Telangana has secured the 1st
position in the first delta rankings of Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) announced by
NITI Aayog.
• More about Delta Ranking of Aspirational Blocks Programme-
o NITI Aayog has announced ranking in a virtual event at NITI Aayog with 329 districts
and 500 aspirational blocks participating.
• First position: Rayagada block, Rayagada District, Odisha.
• Second position: Kaushambi block, Kaushambi District, Uttar Pradesh.
• Calculation Basis:
o Rankings based on performance and progress in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in
June 2023.
o Competitive and cooperative federalism approach applied for the first-time ranking of
blocks in ABP.
• Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) Rankings (October 2023):
o First position: Rayagada, Odisha
o Second position: Jamui, Bihar
• Wall of Fame Initiative:
o Top rankers of ABP and ADP are displayed on the Wall of Fame at NITI Aayog.
o It showcases achievements and projects of Aspirational Blocks and Districts with a
vision to create Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Geographical Division and Zonal Rankings:
o Blocks are divided into six zones.
pg. 14
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o Winners from each zone has been felicitated with a prize amount of Rs. 1.5 crores for
top rank and Rs. 1 crore for the second rank.
Source: PIB
26. Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has launched the Indian Forest &
Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS).
• More about IFWCS-
o It offers voluntary third-party certification designed to promote sustainable forest
management and agroforestry in the country.
o It includes-
o Forest management certification,
o Tree outside forest management certification, and
o Chain of custody certification
o It provides market incentives to various entities that adhere to responsible forest
management and agroforestry practices in their operations.
o Certification consists of 8 criteria, 69 indicators and 254 verifiers, which is an integral
part of the National Working Plan Code 2023
o Overseeing body-
o Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council
o Scheme operating and management agency-
o Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal National Accreditation Board for
Certification Bodies under the Quality Council of India will accredit the certification
bodies
o Certification Bodies will carry out independent audits and assess adherence of various
entities on the standards prescribed under the scheme.
Source: PIB
27. Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K) and the Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited have
launched India’s first fully integrated school of sustainability at IIT Kanpur.
• Key points-
o It will be known as Kotak School of Sustainability (KSS).
o It will run both undergraduate and postgraduate academic and skill-building programs in
different themes of sustainability.
pg. 15
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o KSS will be funded by Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) programme ‘Kotak Karma’.
Source: ET
28. Saint Lucia has launched Tax Inspectors without Borders (TIWB) programme in partnership
with India.
• What is Tax Inspectors without Borders (TIWB)-
o It is a joint initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) which provides
expert assistance and transfer of tax audit knowledge to developing countries.
• India has been chosen as the Partner Administration and will provide Tax Experts for this
programme.
• This is the seventh TIWB programme which India has supported by providing Tax Experts.
Source: PIB
29. Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju has flagged off India’s first winter scientific
expedition to the Arctic from New Delhi.
• More about Arctic expedition-
o Researchers will study climate change, space weather, sea-ice and ocean circulation
dynamics, ecosystem adaptations, etc.
o First batch of the maiden Arctic winter expedition includes researchers from NCPOR, IIT
Mandi, IITM Pune, and Raman Research Institute.
o Priority research areas for the Arctic expeditions include atmospheric, biological, marine,
and space sciences, environmental chemistry, cryosphere studies, terrestrial
ecosystems, and astrophysics.
o NCPOR facilitates Arctic expeditions by reviewing research proposals through an open
call for applications.
Source: PIB
30. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated world’s largest meditation centre
‘Swarved Mahamandir’ in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• Key features of Swarved Mahamandir-
o It is a seven-floor superstructure.
o It can seat 20,000 people at a time for meditation.
pg. 16
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o Verses of Swarveda have been carved upon the walls of Mahamandir.

Source: ET
31. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched second edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam in
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• Key points-
o Second edition will be held between December 17 to 30, 2023 and it is a part of the
government's Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Yuva Sangam programme.
o Its objective is to revive living bonds between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, fostering a people-
to-people connect, and strengthening ties based on shared heritage.
o It aims to bring together traditions of knowledge and culture from Kashi and Tamil Nadu.
o First edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam was held from November 16 to December 16,
2022.
Source: ET
32. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has launched DigiELV Trading Platform for ELV Certificate of
Deposit Trading Platform, and Automotive Circularity Orchestrator by Meta Materials Circular
Markets (MMCM).
• Objective-
o To revolutionize the automotive industry by promoting sustainability and addressing the
pressing issue of automotive pollution.
• About DigiELV platform-
o This platform empowers users to lawfully trade Certificates of Deposit, promoting
transparency and ensuring sustainable efforts of ELV owners are rewarded.
• About Automotive Circularity Orchestrator-
o Automotive Circularity Orchestrator addresses global environmental concerns by
fostering collaboration for eco-friendly alternatives.
o The orchestrator connects consumers, manufacturers, and recyclers to promote
sustainability, facilitating seamless data and material exchanges for an integrated,
sustainable future.
Source: The print
33. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has launched National Geoscience Data Repository Portal
(NGDR).
pg. 17
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• What is NGDR?
o NGDR is a comprehensive online platform which will facilitate access, sharing, and
analysis of geospatial information throughout India.
o It is launched by Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskaracharya Institute of
Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N).
Source: ET
34. Union Ayush Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has released of commemorative postal
stamp on first foundation day of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) Goa, in New Delhi.
• Key points-
o It was jointly organised by All-India Institute of Ayurveda and India Post.
• About AIIA Goa-
o It is a premier institution in the field of Ayurveda, dedicated to providing high-quality
healthcare services with motto of compassion with care.
o Its mission is to provide advanced preventive, diagnostic, and tertiary healthcare
facilities.
Source: PIB
35. Union Minister for MSME Narayan Rane has launched three sub-schemes under the
Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme.
• More about the schemes-
i. MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSME GIFT
Scheme)-
o It is launched to help MSMEs adopt green technology with interest subvention and credit
guarantee support.
ii. MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme)-
o It is the first ever scheme launched by the Government to support circular economy
projects by providing credit subsidy.
o It will lead to realising the dream of MSME sector towards zero emissions by 2070.
iii. MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments-
o It is a first of its kind scheme to synergise legal support with modern IT tools and
Artificial Intelligence to address the incidences of delayed payments for Micro and Small
Enterprises.
Source: PIB
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36. Quantum Ecosystems and Technology Council of India (QETCI) and Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has organized the 1st National Quantum
Science and Technology Symposium (NQSTS) in New Delhi.
• More about Symposium-
o Centre for Quantum Security has been launched at the event with the aim to work with
multiple stakeholders in the Quantum Security Ecosystem.
o It will create a community and provide a space for experimentation, proof of concepts,
vendor-neutral papers and reports, training, and workshops.
Knowledge Nuggets
About QETCI-
• It is a Not for Profit – Section 8 company which is bringing Industry, Academia,
Government, Partner Councils / Associations in Quantum together, based on a
membership approach.
• Headquarters- Hyderabad, Telangana
• Chairman- Vijay Kumar Saraswat
Source: ET
37. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya has launched 'MedTech
Mitra,' a strategic initiative to empower MedTech innovators and advance healthcare solutions.
• Objectives-
o To support young talents in the country, provide guidance and shape their research,
knowledge, and logic.
o It also focuses on helping innovators to obtain regulatory approval for their medical
technologies.
• More about MedTech Mitra-
o It is a collaborative initiative of the NITI Aayog, Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR), and Central Drugs Standard Control organization.
o It seeks to facilitate indigenous development of affordable and quality MedTech devices
and diagnostics, reducing import dependence and fostering industry growth.
o It will provide support at the approval stage, encourage indigenous development, and
contribute to India's self-reliance (Atmanirbhar) and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
pg. 19
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o It acts as a community and a harbinger of revolutionary change for budding

entrepreneurs and innovators.
• Projected Growth of MedTech Industry-
o According to Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya MedTech industry of India will grow to
a $50 billion industry by 2030.
Source: PIB
38. Cumulative installed capacity in rooftop solar segment in India has crossed 10 GW.
• Key points-
o Gujarat has topped the segment with a contribution of 30% to the total capacity.
o Cumulative Roof Top Solar (RTS) installed capacity has increased to 10.4 GW as of
November 30, 2023, from 1.8 GW as of March 31, 2019.
o Share of Gujarat was 3.2 GW, followed by Maharashtra at 1.9 GW and Rajasthan at 1.1
GW capacity.
Source: Hindu Business Line
39. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has announced that
Government of India has planned to introduce a GPS based toll collection system by
March, 2024.
• Objective-
o To reduce the traffic congestion and institute a system where motorists are charged
based on precise distance covered on highway.
• How GPS based toll collection system will work?
o New system will use Global Positioning System (GPS) devices or Automatic Number
Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to calculate the distance travelled by vehicles on
tolled roads and automatically deduct the toll amount from the driver's account.
Source: TOI
40. President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the three Criminal Code bills and signed
Telecommunications Act, 2023.
• The New Criminal laws are-
o Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, it will replace Indian Penal Code.
o Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, it will replace Code of Criminal Procedure.
pg. 20
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o Bharatiya Sakshya Act, it will replace the Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act of
1872.
• More about 3 bills-
o Three bills have proposed to reform the criminal justice system by providing clear
definitions for various offenses and their corresponding punishments.
o The legislation includes a precise definition of terrorism and introduces a new section
called "offenses against the state”.
o One of the changes includes the abolition of sedition as a criminal offense in the
proposed change.
• More about Telecommunication Act, 2023-
o New Act has formalized practices, such as reserving specific spectrum bands for various
purposes in the telecom industry.
o It has established dispute resolution measures to address conflicts between licensed
service providers and the government.
o Act has introduced streamlined processes for telecom operators to obtain permissions
for setting up equipment in different states, offering newer and more efficient ways to
navigate regulatory requirements.
Source: The Hindu, The Hindu
41. Union Home Minister, Amit Shah has released a commemorative Postal Stamp to mark 50
years of Pandit Jasraj’s music festival ‘Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroha’,
in New Delhi.
• More about Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroha-
o Stamp has been released on the occasion of music festival initiated by Pandit Jasraj in
1972 to honour his father, Sangeet Ratna Pandit Motiram ji.
o Pandit Jasraj has played a crucial role in introducing young musicians to Hyderabad
audiences, many of whom have become legends.
o For 47 years Pandit Jasraj has hosted the annual Sangeet Samaroh without a break,
making it the oldest festival in Hyderabad.
o Pandit Jasraj was affectionately called the "Son of Hyderabad" for his unique
contributions.
Source: PIB
pg. 21
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42. Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued guidelines under section 194-O of the
Income-tax Act, 1961.
• More about Section 194-O of the Income-tax Act-
o Section 194-O of the Income-tax Act, 1961 provides that an e-commerce operator shall
deduct income-tax at the rate of 1% of the gross amount of sale of goods or provision of
service, or both, facilitated through its digital or electronic facility or platform.
Knowledge Nuggets
About CBDT-
• Central Board of Direct Taxes is a statutory authority functioning under the Central Board
of Revenue Act, 1963.
• It is a part of Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance.
• Headquarters- New Delhi
• Chairperson- Nitin Gupta
Source: PIB
43. Government has announced the extension of export benefits under the Remission of
Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for e-commerce exports
through post or couriers.
• About RoDTEP Scheme-
o Launched in January 2021, it provides for refund of taxes, duties and levies that are
incurred by exporters in the process of manufacturing and distribution of goods.
o Reimbursements are provided for the products which are not being reimbursed under
any other mechanism at the centre, state, or local level.
o RoDTEP scheme operates under a budgetary framework and for 2023-24, a budget of
Rs 15,070 crore is available for it.
o Rate of tax refund under the scheme ranges from 0.5% to 4.3% of the value of the
product.
o It covers business-to-business exports of 10,610 products.
o Sectors which can benefit from this extension include gem and jewellery, handloom,
handicraft, AYUSH products, pharma, leather and textiles.
pg. 22
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STATE NEWS
1. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has released book ‘Resilient India: How Modi
Transformed India’s Disaster Management Paradigm’ at 6th World Congress on Disaster
Management.
• Edited and compiled by-
o Bluekraft Digital Foundation and Modi Story
Knowledge Nuggets
About 6th World Congress on Disaster Management-

• It is held in Dehradun from November 28- December 1.
• Organised by-
o It is organised jointly by the Hyderabad and Uttarakhand State Council of Science and
Technology.
• Objective-
o To discuss and solve the challenges of climate change and disaster resilience along
with focusing on the Himalayan ecosystem and communities.
Source: ET Indian Express
2. Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has been launched in South West Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
• About Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra-
o It is an integral part of the ‘Hamara Sankalp Viksit Bharat campaign’, which focuses on
the development of the nation.
o It involves spreading information about various government schemes to educate citizens
about their eligibility, benefits, and how to avail themselves of the services.
• Objectives-
o To raise awareness among citizens about the Central Government's important welfare
schemes and programs.
o To facilitate the delivery of welfare scheme benefits to the intended recipients, ensuring
that government initiatives have a positive impact on the lives of citizens.
Source: PIB
pg. 23
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3. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and US Ambassador to India Eric
Garcetti have inaugurated ‘The Hump WWII Museum’ in Pasighat, East Siang district of
Arunachal Pradesh.
• More about museum-
o It is 2nd museum in Asia dedicated to fallen airmen of the Allied Forces during WWII.
o It is named after Hump route, an air route from Assam in India to Yunnan in China.
Source: ET
4. Asian Development Bank has provided USD 200mn loan for Uttarakhand's Climate-
Resilient Power System Development Project.
• Objective-
o To improve the quality, efficiency, and reliability of power supply, and aiding the state in
achieving 24×7 power to its residents and transitioning to the use of clean energy.
• Additional contribution for specific support?
o The Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, financed by the
Government of Japan through ADB, will also provide USD 2 million grant.
o Funding will support livelihood enhancement, training, and awareness-raising activities
of this project.
Knowledge Nuggets
About ADB-
• Asian Development Bank is a regional development bank for social and economic
development.
• Headquarter- Manila, Philippines
• President- Masatsugu Asakawa
Source: ANI
5. 18 new products of Uttarakhand have got Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• Key points-
o It became first state in the country to get highest number of 18 GI tags in a single day.
o New products include-
o Uttarakhand Chaulai, Jhangora, Mandua, Red Rice, Almora Lakhori Chilli,
Berinag Tea, Burans Sharbat, Ramnagar Nainital Litchi, Ramgarh Peach, Malta,
pg. 24
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Pahari Tor, Gahat, Kala Bhatt, Bicchu Booti fabric, Nainital candle, Kumaoni
colored Pichhoda, Chamoli Ramman mask and Likhai wood carving.
Knowledge Nuggets
About GI tag-
• A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific
geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.
Source: TOI
6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit
2023 at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
• Objective-
o To promote the Uttarakhand as a major investment destination
• Key points-
o PM has launched the House of Himalayas brand to promote local products and increase
the income of self-help groups.
o Multiple MoUs worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore were signed for investment in various sectors.
7. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched ‘Ama Bank’ scheme to provide banking
services through customer service point (CSP) and banking outlets in all unbanked gram
panchayat.
• Key features-
o It is a low-cost brick and mortar micro-bank branch which sits between a business
correspondent (BC) and small bank branch.
o Scheme will be implemented in phases to cover all 4,373 unbanked gram panchayats.
o Under scheme government will provide rent-free banking space for 5 years.
o Provision of ₹500 crore has been made for the scheme.
Source: TOI
8. Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) leader Lalduhoma has taken oath as the new chief
minister of Mizoram.
Source: HT
pg. 25
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9. Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric has been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• Other products received GI tag from Meghalaya-
Product Category
Garo Dakmanda Traditional dress
Larnai pottery Pottery
Garo chubitchi Alcoholic beverage
Knowledge Nuggets
About GI tag-
• A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific
geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.
Source: TOI
10. Gujarat’s Garba dance has entered UNESCO’s list of ‘intangible cultural heritage’ (ICH) of
Humanity.
• About Garba?
o It is defined as ritualistic and devotional dance that is performed on the occasion of the
Hindu festival of Navaratri, which is dedicated to the worship of the feminine energy.
• More about intangible cultural heritage-
o UNESCO established its Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage with the aim of ensuring
better protection of important intangible cultural heritages worldwide and the awareness
of their significance.
• List of ICH from India-
o India has 15 elements from various parts of India have been included in UNESCO’s
representative list of ICH.
S.No. Intangible Cultural Heritage Element Year of Inscription
1. Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre 2008
2. Tradition of Vedic chanting 2008
3. Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana 2008
4. Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the 2009
pg. 26
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Garhwal Himalayas, India

5. Chhau dance 2010
6. Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan 2010
7. Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala 2010
8. Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred 2012
Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region,
Jammu and Kashmir, India
9. Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of 2013
Manipur
10. Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making 2014
among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India
11. Nawrouz 2016
12. Yoga 2016
13. Kumbh Mela 2017
14. Durga Puja in Kolkata 2021
15. Garba dance of Gujarat 2023
Source: Indian Express, PIB
11. 24th edition of the Hornbill Festival took place from 1st to 10th December 2023 at the Naga
Heritage Village in Kisama, Nagaland.
• More about Hornbill festival-
o It is also known as the 'Festival of Festivals and it serves to foster inter-tribal interaction
and preserve the rich heritage of the Naga people.
o Festival derives its name from the Indian bird, the concave-casqued hornbill, which
holds cultural significance in Naga people.
o It is organized annually by the Government of Nagaland.
o It includes Hornbill Music Festival, exhibitions, cultural events, and indigenous games.
o 18 Cultural Troupes from diverse tribes and communities showcased their performances
at the closing ceremony.
• Partner Country: USA, Germany, and Colombia
• Partner State: Assam
Source: DDN
pg. 27
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12. Fastest solar electric boat of India ‘Barracuda’ has been launched in Alappuzha, Kerala.
• Designed by- Navalt Solar and Electric Boats
• Key points-
o It can be deployed even in the rough seas as a workboat to ferry up to 12 passengers
and cargo.
o It can attain a top speed of 12.5 knots (23 kmph) and it has a range of seven hours on a
single charge.
Source: The Hindu
13. Parliament has passed a bill giving nod to the establishment of ‘Sammakka Sarakka Central
Tribal University’ in Telangana.
• More about Tribal university-
o It aims to provide higher education and research facilities primarily for the tribal
population.
o Estimated cost of setting up of the university would be around ₹900 crore.
Source: livemint
14. Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) has launched public grievance mobile
application called “Janavani- Kalushya Nivarani” for registering various types of complaints
related to environmental pollution.
Source: The Hindu
15. Himachal Pradesh government has initiated Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgaar Yojana 2023 to
promote self-employment opportunities and to provide livelihood to local youth by
promoting entrepreneurship in Himachal Pradesh.
• More about scheme-
o It has total budget outlay of 680 crore.
o In first phase standard of procedures for hiring of e-taxi under the scheme by a
government department.
o Government will give a guarantee for employment and start-up assistance to the youth
by providing a subsidy of 50% on purchase of e-taxi under RGSY.
o Eligibility-
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o Individuals who are bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh, aged 23 or above,

possess a minimum of 7 years of driving experience, and hold a Class 12th
educational qualification are eligible to apply for an e-taxi.
Source: ET
16. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister has inaugurated 1st ever week-long Shimla Winter
Carnival from 25 December 2023 to 5 Jan 2024 at the historic Ridge in Shimla.
• More about Shimla Winter Carnival-
o It aims to boost tourism in Himachal Pradesh and provide opportunity to visitors to
experience the culture and art of Himachal Pradesh.
o Event has been started with a cultural parade and the participation of 450 women
presenting Mahanati, showcasing the talent of self-help groups and Anganwadi workers.
Source: AIR
17. Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh has set Guinness world record for ‘Largest tabla ensemble’
during Tansen festival.
• More about Guinness record-
o Around 1,300 tabla players have performed in the 99th International Tansen Samaroh in
Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.
o Madhya Pradesh government has decided to observe December 25 as ‘Tabla Day’ to
commemorate the feat and honour all musicians.
• More about Tansen festival-
o Tansen Samaroh or Tansen Sangeet Samaroh is celebrated every year in the month of
December in Behat village of Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh.
o It is a 4-day musical gathering in which artists and music lovers from all over the world
gather to pay tribute to the Great Indian Musical Maestro Tansen.
o This year tabla player from more than 50 cities have participated in ‘Tabla Darbar’.
• Awardees for 2022-
• Tansen award for 2022-
o It is awarded to Pandit Ganpati Bhatt Hasanagi for his remarkable contribution in
singing.
• Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman for 2022-
o Malav Folk Art Center Ujjain has been awarded National Raja Mansingh Tomar
Award.
pg. 29
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• Kavi Pradeep Samman for 2022-

o It is awarded to renowned poet Guru Saxena of Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh for
his outstanding contribution to poetry and culture.
Source: Print, TOI
18. Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati has collaborated with the Assam Government’s
flagship Arohan scheme to motivate meritorious students to pursue Science, Engineering,
Technology and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in their higher education.
• About Arohan Scheme-
o It is a Mentor-Mentee program for secondary class students in Government schools.
o It operates under the umbrella of Samagra Shiksha Assam.
o It comprises different activities such as mentoring, exposure trips, competitions, and
interactions tailored for the career progression of government school students in classes
9 to 12.
• Collaboration with IIT-Guwahati-
o IT Guwahati has hosted meritorious students (Mentees) along with their Guide
teachers/Officers in a total of 12 batches.
o Institute has successfully hosted 3311 students (2009 girls and 1302 boys)
o Number of girl students was around 65% of the total participants
19. Jammu and Kashmir administration has approved amendments to the Panchayati Raj Act to
allow reservation for the Other Backward Class (OBC).
• More about amendments-
o Administrative council met under the Chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj
Sinha, and it approved amendments to J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989.
o Amendment has incorporated the method of disqualification from membership of ‘halqa
panchayat’ and suspension and removal of various office holders by government.
o Also, it has defined the process for removal and conditions of service of the state
election commissioner.
Source: TOI
20. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched the third phase of the state's flagship
health scheme Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY).
pg. 30
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• Key observation-
o In third phase of expansion, it is estimated that over 1.10 crore families, which is around
90% of the population of state.
o In the first phase of the BSKY, all services in public health facilities were made free of
cost for all persons, irrespective of income or residence.
o In second phase, BSKY has provided cashless healthcare in private health facilities for
all covered under Food Security Schemes and ration card holders.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana-

• It is a universal health coverage scheme launched by Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen
Patnaik.
• It provides cashless healthcare assistance to the people.
• Launched in- 2018
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE) is hosting 28th meeting of Conference of the Parties (COP) to
the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• About COP 28-
o It takes place every year.
o It is the world’s only multilateral decision-making forum on climate change with almost
complete membership of every country in the world.
Knowledge Nuggets
About UNFCCC-
• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) sets out the basic legal
framework and principles for international climate change cooperation.
• Objective-
o To stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to avoid
“dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.”
pg. 31
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Source: livemint
2. Indian Railways have planned to install AI based surveillance system ‘Gajraj’ to prevent
elephant deaths on track.
• More about surveillance system-
o This surveillance system will be installed with the total cost of 181 crore on 700
kilometres of route passing through forest areas.
o It will be installed in forest areas of Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala, Jharkhand
and some parts of Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu which are home to elephants.
o It will alert loco pilots well in time about the presence of elephants on tracks.
o It was introduced by Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) in December 2022 in 11 elephant
corridors.
• How does the system work?
o Every time an elephant steps on to the track, it generates an alert to the train controller,
station master, train drivers etc.
Source: livemint
3. Japan has unveiled the world's largest operational experimental nuclear fusion reactor
JT-60SA.
• Objective-
o To explore the viability of fusion as a secure, expansive, and carbon-neutral net energy
source, where the energy produced surpasses is more than the input required for its
production.
• More about JT-60SA-
o It is based on the concept of nuclear fusion.
o It is designed to contain and control plasma heated to a staggering 200 million degrees
Celsius.
• Difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fission-
o Nuclear fission splits atoms for energy, while fusion merges them, mimicking the sun for
a potentially safer and more abundant energy source.
Source: India Today
4. Pakistan has been elected as Vice Chair of UNESCO Executive Board from Asia Pacific
Group for the term 2023-2025.
pg. 32
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• Pakistan defeated India by securing 38 votes against India, which got 18 votes in out of 58-
member executive board.
Source: livemint
5. Italy has withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Italy has signed the agreement in 2019 and it was the first and only G7 nation to join the
programme.
• What is BRI?
o It was launched in 2013 and with the objective of linking Southeast Asia, Central Asia,
the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes.
o It includes two principal components: the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk
Road.
Source: livemint
6. China has launched world’s first liquid oxygen-methane powered ‘Zhuque 2 Y-3’ rocket
carrying three satellites.
• It is launched by China-based private space technology firm LandSpace.
7. China has launched World’s First 4th-Generation Nuclear Reactor.
• More about nuclear reactor-
o Shidaowan Bay nuclear power plant in eastern Shandong province has started
commercial operations.
o It cools the reactor using helium gas instead of water.
Source: msn
8. China has launched an uncrewed reusable ‘Long March 2F’ carrier rocket from the Jiuquan
Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China's Gobi Desert.
Source: chndaily
9. China has unveiled world’s deepest physics lab on Earth in Sichuan.

• More about lab-
o It is known as Deep Underground and Ultra-low Radiation Background Facility for
Frontier Physics Experiments (DURF)
o It is located beneath Jinping Mountain in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.
pg. 33
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o It has a total room capacity of 330,000 cubic metres.

• What is the purpose of lab?
o It will help in studying new frontiers in deep-earth experiments as the extreme depth will
help the scientists by blocking most cosmic rays that mess with the observation.
• Built by-
o Tsinghua University and Yalong River Hydropower Development Company, Ltd.
Source: WION
10. 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for safeguarding Intangible Cultural
Heritage Committee has been held in Botswana from December 4-9, 2023.
• Key points-
o Committee has inscribed of 55 cultural practices submitted by 72 State Parties,
including Garba dance from India.
o It reflects international efforts to safeguard and recognize diverse cultural practices
globally.
• What is intangible cultural heritage?
o It includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events,
knowledge, practices and skills relating to nature, universe and craftsmanship.
Knowledge Nuggets
About UNESCO-
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a
specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security
through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.
• Headquarters- Paris, France
• Director General- Audrey Azoulay
Source: UNESCO
11. United Nations has declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids.
• Decision has been taken to highlight the significant importance of camelids in the lives of
people across the world.
• Why UN has declared 2024 the International Year of Camelids?
o Camelids influence the lives of millions of households in more than 90 countries.
pg. 34
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o They play an important role in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
envisaged by the United Nations.
o They are a source of milk and meat which helps people fight hunger and they also
provide fibre which can be used for clothing and shelter.
Source: HT
12. International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has launched Project PRAYAS to facilitate
safe, orderly and regular migration for Indian workers and students.
• More about Project PRAYAS-
o It stands for Promoting Regular and Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled
Professionals (PRAYAS).
o It intends to develop a roadmap for improved coordination between state and central
government.
o It will encourage the sharing of good practices between and improved coordination with
Ministry of External Affairs.
Knowledge Nuggets
About International Organisation for Migration-

• It is the principal United Nations agency working in the field of migration.
• It implements operational assistance programmes for migrants, including internally
displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers.
• Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Source: ET
13. Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has announced Gelephu “mindfulness”
mega-city project or Special Administrative Region (SAR).
• Objective-
o To create a path for trade and business connecting South Asia to Southeast Asia.
• More about mega city project-
o Gelephu has been provided special powers to make its own laws and policies to
manage its own government and legal matters independently.
o It focuses on businesses that are both mindful and sustainable and it draws inspiration
from Buddhist spiritual heritage and showcases Bhutanese identity.
pg. 35
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o It involves using the northeastern states of India to facilitate this economic corridor.
Source: The Hindu
14. Iran’s navy has added domestically produced advanced cruise missiles Talaeieh and Nasir.
• More about Talaeieh and Nasir-
o Talaeieh has a range of more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and called it "fully
smart" and it is capable of changing targets during travel.
o Nasir has a range of 100 kilometers (62 miles) and can be installed on warships.
Source: ET
15. India and Bangladesh have agreed to extend Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route and
declare Safardighi in West Bengal as the new port of call under Protocol on Inland Water
Transit & Trade (PIWT&T).
• Key points-
o Both countries have agreed to form a technical team promptly to assess the inclusion of
the Chandpur-Chittagong stretch as part of the Inland Water Transit route.
o A joint committee will be established to implement a common Automatic Identification
System (AIS) on the Inland Water Transit route for improved vessel navigation and
tracking.
o Bangladesh has agreed to include the Mongla-Jamtola stretch for passenger and cruise
vessels, facilitating visits to the Sunderbans area in Bangladesh.
16. Angola has left Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) due to dispute
over oil production quotas.
• More about Angola-
o Angola is a Southern African nation.
o Capital- Luanda
Knowledge Nuggets
About OPEC-
• It is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1960 by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi
Arabia, and Venezuela.
pg. 36
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• Its primary objective is to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member
countries and ensure the stabilization of oil markets to secure an efficient, economic, and
regular supply of petroleum to consumers.
• Headquarters- Vienna, Austria
Source: livemint
17. China has successfully launched three satellites into planned orbit by Long March-11 carrier
rocket.
• Satellite Shiyan-24C will be mainly used for space science and technology experiments.
Source: tbs news
18. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has relaunched OSIRIS-REx
spacecraft to explore the asteroid Apophis' very close flyby of Earth in 2029.
• More about OSIRIS-Rex-
o OSIRIS-REx spacecraft had earlier been sent to collect samples from the space rock
Bennu.
o It has been renamed the OSIRIS-APEX (Origins, Resource Identification, Spectral
Interpretation and Security – Apophis Explorer).
o Asteroid Apophis is also known as ''God of Chaos'' and it is supposed to fly by Earth on
April 13, 2029, from about just 20,000 miles away.
Knowledge Nuggets
About NASA-
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the U.S.
federal government responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and
space research.
19. 8th edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) has been
conducted by Royal Thai Navy at Bangkok, Thailand from 19 to 22 Dec 23.
• Key points-
o Thailand has taken on the responsibilities of Chair of the Indian Ocean Naval
Symposium (IONS) for the next two years.
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o India has assumed the role of co-Chair for IONS Working Groups on Maritime Security
and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) for the upcoming cycle.
o Republic of Korea Navy was welcomed as the latest 'Observer,' bringing the total
collective strength of IONS to 34 (25 Members & 9 Observers).
o Flag designed by India has been chosen as the official IONS Flag.
o Inaugural edition of IONS was held in Feb 2008 at New Delhi, with Indian Navy as the
Chair for two years (2008 - 2010).
o India is also scheduled to take over as the Chair of IONS (2025-27) during 9th CoC
planned to be conducted in India in end 2025.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Indian Ocean Naval Symposium-

• It was conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008 to serves as a forum to enhance maritime
cooperation among the Navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
• It provides an open and inclusive platform for discussions on regionally relevant maritime
issues, fostering a common understanding among member nations.
Source: PIB
20. Russia and NASA have agreed to continue joint International Space Station (ISS) flights
until 2025.
• Objective-
o To maintain the reliability of International Space Station (ISS) and guarantee the
presence of representatives from the Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos and US
Space agency, NASA.
Knowledge Nuggets
About International Space Station-

• It was launched in 1998 to perform microgravity and space environment experiments.
• ISS partners- USA, Russia, Europe, Canada and Japan.
Source: TOI
BANKING AND ECONOMY
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1. Life Insurance Corporation has launched a new policy named ‘Jeevan Utsav’ covering
individual saving and whole life insurance.
• Key features-
o Scheme is available for age group- between 90 days and 65 years.
o Premium paying term- minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 16 years.
o Guaranteed additions of ₹40 per thousand basic sums assured accumulate annually
during the premium paying term.
o If the life assured survives beyond the premium paying term, the policyholder has the
option to select from type of benefits.
• Types of benefit beyond premium paying term-
• Option I: Regular Income Benefit:
o 10% of the basic sum assured is paid at the end of each policy year, starting three to six
years after the deferment period.
• Option II:
o Flexi Income Benefit: Policyholders can opt for Flexi Income Benefit, allowing them to
accumulate and withdraw 10% of the basic sum assured based on the policy's terms
and conditions.
• LIC offers 5.5% annual compounded interest on Deferred Flexi Income payments.
Knowledge Nuggets
About LIC-
• Headquarters- Mumbai
• Chairperson- Siddhartha Mohanty
Source: livemint
2. SBI Mutual Fund has received RBI approval to buy 9.99% stake in Karur Vysya Bank.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Karur Vysya Bank-

• It is a Scheduled Commercial Bank.
• Headquarters- Karur, Tamil Nadu
pg. 39
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• MD & CEO- B Ramesh Babu

Source: The Hindu
3. Garuda Aerospace has received ‘Second Type’ certificate from Directorate General of Civil
Aviation (DGCA) for medium category drones.
Knowledge Nuggets
About DGCA-
• It is the regulatory body in the field of Civil Aviation primarily dealing with safety issues.
• Headquarter- New Delhi
• Director General- Vikram Dev Dutt
Source: ET
4. Radhakishan Damani, founder of retail chain D-Mart has topped the IDFC FIRST Private
Hurun India's Top 200 Self-made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2023 list.
• Status and valuation-
o Eight of the Top 10 most valuable companies in the list are startups.
o The cumulative value of all the companies in the list is Rs 30 trillion, which is
equivalent to the gross domestic product of Denmark
• Diversity in Entrepreneurship-
o The list showcases the vibrancy of Indian entrepreneurship across various
parameters such as age, gender, and geography.
o One-third of the entrepreneurs on the list are under the age of 40.
o The eldest entrepreneur on the list is 80 years old.
• Geographical Distribution-
o The entrepreneurs are from 23 cities in India.
o Bengaluru leads with 129 entrepreneurs, followed by Mumbai (78), Gurugram, and
New Delhi (49).
• Youngest Entrepreneur-
o The youngest entrepreneur on the list is Kaivalya Vohra of Zepto, aged 21.
• Top Women Entrepreneurs-
o Falguni Nayar of Nykaa tops the list of women entrepreneurs.
o Ghazal Alagh of Mamaearth and Saumya Singh Rathore of Winzo, both aged 35, are
the youngest women on the list.
pg. 40
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Knowledge Nuggets
About Hurun India-

• Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
About IDFC First Bank-

• MD & CEO- V. Vaidyanathan
5. Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has launched a revamped ‘DIGI-PHARMed’ portal.

• Objective-
o To regulate the Pharmacy education in the country by enrolment/ registration of
Pharmacy institutions/ Pharmacist/ Pharmacy student /Pharmacist jobseeker across
India.
• About DIGI-PHARMed’ portal-
o It is a cloud-based application to provide end-to-end services to stakeholders
o It will help in improving user satisfaction, promoting ease of doing business and
improving productivity and transparency in administrative functioning
Knowledge Nuggets
About PCI-
• It is a statutory body working under the ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW),
Government of India.
Source: ET
6. HDFC securities has launched mobile trading app ‘HDFC SKY’ on Amazon Web Services.
• Key features-
o It will provide secure and low-latency trading services to retail investors who prefer
mobile trading.
o It will enable investors to access the stock market at a scale of thousands of
transactions per second.
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o With AWS, HDFC Securities will reduce its annual Information technology (IT)
infrastructure and management costs by up to 50%.
Source: TOI
7. SEBI has extended the timeline for implementation of linking SEBI complaint redressal
(SCORES) with the online dispute resolution platform to April 1, 2024.
• Earlier, the deadline for linking both the platforms was December 4.
Knowledge Nuggets
About SCORES portal-

• It is an initiative by SEBI to provide a facilitative platform for investors to file their
grievances against listed companies or registered intermediaries which are unresolved.
• Launched in- 2011
Source: ET
8. Three Indians have featured in 17th edition of Forbes Asia 2023 Heroes of Philanthropy
List.
• Indians on the list-
Person Designation
Kushal Pal Singh Chairman Emeritus of DLF
Limited
Nandan Nilekani co-founder and Chairman
of Infosys
Nikhil Kamath Co-founder and Chief
Financial Officer, Zerodha
• The list features a total of 15 philanthropists from the Asia-Pacific region.

Knowledge Nuggets
About Forbes-
• Headquarter- New Jersey, USA
• CEO- 1917
Source: Forbes
pg. 42
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9. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has launched a
seed fund scheme for start-ups operating in the area of urban development and disaster
management by using space technology.
• More about seed fund-
o Selected start-ups will receive seed funding for transforming an original idea into a
prototype using space technology.
o It is part of IN-SPACe's efforts, supports Indian space startups for developing innovative
space products and services to enhance the nation's space capabilities and improve the
quality of life for people in India and worldwide.
• Provision of financial and mentorship support-
o Financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore will be provided in addition to mentorship support,
training and networking opportunities.
Knowledge Nuggets
About IN-SPACe-
• It is an independent nodal agency under Department of Space for allowing space
activities and usage.
Source: ET, ISRO
10. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Kolhapur-based Shankarrao
Pujari Nutan Nagari Sahakari Bank Limited.
• Reasons for license cancellation-
o Bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects to continue its business.
o Bank has failed to comply with certain sections of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Source: livemint
11. World Bank has unveiled plan to address rising threat of methane emission globally.
• Key points-
o World Bank will launch minimum 15 country led programs to specifically target methane
emission within next 18 months.
o It will include employing strategic interventions to control environmental degradation and
promote sustainable practices.
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o It involves reducing methane emission from various sources such as rice production,
livestock operation and waste production.
• Collaboration-
o World Bank partnering with Germany, Norway, USA, UAE, and the private sector for
reducing methane emissions across the energy value chain.
• Launching two platforms-
o CH4D for methane reduction in agriculture and waste
o GFMR for reducing methane leaks in oil and gas
Source: ET
12. Bank of Baroda has introduced BOB Parivar Account for Savings and Current Accounts.
• More about BOB Parivar Account-
o It groups all the bank account belonging to members of single family under one family.
o Each account will be operated independently by the primary account holder.
o Maintenance of the quarterly average balance (QAB) is recorded at the Group/ Family
level which removes the need to maintain QAB in every single account.
o ‘My Family, My Bank’ segment has been launched as a part of the Bank’s “BOB Ke
Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang" festive campaign.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Bank of Baroda-

• It is the second largest public sector bank in India after State Bank of India.
• Headquarters- Vadodara, Gujarat
• MD & CEO- Debadatta Chand
Source: livemint
13. HDFC bank has partnered with TATA Neu to launch TATA Neu HDFC Bank Credit Cards.
• More about partnership-
o HDFC bank will launch 2 variants of credit carder powered by RuPay/ Visa
• Two variants are-
o Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card
o Tata Neu plus HDFC Bank Credit Card
pg. 44
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Knowledge Nuggets
About HDFC Bank-

• CEO- Sashidhar Jagdishan
About TATA Neu-

• It is a multi-purpose super-app developed in India by the Tata Group.
• It is the country's first super-app.
• Launch date- 7 April, 2022
Source: livemint
14. SBI Card has joined Bharat BillPay in credit card category.
• Key points-
o Collaboration enables customers to utilise Bharat BillPay’s diverse payment modes,
ensuring smooth and secure transactions.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Bharat BillPay-

• It is a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conceptualised system driven by National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI).
• It is a one-stop ecosystem for payment of all bills providing an interoperable and
accessible “Anytime Anywhere” Bill payment service to all customers across India with
certainty, reliability and safety of transactions.
Source: livemint, NPCI
15. Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited (ABSLI) has introduced the ABSLI
Salaried Term Plan for salaried individuals.
• More about plan-
o It is categorised as non-linked, non-participating, life individual, pure risk, and a premium
plan.
o It empowers salaried individuals to customise their protection plans based on their
unique needs.
pg. 45
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• Key features of the plan-

o Entry age- 21 years to 55 years
o Maturity- Policy matures at the age of 70 years
o Individuals can choose from four life cover options: Life Cover, Return of Premium,
Fixed Income Cover, and Increasing Income Cover (5% or 10% escalation rate).
o Premium discounts of 7% on the initial year premium, additional 2% discount for female
policyholders.
o Extended protection includes policy term up to 49 years.
o Critical illness coverage against 42 specified critical illnesses through Accelerated
Critical Illness (ACI).
Source: livemint
16. India is set to become the third-largest economy by 2030 and is expected to be the fastest
growing major economy in the next three years as per S&P ‘Global Credit Outlook 2024:
New Risks, New Playbook’.
• S&P GDP Projections-
o FY 2023-24- 6.4%
o FY 2024-25- 6.4%
o FY 2025-26- 6.9%
o FY 2026-27- 7.0%
o At present India is 5th largest economy behind the US, China, Germany and Japan
respectively.
o India will be the fastest growing major economy in the next three years.
o Unlocking potential depends on upskilling workers and increasing female workforce
participation.
o Domestic digital market will contribute significantly in startup ecosystem during next
decade.
o Demographic dividend realization is important for sustained growth.
17. Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has launched ‘Build for Bharat’ initiative with
multiple participants.
• Participants-
pg. 46
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o Google Cloud India, Antler in India, Paytm, Protean and Startup India
• Objective-
o To tackle diverse challenges in digital commerce, promoting industry innovation to
develop practical solutions
• The initiative is designed to deliver three distinct outcomes-
o Category 1-
o NextGen Ventures, which is designed to supercharge venture creation on ONDC.
o It is open to aspiring founders exploring multiple ideas or early-stage founder
teams working on an idea.
o Category 2-
o It includes scalable solutions and invites participation from organisations or
individuals including students with a focus on problem solving.
o Category 3-
o It includes foundation solutions which are open exclusively for college students,
who are 18+ years of age.
Source: ET
18. Union bank of India has collaborated with Accenture to improve operational efficiency.
• Objective-
o To develop robust data visualisation and reporting capabilities including interactive
dashboards and reports for business, operational and regulatory purposes
Knowledge Nuggets
About Union bank of India-

• It is an Indian Public Sector Bank.
• MD & CEO- A. Manimekhalai
19. Google has launched its most capable and flexible Artificial Intelligence (AI) model named
‘Gemini’.
• Gemini Models-
o Gemini Ultra: The largest and most capable model designed for highly complex tasks.
pg. 47
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o Gemini Pro: Best at scaling across a wide range of tasks.

o Gemini Nano: Specifically designed for on-device tasks.
• Key features of Gemini-
o Gemini is built to be multimodal which enables it to seamlessly understand and operate
across different types of information, including text, code, audio, image, and video.
o Gemini Ultra's performance is stated to exceed the current state-of-the-art results on 30
out of 32 widely-used academic benchmarks used in large language model (LLM)
research and development.
o Gemini Ultra has achieved a score of 90.0% on the Massive Multitask Language
Understanding (MMLU) test.
o MMLU involves a combination of 57 subjects, including math, physics, history, law,
medicine, and ethics, to assess both world knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
20. Government of India has dedicated Rs. 6,186 crores for renewable energy from the
proceeds of Sovereign Green Bonds of Rs.16,000 crore (approximately) raised during FY
22-23.
• What is a green bond and a Sovereign Green Bond?
o A green bond is a debt security that is issued to raise money for initiatives that are
relevant to the environment or the climate.
o When Governments offer green bonds to raise money for these kinds of initiatives,
these bonds are termed as sovereign green bond.
Source: PIB
21. Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has become fourth largest insurer in the world based on
reserves as per S&P Global Market Intelligence.
• More about S&P ranking-
o LIC is ranked after Allianz SE, China Life Insurance Company and Nippon Life
Insurance Company.
o Ranking is based on life and accident & health reserves of companies in 2022 by S&P
Global Market Intelligence.
o S&P list of the top 50 global life insurance companies was dominated by European
firms, taking 21 spots.
pg. 48
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o US has the highest number of life insurers on the list, with eight companies
headquartered in the region, followed by the UK with seven companies.
• Rankings-
Knowledge Nuggets
About LIC-
• It is an Indian multinational Central Public sector life insurance company.
22. RBI has cancelled the licence of Kolhapur-based Shankarrao Pujari Nutan Nagari Sahakari
Bank.
• More about license cancellation-
o The cancellation is effective from the close of business on December 4, 2023.
• Reasons for cancellation of license-
o Bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects.
o It does not comply with the provisions of Section 11(1) and Section 22 (3) (d) read with
Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
o Co-operative bank has failed to comply with certain sections of the Banking Regulation
Act, 1949.
Source: livemint
pg. 49
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23. RBI has cancelled the license of Urban Co-operative Bank (UCB), Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh.
• More about license cancellation-
o The cancellation is effective from the close of business on December 4, 2023.
• Reasons for cancellation of license-
o Bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects and the continuance of the
bank is prejudicial to the interests of its depositors.
o Bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in
full.
24. Adani GreenEnergy Limited (AGEL) has been declared the second-largest global solar PV
developer in the global solar energy sector, according to Mercom Capital Group's Annual
Global Report.
o Among the top 10 global large-scale solar PV developers, six were based in Europe and
three in North America.
o AGEL is the only South Asian company which has made into the global list.
• About Mercom Capital Group-
o It is a clean energy communications and research firm.
o In its global annual report, it has unveiled the top ten leading global large-scale solar PV
developers based on data compiled from July 2022 to June 2023.
• Top 3 rankings-
Rank Developers Country Total Capacity
1 TotalEnergies France 41.3 GW
2 Adani GreenEnergy Limited (AGEL) India 18.1 GW
3 Brookfield Renewable Partners Canada 18 GW
25. Reserve Bank of India has raised the UPI payment limits to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 1 lakh earlier
for education as well as medical purposes.
• Objective-
o To help the consumers to make UPI payments of higher amounts for education and
healthcare purposes.
• Current UPI transaction limits-
pg. 50
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o For normal payment- 1 Lakh per transaction

o For specific categories such as capital markets, collections etc.- 2 lakh per transaction
o For Initial Public Offering (IPO) and Retail Direct Scheme- 5 lakh per transaction
• Another change in E-mandate for recurring payments-
o E-mandate for recurring payments to Rs 1 lakh from current Rs 15,000 for mutual funds,
insurance premiums and credit card payments.
26. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has announced to keep the
policy rate unchanged at 6.5% for the 5th monetary policy of FY 2023-24.
• More details-
• Monetary Policy Rates:
o Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate maintained at 6.25%.
o Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and Bank Rate set at 6.75%.
• GDP Growth Projections:
o RBI projects India's real GDP growth at 7% for FY24.
o Q3 FY24 growth estimated at 6.5%, and Q4 at 6%.
• Inflation Outlook:
o Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation projected at 5.4% for FY24.
o Q3 FY24 inflation expected at 5.6%, and Q4 at 5.2%.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Limit Increase:
o RBI raises the UPI payment limit for medical and educational services.
o Limit increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per transaction to encourage digital
transactions in these sectors.
Source: ET
27. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 2nd Edition of IFSCA’s Flagship Event
– Infinity Forum 2.0.
• Organised by-
o IFSCA and GIFT City
• International Partner-
o Bloomberg
• Domestic Partners-
o FICCI and Invest India
pg. 51
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• Knowledge Partner-
o Boston Consulting Group
• Theme for Infinity Forum 2.0-
o ‘GIFT-IFSC: Nerve Centre for New Age Global Financial Services’
• It is focused on the following three tracks-
o Plenary Track: Making of a New Age International Financial Centre
o Green Track: Making a case for a “Green Stack”
o Silver Track: Longevity Finance Hub at GIFT IFSC
Knowledge Nuggets
About IFSCA-
• IFSCA has been established as a unified regulator with a holistic vision in order to
promote ease of doing business in IFSC and provide world class regulatory environment.
• Headquarters- GIFT City, Gujarat
• Chairperson- K Rajaraman
Source: PIB
28. Bank of India has launched ‘Nari Shakti Saving Account’ for women aged 18 and above
who have an independent source of income.
• Objective-
o To provide women with enhanced privileges and features to support their financial
empowerment.
• Features of Nari Shakti Saving Account-
o Account comes with a comprehensive personal accident insurance cover of up to Rs. 1
crore.
o Women holding this account can avail attractive discounts on health insurance and
wellness products.
o Gold and diamond saving bank account holders get appealing rebates on locker
facilities.
o Various free facilities for platinum saving bank account holders.
o Women will be offered concessional rate of interest and rebate of interest on retail loans
to make borrowing affordable for them.
o Free issuance of credit cards to womens.
pg. 52
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o Account holders can benefit from a higher usage limit of up to Rs. 5.00 lakh on point-of-
sale (POS) transactions
Source: livemint
29. Intellect Design Arena Ltd has signed ₹80-crore deal with Indian Bank to deploy cash
management system.
• More about cash management system-
o Intellect will deploy its eMACH.ai powered Cash Management System.
o It will provide the services for 5 years as per the agreement.
• About Indian Bank’s Digital transformation-
o Indian Bank has launched ‘INDLEAP’ project under which bank has taken on the
objective of digital transformation by leveraging technology wherever possible.
o Indian Bank is focusing on making transaction banking and supply chain management
as the key growth engines.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Indian Bank-

• It is an India public sector bank.
• Headquarters- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• MD & CEO- Shanti Lal Jain
Source: Hindu Businessline
30. ACKO has partnered with PhonePe to offer a variety of comprehensive car and bike insurance
products.
o ACKO will offer products directly through the PhonePe platform.
o The integration of ACKO with PhonePe is facilitated through the cutting-edge
partnership API stack which is crafted for modularity and smooth integration.
Knowledge Nuggets
About ACKO-
• ACKO General Insurance is a private sector general insurance company in India.
• Headquarters- Bengaluru
pg. 53
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• CEO- Varun Dua
About PhonePe-
• It is an Indian digital payments and financial services company.
• Headquarters- Maharashtra
• CEO- Sameer Nigam
Source: livemint
31. ITC has become world’s 3rd most valuable tobacco company.
• ITC has a market cap of USD 67 billion (₹ 5.6 lakh crore)
Knowledge Nuggets
About ITC-
• It is an Indian Multinational conglomerate company.
• It has diversified presence across industries such as FMCG, hotels, software, packaging,
paperboards, specialty papers and agribusiness.
• Headquarters- Kolkata
• CMD- Sanjiv Puri
Source: ET
32. India slips to 5th place with a significant 73% decline in funding for Indian tech startups in
2023 compared to 2022 as per Tracxn Geo Annual Report: India Tech 2023.
• More details-
o Total funding for Indian tech startups in 2023 is USD 7 billion which is a considerable
drop from USD 25 billion in 2022.
o India has slipped from 4th place to 5th place among the highest-funded geographies
globally in Q3 2023.
o The top 4 highest-funded countries in Q3 2023 are the USA, UK, China, and France
respectively.
o Q4 2023 has marked the lowest funding quarter since Q3 2016, recording only USD 957
million in investments.
pg. 54
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33. IDFC First bank has introduced youth-centric “FIRST SWYP” credit card in partnership with
Mastercard.
• Key features of the card-
o This card can be used as a no-interest charge card.
o It has flexible bill repayments through EMIs, a benefit-laden referral program, and
exclusive and relevant merchant partnerships.
34. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted approval for stock brokers and
clearing members to invest client funds in mutual fund overnight schemes.
• More about approval-
o These schemes are limited to investing in risk-free government securities.
• Investment Criteria-
o Brokers and clearing members are required to ensure that the overnight schemes invest
solely in government bonds, overnight repo markets, and overnight Tri-party Repo
Dealing and Settlement (TREPS).
o Units of Mutual Fund Overnight Schemes (MFOS) must be in dematerialized (demat)
form and pledged with a clearing corporation at all times.
• Payment Processing-
pg. 55
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o Payment requests from clients to release funds during the day should be processed on
or before the next settlement day.
• Account Designation-
o Stock brokers are required to maintain designated client bank accounts, with specific
nomenclature denoting Up Streaming Client Nodal Bank Account for receiving clients'
funds and Down Streaming Client Nodal Bank Account for payments to clients.
Knowledge Nuggets
About SEBI-
• It is the regulatory body for securities and commodity market in India under the
administrative domain of Ministry of Finance within the Government of India.
• Established- April 12, 1988
• Chairperson- Madhabi Puri Buch
35. Canara HSBC Life Insurance has introduced “Alpha Wealth" plan designed to empower
individuals to reach ambitious life goals.
• Key features of the plan-
o It provides extensive features to guarantee financial security for both the insured and
their family.
o It promotes long-term savings through loyalty additions and wealth boosters, enabling
customers to enhance their corpus by remaining invested.
o It offers a range of investment options in various funds, including debt, equity, and liquid
funds available in the market.
o Investors are eligible for a full refund of the mortality charges deducted throughout the
policy term after maturity period.
o It offers greater flexibility which allows investors to adjust premiums, premium payment
terms, policy duration, and sum assured to accommodate evolving financial needs.
o Three plan options based on life stages:
o Alpha Invest Plus
o Alpha Premium Plus
o Alpha Life Plus
Source: livemint
pg. 56
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36. World Bank and World Food Programme have deepened their partnership to scale up
impact on Food Security.
o Both institutions will scale up joint efforts to help governments and communities boost
food security, transform food systems, and expand adaptive social protection programs.
o Collaboration will have a particular focus on addressing the interconnected challenges
of food insecurity, climate change, fragility, and poverty.
Source: worldbank
37. SBI Mutual Fund has brought 1.5% stake Karur Vysya Bank for Rs 190 crore through open
market transactions.
• Details of transaction-
o SBI Mutual Fund acquired 1.2 crore shares of KVB.
o The total transaction amount for the stake acquisition is Rs 194.4 crore.
o The average price per share in the transaction was Rs 162.
Knowledge Nuggets

• It is a Scheduled Commercial Bank.
• MD & CEO- B. Ramesh Babu
38. RattanIndia arm has introduces ‘L07’ a compact delivery drone for health care and e-
commerce.
• More about compact delivery drone-
o Manufacturer-
o Throttle Aerospace Systems, a subsidiary of RattanIndia Enterprises Limited.
o Drone Type-
o L07, part of the TAS L-series which is specifically designed for healthcare and e-
commerce deliveries.
o Design-
pg. 57
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o Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drone with a 7 kg carrying capacity.

o Operational Features-
o L07 enables single-handed deployment within 5 minutes for quick operational
readiness.
o It can reach up to 2,000 meters altitude with 43 km/hr wind tolerance, and 30
minutes endurance,
o It is manufactured following all the DGCA guidelines.
Source: The Hindu
39. KPIT Technologies has introduced Inda’s first Sodium (Na)-battery technology as an
alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
• Objective-
o It aims for a 25-30% cost reduction compared to lithium-ion batteries, particularly
significant for Electric Vehicles (EVs).
• More about first Sodium (Na)-battery technology-
o KPIT has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research
(IISER) Pune for the development of the sodium-ion battery technology.
o It targets a range of applications from electric vehicles to grid storage, highlighting
versatility.
o KPIT's sodium-ion technology aligns with global sustainability efforts, reflecting a
broader trend towards alternative and eco-friendly battery solutions.
Source: ET
40. RBI has authorised Bandhan Bank to Disburse Pensions to Railway Employees through e-
PPOs on behalf of the Ministry of Railways.
• More about authorisation-
o It enables Bandhan Bank to disburse pensions to all employees of the Ministry of
Railways who have retired from their service.
o It also provides the Bank an access to around 50,000 average Indian Railways retirees
every year across all offices including 17 zonal railways and 8 production units of Indian
Railways.
Source: livemint
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41. Federal Bank has been acknowledged as the top performer in the 2023 Climate Assessment
for Financial Institutions (CAFI) Awards for Climate Reporting by International Finance
Corporation (IFC).
• More about award-
o Federal Bank secured two positions on the global stage in climate reporting in Highest
Climate Loan Amount Reported and Most (Greenhouse Gas) GHG Mitigated category.
o Recognized for four positions in South Asia region including Most Transactions
Reported, Highest Climate Loan Amount Reported, most (Greenhouse Gas) GHG
Mitigated, and Best Achievement vs Climate Targets.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Federal Bank-

• Federal Bank Limited is an Indian private sector bank
• Headquarters- Kochi, Kerala
• CEO- Shyam Srinivasan
About International Finance Corporation-

• It is a member of the World Bank Group which offers investment, advisory, and asset-
management services to encourage private-sector development in less developed
countries.
• Headquarters- Washington, D.C. in the United States
Source: Print
42. State Bank of India (SBI) has entered a 70 million Euro (approx. Rs 636 crore) Line of
Credit (LoC) agreement with Germany's KfW Development Bank.
• Purpose of LoC agreement-
o This funding will support solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in India.
• It was signed at SBI's branch in GIFT City, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
43. ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Limited and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (SFB) Limited
have entered into a bancassurance partnership.
• Objective-
pg. 59
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o The partnership aims to increase access to insurance solutions for the middle class,
empowering them to secure their financial future.
o Ujjivan SFB's 700+ branches across 26 states and Union Territories will offer ICICI
Prudential Life's suite of customer-friendly protection, long-term savings, and retirement
products.
o This collaboration addresses the demand gap for insurance services, reinforcing Ujjivan
SFB's position in providing comprehensive insurance solutions to its customers.
Knowledge Nuggets
About ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Limited-

• It is promoted jointly by ICICI Bank Limited and Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited.
• MD & CEO- Anup Bagchi
About Ujjivan Small Finance Bank-

Source: ET
44. IDFC FIRST Bank, LIC Cards and Mastercard have collaborated to launch a co-branded
credit card to meet the Financial Needs of India.
• Key features-
o Card has many benefits such as no joining and annual fees.
o It has low interest rates starting from 9% p.a.
o It is designed to bring value to consumers of varied age groups across the country.
o It comes with Rs. 50,000 covers for lost card liability and a personal accident insurance
cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs.
o Card has two variants- LIC Classic and LIC Select
Source: Print
45. Cashfree Payments has launched ‘FlowWise’ India's first self-hosted payments orchestration
platform for Indian businesses.
pg. 60
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• Objective-
o To facilitate Indian businesses in managing diverse payment systems through a single
setup.
• Key features-
o It allows instant payments to different partners based on specific needs.
o It simplifies the complexity of using multiple Payment Gateways for businesses, offering
a plug-and-play experience without complex coding.
• What is an orchestration platform?
o An orchestration platform is like a conductor for computer tasks, making sure different
software works together smoothly, automating processes for efficiency.
Source: ET
46. Reliance Industries has partnered with DBS Bank India for a financing program for
Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plants.
• Objective-
o To create an ecosystem for vendor partners to supply agricultural residue for Reliance's
CBG production.
• Key points-
o It is designed to enhance the competitiveness of the CBG supply chain through financial
support.
o It aligns with strategic goals for sustainable energy practices, emphasizing CBG
production from agricultural residue.
Source: ET
47. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revealed the issue price for the next Sovereign Gold Bond
(SGB) series III.
• More about SGB issue-
o Subscription period- December 18-22, 2023
o Issue Price- Rs 6,199 per gram
o Interest rate- Government has set a fixed interest rate of 2.5% with no compounding of
interest.
o Discount- Discount of Rs 50 per gram less than the nominal value to investors who
register online and pay for the application using digital means.
Knowledge Nuggets
pg. 61
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About Sovereign Gold Bond-

• It was launched in November 2015 with an objective to reduce the demand for physical
gold.
• These are issued as Government of India Stock under the Government Securities (GS)
Act, 2006.
• They are issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of
India.
Source: ET
48. Ola CEO Bhavish Agarwal has launched new Artificial Intelligence model ‘Krutrim AI’.
• More about Krutrim AI-
o It is launched by Krutrim SI Designs, an AI venture by Ola co-founder Bhavish Aggarwal.
o It has introduced a family of multilingual AI models named Krutrim, designed for the
unique requirements of the Indian ecosystem.
• Model Sizes-
o Base model: Krutrim trained on 2 trillion tokens and unique datasets.
o Larger model: Krutrim Pro, launching next quarter, for advanced problem-solving and
task execution.
• Language Capabilities-
o It understands 22 Indian languages and it can generate content in about 10, including
Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Odia, Gujarati, and Malayalam.
o It is trained on over two trillion tokens of data for Indian languages, with the base model
having around 20 times more Indic tokens than any other existing model.
Source: Hindu BusinessLine
49. Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has notified an increase in gratuity limit from Rs 3 lakhs to
Rs 5 lakhs for LIC agents.
• Objective-
o To bring substantial improvements to the working condition and benefits for agents.
• What is gratuity?
o Gratuity is an amount that an employee of an organisation, receive when you leave an
organisation for reasons such as retirement.
Knowledge Nuggets
pg. 62
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About LIC-
Source: ET
50. Reliance General Insurance company has introduced “Reliance Health Global" insurance
policy to provide Indians with access to global healthcare.
• More about policy-
o Policy will cover expenses for overseas treatment, including critical illnesses.
o It covers travel, accommodation, and end-to-end Visa services.
o It provides sum-insured coverage of up to USD 1 million.
51. Maharashtra has become largest economy and Uttar Pradesh has becomes 2nd largest
economy in India as per the online blogging platform soic.in.
• More about ranking-
o Maharashtra leads with a GDP share of 15.7% of country’s total GDP.
o Uttar Pradesh ranks 2nd with a GDP share of 9.2% and Tamil Nadu has secured 3rd
place with 9.1% share.
• Ranking of states on the basis of GDP share-
Rank State % share in India’s GDP
1 Maharashtra 15.7%
2 Uttar Pradesh 9.2%
3 Tamil Nadu 9.1%
4 Gujarat 8.2%
5 West Bengal 7.5%
Source: ET
52. ICRA has revised GDP growth projection for India to 6.5% from 6.2% for the FY 2024.
• Reason for revision-
o ICRA has revised projection as ICRA feels the deflation in commodity prices will be
sustained and there is expectation of better growth in the October-December period.
pg. 63
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Source: ET
53. ACG has joined the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Lighthouse Network, following
the certification of its capsule manufacturing facility in Pithampur, India.
• About ACG-
o ACG is country’s largest capsules maker and integrated supplier and service provider to
the pharmaceutical industry.
• About WEF Global Lighthouse Network-
o It is a community of manufacturers that show leadership in using fourth industrial
revolution technologies to transform factories, value chains and business models, for
compelling financial and operational returns.
54. MSME lender U GRO Capital has raised $30 million through Non-Convertible Debentures
(NCDs) from Dutch development bank FMO.
• What is NCD?
o Debentures are long-term financial instruments which acknowledge a debt obligation
towards the issuer.
o Debentures which can't be converted into shares or equities are called non-convertible
debentures (or NCDs).
Source: Financial Express
55. RBL Bank has launched Electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG) on National E-Governance
Services Limited (NeSL) platform.
o The partnership utilizes NeSL’s expertise in e-stamping and e-sign with the objective of
making a transaction secure.
• What is e-BG?
o An electronic- Bank Guarantee is a digital form of traditional paper-based bank
guarantee, which is a guarantee given by the bank on behalf of the applicant to cover a
payment obligation to a third party.
Source: livemint
pg. 64
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56. Bandhan Bank has secured mandate to collect revenue on electronic- Government Receipt
Accounting System (e-GRAS) portal for Assam government.
• About Government Receipt Accounting System-
o It is a web application which provides facility to citizen, business community to pay taxes
and non-tax receipts to the government electronically.
o It provides 24X7 facility to citizens of Assam and they can use services anytime from
anywhere.
o The e-GRAS portal facilitates payment to 70 departments, with a total collection of
nearly Rs 16,000 crore.
Source: ET
57. Google has announced India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered experiences for
maps.
• Key features-
o New AI experiences include multiple user-friendly features which optimizes the quality of
life.
o New features include address descriptors, lens integration, and live view walking
navigation.
58. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed an agreement with the Indian
Government to provide an official development assistance loan of Rs 22,627 crore for
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Japan International Cooperation Agency-

• It is a governmental agency that delivers the bulk of Official Development Assistance for
the government of Japan.
• It is chartered with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries, and the
promotion of international cooperation.
• Headquarters- Tokyo, Japan
• President- Tanaka Akihiko
Source: ET
pg. 65
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59. Axis Bank has tied up with American Express and launched an Axis Bank Privilege Credit
Card on the American Express network.
• Key features of credit-card-
o It provides attractive benefits such as activation benefit worth Rs 5000 and two
complimentary domestic lounge access per calendar quarter, etc.
o To be eligible for the card a person needs to be a resident of India with an annual net
income of at least Rs 600,000.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Axis Bank-

• CEO- Amitabh Chaudhry
60. Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance has introduced new insurance product ‘Term with Unit
Linked Insurance Plan’ (T.U.L.I.P.).
• Key features of T.U.L.I.P.-
o It provides life coverage up to 100 times the annual premium.
o It facilitates loyalty additions of up to 30% of the fund value, incorporated by the
company as part of maturity benefits.
o It provides flexibility to withdraw funds in case of a financial emergency.
o There is accidental death benefit and critical Illness rider.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Kotak Life-

• Chairman- Uday Kotak
Source: livemint
61. World Bank has approved USD 300 million loan to boost urban water and sewerage system
in Tamil Nadu.
pg. 66
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• More about funding-

o Funding is provided under Tamil Nadu Climate Resilient Urban Development Program to
improve access to quality water and sewerage services.
o It is focused on promoting climate-resilient cities.
o It will target 21 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by improving their delivery system to ensure
proper water supply and drainage system.
o Loan is provided by International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a member
of World Bank group.
o Loan carries a maturity of 32 years with a grace period of 7 years.
Knowledge Nuggets
About World Bank-

• It is an international financial institution which provides loans and grants to the
governments of low and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital
projects.
• It was created at Bretton Woods Conference, along with the International Monetary Fund
(IMF).
• Headquarters- Washington DC, USA
• President- Ajay Banga
Source: ET
62. HDFC Life and NKGSB Co-Operative Bank has entered into a corporate tie-up to facilitate
purchase of life insurance product for customers of NKGSB Co-Operative Bank.
• Objective-
o To facilitate smooth purchase of life insurance product for customers and improve the
life insurance penetration among the diverse range of customers.
• The move is in line with the vision of ‘Insurance for all by 2047’ set by the Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
Knowledge Nuggets
About HDFC Life-

• It is a joint venture between HDFC Ltd. And Standard Life Aberdeen
pg. 67
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• MD & CEO- Vibha Padalkar
About NKGSB Co-Operative Bank-

Source: PTI
63. Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has granted Rs 12.45 crore to ETO
Motors to deploy 300 Electric 3-wheelers in Delhi and Hyderabad under SIDBI's mission
50K-EV4ECO.
• Objective-
o To improve first and last-mile passenger connectivity in these cities.
• What is SIDBI's mission 50K-EV4ECO-
o It is a scheme designed to strengthen the EV ecosystem in India.
o It focuses on increasing the uptake of two-, three-, and four-wheelers through both direct
and indirect lending.
o It focuses on providing affordable financing for electric vehicles and to develop a robust
charging infrastructure, including battery-swapping facilities.
Knowledge Nuggets
About SIDBI-
• It is the regulatory body for overall licencing and regulation of micro, small and medium
enterprises companies in India.
• Headquarters- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• Chairman & MD- Sivasubramanian Ramann
• Ministry- Ministry of Finance
Source: ISN
64. World Bank and Department of Economic Affairs have launched PPP Beginner’s e-course
to improve collaboration between public and private sectors in infrastructure capacity-building.
• Objective-
pg. 68
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o To provide foundational knowledge and insights to individuals keen on understanding

and contributing to the dynamic realm of PPPs in India.
• More about e-course-
o It comprises 5 modules which covers the major elements associated with lifecycle of
PPP projects including-
o Introduction to PPPs
o Identification of PPP projects
o Structuring of projects
o Tendering and implementation
o Monitoring aspects of PPP projects
o Duration of the course is 7 hours and 15 mins which is designed to be self-paced.
o There is no requirement of any prior experience in PPP to take this course.
Source: PIB
65. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has collaborated with the
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to address the
adverse impact of climate change on the farming sector in India.
• Objective-
o To fund initiatives related to agricultural, natural resources, and rural development
(ANR) to enhance food security and climate financing.
o NABARD will receive support to formulate a climate financing policy and adopt
measures to address challenges posed by climate change, particularly in agriculture and
rural livelihood sectors.
o Partnership will identify and support programs in climate-resilient agriculture,
agroforestry, irrigation modernization, agriculture value chain financing, crop
diversification, micro-irrigation, and the JIVA program.
o ADB will support capacity building in climate resilience and climate change financing
through workshops and training sessions for NABARD and other relevant institutions.
• About NABARD’s JIVA Program-
o JIVA is a community-based participatory program for watershed and tribal areas,
covering 2.5 million hectares with a funding commitment of about Rs 5,000 crore.
pg. 69
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66. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is set to launch ‘Bima
Vistaar’, an all-in-one affordable insurance product covering life, health, and property.
• Objective-
o To achieve the goal of insurance for all by 2047 and address gaps in product design,
pricing, and distribution.
• Key points-
o It is a part of the "Insurance Trinity" vision by IRDAI, which includes Bima Sugam (a
digital platform) and Bima Vahak (a women-led field distribution force).
o Bima Vahak, the women-led insurance distribution channel, will be launched alongside
Bima Vistaar, with guidelines already issued by IRDAI.
o IRDAI believes that women "Vahaks" will effectively convey the importance of affordable
social security to women in rural households.
o New technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are being
employed to create a digital platform for last-mile connectivity in insurance.
Knowledge Nuggets
About IRDAI-
• It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• It is tasked with regulating and licensing the insurance and re-insurance industries in
India.
• It was established under Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999.
• Headquarters- Hyderabad, Telangana
• Chairperson- Debasish Panda
Source: Hindu Businessline
67. IndusInd Bank has launched ‘IndusInd Bank eSvarna’, first Corporate Credit Card of India
on the RuPay network.
• Key features of the card-
o IndusInd Bank is the first bank in the country to integrate UPI functionality with a
Corporate Credit Card.
o Card facilitates smooth transactions at merchant outlets and allows users the flexibility
to make UPI payments by linking the card with UPI-enabled apps.
o It comes with a number of exclusive perks and rewards such as luxurious travel
experience, including complimentary lounge access and a fuel surcharge waiver.
pg. 70
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o Corporate travellers will get the added benefit of comprehensive travel insurance
coverage and an exclusive rewards program.
Knowledge Nuggets
About IndusInd Bank-

• CEO- Sumant Kathpalia
Source: livemint
68. RBI has released draft 'Licensing Framework for Authorised Persons (APs)' under Foreign
Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
• Key focus of the draft-
o To rationalise the authorisation framework for money changers in view of the
widespread availability of banking services to public
o To look at alternate models for facilitating foreign exchange related services and
improve the scope of services being offered by AD-Category II entities.
o It will also review the regulatory framework.
Knowledge Nuggets
Who are authorised persons?

• An authorised person is an entity authorised by the Reserve Bank of India to deal in
forex.
• It can be an authorised dealer, money changer, off-shore banking unit or any other
person for the time being authorised under Sub-Section (1) of Section 10 of FEMA.
What is FEMA Act, 1999-

• It is an act formed to consolidate and amend the law relating to foreign exchange with the
objective of facilitating external trade and payments.
• It is passed for promoting the orderly development and maintenance of foreign exchange
market in India.
Source: moneycontrol, RBI
pg. 71
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69. State Bank of India (SBI) has signed USD 165 million Line of Credit (LoC) with World Bank
for rooftop solar project.
• SBI has planned to make home loans with rooftop solar installations mandatory for
residential projects which are funded from the bank's long-term climate action funds.
• SBI has planned to make it mandatory for builders to make rooftop solar installations if the
project is funded from the bank's green funds.
Knowledge Nuggets
About State Bank of India-

• State Bank of India is an Indian multinational public sector bank and financial services
statutory body.
• Chairman- Dinesh Kumar Khara
What is a Line of Credit-

• Line of credit is a flexible loan from a financial institution that consists of a defined
amount of money that you can access as needed.
• It can be repaid immediately or over time in regular minimum payments.
70. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reverse merger of IDFC-IDFC First Bank.
• More about merger-
o Under the proposed reverse merger scheme, an IDFC shareholder will get 155 shares
for every 100 shares he/she holds in the bank.
o Post merger, the standalone book value per share of the bank will increase by 4.9%.
Source: ET
71. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has extended the deadline for demat and
mutual fund account holders to provide a nomination to June 30, 2024.
• Objective-
o To help investors to secure their assets and pass them on to their legal heirs.
• Earlier, the deadline to nominate a beneficiary or opt out of it by submitting a declaration
form was December 31, 2023.
pg. 72
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Source: livemint
72. Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has partnered with Google and Meta to
expand its outreach to small businesses through Google Maps and WhatsApp.
• With Google Maps, ONDC is onboarding the Kochi Metro as a mobility service on its
platform.
• Users can make ticket bookings for the metro service directly in Google Maps by using
ONDC framework.
• With Meta, ONDC is being integrated into WhatsApp, where small businesses will be able
to streamline their onboarding process on the framework.
Knowledge Nuggets
About ONDC-
• It is a network of interconnected e-marketplaces through which sellers, including brands,
can list and sell their products directly to customers bypassing any middlemen or
intermediaries.
• It was launched in late 2021 under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade (DPIIT) by the Ministry of Commerce.
• Its main objective is to democratise and decentralize e-Commerce.
• It is registered as a private non-profit section 8 company.
Source: livemint
73. Reliance Jio is set to launch a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with the Indian
Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) the 'Bharat GPT'.
• More about Bharat GPT-
o It aims to transform sectors in India using large language models and generative AI.
o It is part of broader vision of Jio, "Jio 2.0," for which Jio is collaborating with IIT Bombay
since 2014.
o Jio is also planning to launch an operating system for televisions.
Source: livemint
74. Adani Group has formed a joint venture with a unit of UAE’s International Holding
Company (IHC) to explore artificial intelligence and other technologies.
• More about joint venture-
pg. 73
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o Adani Global Ltd. and IHC’s Sirius International Holding Ltd. will own 49% and 51%
respectively in the Sirius Digitech International Ltd.
o Headquarters of Joint Ventures will be in Abu Dhabi.
o Both Adani Group and IHC will have an equal representation on the board of new entity
which will also explore Internet of Things and blockchain besides AI.
75. SEBI has issued procedure for public issuance of ‘zero coupon zero principle’ instrument by
not-for-profit organisations (NPOs) and listing of such instrument on Social Stock
Exchange (SSE).
• Key points-
o NPOs (Non-Profit Organizations) need to file the draft fundraising document with the
SSE (Stock Exchange) through the lead manager.
o Application seeking in-principle approval for listing the instrument on the SSE is also
required.
o SSE will provide observations on the draft fundraising document within 30 days from
filing or receipt of clarification, whichever is later.
o NPOs must incorporate SSE's observations in a draft document and file final papers
before opening the issue.
o Both draft and final fundraising documents must contain true and adequate material
disclosures for informed decision-making.
o Instrument Characteristics and Minimum Requirements:
o "Zero coupon zero principal" instruments will be issued in dematerialized form only.
o They are not transferable.
o Minimum issue size: Rs 50 lakh
o Minimum application size: Rs 10,000
o Minimum subscription required: 75% of the funds proposed to be raised
o If subscription is less than 75% of the issue size, funds will be refunded.
o SSE is required to maintain details of allotment for zero coupon and zero principal
instruments issued by an NPO.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Zero coupon zero principle-

• These are financial instruments that any non-profit organisation can use to raise funds.
pg. 74
[Type here]
• Organisations raise money through donations from individuals or corporates can issue a
zero-coupon, zero-principal security through a social stock exchange (SSE).
• People who are willing to donate money to their cause can buy these securities.
• As it is a donation, the borrowing entity does not have to pay interest (zero coupon) and it
does not have to pay the principal (zero principal) either.
About Social Stock Exchange (SSEs)-

• SSEs are trading platforms that allow social businesses and non-profits to raise capital by
attracting ethical investors willing to invest in organisations that have a dual corporate
and social mission.
Source: ET
76. Reserve Bank of India has released the 2023 list of domestic systematically important
banks (D-SIBs).
• Key points-
o D-SIBs include State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank.
o ICICI bank will remain in same bucketing structure as last year.
o SBI has been shifted from bucket 3 to bucket 4 and HDFC has been shifted from bucket
1 to bucket 2, both moving to the higher buckets.
• New Additional common equity Tier 1 (CET-1) requirement-
o SBI's additional common equity Tier 1 (CET-1) requirement as a percentage of Risk
Weighted Assets will be 0.80% as compared to 0.60%
o HDFC Bank’s additional common equity Tier 1 (CET-1) requirement as a percentage of
Risk Weighted Assets will be 0.40% as compared to 0.20%.
o For ICICI Bank it remains same.
o D-SIB buffer requirements for SBI and HDFC Bank due to the bucket increase will be
effective from April 1, 2025.
Knowledge Nuggets
About D-SIBs-
• A bank is considered a D-SIB if its failure might seriously disrupt the financial system due
to the bank’s size, cross-jurisdictional activities, complexity, lack of substitutability and
interconnectedness.
• Generally, banks whose assets exceed 2% of GDP are considered part of this group.
pg. 75
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Source: ET
77. Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar has unveiled new ‘CA India’ logo of Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) at a recently held Global Professional Accountants
Convention (GloPAC), in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Features of New Logo-
o New logo consists of the letters ‘CA’ in blue with a tricolour tick mark (upside down) on a
white background.
o Blue colour denotes creativity, innovativeness, knowledge, integrity, trust, truth, stability,
and depth.
o Upside-down tick mark in tricolour, used by Chartered Accountants during audits, has
been included to symbolise the wisdom and value of the professionals.
o ‘India’ is added to the logo, which epitomizes the Institute’s commitment to the India First
approach and commitment to serve the Indian economy in public interest.
Knowledge Nuggets
About ICAI-
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is largest professional accounting body
of India under the administrative control of Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of
India.
• It was established on 1 July 1949 as a statutory body under the Chartered Accountants
Act, 1949 enacted by the Parliament for promotion, development and regulation of the
profession of Chartered Accountancy in India.
• President- Aniket Sunil Talati
pg. 76
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78. RBI has given approval to ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (ICICI AMC) to
acquire an aggregate holding of up to 9.95% of stake in Federal Bank, RBL Bank, and Equitas
Small Finance Bank.
Source: ET
79. Investor base of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has increased by 22% from 7 crore to
8.54 crore during the calendar year 2023.
o Maharashtra has topped with 1.49 crore investors, Uttar Pradesh is at the 2 nd position in
terms of total registered investors with 90 lakh investors as on December 29, 2023.
o Gujarat with 77 lakh investors has ranked 3rd and West Bengal comes at 4th with 48 lakh
investors.
o According to the NSE, 99.85% of India’s postal PIN codes were covered in terms of
investor registrations.
o Around 161.4 lakh new investors were added in 2023.
o India is ranked 4th in the world in terms of market capitalisation.
pg. 77
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80. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav has launched
the National Transit Pass System (NTPS)- ‘One Nation-One Pass’ pan-India to facilitate the
seamless transit of timber, bamboo, and other forest produce across the country.
• Key points about ‘One Nation-One Pass’-
o At present, transit permits are issued for transport of timber and forest produce based
on state specific transit rules, ‘One Nation-One Pass’ will enable seamless transit across
the country.
o Initiative will streamline the issuance of timber transit permits by providing a unified, and
online mode contributing to the ease of doing business.
o QR coded transit permits generated under NTPS will allow check gates across various
states to verify the validity of the permits and allow seamless transit.
o Initiative will boost agroforestry practices in the nation.
Source: PIB
81. Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance has announced interest rates
applicable to small savings scheme for the quarter January-March 2024.
• Interest rates on various small savings schemes for the fourth quarter of FY 2023-24-
Instrument Rates of interest from Oct- Rates of Interest from Jan-
Dec 2023 (%) March 2024 (%)
Senior Citizen Saving Scheme 8.2 8.2
Monthly Income Account 7.4 7.4
Scheme
National Saving Certificate 7.7 7.7
Public Provident Fund 7.1 7.1
Scheme
Kisan Vikas Patra 7.5 (will mature in 115 7.5 (will mature in 115
months) months)
Sukanya Samriddhi Account 8 8.2
Source: ET
82. Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) has launched an online module of Certificate
of Approval (CoA) and Technology Approval under voluntary certification scheme.
• Objective-
o To improve the Ease of Doing Business and promote Atmanirbhar Bharat.
pg. 78
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• Developed by- Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)

Source: ET
83. Reserve Bank of India has extended Payment Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF)
Scheme by two years till December 2025.
• More about PIDF Scheme-
o It was operationalised in January 2021 for 3 years.
• Objective-
o To encourage deployment of payment acceptance infrastructure such as physical Point
of Sale (PoS), Quick Response (QR) codes, in tier-3 to tier-6 centres, North Eastern
states and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Source: ET
84. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled banking licence of The Botad Peoples Co-
operative Bank and Adarsh Mahila Nagari Sahakari Bank Maryadit.
• More about cancellation of Botad Peoples Co-operative Bank -
o RBI has notified Botad Peoples Co-operative Bank as a non-banking institution.
o Now, it is obligatory for The Botad Peoples Co-operative Bank to stop conducting the
business of ‘banking’, including acceptance of deposits from non-members.
• More cancellation of Adarsh Mahila Nagari Sahakari Bank Maryadit-
o Under the suspension, bank has to stop banking business with effect from December
29.
o Its license is cancelled because it failed in complying with multiple sections of the
banking regulation act.
Source: Financial Express
85. Reliance Industries has become 1st Indian company to chemically recycle plastic waste-
based pyrolysis oil into International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC)-Plus
certified circular polymers.
Source: ET
pg. 79
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REPORTS AND INDICES

1. UNAIDS has released a report titled ‘Let Communities Lead’ ahead of World Aids Day on 1st
December.
• The report was launched in London, United Kingdom at an event hosted by STOPAIDS, a
civil society organisation.
o Reports has observed that AIDS can be ended as a public health threat by 2030, but
only if communities on the frontlines get the full support they need from governments
and donors.
o It observed that investing in community-led HIV programmes delivers transformational
benefits.
o Despite the clear evidence of community-led impact, community-led responses are
unrecognized, under-resourced and in some places even under attack.
Knowledge Nuggets
About UNAIDS-
• It stands for Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS.
• Executive Director- Winnie Byanyima
Source: unaids
2. UNICEF has released Global Snapshot on Children with HIV and AIDS.
o Nearly 98,000 adolescent girls aged 10-19 were infected with HIV in 2022 – or 1,900
new infections every week
o While total infections among girls aged 10-19 have almost halved since 2010 – from
190,000 to 98,000 – girls were still more than twice as likely to contract HIV last year,
than boys.
o Globally, there were 270,000 new HIV infections among all children and adolescents
aged 0-19 in 2022, bringing the total number of young people living with HIV to 2.6
million.
Knowledge Nuggets
pg. 80
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About UNICEF-
• United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund is an agency of the United
Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children
worldwide.
• Headquarters- Ney York, USA
• Executive director- Catherine M. Russell
Source: UNICEF
3. India has been ranked 49th in in the International Institute for Management Development
(IMD)'s 7th edition of World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) 2023.
• What is WDCR 2023-
o The report measures the capacity and readiness of 64 economies based on three broad
categories which are: Knowledge, Technology and Future readiness.
• Rankings-
Country Rank
USA 1
Netherland 2
Singapore 3
India 49
Knowledge Nuggets
About IMD-
• International Institute for Management Development is a business school with campuses
in Lausanne, Switzerland and Singapore.
Source: imd.org
4. University of Delhi has ranked 220th on QS World University Rankings 2024 for
Sustainability.
• What is QS World University Rankings for Sustainability?
pg. 81
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o It provides students with a unique lens on which institutions are demonstrating a

commitment to a more sustainable existence.
o It ranks universities on three parameters- Environmental Impact, Social Impact and
Governance.
• Top Indian Universities in the ranking-
• Global Rankings-
5. India has accounted for 66% of malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region as per
2023 World Malaria Report published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
o Almost 46% of all cases in the region were due to Plasmodium vivax, which is a
protozoal parasite and a human pathogen.
o The WHO South-East Asia Region has accounted for about 2% of malaria cases
globally while malaria cases have declined by 76%, from 23 million in 2000 to about 5
million in 2022.
pg. 82
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o Malaria case incidence in this region decreased by 83%, from about 18 cases per 1,000
population at risk in 2000 to about 3 cases per 1,000 population at risk in 2022.
o There were estimated 249 million cases globally, exceeding the pre-pandemic level of
233 million in 2019 by 16 million cases.
Knowledge Nuggets
About WHO-
• World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for
international public health.
• Director General- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Source: The Hindu
6. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has released its annual ‘Crime in India-2022’
report.
• Key Observations-
o Over 4.45 lakh cases have been registered in 2022.
o Rate of crimes against women per lakh population stood at 66.4.
o The majority of crimes against women under the Indian Penal Code were of cruelty by
husband or his relatives (31.4%)
o It is followed by kidnapping and abduction of women (19.2%), assault on women with
intent to outrage her modesty (18.7%), and rape (7.1%).
• State wise distribution of crimes-
o In absolute numbers, Uttar Pradesh (65,743) has registered the maximum FIRs in cases
of crimes against women in 2022, followed by Maharashtra (45,331), Rajasthan
(45,058), West Bengal (34,738), and Madhya Pradesh (32,765).
o These five states together contributed to 2,23,635 (or 50.2%) of the total cases lodged
in India last year.
o A total of 12 States and Union Territories have recorded crime rates higher than the
national average of 66.4.
• Other major observations-
o Delhi most unsafe metropolis in crimes involving juveniles.
pg. 83
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o Kolkata emerged as the safest city in India for the third consecutive year, recording the
least number of cognisable offences per lakh population among metropolises.
Source: Hindu frontline
7. India has been ranked 7th on the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) released by
Germanwatch.
• More about CCPI-
o It is an independent monitoring tool for tracking the climate protection performance.
o This year CCPI has evaluated more than 60 countries and the European Union (EU)
which together generate more than 90% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
o It is assessed in four categories-
o GHG emissions (40% of the overall score)
o renewable energy (20%)
o energy use (20%) and
o climate policy (20%)
o Objective-
o To improve transparency in international climate politics and enables comparison
of climate protection efforts and progress made by individual countries.
Source: TOI
8. 74.1% of Indians were unable to afford a healthy diet in 2021 as per the Food and
Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition
2023: Statistics and Trends report.
• Key observation of report-
o Cost of healthy diet in India in 2021 is 3.0 PPP dollars per person per day.
o Prevalence of undernourishment in India for the period of (2020-2022) is 16.6%.
• Regional Overview-
o Undernourished in Asia-Pacific: 370.7 million people (50% of global total)
o Affordability of Healthy Diet (2021): 232.8 million people affected
Knowledge Nuggets
About Food and Agriculture Organisation-
pg. 84
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• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the
United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and
food security.
• Headquarters- Rome, Italy
• Director General- Qu Dongyu
• Motto- fiat panis in Latin (Let there be bread)
Source: The Hindu
9. Hyderabad tops among Indian cities in Mercer’s Quality of Living City Ranking 2023.
• What is Living City Ranking 2023-
o Mercer's Quality of Living data assesses the practicalities of daily life for expatriate
employees and their families in various locations worldwide.
• Top Indian cities-
City Global ranking
Hyderabad 153
Pune 154
Bengaluru 156
Chennai 161
Mumbai 164
Kolkata 170
New Delhi 172
• Top 3 cities-
City Global Ranking
Vienna, Austria 1
Zurich, Switzerland 2
Auckland, New Zealand 3
Source: ET
10. National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and Department for Promotion
of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) have released report ‘Logistics Cost in India:
Assessment and Long-Term Framework’.
• Key finding-
pg. 85
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o Logistic costs of India ranged between 7.8% and 8.9% during 2021-22, down from 8.7-
9.9% during 2011-12.
o It saw a dip during 2014-15 to 2016-17, from 8.3-9.4% to 7.8-8.8%.
• Reason for decline in logistic cost-
o Logistic cost reduced due to a faster growth in nominal GDP than in logistic costs, and a
fall in fuel prices compared to the earlier period.
Source: livemint
11. World Health Organisation (WHO) has released 5th Global Status Report on Road Safety
2023.
• Key observation-
• Global Road Traffic Fatalities Trends (2010-2021)-
o Despite a 13% increase in the global population, road traffic fatalities have decreased by
5% in absolute numbers.
o Global road fatality rate per 100,000 people has declined from 18 in 2010 to 15 in 2021,
representing a 16% reduction.
• Regional Distribution of Road Traffic Deaths-
o WHO’s South-East Asia Region has the highest share, with 28% of global road traffic
deaths.
o Other significant contributions were from the Western Pacific (25%), African (19%),
Americas (12%), Eastern Mediterranean (11%), and European Regions (5%)
• Road Traffic Fatalities in India (2010-2021)-
o India has experienced a concerning trend with a 15% increase in road traffic fatalities.
o Total number of deaths rose from 1.34 lakh (134,000) in 2010 to 1.54 lakh (154,000) in
2021.
o This increase underscores challenges in road safety measures and highlights the need
for targeted interventions in the country.
Knowledge Nuggets
About WHO-
• World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for
international public health.
pg. 86
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• Director General- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Source: The Hindu
12. Coal demand of India will grow at 3.5% annually till 2026 as per International Energy
Agency (IEA) report ‘Coal 2023- Analysis and forecast to 2026’.
o Indian Coal Demand will reach 1397 million tonnes by 2026, with an 8% increase in
2023.
o India is aiming for 50% non-fossil fuel power by 2030 but it may require additional coal
capacity to meet growing demand and ensure supply security.
o Global Coal Demand is anticipated to rise by 1.4% in 2023, reaching an all-time high of
8536 million tonnes but it is expected to decrease further by 2.3% by 2026.
Knowledge Nuggets
About IEA-
• It is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation that provides policy
recommendations, analysis and data on the entire global energy sector.
• It consists 31 member countries and 13 association countries which together represent
75% of global energy demand.
• Executive director- Fatih Birol
Source: IEA
13. India has topped global remittance chart at USD 125 billion in 2023 as per the World
Bank’s latest Migration and Development Brief.
• Global Remittance Trends-
o Remittances to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) grew by 3.8% in 2023,
reaching a total of USD 669 billion.
o India emerged as the top remittance recipient, with an impressive USD 125 billion,
showcasing its economic resilience.
o Resilient labour markets in advanced economies and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
countries played a crucial role in supporting migrants' ability to send money home.
• Key Remittance Recipient Countries-
pg. 87
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Rank Country Remittance Received

1 India USD 125 billion
2 Mexico USD 67 billion
3 China USD 50 billion
4 Philippines USD 40 billion
5 Egypt USD 24 billion
Source: ET
14. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has released the fifth LEADS (Logistics
Ease Across Different States) 2023 report.
• Objective-
o It aims to improve logistics performance across states by assessing progress of states.
• More about LEADS report-
o Report ranks states on the basis of their logistics ecosystem.
o It identifies key logistics-related challenges faced by stakeholders, and makes
suggestions.
• Performance Highlights from LEADS 2023:
• Costal Group-
o Achievers: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
o Fast Movers: Kerala, Maharashtra
o Aspirers: Goa, Odisha, West Bengal
• Landlocked Group-
o Achievers: Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh
o Fast Movers: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand
o Aspirers: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand
• North-East Group-
o Achievers: Assam, Sikkim, Tripura
o Fast Movers: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland
o Aspirers: Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram
• Union Territories-
o Achievers: Chandigarh, Delhi
o Fast Movers: Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Puducherry
o Aspirers: Daman & Diu/ Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh
Source: PIB
pg. 88
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15. Generative AI could boost the economy of India by $1.2-1.5 trillion in the next seven years as
per the report 'The AIdea of India: Generative Al's impact on India's digital growth' by EY.
o If fully utilized, Gen AI technology could contribute an additional $359-438 billion to the
economy in the fiscal year 2029-30.
o This contribution would result in a 5.9%-7.2% increase in GDP compared to the
baseline.
o Approximately 69% of the expected impact is projected to come from sectors such as
business services, financial services, education, retail, and healthcare.
o The two primary challenges faced by organizations in adopting Gen AI are a shortage of
skilled personnel (reported by 52% of respondents) and unclear use cases (cited by
47%).
o Data privacy is considered a potential risk by only 36% of organizations, according to
the research.
Source: ET
16. Kerala has emerged most preferred state to work in India as per India Skills Report 2024.
• More about India Skills Report 2024-
o Report is published by talent assessment agency Wheebox in association with various
agencies including All India Council for Technical Education, Confederation of Indian
Industry and Association of Indian Universities.
• Key points-
o Employability of India has improved, with 51.25% of surveyed youth possessing
necessary skills.
o Kerala has excelled in overall employability, securing second place among 18–21-year-
olds, emphasizing a balanced education approach.
o Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have ranked higher for preferred work locations.
o Diverse skill set of Kerala has enhances resilience in meeting job market demands.
Source: The Hindu
17. CoinSwitch has published 2nd edition of its annual investor report ‘India’s Crypto Portfolio
2023’.
pg. 89
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o Delhi has topped crypto adoption in India (measured in terms of value invested).
o More than 20% of India's total crypto investments are concentrated in the three major
metropolitan areas: Delhi (9%), Bangalore (8%) and Mumbai (5%).
o About 75% of the invested users are below the age of 35.
o Top invested cryptos were Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin (BTC), and Ethereum (ETH)
contributing to 26% of the total value.
o Solana (SOL) was the best-performing crypto in India's portfolio, with 633% growth year-
to-date.
o Delhi and Hyderabad saw the highest participation of women investors; 9% of India's
crypto investors are women.
o Ghaziabad claimed the 10th position in the list of the top invested cities, replacing Patna
from the spot.
Source: cxotoday
18. According to ‘PwC's 2023 Global Risk Survey’, cybersecurity is the biggest threat for Indian
organization.
o Cybersecurity has risen from the third to the first position on the risk radar compared to
the 2022 survey.
o Digital and technology risks are the primary concerns for Indian business leaders,
constituting 35% of total responses.
o Indian organizations are actively investing in cybersecurity tools (55%) and AI, machine
learning, and automation technologies (55%) to counter cybersecurity challenges.
o 71% of Indian organizations are collecting and analysing cybersecurity and IT data to
identify opportunities and manage risks, compared to the global average of 61%.
o 99% of Indian business leaders are confident in their organization's ability to balance
growth with effective risk management, with 66% being very confident. Globally, these
figures are 91% and 40%, respectively.
• Comparison with global peers-
o Indian businesses view technology disruptors as opportunities, with 69% seeing
Generative AI as an opportunity (compared to 60% globally).
o 48% of Indian enterprises have deployed AI and machine learning for automated risk
assessment and response, slightly lower than the global response of 50%.
pg. 90
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o 88% of Indian organizations have actively invested in building resilience in their

ecosystem over the last 12 months, higher than the global average of 77%.
Source: BW
19. India is set to become the world's 3rd largest economy by 2032 as per a ‘World Economic
League Table 2024’ report released by the Centre for Economics and Business Research
(CEBR).
• Key observation of report-
o India will sustain an average growth rate of 6.5% from 2024 to 2028.
o As per report India will surpass Germany to become the 4th largest economy in 2027,
and it will overtake Japan to become the 3rd largest economy by 2032.
o India is expected to overtake both China and the US after 2080, based on demographic
estimates and projections.
o India is expected to become the largest economic superpower and is expected to have
a GDP of 90% larger than China’s and 30% larger than that of the US by the end of the
century.
o Key drivers include India's large and youthful population, a growing middle class, a
dynamic entrepreneurial sector, and increasing global economic integration.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Centre for Economics and Business Research-

• It is an economic consultancy which provides economic forecasting and analysis to
private firms and public bodies.
• Headquarters- London, United Kingdom
Source: moneycontrol
GDP FORECASTS
1. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has projected India’s GDP to Grow at 6.8% in
Financial Year 2023-24.
• GDP Projection for FY 2024-25- 7%
• Reason for growth-
o Economic growth is supported by infrastructure development and ease of doing
business.
pg. 91
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Knowledge Nuggets
About Confederation of Indian Industry-

• It is a non-governmental trade association and an advocacy group.
• Director General- Chandrajit Banerjee
Source: ET
DEFENCE NEWS
1. Indian Navy has conducted ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Maritime Heads for Active Security And Growth
for All in the Region) outreach initiative between Maritime Heads.
• Theme-
o Collective Maritime Approach towards Countering Common Challenges
• Objective-
o To highlight the present and necessary imperative for harmonising and collaborating
capacities and capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
• Participating countries-
o Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique,
Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania
Source: PIB
2. President Smt Droupadi Murmu has conferred President’s Colour to Armed Forces
Medical College on the occasion of its platinum jubilee year.
• Key events-
o President has released a special cover & stamp and a commemorative coin.
o President will also e-inaugurate the ‘Prajna’, the Armed Forces Centre for Computational
Medicine.
o About Prajna-
o It will place AFMC in league with leading global institutes undertaking cutting-
edge healthcare research using Artificial Intelligence.
Knowledge Nuggets
pg. 92
[Type here]
About President’s Colour-

• It is also known as ‘Rashtrapati ka Nishaan’ is the highest honour that can be bestowed
upon any military unit.
Source: PIB
3. Defence Acquisition Council has approved capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 2.23 lakh
crore in respect of Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs).
• Objective-
o To enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.
• Key Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) granted-

o For Area Denial Munition (ADM) Types 2 and 3.
o To replace Indian Field Gun (IFG).
o For enhancing artillery lethality.
o For Automatic Target Tracker (ATT) and Digital Basaltic Computer (DBC) integration.
o For lightweight Surface-to-Surface Missile.
o For Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk 1A.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Defence Acquisition Council-

• The DAC is the highest decision-making body in the Defence Ministry for deciding on
new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force)
and the Indian Coast Guard.
• Chairman- Minister of Defence
Source: PIB
4. Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has launched first 3 Ships Mahe, Malvan and Mangrol of
the 8 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC) for the Indian Navy.
• Key features-
o Ships are equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors,
and are envisaged to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as
Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations.
o The ASW SWC ships are 78 m long and displacement is approx 900 tons, with a
maximum speed of 25 knots.
Source: PIB
pg. 93
[Type here]
5. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has delivered Sandhayak (Yard 3025),
the first of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships.
• More about Sandhayak (Yard 3025)-
o It has been built under the contract for four Survey Vessel (Large).
o It has been designed and built as per the rules of Indian Register of Shipping
Classification society by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
o Primary role of the ship would be full scale coastal and deep-water Hydrographic Survey
of Port/ Harbour approaches and determination of navigational channels/ routes.
o It has an indigenous content of over 80% by cost.
Source: PIB
6. Indian defence Public Sector Undertakings Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), Bharat

Electronics (BEL) and Mazagon Docks (MDL) figure in the list of the top 100 arms-producing
companies as per ‘World’s Top 100 Arms Producing Companies 2022’ report.
• Report released by-
o Swedish think-tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
• Rank of Indian firms-
o HAL was ranked 41st with $3.4 billion in arms sales, BEL 63rd with $1.9 billion and MDL
89th with $1 billion
• Global trend-
o Sales of arms and military services by the 100 largest armament companies in the world
totalled $597 billion in 2022
Source: TOI
7. 4th edition of the joint military exercise VINBAX-2023 is being held between India and
Vietnam in Hanoi from 11th to 21st December 2023.
• Objective-
o To foster collaborative partnership, promote inter-operability and share best practices
between the two sides under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter on Peace Keeping
Operations.
• More about VINBAX-2023-
o It was instituted in 2018 and the first edition was conducted at Jabalpur, Madhya
Pradesh.
pg. 94
[Type here]
o It is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Vietnam.

o Last edition was conducted at Chandimandir Military Station in August 2022.
o Exercise will be conducted as a Command Post Exercise cum Field Training Exercise
with focus on deployment and employment of an Engineer Company and a Medical
Team.
o Participants-
o Indian contingent comprises 39 personnel from an Engineer Regiment of Bengal
Engineer Group and six personnel of Army Medical Corps.
o The Vietnam People’s Army contingent will also be represented by 45 personnel.
Source: PIB
8. Indian Navy has conducted bi-annual ‘Prasthan’ exercise off Mumbai coast.
• More about Prasthan-
o It is conducted under the Western Naval Command.
o It is conducted to address various contingencies that may arise in the oil production
platform.
o Current exercise was conducted on R12A (Ratna) platform of ONGC.
Source: ANI
9. Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the acquisition of 70,000 Sig Sauer semi-
automatic assault rifles for the Indian Army at a cost of Rs 800 crore.
o Rifles will be procured from the United States-based company Sig Sauer Inc.
o In 2019, India acquired 72,400 SIG 716 rifles of 7.62 x 51mm caliber, with 66,400
allocated for the Indian Army, 4,000 for the Indian Air Force (IAF), and 2,000 for the
Indian Navy (IN).
o Newly approved rifles will be utilized in counter-terrorism operations and other duties at
the borders with China and Pakistan.
Source: ET
10. Indian Navy has commissioned INS Tarmugli, a Fast Attack Craft at naval dockyard
Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command.
• More about INS Tarmugli-
o The ship is named after Tarmugli, a picturesque island in the Andaman group.
pg. 95
[Type here]
o It is a Trinkat Class FAC which was gifted to the Maldivian Naval Defence Forces
(MNDF) in 2006 by the Govt of India.
o The ship was returned to the Indian Navy in May 2023
o Upgrades and Features:
o It is fitted with MTU engines and equipped with the latest communication equipment.
o It features a 30 mm gun and an advanced radar system.
Source: PIB
11. Defence Ministry has approved a Rs 2,800 crore proposal for the Indian Army for acquiring
around 6,400 rockets designed for the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems.
o Defence Acquisition Council has cleared the proposal for the acquisition of two types of
rockets identified as Area Denial Munition Type 2 and Type-3.
o Economic Explosives Limited of Solar Industries and Munitions India Limited are the
domestic supplier for the rocket procurement.
Source: ET
12. HC Robotics of Hyderabad has partnered with French company Merio to produce advanced
gimbals for Indian Armed Forces.
Source: ET
13. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested an
indigenous high-speed flying-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) under project
‘Ghatak’.
• More about UAV-
o It is called Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator (FWTD).
o It is developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment.
o It utilized on-board sensor data fusion with indigenous satellite-based augmentation
using GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) receivers for improved
accuracy and integrity of GPS navigation.
Knowledge Nuggets
About DRDO-
pg. 96
[Type here]
• It is the main research & development agency under the Ministry of Defence.
• Chairman- Samir V Kamat
Source: TNIE
14. Indian Armed Forces officers have been awarded 'Golden Owl' for outstanding performance
at Defence Services Command & Staff College (DSCSC) in Sapugaskanda, Sri Lanka.
• Award presented by-
o Sri Lankan President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Ranil
Wickremesinghe
• Awardees-
o Major Rohit (Indian Army)
o Lieutenant Commander Sunnay Sharma (Indian Navy)
o Wing Commander S Mahajan (Indian Air Force)
Source: ANI
15. Indian Akash air defence missile system has destroyed 4 targets simultaneously at
Exercise Astrashakti.
• Key points-
o India has become the first country to demonstrate the capability of engaging four targets
simultaneously at such ranges by command guidance using a single firing unit.
o Exercise Astrashakti- 2023 It took place at Air Force Station Suryalanka in Andhra
Pradesh.
Source: The Hindu
16. Tata Boeing Aerospace limited (TBAL) has delivered 250th fuselage for the AH-64 Apache
attack helicopter from its facility in Hyderabad.
• Key points-
o TBAL is a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Boeing
Aerospace.
o Fuselage forms the main body component of the helicopter, and it is manufactured for
customers around the world including India and USA.
Source: TOI
pg. 97
[Type here]
17. Indian Navy has commissioned stealth guided missile destroyer ‘INS Imphal’ in Mumbai.
• More about INS Imphal-
o INS Imphal is the third of the four 'Project 15 Bravo’ Visakhapatnam class guided missile
destroyers.
o It measures 163m in length, and 17m in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes
and is amongst the most potent warships built in India.
o It is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas and Gas configuration,
and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots.
o It is capable of launching the BrahMos cruise missile, which is the world's fastest
supersonic cruise missile.
Source: livemint
18. New design and test facility has been inaugurated at Aero Engine Research and
Development Centre (AERDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru,
Karnataka.
• More about AERDC-
o AERDC is currently involved in the design and development of several new engines
including two strategic engines.
o New state-of-the-art facility is spread in over 10,000 sq. meters, and it houses special
machines, advanced setups leveraging on computational tools with in-house fabrication
facility.
Knowledge Nuggets
About HAL-
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is an Indian public sector aerospace and defence
company.
• Headquarters- Bangalore
• Chairman & Managing Director- C.B. Ananthakrishnan
Source: PIB
19. Indian Navy has unveiled new design of epaulettes for Admirals.
• What are the new epaulettes for?
pg. 98
[Type here]
o New epaulettes are for the ranks of Admiral, Vice Admiral, Rear Admiral, Surgeon Vice
Admiral and Surgeon Rear Admiral.
• How are the new epaulettes different from the earlier ones?
o New epaulettes have the new golden Navy button carrying the new naval crest which
was unveiled last year, a red octagon as the backing to the national emblem, and a
sword and a telescope.
• What do the new epaulettes signify?
o New Navy button reflects the new crest.
• Why the change?
o Change is in line with the Indian Armed Forces’ increasing efforts in the last two years to
discard their colonial-era vestiges, customs and traditions.
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

1. Ministry of Textiles has launched “Paat-Mitro” mobile application during the Jute
Symposium to facilitate jute farmers.
• More about ‘Paat-Mitro’-
o It is designed to provide important information about MSP and agronomy to jute farmers.
o It is developed by Jute Corporation of India.
o It can be freely downloaded from Google Play Store and all the functionalities are made
available to the users free of cost.
o Users can get holistic information through the app including status of their payments for
the raw jute sold.
Source: PIB
pg. 99
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AWARDS
1. Dr VR Lalithambika, senior space scientist at Indian Space Research Organisation has
been awarded highest civilian award of France ‘Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur’.
• Why She is awarded?
o For boosting space cooperation between India and France.
• Dr VR Lalithambika is a specialist in advance launch vehicle technology.
Source: TOI
2. Safeena Hussain, founder of ‘Educate Girl’ has become the first Indian woman to win WISE
Prize for education 2023 at 11th edition of World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE)
summit in Doha.
• Prize money- 5 lakh USD
o She is awarded for mobilising 14 lakh out of school girls in Indian villages to get back to
mainstream education through her NGO Educate Girls.
• About Educate Girls-
o NGO helps in getting affordable education and enrolling them in nearest government
college by convincing families.
o It uses Artificial Intelligence to identify villages with high numbers of out-of-school girls.
• More information-
o Safeena Hussain is the second Indian to receive the award.
o 'Pratham' co-founder Madhav Chavan was the recipient of the 2012 WISE Prize for
providing quality education to millions of underserved children in India.
Knowledge Nuggets
About WISE Prize for education 2023-

• It is the first distinction of its kind to recognise an individual or a team for an outstanding,
world-class contribution to education.
Source: ET
3. Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has won “ISSA Vision Zero 2023” award at
the 23rd world congress on safety and health at work in Sydney, Australia.
pg. 100
[Type here]
• Why ESIC is awarded?

o ESIC is awarded for its great success in outreach in the field of safety and health at
work places.
Knowledge Nuggets
About ESIC-
• It is a statutory social security organization under the ownership of Ministry of Labour and
Employment, Government of India.
• Director General- Dr Rajendra Kumar
International Social Security Association (ISSA)

• It is the principal international institution bringing together social security agencies and
organizations of the world.
• Objective-
o To promote dynamic social security as the social dimension in a globalizing world by
supporting excellence in social security administration.
• Established- 1927,
• Headquarters- Located at the International Labour Office in Geneva
Source: PIB
4. Olympian M. Sreeshankar, long jump silver medallist in the Commonwealth Games and Asian
Games, has won the 35th Jimmy George Foundation Award for the best sportsperson of
Kerala.
• Award carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a plaque.
Source: The Hindu
5. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Chandrayaan-3 team have been
awarded with the “Outstanding Contribution to Brand India” award at the 19th India
Business Leader Awards (IBLA), held in Mumbai.
• About India Business Leaders Award-
o It recognises leaders that drive innovation, growth and positive change across industries
and make significant impact on Indian landscape.
pg. 101
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o Hosted by- CNBC-TV18 has hosted IBLA 2023 award

Knowledge Nuggets
About ISRO-
• Indian Space Research Organisation is the national space agency of India.
• Chairman- S Somanath
Source: moneycontrol
6. Suganthy Sundararajs, Regional Head of Public Relations, Apollo Hospitals has been
awarded PRSI National Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Public Relations
Society of India and the public relations industry.
• NHPC has won the 2nd prize under the 'Annual Report' category of 'PRSI National Awards
2023'.
Source: The print, PIB
7. REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship (RKGF) 2023-24 and Chakra awards presented to Dr
Hemachandran Ravikumar.
• About Rex Karmaveer Fellowship and Chakra award-
o Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship (RKGF) 2023-24 and Karmaveer Chakra Medal
awards were presented to individuals with innovative ideas that could make a difference
in the world.
o Awards are instituted by the International Confederation of Non-Governmental
Organisations (ICONGO) in association with the United Nations (UN).
o Rex Karmaveer Chakra Medal is a global civilian honour designed to recognize
individuals who have made outstanding contributions to humanity.
o Karmaveer Chakra is awarded in three tiers: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, recognizing
outstanding contributions in activism, education, volunteering, and healthcare.
• Karmaveer award winners-
• Gold Awardee:
Rumana Sinha Sehgal, the founder of Serendipity and Mentor at T-Hub has received the
RKGF 2023-24 and Chakra (Gold) medal.
• Silver Awardees:
pg. 102
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o Maihursa Boro, a first-generation social entrepreneur, and education entrepreneur from

Assam has received the RKGF 2023-24 and Chakra Award (Silver) Medal.
o Kalyan Srinivas Raygalla of Hyderabad (Telangana) and Deepak Sharma have also
received the RKGF 2023-24 and Chakra Award (Silver) Medal.
• Bronze Awardee:
o Narayanappa, a marginal farmer of the Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural
Farming (APCNF) program from Andhra Pradesh has received the RKGF 2023-24 and
Chakra Award (Bronze) Medal.
Source: ANI
8. Indian-origin novelist Miera Chand has been awarded Cultural Medallion Singapore’s
highest award.
o She is awarded in recognition of artistic excellence and contribution to enriching the
country’s arts and culture scene.
Source: TOI
9. Social Innovators from India have won awards at the 4th edition of ASEAN India
Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF) in Malaysia.
• List of winners from India-
Category Innovator’s name Title of Innovation
Grassroots Innovation Dipak Bharali Weft Insertion Device
Competition
Grassroots Innovation Sunil Shinde Silkworm Breeding Net Folding
Competition Machine
Student Aanchal Aggarwal Parkinson Lathi
Innovation Competition
Knowledge Nuggets
About ASEAN-
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a political and economic union of 10
sovereign states in Southeast Asia.
pg. 103
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• Headquarters- Jakarta, Indonesia

• Members- Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam,
Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia
Source: PIB
10. Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra
Pradhan has conferred the National Award for Innovations and Good Practices in
Educational Administration for the year 2020-21 & 2021-22.
• Why these awards are conferred?
o These awards are conferred to appreciate awardees for their passion towards enriching
lives of students and innovative efforts towards making learning in schools more vibrant.
• About National Award for Innovations & Good Practices in Educational
Administration-
o It was instituted in 2014 for district- and block-level education officers to appreciate their
efforts.
• Objectives-
o To encourage innovations and good practices in educational administration at the grass-
root level for improving the functioning of the public system of education.
o To create a culture and ecosystem of innovations and good practices in educational
administration at the field level of educational administration.
o To document and disseminate innovations and good practices in educational
administration at district and block levels.
Source: PIB
11. President Draupadi Murmu has awarded national award for ‘Best Personality-
Empowerment of Differently-abled’ to Narayan Seva Sansthan’s president Prashant
Agarwal.
• Why he is awarded?
o He is awarded for empowering the differently-abled and taking initiatives like surgery,
rehabilitation and sports.
• About Narayan Seva Sansthan-
o It provides training in computer skills, mobile usage, and sewing, and facilitates mass
marriages, offering complete rehabilitation.
pg. 104
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o Organisation is committed to serving humanity and disability causes and it has

conducted over 445,000 surgeries and aided nearly 40,000 amputees with artificial
limbs.
o Established in- 1985
Source: India Today
12. Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) has launched
Scheme and Web-portal for National Awards for e-Governance 2024.
• Objective-
o To recognize and promote excellence in implementation of e-Governance initiatives.
• More about National Awards for e-Governance-
o It is recognized amongst the most competitive and prestigious digital governance
awards schemes in the country.
o NAeG Awards, 2024 will consist of trophy, a certificate and an incentive of Rs 10 lakh for
Gold Awardees and Rs 5 lakhs for Silver Awardees.
o This year 16 Awards are being conferred under the NAeG 2024, of these 10 will be gold
awards and the remaining 6 will be silver awards.
o For the year 2024, there are five categories under which the National Awards for e-
Governance 2024 will be conferred.
o These categories are-
(i) Government Process re-engineering
(ii) Application of Emerging Technologies for providing Citizen Centric Services
(iii) District level initiative in e-Governance
(iv) Research on Citizen Centric Services by Academic & Research Institutions
(v) Replication of Top Technological Solutions / initiatives
Source: PIB
13. Indian social activist Nikhil Dey has been named as International Anti-Corruption
Champion by US State Department.
• Why he is awarded?
o He is awarded for his noteworthy support of social movements that oppose corruption in
government welfare programs in India by encouraging transparency and accountability,
public audits, and participatory democracy.
• More about Nikhil Dey-
pg. 105
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o He is co-founder of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS).

Source: AIR
14. Actor Kabir Bedi has been awarded the “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic” (Merito della
Repubblica Italiana), the highest civilian award of Italy.
• About "Order of Merit of the Italian Republic"-
o It was established in 1951 by Luigi Einaudi, the second President of Italy.
o It is awarded for outstanding merits in the fields of literature, the arts and economy,
philanthropic, social and humanitarian activities.
15. Notable Hindi-Writer Pushpa Bharati will be conferred with the 33rd Vyas Samman.
• She has been selected for her 2016 memoir- ‘Yaadein, Yaadein aur Yaadein’.
• About Vyas Samman-
o It was instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991.
o It consists an amount of 4 lakh rupees, a citation, and a plaque.
Source: AIR
16. Music conductor Daniel Barenboim and peace activist Ali Abu Awwad on have been jointly
awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2023.
• Why the two were awarded?
o They were awarded for effectively bringing together Israeli and Arab youth through
music and peaceful initiatives, fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation for a
non-violent resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict
Knowledge Nuggets
About Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace-

• It is given to individuals or organisations in recognition of creative efforts toward
promoting international peace, development and a new international economic order.
• It carries a cash award of 2.5 million Indian rupees and a citation.
• Awarded by- Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust
pg. 106
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17. World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director, Poonam Khetrapal Singh has been
honoured with Bhutan’s National Order of Merit for her distinguished services to the country.
• Key points-
o Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh is the first woman Regional Director of the WHO South-
East Asia Region.
o She has played a pivotal role in supporting transformative healthcare leadership in
Bhutan from 2014 to 2024.
o Under her leadership Bhutan has become one of the first countries to eliminate measles
and rubella ahead of schedule.
Source: WHO
18. "Against All Odds: The IT Story of India" and "Winning Middle India: The Story of India's
New-Age Entrepreneurs" have been announced as the joint winners of the 'Gaja Capital
Business Book Prize' 2023.
• Key points-
o ‘Against All odds’ is written by S 'Kris' Gopalakrishnan and N Dayasindhu and Krishnan
Narayanan.
o ‘Winning Middle India’ is written by TN Hari and Bala Srinivasa
• About Gaja Capital Business Book Prize-
o It was instituted in 2019 to encourage Indian entrepreneurs, writers, and journalists to
tell their stories to the world.
o It consists prize money of Rs 15 lakh.
Source: TOI
19. INS Shivaji, the premier Training establishment of the Indian Navy has received the original
'Vir Chakra' awarded to Late Vice Admiral Benoy Roy Chowdhury.
o It was awarded to Late Vice Admiral (VAdm) Benoy Roy Chowdhury for his brave
actions during 1971 India-Pakistan war.
• About Vir Chakra-
o 'Vir Chakra' is an Indian wartime military bravery award presented for acts of gallantry
on the battlefield, on land or in air or at sea.
Source: PIB
pg. 107
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20. Indian men's hockey team midfielder Hardik Singh and women's team captain Savita
have won the FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year (women) awards respectively.
• Key points-
o Awards were declared following a vote by an expert panel, National Associations
represented by their respective national teams' captains and coaches, fans and media.
o Hardik was also conferred the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr Award for Player of the Year
2022.
o Savita has won her third consecutive FIH Women's Goalkeeper of the Year award,
having won the recognition in 2021 and 2022.
Knowledge Nuggets
About FIH-
• Fédération Internationale de Hockey is the international governing body of field hockey
and indoor field hockey.
• Headquarters- Lausanne, Switzerland
• CEO- Thierry Weil
Source: The Hindu
21. Indian Space research Organisation (ISRO) has been awarded Leif Erickson Lunar Prize
by Iceland’s Husavik Museum.
• Why ISRO has been awarded?
o ISRO is awarded for its remarkable success of its lunar mission Chandrayaan-3.
• About Leif Erikson Lunar Prize-
o It is named after Norse explorer Leif Erikson and it is a highly regarded award presented
by Exploration Museum in Husavik, Iceland.
o It is awarded to individuals or entities that have made noteworthy contributions to the
lunar exploration field.
Knowledge Nuggets
About ISRO-
• Indian Space Research Organisation is the national space agency of India.
pg. 108
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• Chairman- S Somanath
Source: TOI
22. Poet Sukrita Paul Kumar has won the sixth edition of Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize
for her book ‘Salt and Pepper: Selected Poems’.
• More about Tagore Literary Prize-
o It consists an amount of USD 5,000, a statue of Rabindranath Tagore, and a certificate
for contribution to literature.
o It was established in 2018 by US-based publisher Peter Bundalo.
o Award is a platform for world peace, literature, art, education and human rights.
o It also recognises works towards human rights and world peace with the Social
Achievement Prize.
Source: ET
23. Rambagh Gate and Ramparts in Punjab, India have been awarded the highest honour,
‘Award of Excellence’ in this year’s UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage
Conservation.
• More about UNESCO Heritage Awards-
o Award is given to total 12 projects which include 6 projects from India ,5 projects from
China, and 1 project from Nepal.
• Awards given in their respective category include-
• 3 Projects with Award of Distinction-
o Fanling Golf Course in Hong Kong SAR, China
o Dongguan Garden Residences in Yangzhou, China
o Karnikara Mandapam at Kunnamangalam Bhagawati Temple, Kerala, India
• 5 Projects with Award of Merit-
o Yan Nan Yuan at Peking University, Beijing, China
o Pan Family Residence in Suzhou, China
o Church of Epiphany in Haryana, India
o David Sassoon Library and Reading Room in Mumbai, India
o Bikaner House in New Delhi, India
• 1 Award for New Design in Heritage Contexts-
o Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital in Luoyang, China
pg. 109
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• 3 Special Recognition for Sustainable Development-

o Karnikara Mandapam at Kunnamangalam Bhagawati Temple, Kerala, India
o Pipal Haveli in Punjab, India
o Sikami Chhen in Kathmandu, Nepal
Knowledge Nuggets
About UNESCO-
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a
specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security
through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.
• Director General- Audrey Azoulay
Source: UNESCO
24. Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru has won the World Special
Prize for an Interior 2023 by UNESCO.
o Announcement is made in UNESCO's Prix Versailles 2023.
o It has been recognized as the 'World's most beautiful airport' and was awarded the
coveted 'World Special Prize for an Interior 2023.'
Source: livemint
25. Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has announced National Sports Awards 2023.
• Awardees will receive their awards from the President of India at a specially organized
function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 9th January, 2024.
• Following people will receive awards in different categories-
• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2023-
S No. Name of the sportsperson Discipline
1 Chirag Chandrashekhar Shetty Badminton
2 Rankireddy Satwik Sai Raj Badminton
• 26 people have received Arjuna Awards for outstanding performance in Sports and Games
2023.
• Major recipients of Arjuna Award are-
pg. 110
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1 R Vaishali Chess
2 Mohammed Shami Cricket
3 Krishan Bahadur Pathak Hockey
4 Pukhrambam Sushila Chanu Hockey
5 Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar Shooting
6 Esha Singh Shooting
7 Sunil Kumar Wrestling
8 Antim Wrestling
9 Diksha Dagar Golf
10 Nasreen Kho-Kho
• Dronacharya Award for outstanding coaches in Sports and Games 2023-
A. Regular Category:
S No. Name of the Coach Discipline
1 Lalit Kumar Wrestling
2 R. B. Ramesh Chess
3 Mahaveer Prasad Saini Para Athletics
4 Shivendra Singh Hockey
5 Ganesh Prabhakar Devrukhkar Mallakhamb
B. Lifetime Category:
S No. Name of the Coach Discipline
1 Jaskirat Singh Grewal Golf
2 Bhaskaran E Kabaddi
3 Jayanta Kumar Pushilal Table Tennis
• Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime achievement in Sports and Games 2023:
1 Manjusha Kanwar Badminton
2 Vineet Kumar Sharma Hockey
3 Kavitha Selvaraj Kabaddi
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2023:
1 Guru Nanak Dev University, Overall winner
Amritsar university
pg. 111
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2 Lovely Professional University, 1st runner up

Punjab University
3 Kurukshetra University, 2nd runner up
Kurukshetra University
Knowledge Nuggets
About Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award-

• It is awarded for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports
by a sportsperson over the period of the previous four years.
Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games-

• It is awarded for good performance over a period of the previous four years and for
showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline.
Dronacharya Award for outstanding coaches in Sports and Games-

• It is awarded to coaches for doing outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis
and for enabling sportspersons to excel in international events.
Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime achievement in Sports and Games-

• It is awarded to honour sportspersons who have contributed to sports by their
performance and who continue to contribute to promotion of sports event after their
retirement.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy-

• Overall top performing university in inter-university tournaments has been awarded with
the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy.
Source: PIB
26. Sahitya Akademi has announced its annual Sahitya Akademi Award 2023 in 24 Languages.
o Nine books of poetry, six novels, five short story collections, three essays, and one
literary study have won the Sahitya Akademi Awards this year.
pg. 112
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o Awards cover works first published between January 2017 and December 31, 2021.
o The award presentation function is scheduled for 12th March next year.
o The award includes a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl, and
one lakh rupees.
o Award is also given in English and Rajasthani along with 22 official languages of
India.
• Winning Authors and Categories-
• Novel Category:
o Tamil author Rajasekaran for "Neervazhi Padooum"
o Hindi author Sanjeev for "Mujhe Pahachaano"
o English author Neelam Saran Gour for "Requiem in Raga Janki"
• Short Story Collection Category:
o Telugu writer Patanjali Sastry
o Assamese author Pranavjyoti Deka
o Bodo writer Nandeswar Daimary
o Santali author Taraceen Baskey
• Literary Study Category:
o Malayalam litterateur EV Ramakrishnan for "Malayala Novelinte Deshakalangal"
• Poetry Category:
o Vijay Verma in Dogri
o Vinod Joshi in Gujarati
o Ashutosh Parida in Odia
Source: AIR
IMPORTANT DAYS
1. November 30- Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
Source: UN
2. December 1- World Aids Day; Theme- Let Communities lead

Source: WHO
3. December 1- 59th Raising Day of Border Security Force

Source: The print
pg. 113
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4. December 2- International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

Source: UN
5. December 2- National Pollution Control Day

• It is observed in the memory of those who died in Bhopal Gas Tragedy, 1984.
Source: ET
6. December 2- World Computer Literacy Day

Source: HT
7. December 3- International Day of Persons with Disabilities; Theme- United in action to rescue
and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities
Source: UN
8. December 4- International Day of Banks

Source: UN
9. December 4- Indian Navy Day; Theme- Operational Efficiency, Readiness, and Mission
Accomplishment in the Maritime Domain
Source: mtr
10. December 4-8- UNCTAD eWeek; Theme- Shaping the future of the digital economy
Source: unctad
11. December 5- International Volunteer Day; Theme- the power of collective action: if everyone
did
Source: UN
12. December 5- World Soil Day; Theme- Soil and Water: A Source of Life
Source: fao
13. December 7- International Civil Aviation Day; Theme- Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation
Development
pg. 114
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Source: UN
14. December 7- Armed Forces Flag Day

Source: mygov.in
15. December 9- International Anti-Corruption Day; Theme- UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World
Against Corruption
Source: unodc
16. December 9- International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of
Genocide; Theme- A Living Force in World Society: The Legacy of the 1948 Convention on the
Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide
Source: UN
17. December 10- Human Rights Day

Source: nhrc
18. December 11- International Mountain Day

Source: UN
19. December 12- International Day of Neutrality

Source: UN
20. December 12- International Universal Health Coverage Day; Theme- Health For All: Time For
Action
Source: UN
21. December 8- 56th Submarine Day

Source: HS
22. December 14- National Energy Conservation Day

Source: PIB
pg. 115
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23. December 16- 53rd Vijay Diwas

• It is observed to celebrate victory of India in 1971 war with Pakistan during Bangladesh
liberation war.
24. December 17- International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
Source: nswp
25. December 18- International Migrants Day; Theme- Act Today

Source: UN
26. December 18- World Arabic Language Day; Theme- Arabic - the Language of Poetry and Arts
Source: unesco
27. December 18- Minority Rights Day; Theme- Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
Source: wion
28. December 20- International Human Solidarity Day

Source: UN
29. December 21- World Basketball Day

Source: UN
30. December 22- National Mathematics Day

• It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great Indian mathematician
Srinivasa Ramanujan.
Source: livemint
31. December 23- National Farmers Day; Theme- Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable
Food Security and Resilience
Source: mofa
32. December 24- National Consumer Right Day

Source: Quint
pg. 116
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33. December 25- Good Governance Day

• It is observed on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Source: AIR
34. December 26- Veer Baal Diwas

• It is observed to mark the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s younger sons.
35. December 27- International Day of Epidemic Preparedness

Source: UN
SPORTS
1. Anish Bhanwala has won bronze medal in 25 metre rapid fire final at the ISSF World Cup
final in Doha.
• He became the first Indian shooter to win a medal in the event in the World Cup Final.
Knowledge Nuggets
About ISSF-
• The International Shooting Sport Federation is the governing body of the Olympic
shooting events.
• It also regulates several non-Olympic shooting sport events.
• Headquarters- Munich, Germany
• President- Vladimir Lisin
2. Indian chess player R Vaishali has become 84th Grandmaster during 4th edition of the
Llobregat Open Chess Tournament in Barcelona, Spain.
• More about R Vaishali-
o She is the third Indian Female after Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli.
o Vaishali and her brother R Praggnanandhaa became the world’s first sister-brother pair
to become Grandmasters.
pg. 117
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Source: ET
3. Indian Tennis player Ramkumar Ramnath has won ITF Kalaburagi Open 2023 by defeating
David Pichler from Austria in finals held at Chandrashekhar Patil Stadium, Kalburgi,
Karnataka.
• About Kalaburagi open-
o It is a Lawn Tennis tournament played on the synthetic tennis court in Kalburgi District,
Karnataka.
Source: TOI
4. FITEXPO India 2023 has commenced at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata.
• More about FITEXPO 2023-
o It is one of Asia's premier sports, fitness, and wellness trade expos
o It includes both indoor and outdoor space for product exhibition, seminar, Sports &
Fitness Competitions, Fitness Demonstration & Shows, Wellness Workshops.
o More than 5000 fitness enthusiasts are expected to participate in this.
Source: fitexpo.in
5. TIME Magazine has named Lionel Messi of Argentina as the ‘Athlete of the Year’ 2023.
Source: TIME
6. International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed a vibrant new logo for upcoming ICC T20
World Cup.
• More about new logo-
o Design pays tribute to the palm trees of West Indies and the stripes of USA.
o It involves a bat, ball, and energy, symbolising the core element of T20 cricket.
• About ICC T20 World Cup 2024-
o ICC T20 Men’s World Cup 2024 edition will be held in West Indies and USA.
o ICC T20 Women’s World Cup 2024 edition will be held in Bangladesh.
pg. 118
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Source: ET
7. Leander Paes and broadcaster and promoter Vijay Amritraj of India have become the first
Asian men to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
• More information-
o Renowned journalist and writer Richard Evans have also been elected in the
International Tennis Hall of Fame.
o Leander Paes is an 18-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles.
o Leander Paes has been selected in the player category.
o Vijay Amritraj and United Kingdom's Richard Evans are inducted into the contributor
category.
Knowledge Nuggets
About ATP-
• The Association of Tennis Professionals is the governing body of the men's professional
tennis circuits – the ATP Tour, the ATP Challenger Tour and the ATP Champions Tour.
• Headquarters- London, UK
Source: livemint
8. Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have won ITF World Champion awards for 2023.
• Winners in different category-
Category Player
Men’s Single Novak Djokovic
Women’s Single Aryna Sabalenka
Men’s Double Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury
Women’s Double Storm Hunter and Elise Mertens
Source: India Today
9. Indian Wrestler Antim Panghal has been named as the women’s Rising Star of the Year
2023 by United World Wrestling (UWW).
Source: olympics.com
10. Haryana has defeated Rajasthan to win Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023.
pg. 119
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Knowledge Nuggets
About Vijay Hazare Trophy-

• It is an annual limited overs cricket domestic competition organised by the Board of
Control for Cricket, India.
• It involves the state and union territory teams which take part in the Ranji Trophy.
• Current Champion (2023-24)- Haryana
• Most titles- Tamil Nadu
Source: India Today
11. Haryana has topped the medal tally of first Khelo India Para Games with 105 medals.
• Key points-
o Inaugural edition of the Khelo India Para Games 2023 took place in New Delhi from 10th
to 17th December 2023.
o Mascot- ‘Ujjwala'
o 'Ujjwala' is represented by a sparrow, symbolizing that strength comes in many forms
and emphasizing the unbreakable spirit of the human.
o Top 3 states in Khelo India Games-
Rank States Medal Tally
Gold Silver Bronze Total
1 Hayana 40 39 26 105
2 Uttar Pradesh 25 23 14 62
3 Tamil Nadu 20 8 14 42
Source: TOI
12. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bids Mitchell Starc for Rs. 24.75 crore as the most expensive
player in Indian Premier League for 2024 season.
• Key points-
o Pat Cummins has become the 2nd highest paid cricketer brought by Sunrisers
Hyderabad for 20.50 crore.
o Mallika Sagar has become the IPL’s first female auctioneer since 2008.
Source: Indiatoday
pg. 120
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13. Sports entrepreneur Vita Dani has become the first Indian to be inducted as a governing
board member of the International Table Tennis Federation's (ITTF) Foundation.
Knowledge Nuggets
About ITTF-
• International Table Tennis Federation is the governing body for all national table tennis
associations.
• Its role includes overseeing rules and regulations and seeking technological improvement
for the sport of table tennis.
• Headquarters- Lausanne, Switzerland
• CEO- Steve Dainton
Source: HT
14. India has won 2 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals at the 25th Asian Youth Chess
Championship (Classical) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• Kiyana Parihar has won gold in under-8 girls’ category, and Harsh Suresh has won gold in
under-16 open category.
Source: TOI
15. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur has launched the official logo,
jersey, mascot, and theme song of the 6th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• More about 6th edition of Youth Games-
o 6th edition of Youth Games will take place in Tamil Nadu from January 19 to January 31,
2024.
• Mascot-
o “Veera Mangai”, which is replica of a former Tamil queen warrior.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Khelo India Youth Games-

• Khelo India Youth Games are the annual national level multidisciplinary grassroot games
in India held in January or February for two categories, namely under-17 years school
students and under-21 college students.
pg. 121
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• Start year- 2018

Source: NIE
16. Manchester City has won the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time after beating
Fluminense 4-0 in the 2023 final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Source: mancity
17. Polish Tennis Player Iga Swiatek has become world’s highest paid female athlete in
Forbes world’s highest-paid female athlete 2023.
• More about Forbes list-
o Iga Swiatek has been paid USD 23.9 million.
o Indian Badminton player PV Sindhu is tied with American gymnast Simone Biles at 16 th
position with a total earning of USD 7.1 million.
• Top ranks-
Rank Player Earning Sport
1 Iga Swiatek USD 23.9 million Tennis
2 Eileen Gu USD 22.1 million Freestyle skiing
3 Coco Gauff USD 21.7 million Tennis
16 PV Sindhu USD 7.1 million Badminton
Source: Forbes
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
1. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has partnered with Water.org to offer water, sanitation and
hygiene loans.
o Water.org will assist Ujjivan SFB in identifying areas that require financing for clean
water and hygienic sanitation.
o Water.org will provide technical assistance, market assessment, development of
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material, monitoring and evaluation
support.
pg. 122
[Type here]
o Ujjivan SFB is backing the cause by providing loans ranging from Rs 6,000 to Rs
1,00,000. This initiative supports both existing and new customers in constructing or
renovating water and sanitation facilities.
Source: The Print
2. Federal Bank has announced a collaboration with NCDEX e-Markets Limited (NeML) to
strengthen the integration of its e-procurement and e-auction systems.
• Objective-
o To safeguard against cartel formations, allowing participants to enhance their bid value
based on market scenarios
• More about collaboration-
o The alliance is expected to facilitate an advanced e-procurement solution, specifically
targeting Central and State government organizations.
o Farmers can list details of their crops on the NeML platform.
• Benefits for Participants-
o Improved price discovery mechanisms are expected.
3. Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL) has partnered with Satellogic to develop local space
tech capabilities in India.
• More about collaboration-
o TASL and Satellogic will collaborate on the development of a new satellite design and
o They work together to integrate multiple payloads on a single satellite that will generate
a diverse range of data over India.
• Focus areas-
o The focus will be on manufacturing satellites.
o Developing imagery in India for national defence and commercial applications, toward
which TASL is commissioning a satellite AIT plant at its Vemagal facility in Karnataka, it
added.
Source: ET
4. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)- Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) has
signed 300th contract with Agnit Semiconductor Private Limited.
• Objective-
pg. 123
[Type here]
o To design and develop advance Gallium Nitride (Gan) semiconductors essential for the
next generation of wireless transmitters in defence applications ranging from radars to
electronic warfare jammers.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Innovations for Defence Excellence-

• launched in- April 2018.
• Objective-
To achieve self - reliance and foster innovation and technology development in Defence
and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators,
R&D institutes and academia.
• It has partnered with leading incubators in the country to provide handholding, technical
support and guidance to the winners of iDEX challenges.
Source: Hindu Business Line, ied
5. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Bank of England (BoE) have signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) on cooperation and exchange of information related to Clearing
Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL).
• More about MoU-
o It establishes a framework for the BoE to place reliance on RBI’s regulatory and
supervisory activities while safeguarding UK financial stability.
o It also demonstrates the importance of cross-border cooperation to facilitate
international clearing activities and the BoE’s commitment to deference to other
regulators.
Knowledge Nuggets
About CCIL-
• It is a central counterparty (CCP) which provides clearing and settlement for transactions
in government securities, foreign exchange and money markets in the country.
• It is regulated by the RBI.
6. Godrej Capital Nirmaan has partnered with DBS Bank India, Visa and Amazon to aid Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) growth.
pg. 124
[Type here]
• Objectives-
o To support MSMEs through diverse value-added services (VAS)
o To foster growth revolving around the critical areas of MSME, namely-
o Expansion of customer base
o Streamlining of operations
o Enhancement of employee production
• Definition of MSME-
o Any firm satisfying the below criteria will be categorised as MSME.
Source: ET, msme.gov.in
7. Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has signed MoU with Business Finland to boost start-up
ecosystems.
• Objective-
o To support and maintain regular contact for mutual exchange of information and
knowledge related to the start-up ecosystems in both countries.
• More about MoU-
o A collaboration platform Kerala Finland Innovation Corridor will be established under the
MoU for functioning as a bridge to accomplish the various initiatives by both
organisations.
o KSUM and Business Finland will hold webinars, seminars and conferences.
o KSUM and Business Finland will facilitate and provide support in terms of visits,
programmes and activities
8. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
• Objective-
pg. 125
[Type here]
o To strengthen collaboration in promoting sustainable infrastructure development and

address development challenges in Asia and beyond.
• More about MoU-
o AIIB and UNDP plan to co-invest and leverage multilateral funding and private financing
in developing countries.
o Collaborate on measuring the impact of investments for climate goals and the SDGs.
o Pursue joint technical assistance and exploration of innovative de-risking instruments,
knowledge sharing, joint advocacy and policy support work.
Knowledge Nuggets
About AIIB-
• It is a multilateral development bank and international financial institution that aims to
collectively improve economic and social outcomes in Asia.
• It is the world's second largest multi-lateral development institution.
• Headquarters- Beijing
• President- Jin Liqun
About UNDP-
• It is a United Nations agency tasked with helping countries eliminate poverty and achieve
sustainable economic growth and human development.
• Headquarters- New York, USA
• Administrator- Achim Steiner
Source: undp
9. Airport Authority of India (AAI) has signed MoU with Gujarat government for development
of airports in state.
• Objective-
o To facilitate the expansion of tourism and business opportunities in state under ‘The
Vibrant Gujarat 2024’ initiative.
• More about MoU-
pg. 126
[Type here]
o Gujarat government will provide land for development and expansion of the airports and
AAI will undertake development of the unidentified airports based on the techno-
economic feasibility in phase wise.
Source: ANI
10. iVIS, a subsidiary of Magellanic Cloud has recently partnered with ICICI Bank for the
distribution of cutting-edge e-surveillance services across its branches.
• Objective-
o To secure ICICI Bank’s branch-level security operations, specifically targeting areas like
ATMs and cash counter operations.
o iVIS will implement real-time threat mitigations, remote security management, and
automated response systems to ensure a comprehensive security infrastructure.
Source: apacnews
11. Government of India and ADB have signed $175 million loan to improve connectivity in
Madhya Pradesh.
• More about agreement-
o Project will upgrade about 500 kilometres of state highways and major district roads to a
standard two-lane feature.
o ADB will build the capacity of the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation
Limited (MPRDC) on climate change adaptation and mitigation, disaster resilience, and
road safety in road network planning and management.
o Project will help prepare strategies and plans to utilise green technology in road
construction and establish charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
o Project will support MPRDC to formulate a gender equality and social inclusion strategy
and establish an internship programme to attract female students to work in the road
sector.
Knowledge Nuggets
About ADB-
• Asian Development Bank is a regional development bank for social and economic
development.
• Headquarters- Manila, Philippines
pg. 127
[Type here]
• President- Masatsugu Asakawa

Source: PIB
12. Indian Army has partnered with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY) to infuse changes in army using advanced cutting-edge technology.
• Objective-
o To fortify defence capabilities and ensure a technologically advanced and strategically
robust Indian Army on the global front.
o It involves providing indigenous 5G solutions, Al-driven tools, and cybersecurity
measures.
o It will use transformative projects, training programs, and digital innovations for the
overall improvement in defence capabilities.
Source: ET
13. EKI Energy Services has partnered with Indian Oil to promote sustainable indoor solar
cooking system ‘Surya Nutan’.
• More about MoU-
o Under the MoU, Indian Oil will share the technology of Surya Nutan with EKI Energy to
improve its production and distribution.
o EKI Energy will oversee the end-to-end management of Surya Nutan which involves
manufacturing, marketing, installation and the provision of after-sales services.
Source: ET
14. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has collaborated with
World Bank to elevate India’s logistics efficiency.
• Objective-
o To leverage substantial big data initiatives to enhance the country's logistics efficiency
and improve its standing in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI).
• Initiatives by DPIIT-
o DPIIT has highlighted best practices and transformative initiatives contributing to the
ongoing enhancement of India’s logistics efficiency.
o Implementation of Land Port Management System (LPMS) to digitize operations at
Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) was emphasized.
pg. 128
[Type here]
o Introduction of smart gates for automated entry and exit at Land Port Petrapole to
reduce export release time significantly.
o A robust CAPEX of USD 31.2 billion in 2024 is earmarked for improving freight transport
speed and volume.
o Implementation of the e-Air Way Bill (e-AWB) and e-Cargo Security Declaration as
digital measures.
Source: The Print
15. REC has signed 200-million-euro loan with German Bank KfW to propel distribution sector
reforms.
• Objective-
o To enhance the distribution infrastructure of DISCOMs in line with the Revamped
Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the Government of India.
• About RDSS Scheme-
o Government has launched the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to help
DISCOMs improve their operational efficiencies and financial sustainability.
o Government will provide result-linked financial assistance to DISCOMs to strengthen
supply infrastructure based on meeting pre-qualifying criteria and achieving basis
minimum benchmarks.
Source: PIB
16. Ministry of Defence has signed contract worth Rs 588.68 crore with Telecommunications
Consultants India Limited (TCIL) for Digital Coast Guard (DCG) project.
• More about Digital Coast Guard project-
o Inaugural of DCG Project for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) focuses on technological
advancement.
o Components include an advanced Data Centre, Disaster Recovery Data Centre,
connectivity enhancement, and ERP system development.
o It leverages secured MPLS/VSAT connectivity, positioning itself at the forefront of
cutting-edge defence technology.
o Strengthens ICG's capabilities for vigilant oversight of critical IT assets.
Source: PIB
17. RITES has signed pact with CFM Mozambique for supply of 10 diesel locomotives.
pg. 129
[Type here]

o Total cost of locomotives is- Rs 314.1 crore
Knowledge Nuggets
About RITES-
• Rail India Technical and Economic Service Limited (RITES Ltd) is a Central Public Sector
Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways with Navaratna status.
• Headquarters- Gurugram, Haryana
• CMD- Rahul Mittal
Source: ET
18. NITI Aayog and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) have signed a 5-year
Statement of Intent (SoI) to strengthen policy frameworks for agricultural transformation and
rural development.
• More about SoI-
o IFPRI will support NITI Aayog’s Agriculture Vertical in crucial areas.
o IFPRI will provide policy analytics and support to NITI Aayog in mutually identified areas
within the broader realm of food systems transformation.
o It will initially focus on-
o Agriculture
o Rural development
o Trade
o Climate change policies in India
Knowledge Nuggets
About NITI Aayog-

• Chairman- Prime Minister of India (Current PM- Narendra Modi)
• CEO- B.V.R. Subrahmanyam
About International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)-
pg. 130
[Type here]

• Director General- Johan Swinnen
Source: PIB
19. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with the government of Saudi Arabia to protect the rights of skilled
labourers from India.
• More about MoU-
o Skilled labourers in India can register themselves at NSDC portal by providing details
such as the name of country in which they are working and with whom they will be
working.
o Skilled labourers from all categories can register and registration process will be free of
cost.
Knowledge Nuggets
About National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)-

• National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is a not-for-profit public limited company
incorporated on July 31, 2008 under section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956
(corresponding to section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013).
• NSDC was set up by Ministry of Finance as Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• Shareholding- Government of India holds 49% and private sector has remaining 51% of
the share capital.
• Objective-
o To promote skill development by catalyzing creation of large, quality and for-profit
vocational institutions.
• CEO- Ved Mani Tiwari
Source: moneycontrol, NSDC
20. Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed 37 billion Japanese
Yen loan for Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System Corridor.
• More about ADB financing-
pg. 131
[Type here]
o ADB had already approved a $1,049 million Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) for
the project in 2020 to support construction of RRTS.
o RRTS will have multi-modal hubs to ensure smooth interchange with other transport
modes.
• What is RRTS?
o RRTS is an integrated, mass transit network which aims to ensure “balanced and
sustainable urban development” through better connectivity and access across the
NCR.
Source: PIB
21. Karur Vysya Bank and HDFC Life have entered into a corporate agency agreement to offer
life insurance product to Karur Vysya Bank customers.
o Agreement will allow customers to access HDFC Life’s range of life insurance products,
covering protection, savings, investment, retirement, and critical illness.
Knowledge Nuggets

• MD & CEO- B Ramesh Babu
About HDFC Life insurance-

• It is a joint venture between HDFC Ltd. And Standard Life Aberdeen
• MD & CEO- Vibha Padalkar
Source: ET
22. PayCraft has partnered with NSDL Payments Bank and National Payments Corporation of
India (NPCI) to launch One Nation Corporate Transit Card.
• Key feature of Card-
o Card comes with a corporate expense management platform for the employer to
manage their expenses digitally.
o It offers a solution for digitising business expenses for corporates and SMEs across the
country.
pg. 132
[Type here]
o It facilitates transactions seamlessly across four channels - ATM, POS, e-commerce

websites, and metro stations.
23. Government has signed Rs 1614.89 crore pact with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders for 6
Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV).
• More about OPV-
o These OPV’s have several high-tech advanced features and equipment such as-
multipurpose drones, AI capability, and Wirelessly Controlled Remote Water Rescue Craft
Lifebuoy, enabling greater flexibility and operational edge to the ICG to face new age
multidimensional challenges, observed the MoD.
24. Indian Coast Guard and Amazon India have signed an MoU to create work opportunities
for ex-service personnel.
• More about MoU-
o This MoU is in line with the Amazon’s commitment towards an inclusive workplace.
o It will provide better employment opportunity to ex-service personnels and Amazon will
get the vast experience and leadership skill of veterans.
Source: ET
25. Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Reliance Retail’s JioMart towards its efforts to help enhance the outreach of the products
of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• More about MoU-
o Under MoU ministry will promote the products of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of Deendayal
Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
o SHGs will be on-boarded as sellers onto the e-commerce fold on JioMart.
o SHGs will get to widen their market and visibility and offer their curated products to
customers of JioMart across India.
Knowledge Nuggets
About DAY-NRLM-
pg. 133
[Type here]
• It is a flagship poverty alleviation program of the Government of India and is the world's
largest initiatives to improve the livelihoods of the rural poor.
• Launched- 2011
Source: PIB
26. Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed $100 million loan
agreement to improve urban services and tourism facilities in Tripura.
• More about the project-
o Project will improve the municipal infrastructure and public services in urban local
bodies (ULBs) along the main national highways in Tripura besides upgrading key
tourism sites.
o It will support the state as a gateway to the northeast region by developing tourist
destinations along highways.
Source: PIB
27. Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with
Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to supply 1,799 MW of solar power.
• Key points-
o AGEL has completed the entire 8,000 MW power offtake tie-up for manufacturing linked
solar tender, which is the largest green PPA.
o It will enable sustainable energy landscape and it is aligned to India’s target of 500 GW
non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Solar Energy Corporation of India-

• It is Central Public Sector Undertaking dedicated to the solar energy sector and functions
under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
• Chairman & Managing Director- RP Gupta
Source: ET
28. Reliance and Walt Disney have signed a non-binding agreement to merge Indian media
operations.
pg. 134
[Type here]

o Under the merger agreement, Reliance Industries will hold 51% of stakes via a
combination of shares and cash, while Disney will hold the remaining 49%.
Source: livemint
29. Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre (SREC) and Council for Leather Exports (CLE)
have signed MoU for upskilling Indian leather sector.
• More about MoU-
o MoU will be effective for 5 years from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2028.
o It will introduce comprehensive training programmes and improve skills and knowledge
of workers in leather industry.
Source: ET
30. Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL) has signed an MoU with Flipkart to help decarbonise its supply
chain.
• More about MoU-
o ATGL will work with Flipkart to support its vision to reduce carbon footprint in the
primary, secondary and tertiary movements of good between sourcing locations.
o ATGL will provide decarbonizing solutions.
Source: ET
31. OYO has partnered up with Khelo India Para Games and other organisations to provide
specialized and accessible accommodation for differently abled players across India.
o OYO will help the talent with wheelchair-friendly infrastructure and trained staff to
understand the needs of differently abled guest in partner hotel.
o Under the initiative to promote inclusivity for the differently abled, it will offer
accommodation to approximately 150 differently abled artisans who are participating in
Divya Kala Mela.
o It has identified more than 200 hotels for these participants in different cities across
India.
Source: ET
pg. 135
[Type here]
32. Coca-Cola has renewed its partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC),
securing an 8-year contract till 2031.
• Cola’s brands the exclusive non-alcoholic beverage partners of the cricket governing body.
• Coca-Cola's brands will maintain their exclusive status across all major men’s and women’s
cricket events
Source: livemint
33. Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) has signed a MoU with State
Government of Gujarat for financing housing and infrastructure project in the state of Gujarat.
• More about MoU-
o Under MoU 14,500 crores will be provided as for housing and infrastructure projects.
o HUDCO will provide financial assistance for housing and urban development project.
Knowledge Nuggets
About HUDCO-
• It is the premier techno-financing public sector enterprise engaged in the field of housing
and infrastructure development in our country.
Source: ET, hudco.org.in
APPOINTMENTS
1. Air Force officer Manisha Padhi has been appointed as India’s first woman Aide-de-Camp
(ADC) to the Governor of Mizoram.
• What is Aide-de-Camp?
o An Aide-De-Camp is a personal assistant or secretary to a person of high rank, including
head of state.
Source: HT
2. Chandra Shekhar Ghosh has been re-appointed as the MD and CEO of Bandhan Bank.
• Tenure of appointment- 3 years
Knowledge Nuggets
pg. 136
[Type here]
About Bandhan Bank-

• Headquarters- Kolkata
• CEO- Chandra Shekhar Ghosh
Source: ET
3. Election Commission has appointed former Indian Cricketer Suresh Raina as the youth
voter awareness ambassador of Jammu & Kashmir.
Source: ANI
4. PNB MetLife has appointed Smriti Mandhana as its brand ambassador.

• Objective-
o To inspire and encourage customers to continue to dream big and amplify its message
‘Karo bade sapno ki tayyari’
Knowledge Nuggets
About PNB MetLife-

• PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited is one of the leading life insurance
companies in India.
• MD & CEO- Mr. Ashish Kumar Srivastava
Source: ET
5. Kanchan Devi has become first woman officer to become Director General of the Indian
Council of Forestry Research education (ICFRE).
• About ICFRE-
o It is established with the aim to achieve long-term ecological stability, sustainable
development and economic security through conservation and scientific management of
forest ecosystems.
o Headquarters- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Source: ET
pg. 137
[Type here]
6. Vivek Kumar Gupta has been appointed as the part-time director of Rail Vikas Nigam
Limited (RVNL).
Knowledge Nuggets
About RVNL-
• It is an Indian central public sector enterprise which works as the construction arm of the
Ministry of Railways for project implementation and transportation infrastructure
development.
• Chairman & MD- Pradeep Gaur
Source: ET
7. Rajiv Anand has been appointed as the Chairman of Max Life Insurance.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Max Life Insurance-

• CEO- Prashant Tripathy
8. Samir Shah has been appointed as the chair of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
9. Lalbiaktluanga Khiangte has been appointed as the Jharkhand chief secretary.

Source: TOI
10. Congress’ Revanth Reddy has been appointed as the chief minister of Telangana.
Source: ET
11. Rajiv Anand has been appointed as the Chairman of Max Life Insurance.
pg. 138
[Type here]
12. Swiggy has appointed Anand Kripalu as independent director and chairperson of the
Board.
13. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vishnu Deo Sai has taken oath as the Chief Minister of
Chhattisgarh.
• He is a tribal leader from Jashpur, is the fourth Chief Minister of the State.
Source: The Hindu
14. Donald Tusk has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of the Poland.
Source: The Hindu
15. Guinea-Bissau president has reappointed Geraldo Martins as Prime Minister.

Source: The Print
16. Mohan Yadav has been appointed as the 19th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
Source: HT
17. Indian candidate, Uma Sekhar has been elected to the Governing Council of the
International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) with in the first round
at the elections held in Rome.
• More about appointment-
o India will be the member of governing council for the period of 2024-28.
o Governing council consists of 25 positions which are held by distinguished legal expert
• What is the role of Governing Council of UNIDROIT?
o It studies needs and methods for modernising, harmonising and co-ordinating private
and in particular commercial law as between States and groups of States.
o It formulates uniform law instruments, principles and rules to achieve those objectives.
Knowledge Nuggets
About UNIDROIT-
• It is an independent intergovernmental organisation dealing with various legal issues
including studying needs and methods for modernising commercial and private laws.
• Headquarters- Rome, Italy
pg. 139
[Type here]
• Secretary-General- Ignacio Tirado

Source: ET
18. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has been sworn in as the 17th
Emir of Kuwait.
Source: AA
19. Sanjay Kumar Singh has been elected as the new President of Wrestling Federation of
India.
Source: The Hindu
20. Government has reconstituted National Startup Advisory Council by appointing 31 non-
official members.
• Function of council-
o Council advises the government on measures needed to build a strong ecosystem for
nurturing innovation and startups in the country.
Source: ET
21. Bisleri, India’s mineral water brand has appointed Deepika Padukone as its first-ever global
brand ambassador.
Source: ET
22. Sony Sports has appointed actor Kartik Aryan as brand ambassador for football.
Source: ET
23. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted approval for the appointment of
Pramod Agarwal as the Chairman of BSE Ltd.
• Appointment will be effective from January 17, 2024.
Knowledge Nuggets
About SEBI-
• It is the regulatory body for securities and commodity market in India under the
administrative domain of Ministry of Finance within the Government of India.
pg. 140
[Type here]
• Established- April 12, 1988
Chairperson- Madhabi Puri Buch
About BSE-
• Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) the first ever stock exchange in Asia established in 1875.
• Location- Mumbai
Source: ET
24. North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB) has appointed former Andhra Bank managing
director and chief executive officer Satish Kumar Kalra as its interim MD and CEO.
Source: livemint
25. Santosh Jha has been appointed as the new High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.
Source: ET
26. HDFC bank has approved the extension of non-executive chairman Atanu Chakraborty for
a period of 3-years.
• The appointment will be effective from May 5, 2024 to May 4 2027.
Source: ET
27. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced a three-member ad-hoc committee to run
the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) following the newly-elected federation’s suspension.
• About ad-hoc committee-
o It is headed by its Executive Committee member Bhupinder Singh Bajwa.
o It also comprising Olympic gold medallist hockey player M.M. Somaya and former
National champion shuttler Manjusha Kanwar.
Knowledge Nuggets
About Indian Olympic Association (IOC)-

• IOC is responsible for selecting athletes to represent India at the Olympic Games, Asian
Games and other international sports competitions, and managing Indian teams at these
events.
pg. 141
[Type here]
• President- P.T. Usha
Source: The Hindu
28. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved appointment of CS Rajan as the Chairman of
Kotak Mahindra Bank for 2 years.
• Appointment is effective from January 1, 2024.
Source: livemint
29. Justice Shree Chandrashekhar has been appointed as acting Chief Justice of Jharkhand
High Court.
• President Droupadi Murmu has appointed him by exercising powers conferred under Article
223 of Constitution of India.
Source: livelaw
30. Nina Singh has become 1st woman to head Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
• Central government has appointed Nina Singh as the Director General of CISF.
• Also, Centre has appointed ITBP chief Anish Dayal Singh as the new Director General of
the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
31. Hyundai Motor India has appointed Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone as brand
ambassador.
Source: ET
32. US President Joe Biden has appointed prominent Indian-American global venture
capitalist Deven Parekh as a member of the Board of Directors of International
Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
Knowledge Nuggets
About International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)-

• It is a development finance institution and agency of the United States federal
government.
• It invests in development projects primarily in lower and middle-income countries.
• Headquarters- Washington DC, USA
pg. 142
[Type here]
Source: ET
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Nobel Peace Prize winner and Former Secretary of State of United States, Henry
Kissinger has passed away.
• He was awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1973.
• Books authored by him-
o The Age of AI
o On China
o Diplomacy
o Years of Upheaval
Source: bbc
2. ‘Rizz’ has been named as the word of the year by Oxford University Press.
• Oxford University Press defines ‘Rizz’ as short for charisma, as “someone's ability to attract
another person through style, charm, or attractiveness.
Source: The Hindu
3. American singer Taylor Swift has been named as the TIME Person of the Year 2023.
Source: TIME
4. Cambridge Dictionary team has chosen ‘hallucinate’ as its Word of the Year 2023.
• Why hallucinate is chosen?
o Cambridge dictionary has recognized that the new meaning gets to the heart of why
people are talking about AI.
o Generative AI is a powerful tool but one we’re all still learning how to interact with safely
and effectively – this means being aware of both its potential strengths and its current
weaknesses.
Source: cambridge
pg. 143
[Type here]
5. Former President Ram Nath Kovind has launched book “Naye Bharat ka Samveda” in New
Delhi.
• More about book-
o The book is a compilation of speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Indian
Constitution.
o Published by- Prabhat Publication
Source: PIB
6. Renowned Chinese doctor and activist Gao Yaojie who exposed the AIDS virus epidemic
in rural China in the 1990s has died Sunday at the age of 95.
Source: Time
7. Rijul Maini, a medical student from Michigan has been recently crowned Miss India USA
2023 in New Jersey.
Source: ET
8. Ruler of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has passed away.
• He will be succeeded by his half-brother, Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah.
Source: livemint
9. World Health Organisation has officially recognised ‘Noma’ as a neglected tropical

disease.
• About Noma disease-
o It is a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth and face, primarily affects malnourished
young children (between the ages of 2 and 6 years) in regions of extreme poverty.
Source: WHO
10. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has been elected for a third time as the President of Egypt.
• More info-
o Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was the Chief Guest on India’s 74th Republic Day celebrated on 26
January, 2023.
Source: The Hindu
pg. 144
[Type here]
11. Former chair of the National Commission for Women and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. V
Mohini Giri has passed away.
• More about Dr. V Mohini Giri?
o She has founded the Guild of Service in 1979 to empower women, underprivileged
children and war widows.
o She was awarded the Padma Bhushan for her work in 2007.
Source: The Hindu
12. Nobel award winning economist Robert M Solow has passed away.
• He won Nobel in economic science in 1987 for his theory that advances in technology,
rather than increases in capital and labour, have been the primary drivers of economic
growth in the United States.
Source: NYT
13. New book of Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Raghuram Rajan ‘Breaking the
Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future’ has been released.
• Raghuram Rajan has written this book in collaboration with economist Rohit Lamba.
• Published by- Penguin Random House India
Source: livemint
14. PM Narendra Modi has released ‘Collected Works of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya’ on
the occasion of his 162nd birth anniversary on 25th December.
• Key points-
o The event celebrated the 162nd birth anniversary of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan
Malaviya, founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
o The collection consists of 11 bilingual volumes in English and Hindi, with over 4,000
pages.
o It includes writings and speeches by Madan Mohan Malaviya from across India, which
includes unpublished letters, articles, and memorandums.
o The volumes also feature articles, pamphlets, and booklets authored by Malaviya over
time.
o Publications Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has
published these books.
Source: PIB
pg. 145
[Type here]
15. Indian Space research Organisation (ISRO) has released a book on ‘FEAST Software’
written by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) expert by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
• More about book-
o Book is titled "Introduction to Finite Element Analysis - a textbook for engineering
students".
o It is edited by Sri S Somanath and Dr Unnikrishnan Nair S. and written by experts in the
field of finite element analysis.
o It provides an overview of the fundamental principles of finite element analysis
elucidating concepts and problem-solving techniques through the utilization of
FEASTSMT software.
Source: vscc.gov.in
16. Former European Union Commission President Jacques Delors, who was a key figure in
the creation of the euro currency has passed away.
• He served as the head of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995.
• It was during his tenure Euro was introduced as the whole European Union bloc’s single
currency.
Source: livemint
17. Tamil actor and the founder of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), Vijayakanth
has passed away in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• DMDK is a regional political party in TN.
Source: livemint
pg. 146
[Type here]
QUESTIONS
Q.1) Government has recently launched Meghalaya. What is the main objective of the
auction of critical minerals for the first time Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra?
with the aim of securing a critical-mineral
[A] To improve awareness about green
supply chain for India's energy transition and
energy
net-zero- target. By which year India aims to
achieve this net-zero target? [B] To inform people about development goal
of India
[A] 2050
[C] To raise awareness among citizens about
[B] 2030
the Central Government's important welfare
[C] 2047 schemes and programs.
[D] 2070 [D] To raise awareness about education by
showcasing various nukkad nataks
[E] 2045
[E] To connect with people and inform about
Q.2) Recently, Union Cabinet has approved
goal of developed India by 2047
Rs 1,261 crore scheme to provide drones to
__________ progressive women Self Help Q.5) _________________ is hosting 28th
Groups (SHGs). The scheme will run for meeting of Conference of the Parties (COP)
_______ years. to the UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC).
[A] 15,000, 2
[A] United Kingdom
[B] 17,000, 2
[B] United Arab Emirates (UAE)
[C] 15,000, 5
[C] South Africa
[D] 17,000, 5
[D] USA
[E] 18,000, 2
[E] Argentina
Q.3) Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami
has released book ‘Resilient India: How Modi Q.6) Life Insurance Corporation has
Transformed India’s Disaster Management launched a new policy named ____________
Paradigm’ at 6th World Congress on Disaster covering individual saving and whole life
Management. It is organised jointly by the insurance. The scheme is available for age
_______________ and Uttarakhand State group- between 90 days and 65 years with a
Council of Science and Technology. premium paying term of minimum of
_________ and a maximum of 16 years.
[A] Haryana
[A] Surakshit bhavishya, 5 years
[B] Maharashtra
[B] Jeevan Praman, 2 years
[C] Hyderabad
[C] Jeevan Utsav, 5 years
[D] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Ajeevan Safe, 3 years
[E] Rajasthan
[E] Jeevan Anand, 3 years
Q.4) Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has been
launched in South West Garo Hills,
pg. 147
[Type here]
Q.7) Which aerospace company has [B] USA

received ‘Second Type’ certificate from
[C] Mexico
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
for medium category drones? [D] Argentina
[A] Mahindra Aerospace [E] Brazil
[B] Antrix Corporation Q.11) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and
__________________ have signed a
[C] Garuda Aerospace
memorandum of understanding (MoU) on
[D] BrahMos Aerospace cooperation and exchange of information
related to Clearing Corporation of India Ltd
[E] Bharat Dynamics
(CCIL).
Q.8) Indian Navy has conducted
[A] Bank of Japan
‘MAHASAGAR’ (Maritime Heads for Active
Security And Growth for All in the Region) [B] Bank of America
outreach initiative between Maritime Heads to
[C] Bank of England
highlight the present and necessary
imperative for harmonising and collaborating [D] European Central Bank
capacities and capabilities in the Indian
Ocean Region (IOR). Which country among [E] Swiss National Bank
the following has not participated in the event. Q.12) Recently, Innovations for Defence
[A] Kenya Excellence (iDEX)- Defence Innovation
Organisation (DIO) has signed 300th contract
[B] Maldives with Agnit Semiconductor Private Limited.
What is the purpose of this contract?
[C] Mozambique
[A] To provide semiconductor facility for Army
[D] Cambodia
Warfare Electronics System
[E] Sri Lanka
[B] To make semiconductor panels for
Q.9) Who has become the first Indian Indigenously built HAL aircrafts
shooter to win a medal in the event in the
[C] To design and develop advance Gallium
World Cup Final by winning a bronze medal
Nitride (Gan) semiconductors essential for
in 25 metre rapid fire final at the ISSF World
the next generation of wireless transmitters in
Cup final in Doha?
defence applications
[A] Heena Sidhu
[D] To provide for setting up of an indigenous
[B] Jitu Rai semiconductor facility with silicon-based
Radar system for Tejas Mark-1 aircraft
[C] Anish Bhanwala
[E] For opening up of private investment in
[D] Manu Bhaker
Defence procurement and manufacturing
[E] Shreyasi Singh services
Q.10) Recently, Nobel Peace Prize winner Q.13) Who has become 84th Grandmaster
and Former diplomat and political scientist, during 4th edition of the Llobregat Open
Henry Kissinger has passed away. To which Chess Tournament in Barcelona, Spain?
country he belongs?
[A] Gukesh D
[A] Canada
pg. 1
[Type here]
[B] Divya Deshmukh Q.17) Recently, IDFC FIRST Private Hurun

India's Top 200 Self-made Entrepreneurs of
[C] Koneru Hampi
the Millennia 2023 list. ______________ has
[D] Vaishali Rameshbabu topped the list and ____________ is the
youngest entrepreneur on the list.
[E] Harika Dronavalli
[A] Nitin Kamath, Advait Thakur
Q.14) World Aids Day is observed on
______________, the theme for World Aids [B] Radhakishan Damani, Kaivalya Vohra
Day 2023 is _________________.
[C] Ritesh Agarwal, Akhilendra Sahu
[A] November 30, End inequalities. End AIDS
[D] Radhakishan Damani, Advait Thakur
[B] December 1, Let Communities lead
[E] Nitin Kamath, Kaivalya Vohra
[C] December 4, Communities make the
Q.18) Indian Railways have planned to install
difference
AI based surveillance system ‘Gajraj’ to
[D] November 1, Global solidarity, resilient prevent elephant deaths on track. This
services surveillance system will be installed with the
total cost of __________ on the
[E] January 25, Equalize ___________ of route passing through forest
Q.15) HDFC securities has recently areas
launched mobile trading app on Amazon Web [A] 210 crore, 800 kilometres
Services to provide secure and low-latency
trading services to retail investors who prefer [B] 181 crore, 700 kilometres
mobile trading. What is the name of the App?
[C] 110 crore, 500 kilometres
[A] HDFC KITE
[D] 150 crore, 600 kilometres
[B] HDFC PAYZAPP
[E] 100 crore, 400 kilometres
[C] HDFC SKY
Q.19) India has been re-elected to
[D] HDFC TRADESTATION International Maritime Organisation Council
for ___________. IMO Council is the
[E] HDFC BROKING executive organ of IMO and is responsible,
Q.16) Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has under the assembly, for supervising the work
launched a revamped portal to regulate the of the organization with its chair in OMO
Pharmacy education in the country by headquarter in ______________
enrolment/ registration of Pharmacy [A] 2025-26, Geneva
institutions/ Pharmacist/ Pharmacy student
/Pharmacist jobseeker across India. [B] 2025-26, Paris
[A] PharmDIGI [C] 2024-26, New York
[B] Digi-Pharmacy [D] 2024-25, London
[C] MedMasters [E] 2024-2027, Washington DC

[D] PharmaCare Q.20) Where is the recently inaugurated 'The
Hump WWII Museum' located in Asia? This
[E] DIGI-PHARMed museum, dedicated to fallen airmen of the
pg. 2
[Type here]
Allied Forces during WWII, is the second of 2nd Indian to receive this award. Who is the
its kind in the region. first Indian to receive this prize?
[A] Sikkim, India [A] Madhav Chavan
[B] Arunachal Pradesh, India [B] Rukmini Banerji
[C] Yunnan, China [C] KV Rabiya
[D] Yamashiro, Japan [D] Shriram Jagmohan
[E] Yamato, Japan [E] Farida Lambay
Q.21) Recently, Three Indians have featured Q.24) International Day of Persons with
in 17th edition of Forbes Asia 2023 Heroes of Disabilities is celebrated on December 3.
Philanthropy List. Persons who have featured What is the theme for International Day of
on the list are- Persons with Disabilities?
[A] Ratan Tata, Anand Mahindra and Nandan [A] Leadership and participation of persons
Nilekani with disabilities toward an inclusive,
accessible and sustainable future
[B] Kushal Pal Singh, Nandan Nilekani and
Nikhil Kamath [B] Transformative solutions for inclusive
development: The role of innovation in
[C] Azim Premji, Gautam Adani and Nikhil
fuelling an accessible and equitable world
Kamath
[C] United in action to rescue and achieve
[D] Kushal Pal Singh, Shiv Nadar and
the SDGs for, with and by persons with
Gautam Adani
disabilities
[E] Ratan Tata, AM Naik and Nandan
[D] Building Back Better: toward a disability-
Nilekani
inclusive world
Q.22) India has been ranked 49th in in the
[E] Promoting the participation of persons
International Institute for Management
with disabilities and their leadership
Development (IMD)'s 7th edition of World
Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) Q.25) Godrej Capital Nirmaan has partnered
2023. Which are the countries that have with DBS Bank India, Visa and Amazon to aid
ranked 1st and 2nd on the list respectively? Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSME) growth. What are the standard
[A] Singapore and Netherland
criteria for defining a ‘Small’ Enterprises?
[B] France and Singapore
[A] Investment not more than 20 crore and
[C] USA and France annual turnover not more than 50 crores
[D] Netherland and Italy [B] Investment not more than 10 crore and
annual turnover not more than 50 crores
[E] USA and Netherland
[C] Investment not more than 5 crore and
Q.23) Safeena Hussain, founder of ‘Educate annual turnover not more than 20 crores
Girl’ has become the first Indian woman to
win WISE Prize for education 2023 at 11th [D] Investment not more than 5 crore and
edition of World Innovation Summit for annual turnover not more than 25 crores
Education (WISE) summit in Doha. She is the
[E] Investment not more than 25 crore and
annual turnover not more than 100 crores
pg. 3
[Type here]
Q.26) Which Indian cricketer has been [E] It is designed indigenously under Project
appointed as the youth voter awareness BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog
ambassador of Jammu & Kashmir by the Hita and Maitri).
Election Commission?
Q.29) India has reduced its emission
[A] Virat Kohli intensity as per a government report titled
'The Third National Communication to the
[B] Suresh Raina
United Nations Framework Convention on
[C] Rohit Sharma Climate Change'. Which among the following
statement is not correct regarding the report?
[D] Mohammad Shami
[A] India has achieved a significant reduction
[E] Ravindra Jadeja of 33% in emission intensity of its gross
Q.27) Who has recently become first woman domestic product (GDP) between 2005 and
officer to become Director General of the 2019.
Indian Council of Forestry Research [B] India is among the first 26 developing
education (ICFRE). countries to submit communications based on
[A] Anju Srivastava the GHG inventory of 2019 or later.
[B] Leena Nair [C] India had initially set a goal of a 33%
reduction in the emission intensity of GDP by
[C] Kanchan Devi 2030 in its original submission of NDCs.
[D] Soma Mondal [D] The target has been further revised to a
[E] Aditi Kulkarni more ambitious 50% as of 2022.
Q.28) World's first indigenously designed [E] The Central Electricity Agency has
portable hospital 'Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube' projected a decrease in the share of coal to
has been unveiled in Gurugram, Haryana. 85% and an increase in new renewables to
Which among the following is not the key 51% by 2030.
features of this hospital? Q.30) ________________ has provided
[A] It can be set up within one hour of USD 200mn loan for Uttarakhand's Climate-
arriving at the emergency site to treat the Resilient Power System Development Project
injured. to improve the quality, efficiency, and
reliability of power supply, and aiding the
[B] It can be used in any emergency area or state in achieving 24×7 power to its residents
disaster such as earthquake, flood, forest-fire and transitioning to the use of clean energy.
or even a war. [A] United Nations Development Programme
[B] Asian Development Bank
[C] It is made up of 72 detachable mini- [C] Shanghai Cooperation Organization
cubes, each being a specialised station for
emergency response and humanitarian [D] World Bank
efforts. [E] BRICS
[D] It is manufactured for exporting it to other Q.31) Dr Akshata Krishnamurthy, the first
countries on commercial basis. Indian woman to operate the Mars rover
Perseverance, is currently serving as the
Principal Investigator and Mission Science
pg. 4
[Type here]
Phase Lead at NASA. What role does she [B] To explore the viability of fusion as a
specifically undertake in her position? secure, expansive, and carbon-neutral net
energy source
[A] Project Verification and Validation for
NISAR mission [C] To study the effects of nuclear radiation
[B] Leading project verification and validation [D] To produce highly enriched uranium
for the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar which can be used for developing nuclear
(NISAR) mission weapon
[C] Mission Control Operations for Mars [E] To investigate the efficiency of traditional
Rovers power plants
[D] Systems Engineering for SpaceX Q.34) What kind of support does the seed
missions fund scheme by IN-SPACe offer to selected
start-ups in addition to financial assistance?
[E] Mars Sample Return Project
Management [A] Infrastructure development
Q.32) India's unanimous election to the [B] Mentorship support
Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius
[C] Market research
Commission (CAC) grants it the opportunity
to contribute to international standard-setting [D] Regulatory compliance assistance
processes for various food product
categories. What is the composition of the [E] International commercial opportunities
Executive Committee (EC) of CAC? Q.35) What is the primary role assigned to
[A] Chair, two Vice-Chairs, four regional Sandhayak (Yard 3025), the Survey Vessel
coordinators, and six elected representatives (Large) delivered by Garden Reach
Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)?
[B] Chair, three Vice-Chairs, six regional
coordinators, and seven elected [A] Submarine Warfare
representatives [B] Amphibious Assault
[C] Chair, four Vice-Chairs, five regional [C] Coastal and deep-water Hydrographic
coordinators, and eight elected Survey of Port/Harbour approaches
representatives
[D] Anti-aircraft Defence
[D] Chair, two Vice-Chairs, six regional
coordinators, and five elected representatives [E] Underwater Demolition Operations
[E] Chair, four Vice-Chairs, three regional Q.36) ESIC has won the "ISSA Vision Zero
coordinators, and nine elected 2023" award at the 23rd world congress on
representatives safety and health at work in Sydney,
Australia, for its great success in outreach in
Q.33) What is the primary objective of the field of ____________ at workplaces.
Japan's JT-60SA, the world's largest
operational experimental nuclear fusion [A] Employee Engagement
reactor? [B] Safety and Health
[A] To generate electricity through nuclear [C] Innovation
fusion on a commercial basis
[D] Sustainability
pg. 5
[Type here]
[E] Leadership Development [C] CNBC-TV18

Q.37) World Soil Day is observed on [D] Times Now
December 5 and it focuses on the vital
[E] Bloomberg India
relationship between soil and water. What is
the theme for World Soil Day in the Q.40) ________________ has been elected
mentioned year? as Vice Chair of UNESCO Executive Board
from Asia Pacific Group for the term 2023-
[A] Soil Conservation and Sustainable
2025.
Agriculture
[A] Japan
[B] The Role of Soil in Biodiversity
[B] Pakistan
[C] Soil and Water: A Source of Life
[C] India
[D] Promoting Soil Health for Sustainable
Living [D] China
[E] Combating Desertification through Soil [E] Indonesia
Management
Q.41) The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has
Q.38) Oxford University Press has named introduced the Geographic Information
'Rizz' as the word of the year. According to System application "Gram Manchitra" to
Oxford University Press, what is the definition facilitate spatial planning at the Gram
of 'Rizz'? Panchayat level. How does the "mActionSoft"
application, previously launched by the
[A] A term used in computing for data
Ministry, contribute to the functionality of
encryption
Gram Manchitra?
[B] Short for charisma, defined as someone's
a] mActionSoft is a separate platform and
ability to attract another person through style,
doesn't integrate with Gram Manchitra.
charm, or attractiveness
[C] A colloquial expression for surprise or
astonishment [A] mActionSoft focuses on financial
planning, while Gram Manchitra focuses on
[D] An acronym for a new environmental
spatial planning.
initiative
[B] Assets geo-tagged using mActionSoft are
[E] A trendy slang for social media
available on Gram Manchitra, enhancing the
influencers
visualization of developmental works.
Q.39) The Indian Space Research
[C] mActionSoft is an alternative application
Organization (ISRO) and the Chandrayaan-3
for spatial planning, independent of Gram
team were honoured with the "Outstanding
Manchitra.
Contribution to Brand India" award at the 19th
India Business Leader Awards (IBLA) in [D] Gram Manchitra uses mActionSoft to
Mumbai. The IBLA recognizes leaders who capture satellite images for spatial planning.
drive innovation, growth, and positive change
across industries. Which entity hosted the Q.42) India has joined the Battery Energy
IBLA 2023 awards? Storage Systems (BESS) Consortium for
renewable energy integration. What is the
[A] BBC India primary objective of BESS, and who leads
this initiative?
[B] NDTV
pg. 6
[Type here]
[[a] To promote fossil fuel consumption, and Q.44) The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
BESS is led by an independent consortium of Waterways has introduced the "HaritSagar"
energy companies. Green Port Guidelines to promote an
environment-friendly ecosystem at Major
Ports. What are the key points outlined in
[A] To establish 4,000 Mwh of projects by these guidelines?
2030-31, and it is led by The Global
[A] Discouraging the use of traditional fossil
Leadership Council of the Global Energy
fuels to boost economic growth.
Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP).
[B] Reducing technology integration to
[B] To discourage the use of renewable
minimize environmental impact.
energy, and BESS is led by a multinational
technology corporation. [C] Implementing onshore power grids for
ships, transitioning port equipment to electric
[C] To invest in traditional power plants, and
power, and developing infrastructure for
BESS is led by a global environmental
green hydrogen and ammonia.
advocacy group
[D] Prioritizing the use of onboard solar
[D] To establish 2,000 Mwh of projects by
panels for ships to maintain operational
2025-26, and it is led by The Global
flexibility.
Leadership Council of the Global Energy
Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). [E] Establishing guidelines for increased
carbon emissions from port activities and
Q.43) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
adressisng the need for carbon
inaugurated the first edition of the Indian Art,
sequestration.
Architecture, and Design Biennale (IAADB)
2023 at Red Fort, New Delhi. What is the Q.45) The Central Board of Indirect Taxes &
main objective of IAADB, and which Customs (CBIC) has launched the India-
institution serves as the curator for the event? Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange
System (EODES) to implement the India-
[A] The main objective is to promote
Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership
international trade, and the curator is the
Agreement (CEPA). What is the primary
Ministry of Commerce.
objective of EODES?
[B] The primary goal is to focus on
[A] To promote bilateral tourism between
contemporary music, and the curator is the
India and Korea.
Ministry of Culture.
[B] To facilitate the electronic exchange of
[C] The objective is to establish itself as a
origin information between the two customs
flagship global cultural initiative, and the
administrations for goods traded under CEPA.
curator is the National Gallery of Modern Art
(NGMA). [C] To streamline the visa application process
for Indian and Korean citizens.
[D] The goal is to explore advancements in
promotion of Indian art and culture, and the [D] To establish a joint venture for
curator is Sangeet Natak Academy. technological innovation between Indian and
Korean companies.
[E] The main objective is to provide a global
platform to artisans, and the curator is [E] To enhance educational collaboration and
Ministry of Culture student exchange programs between India
and Korea.
pg. 7
[Type here]
Q.46) Uttarakhand has recently achieved a [D] Union Bank of India - Mumbai,
milestone by obtaining the Geographical Maharashtra
Indication (GI) tag for 18 new products in a
[E] Central Bank of India- Mumbai,
single day. What does the Geographical
Mahartashtra
Indication (GI) tag signify?
Q.49) According to the S&P 'Global Credit
[A] A branding initiative for promoting
Outlook 2024,' what are the projected annual
national products.
GDP growth rates for India in the fiscal years
[B] A certification for organic agricultural 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27,
practices. and what key factors does the report highlight
for India to unlock its economic potential?
[C] A sign used on products with a specific
geographical origin and unique qualities or [A] FY 2023-24: 6.4%, FY 2024-25: 6.4%, FY
reputation. 2025-26: 6.9%, FY 2026-27: 7.0%; Key
Factors: Female workforce participation and
[D] A recognition for products with high
startup ecosystem.
export potential.
[B] FY 2023-24: 5.8%, FY 2024-25: 6.2%, FY
[E] A quality assurance label for consumer
2025-26: 6.5%, FY 2026-27: 6.8%; Key
safety.
Factors: Infrastructure development and
Q.47) The World Bank has unveiled a plan to global trade partnerships.
address the rising threat of methane
[C] FY 2023-24: 6.4%, FY 2024-25: 6.4%, FY
emissions globally. What is the key feature of
2025-26: 6.9%, FY 2026-27: 7.0%; Key
this plan?
Factors: Upskilling workers and digital market
[A] Launching a global campaign to raise contribution.
awareness about climate change.
[D] FY 2023-24: 5.5%, FY 2024-25: 5.9%, FY
[B] Establishing a fund to support research 2025-26: 6.3%, FY 2026-27: 6.7%; Key
on alternative energy sources. Factors: Demographic dividend realization
and environmental sustainability.
[C] Launching a minimum of 15 country-led
programs within the next 18 months to target [E] FY 2023-24: 6.0%, FY 2024-25: 6.3%, FY
methane emissions. 2025-26: 6.8%, FY 2026-27: 7.2%; Key
Factors: Government policy stability and
[D] Promoting carbon sequestration international trade agreements.
initiatives in developing countries.
Q.50) The 'Build for Bharat' initiative by Open
[E] Establishing an international treaty to Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
regulate methane emissions by including 10 involves participants like Google Cloud India,
countries as observer status. Antler in India, Paytm, Protean, and Startup
Q.48) Which is the second largest public India. What is the primary objective of this
sector bank in India after the State Bank of initiative?
India, and where is its headquarters located? [A] To promote global expansion of digital
[A] Punjab National Bank - New Delhi commerce platforms.
[B] Bank of Baroda - Vadodara, Gujarat [B] To establish a monopoly in the Indian
digital commerce sector.
[C] Canara Bank - Bengaluru, Karnataka
pg. 8
[Type here]
[C] To address diverse challenges in digital [C] Kandangi Sarees- Karnataka

commerce, promoting industry innovation for
[D] Gaura Patthar Hastashlip- Uttar Pradesh
practical solutions.
[E] Mithila Makhana- Bihar
[D] To encourage venture creation, scalable
solutions, and foundation solutions on ONDC. Q.54) Gujarat’s Garba dance has entered
UNESCO’s list of ‘intangible cultural heritage’
[E] To restrict access to the ONDC platform
(ICH) of Humanity. Which statement
for specific participants.
accurately describes the significance of
Q.51) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Gujarat's Garba dance?
Sitaraman and 3 other Indians have featured
[A] It is recognized as a form of traditional
on Forbes list of ‘World’s 100 Most Powerful
music in Gujarat
Women’ of 2023. Match the following peoples
with their respective rank on the list. [B] It is acknowledged as a form of martial
arts in Hindu festivals
Name Rank
1. Christine Lagarde A. 2 [C] It is designated as a ritualistic and
2. Ursula von der B.32 devotional dance during Navaratri in Gujarat
Leyen
3. Soma Mondal C.1 [D] It is celebrated as a form of ancient
4. Nirmala Sitaraman D.70 storytelling in the region
[A] 1. B,2. A, 3. D,4. C [E] It is identified as a culinary tradition of
[B] 1. C, 2. A, 3. D,4. B Gujarat
[C] 1. A, 2. B, 3. D,4. C Q.55) Which of the following statements

about Italy's involvement in China's Belt and
[D] 1. D, 2. A, 3. C,4. B Road Initiative (BRI) is accurate?
[E] 1. A, 2. D, 3. B,4. C [A] Italy joined the BRI in 2017 and was the
Q.52) Which state has launched ‘Ama Bank’ first G7 nation to do so.
scheme to provide banking services through [B] Italy withdrew from the BRI in 2019,
customer service point (CSP) and banking becoming the only G7 nation to sign the
outlets in all unbanked gram panchayat? agreement.
[A] Odisha [C] Italy joined the BRI in 2019 and was the
[B] Telangana first and only G7 nation to participate in the
initiative.
[C] Karnataka
[D] Italy has never been a part of the BRI
[D] Tamil Nadu since its inception in 2013.
[E] Kerala [E] Italy initially joined the BRI but withdrew
Q.53) Recently, Meghalaya’s Lakadong its participation in 2021.
turmeric has been awarded Geographical Q.56) What is the main characteristic of
Indication (GI) tag. Find out the product which Gemini Ultra, the Artificial Intelligence (AI)
is matched wrong with its state. model recently launched by Google?
[A] Pawndum- Mizoram [A] Gemini Ultra is specifically designed for
[B] Garo Dakmanda- Meghalaya on-device tasks.
pg. 9
[Type here]
[B] Gemini Ultra is built to be multimodal, [C] Serena Williams

operating seamlessly across various types of
[D] Usain Bolt
information.
[E] Simone Biles
[C] Gemini Ultra is the best at scaling across
a wide range of tasks. Q.60) Which statement about the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is
[D] Gemini Ultra focuses on achieving state-
correct?
of-the-art results in code analysis.
[A] ASEAN was established in 1950.
[E] Gemini Ultra scored exceptionally high on
language understanding tests related to [B] ASEAN consists of 12 member states
Massive Multitask Language Understanding
(MMLU). [C] The headquarters of ASEAN is located in
Manila, Philippines.
Q.57) India has accounted for ________ of
malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia [D] Myanmar is not a member of ASEAN.
Region as per 2023 World Malaria Report [E] Jakarta, Indonesia, serves as the
published by the World Health Organization headquarters of ASEAN.
(WHO). Almost 46% of all cases in the region
were due to______________, which is a Q.61) What is the primary focus of the 'Mera
protozoal parasite and a human pathogen. Gaon Meri Dharohar' Project launched by the
Ministry of Culture for cultural mapping and
[A] 46%, Plasmodium vivax documentation of villages across India?
[B] 32%, Giardia lamblia [A] Ecological mapping in collaboration with
[C] 51%, Leishmania braziliensis environmental organizations
[D] 66%, Plasmodium vivax [B] Archaeological excavation projects in

rural areas
[E] 48%, Giardia lamblia
[C] Cultural mapping and documentation in
Q.58) Indian-origin novelist ____________ coordination with IGNCA
has been awarded Cultural Medallion
Singapore’s highest award in recognition of [D] Preservation of agricultural heritage
artistic excellence and contribution to through digitization
enriching the country’s arts and culture [E] Promotion of modern art forms in rural
scene. communities
[A] Smriti Bose Q.62) What is the objective of the "Green
[B] Aarti Banerjee Rising" initiative unveiled by UNICEF's
Generation Unlimited, in collaboration with
[C] Miera Chand India's Ministry of Environment, Forest, and
Climate Change, at COP28 in Dubai?
[D] Sulochana Tripathee
[A] To promote green technology in
[E] Deepti Majumdar
collaboration with leading tech companies
Q.59) Who has been named as the 'Athlete
[B] To encourage global leaders to adopt
of the Year' for 2023 by TIME Magazine?
environmentally friendly policies
[A] Cristiano Ronaldo
[B] Lionel Messi
pg. 10
[Type here]
[C] To mobilize millions of young people [E] SolarEdge Technologies

worldwide for active participation in green
Q.66) In terms of the number of FIRs
initiatives addressing climate change impacts
registered for crimes against women in 2022,
[D] To establish green energy hubs in which state had the highest number, as per
developing countries the 'Crime in India-2022' report by the
National Crime Records Bureau? Also,
[E] To fund research projects focused on
______________ is emerged as the safest
climate change adaptation strategies
city in India as per the report.
Q.63) According to S&P Global Market
[A] Maharashtra, Madurai
Intelligence, in 2022, Life Insurance
Corporation (LIC) achieved the status of [B] Uttar Pradesh, Kolkata
being the fourth-largest insurer in the world
[C] Rajasthan, Chennai
based on:
[D] West Bengal, Indore
[A] Premium income
[E] Uttar Pradesh, Bangalore
[B] Number of policies sold
Q.67) President Draupadi Murmu has
[C] Reserves in life and accident & health
awarded the national award for 'Best
[D] Market capitalization Personality - Empowerment of Differently-
abled' to Prashant Agarwal, the president of
[E] Total assets
Narayan Seva Sansthan. What specific
Q.64) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiatives were recognized for Prashant
cancelled the license of Shankarrao Pujari Agarwal's contribution to empowering the
Nutan Nagari Sahakari Bank due to which differently-abled?
reason?
[A] Organizing educational workshops for the
[A] Involvement in fraudulent activities differently-abled
[B] Violation of environmental regulations [B] Implementing innovative rehabilitation

programs and surgeries
[C] Lack of adequate capital and earning
prospects [C] Hosting entertainment events for
amputees
[D] Non-compliance with tax regulations
[D] Conducting awareness campaigns for
[E] Failure to meet customer service disability causes
standards
[E] Establishing Narayan Seva Sansthan in
Q.65) According to Mercom Capital Group's 1985
Annual Global Report, which company has
been declared the second-largest global solar Q.68) What was the theme of the
PV developer in the global solar energy International Anti-Corruption Day observed on
sector? December 9?
[A] TotalEnergies [A] Combating Global Corruption

[B] Adani GreenEnergy Limited (AGEL) [B] UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against
Corruption
[C] Brookfield Renewable Partners
[C] Transparency in Governance
[D] Enel Green Power
[D] International Unity Against Bribery
pg. 11
[Type here]
[E] Eradicating Corruption Worldwide [A] Advancing Sustainable Development

Goals through Investment
Q.69) As per the information shared by the
International Cricket Council, in which [B] Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering
countries will the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup Future Growth
2024 edition will be hosted?
[C] Global Collaboration for Economic
[A] India and Australia Resilience
[B] West Indies and Bangladesh [D] Innovation and Technology in Global
Investments
[C] Pakistan and South Africa
[E] Enhancing Global Trade Partnerships
[D] West Indies and USA
Q.72) 24th edition of the Hornbill Festival
[E] England and Sri Lanka
took place from 1st to 10th December 2023 at
Q.70) Why are the National Awards for the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama,
Innovations and Good Practices in Nagaland. Which countries have served as
Educational Administration conferred, as per Partner Countries in the festival?
the information provided?
[A] USA, Germany, and Colombia
[A] To recognize outstanding contributions to
[B] Japan, France, and Brazil
educational policy-making and setting
practical goals for implementing New [C] China, Australia, and Canada
Education Policy (NEP).
[D] Russia, South Africa, and Mexico
[B] To honour individuals for their
[E] United Kingdom, India, and Italy
commitment to administrative paperwork and
showing high level of transparency in fair Q.73) In the 5th monetary policy of FY 2023-
documentation 24, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
announced the Standing Deposit Facility
[C] To appreciate awardees for their passion
(SDF) rate at 6.25%. What is the significance
towards enriching lives of students and
of the SDF rate in the monetary policy
innovative efforts towards making learning in
framework?
schools more vibrant.
[A] Benchmark interest rate for lending to
[D] To acknowledge achievements in
commercial banks
extracurricular activities in schools
[B] Rate at which banks can borrow funds
[E] To reward teachers on the basis of their
overnight from RBI
long-term service and improving the quality of
teaching. [C] Interest rate offered on deposits held with
RBI by commercial banks
Q.71) Recently, Invest India has hosted the
27th World Investment Conference (WIC) [D] Rate at which government securities are
from December 11-14, 2023, at the India issued
International Convention & Expo Centre,
Yashobhoomi in New Delhi. What was the [E] Minimum lending rate for housing loans
theme of the 27th World Investment Q.74) The 2nd Edition of IFSCA’s Flagship
Conference (WIC) scheduled to be hosted by Event – Infinity Forum 2.0 has been recently
Invest India in December 2023? inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi. Bloomberg is the international partner
pg. 12
[Type here]
of the event. What is the theme of the Infinity [E] Enhancing cybersecurity measures for
Forum 2.0? online banking
[A] Financial Services in the Digital Era Q.77) India has been ranked 7th on the
Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI).
[B] Nurturing Global Investments: Global
What is the primary objective of CCPI, as
Financial Centre
mentioned in the context of its role as an
[C] Sustainable Finance for Future independent monitoring tool?
Generations
[A] Improve transparency in international
[D] GIFT-IFSC: Nerve Centre for New Age climate politics and enable comparison of
Global Financial Services climate protection efforts
[E] Innovation and Collaboration in [B] Advocate for strict environmental

International Finance regulations
Q.75) Bank of India has introduced the 'Nari [C] Generate revenue for climate change
Shakti Saving Account' targeted at women research
aged 18 and above with an independent
[D] Promote renewable energy technologies
source of income. What is a key feature of
worldwide
this account to promote financial
empowerment? [E] Facilitate global collaborations for climate
resilience
[A] Exclusive discounts on travel bookings
Q.78) The 4th edition of the joint military
[B] Access to premium entertainment
exercise VINBAX-2023 aims to foster
services
collaborative partnership, promote inter-
[C] Concessional rate of interest and rebate operability, and share best practices under
on retail loans for women Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on
Peacekeeping Operations. In which countries
[D] Special privileges for shopping at partner are the VINBAX exercises conducted
outlets alternately?
[E] Higher interest rates on fixed deposits [A] India and Indonesia
Q.76) Intellect Design Arena Ltd has signed [B] India and Thailand
a ₹80-crore deal with Indian Bank to deploy
its eMACH.ai powered Cash Management [C] India and Myanmar
System. What is the objective of Indian
[D] India and Vietnam
Bank's 'INDLEAP' project, as mentioned in
the context of the deal? [E] India and Australia
[A] Implementing blockchain technology for Q.79) The Indian Navy recently conducted
secure transactions the bi-annual 'Prasthan' exercise off the
Mumbai coast. What is the primary objective
[B] Achieving digital transformation by
of the 'Prasthan' exercise?
leveraging technology
[A] Enhancing submarine capabilities
[C] Launching a new line of credit cards
[B] Improving maritime navigation techniques
[D] Establishing a network of rural banking
outlets [C] Conducting anti-piracy operations
pg. 13
[Type here]
[D] Addressing contingencies in oil [D] Automated entry and exit at Land Port
production platforms Petrapole
[E] Testing naval communication systems [E] CAPEX of USD 31.2 billion in 2024 for
freight transport improvement
Q.80) Indian social activist Nikhil Dey has
been named the International Anti-Corruption Q.83) Rural Electrification Corporation (REC)
Champion by the US State Department for has signed a 200-million-euro loan with
his remarkable support of social movements German Bank KfW to propel distribution
opposing corruption in government welfare sector reforms in line with the Revamped
programs. Which organization did Nikhil Dey Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the
co-found, which has been actively involved in Government of India. What is the primary
these efforts? objective of the RDSS Scheme launched by
the Government?
[A] Transparency International India
[A] Enhancing renewable energy capacity
[B] Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan
[B] Improving rural electrification
[C] Social Accountability International
infrastructure
[D] Citizens for Accountable Governance
[C] Helping DISCOMs improve operational
[E] Coalition for Governance and efficiencies and financial sustainability
Accountability
[D] Supporting off-grid electrification projects
Q.81) Who is the primary publisher of the
[E] Promoting energy efficiency measures in
Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI),
industries
an independent monitoring tool for tracking
climate protection performance? Q.84) What was the theme for the
International Universal Health Coverage Day
[A] United Nations Framework Convention
observed on December 12?
on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
[A] Health For All: Time For Action
[B] International Energy Agency (IEA)
[B] Achieving Global Health Equity
[C] Greenpeace International
[C] Universal Access to Healthcare
[D] Germanwatch
[D] Building a Healthy Future Together
[E] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) [E] Ensuring Health Security for Everyone
Q.82) The Department for Promotion of Q.85) Rail India Technical and Economic
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has Service Limited (RITES Ltd) has recently
collaborated with the World Bank to elevate signed a pact with CFM Mozambique for the
India’s logistics efficiency. What initiative was supply of 10 diesel locomotives at a total cost
emphasized by DPIIT to digitize operations at of Rs 314.1 crore. Where is the headquarters
Integrated Check Posts (ICPs)? of RITES Ltd?
[A] Implementation of e-Air Way Bill (e-AWB) [A] Gurugram, Haryana
[B] Introduction of smart gates [B] Mumbai, Maharashtra
[C] Land Port Management System (LPMS) [C] New Delhi, Delhi
[D] Kolkata, West Bengal
pg. 14
[Type here]
[E] Chennai, Tamil Nadu [D] USD 7 billion, a 73% decline

Q.86) The first bullet train terminal of India [E] USD 30 billion, a 50% increase
has been constructed at Sabarmati
Q.90) The World Bank and the World Food
Multimodal Transport Hub in __________,
Programme have intensified their
Gujarat, as part of the High-Speed Rail
collaboration to address the challenges of
Corridor.
food insecurity, climate change, fragility, and
[A] Surat poverty. Which specific area will be the main
focus of their joint efforts?
[B] Ahmedabad
[A] Expanding renewable energy projects
[C] Vadodara
[B] Enhancing educational opportunities
[D] Rajkot
[C] Boosting food security and transforming
[E] Gandhinagar
food systems
Q.87) In the first delta rankings of the
[D] Improving healthcare infrastructure
Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)
announced by NITI Aayog, which block in [E] Strengthening global economic
Telangana secured the 1st position? partnerships
[A] Kaushambi block Q.91) Which company has introduced India's
first Sodium (Na)-battery technology as an
[B] Rayagada block
alternative to lithium-ion batteries, with the
[C] Tiriyani Block aim of achieving a 25-30% cost reduction,
especially for Electric Vehicles (EVs)?
[D] Jamui block
[A] Tata Motors
[E] Kumuram Bheem block
[B] Mahindra Electric
Q.88) Which country has recently launched
the world's first 4th-generation nuclear reactor [C] KPIT Technologies
at the Shidaowan Bay nuclear power plant in
[D] Indian Institute of Science Education and
the eastern Shandong province?
Research (IISER) Pune
[A] Russia
[E] Indian Ministry of New and Renewable
[B] Japan Energy
[C] China Q.92) RBI has authorized __________ to

disburse pensions to Railway Employees
[D] United States through e-PPOs on behalf of the Ministry of
[E] France Railways.
Q.89) According to the Tracxn Geo Annual [A] ICICI Bank

Report: India Tech 2023, what is the total [B] HDFC Bank
funding for Indian tech startups in 2023, and
how does it compare to the funding in 2022? [C] Bandhan Bank
[A] USD 25 billion, a 73% increase [D] State Bank of India
[B] USD 7 billion, a 73% increase [E] Axis Bank
[C] USD 25 billion, a 73% decline
pg. 15
[Type here]
Q.93) In the 2023 Climate Assessment for 2016 memoir- ‘Yaadein, Yaadein aur
Financial Institutions (CAFI) Awards for Yaadein.’ The Vyas Samman was instituted
Climate Reporting by the International by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991.
Finance Corporation (IFC), which bank has
[A] Divya Ramanujan
been acknowledged as the top performer,
securing two positions on the global stage in [B] Dinkar Tiwari
the Highest Climate Loan Amount Reported
and Most (Greenhouse Gas) GHG Mitigated [C] Pushpa Bharati
category? [D] Meena Bhandari
[A] HDFC Bank [E] Radhika Ramakrishnan
[B] ICICI Bank Q.97) Who has been awarded the "Order of
[C] Axis Bank Merit of the Italian Republic," the highest
civilian award of Italy?
[D] Federal Bank
[A] Amitabh Bachchan
[E] State Bank of India
[B] Shah Rukh Khan
Q.94) State Bank of India (SBI) has entered
into a 70 million Euro Line of Credit (LoC) [C] Kabir Bedi
agreement with Germany's KfW Development [D] Aishwarya Rai
Bank for what specific purpose?
[E] Rajinikanth
[A] Infrastructure development
Q.98) According to Mercer’s Quality of Living
[B] Agriculture modernization City Ranking 2023, which Indian city has
[C] Solar photovoltaic (PV) projects topped the list in terms of quality of living, and
which city has secured the global top position
[D] Education initiatives in the ranking?
[E] Healthcare infrastructure [A] Mumbai, Vienna
Q.95) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Limited [B] Delhi, Zurich
has entered into a bancassurance
partnership with _____________________. [C] Hyderabad, Vienna
The partnership aims to increase access to [D] Bangalore, Auckland
insurance solutions for the middle class,
empowering them to secure their financial [E] Chennai, Zurich
future. Q.99) Food and Agriculture Organization of
[A] Equitas Small Finance Bank the United Nations, a specialized agency
leading international efforts to defeat hunger
[B] Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (SFB) and improve nutrition and food security, has
Limited its headquarters in ________________. It
[C] Jana Small Finance Bank was established in the year ________.
[D] AU Small Finance Bank [A] Geneva, Switzerland, 1952
[E] ESAF Small Finance Bank [B] Paris, France, 1947
Q.96) Notable Hindi-Writer ________ will be [C] Rome, Italy, 1945

conferred with the 33rd Vyas Samman for her [D] Vienna, Austria, 1960
pg. 16
[Type here]
[E] New York, USA, 1975 [E] Yes Bank

Q.100) According to the Food and Agriculture Q.103) Saint Lucia has launched the Tax
Organisation’s (FAO) Regional Overview of Inspectors without Borders (TIWB)
Food Security and Nutrition 2023: Statistics programme in partnership with India. What is
and Trends report, ______% of Indians were the primary objective of TIWB?
unable to afford a healthy diet in 2021.
[A] To promote economic cooperation
[A] 50.5% between developed and developing countries
[B] 65.2% [B] To provide expert assistance and transfer
of tax audit knowledge to developing
[C] 74.1%
countries
[D] 82.7%
[C] To establish a global taxation standard
[E] 90.3%
[D] To facilitate international trade
Q.101) The Ministry of Environment, Forests agreements
and Climate Change has introduced the
[E] To enhance diplomatic relations among
Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme
member countries
(IFWCS). What is the primary objective of
IFWCS? Q.104) The fastest solar electric boat of
India, 'Barracuda,' designed by Navalt Solar
[A] To regulate the import and export of wood
and Electric Boats, has been launched in
and forest products in India.
________.
[B] To promote deforestation for economic
[A] Mumbai, Maharashtra
development.
[B] Chennai, Tamil Nadu
[C] To encourage sustainable forest
management and agroforestry through [C] Alappuzha, Kerala
voluntary third-party certification.
[D] Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
[D] To establish a government-controlled
[E] Panaji, Goa
monopoly on the timber industry.
Q.105) Reliance Industries has collaborated
[E] To ban the use of wood in various
with which bank in India for a financing
industries.
program aimed at Compressed Bio Gas
Q.102) Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (CBG) plants?
(IIT-K) and the __________________have
[A] HDFC Bank
launched India’s first fully integrated school of
sustainability at IIT Kanpur. The school will [B] DBS Bank India
run both undergraduate and postgraduate
academic and skill-building programs in [C] ICICI Bank
different themes of sustainability. [D] Axis Bank
[A] ICICI Bank [E] State Bank of India
[B] Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited Q.106) Recently, Reserve Bank of India
[C] HDFC Bank (RBI) has revealed the issue price for the
next Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) series III.
[D] Axis Bank How Sovereign Gold Bond is defined?
pg. 17
[Type here]
[A] It is a financial scheme launched by the [C] 10.0% to 11.5%

Indian government to promote agricultural
[D] 6.5% to 7.7%
investments.
[E] 9.5% to 11.0%
[B] It is a type of government bond issued to
promote the export sector. Q.109) Who has released the 5th Global
Status Report on Road Safety 2023, which
[C] These are issued as Government of India
highlights trends and figures related to road
Stock under the Government Securities (GS)
traffic fatalities globally?
Act, 2006.
[A] International Road Transport
[D] It is a tax-saving investment scheme
Organization (IRTO)
introduced by the Reserve Bank of India.
[B] United Nations Development Programme
[E] It is a scheme to encourage investments
(UNDP)
in cryptocurrency.
[C] World Health Organisation (WHO)
Q.107) Ola CEO Bhavish Agarwal has
recently launched an Artificial Intelligence [D] International Transport Forum (ITF)
model named 'Krutrim AI.' What sets Krutrim
AI apart, especially in terms of language [E] Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP)
capabilities and model sizes? Q.110) According to the International Energy
[A] Krutrim AI is exclusively designed for the Agency (IEA) report 'Coal 2023 - Analysis and
global market, with a focus on European forecast to ______, the coal demand in India
languages. is projected to grow at an annual rate of
______ until the specified year.
[B] Krutrim AI understands 22 Indian
languages and can generate content in about [A] 2025, 4.0%
10, including Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, [B] 2026, 3.5%
Kannada, Telugu, Odia, Gujarati, and
Malayalam. [C] 2024, 2.8%
[C] Krutrim AI is a voice-controlled virtual [D] 2027, 4.5%

assistant for smartphones. [E] 2028, 3.0%
[D] Krutrim AI is primarily focused on image Q.111) Who has been jointly awarded the
recognition and processing. Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament
[E] Krutrim AI is the first AI model designed and Development 2023?
and trained in Braille language. [A] Daniel Barenboim and Hamid Ali Ansari
Q.108) As per the 'Logistics Cost in India: [B] R Ramanujam and Jitendra Sharma
Assessment and Long-Term Framework'
report by National Council of Applied [C] Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad
Economic Research (NCAER) and [D] David Attenborough and Kofi Annan
Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT), what was the range of [E] R Ramanujam and Kofi Annan
logistic costs in India during the fiscal year Q.112) Indian candidate,
2021-22? ________________ has been elected to the
[A] 9.0% to 10.5% Governing Council of the International
Institute for the Unification of Private Law
[B] 7.8% to 8.9%
pg. 18
[Type here]
(UNIDROIT) with in the first round at the Q.116) Union Minister of Earth Sciences,
elections held in Rome. Kiren Rijiju, has recently flagged off India’s
first winter scientific expedition to
[A] Naveen Sharma
______________ from New Delhi. Here,
[B] Uma Sekhar Researchers will study climate change, space
weather, sea-ice and ocean circulation
[C] Ananya Kapoor dynamics, ecosystem adaptations, etc.
[D] Arjun Patel [A] Antarctica
[E] Meera Desai [B] Arctic
Q.113) Who, along with broadcaster and [C] Sahara
promoter Vijay Amritraj, has become the first
Asian to be inducted into the International [D] Himalayas
Tennis Hall of Fame?
[E] Amazon Rainforest
[A] Rohan Bopanna
Q.117) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
[B] Leander Paes recently inaugurated the world’s largest
meditation centre, 'Swarved Mahamandir,' in
[C] Mahesh Bhupathi _________. How many people can it seat at
[D] Sania Mirza a time for meditation?
[E] Somdev Devvarman [A] Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 25000
Q.114) The International Energy Agency [B] Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, 20000
(IEA) is an autonomous intergovernmental [C] Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 20000
organisation headquartered in
_____________. It was established in [D] Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 18000
___________.
[E] Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 21000
[A] Geneva, Switzerland, 1961
Q.118) Telangana State Pollution Control
[B] Paris, France, 1974 Board (TSPCB) has introduced a mobile
application named "Janavani- Kalushya
[C] New York, USA, 1980 Nivarani" for the public to register complaints
[D] Berlin, Germany, 1992 related to ____________________.
[E] Tokyo, Japan, 2005 [A] Traffic Management
Q.115) Who has won the ITF World [B] Water Conservation
Champion awards for 2023 in the men's [C] Environmental Pollution
category?
[D] Healthcare Services
[A] Rafael Nadal
[E] Agricultural Subsidies
[B] Novak Djokovic
Q.119) The 18th session of the
[C] Roger Federer Intergovernmental Committee for
[D] Andy Murray Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage
was conducted in ____________ from
[E] Stefanos Tsitsipas December 4-9, 2023.
[A] Botswana
pg. 19
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[B] South Africa [D] Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

[C] Nigeria [E] Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
[D] Kenya Q.123) World Health Organisation (WHO)
Regional Director, Poonam Khetrapal Singh,
[E] Ghana
has been honoured with Bhutan’s National
Q.120) Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has Order of Merit for her distinguished services
notified an increase in gratuity limit from Rs to the country. For which achievement did
________ to Rs ________ for LIC agents to Bhutan recognise her exceptional
bring substantial improvements to the contribution?
working condition and benefits for agents.
[A] Elimination of polio
[A] Rs 2 lakhs, Rs 4 lakhs
[B] Elimination of measles and rubella ahead
[B] Rs 3 lakhs, Rs 5 lakhs of schedule
[C] Rs 4 lakhs, Rs 6 lakhs [C] Advancing mental health initiatives

[D] Rs 5 lakhs, Rs 7 lakhs [D] Pioneering COVID-19 vaccination efforts
[E] Rs 6 lakhs, Rs 8 lakhs [E] Establishing healthcare leadership

programs
Q.121) According to the online blogging
platform soic.in, ______________ has Q.124) "Against All Odds: The IT Story of
become the largest economy with a GDP India" and "Winning Middle India: The Story
share of ________________ in the total GDP of India's New-Age Entrepreneurs" have been
of India? jointly awarded the 'Gaja Capital Business
Book Prize' 2023. Who are the authors of the
[A] Gujarat, 8.2% book "Against All Odds"?
[B] Uttar Pradesh, 9.2% [A] TN Hari and Bala Srinivasa
[C] Tamil Nadu, 9.1% [B] S 'Kris' Gopalakrishnan, N Dayasindhu,
[D] Maharashtra, 15.7% and Krishnan Narayanan
[E] West Bengal, 7.5% [C] Arundhati Roy and Salman Rushdie
Q.122) Commerce and Industry Minister [D] Chetan Bhagat and Amish Tripathi
Piyush Goyal has recently unveiled the fifth [E] Shashi Tharoor and P. Chidambaram
LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different
States) 2023 report. The report categorizes Q.125) When is Minority Rights Day
states into various groups based on their celebrated? What is the theme for Minority
logistics performance. Which state are listed Rights Day 2023?
under the "Fast Movers" category in the
[A] December 15, All in 4 Minority Rights
Landlocked Group?
[B] December 18, Celebrating Diversity and
[A] Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Inclusion
Uttarakhand
[C] December 21, A society is judged by how
[B] Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand
it treats its weakest sections
[C] Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
[D] December 25, India is a country of unity
Uttarakhand
in diversity
pg. 20
[Type here]
[E] December 31, Education, Language and [B] Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi
the Human Rights of Minorities
[C] Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu
Q.126) Which state has won the Vijay
[D] Haryana, New Delhi
Hazare Trophy 2023, an annual limited overs
cricket domestic competition organised by the [E] Punjab, Haryana
Board of Control for Cricket, India by
defeating Rajasthan? Q.130) Recently, National Skill Development
Corporation (NSDC) has signed a
[A] Gujarat Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
the government of ________________ to
[B] Maharashtra
protect the rights of skilled labourers from
[C] Haryana India.
[D] Karnataka [A] Egypt
[E] Punjab [B] UAE
Q.127) India has topped global remittance [C] Saudi Arabia
chart at USD 125 billion in 2023 as per the
[D] South Africa
World Bank’s latest Migration and
Development Brief. Which two countries have [E] USA
ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively in latest
Migration and Development Brief? Q.131) Who, among the following, has
achieved the historic milestone of becoming
[A] China and Philippines the first Indian to be inducted as a governing
board member of the International Table
[B] Mexico and China
Tennis Federation's (ITTF) Foundation?
[C] Philippines and Egypt
[A] PV Sindhu
[D] Mexico and Egypt
[B] Leander Paes
[E] China and Egypt
[C] Sachin Tendulkar
Q.128) International Migrants Day is
[D] Vita Dani
observed on ___________.
[E] Saina Nehwal
[A] December 18
Q.132) Indian Space Research Organisation
[B] December 16
(ISRO) has been honored with the Leif
[C] November 30 Erickson Lunar Prize by Iceland’s Husavik
Museum, acknowledging ISRO's exceptional
[D] November 28
achievement in:
[E] January 8
[A] Developing advanced satellite
Q.129) _______________ has got 2nd rank communication technology.
in the medal tally of first Khelo India Para
[B] Successfully launching a series of Mars
Games with 62 medals. Inaugural edition of
orbiters.
the Khelo India Para Games 2023 took place
in ___________________ from 10th to 17th [C] Pioneering advancements in asteroid
December 2023. exploration.
[A] Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh
pg. 21
[Type here]
[D] Accomplishing the Chandrayaan-3 lunar [E] The portal supports electronic payment to
mission. 70 departments
[E] Establishing a sustainable human Q.136) ACG, which is recognized as the
presence on the Moon. country's largest capsules maker and
integrated supplier to the pharmaceutical
Q.133) Poet Sukrita Paul Kumar has been
industry has recently joined the World
awarded the sixth edition of the Rabindranath
Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse
Tagore Literary Prize for her literary work.
Network. What does this network primarily
What is the title of the book for which she has
focus on?
received this prestigious prize?
[A] Advancing sustainable energy solutions
[A] Salt and Spice: A Culinary Journey
in the manufacturing sector.
[B] Echoes of Time: Poems on History
[B] Showcasing leadership in adopting fourth
[C] Fragrance of Verses: Collected Poems industrial revolution technologies in various
industries.
[D] Whispering Leaves: Nature Poems
[C] Promoting global collaborations for
[E] Salt and Pepper: Selected Poems pharmaceutical research and development.
Q.134) In the 2024 Indian Premier League [D] Recognizing excellence in corporate
auction, which player has became the social responsibility practices.
costliest by receiving a bid of Rs. 24.75 crore
from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)? [E] Establishing international standards for
pharmaceutical manufacturing.
[A] Virat Kohli
Q.137) Under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgaar
[B] Rohit Sharma Yojana 2023 in Himachal Pradesh, what
[C] AB de Villiers specific role does the government play in
supporting youth entrepreneurs interested in
[D] Mitchell Starc the e-taxi business, and what percentage of
[E] Jasprit Bumrah subsidy is provided on the purchase of e-taxis
as part of this scheme?
Q.135) Bandhan Bank has recently obtained
the mandate to collect revenue on the [A] The government facilitates training
electronic-Government Receipt Accounting programs, and a 30% subsidy is offered on e-
System (e-GRAS) portal for the Assam taxi purchases.
government. What key functions does the e- [B] The government offers a guarantee for
GRAS portal perform? employment, and a 50% subsidy is provided
[A] The e-GRAS portal offers citizens a on e-taxi purchases.
platform for social security services [C] The government organizes mentorship
[B] e-GRAS facilitates electronic tax payment sessions, and a 20% subsidy is given on e-
for 70 departments taxi purchases.
[C] The portal provides 24x7 electronic [D] The government provides financial
payment services assistance for start-ups, and a 40% subsidy
is given on e-taxi purchases.
[D] e-GRAS enables online payment of utility
bills
pg. 22
[Type here]
[E] The government offers tax incentives, [A] Apple

and a 60% subsidy is provided on e-taxi
[B] Google
purchases.
[C] Microsoft
Q.138) On the occasion of the first
foundation day of All India Institute of [D] Facebook
Ayurveda (AIIA) Goa, Union Ayush Minister
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has released a [E] Amazon
commemorative postal stamp. The event was Q.141) Union Minister for MSME Narayan
jointly organized by which institutions? Rane has recently launched the Raising &
[A] All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP)
Ministry of Ayush programme, featuring three sub-schemes.
Among them, the MSE Scheme for Promotion
[B] AIIA Goa and India Post and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE
SPICE Scheme) aims to:
[C] Indian Postal Service and Ministry of
Health [A] Enhance digital infrastructure for MSMEs
[D] AIIA Goa and National Philately [B] Provide interest subvention for adopting
Association green technology
[E] Ministry of Communications and AIIA Goa [C] Support circular economy projects by
offering credit subsidy
Q.139) Recently, Union Minister Nitin
Gadkari has launched DigiELV Trading [D] Facilitate online dispute resolution for
Platform for ELV Certificate of Deposit delayed payments with AI integration
Trading Platform, and Automotive Circularity
Orchestrator by Meta Materials Circular [E] Provide credit facility for capital
Markets (MMCM). What is the primary investment
function of DigiELV Trading Platform? Q.142) The 1st National Quantum Science
[A] Regulate global automotive trade and Technology Symposium (NQSTS)
practices. organized by Quantum Ecosystems and
Technology Council of India (QETCI) and
[B] Address environmental concerns in the Ministry of Electronics and Information
automotive industry and make rules for Technology (MeitY) saw the launch of the
carbon sequestration. Centre for Quantum Security. What is the
primary objective of this center?
[C] Empower users to lawfully trade
Certificate of Deposits and Reward ELV [A] To focus on quantum computing research
owners for sustainable efforts.
[B] To facilitate investment in local quantum
[D] Establish a digital marketplace for technology
automotive products.
[C] To conduct experiments on quantum
[E] Facilitate transfer of rewards between teleportation
various stakeholders
[D] To work with multiple stakeholders in the
Q.140) ________ has announced India’s first Quantum Security Ecosystem
Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered
experiences for maps. New AI experiences [E] To provide Quantum Security solution for
include multiple user-friendly features which indigenous use
optimizes the quality of life.
pg. 23
[Type here]
Q.143) The United Nations has declared [D] Established in 1970, Headquarters in
2024 as the International Year of Camelids. Vienna, Austria
What is the primary reason behind this
[E] Established in 1948, Headquarters in
declaration?
Paris, France
[A] To emphasize the cultural significance of
Q.146) Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar
camelids
Namgyel Wangchuck has announced the
[B] To highlight the substantial impact of Gelephu "mindfulness" mega-city project or
camelids on people's lives globally Special Administrative Region (SAR). What is
the primary objective of this project?
[C] To promote camelid-based industries
[A] To establish a cultural heritage site
[D] To address climate change through
camelid conservation [B] To create a self-sufficient agricultural
region
[E] To recognize camelids' role in meeting
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and [C] To create a trade and business route
their contributions as a source of milk, meat, connecting South Asia to Southeast Asia
and fiber for clothing and shelter
[D] To promote tourism in Bhutan
Q.144) The International Organisation for
[E] To develop a technology hub
Migration (IOM) has launched Project
PRAYAS to facilitate safe, orderly, and regular Q.147) Japan International Cooperation
migration for Indian workers and students. Agency (JICA) recently signed an agreement
What does the acronym PRAYAS stand for? with the Indian Government to provide an
official development assistance loan for the
[A] Program for Reassuring Assisted Youth
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail
and Students
Project. What is the primary mission of JICA?
[B] Provisional Roadmap for Assisted Youth
[A] To promote cultural exchange between
and Skilled Professionals
Japan and other countries
[C] Promoting Regular and Assisted
[B] To deliver humanitarian aid in times of
Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals
natural disasters
[D] Project for Resettlement and Assisted
[C] To support the development of space
Youth Asylum Seekers
exploration technologies
[E] Promoting Regular and Assisted Youth
[D] To assist economic and social growth in
Asylum Seekers
developing countries and promote
Q.145) When was the International international cooperation
Organisation for Migration (IOM) established,
[E] To facilitate educational exchanges
and where is its headquarters located?
between Japanese and Indian students
[A] Established in 1945, Headquarters in
Q.148) Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance has
New York, USA
recently launched a new insurance product
[B] Established in 1960, Headquarters in named ‘T.U.L.I.P.’ to provide life coverage up
Rome, Italy to 100 times the annual premium. What does
the acronym T.U.L.I.P. stand for?
[C] Established in 1951, Headquarters in
Geneva, Switzerland [A] Truncated Unit-Linked Insurance
Program
pg. 24
[Type here]
[B] Term with Unit Linked Insurance Plan [E] UNESCO's Prix Versailles 2023
[C] Total Universal Life Investment Policy Q.152) Who among the following
sportspersons has been awarded the Major
[D] Time-Utilized Life Insurance Program
Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2023 for
[E] Targeted Unit-Linked Investment Plan their achievements in Badminton by Ministry
of Youth Affairs & Sports at National Sports
Q.149) The Ministry of Textiles recently Awards 2023?
launched the __________ mobile application
during the Jute Symposium. What is the [A] Chirag Chandrashekhar Shetty and P. V.
primary purpose of this application? Sindhu
[A] JuteHarvest, to promote textile exports [B] Rankireddy Satwik Sai Raj and Saina
Nehwal
[B] TextileConnect, to provide important
information about MSP and agronomy to jute [C] Both Chirag Chandrashekhar Shetty and
farmers Rankireddy Satwik Sai Raj
[C] Paat-Mitro, to facilitate online textile [D] P. V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal
purchases
[E] Saina Nehwal and Chirag
[D] AgriInfoMate, to track global jute prices Chandrashekhar Shetty
[E] EcoFiberHub, to connect jute farmers Q.153) On December 23rd, National

with international markets Farmers Day was observed. What is the
theme for this day?
Q.150) The 6th edition of the Khelo India
Youth Games is scheduled to be held in [A] Celebrating agricultural advancements
__________ from January 19 to January 31, and technologies
2024. The mascot for this edition is
[B] Honouring the contributions of farmers to
"__________," which is a replica of a former
the economy
Tamil queen warrior.
[C] Delivering Smart Solutions for
[A] Kerala, Raja Veer
Sustainable Food Security and Resilience
[B] Karnataka, Yuva Shakti
[D] Promoting organic farming practices
[C] Tamil Nadu, Veera Mangai
[E] Recognizing the role of women in
[D] Maharashtra, Yodha Kumar agriculture
[E] Andhra Pradesh, Kshatriya Tejas Q.154) At the 25th Asian Youth Chess
Championship (Classical) in the United Arab
Q.151) Terminal 2 of Kempegowda Emirates (UAE), how many gold medals did
International Airport, Bengaluru has been India win, and who has won the gold in the
honoured with the World Special Prize for an under-8 girls’ category?
Interior 2023 by UNESCO. In which event did
this recognition take place? [A] 1 gold medal; Harsh Suresh
[A] UNESCO World Heritage Site Awards [B] 2 gold medals; Kiyana Parihar
[B] Prix Versailles 2023 [C] 1 gold medal; Harsh Suresh and Kiyana
Parihar
[C] UNESCO Global Architecture Excellence
[D] 3 gold medals; Harsh Suresh, Kiyana
[D] World Interior Design Expo Parihar, and one more player
pg. 25
[Type here]
[E] 2 gold medals; Harsh Suresh and one Q.158) Which event does Himachal Pradesh
more player Chief Minister has inaugurated to boost
tourism and showcase the culture and art of
Q.155) The World Bank has approved a USD
the state?
300 million loan for the Tamil Nadu Climate
Resilient Urban Development Program. What [A] Shimla Summer Festival
is the primary focus of this program?
[B] Shimla Heritage Fair
[A] To enhance agricultural practices in rural
[C] Shimla Winter Carnival
areas
[D] Himachal Cultural Extravaganza
[B] To boost the urban water and sewerage
system in Tamil Nadu [E] Ridge Fest Shimla
[C] To support renewable energy projects in Q.159) OPEC is an intergovernmental
the state organization founded in 1960 by Iran, Iraq,
Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. Which
[D] To improve transportation infrastructure in
African country has recently left the
urban areas
Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting
[E] To provide healthcare services in rural Countries (OPEC) due to a dispute over oil
communities production quotas?
Q.156) Union Minister of Health and Family [A] Nigeria
Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya has launched a
[B] Algeria
strategic initiative to empower innovators and
advance healthcare solutions to support [C] Angola
young talents in the country by providing
guidance and shape their research, [D] Libya
knowledge, and logic. What is the name of [E] Egypt
this initiative?
Q.160) How does SIDBI's mission 50K-
[A] Sanjeevni Mitra EV4ECO contribute to the electric vehicle
[B] MedTech Mitra ecosystem in India?
[C] Mitra Doctor [A] Encouraging water conservation
[D] Medi Connect [B] Promoting air travel
[E] Health Connect [C] Providing affordable financing for electric

vehicles and developing charging
Q.157) Which Indian state leads in the infrastructure
rooftop solar segment, contributing 30% to
the total capacity? [D] Supporting traditional manufacturing
industries
[A] Maharashtra
[E] Focusing on space exploration initiatives
[B] Rajasthan
Q.161) What is the primary objective of the
[C] Gujarat PPP Beginner’s e-course launched by the
World Bank and Department of Economic
[D] Tamil Nadu
Affairs?
[E] Karnataka
[A] Enhancing agricultural practices
pg. 26
[Type here]
[B] Improving collaboration between public [C] Established in 1999, headquartered in

and private sectors in infrastructure capacity- Hyderabad, Telangana.
building
[D] Established in 2005, headquartered in
[C] Promoting cultural exchange Bengaluru, Karnataka.
[D] Advancing space exploration initiatives [E] Established in 1997, headquartered in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
[E] Facilitating medical research
Q.165) Which talent assessment agency is
Q.162) Government of India and
responsible for publishing the India Skills
_______________ have signed $100 million
Report 2024? ________________ has
loan agreement to improve urban services
emerged most preferred state to work in India
and tourism facilities in Tripura which involves
as per India Skills Report 2024.
supporting the state as a gateway to the
northeast region by developing tourist [A] Mercer, Karnataka
destinations along highways.
[B] Gallup, Kerala
[A] World Bank
[C] Aon Hewitt, Karnataka
[B] UNDP
[D] SHL, Andhra Pradesh
[C] Asian Development Bank (ADB)
[E] Wheebox, Kerala
[D] International Bank for Reconstruction and
Q.166) Recently, _____________ has
Development (IBRD)
published 2nd edition of its annual investor
[E] Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank report ‘India’s Crypto Portfolio 2023’, and
(AIIB) _______________ was the best-performing
crypto in India's portfolio, with 633% growth
Q.163) In the "Insurance Trinity" vision by
year-to-date.
IRDAI, which component is a women-led
insurance distribution channel designed to [A] CoinSwitch, Dogecoin (DOGE)
convey the importance of affordable social
[B] WaxirX, Bitcoin (BTC)
security to women in rural households?
[C] Tradepact, Ethereum (ETH)
[A] Bima Suraksha
[D] CoinSwitch, Solana (SOL)
[B] Bima Sugam
[E] WaxirX, Ripple (XRP)
[C] Bima Vahak
Q.167) According to 'PwC's 2023 Global Risk
[D] Bima Vishesh
Survey', what percentage of Indian
[E] Bima Vikas organizations are actively investing in
cybersecurity tools to counter cybersecurity
Q.164) When was the Insurance Regulatory
challenges?
and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
established, and what is its headquarters [A] 45%
location?
[B] 50%
[A] Established in 1995, headquartered in
[C] 55%
Mumbai, Maharashtra.
[D] 60%
[B] Established in 2001, headquartered in
New Delhi, Delhi. [E] 65%
pg. 27
[Type here]
Q.168) On which date, Good Governance [B] Pramod Agarwal

Day is observed to mark the birth anniversary
[C] Ramakrishnan Chandrasekhar
of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee? [D] Girish Chandra Chaturvedi
[A] January 10 [E] Anuradha Rao
[B] December 25 Q.172) What is the title of the new book co-
authored by former RBI governor Raghuram
[C] November 30
Rajan and economist Rohit Lamba?
[D] December 26
[A] Changing Narratives: India's Economic
[E] January 25 Journey
Q.169) In which city and country did [B] Shaping the Future: A Vision for India
Manchester City win the FIFA Club World Cup
[C] Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s
in 2023, defeating Fluminense 4-0 in the
Economic Future
final?
[D] Transformative India: Economic
[[a] Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Perspectives
[E] Beyond Boundaries: India's Economic
[A] Doha, Qatar Resurgence
[B] Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Q.173) What is the title of the collection
released by PM Narendra Modi on the 162nd
[C] Dubai, UAE
birth anniversary of Pandit Madan Mohan
[D] Muscat, Oman Malaviya?
Q.170) _______________ has become [A] Insights into India's Past: Madan Mohan
world’s highest paid female athlete in Forbes Malaviya's Legacy
world’s highest-paid female athlete 2023.
[B] Echoes of Wisdom: Selected Works of
Also, Indian Badminton player PV Sindhu is
Mahamana
tied with American gymnast Simone Biles at
____________ position with a total earning of [C] Collected Works of Pandit Madan Mohan
USD 7.1 million. Malaviya
[A] Eileen Gu, 19th [D] The Visionary Leader: Madan Mohan
Malaviya's Writings
[B] Coco Gauff, 18th
[E] The Intellectual Journey: Madan Mohan
[C] Serena Williams, 21st
Malaviya's Contributions
[D] Iga Swiatek, 16th
Q.174) What is the primary focus of the
[E] Naomi Osaka, 17th collaboration among National Bank for
Agriculture and Rural Development
Q.171) Recently in the month of December, (NABARD), Asian Development Bank (ADB),
Securities and Exchange Board of India and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation?
(SEBI) has granted approval for the
appointment of _____________ as the [A] Promoting organic farming practices
Chairman of BSE Ltd.
[B] Addressing the adverse impact of climate
[A] Sundararaman Ramamurthy change on the farming sector in India
pg. 28
[Type here]
[C] Enhancing sustainable agricultural [E] Kolkata, West Bengal

practices
Q.178) NASA has relaunched the OSIRIS-
[D] Improving rural irrigation systems REx spacecraft, now renamed OSIRIS-
APEX, to explore the asteroid Apophis' very
[E] Supporting agricultural research and
close flyby of Earth in 2029. What was the
development
primary mission of the OSIRIS-REx
Q.175) On which day National Consumer spacecraft before being repurposed for the
Right Day is observed? Apophis mission?
[A] December 25 [A] Studying the atmosphere of Mars
[B] December 24 [B] Collecting samples from the space rock

Bennu
[C] November 30
[C] Observing the gas giants Jupiter and
[D] October 31 Saturn
[E] November 26 [D] Monitoring the Kuiper Belt objects
Q.176) President Droupadi Murmu has given [E] Investigating the Oort Cloud for cometary
assent to three Criminal Code bills and bodies
signed the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
What significant change is introduced in the Q.179) The Securities and Exchange Board
criminal justice system by the Bharatiya of India (SEBI) has extended the deadline for
Sakshya Act, one of the three criminal laws? demat and mutual fund account holders to
provide a nomination from ______________
[A] Abolition of sedition as a criminal offense to ______________.
[B] Introduction of a new section on [A] December 31, 2023, June 30, 2024
cybercrime
[B] January 1, 2024, July 1, 2024
[C] Establishment of a special court for
economic offenses [C] November 30, 2023, May 31, 2024
[D] Inclusion of stringent measures against [D] October 31, 2023, April 30, 2024
white-collar crimes
[E] September 30, 2023, March 31, 2024
[E] Clear definitions for various offenses and
Q.180) Open Network for Digital Commerce
their punishments
(ONDC) has partnered with Google and Meta
Q.177) Union Home Minister, Amit Shah has to expand its outreach to small businesses
released a commemorative Postal Stamp to through Google Maps and WhatsApp. Identify
mark 50 years of Pandit Jasraj’s music the incorrect statement about ONDC.
festival ‘Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram
[A] It is a network of interconnected e-
Sangeet Samaroha’. Where is this annual
marketplaces through which sellers, including
music festival initiated by Pandit Jasraj
brands, can list and sell their products directly
celebrated?
to customers bypassing any middlemen or
[A] Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh intermediaries.
[B] Pune, Maharashtra [B] It was launched in late 2021
[C] Hyderabad, Telangana

[D] Jaipur, Rajasthan
pg. 29
[Type here]
[C] Department for Promotion of Industry and [A] India will maintain an average growth rate
Internal Trade (DPIIT) by the Ministry of of 5.5% from 2024 to 2032
Commerce.
[B] India will become the 3rd largest
[D] Its main objective is to democratise and economy, surpassing Japan, by 2032
decentralize e-Commerce.
[C] India is expected to overtake China and
[E] It is registered as a private non-profit the US by 2080
company under section 12 of Companies Act.
[D] India will become the largest economic
Q.181) ______________ is set to launch the superpower by 2032
'Bharat GPT' initiative in collaboration with
[E] India's GDP is projected to be 20% larger
______________.
than China's by 2032
[A] Airtel, IIT-Delhi
Q.185) Recently, Sahitya Akademi has
[B] Jio, IIT-Kanpur announced its annual Sahitya Akademi Award
2023 in _________ Languages. Who has
[C] Vodafone, IIT-Madras
won the award in English category for his/her
[D] BSNL, IIT-Roorkee novel ‘Requiem in Raga Janki’?
[E] Jio, IIT-Bombay [A] 24, Neelam Saran
Q.182) Adani Group has formed a joint [B] 22, Patanjali Sastry
venture with a unit of UAE’s International
[C] 24, Vijay Verma
Holding Company (IHC) to explore artificial
intelligence and other technologies. What is [D] 26, Vinod Joshi
the name of the joint venture, and what are
[E] 21, Sanjeev
the ownership percentages of Adani Global
Ltd. and IHC’s Sirius International Holding Q.185) Who has secured the Sahitya
Ltd. in this venture? Akademi Award 2023 in the Hindi novel
category, and what is the name of the winning
[A] Adani Sirius Technologies Ltd., 51%
work?
Adani, 49% IHC
[A] Sanjeev - "Mujhe Pahachaano,"
[B] Sirius Digitech International Ltd., 49%
Adani, 51% IHC [B] Rajesh Kumar - "Pravah"
[C] Adani-IHC Tech Innovations Ltd., 50% [C] Nidhi Verma - "Anukool,"
Adani, 50% IHC
[D] Manish Gupta - "Antardrishti,"
[D] AI Exploration Partners Ltd., 48% Adani,
52% IHC [E] Vandana Singh - "Parivartan"
[E] Sirius AI Ventures Ltd., 49% Adani, 51% Q.186) Housing and Urban Development
IHC Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) has recently
signed a Memorandum of Understanding
Q.183) According to the 'World Economic (MoU) with which state government for
League Table 2024' report by the Centre for financing housing and infrastructure projects?
Economics and Business Research (CEBR),
what is the key observation regarding India's [A] Maharashtra
economic position by 2032? [B] Gujarat
[C] Karnataka
pg. 30
[Type here]
[D] Tamil Nadu Which of the following statement is not

correct?
[E] Uttar Pradesh
[A] India will sustain an average growth rate
Q.187) Who has recently made history by
of 6.8% from 2024 to 2028.
becoming the first woman to head the Central
Industrial Security Force (CISF)? [B] As per report India will surpass Germany
to become the 4th largest economy in 2027,
[A] Anupam Khanna
and it will overtake Japan to become the 3rd
[B] Rahul Sharma largest economy by 2032.
[C] Nina Singh [C] India is expected to overtake both China

and the US after 2080, based on
[D] Alok Verma demographic estimates and projections.
[E] Shrestha Sinha [D] Key drivers include India's large and
Q.188) What is the primary objective behind youthful population, a growing middle class, a
Securities and Exchange Board of India dynamic entrepreneurial sector, and
(SEBI) extending the deadline for demat and increasing global economic integration.
mutual fund account holders to provide a [E] India is expected to become the largest
nomination? economic superpower and is expected to
[A] To encourage more individuals to invest have a GDP of 90% larger than China’s and
in mutual funds 30% larger than that of the US by the end of
the century.
[B] To assist investors in safeguarding their
assets and facilitating the passing on of Q.191) Recently, Central Board of Direct
assets to legal heirs Taxes (CBDT) has issued guidelines under
section 194-O of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
[C] To impose stricter regulations on demat What provision is covered under the section
and mutual fund accounts 194-O the Income-tax Act, 1961?
[D] To reduce the paperwork involved in [A] It provides that a tax must be deducted
mutual fund transactions for participating in various digital games
Q.189) What does the acronym ONDC stand [B] It provides for the deduction of tax from
for in the context of its partnership with the profit on capital gains during the payout
Google and Meta for expanding outreach to
small businesses? [C] It provides that an e-commerce operator
shall deduct income-tax at the rate of 1% of
[A] Open Networking and Digital Connectivity the gross amount of sale of goods or
[B] Online National Development Centre provision of service
[C] Operational Network for Digital [D] It provides the provision of deduction of
Commerce tax on the wealth of High-Net-Worth
Individuals
[D] Optimal Nexus for Digital Collaboration
[E] It provides provision for the purpose of
[E] Open Network for Digital Commerce Income Tax
Q.190) As per a ‘World Economic League Q.192) Government has announced the
Table 2024’ report released by the Centre for extension of export benefits under the
Economics and Business Research (CEBR), Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported
pg. 31
[Type here]
Products (RoDTEP) scheme for e-commerce environment experiments. Which country is

exports through post or couriers. What is the not the partner country in ISS?
budgetary allocation for the RoDTEP scheme
[A] USA
as per the budget 2023-24?
[B] Australia
[A] Rs 12,050 crore
[C] Russia
[B] Rs 15,070 crore
[D] Canada
[C] Rs 17,000 crore
[E] Europe
[D] Rs 16,000 crore
Q.196) Which state/UT administration has
[E] Rs 10,500 crore
recently approved amendments to the
Q.193) Indian Institute of Technology, Panchayati Raj Act to allow reservation for
Guwahati has collaborated with the Assam the Other Backward Class (OBC) and defined
Government’s flagship _______________to the process for removal and conditions of
motivate meritorious students to pursue service of the state election commissioner?
Science, Engineering, Technology and
[A] Pondicherry
Mathematics (STEM) subjects in their higher
education. [B] Ladakh
[A] Asom Pragati Scheme [C] Punjab
[B] Asom Abhijan [D] Jammu and Kashmir
[C] Assam Orunodoi Scheme [E] Maharashtra
[D] Arohan scheme Q.197) SEBI has issued procedure for public
issuance of ‘zero coupon zero principle’
[E] Asom Merit Student Scheme
instrument by not-for-profit organisations
Q.194) 8th edition of Indian Ocean Naval (NPOs) and listing of such instrument on
Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) Social Stock Exchange (SSE). What is the
has been conducted by Royal Thai Navy at meaning of ‘zero coupon zero principle’?
Bangkok, Thailand from 19 to 22 Dec 23.
[A] It is instrument with no interest or
India is also scheduled to take over as the
principal payments
Chair of IONS for the period of
______________. [B] The investment pays interest but has no
principal payment
[A] 2026-2027
[C] It pays principal without any interest for
[B] 2025-27
days beyond maturity period
[C] 2026-2-28
[D] It is an instrument redeemable at T+0
[D] 2025-2026 maturity day, without paying any interest on
days after maturity period
[E] 2025-2028
[E] The investment involves interest
Q.195) Russia and NASA have agreed to
payments but no principal repayment beyond
continue joint International Space Station
maturity date
(ISS) flights until 2025. It was launched in
1998 to perform microgravity and space Q.198) Reserve Bank of India has recently
released the 2023 list of domestic
pg. 32
[Type here]
systematically important banks (D-SIBs). 2023. Which among the following is not
Banks whose assets exceed 2% of GDP are among the top 5 states on the basis of state-
considered part of this group. Which among wise registered investors?
the following is the correct group of domestic
[A] Maharashtra
systematically important banks (D-SIBs)
defined by RBI for the year 2023? [B] Gujarat
[A] State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, [C] Tamil Nadu
and Punjab National Bank (PNB)
[D] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, and
ICICI Bank [E] West Bengal
[C] State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, Q.201) Union Minister for Environment,
and ICICI Bank Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender
Yadav has launched the National Transit
[D] Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, and Pass System (NTPS)- _______________ to
State Bank of India (SBI) facilitate the seamless transit of timber,
bamboo, and other forest produce across the
[E] State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda
country.
(BoB), HDFC Bank
[A] One Nation- Single Permit
Q.199) Vice-President of India, Jagdeep
Dhankhar has unveiled new ‘CA India’ logo of [B] Single Permit-Single Movement
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
(ICAI) at a recently held Global Professional [C] One Nation-One Permit
Accountants Convention (GloPAC), in [D] One Nation-One Pass
Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Which among the
following statement is not correct about ICAI? [E] Whole Nation-Single Pass
[A] Institute of Chartered Accountants of Q.202) Department of Economic Affairs

India (ICAI) is largest professional accounting (DEA), Ministry of Finance has announced
body of India interest rates applicable to small savings
scheme for the quarter January-March 2024.
[B] It works under the administrative control The interest rate for Sukanya Samriddhi
of Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government Account has been increased to ________
of India. from _________.
[C] It was established on 1 July 1969 as a [A] 8%, 7.8%
statutory body under the Chartered
Accountants Act, 1949 enacted by the [B] 8.2%, 8%
Parliament. [C] 8.5%, 8.2%
[D] Its was made for promotion, development [D] 7.2%, 7%
and regulation of the profession of Chartered
Accountancy in India. [E] 7.8%, 7.5&
[E] Current President of ICAI is Aniket Sunil Q.203) Reserve Bank of India has extended
Talati Payment Infrastructure Development Fund
(PIDF) Scheme by two years till December
Q.200) Investor base of the National Stock 2025 to encourage deployment of payment
Exchange (NSE) has increased by 22% from acceptance infrastructure such as physical
7 crore to 8.54 crore during the calendar year Point of Sale (PoS), Quick Response (QR)
pg. 33
[Type here]
codes, in tier-3 to tier-6 centres, North [B] Reliance Industries

Eastern states and Union Territory of Jammu
[C] Adani Enterprises
and Kashmir and Ladakh. PIDF scheme was
launched in which year? [D] Vedanta Industries
[A] March 2022 [E] ONGC
[B] April 2022 Q.205) Which state has launched 3rd phase
of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana to provides
[C] January 2021
cashless healthcare assistance to the
[D] September 2023 people?
[E] December 2022 [A] Karnataka
Q.204) ___________________ has become [B] Andhra Pradesh
1st Indian company to chemically recycle
[C] Odisha
plastic waste-based pyrolysis oil into
International Sustainability and Carbon [D] West Bengal
Certification (ISCC)-Plus certified circular
polymers. [E] Kerala
[A] Indian Oil Corporation
Q.1) D Q.51) B Q.101) C Q.151) E Q.201) D
Q.2) A Q.52) A Q.102) B Q.152) C Q.202) B
Q.3) C Q.53) C Q.103) B Q.153) C Q.203) C
Q.4) C Q.54) C Q.104) C Q.154) B Q.204) B
Q.5) B Q.55) C Q.105) B Q.155) B Q.205) C
Q.6) C Q.56) B Q.106) C Q.156) B
Q.7) C Q.57) D Q.107) B Q.157) C
Q.8) D Q.58) C Q.108) B Q.158) C
Q.9) C Q.59) B Q.109) C Q.159) C
Q.10) B Q.60) D Q.110) B Q.160) C
Q.11) C Q.61) C Q.111) C Q.161) B
Q.12) C Q.62) C Q.112) B Q.162) C
Q.13) D Q.63) C Q.113) B Q.163) C
Q.14) B Q.64) C Q.114) B Q.164) C
Q.15) C Q.65) B Q.115) B Q.165) E
pg. 34
[Type here]
Q.16) E Q.66) B Q.116) B Q.166) D
Q.17) B Q.67) B Q.117) C Q.167) C
Q.18) B Q.68) B Q.118) C Q.168) B
Q.19) D Q.69) D Q.119) A Q.169) B
Q.20) B Q.70) C Q.120) B Q.170) D
Q.21) B Q.71) B Q.121) D Q.171) B
Q.22) E Q.72) A Q.122) C Q.172) C
Q.23) A Q.73) C Q.123) B Q.173) C
Q.24) C Q.74) D Q.124) B Q.174) B
Q.25) B Q.75) C Q.125) B Q.175) B
Q.26) B Q.76) B Q.126) C Q.176) E
Q.27) C Q.77) A Q.127) B Q.177) C
Q.28) D Q.78) D Q.128) A Q.178) B
Q.29) E Q.79) D Q.129) B Q.179) A
Q.30) B Q.80) B Q.130) C Q.180) E
Q.31) B Q.81) D Q.131) D Q.181) E
Q.32) B Q.82) C Q.132) D Q.182) E
Q.33) B Q.83) C Q.133) E Q.183) B
Q.34) B Q.84) A Q.134) D Q.184) A
Q.35) C Q.85) A Q.135) C Q.185) A
Q.36) B Q.86) B Q.136) B Q.186) B
Q.37) C Q.87) C Q.137) B Q.187) C
Q.38) B Q.88) C Q.138) B Q.188) B
Q.39) C Q.89) D Q.139) C Q.189) E
Q.40) B Q.90) C Q.140) B Q.190) A
Q.41) B Q.91) C Q.141) C Q.191) C
Q.42) A Q.92) C Q.142) D Q.192) B
Q.43) C Q.93) D Q.143) E Q.193) D
Q.44) C Q.94) C Q.144) C Q.194) B
Q.45) B Q.95) B Q.145) C Q.195) B
pg. 1
[Type here]
Q.46) C Q.96) C Q.146) C Q.196) D
Q.47) C Q.97) C Q.147) D Q.197) A
Q.48) B Q.98) C Q.148) B Q.198) C
Q.49) C Q.99) C Q.149) C Q.199) C
Q.50) D Q.100) C Q.150) C Q.200) C
pg. 2
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